Book: Reviving the Congregation: pastoral leadership in a changing environment

Pastoral leadership has always been challenging, but clergy and parish leaders today face unprecedented challenges, many of which simply didn't exist a generation ago. The questions of ministry and leadership in the church today range broadly across the financial and the managerial, the spiritual and the interpersonal.
In such a time, a wise mentor who can articulate a way forward for others is an immeasurable help. In Reviving the Congregation, Michael W. Foss, best-selling author of Power Surge, steps forward as that mentor.
Bringing decades of experience in congregational life and leadership and a winsome style to the work, Foss offers a compelling introduction to the new context in which we lead, and the personal and congregational strategies that will offer a way forward.
Reviving the Congregation is rooted in Foss's own experience, but it is open to all through questions for reflection, space for notes and journaling, and an extended bibliography for further reading.

Chapters include:
1. A Collision of Perspectives
2. The Pastor’s Soul
3. The Church’s Environment
4. The People’s Ministry
5. The Three Keys
6. The Value of Persistence

Available in Australia from December from Australian Church Resources

Pastor Michael Foss talking about his new book

Interview: Sarcamental Leadership

Pastor Bill Woolsey was recently interviewed in relation to leadership, engaging culture, and  “sacramental entrepreneurs.”  

The interview includes responses to:
What are sacramental entrepreneurs?
What does being sacramental look like when it comes to being in our communities and blessing people in our communities?

to listen to the interview visit:  http://www.rjgrune.com/bill-woolsey/

Lutheran Leadership: Nehmehiah chapter 3

At least a day before you meet; read Nehmehiah chapter 3

This chapter highlights that many people are needed for rebuilding the temple.
Reflect and Share
How does this chapter relate to your congregation?

Now read 1st Corinthians chapter 12
Reflect and Share
What these two chapters maybe saying to you as a leader and to those you are leading?

Apart from the actual building what else did some of those involved in the building do?
read Nehmehiah 3:1
Reflect and Share
What might this mean for your organisation?

Next Steps
Thinking about Nehmehiah 3, what are the next steps for your congregation or organisation.
Do you think there is a need for better planning and co-ordinating in your congregation or organisation?
How can you encourage more people to be involved in building God's church?

Lutheran Leadership: Nehemiah study chapter 1

At least the day before you meet as leaders or the day before you intend reflecting further on the word...read Nehemiah Chapter 1

Begin your time togehter by reflecting on the last week or month you have experienced as a leader.
What have been some of the good thing?
What challenges or frustrations have you been facing?
How do the good things and the challenges fit into God's persepctive of being a leader for Him?

Read Nehemiah 1:1-3
Share:
What situations are you facing or hearing about as a leader that parrallel those Nehemiah hears about?
What is the reality of your situation?

Read Nehemiah 1:4-7
Think and share about what verse 4 maybe suggesting to you as a leader for your congregation or your organisation.
Think and share about how God has been faithful and kept His side of the bargain with you, your congregation and community as suggested in verses 5-6
Think and share about what sins as leaders we need to confess on behalf of the congregation or organistion you are leading....(verses 6-7)

Read Nehemiah 1:8-11
Think about and share what verse 8 and 9 is suggesting for your congregation or organisaton.
What role is God playing?
Whose people are we actually leading and what does this mean for us as leaders?
According to verse 11 what is important for all leaders who are leading people for God.

Daily challenge
Between now and the next meeting pray daily the type of prayer Nehemiah prayed for His people.

Lutheran Leadership thought: Leaders are fathers who rely on the Father

As we look at the scriptures and the history of faith since the early church, fatherhood in the church plays a significant role. Now whilst some will say our society has changed with males and females being equally responsible for things, the concept of fatherhood is still important for us as individual Christians and as a bunch of people that God loves.

The New Testament Church emphasises God as father, far stronger than the church in the Old Testament.
There are only a few references to God as father in the Old Testament and most centre around God being the Father who creates us and rescues us....read Psalm 89:26 and Isaiah 64:8.
But in the Gospel of John alone, God as Father is mentioned at least 115 times....
In John 14:9 Jesus says "The Father and I are exactly alike. If you have seen me, you've seen Him."
The two words in the New Testament used for God as father are Pater and Abba.
Pater is the more common one, and in the New Testament it is not just used for God the father, but also biological fathers, legal, ancestors and fathers of a clan.
It has the sense of someone who is senior, wise, mature, important, someone who guides, encourages and disciplines.
Abba is less common. We can find it in only 3 passages, all 3 refer only to God the Father.
Read Mark 14:36, Romans 8:16-17 and Galatians 4:6-7.
What are these passages saying about the type of relationship God desires with Jesus and us?
Does talking to God as Abba change the way we relate to God our king?

