SPIRITUAL LEADERSHIP AND CHURCH HEALTH

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LEADERSHIP OF THE PASTOR

pastorBy Ken Blue

“(Now the man Moses was very meek, above all the men which were upon the face of the earth.)” Numbers 12:3.

When searching for an example of a pastor, we cannot find anyone better than Moses. He is called the meekest man on earth. Some people confuse meekness with weakness. Therefore, they assume the pastor must take a position of indifference and never control or correct the church. This is a wrong concept of “meekness” and of the ministry.  We must understand that we cannot give people spirituality. We only have three things to give. We can give:

  1. Advice
  2. Influence, and
  3. Example.

I remember hearing a pastor, who led a large church say, “the two things he was accused of most, were a lack of love and being a dictator.” This is how people who resent leadership see you, and if you take the leadership it is the two things you will be accuse of.

Moses was called of God and he knew it. Moses was not eager to lead nor was he seeking a place of leadership. God called him and took time to convince him of His will for him. There are too many problems facing the pastor for him to not have assurance of God’s calling. Are you God called or are you simply a counselor and a social worker? A secure and confident pastor will have a healthy church; I did not say a perfect one.

[perfectpullquote align=”right” cite=”” link=”” color=”” class=”” size=””]People who resent leadership will always accuse the pastor of two things: Lack of Love and Being a Dictator.[/perfectpullquote]

Moses loved God’s people and showed it. Moses would rather die than see God’s people destroyed. He would endure and suffer anything for them. Many pastors are hirelings and searching for the next best financial opportunity. The pastor who loves his people would pastor them without pay, if he could survive. Loving leadership leads to a healthy church.

Moses proclaimed God’s Word and defended it. The call to pastoral leadership is a call to preach the Word and defend it. Sound doctrine is the key to a healthy church. As time progresses, people will become less interested in sound doctrine. They will search for teachers who will sacrifice doctrine for praise and followers. We live in a day where it is practically impossible for believers to find a church that believes in an infallible Bible. The fault lies at the feet of false teachers and preachers who refuse to believe any Bible is inerrant. If your pastor corrects the Bible, you should look for another church. You can only have a healthy church where people have complete confidence in the accuracy and authority of the Bible.

Moses comforted God’s people. A good pastor must not only know how to comfort people individually, he must be able to comfort the church collectively. Many within the church are suffering from financial, family, health, and world political issues. A large part of the ministry is that of comforting others. Not only are believers soldiers, who are called to spiritual warfare, they are sometimes casualties in need of a nurse to comfort them. A healthy church is one where people can find comfort.

[perfectpullquote align=”left” cite=”” link=”” color=”” class=”” size=””]As time progresses, people will become less interested in sound doctrine and will search for praise and followers.[/perfectpullquote]

Moses dealt with sin and exposed it. Most of the problems in our lives are because we are violating some Scriptural principle. Guilt, anger, insecurity, anxiety, gossip, personality conflicts, and a host of other issues are rooted in selfishness and a desire to have our own way. Not only must external sins be dealt with; we must go to the heart of the matter; and usually the matter is with the heart. A healthy church will not only preach against sins, it will help church members who are struggling with them.

Moses knew what people needed for health, and he warned them. There can be no health, soundness, or healing without abstaining from sin and rebellion. Don’t misunderstand me. I am not suggesting that sickness or health issues are the result of your personal sins. Some could be, but not necessarily. However, spiritual sickness is always the result of sin. “For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day.” 2 Corinthians 4:16.

Moses was human and blew it. Moses may be the perfect example of a pastor, but he was not a perfect man; no one is. He made his mistakes and so will your pastor. That is why all church members ought to pray for and encourage their pastor. Moses felt over-burdened with the many task before him. One of the answers was to involve others in the ministry. The work needed to be divided among the members. He needed someone to hold up his hands when he grew weary. Your pastor is not the Lone Ranger. He must have your help, if you are going to have a healthy church.

Many pastors and leaders keep believers in a state of “sickness” by focusing attention on their problems. That is a mistake. Spurgeon said, “When I look at Jesus, the dove of peace lights on my shoulder; when I look at the dove, she flies away.” Get your people to fall in love with Jesus Christ, and spiritual healing and health will return.

