A Weekly World Wide Word of Encouragement to those in the Ministry
PRAISE GOD IT’S MONDAY!
A WEEKLY ‘WWW (world-wide word) OF ENCOURAGEMENT’
TO THOSE IN MINISTRY
A FREE service, currently connecting with Christian leaders from 3,000 denominations and ministries, in 70 countries.
Issue No: 258 Published: 02 Oct 2006
PASTORS AND LEADERS - STARS, SUPERSTARS OR COACHES?
I have the privilege of attending numbers of different churches of varying 'hues', giving the opportunity to observe different styles of leadership.By far and away the biggest category is the 'star'. These leaders are often the only pastor or minister in the church, but they may have an assistant. They 'lead' the service, displaying a dominant role in proceedings, from worship to prophecy, from prayer to preaching. Some are more subtle about it, but you can still them 'pulling the strings' in all aspects of the service. This is justified by the perceived need to keep decency and good order.
Then we have the 'superstars'. By definition, there cannot be so many of these, for to qualify, they must stand out as 'special' amongst the stars. The superstars have biiiiig ministries. Either mega-churches with a large pastoral staff, or itinerant or media based ministries of various sorts.
Virtually all 'stars' feel the calling to become 'superstars' at some time during their ministry careers. Of course, by definition, not many can. So most end up disappointed, resigned to their situation. They may then exert even greater control over the group to which they are the 'star'. Or they may simply leave the ministry disillusioned, seeking another occupation through which to display their talents.
You may think I am exaggerating, but I am not. Ask any keen young pastor their vision, and I can almost guarantee they will see themselves as pastoring a large church or having a worldwide ministry of one sort or another. And all at God's leading - of course! If every pastor had the sized church, 'God tells them' they will have, the whole world would be in the church!
You see, my friend, (If you still are, having read this far!) we have the wrong perception of the role of the pastor or minister. Indeed, for other ministry gifts also. Even those with God-given ministry gifts (sadly not all who are in the ministry, for there is now so much emphasis on formal training to the detriment of the Spirit's call.) have been misled into the necessity of being a ministry star or superstar.
The true pastoral role, or that of any ministry gift for that matter, is to be the 'coach', not the star. It is the saints to whom the leader ministers, who are to become the stars. The Bible is quite clear about this.
11 It was he who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, 12 to prepare God’s people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up (Ephesians 4:11-12)
Who is to be built up - the pastor or the people? Quite clearly, 'the body of Christ'. The people are the ones to be built up.
Why is this? The answer is simple really. Christianity is 'relationship'. Relationship with God and relationship with others. The best form of evangelism then, is our life, witnessing to others on a personal basis through day to day living.
The pastor or minister, no matter how gifted, cannot hope to minister personally to everyone in the world. This is a physical impossibility! Therefore, the pastor's and other leader's role, is not to be the stars, but to coach their people to be the light to the world. In Christianity, we call this 'making disciples.' A good coach doesn't hog the limelight. In a sports team the coach is there to motivate the players, to bring the best out of them, helping hone their skills so that the whole team may benefit and win the game. The players are the stars, not the coach. The coach, in practice, is a servant who helps the team meet their goals.
Of course, some coaches do become famous, not for their own skills, but rather, because of their ability to develop the skills of others.
One giant problem we face is that the people are happy to let the stars be stars. To let the paid professionals do their work for them! Simply, to sit in the pews. And, worse still, to revert to the Old Testament view of their pastors and leaders as being priests, that is, intermediaries between themselves and God. This is fatal, even to the people's very salvation! And to the leader's ego!
By the time you read this, I will be ministering in Africa, where I could easily be put on a pedestal. I am very conscious that my role is simply to serve and train the pastors and leaders I relate to, to better train their people 'for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up'.
Until there is a major change of attitude in both leadership and people leading to the re-establishment of the God given roles, the church will continue to stutter along at a greatly reduced level of effectiveness than it is capable of by doing things God's way. So let's get rid of our 'star' mentality, truly becoming trainers of our people, always giving the glory to God when they achieve far more than we could possibly do by ourselves.
