Philosophy of Ministry Directions (Part 2)

Posted on March 1, 2010 by Dr. Matthew Lee Smith

Mission: its what the church is all about. As we said in the last article, “Motion without direction is delusion.” In this article we will talk about how ‘the purpose of the church’ guides our philosophy of ministry. God longs to provide the direction necessary for your church to accomplish it’s God-given mission. How does God do that?

Purpose produces direction when we understand Ephesians 4.11-16 …

And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ, so that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes.  Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love. Ephesians 4:11-16 (ESV)

  • The purpose of the pastor provides direction for the church. His task is to bring you to Heaven as closely resembling the character of Jesus as possible: loving, joyful, peaceful, patient, gentle, kind, humble, self-controlled. How does he do this?
  • The tasks of the pastor provide direction for the church. The pastor’s tasks are to (1) Equip you so that you can, (2) do the work of the ministry so that, (3) your work can build up your church! Why does he do this?
  • The results of the pastor’s ministry provide direction for the church. When the work of the pastor is successful, several results reveal the direction of God for the local church. God provides six results through the pastor’s ministry: So that the congregation (1) will work in unity and (2) act like Jesus. So that the congregation (3) will not act like children any more and (4) not get trapped by deceitful doctrine. Your pastor is given to you so that (5) you might grow up to be like Jesus and (6) the maturing congregation will grow the local church because of what each person does.

God longs to grow people into the image of his Son, Jesus Christ. He does this through the maturing process God has implanted in your pastor’s heart. Like a coach seeking to bring his team to victory, the pastor tailors the training process for the local congregation so that they can imitate the character of Jesus. The question is, ‘Are you listening to your coach?’

Adapted from Dr. Smith’s new book in process, “The Tantrum-Driven Church.”

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Philosophy of Ministry Directions (Part 1)

Posted on February 22, 2010 by Dr. Matthew Lee Smith

Knowing where you’re going is more important than going. If there is no specific goal or place where one is headed, it really doesn’t matter if you are going anywhere or doing anything. Motion without direction is delusion. As we seek to bring life to our ministry, being on the same page is vital. Two questions will guide the direction of your ministry …

Questions to ask before you set out …

  • Do we attend church or do we become the church? At the core of this question is the issue of what kind of people will make up our ministry. Churches die because Christianity has become a spectator sport. Are we creating people who are vital to expanding the mission and transformation of our community? Or, do we treat people like spectators and have them come to this week’s spiritual worship show? Healthy, growing churches believe that “without you, there is no us.” Trusting people with the work of the ministry vs. entertaining them and exhausting ourselves in the process is what this question is all about.
  • Does the leadership approve or does it empower? In asking this question we are determining whether people have to get permission every time they want to do something for God or do we give them authority in advance to do the ministry without someone’s ok? Do we train people in discipleship and leadership so that they can run with the dreams God places in their hearts? If this is our method, then once we place you in ministry, we are saying, “We trust you! How can we help you accomplish your God-given goal?” One of our 82-year-old men got this right away and started a badge ministry so the new pastor (me) could identify everyone. Within weeks, old timers were saying, “I love these badges. I couldn’t remember that person’s name.” Even in a small, dying church, people can be empowered to build life-giving connections.

Like the North Star, these two questions provide us with the insight we need to guide our church toward God’s will and direction. Leaders need to ask these questions before they launch into any new work for God.

In our next article we will continue exploring issues in the area of our philosophy of ministry.

Adapted from Dr. Smith’s new book in process, “The Tantrum-Driven Church.”

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What Should We Be Doing During Transition?

Posted on February 15, 2010 by Dr. Matthew Lee Smith

Resurrecting a dying church is much like working in an ER. The dying patient may have many medical problems, but in order to keep them alive, priorities are made on those wounds and injuries that are most life threatening. As we seek to rescue the congregation we love, we can’t fix everything at once; therefore, we prioritize.

