Pastoral Gifts for Multiplication

 Hello! This is Multiply, a podcast to encourage church planters, pastors and Christian leaders, and I am your host today, Daneille Snowden.

I will simply be referring to the passage in Ephesians 4:11-15 today, please follow along.

 “And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds[c] and teachers,[d] 12 to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, 13 until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood,[e] to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ, 14 so that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes. 15 Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ,”

When we train our church planters, and furthermore leaders in our own churches, the gifts the Lord gave to the church are crucial to be part of our training.

In verse 14 of Ephesians 4 it spells out clearly why this is vital. It is so that we, I shall add, so that the church is not easily swayed to false doctrines. It says, “… not tossed…by craftiness in deceitful schemes.” 

As leaders, it is essential that we teach and train ones about the Gifts that are given from God to establish the church. I also heard it said, it is a gift to even pour out His Grace to the church and this world.  Read: v.12 “to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for the building up the body of Christ.” 

One of the gifts is the Gift of a Shepherd. This pastoral gift has the characteristics of being compassionate and caring, all by tending to the flock, which is the people God has called someone to. A pastor teaches, knowing as he does this also gives his church the nourishment needed for themselves and in turn will equip them to do God’s given purpose for their lives. A pastor is quite protective of his church. He is the one who watches out for their safety, especially when it is about spiritual matters. Pastors will simply love their people and want to be with them. He or she loves to engage in the lives of their church and show support through prayer, teaching, and even helping in different ways as needed. A pastor is there when his people are rejoicing and when they are in sorrow.  

I grew up in a pastor’s home, and then my husband and I pastored for over 27 years. I watched my father and mother lovingly care for the people in our church. I felt the warmth of God’s love pouring out of my parents to each and everyone. I learned how beautiful the family of God was through this example. I watched my parents cry with them, encourage them in God’s Word and then pray for them. My husband and I did the same, along with us bringing food and helping around their house, when needed. 

Shepherding is a 24-hour-a-day, 7 days a week commitment to those God has called ones to. It is also being aware of how the enemy is trying to steal one of their flock and in response to jump in to do all they can to stop him. Thank God for the gift of pastors, which comes from the heart of God Himself. May we be patient with ourselves and others if we have this gift, and know it is by His Holy Spirit that we can continue to love and serve the people God has given us.

This has been Multiply, please share this podcast with others. Find us at our website vcpencouragement.org, Facebook and YouTube as well as many podcast channels. 

Thank you and God bless!

Apostolic Gifts for Multiplication

     Hello everybody, my name is Dean Davis and this is “Multiply,” the podcast that provides a word of encouragement for Village Church Planters.

Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ has given grace to his Body, the Church, so that we can all be built up together, live in unity, and walk by faith.  The grace, favor, and power that He gives the church is expressed in many ways. But one of the most interesting and important ways that Christ gives grace to the church is through its people. Even though we are all members of one Body, we each contribute to the strength of that Body in different ways. Ephesians 4:7 says, “But to each one of us grace has been given as Christ apportioned it.”

The Apostle Paul goes on to describe the ways Christ gives grace to the Church by saying in Ephesians 4:11 - 13, “Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.”

This is a remarkable truth that Paul is expressing to the newly planted church in Ephesus. Christ has given five kinds of people to build up the Body of Christ.  He gives these five kinds of people to the Body of Christ so that it might grow and be strong: Apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teacher.

So, If Jesus gives these kinds of people to the Body, shouldn’t we be looking for them among the members of our churches?  Shouldn’t we be asking ourselves, “Who among our church members are the apostles that we have been given?”  Who are the prophets? Which ones are the evangelists?  How about the pastors and teachers?  

To answer these questions, we often wait until a church member has emerged and taken a place of significant leadership before we say, “Oh, that one is an evangelist, this one is a prophet, and she is a teacher.”  And many people are very reluctant to suggest that a church member may have apostolic gifts.  The term “apostle” has so many different meanings. Different church traditions reserve the term for different kinds of people. But the word “apostle” in the New Testament means “a person who is sent” or “a messenger.” Apostles go out, commissioned by the Lord and by his church to spread the message of salvation and start new churches.

So, in the context of Ephesians 4, an apostle is a person who has been given grace, favor, wisdom and strength from Jesus Christ that results in the message of Christ spreading and church being planted and multiplied in new locations.

