From Sunday’s “Most Read Stories” in The Church Report, comes the following. Read it and if you agree that it holds great, biblical, reasonable principles, pass it on to others who lead in your church.

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10 Things I Wish I Could Say To Every Church Leader!

Wednesday, March 21, 2012

http://www.thechurchreport.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=siteContent.default&objectID=151222

By Perry Noble

#1 – You can do EXACTLY what God has called you to do!
#2 – Never, I mean EVER apologize for big vision!
#3 – Steps of faith are always scary…if they weren’t scary then you would not need faith!
#4 – What you are going through will not define you as a leader…but how you go through it will.
#5 – You can really get a great sense of what God is up to by looking at the people He has placed around you.  If He is surrounding you with amazing people…I believe it’s because amazing things are about to happen.
#6 – Changing someone else’s idea is easy…allowing something to say that your idea needs to change is way more challenging but necessary for the long term growth of the church.
#7 – Every single decision you make impacts far more people than you could ever imagine, your life really is not your own…if you want to be a great leader then selfishness is not an option.
#8 – If you want excellent chemistry on your team then keep very short accounts and NEVER allow conflict to go unresolved.
#9 – Always allow conflict to take place (behind closed doors) and make sure than everyone has said everything they feel like they need to say.  (People are way more likely to follow a leader they feel like listens to them.)
#10 – One of the best sources of information/ideas are the people you work with everyday…the reason they don’t share them with you is either because they feel as if they can’t or they have never been invited to do so.

Lead well, my friends!

The meetings start with about an hour of interactive presentation regarding what it means to be part of God’s mission in the world and, more specifically, in our communities. The capstone of the presentation part is a clear recognition that no congregation will likely move into active participation with God’s work unless led by their pastor.

This kind of leadership may require a drastic step on the part of the pastor. First, he may need to reconstruct his theology. Hold on, now! Don’t go away! This reconstruction will not be so much about what the pastor believes, but more about what may be missing from what he believes. In general, the most common missing piece is an understanding that God is busy infiltrating culture. And if we are to join him, we pastors must not only affirm that truth, but must visibly change our schedules, our priorities and our congregations’ expectations of us in order to lead them toward an immersion into His purposes.

This morning, I read a short piece in The Church Report written by Phil Cooke. Phil Cooke has produced media programming in more than 40 countries around the world, and in the process, been shot at, survived two military coups, fell out of a helicopter, and in Africa, been threatened with prison. And during that time, he’s helped some of the largest non-profit organizations in the world navigate periods of dramatic disruption and change. The article is titled Why Your Ability to Handle Change Matters.  The first paragraph made me stop and think deeply at least a dozen times this morning.

Here’s what he writes: “From this moment on – our ability to see change coming, and deal with that change – could be the most important key to our ability to live a life of success and significance. A year later, I’ve been fascinated watching how the Japanese people have responded to the devastating earthquake and tsunami. As they continue rebuilding their shattered and devastated country, the first question we heard from international commentators and reporters was ‘Where do they start?’ When entire communities have disappeared, significant infrastructure is destroyed, and thousands are dead or missing, where do you begin? What should the first steps be after experiencing overwhelming loss? And around the world, others are facing their own personal meltdowns.  It may be dealing with cancer, coping with a horrible divorce, getting fired or laid off, dealing with the death of a loved one, or a million other crisis events you or those you love may be going through.”

What got my attention was the thought that this is happening in too many of our churches, only it is happening in slow motion. It is apparent that our churches must change or they will die. And if they die, where will the witness to Christ’s resurrection come from? And, where do we start?

Gordon W. Garner, a Southern Baptist who has studied rural ministry development for many years, wrote a white paper titled Foundations for Evangelization in a Rural Context of America, 2008 (If you take out the references to the SBC and, if you’re not rural, references to the rural context, you could read it to your congregation on a Sunday morning). In it, he quotes Greg Ogden – “…if the pastor’s basic approach to God’s people is as scholar-teacher, the people will tend to become students-learners. If the pastor views the church and his role as social activist, the church will become a center from which to trumpet causes of justice. If the pastor projects the image of a father-mother, the people will view themselves as dependent children. But if the church is to be a ministering community, the pastor must be an equipper who empowers God’s people to fullness of service.” In other words, as goes the pastor, so goes the church.

