What I’ve Learned about Church Revitalization

In my role as associational missionary, I’m often asked what struggling churches might do to revitalize their ministries. Not that I’m an expert on the subject. People smarter than me write books and host blogs or podcasts filled with more wisdom on this subject than I have. But, in thirty years of ministry through and with congregations, I believe the Lord has taught me a few things. With this in mind, I’d like to share with you three such lessons.  

 1.      Not every church will experience revitalization.

This is a sad but necessary realization. Not every congregation that seeks it will see a renewed season of vibrant ministry. This has always been true. Remember, not a single congregation spoken of in scripture lived perpetually. Churches are born, they live, and they die.

Some die because their communities no longer exist. Some, their communities have changed, and the church has yet to discover connecting points with their new neighbors. Many churches elevate preference over mission, or they become diverted from their mission by internal battles. Compromise with the world has crippled many a congregation. These are just a few of numerous reasons I’ve seen prompting church closure, but common to all is a struggle to fruitfully make disciples, raising up the next generation of believers to carry on ministry.

 2.      Revitalization is hard.

Thom Rainer, as quoted during a recent North American Mission Board event, says 80% of church revitalizing efforts fail. I suppose that depends on how you define a revitalization effort, but if this is even close to truth it supports my point. But why is revitalization so hard?

The “absolute bottom-line” answer, I believe, is that we address the wrong problem, or at least we start at the wrong place. When leaders inquire of me about revitalization, their questions usually center on tactics. Expecting that change is in order, they seek to identify the change necessary then find a tactical solution amiable to the members. And there’s a time and place for this conversation.

But I believe the core issue with revitalization is the battle within ourselves, that struggle to deny self, take up our cross and follow Jesus. Revitalization within a congregation, just as our conversion and sanctification, is a work of God. As Christians yield themselves before Him through the disciplines of disciple making, He transforms them to greater conformity with Christ and deploys them into the world. When this happens throughout the congregation, we begin to see the fruit of revitalized ministry.

On the other hand, churches who only address strategy and tactics will find revitalization beyond their reach.

3.      Most congregations wait too long before seeking to revitalize.

In my experience, most congregations do not address their vitality until they feel the pain of their current reality. This pain may emerge from continually declining attendance, the lack of volunteers, internal dissent, or a mostly elder congregation. For most, it’s the financial pain caused when their giving can no longer sustain facilities and ministry.

But, because revitalization is a product of disciple making, it takes time for Christians to grow, for groups to assemble, and for the work of God to filter through the congregation. And even more time is required for new believers to grow in their service and giving. This doesn’t mean revitalization is impossible when the church’s solvency is at risk, but rarely have I seen the Spirit expedite His process for spiritual transformation.

Congregations that experience true revitalization begin the process early. Before the pain threatens their existence, or even before the pain emerges at all, they ask a couple of questions: (1) What is the Lord’s next step for our church? And (2) what adjustments do we need to make to fruitfully grow and deploy disciples?

Conclusion

There will be a time for many churches when the Lord says, “Your season is over.” Since we don’t know who those churches are, or when that time is, your partners across GTBN stand with you. We seek to empower the disciple making potential of every church. You may not know what the Lord’s plan is for tomorrow, but if I’ve learned anything from the Parable of the Talents it’s that we all must steward well today what the Lord has given us. His plan tomorrow always begins with faithfulness today.

Think about it, and contact GTBN if we can help.

Blessings,

Bro. Jim

Annual Meeting Recap

To you who joined us for the GTBN Annual Celebration and Meeting Tuesday night, thank you! With today’s busy schedules it seems harder to draw people together from across the area, but when we do it’s a great time.

I can’t say enough about the hospitality of our host church, First Baptist in Vidor. Everything from the meal, set-up, worship and overall engagement was fantastic. You’re the best!

Likewise, I’m grateful for our moderator, Eric House, GTBN Communications Assistant Lizz Jelsma, and the Executive Board for your service paving the way for an excellent gathering and fruitful ministry together.

If you missed it, you can view the video highlighting the past year’s ministry here. And the book of reports, including my annual report, the budget and nominations for 2023, you may download here.

I look forward to this next season of ministry together. Let me know how we can serve you. And remember, we’re better together.

Blessings,

Bro. Jim

October is Pastor Appreciation Month

Most church members cannot fully understand the lives of their pastors and church staff. They arrive at church trusting that everything required for a Christ honoring worship service is in place, that sermons and lessons are well prepared, and that, should a crisis enter their lives, someone from the church (most likely a pastor) will be available to shepherd them through. They value the ministries supported through participation or giving. And they genuinely do love, value, and appreciate their pastors, elders, ministers, and directors, even if they don’t fully understand them.

But that’s ok. I don’t fully understand the life and work of a film maker or orchestra conductor. I can’t figure out how their minds work or how they do what they do. But I appreciate their labor.

In the case of the film maker and conductor, I show my appreciation through ticket purchases, attendance at viewings or concerts, and the occasional download. But how do we show appreciation to our pastors and church ministers?

Before offering some suggestions, let me clarify something. The pastors and staff I know serve the Lord as if their only reward is to one day hear “well done” from the Savior. Churches should provide well for their physical needs through salary and benefits, but for those serving Christ’s church these are not their prime motivation. Their prime motivation is pleasing the Lord.

But in the same way you are encouraged and strengthened when others express their appreciation for your effort and company, so too are pastors and church staff. Much of what they do occurs behind the scenes, like the difficult counseling session or meetings with other leaders. In my own experience, I’ve been often encouraged by a timely show of support coming at just the right moment, like after an unjust attack or a difficult funeral.

Your encouragement matters. So, church members, take time this month and show your appreciation to those serving your church as pastor, elder, staff minister, or director. If you are a pastor-elder, make sure your staff is included, and reach out to those pastors the Lord used in shaping your ministry. Let’s those who serve His church know how you value and appreciate them.