What should we be doing …

  • Philosophy. Our philosophy of ministry is like the foundation of a building – the larger the structure the more time that must spent on building, explaining and seeking to ensure God’s people have ownership. As Jesus explained this process, he said: “The good person out of the good treasure of the heart produces good, and the evil person out of evil treasure produces evil; for it is out of the abundance of the heart that the mouth speaks” (Luke 6:45, NRSV). Our goal is to see every person inside the fellowship own our philosophy of ministry.
  • Process. Process deals with results. While some do not like the following language, we are in the reproductive disciple making business. Jesus spent three years building the men who would take on the task of globalizing the Gospel. This is the purpose of the local church … making disciples who do the work of globalizing the Gospel. How we do that is what the leadership must restore … along with the “who” question. Will the leadership take up the task to turn the church back to its primary purpose: worldwide evangelization? What will be the method our church uses to achieve this vital mission?

  • Presentation. What form will our process take? Once we have a ‘road map’ to follow, we need to flesh it out. This takes into consideration the target audience we hope to reach. While many fall into the ‘we want everyone to attend’ mindset, having a clear target is essential. Jesus sought those who were spiritually hungry, recognizing them from the crowds that came for the ‘entertainment’ he might provide. As we focus our efforts we carefully seek to remove any human obstacles so that the spiritual truth of the Gospel shines clearly to our audience.

  • Practice. How do we put our discipleship into practice? These are the ‘nuts and bolts’ of our day-to-day operations. This relates to so many aspects of ministry … Worship? Discipleship? Fellowship? Mission? Mentoring? Location? Each day we let our philosophy guide our process, presentation and our practices so that people are won to Christ, discipled and shown how to become ‘fishers of men.’

Like in the ER, we can’t wait until we have one procedure completed before we start on the next one. We jump into each area and pray, hoping that God will grant life to our ailing congregation.

In our next article we will explore issues in the area of our philosophy of ministry.

Adapted from Dr. Smith’s new book in process, “The Tantrum-Driven Church.”

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Transformed Episode #086 – Questions the New Year Brings: Question 4

Posted on February 10, 2010 by Dr. Matthew Lee Smith

questionsnewyear

Schedules from work, school, community groups and church often seem to clutter our lives and, we are almost driven to insanity as we seek to make sense of the mess. In the coming year, I want to serve people as Jesus did when he was on Earth. But how do I do that? What does that mean? Come as we hash out what it means to life 2010 in a manner that imitates the service of Jesus to others.

Lets open our Bibles to Mark 10.35-45 and let Pastor Matt answer our 4th question: How will I serve as if others are Jesus before me in the coming year?

We hope you have made the choice to put God first in your life in 2010. Starting the New Year thinking Godʼs thoughts is made easier with Pastor Mattʼs book, In His Image.

We are sure this book will show you both how to love like God loves and enjoy his direction on a daily basis. Copies are available on the side bar at the EaglesInLeadership.org website. We encourage you to order yours today.

You can also contact Dr. Smith in one of three ways:
• Commenting on this post at eaglesinleadership.org
• or by emailing us at transformedpodcast@gmail.com
• or you can call our voicemail line at 206-350-1566. Leave a comment that we can play on a future episode

If you enjoyed this podcast, please leave a review at iTunes or Podcast Pickle. Feel free to pass this episode on to a friend.

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In Times of Transition

Posted on February 8, 2010 by Dr. Matthew Lee Smith

When churches seek to regain their health and vitality, tensions can rise inside the local church. Turning around a sick and dying church often reveals things that were previously hidden. As they come to the light, these revelations can be unnerving, to say the least.

In times of transition …

  • Things do not stay the same. While this seems obvious, it is amazing how many people are hoping for ‘window dressing’ change. When real change starts happening, these are the people who shout and holler. Helping people be truly prepared for real change is a large part of the leaders task.
  • People are not what they seem. When things change, people’s real identities and character are often exposed. Some of the ‘pillars’ of the local church will be exposed as spiritual frauds while some of the quiet and unnoticed people will move to the forefront as the next generation of godly leadership. There’s a little maxim to follow during transition: ‘What I am in the storm, is all that I am.’ Guiding God’s people through this mine field is a top priority of the leader.

  • The Church is no longer about me. One of the greatest causes of church failure is the self-possessed nature of those who desire the focus of the church ministries to be on them. Their motto is, “It’s all about me.” Transitional times change our focus to others. We now ask the question, “How can I show those outside the congregation God’s love?”

