Category Archives: leading change

“I Have a Dream.”

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On the 15th of this month, 83 years ago, Michael Luther King Jr. was born in Atlanta, Georgia. His name was later changed to Martin, the son and grandson of Baptist pastors. He himself served as co-pastor with his father at the Ebenezer Baptist Church in Atlanta while he became the central figure in the civil rights movement in the United States.

On August 28th, 1963 Martin Luther King, Jr. delivered a speech that would shake a nation and the world (and as a pastor/preacher- one who traffics constantly in words- I believe this is one of the finest speeches/sermons ever preached). Dr. King was so articulated, so clear, so picturesque in his words, but what drove his message home was his passion- and even more, I believe, a divine anointing upon his life. Consider the fact that he was only 34 years old.

Martin Luther King, Jr. had a dream and it was a dream aligned with God’s dream for a better world. Let his words resonate in your heart again:

“I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed: ‘We hold these truths to be self-evident: that all men are created equal….’I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character. I have a dream today.”

“…One day right there in Alabama, little black boys and black girls will be able to join hands with little white boys and white girls as sisters and brothers. I have a dream today. I have a dream that one day every valley shall be exalted, every hill and mountain shall be made low, the rough places will be made plain, and the crooked places will be made straight, and the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together.”

In April of 1968, Dr. King went to Memphis, TN in support of mistreated black sanitation workers. On April 4th he stood with a friend outside his hotel room on the second floor balcony. A shot rang out and an assassin’s bullet hit Dr. King and the civil rights leader was dead at the age of 39. To get deeper into the heart of this man we need only listen to his final words preached the night before he died. Listen, in light of what would happen the next day: “Well, I don’t know what will happen now. We’ve got some difficult days ahead. (Amen.) But it doesn’t matter with me now. Because I’ve been to the mountaintop. And I don’t mind. Like anybody, I would like to live a long life. Longevity has its place. But I’m not concerned about that now. I just want to do God’s will. And He’s allowed me to go up to the mountain. And I’ve looked over. And I’ve seen the promised land. I may not get there with you. But I want you to know tonight, that we, as a people, will get to the promised land. And I’m happy, tonight. I’m not worried about anything. I’m not fearing any man. Mine eyes have seen the glory of the coming of the Lord.”

Martin Luther King had a life mission. His one life made a difference. Let me ask you, do you think that only certain people have a mission in life? That maybe there are only a few people who really have a God-given dream? Or could it be that every single one of us has been given a dream- by God- to serve His eternal Kingdom purposes while we’re here on this earth?

Throughout this month let’s allow the life and the words of Martin Luther King Jr.(and even more so, the words of our Lord Jesus) to inspire us to dream as well. Each of us has a God-given dream that He’s calling us to live. And our God-given dream has the potential to change our world. Your dream may or may not find its way on the national or international stage (it may!) but your God-given dream is unique to you and given to you to fulfill your life’s purpose.

So, let me ask you: What do you dream about?

Questions to Ponder this Month:

* What is your dream for life?
* What is the vision/calling (or God-given picture) of your life?
* If you had unlimited resources (of time, money, energy, people) what would you want to accomplish with the rest of your life?
* What do you love to do more than anything else? What makes you feel fully alive? Why?
* What do hate the most? What makes you angry? Why?
* What do you do best? What are your best gifts? (You’ve heard others tell you this).
* What is God’s unique mission for your life?

How will you fulfill this mission- starting today?

Missional Church-Simple.

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2011 Resolution for pastors and church leaders: Turn your church inside out for the sake of the kingdom, for the sake of the Gospel, for the sake of the mission of Jesus… for the sake of your congregation.

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=arxfLK_sd68]

THE CORE- Rediscovering What Matters Most

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Years ago there was a study on comparative religions at Oxford University.  A group of theologians and professors were discussing the various contributions of different religions to the world.  When they came to Christianity one said, “It has to be the Incarnation.”  Another said, “That may not be completely unique when you consider the ancient Roman belief of Greek gods coming among us.”  Another added, “No, it must be the self-less nature of it’s followers, Jesus said to deny yourself and live for others.”  Still another said, “No, there are aspects of self-denial in other religions.”  C.S. Lewis walked in the room and asked, “What are you all discussing?”  When they told him they were debating the unique contributions of Christianity to the world, he immediately responded, “Oh, that’s easy; it’s GRACE.”

