Midweek Meditation: "Fitness Sign #4 - Personal Ministry"

We continue with Gary McIntosh and Phil Stevenson's book "Building the Body" which is about the 12 characteristics of a fit Church. Last week, we talked about COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT. This week, it is PERSONAL MINISTRY.

SIGNS OF FITNESS #4 - PERSONAL MINISTRY

"Becoming a fit church is directly proportional to the degree the people of God are active in ministry. This principle has significant implications for a local church. Among other things, it means the heartbeat for a local church is the training of its people. Fit churches do the following things.

First, fit churches train people to know their spiritual gifts. People's identities as gifted servants of God are important impetuses for involvement in ministry. Classes and small group leaders systematically teach that God calls his people to serve. As each person grows to understand their identity in Christ and his body, they catch the vision for personal ministry. Each one identifies their remarkable spiritual gifts, unique talents, and special skills. They discover their passion for ministry while committing to serving with the rest of the church body.

Second, fit churches equip people to use their gifts, abilities, and skills in ministry.
..
Third, fit churches place people into ministry - quickly.
..
Fourth, fit churches provide coaching for people in ministry.
..
Fifth, fit churches evaluate people in ministry.
..
Sixth, fit churches build new ministry around their people's gifts and passions.
..
Seventh, fit churches express thanks to those in ministry." (McIntosh and Stevenson, "Building the Body", Baker Books, 2018, p73-76)

Tips: A church that equips people for personal ministry would have:

• Teaching and preaching about spiritual gifts;
• Spent time helping people discover their unique purpose in ministry;
• Equipped people to use their unique talents and gifts for ministry;
• Placed people in ministry according to their passions;
• Provided encouragement and coaching;
• Offered ongoing training for people to improve their ministry skillsets;
• Expressed appreciation for those serving or had served in ministry. 

c

BookPastor >> "Old Paths, New Power" (Daniel Henderson)

This review was first published at Panorama of a Book Saint on Feb 8th, 2017.

c

---

TITLE: Old Paths, New Power: Awakening Your Church through Prayer and the Ministry of the Word
AUTHOR: Daniel Henderson
PUBLISHER: Chicago, IL: Moody Publishers, 2016, (272 pages).

It's another New Year and time to make new resolutions. It is also tempting to ask ourselves what is the newest, the latest, and the greatest to shore up our work or activities planned for the year. With regard to the Church and the Christian life, it is doubly tempting to incorporate fresh new ideas to renew or revitalize the community. Instead, this book stops us on such a track and forces us to examine old paths instead of seeking new ways. It makes us ponder at the tried-and-tested disciplines instead of relying on the latest and the most novel options available today. Two words sum up the old disciplines needed: Prayer and Bible. It is most timely and timeless. Timely because of the relevance to the needs of today; Timeless because it is applicable throughout the ages. By re-examining the tenacity of the faith and practice of the early Church. While many of us in the modern Church tend to pray in the context of ministry, the early believers minister in the context of prayer. The difference is stark because modern believers treat prayer as a means to an end and practice it only as a department of the overall ministry. This is all wrong. It should be prayer as the context of all ministries. The same applies for the ministry of the Word. This principle is taken from Acts 6:4 which is about how the apostles said: "will give our attention to prayer and the ministry of the word."

BookPastor >> "Seated with Christ" (Heather Holleman)

This review was first published at Panorama of a Book Saint on Sep 27th, 2016.

c

---

TITLE: Seated with Christ: Living Freely in a Culture of Comparison
AUTHOR: Heather Holleman
PUBLISHER: Chicago, IL: Moody Publishers, 2016, (192 pages).

