In our mission to encourage, equip and empower church leaders we offer these words of wisdom:
You can’t do today’s job with yesterday’s tools---Ron Lewis
Four things never come back----the spoken word, the sped arrow, the past life and the neglected opportunity---Arabian proverb
An empty vessel makes the greatest sound----William Shakespeare
If we could have half our wishes, we would double our troubles---Benjamin Franklin
The Law tells me how crooked I am; Grace comes along and straightens me out---D.L. Moody
Stewardship is a person does after he says, “I believe.” ---W. H. Greever
First we practice sin, then defend it, then boast of it. ---Thomas Manton
The church exists by mission, as fore exists by burning.----Emil Brunner
The future comes one day at a time. ---Dean Acheson
We learn from experience that people never learn from experience. ---George Bernard Shaw
The key to flexibility is indecision. ---Anonymous
You do not need references to borrow trouble. - Unknown
Monday, May 17, 2010
Monday, May 10, 2010
The Church and the Stockdale Paradox
In his classic book, Good to Great, Jim Collins recalls a conversation he had with Admiral Jim Stockdale, the highest ranking US military officer in the “Hanoi Hilton” prisoner-of-war camp during the Vietnam War. During his eight years in captivity, Stockdale was repeated tortured and beaten. He once even beat himself with a stool, so his captors could not display him as a “well-treated prisoner.” After his release he was awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor.
During the conversation, Collins asked him, “How did you make it out?” Stockdale replied, “I never lost faith in the end of the story….I never doubted not only that I would get out, but that I would prevail in the end and turn the experience into the defining event of my life, which in retrospect, I would not trade….”
Stockdale had articulated what Collins called “The Stockdale Paradox.” In wrestling with life’s challenges the “Stockdale Paradox” states you must retain faith that you will prevail in the end and you must also confront the brutal facts of your current reality, whatever they might be.
Collins recalls walking silently with the admiral around the beautiful Stanford campus for a few minutes. Then Collins asked him, “Who didn’t make it out?” And Stockdale replied, “Oh, that’s the optimists.” According to Stockdale the optimist said, “We’ll be home by Christmas!” Then Christmas would come and the optimist said “we’ll be home by Easter.” Easter would come and go. And finally they would say Thanksgiving….and eventually they would die of a broken heart.
Leaders embrace and live out the “Stockdale Paradox.” They combine the unconquerable faith of prevailing no matter how difficult things seem while also being relentlessly disciplined at confronting the brutal facts of their current reality. They reject triumphalism, optimism and sentimentality.
The North American church has much to learn from the "Stockdale Paradox.” The first aspect of the church's “Stockdale Paradox” is a theological affirmation: God’s church will triumph with Him. I believe that to be true. I’ll go to my grave believing it to be so. But the second half is what we need help dealing with: facing the brutal facts. And within the SBC there are just a few brutal facts we must face honestly:
• 80-85% of our churches have either plateaued or declined in growth & members.
• We have millions on our church rolls, some of whom FedEx couldn’t even track down.
• Only 3-4% of our churches are truly effective evangelistically.
• Mission giving and sending has not kept up with previous generations.
• Many of our churches have turned inward and are perceived as ‘cranky’ to their own communities.
A couple of years ago I heard one of my denominational leaders publicly yearn for a return to the 1950’s except without racism or sexism. How tragic I thought. The 1950’s are gone for good. Families aren’t like the Cleavers anymore. Yet in too many churches our programs and ministries would make you think otherwise. We curse the darkness and yearn for the good old days. Want to know what our culture will look like in 15-20 years? Look at Europe, then pray, take a deep breath and assess your own reality. Pastor, church leader, what is it that’s holding your church back? Assess. Get real. And go to God for help.
During the conversation, Collins asked him, “How did you make it out?” Stockdale replied, “I never lost faith in the end of the story….I never doubted not only that I would get out, but that I would prevail in the end and turn the experience into the defining event of my life, which in retrospect, I would not trade….”
Stockdale had articulated what Collins called “The Stockdale Paradox.” In wrestling with life’s challenges the “Stockdale Paradox” states you must retain faith that you will prevail in the end and you must also confront the brutal facts of your current reality, whatever they might be.
