We are really excited about the beginning of our Alpha Course this coming Sunday night! We have already reached a main goal! Several people who have been a part of our Upward Outreach from both last year and this year have signed up to learn more about Jesus and Christianity through our Alpha Course!
Now, continuing previous thoughts on mentoring, let me talk about THE PURPOSE OF MENTORING:
REPRODUCTION AND MULTIPLICATION
I wrote about reproduction earlier as a blessing, but it is also the PURPOSE of mentoring. Every believer is called to reproduce all that God has done in our lives to another person. In the mentoring process we transfer values, character, priorities and spiritual fruit. Jesus reproduced His life and ministry in His disciples and then delegated the work of the Kingdom to them – including His miracles.
Jesus said in John 14:12 - “I tell you the truth, anyone who believes in me will do the same works I have done, and even greater works, because I am going to be with the Father.”
Reproduction and multiplication is essential for life. Without reproduction, any family, group or church body is one generation away from extinction. We reproduce the life and vision of New Life through multiplying leaders, small groups, and new converts to the Body of Christ.
Businesses strive for growth to stay viable. They must continue to meet the needs of the buying public. The same is true for the church and our small groups. People are searching for what we have to offer. Growth is essential to our survival and our ability to meet those needs. Developing followers is good, but developing leaders is even better because it can lead to explosive growth.
Add ten followers to an organization and you have the power of ten people. Add ten leaders to an organization and you have the power of ten leaders times all the followers they influence. The potential to carry out the work of the Kingdom and change lives is immeasurable!
Who are you mentoring? Do you have a person in your life to whom you are purposefully transferring your leadership skills?
Posted by Pastor Randy_Bla on Tue 2 Mar 2010 12:04:12 pm | no comments
Here’s a good study on “The Practics of Mentoring.” Get your Bible to look up these Scriptures and see how they relate to your ministry as a Small Group Leader:
What do you do as a mentor?
How do you train someone to continue the ministry God has given you to others?
Begin with people you already have a good relationship with – or people that you would like to have a relationship with because you see potential in them.
Find people that have a need and you have the ability to meet that need.
Mentor them privately – Matthew 11:1
Teach them on a privileged level – Mark 4:10-11
Show them how – Luke 8:1
Share your life with them and be open with them – Matthew 20:18 & 26:21
Spend time with them – Matthew 26:20
Delegate the responsibility of leadership to them – Mark 3:14
Give them authority to do the work – Luke 9:1
Help them anticipate setbacks – Luke 9:5
Hold them accountable – Luke 9:10
Ask for commitment and sacrifice – Luke 18:28
Ask for loyalty – Mark 8:35
Serve them – John 13:13
Forgive them – Luke 22:31-32
Posted by Pastor Randy_Bla on Tue 23 Feb 2010 2:37:11 pm | no comments
Well, since you’re checking the blogs and notes and have a little time, I might as well continue my thoughts on THE POWER OFMENTORING. Last time I talked about
REPRODUCTION
Now, let me mention some other traits that gives power to mentoring others as leaders –
ACCOUNTABILITY
“Never do ministry alone.” When you are mentoring, you are not just teaching someone to do what you are doing. You are providing accountability for yourself. The presence of another keeps you on your toes, keeps you prepared, and keeps you studying and prayed up for the purpose. Having someone with you at all times during ministry protects you from temptation to fall as well as false accusation. The process is a blessing to you as a leader!
The mentor develops a relationship with the one they are training that accepts them, even when they make mistakes. What a blessing this is to someone who is just beginning to step out and be used in ministry! This goes both ways. The fact that the leader has opportunity to give into someone else’s life is an acceptance of their value as a leader!
CHALLENGE
To be challenged to be more than we are and do more than we are doing is a blessing. If we are not challenged we become stale and sterile. We become fruitless when the harvest is ripe! Take up the challenge of mentoring someone to carry on your ministry – you will be challenged as you challenge them and as “iron sharpens iron” you both will become stronger and more effective!
RELATIONSHIPS ARE DEEPENED
When you walk in a mentoring relationship with someone, you spend a lot of time with them. That is a relationship that usually continues long after the original mentoring period is over and the one who is trained is launched out into their own ministry. Make sure that the mentoring relationship is with someone of the same gender.
STAFF NEEDS ARE LOWER
When a congregation gets involved in mentoring one another for ministry, they do not have to keep adding to their pastoral staff. Ministry is carried out effectively by the Body and finances can be used for other purposes increasing outreach.
Posted by Pastor Randy_Bla on Thu 11 Feb 2010 7:57:36 am | no comments
Last week I wrote about Principles of Mentoring. This week I would like us to begin to think about the Power of Mentoring. Let me talk first about REPRODUCTION –
It takes a leader to reproduce a leader. As you mentor the potential in someone else you prepare the way for all that you are to be reproduced in their life and ministry. You can only give away what you have. Develop your leadership skills and you will attract potential leaders who want to learn from you and be mentored by you.
John Maxwell conducted a survey and asked leaders what prompted them to become leaders. Five percent said they became a leader as a result of a crisis. Ten percent said they became a leader due to natural gifting. Eighty-five percent said they became a leader because of the influence of another leader. More than four out of five leaders became so because someone mentored them!
ARE YOU DELEGATING OR “DUMPING”?
Delegation is important, but if we delegate without equipping we are really just dumping! Are you training the one you are mentoring to do the job and then giving them the authority that goes with it? When this happens under your guidance and supervision, you are mentoring!
Here’s a simple, practical example of how it works: Bob has a ministry of visiting people in the hospital. He takes Joe along with him. Joe shares the burden. After a few visits, Bob begins to let Joe take the lead in conversations and lead in prayer. Before too long, Joe is going on hospital visits taking Terry with him and Bob is now taking John along and the ministry is reproducing! Bob has mentored Joe and as a result Joe is doing more ministry than Bob and he could do alone. In addition, he is mentoring someone else! It all began with Bob, but it will continue to increase as the leaders mentor others! You can apply this to any ministry!
Jesus gave His disciples the responsibility to proclaim the message of the Kingdom of God. He also gave them the power and the authority to go with it. These were the keys to their success!