No other religion in the world offers what Christianity does through Christ’s death on the cross; it’s grace.  Of course, in the end, what Christianity offers is not a religion at all but a relationship with God through Christ.  Religion is man trying to get to God through good deeds or some philosophical or theological framework.  Bill Hybels has said, “Religion is spelled D-O and Christianity is spelled D-O-N-E.”

As a pastor I’ve learned that there becomes a developing pattern in a church where GRACE becomes the central Message and the central value of engagement and ministry.  In the end, for the Christ follower, grace is at the center of everything in life.  We worship a God of grace. We have but ONE message- the Gospel of grace, there is one way in which we serve together: it is grace.  We offer the world the Gospel of grace.

The Pattern of a Gospel-Centered Church:

Grace-> Inclusion-> Diversity -> Celebration

A healthy, grace-centered church will extend grace to all and this will result in an inclusive community of people who welcome everyone.  Jesus, “the friend of sinners” leads us to a lifestyle of love and inclusion.  Inclusion results in diversity and a grace-centered people will then rejoice in that diversity and celebrate it.  When this happens we recognize it as “normal Christianity”- it’s just “normal church”- the rich, the poor, the black, the white, the brown, the young and the old all gather around the grace of Jesus Christ.  Grace becomes the great Message of the Church, the great unifier, and the great motivation of mission.  It’s why it is critical for any church to live by this creedo:

In all things core, unity, in all things non-core, freedom, in all things, grace.

What is core?  The Gospel of grace is core.  It’s all we have to offer.  “We preach Christ and Him crucified” (1 Corinthians 1:23).  We’ve been called to give our lives for the Gospel of Jesus Christ (and nothing else).  Now, your view of Revelation up against mine, or your style of worship up against mine, your preference of programs or practices of any given church- those things aren’t core.  So in a church (though very important) we decide not to allow those things to divide us.  In fact, the way you define what has become core to you is this: Are you willing to allow it to change for the sake of the Gospel (that which is the core)?  Are you willing to give that thing up (your preference, your style, your favorite form, how you like church) in order that others might know Christ and His love for them?  If you’re unwilling to change it- whatever it is- you have made it core.  This is so important in our churches because too many people focus on non-core issues.  I don’t want to give my life to trivial stuff of preferences.  I want to see people experience the grace of God in Christ.  Let’s stick to the core and press on in grace!

“God made Him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God.” 2 Corinthians 5:21

Pastor: follower, leader, servant, debtor

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I’ve been called to be a pastor.  Paul wrote, “It was He who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers…” “Pastors and teachers is actually one word in the Greek- it could be said, “shepherd/instructor”.  Clearly my first calling is not to a position or a place but to a Person.  My highest calling (like any believer) is to Jesus Himself.  My role as a pastor is love God with all my heart and to love others- more than I love myself.  My task as a pastor is to communicate God’s vision for His church and to shepherd the people as together we accomplish the mission God.

“The first task of a leader is to define reality. The last is to say, “thank you”. In between the leader is a servant and a debtor.” Max Depree

I love Max Depree’s definition of the role of a leader.  My first task is to tell the Truth- whether people want to hear it or not.  The Bible gives us His truth.  And I know that I am a servant and that I indebted to anyone who will allow me to lead. It was Andy Stanley who said, “leadership is a stewardship, it’s temporary, and you’re accountable”.  All of us are accountable before God Almighty for the vocation (“calling”) He has given us.

My primary role is to stay close to Jesus. My highest calling is to Christ Himself- to stay so close to Him, to listen to Him and obey Him in my role as pastor.  The priorities of my life will be guided by Scripture: God first, my wife second, my family, and my ministry.  I will live openly and authentically before you. I follow the apostles example in Acts 6:1-4. I will devote my life to prayer and to my personal walk with Jesus Christ. This is true for me- but it is true of you as well- as a parent, a friend, a co-worker, a classmate… if you’re not walking closely with Jesus, everyone around you becomes a victim of your unspiritual life.