  • God can no longer be distant. In dying churches one of the most amazing sights to see is when we look at the sanctuary during worship. A few people sit here, a few more over there, and yet another small group over there. Love draws us together … especially in worship. In order for change to happen, we need to be infused with God’s love and power.  Building a heart of love in God’s flock is a prime action of the leader during times of transition.

  • Life’s purpose is no longer a theory. In transitioning from death to life, church can no longer be a weekend activity for me. Now, I am a vital part of the church. I am needed to do God’s will in my community. Faith is no longer a theory. Now I choose to live out the Christ life and that changes everything!

Often, when we are bringing life from the decay of death, the foundations we trusted crumble. As those caricatures of the past begin to be replaced with the transparent faithfulness of a new generation, life begins to return to God’s people.

Adapted from Dr. Smith’s new book in process, “The Tantrum-Driven Church.”

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From Sick Churches to Healthy Churches (Part 2)

Posted on February 1, 2010 by Dr. Matthew Lee Smith

There are a growing number of American Churches that have discovered the keys to health and are enjoying the benefits thereof. Again, we know why this is and we know what to do to bring health to a local church. When local churches take the steps necessary to bring about health, the natural result is growth.

Healthy Churches …

  • Are guided by grace. Grace gives what others do not deserve. When grace fills the heart, these expressions flow: People are generous, respectful, accepting, considerate, encouraging, friendly, unselfish, and loving.
  • Are led by love. Churches grow when their members lovingly work in one another’s lives. Jesus said it this way: “Greater love has no one than this, that someone lays down his life for his friends.” John 15.13 (ESV)

  • Do ministry through mercy. Mercy is not giving someone what they deserve. Again, Jesus speaks to this issue when he criticizes religious leaders who had forgotten this core reality: “And if you had known what this means, ‘I desire mercy, and not sacrifice,’ you would not have condemned the guiltless.” Matthew 12:7 (ESV)

The difference between healthy churches and sick churches is a matter of the heart – the heart of the people who make up the local church.

Adapted from Dr. Smith’s new book in process, “The Tantrum-Driven Church.”

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Transformed Episode #085 – Questions the New Year Brings: Question 3

Posted on January 27, 2010 by Dr. Matthew Lee Smith

questionsnewyear

2009 was filled with distractions, not the least of which was the economy. One of the key changes that I want to make in my life in 2010 is to stay closer to Jesus every day and all throughout each day. Life has a tendency to tear us away from intimacy with Jesus. As we look at the various ways we walk with Christ, we will discuss how each of these affects us and, ultimately molds our life. I know you will want to come and explore how you can discover a better life in the New Year!

Letʼs open our Bibles to Mark 12.28-34 and listen to Pastor Matt as he answers our 3rd question of the New Year, To what degree will I seek Christ in the coming year?

We hope you have made the choice to put God first in your life in 2010. Starting the New Year thinking Godʼs thoughts is made easier with Pastor Mattʼs book, In His Image.

We are sure this book will show you both how to love like God loves and enjoy his direction on a daily basis. Copies are available on the side bar at the EaglesInLeadership.org website. We encourage you to order yours today.

You can also contact Dr. Smith in one of three ways:
• Commenting on this post at eaglesinleadership.org
• or by emailing us at transformedpodcast@gmail.com
• or you can call our voicemail line at 206-350-1566. Leave a comment that we can play on a future episode

If you enjoyed this podcast, please leave a review at iTunes or Podcast Pickle. Feel free to pass this episode on to a friend.

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From Sick Churches to Healthy Churches (Part 1)

Posted on January 25, 2010 by Dr. Matthew Lee Smith

Win Arn has said, that 80-85% of all American Churches are in decline! We know why this is and we know what to do. Often however, local churches refuse to take the steps necessary to bring about health and, as a natural result, growth.

Sick Churches …

• Are guided by griping. Like termites in softwood, the complaining of the spiritually immature can eat away at the faith of even the strongest follower of Christ.

• Are led by individual lording. People think they have a right because of their giving / longevity / office. Yet Jesus was clear that such a manner, while in leadership, is totally unacceptable (Mark 10.42-45).

