Category Archives: Leadership

Philippians 2:1-4

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So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.
(Philippians 2:1-4 ESV)

There is a truth about all leaders… We all have an ideal behavioral pattern that we would like to see our followers abide in. The fact is everyone has a predetermined notion of how others should act.

Apostle Paul says to the church in Philippi, “Complete my joy…” In other words he’s saying, “this would make me really happy!” Then he goes on to say – and I will paraphrase, “serve others.”

We all know that serving others is a great thing to do… especially if you have been served by the great gift of God which is Jesus. But, what’s interesting here is that Paul is saying complete my joy. He wasn’t talking about doing something for God… he wasn’t talking about your salvation being on the line… he wasn’t talking about do this because the Bible says so… No! He says, “Do this one for me…”

As leaders we will set standards that are – at times – our preference more than God’s. But we need to make sure that we never use fear or manipulation of scripture to do that. Let’s just be honest and say, “This is the way it’s going to be done, because it’s how I prefer it.”

For-instance, our worship services are fairly high-energy. My directions for the choir are, “Do something. Don’t let me catch you standing there doing nothing. Don’t stop clapping and when I ask for a shout… you shout!” If they don’t do these things, I don’t believe their worship will hit a brass Heaven… no, their worship will be received by God. But this is how I like to see things happen in my worship services… and that’s okay.

I never come into our rehearsal or service with things like, “if you really loved God…” That’s wrong. But I can continue to request of them under the precept of, “Do this one for me…”

We must also remember that when people sin against our preference that it is our preference and no more. If Jesus is our advocate when we sin, then we ought to allow the Holy Spirit to quicken us to forgive and be gentile when our preference has been violated… because it’s just our preference!

English Standard Version

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Usually on this site I spend time writing about the grace of God and who we are in Christ. Occasionally I write something on leadership, administration or technology. However, today I wanted to take a few minutes and talk about the English Standard Version of the Bible today. I don’t know how often this shines through on jasonmayfield.com, but if you’re physically around me very often you will find out that Bible versions are a never-ending thought for me. Now, don’t get me wrong… I’m not some bizarre King James Version Only wacko walking around talking about something I’m too short-sighted to understand. No, I just want to make sure I’m using a good reliable Bible.

I tend to lean towards Bibles with a Literal Translation (also called word-for-word). I don’t mind dynamic-equivilance (i.e. NIV) and paraphrased (i.e. Message), but I don’t want to be too influenced by a modern-translator’s interpretation. So, Literal Translation works best for me.

I have been using the NASB for a while… I love the NASB. It’s the most literal translation available. Not far behind, through, is the ESV.

I’ve been using the ESV for several months now and I have not completed a full pass through the ESV Bible, but I wanted to share some thoughts – both pros and cons – of this version.

Let’s start with the bad.

Italics.

Usually literal translations use a method to notify the reader when they needed to add a word to the original language. The words are added to try to make the passage more comprehensive. This method is simple… they put the word in italics. It’s a simple process, but the ESV doesn’t do this. Now, usually the words are simple like is, are, the, or, and, when… simple non-earth-shatering words. But, it’s nice to have them… and frankly it’s important to me.

Deity Pronouns.

Most modern translation capitalize pronouns that refer to God/Jesus/Holy Spirit. While it is modern in its practice and not found in the original language, it’s still helpful. I do like the capitalization of deity pronouns… (but I hate all capitalization of HIS pronouns… your Facebook and Twitter followers do not want to yell HIS NAME at them… but I digress)

Calvinist Agenda.

I can get down with gospel-centric theology… I am extremely gospel-central. However, some of the reformed community thinks that Calvinism is core to the gospel… John Calvin is not Paul.

Unfortunately, Crossway (maker of the ESV) pushes the Calvinist agenda more than I care for… but I haven’t seen that in the ESV itself. However, if I do… I will be posting it here promptly.

Also, Crossway is the biggest redeeming quality for the ESV, which I will explain now…

The redeeming qualities.

Tons of Bible options.

Crossway has made so many Bible options available. You can find Bible for $1 and for $200… every prince in-between too. Some of my favorite options are listed below. Not only do they have great price options, but different sizes and even a few unique options. Some of Crossway’s cheaper Bible are still nicer quality than some higher priced Bibles offered by Zondervan or Thomas Nelson.

