Article for Ministers: Seral Succession

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All it takes to start a fire is a little fuel, the right atmospheric conditions, and a source of ignition, perhaps as small as a tiny spark. If circumstances are right, a single blade of grass once ignited can build into an inferno that burns and ravages countless acres of prime forest. Humble beginnings can transmute into raging fire storms, exploding trees, molten sand, and death. The aftermath of such devastation causes one to wince in regret at the horrible and blackened scars left behind where beauty once stood. As unnatural as it may appear it is but another witness of the beauty of the healing and creative powers of God. Most pristine forests have at one time or another been destroyed by fire, but eventually they grow back stronger and more beautiful than ever. It is a cycle that must be understood.

Seral Succession is an ecological principle in which, over time, the natural biological systems become so developed that they begin to atrophy and bog themselves down. A strong forest becomes weakened and diseased because of the vines, weeds and assorted parasitical vegetations that erode its strength. New growth is repressed and beauty lies dormant because the system prohibits it. Extreme cases may require a controlled burn - an act of destruction - before beauty, order and strength can return. The temporary and painful state of charred ugliness is quickly forgotten once the beauty of a healthy forest burst though.

The same principle applies to agriculture. It is not uncommon for farmers to burn certain fields in anticipation of planting a future crop. Soon afterward the tractor tills the soil and much of the ugliness disappears. As horrible as the blackened field may have first appeared, its memory will be completely erased as spring bursts forth in a display of brilliant colors and verdant growth where once only charcoal and ash had been.

In effect, the fire’s devastation produces healing by burning away the undergrowth that prevents fresh, new vegetation. The ash becomes a natural fertilizer.

The Origin of Organization

Most movements begin with one or a small group of people who devotedly pursue a noble and meaningful vision, purpose or ideal. Success attracts and produces adherents and followers. Eventually people and systems are put in place to support the momentum and gains of success. As success creates even greater demands for support, and finances arrive that enable the addition of people, property, equipment, procedures and such, an organization evolves. Human tendency is to take pride in the growth and accomplishment of the organization. Eventually a successful organization can become an institution. Institutional status creates the capacity for people to reverence the institution more than its initial mission or purpose.

The reverence of an institution is subtle, so much so that it may not be recognizable to those who view it only from within. More and more people, programs and procedures are put in place to safeguard and strengthen the institution. The rally cry for justifying institutional growth always spotlights its mission and purpose, even if its daily actions and resources are devoted away from the same. Systems increase in complexity. Emphasis shifts to ways of tightening control, re-phrasing procedures, and managing programs designed to raise funds to finance the bureaucracy institution.

This is where the paradox occurs, because eventually more effort, finances and attention are devoted to maintaining the complex and cumbersome institution than to fulfilling its original mission and purpose. At this point the mission and purpose become compromised. They may remain the rallying point for acquiring funds and support, but the funds and support are absorbed by the institution before they are allowed to significantly impact its true mission and purpose. Significant amounts of capital, time and energy is required to maintain the cumbersome positions, travel, perks, programs and structure of any large organization or institution.

Up until now in this article I have been referring exclusively to business organizations. Studies have proven that the downward spiral of thousands of once great businesses and governments occurred when the costs of doing business demanded more attention and effort than managing the direction, effectiveness, and purpose of the business. Thousands of case studies endorse that those businesses who reached this dangerous cycle were saved only by stringent organizational seral succession. Chrysler, Harley Davidson, Ford Motor Company, and many others survive today mainly because somebody made the right decision to cut expenses, reduce waste, and create a higher quality product at a lower cost to the customer. Otherwise they would have died the premature organizational death, sacrificed to the lean business methods of the Toyotas and Hondas and other global competitors.

Seral succession occurs in spiritual leadership and ministry organizations as well. Programs and infrastructures spring up to support and protect a burgeoning ministry’s success. As deadening organizational undergrowth and complexity develops, it effectively chokes anything new and different that is attempting to break through. What begins as a dynamic expression of the kingdom of God mires in the trappings of human institutionalism. Slowly, inexorably, the focus shifts to refining policy, drawing membership boundaries, delegating authority, entrenching control, and preserving the status quo.

