My personal thoughts regarding men's spiritual being and ministry

Why do so many men lack spiritual power? “The problem is that you don’t know the Scriptures, and you don’t know they power of God” (Matthew 22:29, NLT). We have to remember that we are not alone and that our spiritual lives that we will always face both negatives and positives. We all need to focus in following God for today and tomorrow. We have to remind ourselves that if we frequently relive our reasons for discouragements, we will lose our positive spiritual direction. Romans 8:28 basically means "Christian should always have hope" and later in Romans 15:13, "Hope comes from the Holy Spirit." In First Peter says: "Adding to our faith in obedience goodness, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, brotherly kindness and love. If we possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep us from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ". We Christian men can & will have equal opportunities to be successful but not everyone would be successful according to God's will and plan. Romans 8:28-29 "And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them." We have to remember that "Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up." (Gal. 6:9) because in 2 Peter 1:3 says "His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness." 2 Corinthians 9:8 "And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work."

Why do so many men seem tepid (lacking in passion, force, or zest, an absence of enthusiasm or conviction) in their faith? What are we lacking? Men often forget the most important is the Holy Spirit who is able to lead us to be great spiritual leaders. The problem is this, we do not know what Spirit-filled really means nor do we know how to practice Spirit-filled virtues. In Ephesians 5:18 where the present tense of the verb in Greek means: "Keep on being filled with the Spirit." I have learned that it is God's will to submit to the Holy Spirit and keep on filling me. Like an athlete when training, I should always keep drinking water so that I won't be dehydrated and feeling weak. With that thought in my mind, I should always keep filling the Holy Spirit in my life so that I am able to react to any difficulties in my life with God's power (Grace). The power of Grace through the Holy Spirit is my strength that I am able to boast and win for Christ at all costs (see 2 Corinthians 12:1-12). If men are submitting to the Holy Spirit, who will give them fruit. Let the Holy Spirit do what He will through you. Spirit-lead is outlined in Galatians 5:22-23 "The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control."

Why do so many men seem lukewarm? Think of this: If you ever had occasion to drink a lukewarm soft drink, you know the feeling. This is an illustration of a lukewarm drink to describe the distaste that makes God spit out the church at Laodicea. He doesn't want to have anything to do with it because they nauseate God because they know the truth but often pride and self play the primary reason why men lacking spiritual growth. Spiritual growth requires Christian men learn from their mistakes. While examining their mistakes, they must be careful to avoid two opposite errors: the first is being too easy on themselves and the second is being too hard. From "my own experiences", there are lessons in life we can learn best from "failures". When we most aware of our weaknesses, we are more inclined to collapse into God's strength and experience His amazing grace. "My grace is sufficient for you, for power is made perfect in weakness." (2 Cor. 12:9). Trials (of all kinds) are often a two-sided coin. One side trials may be viewed as coming from God to bring out the BEST in us (See: Gen. 22:1,2,15-18; Hebrews 11:17). On the other side of the coin, Satan attempts to tempt us and trials to bring out the WORST in us (see: James 1:13,14). With God's grace, we have the power to reach the prize of God's will. Reading Hebrews helped me understood that I am to be aware of obstacles and hindrances I would meet during my life, to throw me off balance that hinders doing the Will of God that could entangle my life easily if I do not submit myself to God's power of grace. God's grace is more than sufficient in my life that I am to fix my eyes on Jesus who is my author and perfecter of my faith (Hebrews 12:2). Faith and Grace together is to "Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus" (Philippians 3:13-14, NIV). Situations such as this have forced me to study more deeply into great faiths of the Bible and that I have finally learned and understood MORE about why their faith were so great. It’s NOT about their faiths that were great but rather, how they trust and love God with their lives. They refrained from using their rights and privileges they were entitled to by God's grace because they desired to do God's will out of love and obedience as if they were after God's own heart. Many of them were willing to let go of their rights, privileges and lives in the interests of doing God's will. In other words, they put up with anything that came to them, endured and overcame their circumstances rather than hinder God's will.

