Ministry in Motion (MIM) Ezine, March 30, 2007

-- The Reconstruction of A Youth Worker- "Let's Take a Nap!" by R. Scott Miller.

-- Book Review: "Great Leader, Great Teachers: Recovering the Biblical Vision for Leadership," by Gary Bredfeldt, reviewed by Teena Stewart.

Shop at DreamBuilders Ministry in Motion’s Bookstore for Christian Books, CD, DVDs, Jewelry, Apparel & Gifts and Save! Order Books & Resources

In keeping up with current trends and writings, DreamBuilders Ministry in Motion builds up quite a few books and resources in our shelves.

As a thanks to our valued e-zine readers, we would like to offer some of the best back to you.

We are offering books such as, "Pastor," by Will Willimon; "The Secret Message," by Brian MacLaren; "Overcoming Barriers to Growth: Proven Strategies for Taking Your Church to the Next Level," by Michael Fletcher, and many others.

Put 'FREEBOOKGIVEAWAY' in the Subject line and include your name and mailing address.

Accessing and studying the many resources that the Bible provides to leaders who are guiding people through conflict results in increased effectiveness in determining the right approach for the situation. Using the scriptures for insight rather than swinging them like a sledgehammer to defeat others is the main goal, though one will hear the argument, “Who can argue against the Bible?” This is an irresponsible use of scriptures and does not resolve conflict, but merely drives it underground.

A better way is to engage people in discussion about the scriptures. Rather than argue about who is right or wrong, consider how the Bible shapes, molds, and transforms our lives, individually and as a community.

Matthew 18:15-20 is a classic description of how to manage a conflict. First, notice the context of the passage. Matthew has placed these instructions among Jesus’ teaching about caring for children, the parable of the lost sheep, and the parable of the unmerciful servant.

I do not believe this is accidental. Our processes for resolution are to be carried out with great compassion for the “little ones.” Who is it in this conflict that is without power, without representation, and without voice? The effective ministry leader will search for ways to lift them up, even when they are not physically present.

The parable of the unmerciful servant reminds us that in conflict all of us have received overwhelming grace. We have been forgiven for debts we cannot possibly repay. Therefore, we should engage in resolution of conflict with grace and mercy. It is not about proving our case, but about restoring a sense of community.

Matthew 18 offers a procedure of incremental escalation. Conflict is always best when handled with as few people as possible. When it becomes public, people are locked into public positions and postures that make it very difficult to compromise or creatively solve the problem. That is why Matthew recommends a process of one person to one person. If that does not bring relief, then add a few more wise and mature leaders to counsel them.

Only after these efforts fail do we take it “public” by raising it to the level of the congregation. This offers grace and mercy to the ones accused.. It also challenges the accuser to examine his/her own intent. I have seen a number of accusers who rapidly escalated the conflict only to discover they were as much at fault as anyone else. Healing of community can rarely happen at that level. Usually, someone leaves feeling deeply hurt and betrayed.

A couple of other passages are also useful. Galatians 6:1-5 instructs that the spiritually mature should address conflict. The reason is that all of us can be tempted into sin, but the spiritually mature are better equipped to endure these temptations.

We may think of temptations related to the sin of the offender; however, there are many temptations in conflict, such as self-righteousness, arrogance, anger, and power. But Galatians teaches us to restore the offender gently. This takes much patience and grace.

The point of the process is not to choose who is right and who is wrong, or to choose a winner and a loser. The mission is to restore community and to re-establish fellowship. Remember the many images of judgment in the scriptures have little to do with doctrinal correctness or political victories. Most of them point to “as we do it unto the least of these, we do it unto Jesus.” (Matthew 25:40)

There is an obscure reference at the end of the letter to the Philippians (4:2-3) where Paul urges Euodia and Syntyche to resolve their conflict. Paul also asks Syzygus to help them work it out. These two women have served faithfully and effectively. Paul’s focus is on restoring community.

I believe that is the call of effective ministry leadership. It is not to declare winners and losers because in the church all of us either win or lose. If any one of us loses, all of us lose and our community is fractured. Our spirit is divided. Our witness is compromised.

There are some who do not share our call, our mission, or our vision. But these differences do not need to result in open conflict and discord. We can offer prayers and blessings to others as they pursue God’s call for their lives.