Collins recalls walking silently with the admiral around the beautiful Stanford campus for a few minutes. Then Collins asked him, “Who didn’t make it out?” And Stockdale replied, “Oh, that’s the optimists.” According to Stockdale the optimist said, “We’ll be home by Christmas!” Then Christmas would come and the optimist said “we’ll be home by Easter.” Easter would come and go. And finally they would say Thanksgiving….and eventually they would die of a broken heart.
Leaders embrace and live out the “Stockdale Paradox.” They combine the unconquerable faith of prevailing no matter how difficult things seem while also being relentlessly disciplined at confronting the brutal facts of their current reality. They reject triumphalism, optimism and sentimentality.
The North American church has much to learn from the "Stockdale Paradox.” The first aspect of the church's “Stockdale Paradox” is a theological affirmation: God’s church will triumph with Him. I believe that to be true. I’ll go to my grave believing it to be so. But the second half is what we need help dealing with: facing the brutal facts. And within the SBC there are just a few brutal facts we must face honestly:
• 80-85% of our churches have either plateaued or declined in growth & members.
• We have millions on our church rolls, some of whom FedEx couldn’t even track down.
• Only 3-4% of our churches are truly effective evangelistically.
• Mission giving and sending has not kept up with previous generations.
• Many of our churches have turned inward and are perceived as ‘cranky’ to their own communities.
A couple of years ago I heard one of my denominational leaders publicly yearn for a return to the 1950’s except without racism or sexism. How tragic I thought. The 1950’s are gone for good. Families aren’t like the Cleavers anymore. Yet in too many churches our programs and ministries would make you think otherwise. We curse the darkness and yearn for the good old days. Want to know what our culture will look like in 15-20 years? Look at Europe, then pray, take a deep breath and assess your own reality. Pastor, church leader, what is it that’s holding your church back? Assess. Get real. And go to God for help.
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
A Thank You to the Great Commission Resurgence Task Force
The Great Commission Resurgence (GCR) Task Force has issued its final report before it is to be presented at the Southern Baptist Convention in Orlando next month. While I am still digesting the report, praying and listening to all sides of the debate, here is what I know:
• Our denomination must do something to revitalize our existing churches and a vision for planting many, many more.
• The recommendations are a good start.
• The committee members and its chairman Ronnie Floyd deserve our thanks and our support wherever we can give it.
• The structure, methodology and mission of NAMB must be reengineered to meet the needs of the 21st century.
• The Cooperative Program is still the best vehicle for denominational missional support I know of anywhere.
• Everyone should be heard. As far as I can tell everyone has.
• The challenge for every single Southern Baptist, every church, association, state convention, agency, and institution is simply this: BE MISSIONAL OR BE GONE!
• My prayer for myself and Southern Baptists is simply this:
Lord, send a revival, renewal and resurgence… and let it begin in me!
• Our denomination must do something to revitalize our existing churches and a vision for planting many, many more.
• The recommendations are a good start.
• The committee members and its chairman Ronnie Floyd deserve our thanks and our support wherever we can give it.
• The structure, methodology and mission of NAMB must be reengineered to meet the needs of the 21st century.
• The Cooperative Program is still the best vehicle for denominational missional support I know of anywhere.
• Everyone should be heard. As far as I can tell everyone has.
• The challenge for every single Southern Baptist, every church, association, state convention, agency, and institution is simply this: BE MISSIONAL OR BE GONE!
• My prayer for myself and Southern Baptists is simply this:
Lord, send a revival, renewal and resurgence… and let it begin in me!
Friday, April 30, 2010
Classic Books Series: #1
The Seven-Day-a-Week Church by Lyle Schaller.
Lyle Schaller has been a mentor of mine for many years. Through his many books I’ve learned a great deal about church healthy and local church leadership. I had the privilege years ago to talk to him one-on-one for twenty minutes. In my mind his two most influential books are The Interventionist, about church consulting, and The Seven-Day-a-Week Church his book on mega-churches. First published in 1992 it holds up well and is still timely in its wisdom. Schaller foresaw the explosion of what he labeled 7 day-a-week churches offering multiple services and ministries designed to meet needs and reach people seven days a week. According to Schaller these churches would offer several services each week. He believed their key would be the strength and vitality of the senior teaching pastor.
Although Schaller did not predict the use of technology in churches or the growing multi-site movement. He did predict the rise of these mega churches and the two keys to their growth: worship & programming. He decries the lack of passion and emphasis on the transformational gospel in American mainline churches that drove its conservative members into evangelical churches. In a striking phrase he calls effective worship “good theater.”
