Dealing With Slander

#DearLeader

When a slanderer sets his/her sights on discrediting you, trust God to expose his/her deception & reveal his/her motives.

• Do not jump into the mud with them.

• Resist the urge to chase down every lie.

• Guard your heart from resentment.

• Allow your circle to prove itself.

• Stay in love with JESUS.

Leaguership

www.russellhylton.com

It Didn't Just Happen

Frederick Douglass said, “Without a Struggle, there can be no Progress." So true!

Trees don’t become mature overnight. There are years of maturing, development, pruning & weathering required for said tree to stand rooted, bare fruit & extend its branches & blossoms to those who seek it’s shelter.

• Don’t take advice from people who’ve never done what you do. They may only know in theory but lack the practicum to provide wise counsel.

• Unless you want the aggravation, hardship, hurt & headache that someone went through to reach the point they’re at right now…don’t desire their anointing. It cost them a great cost to have what they have.

• Allow God to mold you into the one-of-a-kind leader you are. He will keep the clay wet with your tears & bend you with his tender touch.

• Learn to discern people who only want your gift & not you. Everyone has issues they need to work through. However, if you allow their daddy issues, family dysfunction or superstar ambition bleed into your life…you’ll spend months/years delayed & distracted from your life call. At some point, you have to let Jonah go.

You are God’s masterpiece! He has a beautiful plan for your life. Don’t let a setback keep you from your set up!

You didn’t just get here! Trust the process. 

Every Blessing!

Can You Be Trusted?

When you place your TRUST in someone, you're confirming your confidence in their integrity, ability & character. That is not a light thing. In fact, when you give someone your trust, you are giving them a very close space near your heart...an area that is tender & willingly open. For trust to continue, there must be a sacred covenant of loyalty & an internal decision not to misuse that trust.

One example: As a pastor/minister, when I stand in someone else's pulpit...I realize that I am there by invitation & given latitude to operate in my gifts & abilities for the glory of God & the good of those who have placed their trust in me. I am careful to operate in proper alignment with the leadership of the house & not to assume that I can just "take my liberty", because of the anointing (empowerment to serve) I sense. I always bare in mind that I am invited to function in my calling & gift in divine alignment with the angel of the house. I don't "freestyle" or "pull rabbits out of hats" when I have the mic. Trust has been placed in me either through relational equity or experience, to carry the continuity of the house...being mindful of the climate & culture of the house while fulfilling my assignment.

I have seen trust trampled on because of showmanship & personal desire. Sadly, when you can no longer trust a person to operate in proper protocol, you can no longer ENTRUST them with responsibility. To entrust means to give over (something) to another for care, protection or performance.

Basically, there are two kinds of people who seek to be in a relationship with you: 1) Those who want what's in your heart. 2) Those who want what's in your hand. You have to discern the difference. It's one thing for you to enter into people's lives...but another to entrust your life to them.

One way that I've learned to gauge trust is in the way someone talks to me about someone else. If they reveal entrusted secrets to you & you still entrust them with your secrets...you're just asking for heartbreak.

Years ago, someone I trusted spoke negatively to me about a mutual friend. I was rather shocked, not at the things they were trying to allude to in a negative connotation, but because I knew this person they were talking bad about had been very good to them & I too held that person in high regard. I didn't immediately pull back my trust in this person, but I watched the way they operated from that point forward & eventually knew that I couldn't carry the same level of relationship with them as I had before. I realized that if they talked about someone else to me...they would talk about me to someone else, too.

Now, don't get me wrong. I believe in repentance, restoration & plenty of "second chances”. I've extended many olive branches in my life & I've also had olive branches extended to me, as well. I believe in graceful relationships. I believe that we should see the best in one another...be honest & forthright with one another...not seek to plot someone's downfall with hearsay, secret meetings, plots & schemes. Thankfully, those things backfire on people who live like that. It is ALWAYS best to talk with a person face-to-face, rather than to believe what's being said about them. True covenant relationship is, "I will talk with you...not about you."

Once trust is broken, it's difficult to recover it. However, it can be recovered through the help of The Lord. It might be a marriage relationship, ministry relationship, employee/employer relationship, etc. God is able to restore all things.

To be trusted is a big deal. To be loved & trusted is a great responsibility. Manage both well.

Every Blessing,

Russell Hylton

Leaguership

Leaguership: Pastor, are you emotionally healthy?

Pastor, are you emotionally healthy?