• Do ‘ministry’ by menacing. What I mean by this is that they intimidate until things are done their way. These people use two key tools of intimidation: 1) Tantrums – this is more commonly known as the phone blitz. These people call the leaders who are more sensitive to their complaints and blitz them with their vile acid. 2) Threats – as they talk to leaders, they are really saying, “If I don’t get my way, I’m going to leave.” This is ‘the squeaky wheel gets the grease’ mentality that has kept many a church from growth and health. What most churches are afraid to do, it seems, is what good mechanics do: Repeated squeaks means the part needs replacing so it doesn’t destroy the vehicle.

In part 2 of this article, we will look at what makes a church healthy.

Adapted from Dr. Smith’s new book in process, “The Tantrum-Driven Church.”

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Transformed Episode #084 – Questions the New Year Brings: Question 2

Posted on January 20, 2010 by Dr. Matthew Lee Smith

questionsnewyear

As I think about how Jesus looks at life, I realize that his perspective is so much different than mine. Like buttons on an elevator, my core social group will either lift me or they will take me down. The Bible calls the Church the ʻbody of Christ.ʼ In other words, who I center the core of my life with Godʼs will determine what my life will become. Let me invite you to a talk about whatʼs at the center of our lives and how that can bring amazing help and hope in 2010! Letʼs open our Bible to Mark 3.31-35 and listen in as Pastor Matt answers the second question the New Year brings … With whom will I socially live life with this year?

We hope you have made the choice to put God first in your life in 2010. Starting the New Year thinking Godʼs thoughts is made easier with Pastor Mattʼs book, In His Image.

We are sure this book will show you both how to love like God loves and enjoy his direction on a daily basis. Copies are available on the side bar at the EaglesInLeadership.org website. We encourage you to order yours today.

You can also contact Dr. Smith in one of three ways:
• Commenting on this post at eaglesinleadership.org
• or by emailing us at transformedpodcast@gmail.com
• or you can call our voicemail line at 206-350-1566. Leave a comment that we can play on a future episode

If you enjoyed this podcast, please leave a review at iTunes or Podcast Pickle. Feel free to pass this episode on to a friend.

Posted in God's will, Transformed | Leave a comment

Healthy churches exhibit certain attitudes…

Posted on January 17, 2010 by Dr. Matthew Lee Smith

Perry Noble recently wrote, “I am seeing more young men rise up and plant churches…men with vision, passion and courage, men who refuse to accept the status quo, men with a genuine passion to see people far from God come to know Christ, men who refuse to become people pleasing pastors and who also refuse to allow critics to shape the trajectory of their ministry!  Men who have been called to lead…and by God’s grace and gifting that is EXACTLY what they do!

“His church is GROWING, lives are being changed, families are being put back together, the excluded are being included, addicts are being set free, repentance is being lived out…and JESUS is getting the glory for it all (PerryNoble.com, January 4, 2010).”

So what causes growing churches to grow? They grow because they are healthy. Health fosters life, and life reproduces.

In my three decades of working with churches, I have noticed that healthy churches are composed of people who have the following attitudes …

  • The people are Humble – humble people seek to help others and do not need to be ‘all the cheese and half the macaroni’ when it comes to either seeking or serving in ministry. They are relationally deferential.
  • The people are Evangelistic – evangelistic people reach out and invite their friends into their lives, of which Jesus is the center. They are relationally connective.
  • The people are Adaptable – adaptable people know that what works today may not work tomorrow, so they willing change, even when it’s inconvenient. They are relationally flexible.
  • The people are Loving – loving people are sacrificial by nature, therefore they give of their time, talents, treasures and tribes. They are relationally generous.
  • The people are Transparent – transparent people draw others into their lives whether they are visiting, working, running errands or partying with friends. They are relationally open.
  • The people are Helpful – helpful people have the ability to discern the needs of others before they are expressed and then meet those needs. They are relationally supporting.
  • The people are Yielded – yielded people have chosen to set aside their needs and their agenda to meet the needs of others. They are relationally assisting.

Like those with spiritual gifts, no one has all of these attitudes. However, again, like with spiritual gifts, the more of these attitudes that are found in a local church the more the level of heath and vitality increases. Nurturing these attitudes raises the viability of a local church so that it will grow and reproduce itself in the lives of others.

The question today is, how are we birthing and nourishing such attitudes in the people we lead?

Excerpted from Dr. Smith’s new book in process, “The Tantrum-Driven Church.”

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