Posted by Pastor Randy_Bla on Tue 2 Feb 2010 3:30:19 pm | no comments
Once again we’re enjoying a great day of Upward. I have the privilege of being the speaker at all the half times of the games today.
I’m wanting those that are here to think about the concept of CHANGE. Many of you know that I was raised in New Life Church. I asked Jesus to forgive me of my sins and I began my journey of attempting to follow Him at the age of 6 years old. For me, it wasn’t too difficult. It was all I knew.
I was raised in a great family – but someone had to make the change before me. That was my Dad. My Dad was not raised in church. For part of his life, his dad (my grandfather) drank to excess. However, when my brother was very young and had a severe disease, Mom & Dad took him to a church service. He was prayed for and was miraculously healed. From that time on, my Mom & Dad made a renewed commitment to follow Jesus. That was a change that has made a huge difference in me and that change is affecting my children today.
Just a few years ago, Sharon & I went to a YMCA in Indy to watch Randy play basketball. In a few months, he will leave us for college.
Has someone made that change in your family and are you reaping the benefits? Or, are you the one who needs to make that change for the sake of your children and grandchildren.
Part of the change for my Dad was going to church. He was not raised to go to church, but when he made the decision to follow Jesus completely, church was not something that was missed. It was not an option. Even when he was ill or could have been doing other things, going to church and being faithful to worship the Lord and hear the teaching of the Bible was something that we would not miss. Again – that has made a huge difference in our lives.
Yesterday, we honored the life of Cloyde Tressler. He left his last words to be placed on his memorial handout. He said, “On August 7, 2009, standing in my driveway wondering if I would ever work again, or see my grandchildren grow up, I asked God to forgive me for being the prodigal son so long, and asked him into my heart. I’m trying my best to surrender my will every day…
I am extremely thankful to have the undeserved privilege to serve Him…
The biggest miracle of all has already happened in the fact that Christ forgave me because of his mercy and righteousness …
Some of you have asked if there is anything you can do for me. Just one simple request – take some time out of your busy life, and take a good, hard look at where you are at, and at where you are going.”
Cloyde made that change. I am confident that many will benefit from that.
Posted by Pastor Randy_Bla on Sat 30 Jan 2010 12:50:02 pm | no comments
Praise God for a great weekend of ministry! Because of you – ministry at New Life is not limited to the weekends! Ministry (which is serving others) is taking place all week long! I thank God for you!
Last week I started writing about Leadership being Mentoring. Remember that one of our keys to being a great Small Group Leader is mentoring someone else in your group to be a leader. The more leaders = the more groups = more people receiving ministry! Here are some principles of mentoring:
Principle #1 – EVERYONE IS A POTENTIAL LEADER
Do you see everyone as having leadership potential? If leadership is influence, and if influence flows out of relationship, then simply a relationship with someone gives the opportunity for influence and leadership. Everyone is a potential leader!
1st Samuel 22:1-2 - So David left Gath and escaped to the cave of Adullam. Soon his brothers and all his other relatives joined him there. Then others began coming—men who were in trouble or in debt or who were just discontented—until David was the captain of about 400 men.
2nd Samuel 23:18-23 - Abishai son of Zeruiah, the brother of Joab, was the leader of the Thirty. He once used his spear to kill 300 enemy warriors in a single battle. It was by such feats that he became as famous as the Three. Abishai was the most famous of the Thirty and was their commander, though he was not one of the Three.
There was also Benaiah son of Jehoiada, a valiant warriorfrom Kabzeel. He did many heroic deeds, which included killing two championsof Moab. Another time, on a snowy day, he chased a lion down into a pit and killed it. Once, armed only with a club, he killed a great Egyptian warrior who was armed with a spear. Benaiah wrenched the spear from the Egyptian’s hand and killed him with it. Deeds like these made Benaiah as famous as the Three mightiest warriors. He was more honored than the other members of the Thirty, though he was not one of the Three. And David made him captain of his bodyguard.
Notice in the first passage the kind of men that gathered around David. His influence turned them into leaders!
Principle #2 – EVERYONE CAN DISCIPLE
You can take your experience with Jesus and His Word and pass it on to others!
Principle #3 – EVERYONE IS MINISTERED TO AND THEN MINISTERS
Paul instructed Timothy - You have heard me teach things that have been confirmed by many reliable witnesses. Now teach these truths to other trustworthy people who will be able to pass them on to others. – 2nd Timothy 2:2
Principle #4 – INFLUENCE INCREASES WHEN THE ONE YOU ARE MENTORING LEADS A GROUP
Then you are not only influencing one person, but your influence passes on to everyone they are leading!
Principle #5 – EVERYONE SHOULD INTRODUCE PEOPLE TO CHRIST AND DEVELOP POETENTIAL LEADERS
The Great Commission is for everyone –
Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age. – Matthew 28:19-20
And then he told them, “Go into all the world and preach the Good News to everyone. – Mark 16:15
Principle #6 – LIKE ATTRACTS LIKE
It is easy to mentor in the context of similar interests. Relationships develop around common experiences, hobbies and callings.
Principle #7 – THOSE YOU MENTOR ARE YOUR ASSITANTS
Don’t do all the tasks of ministry yourself! Your ministry is multiplied when you allow others to carry out the work of the ministry!
Have a great week!
Randy
Posted by Pastor Randy_Bla on Tue 26 Jan 2010 7:48:34 am | no comments
I had a great first night in my new study of the Wednesday Encounter Small Group last night. I’m praying that our small group leaders will have a great start to your Small Group season. Trust me … spring is on the way … don’t look outside!!! Spring is on the way!
Let me encourage you some today with the beginning of the third chapter of Team With One Another – Leadership is Mentoring –
Do you want to have a ministry that produces loyal followers, people you can influence and easily control? Or, do you want to have a ministry that produces results that will be far beyond what you will even be able to measure? The difference is mentoring.
One dictionary’s definition of “mentor” is “a trusted counselor or guide; also tutor, coach.”
