It seems to me that every leader's legacy is defined by challenges unique to his generation. David fought Philistines. Solomon built a building. During David's leadership Israel didn't need a builder. She needed a fighter. And during Solomon's life Israel didn't need a fighter. She needed a wise builder.
During this conversation we're asking ourselves what kind of a leader our fellowship needs next. But I think we can gain perspective by exploring another question.
What challenge does our fellowship face that will likely define our next leader's legacy?
According to a recent email I received from AGTS, only 8% of the 33,000 + credential holders in the AG are under the age of twenty-nine. And only 24% are under the age of 40. That means that unless we see an increase in young men and women being credentialed, we could be looking in the mirror in a few years at some tired faces.
So what kind of leader do we need? Maybe we need someone who has a proven track record of releasing young men and women for mission? It really doesn't matter to me if he wears jeans or watches Nooma. But can he look a young man in his eyes, speak faith over his future, and bless his dreams to emerge.
I don't care how old he is. The Apostle Paul had his most effective mentoring days at the end of his life. What I do wonder is this.
Can he raise warriors?
And more importantly...
Has he?
Thursday, July 19, 2007
Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)
17 comments:
not just young leaders, but vision to be a part of this brand...
According to ACMR statistics the largest 64/100 churches in the AG in 1995 used what i would classify as typical AG Names (i.e. City AG, 1st AG, etc) that same group in 2004 26/100. Our customers (the lost) no longer care about denomination, but do we have the Truth.
Many of our large churches are still there, but they have changed their name (i.e. Bellview Christian Center etc).
We need a leader that is not concerned with maintaining a denomination but continuing the heritage we know and love and that is seeking the lost.
Thank you guys for putting together this site for discussion!
I was just wondering while all (or at least the last several I've read) refer to the new GS exclusively as a "he?" I know it is extremely unlikely that a woman would be elected, but a gender-inclusive mindset is the first step toward a truly gender-inclusive denomination. I appreciate the egalitarian nature of the AG. As young and young at heart ministers, I expect us all to keep that in mind as we think toward the future.
I totally agree! When we look at who runs some of the greatest and largest corporations in the world many are run by women. I would love some female names that could be a good option to vote for. The GS does not exclusively have to be a man but this has been a male dominated organization. I look forward to the day when a woman takes the helm.
I think our fellowship really needs to be forward thinking. We seem to have this thought process that says "In order to move forward we need to go back to..."
I understand the importance of our roots and the hard work that got us here. But as the cliche says "In order to get new results, you have to do something new".
I think the next GS has to be a forward thinking person who has proven that they are a believer in new paradigms.
Neoteny is also a quality that the next GS must have. If you look at guys like Dan Betzer, Wayne Blackburn, and Mark Rutland, you'll see men who have maintained their roots while being cutting edge. You'll see ministries that are vibrant and reaching today's culture - young and old.
You know, there's a lot of discussion here about the kind of leader we need, about the future of the AG. I'm going to rip off Erwin mcManus totally here, but I don't really care about electing someone who will play it safe. I would like to see someone who would once again put the whole thing on the line, let the whole thing go down in flames, take huge risks for great rewards. we're running on the past.
As a missionary, this put me in a very precarious position. As the movement moves away from denominational ties, it has become increasingly hard for missionaries to owrk within the existing structure and be able to raise their support. But know what? I don't care. We need to be risk takers. we need people who are proudly Pentecostal (most people hide their Pentecostal experience becuase they feel its failed. they don't see miracles, signs and wonders, and tongues aren't a sign to unbelievers because there aren't many in our churches, esp. of the multi-ethinic variety that might be able to recognize a tongue in another langugue. but i digrees), a truly Pentecostal, people oriented, mentoring, risk taker. Risk takers don't lead where culture is, they lead before culture goes there, and create the future. anyway, this is written way to early in the morning for me, i wont be there, but i'll be here the day after the election, trying to faithfully serve.
