Decisions Decisions

Making big, hard and difficult decisions is a fundamental part to leadership and is essential if organisations are to realise their visions. It is the same situation in the hope and vision of a church. Decisions have to be made that will impact the values and culture of God’s people to move them on from A to B. As a leader the buck can’t be passed or not taken up. It must be tackled if there is to be a new future. I can express my own experience in making such decision has been both liberating and painful and deeply significant in the life of the churches I have been a part of. You (personally and corporately) will only change, see growth and flourish if those big decisions are made and made well.

While I was chatting to a friend about his situation and the decisions he had had to make in his first year as the leader it occurred to me that you never/rarely see the impact of the big decisions until much later. I would guess that the bigger the decisions the longer you have to wait t full grasp what a difference it has made to you as a person and to the people you are leading. It is easy to get frustrated, even demoralised in the time after a big call but I have learnt that God has a way of just reminding you at the right time that you did the right thing. This is not to say that you should not reflect back on as to how you did it and want to learn from it but as a leader our role is to make the calls everyone else wants you to make (whether they will like the outcome or not).

As leaders we have to make decisions that affect people. My prayer is that we have enough faith to make the right ones and patience to see them come to fruition.

Matt

Thanks for all you do!!

I have blogged in the past on language we use to express our thanks to those under our leadership for the roles they fill, tasks they undertake and success they achieve. I have been struck again as to the subtle way in which leaders chose to thank people for what they do rather than the people they are. I maybe covering old ground but it has brought back into focus the need for me to be conscious of my language and whether my thanks is given on a results basis rather than as a way of developing and loving individuals I love and lead.

I can confess that I have been guilty myself of being driven to place more significance on the amount, types and effectiveness of my ministry above the one for whom I engage in it to start with. As a result I know that I have put large amounts of energy into doing rather than developing the person within. In my time at Leicester I even put it ahead of other elements of my life such as friends and family. I have learnt but still learning what it means to have a fulfilling ministry without compromising my humility and drive to serve God.

By putting so much emphasis on what we do, the amount we do and the success of it we are actually creation a subtlety but significantly creating a culture of guilt and pride. We are slowly reinforcing in our churches and denominations that if we work harder, do more we will see the blessings of God on what we do. This is a lie. We may see fruit but at what cost. At Leicester, I put unnecessary strain and demand on my marriage because of my desire to do more (this  is in its self a sin against God’s community). I wanted peoples praise and to feel my ministry was worth something and that the church could not function without me. It has taken me a while to confess and deal with that realisation that even God still functions without my input and effort.

It is actually very liberating when you realise God doesn’t need you. However, it is inspiring when you discover that wants you!

Matt

Putting it into practice

In the last few weeks I have realised that I have begun to put into practice some of the components from the Arrow Leadership programme. There have been a few days when something has cropped up in my week which maybe 6 months ago would have had me stressing or even making me work more than was necessary.

One of the principles that struck a cord with me was organising my week to plan for emergencies or the unseen meetings and appointments of your week. Obviously, by their nature you don't know when they will happen, how long they will take and what follow up will be required. The theory presented to us on Arrow was that you can build time in to allow for such events. Of course, this takes discipline and planning. Two things for which I am not renowned. However, I have begun to see the beginnings of development in these areas. It has taken time and a lot of wiilingness on my part but I am beginning to see the benifits for my self but also the church I lead.

For example: Today Katherine has had to be dropped off back with me from the Childminders because she has suspected chicken pox. Because of how I plan my week I know that I can afford to drop everything, take her home and spend time with her and take her to the doctors. All my tasks I need to get done are relatively sorted and the things I need to do can wait until she is in bed. I even have time to blog!

In leadership it is necessary to be flexible and prepared for the unexpected. I remember James Lawrence saying " you know emergencies will happen , so plan for them." My diary is less full than this time last year. I block time out and stick to it, if I have time spare I use it to focus on long term stuff rather than little jobs. In leadership, you know and accept that you will have things to do, people to support, places to go and responsibilities to fulfil but ultimately how you plan and use that time is the individuals responsibility.

If you find your self with to little time to do things in and do them well, then do less.

Matt

All together now.

