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DO YOU REALLY NEED ME?

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By Ken Blue

A good friend of mine and a long time member of Open Door Baptist related the following story to me. He was a police sergeant in a nearby city. He had several men under his command who were accountable to him.

A situation arose that required him to take action and meet with his immediate supervisor. In the meeting, he asked his boss if he was really needed in his sergeant position. His boss was somewhat shocked and said, “of course I do.” The sergeant asked again, “Are you really sure you need me here?” His boss responded again with assurance and then said, “Why are you asking me this question?” The sergeant said, “I notice that you are going directly to my men and asking them questions about their duties and also given them instructions on how to do their job. If you are going to communicate directly with them, why do you need me?” The light came on, and his boss apologized for his actions and indiscretion. He assured the sergeant it would not happen again.

My question for pastors is, do your leaders believe you really need them, or do you go around them and advise their workers? Do you get involved where you have no business? A sure way to send the message to others that you don’t trust them or need them is to go around them and advise their followers.

Several years ago I was preaching is a church and an assistant came to me and said, “The pastor assigns ministries to me, and then he gets involved to the point I can’t do what I was ask to do.” That assistant has moved on and so will all others who believe you don’t really need them.

WHY DON’T YOU HAVE MINISTRY LEADERS?

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By Ken Blue

“And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; 12 For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:” Eph. 4:11-12.

The Pastor is called to the work of the ministry. However, in the minds of many, this work involves doing everything except what God called him to do. Some pastors and their wives think it is their responsibility to be involved in and run every ministry. Thus, they are the roadblocks to the service God has called church members to perform.

The first thing the pastor must do is be clear on what his duties are. The above text says it is to perfect believers. That means to “furnish” or “complete” members so they can do ministry. Pastors are administrators and members are the ministers. The job of the pastor is to train and equip believers for church ministry. You train people, not by indoctrination, but by involvement. Remember, Jesus preached to the multitudes, but he trained the Twelve.

If you are going to recruit someone for ministry, be sure you know all that is required of that ministry, and then put it in writing. If you can’t do that, it indicates you don’t know what you want. Next, pray and think of who would be most probable and dependable for the task. Ask to meet privately with them, and explain what you need. Assure them of your help and support. Give them a week to pray and consider the ministry, and set a date to meet for their decision. The most effective method of recruiting people is in private; the lease effective is to put needs in the bulletin.

You should list each task you are doing that someone else could do, and then look for that person. You should work yourself out of all jobs except what you are called to do. Once you give a ministry to someone, leave them to do it, and don’t ever criticize their efforts. Do not give advice or answers to anyone concerning the ministry of others. Send people to the person in charge of that ministry.

It is very difficult to remain quite or uninvolved when you know you could do better or if you aren’t 100% happy with how they do it. But, you must keep your mouth shut and your hands in your pockets if you want to keep people and let them do the ministry. The sure way to lose workers and members is to micro manage them or take a ministry from them.

If you believe you are the only person who can do it, or if you can’t trust people, you will never develop people. Pastors and their wives who do everything are exhausted and frustrated. Let me say in love and all kindness; the problem is not the people, it is the pastor and his wife. You must learn to train others and then sit down, be quiet, and let them do the ministry.

God did not call you to have your hands in every ministry. You are the “overseer”. Build a fence around every person’s ministry and then stay out of his yard unless there is a house fire. You can do it, if you will. I know of nothing so satisfying as to watch people grow and take charge.

PEACOCK PREACHERS

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THE PREACHER OF TITLE

preacherBy Ken Blue

“Vanity of vanities, saith the Preacher; all is vanity.”

I have observed some repulsive and disgusting behavior in my time, but none is as revolting as the preacher who fancies himself important because of station or position. Some men are intoxicated with their title. They think themselves infallible because they hold an infallible Book. I have witnessed these men as they prance back and forth across the platform like trained show-horses.

[perfectpullquote align=”right” cite=”” link=”” color=”” class=”” size=””]There is no behavior more disgusting and revolting than the preacher who fancies himself important because of station, position or title.[/perfectpullquote]

These preachers are the same when out of the pulpit. They must tell all in the group just where to sit. They seek the chief seat at the table, and they cannot be ignored because of their domineering demeanor and voice. Their vanity and insecurity drives them to dominate every conversation and to answer every discussion before it has left the lips of another. A show of true wisdom would be for them to sit still and be quiet.

