Archive for the 'Pastors' Category
When You are Casting Vision
Casting vision is one of my favorite things to do as a Pastor. It has also been a joy to do beyond my local church in some major settings. Each time, I find it a joy.
I love getting into the challenge of discerning the Lord’s will as I work through the process with others. I learned some years ago that the bigger the vision, the more important it is that you involve people from all walks of life, even in carving the final vision. Once that vision is done and written up specifically, the biggest challenge is communicating it effectively.
When you are casting vision, I think you need to filter it by ensuring the vision is:
Clear
Clarity around a vision is imperative. As the communicator, you have to be clear about your understanding of it. This is why writing the vision is also imperative. This written documentation is what you will return to again and again. Through a meticulous process, you learn how to communicate the vision clearly. When the vision is clear to you, you are more able to clearly communicate it to others.
Whether you are communicating the vision of the church or the vision for a new initiative, ensure you do so with absolute clarity. It is not about how much you share, but you must share enough for people to have complete clarity. Therefore, when you cast vision to God’s people, be sure it is clear.
Concrete
I think having a concrete vision means that you have a vision that is real and tangible. It is not about using language that no one understands or trying to impress others with great and extensive content. It is a vision that people can touch, feel, and become engaged in personally.
Pastors seem to spiritualize issues. We cannot always spiritualize an initiative and have it received by the people. We have to know God wants us to do it, even have it confirmed from His Word; however, we have to communicate the vision in a believable and tangible manner. Therefore, when casting a vision, be clear and concrete.
Concise
In today’s world it is really true: less is more. This is especially true when we cast a vision. It needs to be concise. It needs to be brief, free of too many details.
Yes, you have to go deep and comprehend the details so you know you understand the vision; however, when you cast it before others, they just need to know the work is already done. You need to be on top of it, but remember you are breaking it down, not only so others can grasp it, but also for them to be able to communicate it to others. I will state it again: It is not about how much you share, but share enough for the people to have complete clarity.
Therefore, when casting vision, be clear, concrete, and concise.
Compelling
A compelling vision moves the people to action. As a servant-leader, you are God’s instrument to rally the people to a better future. You are there to lead them into a future where they would not go on their own. The vision has to be clear enough for them to understand, concrete enough for them to believe it is real, concise enough for them to communicate, and compelling enough for them to own personally and enthusiastically.
As the communicator of the vision, do your very best to be strong, believable, and capable of moving people into owning the vision enthusiastically. If the vision is going to capture their imagination and heart, moving them into the vision personally and enthusiastically, then the vision must be compelling.
Leadership is a privilege
Leadership is such a privilege because you are able to cast vision to others. Steward this entrustment well. Do not get lost in it. Enjoy it. You have the privilege to take them where you believe God wants to go. Therefore, be clear. Be concrete. Be concise. Be compelling.
Yours for the Great Commission,
Ronnie W. Floyd
Dr. Ronnie Floyd is the President & CEO of the Southern Baptist Convention Executive Committee.
I Believe in Pastors
As I surf the web, receive emails from ministries, and scan Twitter, I am absolutely amazed at the negativity and insinuations about Pastors today. Many writers and ministries take the view that Pastors are egotists, toxic, immoral, liars, or you name it. Well, I don’t buy it!
I believe in Pastors. To the skeptic, give Pastors a break. To the critic, Pastors are but men. To the cynic, Pastors are not what you think.
I have never met a perfect Pastor.
I have never met a Pastor who claims to be perfect. Yes, Pastors are but men, just like the Apostle Paul claimed before everyone. Therefore, as Pastors, we disappoint others at times and do not live up to their expectations. Pastors do not claim to be, and are not supposed to be perfect. I have had the privilege to preach in all kinds of places around this country, from churches, to conferences, to major conventions where Pastors are the major audience. I say it again: I have never met one Pastor who claims to be perfect. Not one!
WHY DO I BELIEVE IN PASTORS?
There are three reasons I believe in Pastors. Perhaps this will encourage you in some way.
1. Pastors are called by God to serve the church.
A Pastor’s calling begins when a man believes God is calling him into the ministry of the gospel. Then, there is a time where that man believes God is calling him to be a Pastor of a local church. In God’s timing, he is called to serve a particular local church.
When a man is called of God, he is set apart by God to do a specific service to God in a local church. His high calling as Pastor-Teacher of a local fellowship calls him to high scriptural qualifications. But he must always remember he is there to serve God’s people by enlisting, equipping, and empowering them to serve the Lord through His church.
I believe Pastors must give themselves to the three major priorities of:
- Feeding God’s people through the preaching of the Word of God.
- Leading God’s people to advance the gospel globally.
- Interceding for God’s people continually.
Yes, without any doubt at all, Pastors are called by God to serve the church of Jesus Christ. This is one of the reasons I believe in Pastors.
2. The office of the Pastor is a holy office.
The Scripture sets apart the office of the Pastor-Teacher. Specific qualifications are laid out in the Scriptures relating to this office. While men come and go, the office of the Pastor remains. Regardless of the man who serves presently or the men who will follow him, it is the office that deserves our commitment.
God has ordained the office of the Pastor-Teacher to have a spiritual leader who leads God’s people into the likeness of Jesus Christ. From his role as servant and leader, he is to lead with humility, grace, and dignity. He is both responsible and accountable for the spiritual development of the church, the people of God.
Some believe that Pastors should not be honored at all, and when you honor them, it is bad for the church. I have a great Arkansas word for that: Hogwash! It is not about honoring the men, but the office. Yet, at the same time, let’s not forget what the Bible teaches: Honor those where honor is due. One also cannot deny what Hebrews 13:17-18 says,
“Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls, as those who will have to give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with groaning, for that would be of no advantage to you.”
We love and honor Pastors because they are called by God to serve the church, and do so from an office that is set apart by God in the Scripture. This is another reason I believe in Pastors.
3. Pastors are giving their lives to make a difference.
Whether a Pastor is bi-vocational or able to serve a church full-time; whether a Pastor leads a small membership church or a large membership church, I have never, and I mean never, met a Pastor who did not want his life to count greatly for God. Oh yes, a few may have lost their spark due to the trials of life or the torrential waters of local church ministry, but the vast, vast majority are men who want to make a difference with their lives.
Many could do high and great things in the world, but they could not get away from the powerful call of God. In fact, even though they honor the office of the President of the United States, most believe that it would be a step down from their God-ordained calling, serving as a local church Pastor, for them to serve as President.
I love and believe in Pastors because they are giving their lives to make a difference for the gospel of Jesus Christ. The vast majority of these men of God are highly committed to advancing the gospel of Jesus Christ.
I believe in Pastors. Will you?
Yes, I have been clear: I believe in Pastors. The question now is: Will you?
If you are a Pastor: Believe in other Pastors. Encourage them. Love them. Accept them. Refuse to criticize them. Humble yourself to learn from them. Learn to rejoice with them. Weep with them. Pastors need other Pastors as friends – personal friends, not just colleagues.
If you are a church member: Love your Pastor. Accept your Pastor. Pray for your Pastor. Encourage your Pastor. Honor your Pastor. Stand with your Pastor.
My prayer is that we will all take a breath. Give each other a break. Refuse to get in the skeptic/critic/cynic lane of traffic relating to leaders today, even Pastors.
A final word of counsel: Always take the high road in your relationships in life: There is never a traffic jam there.
I Believe in Pastors,
Ronnie W. Floyd
Dr. Ronnie Floyd is the President & CEO of the Southern Baptist Convention Executive Committee.