Fridays are for Friends & Family 11.06.09

Welcome to another week-ending edition of FFF! This week has been a flurry of activity as we finalize plans for our organization’s Annual Meeting, which begins here in Towson, Maryland, on Sunday. You can read about it here; in addition, you can register for several events by going to this page. I hope to see you there!

Sarah, my daughter in Vancouver, Canada, has picked up a number of new writing and photography assignments in the past few weeks. Last week, she roamed the sidelines of the British Columbia Lions (CFL) for a photo shoot. She also has entered a proposal on a potential future for journalism with the Knight Foundation. You can read her suggestion on how to build readership for newspapers in a more user-friendly manner by clicking here. In fact, you can register for FREE and add your “rating” and “comments.” Sarah would greatly appreciate it, I’m sure!

Last week I cited Al Mohler’s compilation of the responses author of the Great Commission Resurgence document Danny Akin has made to some of the concerns addressed (or not addressed) in the document. This week I highlight a concern raised by Dr. Bill Brown, ever the outdoorsman, formerly on faculty at Southeastern Seminary himself and now teaching in the distance-learning program at Liberty. You can read his thoughts here. This is not the first time we’ve highlighted concerns with the GCR document; this link will take you to another item surfaced by Tom Cocklereece a few months ago.

One of the most interesting “Christian” websites I’ve come across this year is the very entertaining “Stuff Christians Like.” The author, Jonathan Acuff, continues to compile short articles about a variety of items that are normative in “typical” Christian culture, behavior and experience. The “stuff” is over 650 items long at this time and continuing to grow. (It will be published as the book on the right early in 2010.) Part information and part entertainment, it is fascinating to me to see how pervasive our “Christian world” is and the impact is has on what we think and do. You can click here to begin your journey through his site.

Last week I mentioned the recent leadership event with Mike Huckabee…(if you missed that you can read about it here.) Another outstanding speaker at that event was Rev. Rod Hairston, chaplain of the NFL’s Baltimore Ravens. Rod did an exceptional job talking about character in the life of a leader. What you may not know is that Rod is also a church planter, having planted Messiah Community Church in the Owings Mills area about four years ago. You can find out more about Rod, including how you can have him come and speak at your next event, by clicking here. I am indeed blessed to consider him a friend.

Well, that’s it from here this week. I’ll be reporting next week from our Annual Meeting in Towson. Hopefully, my colleagues and I will see you there. So until next time, keep on moving at the speed of God!

An Opportunity to CONNECT

Beginning this Sunday, November 8, we in the Mid-Atlantic region will have a unique opportunity to celebrate the Great Commission cooperation we share within our “tribe.” This year’s Annual Meeting of the Baptist Convention of Maryland/Delaware will meet at the Sheraton Towson (Maryland) and has been reformatted to be more worshipful, interactive and participatory. There will be less business, more learning and more chances to serve in the midst of our conference together. How will we do this? Several ways come to mind. We will share in meal times together before sessions. We will have small group break outs for learning and application. And we have streamlined the business portions of our meeting into very small segments, the minimum necessary to keep us focused on God’s vision and presence among us.

We at BCM/D are billing this as a time to CONNECT, and anticipating the chances we will have to share in worship, live life and minister together.

CONNECT with God (Sunday evening). Our evening starts at 5:00pm with a banquet planned for those of you who are church planters and young missional pastors. As I mentioned last week, founding pastor Ron Sylvia of The Springs in Ocala, Florida, will be our banquet speaker. He will share about some of the lessons he’s learned in church planting and now pastoring a large church, with an emphasis on maximizing your walk with God and strengthening your marriage during the process of planting a church. He will answer questions from you, the planters and pastors, who are present, about concerns and issues that are pressing to you at this time. Later in the evening session he will speak again, along with North American Mission Board “Ambassador” Charles Roesel, from Leesburg, Florida.  Their goal is to assist us in getting a fresh vision of God and to be Kingdom risk-takers for Him. Spouses are welcome at the banquet (no extra charge) and babysitting is provided for children up to age 5 (at all sessions and mealtimes, as well).

CONNECT with each other (Monday morning). We will start off with some fun and humor as “Christian Illusionist and Extreme Balloon Man” Steve Gambrill entertains and “teaches” us. We will worship together as Gary Hollingsworth, pastor of Immanuel in Little Rock, Arkansas, preaches and Keith & Kristyn Getty from Northern Ireland, authors of “The Power of The Cross” and “In Christ Alone“, lead us in worship. Then we’ll have brunches for everyone present: ministers, their wives and lay people (register in advance: NO COST).