Admit it. We are all guilty of comparing ourselves with others. The difference is in the degree of comparison. In our rush to get things done, sometimes we need a reminder to just pause, perhaps, take a seat, have a cup of coffee, and take stock of where we are. Perhaps, we have given in to the temptations to take charge, to maintain primary control, and to let human wisdom predominate over all. In doing so, we become enslaved to our own wishes. We work as if our salvation depends on what we do or not do. We struggle for the best academic result as if our life's qualifications depend on our efforts. We try harder, serve harder, publish harder, and strive harder in our various earthly pursuits. In focusing upon the verbs within our abilities, we unwittingly sidestepped what Christ had done for us. Expounding on the essence of Ephesians 2:6, the author provides a spiritual snapshot of what it means to be seated with Christ. With creative renditions of how these verbs personify the anxieties of the human heart, Holleman pulls out four strands of the essence of what it means to be seated in Christ.

BookPastor >> "Relational Children's Ministry (Dan Lovaglia)

This review was first published at Panorama of a Book Saint on July 12th, 2016.

c

---

TITLE: Relational Children's Ministry: Turning Kid-Influencers Into Lifelong Disciple Makers
AUTHOR: Dan Lovaglia
PUBLISHER: Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2016, (272 pages).

As far as children are concerned, the Bible has been very consistent. The Bible has said in Psalm 127:3 that "Children are a heritage from the LORD, offspring a reward from Him." We are blessed to have children in our midst. I remember how children light up the mood in any room. At the same time, we need to look at what it means to practice Proverbs 22:6 to "Train up a child in the way he should go; and when he is old, he will not depart from it." Even in the New Testament, children are specifically told to obey their parents. That is one main reason for children's ministry. We want to reach children for Christ, to groom them to be God-fearing individuals, and to help them live a life honouring to God and to people. In the words of Dan Lovaglia, author and Director of Leadership Development at Awana International, children's ministry must be relational. He wants to equip leaders to move from "kid-influencers into lifelong disciple makers" and in doing so to help children do the same when they grow up. Such leaders include not only ministry workers, volunteers, and pastoral staff. Most importantly, it is about reaching and equipping parents by coming alongside them, supporting, encouraging, and guiding them. All of these are best done through relationships. With skill and care, Lovaglia helps us through three main stages.

BookPastor >> "Leading Kids Ministry" (Pat Cimo and Matt Markins)

This review was first published at Panorama of a Book Saint on June 30th, 2016. 

c

---

TITLE: Leading KidMin: How to Drive Real Change in Children's Ministry
AUTHOR: Pat Cimo and Matt Markins
PUBLISHER: Chicago, IL: Moody Publishers, 2016, (176 pages).

How do we drive real change? What does it take to be a change agent in children's ministry? Is it about following the latest trends about children's work? Is it about trying to maintain relevance in a sea of changing expectations? Is it about attractive programs? No. It starts with being a change agent for God. In order to be change agents, we must first be changed. In order to be part of God's ministry to drive change, we must be transformed by God and be renewed in our hearts and minds. In order to lead kids ministry, we must be led. In order to be part of real change in ministry, we must be changed from the inside out. This is the key thesis in this book that aims to encourage and empower leaders and leaders to be in kids ministry.

We first need to get ministry right by recognizing that change is a process. It is not an isolated one-time event. We need to be clear about what we want to happen and what we need to do. It is about gaining perspective and to communicate it clearly to our co-workers. It is about gaining self-awareness. This can be facilitated with various tools to help us find our strengths and weaknesses. Leaders in Kids Ministry need to be empowered by senior leaders, something that this book also describes later. The chapter on "Running Toward Your Problem" is a crucial test of our willingness to face up to our challenges. Are we running away or toward? Are we humble enough to ask for help and feedback? Are we able to partner with other volunteers, senior leadership, parents, and others? Truth is, far too many kids ministry leaders do it alone. In order to reverse this trend, the authors propose nine steps toward healthy partnership.

BookPastor >> "Slow Kingdom Coming" (Kent Annan)

This review was first published on June 22nd, 2016 at Panorama of a Book Saint.

c

---

TITLE: Slow Kingdom Coming: Practices for Doing Justice, Loving Mercy and Walking Humbly in the World
AUTHOR: Kent Annan
PUBLISHER: Downers Grove, IL: IVP Books, 2016, (149 pages).

