The apostle Paul instructed a young pastor named Timothy “Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity.” 1 Timothy 4:12 ESV This is the same instruction the apostle Peter gave. Addressing pastors he wrote “As a fellow elder, I appeal to you: Care for the flock that God has entrusted to you. Watch over it willingly, not grudgingly—not for what you will get out of it, but because you are eager to serve God. … [Read more...]
Your First Three Hires
When starting a new church or starting another location, aim to fill the following three positions before any others: It's the experience people have on Sunday that causes a church to grow and these three positions, more than any others, impact the experience your guests have each Sunday, so they should be the priority. It's like this... If you visit a new restaurant and the exterior looks run down, no one greets you at the door, it takes a long time to be seated, the waitress is rude … [Read more...]
What to Look For in a Leader
WE KNOW FROM SCRIPTURE THAT GOD IS CONSTANTLY ON THE LOOK OUT FOR LEADERS BUT THE QUESTION BEGS: WHAT SPECIFICALLY DOES GOD LOOK FOR? FROM THIS WE LEARN WHAT JESUS LOOKED FOR IN A LEADER Like God the Father, God the Son looked for people with the right kind of heart. WHAT DID THE APOSTLE PAUL LOOK FOR? We are given insight into the answer as we consider the following two questions: Why did Paul select Timothy for leadership in the church? And why did … [Read more...]
Limiting Factors of Growth
When growth plateaus pastors start asking why. Has God rejected me like Saul? Is He out looking for a "David" to replace me? Have I taken the church as far as I can go? Has it outgrown my ability to lead it? Does someone else need to come and take the helm? Is there sin in the camp that has blocked God's blessing? Is it mine? Is it one of the staff? Why can't we grow anymore!!?? While it's possible you aren't growing for one of the above reasons, it's not probable. Usually growth is hindered … [Read more...]
Seek First to Understand
If you manage people (whether paid staff or volunteers) there will be times where they don't live up to your clearly communicated expectations. Now when this happens (which you can count on as much as death and taxes) you need to know how to properly respond. When staff (paid or not) don't live up to your clearly communicated expectations, don't get mad, don't jump to any conclusions, don't begin to reprimand, seek first to understand. Here's what that looks like: Let's pretend … [Read more...]
A Theology of Volunteerism
Since we are launching a new location in Agawam this Fall, everyone is recruiting volunteers like crazy. You're either recruiting volunteers for the new location or trying to backfill volunteer roles in Enfield for people who are leaving to go help Agawam get up and running. That being the case, I think it's really important that (if you haven't already) you develop a proper theology of volunteerism, because if you don't your recruiting approach/tone will be all wrong. It's so important … [Read more...]
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