Church Leader Gazette tag:churchleadergazette.com,2011-11-21:/clg//1 2012-05-14T09:44:27Z Movable Type Personal 4.12 Pastor, Are You the Chief Sinner in Your Church? by J.R. Briggs tag:churchleadergazette.com,2012:/clg//1.205 2012-05-14T11:30:55Z 2012-05-14T09:44:27Z Failure seems to be the last thing we're willing to talk about in ministry. We'll talk about staff issues, attendance, building campaigns, missions committees, elder board meetings, budget issues and denominational meetings. But not failure.... CLG Failure seems to be the last thing we're willing to talk about in ministry. We'll talk about staff issues, attendance, building campaigns, missions committees, elder board meetings, budget issues and denominational meetings. But not failure. ]]> And yet, the ironic thing is that failure is the entrance exam for the Christian life. The gospel is rooted and founded on the idea that we're failures. The New Testament makes it very clear that without admitting our failure, we have no part in the kingdom of God. If we're speaking of our successes, admitting our petty faults and mistakes and hiding our sins and failures, grace will be little more than a theological construct or a theoretical idea in the midst of our congregations--and in our lives as well.

What we often preach to ourselves--and what is tempting to preach to our congregations in nuanced language and veiled assumption--is try harder. Pray more. Share your faith more often. Read your Bible more regularly. Well, maybe not all of us do this, but I certainly am tempted to do this regularly. I try harder--and then I fail. And I feel guilty and then I give up for a while. And then I try again. And the vicious cycle continues. And my joy is sucked dry.

The strange truth is that Satan is half-right: we are failures. It's true! But the Evil One wants us to stay there. The Risen Christ, however, wants to proclaim to us that while we are failures, he has taken our place. The broken bread and the fruit of the vine remind us of this fact. We were failures. But we are made right, made new and made whole because of Christ's death. He was broken so that we might be whole again. It is this irony or ironies that changed the world. It's this reality that gives us the greatest hope the world has ever known--and as pastors our job is to call people to pay attention to this God and to respond appropriately.

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Source: Thriving Pastor Connection

J.R. Briggs serves as Cultural Cultivator of The Renew Community, a Jesus community for skeptics and dreamers in Lansdale, PA--a suburb of Philadelphia, which he helped start. He is the founder of Kairos Partnerships, an initiative that partners with leaders, pastors and church planters during significant kairos moments in ministry. As part of his time with Kairos Partnerships, he serves on staff with The Ecclesia Network and Fresh Expressions U.S. and coaches leaders, pastors and church planters across the country.
]]> Leaders: Born or Made? by Samuel Chand tag:churchleadergazette.com,2012:/clg//1.206 2012-05-14T11:24:50Z 2012-05-14T09:48:17Z A recent television reality show featured three chefs in a competition. They received the same list of ingredients and were to prepare several courses. Each chef had the same amount of time and could use only the ingredients on the... CLG A recent television reality show featured three chefs in a competition. They received the same list of ingredients and were to prepare several courses. Each chef had the same amount of time and could use only the ingredients on the list. When the gourmet meals were finished, a panel of judges picked the winner. ]]> This is a good example of what happens during leadership development. Given the same individual, different mentors develop leaders differently; and, of course, leaders respond to each mentoree differently. There are several implications here. Leaders should have multiple people developing them. Not only should we develop the leaders under us, but we should encourage them to seek outside mentors who can also develop their ingredients.

People often say, "He is a born leader." I respectfully disagree. Leaders aren't born; they're made, like bread is made. Leadership development is an intentional activity. Raisin bread doesn't appear by itself even if we leave the ingredients on the kitchen counter overnight. Someone must consciously take ingredients and knead them together, put the mixture under the right amount of heat and allow it to rise, then punch it down and start over again until the dough is the perfect consistency. Only then will it rise above the pan. Helping a leader rise takes this same kind of intentional activity. I believe everyone has the ingredients needed to be a leader.

We are leaders at different times and places. Dad might be a manager in an office. The people who work for him acknowledge that he is a leader. But Mom is also a leader. She leads a Cub Scout troop, she leads the family in getting chores done, and every morning she leads the kids to school. But Junior could be a leader too. Maybe he is the academic pacesetter of the fourth grade or is the captain of the dodgeball team at recess. Even the dog can lead with his bark when a stranger comes to the front door.

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Source: SamChand.com

(Taken in part from: What's Shakin' Your Ladder by Dr. Sam Chand)

Dr. Chand is a former Pastor, college President, Chancellor and now serves as President Emeritus of Beulah Heights University. His educational background includes an honorary Doctor of Divinity from Heritage Bible College, a Master of Arts in Biblical Counseling from Grace Theological Seminary, a Bachelor of Arts in Biblical Education from Beulah Heights University. Dr. Chand shares his life and love with his wife Brenda, two daughters Rachel & Deborah and granddaughter Adeline.