You might wonder why all these options are important… I’m glad you asked…

Reason One – We live in a consumer society. People want cool stuff… even Bibles. Crossway, by far, makes the coolest Bibles out there. Everyone else is Wal-Mart, and Crossway is Nordstrom. If you can turn your people onto a nice Bible, they might want to read it more. I started trying the ESV due to the way it looks. Foundation Publications made my NASB… and it was ugly. (Sorry guys… get with the design stuff!)

Reason Two – If you want to have an Official Church Bible then Crossway having so many options (especially in price) can facilitate that quite nicely. Why would you want an official Bible? Obviously, God doesn’t approve one translation over the other (that we’re aware of)… but if you are primarily an expository teacher then having everyone using the same Bible so they can follow you is a great idea. Lots of the reformed guys do this, and I think some of the Word of Faith guys should try it.

So here are some top Bible picks:

Value Thinline / Thinline (this is the one I use) / Deluxe Thinline / Fabric Covered Thinline

Journaling Bible / Many Study Bibles / Single Column (larger margin)

Classic Reference / Personal Size Reference / Deluxe Classic Reference

(note: on this list I use deluxe to indicate high quality leather.)

Mobile Apps.

I have championed YouVersion in our church, but frankly… it can be a bit overwhelming. I love YouVersion and support and commend the folks at Life Church for their advance in freely available resources for Christ followers and churches. Never-the-less… it can be a bit too much. Crossway has provided some great ESV mobile apps that do one thing really well… the ESV Bible. Not to mention, it’s a beautiful app.

The app is available for iPhone, iPad… and if anyone cares… it’s available for Android and Windows 7.

OH! And these are free.

Free Bible Website… with great, inexpensive plugins.

I use this website all the time. I usually keep esvbible.org and blueletterbible.org open during my devotion times.

esvbible.org has some really cool plugins available.

GreekTools is a steal for $15. This plugin will give you a Greek-interliner New Testament. Yes, it includes Strong’s numbers.

Two Study Bibles (MacArthur and ESV Study) are available online for $20.

The Literary Study notes are available for $10.

Great WordPress Plugin.

Even though I don’t use it… the ESV has a really cool plugin for WordPress. I don’t know if it’s from Crossway, but it’s really cool.

The plugin essentially searches your site for Bible references and turns them into links, inline text or tooltip hover-overs. (much like this site does using BLB - which I use for multiple versions – i.e. John 3:16)

No short codes or buttons to press… it just recognizes Bible references.

Wrap Up.

I think the ESV is a great Bible. I’m adjusting to the “no-italics” and lowercase deity pronouns… but I like my ESV.

Ultimately, they have an obvious love for the scriptures that they are working to share with the world. They have made the ESV one of the nicest products in the Christian Bookstore.

Great job Crossway!

(you can grab yours today in the aStore on jasonmayfield.com)

Archives: Why We Accept You in our Ministry

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This entry was originally posted on October 21, 2011

And since they did not see fit to acknowledge God, God gave them up to a debased mind to do what ought not to be done. They were filled with all manner of unrighteousness, evil, covetousness, malice. They are full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, maliciousness. They are gossips, slanderers, haters of God, insolent, haughty, boastful, inventors of evil, disobedient to parents, foolish, faithless, heartless, ruthless. Though they know God’s righteous decree that those who practice such things deserve to die, they not only do them but give approval to those who practice them.
(Romans 1:28-32 ESV, bold added)

Occasionally I am asked why I allow people to sing and play in my program when they are “in sin.” I thought I’d tell you why it’s good to have them up there. Note, I’m talking about people who aren’t saved… just people who deal with sin… like sleeping with their boyfriend/girlfriend or tell half truths. (Also, not saying I wouldn’t use a lost person…)

First we need to establish that God sees all sin the same. ”For whoever keeps the whole law but fails in one point has become accountable for all of it.” (James 2:10 ESV)

So I had read Romans 1 the other day and thought (as I think we all do) “he’s really sticking it to those sinners!”