Do you want to just attract loyal followers and make them your personal disciples? Or, do you want to influence people in such a way that they will in turn influence others so that your ministry will spread even farther than you could do on your own? This is the example of Jesus. He did not just leave disciples. He left apostles who did what He did. They mentored other leaders as Jesus mentored them.
Ministry is not complete only when our job is done or our gift is exercised. Ministry moves beyond what we do when we train and empower others to also exercise the gifts God has given them. We help them discover, develop and use their gifts under our guidance, and then we set them free to change other lives!
In upcoming notes I will look at some PRINCIPLES of mentoring, the POWER of mentoring, some PRACTICS (“how to’s”) of mentoring, and our PURPOSE as leaders who mentor others.
Have a great day – and don’t slip on the ice!
Posted by Pastor Randy_Bla on Thu 21 Jan 2010 9:27:31 am | no comments
In my past several notes I have been writing about Leadership Being Practical from Chapter Two of my book, "Team With One Another". I have said that A LEADER MUST BE TEACHABLE and A LEADER MUST BE STABLE. Now let me conclude these thoughts by saying that A LEADER MUST BE SECURE.
In Romans 8:31-39 the Apostle Paul wrote, "What shall we say about such wonderful things as these? If God is for us, who can ever be against us? Since he did not spare even his own Son but gave him up for us all, won't he also give us everything else? Who dares accuse us whom God has chosen for his own? No one - for God himself has given us right standing with himself. Who then will condemn us? No one - for Chirst Jesus died for us and was raised to life for us, and he is sitting in the place of honor at God's right hand, pleading for us.
Can anything ever separate us from Christ's love? Does it mean he no longer loves us if we have trouble or calamity, or are persecuted, or hungry, or destitute, or in danger, or threatened with death? (As the Scriptures say, "For your sake we are killed every day; we are being slaughtered like sheep.") No, despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us.
And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God's love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow - not even the powers of hell can separate us from God's love. No power in the sky above or in the earth below - indeed, nothing in all creation will eever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord."
If a leader is insecure, the followers will be insecure. Leadership magnifies our flaws so if we struggle with insecurity before entering into a leadership position, we must realize that the insecurity can increase as we attempt to lead.
Leadership is about influence, not about gaining personal validation from others. The purpose of leadership is to influence others in a positive way, not to make us feel better about ourselves or look better in the eyes of others. We don't become leaders to cause people to admire us or love us. Leaders have to give more than they receive while insecure people usually need to be on the receiving end to feel they areadvancing.
If an insecure person is in a place of leadership, their influence on people will be very limited. When others are successful, they are threatened. For example, pastors who cannot celebrate with another pastor when their church experiences growth, or pastors who hire ineffective staff members so that they will not be overshadowed are insecure leaders. Even worse are those who take personal credit for the accomplishments of those they are leading.
If we undermine those we influence and don't celebrate their victories, they will cease advancing and growing themselves, or else the relationship will be broken off. This causes the entire team to suffer.
John Maxwell has written that there are few things worse than an insecure leader. In an article, "Why Insecure Leaders Are So Bad," (taken from Ministry Group Resource Pac, Leading Elders and Deacons, compiled by Indiana District Assemblies of God, Ministry Development Office, David Delp, Director) he lists characteristics that insecure leaders have in common that make them so ineffective. I will not copy his elaboration of each point, but shine a light on yourself as you consider this list:
1. They want control.
2. They fear public failure.
3. They avoid risk.
4. They are closed in their relationships.
5. They do not hire 10s.
6. They resist change.
7. They fail to affirm and empower others.
8. They stay in their comfort zone.
9. They view people and situations through their insecurities.
10. They create an environment of insecurity.
When we are secure we are able to bring out the best in others. Our security is in our relationship with Christ. Secure leaders know their weaknesses and gather others around them who are strong in those areas to supplement their ministry and do not feel threatened. Secure leaders love to see followers advance and take their own place of leadership. That is the greatest victory for a secure leader.
Build people up! Encourage them! Enable others to perform at their highest level!
Randy Blankenship
Posted by Pastor Randy_Bla on Thu 14 Jan 2010 8:37:58 am | no comments
We must continue to grow in our faith.Romans 1017 saysSo faith comes from hearing, that is, hearing the Good News about Christ.We must continue to keep the Word of God in our hearts, minds and mouths.As our faith grows our stability strengthens.We are not shaken by the storm winds of emotion that tear others down.
In Matthew 7:24-29 Jesus said “Anyone who listens to my teaching and follows it is wise, like a person who builds a house on solid rock. Though the rain comes in torrents and the floodwaters rise and the winds beat against that house, it won’t collapse because it is built on bedrock. But anyone who hears my teaching and ignores it is foolish, like a person who builds a house on sand. When the rains and floods come and the winds beat against that house, it will collapse with a mighty crash.”
When Jesus had finished saying these things, the crowds were amazed at his teaching, for he taught with real authority—quite unlike their teachers of religious law.
When hurricane winds blow, some houses stand and others fall.The difference is often in the foundation and construction.The Bile, the Word of God, builds faith.Strong faith maintains stability in the storms.Leaders will stand strong when others around them are falling.Leaders will remain calm when others around them are distressed.This comes from a strong faith.
Let us not allow the events of life to defeat us or drag us down.When we develop this strong, stable, faith-filled character, God uses us in mighty ways to powerful influence others.
Posted by Pastor Randy_Bla on Wed 9 Dec 2009 12:38:54 pm | no comments
Jesus is the “Rock of Ages.”It is wonderful to have a personal relationship with a God who is so stable and never changes.
Whatever is good and perfect comes to us from God above, who created all heaven’s lights.Unlike them, he never changes or casts shifting shadows.– James 1:17
He is our example!We strive to be like Him!“God is good … all the time!”His love is an unfailing love!
Long ago the LORD said to Israel:“I have loved you, my people, with an everlasting love.With unfailing love I have drawn you to myself.”- Jeremiah 31:1
That is the love He has for us today!We need to follow our Lord’s example and strive to be as stable in our emotions, unchanging in our love, trustworthy in our words and dependable in our actions as is He.With the Holy Spirit we can do this!