]]> Courage in the Commission by Joseph Tkach tag:churchleadergazette.com,2012:/clg//1.207 2012-05-14T09:48:34Z 2012-05-14T09:51:00Z The famous American pilot Eddie Rickenbacker once said, "Courage is doing what you're afraid to do. There can be no courage unless you're scared." But, it's very human to think of courage being the absence of fear. That's why Rickenbacker's... CLG The famous American pilot Eddie Rickenbacker once said, "Courage is doing what you're afraid to do. There can be no courage unless you're scared." But, it's very human to think of courage being the absence of fear. That's why Rickenbacker's observation can help us in our Christian lives. ]]> God's work is not accomplished by might or power (Zechariah 4:6). God's perfect love will help us cast out our fear (1 John 4:18, 2 Timothy 1:7). The Holy Spirit lives in us, and he helps us to fulfill our commission.

God inspires courage in us, and gives us power to advance his kingdom. God is not simply a resident in our lives, he is the president of our lives! He has marching orders for each of us individually, and all of us collectively. During those times when we feel that we are slipping away from God, we can go to him for help. He will renew our courage and faith. He meets us in Scripture and in prayer as we face life's challenges. As Jesus' disciples, we live every moment by faith in the Son of God, who loves us and gave himself for us.

Click here to read more

Source: Grace Communion International

Joseph Tkach has been president of Grace Communion International since 1995. He holds a Doctor of Ministry degree from Azusa Pacific University. 
]]> How to Criticize - And Not Be Hated For It by Jim Daly tag:churchleadergazette.com,2012:/clg//1.204 2012-05-14T09:25:20Z 2012-05-14T09:30:24Z When was the last time you read Dale Carnegie's classic, How to Win Friends and Influence People? Although it's sprinkled with time-dated illustrations, its core messages are timeless. For example, consider the following excerpt on how to correct a person... CLG When was the last time you read Dale Carnegie's classic, How to Win Friends and Influence People? Although it's sprinkled with time-dated illustrations, its core messages are timeless. For example, consider the following excerpt on how to correct a person without unduly offending them. As a husband and father, this lesson has broad reaching application: ]]> Charles Schwab was passing through one of his steel mills one day at noon when he came across some of his employees smoking. Immediately above their heads was a sign which said "No Smoking."

Did Schwab point to the sign and say, "Can't you read?"

Oh, no, not Schwab. He walked over to the men, handed each one a cigar, and said, "I'll appreciate it, boys, if you will smoke these on the outside."

They knew that he knew that they had broken a rule - and they admired him because he said nothing about it and gave them a little present and made them feel important. Couldn't keep from loving a man like that, could you?

On March 8, 1887, the eloquent Henry Ward Beecher died. The following Sunday, Lyman Abbot was invited to speak in the pulpit left silent by Beecher's passing. Eager to do his best, he wrote, rewrote and polished his sermon with meticulous care. Then he read it to his wife. It was poor - as most written speeches are. She might have said, if she had had less judgment, "Lyman, that is terrible. That'll never do. You'll put people to sleep. It reads like an encyclopedia. You ought to know better than that after all the years you have been preaching. For heaven's sake, why don't you talk like a human being?"

Click here to read more

Source: Finding Home
]]> How You Can Unpack The Power Of Appreciation In Your Marriage by Dr. Ann tag:churchleadergazette.com,2012:/clg//1.203 2012-05-14T09:19:39Z 2012-05-14T09:24:03Z I've caught myself doing this more than once.In the everyday course of living out my married life, there are times when I'll find a quirk or problem that gets under my skin.... CLG
I've caught myself doing this more than once.

In the everyday course of living out my married life, there are times when I'll find a quirk or problem that gets under my skin.
]]> (I'm sure this never happens to my husband!)

And with my time and attention, it starts to loom a little too large for it's own good.  The problem comes into sharp focus, and the other 16 joyful years of marriage suddenly take off and disappear into another room.

Does that ever happen to you?

This is where unpacking the power of appreciation comes into play.

I'm definitely not saying that our marriage problems should be ignored!

But I believe that placing our problems next to a bouquet of appreciation can make a big difference in the outcome of those problems.

Let's take a closer look at how it works.

First, we'll want to start to regularly use our muscles of appreciation. We want to look for things to appreciate, and bring them into focus.

For example, you might keep an appreciation journal where you actually write down the things you appreciate that day about your spouse.

Thinking and speaking of our spouses with appreciation may start off as an effort.  But an effort can soon become a habit.  And a habit can become a reflex.

As we get used to being in "appreciation mode",  three things emerge that make us more successful in the middle of conflict:

Click here to read more

Source: Crosswalk.com

From Dr. Ann: I am a wife, mom, and Christian M.D. Before this, I practiced psychiatry with a specialty in women's issues. Now, I write about marriage, motherhood, and more. My blog is The Marriage Checklist. My goal is to help women nurture healthy, strong, and Godly relationships. I hope you will always find something here that is a blessing to you!

