Leadership—Then and Now

Leadership was once about hard skills such as planning, finance, and business analysis. When command and control ruled the world, organization leaders were heroic rationalists who moved people around like pawns and fought like stags. When they spoke, the staff jumped.

Today, organizational leadership is increasingly concerned with soft skills—teamwork, communication, and motivation. Sadly for many top-level leaders, the soft skills remain the hardest to understand, let alone master.

Leadership in a modern organization is highly complex and increasingly difficult. Among the most crucial skills is the ability to capture your listener’s attention. Leaders of the future will also have to be emotionally efficient. They will promote variation rather than promoting people in their own likeness. They will encourage experimentation and enable people to learn from failure. They will build and develop people.

This may be too much to expect of one person. In the future, we will see more leadership groups rather than individual leaders. This change in emphasis from individuals towards groups has been charted by the leadership guru, Warren Bennis. In his work Organizing Genius, he concentrates on famous ground-breaking groups rather than individual leaders. “None of us is as smart as all of us,” says Professor Bennis. “The Lone Ranger is dead. Instead of the individual problem-solver, we have a new model for creative achievement. People like Steve Jobs or Walt Disney headed groups and found their own greatness in them.”

Professor Bennis provides a blueprint for the new model leader. “He or she is a pragmatic dreamer, a person with an original but attainable vision. Inevitably, the leader has to invent a style that suits the group. The standard models, especially command and control, simply don’t work. The heads of groups have to act decisively, but never arbitrarily. They have to make decisions without limiting the perceived autonomy of the other participants. Devising an atmosphere in which others can put a dent in the universe is the leader’s creative act.”

The role of the new model leader is ridden with contradictions. Paradox and uncertainty are increasingly at the heart of leading. Many leaders don’t like ambiguity, so they try to shape the environment to resolve the ambiguity. This may not be the best thing to do—the most effective leaders are flexible, responsive to new situations. If they are adept at hard skills, they surround themselves with people who are proficient with soft skills. They strike a balance.

The “leader as coach” is yet another phrase more often seen in business books than in the real world. Acting as a coach to a colleague is not something that comes easily to many senior-level leaders. It is increasingly common for executives to benefit from a mentoring relationship. They need to talk through decisions and to think through the impact of their behavior on others in the organization.

Today’s leaders regard leadership as drawing people and disparate parts of the organization together in ways that makes individuals and the organization more effective.

Adapted from Jonathan Farrington, What Leadership Was and What It Will Become 3/11/07

 

From here to serenity: Combating stress

Blowing a sales call, missing a deadline, failing a test, getting fired, working too hard, losing a loved one – these are just a few things in life that trigger stress, frustration, anxiety or depression. This negative form of stress is referred to as “distress.” But stress also comes in a positive form know as “eustress,” coined by stress researcher Hans Selye (from the Greek word eu meaning good). Eustress arises from pleasant activities, such as planning a wedding or preparing to go on vacation. Rather than provoke negative emotions, eustress generally produces welcome anticipation, imparts high hopes and gives you butterflies in your stomach.

Both types stem from your natural “fight or flight” response in which the body automatically prepares you to run from or contend with an unusual or potentially threatening situation. This sets off a cascade of biochemical events:

• Your body starts churning out increased levels of two chief stress hormones: adrenaline and cortisol.
• Your heart races, increasing your pulse.
• Your muscles tense up.
• Your pupils dilate and your hearing becomes more acute

What is eustress for one person may be distress for another. For example, ask someone to give a speech to a thousand people. If that person is comfortable in front of an audience, she will see the chance as an exciting, positive experience (eustress). On the other hand, if someone who is shy is asked to speak before a group, he would view the chance as a source of distress. Whether you experience eustress or distress in any given situation depends largely on your attitude. To some, a situation is an opportunity (eustress); to others, a predicament (distress).

One point is certain, however: When eustress tips over into distress and goes unresolved, or if distress becomes chronic, there’s trouble. In fact, medical experts estimate that distress accounts for more than 90 percent of all illnesses and trips to the doctor.