Instability causes lack of certainty.When you sense this struggle, remember the example of the Lord.Rely on the Holy Spirit within you and maintain your stability. Stay the course.Do what you are called to do.Keep going forward because there is no place else to go!Don’t be sidetracked or distracted by minor issues.Keep your eyes on what is major and important – and always – do it with excellence.
Posted by Pastor Randy_Bla on Tue 3 Nov 2009 2:14:20 pm | no comments
Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.– Hebrews 13:8
EMOTIONAL STABILITY
We cannot ride an emotional roller coaster of our own and be an effective leader.Emotions are an important aspect of our personality and they are God-given.However, we must control our emotions; we should not be controlled by them.
A popular song said, “It can’t be wrong if it feels so right.”Yes it can!A leader and influencer will do what is right and shun what is wrong regardless of how it feels.The principle of the student not rising above the teacher applies here as well.Emotionally stable leaders influence others to be able to be in control of their emotions and live stable lives.
From Galatians 5:22-23, one aspect of the Fruit of the Spirit is self-control.We must control our moods and our mouth.Once something is said, it cannot be grabbed out of the air and put back.Forgiveness can be asked for and granted, but the pain of words spoken in anger from emotional instability can take more time to heal.This can disrupt the leader’s ability to build into the life of the one they are influencing and hinder their personal as well as spiritual growth.Our words and our actions must be kept in check.We set the example by living according to the leadership of the Holy Spirit in our lives and not our sinful nature.This comes from dying to our natural desires daily and living to the plan of God for our lives.
Posted by Pastor Randy_Bla on Thu 29 Oct 2009 8:38:26 am | no comments
In order to continue leading, we must continue learning.
Even if it was written in Scripture long ago, you can be sure it is written for us.God wants the combination of his steady, constant calling and warm, personal counsel in Scripture to come to characterize us, keeping us alert for whatever he will do next. – Romans 15:4 The Message
Never be lazy in your work, but serve the Lord enthusiastically.Romans 12:11
A.PRIDE GOES BEFORE A FALL
We may hate to admit it, but we don’t know everything.We don’t want to admit that because we don’t want to look bad.We want to appear as experts in the eyes of those we are influencing.We hate to answer a question with, “I don’t know.”That is pride.If looking bad is a greater concern than learning, the leader will fail or lose a following.Leaders need to be comfortable in saying, “I don’t know, but I’ll try to find out!”
Don’t be defensive about not knowing everything.Be teachable.Continue to learn and study.Lead with humility.Lean on the Holy Spirit, and not your own knowledge.Don’t be narrow-minded.Even with the knowledge we have there are often more way of doing things and looking at situations than our own.
B.LEADERS CONTINUE TO LEARN AFTER EXPERIENCING “SUCCESS”
Often, when a leader achieves “success” – receiving an award, getting a degree, or reaching a certain position – they believe they have “made it.”For them, learning is a thing of the past.They have already achieved.We need to remember that the day we stop growing and learning is the day we give up continued future potential.
Whatever gets us to the place we want to be is not always what keeps us there.Great leaders always see opening doors and new opportunities.Someone said, “As long as you are green you are growing; as soon as you are ripe, you rot.”
C.LEADERS LEARN FROM MISTAKES
We make no progress if we keep making the same mistakes over and over again.We need to learn from our mistakes, as well as the mistakes of others, so that they are not repeated.
Watch other leaders and influencers.Listen to their stories.It’s better to learn from someone else than to have to learn the hard way ourselves.
Posted by Pastor Randy_Bla on Tue 13 Oct 2009 1:10:22 pm | no comments
Never be lazy in your work, but serve the Lord enthusiastically. Romans 12:11 NLT
Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. NIV
Not lagging behind in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord. NASV
Don’t burn out; keep yourselves fueled and aflame. Be alert servants of the Master. The Message
Someone has said passion is being zealous on the inside.
A.PASSION IS THE FUEL THAT DRIVES THE LEADER
There are many who may not have been successful in a school classroom setting, but they had passion about their gifts, their call, their vocation in life and have become great leaders.
-More than 50% of all Fortune 500 CEO’s had “C” averages in college.
-Nearly 75% of U.S. Presidents were in the bottom half of their class.
-More than 50% of all millionaire entrepreneurs never finished college.
Ordinary people achieve great things – when they are passionate about what they are doing. Passion increases willpower. Passion will keep you going when you don’t feel like going on! There is no substitute for passion in a leader’s life and ministry. You must love what you are doing!
B.PASSION IS THE FIRE THAT OTHERS WILL FOLLOW
Have you ever wanted to follow the fire truck to see the burning house? It has been said that someone asked John Wesley how he got so many people to come to his meetings. He replied, “I set myself on fire and the people come to watch me burn.” He was talking about the passion and fire of the Holy Spirit!
When a leader loses their passion, they begin to lose their influence. If you are not passionate about what you are doing, you cannot lead anyone there. When passion is present, it is contagious. It is like a wildfire that causes what is around it to catch on fire as well. This kind of passion ignites that faith that makes the impossible possible!
C.PASSION CAN ALSO BE DANGEROUS
Passion without knowledge is like heat without light. It is possible to be over-zealous. It is when we do not have the proper knowledge or training for what we are passionate about that it becomes dangerous. Great leaders will always seek continuous training so that they can always become more efficient and effective at what they are passionate about.
Leaders are responsible to keep their fire under control. We must add to our passion wisdom, knowledge, discernment, prayer and the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
Posted by Pastor Randy_Bla on Tue 22 Sep 2009 12:07:58 pm | no comments
The U.S. Open Tennis Match recently ended. On the women’s side, the favorite was knocked out on the last play because of her attitude (she physically threatened an umpire!). On the men’s side, the favorite was upset by a relative unknown. “HOW’S YOUR SERVE?”