Programming however was the other key ingredient in the growth of the seven-day-a-week church. Schaller was one of the first observers in the North American church to talk about the role of executive pastors. He identified the qualities of an effective Executive Pastor:
• An unreserved Christian commitment
• Character
• Loyalty
• Confidentiality
• Administrative skills
• Ability to oversee staff
• Competence in church finances
• Compatibility with church & community context
• Productivity
• Accountability
• Ability to implement goals
• Credibility (earned)
• Strong but not necessarily big, ego.
Not only is this classic worth a second look, it should be on your bookshelf.
Lyle Schaller has been a mentor of mine for many years. Through his many books I’ve learned a great deal about church healthy and local church leadership. I had the privilege years ago to talk to him one-on-one for twenty minutes. In my mind his two most influential books are The Interventionist, about church consulting, and The Seven-Day-a-Week Church his book on mega-churches. First published in 1992 it holds up well and is still timely in its wisdom. Schaller foresaw the explosion of what he labeled 7 day-a-week churches offering multiple services and ministries designed to meet needs and reach people seven days a week. According to Schaller these churches would offer several services each week. He believed their key would be the strength and vitality of the senior teaching pastor.
Although Schaller did not predict the use of technology in churches or the growing multi-site movement. He did predict the rise of these mega churches and the two keys to their growth: worship & programming. He decries the lack of passion and emphasis on the transformational gospel in American mainline churches that drove its conservative members into evangelical churches. In a striking phrase he calls effective worship “good theater.”
Programming however was the other key ingredient in the growth of the seven-day-a-week church. Schaller was one of the first observers in the North American church to talk about the role of executive pastors. He identified the qualities of an effective Executive Pastor:
• An unreserved Christian commitment
• Character
• Loyalty
• Confidentiality
• Administrative skills
• Ability to oversee staff
• Competence in church finances
• Compatibility with church & community context
• Productivity
• Accountability
• Ability to implement goals
• Credibility (earned)
• Strong but not necessarily big, ego.
Not only is this classic worth a second look, it should be on your bookshelf.
Monday, April 26, 2010
My Dream Home and Churches
Recently my wife and I purchased our dream home. We had been looking for a couple of years but the timing hadn’t been right. Suddenly things moved quickly----like God often does when things are right: tax incentives for new homes made the market a once in a lifetime opportunity, my father-in-law at nearly 82 expressed a readiness to live with us and then we found the right house at the right price. So we made an offer, negotiated and closed on the loan. We’ve been in the house for a month now. And there are at least two things I have learned through this that can aid churches and their leaders:
The first is when we moved from our old house (we’d lived there nearly eight years) we de-cluttered. As we packed for the move of just four miles, we threw away, gave away and made numerous trips to the city dump. We gave away clothes, toys, sports equipment and a couch. We lightened our load. We got rid of stuff we didn’t need any more. During the moving process I thought churches need to do the same. How many programs and ministries don’t work effectively now? How many are just hanging on? It’s time to bury some things in our churches that don’t work any longer. They consume resources and energy that could be channeled into ministries that reach and disciple people. I am reminded of what Jesus said, “be as wise as serpents and innocent as doves.” (Matthew 10:16). Where does your church need to de-clutter?
The second lesson learned is that we upgraded. Formica countertops were standard in kitchens fifteen years ago: now granite and custom cabinets are the norm. My wife told me the border in the bathroom needed to go. We also needed an electrician to do some work to make our new home more computer friendly. So we hired a contractor and upgraded our new home. We’re not done yet. In fact we may never be. But we’re off to a good start. Churches need to upgrade facilities, ministries and programs. For several years I visited a couple of hundred churches in west Texas for a Christian publisher and I can say that nearly every church I visited need to upgrade something. Whether it was property related, a struggling ministry or an upgraded ministry approach. At Noble Leadership Ministries we’re taking a fresh look at our ministry, services and products. I’m making my list. What’s on your list? What does your church or ministry need to upgrade? Let me know. Email me at mike@nobleleadershipministries.com. Let the conversation begin!