The great preacher, Charles G. Finney could identify these pretenders, and he gave advice that preaches and evangelist would do well to heed. Don’t kid yourself; people with discernment can see the vanity.

Finney said, “Take heed that you be not vain. Vanity is a besetting sin of many persons. And scarcely any thing is more disgusting or wicked than vanity in a minister. And it is wonderful to witness the extent to which even ministers sometimes indulge vanity. Their affected pronunciation–their mincing–their gestures–their attitudes–and the whole costume of their services and pulpit address, as well as their manners and habits out of the pulpit, testify to their insufferable vanity. Their egotism and constant efforts in seeking adulation and flattery, in angling for compliments upon their services and talents, all conspire to render them odious and ridiculous in the estimation of thinking men, and of God.” Charles G. Finney.

THE WATER BOTTLE

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water bottle
By Ken Blue

It is human to adopt the actions and habits of others; especially when we hold these people in admiration. Not that these practices are wrong, but they are amusing to say the least. Dr. Jack Hyles was plagued with a constant cough when he preached. Preacher boys who followed him unconsciously adopted the same cough. Dr. Tom Malone walked with drooped shoulders. Some saw this as a mark of humility, and his followers added it to their posture. Thus there were many young preachers with stooped shoulders and a nagging cough. Most of us remember the breath fresheners of the Binaca era.

Not a few young men have imitated pastors and evangelist in the manner in which they hold their Bible in public. Some stand with it over their heart. Others roll its pages while holding it in one hand and gesturing with the other. They walked across the stage with an open Bible as they preached the Word.

Lately, however, a new prop has been added to the pulpit arsenal. This new device is the plastic water bottle. We acknowledge that there are times when the speaker has a dry throat and a drink is justified. But, the need to carry a water bottle while preaching may be more of a yuppie symbol and a need for security than for a drink. Why not carry it in a Styrofoam cup?

It is just my opinion, but carrying a water bottle while preaching is a poor habit to adopt and it is poor pulpit manners. It might serve the cause of Christ better to parade across the platform with an open Bible instead of an open bottle. (I am aware that I may not have any bridges left to burn, but should I be invited to preach, just for the record, I prefer Sprite.)

AN ARM TO SAVE AND AN EAR TO HEAR

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GOD’S EAR IS ALWAYS LISTENING FOR YOU!

Christ Bridge sinBy Ken Blue

“Behold, the LORD’S hand is not shortened, that it cannot save; neither his ear heavy, that it cannot hear:” Isaiah 59:1.

Some are quick to blame God because they or a loved one is not saved. However, the above verse dispels all arguments on the subject. The sincere reader should read all eight verses for the cause of Israel’s alienation.

Most want relief from the pain of sin, but are not willing to give up the sin itself. That is a fool’s desire; reaping following sowing. Many husbands are unhappy and ready to divorce the wife because she talks to much, spends too much money or is just downright contentious. The wife wants out because her husband never listens, is insensitive and just plain boring. The truth is, none of the above is the problem; these are symptoms of a much deeper problem. Israel’s problem was obvious to everyone except themselves.

Verse 2 declares that Israel’s iniquity had separated them. (Iniquity: 1. Gross immorality or injustice; wickedness. 2. A grossly immoral act; a sin). Their hands, their feet, their mouths, and their hearts were defiled.

No matter where you are in relation to God, His hand can reach you and it is mighty to save! Never despair. If you will draw near to God, He will draw near to you.

[pullquote align=”full” cite=”” link=”” color=”” class=”” size=””]No matter where you are in relation to God, His hand can reach you and it is mighty to save![/pullquote]

Also, God is not indifferent to your situation. His ear is ready and quick to hear. Call upon Him. Come clean and be transparent before Him; you will find him near. Your problem is not that God can’t help you; most likely you have a pet sin you will not give up. If you are unsure about that, ask Him to show you your secret sins. It may be painful, but it is the only path to salvation and freedom. “Behold, the LORD’S hand is not shortened, that it cannot save; neither his ear heavy, that it cannot hear:” Isaiah 59:1.