The Character of a Leader - Perseverance

 

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

Last month our VCP Director and Supervisors and guests gathered in Accra, Ghana, for our Supervisors Seminar. It was a rich time of fellowship, relationship building, and instruction. Because of Covid, this was our first time together in two years. As I reflected upon all that has happened in those two years, the thought occurred to me that this is a very resilient group. Our leaders have endured lockdowns, Covid illness, family deaths, family illness or injury, and many other challenges. Yet, in the midst of all these difficulties, our leaders have persevered.

Good and godly leaders will face challenges and difficulties. Jesus said as much in John 16:33. I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

“In this world you will have trouble.” That’s not a cheery thought, but it does reflect reality. These past 20 months have brought much trouble, challenge, and difficulty. Yet our VCP leaders have pressed on; they have persevered.

How have they been able to do this? The book of James tells us how. Chapter 1, verses 2-4 instruct us, “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” 

I recall discussing this scripture about 40 years ago in a small group Bible study. At the time, I just could not understand this. Why would anyone in their right mind be joyful about encountering trials? It just did not make sense to my rational thought. As I’ve encountered many life experiences and difficulties since then (and hopefully matured in the process), I’ve come to realize that challenges and trials cause me to lean upon the Lord. Without him, I would be crushed by them.

During my younger years, when trials came, my first inclination was to run from them, to try to escape. But James speaks to this. “Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” Over the years I’ve come to learn that if I want to become more mature in my Christian walk then I must accept (and even embrace) life’s difficulties.

Challenges and trials cause us to grow in our relationship with Christ and in our dependence upon Him. As He accompanies us through difficult times, we learn of His faithfulness, and we grow to trust Him more and more.

Good and godly leaders demonstrate perseverance in their walk with Christ. They do not give up; they press on.

This has been a word of encouragement for Village Church Planters.

You Can Plant Churches That Obey Jesus

 

Hi there, my name is Dean Davis, and this is “A Word of Encouragement for Village Church Planters.  I was involved in my first church plant when I was 23 years old. I have been involved in church planting on five continents over the past 41 years. So I pay close attention to new churches and new methods to plant churches.  But many times when church planters talk about the churches they are planting they emphasize matters which are important, but not essential.  If you listen to experienced church planters you will hear them talking about many important issues related to how to plant a church.  They talk about where to meet and what kind of music to use in worship.  They talk about how to invite people and how to increase attendance at worship services.  They talk about how to emphasize their denomination’s doctrine or how to appeal to certain cultural or demographic groups.

All of this is important, but none of it is essential. You are a village church planter.  You have just started to plant churches.  My hope for you is that you will be able to tell the difference between what is important and what is essential. Here is what is essential in church planting: make disciples of Jesus Christ. This is what is essential for your new church: It must be a church of people who obey all that Jesus commanded.  It must be a church of disciples and of disciple makers. This is essential.  Many other aspects of church life are important, but what is essential is that your church obeys Jesus.

My brothers and sisters, if you understand and accept this word of encouragement, to plant churches that make disciples, your church will be worthy of honor. If you do many important works, but fail to help your church obey Jesus, you will have missed the mark.

I want you to know that I believe in you. I believe that regardless of your age or your education you can tell the difference between what is important and what is essential. Now is the time to lay the foundation in your church. Not the physical foundation for a building, but the spiritual foundation of obedience to Jesus Christ. You know what Christ has done for you, how he gave his life for you so that you could have a new, eternal life.  You know that He alone is worthy to be the Lord and Master of the Church. You know that He is worthy not only of worship, but of obedience. Jesus said, “If you love me, keep my commandments.”  You can plant churches that obey Jesus. That is what is truly essential.

This has been a word of encouragement for Village Church Planters.  

#EncouragementforVillageChurchPlanters  #ChurchesthatObeyJesus #ObeyJesus

Humility In Leadership (for Multiply Podcast)

 

Hello! This is Multiply a podcast for Village Church Planters and church leaders. I am Daneille Snowden.

Some of the strongest people I know are leading in humility. Today, humility is seen as a weakness and not a variable for leadership. Yet, God's directives towards His men and woman, of whom He has called; leads us to aspire for this specific character trait.   I love this quote: 

"A humble leader is a confident leader, knowing who they are what they can do. A prideful leader is an overconfident leader trying to convince other people that they are good enough to be doing what they are   doing. Humility is a strength."