Something to think and talk about
What does it mean for God to be our Father?
How does this help us in our role as leaders?

Another important role that scripture reveals is that earthly fathers have a responsibility in caring for those who are younger and less mature in the faith than them. And when Jesus says "Go and make disciples of all nations", there is encouragement to the disciples not limited to those who simply bear children, but also leaders that they are encouraged to be fathers to those who are new to and growing in the faith.
Read to discover more what this entails Deuteronemy 6:4-12, Ephesians 6:4 and 1 Thesselonians 2:11-12
What is this saying about the role of fathers?
How does this apply to my role as a leader in the church?

Some things to think about during the week
What can I learn from God about being a father?
What young people has God put in my life (in my family, street, workplace, social scene and church) that God is calling me to train, encourage, comfort and urge in the faith?
Whether I am a male or female leader, how does the the bible's discussion on fatherhood shape how I nurture the faith in those God has entrusted me with?

If you have futher comments please feel free to leave them at the bottom of the page.....

Lutheran Leadership 11: Diversity and differences a problem or a blessing

Do you see the differences and diversity in your congregation or organisation as problems or good?

Some people dislike differences simply because it is harder to manage and harder to relate to. However read 1 Corinthians 12:12-27....

God's perspective on differences is that they are actually a strength. Different ideas, talents, skills and opinions actually help us to grow and develop. Differences are needed for our organisation or congregation to be healthy, Godly and more complete.

Somethings to reflect on and discuss
What are the differences in your congregation or organisation?
How are the differences that exist in your congregation or organisation be of benefit?

Many people find it difficult to be part of an organisation or congregation where there are too many differences, however read Colossians 1:15-18, Ephesians 1:22-23, James 4:7 and Ephesians 5:21.
Somethings to reflect on and discuss
What do these passages suggest make it possible for a diverse congregation to survive?
What does this mean for your congregation or organisation?

Spend time praying about the difference in your congregation/organisation and how they can benefit the rest of the congregation/organisation.

Lutheran Leadership 10: Handling complaints in a healthy way

Background
Complaints are inherit part of being church, especially a church that is welcoming, has a diverse range of people and lives the reality of being a bunch of saints and sinners. If you want a biblical example of a church complaining, read 1st and 2nd Corinthians and see how they acted and how St Paul responded.

Some complaints are legitimate, that is why we have processes in place and biblical guidance. Many other complaints are not legitimate especially when you consider the full context of a situation and what the church is called to do.

The following teaching is about dealing with complaints in a healthy way, a way that encourages others and helps us grow more like Christ and as the body of Christ.

Some of the issues that lead to complaints
We have the basic issue of sin, people mess up and people think primarily of themselves. We sin and people sin against us.

At times, we think of ourselves as individuals above what we agree and have agreed to do together as the body of Christ. Our position by itself may not necessarily be wrong, but it is wrong when we are part of the Body of Christ and yet put our position above that or in competition to the rest of the body.

At times, we don’t understand the context God has called us to shine His light into. We ignore generational differences, time differences, cultural differences, geographical differences and social differences.

At times, our loyalty is to things other than God. (ie. We are more interested in a particular style of worship, our friends, maintaining a tradition, even an attitude of what is right in church, money or anything else above God.)

At times, we allow the law to dominate over the Gospel (ie. We don’t help people see that God accepts them and forgives them), or we don’t speak any law at all, ultimately resulting in the Gospel being irrelevant (ie. We allow people to do whatever they want).

Responding to complaints
When it comes to complaints, God gives us some fundamental tools and principles.
The primary principles come from scripture.

The most frequent scripture passage used by the Christian Community is Matthew 18:15-20
15 "If a brother or sister sins, go and point out the fault, just between the two of you. If they listen to you, you have won them over. 16 But if they will not listen, take one or two others along, so that 'every matter may be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.' 17 If they still refuse to listen, tell it to the church; and if they refuse to listen even to the church, treat them as you would a pagan or a tax collector.
18 "Truly I tell you, whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.