All people are complex and unpredictable yet the key component in God's hope in the world today. The church is not supposed to be a place for perfection but of safety for failure and imperfection. Yet we can do one key thing to ensure we keep seeking after the heart of God and serving the needs of our community. Work together. There is great potential and strength in working together if we are willing and prepared to support each others ministries, missions, lives, and relationships. It is easy to become transfixed on trying to get others to do what we want and forget that we may have something to offer them.

Take Carlos Tevez for example. Whether we know all the facts, the reality is that he is causing a disruption. How much of that effected the team in their defeat is unknown but it can't have helped. He may wear the shirt and training top, he may even sit on the bench but when it comes to supporting his team and when asked to try and make a difference he declines. We maybe like that in the church. Wearing the right clothes, sitting on the pews but when it comes to supporting others our first question is "what do we get out of it."

I know that I have, as the leader, subconsciously asked people to do stuff to "help"or "benefit" me without considering whether they want to do or are gifted to do it. We need to stick together and work with the people around seeking to use their gifts not simple to get a job done. If the church is to grow and deepen its relationships within then we have to work as a team that is focused on the vision God places before us. As a leader, I have a responsibility to make sure that we all know where we are head, why and what may occur on the journey so that we can stick together no matter what may come our way.

The church must always desire to reflect the unifying nature of God. It is through this that others may want to be part of something so loving.

Matt

Know where your going (without a Sat Nav).

The other week I was in a meeting where I was the only one that did not have a Sat Nav. I havn't used one but clearly understand what they do and why you would use one. However wonderful and helpful they maybe in directing people around the exstensive British road network, I don't like Sat Navs. It could be to do with fact that "I am a man and we don't ask for directions" or "I don't want to admit to Lizzy that I'm lost." Yet, there is more to it than my flawered character and therefore want to make a case for ditching the technology that tells us where we are going. I know I have not used one (and will not) but want to comment on my frustrations with them.

Apparently Sat navs are better than maps to stop us getting lost. However that is not what is reported in the telegraph where it claims 82% of  18 to 24 year olds despite having a Sat Nav have got lost in the last year. http://www.telegraph.co.uk/motoring/caraccessories/8636633/Drivers-are-better-off-using-road-maps-than-satnav-new-research-finds.html This says alot about our reliance on technology rather than the most sophisticate computer of all: our brains. For me, using a map (google maps or paper map) to plan and set eye on the route provides a better indication of the route we need and could need if there are road works accidents or if we take a wrong turn. In our impatients to get somewhere we forget to look how to get there before entering the car and know apprectiate just what the journey may entail.

Even if the Sat Nav's don't get us lost and to our destination on time, we could neglect the opportunity in developing a key life lesson: A sense of direction. With a Sat Nav we could concentrate on being told where to go rather than keeping and eye on where we have been, where we are and what is up ahead. For example: Whilst driving on the motorway we keep going until we hear the voice that tells us to exit in 1 mile (or what ever it may say). Yet you have no idea where you actually are, what city/town you have passed, what road you are going on too or even what number junction it is you have come of at. Now you need to do the route again. I guess you put the post code and repeat the process, oblivious to where you are or where you have been! Imagine what you might have missed out on and what you may have learnt along the way.

There is a point to my ranting about such a minor issues as the use of Sat Navs.

Faith is like living without a Sat Nav. It is faith that allows to develop a sense of direction and then allows us to see the beauty on our journey.

Matt

All together now.

"We are one of them. The staff at the club have got to keep pushing the squad as hard as they can. We have got to push them, pull them, carry them, drive them on - and we have got to do it together." http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/paulfletcher/

This quote comes from Southampton manager Nigel Atkins after our sides demolition of Birmingham City which moved us up to top spot in the Championship. Being a loyal and long standing Saints fan I am thrilled with our start to the season and delighted that my club is in a better place than it as a few years back. A lot of that has to do with the new owners but also to Nigel Atkins. Despite my reservations of getting rid of Alan Pardew, Nigel Atikins was the best replacement. In his quote above I think we can see why.

First and foremost, he understands that the modern football club must be focused on the primary objective; is the team winning football matches. This is why teams like Man Utd, Baraclona, Ajax have been so successful. Whether we like it or not (I don't) this is also what the investment has gone in too at Man City (training ground, additional club staff, and top footballers). To win football matches, titles, cups and glory. To be the best team in the world, you don't just need the players but an environment that they footballers can flourish in.