<>QUOTES

"What I am great advocate of looking into the past, I could warn everybody against living in the past. The only justification for looking to the past is that we may learn great lessons from it and apply them" (Martyn Lloyd-Jones)

By avoiding the mistakes of the past: "Those who fail to remember the past are condemned to repeat it" (George Santayana)

By repeating the victories of the past: "Those who fail to remember the past are condemned not to repeat it" (David B. Calhoun)

<>
“Our tendency is to overestimate what we can accomplish in one year, and underestimate what we can accomplish in ten years.” (Richard Foster) <>

God's agenda for our lives may be far different from our own. He cares more about our character than our convenience, comfort or cash. (Joseph M. Stowell)

When God's sheep are in danger, the shepherd must not gaze at the stars and meditate on "inspirational" themes. He is morally obliged to grab his weapon and run to their defense. (A.W. Tozer)

<>Everybody thinks of changing humanity, but nobody thinks of changing himself. (Leo Tolstoy) <>

If Christianity is really true, then it involves the whole man, including his intellect and creativeness. Christianity is not just "dogmatically" true or "doctrinally" true. Rather, it is true to what is there, true in the whole area of the whole man in all of life. (Francis Schaeffer) <>

Circumstances may appear to wreck our lives and God's plans, but God is not helpless among the ruins. God's love is still working. He comes in and takes the calamity and uses it victoriously, working out His wonderful plan of love. (Eric Liddell)

Final Thoughts

Reading Psalm 119 many times made me realized what the whole purpose of the Bible. “O LORD, You have searched me and known me. You know when I sit down and when I rise up; You do scrutinize my path and my lying down, and are intimately acquainted with all my ways” (Psalm 139:1-3). God knows all our habits, plans, aims, desires, attitudes, ambitions, etc. are known to Him. “You understand my thoughts from afar” (v.2b). “He knows the secrets of the heart” (Ps. 44:21b). Jesus said, “God knows your hearts” (Lk. 16:15). The LORD said to Samuel, “God sees not as man sees, for man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart” (I. Sam. 16:7). Again to King Solomon God said, “The LORD searches all hearts, and understands every intent of the thoughts. If you seek Him, He will let you find Him; but if you forsake Him, He will reject you forever” (1 Chron. 28:9). 2 Timothy 3:16 All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.

Criticism #5: Promise Keepers Compromises the Doctrines of Sovereign Grace

Criticism #5: Promise Keepers Compromises the Doctrines of Sovereign Grace

For a Reformed Christian one of the most serious objections against PK is that it compromises the doctrines of sovereign grace. The sovereignty of God in salvation, a salvation of totally depraved sinners who are dead in their trespasses and sins, a salvation accomplished by a death of Jesus Christ that was particular and not for all men--these doctrines are clearly rejected by PK.

There is inconsistency here, so typical in Evangelical circles today. In some places and at certain times, PK spokesmen emphasize that salvation is emphatically by grace alone and not at all by man's works. They can also speak in strong terms of man's sinfulness. Dr Rod Cooper writes:

Total depravity means that the corruption of the Fall has extended to every part of our being. Our minds, our wills, and our bodies are affected by evil. We speak sinful words, have ungodly thoughts, and do sinful deeds. Total depravity also means that because of that corruption, there is nothing man can do to merit saving favor with God. We are unable to save ourselves apart from the grace of God. Because of our depraved condition, Scripture says we are 'dead in trespasses and sins' (Eph. 2:1 NKJV).

We are 'sold under sin' (Rom. 7:14 NKJV), and we are 'by nature children of wrath' (Eph. 2:3 NKJV). (15) But this is double-talk. What it gives with the right hand, PK takes back with the left hand.

How can it be otherwise? PK coddles Roman Catholicism. But Rome is an enemy of sovereign grace! PK utilizes speakers like Bill Bright and Luis Palau. But Bright and Palau are blatant Arminians! PK is heavily influenced by the modern charismatic movement. But the charismatics deny the sovereignty of God in salvation and teach that faith is in the ability of every man! Some of the leading figures in PK are proponents of "Christian Psychology." But their teaching of self-love, self-esteem, and self-improvement inveighs against the Reformed conception of the grace of God and the sinfulness of man.

