Paid Staff Can Hamper Spiritual Growth

Paid Staff Can Hamper Spiritual Growth

Here's a blog post that I could not improve upon, so I wanted to repost it from Tony Morgan. Church leaders pay attention. Incredible insight for pastor especially.

There are certain common refrains I hear as I’m talking with growing churches across the country. This is one of them. I’ve heard many leaders in recent months acknowledge that they’re trying to shift the ministry to volunteers rather than continuing to hire more staff. Likely, the economic challenges have precipitated that shift in strategy. Whatever the case, I think it’s a good thing.

Today, over on MinistryStrategies.com, Eric Geiger offered this thought as is relates engaging volunteers in ministry. He explains how pastors and other paid staff may actually be hampering spiritual growth by holding on to ministry:

“People who are gifted by God and called to serve Him are put on the bench as they watch the professional ministers make the ministry happen. Instead of fostering a serving posture among believers, this kind of “ministry” develops consumers. By keeping ministry from the majority of the people, they are taught to be moochers and consumers of the faith rather than participators and contributors. As their spiritual gifts go underutilized, they miss the joy of experiencing Christ by serving others.”

Wondering where your church stands on this topic? Do a little math. Take the number of people who volunteer somewhere in ministry at any given time each month. Divide that by the total number of students and adults at your church. That’ll give you a percentage. Here’s my suggestion:

• If the percentage of students and adults serving is over 45%, you are in a healthy range for engaging volunteers in ministry.
• If you are in the 30% to 45% range, you’re doing okay but there’s room for improvement.
• If you are under 30%, you need a volunteer strategy adjustment.

Now, I can hear the critics and skeptics already. You’re probably thinking, “The larger a church gets, the more likely they are to have a big staff team handling the ministry of the church.” It might surprise you to learn I see the direct opposite. For whatever reason, smaller churches I work with have a tendency to rely on the pastors and paid staff to carry the ministry load. In fact, the highest percentage I’ve ever seen (close to 60%), comes fromGranger Community Church — a church of several thousand people.

Check out the rest of Eric’s article on this topic. If you’re interested in coaching on how to improve your volunteer strategy, contact our team at MinistryStrategy.com. We’d love to help.

Play it Safe

As we get older, most of us have a tendency to play it safe. We have more to lose, so consequently we don't want to rock the boat. As I think about the church, it's obvious that the older a church gets we start playing it safe. The propensity to maintain becomes our first default. The sad part of this, is as we walk with Jesus, it's everything except safe.

If you are a church leader and you are playing it safe you are missing out on SO much more that God wants to do through you. You have to get out on the edge where if God doesn't show up, you are in BIG trouble. This situation has been repeated as we have grown as a church. As I grow as a leader, I am finding myself with the same struggle and when I step out and do BIG things that require BIG Faith produces opportunities for God to show up and help.

Great Leadership Video

Check out some leadership insights from Andy Stanley and Craig Groeschel


Catalyst TV: Andy Stanley and Craig Groeschel from Catalyst on Vimeo.

Discipleship Are really doing it or just running your mouth

I posted part 1 here yesterday. Here's what's going through my mind on this particular subject. First let me say I Agree with the phrase "Discipleship is a process not a program." The frustration I have is this, are we using that phrase as a crutch so we can be lazy and not build into anyone? I'm not pointing blame I'm just simply asking a question. It seems that we as a church across America are failing when it comes to making disciples and reproducing. Would you agree or disagree?

We talk a really good talk. I believe that most of it is just talk. Why? Because most church growth is by swapping sheep from church to church. We aren't spreading our faith and seeing freshly redeemed people come to Christ and then teaching them to go out and reach someone. We use all kinds of excuses. I have heard a ton of them, ie. "I don't have the gift of evangelism." "I believe in relational evangelism." "I let the Holy Spirit do the work." There are so many I can't begin to list them all, what's yours?

Now, here's where the rubber meets the road, who was the last person you shared your faith with and you poured into them by sharing your life and what God has done in you? What's their name? Folks, Jesus left us with a mission and it's simple: Make Disciples and Reproduce.

A few years ago on vacation I read a book entitled, "Forgotten Ways." In this powerful book, Alan explains that the church grew more from the time Christ died and for 200 years after the Gospel grew and it went from 25,000 to 200 million. Think about that for a minute, no radio, internet, pagers, cell phones, cable, planes, trains you get the picture. The Gospel spread through people telling their stories making disciples and reproducing.

How are you doing at that??? If there is no name then you are failing!

Discipleship a Program or a Process?