Ministry can be draining. You know you are beginning to be drained emotionally when…

• You find yourself getting angry with the people who work with you for petty reasons – or no reason at all.
• You’re having imaginary arguments with people over things that really don’t matter.
• You are feeling a strain on your marriage.
• Your energy level is low & you feel like you’ve run out of time to give your spouse & kids.
• You think about quitting the ministry…routinely.
• You struggle with your thoughts.
• You can’t seem to sleep at night & have a hard time staying awake during the day.
• I could go on…but I think you get the point.

How do you snap out of it?

Here’s my take…

#1 Confide in your Spiritual Father/Mother

You can’t go on pretending that everything is fine while you’re slowly dying inside. Confide in your spiritual mentors…someone…but do not think you have to bear the burden alone.

#2 Step away from work & do something fun

Pastors often struggle with this because they think that going out & doing something “fun” while there is so much to be done is sin. However, I know from personal experience that when I allow myself to disconnect & do something that I enjoy…I get my batteries recharged. Also, it’s during those times that I usually come up with some really great ministry ideas.

#3 You may need to also get some Christian counseling

It’s not a sin to see a counselor or a therapist. There may be times that the load is so heavy that a confidential counselor can help walk you through those times. There are also some great places that provide pastors a place to rest for a few days. Beverly & I have been blessed to connect with these resources over the years.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed & emotionally drained, perhaps this is a step for you to take. Yes, it may cost money…but you can’t afford not to invest in yourself.

Pastor…you are the only that can take care of your emotional health. It is your responsibility to keep the flame burning. You are too important to be another ministry casualty.

Sac•er•do•tal

 

sac·er·do·tal

I remember when I first heard this word. I was sitting in a conference where ministerial tax benefits & laws were being discussed.  The idea is that an ordained minister performs "sacerdotal" duties such as weddings, funerals, baptisms, communion, worship, etc.

All of the above mentioned duties are definitely part of a pastor's work. However, Seminary, Bible College or Ministry School don't prepare you for the "sacerdotal" duties that AREN'T mentioned. 

I can't count the number of WEDDINGS I've officiated in 34 years of ministry. 

I can't count the number of FUNERALS I've officiated in 34 years of ministry.

I can't count the number of BAPTISMS I've officiated in 34 years of ministry.

I can't count the number of ...........

However, they don't teach you in Bible College how to pastor a church during a pandemic. 

As Covid-19 drags on, many pastors are finding themselves tired, discouraged & anxious regarding the long-term implications of this pandemic. Pastors are wondering how they can fulfill their "sacerdotal" duties successfully.  Pastoral burnout is a predictable outcome for those who are running the race at a sprinter's pace rather than what is more likely to be a marathon. 

Pastors are desperate to communicate the message of faith & hope, but the means of communicating that message is difficult to determine. With the responsibility of caring for their hurting flock, from a distance, the challenge weighs heavy on their shoulders. I must admit, it can all but deplete your emotional & spiritual reserves.  Not having access to the "normal tools" people find reassuring - eye contact, bedside manner & physical presence - when comfort is desperately needed can feel like a defeating task. 

 

Fortunately, we have a promise that The Holy Spirit will lead & guide us into all truth.  The past nine months have brought a variety of emotions, decisions, and ups & downs. We've fought for our faith & refused to let fear grip us. The core of the church has held steady & witnessed spiritual & numerical growth in our covenant family.  God has kept us as we've pulled together to shoulder the weight of ministry. 

Pastoring during a pandemic has taught me the following...

1. Be Innovative. 

Look for creative ways to share the Gospel. You're not obligated to continue to do the same ole' thing. Use this season as an opportunity to dismount broken or dead programs, approaches & unfruitful traditions. Some would call it a reset.  Make full use of technology & don't worry about having the best of the best to work with.  Even if you don't have professional cameras/sound/lighting, etc., use your iPhone & realize that most people appreciate the "raw" real you/message with or without the bells & whistles.  Strive for excellence & make full use of what you have.

2. Be Faithful To What You've Been Taught. 

Hold fast to the testimony of the saints. Don't backslide, ghost your church or drop out.  Good teaching will keep you...even during a pandemic.  Continue to be faithful to your church, even if it's online only. Continue to be faithful in your tithes/offerings. Continue to serve where needed. Continue to communicate.

3. Be Compassionate. 

Everyone is fighting a battle. This season has brought new causes for despair all its own: more parishioners are facing physical illness, more of them grieving lost loved ones, more of them teetering on economic despair, anxiety & depression. Pray more & check on people who are struggling. In order for pastors to have sustainable, healthy relationships with their congregations, more lay leaders - not pastors - must take spiritual responsibility for the growth & maturity of others. 

4. Be Fruitful. 

Don't let Covid, or anything else, cause you to be unfruitful.  Increase your witnessing. God expects a fruitful church.  Burying your gift (failing to develop & use it) is frowned upon in the Kingdom because it robs those for whom the benefit was intended. 