]]> The Profile of a Godly Mother by John MacArthur tag:churchleadergazette.com,2012:/clg//1.202 2012-05-14T09:15:03Z 2012-05-14T09:19:16Z I once came across an interesting article on motherhood by a man named W. L. Caldwell written back in 1928. Here's what he said:... CLG I once came across an interesting article on motherhood by a man named W. L. Caldwell written back in 1928. Here's what he said: ]]> Well may we pause to pay honor to her who after Jesus Christ is God's best gift to men, mother. It was she who shared her life with us when as yet our members were unformed, into the valley of the shadow of death she walked that we might have the light of life. In her arms was the garner of our food and the soft couch for our repose. There we nestled in the hour of pain; there was the playground of our infant glee.

Those same arms later became our refuge and stronghold. It was she who taught our baby feet to go and lifted us up over the rough places. Her blessed hands plied the needle by day and by night to make our clothes. She put the book under our arm and started us off for school. But best of all, she taught our baby lips to lisp the name of Jesus and told us first the wondrous story of a Savior's love.

Caldwell went on to say, "The pride of America is its mothers. There are wicked mothers like Jezebel of old. There are unnatural mothers who sell their children into sin. There are sin cursed rum soaked and abandoned mothers to whom their motherhood is the exposure of their shame. I am glad to believe, however, that there are comparatively few in this class."

Is that true? Are there merely a few unfaithful mothers? Maybe that was the case in 1928, but it's sadly not so today. High rates of illegitimacy and divorce reveal the contemporary abandonment of marriage-motherhood's foundation. Annual abortions number in the millions, which shows the heart of many mothers has grown cold.

Millions of children whose mothers allow them to see the light of day cower in fear under angry abuse. And countless are the mothers who ignore, neglect, or abandon their children in pursuit of self-centered "fulfillment"-motherhood is an inconvenient interruption to their lifestyle.

For better or worse, mothers are the makers of men; they are the architects of the next generation. That's why the goal of becoming a godly mother is the highest and most noble pursuit of womanhood. God has specially equipped women for that very purpose, and in Christ, women can experience profound satisfaction in that divinely ordained pursuit. They can be who God created them to be.

Ladies, please pay attention. There are so many who would capture your interests today, to tear you away from God's high calling on your life. "Focus on your career," "Buy more stuff," "Pamper yourself"-you've heard it all, I'm sure. Don't buy what they're selling-it's all a lie.

With that in mind, I want to encourage you this Mother's Day to consider one biblical example of motherhood. It's Hannah, the mother of the prophet Samuel, an emblem of the grace of womanhood. You can read all about her in 1 Samuel 1 and 2.

Hannah became a mother by faith. In the opening verses of 1 Samuel, she is introduced as a childless woman. But God granted her a precious gift and she became the mother of one of the greatest men who ever walked the earth. As you follow this account, you'll see the profile of a godly mother.

Click here to read more

Source: Crosswalk.com

Adapted from "Hannah: A Godly Mother", © 1987. All rights reserved.
]]> A Light in the Dark by Jim Cymbala tag:churchleadergazette.com,2012:/clg//1.201 2012-05-14T09:12:23Z 2012-05-14T09:14:49Z When I was ten, my family lived on Parkside Avenue in Brooklyn near Prospect Park. We live in a small railroad apartment, so called because it had three narrow rooms in a straight line, like boxcars. My older brother, younger... CLG When I was ten, my family lived on Parkside Avenue in Brooklyn near Prospect Park. We live in a small railroad apartment, so called because it had three narrow rooms in a straight line, like boxcars. My older brother, younger sister, and I shared the only real bedroom. My parents slept on a pullout sofa in the living room, no more than twenty feet away from us. We were obviously a very close family. ]]> One night I got up in the middle of the night and went downstairs to the unfinished basement for some reason. It was cluttered with boxes, crates, and my dad's woodworking tools and supplies. I was too small to reach the light, so I walked through the basement in the dark. I wasn't worried because I knew every inch of that area. Or at least I thought I did until I rammed my bare foot into a heavy box.
 
"Owwww!" I screamed in excruciating pain. I sank down to the floor, crying and grabbing my foot in agony. I thought I would pass out from the pain. I sat in the dark until the pain subsided enough for me to hobble back upstairs.
 
Two days later, I was still sore. But I learned a lesson that we all learn one way or another: walking in the dark can be dangerous. If the light had been on, I would have avoided all the pain. I would have seen the box and stepped around it.
 
For most of the world's history, fire, not electric light bulbs, has illuminated dark nights. Fire helped people see where they were going so they could avoid unseen dangers. It helped them to avoid running into things that blocked their paths or that were coming toward them in the dark.
 
