6 potential "false gods" in our ministry

 

Placing people above God

 

Placing security above God

 

Placing comfort above God

 

Placing a paycheck above God

 

Placing family above God

 

Placing preference above God

 

 

Episode 132: Symptoms of A Critical Church Culture

 

 

Many of our churches in the United States have developed a critical culture

 

Criticism - a Critical Cricket

                    a Fault Finder

                    an Idea Incinerator

                    a Results Rebel (never good enough)

 

A critical spirit tears down those around us and robs us of our own ability to enjoy life. When we become overly critical, we miss out on the beauty that God has placed in this world. Small blessings go unnoticed, and we stop being thankful. Overcoming a critical spirit requires gratefulness, a willingness to forgive, an accurate understanding of God’s grace (it’s free!), an intentional refocusing of our thoughts, and a commitment to share the truth in love.

 

Complaining - inner 2 year old wants something

 

what happens to a critical church

 

 

               folks don't like conflict

               it runs pastors off

 

 

 

 

 

Overcoming a critical spirit is a matter of sanctification, and we have the Holy Spirit’s help with that .

 

 

“...Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word of God.”  verse 4

 

For reading and meditation: Luke 4:1-4

 

We remember Satan is a counterfeiter.  He creates fake items to dangle in front of God’s children as substitutes for God’s real items.  Jesus is truly hungry in this passage and in need of some sustenance.  Satan offers him mere calories - sweet bread. 

 

Jesus knows there is an item far more satisfying than bread.  Jesus knows experiencing God’s presence is really satisfying; a deep down, unbeatable satisfaction.  See Psalm 16:11.  “In Your presence is fullness of joy.”  The one Hebrew word translated fullness of joy (soba) refers to real satisfaction.  Jesus knew remaining in God’s presence was His source of real satisfaction.  He would not forfeit the beauty of real satisfaction to experience the fleeting satisfaction of eating a few sweet calories of bread.

 

Have you and I eaten some of Satan’s sweets when we were hungry?  How satisfying was it for you?   Those in Christ look to God to satisfy them.  It is in His power and by His strength we stand, move, and have our being.  It is our intimate walk with God that sustains.  Let’s not forfeit our walk with God for one sweet bite of a fake.

Be a tourist 

Be a food critic

Be a tour guide 

Be a chamber spokesperson 

Three elements to consider

 

Constitution is broad and covers governing values and principles.

 

Bylaws are the specific governing properties that arise from the constitution.

 

Policies and procedures

 

Remember:

6 Questions to consider in increasing pastor tenure in your church

The buzzword in church life is revitalization.  Everyone is talking about it because it's a huge need. 

 

So We need to talk about revitalization

 

 

Churches in decline need to face some hard realities

 

Revitalize - the long term plan to renew their health through a change of vision and strategic change.  Need a plan

 

Replant - A church can relaunch with a new name and plan - but they must have a partnering church to

a.  foster

b. adopt

c. financially support

 

Repurpose - Creatively steward facilities for the continued glory of the larger kingdom of God

 

So start now and look at your church - do you need revitalized in some way?

6 types of pastors who will struggle to endure

 

 

Some corrective actions...

 

 

 

Episode 125: Separation Anxiety

 

We see it all the time in ministry. - someone who has been very involved in the church.  Suddenly they begin to distance themselves from everyone. 

How do you handle this separation?  

 

Is it important or not? 

 

Satan loves to separate us from our family.  

 

We will never get to the right places until we listen to the right voices.

 

Most of the time we wait too long to ask.

 

We don't want to offend.