It is at this juncture that life or death of the institution occurs. In order for it to survive and remain relevant, it must be scrutinized for effectiveness and efficiency. Every position, program, procedure, and process must be constantly challenged and critiqued for relevancy and effectiveness. No system, program or position can be allowed to calcify into a sacred shrine or holy cow. Everything must be examined in order to assure that the emphasis remains on the mission and purpose, not on the organization. At the point that more resources are devoted to sustaining an organization than toward fulfilling its purpose the institution is in the process of dying. Its life and strength is being choked from it by the cumbersome undergrowth of non-essential organizational waste and bureaucracy.

Programs that are not self-funding and operating in the black should be either eliminated or re-engineered. Fiscal, spiritual, and performance accountability should be expected from every layer of leadership, regardless of where it exists in the hierarchy or organizational structure. New programs and institutions should be planned in advance to assure that they can be funded and sustained without having to overburden the already burdened constituents. The Bible says in Luke 14:28-32:

28 For which of you, intending to build a tower, sitteth not down first, and counteth the cost, whether he have sufficient to finish it?

29 Lest haply, after he hath laid the foundation, and is not able to finish it, all that behold it begin to mock him,

30 Saying, This man began to build, and was not able to finish.

31 Or what king, going to make war against another king, sitteth not down first, and consulteth whether he be able with ten thousand to meet him that cometh against him with twenty thousand?

32 Or else, while the other is yet a great way off, he sendeth an ambassage, and desireth conditions of peace.

When leaders are not held accountable for their decisions it becomes easy for them to lead by opinion and emotion, knowing they will not be questioned or challenged for their actions. In such cases it is not uncommon for them to begin initiatives they really can’t afford, and then expect their constituents to finance them out of their dilemma. This is a practice that has long been perfected in the Federal Government, where accountability is easily camouflaged by complexity and deficits.

It is essential that everyone understand the purpose and reason for an organization’s very existence. There are advantages to being a part of a collective whole, and one advantage is that it makes it easier to do more through the collaborative efforts of many. The key for leaders is to remember that there must be a balance, and never should the constituents be taken for granted or advantage of.

The fundamental truth is that any organizational structure is merely a tool to be used to accomplish a worthy purpose, mission, or vision. It must never become a holy thing lest organizational idolatry occur. If an organizational structure is working efficiently and attaining its goals then keep it and improve it. If it is not reaching the vision or goals then change it, improve, or scrap it if necessary.

Everything about an organization must be subject to seral succession. Difficult questions need to be asked before a blank check for additional spending is awarded simply because it is asked for. Is travel always necessary? Do we really need those expensive mass mail outs? Do we always have to do what we have always done? Do we have to pay for so many travel expenses? Do we really have to spend so much on awards, recognition, dinners, and such at the constituent’s expense? Does that department need to even exist anymore? Why do we need such a cumbersome and slow moving infrastructure? How many expensive and non-essential layers, positions, and committees can we eliminate? Why don’t we identify and eliminate every redundant and wasteful procedure?

If organizational survival is the pre-eminent focus, then increase the cost of maintaining it and overtax the constituency to finance it. If the survival of the mission and purpose is pre-eminent, then focus attention on eliminating wastes, curbing non-essential costs, and streamlining processes in order to maximize organizational efficiency so it can attain a worthwhile mission and purpose. Historically in government, business, and religion, it is proven that the less the bureaucracy the better.

For a number of years I managed the Value Analysis/Value Engineering and the Continuous Improvement Divisions of a large global manufacturing giant. The people who worked for me were responsible for using engineering and team techniques to eliminate all organizational wastes and non-essential expenses. I had people in sixty-three manufacturing locations on multiple continents. Our purpose was to provide to the customer the best product and the lowest competitive price. Our concept was to free up people, equipment, machinery and floor space to make room for new business. What was the result? By streamlining and minimizing the cost of the organization, and eliminating hundreds of millions of dollars from being wasted, we were able to triple the amount of business and customers.