Thank God that the Holy Spirit's fire also produces light -- something we desperately need in a world full of difficult decisions and hidden dangers. The Spirit illuminates our lives and our choices so that we can see the path ahead and know what to avoid. Yet too often we don't seek the Holy Spirit's direction when it comes time to making vital decisions. Even religious organizations often rely only on human intelligence rather than the Holy Spirit's light for critical decision making. A preacher recently told me that he had attended a board meeting for a Christian ministry. He noticed that no one prayed before it started. There was also no prayer during the meeting, and when it came time to make a difficult decision, not one person suggested trying to find the mind of Christ. No one thought to pray, "Jesus, we don't know what to do. Send us your Spirit."
 
The Holy Spirit is God's only agent on earth. He was sent here to guide us. If you read the book of Acts, you'll see that a computer mapping program didn't govern Paul's trips. The illumination of the Holy Spirit guided his path. In fact, the spirit forbade Paul from going to some places -- not because they didn't need to hear the gospel, but because God had another plan. And the apostle waited until the Spirit's direction could guide him into it.

Click here to read more

Source: Life Outreach International

Excerpted from Spirit Rising: Tapping into the Power of the Holy Spirit by Jim Cymbala (Zondervan).  
]]> If There Ever Was a Time to Pray, That Time is Now (Why Prayer Matters in These Troubled Times) by Daniel Whyte III (LISTEN) tag:churchleadergazette.com,2012:/clg//1.200 2012-05-14T09:09:54Z 2012-05-14T09:11:42Z Matthew 7:7-11:"Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be... CLG
Matthew 7:7-11:

"Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened. Or what man is there of you, whom if his son ask bread, will he give him a stone? Or if he ask a fish, will he give him a serpent? If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him?"
]]>

Daniel Whyte III

Click the play button below to listen to this broadcast.

Sunday Evening Evangelistic Hour



There is no doubt about it, but we are indeed living in troubling times. Just this past week, our president publicly stated that he supports homosexual marriage. This month, we have college students graduating and they don't even know whether or not they will be able to find work. Many people are still struggling financially. The financial system of Europe is on the verge of collapse. We think we have it bad in America with an 8.1% unemployment rate, but in Spain the unemployment rate is 24%

Perhaps, you have heard people make these statements: "Because of the economic downturn I lost my job. I don't know what I'll do for income."

"I've lost my investments in the stock market, so now I don't have any savings for the future."

"We don't have money to continue our mortgage payments, so we had to foreclose on our house."

"Our hearts are grieving because of the loss of a loved one."

"I had surgery to remove a cancerous tumor. Now the cancer has returned."

We live in difficult days. These and other problems abound, hitting us on all sides.  You may be facing the most devastating time of your life and you don't know what to do. But there is something you can do. You can take your problem to God through prayer. God always hears our prayers and answers according to His will -- even though they may not be answered the way we anticipated.

Many people in the Bible faced terrible problems, too. When they prayed, God answered and resolved their dilemmas. For example Hezekiah, king of Judah, was deathly ill, and when he prayed God healed him and extended his life. Others in dire circumstances -- such as Peter in prison, David being pursued by enemies, and Paul being persecuted -- prayed and God answered.

You may be asking, well, What Is Prayer?

Prayer is simply talking with God. It is a way of getting help from God, no matter what our problems may be. But it is more than asking God for what we want. Prayer is an all-encompassing activity that can be described in four parts in the acronym ACTS.

A is for Adoration. God created this beautiful universe and everything in it. He deserves our praise, and it pleases Him when we acknowledge Him for all that He has done for us. 

C is for Confession. When we tell God our wrong doings against Him and others, He forgives us.

T is for Thanksgiving. We should always thank God for loving us. Regardless of our situations in life, we should always express our thankfulness to God, because He loves us. No matter what situation you are in, you can find something to be thankful for.

S is for Supplication. We can share our concerns, needs, hurts and desires with God. He longs to hear from us. Ephesians 6:18 commands us to pray with "all supplication". 

You may be wondering, What should I Pray For:

In the Bible, there are a number of things we can pray for:

The first thing we can pray for is for God's will to be done. Matthew 6:10 states this verse from the Lord's Prayer, "Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven."

The second thing we can pray for is our daily Food. Matthew 6:11 continues the Lord's Prayer by saying, "Give us this day our daily bread."

The third thing we can pray for is Protection from evil. Matthew 6:13 reads, "And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil."

The fourth thing we can pray for is Forgiveness of sins. Luke 11:4 reads, "And forgive us our sins; for we also forgive every one that is indebted to us." 

We can also  pray for: our nation--that God will protect us and turn our hearts toward Him, our military troops--that God will keep them safe, our government leaders--that God will help them make wise decisions, our families, our health, our material needs, wisdom, and people we know who are hurting.