CONNECT with the community (Monday Afternoon). During the afternoon, we’ll worship together with Fred Luter, pastor of Franklin Avenue in New Orleans preaching. Then, we’ll have break out sessions on “helping hurting people,” “ministries that impact,” “building an evangelism strategy,” “money management” and “impacting our changing culture.” All will be led by local and national leaders who are specialists and practitioners in these fields. We’ll also have a three-hour “plunge into the city” for those who want to be involved in a first-hand missions experience. There will be opportunities to assist some of our church planters in their fields of ministry or learn from them as they share in the break out sessions.

CONNECT with the world (Monday evening-Tuesday Morning). In the evening session on Monday, we’ll hear vision messages to challenge us with our Great Commission mandate from our Executive-Director David Lee and our Convention President Byron Day. On Tuesday morning, in the final session, we’ll hear from Scott Preissler of Southwestern Seminary and Larry Steen of Westminster, Maryland, to wrap things up.

Our church planters will want to be present for the networking and “surprise” events that will take place too. I will have gifts for you and opportunities for future experiences available to those of you at the banquet and other items for those of you who come during the Monday-Tuesday sessions. Wives present will be blessed with these “extra privileges,” too. And of course, our “booth” will have information and individuals who gather to share with each other and collect information for ministry.

Finally, this is a great opportunity to celebrate our cooperation as Southern Baptists, one of the cornerstones of our identity. If we ever lose this value, we will cease to have the impact on the world and each other we’ve shared for the past century and a half.

So come celebrate with us! and CONNECT…the Great Commission still calls us forward, together.

Monday Morning Rewind: His Unspeakable Gift!

In the last verse of the ninth chapter in 2nd Corinthians, the apostle Paul emphatically declares, “Thanks be to God for His unspeakable gift!” (AV). The word translated “unspeakable” by the AV is a “one of a kind word” in the Greek Testament and thus, is a very hard word to translate into English. Other versions translate it variously: “indescribable,” “inestimable,” “incomparable,” “inexpressible,” and “beyond words.” My personal favorite comes from the New Century Bible, which translates it “too wonderful for words.”

This passionate declaration comes at the end of a two chapter discussion of the role generosity ought to play in the life of every believer. Paul reminds the Corinthians that we should be generous because it is a means of expressing gratitude, a way to share in God’s blessing and, in this verse, because God has been so very generous with us. He did not withhold anything from us, not even his one and only Son! Truly, Jesus is the greatest gift any of us could ever receive.

I am reminded of this truth every time we gather at the Lord’s table. What we do in the Lord’s Supper is not about the elements or a ritual; it’s all about Him! So why do we do what we do as we share in communion?

The Lord’s Supper was Jesus’ idea (Matthew 26.26)… The passage clearly indicates that He took the initiative in creating this memorial experience. Built off the symbolism and foreshadowing found in the Passover experience (Exodus 12), Jesus inaugurated this observance on the night before His death on the cross. Thus, He is the one who invites us, His followers, to the table.

…given to His followers (Matthew 26.26)… Jesus called His followers into relationship with Him. Their commitment was shown in the decision they made to follow Him and become His disciple. This relationship enables His followers to enter into intimate “communion” with Him, to partner with Him in life and mission. Thus, the Lord’s Supper is only for those who have committed their life to Jesus Christ as their personal Savior and Lord.

…as a symbol of the new covenant between God and humanity (Matthew 26.28)… Jesus mentioned in the institution of this ordinance (act of obedience) that what He was doing on the cross constituted a “new covenant” (Latin word is “testament“) through His blood. This new covenant would be written on human hearts, not on stone, and was costly since there was a price to pay for committed relationship to take place (blood was shed when a covenant was “cut”) . The Lord’s Supper is a tangible “picture” of the price paid for this covenant to be realized in our lives.

…memorializing what Christ did on the cross for you and me (Ephesians 2.13; 1 Corinthians 11.25)… What did He do for us? He was arrested, humiliated, His body beaten, abused, broken and pierced on our behalf. His blood was poured out for sin (“for without the shedding of blood, there is no forgiveness on sins“). Paul reminds us that this is a “memorial event,” one we do in remembrance of Him, as we reflect on what He did so that we could live.