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FROM THE WORD
UNITY IN THE BODY OF CHRIST"As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit— just as you were called to one hope when you were called— one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all. But to each one of us grace has been given as Christ apportioned it. 8 This is why it says: “When he ascended on high, he led captives in his train and gave gifts to men.†(What does “he ascended†mean except that he also descended to the lower, earthly regions? He who descended is the very one who ascended higher than all the heavens, in order to fill the whole universe.) It was he who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, to prepare God’s people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ. Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of men in their deceitful scheming. Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ. From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work." (Ephesians 4:1-16)
IMITATING CHRIST'S HUMILITY
"If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others. Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death— even death on a cross! Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father." (Philippians 2:1-11)
"Then Jesus said to the crowds and to his disciples: “The teachers of the law and the Pharisees sit in Moses’ seat. So you must obey them and do everything they tell you. But do not do what they do, for they do not practice what they preach. They tie up heavy loads and put them on men’s shoulders, but they themselves are not willing to lift a finger to move them. “Everything they do is done for men to see: They make their phylacteries wide and the tassels on their garments long; they love the place of honor at banquets and the most important seats in the synagogues; they love to be greeted in the marketplaces and to have men call them ‘Rabbi.’ “But you are not to be called ‘Rabbi,’ for you have only one Master and you are all brothers. And do not call anyone on earth ‘father,’ for you have one Father, and he is in heaven. Nor are you to be called ‘teacher,’ for you have one Teacher, the Christ. The greatest among you will be your servant. For whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted. (Matthew 23:1-12)
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DAVID'S DOODLINGS
SERVANTHOOOD561. It is better to be ‘led’ by God than ’bled’ by life.
562. In God, to obey is the better way.
563. Our Christian walk in a ‘t’ – from rust to trust!
564. To serve is to…
… love the unlovely
… help the helpless
… befriend the lonely
… rebuild the brokenhearted
… soothe the sick
… bless the poor
… raise up the downtrodden
… seek the lost
… comfort the dying
565. True servants add their own desires to the end of the queue.
566. Pride demolishes, while servanthood builds.
567. Leaders of character understand the twin character difference between serve and slave.
568. To serve is God initiated, to slave, human imposed.
569. A servant serves by choice, a slave through fear.
570. For down to be up, up must first be down.
571. A ‘servant leader’ is beyond the world’s comprehension. And many Christians too!
572. To serve is a privilege, to abuse the server, a sacrilege.
573. Show me a true servant and I will show you one whom God truly loves.
574. To abuse God’s servant is to abuse God himself.
575. Maturity in God is learning that service is a privilege, not a burden.
576. The firepower of God’s Army is ‘service’.
577. Service is the invincible secret weapon of God’s Army.
578. ‘Service with a smile’ means to ‘go the extra mile.’
579. The world works by taking away, God by giving away.
580. To go down to go up is logical. Ask a bouncy ball!
581. To serve is a blessing, to lead a challenge. To be a servant leader, a challenging blessing!
582. A theologian thinks, a worshiper feels, a servant acts.
Please feel free to quote these quotes. Acknowledgement of David Tait as the author would be appreciated. There are now over 1270 David sayings for you to view at ...
CRANWELL'S CARTOON
27 “Consider how the lilies grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you, not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. 28 If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today, and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, how much more will he clothe you, O you of little faith! 29 And do not set your heart on what you will eat or drink; do not worry about it. 30 For the pagan world runs after all such things, and your Father knows that you need them. 31 But seek his kingdom, and these things will be given to you as well. (Luke 12:27-31)
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TUESDAY TEACHINGS
A REVELATION OF....... THE SEVEN REVELATIONS OF 'THE LAMB' Part 3LAMB OF VICTORY
Over Satan (2nd of 2)
Our response to what Jesus did for us on the cross is crucial.
Contrary to what many think, it is far more than the 'sinners prayer'.
We will investigate.
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LAUGHING AT OURSELVES
***Blessed are those who can laugh at themselves for they shall never cease to be amused****** "Those who can't laugh at themselves leave the job to others." ***
536. THE CUR-ATE
A Curate was visiting his local medical centre when a nun came rushing out, screaming. When he went in to see his doctor, he asked, "As I was coming in I met a nun running away in great distress. Is she alright?"
"Oh, yes," smiled the doctor, "I've just told her that she's pregnant."
"And is she?"
"No," replied the doctor, "but it's cured her hiccups."
535. TWO OR FOUR
A little boy asked his mother why the vicar got four weeks' holiday a year, while his dad only had two weeks. His mother answered, "Well, if he's a good vicar, he needs it. If he isn't, the congregation needs it."
FREE DOWNLOAD: You can now download the book 'Laughing At Ourselves' in PDF format at LAUGHING AT OURSELVES
One of the most comprehensive sources of Christian Humour on the Net with 768 sermon fillers for your entertainment and use at ...