My observation of the church is that we all need to know that we can only be effective and successful if we, as one, work together for the glory of God. This is our primary focus and should always be. If we forget this or take our eyes off the goal we may end up like Leeds, Sheffield Utd or Southampton (2 years ago). More on this in the next few blogs.

We need to work, pray, live and hope as one. United in our primary focus.

Matt

Fatherhood

I am having a break from my usual blogging topics and comment on something I have been thinking a lot about lately. Fatherhood. From the pain when we suffered a miscarriage before Katherine, others experience of the complex nature of conceiving and the trails of being a parent, I can honestly say that I love being a parent. In short it is brilliant and a blessing that I never want to take for granted. Yet as a father there is a dichotomy that we face. Let me try and explain.

It is easy to accept that there are roles that a mother and father play in a child's up bringing yet how realistic they are is up for debate. My observation is that there is a lot of pressure on father to be highly active in a child's up bringing yet we seem to find it difficult in maybe admitting we do. For example: How many men’s public toilets have baby changing facilities in? (In one public toilet it had such facility but the sticker had a picture of a female and baby on it!) This is not the issue the issue is how many men complain about it? Would we admit/point out to our male counterparts that this is wrong or should be made more available? There seems to be an unspoken agreement that we men keep quiet about such conveniences so that we get out of doing nappies!

This is one observation But us fathers need to grasp the significant of being involved in all parts of our children’s up bringing (even the smelly bits) and telling others dads about it too. Why are we so worried about what other blokes think?

I do not claim to be the best dad in the world but I am a dad that wants to be the best and encourage others to do so. Let me know your thoughts and tips of being a good father. We need all the help we can get.

Matt

Resources you can check out:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-14880055 - interesting article on the physical changes on a father when a child comes along.

http://www.dad.info/

60 minuet father by Rob Parsons - This book changed my fatherhood. It is brilliant and easy to read.

The who and not the how.

As I blogged yesterday, I have been challenged as to whom I share my faith with. It is easy to get caught up with the how that we forget that this is about the eternal hope of those that have no faith. Telling people about who Jesus is and the difference he makes in and through my life needs to be higher on my agenda. I have always been good at connecting with people, taking the church to new places and being prepared to venture in territory undiscovered but have not always been clear and open about the message. It is easy to hide behind my "role" and try and do evangelism purely as a church rather than personally. This is where the who comes in. Essentially, I know a lot about the how but have not been intentional enough about the who I share it with. But I want to be.

As I said at the end of my last blog, making evangelism part of my normal everyday life is the hard bit but I am making a start. There are two people I am praying for to come to faith. Today, I had a great opportunity to talk to one of those people about the purpose of the church and the difference God should make in a Christians life. That's it. She didn't come to faith and become a christian but we have begun a journey that I pray will see her know God. It's a start and is more than we have spoken about in the past. Now I need to keep going because the thing that strikes me deeply is that if I don't who will. This is not to say I am better than others at evangelism but I have the opportunity and ultimately the responsibility.

God is always at work, his spirit is always speaking. My prayer is that I am always ready and available to join in with what he is up to. 

Matt

but I don't have any friends.........

Don't worry, I don't want you to feel sorry for me. I do have friends and some good ones at that. I have been challenged once again to reflect on my personal sharing of my faith with others, especially those that don't have a faith. One of the dangers of being involved in church leadership at any level is that you can be isolated from those that don't know God and quickly be immersed in a church culture surrounded by Christians. When challenged to invite their friends to church, an event, Alpha course or such like, I  have heard many Christians say the words "but I don't have any friends."

Over the next few Sundays at Aspley I am going to be looking at this very issue. How do we share our faith with others? Maybe the question should be: "Who do I share my faith with?" The main excuse that church leaders use to neglect their responsibility in person evangelism is time. It is easy to use our role as a way of not engaging in evangelism. It is easy to lead and challenge others to do it but it is not always being backed up by our own actions. There are many factors that influence our lack of engaging in evangelism (time, work, family, scared, not feeling gifted) yet these should not become excuses. I have been really conscious of the way I use my time so to be able to engage with evangelism but it is still a struggle. I still find it hard to create regular and meaning time with people that don't know Jesus so that they may see him in me and for me to be able to speak about him  openly.