As an organization wrestles with certain increases in operating costs, the solution is similar. Seral Succession must occur in order for the health of the organization to be restored. Any increases in costs should demand justification, not just partial data to influence the uninformed. It is possible that the absolute worst thing that could happen would be to increase revenue at this time without first eliminating organizational waste and inefficiency. Every non-value adding process, procedure, program and position should be eliminated. What remains should be to achieve one purpose - to facilitate global evangelism. The need is not to increase revenue, but to streamline the organization. Once this is done revenue then becomes more effective.

In his profound book titled Upside Down, author Stacy T. Rinehart writes, “

“As we look back over church history we see that in the beginning of any true spiritual movement, the Holy Spirit is released as men and women exercise faith and courage. God honors the simple, stumbling efforts of His children as they step out in faith. As people move into uncharted territory toward a vision He’s given them, God meets them there.

Yet, when their efforts meet with a measure of success and renewal breaks out, an insidious, counteractive process begins. The underbrush of institutionalism begins to take root. The human tendency is to build an organization around this living, dynamic thing called ministry. Then the surrounding structure becomes a heavy, cumbersome weight that cuts off the spiritual light and nutrients necessary for growth. In this process of institutionalization, people come to rely on human figures at the helm. God’s Spirit is quenched; freedom and innovation decline.

As leaders grow more entrenched, they invest more power and authority in their position. The priesthood of the elite increases and the priesthood of believers decline. An invisible caste system develops, making a subtle distinction between laity and clergy. Laity learns to step back out of the picture, find a comfortable place to sit, and watch the “professionals” at work.

As any ministry takes on an organizational focus, something to protect arises. Assets, property, history, and tradition must be preserved. Eventually the light and life that produced them lie dormant, and it seems that tradition and structure are all that remain. Thus, as institutionalism takes over, reformers of almost any kind meet with resistance and suspicion. They appear to be challenging the unchallengeable.

Suppose we see our role as servant charged with the responsibility and privilege of helping others come into the fruitful expression of God’s vision for their part in the kingdom. Then we may avoid the temptation to build our own kingdoms to which we recruit others with their time and talents.

Of course, if we continue to focus people’s eyes on Christ, we will not be the “Maypole” around which everything revolves. And that may be painful. Yet, in this way, the ministry itself will not calcify into an organizational structure that requires loyalty and protection as it moves further from the Holy Spirit’s leading.”

The opportunity for making the needed improvements to secure a bold and dynamic future have never been greater than today. If we are bold, and our elected officials are provided with a clear voice from the constituents, the impact upon the harvest of tomorrow can be immeasurable.

All it takes to start a fire is a little fuel, the right atmospheric conditions, and a source of ignition, perhaps as small as a tiny spark. As ministers we must be accountable to God and the folks in the pews who faithfully give to support His work. We must be wise stewards. Let’s keep the main thing the main thing.

BIO

Dr. Fred Childs holds a MBA in Business Administration and a Ph.D. in Leadership Administration. He is a pastor, author, leading church and business consultant, and leadership authority.

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The Power Of Expository Preaching

There are a number of great ways to preach the Word of God, but one of the most effective is expository preaching.

Stephen Olford defines expository preaching this way;

"Expository preaching is the Spirit-empowered explanation and proclamation of the text of God's Word with due regard to the historical, contextual, grammatical and doctrinal significance of the given message or given passage, with the specific object of invoking a Christ transforming response."

That is a pretty heavy definition, let me simplify; "The text does the talking, the preaching, the teaching and the transforming." The message is already there, you just have to open it up and discover it for yourself. Expository preaching forces the man of God to open his own heart first and allow the scripture to change him before it ever changes his audience.

An expository sermon comes from a portion of text that is usually at least one paragraph in length, and where at least a good portion of the story is told in its context. For an expository sermon to have impact, the story of the text must be opened up to your audience. A casual reading and retelling of the scripture is not quite what it is about. Nor is it a step by step outline of each verse. There is a message in the story of the text that must be shared in a meaningful way.