5. Be Truthful. 

Some of the same folks who say they can't come to church due to health concerns...YET are out there living their best life at parties, gatherings, work, stores, get-to-gathers, sports, shopping, etc. can be aggravating...especially when you're exhausting yourself to pour into people who are hiding behind excuses. Friend, no matter who's being dishonest...you be honest.  The Scriptures teach us to let your Yeah be Yeah & your Nay be Nay. (Matthew 5:37)  Walk in truth & God will reward you.

6. Reproduce Resources & Train.

By necessity, most churches are putting their services online.  However, without the feedback of an in-service response or post-service conversation, preaching to an iPhone leaves many wondering how to discern whether the message is effectively reaching those who are in their homes.  Such a void can leave pastors dismayed.  We have been challenged to produce Children's Ministry Resources that parents can download & share with their kids. This requires a lot of time & energy from our teams who may wonder if their work is even being utilized.  I believe we must continue to plant the seed & allow God to bring the increase. 

The task of a shepherd is never easy. But we need not despair, nor should we attempt to carry the weight ourselves. Our HOPE in Jesus is our greatest comfort. We do not shepherd alone.  The Good Shepherd - the one who gave His life for the sheep - loves His church far more than we do, and He is, at this very moment, leading His church & beckoning us to have FAITH & FOLLOW wherever He leads. 

I'm praying for pastors & parishioners alike. Don't let a case of the "Monday Blues" beat you up! You are where you're supposed to be!  Be yourself. You don't have to compare yourself with anyone else. Hold your head up & take one day at a time. You're not alone!  Others are experiencing the same emotions - up or down - as you. God believes in YOU!

Watch Out For Charlatans!

“Walk with the wise & become wise; associate with fools & get in trouble.” Proverbs 13:20

We are living in a time where believers must guard themselves from spiritual charlatans.

What is a CHARLATAN? A charlatan (also called a swindler) is a person practicing quackery or some similar confidence trick or deception in order to obtain money, fame or other advantages via some form of pretense or deception. Synonyms for charlatan include shyster, quack, or faker.

Sadly, there are many self-proclaimed "apostles, prophets & pastors" who prey on weak minded believers by enticing their thirst & curiosity for the "supernatural" with a so called "WORD FROM THE LORD"...which really aren't words from The Lord, but rather flesh driven trickery to control, manipulate & keep a cycle of dependency on them rather than Christ.

This is one reason why we need true pastors & true spiritual fathers/mothers in our life. They help guide our discernment through sound biblical teaching. They protect us from charlatans & those who would take advantage of our good nature & innocence.

As a shepherd, you take great care in leading, feeding & protecting those whom you've been entrusted. It pains you to see folks fanged by the teeth of carnivorous wolves who make cloaked promises of positions, titles & familiarity. True spiritual discernment can see through the veil of appearances & anyone with even a natural eye can see a person's track record in both the natural & spiritual. God will reveal it & has.

I caution people to avoid associations with this spirit. It is "another spirit" masquerading around the body of Christ. It longs for the affirmation of fatherhood but was never legitimately birthed. It appears to have the structure of biblical theology but it's foundation is pride & self-promotion. Discerning believers should not let its poison have access to their life.

Romans 16:17-18 "Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offenses contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them. For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple."

You cannot cover what remains uncovered.

You cannot lead what will not be led.

However, you can continue to teach the truth, model & love unconditionally. Father's don't leave the porch. They remain on the porch with a watchful eye for prodigals on the horizon.

Some more information that is helpful...

Fathering The Fatherless (Part 1)

Sent or Went...that is the Question

The Forerunner Generation (Part 1)

The Forerunner Generation (Part 2)

The Forerunner Generation (Part 3)

The Forerunner Generation (Part 4)

Relating To Your Pastor

Feed, Lead & Intercede

Pastor's carry tremendous responsibility. They do more than "Marry, Bury & Preach." The spiritual responsibilities they carry out on our behalf are many but allow me to share just three.

FEED
"Remember them which have the rule over you, who have spoken unto you the word of God..." (Hebrews 13:7)

Pastors are responsible for making sure the flock is fed the word of God. This is accomplished through the preaching & teaching of the Word.  

We are instructed to honor the spiritual authority in our lives because they have been entrusted to communicate God's Word to us. One of the best ways you can allow your Pastor to pastor you is by hearing the Word of God when it's being shared. (And that means you must be in church when they're doing so.)

If a person says, "I don't feel like I'm being fed", more than likely the Pastor hasn't changed the Gospel message they're feeding...but rather the parishioner is too "full" & isn't exercising what they've been fed. 