I’ll close with a few suggestions.

• Give a gift card for their favorite favorite restaurant.

• Discover what they like (ex: favorite coffee, soft drink, author) and give accordingly (ex: subscription to coffee of the month club or case of their favorite).

• Offer to sit with their kids so they can have a date night.

• “Blessings Jar” - Get a nice crock jar and fill it with slips of paper. Have different church members write on the slips how the pastor / staff member has blessed them.

• If they have a favorite artist or theme (mine is nautical), present them something fitting for their home, study or office.

• If they have served five years or longer, consider a sabbatical. Contact GTBN for assistance.

• Present them a gift, love offering or “money tree” at a church-wide fellowship.

• “Card a Day” - Ask different members or groups to send an appreciation card so that every day or week they receive an appreciative word.

• Take your pastor / staff member to lunch.

• Ask, “How can I serve you?”

• Ask, “How are you doing?”

• Ask, “How can I help?”

What suggestions would you add?

Blessings,

Bro. Jim

We're Better Together

Those who know me best know that I am not a big, formal meeting guy. For me, the best expression of our partnership through GTBN occurs when we serve together to advance Christ’s mission. So I am far more excited about joining many of you next weekend, sharing the gospel in our local prisons, than I am with agendas, Roberts Rules and the like.

Of course the latter serve a purpose. In fact, the decisions made there, the resources allocated, and the fellowship strengthened fuel all the “in the trenches” work we do. And so, if as a network we’re going to serve you well, we should make the most of our upcoming GTBN Annual Celebration and Meeting.

Notice I added “Celebration” to the title. This is a celebration of the Lord’s work through our partnership. This year He led us through the resumption of Hot Hearts “in person.” Together we’ve been part of His provision for three new churches plus a replant, as well as further church planter training in Spanish. I believe the Lord has moved as we’ve coached multiple churches through pastor transition and strategy development, while supporting and challenging pastors and staff. As stated above, we’re engaging the prisons together, and we’ve shared in a number of your local church initiatives.

Challenges remain, and will as long as we continue in this fallen world. Which is why we need each other. I believe we’re an essential component of God’s provision for one another. A colleague, after recognizing the reported loneliness among pastors, has focused his association’s work around the theme, “Don’t pastor alone.” I can’t steal his thunder, but I resonate with his concern. Which is why you’ll always hear my reminder, we’re better together.

The upcoming Annual Celebration and Meeting affords the opportunity for praising Christ for His provision while reaffirming our commitment to cooperation. The decisions made relative to the budget and Executive Board lay the foundation for strengthened ministry, so that “better together” is not just a slogan, but reality.

I look forward to seeing you. And until then, let us how the partnership may serve you or your church.

Blessings,

Bro. Jim

Don't Panic, and Carry a Towel

If my title provokes a grin, I know a couple of things. One, we share a particular sense of humor that leaves friends scratching their heads. Second, you’ve read Douglas Adams’ Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy.

Though Adams was atheist, upon my first reading in 1980 his humorous satire caught my attention. Today I’ll not dwell on the novel’s substance other than to explain the words above. “Don’t Panic” is the warning printed on the cover of the titular Hitchhiker’s Guide in the novel, a suggestion that the situation may appear dire, but panicking never helps. “Carry a Towel” reminds readers to always be prepared. Despite Adams’ secular worldview, both are sound advice for Christians as we ponder the latest news.

Perhaps you’ve read the articles. This week Christianity Today reported, “Decline of Christianity Shows No Signs of Stopping.” Fox News online wrote, “Christianity quickly diminishing in US, on pace to become minority religion in decades.” These and similar articles point to a study by the Pew Research Center showing that in 2020 only 60% of Americans identified as Christians, a decline from 90% in the 1990s. The researchers conclude that, if the trend continues, Christianity will no longer be a majority faith in America as soon as 2045. This news, especially in light of the visible decline evident in many congregations, alarms even the stoutest among us.

Certainly there’s cause for concern, and definitely for preparation, but not panic. Let me explain.

First, I question whether the data shows an actual decline in authentic Christianity or the all too evident decline in cultural Christianity. Given the articles’ emphasis on religious identification, I lean to the latter. There’s no question that the Christian influenced veneer that defined American culture for generations is gone. But this isn’t necessarily a bad thing. There was much in that package which stood counter to the clear teaching of scripture. In fact, now that standing with the church brings a cultural cost, the distinction between Christ’s Bride and this world might become more evident, leading to more fruitful evangelism. This is certainly my prayer.

Second, the research shows a decline in the percentage of Americans identifying as Christian, but other evidence shows the actual number of worshipping Christians remains quite high. Globally, apart from North America and Europe, the number of Christians is increasing. And even in North America, the focus on church planting among increasingly diverse peoples shows fruitfulness. I point this out to affirm that the Lord continues His work of redeeming a people unto Himself.

Third, we should be concerned about the high number of people who, though raised in Christianity, are “switching.” This includes half of all children and youth raised in Southern Baptist churches. Another segment might not leave the faith, but they are increasingly bailing out of local church engagement. Are these evangelism problems or a disciple making problems? Probably both, with a dose of poor Christian behavior added to the mix. The questions we must wrestle with are: “Are we concerned enough for our lost sheep?” and “What might we do to engage them?”

Finally, I think it’s important to note that the decline observed in the Pew study shouldn’t be dismissed as the result of American culture run amuck. We can’t point to unbelievers and say “the church is in trouble because of you.” I can’t speak for global Christianity but, generally speaking, when a church declines among an otherwise growing population, at least one of three issues are evident: a lack of effective engagement with the community, inadequate disciple and leader development, or organizational misalignment or disfunction. I believe scripture provides clear direction on each of these. Perhaps it’s time to open the Book and honestly ask how our own church stands.