…and is an act of thanksgiving on our part (Matthew 26.26)… Just as Jesus was able to give thanks on that night long ago, in spite of what He knew was coming in the next day, so we are to be filled with thanksgiving as we come to the Lord’s table. Our gratitude and humility should be genuine and heartfelt as we realize how “lost” we would be without Christ.

…though it does NOT save us; HE does! (Romans 6.23; 1 Peter 3.18). Nowhere in the Scripture are we told that these elements are “salific” (that they save us); on the contrary, we are told over and over and over again that Jesus saves us. As a result, we celebrate that reality through the experience of the Supper as a testimony to His life given for us and we do it “often…til He comes [again].”

Ultimately, the message of the Lord’s Supper calls us to a response. For those not yet in relationship with Him, the message proclaimed is to “Receive the Lord Jesus Christ and you will be saved” (Romans 10.13). Then you too will experience the wonder of relationship with God’s greatest gift, this gift “too wonderful for words.”

Fridays are for Friends & Family (again) 10.30.09

After a three-week absence, FFF is (finally) back again! The hectic life of the past few weeks has slowed enough for me to share a few things that have happened and have also come across during these days on the web. So, let’s get started!

Many of you prayed for my cousin, Gabriella Grace Jackson, during the past month. We posted about her serious health conditions from birth and on both my Facebook and Twitter accounts, kept you up to speed on prayer concerns and physical developments. If you have visited these sites, then you know that baby Gabbi went home to be with Jesus on her 29th day of life, late last week. Yesterday, her memorial service was held in Little Rock, Arkansas, and she was laid to rest. I share these things with you, because I have had more “search” requests on my blog for Gabbi than anyone or thing in the last week or two. Since I have not followed up the original mention of Gabbi here, I thought it best publically to thank you all for your tireless prayers and well-wishes on her behalf. We are eternally grateful. Please continue to be in prayer for her parents, Matthew and Shannon Jackson, along with both sets of grandparents.

Yesterday, former Governor Mike Huckabee was with us here in Maryland for a major leadership event. (That’s my Dad on the other side of Governor Huckabee in the picture to the right.) He was joined in the conference by Baltimore Ravens chaplain, Rev. Rod Hairston (a church planter himself) and Dr. Andy Westmoreland of Samford University (a former college classmate). It was great to finally meet Governor Huckabee; he actually graduated from the same university the semester before I arrived. For you trivia buffs out there, he actually worked for my cousin’s ministry organization in 1979-1980 and has known my Dad’s Arkansas side of the family for three decades!

Today was a Staff Appreciation luncheon at Glen Burnie Baptist Church, where my transitional pastoring ministry will end on November 25. I’ve had the privilege of working with Kathy, who works with students and families and Chris, who serve in worship leadership, over the past year. Thanks to you both, as well as our support staff over the past ten months.

On the web this week, Dr. Al Mohler, President of Southern Seminary in Louisville, has posted a compiled list of answers by Dr. Danny Akin, President of Southeastern Seminary in Wake Forest, North Carolina, to questions and concerns that have been raised over the Great Commission Resurgence document. As you probably know, the document was publicly shared by Dr. Akin first in a chapel service there at Southeastern Seminary. To read his response to what he entitles the “myths” regarding the GCR document, click here.

Finally, my new friend, founding planter and pastor Ron Sylvia of The Springs, in Ocala, Florida, will be here to speak to our church planters and young missional pastors in Baltimore on November 8. Later that evening he will bring a message from the Word of God to the first session of our annual state convention meeting. Ron is a leader among Southern Baptist church planters, who tirelessly gives his life away for other planters and pastors. He is a trainer, a coach, an advocate and a writer for church planters, as well as everything else he does for The Springs. I am blessed to know him. If you are interested in joining us that night, make a comment below and we’ll see what we can work out.

Here’s hoping you have a blessed Reformation Day (some call it Halloween, I think) and a marvelous Lord’s Day (and don’t forget to give yourselves an extra hour of sleep Saturday night since Daylight Savings Time for 2009 officially comes to an end).

Opportunity & Impact: A Biblical Church Planting Strategy that Works

The tenth chapter of the book of Luke begins with one of the unique stories of Scripture. It relates the experience of Jesus and the “mission” of the seventy (two) He sent “ahead of Him to every town and place where He was about to go.” While the textual manuscripts disagree about whether there were seventy appointed (following the Masoretic text) or seventy-two (following the Septuagint), commentators agree that the number is a symbolic reference to Genesis 10, believed to represent the entirety of the nations. It was a foreshadowing of the Gospel message for all people, including you and me.