I have been writing the last few weeks about Leadership being a Heart Issue (from a book I wrote called Team With One Another). We have talked about Leadership involving Character and Servanthood. Last week we said
A.SERVANT-LEADERSHIP IS AN ATTITUDE
Now –
B.SERVANT-LEADERSHIP PUTS OTHERS FIRST
When we put our own agenda on hold for others, we are serving them. We must be aware of the needs of those we are leading, or those with whom we share relationships. We must be aware of their needs and be ready to help them. They must know that we see their needs as important.
A servant-leader doesn’t wait to be asked. A servant-leader see the need and jumps into action. They don’t have to be compelled or coerced, but they look forward to seizing the opportunity to be a blessing, especially in times of crisis. They also expect nothing in return.
C.SERVANT-LEADERSHIP IS FROM THE BOTTOM UP
On many organizational flow charts, the leaders will be listed at the top and those who are under them will be … well … under them! But in Christ-like servant-leadership, the serving leader will put himself under others and serve them. This earns the respect of those the servant is leading … and they will follow!
Read Paul’s attitude about himself in 1st Corinthians 15:9; Ephesians 3:8; and 1st Timothy 1:15.
Posted by Pastor Randy_Bla on Tue 15 Sep 2009 12:42:29 pm | no comments
So Jesus called them together and said, “You know that in this world kings are tyrants, and officials lord it over the people beneath them. But among you it should be quite different. Whoever wants to be a leader among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be the slave of all. For even I, the Son of Man, came here not to be served but to serve others, and to give my life as a ransom for many.” - Mark 10:42-45
A.SERVANT LEADERSHIP IS AN ATTITUDE
Servanthood is not about position or skill; it is about attitude. Manipulation or self-promotion does not motivate the servant, rather love is the motivating factor. The extent of a leader’s influence depends on the depth of concern for others.
In a magazine article I read years ago, Guy BonGiovanni told of an old Dutch tradition where an empty chair and setting were placed at the dinner table. The unoccupied chair monitored the family’s attitudes and actions while also serving as a reminder that Christ was the unseen guest at the table. BonGiovanni told of sitting at the dinner table of Joel Oliver, a pastor in St. Louis. At the table a family argument broke out over who should sit in a special chair at the end of the table. Feisty six-year-old Caleb insisted it was his turn to sit in the “servant’s chair.”
Pastor Oliver said each person takes turns sitting in the servant’s chair when they eat together. The person sitting there is responsible for anything needed during the meal, whether someone needs another teaspoon, napkin, or if the telephone rings. Pastor Oliver said, “I want my family to develop a caring spirit, to be concerned and quick to serve others. What better place to do that than in one’s own home during family dinner?”
In Pastor Oliver’s house, the children were actually fighting over who would get the privilege to serve! What would happen in the Body of Christ if we all had such a great desire to serve one another! This must be modeled by leadership.
PURPOSEFULLY SERVE SOMEONE THIS WEEK!
Posted by Pastor Randy_Bla on Tue 8 Sep 2009 10:15:48 am | no comments
“If you think you’re leading but no one is following, you’re just out taking a walk!” The only way a Christian leader will be able to influence others is by maintaining Christian character. Charisma, giftedness, or a great personality may gain a short-term following, but only true Christian character will be able to keep people with you so that you can influence them for the good. When the leader’s character fails, the trust is broken and the positive influence is eroded.
CHARACTER SETS THE LIMITS
“A student is not greater than the teacher. A servant is not greater than the master. The student shares the teacher’s fate.” - Matthew 10:24,25a
You will never be able to lead someone where you have not gone. You will never be able to take them beyond where you are. As leaders, we must maintain godly character and continue to grow!
Your character will also set the limit on yourself! Some fall after achieving a high place of leadership because their place of leadership was beyond their character. There are 4 A’s that can ring down any leader who is short on character: Arrogance, Aloneness, Adventure-seeking, Adultery.
NEXT: SERVANTHOOD
Posted by Pastor Randy_Bla on Wed 2 Sep 2009 4:43:32 pm | no comments
Character has become a point of issue in many campaigns for elected office. There are those who argue that an individual’s personal life should have nothing to do with their ability to lead. Others counter: “Character matters!” From a Biblical standpoint, there is no question that character matters and that it affects our ability to lead and influence others.
Watch yourselves carefully so you do not get contaminated with Pharisee yeast, Pharisee phoniness. You cannot keep your true self hidden forever; before long you will be exposed. You cannot hide behind a religious mask forever; sooner or later the mask will slip and your true face will be known. You cannot whisper one thing in private and preach the opposite in public; the day is coming when those whispers will be repeated all over town. – Luke 12:1-3 The Message
TRUE CHARACTER IS REVEALED BY OUR ACTIONS
“Actions speak louder than words.” A person can say they have character, but what do the actions of their life reveal? What kind of character do they have? If we intend to lead people in Christian living, yet the actions of our life do not personify Christian character, then we tear down with one hand what we are attempting to build with the other.
“Character is who you are when no one else is around.” Some may think they can hide their true self from others, but it is never hidden from God and eventually what is done in the darkness comes out into the light. Don’t let secret sin destroy the effectiveness you can have. Your character can make or break those you are trying to lead. Many have fallen away due to the failure that has been revealed in leaders.
Then Jesus said to the crowds and to his disciples, “The teachers of religious law and the Pharisees are the official interpreters of the Scriptures. So practice and obey whatever they say to you, but don’t follow their example. For they don’t practice what they teach. They crush you with impossible religious demands and never lift a finger to help ease the burden. “Everything they do is for show.” - Matthew 23:1-5a
What a terrible indictment – and from the Master of character Himself! Let’s never let this be said of us!
Posted by Pastor Randy_Bla on Wed 26 Aug 2009 8:04:49 am | no comments
It can be discouraging to discover how quickly you lose your inner peace. Someone who happens to enter your life can suddenly create restlessness and anxiety in you. Sometimes this feeling is there before you fully realize it. You thought you were centered; you thought you could trust yourself; you thought you could stay with God. But then someone you do not even know intimately makes you feel insecure. You ask yourself whether you are loved or not, and that stranger becomes the criterion. Thus you start feeling disillusioned by your own reaction.
