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INDEPENDENTLY FREE

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PASTORING INDEPENDENTLY

By Ken Blue

I was born on the Bible belt in northern Arkansas. Our little town could not afford a church or pastor, so we had Sunday school and revival meetings in the one room school house. I managed to get through those early years without getting saved. Our little church belonged to the Southern Baptist Convention.

At age 17 I accepted Christ in a Baptist Church in Wenatchee, Washington. The church belonged to a fellowship called the General Association of Regular Baptist Churches. I spent several years with them and was told that the Southern Baptist had gone liberal. I was instructed to avoid them.

After Bible College, I enjoyed sweet fellowship with many in the Bible Baptist Fellowship. However, some believed our church was not in the bride and made group fellowship impossible, and so I moved on.

[perfectpullquote align=”right” cite=”” link=”” color=”” class=”” size=””]There is not a group of churches that will allow you to be independent and retain fellowship with you![/perfectpullquote]

I then searched for those who were truly independent. But I found to my dismay, that such hopes were impossible. I discovered that there is not a group of churches that will allow you to be independently free and retain fellowship with you. The leaders will smear you and their followers will fear you and you will be independently alone.

Although there are many good men in all the above groups; my advice to young pastors is to stay home. Stay out of groups, conventions, and fellowships. Invite into your pulpit those who will help your church. Don’t have men in just because they are “your crowd.” Preach where you are invited, but don’t become ensnared or enamored. There is a subtle addiction that develops here. You will be wined and dined, courted and promoted, so you will do the same for them. If being your own man, pastoring your own church and choosing your own friends forces you out of their nest, so be it. Freedom and independence are great!

A FRIEND INDEED

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FRIENDMY DEAR CHILDHOOD FRIEND

By Ken Blue

“A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother.” Proverbs 18:24.

Last year Joyce, Rocky and I returned to the days of yesteryear in Northern Arkansas. We stayed in Mountain Home, and I was able to meet in the hotel lobby with my dear, childhood friend, Eldon Neel. I have been in contact with him through the year, and we talked of plans to get together in March of 2010.

Our conversations were reminiscent of the good times we had together over the years. Like most elderly people, we talked much about our ill health and our aches and pains. I was saddened by the news that Eldon was called home to be with the Lord a few weeks ago. I was surprised by the news.

I have also known Eldon’s wife, Jean, for the same number of years. We all lived in the same small community and attended the same one room school house. I thank God that He allowed me to have Eldon and Jean as my friends. In fact, Eldon was more than a friend; he was like a brother to me.

I know the family is grieved at their loss. The children and grandchildren should rejoice in what a great father and grandfather they had. Eldon was a good man and a great friend. May God bless all of you with good memories of his life.

BLOATED INFALLIBLE EGOS

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IS THERE AN INFALLIBLE UNDERSTANDING OF SCRIPTURE?

three_blind_miceBy Ken Blue

“And Job answered and said, 2 No doubt but ye are the people, and wisdom shall die with you. 3 But I have understanding as well as you; I am not inferior to you: yea, who knoweth not such things as these?” Job 12:1-3.

Job’s three blind “friends” were confident they knew his motives and possessed knowledge he could not grasp. Of course his answer to them was pure irony, and he meant right the opposite when he said, “No doubt but ye are the people, and wisdom shall die with you.” In fact, many of those “friends” are alive and with us today. They assume possession of the Truth is synonymous with understanding the Truth.

These men would rather win an argument than win a soul, and they think the Holy Spirit has guided them into all truth on all subjects. Their delusion leads them to believe Jesus was speaking of them when He told His disciples of future revelations (Scripture) He would give after His departure.

Jesus told His disciples there were many other things they would know, but they could not “bear them now.” “I have yet many things to say unto you, but ye cannot bear them now. 13 Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come. 14 He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall shew it unto you. 15 All things that the Father hath are mine: therefore said I, that he shall take of mine, and shall shew it unto you. John 16:12-15.

[pullquote align=”right” cite=”” link=”” color=”” class=”” size=””]Any pastor, teacher, or evangelist who assumes he has an infallible understanding of Scripture is an egotistical jackass.[/pullquote]

These things were revealed to them by the Spirit and are recorded in the epistles of Peter, James, and John. Additional church epistles were also given to Paul. Certainly, they were not ready for Paul’s writings or John’s Revelation.

Any pastor, teacher, or evangelist who assumes that these words are to him or that he has an infallible understanding of Scripture is an egotistical jackass. Many of the brethren assume they are infallible because they have an infallible Book.

Like Job’s “friends” they are smug in their ability to quote Scripture, but they are fools in understanding and application. They know why Job’s wife and children were dead. They were confident that he had lost it all because of some past sins. They knew his heart and motives and were therefore qualified to pass judgment on him and condemn him. These men are still with us and they know for sure that if you do not agree with them, your heart and motives must be worldly and wrong. We have seen enough of these self-centered Pharisees to know them on sight; and we say to them, in love, “Take a hike!”

DEALING WITH PROBLEM IN YOUR CHURCH

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HOW TO DEAL WITH PROBLEM PEOPLE

PROBLEM

By Ken Blue

Every man appointed to the ministry is called to help people with their problems. You will encounter some people who cannot, or will not, accept any help from you. If the pastor takes note of the problems, he will find that all complaints are in a few categories. These will be about your leadership style, church policies and procedures, the budget, the doctrines you teach and your family. The good news is; most of the people in your church will never be a problem to you. In fact, they will be a blessing. So don’t spend all your time and attention on a few ornery souls.