In his speech at the PK rally in the Pontiac Silverdome in April of 1995, Bill McCartney defined the work of the Holy Spirit this way: "The Holy Spirit calls out the best that is in us." When I heard that statement over the radio, I wondered how any in our churches who were attracted to PK could continue to support this movement. This statement is not only unReformed; it is blasphemous. But still some will say, Reformed ministers will say, that they can find nothing anti-Reformed in PK. Do they have scales over their eyes?

Men’s Ministry in the PCA: Helping PCA men to become complete in Christ

Men’s Ministry in the PCA: Helping PCA men to become complete in Christ

"God’s word demands a countercultural manliness which is capable of deep friendship."— R. Kent Hughes

"Where are the men with a moralvision for their families, a zeal forthe house of the Lord, a magnificent commitment to the advancement of the kingdom, an articulate dream for the mission of the church and a tenderhearted tenacity to make it real?— John Piper

" . . the lives of the men are being changed in regard to their relationships with Christ, the church, their families, and one another." — PCA pastor, Chip Watson regarding using They Walked and Talked with Jesus

Purpose
The mission of PCA Men’s Ministry is to: foster, encourage, and assist the development of significant ministries to, by, for, and among PCA men to help them become perfect (complete) in Christ.
Strategy

The Committee on Christian Education and Publications has implemented a plan to conduct basic training sessions for churches on the importance of discipling men in the faith. The training will include suggestions for materials and resources as well as "how to’s" for beginning a men’s discipling ministry.

In the way of resource materials CE/P has produced a basic twelve week Bible study written by Dr. Pete Deison of Park Cities Presbyterian Church in Dallas, TX. They Walked and Talked With Jesus is a good "get started" study featuring different encounters Jesus had with people in his earthly ministry. There is a leader’s audio cassette that gives the group leader an overview of the studies, and tips for teaching each lesson.

CE/P is planning to network with churches by providing information on other materials and seminars being used by various PCA churches. Study guides for certain books already available in the marketplace will also be developed by CE/P.

Financial Needs
Christian Education and Publications is trusting the Lord to supply the financial resources to move forward in this much needed ministry in the PCA. The cost of bringing an expanded leadership team together in Atlanta several times a year and producing the above mentioned materials places a burden on CE/P’s budget.

It is hoped that both individuals and churches will catch the vision to partner with CE/P in this great endeavor. Think of the satisfaction a donor can derive in knowing they play a part in helping turn the tide toward godly male leadership within the American culture and the PCA.

Around the PCA: Men's Ministry

Rob Fensterer is a man with a real passion for reaching and discipling men. He has recently completed his internship with Ivy Creek Church in Lawrenceville, GA and served as the organizer and leader of Ivy Creek’s men’s ministry the “Ironworks.” Men get together on Friday for an event called “Firstwatch” for breakfast with a media presentation while they eat for 20 minutes. Then there is a devotional time for 20 minutes, and that is followed by table fellowship for 20 minutes. This is a good side entrance for men to get acquainted with one another and with the church.

On Wednesday nights or some other convenient time they have a program called “Firm in the Faith” which offers an opportunity for those who wish to go deeper in their studies of God’s Word. This is where men can be discipled and have some accountability with one another.

One other main feature of their men’s ministry is a monthly event with different activities that men enjoy. This is for social and friendship development, it can involve ballgames, biking, paintball, hiking, cookouts, you name it.

Recently, a new Men’s Ministry Leadership council has been formed to steer “The Ironworks” and increase the impact of men’s ministry within the church as well as within the broader community.

This has been a ministry that has grown over the past year and proving to develop men in their support of one another as they face the issues of marriage, work, parenting and ministry. Whether men are spending time together on a paintball field, at a tailgating event, shooting hoops together or praying together around the table, relationships and discipleship are the key focus for “The Ironworks”

Contact information: Robert Fensterer 404-488-2422 RobertFensterer@Bellsouth.net

What is Happening in the PCA: Men's Ministry

Interview with Tom Beall, Evangelical Presbyterian, Annapolis, MD. Tom is the staff person responsible for men’s ministry

GITG: Tom, describe the present men’s ministry at EP Annapolis.