LifeQuest Church has decided to take on an initiative if you will, I call it a way of life that I believe is not real common with churches like ours. Let me explain, over the last two years I have been burdened by the fact that we as "Christians" I prefer Christ Followers, are not advancing God's Kingdom. Think about it for a minute before you jump to any conclusions. Jesus came with one mission and that was to seek and save that which was lost - Luke 19:10. When He ascended into Heaven Jesus left us with this command, GO and Make Disciples. That's the business if you will of the church. NOW, ask yourself how are we doing at making disciples? According to the polls as late as this week Christianity is failing in America, don't believe me check it out HERE!

Now, I have had a ton of conversations lately about discipleship and what it looks like. I have heard every response from discipleship isn't a program it is a process, to discipleship is a journey. I agree that discipleship is a journey and not a program BUT let me ask you a pointed question. If you believe that, how's it going for you? Another words, who are YOU discipling along the journey of life that has begin to reproduced themselves???

I don't care if you are using a program or you are doing it along the journey of life, the real question is, who are you discipling now and how's it going? We have got to start Making Disciples and Reproducing or Christianity will die in America.

I believe that question will give you enough to think about until tomorrow.

To prepare your heart for the discussion for tomorrow, read Matthew 28:16-20

Why is it?

I had a great time hangin with some great K.C. Church Planters in downtown Kansas City. After I left I was reflecting on all the church planters I have met and even thinking about what I have learned. After doing some reflecting, I started to notice a trend and have to ask Why is it???

Why is it that someone moves their family across the country, making sacrifices to reach a particular city?

Why is it that many times they get to the city and just hunker down in coffee shops, hiding in their computer instead of getting OUT where the people are meeting new people, hurting people, lonely people???

Why is it that we make this step without even having an effective assessment to see if we have what it takes to be a lead church planter?

Why is it we have the kind of faith to move to a new city but when we get their we don't have faith that we can raise the support that will be needed to accomplish what God has called you to do?

Why is it that new church planters spend so much time in isolation instead of with the people?

If I were starting a church again, I would spend less time on developing a website, cool brochures, catchy logos and artwork. I would delegate all that stuff out and go meet as many people as possible and start praying for them, praying for the city, building a staff team (even if they are volunteers-Treat them like paid staff and they will rise to your expectation.) I would also get a coach and supporting church.

Why is it?????

What is the Church to YOU? This could change your mind!

I think I have posted this before but was reading it again thought, "you know this is SO GOOD that I am going to post it again."


Here comes the BRIDE…

Once upon a time a beautiful wedding was about to take place. The people who were invited were all buzzing with anticipation. All of the bridesmaids and groomsmen had assumed their positions, the candles had been lit, the music was playing, the groom was in place and joy was the dominant mood in the room.

THEN the doors open and the BRIDE began her walk towards her husband…and that is when the trouble began.

Some people actually took their focus off of the BRIDE and began to discuss whether or not the people in the room had been chosen for invitation…or if they had merely accepted an invitation. Little groups began to discuss and debate this issue, thus ignoring the BRIDE.

Other’s began to complain about the music the BRIDE was walking in step with. They put their personal preferences in place of what the BRIDE had chosen for that particular day. And the ones not offended by the music…they could not quit complaining about the color of the carpet. Little groups of dissension began to develop all over the room. Their focus was not on the BRIDE.
Some people actually began to get up and leave because, when the BRIDE walked by, she didn’t take the time to sit down with each of them and ask their opinion about the wedding that was taking place.

Some people began to say, “I’m just not sure about this. There are really a lot of people here at this wedding. It’s huge! I prefer smaller weddings. The BRIDE should not have invited so many people.”

Some people began to criticize the fact that there were people at the wedding that they didn’t think should be there. They weren’t “dressed up,” and so their focus shifted from the beauty of the BRIDE to their own self righteousness and the fact that they “looked nicer.”

For some it just wasn’t that good of an experience…

But for others…they just couldn’t stop smiling…

They knew they wouldn’t have even been able to walk in the doors were it not for the invitation of the BRIDE and GROOM.

They could not stop focusing on the beauty of the BRIDE…each step she took was intentional and brought her closer and closer to the GROOM. And those who were actually focused on her somehow felt like they were taking that journey as well.

They could not wait to embrace the BRIDE…to thank her for the invitation. They weren’t concerned with the BRIDE recognizing them and “their needs,” they knew that this day just wasn’t about them.

They enjoyed everything about the experience, knowing that something larger than them was taking place.

They were so excited that so many people were involved in this experience…and their hearts actually ached for those who they knew needed to be caught up in that moment.

They knew they were guests and not the person of honor…that the BRIDE and GROOM were to be the center of attention…and that brought them great delight.

Once upon a time this took place; in fact, it took place all over the world…today. The church is the BRIDE of Christ…she’s beautiful, she’s breathtaking…and when she walks step by step to get closer to her GROOM…there is NOTHING that compares to that on the planet…nothing.

