Debbie Blaniar
Pastoral Care
MOTIVE FOR BIBLICAL LEADERSHIP
Paul states, “Our exhortation didn’t come from error or impurity, or an intent to deceive. Instead, just as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, so we speak, not to please men, but rather God, who examines our heart” (1 Thessalonians 2:3-4).
In this passage, Paul’s desire was not to please men, but to please God. Like Paul, let’s be true to our call and win souls for the glory of God.
Debbie Blaniar
Pastoral Care
The Mandate for Biblical Leadership
You cannot get around the fact that throughout God’s Word there is a mandate for Godly leadership. We understand that every football team has a quarterback who calls the plays inside the huddle. We also know there is a coach standing on the sidelines who is ultimately sending in the plays. Every team has a captain. Similarly, every church has a pastor who receives the Word from the Lord and then leads the congregation.
God has always had leaders. Moses was a unique, but chosen, leader of God’s people. Joshua followed in his footsteps and became the leader of God’s people. We can look back in the Old Testament and see great leaders such as David, Solomon, and Hezekiah. In the New Testament Jesus led the disciples for three years. He chose Peter to be the one who would lead the apostolic band after He had been crucified, resurrected, and ascended back to the right hand of the Father.
Leadership is not born nor is it manufactured. It is given. In the church, leadership is God-called. The call is not to those who are already equipped. God gives the gift of leadership. This is not to say that the man does not already have some abilities, but according to Romans 12, leadership is a gift given by the sovereign discretion of God.
Leadership is not something we should fear or shy away from. If God calls us, He will equip us to do what He has planned - “Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you” (John 15:16).
Additional Note: I want to thank each local church who sent in their Spring Love Offering for our Regional Overseer and Family. I appreciate your thoughtfulness and the support.
Debbie Blaniar
Pastoral Care
Ephesians 4:11-12 –
“And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists;
and some, pastors and teachers; For the perfecting of the saints, for
the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:”
Clergy Appreciation month gives an excellent opportunity to publicly recognize and thank the Pastors who minister in our churches each week. And now, friends, we ask you to honor those leaders during the month of October who commit themselves to the care of the church. Overwhelm them with appreciation and LOVE.
1 Thessalonians 5:12-13 -
“And we beseech you, brethren, to know them which labor among you, and
are over you in the Lord, and admonish you; And to esteem them very
highly in love for their work's sake. And be at peace among yourselves.”
We appreciate all of our Clergy for their faithfulness. May God bless all of our Pastors.
1 Thessalonians 3:9 –
“For what thanks can we render to God again for you, for all the
joy wherewith we joy for your sakes before our God;”
Connie Cavender
Pastoral Care
Small Group Does Not Equal Small Results
The advantages of being part of a small group have been discovered and embraced in the secular arena. Independent business owners who work in the same industry are beginning to merge together for meetings. Their purpose for these meetings are not to merge as one company, but instead to help one another, encourage one another, share lessons and techniques that they have learned and implemented to make their business a success. At a quick glance, one might question "Why", after all, they are competitors. Why would they want to share their "trade secrets"? They learned the power and great results that happen in small groups. When one grows, they all grow! When one was encouraged, all were encouraged, all learned, all benefited, and they all trusted one another.
The "vision and benefits" for small groups are being realized and embraced with great results in Michiana! As the early church ministered from house to house, their meetings were power-packed and encouraging. The witness of the Lords presence impacted their family, neighbors and community. Small group meetings were the heartbeat of the early church and the vehicle for outreach and spiritual growth. Catch the vision and heartbeat for small groups!
I know a small group leader who started his group with several controversial and unacceptable people. They definitely weren't the most popular group and none of them would have won in the category of "the next up-coming leader award". A few may have won the most "un-educated" or the most "non-trustable person award". Yet, this leader was dedicated to those who were under his care. He taught them, encouraged them, and built a relationship with them. He bonded with this group so that not just one but all could succeed. This small group had BIG results! The leader’s name is Jesus, and His small group turned the world upside down (Acts 17:6). Yes, there are great results from small group meetings. Think big! Think bigger! Think God-sized results for you and your small group!
Seven Common Facts about Successful Small-Group Ministry
1. Small Group Ministry Centers Around People
The purpose of small groups is not to have something on the church agenda, but to minister and bring encouragement and value to an individual and to your small group’s life. The concept of "church" in David Cho’s church in Korea has produced the largest church in the world by focusing on people; whereas in America, it centers on the building. In Korean churches, small groups are central to everything they do. In American churches, small groups are usually just another program tacked on to the other ministries of the church. People should be the central importance. As small groups grow, so grows your church.
2. Ministerial involvement.
Pastors and leaders must be personally committed to small groups. They must have personal knowledge, personal interest, and personal leadership in the small-group system.
3. Know the needs of their community.
Today's society demands creative ways of reaching hurting people and filling their needs through relationships with others and with Christ. Support groups that help meet special needs will attract non-Christians to the church.
4. Vision.
Small Groups with vision are un-stoppable. You must set goals and then reach for them.
5. Leaders are trained
Leadership training is essential to effectively grow dynamic groups. Leaders must have a heart for small-group ministry.
6. Focus Groups with Purpose
In your pursuit to developing a small group, what makes your group attractive to others? What can we offer that people will think that your small group is “worth” attending? “Is it worth my time?” “Why should I attend?” “How will I benefit?” These are questions that must be answered. When small group leaders convene their focus and purpose the results are tremendous. Publicize your small group by providing cards or flyers that tell what your group is about.
7. Prayer
The most important reason for every small group’s success is prayer. Relying on God's power more than human effort for guidance. |
