On my mind. Seems that God is really working in me on this so... I feel the need to share it with those who lead. Leading isn't just about the pastor... ifyou lead from the platform, work in the Kidzone, lead a Lifegroup, serve students..... whatever God has called (KALEO) you to.... please understand we are not playing church. It's war. God takes this very seriously and so should we. As a teacher or leader in the church we are called to more... some day we will give an account. Don't miss the line in Vince's blog below "church leaders should have an authority that comes out of their character and their relationship with God". As a follower of Christ you are an ambassador for The King. Are you pursuing holiness? Are you representing The Kingdom with integrity? You're either helping people take the next step closer to Jesus or you're giving them a reason to move the other direction... some are called to more, some are just beginning the journey... everything is covered in love and grace... free to live... free from the bondage of sin... free... now you know... DON"T BLINK!
This is on Vince's mind as well. In a post this week he writes:
One thing you notice if you study church history is many issues swing back and forth like a pendulum. So, for instance, for awhile people focus on the holiness of God, then on the intimacy of God, then back to the holiness of God... The truth is usually somewhere inbetween, or both. But it's more uncomfortable to be inbetween or to hold two views that seem to be in tension.
So right now the big thing for church leaders is authenticity. "Let's not pretend we're perfect. In fact, let's share our flaws and let people know we're just as messed up as them." And I'm not saying that authenticity is wrong, but I am saying it's just one side.
The other side I see in today's reading, James 3, especially verse 1, "Not many of you should presume to be teachers, my brothers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly." We also see it when Paul tells people to follow him as He follows Christ. (Not, "Don't follow me, I'm just a screwed up person like everyone else.") The Bible shows us that church leaders should have an authority that comes out of their character and their relationship with God.
So is it authenticity, or authority? It's both.
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