Those that want to make the BRIDE all about themselves and argue and dispute about aspects of the ceremony itself will never fully appreciate all that is happening…and therefore miss out on so much.

BUT…those who are just happy to be there…the ones that get JOY when the BRIDE takes another step, the ones who want as many people as possible to be there and participate in the great celebration that will soon be taking place…the ones who understand that the ceremony taking place isn’t about them and their needs…the ones who can’t quite focusing on the BEAUTY of the BRIDE…

They are the ones who get the most out of the ceremony. They are the ones who truly experience joy on a level seldom found by self seekers. They are the ones who are FULL of appreciation, understanding that attendance to the wedding wouldn’t even be possible had they not received the invitation. They are the ones who immediately run out and try their best to get others to come before the BRIDE makes it all the way down the aisle (she is getting closer, you know!)

Here comes the BRIDE–she’s breathtaking, and despite mankind’s attempt to blemish her…she’s still here. Governments and nations will pass away…but the BRIDE will still take step by step, closing the distance of time in regards to the Great Wedding Feast. She’ll be taunted and jeered…she’ll be misrepresented by bad television preachers…she’ll be misquoted and abused…but in the end we will all stand in awe at her beauty and, in that moment, fully understand and appreciate the life is about so much more than getting our needs met and everyone knowing everyone.

Here comes the BRIDE…is your focus on her? Written by Perry Noble

The Unstoppable Church

How does a church become unstoppable? I believe the answer is a Praying Church!
Acts 12 says, " 1It was about this time that King Herod arrested some who belonged to the church, intending to persecute them. 2He had James, the brother of John, put to death with the sword. 3When he saw that this pleased the Jews, he proceeded to seize Peter also. This happened during the Feast of Unleavened Bread. 4After arresting him, he put him in prison, handing him over to be guarded by four squads of four soldiers each. Herod intended to bring him out for public trial after the Passover.

5So Peter was kept in prison, but the church was earnestly praying to God for him.

6The night before Herod was to bring him to trial, Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains, and sentries stood guard at the entrance. 7Suddenly an angel of the Lord appeared and a light shone in the cell. He struck Peter on the side and woke him up. "Quick, get up!" he said, and the chains fell off Peter's wrists.

8Then the angel said to him, "Put on your clothes and sandals." And Peter did so. "Wrap your cloak around you and follow me," the angel told him. 9Peter followed him out of the prison, but he had no idea that what the angel was doing was really happening; he thought he was seeing a vision. 10They passed the first and second guards and came to the iron gate leading to the city. It opened for them by itself, and they went through it. When they had walked the length of one street, suddenly the angel left him.

11Then Peter came to himself and said, "Now I know without a doubt that the Lord sent his angel and rescued me from Herod's clutches and from everything the Jewish people were anticipating.""

It has me really thinking, how much do we pray as a church and as a church staff???

Prayer must be a priority but satan has done a great job of distracting us.

Church Planters Conference Call Material

Spent the evening with some church planters over a conference call and wanted to share a little of the things that I taught on.

Had the honor of giving the history of church planting for my family and I.  It was sort of weird because when I think about how our family has been planting churches for a little over a decade, that is totally wild.  I shared about the first two churches that we started and the pain that we experienced.  Man when people that are older say that experience will grow you, they are right.  Then I spent the remainder of the time teaching about what I have learned in starting LifeQuest.  Here are some of the thoughts I shared:

• Starting a church is very emotionally draining and I never was taught that.  The spiritual warfare that is involved is incredible.  Ephesians 6:10-20 "10Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. 12For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 13Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. 14Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 16In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. 18And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints. 19Pray also for me, that whenever I open my mouth, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, 20for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should."
  
  If you are a church planter PAY ATTENTION to the fact that satan wants to destroy you. On a practical note, get some prayer partners, people that will intercede for you while you are preaching God's word!
  
  I believe that you should read the Bible and find out how to fight in the spiritual warfare that we are in. Satan does not want another church that will reach people that are far from God.
• Starting a church is more about leadership than your cool ideas and light, sound and camera and oh, action.  We get so caught up in the techy type stuff and forget that starting a church is more about leadership.  Leadership that will cast vision, a clear vision for others to follow. Leadership that will cause you to protect the vision of the church at all costs.  Leadership that will cause you to please God and not people.  Leadership that will call the best out in people and not let them settle for normal.  
• The best book on church planting besides the Bible is Peacemakers by Ken Sande - if you haven't read this book, I suggest you go out and buy it right now.  Stats tell us that more pastors quit ministry because of conflict.  We need to be equipped to deal with conflict and teach those that are in our churches about conflict and how to deal with it.  You need and you owe it to the people you lead to give them a language when it comes to conflict.

Great post from Perry Noble CHECK IT OUT

Check Perry Noble's post HERE