The Leadership Issue by Newfrontiers USA

ISSUE 01 >>

2010

a newfrontiers usa publication

the leadership issue Welcome Emmanuel Community Church Terry Virgo >> Keeping Motivated and On Track Bryan Mowrey >> Leaders Who Lead

SOUNDBITE • QUICK LOOK

CARL HERRINGTON • APPS

JOHN LANFERMAN >> Team Leader >> Newfrontiers USA

CALLING ALL LEADERS THAT MEANS YOU! In Isaiah 6, God asks a question: “Whom shall we send and who will go?” …Isaiah volunteers. One of the great questions we often ask is “are leaders born or made?” The answer is both. It is evident that some people seem to demonstrate a natural gift of leadership. On the other hand, it is also true that there are factors within our control that, if cultivated, can enable us to develop into leaders. Of course Christ has set apart those who are to lead His Church; however, the Great Commission is for everyone. Everyone leads, as we are all called to influence others for the Kingdom. Our traditional view of leaders as gifted, charismatic people seems to cause many to limit both God and themselves. Too often we disqualify ourselves from having leadership ability if we do not possess certain characteristics.

Leaders are ordinary people. Take a moment and consider this simple but significant truth! In his book The Fifth Discipline, Peter Senge writes: “Most of the outstanding leaders I have worked with are neither tall nor especially handsome; they are often mediocre public speakers; they do not stand out in a crowd; they do not

mesmerize an attending audience with their brilliance or eloquence.”

We see this “ordinary factor” of leadership in many biblical examples. The great Old Testament leader David in fact, was so ordinary that even his own father didn’t realize his potential! 1 Corinthians 1:26-29 has always been helpful to me in regard to the type of people God often calls as leaders. Whether it’s a shepherd boy like David, or a church full of immature but enthusiastic believers like those in Corinth, God seems to delight in using the weak and foolish to accomplish His plans.

How do people become leaders? Amazing as it is, one often becomes a leader through home life, failure and crisis. The influence of one’s home life is a part of God’s process. Many leaders have had difficulties growing up, but God is redemptive. Our childhood shapes us as we experience God’s healing grace, which transforms us and leads us to have compassion toward others. Failure is not the issue. The issue is how one responds to failure, and our response is determinative in our leadership development. George Washington lost four out of five major battles he fought. Lincoln suffered bankruptcy and was a West Point reject. Failure is a tool in God’s hand for shaping leaders. Crisis also shapes us as we’re either crushed by it, or develop character through it. We can choose to resolve within ourselves to reach for greater heights. Churchill, famous for eloquence, had a speech impediment as a boy. Peter often stuck his foot in his mouth. Moses had problems speaking and asked God to have his brother Aaron speak for him.

Subscribe to John’s Blog at: http://johnlanferman.blogspot.com

SOUNDBITE

How do people become leaders? Amazing as it is, one often becomes a leader through home life, failure, and crisis.

Leaders are learners. Learners assume an attitude of being teachable and trainable. Solomon said, “Let the wise listen and add to their learning, and let the discerning get guidance” (Proverbs 1:5). It is vital to connect with other leaders who are willing to come alongside you. It is not the accomplishments of a mentor or coach that makes them a valuable ally, but what they observe in others that counts. Paul’s year at Antioch with Barnabas, which included “on the job” experience, was a springboard for Paul’s apostolic ministry. Leaders are called to receive input, as well as give helpful input to others.

People that not only use crisis experiences as learning tools, but gain motivation from their failures as well, demonstrate leadership. Leaders are not people who escape failure… they’re people who overcome adversity.

With faithful service comes greater responsibility. “One who is faithful in very little, is also faithful in much” (Luke 16:10). Leaders are diligent in the task assigned, even if the task seems insignificant. You may feel a sense that you should help out even if you feel inadequate. Sensitivity to the needs around you and a willingness to serve faithfully demonstrates leadership potential. Availability and faithfulness in one’s task mark a leader. During this stage you will develop skills and spiritual gifts as you learn to relate to people in ways that will motivate and influence them. Faithfulness in your assignments while developing skills leads to even greater responsibility. Some questions to ask yourself: Do you see these tasks as coming from God? Do you view these tasks as a job that has to be done out of duty, or done for the sake of personal recognition?

