Are You Structured For Success?
Hey Friends,
Recently a well-known pastor came under fire from the media in his city. The news story placed this pastor in a very negative light. I have no clue what the truth is, but the Bible says, “not to take an accusation against an elder lest there be two or three witnesses.” I hope by now we believers should know not to trust the media.
The following weekend the pastor dealt with the story with his congregation. A friend of mine was there and we talked about the weekend. My friend that has been in the ministry made a great observation: “The structure of the church allowed the pastor to operate in his strengths.”
When he said this, flags started waving in my mind that this was a golden nugget I needed not miss! Structure is vitally important. Many times people like me that are only concerned with the move of God miss this important piece of the ministry.
How a church, group, or organization is structured will determine how far and fast the group can travel and down which roads it can traverse. Please do not overlook this strategic part of organization. I am praying over rewriting the constitution and bylaws at FPC since they are old and we are not following all that is prescribed in them.
In a fire fight the enemy will use the constitution and bylaws. Most pastors want to use the Bible, but in a battle or in the courtroom only the constitution matters.
Are you structured to see your vision accomplished and meet your mandates? This is a critical component to accomplishing all God wants us to do! Many in the ministry do not see this as important until it is too late. This is a weakness in me and boy, am I glad God has placed people around me smarter than I am!
Just a word to the wise…
Pastor Chris
6 Comments
The structure for a personal life I believe is the fruit of the Spirit. I had this conversation just yesterday and my observation was mainly focused on self-control.
It applies to this blog post, Pastor, in that we suffer and are open to all manner of accusation both true and twisted from sharks that smell even the hint of blood, when we faulter or become complacent with structure.
Temperance or self-control depending on the translations , is best birthed with vision and knowledge through the Holy Spirit, but if not will definately be birthed through fire…If we LOVE GOD. If it is a necessity to be rewritten do it.
I have had to do some rewriting or listening to the Spirit and be examined becuase my structure was more for my own comfort rather than for the benifit for Him above me and those around me. That will bring fire!!
My observation was this, lack of self control first works against what God is doing, second it works against those around me that do not desire destruction (being just one example) and thirdly I oppose myself. Luckily I am not in a position that the media would be interested but if I have bad press in the eyes of all I hold dear it is just as devestating and shouldn’t be.
So I have set my hands to work on those bylaws and constition of my personal life and set my feet to adhere to it. With Gods help and mercy. The fast at FP I see as right on time and am praying and expecting God to accomplish great things because of the earnestness of His people that stand to do His will and work with HIM.
Shouldn’t be… meaning I should have never allowed bad press in those I love, but rather let and sought out: LOVE covers a multitude of sins. Sorry I should have reread before hitting the submit button. oops.
Pastor Chris,
Thank you for tending to His flock with such care. The politics of anything can be twisted around and used by satan. I appreciate your observation that there need to be changes to fit our vision and goals at FPC as we change and grow and the needs around us change.
I pray for you and the rest of the staff and know that you are tending to the things that will keep our mission and ministry safe.
Thanks for your insight and obedience to God.
God is so good and He will continue to build and grow us if we continue to look to Him.
Patty Walden
I would stick to the bible and trust God.
Thank you so much Patty, your are always such a great encourager to me.
I hope my comment was not taken negatively. I was trying to give some good feed back. My response was based on Romans 8:31-33. I hope it can be helpful.