ISRAEL’S FIVE SUCCESSIONS OF PUNISHMENT-COURSE # 2

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By Ken Blue

This is the second of the five Courses of judgment promised to come upon Israel should they disobey and refuse to walk in God’s commandments. These are listed in Leviticus chapter 26. We give the five judgments here. 1. Lev. 26:14-17. 2. Lev. 26:18-20. 3. Lev. 26:21-22. 4. Lev. 26:23-26. 5. Lev. 26:27-39.

The second course states, “And if ye will not yet for all this hearken unto me, then I will punish you seven times more for your sins. And I will break the pride of your power; and I will make your heaven as iron, and your earth as brass: And your strength shall be spent in vain: for your land shall not yield her increase, neither shall the trees of the land yield their fruits.” Leviticus 26:18-20.

This course deals with constant problems within the political aspects of the nation and the land; its environment also works against them. The time period of this curse was during the ministry of Elijah. It began in  1 Kings Chapter 12 where we see the revolt of the ten tribes and the division of Israel.

Rehoboam, the son of Solomon, was asked by the leaders of Israel to lessen their burdens imposed by King Solomon. He refused their request, assuring them that although his father had scourged them with whips, he would whip them with scorpions. This causes a rebellion of the ten northern tribes; they appointed Jeroboam to be their king. One should pay close attention to verse 15. “Wherefore the king hearkened not unto the people; for the cause was from the LORD, that he might perform his saying, which the LORD spake by Ahijah the Shilonite unto Jeroboam the son of Nebat.”

The following is that prophecy which was coming to pass. “And it came to pass at that time when Jeroboam went out of Jerusalem, that the prophet Ahijah the Shilonite found him in the way; and he had clad himself with a new garment; and they two were alone in the field: And Ahijah caught the new garment that was on him, and rent it in twelve pieces: And he said to Jeroboam, Take thee ten pieces: for thus saith the LORD, the God of Israel, Behold, I will rend the kingdom out of the hand of Solomon, and will give ten tribes to thee:2 (But he shall have one tribe for my servant David’s sake, and for Jerusalem’s sake, the city which I have chosen out of all the tribes of Israel:) Because that they have forsaken me, and have worshipped Ashtoreth the goddess of the Zidonians, Chemosh the god of the Moabites, and Milcom the god of the children of Ammon, and have not walked in my ways, to do that which is right in mine eyes, and to keep my statutes and my judgments, as did David his father.” 1 Kings 11:29-33.

This division was the first and the major step in the second course of judgments on the nation because of their apostasy and idolatry. The remainder of 1 Kings and part of the Chronicles record the civil wars between the north and the south. In addition, God sent the prophet Elijah to pronounce famine upon the land. Elijah informed King Ahab that there would not be any rain in Israel for the next three and one half years. This second course of punishment continues until the appointment of Elijah the prophet; it takes on a more severe nature at that point.

THE RIGHT RESPONSE TO SUFFERING

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By Ken Blue

Every faith healer ought to get on the same rocket ship and blast off into outer space on a one-way trip! However, before they leave, they should get on their knees and apologize to a great Christian like Joni Eareckson . To accuse God’s people of not being healed because of a lack of faith is the epitome of stupidly, and a demonstration of one’s lack of sympathy for those who suffer. Every believer should read her life story.

The following message was sent to me today, and I could not restrain myself from sending it on to you so you will pray for her and her family; and that you might be encouraged by her life.

“Joni Eareckson Tada Diagnosed With Cancer.

Joni Eareckson Tada, 60, founder and chief executive officer of Joni and Friends International Disability Center in Agoura Hills, Calif., has been diagnosed with breast cancer. Joni is an international disability advocate as a quadriplegic herself, and is also known for being an artist and author. “I’ve often said that our afflictions come from the hand of our all-wise and sovereign God, who loves us and wants what is best for us,” Tada said. “So, although cancer is something new, I am content to receive from God whatever He deems fit for me. Yes, it’s alarming, but rest assured that Ken [her husband] and I are utterly convinced that God is going to use this to stretch our faith, brighten our hope, and strengthen our witness to others.” [WordPress.com]

WHY SOME CHURCH MEMBERS CANNOT READ THE BIBLE

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By Ken Blue

I believe it is fair to say that 90% of professing Christians have no idea of about the overview and the theme of the Bible. The reason is, most pastors have not mastered it themselves.