Two other important passages in this area are:
1 Corinthians 13:4-7
4 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5 It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6 Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7 It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
Ephesians 4:29-32
29 Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. 30 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. 31 Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. 32 Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.

Also Luther’s Small Catechism offers some guidance…
The Eighth Commandment says
You shall not bear false witness against your neighbour. Luther also pointed out that the bible says we are not to tell lies about others, betray or slander them or destroy their reputation. Instead we are to always defend them, speak well of them and interpret everything they do in the best possible light.

These three passages and Luther’s explanation to the 8th Commandment highlight that there is a process and attitude which is biblical when it comes to complaints.
1/ They recognise that complaints will occur.
2/ Forgiveness and love are essential goals in dealing with complaints.
3/ When we have an issue with someone in the church (or a group) we should first meet with that person or when it is a complaint against a team decision or action, the responsible team leader. We should not to wait for a meeting, especially a congregational meeting. If we don’t believe it has been dealt with appropriately we need to inform the person we have complained to and then bring the issue up with the relevant team. If it still has not been handled appropriately then it becomes a matter for the BCL (Church Council) and then the congregation as a whole.
4/ Our motivation for raising issues is to encourage people, build them up and help people and the church grow.

What happens when others complain to us or we hear a complaint on the grapevine?
One of the most damaging complaints in a church is the anonymous complaints, eg. someone has told me, I have heard on the grapevine, etc.. People who raise such complaints should not expect any action to occur in regards to their complaint. Apart from ignoring biblical principles, these complaints are damaging because:
· We cannot clarify the nature of the complaint, there maybe misunderstandings.
· It does not allow informed discussion about the complaint, why an issue occurred or what is happening.
· It does not allow people to defend themselves, explain their actions or provide another side of the story against a complaint.
· It prohibits us educating people of why and how certain things occur or do not occur, or even what it means to be church at our congregation.
The most appropriate way to handle these complaints officially is to ignore them until the person who instigated the complaint is prepared to come forward.

What to do when people complain to us about someone else?
If we are not the appropriate person when we hear people complaining, an appropriate and biblical consistent approach to take is:
1/ Listen to them. They maybe just blowing off steam or getting an opinion if others think that way.
2/ Encourage them to take the complaint to the person or team they have a complaint with. If they are not confident in doing this, say you are prepared to go with them, but you will not speak on their behalf. It is not your role to represent them and bring complaints to others on their behalf. As a last resort, encourage them to talk the issue over with the pastor.
3/ If they are unwilling to go directly to the person they have a complaint against encourage them to drop the issue and forget about it, suggest they read the above passages. Also don’t listen to the complaint any further.

If someone complains to us or to the team we are leading.
1/ Listen to them.
2/ Clarify with them what their complaint is.
3/ Let them know we are following the principles in the above bible passages.
4/ Put the complaint into context. What have others said? How many have complained? Has there been praise for the very thing people are complaining about? Does a once off, mean it happens all the time?
5/ Explain your side of the story and why things were done or not done.
6/ Judge your complaint and actions based on what we are called to do as a church, against what our congregation’s objects are, our mission statement, your team’s responsibilities, our congregation’s decisions, member’s responsibilities and what scripture say.
7/ If necessary agree to disagree.
8/ Seek forgiveness and offer forgiveness.
9/ Pray to God about the situation
10/ Help the person be more involved in the congregation.

IMPORTANT
Due to laws and our responsibility as a congregation if you hear of a complaint of a criminal matter, sexual abuse nature or abuse relating to children or the elderly regardless of how you have heard it this must be discussed immediately with the pastor of the congregation and not discussed widely.

© 2009 Richard Schwedes. Please feel free to use this for congregational and church use.

Lutheran Leaderhship 8: Obstacle removers, not obstacle encouragers or enforcers

The core mission of Jesus is extremely clear....

Read John 3:16-17
“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.  For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.

Reflect and share
As one of his disciples how does Jesus core mission affect how you lead?
Where can you see examples of Jesus core mission in your life and the organisations you are leading?
Where can you see Jesus core mission missing in your life and the organisations you are leading?

One of the issues every leader faces is that there will be obstacles to us living out and leading people in being in touch with Jesus core mission, at times we even put obstacles in the road.
We can assume there are more important things than Jesus core mission. This could be the hoops people need to jump through to receive God's love, that they must participate or like a certain style of music or worship, that they need be living perfectly up to our standards before God would even consider loving them, that everyone must worship at the same time or anything else that we say is crucial that the bible doesn't say is crucial (remember the Lutheran principle we do and not do what the bible clearly says, but where it is not covered there is freedom).