Just like the action movies, our busy lifestyles and activities that we do make us look like people constantly on the move. If we are not putting anything in motion, we may even be accused of idling. For believers who want to let their faith make a difference in their lives, the pressure is on to do something quick, lest we be accused of hypocrisy. If we open our ears and eyes to see what is before us and what is beyond us through the news and media, we will know that the injustice in the world far outstrips the amount of justice we see. Maybe, the bad news receive greater publicity than the good. There is so much to do that we do not know where or how to start. There are racial discrimination all over the world with the rich and poor often separated by privileges both explicit and implicit for certain people groups. There is human trafficking that despicably enslaves women, children, and vulnerable people. There is violence; violation of human rights; lack of basic resources; and immoral practices throughout the world. Besides that, there are needs closer to home, like the lonely people in our neighbourhood, people experiencing unjust treatment; and the ever growing rich and poor divide. How can we see God's kingdom come when the world seems to be heading toward greater brokenness? Where is the healing and the shalom of God? When we pray "Thy Kingdom come and Thy will be done," where are the results? The key thesis of this book is that the most effective way to ensure the long-term development of developing societies is when we spend time and resources defending, promoting, and cultivating their freedom and their rights.

BookPastor >> "Student Ministry Essentials"

This review was first published on July 2nd, 2016 at Panorama of a Book Saint.

c

---

TITLE: Student Ministry Essentials: Reaching. Leading. Nurturing.
AUTHOR: Steve Vandegriff and Richard Brown
PUBLISHER: Chicago, IL: Moody Publishers, 2015, (256 pages).

Student ministry is crucial not only for the future of the Church but also for the relevant disciple needs of young people. All if not most of us will be a student. For the Church, whether it is a parachurch or a Church-based student ministry, the goal is the same: Equipping and Discipling the young to grow in Christ and to be effective stewards of God's gifts to them. Yet, the years in school are supposedly limited and brief. Apart from the busy academic work expected, there is also the challenge of balancing one's time and resources against the many competing needs and conflicting distractions. In a book that aims to reach, to equip, to lead, and to nurture student leaders, authors Steve Vandegriff and Richard Brown have come together to share their knowledges and wisdom about practical discipleship development; leadership skills; partnership strategies; visions and dreams. The three big thrusts in this book are:

1. To reach out to students and leaders by knowing their needs
2. Toward inspired leadership with a knowledge of the culture, the environment, and the fit
3. To nurture one another with a better knowledge of what student ministry is, means, and needs.

BookPastor >> "Pastors in the Classics" (Leland Ryken, Rhilip Ryken, Todd Wilson)

This review was first published on Jan 30th, 2012 at Panorama of a Book Saint.

c

---

TITLE: Pastors in the Classics: Timeless Lessons on Life and Ministry from World Literature
AUTHOR: Leland Ryken, Philip Ryken and Todd Wilson.
PUBLISHER: Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Books, 2012, (192 pages).

This book teaches us to read literary works, with a special focus on learning the portrait of pastors, leaders, and the pastoral calling. Written in two parts, it is different from a typical non-fiction book in the sense that it shows rather than tells us what to do.The authors gently remind us that literary works are firstly to be understood as a presentation of a human experience. This keeps readers patiently mindful and emotionally ready to shake hands with the text. Secondly, literary texts are for readers to appreciate the authors' interpretation of that experience. This enables readers to embrace the author's understanding like a warm hug. Whether the reader agrees or not is another matter. Understanding is key. Thirdly, it is for the enjoyment of the many creative literary techniques, forms, and beauty. This helps readers to look with the original authors, interpreters, and all, to look in the same direction to appreciate life as a whole.