FACTS FOR FUN
LAST WEEKS QUESTION: Do penguins live at the North Pole?ANSWER: Afraid not. All penguins live in the Southern Hemisphere. The Galapagos penguin is the only penguin that sometimes may stray slightly north of the equator. You'll find them all in the Antarctic, but not the Arctic. (Easier to swim down than up?)
THIS WEEK'S QUESTION: Does your skin shrink in water?
Answer Next Week.
SOME FUN FACTS451. THE GOOD NEWS TO MANY
The American Bible Association has published almost a billion Bibles since it was founded in 1816. (How many words?)
452. NOW THAT'S SMALL
Bacteria, the world’s tiniest free-living cells, are so small that a single drop of liquid may contain 50 million of them. (Who counted them?)
453. OUR NEW COMPANION
The Ideal Toy Company was the first company to mass-produce teddy bears. (Soon became everyone’s idea of the ideal toy.)
A WORD PUZZLE FOR YOU
Make another word from this word using all the letters.
TREFOIL
Answer at the end of A David Musing
FREE DOWNLOAD: You can download the full version of our Trivia Book at TRULY TRIFFLING TRIVIA
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BIBLE QUESTION - THE PARABLES
In the Parable of the Wheat and Weeds, in Matthew 13:24-30, Jesus tells a story of a farmer who planted a wheat field. In the night, an enemy came and planted weeds to try to take over the field and spoil the crop. The farmer's servants wanted to pull the weeds, but the farmer said, "No, ... let them grow together until the harvest."Who did the farmer represent?
a. God
b. Jesus
c. John the Baptist
d. Jesus' disciples.
Answer at the end of A DAVID MUSING.
Source: "TwoPaths Bible Study, www.twopaths.com"
Heaps more fun and serious 'God Facts' are found at...
IF ONLY I'D THOUGHT OF IT!
"""OTHER'S SAYINGS TO ENLIGHTEN, AMUSE, OR BEMUSE"""!!!!!!! People seldom think alike until it comes to buying wedding presents.
!!!!!! Man has conquered the air but so has our neighbor's radio.
!!!!! What this country needs is a good five-cent nickel.
!!!! Many people think they are broad-minded just because they are to lazy to form an opinion."
!!! A recount is when the chairman can't believe his Ayes.
!! Every time he opens his mouth he puts his feats in.
! Before borrowing money from a friend, decide which you need more.
100'S MORE TO BE FOUND AT...
LIFE'S A LAUGH!
122. IT'S SIMPLEA reporter was interviewing Jack Nicklaus. He said, "Jack, you are spectacular, your name is synonymous with the game of golf. You really know your way around the course. What is your secret?"
To which Jack replied, "The holes are numbered!"
123. LOCKED IN
Walking through the hallways at the middle school where I work, I saw a new substitute teacher standing outside his classroom with his forehead against a locker.
I heard him mutter, "How did you get yourself into this?"
Knowing that he was assigned to a difficult class, I tried to offer moral support. "Are you okay?" I asked. "Can I help?"
He lifted his head and replied, "I'll be fine as soon as I get this kid out of his locker."
124. DO YOU DISCIPLE?
After teaching a lesson in my kindergarten class on Jesus and his disciples, I was feeling quite proud. It was a model lesson, an A, and included a game, a song and a story.
At the conclusion of the lesson, I opened the discussion to questions. With pride, I looked out at my students' wildly waving arms. My lesson was obviously a success. Teaching seemed so rewarding. I would now let them shower me with this new knowledge that I had so skillfully imparted to them.
I called on Brittney to respond. Since her arm was waving more frantically than the rest, surely her observation would be that much more brilliant. "Brittney, what do you have to say about Jesus and his disciples?" I asked eagerly.
"Well," she began, with true kindergarten confidence, "I just wanted you to know that I know a lot about disciples 'cause at my house we disciple everything. We have a special disciple can for plastic, a special disciple can for glass, and a special disciple can for paper. My mom says it's how we save the earth."
I paused, took a deep breath and said, "Let's get ready for lunch."
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A NEW NEWSLETTER - MESSENGER OF THE FAITH
My friend, Leon White, has recently started a daily ezine of 5 pithy quotes to give you a positive, and maybe challenging start to your day.You might even find the occasional 'doodling' from one 'Dave Tait'! Don't know who he could be!
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MANNERS AND CUSTOMS IN BIBLICAL LANDS
FIGSIn Bible times, figs, thought now of largely as food, were grown for medicinal purposes as well as eating.