I long to walk so closely with Jesus that I could join Paul who said, “Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ.”  1 Corinthians 11:1 Copy me as I copy Jesus.  The pastor’s role is to point everyone to Jesus. I don’t want to waste my life- and I know you don’t want to either.  God is calling us into this great adventure that is His redemptive mission- to bring hope and healing to our world.  If a church can determine to align all things (both personally and corporately) with His mission, that church will change the world.  Let the journey begin.

Christ Transforming Culture

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Call me crazy but I am certain that when Christ was dying on the cross He was not thinking, “Now my followers will be able to go to church on Sundays until I return.”  I believe His vision was one of a people radically transformed by His love and, in response to His love, loving others in the same way He did.  I say this because this is exactly what He taught.

The Church Jesus envisioned was one transforming every aspect of culture, one person at a time.  By “the Church” I mean His people (not a building or even a gathering) but His followers scattered across every aspect of culture.  Christ alone will transform our culture and He will do it through His followers.  How does this happen?

When we speak of culture we are talking about multiple domains among a people.  In America it might be shown like this graphic on the left (there are clearly other ways to break down the different domains but these are the main divisions).  Often we think that the Church (or even our faith) is one domain among many and if we could just get people IN church we will impact our culture for Christ.  Increasingly, however, people are not going to church and therefore many conclude that our impact in culture is waning.  However, when we explore the early Church we see that “success” was never measured by how many were “coming to church”.  Their measure of “success” was simply dying to self, living for Jesus, and loving Him so passionately others were blessed.  I believe that God is bringing about an awakening among His people and I see a reformation of global proportions taking place.  This reformation is not about something “new” but about something very old.  It is a rediscovery of the Church, not simply gathered, but scattered.  Gathering is critical to the life and health of Christ’s followers but it is the church scattered that transforms a culture.

A better depiction of the Church is one scattered across the many domains of culture.  As Christ’s followers recognize themselves as a sent people, sharing His love with others (by serving and sharing the Gospel), we will see the culture revolutionized by His love.  When a culture is transformed it means that people across every domain are encountering Christ and His bigger Story.  His bigger Story (the Gospel) is bringing restoration and redemption to all people and to every aspect of culture.  Business people realize that they are being called into God’s bigger and better Story- blessing others through ethical business, providing income for families to have what they need, and offering necessary goods and services.  They’re actually partnering with God and His greater kingdom agenda in Christ.  Parents realize that their role is to raise children to love God so passionately that others are blessed.  Politicians and government workers rise up to serve their God-given role to protect, bring justice, and bless the people by serving them.  Educators join the great calling to teach and train up children as global citizens and servants of God.  Those in media and entertainment seek to recapture the arts to the glory of God, expressing truth and beauty in all that they do. This is the church scattered.  And like all previous reformations this one will come from the bottom up as God’s people decide to trust Him enough to live out the words of Jesus:

“Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave- just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many.” Matthew 20:26-28

Core vs. Non-core (Part 3)

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In Parts 1 and 2 we noted that a church focused on the Gospel will be a place of grace.  Grace will lead to inclusion, which will lead to diversity, and diversity to varied opinions regarding preferences and ultimately, conflict.  Critical to the leadership of any great church is a radical commitment to the core- the Gospel.  As the Gospel is defined, examined, scrutinized, lived out, and shared, the Church finds herself on mission with Jesus.  By definition then, the non-core is exposed as such because it is not at the core of the Church’s message and activity.

The challenge comes when there are differences of opinion regarding what’s really core.  How do you determine what is core?  It’s actually much easier than most Christians realize.  There was a little-known reformer (born in 1854), Rupertus (Peter) Meldenius who is famous for one quote (that has been wrongly attributed to others like Martin Luther):

“In Essentials, unity. In non-essentials, liberty. In all things, charity.”