Don’t whip yourself for you lack of spiritual progress. If you do, you will easily be pulled even further away from your center. You will damage yourself and make it more difficult to come home again. It is obviously good not to act on your sudden emotions. But you don’t have to repress them, either. You can acknowledge them and let them pass by. In a certain sense, you have to befriend them so that you do not become their victim.
The way to “victory” is not in trying to overcome your dispiriting emotions directly but in building a deeper sense of safety and at-homeness and a more incarnate knowledge that you are deeply loved. Then, little by little, you will stop giving so much power to strangers.
Do not be discouraged. Be sure that God will truly fulfill all your needs. Keep remembering that. It will help you not to expect that fulfillment from people who you already know are incapable of giving it.
From his journal published as the Inner Voice of Love – A Journey Through Anguish to Freedom
Posted by Pastor Randy_Bla on Wed 5 Aug 2009 7:47:27 am | no comments
I’ve got moles in my yard! I tried a mole trap – that didn’t work. I’m told that if I kill the grubs in my yard, then the moles will go away. So – last Friday I put some fertilizer with grub killer on the yard. That is supposed to be activated by rain within 24 hours to kill the grubs and send the moles away. I hope it works!
It reminds me of something – evil feeds on evil. Just like the grubs aren’t good for my yard – and they attract the hungry moles – which are even worse for my yard – evil feeds on and follows after evil.
I can’t see the grubs unless I’m digging (and I’ve seen them). We spent some money this year to put in some nice landscaping – I sure would hate the moles to mess that up.
We invest in our lives. We spend time in prayer with God – we spend time (a tremendous valuable resource) in worship and with family and friends. We enrich our lives. Let’s not let things that seem small, little, insignificant, even unseen – mess up what we have invested in our lives. Do you have some “spiritual grubs” in the yard of your life? If you do not address these small problems, they will draw bigger problems – the moles – then what you have invested in your life can be lost!
Solomon said it is the little foxes that spoil the vines and vineyards. Let’s not let temptations and sins that seem to be “no big deal” – such as missing times of worship for a week or two – letting little arguments invade our relationships with our spouses and kids – small grudges that destroy our relationships with our brothers and sisters in Christ – areas of dishonesty – a little bit of lust or disobedience here and there – let’s not let the little foxes spoil the fruitfulness and life the Lord wants to bring to us!
Let’s put some fertilizer on our life! Let’s let the rain of the Holy Spirit activate and germinate the Word of God which will destroy those small killers!
Posted by Pastor Randy_Bla on Mon 13 Jul 2009 10:36:06 am | no comments
This morning I picked up a devotional book that I hadn’t read in a while. Before I found today’s passage, the book opened to May 1 and the title caught my eye. Our youth ministry went through something difficult yet educational last week at camp and this devotional addresses an issue that all of us get caught up in at one time or another in our journey of seeking after God. This is Oswald Chambers, from his devotional My Utmost for His Highest. Please read this fully – especially the second paragraph!
For a while, we are fully aware of God’s concern for us. But then, when God begins to use us in His work, we begin to take on a pitiful look and talk only of our trials and difficulties. And all the while God is trying to make us do our work as hidden people who are not in the spotlight. None of us would be hidden spiritually if we could help it. Can we do our work when it seems that God has sealed up heaven? Some of us always want to be brightly illuminated saints with golden halos and with the continual glow of inspiration, and to have other saints of God dealing with us all the time. A self-assured saint is of no value to God. He is abnormal, unfit for daily life, and completely unlike God. We are here, not as immature angels, but as men and women, to do the work of this world. And we are to do it with an infinitely greater power to withstand the struggle because we have been born from above.
If we continually try to bring back those exceptional moments of inspiration, it is a sign that it is not God we want. We are becoming obsessed with the moments when God did come and speak with us, and we are insisting that He do it again. But what God wants us to do is to “walk by faith.” How many of us have set ourselves aside as if to say, “I cannot do anything else until God appears to me”? He will never do it. We will have to get up on our own, without any inspiration and without any sudden touch from God. Then comes our surprise and we find ourselves exclaiming, “Why, He was there all the time, and I never knew it!” Never live for those exceptional moments—they are surprises. God will give us His touches of inspiration only when He sees that we are not in danger of being led away by them. We must never consider our moments of inspiration as the standard way of life—our work is our standard.
Wow! I believe that with all my heart! Stay balanced! Seek God, not emotion! Know that His presence is always with you whether you feel it or not. The feelings are wonderful, but that is not what we seek. We seek to know the Word and be people obedient to His Word! Then our lives will be stable examples to an unstable world!
Have a great week!
Randy Blankenship
P.S. By the way, in addition to more people making the decision to begin a real relationship with Jesus Christ this weekend, we had an incredible physical miracle of healing happen this week. The individual who received this healing left on vacation, and they will be back in a couple of weeks to tell the story! This is confirmed by “before and after” doctor’s reports! There is no end and no boundaries to God’s goodness and kindness!
Posted by Pastor Randy_Bla on Tue 30 Jun 2009 8:37:18 am | no comments
Yesterday we honored the life of Nellie Thieke – member of New Life since 1962 – 93 years of age – and ready to leave the land of the dying for the land of the “really living”!
You know, before I ever heard anyone talk about “Small Groups” Nellie was a part of small groups! She was a vital part of ministries in our church that have been giving life to others for years – the Women of Purpose Group (formerly Women’s Ministries) – the Joy Fellowship Group (Just Older Youth!). Nellie gave to others through her life and relationships and she received from others as they blessed her in so many ways! We walk together in our friendships and relationships to give life and receive life as we need it.
Leaders are really just facilitators. I know from Ephesians 4:12-13 that one of my key roles is to give people an opportunity to serve others. My goal is to give as many people as possible the opportunity to serve others in as many ways as possible! Isn’t it liberating to know that we don’t have to do it all? In the next couple of weeks watch your group of friends. Can’t you see them serving one another … helping one another … “giving life” to one another? They are not all “leaders”. They may not even realize they are doing it. But through their lives and relationships they are serving one another, encouraging one another, comforting one another, teaching one another, blessing one another, giving life to one another! Let it happen!