Part One is the major section of the book, drawing a sharp portrait of the pastoral life through 12 classic works. It lists some essential information like author's background, date published, era concerned, book length, setting, and plot overviews. What is helpful is the description of the characters played out. The unique value of this book is the way the authors sieve out the implications for pastors, leaders, and the pastoral ministry, through themes and insights for leadership.  For example, in "The Scarlet Letter," the Rykens summarizes the book with the words, "Hidden Sin and Its Consequences" while at the same time describes the themes of sin, shame, revenge, punishment, salvation, and forgiveness. It is a 'negative example' that can be used to facilitate a life more aware of the potency of sin. There is also the 'positive example' of perseverance in spite of great suffering. In 'Cry, the Beloved Country,' suffering is seen not as something to be despised and hated, but to be endured for sanctified service. Each chapter ends with a pertinent 'reflection or discussion' section that drives home the theme for application. The questions turns a fictional work into a very personal application, for a non-fictional world.

Part Two is like the section of minors, that bring together 58 short reflections and summaries of literary works. The subheadings of each chapter basically condenses the learning points in one short quip. It does not go into similar depth like the 12 works in Part One. Instead, it points readers with handles to appreciate the texts from a ministry and minister perspective. It looks very much like an extended annotated bibliography of books, much like Eugene Peterson's "Take and Read - Spiritual Reading: An Annotated List." Some of the notable works include "The Poisonwood Bible," "Les Miserables," "Father Brown," "The Brothers Karamazov," and even two of Jane Austen's novels!

Closing Thoughts

Even though many of the works are fictional, the experiences and the emotional ups and downs are real and authentic. It shows us the deep struggles and inner angsts of people in the pastoral vocation. There are many things in ministry that cannot be explained through words, or even stories. Some experiences need the help of good literary devices in order to do justice to the nuances of the emotions.

In a world of modern bookstores packed with story books like Chicken Soup series or all kinds of short stories that aim to inspire or create feel-good emotions, books like Pastors in the Classics, go much deeper, wider, and I dare say, richer. Just the table of contents and introduction pages are worth the price of the book. The literary beauty and brilliance that Pastors in the Classics contains reminds us all over again, that good books are hard to come by. Once they do pass by, read it, for we may not know when we will get another chance to read another good book.

This book is a collectable item for leaders, pastors, ministry workers, teachers, students, and all readers wanting to have a  great literary experience.


Ratings: 5 stars of 5.

conrade

---

"Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. Available at your favourite bookseller from Baker Books, a division of Baker Publishing Group".

BookPastor >> "Rare Leadership" (Marcus Warner and E. James Wilder)

This review was first published at Panorama of a Book Saint on April 5th, 2016.

conrade

---

TITLE: Rare Leadership: 4 Uncommon Habits For Increasing Trust, Joy, and Engagement in the People You Lead
AUTHOR: Marcus Warner and E. James Wilder
PUBLISHER: Chicago, IL: Moody Publishers, 2016, (240 pages).

Another book on leadership? How rare is "rare?" Is there some new thing that we do not know? These questions may be on the minds of some readers who find the words, "leadership" more and more jaded these days. It has been said that most 'new' ideas are not really new, just a new rehash of some old idea. While the idea is not new, the book reminds us of the important traits of leadership. Yet, it is important enough to merit a reminder because of three reasons. Leadership is lacking in many areas; Leadership is always needed in all areas. Leadership is also constantly renewed. What may have piqued some readers is the use of the word 'rare.' The word "RARE" here is used more as an acronym rather than an adjective. It is the conviction of the authors that four "uncommon habits" are related to emotional intelligence, which in turn will draw out the best in people through a "dramatic increase in trust, joy, and engagement."

• R - Return to Joy (gladness of togetherness)
• A - Act like yourself (identity)
• R - Remain Relational (belonging)
• E - Endure Hardship (let hard times unite the people)

Ten Fresh KidMin Research Findings

In 2014, the Awana International organization decided to do a survey of hundreds of children's ministry leaders and workers to find out about the reasons why they are in the children's ministry in the first place; what impact they see; what it takes to minister; what matters most; and so on. The results are summarized in this book entitled, "The Gospel Truth about Children's Ministry." You can read an excerpt here. Here is a list of ten key findings. If you purchase the book, you will find supporting data and tips for how to go about following up with them.