Now I’m well aware of the fact that “church planting” is not mentioned here in this passage. What’s mentioned, though, are the heart and soul of all legitimate church planting work: evangelism, discipleship and ministry. Jesus stands at the center of it all, and the participants, while anonymous to you and me, are know to Christ and are called for this very purpose. (I love that, since it reminds us all that we don’t have to be a “Peter” or “Paul” to be chosen or valuable in Kingdom work.)

The bottom line is that when we GO, the Kingdom GROWS. When we PLANT, the King HARVESTS. As such, this is “seed work” for future church planting efforts to come, for they are tilling the soil of men’s hearts until they encounter Jesus themselves.

Note the following principles. First, relationships are the key (vv. 5-7). The second paragraph relates Jesus’ directive when entering a place and finding people (oikos/oikia). Determine the receptivity of the people you meet. How? By locating a person of peace, He says; one who will welcome you into their household, not just their home. This word is suggestive of more than a place; it includes a network of relationships. Stay there, Jesus commands; don’t move around, so that you can plant many seeds that will, over time, take root and sprout. This will take adaptability, because things will happen you will not expect (“eat whatever they give you”), but persist, and in so doing, cultivate the crops of God’s harvest field. If you do, the “household” will be reached.

Second, tie the message and the ministry together (vv. 8-12). This is the key to reaching a town, according to Jesus. “Heal the sick who are there AND tell them, ‘The Kingdom of God is near you.’” Why? Because ministry validates the message and adds credibility to the sharer. It demonstrates the nature of the Gospel and God’s own interest in the whole person; it shows God’s people love and care as Jesus does. Ministry alone, minus the message, is only social service (not gospel at all!). Message alone, without ministry, is hypocritical, since it is loveless and fail to demonstrate the gospel for the benefit of others (see the book of James). All the other principles Jesus mentioned in the previous paragraph apply to this one as well. We must still look for receptivity and be adaptable to those we are seeking to reach; these are the most accurate barometers for initiating ministry in the town. If you do these things, you will see the town transformed.

Finally, you and I must accept our appointment (vv. 2-4). The passage tells us that our Lord actually chose–”appointed” is the word used here–His followers for this assignment. He’s still appointing us today (Ephesians 4.1)! With that in mind, Jesus actually starts this monologue with some preemptive commands. Knowing that human nature often looks for excuses not to do the things He asks, Jesus addresses the elements necessary to be successful in our service. He says we will need to pray (v.2). A lack of laborers to work the harvest field according to Him, is a result of a lack of passionate, persistent, pleading prayer. When we do our part, He suggest, the Lord of the harvest will do His part and send out more laborers into the fields. He also says we need vision, God’s vision (v. 3). He acknowledges that we are being sent out among “wolves” in our world.  But instead of “seeing” them, He suggests our sight should be focused on Him and His calling (“I am sending you”). He says we need to trust Him (v. 4a). Don’t worry about carrying provisions when you’re doing my work, Jesus says; I’ll take care of all your needs. Finally, He commands us to recognize the urgency of the assignment (“don’t greet anyone on the road”) (v. 4b). Jesus is not suggesting we be “rude;” rather, He’s challenging us not to let anything else slow us from the appointment He’s given us.

Researchers tell us that in our day every single minute 83 more people in this world die and enter a Christ-less eternity! People need to be reached with the Gospel. Towns need to see its transforming power. Churches need to be planted. So…what are you waiting for? Go! He is sending you–us–into His harvest fields.

(This message was preached at the Eastern Baptist Association Annual Meeting, October 25, 2009.)

Monday Morning Rewind: What’s a Congregation to Do?

Yesterday we turned our attention away from the pastor’s role in church life and looked at the life of the congregation as a whole. The Bible clearly spells out responsibilities that the church must assume, too. Since the congregation is not the same as a crowd or a club or a non-profit organization, it must recognize its role as the family of God, where each member is commanded by God to fulfill their calling for Him. Church is not a “spectator sport;” every person in the family depends on the others to do their part.