['Giant' is the name of this website for leaders.]

When I graduated from Bible college, I was at an age 'I knew it all!' Let me tell you, I am so grateful for humble men and woman who put up with me back then (especially my husband). It took God putting a teachable spirit in me and causing me to fall on my face countless times. LESSON LEARNED! And honestly, I still am learning too.

Let's look at the fruits of humility; how it grows within oneself and affects others. 

First, a humble leader exhibits great strength, they know that he or she doesn't have to prove themselves. Yet, a prideful leader is always trying to prove him or herself.  The humble leader's strength exhibits profoundly because, quite frankly, it is not his strength, but God's! 

Ps. 118:14  "The Lord is my strength and my song." 

Second, a humble leader never thinks of himself. They are always serving others. Their passion for their God, is seen for their love for others. They live their lives putting the needs of someone else before themselves.

Third, this leader (he or she) is gentle and meek. I would label this also as being considerate of others and giving them much grace. That is NOT easy whatsoever, but if we look at people through the eyes of God and His Word; it will give us the heart to serve them where their need is.  

Fourth, a humble leader is generous. This is with his finances, time, emotions, and energies. Again, we go back to this type of leader as being selfless. As he or she walks in humility, this gives the leader an opportunity to touch lives in deep and needed ways, by ministering to both to the hearts of people and their physical needs. 

Fifth, a humble leader is full of great zeal! His energy is serving God and others! Because this is a quality that comes from God himself the Lord is faithful to equip our servant leader with great zeal and strength! I love that old chorus that goes:

"The zeal of God has consumed me,

it burns within my soul.

A driving force that cannot be stopped,

A fire that cannot be quenched."

Sixth; A leader who leads with humility is prudent. Prudence is defined by wisdom, discreet, and excellent in managing affairs. Proverbs speaks considerably about prudence. As a humble leader, one might say prudence is a fruit of humility. Why? Because a humble leader cares deeply about pleasing God and serving others, thus he or she finds it a great help to embrace prudence. 

Seventh, a humble leader must be like Jesus!  Philippians 2:5-9

"…being in the form of God...He took upon him the form of a servant, …he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross…”

When I am in the presence of a humble leader; I feel relaxed, accepted and my walls come down. All because I feel their genuine heart of love, wanting to truly be there to help and serve. 

Let's all listen to the leading of the Holy Spirit as we continue to walk in the call God has placed upon our lives as leaders. The Spirit is calling us to walk in the steps of our Lord and Savior in Humility. 

This has been Multiply. Please share this, we are on vcpencouragement.org, Facebook and YouTube .

 

Your Church Can Obey the 7 Basic Commands of Christ

 

Hello everybody, my name is Dean Davis and this is “A Word of Encouragement for Village Church Planters.” 

When I travel, I always observe the crops of the farms I pass by. Are the plants green? Are they growing taller?  Are all the plants about the same height, or are some plants smaller than others?  Are all the plants green, or do some have yellow leaves? Is the soil dry or moist? I always notice these things when I travel and see people’s farmland. And I am always happy when I see green, growing fields.  I am happy when I see the crops producing flowers and then fruit. I am happy because I know that not only the farmer, but many other people will be blessed by that crop when the harvest comes.

It’s a good thing when all the maize plants in a maize field are green and growing and maturing together.  And it is a good thing when all of the members of a church are growing in their knowledge of Jesus, in their trust in Christ and in their obedience to the Lord. We teach new followers of Jesus to obey the seven basic commands of Christ:

·        Repent and believe

·        Baptize new believers

·        Love God and neighbor

·        Partake of the Lord’s supper

·        Pray and meditate on God’s word daily

·        Give

·        Make disciples

I think many new believers focus on doing each commandment once. This is normal. As followers of Jesus, they have to start somewhere. But these commands of Jesus are not intended to be done just once.  Jesus intends for us to make obedience to his commands a lifestyle.  He expects us to obey them day after day and year after year.   