I think he’s right. So, if you are a pastor, I encourage you to rethink God’s purpose in your community, join Him to the best of your ability. Then, once you figure out how to enter the life of your town or neighborhood, take someone with you and let them catch what you do. On the other hand, if you are not a pastor, why not influence your church leaders to release your pastor to this holy adventure. Maybe your pastor is already living this way. Ask him if you can go along.

A couple more things, just for free. One of our pastors alerted me to a video by David Murrow of  Why Men Hate Church fame. It’s titled Amazing Grace: A Church for Men. It relates to this discussion. While it comes from a context that might feel a bit foreign to our frame of reference, I think you’ll find it at least thought-provoking.

Then, I also found two lists that might engender some conversation with you and your spouse.  10 Facts Men Should Consider About Their Wife and 7 Facts a Wife Should Consider About Her Husband. Obviously, we men need more work.

The word is RELIGION.

What got me going this morning was The Church Report’s “must see” video that has gone “viral” entitled Why I Hate Religion But Love Jesus. Now, I get what people mean when they talk negatively about religion when it means, simply, going through the motions and thinking that makes us okay with God. My beef is over the fact that a very good word, carrying a meaning that not only does, but must exist in the life of every fully devoted follower of Jesus.

Where I come from religion can and should be the expression of my cultural presuppositions, my belief system and my world view (thanks, wikipedia) all having been shaped by the presence of Christ in my life and the truth of God’s Word engrained in my soul. That’s good religion.

To be certain, some definitions of religion point, if you’ll excuse the technicality, form that does not follow function. But even Scripture uses the word in a variety of ways. To the Athenians (Acts 17:22), Paul recognizes the multiplicity of gods, telling them, “I see that in every way you are very religious.” Paul writes the Colossians in 2:16 not to let anyone judge them regarding their diets or how they do or do not observe the Jewish festivals. The Hebrews writer notes (Heb. 10:11) that the “religious duties” of the priest (note that this is written after the cross) cannot take away sins.

But then, James brings religion into another light when he writes, “If anyone considers himself religious and yet does not keep a tight rein on his tongue, he deceives himself and his religion is worthless. Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world. James 1:26-27 (NIV)   So, it appears that there is good religion and there is bad religion. Check out 1 Tim. 5:3-4 about the care of widows.

From my point of view, religion is how a person lives out their system of beliefs. Nothing more. Nothing less. Bashing the word without specifying what one means does not serve the meaning of the word nor the teaching of Scripture.

“I’m for Jesus and against religion” may be a provocative sound bite, but  a rather shallow representation of truth.

First, new pastors and interims: Caleb Stomberg, his wife, Lindsey, and their two children will soon be moving to New Leipzig, ND to serve the New Leipzig Baptist Church.  Rev. Brandon Jones, his wife, Marci, and their three children are coming to Herreid, SD, where Brandon will assume pastoral duties.  Walter Goltz will soon assume interim pastor duties at Elim Baptist Church, Beausejour, MB and Whiteshell Baptist Church, Seven Sisters Falls, MB is on the brink of calling an interim pastor. Contact information for all of these folks will be on the FIND A CHURCH page as soon as I have all of it.

Second, I have uploaded the North Central Association Pastoral Sabbatical Guidelines, approved September 17th at the annual meeting in Minot. Every church board should have a copy to serve as a guideline  to develop a local sabbatical policy. Find it under NCA Resources.

Third, a huge thank you goes to the folks at First Baptist, Minot, ND who hosted the NCA meetings in the aftermath of the terrible flood. Atlantic Association Regional Minister Larry Burd brought dynamic messages, seven in all counting the three Sunday morning services. Being hosted by the Minot bunch was a first class experience, and the prayer walk through the flooded area was moving. We were able to pray with and encourage several families rebuilding their homes in the face of the coming winter. Donations are still needed and thankfully accepted. Send them to:

First Baptist Church
Restoring Hope
200 3rd St SW
Minot, ND  58701

Fourth, I hope that you will attend the Manitoba Baptist Association meetings this weekend at McDermot Ave. Baptist Church (see home page ad). Eric Swanson will bring us a powerful perspective on doing church outside the walls. Making an impact on our communities must be a high priority. Come with your notebooks and hearts wide open.  Remember, NCA leaders, you have also been invited and have received The Externally Focused Quest. Make sure you all read it before coming. It will provide a good frame of reference.

