In my last post I wanted to challenge younger pastors. Now let me flip the coin. I hope you hear my heart and the spirit of what I'm about to say. And I think you have to read both posts to really put everything in context.
For what its worth, Job 11:6 is a linchpin in my theology. It says, "True wisdom has two sides." In other words, truth is found in the tension of opposites. Where there is no tension there is no truth!
So here is my advice to older pastors:
1) If you feel threatened by a younger pastor on your staff, ala Saul and David, don't try to spear them! Let's be painfully honest: pastors have lots of insecurity issues! And I honestly think few things are as displeasing to God as those who abuse their authority because of their insecurity! And don't try to mask your insecurity as their immaturity. Here's a litmus test: the more defensive we are the less spiritual we are. David was Saul's greatest asset. But Saul perceived him as his greatest threat. Don't be threatened by your assets!
2) Your staff is your greatest responsibility and greatest legacy as a leader! I think it's easy to "use" our staff in a way that crosses over into misuse or abuse. I certainly have my own issues--like micro management for example! But I am always telling out team that who they are is more important than what they do. And they know I mean it! Does your staff know that? Do you value them as people as much as employees?
3) Who you do ministry with will determmine how much you enjoy ministry so make wise hiring decisions. They will make you or break you! Your staff can make ministry a joy or a burden. That's why the #1 quality I look for in potential staff is a sense of humor. If we can't laugh together we can't work together! Senior pastors, you need the courage to fire people who should get fired. Don't allow cancer to spread. But we also need to take responsibility for our staff culture. We set the tone. We work really hard at National Community Church, but we have a ton of fun doing it! Work hard. Play hard. I believe ministry should be fun. It won't be fun all the time. But on the whole, we should have a blast serving God! Make it fun for your staff. We do staff get-togethers where we just hang out and have fun. And every year we do a play and pray retreat with our entire staff including spouses and kids. I don't want to just do ministry together. I also want to do life together!
4) Give your staff a pentecostal handshake now and then! A $50 gift certificate has very little impact on your budget, but it has huge impact on a staff member and a staff member's spouse! When I see someone on our team go the extra mile I want to pat them on the back. And nothing pats on the back like greenbacks!
5) Create a church planter in residence position. This is one of the best decisions we've ever made. It is so healthy for our church culture. You need to see their potential. They need to know you believe in them. You should be their biggest fan!
6) Quit doing ministry out of memory! There are ways of doing church that no one has thought of yet. And it may be your whipper-snapper staff member who has the new idea. Let them succeed. Let them fail. Let them try!
7) When the time comes, don't just release your staff. Give them a double blessing as they go! Don't wait to honor them until they leave! But when they leave make sure you send them off with a blessing as they begin the next chapter in their lives!
Honestly, I feel like I'm just scratching the surface here. I just know that we need to close the generation gap and one way is by dialoging about it.
Monday, September 24, 2007
Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)
24 comments:
Wow! I guess I'll consider myself officially "older" because this list hit home:) Great advice for any lead pastor.
Great job, Mark. Really appreciated it. Your points are solid ones. Your statement “don’t mask your insecurity as their immaturity” was one that I’ll remember.
I do not pretend to have the experience you do in this field, but would add the following two to your list:
1. Accountability and submission have to be taught by example. Senior leaders who call for submission from subordinates but who, themselves, do not have any accountability need to realize the irony of their request. They are breaking the cardinal rule of leadership which is that leading is done best by example. Display openly to your followers that you, too, have accountability. And, no … “God,” should not be your only answer.
2. View your staffers as your BETA testers. In the software world, BETA testers are those who get to test a program and point out its flaws before the general public can buy it. When staffers question your decision, it usually has more to do with the fact that they see problems in the decision rather than their being a problem child. I don’t think senior leaders realize how often they make decisions which contradict decisions they made earlier. If you prevent your staff from revealing this to you, your congregation becomes the BETA testers of your policies… and you really, really don’t want that. Field your decision to your staffers and listen to their input. Ask if it contradicts something you said earlier. And then do the hardest thing … LISTEN.