Adapted from: '1001 Surprising Things You Should Know About The Bible' MacGregor & Prys
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***NEW*** 'PSALM OF THE WEEK' FREE AUDIO DOWNLOAD ***NEW***
PSALM 29A Psalm of David.
Praising God for His holiness and majesty
Each week, be encouraged, comforted and inspired by listening to a track from our Psalms CD, 'The Mighty Lord Reigns'.
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THE MIDDLE EAST: ISRAEL: CHRISTIAN TV STATION
Daystar Television Network announced a new contract allowing them to become the first TV channel to broadcast 100 percent Christian programming into every home in Israel. Daystar, which owns and operates 50 US television stations, is excited about the opportunity. President Marcus D. Lamb commented on the pioneering project saying, "Up until now, it has either been illegal, impossible, or impractical. The message of the Gospel will now be going into every home in Israel 24 hours per day, seven days per week. This is a moment in time that we will always remember." The contract came after a year of negotiations and a six-month trial period featuring popular shows "Celebration" and "The Joni Show." Daystar's global purpose is to reach as many people with the good news of the Gospel through an extensive blend of interdenominational and multi-cultural programming. [ASSIST, May '06] (Via World Missions Global News)Many more God Facts can be found at...
DAVID'S DOWNLOAD
A REVELATION OF... SERVANTHOOD & LEADERSHIPA timely reminder of what our calling as 'Jesus Followers' and particularly as leaders is really all about. Essential reading, especially for anyone involved, or wanting to become involved, in Christian leadership. You might well change your mind!
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WAXING LYRICAL
WHEN BAD THINGS ARE GOODSatan loves and ignores the lukewarm in God. But those who are hot, look out!
There is a man, I do know,
Who in God, desires to grow,
When something bad in life, does come along,
He's not now sad, for it makes him strong.
When satan tries to destroy his day,
He can now tell him to go away,
Has learned that, when doing God's will,
Satan will run you, through his mill.
He will accuse you of being blind,
And put evil thoughts in your mind,
A mighty battle now does take place,
Before you go on to win the race.
While satan's antics seem so real,
They're an illusion designed to steal
God's vision and purpose from our life,
Continually forcing us into strife.
The time to worry I have found,
Is when the devil is not around.
For when we proceed on our own way,
He takes time off to go and play.
He'll try his tricks on another one,
As our God, he tries to outgun.
So bad things are good, when we're in God's design.
Defeated satan - you have no power, us to decline!
More of David's poems at...
A DAVID MUSING
Am writing this 12 hours before I leave.You think you are organised but when it comes to the last minute there always seems to be 2 minutes of 'stuff' left to do!
Well, I had better get on with it! Talk to you next week from South Africa.
Until next week...
MAY GOD BLESS YOU AND YOU BLESS GOD.
His servant and yours
David Tait
Today's 'Word Puzzle' Answer: LOFTIER
TODAY'S 'DO YOU KNOW?' ANSWER: b. Jesus. Matthew 13:36-43. Jesus often referred to Himself as "the Son of Man."
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ABOUT US
WALKING WITH JESUS MINISTRIES is a non-profit, non-denominational, Bible based ministry located in Hastings, New Zealand. A ministry dedicated to developing discipleship, fostering unity amongst God’s people to achieve the Great Commission, and in doing so, preparing for Christ’s return. It is securely based upon the foundational principles of the Apostles Creed while recognising the wide and rich diversity of beliefs amongst Christians in other areas. In accordance with the Lord’s direction, materials produced by the ministry are available, free of charge, to genuine enquirers upon request. The ministry is solely funded by donations, as the Lord provides. A list of materials available (plus some fun!) is obtainable and freely downloadable from our websitewwj.org.nz or by contacting us as follows.
Walking With Jesus Ministries
290 Flaxmere Avenue
Flaxmere
Hastings
New Zealand
Phone: (06) 8799 911 International (+64) 6 8799 911
Email: enquiries@wwj.org.nz
Web: wwj.org.nz
Our role is to bless and encourage those in ministry while promoting co-operation and unity of direction amongst the body of Christ, as emphasised 3 times by Jesus in His longest prayer, immediately prior to His arrest and crucifixion. "… so that they may be one as we are one." (John 17:12, 21, 23-4) Our website is currently being developed to encourage your participation one with another, to share resources, and to enable you to promote events and items of interest to the body as a whole – and have a smile while doing it!
For comments upon and contributions to this service, please contact
david@wwj.org.nz