Here’s a glimpse into what happens physiologically when distress goes unresolved:

• Distress gets under your skin. Hives, acne, itching, eczema and other skin disorders are caused or aggravated by chronic stress.
• Distress produces tension headaches. The most common of all headaches, tension headaches, occur when the muscles surrounding your skull go into painful spasms. Though not life-threatening, tension headaches are often a clear sign you are depressed or under pressure.
• Distress assaults your immune system. When you’re persistently stressed out, your body can’t metabolize stress hormones properly and they stick around, damaging your immune system.

Research shows that distress interferes with the function of “natural killer cells,” which help the body combat foreign invaders that cause disease. It also reduces the body’s production of interferon, a type of protein that fights viruses and boosts immunity – your body’s armor against illness.

Also, distress unleashes too much nerve growth factor, a chemical that tacks itself onto disease-fighting cells and prevents them from fighting infection.

• Distress is a heartbreaker. Everyday mental stresses such as tension, frustration and sadness may trigger myocardial ischemia – a lack of oxygen to the heart muscle. This condition increases the chance of heart attack.

Clearly, distress is hazardous to your health. It wrecks practically every body system. How well you cope with distress makes all the difference in your health and well-being. Here are some practical guidelines for handling distress that will help you minimize its potentially damaging health effects:

Fortify Yourself Nutritionally
Chronic distress robs your body of nutrients such as vitamin C, vitamin B complex and protein. So, what’s a stressed-out body to do? First, make sure to eat at least five servings of fruits and vegetables daily, and eat some protein (fish, poultry, lean meats, legumes or low-fat dairy products) with every meal. Include several servings of whole grains each day too. Also, take a daily multi-vitamin/mineral/antioxidant supplement as nutritional insurance.

Sweat it Out
Exercise, particularly the aerobic type, is one of the most effective ways to dissipate physical and emotional distress. It speeds up the body’s production of endorphins and relieves muscular tension brought on by distress and anxiety. In fact, numerous studies have shown that aerobic exercise can be an effective part of treatment for anxiety.

Have Fun
Research shows that people who pursue recreational activities on a regular basis are more satisfied with their lives and in better health. If you’re not having enough fun, sit down and list some fun, eustress-type activities you can integrate into your life – swimming, walking in the park, playing a sport, taking weekend trips, reading more novels and so forth. Then do them.

Talk it Out
Sometimes, resolving chronic stress may require more serious measures, such as seeing a counselor. A counselor won’t solve your stress problems, but he may help you identify strategies to cope with them and ultimately resolve the underlying issues perpetuating the distress. Or you may just want to pour your heart out to a friend. Just talking to someone you trust can make you feel much better.

Rearrange Your Life
Most people are overcommitted to their jobs and their day-to-day activities. Before long, life feels like it’s spinning out of control, and the result is distress. As writer Hans Seyle suggests, make life-choices that are most likely to provide you with eustress. This leads to feelings of fulfillment and victory and avoids the self-destructive distress of frustration and failure.

Get Some Perspective
Sometimes we catastrophize our thinking, turning the proverbial molehill into a mountain. Or we worry about situations we can’t control. Both mental approaches to life are immobilizing and unhealthy. They make the stress worse than it really is. The next time you find yourself mired in this type of thinking, ask yourself: What is the worst thing that can happen? How likely is that to occur? How much difference will this situation make in my life a year from now? Am I likely to even remember it? This personal pep talk puts a more positive spin on the situation

Get Enough Rest
If you’re an emotional basket-case, take it easy by getting more rest. During rest (including sleep), the body can heal injuries and infections, eliminate toxins and waste products, dissipate distress, replenish fuel stores in your muscle fibers and bloodstream, and restore energy. Rest also allow your immune system to recharge so you’re better protected from disease.

Nurture Your Soul
The Apostle Paul writes, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:6-7). Replace distress and anxiety with prayer.

