A Reformer or Rogue (Part 4)

What is the difference between EMERGING leaders and ESTABLISHED leaders?  Proven leadership.

There's something to be said about STABILITY and CREDIBILITY.  However, those very things can create generational tension for younger leaders who are bursting with new ideas and have a different view of ORGANIZATIONAL allegiance and RELATIONAL loyalty. 

What RELATIONSHIP means to my father's generation and my daughters generation can mean two different things. 

The younger generation CRAVES a father/son covering.  They are not interested in mere institutional independence...they are interested in living and dying for a CAUSE.  

They will die for a MAN...but not for an institution. The younger generation of ministers aren't merely seeking for leadership they're seeking for MENTORS to assist them with RESOURCES regarding CHURCH GROWTH MANAGEMENT and RELATIONAL NETWORKING.

Perhaps the key for organizational growth or should we say SURVIVAL is to harness the enthusiasm of our youth through the channels of RELATIONAL MENTORING regardless of the umbrella/affiliation used.

The future of our fellowship is both COLORFUL and without GENDER BIAS.  If we are to have any hope of connecting the dots and seeing GENERATIONAL IMPACT catapulted from the launchpad of APOSTOLIC REFORMATION (true father/son principle) then we cannot shove OLD SCHOOL politics and positional agendas down their throats or we'll strangle the last drop of energy out of them...and what then?

We must intentionally EMBRACE
and RELEASE the next generation.

The Scriptures reveal to us that Apostles and Elders were not necessarily chosen because of their age, but because of the favor of the Spirit on them.  I believe we must have BOTH EMERGING and ESTABLISHED leadership at the helm...IF we are to avoid becoming STAGNANT and STALEMATED.

The future is bright...It is conceivable to me that a return to the values that launched the Pentecostal movement  is certain. Our roots still resonate with a passion for church planting, world missions and raising up new leaders!  We are MORE than a preachers union or an institution of self preservation.

We have a PURPOSE and a PLACE in this end time KINGDOM ASSIGNMENT!  To achieve it, we must not only RECOGNIZE where we are but we must be willing to use this knowledge to make the SHIFT.

I'm committed to see a REBIRTH in missions and church planting as well as the RISE of a generation that values RELATIONSHIP over structure.

"One generation shall praise thy works to another, and shall declare thy mighty acts." Psalms 145:4

A Reformer or Rogue? (Part 2)

In the quest for KINGDOM GROWTH, often leadership styles are misunderstood.  

When visionary leadership seeks a style of ministry that is "uncommon" it will often run counter to the "common" embraced by the majority.

However, when fruit "remains" then there is an undeniable validity that begins to shift the paradigm to a broader view of Kingdom expansion.

When this happens, it is only natural to begin to feel the pressure from the coming shift and inevitable reformation.  

As a grassroots pastor, I'm committed to being part of the "solution" and not the "problem."  It is my hope, that the upcoming generation will use their influence to ignite institutional change rather than denominational departure.

The more we study the New Testament, the more we are compelled to deal with reformation within our ranks.  Rebuilding the structure of what we have known will eventually push us to the place where our congregational democracy is exchanged for apostolic protocol.  

Today, I hear a cry from growing leaders who long for the RELATIONAL CONNECTIVITY of authentic apostolic fathers.  Fathers who will lead them past the veil of religious politics and self-preservation to the place of resource and affirmation.

Fathers need sons...and sons need fathers.  Visionary leaders need to remain connected to their covering (denominational leaders, etc.) even when differences of opinions or tensions exist.  Open dialogue and humility will keep the doors of communication open and allow for continued reform.

I believe our denominational fellowship desires to advance the cause of Christ and truly embraces the work of the Holy Spirit.  I also believe that the leadership in place is prepared to do anything possible to raise up men and women who will hear God's voice and obey.