Good stuff, Mark!
this may seem a little off topic...but it definitely pertains to the discussion of "what to do when you disagree"
I just finished reading an article in the Fall 2007 ENRICHMENT journal and I can't believe what I just read - pages 114-120 - an article teaching against Generational Curses!?!?
I agree that some in pentecostal / charismatic streams have taken this teaching too far, but Dr. Nunnally is out of line in his coming against the Generational Curses teaching.
Neil Anderson and C. Peter Wagner are pretty solid in my book, yet Nunnally discredits them in his article.
Anyone who has been in ministry for longer than 5 years can attest to the reality and truth that generational curses play a huge part in deliverance ministry - both in the lives of believers and unbelievers.
I still can't believe this article is in ENRICHMENT... I'm shaking my head in disbelief.
I like those Lane. Love to hear some other comments and additions from others! I think we really need to learn from each other in this area!
Mark
Yes, good stuff, I agree that many pastors lack a solid well developed pastoral identity, both young and old.
great stuff.....
Great blog as usual.
I must admit that I love the Title:
"Take TWO".
www.taketwoministries.com
Again, great blog content along with an incredible title.
Thanks Mark! Great advice.
Too many associates move too quickly because of being overlooked and under attay-boyed!
Let me also share that Time-Off is another great way to thank the staff. And for most pastors it really rings a bell because its FREE!
When a staff member of mine does a great job - I feel blessed and encouraged for having him on our team. Pastors should never feel intimidated by the success of the staff they have hired. They are a reflection of the pastor.
I have served with some great pastors, from them I learned what to do. Sadly, I have also served with some poor pastors, from them I learned many things NOT to do.
My observation: The larger the staff - the greater the need to follow and stick to a calendar.
Thanks again for the forum. Pastors need to be challenged to communcate and care for their staff.
Tom Bougher
The Rock - Huntsville, Alabama
You are right, it is off topic. But since you have brought it up, Dr. Nunnally is not out of line to bring this up especially in Enrichment. Perhaps you didn't know it but the A/G position is that we as a fellowship do not believe in generational "curses". Familiar sins? Sinful habits that continue in families? Yes. Curses? No. Maybe those who are A/G should check out what the A/G officially believes.
Great Post! I wouldn't be in the role I am today if I didnt have leadership that gave me a chance to succeed and the chance to fail. They applauded me when I was successful and were graceful when I failed.
The other great point here is sometimes the church worries too much about feelings or avoiding conflict in terms of staffing. Mark hit it right on, sometimes you have to let people go. I recently had to make this tough decision, while never easy has proven HIGHLY beneficial for my department.
Two great posts! This is the kind of stuff we need to continue to see and dialogue with.
Mark - Thanks for your excellent thoughts on bridging the "generational gap!"
Anonymous & Anonymous - I'm not sure how this turned into a discussion on "generational curses?" Maybe we should bring it up in a post sometime and let others chime in.
While I wholeheartedly agree with Dr. Nunnally's position, I also think there should be a place where AG ministers can dialog and discuss different positions than those that appear in Enrichment.
Sometimes it seems like every article is written by the same person.
It would be great if we could read more than one-side of the often very complex issues covered. Hopefully we can continue to do some of that here.
I have been blessed to have been a part of an amazing community of faith and to serve with a lead pastor who not enabled me as a pastor to grow in my gifts but also to send me with a great gift of monthly blessing so I can pursue the dream that God has given to me to be a church planter.
I have had the privilege to serve with a lead pastor who practiced these principles and it was definitely an amazing and positive experience.
I also whole-heartedly agree with the principles of the role of that the staff pastor. I will always be loyal to my former pastor, I still see him as mentor and friend and even still a pastor of sorts. Our relationship with each other will continue to be strong.
Mark, these two post are not only right on but that have proven to be true. Thanks for your wisdom.