From “Christian Single” magazine, 2001-2009, LifeWay Christian Resources

 

Nine simple steps to a better business meeting

Nine simple steps to a better business meeting

By Hal Pettegrew

Stressed out by your church business meetings? Turn them into positive, team-building Kingdom work with these nine common-sense ideas.

1.  Publish the meeting agenda ahead of time.

• Make a printed agenda available the Sunday before a Wednesday business meeting, include it in your church’s e-mail newsletter and post it on your church Website.
• If your church family knows what will be discussed, they will be better prepared and more encouraged to participate.
• It will also demonstrate that church leaders are planning and there is nothing secretive about the meeting.
• Consider including in your policy manual limitations on items that can be brought to the floor that are not on the published agenda. This will prevent major surprise votes.

2.  Know the agenda well.

• Do not assume any motion will pass without discussion.
• Talk with the committee chairpersons who will be presenting motions.
• Be sure you know the “ins” and “outs” of each motion.

3.  Know where your people are and the underlying issues.

• Who are the primary stake-holders and leaders in your church?
• Who are the opinion-makers in the church?

4.  Set a positive tone.
You need to be comfortable in front of the church body and radiate a sense of positive self-confidence.

5.  Get outside help with controversial issues.
If you are working with a controversial subject (one that might cause a split in the life of the church) consider inviting an objective, outside person who has good up-front presence and is versed in Robert’s Rules of Order to chair the meeting (possibly your association moderator).

6.  Be familiar with Robert’s Rules of Order.
Take a copy with you to the meeting or have someone you can trust who might function as a parliamentarian. When used properly, Robert’s Rules can be very helpful in organizing the discussion.

7.  Present motions clearly and professionally.
This is almost as important as the content of the motion in terms of its acceptance. Use a variety of presentation methods such as handouts and PowerPoint. Anticipate questions that might be asked in the presentation of the motion. Sloppy presentations invite sloppy discussions.

8. Preface the meeting with prayer and Scripture.
Move the meeting toward the direction of the church as an organism, rather than the church as an institution. Set the tone for the meeting so it’s not just a business meeting like those of other organizations. Emphasize that this is a business meeting where God and God’s people are present. If at any time in the discussion you have the sense that feelings are getting out of control, take a break in the discussion, and then pray again.

9. Have as few business meetings as possible.
Many church business meetings are a waste of time. Meeting once a quarter would be sufficient in almost any church. As your church family embodies trust within itself, most business of your church can be delegated to other small work groups. These groups should operate within the bounds of the policies of the church and the annual church budget.

Give them freedom to do their work without having to get approval from the church for every jot and tittle. In between business meetings, make available on Sunday or in mailouts information about the work of the church. Consider occasional “information meetings” (no motions, no voting) to keep the church family informed of all the wonderful actions taking place in the life of the church.

Hal Pettegrew is associate pastor of church ministries at Walnut Street Baptist Church in Louisville, Kentucky.

2001-2009, LifeWay Christian Resources

 

7 Top Leaders Share Their Best Advice

7 Top Leaders Share Their Best Advice

Great advice comes from many sources. Here is advice from seven of the nation’s top leaders. Always remember to stay open, listen to everyone, but develop your own leadership style.

1. Leadership is about making things happen. If you want to make something happen with your life, do it. Perceived obstacles crumble against persistent desire. John Baldoni, author and leadership communication consultant, shared this advice from his father, a physician. He taught him the value of persistence. At the same time, his mother taught him compassion for others. Persistence for your cause should never be gained at the expense of others.

2. Listen and understand the issue, then lead. Time and time again we have all been told, “God gave us two ears and one mouth for a reason,” or, as Stephen Covey puts it, “Seek to understand rather than be understood.” As a leader, listening first to the issue, then trying to coach, has been the most valuable advice that Cordia Harrington, President and CEO of Tennessee Bun Company has been given.

3. Answer the three questions everyone within your organization wants answers to. What the people of an organization want from their leader are answers to the following: Where are we going? How are we going to get there? What is my role? Kevin Nolan, President & Chief Executive Officer of Affinity Health Systems, Inc. believes the more clarity that can be added to each of the three questions, the better the result.