Last, Jo and I wish to thank you for joining us in prayer as well as for your many expressions of concern at the death of her sister, Gayle.  Having experienced the loss of our parents, we know about losing loved ones. But the loss of a sibling carries an additional weight of grief. Jo, being the eldest, was allowed to accompany her dad to the Bismarck hospital when he brought Mom and Gayle home. We have a deep faith in God and trust Him with His decisions, but there is still a sense that watching your sister at birth and at death seems out of order. Thankfully, her whole family is leaning heavily on the arms of the Lord. Her prayer service and funeral were a huge testimony to the power of God. She touched so many lives attested to by a good number of folks during the sharing time at her funeral. Knowing that others of you have experienced grief of various kinds helps us know the depth of your compassion for us at this time.

Until He comes! Phyl

A public viewing and prayer service took place at Heritage Funeral Home in Sioux Falls, SD on Sunday afternoon, October 2.

The burial will take place at Woodlawn Cemetary – 2001 S. Cliff Ave, Sioux Falls, SD @ 2:00 pm and a Memorial Service at 3:30 pm at First Evangelical Free Church – 2601 W 69th St, Sioux Falls, SD on Monday afternoon, October 3, 2011.

All the information from last February’s Rural Ministry Revitalization cluster meetings

Some great articles in the Resources section including…

• Honoring Your Pastor (Pastor Appreciation)
• The Introverted Leader – an encouraging article about pastors who are not type-A extroverts

And a Pastor & Leader Evaluation Guide packet to go with the last blog.

Pastors, pass these articles on to your leaders and get them hitched up to this blog by having them insert their email address in the box on the right side of any blog and following the prompts. If you’re not a pastor, make sure your pastor has access to these things. They can create some great discussion in your leadership meetings.

Annual evaluations have been a part of my life for so many years that this year, I actually counted. As the Regional Leadership Team processed my latest eval, it was the thirty-first consecutive year for that kind of thing. The first twenty-three of them were done when I was a pastor, the last eight as regional minister.

A few things always happen during those things. First, there is the pre-eval angst. I know I will be affirmed. I know that God is guiding and blessing my ministry. I also know that everything is not perfect, including how I do my job. The anxiety goes with the territory. Second, there is added clarity that comes when the realities are presented. That’s good. I now know what I need to work on, adjust, change or keep doing as I have. Third is always the sense of affirmation. I trust the leaders I work with. They want the best for our churches and they want the best for me. So do I.

I have asked for annual evaluations everywhere I’ve been because they create added focus and direction. They also serve as a safety release valve to get rid of mounting frustrations…both ways. They become times for honest conversation. And when people are interested in the best for God’s kingdom and the best for each other, they are nearly always beneficial.

I’ve been concerned that some churches do not evaluate their pastors on a regular basis. From time to time I get calls from church leaders with some variation of this message: “Things aren’t going so well with our pastor. We think we should do an evaluation. Do you have any materials?” My answer to them is pretty consistent: “Have you been doing regular evaluations? If not, it will likely become a tool of division rather than progress.” You see, that kind of approach used only during conflict will inevitably be viewed as a weapon against the pastor instead of a tool to shape, direct and encourage.

In my opinion, a new pastor on staff should receive a one, three, six, nine and twelve month evaluation. Ministry pitfalls are more numerous in that first year than at any other time of a pastor’s tenure. Mistakes made then are harder to overcome later because they happen before trust is developed.

So, whether you are a pastor or leader, check out how to do an evaluation by clicking on EVALUATIONS or by going to Resources/NPR Resources and scrolling to Church Health.

First Baptist Church worship pastor, Josh Huseby has stripped his house to the studs, hoping to dry them out and rebuild. Youth pastor, Paul Pankratz had water on the main floor, creating a real mess. Fortunately, both of these pastors were able to move their things out before the water hit.