Not every visionary leader is called to fit in the same fellowship...and that's alright.  But overall, anyone who is considering making a departure from any covering should exercise caution and seek open counsel from identifiable fathers.  Of course, with any departure, when you leave a place, don't trash it...bless it.

More to come... 

A Reformer or Rogue? (Part 1)

At what point do we need a REFORMATION in the church?  When I say "church" I'm not necessarily referring to a particular denomination or independent group.  However, I am referring to any group that has the resemblance of an organized structure.

To REFORM something, in essence, means: to bring about a change in something in order to improve it.

Question:

• Do we need to improve the way we are conducting ministry in the church, as it pertains to our function of the father/son model and Apostolic covering?
  
  
• Are we locked into old wine skins and antiquated systems that are hindering our ability to plant churches, lead with autonomy, network with likeminded leaders and experience relational Kingdom growth?
  
  
• Where is the BRIDGE of relationship that affords creativity and connection?
  
  
• Why does there seem to be suspicion and frowns from colleagues, when new models of ministry are discovered and found to be functional, healthy and life giving?

I am of the persuasion that when ministry and mission are hampered by dysfunctional tensions resulting from out of balance and out of touch mindsets...it's time to consider whether our incompatibilities can be reconciled in time or does there need to be a jettison in affiliation.

Likeminded leaders want to partner
with likeminded leaders.

I'm committed to RELATIONSHIPS more than RITUALS and REGULATIONS.  What attracts me to my particular fellowship is the COVENANT relationships I'm afforded.  I'm not going anywhere...I'm all in.  

However, there have been times when ridiculous tensions have left me drained and in a brief moment of aggravation, I've considered saying "hasta la vista baby!"  I've learned that a HUMBLE ATTITUDE combined with the common goals of church planting, kingdom advancement, relational connection and leadership development have served to bring unity when the potential for discord was clearly evident. 

It is my responsibility to do the best I can to work with ALL PEOPLE.  God didn't call me to be at war...He called me to walk in GRACE, LOVE and DIGNITY...steering clear from all areas of strife.

I'm persuaded that God is raising up INNOVATIVE PASTORS and LEADERS who aren't running from their denominational fellowships...but are committed to staying and allowing REFORMATION and RELATIONSHIP the time needed to turn the tide!

For denominational transformation to take place, a close look at the health and factors that have caused separation must be examined to discover where REFORM is still needed.

More to come...

The Forerunner Generation (Part 4)

Spiritual fathers have a burden to IMPART before they DEPART.  The relationship between a father and son goes beyond just submitting to counsel and correction or simply receiving encouragement and strength from a father.  Sons honor their father.  But honor goes beyond gifts or even submission to include a MEASURE OF DEPENDENCE.

Fathers have an urgency to make a deposit
in their sons' lives so they win the battle.

Just as we honor God by asking him to help us with every day challenges, spiritual sons honor their spiritual fathers by asking them for insight. We see this played out in 2 Kings 6 when the sons of the prophets came to Elisha looking for his blessing to go build their own place, but they wanted their spiritual father to go with them in case they needed him.  Indeed, when the young prophets lost their axe head in the river they turned to Elisha for some insight.  Elisha was able to help the young prophets retrieve what was lost.


In the development of the father/son relationship, a father will encourage a son to find their passion, creativity, and their sense of destiny and purpose.  A father will offer wisdom and encouragement to keep them moving forward because they are full of vision and anointing.  Father's simply provide a COMPASS.


Simply put...fathers lay FOUNDATIONS.  Fathers don't lord a title or office over their son, they GET UNDER them to push them to a higher dimension.  How do you ultimately honor your father?  You honor them by being a success!  Your success is their honor!  The greatest thing a son can do is to take what has been imparted to them and use it to EXPAND the KINGDOM.


The father/son model is an apostolic multi-generational movement.  In order for this Kingdom model to work, spiritual fathers must be willing to PROPEL their spiritual sons to greater heights!