The pastor must pray before acting or reacting to problems. In some cases it is wise to seek counsel from others. Some problems heal themselves; others are like a cancer and must be cut out. You need wisdom to know the difference. A wrong response can cause more trouble than the problem itself.

Most problems come from those closest to you. Some will come from a staff member or his unhappy wife. The church secretary or treasure can cause you grief. Deacons and their wives can be a problem. Also, an older pastor or missionary, who failed in the ministry, may be jealous and cause you misery.

The key to keeping discontent at a minimum with staff is to love them and spend time with them. See that their monetary needs are met, and acknowledge their children and their parents. Keep the channels of communication open by listening to their needs and concerns. You are their pastor also. It is best to hire people from within your church if possible.

The pastor must not be a bully or a lord over God’s people. He is their servant and must be of a humble spirit. But, humility does not mean weakness. There will be people who will challenge you and seek to intimidate you. Don’t show fear or weakness. They will not respect you. Rather, it will embolden the adversaries. You are the leader and must know where you want the church to go and how to get it there. When under attack, kindly, but firmly let the person know that God has put you as the leader of the church, and you believe your decision is His will. If he or she is not willing to follow your leadership, they need to seek a church where they will be happy.

[perfectpullquote align=”right” cite=”” link=”” color=”” class=”” size=””]Some people will attack your policies, procedures, and doctrines. If he or she is not willing to follow your leadership, they need to seek a church where they will be happy.[/perfectpullquote]

Some people will attack your policies, procedures, and doctrines. One solution to this is a new member’s class for all prospective members. These matters are covered in detail in that class. Have each new member sign the covenant before they join.

Not all complaints are from problem people. There are legitimate concerns and needs that must be addressed. It is your job to see that those needs are met. Be quick to help people with their ministry needs.

There will be some who will want to start private Bible studies in their home without your knowledge or consent. Meet with the leader and let him or her know all such meeting must be structured and monitored by the church leadership. One way to curb this is to start small group meetings in different homes. These can be supervised by a staff member and the materials can be provided by the church.

In time, entrepreneurial people will come to your church seeking new prospects. These will range from insurance salesmen to the Tupperware gang. I have no problem with any of these vocations, but those who merchandise church members must be confronted, and their fleecing of the sheep must be brought to a stop.

Many problem people have frustrated ambition. They want to be something or do something, and you are standing in their way. If you can find the problem and help, good; if not, ship them. Others are envious and want more attention. Also, watch people who cry easily. These people usually have anger issues and are explosive.

Someone has said small frogs look big in small ponds. Rather than killing the frogs, make the pond bigger. This is done by building your church attendance and membership. Seek young families and build with them.

Remember, not even the Lord Jesus could resolve all problems or satisfy all people. So, when dealing with any issue, begin with prayer for wisdom, seek counsel, and then move forward with your best judgment. That is the best you can do. Some will comply, others will leave. That is the way it is. You will learn along the way.

An important note: Stay positive in the pulpit and when talking with others. Magnify the blessings and goodness of God and minimize the negative. This will encourage your people and keep the trouble makers off balance.

IF YOU CAN’T SEE IT, YOU CAN’T FIX IT

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THE NEED FOR FEEDBACK

FEEDBACK
Card from Al Hughes’ church in Port Orchard, WA.

By Ken Blue

It is obvious that each person has, what is called “a blind spot.” That is an area where we cannot see. Not only is this factual relating to our vision, it is also true in all other areas of life. Others see what we are blind to. We need their help in pointing these areas out, if we are truly interested in improving our ministry and personal lives.

Recently, I was having lunch with a fellow pastor in Vancouver, Washington, and we were discussing this very matter. He reached to the center piece on the table and pulled out a card which asks for our evaluation of the restaurant. The questions ranged from the quality of the food to the cleanliness of the establishment. There was no place for your name. You were simply instructed to leave it for your server.

Pastor Al Hughes, along with a few other wise pastors, have seen the need and value of having as many eyes as possible surveying their church and noting the impression the church makes on them. Brother Hughes has allowed me to post the card and message they are implementing FEEDBACK

Ken Blanchard, the co-author of “The One Minute Manager,” said, “Feedback is the breakfast of champions.” “Feedback” is information about reactions to a product, service, or a person’s performance of a task, used as a basis for improvement. Organizations need feedback from their clientele and constituents to improve how they serve and relate to them.

A local church is no different. People need to communicate feedback to the church leadership so they can evaluate how to better meet the needs of the congregation. Sometimes people leave a church without ever giving a solid reason why. When asked why they are leaving they are very evasive. Consequently, the church can never correct the problem.

Therefore, I am asking you to take a few minutes to complete the “Help Us, Help YOU” feedback card enclosed in this bulletin (more cards are available on the information table in the foyer). You will notice, there is no place to put your name, therefore your feedback will be anonymous. After completing the card please put it in the offering plate or you may mail it to the church. In the future, one of these feedback cards will be included with every welcome letter we mail to first time attenders at BBC.

Hopefully, the information on these cards will help us to help you have a more meaningful worship experience and walk with the Lord at BBC. Thank you in advance for your feedback! God bless you.