Let me encourage you as church planter to keep these seven commands of Jesus constantly in mind.  Observe your church members the same way a farmer observes his crops. Recognize obedience. Rejoice when you see growth. Remind members to obey the 7 Basic commands of Christ.  Make a banner that lists the commands. Hang it in a prominent place in your church. Compose songs about these commands of Jesus and sing those songs frequently. Make reference to the seven basic commands week after week, month after month. Make specific plans to obey each commandment as a church. By doing so your church will be full of faithful followers of Jesus. Your church will show its love for Christ by worshipping Him in spirit and in truth. What a joy that will be!

This has been a word of encouragement for Village Church Planters. 

 

#EncouragementforVillageChurchPlanters  #7CommandsofJesus

VCP Director Claude's Leadership Values

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

For the past couple of months, we’ve been learning from the Old Testament leader Nehemiah.  Today we glean wisdom from a current leader, our VCP Director Claude.  

I recently had the privilege of spending a week with Claude and his team in Lome.  I observed his leadership behaviors and inquired of him about his leadership values.  Here is what I learned from him, and I’m delighted to pass it on to our listeners.  

1. Claude considers everybody’s point of view.  He does not merely do what he wants; as leader he realizes that everyone needs to be heard and their input considered.  I think of Philippians 2:3-4, “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.” [emphasis added].  Good and godly leaders seek input from all involved and seek the Lord as they make decisions.  We cannot please everyone with every decision, but good leaders can ensure that everyone involved feels like they had the opportunity to be heard.  

2. Claude is ready to help.  This value is demonstrated in various ways.  It may be providing training or counsel or help with a task.  He has also established funds in the VCP budget to assist with key leaders’ health or emergency needs.  Claude serves those he leads by assisting them with both ministry skills and practical needs. Good, godly leaders seek to serve those whom they lead.  

3. Claude is adaptable with his behaviors. When it’s time to be serious and work, Claude describes himself as the first one there.  When it’s time to relax and have fun, he is free to enjoy the time with everybody.  He leads by example and helps others to know what is expected in a particular situation.   This brings to mind, the Apostle Paul’s words, “Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ.” (1 Corinthians 11:1).  This also reminds me of the importance of maintaining a healthy work/life balance.  If leaders work all the time, they risk burnout and fatigue.  

4. Finally, Claude wants to transfer what he knows to others.  This may be by teaching, mentoring or in simple conversation.  He collaborates with others to raise their leadership effectiveness to new levels.  Christ took a similar approach; he spent time with his disciples and poured his life and teaching into them.  This method worked for Jesus, and it will work for godly leaders today.  Acts 4:13 tells us that “When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus.” [emphasis added]

This has been a word of encouragement for Village Church Planters.

Grow In Obedience

 

Hello everybody, my name is Dean Davis and this is “A Word of Encouragement for Village Church Planters.”  

Growth is a good thing. We love to see plants grow and animals grow and people grow.  I have been growing a garden. It’s wonderful to watch seeds sprout and show their first leaves. When the true leaves appear, that is another good sign.  When my okra plants grew and formed strong stems and big leaves, I was happy. Then I saw the big yellow flowers. Soon the Okra pods began to appear. In just a few days I cut them and cooked them. Growth is good.

The apostle Peter tell us that as Christians we should grow and develop. He said, “Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation.”

One of the most important roles you have a village church planter is the role of cultivating growth in lives of your church members.  When babies grow, they get bigger and stronger and more intelligent. In the same way, followers of Jesus must grow. Your job as a village church planter is to help your church members grow in knowledge and faith and obedience.

So teach them the stories of the Bible.  Teach them the stories of Jesus.  Help them to know more and more about Jesus.  When we watch a baby, we can tell if it is growing by measuring its length and its weight. But how can you tell if followers of Jesus are growing in knowledge? By listening to the answers they give when you lead a Bible Story Fellowship.  When they give wise answers, you will know that their knowledge is growing.

Followers of Jesus must grow in faith and in their obedience of Jesus. We have said many times that it requires faith to obey Jesus. If we do not trust Him, we will not obey Him. But if we trust Him, we will obey him more and more.  Your job as a village church planter is to help your church members know Jesus better, so that they trust him more and obey Him in greater ways.  Let me say that again: Your job as a village church planter is to help your church members know Jesus better, so that they trust him more and obey Him in greater ways.  