As such, the congregation lives out four primary commitments: one to God, one to each other, one to its leaders and one to the world. First, the congregation is to serve God (Ephesians 4.16). While it is true that the highest and greatest command in the Scripture is to love God with all our being (Deut. 6.4), the Bible also helps us understand that true love is shown in obedience (“If you love me, keep my commands,” Jesus says.) In fact, I am convinced that one of God’s “love languages,” to use a popular term from Christian literature today, is service. James teaches us this,too; our actions speak louder than our words. In other words, our love for God will SHOW. After all, service is the way “each of us does our part” in the Body of Christ. If we don’t, the rest of the Body suffers; it’s damaging to all. On the other hand, service leads to growth, internally and externally, for both the individual and the congregation as a whole. Thus, our responsibility starts with our relationship and service to God.

Second, we have a responsibility to each other: to love one another (John 15.12-13). Of the fifty or so “one another” commands given in the New Testament to the church, none is repeated nearly as often as this one. At least seven times we are told to love one another (a reciprocal  pronoun, meaning it is to go back and forth, back and forth, back and forth). This love has a comparative element to it: we are to love each other as Christ has loved us. That certainly “ups” the command, since no longer can I compare my love to another member’s, but rather, only to that of Christ, the Head of the Church. We are to sacrifice, serve and ultimately, put each other first in all our decisions and lifestyle. It’s the nature of what Jesus did for us–the nature of true agape love.

Third, we are to follow our God-given leaders (pastor, etc.) (Hebrews 13:7, 17). These leaders mentioned by the writer of Hebrews are your spiritual leaders, who have “spoken the Word of God to you.” As parts of the Body we are to follow and obey them, strong words indeed, until you take into account their accountability and responsibility to God Himself for their leadership. He will judge them accordingly we are told. In addition, we are reminded that to fail in following their leadership we will create a scenario that will be “of no advantage to you.” In other words, it won’t be a benefit to your own life and well-being if you resist the leadership of God’s undershepherd. He is placed by God and deserves our follow-ship.

Finally, there is a responsibility to the world: to be witnesses (Acts 1.8). This term was, and still is, a legal term, used in a court of law for those who take the stand to testify. They are called upon to share first-hand experience of what they know to be true. The passage reminds us, as Jesus uses the future tense with imperatival force, that being a witness is not an option: it is mandatory. The role we play will, though, demonstrate to the rest of the world whether we are a “good” witness, pointing people to Jesus as Savior and Lord, or a “bad” witness, casting aspersions upon our Lord and His church, through our inappropriate behavior and/or attitudes.

So, stand up and be the church you were intended to be! “Live a life worthy of the calling you have received” (Ephesians 4.1).

Monday Morning Rewind: What’s a Pastor to Do?

Does your church have a job description for the pastor? Most do, and have it written in their by-laws or other foundational documents. Ours does too, but did you know the Bible shares its own job description for pastors? Yesterday we looked at that during our time of worship.

Ironically, the word, as we use it for leaders in the church, is found as a noun only once in the English Bible (Ephesians 4.11). It is , though, found other places in verbal form. The word traces its roots to the Hebrew concept of “shepherd” used of those, like David in the Old Testament, who were actual “protectors of sheep.” Later, Jeremiah to a large extent, and Ezekiel to a lesser extent, used the word as a metaphor to describe the (failed) leadership responsibilities of those guiding and influencing God’s people during the pre-exilic and exilic period.

But it is in the New Testament where its role becomes prominent in the early church. As such, it is used as a synonym for other biblical words which we translate “elder” or “overseer” in English. This is seen in the use of all three words/concepts in passages such as Acts 20 and 1 Peter 5. In these passages and others, we learn that a pastor is primarily a servant of God, not an employee of the church. Thus, a pastor focuses on serving God and His people by fulfilling his “calling” to the best of his ability.

What does the Bible say about his role and work? First, it acknowledges that he is called by God to lead His flock, under the supervision of Christ Himself (1 Peter 5.1-4). Here, as in 1 Timothy 3, which we looked at last week, he is called an overseer, “one who has a charge or responsibility.” The pastor recognizes that this is a stewardship, for it is “entrusted” to him by the Chief Shepherd, Jesus Himself, who is the Body’s Head. He is to lead through the vision God gives and through his example, as He calls God’s people forward and models what it is to follow Christ, who leads the charge. Pastors recognize the sacred trust they have under God to lead the flock under their care.

