All posts tagged: community

Servant Leadership

Published by

“A person who is worthy of being a leader wants power not for himself, but in order to be of service.” — J. Ervin, Jr. “Earn your success based on service to others, not at the expense of others.” — H. Jackson Brown, Jr. “Everybody can be great because anybody can serve. You don’t have to have a college degree to serve. You don’t have to make your subject and verb agree to serve. You only need a heart full of grace. A soul generated by love.” — Martin Luther King Jr “Men are governed only by serving them; the rule is without exception.” — V. Cousin “Servant-leadership is more than a concept, it is a fact. Any great leader, by which I also mean an ethical leader of any group, will see herself or himself as a servant of that group and will act accordingly.” — M. Scott Peck “The adventure of life is to learn. The purpose of life is to grow. The nature of life is to change. The challenge of life …

Can money buy happiness?

Published by

In this talk, Michael Norton shares fascinating research on how money can, indeed buy happiness — when you don’t spend it on yourself. I think you will find the talk interesting, but what I would like for us to consider and comment on is Michael’s phrase “money can buy you happiness.” What does the Bible teach about happiness? What do you think, as a believer about the subject “If you think money can’t buy happiness, you’re not spending it right,” Norton said. “You should stop thinking about which product to buy for yourself, and try giving some of it to other people instead.” “The reason that money doesn’t make us happy is that we’re always spending on the wrong things, and in particular that we’re always spending it on ourselves,” he said. Norton said that in numerous studies, “people who spent money on other people got happier; people who spent money on themselves, nothing happened. It didn’t make them less happy; it just didn’t do much for them.” Is it a sin to be rich? …

Code of Ethics for Pastor

Published by

We put no stumbling block in anyone’s path, so that our ministry will not be discredited. (2 Corinthians 6:3) Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. (Philippians 1:27) All who are called by God to the ministry of the gospel solemnly commit to a life of joyful obedience and selfless service in order to glorify God and enrich his people. Therefore, a minister will: Pursue Integrity I know, my God, that you test the heart and are pleased with integrity. All these things I have given willingly and with honest intent. (1 Chronicles 29:17) • in personal character. Exalt Christ, not self. Be honest, not exaggerating or overpromising; peace-loving, not contentious; patient, not volatile; diligent, not slothful. Avoid and, when necessary, report conflicts of interest and seek counsel. • in personal care. Care for the spiritual, mental, emotional and physical dimensions of your person, for “your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit” (1 Corinthians 6:19). • in preaching and teaching. Interpret the Bible accurately and apply it discerningly: …

Oh how I hate small groups!

Published by

A few years ago I preached a message at a thriving church where I served on staff. It was at the time small groups were gaining momentum. Every church around the world and especially here in the USA was all about getting people of the same interest, same profession connected in the same group. Unfortunately, I began to notice that all the cool people were joining groups with  other cool people – you know, like some did in high school. And the not so cool people we being left out. So I preached on a passage from Romans 12:16: Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be wise in your own sight. After my message I was sent into the office of the big man on campus (senior pastor) where I was grilled for a few minutes. Don’t get me wrong, there is nothing wrong with wanting to hang with like-minded folks, but if we really want to live in authentic community, we need to understand what community really …

Creating Community

Published by

Well, I forgot to let you all know that I finished Andy Stanley’s Creating Community last week. So please allow me to share with you a few things I clipped in my Kindle:1/.”It is better to eat Twinkies with good friends than to eat broccoli alone.” I thought this was a compelling way to emphasize that strong relationships pay huge dividends, even toward good health. because we grow when we are in loving relationships, but we die slowly when we are isolated. 2/. “The kind of connections we need is more than casual. Casual connections aren’t life-giving.” Only God Spirit unleashed through His body can make that kind of difference. According to Him the only place that kind of life-changing Experience is displayed – is the church in the community. 3/. The goal for Andy is to: a. see people grow in their relationship with Christ b. Pursue three vital relationships c. Be a part of a small group… For them, it’s all about relationships… that’s where people grow… that’s what their church is all …