Even the disciples fell into the trap of putting up obstacles of others developing relationships with Jesus.

Read Matthew 19:13-14, Mark 10:13-16 and Matthew 18:15-17
Reflect on and share
What do these texts say to us as leaders about people being in contact with Jesus?
What do they mean for us?
Are there any practices or thoughts in our organisation that needs to be reviewed to remove the obstacles that exist for people to develop a relationship with Jesus?
Why do you think we want to develop and enforce obstacles?

One of the things in life we need to face is that people are different...there are different generations, different personalities, different backgrounds and experiences....
This situation of differences often results in what one person sees as good another sees as bad...but for many things, not all the reality is neither is good nor bad maybe just more appropriate for one type of person and less appropriate for another. And the bible does talk to us about this situation read 1 Corinthians 12 and 13....

and if you are interested in learning about the different types of people that maybe in your organisation and how they may connect with Jesus read the book Sacred Pathways by Gary Thomas....it highlights 7 different types of people and the ways they relate to Jesus....

Lutheran Leadership 9: Being a Godly leader....take Godly rest

Probably one of the hardest things for leaders to do is to take rest as God instructs. Many good leaders are so engrossed and passionate about who they are leading and what they are doing that they can easily find excuses and reasons why taking rest is not possible.

And yet as we flip open the pages of scripture we see rest for a leader is a Godly thing to do...

The biggest leader of all God himself worked for six days then rested, read Genesis 2:2-3 and spend a few moments of thinking How the God who created everything, who has everything in His control takes rest....and ask why?

God also commands us to takes rest...
Read Exodus 20:8-11, Deuteronomy 5:12-14 and Leviticus 23:3
What are these verses saying to you?
What is involved in having a day of rest?
Who else is involved in rest?
What is God asking you to do when you rest?
(Read also and see what happened when Pharoah wouldn't allow His slaves to rest, Exodus 5:1-19)

Read and reflect on Matthew 11:25-30 and see what Jesus says about rest
How does Jesus offer you rest?

Read and reflect on Hebrews 4:1-13 on the importance of rest

Reflect and share on why is resting in God important for you as a leader.
What does God do in our rest?
How does resting in God influence how you relate to those you are leading and your family?
What are the challenges for you to rest?
What do you need to pray to God about in relation to rest?

Read the story of Chick-fil-A who never open on a Sunday and why at http://www.thecross-photo.com/Chick-fil-A_Restaurants-Closed_On_Sunday.htm

Lutheran Leadership 7: Leading in your context

In ministry and mission one of the important aspects we need to consider is the context we are ministering in.

If you don't think context is that important take a look at the Gospels.
Matthew, Mark, Luke and John.
Have you ever wondered why there are four and not just one big one(that would make life easier wouldn't it)?
Well part of the answer to that question lies in the fact that each of the Gospels were written for a different audience.
Matthew was written primarily for the Jews, Mark for the Romans, Luke for the Gentiles and John for the Greeks. Now each of these groups had a different view of life and so if you take the time to investigate the Gospels further you will notice their emphasis of Jesus differs and so does their focus.
The Gospel however always remains.
Question for you to consider
What is the Gospel?
Do you understand what must not change?

Furthermore when we delve into scripture...we see Jesus deals with sin differently depending on who he is dealing with...to the Pharisee, those who claim to know God's ways he is often more critical, but to others like the women who had committed adultery he takes a different approach. (read Matthew 23 and John 8:1-11)
Also Paul writes to a variety of congregations, his letters are frequently yelling about Jesus the wonderful Messiah and how good he is, but he also discusses what this means in relation to some issues occuring in these various places.

And some many years later Martin Luther spent a considerable amount of time and energy translating the bible into the German language, so more people could grasp the Gospel.

Now some people worry that if we attend to context too much we will lose the gospel. But others say that unless we attend to culture and context people will not even consider the gospel. This is why it is important to understand what is essential, what the message of the Gospel is? How that is communicated may alter, but the Gospel itself never alters.