1. Whatever You Do, Remember It’s Still All About the Word of God. (Bible)
2. Lifelong Discipleship Is the Outcome for Which We’re Looking. (Discipleship)
3. The Starting Point in Discipleship Is the Gospel: Leading Kids to Know Christ. (Gospel)
4. Emphasis on Evangelism and the Centrality of the Bible Is How We Make Lifelong Disciples. (Evangelism)
5. It Really Does Take a Village: Discipleship Is Relational and Engages the Family. (Community / Church)
6. We’re Struggling to Develop Kids Who Can Navigate Culture and Live Out a Gospel-Centered Faith. (Culture Engagement)
7. Children’s Ministry Leaders Are Afraid We May Have Sacrificed Substance for Fun and Entertainment. (Fundamentals First)
8. We Need a Program That Can Meet Digital Natives Where They Are. (Technology)
9. We Need Flexibility So We Can Customize to Our Purpose and Needs. (Adaptable)
10. Children’s Ministry Leaders Are Ready to Change If Curriculum Providers Can Provide Them With the Right Resource to Help. (Support Resources)

Some quotes from the book:

• “The objective of any children’s ministry should be to equip children with the tools they will need for life to grow as a disciple, defend their faith effectively, and make other disciples along their journey.”
•  “Helping workers understand that the goal is evangelism and discipleship and relationships with families – that we aren’t just running programs so kids will be busy at church.”
• "Many fear that in the overwhelming busyness of running a children’s ministry program, we may have lost sight of the priority — making disciples of kids, parents, and leaders." 
• ...

This is a good resource to use in knowing the changing and challenging environment we are in.

c

BookPastor >> "Growing God's Church" (Gary McIntosh)

This review was first published on March 3rd, 2016 at Panorama of a Book Saint.

conrade

---

TITLE: Growing God's Church: How People Are Actually Coming to Faith Today
AUTHOR: Gary L. McIntosh
PUBLISHER: Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Books, 2016, (192 pages).

This is a book about evangelism. It is not just another strategy or a how-to book on how to do evangelism. It is an honest survey of the past methods, a sensitivity to present contexts, and a hopeful outlook toward the future. While the gospel is the same, people and culture change rapidly. The methods of yesterday do not necessarily apply to the contexts of today. If we do not adapt accordingly, not only will the church at large continue to see outflow of young people, she will have trouble attracting new ones. In this very important book, Gary McIntosh, President of the Church Growth Network and Professor of Christian ministry and leadership at Talbot School of Theology shares from his experience about the need for leaders to adapt. It is not simply adapting for the sake of adapting. Neither is it for the sake of preserving an old institution that is perceived to be increasingly irrelevant. It is for the sake of the Kingdom of God, for souls, and for the flourishing of a world that God has created to be cared for and to be loved. Just to be fair, there are churches already trying to change. Unfortunately, McIntosh observes that their actions are not only ineffective, they unwittingly dilute the gospel. For example, the missional movement. In wanting to become relevant to the social needs of the neighbourhood, some churches have become another charitable organization that are becoming less evangelistic in their practices, rendering them no different from non-Christian charities. Others throw away the historical past and along with is a core identity of the Church. In this book, McIntosh seeks to bring back the essentials to a Church that is increasingly struggling with being relevant and being faithful to the gospel. He begins by modifying Win Arn's extensive 1979 study on church evangelistic strategies. By the late 90s, he starts to notice that many of the conclusions are no longer true. He then conducted a small study of 11 churches; surveyed people's reasons for coming to church; and reported on the findings. This book is a result of that work.

Midweek Meditation: "By-Products of Ministry"

This excerpt is taken from Philip Yancey's book, "Church, Why Bother?"