Who are the people in your church who have the drive, initiative, and ability to start and multiply churches in places where they have never existed before? You would be wise to identify them, pray for them, encourage them and coach them for a greater harvest. Who knows? You may do for your people what Barnabas did for the Apostle Paul. He blessed Paul before anyone else recognized his apostolic gifting. By doing so, Barnabas joined with Jesus in strengthening the church in ways we still feel today.

I’m Dean Davis asking, “Who will you share this encouraging word with today?

#EncouragementForVillageChurchPlanters #

Steward Leadership - Character Matters

       This is Chuck Rapp with Multiply, a podcast to provide a word of encouragement for village church planters and leaders.

We continue our series on steward leadership; today and in the next few episodes, I will focus upon some major themes of stewardship. We begin with the thought that Character Matters.

To review, a steward is defined as “someone who manages resources belonging to another person in order to achieve the owner’s objectives.” In our context, we are managing resources provided by the Lord for our Village Church Planting work.

You may recall that character was my theme during 2024 as we examined the leadership traits of Daniel and Nehemiah. In my podcast titled Faithful for a Long Duration, I shared that Daniel served approximately 66 years under three Babylonian kings!  We learn how he was able to do this in chapter 6, verse 4.

“At this, the administrators and the satraps tried to find grounds for charges against Daniel in his conduct of government affairs, but they were unable to do so. They could find no corruption in him, because he was trustworthy and neither corrupt nor negligent. [emphasis added]

What a testimony!  What a legacy! No one, included those who opposed him, could find any corruption in him.  He was trustworthy as a steward under three Babylonian kings, and he was not negligent in his duties. Let us strive, in the power, anointing and equipping of the Holy Spirit, to be like Daniel.

Earlier this year, we began this series with the parable of the talents found in Matthew 25.  The servant who was given five bags “went at once and put his money to work…” (verse 16)  Faithful stewards have a sense of urgency and are diligent to provide a good return to their master. This attitude of diligence and faithfulness to the Master is an example for us to follow.

Also, recall with me the parable of the faithful and wise steward found in Matthew 24. In verses 46 and 47, Jesus teaches, “It will be good for that servant whose master finds him doing so when he returns. Truly I tell you, he will put him in charge of all his possessions.” Jesus teaches – as He did in the parable of the talents – that those who obey God will be rewarded.  Our obedience, which is rooted in our character, is vitally important.

I close with some scriptures and quotes about character.

* Proverbs 10:9, Whoever walks in integrity walks securely, but whoever takes crooked paths will be found out.

* “Integrity means that we are trustworthy and dependable, and our character is above reproach.” Billy Graham.

* Proverbs 11:3, The integrity of the upright guides them, but the unfaithful are destroyed by their duplicity.

Yes, Character Matters!

Next time, we will continue our study of steward leadership. This has been a word of encouragement for Village Church Planters and leaders.

"You Can Do It"

       Hello everybody, my name is Dean Davis and this is “Multiply,” the podcast that

provides a word of encouragement for Village Church Planters.

Some of the most amazing words that Jesus ever spoke were directed to his

disciples in a moment of confusion. After nearly three years of constant on-the-

job training, Jesus’ disciples still didn’t understand who He was. John 14 tells

us about Thomas’ confusion concerning Jesus' destiny. Verse 8 relates Philip’s

confusion about Jesus’ relationship with God the Father.

In that moment of his disciple's confusion, weakness, and vulnerability, toward

the end of their Savior’s earthly life, Jesus said, “Very truly I tell you, whoever

believes in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even

greater things than these because I am going to the Father. And I will do

whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son.”

Amazing! Jesus said that his confused disciples would do greater works than He

did if they would only believe. We all know the works of Christ: He healed the

sick, raised the dead, freed people oppressed by the devil, confronted self-

righteous religious leaders, and announced the Kingdom of god to thousands all

across Palestine. These are great works. But Jesus said his disciples would do

greater works if they would only believe.

The words of their Leader must have seemed preposterous to the disciples.

They know who they were, confused, fearful followers of a Rabbi whom they

did not fully understand. How could they do greater works than he?