4. Master the goals that will allow you to work anywhere in today’s dynamic business world. Debbe Kennedy, President and Founder of Global Dialogue Center and Leadership Solutions Companies, shares this advice that has been instrumental in shaping her direction, future and achievements. While a young manager at IBM just promoted to her first staff assignment, one of her colleagues offered this advice. He mentioned that jobs, missions, titles, and organizations would come and go. He advised her not to focus her goals toward any of these, but instead learn to master the skills that will allow you to work anywhere. He was talking about four skills: The ability to develop an idea. Effectively plan for its implementation. Execute second-to-none. Achieve superior results time after time. So, forget what others do; work to be known for delivering excellence. It speaks for itself and it opens doors.

5. Be curious. Curiosity is a prerequisite to continuous improvement and even excellence. The person who gave Mary Jean Thornton, Former Travelers EVP, this advice urged her to study people, processes, and structures. He inspired her to be intellectually curious. He reminded her that making progress, in part, is based upon thinking. She has learned to apply this notion of intellectual curiosity by thinking about her organization’s future, understanding the present, and knowing and challenging herself to creatively move the people and the organization closer to its vision.

6. Listen to both sides of the argument. The most valuable advice Senator Brian P. Lees ever received came from his mentor, U.S. Senator Edward W. Brooke III. He told him to listen to all different kinds of people and ideas. Listening only to those who share your background and opinions can be imprudent. It is important to respect your neighbors’ rights to their own views. Listening to and talking with a variety of people is essential not only to be a good leader in business, but to also be a valuable member within your community.

7. Prepare, prepare, prepare. If one has truly prepared and something goes wrong, the strength of the rest of what you’ve prepared for usually makes it something easier to handle without crisis and panic, says Dave Hixson, Amherst College Men’s Basketball Coach. The best advice he ever received: “Preparation is the science of winning.”

Adapted from Best Leadership Advice: Business Success Secrets from 7 Top Leaders by Paul Thornton, 6/26/09

 

A Philosophy of Christian Education for the Young People Class by Gene Filio

A Philosophy of Christian Education for the Young People Class

The young people have the most active and dynamic learning capability. They must be approached with utmost respect in regards with their individual abilities. Their inquisitive behavior is the foundation of their present and future approach in life. They are not so much interested in the acquisition of facts but on the applicability of acquired knowledge. So, to a Christian educator, the young people should not be treated as students but disciples of the Lord, the young people are not mere listeners but partners in the growth of faith, the Young People Class is not just a Sunday School Class but a leadership program in progress.

Teaching Approach

We are going to use the word VIBES to make everyone conceptualize on the approach of teaching to be undertaken. VIBES means a particular kind of feeling, atmosphere or ambiance.

The purpose of this group is to create an environment where people are connected to one another for the purpose of knowing God, experience new birth, developing a heart for the lost and developing true community.

V- Verbalize faith with conviction

The young people will learn to develop the ability to verbalize their faith with conviction.

I – Imitators of Christ

The young people will learn to think like Christ, act like Christ and have a heart like Christ.

B- Bible Learner and Teacher

The young people will learn to read and understand the Bible with humility and faith.

E- Enjoying the Fellowship of Believers

The young people will learn the value of fellowship and church.

S- Spiritual Growth and Maturity

The young people will develop to become a follower of Christ and a leader in the church.

Method of Teaching

1. Among friends – develop the concept of Fellowship.

2. Among disciples- develop the concept of servant hood-leadership.

3. Among believers – develop the concept of church.

4. Among leaders- grow in faith in the knowledge of God the Father, the saving grace of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and the Filling Holy Spirit.

Conduct of the Class

1. Fit – Lets the group get to know each other in the class and to prepare the group for the Bible Study.

2. Flow – Let the members of the group understand the message of the story of the Bible that will lead them to action.

3. Mirror – Let the members of the group apply the message of the story in the Bible and to share with the group what a person is going to do about the lesson learned.