*****

For a long time Dr Trogisch could not answer the question of meaning. He went ahead and performed his medical tasks, but he had no answer. Then he conducted an introductory course to train new helpers for the center. At the end of the one-year training period, he asked these young helpers to fill out a survey. Among the questions was this one, "What changes have taken place in your life since you became totally involved with disabled people?" Here is a selection of their answers:

• For the first time in my life I feel I am doing something really significant.
• I feel I can now do things I wouldn't have thought myself capable of before.
• During my time here I have won the affection of Sabine. Having had the opportunity to involve myself with a disabled person, I no longer think of her as disabled at all.
• I am now more responsive now to human suffering and it arouses in me the desire to help.
• It's made me question what is really important in life.
• Work has assumed a new meaning and purpose. I feel I'm needed now.
• I've learned to be patient and to appreciate even the slightest sign of progress.
• In observing the disabled, I've discovered myself.
• I've become more tolerant. My own little problems don't seem so important any longer, and I've learned to accept myself with all my inadequacies. Above all I've learned to appreciate the little pleasures in life, and especially I thank God that he has shown me that love can achieve more than hate or force.

As Dr Trogisch read their responses, he realized with a start the answer to his question. The meaning of the suffering of these children was being worked out in the lives of others, his helpers, who were learning lessons that no sophisticated educational system could teach. Where else could teenagers and college students learn such inestimable lessons as these?

Dr Trogisch has put his finger on a by-product of the church's mission that often gets overlooked. We tend to focus on the objects of ministry: the souls led to Christ, the marriages rescued, the poor fed and housed, the homebound elderly visited, the teenagers challenged. Yet as I read the New Testament, Jesus seems equally interested in what effect ministry is having on the people who are doing the work of ministry themselves.

(Philip Yancey, Church: Why Bother?, Zondervan, 1998, p79-90)

Midweek Meditation: EHC Principal 5 of 6

In Peter Scazzero's "The Emotionally Healthy Church," the fifth principle to cultivate emotional health is to learn to embrace grieving and loss. It means learning to be compassionate, to grow through pain and mature through suffering.

"Forgiveness is not a quick process. I do not believe it is possible to truly forgive another person from the heart until we allow ourselves to feel the pain of what was lost. People who say it is simply an act of the will do not understand grieving." (Peter Scazzero, The Emotionally Healthy Church, Zondervan, 2003, p157)

"Many of us have taken on our culture's pain-denying view of grieving. Perhaps the most popular way in our culture of not paying attention to our losses and pain is by medicating ourselves through an addiction. People use work, TV, drugs, alcohol, shopping or food binges, busyness, sexual escapades, unhealthy relational attachments, even serving others at church incessantly - anything to medicate the pain of life." (p161)

---

#5 - EMBRACE GRIEVING AND LOSS (1-Very / 2-Sometimes / 3-Not Sure / 4-Never)

1. I readily admit my losses and disappointments. (  )
2. I usually reflect on what's wrong rather than pretend nothing is wrong. (  )
3. I take my time to grieve, just like David and Jesus. (  )
4. People in pain willingly come to me to share of their pain. (  )
5. I am able to cry and experience depression or sadness, explore the reasons behind it, and allow God to work through me. (  )
6. I regularly refrain from giving quick answers or solutions. (  )
7. I accept death and suffering as a part of life rather than questioning why all the time. (  )

Note that the lower your score, the better you are able to honestly deal with grief and loss.

conrade

Midweek Meditation: EHC Principle 3 of 6

In Peter Scazzero's "The Emotionally Healthy Church," the third principle to cultivate emotional health is to move away from "proud and defensive" behaviour toward a "broken and vulnerable" posture. Often, for those of us who are insecure, we either flee, take flight, or hide when we are criticized. We need a theology of weakness.