Second, the pastor is called of God to proclaim His Word (2 Timothy 4.1-5). This is done primarily in preaching and teaching, as he heralds the Good News and gives attention to the “full counsel of God.” Three words are used to share his responsibility here: he is to correct, rebuke and encourage. In other words, he is to straighten out where the flock is off the path, he is to stop them from going the wrong way and he is to support them when they are doing well. He is feeding them the Bread of Life when he does this!  His proclamation is to flow out of his own relationship with Christ and must be done with a longsuffering patience (people often take time and resist “getting it”) and instruction (careful exegesis of God’s Word…all of it!).

Third, the pastor is called of God to care for His flock (Acts 20.17-31). The word “keep watch over” here literally means to “guard, care for, protect.” He must be one who will always be alert to concerns and threats from both outside and in, as well as nurturing and loving upon the precious sheep of God’s fold. As such he is a Caregiver, a Counselor, a Protector and a Friend. He is a lover of people and recognizes that God’s “assignment” is the people (not really a task) that God has given him to love. To do that effectively he must guard his own life as well as those of others, because he is aware of (1) false teachers who will seek to distort and destroy the work of God and (2) other dangers, including temptation, that can lead the flock astray.

Finally, the pastor is called to equip the saints for ministry (Ephesians 4.11-13). Paul notes in this passage that the pastor is one of God’s gifts to the church and, should thus, be treated as such. His role as an equipper has become more prominent in literature during recent years. This role emphasizes his service in training, encouraging and empowering others to live out their God-given potential. This preparation is similar to the picture word used to “set a broken bone” or “mend a broken net.” If done correctly, the work does far more than teach; it helps discover, coach, empower and release God’s people for works of service themselves, just as God intended all along.

Well, there you have it…a multifaceted job description for an amazingly called man of God. The key is for him and the congregation to stand assured that he is indeed called to the church for “such a time as this,” and that he is ready and willing to live out that calling through the character of his life (what we looked at last week) and the assignment God has given him (above).

Determining If He is God’s Man for the Church

In our denominational tradition, local churches have the privilege and responsibility of determining whether a candidate is, in fact, God’s man for the job. There is a corporate sense of calling that congregations grapple with during these times, just as the candidate also struggles to understand God’s will for their placement in service, too.

In such times, committees are selected that assume the lion’s share of the work in finding candidates, evaluating the same and determining who is the one the church should consider. After the choice for nomination to the Body as a whole has been made by the committee, the congregation as a whole has a chance to study the candidate. First, that’s typically done by looking at paperwork including a resume and statement of belief by the candidate. Next, the congregation often has the opportunity to hear from the committee as to their decision-making process and why they believe this candidate to be the right selection as the next pastor of the church. Finally, they have a brief, whirlwind opportunity actually to meet the candidate and his family in meetings, fellowship times, Q and A sessions and a worship experience or two. When it’s all said and done and the candidate’s gone back home, the church is left to figure out whether or not this person is God’s choice as the next pastor of the church they know and love.

What should they do during that time? How should they go about determining God’s will in the matter? If I may, let me offer a few suggestions to guide congregations, like the one where I’m serving currently, in this process.

First, pray. Pray some more. Then, after you’ve finished that, pray again! Prayer should be the number one factor in this process, because the congregation is seeking the mind of Christ. To find that, the people must constantly stay before the LORD. Prayer is not an afterthought; it’s the initial thought. It should be done individually. It should be done corporately. It should be done when the church is gathered together; it should also be done when the church is scattered throughout the region. You cannot outpray God!

Second, there should be some rational analysis. Study his resume. Decipher the questions he answered. Analyze his responses. Talk to the committee members for other insights he shared. Ponder his message and other opportunities given to meet and get to know him. Get the additional information you need as soon as you can to make the best, informed decision when the time comes.

Third, there should be some emotive impact. What kind of passion did he exude about God and His call? How did the Spirit use him to “grab your heart” when he opened the Word of God? Excitement and enthusiasm are subjective to be sure, but they are an indicator (not the only one) of the Spirit quickening hearts to unite around the man of God for the coming years. Members of the Body should genuinely be thrilled at the anticipation that this is the man God has chosen for us! On the other hand, a sense of resignation or “settling” for someone other than’s God choice (e.g., “oh well, I guess he’ll do…”) is a serious warning sign to be noted.

Fourth, the candidate should match the congregation. This fit is crucial to long-term success of their relationship. The candidate may be talented and capable, experienced and skilled, but still not be the right man for this time and place. Members of the Body have to determine under God’s leadership if the candidate fits the context of their local congregation and community. They also need to assess whether he is “right” for the church at this time.

