Experiences In Church Transformation

Dry Well

As I was considering what to write about this week, I began to encounter what might best be described as writer's block.  It seemed that I was unable to come up with something that was inspiring or challenging or helpful.  I kept avoiding sitting at the computer to type since I had no idea what to place here.  And then it hit me - maybe that is exactly what I am being led to write about.  What do you do when the well of ideas or thoughts seems to be running dry?

I realized that the true issue at stake was who is in charge.  If it is myself, Jim Howland, who is the driving force behind this blog, then all the creativity, insight, and knowledge must come from me.  However, if it is the Lord who is in charge of this blog, then the place that I should go to for the words and thoughts is the Lord.  This would set up the dynamic that what is shared here is from the Lord and I, Jim Howland, am just the instrument through which the Lord does the sharing.

I believe that this concept goes far beyond this blog.  In reality, this idea should be what guides all aspects of ministry; from transformative work to preaching to Bible study, to acts of compassion throughout the community.  We must acknowledge that we are not in charge.  We are not the sources of any great wisdom.  We are solely the servants of the Lord who are given the task of carrying out whatever work the Lord has entrusted to us.

So when your well seems to be running dry, take a moment to determine who is in charge and then go to the well the never runs dry - the Spirit of the Lord.

Square Pegs in Round Holes

It seems to be that in the church we have a tendency to try to put square pegs into round holes.  We force individuals into roles that they have not been gifted by the Lord to fulfill.  A recent example of this at a meeting I was attending caused me to become frustrated with the way that we often operate in the church.

Many times when a nominating committee in the church sits down to identify individuals to fill various roles, it begins with a discussion of "who has not served" in some capacity recently.  This is exactly the wrong starting point for a nominating process.  Nominating committees need to remember that the starting point should always be the Lord.  The group should be in a period of prayer at the very beginning of the process.  Through this time of prayer, they should seek the Lord's guidance in discerning who the Lord would like to be placed in various roles/ministries of the congregation.  This pattern is found throughout Scripture.  One example is when Israel was in need of a replacement for King Saul.  Samuel sought the Lord's guidance in who should be chosen.  The amazing thing is that the Lord did not choose the one that Samuel probably would have chosen, but instead the Lord chose David who became one of Israel's greatest kings.

The next important step for the group is to identify what gifts various individuals have been given by the Spirit.  The Lord has a purpose for everyone and each person has been gifted for that purpose.  The problem that often occurs is that we do not take serious what gifts people have been given.  We do not even take that into account when choosing individuals to fill specific roles in the church - especially leadership roles.  Instead we nominating individuals for offices and other responsibilities as a way to "reward" them, or because they are willing, or because we feel it is "their turn."

The result of this approach is evident.  People who are not gifted in leadership are placed in leadership roles.  Individuals that are not gifted to teach are made Sunday School teachers or VBS teachers.  With the end outcome of frustration close at hand.  Which is exactly what the outcome should be since we have ignored God's plan and placed the wrong people in the wrong roles.

My challenge to all nominating committees, Sunday School superintendents, and church leaders is to change the trend that the church has followed so long.  Identify the right people, as the Lord defines it, through the use of prayer and discernment of spiritual gifts.  I believe if this approach were to be followed, there would be less frustration, less burn-out, and a much strong ministry on behalf of Jesus Christ.

It Begins With Relationship

Recently I stumbled across a reality that should have been extremely obvious to me.  I was pondering why it was that some people are transformed while others do not seem to be.  In the midst of my thoughts, a reality hit me --- transformation can only begin if a relationship with Jesus Christ is present! I know... you are wondering why this has become a new reality for me.  I guess it is because I have spent so much time examining other details of transformation and discipleship that I never connected the relationship factor with the success and/or existence of transformation.

The stronger the relationship an individual has with Jesus Christ, the more possibilities there are in regards to having a life transformed.  What is truly exciting about this is that it means transformation can truly begin with an individual no matter where they currently are in their relationship with the Lord.  You do not have to be at a certain level within that relationship before transformation can begin.  It can begin NOW.

The challenge with this reality is that if no relationship with Christ exists, then transformation will not take place.  For those of us who understand this reality, it increases the importance of us spending time to help individuals start a relationship with Christ.

This also means that we are reminded that the true power behind transformation is not us, our concepts, or even our efforts but GOD.  God is who makes transformation happen.

As we celebrate the exciting reality of transformation from death to life this Easter weekend, I hope that this reality impacts each of you as it has me.

Is There Anybody Out There

Sometimes when you are a leader, you hit those points when you truly wonder if anyone is paying attention.  Many times this issue surfaces when things are starting to get busy in your life and/or the lives of those whom you are trying to lead.  I think that this is one of the reasons that Jesus used so many illustrations regarding sheep.  He also probably felt like he was trying to lead a group that was totally unmanageable and often would not listen to his direction.

But take heart.  Many times when this feeling arises within me, God motivates individuals to make comments or to take action which tells me that my leadership is being noticed and taken seriously.  These are the moments of leaderdship that can be energizing. 

So I guess my thought for you today is - be persistent.  Continue to lead as the Lord is directing you to.  And know that you are being heard and followed.