There is a pressure in our culture today for preachers to be 'relevant' to their audience. In doing so, expository preaching has become less and less popular. Many insist that it is no longer effective. Most of today's mainline preachers have adopted the 'topical' style of preaching in their attempt to become relevant. In this style of preaching they choose a topic and then go to the Word to see what the scripture says about it. The danger in this is that they become so topical in their preaching that there is very little of the Word of God left. The one or two scriptures they do use are often taken out of context and used in ways that alter their intended meaning. I would like to say that there is nothing more relevant for our culture today than the Word of God. The Word of God transcends time, tradition and culture. The writer of Hebrews declares that the Word of God is quick enough, sharp enough and has enough power to pierce into the thoughts and hearts of every person.

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Can You Turn a Loser into a Leader? Part 1

"Not on your own, but with God's help you can!"

Luke 1:37

37 For with God nothing shall be impossible.

If you asked anybody, "What amazes you most about what Jesus did while on this Earth?" You would get responses like, "He raised the dead," or "He died for my sins" or "He healed the blind and the lame." No doubt that each of these are amazing works of God, Calvary can never be denied as the greatest work that Jesus did. I would have responded the same way. Calvary aside, one of the most amazing things to me that Jesus did while on this Earth was transforming the twelve into disciples, and ultimately into the leaders of the first century church. That was an amazing accomplishment.

I know firsthand as a leader and a pastor how difficult it is to change people. I understand how much time it takes to cause habits and thinking to change. Don't get me wrong, I am not saying that the twelve disciples were total idiots, but let's be honest, they didn't have a whole lot going for them. They were definitely less than ordinary. They didn't have a lot of natural talent. Their intellectual abilities were lacking. Each one of them was prone to failure, bad attitudes and mistakes, no one more than the leader of the group, Peter. Almost every one of them had issues with their faith. They all had bouts with doubt. On one occasion, Jesus said of them;

Luke 24:25

25 Then he said unto them, O fools, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken:

Jesus called them fools, yet He also saw them for what they could be, instead of what they were. These twelve "fools," or at least eleven of them, went on to turn their world upside down. They became the propagators of the Gospel after Jesus ascended. They built the church from the ground up. Their ministry continues to influence us to this day. So the answer is 'yes', a loser can be turned into a leader. A fool can become a person of wisdom. In fact, more often than not, God typically calls these kind of men and women to become the leaders in the church

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Can You Turn a Loser into a Leader? Part 1

"Not on your own, but with God's help you can!"

Luke 1:37

37 For with God nothing shall be impossible.

Luke 24:25

25 Then he said unto them, O fools, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken:

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Drawing From A Dry Well

I stared out of my office window. In 3 hours my congregation would be filling the auditorium to receive watering for their souls and seek direction and inspiration. The prospect used to snap my adrenaline to attention and send me bounding through the sanctuary straightening chairs, adjusting microphones, checking thermostats. Anticipation of the Holy Spirit’s ministry would stir my faith with expectation. It was my favorite time of the week – then. I managed to continue preparing messages, but careful planning of the services overloaded the limits of my emotional energy. I winged it more Sundays than I care to admit. Routine pastoral tasks were postponed or neglected. Knowing I wasn’t giving the pastorate my best effort nagged my conscience and compounded my distress. Thankfully, I survived. Ministry once again puts a bounce in my steps. My devotional life has regained its pulse. Vision and purpose flow through my veins. I’ve come through to the bright side of the “valley of the shadow of death.” Here are some things I learned about surviving when the well runs dry.

Recognize the Adversary. According to I Peter 5:8, we have an adversary who seeks to devour us. Satan’s strategy is seen throughout the Scriptures – to strike shepherds and scatter the sheep. For instance, he assaulted Timothy with insecurity and inadequacy. I was Timothy. Satan harassed me with thoughts: You’re a failure. You’re a terrible pastor. Your aren’t gifted enough. The church would be better off without you. You’ve missed your calling. They hounded my mind continually, and I gegan to believe them. Then I had to trust that He would equip and enable me to get the job done. I went to the Scriptures that speak of endurance and perseverance. Deep down I knew I had to press on, and God would see me through. He did. I’m thankful I didn’t quit.
Settle the Commitment Issue. Another breakthrough came by committing myself anew to the call of pasturing. Discouragement caused me to entertain ideas of quitting the ministry and pursuing other professions. Mentally I packed my bags daily. The fantasies provided brief oases in my desert, but ultimately they sucked me down into deeper depression. Indecision frustrated and complicated my state of mind. I became angry that the ministry forced me to say “No” to other options. Then Jesus’ words began to impress my thoughts, “Whosoever wishes to save his life shall lose it; but whoever loses his life for My sake shall find it.” (Matt. 16:25). I was trying to save my life. Leaving the ministry would be a cop-out and would cost me long-term blessings and character development. Therefore, I determined to stick with it and be faithful to the call. Even if it killed me, I would give myself to the ministry. It was a turning point. The distracting, conflicting desires faded. Contentment came, followed by genuine joy.