LEAD
"Remember them which have the rule over you...whose faith follow..." (Hebrews 13:7)

The Scriptures (Acts 20:28) teach that Pastors have been made overseers by the Holy Ghost & their charge is to lead the flock.  The Pastor operates as an under-shepherd, appointed by the Holy Spirit, to lead God's people under the direction of the Chief Shepherd, Jesus. 

Every Pastor (and every spiritual leader) will one day have to stand before Jesus Christ Himself to give an account for how they executed the great responsibility that was given them to oversee His church. 

Pastors lead.  You can go to them for spiritual leadership, counsel, insight from God's Word in every major decision you make in life. This is how you allow your Pastor to pastor you.  Too often, Pastors get the leftovers of people's decisions & have to help people "piece" together what's left. It's much better to stay under good teaching from a Pastor, who's proven their leadership, then to freelance like a free agent who, when they find themselves in trouble, wander back to the flock bleeding. 

If you'll let your Pastor pastor you, not only will you be in order, you'll be protected under their covering.  A Pastor cannot cover what won't come under cover. 

INTERCEDE
"...Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give an account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you...Salute all them that have the rule over you, and all the saints." (Hebrews 13:17, 24) 

In the early days of the church, with the growth that was being experienced, there arose a great amount of "details" that had to be taken care of. These things included such things as taking care of the widows and those in need.  With the increase of responsibility for the church, it became necessary for men to be appointed to serve by ensuring that these practical (temporal) needs were being met. (We call these men "deacons" today.) In particular, take note of why the Apostles felt the need to delegate these responsibilities to these men. 

Acts 6:2-4 "Then the twelve called the multitude of the disciples unto them, and said, it is not reason that we should leave the word of God, and serve tables. Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business. But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word."

The spiritual leaders of the church recognized prayer & preaching as two of their primary responsibilities - ones that absolutely could not be neglected. 

One of the primary responsibilities that God has given to a Pastor is to pray for the membership of the church. There are some battles that can only be won on our knees. God has called the Pastor to labor for God's people on his knees. 

One of the best ways you can allow your Pastor to pastor you is by letting him know how to pray for you. Confide in your Pastor. Tell him how to pray for you specifically. Let your request be made known.

-------

"...considering the end of their conversation." (Hebrews 13:7)

Though God gives your Pastor authority to lead God's people spiritually, He does not do so without accountability.  The Pastor is to lead the church by example. (1 Peter 5:3)

This is one of the reasons that God has given specific qualifications for Pastors. It is not something that just anyone can do. (Although some, who can't serve well under another Pastor, think that they're going to pastor one day.)

Only God can truly produce the caliber of character, calling & commitment required to serve in this level of spiritual leadership. It must be PROVEN & proven with evident testimony by those who keep watch. 

See, a Pastor not only KEEPS WATCH for predators that would sneak into the fold & steal away sheep, they also FEND for God's people.   Paul warned about the "wolves" that would enter into God's church in Acts 20:28-29.

Pastors today are FIGHTING off the wolves of False Doctrine, False Prophets & Strife-Causers.  Sometimes your Pastor may do something that doesn't make sense to you. But, remember, he is responsible to look after your spiritual well-being!  Allow him to caution you about potential dangers in your life. 

These are THREE things (plus one) that I wanted to share with you today. More to come.  

Be blessed & may your FAITH be strong as your join with your PASTOR in WINNING THE FIGHT!

#Room

14 Things Your Pastor Wants You To Know

1. Your Pastor needs help not criticism. Roll up your sleeves & get to work! Feeding, Leading & Healing is work.

2. Pray for your Pastors. When someone comes to you complaining about him/her take them by the hand & say, "Let's pray for them. You begin!"

3. If your life is better because of the Word(s) he/she has spoken into or over your life, be mindful to pray for your Pastor.

4. You are NOT serving your Pastor. You’re serving the Lord WITH your Pastor.

5. Getting to Church on time expresses gratefulness. So Impress yourself, Encourage your Pastor & Honor The Lord. BE ON TIME!

6. When your Pastor talks to God about his/her assignment to you are they boasting of your faithfulness? Or are they begging to be reassigned?

7. The easiest thing to study is the text you heard your Pastor preach. Study that for starters.

8. Never let your Pastor do ministry alone. “I will take of the Spirit that is upon you,” God told Moses, “and will put the same upon them; and they shall bear the burden of the people with you, that you may not bear it yourself alone” (Numbers 11:17).

9. Every Pastor needs to be surrounded with LIKEMINDED leaders who are passionate about the vision of the house and willing to carry the heavy load of ministry alongside their Pastor.