Even so, Jesus encouraged them. Against all odds, Jesus encouraged them. In a

moment when things looked bleak, He believed in them. By faith, Jesus saw

what they could do. Jesus encouraged his disciples: “Very truly I tell you,

whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do

even greater things than these because I am going to the Father.

I’m sure as you my brothers and sisters look at your disciples you see and hear

some of the same indications of confusion and fear that Jesus heard from

Thomas and Philip. Sometimes you may be tempted to ask yourself, “What will

my disciples ever accomplish?” Take care in that moment; don’t give in to

despair. Instead, speak a word of faith and encouragement. Tell your disciples

in their moments of doubt, “You can do it. God is with you. Don’t give up.

Keep trusting Jesus. You are going to accomplish great things.”

I remember when I was about 23 years old. I was a student in a Bible seminary.

I was certainly not the most gifted student and not the most eloquent. I

wondered what my future would hold. But some trusted men in my church told

me that they believed I would do great things. I could hardly believe their

words, but I took heart. As I think back on their words over 50 years later, I

have to say that God has done amazing things in and through my life. This is

not because I’m great. It’s because He is great and He is good. So, encourage

your disciples. Tell them that if they believe, they will do greater works than

they can ever imagine today.

This is Multiply, and I’m Dean Davis asking, “Who will you share this

encouraging word with today?

#EncouragementForVillageChurchPlanters #GreaterWorks #John14

Pray for Those You Empower

    Hello, this is Multiply a podcast to encourage Village Church Planters and leaders. I am Brad Snowden and today I would like to look at one aspect of the life of Jesus. The Lord had a distinct relationship with His disciples. He taught them, encouraged them, and empowered them to use what he had given them to fulfill the plans and purposes of the heavenly father. 

 The very fact of being a follower of Christ is humbling enough but then we hear a His prayer for us in John 17 it is even more humbling. Christ showed us a way that we should walk and his example not only for our own lives but also how we are to treat and respect, brothers, and sisters in Christ.

 In John 17 the very last moments of Christ’s life here on this earth we find his attitude full of prayer full of desire for our heavenly father to instill into us everything that he was. Jesus wanted for his twelve disciples and still wants for us today is to be empowered by His Holy Spirit-to be His witness. We are on this earth to encourage each other and pray for each other. We see over and over in John 17 Jesus praying for his disciples, knowing how they would be used for the kingdom of God after he was gone. He not only prayed for his disciples, but he prayed for those that would be affected by the good news in which they were going to preach and live out before them. Oh, if we could comprehend the power of praying for our disciples and the generations touched by those prayers. I wonder even in my own life, how many times I think of that generational impact. The disciples that the Lord has given me the privilege of helping, encouraging, and walking beside how many they would touch through the power of the Holy Spirit. Wow! When you think about it... generations, the older we get the more generations can be touched or at least that can be our prayer. Jesus prayed for his disciples. 

Oh, what a victory. His prayer was for all of us to be in one mind and one heart with Christ: One with our disciples as we share, encouraging + touching their lives and allowing God to shape them into being disciple-makers themselves and the multiplication goes on and on. It was Christ's heart in John 17 to pray for his disciples; what power comes in prayer, let us not shrink back from the privilege of praying for our disciples. Praying for one another praying that God would simply have his way. Even long after we are with Him and that example can continue to minister the good news of Jesus Christ. Oh, that we could have that heart, that we could be blessed in knowing that the Lord hears our prayers and our disciples are changed by them. What a blessing and what a privilege it is that Christ has given us this example in John 17 for fruitful ministry pouring into our disciples and it starts with prayer. 

This has been a word of encouragement for Village church planters. Lord bless you as you pray! for your disciples. Who will you share this with today?

Be Kind to Your Disciples

 

    Hello everybody, my name is Dean Davis and this is “Multiply,” the podcast that

provides a word of encouragement for Village Church Planters.

When we take a moment to observe leaders, we often see two kinds: Those

who use others to advance their own career, power, and authority and those

who build others up as they work together to achieve goals. In the world we

expect to find leaders who take advantage of those they supervise. But it is

always disheartening when we find abusive leaders in the Church. Yet, we have

to admit, some Christian leaders use people to get ahead rather than serving

them and building them as they give supervision.