Let me give you an illustration that may help, currently I live in Tasmania Australia. Its a cold place. Some years ago they discovered that the most cost effective heating came from Reverse Cycle Air Conditioners. Despite this initially sales were shockingly low. Very few people in Tasmania were interested in air conditioners. Advertising wouldn't work. Men thought their wives were crazy suggesting they buy an air conditioner in Tasmania. And telemarketers were frequently laughed at and had the phone slammed in their ear. Then some bright spark got the idea that they needed to focus on the heat they pumped out, so the name heat pump was adapted and almost instantly sales went through the roof.

Likewise as leaders in mission who understand our contexts, we need to listen for what parts of the Gospel message people are most likely to get people's attention. Now this is not changing it or promising something that it is not, or downplaying those things that are true and important. But it is emphasising those things that help people grasp the Good News of Jesus.

A question for you to consider
What is the context of the people you are leading?
Or probably more appropriately what are the contexts of the people you are leading?
Consider who are the people, what is the environment like, what is happening around you and your congregation, how do people perceive the church or parts of the church, does your congregation context match your community or part of your community context?

The reality is most of us lead and minister in not one but many contexts, and this affects how we may need to go about ministry and mission. Recently I had a discussion which highlighted this. A grandmother was complaining that the grand children she was regularly looking after were disobedient because they were always questioning her. I then remembered a discussion I had with my father some months ago. He said when he went to school it was sit down, shut up and listen. Everything you needed to know you were told, if the teacher didn't know it you never got to know it. Now jump a few generations ahead and life is somewhat different. Children are encouraged to ask questions, encouraged to explore, are used to learning through a multiple of resources and at times discover things that their teacher didn't even know. As the grand mother thought this through she became a little more tolerant of her grand children, realising that their questioning was how they went about life.

Now lets transfer this into a congregation where we have a mixture of grand parents, parents, teenagers and children. Already you probably have 4 contexts. Each of these groups learn differently, express themselves differently and even understand the world around them differently.
Question to think about
As leaders how do these different contexts affect how your congregation worships, handles money, learns, relates to each other, serves in the church community and the wider community, views the gospel and how they are cared for?
Apart from age what are some of the different contexts that exist in the community you are leading?
What does it mean for us as leaders to be responsible for leading a group of mixed contexts?
What are some of the challenges?
How might this be exciting for us?

Read Galatians 3:26-28, Colossians 3:5-11 and 1 Corinthians 9:19-23.
What is God saying in these three texts about leading different people from different contexts?
How do these texts affect how we lead in an organisation with a variety of contexts?

Lutheran Leadership 6: Being used to bring life to situations

As leaders one of our roles is to continue helping others see that there is life and help them to have life.

Opening questions
As either individual leaders or as a group of leaders
What ways have we helped others have life?
And what ways have taken life from others?

Read
Completely read Ezekiel 37:1-14
and as you do ask yourself and others 'what role does Ezekiel play in helping people have life?'
Share your thoughts.

Reread verses 1-2
Often we can think that when we are rightly connected with God, He will always lead us to something good or great. But as Christians and as leaders this is not always the case. At times he may lead us to places that are dry, or have no life. But as we will discover this is only temporary.
Share:
As individual or as a group of leaders what dry lifeless places has God lead you to?
Why do you think this occured?

Reread verse 3-10
Now as you read these verses ask yourselves what did Ezekiel achieve and how?
Many leaders have achieved remarkable things in their life, from almost nothing created something good. Can you think of any?
All leaders have achieved something and some many things.
Through Ezekiel life came about.
However did you notice that God chose to use Ezekiel so that others can have life?
First there were signs of life and then there was life.

Share:
How is God using you to bring life amongst the people you lead?
What signs of life currently exist?
And where is there life?

Reread verses 11-14
Even when there are signs of life, some people will act as if everything is hopeless. The Israelites said, "Our bones are dried up and our hope is gone; we are cut off." And yet God doesn't give up.

Share
Are there any people you are leading who say this?
How might verses 12-14 help you in leading them to the life God wants them to have?
What may need to happen?

Concluding thoughts
How does Ezekiel's experience in these verses help us as leaders?
What were you reminded of or see in a new way as a result of today's study.

Lutheran Leadership 5: Leading like John the Baptist

Leading like John the Baptist

Begin by reading Matthew 3:1-17, Mark 1:1-8 and Luke 3:1-20

Now when you think of leaders in the bible, the name John the Baptist doesn’t automatically come to mind, yet according to many popular definitions of leadership John the Baptist is a significant leader. A leader is a person people go to, read Matthew 3:5, Mark 1:4-5, Luke 3:7 .

