by Clarence E. Stowers | Feb 27, 2008 | Empowerment, Leadership
5. ASSUMING THINGS ARE EITHER BLACK OR WHITE. According to Wikipedia, a grey area is a term for a border in-between two or more things
that is unclearly defined, a border that is hard to define or even
impossible to define, or a definition where the distinction border
tends to move.
Wow, that’s a mouthful isn’t it!
I often say when I’m preaching, "let me give you the Stowers translation:" A grey area is a subject or problem that people do not know how to deal with because there are no clear rules. Yea, I like that definition!!!
For those involved ministry, experience has taught us that grey areas exist! Following rules is
easier than the messiness of relationships. Following rules is easier than
discerning God’s will. The policies or guidelines we establish should actually
remove barriers and allow more freedom within our organizations. Moreover, innovative organizations don’t value the rules over relationships, they don’t value rules over people, and they don’t value rules over the mission.
As we seek to minister to God’s people, remember black and white are not the only colors in the box…
by Clarence E. Stowers | Feb 26, 2008 | Empowerment, Leadership
6. NOT FOLLOWING THE LEADING OF THE HOLY SPIRIT. The Spirit’s presence within us enables us to understand and interpret the Word. Jesus told His disciples “when He, the Spirit of Truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth” (John 16:13). He reveals to our minds the whole counsel of God as it relates to worship, doctrine, and Christian living. He is the ultimate guide, going before, leading the way, removing obstructions, opening the understanding, and making all things plain and clear. He leads in the way we should go in all spiritual things. Without such a guide, we would be apt to fall into error.
Sometimes when I’m facing a big decision, I try to acquire more information rather than seek God’s direction. Here’s a fundamental principle to ponder: When we stop listening to God, He stops talking to us. God stopped talking to Abraham for 13 years between the last verse of Genesis 16 and the first chapter of 17. Sometimes, God requires us to take a step, in faith, before he reveals his plan. Check out Joshua 3.
by Clarence E. Stowers | Feb 25, 2008 | Leadership
Dear Friend,
There’s nothing more important to our church than
your development as a servant leader. Consequently, we want to do
everything we can to help you on your spiritual journey.
That’s why we need your help.
We’re
asking you to complete the Assessment of the Tasks of the Senior Pastor
Survey. This survey is a unique research effort that involves the
leadership of Mars Hill.
Since the survey touches on a wide
range of thought-provoking issues, you should anticipate needing 10-15
minutes to complete it.
Let me assure you:
This survey
is completely anonymous. An expert third-party research organization
will aggregate your input with responses from other leaders, so your
survey will not be viewed individually. You will not be solicited for
any products or services as a result of taking this survey. Your email
address will not be distributed to another party.
We’ll close the survey on MARCH 10, 2008 and begin crunching and interpreting the information.
Thanks in advance for your time and contribution to this very important work.
PLEASE CLICK HERE TO TAKE THE SURVEY
by Clarence E. Stowers | Feb 25, 2008 | Empowerment, Leadership
7. DWELLING ON THE "WORST CASE" SCENARIO. As one who recognizes the validity and importance of spiritual gifts, one of my dominate gifts is discernment. 
It can be a positive gift when God’s
in control of my life. However, when I try to take control, discernment can lead me towards sin. The sin I’m referring to is called worry or anxiety. I’ve wasted way too much time
worrying about challenges or problems that never happened. It has been said that "85% of what we worry about never happens." Man, with odds like these who can loose. Personally, this is an area of vulnerability. What’s yours?
by Clarence E. Stowers | Feb 24, 2008 | Leadership, Vision
As the Senior Pastor of the Mars Hill Baptist Church, I am the voice – the mouthpiece for God’s vision for the Mars Hill Baptist Church of Chicago. Psalm 127:1 says, “Unless the Lord builds the house, its builders labor in vain…”
God implies, “Unless I am in the original plan – the conceptual phase of all planning, it is destined to fail.” Therefore, God is the architect – the giver of the vision.
Every fourth Saturday of the month, we hold our Leadership Gathering for leaders at Mars Hill. This is a time for me to cast vision, give encouragement, and train our leaders to “catch” and “carry out” the vision. Yesterday, I shared the vision of how Spiritual Formation will look at Mars Hill.
Our Spiritual Formation Ministry Team created Pathways to a Christ-centered Life (thanks Brenda Lee). The purpose is to encourage people to take their “next step” towards Christ-likeness. Imagine, when you go to the mall and want to go to a particular store, usually there’s a directional map that tells you “you are here.” Essentially that’s the spirit behind Pathways. Those who are exploring Christianity, those who are growing in Christ, those who are close to Christ, and those living a Christ-centered life will be able to determine where they are (spiritually) and choose the appropriate path that will help them towards Christ-likeness.
Wow, what a mighty vision & we pray that God will be glorified as we aid in the transformation of our members!
by Clarence E. Stowers | Feb 23, 2008 | Empowerment, Leadership
8. WAITING UNTIL THERE IS A PROBLEM TO PROVIDE FEEDBACK. 
As a pastor, I understand the importance of encouraging others. It empowers others to reach their fullest potential.
Furthermore, it motivates them to want to go the extra mile. Because I can fall victim to the tyranny of the urgent, sometimes I’m encouragement-challenged. Moreover, since I am results oriented, my tendency is to only speak up when expectations aren’t met. Experience has taught me that this can create a culture of fear. I need to discipline myself to encourage my staff, leaders, and members more. As Tom Peters has said, "Reward excellent failures. Punish mediocre successes."
5. ASSUMING THINGS ARE EITHER BLACK OR WHITE. According to Wikipedia, a grey area is a term for a border in-between two or more things