I received an e-mail last week from a small group leader in our church – he leads a Basketball Group along with another leader and friend:
Just a little follow up info regarding our Upward and Thursday evening basketball guys. We now have 7 individuals and couples coming to New Life as a result of Upward and Men’s Basketball. I have said for a long time that we can never change the Gospel Message, but we need to be open to changing the method of sharing the Message. Upward and Men’s Basketball are proof of that. We are developing ongoing relationships with these people, and the Alpha Program might be a good tool to help in doing this. Last year our Men’s Basketball numbers dropped off to 4 or 5 by this time of year, and Doug and I talked about stopping this year at the end of June. This year is different, there has not been a week that we haven’t had someone new to this group, and that’s what it’s all about. Basketball is just the tool to get new people into this small group. We always have 20 or so and probably if all were there at a given week, we would have 40. Not too bad of an outreach small group, and they think its all about basketball, but we now have 7 attending church here, and get this, it’s very exciting to me when our new people start bringing new people. [Someone] brought his brother-in-law … this week. I invited him to come Sunday and he said he and his family would be there (they were in church this past Sunday). I think as we get new people of all walks of life that will open up new groups or nucleuses of unchurched people that possibly can be led into the Alpha Program.
Uh …. I think that’s the definition of “REVIVAL!” And it’s happening! Let it happen!
Posted by Pastor Randy_Bla on Wed 17 Jun 2009 1:44:54 pm | 1 comments
For Luke & Kristina - Oh how the Lord loves His Bride!
Twenty-five years ago a young 20-year-old pastor was asked to perform a wedding ceremony. It would be his first “solo flight” officiating a wedding. The wedding was at a small Methodist church in Greentown, Indiana (on an extremely hot day with no air conditioning). The church was the home church of the bride, the groom was the pastor’s friend since the 8th grade and the bride was literally the girl next door (grew up next to the groom). She said, “I married my best friend.” The pastor still has the newspaper clippings, the program, and the notes from that wedding service.
Their first son was named Luke Randall Sommers, the middle name being that of the pastor-friend who married them. Today I (that pastor) performed the wedding of Luke Randall Sommers and his beautiful bride, Kristina Maurer. With Luke & Kristina’s agreement, much of the service was exactly like that of their parent’s 25 years ago. Following the lead of my mentor, Pastor John Walker, I typically write a new personal wedding message for each couple that I marry. But this was different. We went through the vows, the rings and the Scripture, 1st Corinthians 13, then I got to the point where I said, “Luke and Kristina, what I’m about to say are the exact words I said to your parents 25 years ago.”
Then, out of nowhere it came. I lost it. I choked. I began to weep. It took me a few minutes to gather myself together. (If I did that today, what am I going to do when my daughter gets married?!?!?) I really can’t express in words what was going through my mind. Here we were, 25 years later, still friends, still close, still leaning on one another in times of exhilarating blessings of God upon our families, and leaning on one another in times of great tragedy. Just a few years ago I stood by the side of my friend as his father crossed the threshold of heaven, and in the last couple of years he has stood by me through some of the darkest moments and deepest attacks in my life. Now we stand together with great joy sharing the next step of greatness as his family is joined with another great family, and remembering 25 years ago.
I got it back together, went on with the ceremony, and as I ministered communion privately to the couple while Michael W. Smith’s I’m Desperate for You was playing, I shared with them a Scripture that came to my mind this morning:
I am overwhelmed with joy in the LORD my God!
For he has dressed me with the clothing of salvation
and draped me in a robe of righteousness.
I am like a bridegroom in his wedding suit
or a bride with her jewels. – Isaiah 61:10
Oh how our Lord loves His bride!
Psalm 45 speaks of the wedding of a King and says -
Listen to me, O royal daughter; take to heart what I say.
Forget your people and your family far away.
11 For your royal husband delights in your beauty;
honor him, for he is your lord.
12 The princess …will shower you with gifts.
The wealthy will beg your favor.
13 The bride, a princess, looks glorious
in her golden gown.
14 In her beautiful robes, she is led to the king,
accompanied by her bridesmaids.
15 What a joyful and enthusiastic procession
as they enter the king’s palace!
16 Your sons will become kings like their father.
You will make them rulers over many lands.
17 I will bring honor to your name in every generation.
Therefore, the nations will praise you forever and ever.
The joy and expectation in the faces of Luke and Kristina was palpable. The joy of the entire congregation was evident. So many present that were full of love, and so many couples remembering their own vows.
Once again I am reminded of how marriage is God’s gift to us to give the world a picture of His love for us. We are His bride. He loves us, cherishes us, and will defend us and protect us. Christ died for us – gave His live for us. Oh, how our Lord loves His bride!
You have captured my heart,
my treasure, my bride.
You hold it hostage with one glance of your eyes,
with a single jewel of your necklace.
10 Your love delights me,
my treasure, my bride.
Your love is better than wine,
your perfume more fragrant than spices.
11 Your lips are as sweet as nectar, my bride.
Honey and milk are under your tongue.
Your clothes are scented
like the cedars of Lebanon.
12 You are my private garden, my treasure, my bride,
a secluded spring, a hidden fountain. – Song of Songs (Solomon’s) 4:9-12
…God will rejoice over you
as a bridegroom rejoices over his bride. – Isaiah 62:5
Just as Luke loves Kristina, Christ loves us, His beautiful bride. Just as Luke is thrilled to be with her, to protect her, to provide for her, the Lord longs to be with us, to protect us, to provide for us.
I’m overwhelmed. Oh, how the Lord loves His bride … Oh, how the Lord loves His bride … Oh, how the Lord loves His bride!!! Our wedding day is coming! He will come to get us! Just as Kristina was preparing herself through her life, and even up until the moment came for her to walk down the aisle, let us be preparing ourselves. The King loves us! He is coming to get us!
Oh, how the Lord loves His bride!
Posted by Pastor Randy_Bla on Sat 30 May 2009 8:21:20 pm | no comments
Finally – some good weather! How is the “weather” in your heart today? How is the “weather” in your life? Are things sunny? Or is there a storm brewing? Is your spirit “dark and cloudy”?