WELCOME

The process of leadership development hinges upon current leaders who are willing to invest in others, just as Barnabas did with Paul: “And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable men who will also be qualified to teach others” (2 Timothy 2:2). Paul also followed Barnabas’ model in developing other willing learners. Paul told Timothy, “You… have followed my teaching, my conduct, my aim in life, my faith, my patience, my love, my steadfastness, my persecutions and sufferings…” (2 Timothy 3:10). God has intentions for this earth. He commanded us to pray for His Kingdom to come and His will to be done, on earth as it is in heaven. He commissioned us to go and make disciples of all nations. God has designs for the nations and He has designs for you!

“Whom shall we send and who will go?” The need is great in our local churches and communities. As we look to plant reproducing churches in the top 100 cities, I am praying for people who will answer, “Here am I, send me!”

Emmanuel Community Church

LEADER: David Kanski CHURCH STRENGTHS: Worshiping in Spirit and in truth; Hospitality: “the love of strangers” We’re passionate about the glory of God. I’ve often thought that if this church never accomplished any other purpose, it deserves to exist because of the excellence of our ministry to the Lord in worship.

ECC ELDERSHIP TEAM

Also, I often hear comments from newer members that what attracted them to us was the warm sense of welcome they received while they were still visitors.

Jersey Shore, PA

NEWFRONTIERS CONNECTION: Approximately five years ago, we were in the process of seeking to find a more vital connection to the larger body of Christ than we had yet experienced. A mutual friend introduced us to Chris and Margaret Chilvers (Bridge Church, Norwalk, CT). They in turn, introduced us to all the Newfrontiers folks in the Northeast. We were amazed to find a family of churches that shares virtually all of our core values and beliefs (e.g. apostolic oversight, community, centrality of worship and especially balance of the Word and Spirit).

TERRY VIRGO arranged by Curt McCutchan

KEEPING MOTIVATED AND ON TRACK Terry Virgo, the faithful leader of Newfrontiers for many years, spoke to leaders at our last Equipped for Mission conference about keeping motivated and on course as Christians and as leaders. Here are some pointers he gave to help us stay the course. See yourself primarily as a worshipper. Our foremost call as Christians and leaders is to worship. Life is challenging. I once put a card on my wall that said, “Are you standing worrying or kneeling worshiping?” Worship is vital and we must continually spend time with our Father. We must be God-centered, not works centered. Read books which stimulate faith. Read books which stir your spirit and stimulate your thinking about God. Biographies can stimulate one’s faith. I was recently stirred reading about the 1859 Ulster Revival. It’s encouraging! (Read Colin Whittaker’s Great Revivals for your own inspiration and encouragement.) Also, find a way to read the Bible that works best for you. Expect to meet with Jesus when you do.

Deny yourself and lose your life. As believers, we don’t have any rights. This perspective frees us from making demands, arguments and so on. You can waste a lot of emotional energy “defending” yourself. Be strong in grace. Fight the fight of faith. Avoid being in “neutral mode.” What do you believe for today? We must lay hold of things beyond our ability. Love the saints. I love John Piper’s book title for Christian leaders: Brothers, We are Not Professionals. We must genuinely be full of love for people and care for them. We must allow for progress and make room for others. Don’t cultivate a suspicious attitude. Love believes all things.

Subscribe to Terry’s Blog at: http://blog.terryvirgo.org

RECOMMENDED READING

a. Facedown by Matt Redman b. Great Revivals by Colin Whittaker

c. Planting Missional Churches by Ed Stetzer

SPECIAL FEATURE

As believers, we don’t have any rights. This perspective frees us from making demands, arguments and so on.