Beginning Lessons

First Lesson: Christian Discipleship: A Four Part Lesson

Aim of the Study: The Young People will learn how God can change a person’s life into a very useful disciple. So that by accepting God’s plan of salvation and experiencing the power of the Holy Spirit, every member of the Sunday School class can become what God intended them to be

Study No. 1 “At the Potter’s House”

This study details God’s plan of salvation and how all young people can have eternal life through accepting Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.

Study No. 2 “Mending broken pieces”

This Bible lesson helps young people understands sin and temptation and offers biblical remedies to successfully resisting them.

Study No. 3 “Tested in a fire”

The Bible Study gives youth the assurance that God will use the difficulties of life to make them more like Christ.

Study No. 4 “Sandals never worn out”

This bible lesson helps the young people understands the importance of Bible Study, prayer and fellowship.

Sola Scriptura   

 

 

The Mendacity of the G12 Movement By Gene Filio

 

This article is a reflection on the current issue besetting churches and the Unida Church in particular. Church leaders are discussing a major issue right now. It is about the so-called G12 Vision. Many are now familiar with this term and history, but for those who are in the dark let me give you an overview.

 

 

G12 stands for the Government of Twelve People, twelve people after being taught and trained would eventually fathered 12 new believers and grand fathered 12 new believers. Disciples repeat the same process to promote church growth. Cesar Castellanos Dominguez of Bogota, Colombia who borrowed the idea from David Yonggi Cho after visiting Yoido Full Gospel Church in South Korea developed this pyramidal scheme for church growth.

 

 

The G12 methodology of growth can be summed into four categories namely;

 

 

1. Win-new believers are added to the open cell through friendship and by utilizing the prayer of 3 strategy ( three disciples meeting once a week and pray for three non-Christian each and inviting them to evangelistic events until these three people make a decision for Christ).

2. Consolidate-after joining the cell, new believers are consolidated in the Pentecostal-charismatic faith and sent on an encounter (these are weekend retreats-somewhat like an indoctrination camp where new believers are being re-oriented and re-directed into the G12 agenda).

3. Disciple-once the new believers (already brainwashed and re-focused) has experienced an encounter, they are sent to the school of leaders ( a nine month split into a three ten week sections course study of the fundamentals of the Pentecostal-charismatic faith as well as the principles of the G12 vision).

4. Send-during the school of leaders the believers begins to reach out through friendships and prayer of 3 to start their own open cell. Once they have opened their own open cell, one of two things happens.

a. The new cell leader stays in their own leader’s open cell. This cell gradually changes into a closed leadership cell (an exclusive club).

b. Or, more commonly, will join a separate leadership cell under their cell leader.

 

Church leaders have become aware of the G12 deception and fallacies. The “new believers” or “new disciples” targeted by this group are not new at all. These are actually the regular church members and also pastors and church leaders of certain church denominations who are in search of ways and means to help promote growth in their church but eventually becoming victims of a very crude deception by attending their conferences. The G12 in actuality is promoting division and exclusiveness in the church. The truth of the matter is that G12 originators are gathering disciples for themselves not for Christ. Pastors, church leaders and church members would become puppets of the twelve originators who would downgrade and down play existing church leadership to the detriment of the church. In reality a crisis of leadership will arise geared towards a confrontation of what is now and what should become. A church founded by Christ or a church founded by the G12 people. And the loser of this confrontation is the Church the body of Christ. Smite the shepherd and the sheep will go astray. The devil is so cunning the Christian church must watch and guard their sheepfold. Many have already found out about this deception and fallacies and have left the G12 movement. Let us not be caught off-guard and suffer the consequence of the errors of G12.

Get out of her right now!

 

Does Regeneration Precede Repentance and Faith? By Gene Filio

Theologians and lay bible readers have been for centuries oriented in logically arranging doctrinal statements. In so doing doctrinal terms become interpose in time element. The most classical example of such is the doctrine of regeneration and the doctrine of conversion. Systematic Theology, many theologians and systems of theology have presupposed that regeneration and conversion are separate and distinct redemptive experience. Some would declare with certainty, Regeneration precedes repentance and faith and not the other way around. I find this understanding unsound. For simplicity, I will call Regeneration, Repentance and Faith as Initial Redemptive Package. I believed that Regeneration, Repentance and Faith are gifts of God and are instantaneous redemptive experience. Since the Initial Redemptive package are acts of God and instantaneous, such are not determinate by any human time element or sequence of event because the initial redemptive package did not take place in the physical realm. It is a gift of God.

