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For 13 years I co-led a para-church ministry. As leaders, we were not afraid of any one's sin or struggles, but the one thing we could not tolerate was rebellion. To reveal this heart issue, we created a rule that all staff had to fast alcohol for the summer season. 1/7
For 13 years I co-led a para-church ministry. As leaders, we were not afraid of any one's sin or struggles, but the one thing we could not tolerate was rebellion. To reveal this heart issue, we created a rule that all staff had to fast alcohol for the summer season. 1/7
We were clear that we did not believe alcohol was sinful, but that we fasted the privilege of alcohol as an intercession for the spiritual growth of those who attended our program. If someone could not lay down this privilege then they could not work for us. 2/7
This was because if someone could not give up an unnecessary privilege as an intercession on behalf of another, then how could I trust that they could move beyond their own ego or agenda enough to hear the Holy Spirit? 3/7
How could I trust that they would behave appropriately when someone attending our wilderness discipleship program yelled 'rock!', 'bear!', or 'falling!' ? 4/7
Submitting to unjust leadership was a non-negotiable, because everyone is fallible and all leaders make mistakes. But that doesn't mean you get to being rebellion. To be clear, there was no dictatorship, no blind followership. We had many feedback loops. 5/7
I believe this applies today in many churches. We are being asked to lay down our privileges, and embrace masks, social distancing, and inconvenient cleaning processes. But if you're not willing to wear a mask how can you pick up your cross? 6/7
If these small things are too much, then how can you expect to hear the Holy Spirit to the noise of your own ego?
Pastor, if some on your team are not willing to do such, then they demonstrate they are baby disciples and not leaders. Meet them where they are and address it. 7/7
Pastor, if some on your team are not willing to do such, then they demonstrate they are baby disciples and not leaders. Meet them where they are and address it. 7/7