Then I read this…

Therefore you have no excuse, O man, every one of you who judges. For in passing judgment on another you condemn yourself, because you, the judge, practice the very same things.
(Romans 2:1 ESV, bold added)

Then I went back and read the list of sins again… and I saw things that I’m pretty sure we ALL do. I’m not talking about the stuff we take major issues with (cause we think we’re the Holy Spirit.) I’m talking about wishing you had your neighbor’s car, and bragging on a new phone, and telling a useless but humorous joke, and sharing news that’s not for you to share.

So in part, we allow people to be involved who aren’t perfect because I’m not perfect. Romans goes on to tell us later (which is another blog to come) that we are designed to be imperfect. So, by holding people to my standard of living to be involved (or accepted) I tell God to go ahead and hold me against His standard of living… leaving me in nothing but condemnation.

People aren’t perfect… and new covenant worship isn’t old covenant worship… and my people are Levites… and they don’t die when they pick up the Ark wrong.

SO! We let people be involved because God let’s people be involved and that’s good enough for me.

Esau Attitudes

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When Esau was forty years old, he took Judith the daughter of Beeri the Hittite to be his wife, and Basemath the daughter of Elon the Hittite, and they made life bitter for Isaac and Rebekah. (Genesis 26:34-35 ESV)But the words of Esau her older son were told to Rebekah. So she sent and called Jacob her younger son and said to him, “Behold, your brother Esau comforts himself about you by planning to kill you. (Genesis 27:42 ESV)

I have had the fortune of dealing with most of my major battles in the beginning of my ministry. Today, I’m mostly celebrated. In the beginning I wasn’t even tolerated. I have dealt with those Esau attitudes… I’m sure you have too.

An Esau attitude essentially means that the person you’re dealing with makes life taste bad and finds comfort in bringing you difficulty or harm. While the church seldom experiences true antagonists, it is not rare to encounter an Esau attitude.

Probably one of the strongest tactics used by those with Esau Attitudes is nonconformity (i.e. marrying the Canaanite/Hittite women). You’ll push a new initiative and they start blasting their opinions to the public over diner, short conversations and in 2011 they also use social media. Recently I had a lady in our church use facebook to post her disapproval of using twitter in church… And as funny as it sounds (and it is), it contributed in making my life taste less than pleasurable.

Let me turn to Paul for a moment…

So to keep me from becoming conceited because of the surpassing greatness of the revelations, a thorn was given me in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to harass me, to keep me from becoming conceited. Three times I pleaded with the Lord about this, that it should leave me. But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. (2 Corinthians 12:7-9 ESV)

Some people have said that the thorn in the flesh could be depression or anxiety… or something of that nature. However, those things lean towards illness/sickness which we know Paul had dominion over (Acts 28:1-6). God doesn’t make us sick… but Jesus did promise one unfortunate dilemma we would face as believers (until we’re in Heaven)… and that’s persecution (Matt 10:16-23). So the thorn in the flesh (a messenger of Satan to harass Paul) was probably a person or people.

Do you see why this person harassed Paul? Because of surpassing revelations. When the revelation has reached beyond someones understanding, that’s when they start attacking. This could be something as simple as having altar workers wear a certain t-shirt. If someone doesn’t understand that altar workers need to be easy to identify, they’re gonna start asserting that people in ministry ought to dress up! Why are they saying this? Because they haven’t grasped a simple revelation.

People with an Esau Attitude will also find a valid reason to propagate their opinion. The messenger that was assigned to Paul was assigned by Satan, not God. God wants you to be humble… not Satan. Yet, the platform for assigning this messenger was to keep Paul from becoming conceited. It’s always going to be something like:

I’m just worried about the church.
I’m afraid this isn’t the right direction.
I just don’t understand how you can do that in church.
Or my personal favorite… Well, people had been leaving the church.
Or the remix… Some people are talking about leaving the church.

It will always appear as cooperative interest, but it’s not.

So, what to do? Well… it’s tricky and I don’t know that I can give you a good formulaic response. But to Paul, God said, “My grace is sufficient for you…”

I have two great resources for you that I read with a church staff several years ago that have been essential to my ministry…

One is called Peace Makers, which I’ve written about in the past. The other is called Antagonist in the Church. It deals with true antagonist that you will have to deal with as a church leader. I highly encourage it… Here’s an excerpt:

From Antagonist in the Church

Early warning signs of Antagonist

By being alert to the early signals of an antagonist’s attack, you can minimize potential damage by dealing effectively with the person before major problems erupt.