Now as a leader John the Baptist wasn’t overly attractive. (read Matthew 3:4).

At times as leaders we are not going to be overly attractive, why?
What are some of the things we have done or are doing that are not attractive?

As a leader John the Baptist calls people away from things, behaviours and lifestyles that are inconsistent with God. This is calling people to repent.. (Mark 1:1-4)
What are the things, attitudes or lifestyles we need to call our community and those who make up our community away from?

As a leader John the Baptist doesn’t call people to follow himself, but points them to Jesus where there is new life, hope and joy. (Mark 1:7-8)
How can we show humility like John the Baptist and point people to Jesus?
What hope and new life from Jesus do people need to hear?

Read Matthew 14:1-12
John the Baptist lost his life for being a leader for Jesus.
What does it mean for you to lose your life in being a leader for Jesus?

Final thoughts
And who and what are the John the Baptists in your life?
Who are the ones who call you away from things, attitudes, approaches to life and people inconsistent with God to those consistent with God, to God’s new life?

Lutheran Leadership 4: Leading during difficult times

Be clear who you are!!
Leading in difficult times is not easy. It can be hard to keep focussed on what your mission, purpose, values and goals are. There are many distractions and some of these are the result of either yourself or others in your organisation being anxious or panicking.
Read
Matthew 16:21-28, Matthew 26:42, Matthew 26:47- 56 and Matthew 6:21
What do these verses say about acting in what appear to be difficult times?
How important is understanding what your purpose is?
Now what is your church’s or organisation’s mission, purpose, values and goals?
How well do you and each of the leaders know them?
Do they support them personally?
Does everyone treasure these as important, essential, if not why not?
If you are meeting together this is a good time to share them and be reminded of them.

Always consider God and others
When difficult times arise we often need help in making decisions that will sustain us and those we lead. In Exodus 28:15-30 God gave the Israelites a tool to help them in making decisions, a breastplate. There has been much speculation of what all the parts of this tool mean, however at the end of the reading we see what the purpose of the breastplate is, that every decision that Aaron the leader makes needs to remember the Lord and the Lord’s followers (the Israelites), especially their relationship with God. Have a look how Jesus says something similar Matthew 22:37-40.
Share what is involved in remembering God and others when making decisions.
What might this mean for us?
Now consider the decisions that we or you need to make.
How does remembering God and then His followers, especially their relationship with God affect these decisions?
Have you considered not just the immediate future, but also the long term?
How are our decisions reflecting God and his light into our organisation and the wider community?
How are they not?

Rely on the truth not assumptions
One of the major problems when difficult times occur is that people begin to assume things, and these assumptions often turn into gossip. This can even result in lies being spread as facts. And most of this gossip is nothing more than scare mongering, people wanting to build themselves up by putting others down.
The small catechism highlights that the bible says:
We should fear and love God so that we do not tell lies about our neighbour, betray them, slander them, or hurt their reputation, but we should defend them, speak well of them and explain everything in the kindest possible way.
Also read Proverbs 12:17-22, 1 Timothy 1:3-6, Proverbs 31:8-9, Mark 14:3-9, Ephesians 4:25, John 8:31-32
Are there beliefs or ideas that are not based on scripture or fact, but assumptions that you need to address?
Are there matters that have been brought to your attention as leaders that you need to check out?
What matters need to be checked out?
How do you discern what is correct and what is not?

What is the most important during difficult times?
Difficult times are not easy times, especially for a leader. However being focused on what is important will help.
Read Psalm 23, Matthew 24:36-51, 2 Corinthians 1:3-11, Philippians 4:4-7; Romans 8:37-39.
During all times not just difficult times where should our focus be?
How is Jesus helpful during difficult times?
How does the focus that the above verses emphasis affect our decisions and life today?

Making disciples during difficult times
Read Matthew 28:16-20
What current difficulties are opportunities for us to bring the Good News of Jesus to people and help them become His disciples?

© 2008 Pastor Richard Schwedes, North Tasmania Lutheran Parish. Pastors and Christian congregations are free to use these to help leaders and others grow as leaders through bible studies or devotions. They are best used in group situations. If you wish to use them for another purpose or to publish them please contact Pastor Richard Schwedes (schwedes@ozemail.com.au)

Lutheran Leadership thoughts No. 3

Leaders not only deal with people but rely on people, especially the people they are leading.