The first is when we moved from our old house (we’d lived there nearly eight years) we de-cluttered. As we packed for the move of just four miles, we threw away, gave away and made numerous trips to the city dump. We gave away clothes, toys, sports equipment and a couch. We lightened our load. We got rid of stuff we didn’t need any more. During the moving process I thought churches need to do the same. How many programs and ministries don’t work effectively now? How many are just hanging on? It’s time to bury some things in our churches that don’t work any longer. They consume resources and energy that could be channeled into ministries that reach and disciple people. I am reminded of what Jesus said, “be as wise as serpents and innocent as doves.” (Matthew 10:16). Where does your church need to de-clutter?
The second lesson learned is that we upgraded. Formica countertops were standard in kitchens fifteen years ago: now granite and custom cabinets are the norm. My wife told me the border in the bathroom needed to go. We also needed an electrician to do some work to make our new home more computer friendly. So we hired a contractor and upgraded our new home. We’re not done yet. In fact we may never be. But we’re off to a good start. Churches need to upgrade facilities, ministries and programs. For several years I visited a couple of hundred churches in west Texas for a Christian publisher and I can say that nearly every church I visited need to upgrade something. Whether it was property related, a struggling ministry or an upgraded ministry approach. At Noble Leadership Ministries we’re taking a fresh look at our ministry, services and products. I’m making my list. What’s on your list? What does your church or ministry need to upgrade? Let me know. Email me at mike@nobleleadershipministries.com. Let the conversation begin!
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
What I Learned from the Church Lady
Well, no she wasn’t really the church lady from the ‘80s Saturday Night Live skit but she did remind me of the Dana Carvey character. We recently bought a new home and one morning, while working from home an older lady knocked on our door. When I opened the door, she walked right in, saying, “Hi, I’m ____ and I’ve been visiting new residents for 25 years!” Before I could explain to her that we’d lived here eight years she was into her well-honed and well rehearsed speech. She gave me information about the best doctors and dentist in our area. Before I could get a word in edgewise, I was learning all about our local symphony and museums. She had her speech down and nothing, including me was going to slow her down.
After she was done, the longest fifteen minutes of my life, I finally got her out the door. Later I learned that she worked for a group of doctors, dentists and local businesses to promote them to newcomers. And nothing is wrong with that practice. It’s called direct marketing.
At dinner that night I retold the incident to my wife. We had a good laugh about my encounter with the woman and how she reminded me of the church lady. Funny thing about the church lady is that she was clueless. She had her views. She wouldn’t listen. She had her speech down and nobody was going to stop her.
Reflecting on those lost fifteen minutes I was reminded of how my denomination has done evangelism training. Starting out in ministry in the 1980’s I’ve been through “The Four Spiritual Laws,” Evangelism Explosion and Continuous Witness Training (CWT). Each time I learned a new gospel presentation it was awkward. It felt canned. It felt like a speech. It was not until I had personalized and internalized the material, without compromising it, that I could share my faith naturally. Unfortunately some don’t get it. They continue to peddle their message whether it’s about local doctors or heaven forbid the Gospel. Please don’t misunderstand me, I am thankful for the training in evangelism I have received. But don’t just learn it----internalize and personalize it-----and most important----share it NOW!
After she was done, the longest fifteen minutes of my life, I finally got her out the door. Later I learned that she worked for a group of doctors, dentists and local businesses to promote them to newcomers. And nothing is wrong with that practice. It’s called direct marketing.
At dinner that night I retold the incident to my wife. We had a good laugh about my encounter with the woman and how she reminded me of the church lady. Funny thing about the church lady is that she was clueless. She had her views. She wouldn’t listen. She had her speech down and nobody was going to stop her.
Reflecting on those lost fifteen minutes I was reminded of how my denomination has done evangelism training. Starting out in ministry in the 1980’s I’ve been through “The Four Spiritual Laws,” Evangelism Explosion and Continuous Witness Training (CWT). Each time I learned a new gospel presentation it was awkward. It felt canned. It felt like a speech. It was not until I had personalized and internalized the material, without compromising it, that I could share my faith naturally. Unfortunately some don’t get it. They continue to peddle their message whether it’s about local doctors or heaven forbid the Gospel. Please don’t misunderstand me, I am thankful for the training in evangelism I have received. But don’t just learn it----internalize and personalize it-----and most important----share it NOW!
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
Is the Age of 'Possibility Thinking' Over ?