What I have learnt is that evangelism isn't hard but making it part of my normal everyday life is.

Matt

Busy Busy Busy

I was with a bunch of church leaders today and was presented with the classic first question: "Are you busy!" Maybe in the past I would have responded with a yes or tried to ignore or deflect the question but this time I went for the brave answer. I said "no, busy is over-rated." I was met with a shy laugh and then silence. I have a few frustrations I need to share:

• Why is it that people assume that busy means we are doing the right things? We get caught up in a world that says the more we do the better and more valuable we are. Just because we are busy doesn't always mean we are getting things done and done well. I have been quilty in the past of doing lots of stuff but doing few of them really well. I want to do less but do them better.
• Why do we value busy people more than those that consitently and quietly go about their work at a healthy pace? Maybe it boils down to the fact we are jeleous of those who have slower paced, calmer and more blended lives. For many of us we have many presures that compound this issue that are out of our control but there are many things that are.
• Why can't we ask better questions about each other? At no point did anyone ask how my marraige was, how being a father is going or if I need any prayers! I have to be honest and say that I didn't ask them any of these questions. I should have and will try to next time.

Of course the danger of being less busy is we slip into a place of comfort or even worse, an attitude of complacency. This will be just as damaging as being too busy. But we are only doing ourselves a dis-service if we don't get thie sorted.

Matt

Jesus on the phone

On twitter this week was a tweet from the Guardian regarding a banned advert ran by Phones4U. There were complaints on the use of the Jesus image on the advert as irreverent and inappropriate.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/media/2011/sep/07/jesus-mobile-phone-ad-banned?CMP=twt_fd

I do wonder who it was that complained. I understand why they would, even if I think they are wasting their time. For me the issue of the use of this image is not offensive, irreverent by simply highlights the underling message of Jesus still in people's lives, even if they don't know it. The fact that they used the word "miraculous" says to me that people relate the story of Jesus still to our culture in the 21st Century. What is it about this man Jesus that still stirs up interest in people imagination? For me it is the mystery of a man who walked on earth, created controversy and yet was willing to be a sacrifice for a world that didn't deserve God's forgiveness is pretty facinating. The stories of Jesus miracles are brilliant, not because of what Jesus does but because of who he does them for and the reactions those that are healed express. The churches responsability should be to tell the stories openly and passionatly rather than complaining about silly adverts. If we get that right people will know and understand what all the fuss is about when it comes to this man Jesus.

If you don't know much about him, he's worth finding out about.

Matt

Now and not yet (4)

Meeting with my mentor each month is always a delight and a blessing. Along with his great insights and knowledged he also still shows a desire to work out what it means to be a follow of Jesus and a leader in his church. This week's meeting was no different. As we chatted, the issue of how a emerging leader responds in these difficult and troublings days cropped up. I made a comment that the church is likely to remain in a place of flux for a while yet as we seek to work out how we respond to the culture we find ourselves in. Two things have stuck with me during this week and deserves a blog. He stated that "the church should always be in a state of flux."

Firstly, I am encouraged that I don't have to have things sorted. There has been a trend in the church for leaders to make sure we are in order and under control; that our programmes, provisions and administration is faultless and professional. The danger of being in control or having things under control is that we (leaders) forget to leave space for the unexpected, the miraclus and graceful acts of God. This is not to say that we just let our admin pile up, not take care of the day to day issue that will allow smooth running of our church and centres. But, control can lead to a over reliance on process rather than keeping focus on our purpose. For example: you can over plan times of worship, over illustrate, use video clips because you feel you have to etc By the time you have planned you then forget to make/leave space for God's spirit to promt and speak to those in attendance.

Secondly and closely related, I was reminded that I will never get everything sorted. This is such a relief to someone who is not naturally organised. It is great to feel freed by the never ending nature of God's kingdom and released to know that time is on our side. How often do you hear a church leader (or anyone for that matter) say that they are not busy and have lots of time on their hands. We need to make sure we are not doing to many things. This is not an excuse for slapdash leadership and leaving everthing until tomorrow (that never comes). Yet we need to use the time God gives us each day to place those things that are of priority to God at the top of our todo list.