TB: After 11 years of failure, hard work, much discouragement, and a few successes, we now have 200-250 guys meeting with other men in small groups.

GITG: Wow! If the membership of EP is about 1200, that must be 65-75% of the men in the church. That is tremendous. How did you get to this point? Describe the process.

TB: For the first few years we sort of wallowed around doing the regular men’s ministry things. We had an occasional men’s dinner with a Christian sports figure or businessman. We had monthly men’s breakfasts, and guys would come to the events, but they weren’t getting connected to one another. One other man and I were meeting on Wednesday nights for a Bible study together, and we’d invite guys to join the 2 of us. But, for a long while, they never seemed to catch the vision. For a long time, this friend and I were the only ones who would reach out to the men who attended the men’s events.

GITG: What seemed to turn things around?

TB: Really, there was no specific event. I guess the key was that my buddy and I persevered in modeling our own commitment to each other and to meeting for Bible study. Slowly, a few other men began to express a desire to be in a Bible study, also. We started a 6AM, before-work study. Then we started a study for younger Christians on Tuesday nights, and then a third study. My buddy and I poured ourselves into the guys coming to these studies, and especially into the leaders.

GITG: Did you have some big events to attract guys to the men’s ministry?

TB: Yes, we had occasional events such as seminars, golf tournaments, etc. But we tried to emphasize to our men’s Bible study leaders that the main purpose of these events was to give them activities that they could invite men to who are not connected to a Bible study. We were so conscious of making “relationships” our goal and not the “program,” that we put off having a men’s retreat for many years. When we finally had our first one, our men’s Bible study leaders saw it fundamentally as a great opportunity to bring their group with them in order to deepen their relationships with each other.

GITG: You have such a high percentage of men connecting with other men, why do the new men who come to the church get into men’s small groups?

TB: I think that by modeling and investing in leaders and them investing in our men, and with a lot of support from our senior pastor, God has enabled us to create a kind of “culture” at EP where men sort of expect to get connected to other men in some kind of group.

GITG: Could you summarize what you’ve learned about men’s ministry over the past 11 years.

TB: Keep modeling connection with men. Persevere, even when it seems to take so long to see tangible results. Jesus had 12 men at the end of 3 years. Keep challenging the men at the core to reach out to other men to help them get connected. Always see the program as serving the greater goal of helping men build relationships with one another.

Building a Sustainable Men's Ministry: Step 2

Step 2: Equip Your Men’s Ministry “Go to Guys,” and Help Them Build a Team
All of the ministry that is undertaken by the body of Christ, including of course the discipling ministry of the teaching and ruling elders, could be called “men’s ministry,” in so far as it ministers to the male gender. However, in this newsletter, we are using the term “men’s ministry” to describe the mobilizing of the men in your congregation, under the authority of the session, to use their gifts to help men be discipled.
As we saw last time, the starting point for men’s ministry is to prayerfully identify a few men who have the passion and qualifications to be a part of the leadership core for the men’s ministry. If you are reading this, you may be part of that leadership team.

The second step is to expose this team to training in men’s ministry that will intensify their passion and give them some practical understanding of effective ministry to men in the 21st century. Here are 7 potential sources of training:

1. The Men’s Ministry Action Plan. This booklet is published jointly by the PCA CE&P and the Man in the Mirror and presents a 3 part strategy for effective men’s ministry: Create Value, Capture Momentum, Sustain Change. It is available in the PCA bookstore.

2. Training available through the Man in the Mirror National Training Center. There are 3 one day regional seminars, Discipling Men’s Hearts, Brothers Building Vital Relationships, Essentials of a Sustainable Men’s Ministry. There is also a full 3 day seminar held in Orlando several times each year.