What Conditions Must We Meet?

Sometimes our prayers are not answered because of doubt, wrong motives, disobedience, pride, and lack of forgiveness.

* We must pray in faith. Matthew 21:22 tells us, "And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive." 

* We must pray according to God's will, that is what He would want. 1 John 5:14 states, "And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us."  

God does answer prayer! And His answers bring joy and peace. As Jesus said in John 16:24, "Hitherto have ye asked nothing in my name: ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full."  

Philippians 4:6 says, "Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God." 

Dear friend, the most important prayer you can pray is to ask God for forgiveness of your sins. The Bible says everyone is a sinner. Romans 3:23 says, "For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God." And no one can get to heaven without trusting in Jesus Christ. God sent Jesus His Son, to die on the cross to pay the penalty for your sins. He was raised from the dead so that you can have the gift of everlasting life. To receive His salvation, trust Him now as your Savior.

If you are willing to trust Christ as your Saviour, please pray with me the following prayer: Heavenly Father, I realize that I am a sinner. For Jesus Christ's sake, please forgive me of my sins. I now believe with all of my heart that Jesus Christ died, was buried, and rose again. Lord Jesus, please come into my heart and save my soul and change my life. Amen.

Remember, friend, Believe by faith. Share the faith. and Keep the faith!

Daniel Whyte III has spoken in meetings across the United States and in over twenty-five foreign countries. He is the author of over twenty books. He is also the president of Gospel Light Society International, a worldwide evangelistic ministry that reaches thousands with the Gospel each week, as well as president of Torch Ministries International, a Christian literature ministry which publishes a monthly magazine called The Torch Leader. He is heard by thousands each week on his radio broadcasts, The Prayer Motivator Devotional and the Prayer Motivator Minute, as well as Gospel Light Minute X, the Gospel Light Minute, and the Sunday Evening Evangelistic Message. He holds a Bachelor's Degree in Theology from Bethany Divinity College, a Bachelor's degree in Religion from Texas Wesleyan University, and a Master's degree in Religion from Liberty Baptist Theological Seminary. He has been married to the former Meriqua Althea Dixon, of Christiana, Jamaica for twenty-five years. God has blessed their union with seven children. Find out more at www.danielwhyte3.com.


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]]> When Benevolence Ministry Becomes Risky by Michelle Dowell tag:churchleadergazette.com,2012:/clg//1.208 2012-05-14T08:51:06Z 2012-05-14T10:06:09Z Around lunchtime on a Friday, a man entered a Boston-area church and soon left with the church secretary's purse, according to a local news station. The man claimed he needed money to support his five children. After the secretary went... CLG Around lunchtime on a Friday, a man entered a Boston-area church and soon left with the church secretary's purse, according to a local news station. The man claimed he needed money to support his five children. After the secretary went to consult the pastor on how to respond, the man--and also her purse--were gone. ]]> The man also approached another church with the same story. That church gave him a $50 Target gift card.

Fortunately, the police caught the man at a local store using the secretary's credit card, according to Fox News.

Benevolence ministry, like all ministries within a church, presents risk. Property, funds, and employees are at risk when doors are open to the public to request money from the church. Policies and preparation can minimize these risks.

Protect Property

"In the course of dealing with a loss, many churches have admitted they were probably too trusting," says Peter Kujak, a senior claims adjuster for Brotherhood Mutual Insurance Company, in Guard Valuables When Others Use Building. "They didn't assume there was a risk from those who came through the doors. They realized too late the need to control access to their building and to lock up valuable items."

A few tips Brotherhood Mutual offers for when outsiders have access to the building:

  • Lock the doors of interior offices, classrooms, and supply rooms when not in use.
  • Restrict access to unused parts of the building. If you cannot control access otherwise, consider installing collapsible metal gates that bolt to walls, such as those you find in schools.
  • Use a safe for petty cash, small valuables, keys, and important documents.

Protect Church Finances

Churches often receive requests for financial assistance, and it's difficult to assess the truthfulness of each request. To help make the decision easier, church leaders can develop criteria for individuals who may receive assistance and determine how benevolence funds should be disbursed, says Dan Busby, president of the Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability (ECFA), in Safeguard the Church Treasury. For church leaders developing a benevolence policy or updating a current one, a sample is included in Benevolence Fund Basics.