Throughout the entirety of the process, every individual needs to be sensitive to and dependent on the leadership of the Holy Spirit as He directs the process. I am convinced that if the parts of the Body truly do this, then God will lead them to a certain conviction regarding the man of God for them in the years to come.

Monday Morning Rewind: Characteristics of a Godly Pastor

Yesterday we looked at 1 Timothy 3.1-7, overviewing the traits exhibited in the life of “an overseer.” This word, in our understanding and tradition, is a synonym in the New Testament Scriptures for “elder” or “pastor.” The focus here is on his leadership responsibility, since the word carries with it the inherent supervisory role of the one giving direction, in this instance, to the congregation.

In the passage, which forms something of a checklist by which potential pastors should be assessed, Paul informs young Timothy that the character of a leader is far more important than his skills or competence. The preponderance of the materials shared by the apostle clearly emphasizes this.

Paul starts the passage by talking about the needed character of the leader (vv. 2-3). He lists eleven traits that the potential overseer should have, ten of which are character traits. Only “able to teach” = “cause to learn” (v. 3) is a gifting or skill that reflects upon his competence or activity. The other ten are as follows:

• “Above reproach” = this is the overarching characteristic, meaning there is nothing to “take hold of” the leader; he is beyond accusation of wrong
• “Husband of but one wife” = faithfulness in this closest of relationships is indicative of how he will handle other relationships
• “Temperate” = keeps his head in all situations, vigilant
• “Self-controlled” = sensible and stable, disciplined; shows good judgment
• “Respectable” = gives honor and deference to others, values people in his thinking and living
• “Hospitable” = literally “loving the stranger;” an openness in his life and home to others, caring and compassionate
• “Not given to drunkenness” = the power of his example for others, rather than an excuse of others’ behavior
• “Not violent but gentle” = “strength under control;” not angry, hurtful with words, but kindhearted
• “Not quarrelsome” = a peacemaker, not a troublemaker; not argumentative or contentious
• “Not a lover of money” = not greedy or covetous; not under the control of money or possessions

The issue here is that “who he is” is far more important than “what he does.” His character is no doubt listed first in the passage by Paul because it is clearly most important.

Second, Paul mentions the potential pastor’s family life (vv. 4-5). The key here is that he is able to “manage” it well. The word literally means to “preside over,” and/or “give direction to.” These individuals who know him best would be able to show others in comparison how he might lead or manage them, given the opportunity. His children, then, become an important benchmark in the evaluation, since Paul indicates the motivating factor in their obedience should be “with proper respect” (v. 4). If his children don’t respect him–these individuals who see and live with him 24/7, who know his weaknesses as well as his strengths–it is a tell-tale sign of potential struggles the church will have with his leadership in the future. The issue here is evidence of his leadership ability by those who have known him best over many years. This indicator says a lot!

Third, Paul tells Timothy to look at his “experience” (v. 6). Specifically, he wants to make sure he is not “a recent convert,” but has been seasoned and matured by the experiences of life. Paul understood this firsthand, for early in his ministry he almost boasted about his role and calling as an apostle (Gal. 1.1). But by the time he wrote this letter, close to the end of his life, he was (not boasting) admitting that he–Paul–was the worst of sinners (1.15-16)! This kind of humility and dependence on God comes through the shaping experiences of life. Recent converts, Paul warns, can become proud (his word is “conceited” = “wrapped in smoke”) and thus blind and deluded to self and others. For the candidate to be grounded, he needs to be rooted in Christ through a developmental process that has made him aware of his own sinfulness and the amazing nature of God’s grace and mercy toward Him.

Finally, Paul speaks of the need to know of his reputation, specifically among unbelievers (v. 7). It’s one thing to have a good reputation among believers; it makes a totally difference statement when one is known to have a good reputation among those outside the church. It screams one practices what they preach, that one is a man of his word, that he has integrity in his dealings with all people. As a result, they are a help to the Gospel, not a hindrance. Granted, reputation is not the same as character (it’s what others see of your character, not the actual character itself); but it is an excellent evaluator of how the pastor will relate to the community beyond the church and what they might come to think of him. This is more important than ever in our day, since the church and its leaders have such a bad reputation (arrogant, judgmental, bigoted, etc.) in the world. Godly leaders have to be willing to engage the unbelieving community and love them like Jesus does.