10. When a leader called by God has a BURDEN that becomes too great, God provides help . . . if the leader will ask for it. Not only will the Lord provide HELPERS to SHARE the load, He will ANOINT them with His power, just as He did the seventy elders of Israel. In addition, LIKEMINDED leaders are able to DISCERN the burden of their leader because they are knit "heart and soul" and can "catch" in their spirit when and where to respond.

11. God equipped Jonathan with an armorbearer who was "heart and soul." I love the language this armorbearer used in 1 Samuel 14:7... “His armor bearer said, “Go ahead. Do what you think best. I’m with you all the way.” Now that's the language of a likeminded leader! Are you speaking the language of a likeminded leader?

12. The burden is too great to be carried alone. Every Pastor must be surrounded with strong leaders who (1) UNDERSTAND their heart (2) SUPPORT their dream (3) CARRY their vision as their own.

13. Likeminded leaders ANTICIPATE, PARTICIPATE & SYNCOPATE the "heart and soul" of their leader, even when the language is NON VERBAL.

14. You WIN when you LIFT up your Pastor's Arms!

bfwc.net

Ten Things Your Team Needs

1. You need people on your team who help you win & can withstand the weight.

2. You need people on your team who talk more about the vision & dream than they do about taking more time off.

3. You need people on your team who work hard, run with the vision & who are self motivated.

4. You need people on your team who know when your hands are tired & rather than load you down more...they lighten you up.

5. You need people on your team that you don't have to constantly remind to do what they say they are called to do or what you're paying them to do.

6. You need people on your team who practice spiritual disciplines in private so that they can handle the pressure in public.

7. You need people on your team who don't wear you out mentally.

8. You need people on your team who are passionate about what they do & work harder than you!

9. You need people on your team who are gathers & builders not microphone holders & platform seekers.

10. You need a team that doesn't compete with you...but completes you.

P.S. #DearPastor

• #DearPastor One negative person on your team can uproot everything you've built! You need the right people representing you!

• #DearPastor Build your team intentionally. Some want a spot on your roster because you're winning. Not because they're called to you.

• #DearPastor Remove negligent leaders from your team ASAP. If they can't be adjusted, they won't be effective.

• #DearPastor You have to know how to pick your team! You have to hire according to Purpose not friendship.

• #DearPastor No one on your team should be less motivated than you are. If they don't value your assignment, they're on the wrong team.

• #DearPastor If you are liberal with praise in your team it will bless you. The more you give it away the more it comes back to you. (Proverbs 11:25)

• #DearPastor There is a time when you must (in faith) stand up for yourself & stop letting people take advantage of your kind heart.

Pastor your church like LIVES depend on it!

Pastor your church like LIVES depend on it!

Jeremiah 23:4 "I will raise up shepherds over them who will tend them, and they will no longer be afraid or dismayed, nor will any go missing, declares the LORD."

I love this verse. It speaks volumes of how I feel about the souls we’ve been entrusted.

Friend, never despise the comfort & counsel of a pastor. Especially one that is concerned about you, your family & your eternity. 

You may not understand why your pastor “pesters” you about your attendance...or speaks so much on the same topics...but if you knew the huge weight they carry for you & your spiritual well being it might change your perspective...if only for a minute. 

Eternity is forever. Don’t let this temporary earth distract you from it. Hold yourself accountable. Hold your children accountable. 

A pastor can’t cover what’s not undercover. Remain covered. Walk in seamless blessing. 

For all the pastors out there who are pastoring because of the calling remember this: People won't always get you. That's okay. What's important is that you be humble, kind & true to the call. Never give up doing what God put in your heart & never let people’s ways keep you from The Way, The Truth & The Life! 

#NorWillAnyGoMissing #ShepherdsLead

Spiritual Covering (Five Things For Tuesday)

FIVE THINGS FOR TUESDAY

1. FOOLS are blessed by the sound of their own voice & the slant of their biased wisdom. Their ignorance is obvious to all but them. Don't let yayhoos trip you up on your journey. Stay ROOTED & established in love.

2. It's the SEAMLESS walk NOT the project driven endeavor that understands & grows in the highs & lows. Be faithful & fruitful without applause.

3. My plan = (-)God's plan = (+)The will of God is a seamless garment. It's stitched with blessing. Counterfeits reveal fraying.

4. Satan gets an advantage over us by manipulating our BLIND SPOTS. That's why we need discerning, honest friends & spiritual covering.

5. POWER STATEMENT OF THE DAY: Be scared of a "prophet" who won't submit to a pastor/covering! #OutOfOrder