Click here to read more

Source: Managing Your Church

Michelle Dowell is the editorial coordinator for the Church Management Team at Christianity Today.
]]> Pastor, Do You Want to Finish Well? Start Now. by Kevin East tag:churchleadergazette.com,2012:/clg//1.194 2012-05-07T15:46:12Z 2012-05-07T14:48:14Z Leading people is tiring. If you've ever been in a position of influence, I'm sure you'd agree. At times, it is stressful, lonely, and people are exposed to your flaws continuously. It's kind of like the old African proverb says:... CLG Leading people is tiring. If you've ever been in a position of influence, I'm sure you'd agree. At times, it is stressful, lonely, and people are exposed to your flaws continuously. It's kind of like the old African proverb says: "It is the monkey that climbs the tree the highest, where everyone sees his rear." So true. ]]> A few years ago I stood in front of a room full of young people, who were all learning a lot about leadership at the time.  At they time, they didn't know that the  senior leadership team I was part of had just made some seriously difficult decisions.  While they were staring at me with eager eyes to learn, I told them, "If you think you want to lead, you don't.  If you think leading is glamorous, it isn't.  If you think leadership is where it's at, it's not."

Some are called to lead.  If that is you, do it wholeheartedly.  But beware; there are many pitfalls ahead, and some of them can be devastating.

I'm re-reading a book I've had for quite some time, "The Ascent of a Leader." It is a great book stressing the importance that lasting influence doesn't come from titles or positions, but from the people we become.  In it, he references a study done by a Fuller Seminary professor, Dr. J. Robert Clinton.  Dr. Clinton conducted extensive research about leaders, and found that more than 70% of them don't finish well.

He bases this statistic on six criteria, which were gleaned from common traits among the leaders studied.  They are:

1. They lose their learning posture. This is a temptation for many.  I've caught myself wondering at times if I will one day "arrive."  In other words, will I get to the place where I can sit back and teach, rather than continuing to learn.  Leaders that lose their way stop listening and growing.

2. The attractiveness of their character wanes. It becomes obvious to those around that something is wrong.  Unfortunately, it is the leader who is often the last one to admit it.

Click here to read more

Source: Crosswalk.com

Kevin East is the Executive Director of Ministries for Pine Cove, one of the premier Christian summer camps in the country. He and his wife Stephanie have three unbelievable kids, plus the privilege of loving foster kids along the way. If Kevin isn't busy with work or family, you'll probably find him in the woods near his house with a power tool. He writes at his blog, "Following to Lead: Because Leadership is Only Half the Story". Connect with him on Twitter at @kevinteast.


]]> "Evangelism" Is Unbiblical--There I Said It! by Greg Stier tag:churchleadergazette.com,2012:/clg//1.199 2012-05-07T15:00:31Z 2012-05-07T15:06:45Z Okay, now that I have your attention and, before I get beaten to death by an angry crowd of tract-wielding "soulwinners", let me explain.... CLG Okay, now that I have your attention and, before I get beaten to death by an angry crowd of tract-wielding "soulwinners", let me explain. ]]> Although the concept of evangelism is all over the New Testament, the actual word "evangelism" is never used once, that's right, not once. The word "evangelize" is used 52 times and the word "evangelist" is used a few times as well, but the word "evangelism" is as absent as a loudmouth in a boot camp for mimes.

But, just like with the word "Trinity" (which is never used once in the Bible either) the concept is all over the pages of the New Testament. You see it in action through the life of Jesus in each of the Gospels, watch it unfold as an unstoppable force of societal transformation in the book of Acts and witness its impact in the lives of the early believers in the Epistles. For a word that is nowhere to be found, its presence is felt everywhere.

But this good word has fallen on hard times. Although evangelism literally means "the act of delivering good news" this very positive word is often viewed negatively. From images of bullhorns and "Repent!" signs to stereotypes of money-grubbing, bling-wearing TV evangelists, the word evangelism has gotten a bad rap by those who have wrapped it in angry judgment or gawdy jewelry.

And that's a shame because to evangelize is to bring the good news of Jesus' death and resurrection to the bad news bearers of their own sin and God's coming judgment. And those of us who deliver that good news must do it with humility, knowing that we, too, were "objects of wrath" until somebody delivered that good news to us.

When you think about it, to evangelize someone with the right motives is the ultimate act of love! You are doing your best to save people from the hell they are going through and the one they are headed to apart from Jesus Christ. A few years ago in an online rant, renown showman and atheist, Penn Jillette (of Penn and Teller fame) made this point in a powerful way. He asked his online audience, "How much do you have to hate someone not to proselytize?" Penn goes on to share that, although he's an atheist, if he was a Christian and truly believed someone was headed to hell, he would do everything in his power to keep them from going there by sharing the gospel with them.