Dangers to Avoid There are dangers to avoid in order to keep your life on course. We need to beware of various issues that can keep us from an active life of faith. Attractive “Alternatives” theological sidetracks Watch out for people or groups with “single emphasis” doctrines that become the thing. Such an emphasis can veer you off course from the whole of Christian doctrine and life. perfectionism Avoid demanding perfection from others. Legalistic people wear themselves out (as well as the church) with such an approach to life. cynical people Avoid friendships with cynical people. Cynicism undermines faith. Look for things that lead you to life. willful individualism We must avoid being private and self sufficient. This may come from insecurity and a need to prove ourselves. We need to be vulnerable and open with one another while we embrace genuine fellowship. sexual sin The internet has become one of the biggest snares of Christian leaders today. We must be ruthless with ourselves as sexual sin is far too dangerous. If you have already been trapped in this, be open and share with someone to receive help and prayer. Bitterness from Criticism and Hostility When you try to initiate change, you may experience hostility and opposition that can wear you down. Don’t be overwhelmed by criticism and grow bitter, but rather obtain grace.

Whenever possible, so far as it depends on you, make peace with all people (Romans 12:18). Don’t let bitterness take root in your heart or join in another’s bitterness. Don’t yield to rejection or fear of the future. Lead and help others think and live differently. We must learn to live in the grace of God and thereby overcome any pain from criticism. Daily worship and enjoyment of God is vital. As we enjoy Christ, we live by faith and the truth of God’s sovereignty. Satanic Attack and Disappointment Disappointment can drain energy from you. Don’t let discouragement shape your thinking and lifestyle. Don’t learn to “live with” a loss of expectation. Don’t abandon faith by allowing inferiority, worthlessness, self-pity or the spirit of fear to come in; resist these satanic tricks. Put on God’s armor and learn to press through difficulty. God chooses the weak and gives them strength. Cultivate a worshipful spirit that brings you into God’s presence regularly. We are to take off anything that hinders us from running this race (Hebrews 12:1-2). Accommodating Failure It’s easy to get used to things you wouldn’t have allowed in the past. Don’t get weary in well-doing; don’t get lazy-minded. Keep your curiosity and excitement about God, having a desire to learn more. Do you still reach for more? When did you last prophesy? Are you stretching out into new things beyond your ability? We need faith that casts us upon God. Let’s keep celebrating God’s promises. Consider how much God has done in your life. How much more lies ahead?! Stay on the straight course and finish strong!

Download the complete message by Terry Virgo at: www.newfrontiersusa.org >> Media Archive (2010 Archive) >> Session 4 (Equipped for Mission Main Session 4) >> Listen/Download

BRYAN MOWREY >> Jubilee Church >> St. Louis, MO

LEADERS WHO LEAD As I look out across the broad landscape of the church in America, one of the more troubling realities I see is leaders of churches who actually don’t lead. I see a lot of good guys who know the Bible, love God, love people and have the appearance of how we think a pastor should look. The only problem is that they don’t actually lead. They love, they teach, they counsel, but they don’t lead. I think churches are in desperate need for true leaders: give-all-they-got, goanywhere, and do-anything kind of leaders. These types of leaders are always out in the front pushing the boundaries. They live with a holy discontentment of the status quo and are willing to take risks. They are highly intentional and will stop at nothing to go where God has called them to go. I think the Apostle Paul epitomizes this type of leader. He is not passively waiting for his ship to come in; he’s out there making it happen. Consider Philippians 3:13-14, “...But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” Paul is intentional. Paul is passionate. He is focused. He is determined. He is straining forward. My mental image of Paul

RECOMMENDED READING

is a guy who pursues Jesus and The Mission with his veins popping out of his neck as he applies all of his mind, heart, soul and strength to be the leader he needs to be. Consider also 1 Corinthians 9:24-27, “Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it. Every athlete exercises selfcontrol in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable. So I do not run aimlessly; I do not box as one beating the air. But I discipline my body and keep it under control...” At the highest level of athletics, there is a self-discipline that is mind boggling. Every aspect of an athlete’s life is built around optimal performance… from what they eat, to how much they sleep, to how they exercise, to what they do and how they go about it. Everything they do is designed to push them to an optimal performance in order to receive a perishable reward. Paul says that you and I should therefore have a. Axiom by Bill Hybels b. The Contrarian's Guide to Leadership by Steven B Sample c. Courageous Leadership by Bill Hybels

d. The Forgotten Ways by Alan Hirsch

To be an effective leader, you must be absolutely passionate, running at full speed in the direction God has called you to go.