The research indeed gives us much cause for concern, but not panic. Rather than panic, it’s time to pick up our towels and do what the Lord calls us to do, make disciples. Every church and all Christians will have adjustments to make.

I don’t think the cause of Christ is at risk, because He’s sovereign. He will have a faithful church. The risk is what role, if any, yours and my congregations will have in that movement.

So grab your towel and think about it. If you need translation, try a Babel Fish.

Bro. Jim

Foster Community and Make Disciples

I have a new friend in ministry, a missionary who plants churches in apartment complexes. He tells me the property managers know that when residents know their neighbors they stay longer, leading to greater profits. So, they contract with his company. Management provides a discount on an apartment, access to community spaces, and a budget. My friend secures an activity coordinator who moves into the apartment and hosts community building activities. Through these activities and the relationships that emerge, the coordinators share their faith, drawing those who respond to Bible study and either engagement with a local church or with a church started at the complex.

This strategy isn’t new. Houston’s First Baptist Church did much the same thing in the 80’s and 90’s with great fruitfulness. What makes the strategy significant today is how insulated most people are from their neighbors. In the past, we engaged our neighbors on a regular basis, visiting their homes as children played together. Today, after a hard day’s work, most return home for a retreat, contented with connection mainly through social media and texts. Still, even tired unbelievers see the need for direct engagement. So, in multi-housing settings, my friend and his teams see a significant number residents, representing all demographics, responding positively to the connection activities.

As society becomes increasingly fragmented, people of all generations recognize the need for direct, personal engagement. It’s why social gathering locations like pubs (no, this is not an endorsement) and coffee shops fill to capacity. Karen and I experienced it last October when we hosted a neighborhood party at Halloween. While many walked by, stopping only long enough to pick up their candy, fifty paused for a genuine visit, thirty stayed for more than half-an-hour. This in a community with little prior interaction except for a wave when passing on the street.

So, what might happen if your church drew from my friend’s example and became an instrument of community in your community? What if we discovered the needs, concerns, and appetites of our neighbors, drawing some together around one or two of them? Perhaps, as we bonded with them through matters of mutual concern, we would find multiple opportunities to “give every reason for the hope we profess.” And perhaps, some would respond to Jesus call to become His disciple.

After all, disciple making has to start somewhere.

Just a thought.

Bro. Jim

Be Real

I sit to write this post only minutes after concluding the GTBN Leadership Luncheon, where Pastor Josh Jean of Sojourn Community Church spoke about making disciples among younger adults (audio from which will be posted soon). Among the many significant points Josh shared was one which I haven’t been able to shake since returning to my desk, be real.

If you know anything about the Millennial generation or Gen Z, you know they highly value authenticity. As Josh said, “They can smell a fake from a mile off.” They may not have the truth to shore up their authenticity, which could be said of all generations, but they know when something isn’t authentic. And as I ponder this truth, I can’t help but feel a deep burden over so much in the contemporary church that isn’t real.

Please don’t misunderstand me. The hope, peace and victory that comes through faith in Christ are very real, and we certainly receive a taste of it in this life. But even the most devoted, faithful Christians experience seasons of temptation, trial, suffering, and all conditions in between.

How often do we put on the fake smile and calm demeanor on Sunday morning when the week prior has been one of pain, sorrow, conflict, or need?

How often do we give the air of spiritual maturity when sin has taken root and our progress as disciples fouled?

How often do we project confidence when we feel uncertainty in the moment, still awaiting a word from the Lord?

Those of us over a certain age, I believe, have been conditioned to project only the positive. Like the Isaac Watts hymn says, “and now I am happy all the day.” If we’re not, fake it. Otherwise we diminish our witness.

But that last statement, “we diminish our witness” is false. What diminishes our witness is the false idea that, when one follows Christ, from that point everything is fine and dandy, unless you mess it up with sin or faithlessness.” On the contrary, among the sweetest blessings from knowing Christ is His presence during those times of pain, loss, need, or… (insert your trouble here).

I’m not saying that church should become like the media representation of group therapy, where everyone unloads uncontrollably. But I think our Millennial friends have a point. Authenticity, especially within the church family, is vital to spiritual progress and empowering to our witness.

Blessings,

Bro. Jim

Have You Signed Up?

You hear me say all the time that, as a fellowship of churches, we’re better together. There are just some things we do better together than as single, isolated congregations. Here’s another chance to show it.

On Saturday, October 1st, an army of volunteers will join the team from Bill Glass Behind the Walls to share the gospel across the jails and prisons of our area. While some will join us from outside our community, the heart of this army is comprised of volunteers from local churches. At present, all three state facilities, the county detention, and county juvenile facilities are included. We need all hands in!

The time commitment is simple. There’s an evening of training, Friday, Sept. 30, from 6-9 PM. This will be at North End Baptist in Beaumont. The Day of Champions itself will be Saturday, Oct. 1, and will run from 7 AM until 5 PM. Volunteers will receive their assignments at the training.

Two days to share the gospel, to bring Christ’s hope into the darkest places in our community! Who’s in?

Registration closes September 19th. So, pastors, gather your folks! Have them register through the Bill Glass website. Let’s show southeast Texas what happens with God’s people unite to share His word!

Blessings,

Bro. Jim

Where Are You Going?

Where are you going? Stated another way, what’s your vision? What about your church?

If you’ve read much on the subject of leadership, than you are familiar with the concept of vision. Vision is the awareness within a team or organization of where they are going, or what objectives they expect to accomplish.

People often dismiss vision as a secular thought rooted in the world of business. But vision is biblical. In scripture, God repeatedly reveals His direction to His servants, most of whom then follow it. They have clarity about what there are called to do, where, and to what end.

In Acts 16 Paul begins his second missionary journey by strengthening the churches established on the first, then looking to expand the gospel further into Asia. But the Lord intervenes, directing Paul’s path toward Macedonia, where some of his most fruitful ministry occurs.