Why is all this important to a church when it evaluates a pastoral candidate? Here’s why: somewhere between year 2 and year 5 (depending on the age of the church and the number of pastors it’s previously had), the congregation itself will begin to mirror the character and behavior of the pastor who leads them. In other words, the choice made will directly impact your own spiritual growth and development–and that’s important, for all of us.

A reminder: there are no “perfect” pastors (I’m a great example of this truth!). Paul’s descriptors here don’t appear to be intended so much to disqualify candidates as to acknowledge the damage a lowered standard can and will bring to the church and its witness. So keep the standard high! Don’t settle for less! Find God’s man, the one who demonstrates God’s life and character, in all he is, as well as all he does.

Pediatric Care

My cousin celebrated the birth of newborn Gabrielle Grace Jackson last week. We, along with all the family, rejoiced in this wondrous occasion. New life is one of the greatest miracles of all and with it should come the recognition of God’s creative work. Each of us is “fearfully and wonderfully made” (Psalm 139:14).

Unfortunately with Gabbi, she has had some physical complications that have made her health precarious. Doctors and technicians are watching over her 24/7, and more than that, our Heavenly Father and an army of believers are watching over her spiritually. Many of you have been praying for her and for that, our family is eternally grateful. Please continue praying for her!

This experience got me thinking: what if Gabbi did not have doctors and technicians to assist her in this part of her journey in life? What if she and her parents had not had so many people in the family of God surrounding them with prayer and support through these days? I can’t help but believe that her situation would be markedly different; in fact, probably terminal.

The most neglected part of the church planting journey for almost every new church start is the time AFTER the plant has had its “birth.” These formative months and years are critical to the health and development of the infant church. And just like a newborn child, there are needful things that should be done to ensure its growth. We at the Baptist Convention of Maryland/Delaware do our best to provide the essentials for an infant church to thrive during this early period in the church’s young life.

Food, Rest and Play. These essentials for life are needed by all human organisms. Proper training provides the nourishment needed to fuel the fledgling church. With it, though, are needed adequate seasons of rest and “play,” found in the focused efforts to streamline “busy-ness” in the plants by helping planters get away for renewal and opportunities to have fun together with each other and as families.

Love and Attention. Crossing the major milestone “of birth” doesn’t end our support for the plant and its leaders. On the contrary, we seek to become a listening ear and a cheerleading advocate to encourage them on as they look to the future. We do our best to “brag on them” and even pull out the pictures and show others, given the chance. We want to be ready and available when they sense a need.

Prayer. We are constantly aware that this is a spiritual endeavor, not a business enterprise. As such, like parents and other loved ones, we recognize there are limitations to our abilities and even our insight into what needs to happen. Because of this we are earnestly and often in deep and passionate prayer for God to work in the plant’s life. We pray for God to reveal more of Himself to that new child in His kingdom work and for Him to do for His new church what only God can do.

Check-ups. At regular intervals in the life of the new church, we evaluate the health and development of the fledging congregation. Our attempt is to be prescriptive in our diagnosis, in order to keep the “child” healthy while very young, when it is often most vulnerable. These check-ups are an attempt to help the new church value the process of reflection and evaluation and learn how to make the adjustments necessary to keep growing, qualitatively as well as quantitatively.

Booster “Shots.” As the new work grows in a healthy manner, we initiate contact with those who need these injections to (1) protect it from outside threats and/or (2) to catalyze it so that it can grow faster and stronger. Like all injections, there is a process to follow for one’s safety and strength, but when followed, it can result in meaningful and significant development beyond whatever level the plant currently is experiencing.

Parental Support. Babies don’t come into this world alone; they have parents who also need support and encouragement on the journey. Churches who parent new works finds coaches and trainers to assist them in knowing what and how they should go about helping this new church plant grow and develop as it should. Cautions against over-protectiveness and negligence are both addressed. More than anything, though, parent churches find friends for life, who will celebrate and serve them in whatever way possible to make the parenting experience a joyful one that will be repeated often.

Ultimately, Gabbi’s health and well-being is in hands of our Lord; the same is true of every church plant. But like any good parent and friend, we seek to be good stewards over the gift of life that God has shared with us in these new “children.” Our hope and dream is that they too will become trophies of His grace and will, in turn, share His love with generations yet to come.

(The above is an advance release of the article that I have written for our state newsjournal, BaptistLIFE, this coming month.)