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Drawing From A Dry Well

Recognize the Adversary. According to I Peter 5:8, we have an adversary who seeks to devour us. Satan’s strategy is seen throughout the Scriptures – to strike shepherds and scatter the sheep. For instance, he assaulted Timothy with insecurity and inadequacy. I was Timothy. Satan harassed me with thoughts: You’re a failure. You’re a terrible pastor. Your aren’t gifted enough. The church would be better off without you. You’ve missed your calling. They hounded my mind continually, and I gegan to believe them. Then I had to trust that He would equip and enable me to get the job done. I went to the Scriptures that speak of endurance and perseverance. Deep down I knew I had to press on, and God would see me through. He did. I’m thankful I didn’t quit.
Settle the Commitment Issue. Another breakthrough came by committing myself anew to the call of pasturing. Discouragement caused me to entertain ideas of quitting the ministry and pursuing other professions. Mentally I packed my bags daily. The fantasies provided brief oases in my desert, but ultimately they sucked me down into deeper depression. Indecision frustrated and complicated my state of mind. I became angry that the ministry forced me to say “No” to other options. Then Jesus’ words began to impress my thoughts, “Whosoever wishes to save his life shall lose it; but whoever loses his life for My sake shall find it.” (Matt. 16:25). I was trying to save my life. Leaving the ministry would be a cop-out and would cost me long-term blessings and character development. Therefore, I determined to stick with it and be faithful to the call. Even if it killed me, I would give myself to the ministry. It was a turning point. The distracting, conflicting desires faded. Contentment came, followed by genuine joy.

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The Principle of Momentum

Why Shouldn’t We Succeed?

· God wants you to succeed in ministry!

· God desires that you experience great revival in your church and ministry!

· God has guaranteed that the church will prevail!

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1. Keys to consistent growth.

2. How to become the Church that God Designed.

3. How to attain everything that God has promised.

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· God has guaranteed that the church will prevail!

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In Momentum in Ministry you’ll learn:

1. Keys to consistent growth.

2. How to become the Church that God Designed.

3. How to attain everything that God has promised.

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Sir, Reverend, Would You Have Them Hold the Mayonnaise

There are times that I really get wrapped up with being important. I mean those times when I am so into the importance thing that the whole world finds it’s orbit around me. I know that you may find that hard to believe, that “importance” could have such a dizzying effect on me but it does.

In fact some time ago, I found myself being very important. Our church was hosting a preaching workshop. Rick Wyser was doing his very good seminar “The Six Should-Be’s of Preaching” and I was feeling particularly important. We had plotted and planned and had all sorts of free books, gadgets, computer programs and all sorts of other things to give out to the participants. Somewhere around fifty ministers came and we were having a tremendous time. Nothing motivates me like talking about becoming a better preacher, so I was definitely enjoying the element.

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Is It My Turn Yet?

Haven’t you always wanted to be a part of a winning team?

Isn’t it time to let God use your life for His glory?

I Sam 17: 19 Now Saul, and they, and all the men of Israel, were in the valley of Elah, fighting with the Philistines. 20 And David rose up early in the morning, and left the sheep with a keeper, and took, and went, as Jesse had commanded him; and he came to the trench, as the host was going forth to the fight, and shouted for the battle.

Can you imagine all the hundreds or even thousands of warriors that were in the field that day? There were both Israeli and also the Philistine seasoned men of combat. Archers. Chariot riders. Foot soldiers. Champions of wars past. Huge, scarred, muscular men of combat.