Things are in flux but God knows what he is doing.

Matt

What is my value?

Last week I received an email that ended, from a person that doesn't know me, saying; "thanks for all you do." All of us like to be thanked for what we do. But I was interested as to what he meant as he is unfamiliar with my role, personality and character. I am sure he was being encouraging but in a conversation with a friend we chatted about what signals this sends out. Are me more excited or interested in what people do rather than who they are? For example: What is the first question we ask when we meet someone new? The thing is, I realised that I do the same. I have ended many an email to my leadership team " thanks for all you do" in an genuine attempt to encourage them for the way they lead the church. I wonder if I have missed something or even worse sent the wrong signals to them. Do I care more about what they do or who they are?

It is easy to value people for what they do because we can see the results of their labour and efforts. It is also important that people are encouraged for what they do and the quality of their work (whatever the level of profession ). It is free and only takes a moment but can yield results and increase performance. People want to be thanked and encouraged but we (the church) could simply become an organisation reward good deeds, success and effort rather than celebrating diversity, character and even failure. In leadership, it's easy to slip into an attitude of "what can I get from others" rather than seeking to support and resource them in their own unique ministry.

In the past few weeks I have begun to put various other things at the end to encourage people for who they are rather than what they do. I need to keep working on this and develop both my attitude and skill in valuing people for the depth and diversity of their character rather than simply what they can do for me, the church or even God.

Surely, God is more interested in who we are. I pray I will be too.

Matt

Uniform or Uniformity

A couple of months ago Lizzy and I attended a conference for Natural Church Development. During one of the sessions we considers the challenges that diversity has on churches. One of the issues that was highlighted briefly was for those churches that see diversity as a danger rather than an opportunity. Chritoph Schalk from NCD helpfully pointed out that diversity can cause uniformity in some organisations, including the Church. On the other end of the scale, organisations, again including the church could be in danger of becoming competitive. These two manifestations of diversity can obviously harm the effectiveness of a church community in growing and deepening its faith. What is needed, to use an NCD word, is symbiosis. Everything working together as one for the health of an organism, the church.

In this blog I want to address the issue of uniformity. As a member of and a leader in the Salvation Army, uniformity has always been a big issue. The Salvation Army appeal in its early life was it's uniqueness as an expression of God's love in action. But somewhere along the line we managed to lose this uniqueness and become uniformed. Not too long ago, if you went to most Salvation Army churches their worship, programme and outlook would be extremely similar, if not the same. Uniformity is not the same issue as the wearing of uniform but are obviously closely linked. In the last few months I have heard and been part of a number of conversations around the specific issue of uniform within our movement. The issues of uniform can only be answered by digging deep into to our understanding willingness to engage with the issues of diversity.

For many, diversity is a scary subject and it can force us to become defensive in our approach to church, worship and mission. There is much comfort in all being the same but it is not a true reflection of God's creation. If we are to be a organisation that is growing and healthy we need to embrace the gift of diversity within our movement.

Matt

Now but not yet (3)

Having watched some of the Murdoch's grilling at the House of Commons Committee, it got me reflecting on the Kingdom of God once again. One of the things that stuck me as I listened was the sense of judgement (on all sides) that had already preceded and that is surely still to come. The question for News International is: Has there past caught up with them?

The question for me: Is it the same for me when I meet my maker in Heaven? Is it a case of my past being trawled over by God and his courts of Angel's. Will my past catch up with me, how will his judgement work out? Will I be questioned as to what I knew and didn't know? Or will God have already "wiped the slate clean" and embrace me despite my considerable failings. Maybe these are the wrong questions to be asking about heaven and our potential admittance. I wonder if by starting with the ending in sight we find ourselves in a blind alley. Surely the kingdom that is yet to come is not about what we have or haven't done?

I am in agreement with Rob Bell (in Love Wins) when he highlights that those who are more concerned with who will get into heaven are less concerned with helping people discover that heaven is here on earth, right now. And so we come back to considering a kingdom that is "now" and "already here." It can not simply be used as promise for a future time. Why can't the riches and beauty of heaven become a daily reality in our lives and in the lives we interact with?