A chill in the relationship. When a person who has been exhibiting red flags changes his manner of relating to you, beware. An icy coldness or blatant rudeness, especially in group situations, is often an initial sign of an antagonistic attack.

Honeyed concerns. As an antagonist begins activity, he might pay you a visit or send you a letter of concern. Consider the visit or letter as only the opening volley. More will follow — how much more depends on your response to these initial moves.

Nettlesome questions. A red flag might begin by asking a number of picky questions, checking out details like, “Where do we buy our computer paper?” or “How many times did the board meet last year?” You may find yourself feeling nettled as the antagonist becomes a constant fly-in-the-ointment, often checking out things that aren’t any of his business.

Mobilizing forces and pot-stirring. To wage an effective campaign, an antagonist must gather support and create discord, conflict, and doubt. He might try any number of approaches to accomplish this end. The behavior could be as innocuous as whispering to others during a committee meeting. The antagonist might also call unofficial meetings, usually not held at the church. He might flood the congregation with rumors, destructive, insinuating gossip strategically directed against key people. As a result, others could indeed become critical, swept along in the antagonist’s wake. The force of numbers may give you pause: Could something be wrong with me or my leadership? Ask yourself that question, but don’t be overly introspective if the source of the confusion is someone who has been waving a number of red flags.

Resistance. You might detect growing resistance from a red-flag person — openly ridiculing the leadership of the congregation, defying your authority as pastor or lay leader, blocking the approval of certain matters that ordinarily glide through the governing machinery with ease. An antagonist may also exhibit passive resistance, such as withdrawing from an activity while making a public issue of it — emphasizing that his nonparticipation is connected with the concerns he is expressing about the church.

Purchase Antagonist in the Church

Creating a Podcast

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For those of you who read on a regular basis, you’ve probably seen a shift from “how-tos” and gear recommendations to a more devotion driven blog. I love the Word… and I’m in a great season of receiving, but I’m still a creative… so I thought I would break out from the devos and help you with something else today.

Podcast can be made about six billion ways… but I’m going to share one that has worked for me for several years.

I use Podcast Maker from Lemonz Dream. I’ve been using this since around 2006… and it’s still (in my opinion) the best.

You will need somewhere to host the podcast (dreamhost will host free for churches).

After that, it’s extremely straight forward.

First Thessalonians 2 – Ministry 101 pt5

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And we also thank God constantly for this, that when you received the word of God, which you heard from us, you accepted it not as the word of men but as what it really is, the word of God, which is at work in you believers. For you, brothers, became imitators of the churches of God in Christ Jesus that are in Judea. For you suffered the same things from your own countrymen as they did from the Jews, who killed both the Lord Jesus and the prophets, and drove us out, and displease God and oppose all mankind by hindering us from speaking to the Gentiles that they might be saved—so as always to fill up the measure of their sins. But wrath has come upon them at last!

(1 Thessalonians 2:13-16 ESV)

Lesson 9.

Pray for people to receive the word of God for what it is… and not as the word of man.

The word of the Lord has the ability to transform life. To change everything.

It’s not an instruction manual… it’s a supernatural world shaking collection of the thoughts God wants to communicate with this world. Uncover the mysteries of the scripture to your people.

Lesson 10.

Teach your people that God is gracious… and that He gives us all things… and that what we do is wrapped inside of what Christ has already done.

No matter what we do, when we’re in Christ… we’re accepted. There is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ.

When people try to put your followers under the law of condemnation… you make sure you’re ready to relieve them into the grace of commendation!

First Thessalonians 2 – Ministry 101 pt4

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You are witnesses, and God also, how holy and righteous and blameless was our conduct toward you believers. For you know how, like a father with his children, we exhorted each one of you and encouraged you and charged you to walk in a manner worthy of God, who calls you into his own kingdom and glory.
(1 Thessalonians 2:10-12 ESV)

Lesson 8.

Learn how to minister to believers.