Paul describes his own call in Ephesians 3 where as a Jew and one of the religious leaders God calls him to be a missionary to the Gentiles. Paul sees a deep mystery. Through the gospel God is making Gentiles heirs of the promise with Israel (Ephesians 3:6). This is amazing. This is like Red Sox fans inviting Yankee fans to Thanksgiving dinner. (No, it is really more than that, isn’t it?)

For the Gentile and Jew to share in the promise in Christ Jesus is not to declare a winner and loser. It is not to announce one party is right and another is wrong. It is to create a new spiritual community in which all of us have received grace and continue to depend upon God’s grace.

Consequently, Paul prays that the Ephesians will be “rooted and established in love” and to “grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ….” (Ephesians 3:17-19).

Permit me to add one more scriptural passage, Proverbs 29:18: “Where there is no vision, the people perish….” A clear and compelling vision does not eliminate conflict. It may even initiate some conflict. On the other hand, it draws people to a focus of discerning God’s hopes and dreams for our ministry as opposed to our preferences and wants. When a group is focused on a common vision, they will use their resources to solve problems instead of contesting arguments.

As the ministry leader guides the group through conflict, the leader will find several communication skills useful. Next month I will name several I have found most effective.

I am tired… Things are going well. Things are busy. The church work is exciting. I just had one of the best youth retreats ever! We hosted a concert with a major Christian rock band! But when can I work a nap in? When can I slow down?

I am tired… It seems like every time I have a day off I do more work on that day than resting. It seems like my Sabbath time is really at-home work time. But when is there time to take a break?

I am tired…I had a meeting today; a meeting of community youth workers. This is something that has not happened in my community in a long time and I should have been excited about it. I should have enjoyed it. Instead of being involved, all I heard from the guy heading this up was Wahhh Wahhhh Wahhhh Wah Wahh Wahhh Wahhhh. Kind of like when an adult speaks in a Peanuts cartoon. But I really need some time off.

The other night I was relaxing on the couch with my family, wrapped up and enjoying the time just sitting there with my daughter and wife. I was almost asleep when the phone rang. It wasn’t a crisis, but it was someone at church that just had to talk to me right away about something that was not even critical. But I just wanted some time with my family.

Does any of this sound familiar? As ministers we live a life that oftentimes is not our own and, unfortunately, not even owned by our family. A life that is directed by many other people who do not have a clue how things are with us. Many of us live by expectations that are sometimes beyond our physical limit.

We need to learn to take a rest. Take a break. Try not to get over booked. But when that does happen, then take some time for yourself… for your family.

None of this is hard to do, but we have a constant pressing mission that ministry has to be done. The irony is that our ministry suffers if we are exhausted? How will anything we do impact the kingdom when we are not functioning at our best?

Psalm 23 (NIV) says it best: 1. The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not be in want. 2. He makes me lie down in green pastures; he leads me beside quiet waters, 3. he restores my soul.

God truly wants us at our best. He wants us to restore our soul. The problem is not what God will do for us but what will we allow God to do? Will we take the time to just be with God? Or will we find other things that we think are important. Or will we do things that others think are important?

Have you taken that time? Have you been willing to allow yourself to lie down in the green pasture? Have you taken the opportunity to enjoy the quiet waters? Or are you allowing yourself to be scheduled for one more meeting or event that takes more time and energy out of you?

Feel free to contact Scott to either agree, disagree or just pick his brain about youth ministry you can contact him at: rscottmiller1@aol.com Scott would love to hear from you!

R. Scott Miller is the Director of Christian Education and Youth at Milford First United Methodist Church in the suburbs of Cincinnati, OH. In his 16 years of youth ministry, Scott has written and developed much of the youth programming used in his churches. Scott has a B.A. in Radio/TV and Journalism from Morehead State University and an M.A. from Asbury Theological Seminary. Scott is the author of 7 Things Christians Don't Do and What To Do Instead by Abingdon Press.