"Everyone is broken, damaged, cracked, and imperfect. It is a common thread of all humanity - even for those who deny its reality in their life." (Peter Scazzero, The Emotionally Healthy Church, Zondervan, 2003, p114)

"When I attempt to exercise control and power, I have strayed from the embrace of the Father." (127)

---

#3 - LIVE IN BROKENNESS AND VULNERABILITY (1-Very / 2-Sometimes / 3-Not Sure / 4-Never)

1. Do you find it easy to admit you're wrong and readily seek forgiveness? (  )
2. Are you free to speak about your shortcomings without fear? (  )
3. Are you approachable and not easily provoked? (  )
4. Do you easily give others the benefit of the doubt? (  )
5. Are you open for feedback, and willing to receive criticisms? (  )
6. Are you quick to listen, and slow to be critical of others? (  )
7. You are often ready to encourage rather than to put people down. (  )

Note that the lower your score, the better you are able to honestly deal with your own brokenness and weakness, and not be afraid to admit you are very human.

conrade

Midweek Meditation: EHC Principle 2 of 6

In Peter Scazzero's "The Emotionally Healthy Church," the second principle to cultivate emotional health is to learn to leave the past behind us, so that we could become the person we are created to be. The past can shape us or refine, but they do not define us.

"Events and people have impacted who I am today and will help me understand 'what makes me tick.'" (Peter Scazzero, The Emotionally Healthy Church, Zondervan, 2003, p96)

"When I was young, I set out to change the world. When I grew older, I perceived that this was too ambitious so I set out to change my state. This, too, I realized as I grew older was too ambitious, so I set out to change my town. When I realized I could not even do this, I tried to change my family. Now as an old man, I know that I should have started by changing myself. If I had started with myself, maybe then I would have succeeded in changing my family, the town, or even the state - and who knows, maybe even the world." (Words of an old Hasidic rabbi)

---

#2 - BREAK THE POWER OF THE PAST (1-Very / 2-Sometimes / 3-Not Sure / 4-Never)

1. Do you resolve conflicts in a charitable and respectful way? (  )
2. Are you willing to work through unresolved hurts and emotional wounds in the past? (  )
3. Are you able to give thanks for your past? (  )
4. Are you aware of healthy and unhealthy ways to deal with a troubled past? (  )
5. Do you need approval from others to feel good about yourself? (  )
6. Are you able to take responsibility for your own faults? (  )
7. Are you willing to discern the major influences of your past? (  )

Note that the lower your score, the better you are able to honestly deal with your past.

conrade

Midweek Meditation: EHC Principle 1 of 6

In Peter Scazzero's "The Emotionally Healthy Church," the first principle to cultivate emotional health is to learn to take a healthy and honest look inside ourselves. It is like a regular health checkup. It helps us develop a connection between our being and our doing; and how our activities are coherent with our motivations.

"Because of Christ's life, death, and resurrection for me, I can actually be free to be me. I can come out of hiding." (Peter Scazzero, The Emotionally Healthy Church, Zondervan, 2003, p82)

Knowing that I stand before God as His beloved has freed me to explore some of the disturbing and dark aspects of who I am." (83)

---

LOOK BENEATH THE SURFACE (1-Very / 2-Sometimes / 3-Not Sure / 4-Never)

1. How easy can you identify your own feelings? (  )
2. Are you willing to explore yourself deeper in areas you are afraid of? (  )
3. Are you comfortable in spending honest, quiet time with God? (  )
4. Are you able to share freely about yourself? (  )
5. How well do you deal with your own anger and frustrations? (  )
6. Can you be honest with others about your true feelings? (  )
7. Are you aware of yourself and knows the difference between self-awareness and "self-absorbed introspection"? (  )

Note that the lower your score, the better you are able to honestly deal with your inner person.

c

The 3Ps of Ministry

This week has been a particularly busy one. It has affected my time for reflection and writing. Thankfully, this week I have a friend who will be a guest preacher, so that frees me to do other ministry work. For me, writing is very much a part of my gifting and ministry work. I try to write as much as I can, but as we all know, time and environment is important. That is why I rely a lot on books. I let the Bible direct my thoughts too. Today, my anchor verse is Paul's word to the Ephesians.