Brad: Your statistics are telling of the fact that the AG is no longer reaching the masses. It is no longer culturally relevant, thus the small percentage of young leaders. It was designed for a time and a place that no longer exists in our current state of being. As a former AG student and pastor, I can attest to the effectiveness of organizations that do not associate themselves with any religion or denomination. While I am not suggesting the AG disassemble their association, I am suggesting they respect the statistics and work to become culturally relevant. This includes not clinging so tightly to doctrine, paving the way for gender and racial equality, investing time and resources in the things that really matter in life (not doctrine or denomination), accepting the new wave of spiritual expression and seeking how the AG can best fit in that, and embracing the wisdom of the young. I am excited to have been informed of this blog and even more excited about its potential to steer the AG ship in the direction of cultural relevance. Best wishes as you all journey this election. To revolutionary implications, Kristi
Brad,
You are absolutely right on. I have to admit, I have been less than encouraged by the fact that the average age of ordained ministers in the A/G is over 50. However, having said that I realize there is an older generation that has accepted my young age and leadership within the church. Bottom line is we need a missional leader centered on the heart of Jesus for raising warriors.
Mike McCrary
Springfield, MO
Great post Brad. I also agree with Carlo. Seems like what you hear coming from Springfield is always "Let's go back..." Go back to what? Racism and rigidity? I think it would be nice for the A/G to publicly renounce at a General Council session some of the ungodly beliefs and practices (e.g., not allowing blacks to be credentialed) held dear by some of the early A/G pioneers. Trask has done some good in opening up a few EP spots to minorities, but to my knowledge there has never been an official repudiation.
Chris:
In 1994, the AG was part of what has been called the "Memphis miracle," in which the hitherto all-white Pentecostal Fellowship of North America disbanded and reincorporated as the multiracial Pentecostal/Charismatic Churches of North America. At the following year's General Council, Bishop Gilbert T. Patterson of the Church of God in Christ gave a powerful message during an evening service regarding racial reconciliation. (I was at that GC; it was an overwhelming experience!) At both the founding of the PCCNA and at the subsequent General Council, Brother Trask apologized on behalf of the AG for the racist attitudes of the past. Obviously, there is still much work to be done in the AG regarding becoming a multi-ethnic spiritual community, and having that reflected in the leadership. But next time, before you criticize the AG so strongly, it might be helpful if you informed yourself about the AG's recent history.
George Paul Wood
Santa Barbara, CA
George,
I stand corrected.
Chris:
Now that I've re-read my post, I realize I might have come off a little strong, for which I apologize. One of the reasons I'm so interested in this topic is that my dad was involved in those meetings, as was one of my seminary professors, Mel Robeck (who's AG). I read all the conference papers from the "Memphis miracle" event, and I invited Mel (on my senior pastor's behalf) to deliver a sermon commemorating MLK at my church. It was called: "The Color Line Was Washed Away in the Blood: A Pentecostal Dream for Racial Reconciliation." It created quite a stir at my church (positively speaking). I think our fellowship still has a long way to go toward becoming a multicultural fellowship (especially in its leadership). But I think we have to acknowledge what positive steps have been made.
George
P.S. I'm a huge LOTR fan too. I even purchased the collector's edition of DVDs when all three movies had been released.
George,
No need to apologize. My remarks did seem to be a little acidic and for that I apologize. I didn't intend them to be. I am a life-long A/G, second generation pastor and I really care about the direction of the A/G as I know you do. That was just an issue that had really gotten under my skin over the last few years. I'm really glad you gave me that information. I had read about the "Memphis Miracle" but did not realize the issue had been addressed at a General Council session. I am very encouraged to hear that. I will have to do some digging at the Flower Heritage Center to see the transcripts. Thanks for your perspective.
P.S. Patiently awaiting "The Return of the King"
Chris:
The Real King or the DVD? LOL!
George
Chris:
The original papers presented at the conference were titled, "Pentecostal Partners: A Reconciliation Strategy for 21st Century Ministry."
I think these are available for free.
George
George,
Thanks for the info. I will check it out. By the way, "The Real King!"
Did George Wood just say LOL?! Right on.
AMEN to your post!
I completely agree!
Post a Comment