1. The Initial Redemptive Package is a work of God

It is commonly understood and believed that: Regeneration is a gift of God. Repentance is a gift of God. Faith is a gift of God. Thus, Regeneration, Repentance and Faith are sovereign acts of God thru the Holy Spirit for the conversion of man. Therefore, Regeneration, Repentance and Faith should be treated as one complete redemptive act of God.

2. The Redemptive Experience is instantaneous

Regeneration, Repentance and Faith which I call Initial Redemptive Package is an instantaneous redemptive experience. God acted instantaneously bringing about regeneration, repentance and faith. The initial redemptive package happens outside the sphere of human time. Therefore, the initial redemptive package should not be given any time element or sequenced. For any theologian to place any time element or sequencing of the redemptive experience is wrong because such redemptive experience refer to the entire work of regeneration. Repentance and Faith should not be treated as by product of regeneration but as part and parcel of regeneration.

I find it too presumptuous for any system of theologies and theologians to state with certainty sequence of time element to the initial redemptive package which clearly happens in an instant in the spiritual realm-an act of God. Let the glory belongs to God.

Soli Deo Gloria  

 

A Reflection of Faith in the Face of Evil in the World by Gene Filio

Please read: Psalm 17:1-24

As I was walking home, after buying some food for dinner, I was cut-off by two young kids. The younger of the two pointed a gun at my face and the taller kid took all my money and my wallet. So I just let them take everything and let me be. I was not scared for my life that day; I was worried because I was not able to bring home my wife her favorite chocolate.

Two types of Evil

Evil that does not involve human willing or acting

Destructive forces of nature such as hurricanes, tornadoes, cyclones, storms, volcanic eruption, earthquakes, tsunami, flooding and the like.

Diseases such as cancer, cystic fibrosis, multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer and the like.

Evil that can be traced to the choice and action of man

War, crime, cruelty, murder, kidnapping, abuse, oppression, discrimination, slavery, injustices and others too numerous to mention.

Resolving the issue of evil and the goodness of God

God is Sovereign over all his creation – Evil is apparent all around us. It is imperative to understand the connection between good and evil. Good is that which glorifies God, fulfills his will and conforms to his nature. What we may term as evil may actually be the means to a greater good. We must always be reminded; “All things work together for good to them that loved the Lord.” The destructive forces of nature, legally termed as acts of God, may not be destructive at all but the way the planet convalesces itself. Death always follows such catastrophes and most of time very tragic. From such a time we can find the best and also the worst of man. Diseases are painful to the afflicted and also to those who are close to that person. However, diseases also teach us to be closer to our maker and potter. All of us are like jars of clay in the hands of the master potter. Some of us may come to term with the disease. However, there are some who may find God differently.

We are living in a fallen and broken world – All have sin and fall short of the glory of God. The whole of creation has been affected by the sin of man. And parts of the evils we now experience are a result of the curse of God upon creation. What is our option; to obey God and live or to disobey God and suffer the consequence of a fallen and broken world?

We reap what we sow – This is a divine principle that we must always keep in mind. We bring evil upon ourselves by our own sinful or unwise actions and activities. Sin is basically doing what is not right; violations of God’s law. A chain smoker would most likely develop lung cancer and an alcoholic would most likely develop cirrhosis of the liver.

God took upon Himself the sins and evil of the world

A Summary of Isaiah 53 “The Suffering Servant”

…He took up our infirmities and carried our sorrows.

…He was pierced for our transgressions.

…the Lord laid on him the iniquity of us all.

…He bore the sin of many and made intercession for the transgression.

