I enjoyed the opportunity to drive down to the Kenai to teach "Life of Christ" this month.  There were two students from Ninilchik, and one from Kenai.  I enjoyed the class, and also the Alaska fall colors on the beautiful Kenai.  I stopped an snapped a few pictures along the way.

Life of Christ AKSOM class

 

 

 

I enjoyed teaching the "Life of Christ" class for AKSOM in September.  We had 7 in class in the Anchorage venue at the Certified Minister level, with one additional online.  There is no joy like assisting students in studying to show themselves approved, a worker who need not be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.  I enjoy the enthusiasm of the students.

 

During my recent trip to Israel, and in subsequent studies, I learned about the housing arrangements during the times of Jesus, and how it can help to open the door to a better understanding of Scripture.  Insulaes are a form of housing where there is an internal courtyard with rooms being built like honeycomb around it, approximately 7 by 10 feet.  The houses grew organically as the extended family grew.  A son who was getting married would build a room in order to live there with his bride.

 

This gives new insights into John 14:2-3, which says, "In my Father's house are many rooms.  If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you?  And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am, you may be also."

 

Jesus has gone to Heaven to build rooms for us!  With our American independent mindset, we like to think that we will each have our own mansion in heaven, not to be bothered by anyone.  Rather, the idea that Jesus is portraying is that of a community of believers (extended family), sharing in lives together as we worship Jesus.  If that is true for eternity, why not start now?

Building Depth on Your Team

Pastoral transitions can be challenging for churches to navigate.  Many churches struggle because they are unaware of best practices concerning transitions.  We are currently developing a resource for churches to provide guidance on this important topic. 

Perhaps the most important thing you can do to prepare your church for healthy future transitions is to build depth in ministry.  As I write this, we are in the midst of NFL pre-season games.  The starters do not play consistently in preseason, as one of the primary purposes is to gauge the strength of the bench and those players who are new.  As the season gets long, players get tired, and injuries occur, it is the strength of the depth of the team that gives an advantage.  When a player is injured or leaves, the team has a “next man up” mentality, and another player is ready to go.

Rather than allowing the church to become overly dependent upon you, it is important to develop the team, and ask your team to develop other people.  Worship leaders should be replicating themselves and ushers should be training up ushers.  Pastors should be pouring into those they identify as future leaders and board members in the church.  As I heard a football player say recently, “Each one, teach one.”

Jesus practiced this in His ministry.  He poured his life into the twelve, and then sent them out.  He also sent out the seventy two for ministry.  When Jesus ascended into Heaven, the ministry did not fall apart, as He had built depth into the team.  The Holy Spirit then empowered  those believers, and the church grew exponentially.

It is vital to build this practice into your culture, whether you are a large or small church.  Not only is it the job description of those involved in equipping ministry (Eph. 4:11-13), but it sets up the church for future growth.  Times of transition do not build depth, they reveal it.

Termination Dust: Discerning Transitions in Ministry

(Photo used from Alaska Gov. Bill Walker's Facebook page)

Termination Dust is the first light snow to cap the mountains in the Fall.   In Alaska, we know what it means…that the season is about to change, and winter is fast approaching.  I notice it every year on the Chugach Mountains, as I make my daily drive between Eagle River and Anchorage.  Every year when it appears, I mentally go through my list of winter preparations…put the snow tires on the car, put the ice scraper in the car, make sure I have ice melt for the sidewalk, etc. 

When we have changes of seasons in our ministries, we can often notice termination dust.  It can come in the form of a stirring in our hearts or a sense of losing favor in our current ministry.  Now, let me say that I believe that longevity is directly correlated to ministry health.  However, transitions are a part of life and ministry. As I reflect on the couple of ministry transitions we have had, God has prepared Susan and I before the transition occurred.   We have learned to be sensitive to His stirrings.  It may be that you are not to leave your ministry position, but that God is shifting or expanding your responsibilities. When we see “termination dust,” there are certain things that are vital for us to do.

1.       Pray!  This is a crucial time to be in the Spirit and get the mind of the Lord.  You should never leave a ministry position for the wrong reason.  Just because you are fighting a battle, doesn’t mean it is time to leave.  If you leave and go to another ministry position, you may be facing the same issues.  It could be that it’s time to dig into prayer and believe God for a breakthrough.  Simply put, you need to hear from God.  Get in the Word and intentionally listen.

2.       Talk with wise leaders in your life, and get their counsel.   There is safety in a multitude of counselors. 

3.       If it is time to make a transition, leave well.  Sometimes you will be exiting in unpleasant circumstances, and you may be asked to leave.  Whatever the case, let your actions as you depart honor Christ and preserve ministry.  Many are tempted to speak badly about other church leaders on the way out.  This is not helpful, and does not honor Christ.  Also, how you leave a place will be your legacy, for good or bad.

If you begin to sense a change coming, I encourage you to engage in these activities.  

$100/Day Penalty for Health Care Reimbursements

Church Leaders:  If you are not already aware of this issue, here is another reminder.  The IRS is imposing fines of $100 per day to churches who are continuing to reimburse or pay directly the premium for an employee's health insurance.  For those churches who provide health share ministries such as Samaritan Ministries for their employees, it is unclear whether or not those fines apply.  However, due to the massive penalties that can accrue, I would recommend that all churches cease that practice until there is more clarity.  Dr. Hammar addresses the issues involved in the video below.  One alternative that he suggests is to simply increase the salary of the employee by the amount of the premium, although you cannot tell them that the increase must be used for health insurance.