Please notice Paul’s clarity concerning Christ’s call on his life, the message he’s given, and the mission he’s directed to. Leadership authorities would define this as mission, but once it becomes focused on a particular message in a particular place for a particular outcome at a particular time, it’s vision.

And clarity concerning vision is essential to forward progress for any church or ministry. Charles Stanley once asked in a sermon from the 90s, “When you get to where you’re going, how will you know you’ve arrived?”

So, in terms of serving the Lord, how do you determine vision?

First, you need a clear understanding of the Lord’s call. Personally, God’s vision for you will never depart from His will for all disciples. But, based on how He has gifted you and where He has placed you, how you live that out might look differently. The same applies for the church. Whatever His vision for your church is, it must include making disciples, love for the Lord and love for others. The tactics deployed might appear different, but the Lord’s call is what it is.

Next, it helps to know yourself and your congregation. In 1 Cor. 12, Paul describes the local church as the body of Christ, with members of differing gifts and abilities placed as He sees fit. How has the Lord equipped you and your church to do what He’s called us to do?

Third, know your mission field, the community you and your church exist within in order that you would be His witness. Your vision might look different in a community of people with much in common to you than it would among people with language or cultural differences. Of course, today every community is culturally different from the average Baptist church member. How will this impact your vision.

Fourth, and this undergirds all the above, seek the Lord for His direction. Ask Him to reveal potential bridges between the church and community that you might cross for ministry.

Finally, as you pray, envision what fruitfulness would look like. Don’t worry if you get it wrong, or if you over estimate. As you walk with the Lord, the final vision might change a time or two. But clarity concerning your direction and anticipated outcome when fruitful is essential information for rallying the church and deploying resources.

Now, returning to the opening questions, what’s your vision? Where are you going? If you or your church would like help processing these or other questions, contact GTBN. We exist to help your church to be what God has designed you be. We can’t decide what you should do, but we’re glad to help you sort it out.

Blessing,

Bro. Jim

Do What You Know to Do

Karen and I returned from Belize Wednesday. On this trip we visited the regular gathering of the Southern Baptist of Belize, where I was able to encourage the pastors and train them in a simple, biblical disciple making process. We spent our first two days at a beachside hotel, where we relaxed some as I completed preparation for the training. And it was on our first evening there that I was bitten on the right arm by sandflies.

I knew nothing of sandflies until a couple of days later, when the itching became unbearable and I secured all the anti-itch medications I could find. But a Google search revealed they are like small mosquitos, with the same appetite for blood, most active from dusk to dawn, and have a bite that’s little noticed for one to two days, when the bite sites redden, turn hard, itchy, and sometimes painful.

Obviously I made it through the trip, and my arm is recovering. But the point in sharing this experience is that it should not have happened. Why not? Because, while I was ignorant of the sandflies, I had been taught on numerous occasions by our missionaries and local friends not to go anywhere without a good application of my favorite insect repellant. But, on that evening I was bitten, I thought about it. I had some within reach. I just didn’t do what I knew to do, as every subsequent itch reminds me.

Here’s my point. Ministry leaders are encouraged to be life long learners. While God’s word never changes, not one of us have mastered it so that we can afford to stop learning how it applies. Often leaders learn something through personal study, a conference, or a cohort. The thought resonates in their mind as they envision a change that quite possibly might lead to greater faithfulness and fruitfulness for the Lord. Sometimes they hear it repeated as faithful partners consider the same point. They see evidence in the testimonies of those who make the shift, confirming their thought. But many, even knowing what they know, just don’t make the change. They don’t do what they know to do.

Now I’ll be the first to say not everything you learn in the latest book, conference or blog is a worthy reference for tactical decision making. But when the teaching is a biblical priority, like evangelism, making disciples, or prayer, just like me at the beach, failure to act brings consequences.

1 John 4:17 says “Whoever knows the right thing to do and fails to do it, for him it is sin.”

I often hear people say, “We just don’t know what to do to turn our church around?” Lately my answer has been, “Until you know what to do, do what you know to do.” In other words, why would the Lord reveal a next step when we’re not doing what He’s revealed up to this point?

Do what you know to do, and in His time the Lord will reveal what’s next.

You’ll see more about next steps in coming posts. Until then, consider the question. Is there anything you know you should be doing that you’re not? So, what will you do?

Blessings,

Bro. Jim

So This is Why We Have Gal. 6:9!

As many of your know by now, the facilities for Central City Baptist Church burned Monday night (7/25/2022). The facility is a total loss, but buildings and “stuff” are replaceable. We praise the Lord that no one was in the building during the fire and that there were no injuries among firefighters or the community.

The past few years had been difficult for the church; but, since the beginning of this year, efforts through GTBN to replant a disciple making congregation at the site have been fruitful. The Lord brought us a replant pastor, Bro. Jose Gutierrez, who with his family has moved from Houston to Beaumont. Network churches, including Westgate Memorial and Rosedale, have stepped up as supporting partners, with others offering assistance with evangelism and building repairs. Every time ministry has occurred on site during this season, community members have engaged with interest, indicating open doors for ministry.

But amid the progress were numerous set backs, notably vandalism, a break-in, and copper theft from HVAC units. After each such event, the GTBN staff, volunteers from churches, and the Gutierrez with their family worked to make repairs and prepare the facility for ministry. Launch for the new ministry was originally set for the beginning of June, then July, later August. And now, with the fire, we’re not sure when ministry on-site will begin.

But it will! In one since it would be easy to clear the property, sell it, and focus on a community with fewer “distractions.” But pastor Jose and our GTBN personnel see a community in need of a disciple making congregation. We see a large portion of this community with Spanish as their heart language. Like Jesus in Mark 6, we see sheep without a shepherd. The very challenges presented throughout this journey point to a need only the Savior can fill.