They need to be exhorted… which means advised. Show them how to practically do things that will better fulfill them, prosper them and increase them.

They need to be encouraged… which means they need you to show them who they ALREADY ARE in Christ. Help them know what they’ve been freely given.

They need to be implored… which means they need to know how desperately important they are to aiding the mission of Jesus Christ… to spread the gospel all over the earth.

First Thessalonians 2 – Ministry 101 pt3

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Nor did we seek glory from people, whether from you or from others, though we could have made demands as apostles of Christ. But we were gentle among you, like a nursing mother taking care of her own children. So, being affectionately desirous of you, we were ready to share with you not only the gospel of God but also our own selves, because you had become very dear to us.
For you remember, brothers, our labor and toil: we worked night and day, that we might not be a burden to any of you, while we proclaimed to you the gospel of God.

(1 Thessalonians 2:6-9 ESV)

Lesson 5.

v6 Don’t seek to be a rock star. People love to see how spiritual you are, so they can worship you. Don’t let them. Refuse to let them.

It’s not by works so that NO MAN CAN BOAST, but if you boast… do it in the Lord.

Also… don’t always try to be the hero… you will develop the need for people to need you… very unhealthy.

Lesson 6.

v8 Find a few people who you invest more into than just the gospel.

You can’t do this with many people… but find a few who are hungry to learn more about who they are in Christ. Teach them. Share the secrets of your prayer and Bible life with them. Tell them the secrets of your house. Show them how to make their finances work for them.

Yes, these people will become assets, but you do it because you have to give what you’ve been given!

Lesson 7.

v9 People, prior to salvation are in two stages.

Stage one – before Christ.

Stage two – receiving Christ.

Sometimes people are receiving Christ for longer than a moment… they just need to poke around the faith a little.

In these stages… don’t bog them down with anything other than receiving. Let them enjoy church and you company. Don’t ask of them… let them get away with some things. They don’t have to understand our moral code, or even our church policy. Let them breathe… let them receive.

First Thessalonians 2 – Ministry 101 pt2

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For our appeal does not spring from error or impurity or any attempt to deceive, but just as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, so we speak, not to please man, but to please God who tests our hearts. For we never came with words of flattery, as you know, nor with a pretext for greed—God is witness.

(1 Thessalonians 2:3-5 ESV)

Lesson 2.

v.3 Always keep your heart and intentions pure before the Lord. You may find yourself caught in the middle of something that can break your ministry one day… just because things happen and mistakes are made. But if you’re intentions are pure, you can be assured that you’ve honored God.

It is always better to build God’s kingdom than your own.

Lesson 3.

v.4 Do not seek the approval of man. Man is so fickle… our minds change all the time. Find your approval in the One who created not His creation.

Don’t misunderstand this for, “Go tick everyone off to make a point.”

No, we minister to (serve) people… and they will take advantage of that at times… at other times they simply will be ungrateful.

Lesson 4.

v.5 It is no secret, the bigger the church the more you make. Don’t let this drive your decisions.

In ministry, we have the opportunity to master money… but money also has the opportunity to master us. Make sure you are focused on people, and not people who can make you wealthy.

First Thessalonians 2 – Ministry 101 pt1

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This week, I’m going to be walking through 1 Thessalonians chapter 2. After reading this a few weeks ago, I saw the obvious lessons for ministers. So we’re going to take it a few lines at a time this week.

But though we had already suffered and been shamefully treated at Philippi, as you know, we had boldness in our God to declare to you the gospel of God in the midst of much conflict.

(1 Thessalonians 2:2 ESV, bold mine)

 Lesson 1.

You will face much conflict in the church. It usually comes down to one of three reasons. 1 – A leader does something dumb. 2 – A follower does something dumb. 3 – A leader and a follower both do dumb stuff. Lots of conflict.

Never-the-less. We must proclaim the good news of Jesus in the midst of the chaos.

Sometimes, you’re just going through stuff. But your mission, purpose and acceptance are anchored in the one with whom there is no variation (James 1:17).

Be encouraged… the conflict comes… but you can deal with it and continue on course.

Check out The Peace Maker for help in any conflict you may be dealing with.

 

 

 

 

2:2 – be bold and declare the gospel even in the midst of conflict.