Generational Curses -- Yes, off the topic! Wave Nunnally is an excellent scholar. Others have written about this too...Opal Reddin, Stanley Horton, etc. You can find very good articles at ag.org that speak to this topic.
Great posts. I've learned from some of the best and have learned even more from some of the worst. We choose what we learn from those above and below us. I'm a stickler for loyalty and it has served me well. Unfortunately I have seen far too many disloyal and watched the pain they have reaped from what they had sown.
I too agree that conflict avoidance contributes greatly to the chasm in leadership. May we learn to constructively agree to disagree with one another and also understand that at times it is not about right or wrong but about different. May we develop an understanding and openess to hearing others in our lives.
Mark,
Right on! You hit a major nail on the head when you mentioned that a minister's insecurities can adversely affect a ministry (I'm not quoting you exactly).
I wish leaders in general knew that it is alright to be afraid or even underskilled--after all, that's when we can trust in the Spirit's power the most. I'm not advocating shoddy ministry, but rather honest appraisal and transparency; these lead to a true dependence on the Holy Spirit.
We don't have to be afriad of our weakness; but we need to be afraid of trying to hide insecurities with the camouflage of pride and its destructive action and reactions.
Great balanced posts!
Tim Enloe
www.enloeministries.org
Bro. Mark - just some thoughts on some of your statements in regards to Job 11.6 and your interpretation of that scripture. There appears to be some real concerns as far as your interpretation of this. There seems to be also some deep concern in that your interpretation of Job 11.6 is the "linchpin" of your theology. "Your interpretation" is: "True wisdom has two sides. In other words, truth is found in the tension of opposites. Where there is no tension there is no truth!"
Since Jesus is The Truth how does this relate or fit together - does Jesus have two sides? Truth has always been, long before any tension or untruth. Tension does not create Truth. Your interpretation of Job 11.6 appears to agree with one "Eastern Religion" leader by the name of Acharya Mahaprjna who says: "That which is true contains its opposite." Your interpretation of Job 11.6 is the logic of ancient Jain Philosophers. In fact Georg W.F. Hegel, nineteenth century German philosopher believed and preached that there is no such thing as absolute truth. Instead "truth" is found in Synthesis, a compromise of Thesis and Antithesis. What Hegel believed is the core of the "consensus process." Hegel also stated as quoted by Martin Luther King Jr. in 'Strenth to Love:' "Truth is not found in the thesis nor the antithesis but in an emerging synthesis which reconciles the two." One other thought here which may assist in the proper interpretation of Job 11.6 - John Wesley states in regards to Job 11.6 in reference to the word "Double" - "that they are far greater (the word double being used indefinitely for manifold, or plentiful) than that which is manifested. The secret wisdom of God is infinitely greater than that which is revealed to us by his word or works..." The word "double" does not carry the meaning of "two sides." You stated also that where there is no tension there is no truth. Is that true?. The tension of opposites does not appear to bring truth nor does it seem to be central to truth. Jesus is The Truth - He is Absolute - Humankind have problems with one another but Jesus is truth. Must there be tension in order to have truth? The scriptures say that Jesus (Truth) brings division (tension?) however I just don't see that without tension there is no truth. Perhaps if you have some time to address this short "epistle" you could or some others could clarify this tension/truth conflict Biblically. Thank you so much for your time and attention.
hello folks! i am heartened that discussion of this important issue is taking place, both for and against. although i am amazed by the expression of surprise by anonymous (especially on a website devoted to open dialog), i am more than willing to engage in dialog myself. everyone needs to understand, however, that i will faithfully adhere to Statement of Fundamental Truths #1 and support my position only by reference to Scripture (on this and all matters of faith and practice). for protestants, arguments that fall back on modern authorities and/or personal experience are non-starters. having said that, let me push the argument one step further and assert that if the A/G is ever to return to its former glory days, it will be because it returned to its roots as a "back-to-the-Bible" movement which rejected much "conventional wisdom," tradition, and the authority of men in favor of the clear teachings of Scripture. if we will again proclaim HIS Word, He will confirm it with the signs and the wonders that attend it (Mk. 16:20). if we insist on proclaiming the word of man, He will find others to serve as His spokespersons (Jer. 23:25-32 versus 15:19, etc.).