So, the replanting of Central City Baptist Church as Alianza En Marcha Beaumont continues. Pastor Jose, his core group, partners and GTBN personnel are working to discern the Lord’s way through clean-up, interim solutions, and what future facilities might look like. Communication with the insurance company and the investigation by the Beaumont Fire Marshal’s office are also ongoing.

I’m beginning to understand through this how so many of our southeast Texas friends feel after one of our Gulf storm rips into their church or home, the feeling of lost effort and personal inadequacy. Like many of you in those circumstances, I’m exhausted. But…

But this is why we have Galatians 6:9, “And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.” In a fallen world, we expect the occasional storm, break in, or even fire. We do our best to mitigate these things, and by God’s grace we’re often spared. But often not. And even in those times the Lord who calls us is faithful. He empowers His people for His work. And so we have His call to persevere, to not grow weary, with the promise that, if we don’t give up, He will bring the harvest!

I look forward to seeing the harvest through this new church, and similar harvests across our mission field, as we persevere together for His glory.

Blessings,

Bro. Jim

What Every Team Member Owes Their Team

Last week’s post detailed What Every Ministry Leader Owes Their Team. This week we turn the table and consider what every team member owes their team. While leaders certainly hold deep responsibility for teamwork, so too do the members. This is true when working with vocational staff. It’s equally true when serving alongside volunteers. So, assuming the leader is faithful to the responsibilities described last week, what do the members owe their team. Here are my top five.

1. Team members owe their teams commitment to the mission. As important as it is for leaders to communicate where the team’s work fits into the church’s greater mission and what this team’s particular roles are, it’s likewise important that team members embrace and commit themselves to it.

   After years in ministry I’ve known many who accepted team assignments, only to miss most if not all meetings. If you don’t believe in the team’s purpose or you’re too busy to follow through on your commitment, say so. But when you say “yes”, stand by your commitment. Remember, an important assignment for the Lord’s church has been delegated to your team. Your service matters.

2. Team members owe their teams, and especially their leaders, questions for clarity. Too often, when team members are unsure about their next step with the team, for fear of “making waves” they say nothing. But leaders are not mind readers. The way they know to offer more clarity or direction is with your questions.

   But be careful what kinds of questions you ask. Questions concerning the value of the team’s work are best asked before saying “yes” to the team. Raise those with the pastor or in business meeting. Once you join the team, though, you commit to the team’s purpose. Value questions now only hurt the team. But when you ask questions in order to better understand the team’s plan and your part of it, you help the team and your leaders progress to the goal.

3. Team members owe their teams regular communication. Yes, leaders set the pace for this, but communication is not just about leaders connecting with individual team members. It’s also about communication within the team.

   My most recent team experience involved Purpose Week, the GTBN Youth Camp. I can’t say I was perfect at it, but I worked toward an environment where the team members were well aware of what the others were doing, so team members could “have each other’s back”. In this way, should family or church matters arise so that one team member couldn’t complete his part of the job, a colleague would reach out and help.

   Teams succeed or fail together, so everyone must support their partners. And this only happens with regular communication among team members.

4. Team members owe their teams regular discipleship and spiritual focus. There is a tendency, especially among the task oriented, for the team’s success to cloud one’s vision of the Lord’s direction. Frustration is common, sometimes from external factors, but often due to personal issues among the team. As the pressure builds, even the most mature Christians can become worldly in how they relate with others. So team members must always remember who they are serving.

   Yours is the Lord’s team, dedicated to His purpose. So, as your team launches out, make sure you are grounded in those regular spiritual disciplines that feed your walk with Him. Your service with the team should help fuel your life as Christ’s disciple, not distract from it.

5. Team members owe their teams support for the leader. Leadership is hard, and it comes more readily to some than others. Pastors and vocational ministers usually have some training and experience that warrant a higher expectation of their service, but many lay leaders in the church are simply willing, faithful disciples who see a need and accept the responsibility.

   Leaders, of course, are responsible for knowing the capabilities of their team and shepherding accordingly with grace. But team members owe the same of their leaders. Team members who believe they should be “in charge” undermine not just the leader, but the entire team.

   As stated above, when you have questions ask them. Work with your team to generate solutions to the problems you experience along your way. In private you may have passionate conversations about the details. But, when you stand before God’s people, stand together as a team with one heart and voice.

Much of your service for the Lord will occur as part of a team, a group of Christians who accept defined responsibility to fulfill particular ministry responsibilities. Take each responsibility seriously and serve well, that the Lord would be glorified and your service joyful.

Blessings,

Bro. Jim

What Every Ministry Leader Owes Their Team

Who has the Lord used most, as a leader in your life, to shape you? Proverbs 27:17 says, “As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.”

We know, of course, it is the Lord doing the sharpening, but integral to the process are the leaders He inserts into our lives, be they pastors, staff ministers, teachers, supervisors, even mentors and other disciple makers.

Everyone is a follower. And most of us, at least to a degree, are leaders, with some called to shepherd congregations, church ministries, groups or teams. So, it benefits all of us to know what every ministry leader owes their team. Here’s my top ten.

1. Leaders owe their teams clear direction. By this I don’t mean that senior leaders should dictate or micromanage the work of team members. But they owe their teams clarity concerning the overall mission of the church and how their team’s work serves that mission. Likewise, team leaders owe their members clarity concerning how their individual service contributes. This fosters team alignment and keeps “the tail from wagging the dog.”

2. Leaders owe their teams defined expectations. Unmet expectations cause conflict, but expectations often go unmet because leaders don’t communicate them clearly.

   Tacit, or assumed, expectations are the enemy of harmony and fruitfulness. I received an angry call once from a pastor in Louisiana who complained that his new youth pastor missed a church-wide event. The youth pastor said, “It wasn’t a youth event. I didn’t think I was needed.” I asked the pastor, “How did you communicate his presence was required?” The best he could say was, “Oh, he should have known.”

   Remember this of your staff and fellow church members, especially those new to your church: THEY ARE NOT MIND READERS! Pardon me for shouting.