The Bible must be rightly divided, and those divisions must be taught constantly if believers are to keep a text within its context. When right division and the context is ignored, you can make the Bible teach anything you desire. All that is required is to choose a doctrine, a concept, or a thought, and then hunt throughout the Bible for anything that will prop it up. It is said; a heresy is simply a truth misplaced.

True, all Scripture is profitable for doctrine, reproof, and correction. But, all Scripture cannot and must not be taught AS church doctrine; and the preacher or teacher should make it clear how he is using a passage. Otherwise, those listening to him will not be able to make the distinction required for the right division.

Why can’t church members read their Bible? One reason is, the pastor has not mastered these divisions himself. Thus, he cannot teach them to his congregation. Let me give you one example of the confusion that plagues believers; that example concerns the church.

Covenant Theology teaches that the church started with Adam and continues out into eternity. Baptist Briders teach that the church started with John the Baptist and was passed off to Jesus. A major portion of Christians believe it started in Acts two, at Pentecost. Some believers see its birth in mid-Acts, and finally, there are those who believe it started after Acts 28.

Many of the pastors who understand right divisions, also understand the wrath of the brethren, should they teach anything contrary to their denomination. They will find themselves put out of the Synagogue.

If you are going to be true to the Scriptures, you are going to be required to cast of much denominational theology. However, you will do so at great cost to yourself and your church. Theology and tradition are the creations of men. These two, blinded the Jews to their own Scriptures; sadly, it has done the same to many of God’s people today.

The theme of the Bible is about a kingdom. It is not about the church or Jesus dying on the cross for our sins. We must know the difference between prophecy and the church. The church is not Israel, nor is Israel the church. The pastor must stop mixing kingdom doctrine with church doctrine.

The command to study and rightly divide the Scriptures is found in the Pastoral Epistles. Therefore, the answer lies in the pulpit. If church members do not know how to read, divide, or apply the Scriptures properly, the pastor is failing in his duty. Pastor, learn all you can about right divisions of the Scriptures.

THE SECOND TIME

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By Ken Blue

My son sent me a text message, reminding me that Joseph, Moses, and Jesus were all rejected by their brethren at first, and then they were accepted at a second event.

Many of you know the story of Joseph and his brothers. “ Now Israel loved Joseph more than all his children, because he was the son of his old age: and he made him a coat of many colours. And when his brethren saw that their father loved him more than all his brethren, they hated him, and could not speak peaceably unto him. And Joseph dreamed a dream, and he told it his brethren: and they hated him yet the more.” Genesis 37:3-5.

Joseph was hated because he was favored by his father, and he was hated because of his dreams. This hatred resulted in his brothers’ rejection of him, their intent to kill him, and their selling him into slavery. As far as they were concerned, they had seen and heard the last of Joseph.

However, many years later, tribulation came to his family which brought them to their knees. Space does not permit me to give the whole story. However, I hope you will read it. Here is the other point I want to make; Joseph was made known to them at their SECOND meeting. “And at the second time Joseph was made known to his brethren..” Acts 7:13.

Moses was born in Egypt. When he became an adult, he attempted to defend his fellow Hebrews, who were slaves, but they rejected him. “But he that did his neighbour wrong thrust him away, saying, Who made thee a ruler and a judge over us?” Acts 7:27.

Moses left Egypt, and he was sent back 40 years later to deliver them. This SECOND time, the nation accepted and followed him to freedom.

Jesus came to his own and they refused to accept Him. Rather, they crucified Him. However, He is coming a SECOND time, and they will accept and follow him! “And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he doth judge and make war. His eyes were as a flame of fire, and on his head were many crowns; and he had a name written, that no man knew, but he himself. And he was clothed with a vesture dipped in blood: and his name is called The Word of God. And the armies which were in heaven followed him upon white horses, clothed in fine linen, white and clean. And out of his mouth goeth a sharp sword, that with it he should smite the nations: and he shall rule them with a rod of iron: and he treadeth the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God. And he hath on his vesture and on his thigh a name written, KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS.” Revelation 19:11-16.

Both Joseph and Moses were Old Testament types of our Lord’s rejection at His first coming, and His reception at His SECOND Advent. Israel will also be in tribulation, and He will lead them to victory! It is not a coincidence that these three are so similar.