Generational Curses…I’ve found that hyper-charismanics love to demonize their problems rather than deal with them. After all, if the Devil made me do it, how can you hold me responsible. The fact is, whether there is a demonic source or not, the discipleship issues are the same. We pray with and for the person—and we teach them to live effectively with the leadership of Jesus instead of the patterns from the past. James seems to indicate that there at least two sources to sin in our lives—“each one is tempted when, by his own evil desire, he is dragged away and enticed” (1:14) and—“Resist the devil, and he will flee from you” (4:7). Even if the pop-theology of Wagner and Anderson assist with the devil-resisting, it’s ongoing discipleship that deals with the desire-dragging and enticing. Patterns of habitual behavior that are broken by deliverance are rare—that’s why we call them miracles! Most people will experience process-deliverance over the long haul as they rely on the Holy Spirit to reform their passions and appetites and forge their character through the fires of adversity!
Paul's statement about Enrichment is telling: "Sometimes it seems like every article is written by the same person." I no longer even unwrap the cellophane—I figure if it makes it through the AG censor filter—it’s old news at best and I throw the wannabe Leadership Journal in the trash! Worse yet is my district’s monthly magazine! Wow—it reads like a bad segment of Saturday Night Live. We honestly feel guilty sending in our money to support such outdated and uninspiring programs and publications. While I’m venting—can someone tell me the purpose of that Superintendent’s Letter with the multi-fold lists of ministers who have been dismissed, credentialed, lapsed, etc. Couldn’t this information be posted online—and don’t those people already know that they didn’t make the cut and got dropped from the lineup? How much does that mailing cost me in tithes and dues? Maybe our new GS could do something to improve the quality of our publications—or put them online so we don’t have to pay for something that many of us don’t even open!
Batt-Man.........
You are a "wise young man" to some and a "wise old guy" to others. Either way, you deliver some insightful and provocative tips that will help create a recipe for successful staff (Pastoral team) dynamics and Ministry.
It takes a genuine understanding of WHO WE ARE; who we are NOT; who God has called and empowered us to be; and consistent HARD WORK, to see the culture become and remain one of promoting HIM and EXCELLENCE.
Insecurity, territorialism, kingdom-building, etc...are the enemies of ministry that is balanced and holistic. Respect, serving and security are just a few of the qulities that need to exist to see fulfillment in ministry, rather than constant frustration and turnover. You have given us MUCH to think about.
Thanks Mark ! (long live "Flight School")
Dr. Nunnaly,
I remember feeling like I was under a generational curse when I had to take your final exams...
Tim
A couple thoughts.
First, I've never really liked anonymous comments :) While I allow them on my personal blog, I have found that the best-stated position are those who stand behind them with their name :) Most anonymous commentors have something to hide and it is usually their own issues or insecurities. I don't want that to sound mean, but I do want to be upfront and honest. Trying to speak the truth in love :)
Second, to respond to an anonymous comment...truth in the tension of opposites is not from some Eastern religion unless you're referring to Christianity which is an Eastern religion that we have westernized :)
In my experience, theologically and practically, I feel tremendous tension between things like grace and truth and the sovereignty of God and free will of man. That is what I'm referring to when I say "tension of opposites." Truth is found in the tenuous juxtaposition of those things. Hope that helps explain.
Mark
To the last Anonymous (September 26): I hope you haven't taken the trash to the curb yet. The last couple of Enrichments have great articles by Mark Batterson. I don't think they fall into the "AG censor filter/old news at best" category.
In your efforts to consign Enrichment to the garbage heap, I think you're missing out on a lot of helpful material.
Post a Comment