In the promise of the kingdom to come we must reveal a kingdom that is already clearly in view.

Matt

Now but not yet (2)

Understanding the kingdom of God is a life time occupation. And rightly so! There is no way we will ever be able the grasp the reality of what it means for the kingdom of God to be present but not yet complete. If we don’t understand it as an everyday Christian what chance do we have in helping others come to an understanding and relationship of this cosmic sized idea? Yet we are assured that the kingdom of God is at hand, its close by and it’s personal. How do we begin to communicate this concept to those in our communities who have no understanding of God? I don’t have the answers but would like to stimulate you in thinking about what question we can ask to start discovering some solutions.

First of all we need to get to the heart of the purpose of the church. What is the reason for the existence of the church? Maybe a better question is what is the motivation of my church and how is that motivation expressed? Is it that we see the church as God’s mission agency or as a residential home, preparing us for heaven. Do we see the church as a movement that mobilises it’s people or a place that keeps us contained. The kingdom of God is unable to be contained and therefore neither should its citizens.

That then requires the church to release and free its people to live as citizens in the world they inhabit. The question is; are we prepared for the mess that may ensue? The boundaries of the kingdom of God are obviously not as clear cut as they are when we travel through passport control. We are citizens of heaven on earth and therefore our instinct should be to shine as such. Paul instructs us a number of times to “put into practice, that which you have learned” and the church today needs to do likewise. It isn’t even about getting it right but seeking to discover what the kingdom looks like in our individual context.

Finally (for this blog) it is about seeking first the kingdom of God and joining in. This week I have once again been reassured that God is at work in Aspley, God is at work behind the various unopened doors of our community and in the lives that we seek to see transformed. God is always at work creating and transforming people in more ways that the church can ever put into a programme or project. There is a sense of relieve in my heart that all God requires of me is to unveil the kingdom that already exists in Aspley rather than trying to construct a kingdom from scratch.

The kingdom of God is not yet, so let’s unveil it.

The kingdom of God is now, so let’s live in it.

Matt

Now but not yet (1)

I am currently reading Rob Bells book “Love Wins”. It is a typically questing and searching book that helps Christians we think faith on a number of different levels. One thing that stuck out in chapter 3 was this quote by Bell when talking about we can see heaven on earth; “This is what happens when the future is dragged into the present.” I was struck by the hope in this complex idea and the need for our lives to be ones prepared to drag that future into our present. Lives lived in such hope that people cannot mistake the touch of heaven, a expression of true love and a act of humility by Gods people. This is the kind of world I believe in but sadly rarely see.

This concept brings great challenge for us that confess to be followers of Jesus. If we are serious about changing our world then we have to be seen as someone that a future with Jesus has changed. We cannot rest at trying to resolve cleaver or contentious arguments about the reality and existence of God but we need to live our lives that reflect our beliefs and leave people in no doubt of where are hope lay. This is not simply about our future but the future of others. Our Family, Friends, Work colleagues, Class mates and House mates. These and many others have no idea what a future with God looks like because we have not shown them.

So how do we show them this future? What does it mean practically? Where do I start? Here are a few ideas to try? The secret is to persist and remember whose future we are dealing with.

1. Pray for someone you know who is unaware of the amazing future we have with God. Choose a work colleague, close friend and pray consistently and persistently.
2. Hang out with people that don’t know God? Maybe you need to be released from things you do in/at church to do this?
3. Join a club. You are allowed to do something you enjoy!
4. Get training on how to share your experience and faith in God. This could be in the form of a book or formal course.

Whatever you do, do something! God doesn’t want anyone to miss out on a future with him.

Matt

Leading Evangelism 3 - Easy Evangelism!

This year has been a very positive one in the life of the Aspley Salvation Army and continues to be so. This week we had a strange occurrence when a young lad phone up asking if he could join the Salvation Army. Taken aback I composed my self and said we should meet, so he came the next day with his mum to meet with me and chat through what it meant to be in the Salvation Army. I encouraged him to come for a few weeks before we go through our membership classes to see if it is right for him and help him understand what it means to be a follower of Jesus and a soldier in the SA. On Sunday, he turned up along with his mum to join us in worship and said once again how he wanted to be a soldier.