You have already seen growth in their faith and obedience. Rejoice in that growth. You can expect to see more growth.  Keep teaching, keep modeling the way. Keep encouraging more faith and more obedience.  The best is yet to come!

This has been a word of encouragement for Village Church Planters.  

#EncouragementforVillageChurchPlanters  #GrowinChrist #GrowinObedience

If You Love Me You Will Keep My Commandments

 Hello everybody, my name is Dean Davis and this is “A Word of Encouragement for Village Church Planters.”  

Why do we obey our leaders?  Why do we obey our teachers in school?  Why do we obey an employer or a policeman?  What motivates us to obey those who have authority?

Many people obey because they are afraid.  Fear is the motivation for their obedience.  People are afraid if they do not obey the policeman, he will arrest them and perhaps put them in jail.  Some small children obey their parents because they are afraid.  They think they will be punished if they do not obey, so they do what their parent says. Students in school obey their teacher for fear that if they do not obey, they may be expelled from school or exposed to ridicule and shame.  Fear is a strong motivator.  Many, many people obey those in authority over them because of fear.

We are followers of Jesus.  Jesus is not just our savior, He is our Lord.  As followers of Jesus, why do we obey him?  Are we motivated by fear?  Are we afraid that if we don’t obey him, we will be punished?  What motivates us to obey Jesus?  

Jesus taught his disciples to obey his instructions.  He said to his followers, “If you love me, keep my commands.”  “If you love me, keep my commands.”  When Jesus said this He showed himself to be a very different kind of leader.  The leaders of this world motivate their followers by appealing to fear.  “If you do not do what I say you will be punished. If you do not do what I say, you will be put to shame.” Jesus did not use this tactic.  He said, “If you love me, keep my command.”

So the first question is, “Do you love Jesus? Do you love his teachings? Do you love the way he treated people? Do you love the way He gave himself up to be crucified so that you could be forgiven?  Do you love the way his uses his power and authority to bless others rather than to serve himself?  Do you love Jesus?  If you love Jesus, keep his commandments.  If you love Jesus teach the members of your church to love Him too. Don’t motivate them with fear of punishment or fear of shame.  Motivate them to obey Jesus because Jesus is worthy of their love. When we obey Jesus, we show our love for him. Teach you people to express their love for Jesus by obeying his commands.

This has been a word of encouragement for Village Church Planters.  

• #EncouragementforVillageChurchPlanters  #LoveJesus #ObeyJesus

TRUST

 

Hello this is Multiply a podcast to provide a word of encouragement to village church planters and this is Brad Snowden.

When I was a carpenter I would build things and I had no problem walking on the structures because I knew how they were built. The challenge came when I would have to walk on something I didn’t know who built it, was it safe? There is a place where comfort arises because of trust. We all have those circumstances where we are not as comfortable as we could be. 

1 Kings 17:9 Arise, go to Zarephath which belongs to Sidon and dwell there. Behold I have commanded a widow there to provide for you.

The prophet Elijah was in need for the brook had dried up and he had been there for so long . How many times does God stir us and say you have been at this place spiritually long enough get up and move forward. When we look at this story it’s already written we know the end. It all worked out miraculously but being at the beginning took some real trust. 

First he had to walk the 136 kilometers to get there. Then a widow was to take care of him. The widow in the original language was desolate. God was instructing him to go to a desolate place and there he would find provision. We know by reading this story that he found the widow in a hopeless situation. She was gathering two sticks to cook her last meal for her and her son. There was no other meal coming, NOTHING. That’s pretty much a where trust really has to kick in. 

Dear church planter, servant of God is this not the place where many are living today. People wander gathering what little is left and that is all that there is. The hope for something better just does not exist. This is where God says go to those that are hopelessly grasping for anything that may help. You and I we have the answer we have something to offer each heart. HOPE that is in Jesus and eternal life far greater that we can imagine. What if Elijah said no to God .What would have happened to the widow and her son. What would have happened to those neighbors who knew she didn’t have anything. Yet God came through and used His  servant and miracles happened. 

 God has a plan and it simply takes you and I getting up and saying I trust in God’s word and He will make a way. God can and will change the hearts as they experience the love and hope that  Jesus gives. 

I trust God and I pray He continually stirs us and helps us move forward making disciples for Hope.

