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Serving in an Unhealthy Situation

What's Driving Your Life: A 10-Day Turnaround for a Fresh Start

40 Days of Prayer Study Kit

The Purpose Driven Life Book

A couple I know was approached about working at a prominent Christian organization. They expressed appreciation for how much good the organization does, but declined the offer because they knew people who worked there used two phrases regularly: "we're miserable" and "around here, you just keep your head down and do your job." I have encountered a number of people recently who work in similarly unhealthy churches and Christian ministries. Dysfunctional Christian organizations often do good things on the outside while destroying those on the inside. Let me share some signs you might recognize if your church or organization is dysfunctional. 1. The church or organizational culture only values those leading and the function of the organization, not those serving. When ministry leaders see people as tools rather than partners, people are used to serve the purpose, rather than being part of the purpose. 2. The leader is the only one allowed to think. Followers are only supposed to implement, not anything more. All ideas have to be approved by the leader, and since the leader thinks only he/she has good ideas, no ideas come from the people. If the organization grows, but the leader's bandwidth does not, decisions are delayed because other leaders cannot make them. At one place they refer to the leader's office as "the black hole where ideas go to die." 3. The organization or church thinks everyone else is wrong and only they are right. Thus, there is no value in others. There is a narrow group of the acceptable and the "others" are not just wrong, they are stupid. Arrogance is almost always a mark of an unhealthy Christian organization. 4. People rationalize that the good they are experiencing is worth the abuse they are receiving. Often, it is not until they have stepped away from an unhealthy situation when they realize this was not true, and is one of the great lies Christians are led to believe -- that the end justifies the means. Dysfunctional organizations are towers of cards, looking and maybe doing good now, but they will fall. 5. People often know of the glaring character problems of the leader, but no one can speak truth to power. Many of these dynamic leaders are known for their anger, and the organization fears rather than addresses the anger. In the end, the leader is believed to be unquestionable due to academic, spiritual, ecclesiastical or some other power base. 6. Many times, the leader receives a pass for the negative fruit of his/her leadership because of some overwhelming characteristic: preaching ability, intelligence, ability to influence others, or more. Yet, the fruit remains below the surface, creating a culture toxic to all who swim downstream. If you are in an unhealthy Christian organization I would encourage you to consider that God may want you to leave it. My own standard is this: Will staying here hurt my walk with God or harm my family? Being at a place that "makes a difference" sounds good, but if you end up with a confused spiritual life or broken family, it is just not worth the price. If you believe you need to leave, start praying and looking for another ministry opportunity. This recognition of a different future will likely ease the daily pain and struggle, and help you face each day. However, if you believe God wants you to stay: 1. Don't be afraid. Fear makes you cower rather than live in courage. Recognize you are in an unhealthy organization, but don't become an unhealthy servant. 2. Make a difference. When I served in unhealthy places, I simply asked, "What can I do here, now?" And when you are not scurrying about in fear, you can get much done for the Kingdom. 3. Speak truth. Don't be afraid to tell the truth about the culture, and when appropriate, the leadership. There will probably be some pushback, or even retaliation, but as you tell the truth with grace and humility, you may be heard -- or it may reveal that you need to go. 4. Recognize the Lord may have other reasons for keeping you in your position. Perhaps you have another ministry in your city or church. If that is the case, contribute where you can in your job, recognize how it provides for your family, but focus your energies on that calling. I know some who continue to work in unhealthy organizations, but stay out of a devotion to their local church ministry or other calling. They endure the unhealthy organization to pursue their calling with joy. These are not easy answers. It may be some who are struggling in their places of service and don't know where to turn. I encourage you to pray and seek the Lord's wisdom in your calling. It may be that you will be called to do some difficult yet courageous things. This article comes from Baptist Press. Copyright (c) 2012 Southern Baptist Convention, Baptist Press. Used by permission. Get Baptist Press headlines and breaking news on Twitter (@BaptistPress), Facebook (Facebook.com/BaptistPress) and in your email (baptistpress.com/SubscribeBP.asp).