3. Free Online Mini-Course. You can visit this right now, by clicking this link, but why not get the rest of the core team together around a lap-top and go through it together.

4. Effective Men’s Ministry, published by the National Coalition of Men’s Ministries is an excellent collection of articles by many men’s leaders around the country. It is also carried by the PCA bookstore.

5. The National Coalition of Men’s Ministries Annual Conference. The 2005 conference in D. C. was attended by members of 8 different PCA churches. The next conference will be held in Colorado Springs in the Spring of 2006. For more info go to www.ncmm.org.

6. This newsletter and its links. Without overwhelming you with data, our intent is to give you the kind of vision and training you need.

7. Other churches doing effective men’s ministry. Part of our goal for this newsletter is to highlight the lessons that those in our denomination are learning about how to be effective in discipling men. Please pass information on to us, and help us accomplish this objective!

A Call for a Discipleship Reformation of the Church

Jesus said, “Go and make disciples.” That's interesting, because he could
have picked anything. He didn't say, “Go and make worshippers.” He didn't say,
“Go and make workers.” He didn't say, “Go and make tithers.” Is Jesus interested
in worshippers, workers, and tithers? Of course. But he knew we wouldn't get
worshippers by making worshippers, and so forth. We get worshippers, workers,
and tithers by making disciples.

Building a Sustainable Men's Ministry: Step 1

Building a Sustainable Men's Ministry

Step 1: Find 1-3 Men's Ministry "Go to Guys"

"Developing a lasting men's ministry in your church starts with leadership. Nothing in ministry, or all of life for that matter, happens without leadership. Until you have a man willing to lead your men's ministry, you will have a difficult time getting it started. In fact, you may want to hold off starting your ministry until you have your point man in place." Chip MacGregor, Effective Men's Ministry

A great way to begin to identify those who could lead your men's ministry is to think through 3-5 potential men's ministry champions and send them a copy of this e-letter with a suggestion that they consider subscribing to it, and becoming part of a men's ministry leadership team. Then, see which men respond.
From this group, look for 1-3 men to be the leaders of the men's ministry. One man can take the initiative to build a team around him. But since 2 are better than one and a 3 fold bond is not easily broken, 2 or 3 men sharing the leadership role is ideal.

Here are 5 key qualities to look for in considering a men's ministry "Go to Guy"

One who models faithful discipleship as a follower of Christ. This is mostly a matter of direction not perfection, but leaders should be a reasonable way down the path to spiritual maturity. They don't have to be ready to be elders; but they should be headed that way.

Humility. Humility is reflected in having a supportive attitude towards the pastor and leadership of the church, and in having a teachable spirit. It desires to honor and encourage others, and views the goal of ministry as glorifying God.

A servant's heart. Men don't need one more person in their life to nag them or lay a guilt trip on them. If the tone of men's ministry is to "straighten them out," it will fail. Using men to accomplish their men's ministry agenda will quickly be detected.

Initiative. Leaders are self-motivated. They act. Pastors and elders do not have the time to keep pushing men's ministry leaders to do something.

Passion. Those with leadership gifts by definition are self-motivated; but if they don't have a passion for men's ministry they will move on to some other ministry. Men's ministry is tough. If it were easy, more churches would be successful at it. The only leaders who will show the endurance it takes to build a strong, sustainable men's ministry will be those with a fire in their belly for men's ministry.

PCA's "Get in the Game" Monthly Men Newsletter

In partnership with Man In the Mirror, CE&P is now providing a monthly electronic newsletter entitled "Get in the Game".

PCA: Effective Strategies and Tools for Discipling Men

Pre-General Assembly Seminar on Men’s Ministry
Christian Education and Publications is sponsoring a seminar entitled, Investing In the Spiritual Growth of Your Men: Effective Strategies and Tools for Discipling Men, led by Gary Yagel. The seminar will seek to identify the obstacles to reaching men in the 21st century, some strategies that are proving to be effective in men's ministry, and some of the resources available to help churches successfully minister to men. You might ask your pastor or ruling elder to attend.