   Pastors and senior leaders should clearly communicate expectations for each ministry area within the church. Likewise ministry leaders should clarify expectations for all members on their team. This clarity should include tasks, goals, resources, time frame, and any boundaries they should respect when carrying out their service.

3. Leaders owe their teams the resources for doing the job. Few things are as frustrating as having a responsibility but insufficient resources. Leaders should clarify what budget categories or funding options are available, as well as space, curriculum, transportation and other resources. I knew a youth pastor whose church expected a summer mission trip, yet made no provision for such in the budget. In the mind of many church members, he failed.

   It’s important for leaders to assure resources for all ministry expectations. And, if the resources are not available, then it’s time to adjust the expectations.

4. Leaders owe their teams trust to do their jobs well. When leaders assign ministry responsibility, their teams work best knowing they’ve been entrusted to the job. Should they miss expectations, the best leaders take it as a learning opportunity leading to more fruitful service. But when their work is regularly circumvented by others, people often withdraw. Leaders who step in and perform the work of their teams will find themselves doing the work of their teams.

5. Leaders owe their teams care for each member as a person. In the church, all leadership is pastoral. There is a tendency in some congregations to treat paid staff as employees, and certainly there is a high degree of accountability expected with a paycheck from the church. But pastors, supervisors, or personnel committee members who ignore the personal and spiritual needs of their teams miss a core function of their calling. In the church all work, whether by paid staff or volunteer, emerges from the workers relationship with the Lord (Col. 3:23). In other words, pastor, you’re not just the boss. You’re their pastor. Staff members and lay leaders, you too shepherd your teams.

6. Leaders owe their teams regular communication. When I was a missionary I worked under several lines of authority, with one particular supervisor who never contacted me unless he was upset about something. After he vented for a while I would clarify the situation. We usually discovered that the problem wasn’t really a problem. He would have avoided stress for both of us had he read my reports and reached out with questions or concerns. Regular communication, including status updates, helps to offset matters before they become problems, leading to a more fruitful experience for everyone.

7. Leaders owe their teams affirmation for work well done. This relates closely to number 6. When the only comments team members hear are critical or corrective, they are hard to digest. Affirmation blesses the people who serve with you. And the more you encourage and affirm your team, the more likely they are to hear your concerns and respond appropriately to the more difficult communication.

8. Leaders owe their teams correction, and adjustment when necessary. It would be wonderful if everyone’s service in the church was positive and fruitful, but sometimes teams, staff members or volunteers miss reasonable expectations or otherwise need correction. One benefit of regular performance review is catching issues early, allowing for adjustment to expectations or tactics. But a tragic mistake for any leader is waiting until the frustration level reaches a peak before addressing problems.

9. Leaders owe their teams leadership by example. Leaders can’t do it all. Just ask Moses. But they must do something, and particularly they must exemplify the character and spirit expected of everyone in the church.

   While in deacons’ meeting for a church I served, Brady lamented the poor participation by newer church members in our discipleship process. When I noted that not one of our twenty-four deacons, including Brady, participated either, he replied, “But we don’t need the training. They do.” I answered, “How can we expect someone to do something that our leading members are unwilling to do?”

   Even the most sincere, growing disciples will not do what they don’t see their leaders doing. So, leaders, set the pace!

10. Leaders owe their teams character supporting their position as a leader. This should go without saying, but it’s obviously necessary. Sometimes the need for leaders in the church is so great that, at the first sign of ability or availability, we call or enlist someone for a job. Then, when their true character reveals itself, we pick up the pieces.

    Scripture makes clear that spiritual and character formation should precede ministry responsibility. Most stories of moral failure of pastors and other leaders are rooted in their taking positions beyond what their character can sustain. And so pastors, staff, and lay ministry leaders must maintain vigilance in the pursuit of godly character and growth as Christ’s disciple.

Now think back to those leaders who came to mind earlier. Can you see how they discharged these obligations as they invested in you? Now, consider the arenas in which God has entrusted you with leadership. Picture those you lead most directly. How are you discharging this debt? Let me know in the comments below which of these you find more natural and which, if any, you struggle with. And, as always, if you need a hand, give me a call.

Blessings,

Bro. Jim

Take a Breath, or (Even Better) a Vacation

It’s not news to anyone that summer is a busy season those in ministry. Vacation Bible School, camps, and mission trips add to an already busy church calendar. And, with the kids out of school, prioritizing time for family, while essential and wonderful, often adds stress to the calendar.

And so it is with this in mind that I offer you this reminder to take a breath, or (even better), a vacation. It’s essential all the time, but especially during these unusually busy seasons, to intentionally plan periods for rest and recovery.

Notice I said “intentional.” Often I’ll ask a pastor, “When are you taking vacation?” And the answer is, “Well, as soon as I get to it. Once things settle down.” I want to answer back, “When have you ever known things in a church to settle down?” But I don’t, being the nice guy that I am.

Most of you have figured this out by now, but let me remind you: THINGS NEVER SETTLE DOWN! In a fallen world, there is always something, someone’s crisis, some problem to respond to, or some ministry opportunity with a limited window. And so, if you’re going to bring your best to whatever God places before you, you need to plan on the front end for periods for rest, relaxation, and recreation.

Need I remind you, the Sovereign God of the Universe rested? He gave us the command of the Sabbath, which goes far beyond a simple day for rest and worship. In 1 Kings 19, when Elijah was stressed and discouraged, the LORD had him to rest (and eat). And in Matthew 11:28, just before his call to take up his yoke, Jesus says, “Come to me, all who labor… and I will give you rest.” Catch the difference! Laziness is not good. Rest, on the other hand, is good, needed, and our responsibility before the Lord.

So, as your friend and missionary, if you haven’t yet done so, set aside the time.

I look forward to celebrating with you the fruit of your summer ministries as I hear what you’ve done to rest and recharge.