QUICK LOOK

CARL HERRINGTON

What is your leadership role in the church and Newfrontiers USA? I lead the same consuming discipline in our own lives, because we don’t pursue what is perishable, but rather what is imperishable. Paul here seems to say, “In my pursuit of becoming the man and leader God wants me to be, I don’t run aimlessly, and I don’t punch at the air. I know where I’m going. I know where I need to grow. I’m working a plan and I’m fighting the enemies of that path. I don’t just prepare messages and counsel people and in the end hope for the best. That’s not what I do. I don’t just run aimlessly. I’m running with purpose, and I’m fighting the enemies of that pursuit. I will beat my body and make it my slave.” To be an effective leader, you must be absolutely passionate, running at full speed in the direction God has called you to go. You must be unapologetic in inviting others to run along with you! Passion, commitment and sacrifice is for ALL Christ followers. Whether we lead a small group, your family or your friend to Christ, you’re called to imitate Him and the example of leadership He has set before us. Leading others begins with leading ourselves.

Subscribe to Bryan’s Blog at: http://jubileestl.org/blog

Jubilee Church here in Atlanta with Jonathan Eftychiou and Trevor Atkins. My main responsibility in Jubilee is to cast vision and train leaders. I also serve on the Newfrontiers USA core team led by John Lanferman. I oversee the churches in the Southeast and work with John in other situations as needs arise. We meet as a team twice each year to pray, plan and discuss current situations requiring input.

What are you currently reading? Planting Missional Churches by Ed Stetzer

Who is your favorite bible character and why? I like Joseph because of his continued faith in the promises of God regardless of the circumstances. As Americans I think we have it pretty easy and yet become discouraged over pretty small things. Joseph reminds me that regardless of the situation, God is with me!

What do you feel most passionate about in the Church? Seeing people understand who they are in Christ and the joy and purpose this brings them. Also training young leaders as they take on responsibility, mature and impact other people’s lives, especially when it produces new churches.

Jubilee Church of Atlanta

APPS ap·pli·ca·tion noun \ a-ple-ka-shen\

an act of applying; an act of putting to a special use or purpose

Atlanta, GA

Michael Mowrey

Bill Hybels defines leadership as influence. Here's a story of God's transformation of a man who now influences others with the good news he himself has received.

“Another day is another blessing, so what have I to complain about?” In fact, shortly before we met Barrett, his camp had been completely burned down.

Every Friday night, a group from Jubilee Church goes out to bring the gospel to homeless people. One of the gentlemen we’ve befriended is Barrett Griggs. He is one of the funniest guys I’ve ever met! Being around him is such a treat. Barrett has retold this story countless times, so I’d like to share it with you.

After a couple months of building a friendship, Barrett took interest in Jubilee Church. He was already a believer, but not a part of a local church. Barrett quickly plugged into the community of Jubilee and his life has been completely turned around. God has given him a realization of the power of prayer, and simply more joy in life!

We met Barrett one day with the intention of looking for homeless people (or “urban campers” as Barrett would say) to serve. The first thing I noticed about him was his great attitude: Barrett had been homeless and living in the woods for about three years; yet he thanked God every morning simply for having life! He always said,

Barrett has developed a newfound desire to serve others. He is helping Jubilee Church find homeless people to serve, and is even assisting the very people who burned down his camp to get back on their feet! Barrett is truly putting leadership into practice by influencing others with the love of Christ.

CHECK OUT THE RECENTLY LAUNCHED NFUSA BLOG

www.confluenceblog.com Confluence is a place where the reformed, the charismatic, and the mission-minded converge to equip and serve the church to transform communities.

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2011

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