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Source: Dare2Share Ministries

Dare 2 Share Ministries is committed to mobilizing teenagers to relationally and relentlessly reach their generation for Christ. Dare 2 Share's youth evangelism training conferences, curriculum and books motivate and equip teenagers to share the gospel with their friends. Visit: www.dare2share.org
]]> Why People Settle For Mediocrity by Scott Williams tag:churchleadergazette.com,2012:/clg//1.198 2012-05-07T14:58:28Z 2012-05-07T15:00:28Z It seems like I'm in constant conversations with organizational leaders, groups and individuals about settling. By settling, I mean they see a better way, a better plan, a better relationship and a better situation; however they choose to settle for... CLG It seems like I'm in constant conversations with organizational leaders, groups and individuals about settling. By settling, I mean they see a better way, a better plan, a better relationship and a better situation; however they choose to settle for their existing state of mediocrity. If better is within your reach and you choose to settle for less, you are settling for mediocrity. ]]>
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Source: BigIstheNewSmall.com

Scott Williams served as a key leader and Campus Pastor for LifeChurch.tv. He is the Chief Solutions Officer for Nxt Level Solutions, a consulting company he founded to help businesses, non-profits and individuals with both internal and external growth. Scott is speaker, strategist, consultant and developer of leaders. He is an avid blogger at BigIsTheNewSmall.com, and leverages Social Media to make a Kingdom impact. Scott is passionate about leadership development, organizational growth and diversity. He is the author of "Church Diversity - Sunday The Most Segregated Day Of The Week." Scott is married, a father of two, and lives in Oklahoma City, OK. Visit: www.bigisthenewsmall.com/
]]> When Background Checks Lead to Discrimination by Frank Sommerville tag:churchleadergazette.com,2012:/clg//1.197 2012-05-07T14:55:14Z 2012-05-07T14:57:56Z In response to the numerous cases of child abuse by church employees, most attorneys recommend that churches conduct criminal background checks on employees that work with children and youth. Similarly, churches began requesting credit reports on employees and applicants because... CLG In response to the numerous cases of child abuse by church employees, most attorneys recommend that churches conduct criminal background checks on employees that work with children and youth. Similarly, churches began requesting credit reports on employees and applicants because of the high rate of reported theft and fears of embezzlement. Unable to resist a good idea, many churches have expanded these checks to include all job applicants. Now the extensive use of background checks may have created a new problem for churches: unlawful discrimination based on race, national origin, and color of skin. ]]> Not too long ago, well-known secular employer paid $3.1 million in financial relief to settle a discrimination claim related to its use of background checks. It also agreed to change its policy regarding criminal background checks.

According to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), more than 300 African American applicants were denied job opportunities with the company because something appeared in a criminal background check that caused the applicant to be denied a job. According to the EEOC, excluding applicants based on the results of a criminal background check can create a violation of Title VII, the law prohibiting employment discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, and national origin. The commission says background check results may have a "disparate impact," meaning a disproportionate negative effect on protected classes of workers as compared to the general population, especially those of race and national origin.

Now the National Labor Relations Board has issued guidance on when, and how, an employer may lawfully use background checks and not create a disparate impact on protected classes of applicants.

How checks could lead to discrimination

In 1991, only 1.8 percent of the general population served time in prison. The U.S. Department of Labor projects that 6.6 percent of those born in 2001 will serve time in prison. This projection indicates that many more Americans are likely to have a criminal history than ever before.

In America, African American and Hispanic individuals (especially African American and Hispanic males) receive far more criminal convictions than Caucasian individuals. In 2008, America's general population had the following racial composition: 66 percent Caucasian; 14 percent Hispanic; 13 percent African American; and 7 percent other races. In contrast to the general population, the prison population in 2009 had the following racial composition: 39 percent African American; 39 percent Caucasian; 16 percent Hispanic; and 6 percent other.

Assuming current incarceration rates remain unchanged, about 1 in 17 Caucasian men are expected to serve time in prison during their lifetime; by contrast, this rate climbs to 1 in 6 for Hispanic men, and to 1 in 3 for African American men. For men in their early thirties, African American men are about 7 times more likely to have a prison record than Caucasian men of the same age.

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Source: Christianity Today | Church Law and Tax

Frank Sommerville is an Editorial Advisor for Christianity Today's Church Law & Tax Report and ChurchLawAndTax.com. He is a shareholder in the law firm of Weycer, Kaplan, Pulaski & Zuber, P.C. in Houston and Dallas, Texas.
]]> Attention All People-Pleasers, Fixers, and Rescue Artists . . . by June Hunt tag:churchleadergazette.com,2012:/clg//1.196 2012-05-07T14:52:37Z 2012-05-07T14:55:04Z After 11 years of conflict, turmoil and tears, Patricia found the courage to end an on-again/off-again relationship with her abusive boyfriend. Yet instead of feeling relieved, she was overwhelmed with sadness and entertaining ideas about taking him back. Seeking direction,... CLG After 11 years of conflict, turmoil and tears, Patricia found the courage to end an on-again/off-again relationship with her abusive boyfriend. Yet instead of feeling relieved, she was overwhelmed with sadness and entertaining ideas about taking him back. Seeking direction, she called Hope In The Night, my live 2-hour call-in counseling broadcast: ]]> "I know I did the right thing by walking away, but all I can feel is sorrow. Why can't I feel angry for how he treated me? Why can't I just say, 'Thank you, God' because he's finally gone?"