Jesus warned us about such leaders. One day when he saw his own disciples

fighting for power, “Jesus called them together and said, “You know that the

rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise

authority over them.  Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great

among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your

slave— just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to

give his life as a ransom for many.”

What could be more clear? Jesus expects his disciples to lead others the way he

led them. Jesus was a great teacher; he spent a lot of time teaching his

disciples. Jesus was a great organizer. He organized his own ministry and that

of his followers. Jesus demonstrated spiritual power by healing the sick and

casting out demons. But all of this was done with kindness. You remember the

words of Jesus. He said to his disciples some of the kindest words ever spoken,

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you

rest.  Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in

heart, and you will find rest for your souls.  For my yoke is easy and my burden

is light.”

As disciple-makers, we call our disciples to live up to a high standard. We

expect them to repent of corrupt ways of living. We expect them to work hard

in their service to Christ and his Church. We expect them to forgive others

when they are offended. We expect our disciples to devote time to prayer,

fasting, and study of the word of God. We call our disciples to live up to a high

standard. But that does not mean that we should be harsh with them.

Jesus said, “I am gentle and humble in heart.” Jesus gives rest for the souls of

his disciples.

What about you? Do your disciples know you as a kind man or a harsh man; a

kind woman or a harsh woman? When you call on your disciples to work hard,

do you also make sure that they have time to rest and recover? When you

correct the behavior of your disciples, do you also remember to give words of

encouragement and hope? You can be kind and still be a strong leader. You

can be kind and still achieve great things. The Holy Spirit wants to help you.

So, my word of encouragement today is “Walk in the Spirit; express the fruit of

kindness. Don’t lord it over you disciples, rather, serve them in kindness. As

you do so, God will be glorified, your disciples will be strengthened, and

together you will achieve great things.

This has been Multiply and I’m Dean Davis asking, “Who will you share this

encouraging word with today?

#EncouragementForVillageChurchPlanters #Kindness

Listen To Your Disciples Reports

     Hello everybody, my name is Dean Davis and this is “Multiply,” the podcast that

provides a word of encouragement for Village Church Planters.

If you have been planting and multiplying churches for more than 3 or 4 years,

you have taken on big responsibilities. In the beginning you could focus on

prayer walking, finding persons of peace, and sharing the Good News in homes

and cell groups. But now your responsibilities have grown. You spend more of

your time casting vision, training others, organizing events, and overseeing the

planting of multiple churches in multiple locations.

It’s likely that you feel somewhat removed from the joy and excitement of

direct evangelism and disciple making with brand new Christians. You’ve taken

on greater responsibility and your people are grateful for the work you do, but

the truth is, you are somewhat removed from the growing edge of the

Kingdom.

In times like these you need to take care. Guard your heart. Make sure your

compassion for the lost does not decline. Guard your heart. Make sure you trust

God daily for provision and wisdom, power and favor and grace. Guard your

heart, make sure you do not boast in your own strength; boast in the Lord and

in his mercy and kindness.

As you plant more and more churches and delegate more and more

responsibility to your disciples, one way you can guard your heart is to listen

carefully to your disciples’ reports. Jesus did. When he sent the apostles out to

minister, he listened to their reports upon their return. Matthew 9:10 tells us,

“When the apostles returned, they reported to Jesus what they had done. Then

he took them with him and they withdrew by themselves to a town called

Bethsaida.”

As you know, listening is more than just hearing. When we listen, we pay

attention. When we listen, we seek to understand. Jesus listened to his

disciples’ reports and we should too. We need to let them tell their story in

their own words. We need to ask open questions to increase our understanding

and theirs. We need to be patient as they speak. By doing so, we show respect

for men and women who are working and being stretched as they make

disciples and plant churches. We gain insight and understanding about matters

we have not seen first-hand. We gain wisdom so that we can coach our

disciples well. And our disciples gain wisdom as they reflect on their ministry

experience.

So do what Jesus did. Take time to listen to your disciples’ reports. As you do

so, both you and your disciples will be strengthened. As you listen with

empathy your hearts will be joined together. God will be honored and you will

become a stronger team. As you listen, the Lord will lead you forward together

with greater faith, wisdom, and vision.

This has been Multiply and I’m Dean Davis asking, “Who will you share this

encouraging word with today?

#EncouragementForVillageChurchPlanters #ActiveListening