Make God your partner as we travel the road prepared for us. Your road may be steep, bumpy, muddy, thorny and difficult. But, at the end of our journey is a city on a hill. God had prepared a mansion for each one of us. Pray and keep on praying more and more and more. Never ever lose sight of hope. Remember and never ever forget God is merciful and full of compassion.

Shema!

 

The Gospel with Conviction by Gene Filio

The Lordship of Jesus Christ

The gospel is good news because it brings a message of redemption and reconciliation coming from God. In His goodness, God intervenes in a point of time in human history to bring about salvation for men. “And you shall call his name, Immanuel, meaning God is with us.”

The Lordship of Jesus Christ is the message of the gospel. All his teachings, all his parables, all of his acts of mercy and all of his healings and miracles were intended for us to see the redeeming works of God and God’s desire that all may come to know Him through His Son Jesus Christ. Repent and believe; it is the will of God that we may have life eternal in Jesus Christ.

Let us humble ourselves in the presence of God for that is exactly what He did for us. Jesus humbled himself even to the point of suffering and ultimately death on the cross. However, Jesus did not remain on the grave because on the third day, He rose up from the dead. His triumphed over sin and death is victory to those who have placed their hope in Him. For just as He lives the faithful will live with Him.

Jesus went up to God in glory, “so that every knee should bow and every tongue confess Jesus is Lord for the glory of God the Father.” The redeemed of God are living in hope and power in the Spirit of God.

One day, Jesus will be back.

Maranatha!

 

A Pew Words on the Church by Gene Filio

What is the Church?

The word translated “church” in the English Bible is ekklesia. This word is the Greek words kaleo (to call), with the prefix ek (out). Thus, the word means “the called out ones.” However, the English word “church” does not come from ekklesia but from the word kuriakon, which means “dedicated to the Lord.” This word was commonly used to refer to a holy place or temple. By the time of Jerome’s translation of the New Testament from Greek to Latin, it was customary to use a derivative of kuriakon to translate ekklesia. Therefore, the word church is a poor translation of the word ekklesia since it implies a sacred building, or temple. A more accurate translation would be “assembly” because the term ekklesia was used to refer to a group of people who had been called out to a meeting. It was also used as a synonym for the word synagogue, which also means to “come together,” i.e. a gathering. “Body of Christ” Since believers have been united with Christ through spiritual baptism, they are sometimes corporately referred to as the body of Christ. (Rom. l2:4-5; 1 Cor. l2:11,13,l8,27; Col. l:l8; Eph. 5:30) The church therefore means an assembly of believers gathered together as a worshipping community dedicated in worship and service to God and as a witnessing community to preach the gospel and to make disciples of all nations.

The Reinvented Church

The church has a crisis of identity. It has become a Reactive Church. The emphasis of churches today can be summed up in the following concepts:

First, the church is saying to itself, “God in me. God in you”. The church is reacting to the stimulus of human experiences in shaping its agenda and purpose.

Second, the church is looked at in, “God in socio-political-cultural perspective”. The church is being determined by sincere socio-political-cultural experiences in developing its agenda and purpose.

Third, the church is molded in, “God in tradition and heritage”. The church is being caged by Regulative Principles from a very commendable ecclesiastical era.

Reclaiming the Church

The church was built upon the foundation of the Lordship of Jesus Christ.

Jesus said to his disciples, who do you say I am? Peter answered saying, “You are the Christ the Son of the Living God”. And Jesus said, “…upon this rock. I will build my church.”

The church is a worshipping community dedicated in worship and service to God. The duty, ministry and mission/missions of the church were committed and intended for the glorification of God and in the proclamation of the Gospel.

In the prayer of Jesus in John 17:13 he said, “Now this is eternal life, that they may know you the only true God and Jesus whom you have sent.”

The church is a witnessing community empowered by the Holy Spirit.

Acts 1:8 states, “And you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

The Great Commission is the impetus that moves the church to action.

Go therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold I will be with you until the end of the age. (Matthew 28:19-20)

The Bible is the Word of God it is the only source and basis of the church faith and practices.

Tole, Lege