"As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received." (Ephesians 4:1)

3Ps of Ministry

I have always been concerned for committed members of the Church, who run the second, the third, and even the fourth mile. The more I see them run like horses, or busy themselves non-stop like bees, I marvel at the energy. Over time, there will be the state of feeling burn-out, tired, and feeling helpless at the mountain of work and the tiny number of available people. If not addressed, some will move toward discouragement and dejection. A small number even goes into depression. Finally, if the work continues to pile up, when the physical tiredness meets the emotional weariness, we have a formula for burning out. Like a candle burning up on both ends, the time will come when the whole candle disappears altogether.

As I look at the life of Paul, I am encouraged. Such a man of zeal, a man of passion in his constant yearning for the people. A man of purpose, who begins each epistle with a declaration of his identity and calling in Christ, who learns to see people from the eyes of God, I see hope. Here is the 3Ps of Ministry which I hope will encourage you, my reader, and especially the weary worker in Christ.

1) Purpose

When we know the 'why,' the 'how' and the 'what' will fall in its proper place. This is one reason why Rick Warren's Purpose-Driven-Life has made such a huge impact not just for Christians, but also for non-believers. Man is made for a purpose. The trouble is, sometimes, we forget the purpose. In fact, knowing a purpose is not just writing down a purpose or a mission statement. It is to see the SIGNIFICANCE of the purpose. Paul has seen Jesus on his journey to Damascus. It is this sight of the Divine Christ that begins it all. His eyes is so fixed on Jesus that the main part of his ministry is not the Ephesians, the Philippians, the Corinthians, etc. His main purpose is Christ. Everything else flows from that purpose. Note Paul declaring himself not simply as a "prisoner" but a prisoner "for the Lord."

Have we forgotten our purpose of being in Christ when we serve? Have we become too embroiled in ministry work that we forget about the Person of Christ? Mind you, we can serve a lot, do a lot, minister a lot, and still not be a person secure in Christ.

Check our hearts. Check our relationship with God. Caring for others begins with soul-care.

Reflection: How is your personal walk with the Lord today? Strengthen this, and your purpose will naturally be strengthened.

2) Passion

When the demand piles up, we can feel as if we are imprisoned in a cage of ministry work. Any pastor who is too busy working his heart out without adequate reflection is digging his own grave of bruning out. Worse, he may start to lose his passion for God, and subsequently the people he loves.

It is the passion of Christ that has driven Jesus to willingly come to earth, be humiliated, arrested, pierced for our transgressions, and died a cruel death. This passion drives him. His prayer life reflects this deeply.

"Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done." (Luke 22:35)

How can one man give up his heavenly luxury, and be humiliated so badly on earth? If you watch the movie, "The Passion of Christ," you can feel the pains of the whipping and the torturing. Sometimes you may even wonder if it is all worth it at all to die for people who are ungrateful. As followers of Christ, are we to do any less than our Master? Yes, we may not necessarily be whipped and crucified like Him, but the moment we move our eyes away from our own disappointments, to look at the glory and the sacrifice of God, our perspectives can be renewed from needless competition, to loving passion to compassion.

Reflection: Where is your passion? Radical conviction and deep compassion are the twin engines of godly passion.

3) People

Finally, Christ comes down to earth not to die for a ministry. He comes down to die to for people like you and me. Jesus is not interested in constructing big buildings made of stone. He wants to bring together the lost sheep from near and far. For as far as the East is from the West, that is the extent of His love. Not just some, but all of us.

What is worthy? What is our calling?

If your answer is a project, it is to short term. If your answer is to achieve a certain target in life, that is too limited. If your answer is a tangible benefit, that is too narcissistic. If your answer is to serve people, now you are talking. More importantly, the people ministry is about discipleship.

Our calling as disciples of Christ is to MAKE disciples of Christ beginning with ourselves. Both can be done TOGETHER. Sometimes, making disciples can happen at the self first, or for the others first, but discipleship is never about programs or processes. It is about people. Our calling is never to fight over personal principles at the expense of people.

Reflection: Ministry is more about people than principles.


conrade