When most of us hear the word “leader,” we think of those who cast a large shadow: directors of prominent organizations, coaches, CEOs, and others. Gary Bredfelt, professor of leadership and church ministry at Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, believes that there is one aspect of leading that is frequently overlooked, and that is the leader-teacher. Leadership is more about modeling and discipling than it is about greatness, and it carries with it the power to influence. The bottom line is that leader-teachers shape lives.

Key principles to our success as leader-teachers include teaching the Word, having the right priorities, following Jesus, being committed, having virtue, and being competent.

Many of the greatest leaders are teachers by nature. And teaching is one of the most effective means of leading. We should consider developing organizational structures where teaching is at the center of the organization’s values. When we focus on teaching, we increase the organization’s depth of the knowledge, raise commitment levels, and even launch new leaders.

Unfortunately, many churches are now at risk of becoming merely organizations with their leaders serving more as caretakers than ministers. Once church elders become chief executive officers rather than teachers, the church often begins to coast. The ability to speak the Word of God with clarity and authority diminishes despite their calling as teachers. Only when leaders teach the Word with relevance and a firm commitment to biblical text and authority will the movement and effectiveness continue.

Bredfelt’s chapter on the character of the leader-teacher is particularly interesting as he explores the difference between values and virtues with an emphasis on the importance of servant leadership. Also of note are Bredfelt’s observations on the four types of leadership paradigms: values-driven, vision-driven, venture-driven, and virtues-driven. From a biblical perspective, leadership involves each of these dimensions. And the author shows us how these can be well-balanced so that Godly, biblical change can happen.

The author cautions us about the emerging church movement. It is not the methods but more the drift from orthodoxy of the scriptures in order to be culturally relevant that is a concern. He urges leaders to remain orthodox in their theological commitment. We lead through teaching and thereby influence others.

Attention: Churches, Small Groups & Non-profits. Are You Paying Too Much for Books & Resources?

If you or your organization normally orders multiple copies of books and Christian resources you can save money by applying for a special discount coupon via DreamBuilders Ministry in Motion's online bookstore. The coupon is absolutely free with no strings attached. Email Teena Stewart at smartwords@sbcglobal to apply for this discount coupon.

Site Build It -- There are many different hosting plans for those wanting Christian websites but few work with you to drive traffic to your site. SBI differs from these because it is an all-in-one do-it-yourself website program that doesn’t require html knowledge. Includes domain registration, hosting, keyword research tools, search engine optimization, ezine mailing, and non-interactive blog option. The system guarantees success in getting good ranking with search engines thereby assuring you of more traffic. This website system is used by DreamBuilders Ministry in Motion. Site Build It Quick Tour

Shop at DreamBuilders Ministry in Motion’s Bookstore for Christian Books, CD, DVDs, Jewelry, Apparel & Gifts and Save! Order Books & Resources

Spread the Word/30 Fold provides books and resources for your church or ministry clientele while allowing you to earn residual income well above what other online book affiliate programs offer. Save up to 25% or more on Christian books, music, gifts, jewelry, and apparel. Build a highly profitable, sustainable business from home with excellent earning potential. Churches and ministries with websites can even link to their bookstore right from their web pages. Fund a ministry or church or run it as a business. Learn About STW Earning Potential

Be sure to visit Ministry in Motion's Bookshop. Every resource is developed from hands-on church experience. Help members discover their spiritual gifts, how to connect them in ministry and more. Visit MIM's Bookshop.

Just $10 per classified listing. For more information on advertising visit our advertising page

Ministry in Motion is looking for columnists & writers in the following areas: women's ministry, men's ministry, single's ministry, youth ministry, worship ministry, small group/bible study ministry, and general ministry. We are also open to general church ministry related freelance articles. If you have an idea for a column or would like to share ministry insight or even short ministry tips, we'd love to hear from you. Present payment is promotion only -- no pay but great exposure for you, your ministry, book, or website. Please read our writer's guidelines here.

One of the needs we have perceived at Ministry in Motion is a service to help connect qualified ministers and church workers to ministry related and church staff positions. If you are presently in job search mode, or if you have a ministry position you are looking to fill, be sure to check out this site by clicking here.

Magazines to help Christians grow spiritual and succeed in ministry. Discipleship Journal, Leadership Magazine, SpiritLed Woman, Christianity Today & Lots More! Click HERE for Magazines

MIM Ezine March 30, 2007