A not-so-well-known pastor would say it like this: “In core issues, unity; non-core, freedom.  In all things, grace.”  These words have, for a long time, formed somewhat of an Evangelical credo.  Evangelicals (like Baptists) have traditionally believed that there are certain doctrines that form the core of the Christian faith.  They are called “cardinal (essential, core) doctrines.”  They are what we might call the sine quo non- the “without which, not”-of the Christian faith.  In other words there are certain doctrines that when denied, by definition, give evidence that a person does not have the basic core beliefs that must be present in the truly regenerate person.  Included in this credo is the belief that there are certain doctrines that are “non-essential” or “non-cardinal”.  What I’ve always called, “non-core”.

3 tests that reformers, evangelicals, and Baptists have used through the ages:

1. Historicity: Does the doctrine have universal historical representation?

2. Clarity (Perspicuity): Is the doctrine represented clearly in Scripture?  One of the principles that the reformers sought to communicate is what they called “perspicuity”- the (clarity) of Scripture.

3. Explicity: Does the passage of Scripture explicitly teach that a certain doctrine is essential?  The Scriptures speak about a great many things but the Bible is often explicit with regards to that which is of essential importance.  For example, Paul says to the Corinthians, “For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures” (1 Cor. 15:3-4; emphasis mine).  The “of first importance” tells us that Christ’s death and resurrection “for our sins,” from Paul’s perspective, is an essential component of Christianity.  Without such, according to Paul, there is no Christianity (1 Cor. 15:12ff).  The Gospel of John also speaks about the importance of faith. “Whoever believes in Him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because he has not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son” (John 3:18).

All three of these three criteria must be present.  If one or more is lacking concerning a particular doctrine, it is not possible for us to legitimately argue for its core essentiality.  As well, all three feed off each other and are somewhat self-regulating.  In other words, if someone doubts whether something is clear in Scripture, all he or she has to do is look to history.  If something is not clear in the Scripture, it will not find that it passes the test of history.  This is why it is of vital importance that Christians not only be good exegetes, but also good historians.

Christians have always argued over what’s core and what’s not.  In fact, it has been the ruin of many great Christian movements.  There will always be those who want to bring focus, energy, and time to non-core preferences, forms, and issues- believing them to be something worth such time and effort.  It is critical for any church, ministry, or denomination to stay focused on the Great Truth of the Gospel, the Great Commandment, and the Great Commission.  In the end, the center of all focus, attention, and energy is brought to the Great Person of the Gospel, Christ Jesus our Lord.  As we bring our full devotion to Him the Core becomes very narrow and self-evident.  Let us unite around Him (Matthew 6:33) and all else will follow.

Core vs. Non-core (Part 2)

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In Part 1 I noted that a church devoted to the Gospel as the core message and proclamation will be a church in which grace is central in all things.  We noted a progression that takes place in churches devoted to the Gospel:

Grace -> Inclusion -> Diversity -> Differences/preferences -> Conflict

The more grace is offered the more diversity a church will experience and logically, the more conflict will follow.  Now, I use the word conflict, not as a negative one, but as a positive (or at least necessary) outcome and means toward even more grace.  Think about it: the greater the diversity, the more grace is necessary.  So it becomes grace upon grace.  Grace abounds in a church like this.

So, pastors- and the people of the church- are called to a difficult challenge (that only God can accomplish).  In a diverse congregation the pastor must lead in a way that honors the Lord and brings unity to the Body.  However, too many people (pastors included) believe this means that we simply maintain status quo.  Certainly this is the easiest way, but it is not God’s Way.  As a pastor, I know that when God speaks to me regarding my congregation, I must obey- regardless of what I think.

Here’s how I describe the constant role of the senior pastor:

Preserve the core AND (at the same time) stimulate progress and innovation.