One of two things will happen...

1. We will either be like Elizabeth rejoicing over the birthing of a forerunner generation or...
2. We will be like Rachael weeping over the loss of a whole generation.

If we're going to reach a FATHERLESS GENERATION, the church must carry a RELATIONAL CHRIST and represent the Father!

The Forerunner Generation (Part 3)

We can talk about spiritual fathers forever but unless there are willing spiritual sons there cannot be a RECIPROCATION.  In my last blog "The Forerunner Generation (Part 2)" I spoke of the characteristics and duties of a Spiritual Father.  


Now lets focus a little bit on spiritual sons.  Spiritual sons should respect and honor their spiritual fathers by serving the father's vision and taking his advice concerning them.


The term spiritual father shouldn't be used or taken lightly.  If we claim someone as a spiritual father then we are attentive to their needs.  For example, how can I claim someone as a spiritual father but I'm too busy to pick them up at the airport?  In essence, the relationship of father and son carries a with it the function of serving or receiving the spiritual insight and authority the father has to offer.


Today we live in an a culture of independence rather than interdependence.  An independent spirit often causes would-be sons to resist sonship, most notably the correction that comes with the relationship.  However, fathers who refuse to correct their sons will lose their sons as Eli lost his (1 Samuel 2:34; 4:11).  And the Bible clearly states that those who will not receive correction will become bastards. (Hebrews 12:8).

Sonship isn't visible by how someone receives encouragement;
it's visible by how a son receives
correction. 

A true son doesn't make his father adjust the way he leads; a true son adjusts the way he follows.  While ultimate accountability is surely before the Lord, spiritual sonship goes beyond accountability to a willingness to submit yourself to a father who can speak to the blind spots in your life so you can grow.


Perhaps another reason some resist spiritual fathers is because they don't want to have to get permission from anybody to do what they want to do.  It's not about permission-giving.  It's about maturity.  It's about wisdom.  You can enforce compliance, but submission can never be forced.  Submission is an attitude of the heart.  There are a lot of people out there who are keeping the rules but who are not submitting.  They may call you a father until there is something they don't agree with.


Perhaps another reason some resist a father / son relationship is because they have seen too many "rent-a-fathers."  We see this a lot on TV... "Send me your tithes and I will be your father."  That tactic is not RELATIONAL and does not fit God's pattern for fathers - spiritual or natural.  When a child is born, the father doesn't tell him, "pay me and I'll take care of you."  There is nothing wrong with honoring spiritual fathers with gifts, but HONOR is far more than sending a check.


A true father will CUT AWAY THE FLESH - and that's exactly what circumcision is!  When a father takes his knife to shape the character of a son, it's not to harm him.  It's to RELEASE a greater flow of life.  That's the reason we must tell our sons and daughters "If your spiritual father doesn't have a knife, go and buy them one!"  A father will carry a knife and will deal with the areas of their sons life that are cutting off their productivity.


Discipline isn't something you do to your children, it's something you do for them.


More to come...

The Forerunner Generation (Part 2)

Spiritual fatherhood is nothing new to those familiar with the apostolic.  Although the concept may be unfamiliar to some in the body of Christ, fathers have been raising up sons for quite some time.


Dr. Lester Sumrall raised up strong spiritual sons.  Although he passed away in 1996, his ministry lives on, in part, through what he imparted to men like Rod Parsley and Billy Joe Daugherty (now deceased).  Dr. Sumrall, known as a "pastor of pastors" was a spiritual son to Evangelist Howard Carter and received a blessing from Smith Wigglesworth.  In the spirit of Elijah (Malachi 4:5), Dr. Sumrall shared his mantle with the Elisha's in his life.  


When a spiritual father passes on his mantle to his sons they can expect to be...