Men’s Ministry Wisdom

Excerpts from “24 Leadership Ideas For Your Men’s Ministry” by Pat Morley

Click on Title to read link to: Presbyterian Church in America's Christian Education and Publications

Men's Ministry in Reformed View

I am not comfortable with the Promise Keepers or similar which have "inter-denominational" Christians are members. I don't mind being involved but there are those who won't agree with Reformed Theology's view of how Christan men should live.

I was reading my Church's survey how our members feel about their “home church” which is their spiritual family. A church is an assembly of believers and is made up of real spiritual people with normal needs. The Scriptures teach every believer to be committed to a local church where he or she is loved and cared for, instructed in the things Christ commanded, encouraged to grow spiritually, and serving Christ effectively. When a local church is having trouble usually means she have not grown spiritually. Spirit-lead Church is outlined in Galatians 5:22-23 "The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control." That we should "not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption." (Ephesians 4:30) That if we have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from His love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make our joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose. (Philippians 2:1-2). Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God (Colossians 3:16). Regarding “serving” (ministering), 1 Corinthians 14:12 "So it is with you. Since you are eager to have spiritual gifts, try to excel in gifts that build up the church." The idea of the spiritual gifts is simply that the Lord uses that gift in a unity, in a unifying way. God will use our spiritual gifts by His Spirit as He wills. I learned that the providential of God leads me to what I call "coincidences" in my life which perhaps God will make sure that His wills will be done at His right time and place. There are two worlds, set over against each other, dominated by two wills, the will of man (Jim) and the will of God, respectively. Whose “will” have more power? Of course, God. In a local Church, God directs our lives no matter what we do. Thomas Aquinas wrote, "The function of God's angels is to execute the plan of divine providence, even in earthly things." John Calvin wrote that "angels are the dispensers and administrators of the divine beneficence toward us." Can any of us can get more involved and serve in our local church if we are able to connect personally and spiritually? Due to our church’s and members’ situations, we are in a spiritual battle.

I am glad to see that men within my local Church are discussing how to improve spiritual leadership in the survey. How can men lead when other men within my local church don't really connect? What can Church leaders do to get men more involved? In reading the Survey Report, I was interested in reading the "men's" section.
The following I quotes I saw (interpreted):
Improve involvement of men
Not Familiar with men's ministry
Lack of connection to be more involvedIncrease desire from men to be involved
Need more men get into the ministry
needs publicity so men are aware of the ministry
too restrictive on meeting timesmore hands on activities
Too inwardly focused
Needs a Mission Statement
More Outreach is needed
One man got the "impression" they are doing great but it would be great if more men participated
need to build member focus on health and direction of the church
too exclusive- "snobbish" (we need to stop that)
More active involvement from wider group of men

This quote could have been written by me but someone else have felt the same way I did:"From the men's perspective, there is a feeling that men are judged based on what they do for a living rather than who they are (prestige). Getting past the image to real people. Mentoring new Christians by mature Christians."

The Scriptures teach every believer to be committed to a local church where every man is loved and cared for, instructed in the things Christ commanded, encouraged to grow spiritually, and serving Christ effectively. "Clingy" or "Snobbish" are based on "ethnos". "Ethnos" basically means to me "different people with different needs" within the local church in relation to other people that are determined by class favoritism or by lack of comfort with those of another culture, language, or status whether higher or lower than ours. But whatever triggers favoritism violates brotherly love. Culture-wise, depending on each man, some are into spiritual growth while others are into social activities. We all are different. People are different and people have different needs. Leaders should work with those men to work those differences to make everyone compatible.In order for this Church to grow, Christian's accountability involves "one another" that every member is encouraged to be actively serving and ministering their gifts. The writer of Hebrews 10:24-25 commands every believer to be a part of such a local body and reveals why this is necessary. NIV: "And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another and all the more as you see the Day approaching." We need to figure this out so that we can move forward.