Part of the leaders role is to identify areas that need attention. Unfortunately at times some leaders can find themselves only ever discovering and highlighting areas that need attention. However the role of a leader is also to remind and highlight to people how valuable they are.

In 1st Corinthians 1:4, Ephesians 1:16, Philippians 1:5, 1st Thessalonians 1:2, 2 Thessalonians 1:3 and 2:13 Paul makes an important comment to the churches in Corinth and Thesselonica...he says "I always thank God for you...and we ought to always thank God for you.".

Now all these people who Paul wrote to weren't people that always did everything right. In fact Paul has some strong words to the Corinthians about their behaviour, attitudes to others and each other. They weren't perfect people and yet Paul makes that comment..."I always thank God for you".

Why?
Let's have a look closer...
In 1st Corinthians 1 Paul says it is because of the grace God has given them in Jesus Christ, that has enriched them in every way.
In Ephesians it is because of their faith and love for all the saints
In Philippians it is because of their partnership in the Gospel and the work they are perservering with.
In 1st Thessalonians it is because of the works produced by faith, labour prompted by love and endurance inspired by the hope in Jesus Christ.
In 2nd Thessalonians it is because that their faith is growing and their love for each other is increasing, and because God has chosen them.

Paul's thanking of people is inspired a lot by what God has been up to in the lives of the people he is leading and communicating with, and not just what they are doing.

For thinking and discussion
Is the value of the people we are leading based on what they do, or what God has done and is doing in them?
If what God is doing is important and foundational in people's lives, how does this affect how we lead people and what we encourage them to be involved in?
What benefits are there in thanking people?
What are the dangers in thanking people?....What can we do about these?

How can we make thanking people a priority in our leadership approach?

Who are some people we/you should thank and how?

Lutheran Leadership thoughts No.2 : difficulties

As leaders often we are faced with difficulties. Some leaders infact have a to do list full of them. And these are not just difficult decisions, but also difficult situations. Sometimes the decisions we are involved in will lead to difficulties or difficulties with some people, who are difficult.
The fact is that difficulties are part of a leader’s life. In fact difficulties are one of the reasons leaders are needed. To help people through the difficulties and to help people deal with the difficulties.
Reflection time: What difficulties are you or your organisation facing now? What difficult decisions do you have to make? What decisions which you and your organisation are making will lead to difficulties for yourself and others (either now or in the future)?

How we respond to difficulties often affects not only ourselves, but also the organisation we are leading.
One of the temptations when faced with difficulties is to avoid them. Moses tried this (read Exodus 3) and so did Peter (read Matthew 16:21-28). Sometimes people use the excuse that if we avoid difficulties they are being peacemakers. There maybe times where this is the case however before jumping to that conclusion ask yourself I am really being a peacemaker or only keeping one party happy? Avoiding difficulties is not helpful and often means steering away from your organisation's purpose and goals. Instead of avoiding difficulties, we often need to deal with the difficulties in a ways that keep us in line with our main goals and purposes.

Another response to difficulties is to simply give up when things are not going to well. Is this really a solution? I suspect what drives the decision to give up is the desire for an easier life and is that really being a leader? Imagine if Jesus had given up because the suffering appeared too much, or God had given up on us because we were always letting Him down, or Paul had given up on the churches because they were always getting themselves into trouble? Leaders should be very careful about making the decision to give up. Rather than give up why not look for some alternatives?

Another extreme response for some is to bulldoze their way through difficulties, as they believe they have the right answer and everyone else is wrong. Now you maybe right, however bulldozing through some difficulties may also make it difficult for you and your organisation to achieve your goals and purposes. I used to rent a house where the landlord would clear the garden and get rid of every weed insight before each new tenant moved in by saturating the whole garden in weed killer. Sure the weeds were gone, but also were the beautiful plants, lovely smelling flowers and vegetables. Sometimes when we get angry with difficulties and act as bull dozers we have the potential to cause more harm than good.

As Christian leaders the way we approach such difficulties means we hold tightly to the instructions Jesus has given us, of leading in ways that love God and love others (Christians and non-Christians) and keeping His gospel of salvation as a priority. Rather than avoid difficulties, give up or bulldoze many biblical leaders encountered difficulties and dealt with them in a different way. Take a look at the lives of Jesus (eg. Matthew 16:21-28), Paul (eg. Colossians 4) and Moses (eg. Exodus 32:19-35).