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Why Your Quiet Time Is a Pastoral Lifeline

“Blessed are those who listen to me, watching daily at my doors, waiting at my doorway.” Proverbs 8:34 (NIV)Mondays can feel like a deep exhale for many pastors. The adrenaline of Sunday is gone, the sermons have been preached, the conversations had, the crises handled—and now you’re left with both the joy and the fatigue of pouring yourself out for your people.That’s why God’s promise in Proverbs 8:34 is so vital: “Blessed are those who listen to me, watching daily at my doors, waiting at my doorway” (NIV). He blesses those who daily come to him, not just for personal refreshment, but for the sake of the people they lead. Shepherding God’s flock is never meant to be done on yesterday’s strength.Your “quiet time” is more than a devotional habit—it’s a lifeline. Whether it’s five, 10, or 15 minutes, set aside time today to meet with the Lord. Find a quiet place and ask him, “Father, what do you want to say to me as I lead your people this week?” Bring him the names and needs that weighed on you yesterday. Lay before him the decisions you face.Read his Word slowly, letting him speak through it. Be still enough to listen for his guidance. Let him shepherd you before you shepherd others.For many, mornings are best for this sacred appointment. But if your Monday mornings are slow to start after a long Sunday, don’t force it—find the time of day when you can be most alert to his voice. The key is consistency.Psalm 31:19 reminds us, “How great is the goodness you have stored up for those who fear you. You lavish it on those who come to you for protection, blessing them before the watching world” (NLT). That “watching world” includes your congregation, your community, and even your family.When you give God the first and best of your time, he blesses you with wisdom, peace, and strength that overflow into every sermon you preach, every meeting you lead, and every hurting heart you comfort.

When You Hurt But Still Have to Lead

“Since Christ suffered and underwent pain, you must have the same attitude he did; you must be ready to suffer, too. For remember, when your body suffers, sin loses its power.” 1 Peter 4:1 (TLB)Pastor, let’s be honest: When you’re hurting, it’s hard to think about anyone else. That’s true of all of us—it’s human nature. When you’re in pain, everything in you wants comfort. You long for rest. You wish someone would just stop and care for you. And that’s completely normal.But as a pastor, you’re not just called to endure pain—you’re called to minister through it.Jesus models this for us on the cross. In his final, agonizing moments—while carrying the full weight of the world’s sin—Jesus looked around and saw others. He prayed for his executioners: “Father, forgive them. They don’t know what they’re doing” (Luke 23:34 GW). He gave assurance to a dying thief: “Today you will be with me in paradise” (Luke 23:43 GW). And he made sure his mother would be cared for.Even while suffering more than we can imagine, Jesus wasn’t consumed by himself. He noticed the hurting around him—and responded with love.Paul tells us to adopt the same attitude: “Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 2:5 NKJV).That’s not easy. Especially when you're leading a church while carrying hidden pain of your own—grief, disappointment, anxiety, or spiritual exhaustion.But with God’s grace, you can lift your eyes. You can choose to see the pain of your people. You can comfort others, even as you wait for comfort yourself.And something happens when you do: Sin loses its grip. The self-centered pull of pain loosens. You become more like Jesus. And your suffering becomes sacred ground where healing begins—for you and for those you lead.So as you start this week, pastor, take heart. Jesus sees your pain. He’s using it. And through it, he’s shaping you into a shepherd who reflects his own heart.You’re not alone. You’re not forgotten. And your pain is not wasted.