• Protected
• Guided
• Instructed
• Corrected
• Exhorted
• Encouraged
• Inspired
• Increased

The relational dynamic that takes place is very similar to the Elijah / Elisha relationship.  Perhaps if Elisha could describe the relationship today, he might say that Elijah was not only his spiritual mentor and pastor, but also he was his best friend.


Again, the characteristics of a spiritual father include: protection, guidance, instruction, correction, exhortation, encouragement and inspiration. 

• A spiritual father is always willing to give his life for his sons.  
• A spiritual father will always anchor his sons to his character and purpose.
• A spiritual father will always see gifts in his son that other people don't see - and inspire him to put those gifts to work.

In these last days, I believe we're moving into a season where the emphasis of the Kingdom is not in DOING but in BEING.  Sons aren't looking for fathers who are "over the top charismatic" with "bigger than life personalities" - sons simply need fathers who are CONSISTENT in CHARACTER in every day life.  

We will never cease to need fathers in our lives.  I'm reminded of the story of the prodigal son.  He demanded his inheritance and left home to begin his adventure.  Did the father cease to be a father just because the son left home?  No.  The father remained a father.  He never ceased to function in his role.

Regardless of how many accomplishments a son has he will always need a father.  None of us cease to need a father in our lives.  

• Fathers were there when we had nothing.
• Fathers understand the assignment on our life.
• Fathers help forge Godly character in our life.
• Fathers use their influence to promote us.
• Fathers keep us grounded to purpose.
• Fathers check our relationship for rightness.
• Fathers cover our mistakes and protect us even from ourselves.

I believe that's the heart of a true father.

The Forerunner Generation (Part 1)

When you read the last chapter of Malachi it contains a mandate to restore the heart of the fathers to the sons and the sons to the fathers. (Malachi 4:6) 


In essence, God would send the spirit of Elijah 400 years later in the person of John the Baptist to lay the ground work for a Father/Son Model.  (Also known as double portion anointing and/or apostolic reformation.)  John the Baptist is referred to as a "FORERUNNER."


When we talk about the spirit of Elijah, the mouthpiece of the Old Testament, we get a reminder of his accurate prophetic words and his miraculous moments.  But I would say that his spiritual fatherhood is perhaps the most needed in the Body of Christ today.


What we see happening, as we're truly awakening to a KINGDOM MINDSET in the church, is a rising up of prophetic believers who are passionate for truth and who desire more than institutional orphanage amidst a house full of capable fathers.


Sons must have fathers who have an unwavering voice of truth in the face of opposition, yet with a wisdom and grace that guides even the most misguided.  Sadly, we've been inundated with the voices of super spiritual fruits, emotional flakes and hypocritical nuts.  (Granola Group)


I'm persuaded that there will be no manifestation of sons until there's a meaningful impartation from fathers.  Spiritual fathers who will invest time and energy into their spiritual children.


Elijah had a responsibility to not only invest in Elisha through the miraculous but to also shape his son's life and ministry for a double portion impartation.


Where are the Spiritual Fathers?


We mourn the death of spiritual fathers today.  Who is picking up their mantle?  Are we suffering from a parental drought which in turn is hindering the purposes of God in this apostolic revolution?


Without a father, who has a heart to train and disciple the gifting's of their sons, emerging apostles will not be trained and released like they should.


Allow me to speculate.  Perhaps the reason we have a slow growth in the developing of fathers is because our forefathers had no fathering model to relate to.  With the scarcity of a model to go by, subsequently knowing how to father others is a step into the unknown...and as we've become accustomed...what we don't understand...we avoid.


That is why we MUST have spiritual fathers and mothers and spiritual sons and daughters who are willing to learn and grow into their respective roles together for the sake of future generations.


In my own spiritual house and in many places where I travel, I encounter young men and women who have a deep craving for spiritual fathers.


Even if we don't know how to be fathers ourselves, the emerging generation doesn't expect fathers to be "all knowing."  They just want fathers who are willing to TRY and who will identify with them and offer a sense of connectedness. 


More to come...