And along comes this ruddy, stubbly faced, nosy kid who upon hearing the Philistine champion's challenge, calls out…. “Is It My Turn Yet?”

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Is It My Turn Yet?

Haven’t you always wanted to be a part of a winning team?

Isn’t it time to let God use your life for His glory?

And along comes this ruddy, stubbly faced, nosy kid who upon hearing the Philistine champion's challenge, calls out…. “Is It My Turn Yet?”

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Developing A Growing Church

Pastor Ray Johnson of the Denham Springs Pentecostal Church shares the characteristics of a growing church.

There are specific, reasonable and attainable growth goals that have been developed. A pastor must see, believe it and work for it!
There is powerful Bible-based preaching and teaching, anointed singing, vibrant worship, fervent praying, and generous giving.
There is consistent visitation and follow-up on visitors.
The pastor recognizes and releases the gifts and callings among the congregation. These gifts include the gifts of teachers, helpers, prophecy, exhortation, ruling, etc.
The organization, coordination, and emphasis of the basic departments - Sunday School, Youth, Outreach, Music, New Convert Care - is always on soul-winning and discipleship.

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Developing A Growing Church

Pastor Ray Johnson of the Denham Springs Pentecostal Church shares the characteristics of a growing church.

There are specific, reasonable and attainable growth goals that have been developed. A pastor must see, believe it and work for it!
There is powerful Bible-based preaching and teaching, anointed singing, vibrant worship, fervent praying, and generous giving.
There is consistent visitation and follow-up on visitors.
The pastor recognizes and releases the gifts and callings among the congregation. These gifts include the gifts of teachers, helpers, prophecy, exhortation, ruling, etc.
The organization, coordination, and emphasis of the basic departments - Sunday School, Youth, Outreach, Music, New Convert Care - is always on soul-winning and discipleship.

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The Dangers of Liberty

John 8:31-36
31 Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed;
32 And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.
33 They answered him, We be Abraham's seed, and were never in bondage to any man: how sayest thou, Ye shall be made free?
34 Jesus answered them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whosoever committeth sin is the servant of sin.
35 And the servant abideth not in the house for ever: but the Son abideth ever.
36 If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.

Liberty, Liberation: Freedom from physical, political, and spiritual oppression.

One of the dominant themes of the Old Testament is that Yahweh is the God who liberated the Israelites from their bondage in Egypt. (Passover)
In the New Testament, God is the one who liberates people from bondage to sin through Jesus Christ. (Cross)

Freedom: The ability to be and do what one wants instead of being controlled by another.

We are able to choose our actions and attitudes, our responses to others and to God.
In another sense, we cannot be and do what we want because we are not independent of others or God.
The Bible constantly affirms that the kind of freedom all persons have is the kind of freedom that slaves have.

Romans 1:1 Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated unto the gospel of God,

Jude 1:1 Jude, the servant of Jesus Christ, and brother of James, to them that are sanctified by God the Father, and preserved in Jesus Christ, and called:

Colossians 4:12 Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ, saluteth you, always labouring fervently for you in prayers, that ye may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God.

Deuteronomy 34:5 So Moses the servant of the LORD died there in the land of Moab, according to the word of the LORD.
(Moses = Deuteronomy, Joshua, Judges, Kings, Chronicles, Psalms)

2 Timothy 2:24 And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient,

2 Peter 1:1 Simon Peter, a servant and an apostle of Jesus Christ, to them that have obtained like precious faith with us through the righteousness of God and our Saviour Jesus Christ:

James 1:1 James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, to the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad, greeting.
(Moses = Chronicles, Nehemiah, Daniel, Hebrews, Revelation)

Slaves on drugs

Slaves on opiates are oblivious to their carnal situation.
Karl Marx declared that religion is the opiate of the masses.
I believe that Paul taught that opiates are the religion of the masses:
(Opiates = Ambitions, Hobbies, Obsessions)

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The Dangers of Liberty

Liberty, Liberation: Freedom from physical, political, and spiritual oppression.