One of the first steps in dealing with difficulties that is common among many biblical leaders is to consult God about the difficulties. This means praying and searching the scriptures in ways where we seek God's guidance. Another important thing to remember is that Jesus came to save the entire world (John 3:16-17), so as you deal with difficulties remember a focus for us is helping people remain in the Christian faith. Our is about primarily dealing with the difficulties, and at the same time in caring for people. Another helpful approach is to break the difficulties down into smaller more manageable chunks, especially if the difficult appears too big. Also it is important to keep on communicating how the specific difficulties are hindering the organisation’s goals and purpose. This is important because many people don't make the association. Put an action plan into place and act on it.
Reflection time: How do you normally respond to difficulties? Why? When confronted with difficulties what is important for you? What are some of the things you need to do about some of the difficulties you are experiencing?

Often when we experience difficulties, God uses them as opportunities to highlight or create something good. In Exodus we see this with Joseph although sold as a slave by his brothers he arises to an advisor to the king and has the chance to save his brothers. Read Joseph response to his brothers in Exodus 50:20. Martin Luther took the difficulties he experienced to make sure the gospel was more clearly spoken to people in their language. Maybe some of the difficulties you are facing as a leader are actually windows for you to allow God to highlight or deliver good amongst the people you are leading.
Reflection time: Think about some of the difficulties you and your organisation face. How might God use them to bring His gospel to the people you are leading. Have you asked God to help you use these to make His love more obvious to the people you are serving?

And remember no matter what difficulties we are encountering, or how stressful they maybe God is always with us, read Psalm 139.

If you found this Luthean leadership thought helpful please let us know by making a comment below. You are free to share it, provided you acknowledge its origin with the following...by Pastor Richard Schwedes, http://www.lutheranmission.blogspot.com/

Lutheran leadership thoughts No. 1

Lutheran Leadership thoughts No 1....
prepared by Pastor Richard Schwedes

The Big Lutheran Leadership Question
What does it mean to be a leader in the Lutheran church?
What does it mean to be a leader anywhere who is Lutheran (and Christian)?

Whether we like it or not.

Most of us are leaders in some situation or another.
Each month I am intending to bring you some thoughts that may get you thinking and perhaps some resources that may help you in your journey as a leader. (and if you have anything to contribute you are welcome either by commenting or by emailing).

The dictionary suggests a leader is someone who guides and directs others and someone who is in front of others.

Reflect on:
Who are you guiding and directing and why?
Who should you be guiding and directing?

There are three further questions that come from this...
The first is something that we need to tackle in relation to where God has placed us, ie. the context.
If we are clear about who we are guiding, do we know to what we are guiding and directing people to? (and also do they understand where they are being guided and directed to?) This is something that constantly needs reviewing in our changing environment, changing roles and needs.
This question is very important....
It needs to be answered by ourselves and understood by those we are accountable to.
For a pastor that includes our church and parish council, senior pastor, your mentors, our church bodies, our congregations, other team members. For other leaders it maybe your bosses, your team, your mentors, your sponsors...
reflection time:

What are we guiding or directing people to?

Are others aware of this destination?

The second question is in relation to where are people now. It is important to understand where people are now. How can we direct or guide people if we have little understanding of where are we guiding people from? This includes helping people understand where they are in relation to where they are being guided to.
reflection time:

Where are people now?

What do you need to do to find out about this?

The third question is how do we go about leading people? Now this is where a Lutheran approach to life should significantly influence us. Ask yourself how does being Lutheran influence how you lead people, whether in the church or in any other role? How do the major Lutheran Christian concepts of grace, forgiveness, servanthood, guided by scripture, loving God and loving others, two kingdoms, being Christ's light, Jesus as head of the church, Jesus coming into people's lives where they are, being little Christ's, the Great Commission, priesthood of all believer and people being saint and sinner influence how we lead others?
reflection time: How does being a Christian who is Lutheran influence how we lead people either in the church or in our other roles? What are some the challenges that conflict with being Lutheran and how do we address these?

If you have any thoughts on the above why not put them in the comments section.

Please feel free to use these in council meetings, congregational settings and with people who are leaders both in the church and their community or looking to be leaders as discussion starters.