Blessings,

Bro. Jim

The Value of Relationships

Karen and I are blessed. Specifically, after more than thirty-five years in ministry, we have dear friends scattered across the country and around the world. When our kids started driving we’d tell them, “No matter where you are in the USA, you’re no more than an hour’s drive from someone who loves our family and will help you change a tire.” It wasn’t an exaggeration.

It’s on those cross country trips that you especially see the value of friends. Not long after we moved to Nebraska I was driving home from a meeting in Topeka. Stopping overnight in Salina, I got up early the next morning, started up the motor on that old Ford Taurus wagon, and prepared to hit the highway. But when I put the car into gear, nothing happened save the sound of my engine revving. The transmission was shot.

After a few calls I had the car towed, diagnosed, and was told it would be a week before my car was ready. This was Saturday. Since I hadn’t planned on spending the week in Salina, with my family back home and a church expecting a message the next day, I called my friend on staff at First Baptist Church. We were not close, but we served together on a state convention committee. We were partners in ministry, fellow pastors on mission for the Lord. And with that connection, after a few phone calls, I had a way home, a temporary vehicle, and had it all wrapped up in time to preach the next morning.

Now if you’ve never been stranded alone in a strange place with limited resources, this may seem trivial to you. But through this experience the Lord reminded me of the blessings both of having friends and being a friend.

Well, I believe the same is true of local congregations. Churches do not exist in a vacuum. Just as individuals do, they have the opportunity to relate with like minded churches for fellowship, cooperative ministry, and most certainly to lift up those who might find themselves down.

In coming weeks I’ll introduce you to the report of a strategy team that’s been working on a proposed road map for ongoing ministry through GTBN. But I’ll let you in on something now: the best we have to offer partnering churches rests within our partnering churches. Your church may one day need that help. You will definitely be in a position to help another. That’s the value of network relationships. It’s why we’re better together.

Blessings. I hope you are off to a great summer.

Bro. Jim

Let me introduce you to...

Many of you have been praying as the GTBN works to replant a healthy congregation in the facilities of the former Central City Baptist Church in Beaumont. You may even recall my recent post, When God Works through Your Train Wreck, in which I describe our meeting with our potential church planter.

Well, this week I wanted you to meet our replant pastor and his wife, Jose and Nohemi Gutierrez. Bro. Jose is originally from Venezuela, but he and Nohemi have served for many years a church in the Garden Oaks area of Houston.

We are still working through details for this replant, which we expect to include funding from one of our GTBN churches, the network itself, and Texas Baptists; provision of a parsonage from another sister church; and volunteer support from two additional congregations so far.

The first big ministry event in preparation for launch is a mission VBS provided by the Spanish ministry of Calvary Baptist Beaumont, Casa Calvario, next week. It begins with a block party Sunday, June 5, from 5:30 until 7:00 PM at the Central City Baptist Church, 1825 Franklin Street, Beaumont. VBS will run the same hours Monday through Wednesday evenings, June 6-8. If you’re available, drop by to meet the team.

Please pray for the Gutierrez as they, several family members, and even two additional families from their work in Houston, relocate to Beaumont to serve with us. Pray for God’s provision as we continue to repair the church facility after years of differed maintenance and recent break-ins. Pray that the Lord would secure the work done to date from further vandalism until a ministry presence is reestablished. But pray most for the Lord to move through His people that souls are saved and a disciple making church is launched in this corner of Beaumont.

May this partnership with the Gutierrez family, GTBN, and Texas Baptists bring the Savior much glory!

Bro. Jim

I'm Still Thankful for Southern Baptists

With the annual meeting of the Southern Baptist Convention set for next week, my newsfeed is saturated with posts concerning the sin, concerns, and challenges within this family of churches. Release of the Sexual Abuse Task Force report has reminded us of the sin, sin that all Southern Baptists should repudiate and grieve. The concerns, including entity accountability and the scope of cooperation among the different wings of the SBC family, are likewise valid. And, while one could easily spend days calling out the every sin and concern within the fellowship, we also face the challenge of ministry in an increasingly secular culture.

So, with all this, why am I still thankful for the Southern Baptist Convention?

I’m grateful that, despite the darkness of our hearts, the Lord has released through us a great missionary force. Media call attention to the bad actors, at least the ones who get caught, but few hear the stories of the faithful missionaries serving around the world among unreached peoples, or the small church pastor who has planted his life so a rural community would have a gospel witness. For every seminary professor whose book sparks controversy, countless others invest themselves in the next generation of church leaders, faithfully teaching God’s word and fruitful ministry practice. Our cooperation still matters.

This is not to make excuses for the sin. As is true of the local church, denominational entities must hold a high standard of holiness at every level. When we fail, we must remember that witness is never protected by the concealment of sin. It is, however, advanced by humility, sincere confession and behavior appropriate to repentance.

When Karen and I served as missionaries with the North American Mission Board, we experienced closer access to high-level denominational leaders than ever in our ministry. Everyone we met, I believe, sincerely served the Lord and His church. But, to my great disappointment, I saw in a few attitudes and actions that, at least as I read scripture, were sin at worst, unwise or self-serving at best. I never experienced anything in them that I believe was disqualifying for service (though I know others who have), but I definitely came to understand that our fellowship is comprised of broken people at all levels.

When sin comes light, whether it’s the mistreatment of abuse victims, failure to follow protocols for abuse prevention, or any other sin for that matter, those complicit should repent and the entire SBC family should grieve and act so that the same doesn’t recur.

I said this to a friend the other day and he asked me, “But when do we get past this? When will the repenting stop?” My answer, “I don’t think it will. As long as Christ’s church is comprised of broken people, there will always be something. So, we keep seeking Him, serving Him. We trust His Spirit to lead us according to His word. When we’re fruitful, we celebrate. When we fail, we confess, repent, and follow Him.”