When I asked Patricia to explain more about her relationship, she described an enmeshed bond with a man whose substance abuse caused conflict and chaos. Early in their relationship, Patricia began regretting their choice to live together and asked him to move out. He moved alright - straight into another woman's apartment. But four months later, he was back on Patricia's doorstep. ...

"He vowed he'd always love me, so I allowed him back into my life. But he still smoked marijuana and abused pills. One day I finally told him I couldn't do this anymore."

Clearly, Patricia yearned for God's strength as she tried to make a fresh start, but her emotions had overtaken her reasoning, erasing memories of all the pain he had caused her. She said ...

"In my head, I know breaking up was the right thing ... but I can't get my heart to follow. I still love him. How can I get to the point where my heart follows my head?"

I shared John 12:35 with Patricia: "Walk while you have the light, before the darkness overtakes you" and then added, "True love - in its highest form - seeks the very best for the other person. As long as you support him in his destructive lifestyle, you are not loving him. To make matters worse, he will drag you down with him."

For Patricia to experience lasting peace, I explained that she would need to deal with codependency - her role of obsessing over and being compulsively driven to help, fix, please, and rescue her boyfriend. Like so many codependent relationships, Patricia's was founded on control and manipulation. She had formed an unbalanced, unhealthy attachment that had become obsessive. Her childhood history of being controlled and abandoned served as the perfect setup for her future dysfunctional relationships.

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Source: Christian Post

June Hunt, counselor, author, radio host and founder of the worldwide ministry Hope For The Heart, offers a biblical perspective while coaching people through some of life's most difficult problems. June is the author of How to Forgive . . . When You Don't Feel Like It, © 2007 Harvest House Publishers. Learn more about June and Hope for the Heart by visiting hopefortheheart.org/CP. Here you can connect with June on Facebook and Twitter, listen to her radio broadcasts, or find much-needed resources.Hope for the Heart provides spiritual guidance, heartfelt prayer, multi-media resources, and biblical wise-counseling. Call 1-800-488-HOPE (4673) to visit with a Hope Care Representative, 7:30 a.m. until 1:30 a.m. (CST).

]]> But I Have A Right To Be Angry by Tracie Miles tag:churchleadergazette.com,2012:/clg//1.195 2012-05-07T14:43:33Z 2012-05-07T14:52:37Z "Understand this, my dear brothers and sisters: You must all be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry. Human anger does not produce the righteousness God desires." James 1:19-20 (NLT) I had been lied to, betrayed... CLG "Understand this, my dear brothers and sisters: You must all be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry. Human anger does not produce the righteousness God desires." James 1:19-20 (NLT)

I had been lied to, betrayed and hurt. I was angry, and thought I had every right to be.


]]> Day after day, anger crushed my desire to forgive. Although I had asked God to fill my heart with mercy, my mental list of reasons I should be mad kept overriding my empty prayers.

It was as if voices in my head were arguing with each other. One tried to convince me I was correct in feeling angry; the other tried to persuade me that mercy was the right choice.

For months, the loudest voice was the one that aligned with my damaged emotions, and unfortunately the one I listened to. Yes, I have a right to be angry. Anyone would agree.

Listening to the voice of bitterness and unforgiveness, I started lashing out in my actions with impatience and unkindness. Oh, I could play the good-Christian-girl for a while, masking my feelings. But if something was said or done to trigger my suppressed hurt, hostility and resentment would catapult to the surface.

Reading our key verse from James one morning, I felt God urging me to realize the misleading direction my emotions were taking me, and damage they were doing. I couldn't help but notice how it says "everyone" should be slow to speak and slow to anger.

This truth from God's Word left no room for my excuses or righteous indignation, even though I felt like my anger was justified for being wronged. And then a few verses later, I read James 1:22: "Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says" (NIV).

I knew that from a worldly perspective, I had every right to be angry. But from God's perspective, my anger was adding to the sin of the situation. My unforgiveness was keeping me from living out the reality of the Gospel in my own life--by extending the same mercy and forgiveness God has given me through Jesus.

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Source: Proverbs 31 Ministries

Tracie has been married to her husband, Michael, for over 17 years. She has three children, and lives in the suburbs of Charlotte, NC . Tracie graduated from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte and worked in the corporate world for 15 years, until God called her to focus on building His kingdom through speaking and writing. Tracie has been the Women's Ministry Director for a large Southern church for five years, in addition to many years of corporate training and public speaking in the corporate and ministry fields. Tracie's passion is to lead women closer to the heart of God, help them discover the abundant joy God desires for them, and lead them to a place of spiritual renewal and refreshment.  She has a heart for helping women discover their God-given destiny, and inspiring them to embrace the call to serve in ministry in the unique way that God is calling them. 
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