A Reformer or Rogue? (Part 3)

RELATIONAL ACCOUNTABILITY continues to be a buzz phrase within denominations and those seeking authentic relational connection with like minded leaders.

Perhaps our best ORGANIZATIONAL efforts have grown beyond our capacity to relationally connect leaders with grass-roots ministers.

With the increase of DISCONNECTION it is not a shock that there is a CRY for RELATIONAL RESPONSIBILITY.  Words like mentors, coaching, brotherhood, father/son...keep surfacing which suggests to me that there is a deep desire for TRUSTED RELATIONSHIPS.

Jesus operated in the principle of 1, 3, 12, 70 and Multitude.  He had three inner-circle friends that He took with Him nearly everywhere He went.  If we are to operate in the same, then those who are closest to us, more than likely, will KNOW us, our FEELINGS, our STRUGGLES and even our FAILINGS.

This is where we see a rise of smaller NETWORKS that are not bound by the constraints of denominational affiliation (i.e., doctrinal statements or a structure of leadership and control.) but rather bound by FUNCTION. (i.e., healthy congregational ministry and church planting.)

Every leader understands the need to have people over them.  That is a given.  But there is also the need for HORIZONTAL ACCOUNTABILITY which provides an opportunity to voluntarily submit yourself to your peers.

Accountability is not guaranteed by any certain relationship since the relationship itself does not have the ability to hold us accountable.  We must MAKE ourselves accountable.  Unless one willingly submits to another, the VULNERABILITY of a renegade life remains.  

Transparency, openness, honesty and the like can never be imposed; rather, they come from a sense of the fear of the Lord.

Perhaps some of our leading denominational pastors can best serve their fellowships by combining the RESOURCES provided by the denomination with the FLEXIBILITY and SPECIALIZATION they can tailor to the needs of a certain group.

If we are to become RELATIONALLY CONNECTED then how awesome would it be if that connection took place with people who carry a similarity of values and passion?

Some networks may best serve leaders who have a passion for racial reconciliation or a passion for generational bridging, etc. 

The bottom line is that when we are committed to advancing HIS KINGDOM...then we may even step into the arena of a CROSS-DENOMINATIONAL effort...where we are training leaders of ANY STRIPE!

I don't believe I am alone in my thinking.  There is a growing openness for ENTREPRENEURIAL CHURCH PLANTING, APOSTOLIC LEADERSHIP and the cultivation of RELATIONSHIPS beyond boundary lines.

Let's keep it simple.  The Gospel message isn't about building buildings, deeds and titles, positions and salaries, careers and control or even top heavy infrastructures.  The Gospel message is SIMPLE and our purpose and actions must reflect the same.

Even if we find a network of HORIZONTAL camaraderie we must still retain VERTICAL accountability to a spiritual father or mother.

There are too many people out there doing their own thing.  Everyone needs APOSTOLIC OVERSIGHT.  But remember...accountability is voluntary, and you can avoid it whether you're in a denomination or an apostolic network.

More to come...

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...