This has been a word of encouragement for village church planters.

The Character of a Leader-Nehemiah 7

 

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

Today we conclude our series on the leadership qualities of Nehemiah, the Old Testament overseer who led the rebuilding of the walls of Jerusalem. Chapters 7 -13 illustrate a few more characteristics of this good and godly leader.   

As we begin chapter 7, we learn that the walls have now been rebuilt.  Verse 5 tells us, “So my God put it into my heart to assemble the nobles, the officials and the common people for registration by families.”  The remainder of the chapter provides the details; what impresses me is that Nehemiah was obedient to what the Lord placed in his heart.  Good leaders not only discern what the Holy Spirit is speaking to them, they follow through in obedience.  

Chapter 7 contains a long list of names and numbers … inventories of people, animals, and valuable items.  Nehemiah was attentive to details.  As leaders, we, too, must be aware of the details.  My experience is that the difficult part is to know which details matter most. We can’t know everything about everything; we need wisdom to discern the most important things … that which matters most.  

Chapters 8 and 9 tell how Nehemiah and Ezra, the scribe, led the people in the reading of the Law of God and in confession and repentance.  “They stood in their places and confessed their sins and the wickedness of their fathers. They stood where they were and read from the Book of the Law of the Lord their God for a quarter of the day, and spent another quarter in confession and in worshipping the Lord their God.”  (9:2b-3)  

There are times when good and godly leaders must say challenging and difficult things to those who follow them.  Godly leaders set the example and lead the way in repentance and restoration with God.  Chapter 9 ends with the people putting in writing a binding agreement with their God.  Chapter 10, verse 1 lists the first person who signed this agreement.  “Nehemiah, the governor …”  He led the way in repentance, restoration and commitment to the Lord.  May we do the same.  

In chapter 13, I see one final vital characteristic of good leaders.  Nehemiah delegated responsibility and authority.  He did not attempt to do it all.  “I put Shelemiah the priest, Zadok the scribe, and a Levite named Pedaiah in charge of the storerooms and made Hanan son of Zakkur, the son of Mattaniah, their assistant, because they were considered trustworthy. They were made responsible for distributing the supplies to their fellow Levites.” (13:13)   Delegating responsibility helps prepare others for leadership and relieves some of the load off the leader.  

We have so much to learn from Nehemiah.  May we follow his example.  

This has been a word of encouragement for Village Church Planters.

Make Disciples of All Nations

 

Hello everybody, my name is Dean Davis and this is “A Word of Encouragement for Village Church Planters.”  

As a student in the New Village Church Planting Program, you have learned to tell God’s big story from start to finish.  A critical point in that story comes when God calls Abram. You can read about it in Genesis 12.  God says some amazing things to Abram.  He says, “I will bless you Abram, I will make your name great. You will be a blessing.”  Then God says the most amazing thing of all.  He says to Abram, “All peoples on earth will be blessed through you.” Wow!  God loves the whole world. He wants to bless all peoples on earth. And He has a plan to bless them, starting with Abram.

Abram was a man just like us.  He was loyal to his immediate family and He was loyal to his clan. But it seems quite clear that Abram was as surprised as anyone else to learn that God wanted to bless all peoples on earth.  

God loves people from every tribe.  Every tribe.  He loves people who speak every language. Every language. He loves people from every country.  Every country.  And he wants them to be saved.  He is not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.

So it should not have been very surprising to the 11 disciples when Jesus said, “Go and make disciples of all nations.”  They heard what he said. They remembered his words. But they spent most all of their time evangelizing Jews and only Jews for the first years after Jesus sent the Holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost.  Why didn’t they take the Good News to people of other tribes and other languages?  We don’t know. But we do know that it’s just easier to tell the Good News to people who look like us and talk like us and who eat the same kind of food we eat.

But Jesus says, “Make disciples of all nations.”  Remember that command. And take action. Who are the people in your village who are different?  Maybe they are members of different tribe or maybe they speak a different language or come from a different part of the country.  Pray for them. Ask God to save them.  Ask him to show you how to find persons of peace among those people who are different.

  Remember, God wants to use you to make disciples of all nations.

This has been a word of encouragement for Village Church Planters.  

#EncouragementforVillageChurchPlanters  #AllNations #MakeDisciples