One of the dominant themes of the Old Testament is that Yahweh is the God who liberated the Israelites from their bondage in Egypt. (Passover)
In the New Testament, God is the one who liberates people from bondage to sin through Jesus Christ. (Cross)

Freedom: The ability to be and do what one wants instead of being controlled by another.

We are able to choose our actions and attitudes, our responses to others and to God.
In another sense, we cannot be and do what we want because we are not independent of others or God.
The Bible constantly affirms that the kind of freedom all persons have is the kind of freedom that slaves have.

Romans 1:1 Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated unto the gospel of God,

Jude 1:1 Jude, the servant of Jesus Christ, and brother of James, to them that are sanctified by God the Father, and preserved in Jesus Christ, and called:

Colossians 4:12 Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ, saluteth you, always labouring fervently for you in prayers, that ye may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God.

Deuteronomy 34:5 So Moses the servant of the LORD died there in the land of Moab, according to the word of the LORD.
(Moses = Deuteronomy, Joshua, Judges, Kings, Chronicles, Psalms)

2 Timothy 2:24 And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient,

2 Peter 1:1 Simon Peter, a servant and an apostle of Jesus Christ, to them that have obtained like precious faith with us through the righteousness of God and our Saviour Jesus Christ:

James 1:1 James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, to the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad, greeting.
(Moses = Chronicles, Nehemiah, Daniel, Hebrews, Revelation)

Slaves on drugs

Slaves on opiates are oblivious to their carnal situation.
Karl Marx declared that religion is the opiate of the masses.
I believe that Paul taught that opiates are the religion of the masses:
(Opiates = Ambitions, Hobbies, Obsessions)

[ read more...]

Addicted To Anger?

Anyone can become angry. That is easy. But to be angry with the right person, to the right degree, at the right time, for the right purpose and in the right way, that is not easy. - Aristotle

Some of you will not appreciate us quoting from Aristotle, but you have to admit, the guy has a good point. Anger can eat a person up. Your true potential as a minister of God can be thwarted by un-harnessed anger.

People who explode and express anger easily can cause great harm to those they are called to encourage. It’s important for us to understand anger and its potential to destroy.

Exploding because someone hurt you. When most people get hurt they cry out. This is natural. But it is not healthy to express anger every time someone hurts your feelings.

A good leader has the ability to harness his anger and even displace it toward healthy and more productive avenues. Mistreating someone because they hurt you is not just. It is bullying.

It is entirely possible that the person who hurt you did it unintentionally and without malice. You would be wise to forgive them quickly and swallow that anger before you create a fissure in a relationship that cannot be mended.

Being addicted to anger. Some people love to be angry. They enjoy the feeling of superiority they get when they have told someone off. They actually look for opportunities to get after someone or give someone a hard time. Certain hormones even create a strong physical sensation when they really get mad.

These people are addicted to this hormone and the emotion of anger and have no place in church leadership. It is important to be a person of peace. If you find yourself constantly getting angry at others for little reasons, you might be addicted to anger. Just like any other addict, you can actually build up a tolerance for this drug. Once this happens, you will find it necessary to constantly become angrier in order to get the same euphoria. This could end in a terrible way if you do not get deliverance from this addiction.

Using anger to exploit. Most people learn to exploit by anger at a very early age. Babies learn quickly to cry out in anger when they are not getting what they want. They will use anger tantrums to control their parents who simply want to appease them.

These same people grow up believing that they can use anger to get their way all the time. On the job, they will use anger to cause others to cave into their demands. These people may not stomp their feet in the workplace or church office, but you know when they are mad and they will use this to control others.

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Addicted To Anger?

Anyone can become angry. That is easy. But to be angry with the right person, to the right degree, at the right time, for the right purpose and in the right way, that is not easy. - Aristotle

People who explode and express anger easily can cause great harm to those they are called to encourage. It’s important for us to understand anger and its potential to destroy.

Exploding because someone hurt you. When most people get hurt they cry out. This is natural. But it is not healthy to express anger every time someone hurts your feelings.

A good leader has the ability to harness his anger and even displace it toward healthy and more productive avenues. Mistreating someone because they hurt you is not just. It is bullying.

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