According to several press reports the Crystal Cathedral in Garden Grove, California is tens of millions of dollars in debt and maybe on the verge of bankruptcy. The founding pastor, Robert H. Schuller Sr. is 83 years old and well-known for his books on possibility thinking and the television program, “The Hour of Power.” And these bankruptcy reports are only the latest in a series of negative events impacting the church over the last few years.
A couple of years ago Schuller, in essence, fired his son, Robert Schuller Jr. as pastor and his self-appointed successor. The Southern California megachurch’s current leader is Shiela Schuller Coleman, daughter of Robert H. Schuller Sr., the founding pastor. Earlier this year the church closed a church campus in Rancho Capistrano. And in recent weeks it has put various properties up for sale, laid off employees, and cancelled its Easter pageant. The church has also scaled back its “Hour of Power” broadcasts, which are viewed by millions worldwide.
According to the Orange County Register the church is behind on payments to nearly 200 vendors. A lawsuit by three businesses including an equipment financing company and two television stations claim the church owes them more than $2 million for services rendered. In a meeting with its creditors the church asked for 90 days to resolve the financial issues. The meeting by all reports was civil and a committee was formed by vendors and creditors to “insure each creditor is treated equally when funds become available.”
The church is at a tipping point. Can it solve its current problems? Can it continue? And if so on what scale? These are the questions that many church leaders around the country are asking. But they are the wrong questions.
The right question, one that every church in America should ask, is “How did it get to this?” The answers are legion: changing demographics, entrenched ministries, etc. etc. The answer is obvious: a failed transition at the top. We don’t know what truly transpired between father and son. But whatever it was didn’t work. And that is why every church should go to school on how things play out at the Crystal Cathedral.
Pastor, is your church ready to effectively continue on after you’re no longer their leader? Are the people and processes in place to carry on? It’s an important question. Several well known churches in my denomination (Southern Baptist) have struggled over the issue (First Baptist Dallas and Bellvue in Memphis just to name two). The struggle for survival and solvency at the Crystal Cathedral is worth watching and worth learning from.
Last year as part of a national research project I met a west Texas pastor twenty years into a church ministry he started. Although he was on the north side of fifty five he was still active, fit and still had the fire in the belly. Yet a part of our conversation was about his planned transition from senior pastor to another less visible role. He knew they needed to do it, for himself and the church. He and his elder board were beginning the process. God Bless them for it. And may God bless the Crystal Cathedral as they struggle through it.
A couple of years ago Schuller, in essence, fired his son, Robert Schuller Jr. as pastor and his self-appointed successor. The Southern California megachurch’s current leader is Shiela Schuller Coleman, daughter of Robert H. Schuller Sr., the founding pastor. Earlier this year the church closed a church campus in Rancho Capistrano. And in recent weeks it has put various properties up for sale, laid off employees, and cancelled its Easter pageant. The church has also scaled back its “Hour of Power” broadcasts, which are viewed by millions worldwide.
According to the Orange County Register the church is behind on payments to nearly 200 vendors. A lawsuit by three businesses including an equipment financing company and two television stations claim the church owes them more than $2 million for services rendered. In a meeting with its creditors the church asked for 90 days to resolve the financial issues. The meeting by all reports was civil and a committee was formed by vendors and creditors to “insure each creditor is treated equally when funds become available.”
The church is at a tipping point. Can it solve its current problems? Can it continue? And if so on what scale? These are the questions that many church leaders around the country are asking. But they are the wrong questions.
The right question, one that every church in America should ask, is “How did it get to this?” The answers are legion: changing demographics, entrenched ministries, etc. etc. The answer is obvious: a failed transition at the top. We don’t know what truly transpired between father and son. But whatever it was didn’t work. And that is why every church should go to school on how things play out at the Crystal Cathedral.
Pastor, is your church ready to effectively continue on after you’re no longer their leader? Are the people and processes in place to carry on? It’s an important question. Several well known churches in my denomination (Southern Baptist) have struggled over the issue (First Baptist Dallas and Bellvue in Memphis just to name two). The struggle for survival and solvency at the Crystal Cathedral is worth watching and worth learning from.
Last year as part of a national research project I met a west Texas pastor twenty years into a church ministry he started. Although he was on the north side of fifty five he was still active, fit and still had the fire in the belly. Yet a part of our conversation was about his planned transition from senior pastor to another less visible role. He knew they needed to do it, for himself and the church. He and his elder board were beginning the process. God Bless them for it. And may God bless the Crystal Cathedral as they struggle through it.
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