A couple of things struck me about this strange incident. The first is this; in the church we concentrate a lot of effort and thought in to clever, well intentioned and often expensive evangelistic strategies that we forget about the miraculous ministry of God. Evangelism is a lot easier if we place of faith in God's power and plan for our church. It's not to say we sit back and wait for people to phone us (that clearly is not God's intention for his church) yet we must be cautious in forcing the issues with God. Patience and faith need to off set our action and commitment. If we are not careful we can be caught up in our own succussflness rather that the Holy Spirit's power and promting.

The second is linked: Why should I be surprised that people want to become part of the church? Why should I find it "strange" that people are drawn to God? How limiting has my attitude to leading my church in evangelism if I am surprised when people want to be a follower of Jesus. It has really challenged me to lead a church that see's people make faith commitments. This is not about making our church bigger but growning the kingdom and changing peoples lives in and around the place we worship, live and serve. If this young lad can decide to be a soldier why cant the other people I know well do the same.

Evangelsim is easy, when God is leading us.

Matt

Leading Evangelism 2 - Leading it

As I mentioned in my last blog, when leading others in evangelism it must be backed up by the leader personally engaging in it but not because it a part of the job or programme. Evangelism is a fundamental response to our calling by God as His disciples and we must not hide behind structures or institutions to protect us from talk about Jesus. I don't think the church will survive for very long if those leading others in evangelism don't put themselves in a place where they can do it.

There are many reasons why the leader (The Corps Officer in my denomination) should be exposed to sharing there faith with people who do not know Christ. Here are a few thoughts:

1 - Practice what you preach. I have always been an advocate of mission and evangelism and on the whole been a good exponent of it. Yet there is a danger that I could end up talking about the "church" rather than the deep issues of faith. If I challenge my church fellowship on a Sunday to share their faith I should be ready to do the same at the next opportunity.

2 - You discover the reality - There are many people that do not find talking about faith easy and can end up feeling disheartened and discouraged because they feel they are not good enough to be evangelists. If the leader also experiences this reality then it can be an encouragement to their congregation to keep going. I am regularly praying for 2 people to become Christians but as yet haven't. This is my reality that I share with others. I still keep praying and believing.

3 - What works - If you are leading evangelism and personally engaging with it you are more likely to discover what works and share that with others. For example, I attended an excellent day with Carl Beech regarding men's ministries. He was able to share his own experience of success and failure in reaching men for God. Because he had the "T-Shirt" he could speak honesty and helpfully to us beginners.

4 - It is what we do - As I mention in my introduction, talking about my faith is not what I get paid to do, its what I am called to do and so must fulfill that call. It is only through my own personal willingness to introduce others to a life of faith that I will know how to lead others to do the same.

If I truly love God, why would I keep that to myself regardless of my role, job or appointment.

Matt

Leaders and Managers

I heard that Roy Keane was being approached to manage the Qatar national team. Roy Keane's first management job was getting Sunderland up and doing well with them, then to Ipswich where things didn't go well and now a lowly nation team. He has not had the best reports for his man management skills and ruled by fear rather than respect. Yet there is no doubting his unrivaled leadership qualities displayed during his years at Forest and Utd. You would not only want to follow him out of the tunnel but feel confident he would lead by example on the field.

I begun to wonder if good leaders make good managers? Is there a difference between the two?

A friend of mine commented on this question on Facebook. He said; "To be a good manager you must lead by example so id say yes...thinking of becoming a manager then???" (Chris Smith). Yet, I wonder how many other great footballing leaders have made bad/not great managers. Shearer, Bruce, Ince and Souness to name a few? All great leaders but not great managers (in my opinion). So what is missing, what do they lack. Not leadership, passion or respect but the ability to manage people and expectations, whilst at the same time trying to lead by example. It is my observation that these people got so far on there past reputation as leaders but were not cut out to manage.

Here is how the Guardian commented on Keane and his hero, Clough.

Brian Clough has long been his (Roy Keane's) hero but he needs to remember his mentor could be warm and human as well as angry and authoritarian. http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/blog/2011/jan/07/roy-keane-irish-mourinho-ipswich-town


To be a great leader you need the mind of a manager, the heart of a leader and the ability to use them at the right time and in the right way. Easy!


Matt