Call Your Leaders to More

Pastor, one of the clearest signs your church is growing in maturity is this: The standards for leadership keep rising. As your people grow deeper in Christ, your expectations for leaders should grow with them. Every year, raise the bar of leadership commitment—and you'll raise the spiritual depth of your entire church.When Saddleback first began, our only requirement for serving in some ministries was that you had a pulse! But over time, we realized that raising the standard helped everyone. We strengthened expectations for lay pastors, musicians, and other ministry positions—and each time, the whole church took a step forward.A rising tide lifts all boats. When you elevate leadership commitment, you set the pace for your congregation.1. Focus on Your Leaders, Not the CrowdYou can't lead your church by catering to the least committed. Even the semi-committed can't set the tone. Your leaders set the example for everyone else. Raise their level of commitment first, and the rest of your church will follow.2. Ask Boldly for CommitmentScripture says, "You do not have because you do not ask God" (James 4:2 NIV). That principle applies to leadership too. If you don’t ask people for commitment, you won’t get it.Other organizations require serious commitment. If you've been a Little League parent, you know: snacks, rides, uniforms, victory parties—it takes a lot! Yet churches often ask for less.One of the most loving things you can do is help people choose their commitments wisely. Many believers are over-committed to causes that don’t really matter. Jesus warned us in Luke 8:14: “The seed that fell among thorns stands for those who hear, but as they go on their way they are choked by life's worries, riches and pleasures, and they do not mature" (NIV). Help your people make commitments that lead to maturity.3. Make Big Asks with Big VisionJesus never hesitated to ask for total commitment. He called grown adults to drop everything and follow him. In Luke 14:33, he said, "Those of you who do not give up everything you have cannot be my disciples” (NIV). That’s a bold invitation.People respond to vision, not need. Most stewardship campaigns fail because they highlight the church’s needs, not its mission. People want to be part of something significant. Cast a compelling vision, and people will gladly rise to the challenge.4. Be Specific about ExpectationsVague commitments lead to shallow results. Clarify what you’re asking of people. At Saddleback, we asked our members to make four specific commitments, each with a corresponding covenant:Membership CovenantMaturity CovenantMinistry CovenantMissions CovenantEach covenant outlined what was expected. Don’t just say, “Be committed to Christ.” Spell out what that means.5. Explain the Benefits of CommitmentGod never commands without attaching a promise. Remind your people of the blessings that come from obedience.Talk about how commitment changes lives:Personally: They grow spiritually and emotionallyFamily: Their home becomes more groundedChurch: They contribute to a stronger, healthier bodyCommunity: They live as salt and lightEternally: They store up treasures in heavenPeople have a deep desire to grow—you just need to help them see the value.6. Build on Commitment, Not toward ItDon’t wait for perfect commitment before involving people in ministry. Start with the willingness they have, then help them grow into deeper commitment.That’s how parenting works. Most couples don’t feel ready before the baby comes. But they grow into the role.You can also break big commitments into small steps. That’s the idea behind Saddleback’s CLASS system. Let people take baby steps—and celebrate each one.Pastor, your leadership sets the tone.If you raise the commitment of those closest to you, the ripple effect will impact your entire church. Don’t be afraid to call people to a higher standard. Jesus did—and he changed the world.

What’s the Difference Between Leading and Managing?

If you want to know the temperature of your church, put the thermometer in your own mouth. That’s what my old ministry professor used to say—and he was right. You can’t take your church any farther than you’ve gone yourself. That’s why leadership matters so much in ministry.You’ve probably heard it said: Everything rises or falls on leadership. That’s never more true than in your church. I’ve seen churches in great locations that struggle, and churches in terrible locations that thrive. The difference is leadership. And, thankfully, you don’t have to have a charismatic personality to be a great leader.What makes a leader effective? Not charisma, but vision.Leadership Starts with VisionWhether you lead a whole church or a specific ministry area, your primary job is to keep the vision clear. You need to be able to answer this question: Why are we here? If you don’t know, you can’t lead.When I served as senior pastor at Saddleback, my job was to keep us focused on the original New Testament purpose of the church. That got harder the larger our church became. When we were small, people came because they were spiritually hungry—not for programs. But as we grew and added ministries, we began attracting more transfers from other churches. And every one of those transfers came with baggage.Often the first thing out of their mouths was, “At our old church, we did it like this . . .”I had to learn to graciously and repeatedly say: “We’re not trying to copy another church’s vision. We’re pursuing this vision.”So we communicated that vision over and over—in our new members class, our church newsletter, and just about every way we could. The “why” behind what we did was always front and center.The Difference Between Leading and ManagingSo what’s the difference between leading and managing?It comes down to this: Management is about analysis, problem-solving, and planning. Leadership is about vision and values—and communicating both.Most churches are over-managed and under-led. That leads to what I call “paralysis of analysis.”It’s like, “Ready . . . aim . . . aim . . . aim . . .” but they never fire.Don’t get me wrong. Churches need management, too. Without it, you get the opposite problem: “Ready . . . fire!” with no aiming at all.You need both. But if you, as the leader, don’t clarify the vision and values, no one else will.Why Vision MattersProverbs 29:18 says, “Where there is no vision, the people perish” (KJV). Some people dream big dreams but never turn them into anything actionable. Vision is a pragmatic dream—a dream you can implement. It’s specific. Nothing becomes dynamic until it becomes specific.When I look back on Saddleback’s first service, I’m still amazed at what God has done. What began with just a small group of people and a simple vision grew into a global movement.That’s the power of a God-given vision.Pastor, Here’s What to Do NextAsk God to clarify your vision.Repeat it often to your church.Lead with vision. Manage with wisdom. Do both.But never let management crowd out your leadership. Because your people can’t follow where you haven’t led.

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