You know how people either say “the glass is half full” or “the glass is half empty” – and that is supposed to tell whether or not you are generally a positive person or a negative person? When the weather forecaster is telling us what it will be like tomorrow or on the weekend, I’ve always wondered what the difference is between “partly cloudy” or “partly sunny.” Does that tell us whether or not the forecaster is an optimist or a pessimist?
I don’t like bad weather. I’ve complained about the weather quite a bit this past year. I have to remind myself that the sun is always shining! We can’t always see it – but even on the cloudy days, rainy days and snowy days, the sun is always shining – not just somewhere – but right above our heads! We may not be able to see it – but the sun is ALWAYS SHINING RIGHT ABOVE OUR HEADS!
So, let me encourage you today, whatever is going on in your life, the sun is shining – and the Son is shining! If you have put your full faith and trust in Jesus, turned away from that which displeases Him and destroys us, and accepted His free offer of forgiveness, then Jesus is always with you, even in and especially in every difficult time of our lives! Sometimes it’s easy to forget – that’s why I’m reminding myself – and you today – that the Son is shining!
This Sunday at New Life we are continuing our series in 1st Corinthians – and it’s going to get very interesting! As we move into chapter 5 Paul begins to deal with some pretty tough stuff – some stuff we’d rather avoid – but if we’re going to understand everything that God wants to teach us through His Word, we can’t avoid the passages that we’re going to be looking at the next several weeks.
I know it’s a holiday weekend coming up and lots of people have lots of plans, but if you’re staying in the area, I hope that I’ll see you Sunday at 10 a.m.
Have a great rest of the week!
Randy
Posted by Pastor Randy_Bla on Thu 21 May 2009 9:30:15 am | no comments
As I sit to write this it is Thursday afternoon. The sun is shining, the sky is blue, and the temperature is nearly perfect. What a beautiful day! It’s hard to believe that last night I slept on the couch with The Weather Channel on to keep an eye on the storms. I wanted to be sure that if a tornado was going to come our way I could wake my family and we could get to the basement.
I hope you don’t think that was being alarmist or over-concerned. Late last night there were tornadoes in Missouri heading our way. The Indianapolis weather forecasters were predicting strong storms here between 4 & 5 a.m. I wanted to protect my family.
In the same way, you may be going through a storm in your life. You may be fearful that it is going to get worse. Whether it is a physical storm, financial storm, family storm, emotional storm or spiritual storm, do you see the clouds gathering? Do you hear the forecasts of doom?
Listen – there is nothing wrong with being alert! There is nothing wrong with doing what you need to do to protect yourself and your family – but read this:
Getting wisdom is the wisest thing you can do!
And whatever else you do, develop good judgment. (Proverbs 4:7)
The wisdom that is spoken of there is God’s wisdom. Good judgment comes from God’s Word and the Holy Spirit! And the Book tells that we need not worry or fear. Last night, I was not worried, I was not fearful. I was just keeping my eye on the storm. If it came, I would do what I had to do, knowing full well that the storm would be temporary!
I do not know the future – but I know Who holds my future! “I don’t know who holds tomorrow, but I know Who holds my hand!”
Can I encourage you today? The storm may be over your life, over your house, over your business, over your family – but this storm will pass! One way or another it will pass! After the stormy night comes a beautiful day! Weeping may last through the night, but joy comes with the morning. (Psalm 30:5)
I’m getting ready for an encouraging day on Sunday!
Many blessings,
Randy Blankenship
Posted by Pastor Randy_Bla on Thu 14 May 2009 2:16:26 pm | no comments
I wanted to testify of tremendous growth in an area of my personal life – one that may have seemed impossible to some who know me!
A couple of weeks ago our microwave stopped working. I thought I was going to have to buy a new microwave! Who’s got the money for that? I thought, “Maybe I can fix it!” (Stop laughing – right now!) For those of you who are not aware, I am not a “Mr. Fix-It” guy – but I was going to try!
So – I found the manual and was going to look up anything I could find on the possibility of repairing it. Taped to the front of the manual was a fuse. I thought, “Maybe it’s just a fuse! That can’t be too hard!” So, I looked through the manual to find something on fuses – nothing. No problem, I’ll just take the microwave out and open it up. That’s what I did – man, it was heavy! I took the microwave out of its hole in the wall, above the oven, and got it open – no problem! There’s the fuse! Blown! Pull it out, put the new one in – no problem! Now, put the microwave back together … that took a couple of tries. You know, you’ve got to remember how you took it apart. Got ‘er dun!
Then – get the microwave back up into its hole in the wall and get the framing around it again … harder! That took me at least three tries … had to lift that thing (it’s a much older unit) … it was heavy! … Get it into just the right position … hold onto it without crashing it to the ground while reaching around behind and plugging in the cord … Wow!
Well – I got it all done and it only took me about a total of 5 hours to change a fuse! But – the microwave works – and I fixed it! That’s right! Randy Blankenship fixed a household appliance all by himself! I told you this was a tremendous area of growth in my life!
Do you want to have tremendous growth in your life? Get out the old manual … the Bible! Do you have one? If not, ask me – I’ll get you one! In there you will find everything you need! You’ll find the fuse (the power of the Holy Spirit)! You’ll get your life running again! Oh – things will get heavy at times … you may have to twist around some problems … you may have to back up and try something over again … you may have to remember how to do some things … but fix it! Stick with the manual and the power of the Holy Spirit and fix it! You know, the whole job would have been much easier if I had not been alone! It’s just the same with our new life in Christ! It’s much easier when we walk together!
This Sunday is going to be a WOW Weekend – World Outreach Weekend!
Saturday at 6 p.m. – Leadership Roundtable Training dinner in the AC
Saturday at 7 p.m. – “Beyond the Gates of Splendor” in the Worship Center
Sunday at 10 a.m. – Church Planter, Tim Winton
Sunday at 6 p.m. – “The End of the Spear”
Come and experience tremendous growth in your life!
Randy Blankenship
Posted by Pastor Randy_Bla on Thu 30 Apr 2009 11:39:36 am | no comments
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