Around fifty (that’s 50) First Baptist families have suffered significant damage to their homes. That is one-eight of the damaged homes in Minot! Pastor Kent Hinkelman and Chris Grey, volunteer coordinator have both told me that their people have worked untiringly after work and on weekends, but it is starting to take its toll. Folks who started healthy, strong and full of vitality are now worn out and tired. Some of them are getting sick.

They need our help now!

Although Chris Grey has not kept exact records, many churches have sent volunteers. Churches from Minnesota, Winnipeg, Wyoming, Colorado, Dickinson, Jamestown and Martin have given tremendous help. I understand that Wishek is organizing a group. There may be ot

hers I haven’t heard of. Thank you for responding with the love of Christ!

Nearly $30,000 has come in to the church for disaster relief, in addition to a sizable gift from Converge (formerly the Baptist General Conference) designated to house, feed and outfit volunteers. But the need is far greater than that. The losses people have experienced are staggering. Literally, no one had flood insurance, and FEMA’s maximum payout is $30,000. Considering furnace, water heater, electrical, insulation, siding, sheetrock, flooring, plumbing fixtures and the like, it just won’t cover it. So, the SBA is giving loans at an advantageous rate. But that means rolling over your mortgage and adding the refurbishing cost. For some, it also means furnishings.

First Baptist Church has established a good application procedure for funds, and at present time is focusing on food, housing and clothing. Their Deacon board under the able leadership of a mature, strong leader is overseeing the process. They know that this is not a short-term project. It will likely be two years before people have reached a reasonable level of recovery, and ten years before the city itself has recovered.

Your gifts given either directly to First Baptist Church (200 3rd Street SW, Minot, ND 58701-3744) or sent through the North American Conference disaster fund (http://wwwnabconference.org) are important and will be appreciated. 

I have uploaded a document that contains two descriptions of the situation along with good guidelines for those wishing to volunteer. I suggest that you read them carefully before going alone or taking a group. Click on FLOOD VOLUNTEER GUIDELINES and OBSERVATIONS BY PASTOR GALLAGHER to access them.

In my last blog I wrote “It’s time to move!” It really is. Again, if you want to take a crew or go alone…

The coordinator for the  flood clean up efforts is a member of the Trustee Committee at First Baptist. His name is Chris Grey. His e:mail address is: moc.liamtohnull@naeb_n_gub. His cell phone number is 701-240-3264.

To get a sense of the devastation, check out these two videos:

Paul Pankratz home

Minot’s Billion Dollar Flood

Call me at 701-323-0110 or 701-426-8295 if you need more info.

Today, Jo and I accompanied 50 youth and staff to a Head Start located in a Methodist church. We spruced it up for the fall. Head Start serves so many underprivileged children at a time when funding is really scaled down. The guy who oversees maintenance for those schools is a member of Harbor Trinity Church in Anaheim, one of our NAB churches. He was blown away by both the work that was done (more than he expected) and the great attitudes.

We had some starts and stops on the way to this project. We were sent to the wrong place, an elementary school in a neighboring suburb. We stopped, waited and then prayed for that school.  Then, we arrived at a high school…the wrong place again, but the largest school in the Magnolia district and it’s across from the police department, fire department and community center. We waited to get correct directions and prayed for all of the above. We believe that God is already answering those prayers in a community filled with drug abuse, broken families, foreclosures and violence.

Yesterday, the youth spent several hours at Newport Beach sharing their faith with the sun lovers. I got to visit with a retired guy fishing from the pier and found out that he’s originally from IA, and we know the same places since our family served the church in Parkersburg, IA in the 70′s. We got to compare some spiritual notes, too, but not too deeply.

The amazing news about YG11 is that there is a HUGE number of kids from our region. I fully believe, taking into account previous events like this, that we will also see a HUGE surge of young people heading toward vocational ministry…a disproportional number compared to other regions.  Pray for that! God answers those prayers, too!

PS – Mark Jaspers-led band, Jacob’s Well is leading great worship! Paul Nather, Century Baptist is MCing with class.