I’m indebted to Jim Collins for helping me grasp this coexisting task of great leaders.  First, the role of the pastor is to constantly preserve the core.  By definition, to be core, to be essential means that it is not be open to change- never.  It means it never has been changed and never will be. If it is non-core, however, it must be open to change (or it has, by default, become core).  This is the stuff heresy is made of- either core issues becoming non-core or non-core issues becoming core. This is how the Church has moved forward for 2,000 years: Preserving the core while stimulating progress and innovation.  Any great church will be devoted to the core (and be united around the core) and we will not allow non-core issues to divide.  This is a Spirit-led strategy of leadership for a pastor and the leaders of any great church.

Of course the challenge comes when we start talking about what is core and what is not core.  How do you define what it is core?  And we all respond in unison: “The Bible is our authority!”  How do you know (biblically) what is core and what is not core?  Let’s look at that in Part 3.

Core vs. Non-Core (Part 1)

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I’ve been asked recently to post my thoughts and approach as a pastor of a diverse, growing, and dynamic church in transition.  I’ve met with several pastors recently who have sought guidance in the leadership of churches in decline.  The challenge for these pastors is always the same: They have a clear calling and vision from God and they are leading some (or many) people who don’t want to make necessary changes to get there.  First of all, (for all my pastor friends) every church is unique and each pastor must seek the Spirit’s guidance in his own context.  It is true that all churches are in transition; it’s just some just don’t know it- you’re either growing or you’re dying.  But I have learned that certain truths are transferable in pastoral leadership form church to church, regardless of size or demographics.

So, here’s the first of a three-part series on what is at the heart of transitional leadership in the church.  I’ve stated this in several contexts of leadership and I believe it will be helpful for other pastors/leaders who are struggling to guide their flock.  The main challenge in transitional leadership (leading change) in the church is a collision of core vs. non-core issues.  Here’s how I explain it: The core of the Church is the Gospel of Jesus Christ (even more, Jesus Christ Himself).  We are called to share, explain, proclaim, and live out the Gospel.  Mostly, even a defense of the Gospel becomes unnecessary if it is lived out and explained.  But this is the core: That Christ died for our sins and it is through Him alone that all can be saved.

Here’s the progression of thought and why there are (and should be expected) conflicts in churches: Our Gospel is a Gospel of Grace.  This is the one message we have.  Our God is a God of grace and He offers His grace freely to all so we offer that same grace freely to others as well.  If we do not, by definition, it is something other than grace that we offering.  Of course, grace means inclusion will be a high value that follows.  The Gospel of grace means that His love is available to all; our God is an inclusive God and wants everyone in His family.  Inclusion will logically bring about diversity in the Body if we’re really a community of grace.  With diversity then, logically, will come different opinions and preferences and ultimately conflict.  No one should be surprised when conflict comes in the church.  If there is no conflict (particularly in a transitioning church) it simply means that you’re not leading and not reaching new people.

So here it is: Grace > Inclusion > Diversity > Conflict (the challenge of every pastor proclaiming the Gospel of Grace).

So, what’s a pastor to do?  If he’s doing his job he’s got trouble!  The great task of the pastor/leader is to constantly define the core. Here’s the Good News: The core is the Good News- it’s the Gospel of Jesus Christ.  You don’t have to figure out what the core is.  We preach Christ and Him crucified.  Our mission is clear: to know Christ, grow in Christ, and show Christ to the world.  By definition then, that defines all that’s not core.  A pastor (and a church family) must decide that they will examine, explore, unpack, and live out the core.  In fact, I think it is the Christian’s duty to die for the core.  But it is also equally important that we understand that we will not die for non-core issues.  And we will not let non-core issues divide us.  By definition, the core does not change (and never will) but if it is not core it must be open for change.  It may not need to change but we must be willing to allow it to change.  Non-core issues (styles, preferences, forms, programs, traditions) must be open to change or they have become core.  This is the stuff that pseudo-Christian cults are made of: non-core issues become core (or core issues become non-core).

The leaders role then, is to constantly bring people to the core, define the core, proclaim the core.  As we rally around the core, the non-core issues become secondary, even trivial because we start to realize that, in the end, the core (the Gospel of Jesus Christ) is all that matters.  Let’s stick to the core and never let non-core issues divide us.  in Part Two I’ll talk about how to preserve the core and, at the same time, stimulate progress and innovation.