If the SBC is an instrument of God, it’s not because of who we are or what we’ve done. It’s despite of who we are, by His grace, as we humbly obey Him.

So, I’m still thankful. And I hope you can share my gratitude.

Blessings,

Bro. Jim

Darkness

How you assess this past week is a matter of perspective. For my family, it began by celebrating 36 years of marriage and included a long, necessary, but enjoyable road trip. Several of our friends have likewise celebrated anniversaries, with many more observing birthdays, graduations, and a number of fruitful ministries unto the Lord.

But the joys of the week have been punctuated by stark reminders of the dark, fallen world in which we live. Like others across the Southern Baptist faith family, I mourn the sin exposed in the independent investigation conducted by Guidepost Solutions of the Executive Committee’s response to reports of abuse within SBC ministries.

I was just beginning to sort through this data dump when the Uvalde school shooting occurred. At least twenty-one persons killed, including nineteen children, with many additional injured! Sad, horrific even. Again!

And, not in the public media but common in my personal newsfeed, I have a number of friends and colleagues who are currently experience their own dark seasons. Believers all, they continue to proclaim the greatness of our Lord even as their hearts grow heavy.

I could easily yield to the darkness. After all, darkness is the natural state of the fallen heart. I might give up on my faith family, ignoring the many godly friends and colleagues whose faithfulness to the Savior brings Him great glory. I could shout out in anger those whose political preferences many believe led to this and other mass shootings. I could cry out, “Lord, where are you in all this? Has the darkness overcome?”

Or…

Or I could mediate on the words of John concerning our Lord in John 1:4-5. He says, “In him was life, and the life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.”

John, the eldest surviving of Jesus’ apostles, having seen more than his share of darkness, says with confidence, “The light shines in the darkness and the darkness has not overcome!”

With you I mourn over those hurt and abused under any circumstance, but especially those hurt by or though persons representing the church of Jesus Christ! I grieve the loss of life in Uvalde and places around the world as evil appears to advance unrestrained. And I weep as I continue praying for my friends and their families.

I don’t have answers to rectifying any of the matters described above, but let us together trust the Lord who does. The one who shines in the darkness will lead His followers. We simply need to follow Him.

Cooperating Behind the Walls

Cooperation is the heart of Baptist missions. Churches associate so they can help one another, ministering in ways beyond those of a single congregation. In the GTBN strategy, cooperation is the “N” in our PLAN, NETWORKING.

Much of this cooperation develops through one or more congregations with a vision, who then invite others to join them. The recently competed Beast Feast comes to mind. But often the Lord raises opportunities that require “all hands on deck.” These are ministry needs He places before us all, for which every congregation holds a stake.

The upcoming Bill Glass Behind the Walls event, October 1st, addresses one such need. Within the mission field we share are three state corrections institutions, a federal penitentiary, and several county facilities. The state units alone comprise a community of more than 9,500 offenders and about 1,500 personnel. While hundreds go into the units each year presenting the gospel, few do so with the focus on life-long disciple making as we do. The opportunity to not only present the gospel, but to foster a disciple making movement among offenders and staff is one I hope you will embrace.

Join us! We’re asking your commitment for Friday evening, Sept. 30, for prayer, preparation and equipping, and Saturday, Oct. 1, the day we will enter the units. Brandon Cochran, South Central Regional Director for Bill Glass Behind the Walls, expects us to wrap up the day by 3 PM.

What can you do now? First, visit the Bill Glass website and create an account. There is no obligation in this. It simply sets you into the system so that you remain updated as we approach October. As soon as the local steering team is complete, registration for our local event will open.

Second, you can pray. Pray for laborers. Pray for the Lord’s provision. Pray that Christians who share the gospel beside us gain confidence for their witness back home. And pray this effort brings great honor and glory to our Lord.

Third, lock in the dates, Sept. 30 and Oct. 1! Big church or small, keep these dates a priority.

And, of course, watch for updates as October approaches.

I hope to see you there. In the meantime, consider what a gift for the Savior it will be as we serve together with the gospel!

Blessings,

Bro. Jim

The Ignored Discipline

While a missionary with the North American Mission Board, I met a church planter starting a church in a politically liberal city. With a population high in college students and young professionals, this witness was badly needed and my friend and his wife were excited about their calling.

One summer a mission team from Texas traveled cross country to serve with my friend. As they unloaded the trailer, my friend took note of the many cases of bottled water the team unloaded. As he tells the story, in preparation the planter had asked them to forgo bottled water this trip. He explained that, in the value system common across this city, plastic water bottles are considered wasteful, bad for the environment, and would be a hinderance to the team’s ministry with this new church. Though the leader said he understood, when the team arrived out came case after case of Dasani, Smart Water, and Sam’s Choice.

The missionary asked the team leader, “Please, put it away or leave it in the trailer. We have water and reusable bottles for you.” The leader answered, “We can’t let these liberals set the agenda. They can’t take away our right to drink what we want.” And so began the worst week of this congregation’s young life.

Rights are complex. Some, like the right to life, are non-negotiable. Christians should stand without apology for the unborn, unjustly accused, disabled, abused and all human life others might devalue.

But others are like the bottled water. It may be convenient to bring water for the trip, and I am legally entitled to drink what water I choose. With plastic straws, even. But if by exercising this right, I create an offense within the church family or add an unnecessary barrier to the gospel, I sin.

When writing to a church with a similar dilemma, Paul said in Rom. 15:2, “Let each of us please his neighbor for his good, to build him up.” There is so much more meat in this text, but at its core, when it’s not one of those essential points, the right thing for Christians is often to yield.

Matters worthy of debate abound, such as life, fidelity to God’s word, loving God and neighbor, proclaiming the gospel to all peoples, and disciple making. But we never get to these when we cling to preferences and entitlements when we should yield.

Yielding just might be the ignored spiritual discipline.

Blessings,

Bro. Jim