My Thoughts on Men’s Ministry:
We should pray for each others' personal prayer life and Bible study. We are to encourage each other by sending a note or an email for thanking them for their labor of love of our local church and let them know we are praying for them. In 1 Thessalonians 5:12-13 Paul wrote, "And we urge you, brethren, to recognize those who labor among you, and are over you in the Lord and admonish you, and to esteem them very highly in love for their work's sake. Be at peace among yourselves." God will bless the believer's obedience to His Word in this matter.

Recommended Book for Men’s Weekly Bible Study: Twelve Ordinary Men by John MacArthur

Searching for a Pastor

"I Wish We Had (Or Hadn't)…"
Ten Common Search Committee Mistakes

PCA Stated Clerk Dr. L. Roy Taylor has watched search committees make the following errors over the years. Steer clear of them and you could save yourself much time and a lot of heartache.

Failing to check out a candidate's track record. Dig deeper than his data form. How has he gotten along with people? Do his members feel he is accessible? Has his ministry been balanced? Check denominational yearbooks and make statistical charts of membership, profession of faith, giving, etc. over the space of his ministry.

Requiring a unanimous recommendation from the committee. While unanimous consent works for some churches, one member can slow down or stop the search process for long periods. Moreover, many times a unanimous consent rule forces those with serious reservations about a candidate to suppress them just to end the search.

Making a decision based on a first impression. What you see is not necessarily what you will get. Take time to check secondary references (other names given to you by the candidate's primary references) and give them greater weight.

Choosing a candidate that the church wants rather than the candidate the church needs. Churches need ministers with different skills, gifts, and abilities at various stages in their development. A church planted five years ago does not need another church planter when its pastor leaves; it needs a minister for an established church to take it to the next level of growth. Look carefully at your vision for ministry to determine what your church really needs.

Choosing a candidate who cannot adapt to the local culture of the community and church. Some ministers are flexible, others are not. An inner city pastor might not do well in suburbia, nor a suburban pastor in a rural area. Different areas of the country have different personalities; someone from Boston might have a hard time in Southern California. Concentrate on people from a similar background or who have gifts in cross-cultural adaptation.

Failing to evaluate the church's true condition. All churches have problems. Beware the search committee who answers a prospective minister's query, "What are your problems?" with "Oh, we don't have any problems." Be honest about your church's condition.

Choosing a candidate because he is either exactly like or exactly opposite the former pastor. Often a "clone" has a very short ministry when the congregation realizes they cannot replace his predecessor. When a committee calls a candidate to replace a pastor with weak skills in one area, they often concentrate only on calling his opposite, someone with strong skills in that area and ignore completely the candidate's competence (or lack of it) in other areas.

Evaluating the candidate's sermons upon ones he has chosen, not the committee. Instead of saying "Send us three sermon tapes" ask for certain ones, such as the last four Sunday morning sermons. Always arrive unannounced to observe sermons.
Having too large a committee. Large committees (some big churches have twenty-five) becomes unwieldy because everyone can't be at every meeting and material must be repeated for those who missed. Add the unanimous consent rule and you have chaos.
Failing to be discreet and to maintain total secrecy during the search process.

Pastor Search Information: PCA's Website: http://www.pcaac.org/pastor_search_information.htm

What is a good philosophy in building a church?
That is a ministry that overflows out of the relationship that a pastor have with the Lord, which comes from the study of His Word. That overflows from the pastor's personal & professional life and touches the lives of those in the congregation. And as a local church grow together, out of that comes the nurturing of a humble, teachable and lovable spiritualleadership.

The idea of a church picking pastors—the most crucial decision she have. When creating a search committee of people who will have different criteria and agendas. This will be confusing.

When looking for a pastor, its hard to see a pastor's heart. It’s not about how good of a preacher/teacher because anyone (almost) can do that.

I believe that our church needs to go to do set a way to find a pastor by knowing the pastor himself rather than his teachings alone. We should find a way to get together and find a place for him to live that’s furnished, and we’re going to put him there for six months, and we’re going to see if this is a relationship made in heaven or not.” Without making a long term committment, we can wait until the six months is over, we can sit down to:
1. Dismiss the pastor in an amiable way.
2. Offer him the position.