by Clarence E. Stowers | Dec 1, 2011 | regular
Honestly, I do not understand why most pastors and church leaders do not leverage technology for the Glory of God. Pastors, church leaders, and faithful church attendees who see social networking sites like Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn as evil are missing a great opportunity to reach people far from God.
Are you sitting?
Here’s something that’ll blow your mind…
Christianity was, in a very real sense, the first technologically driven religion.
Intrigued? Angry? Frustrated?
Galilee, Bethlehem, and the rest of Palestine were part of a Roman world whose technological underpinnings had reached a level by Jesus’ day that was not to be surpassed until the 19th Century. Those roads that The Apostle Paul and his associates traveled to spread the faith were unprecedented marvels of engineering. Without the ingeniously constructed roads that led from the streets where Jesus had walked to the cities of Syria and Greece, Christianity might have remained another obscure Judean sect-like those that fill the pages in accounts by the Jewish historian Josephus.
The roads were technological marvels – the ORIGINAL information super-highway!
What’s The Point?
If Jesus, His Disciples, or The Apostle Paul were here today, they’d all use Facebook, Twitter, and other social media sites to reach people for God! I can imagine The Apostle Paul with his MacBook Air updating his Facebook status with these words:
19 Though I am free and belong to no one, I have made myself a slave to everyone, to win as many as possible. 20 To the Jews I became like a Jew, to win the Jews. To those under the law I became like one under the law (though I myself am not under the law), so as to win those under the law. 21 To those not having the law I became like one not having the law (though I am not free from God’s law but am under Christ’s law), so as to win those not having the law. 22 To the weak I became weak, to win the weak. I have become all things to all people so that by all possible means I might save some. 23 I do all this for the sake of the gospel, that I may share in its blessings. (NIV)
Pastors & church leaders, if you’re not using Facebook, Twitter, or any other form of social media, you’re missing a God-sized & ordained opportunity reach people for God.
by Clarence E. Stowers | Nov 30, 2011 | regular
I’m enjoying our time together as we discuss and discover leadership from a servant’s perspective. If this is your first time with us, check out Session One: “The Best Kept Leadership Secret” by reading Part 1, Part 2, and Part 3 .
Last week I began Session 2 – The Power of Being a Servant-Leader. If you haven’t read it, you can do so HERE. Friday’s session ended with me sharing the consequences of not having a servant-leader attitude. Again, if you haven’t read it, you can CLICK HERE and read it NOW. Today, let’s take a look at David’s heart – the right attitude towards servant-leadership.
A Servant-Leader has a Different Heart Attitude
By contrast David is someone who breathed and lived a servant- leader attitude. Even when he faced Goliath as a puny shepherd boy he led with his heart. In taking out the giant he would be serving his nation.
A servant-leader understands that the right heart attitude is vital to achieving success. In the Psalms, David constantly asked God to search his heart and grant him wisdom.
By being a servant-leader David built up an army of loyal followers. David rarely thought he was entitled to special privileges. David never sought to elevate himself, instead it happened naturally. This is the influence that results from a servant-leader heart attitude.
A servant-leader is someone who is secure in themselves. Success is often not as a result of the individual’s talents but because of their ability to create a successful team. Like David servant-leaders serve confidently and lead successfully. This is the power of a servant-leader.
Further Reading Inspiration and References:
Scripture verses:
- The heart of a servant-leader – 2 Samuel 22:36
- Jesus teaches about being aservant-leader – Mark 10:42-45
- The demise of someone who is not a servant-leader – Ester 7:6-10
- God rejects a non servant-leader – 1 Samuel 24-26
Other Reading:
by Clarence E. Stowers | Nov 29, 2011 | regular
Personally, I’m enjoying sharing my thoughts on servant-leadership. I know it’s counter-cultural to what we know about leadership. However, if you desire to lead God’s way, then servant-leadership is the way to go.
A few weeks ago I began the conversation sharing The Power of Being a Servant-Leader. If you haven’t read it, you can read it HERE. Today, I’d like to continue the conversation by sharing the consequences of not having a servant-leader attitude.
The Consequences of not having a Servant-Leader Attitude
Is there really a benefit to being a servant-leader? After all many leaders rise up who don’t believe in serving. Let’s look at a character that did not have an attitude of being a servant-leader. What was their influence in history? Saul was the first of Israel’s kings. He was a tall and powerful warrior and a capable man.
But once he was king, he seemed to think this entitled him to do whatever he wanted. Attitudes of Saul’s life reflect he wasn’t a servant-leader. Saul made decisions based on popularity. When he made mistakes he tried to excuse them rather than take responsibility for them. He was insecure and tried to hold onto his position as king.
He was angry that someone like David should emerge as a leader. He often acted irrationally and put his personal agenda’s ahead of the good of the people he was leading. As a result his reign was not influential, he died young, and Israel did not prosper under his rule. History may have turned out differently had he had a servant-leader attitude. By contrast David is someone who breathed and lived a servant- leader attitude.
Further Reading Inspiration and References:
Scripture verses:
- The heart of a servant-leader – 2 Samuel 22:36
- Jesus teaches about being a servant-leader – Mark 10:42-45
- The demise of someone who is not a servant-leader – Ester 7:6-10
- God rejects a non servant-leader – 1 Samuel 24-26
Other Reading:
by Clarence E. Stowers | Nov 28, 2011 | regular
I’m excited about sharing my thoughts on servant-leadership. What’s great about this blog is that no matter where you are in the world, all you need to do is log, point your browser to the Urban Pastor Live, and elevate your leadership skills. Last week we learned how being a servant is the best kept leadership secret. If you missed it, you can read Part 1, Part 2, and Part 3 now.
The Power of Being a Servant-Leader
The term servant-leader probably conjures up images of someone who is always walking behind others, picking up after them and simply playing a supporting role. But just because you support and serve those you lead, doesn’t mean you are a doormat or any less of leader. It is probably the idea that a leader should have an elevated rather than serving position that hinders us from really understanding what being a servant-leader is about.
Think about epic stories like Braveheart. In the movie you see Mel Gibson as the lead character who is spurring his followers on to fight for freedom. But he doesn’t sit back and direct the battle from a distant hill. He is there in the front lines with his men, serving them in battle, fighting alongside them and yet still leading them. This is a powerful image of a servant-leader. Because of his servant heart, his men stood toe-toe with him until the very end.
Did you enjoy today’s post?
Join me tomorrow as I discuss King Saul who vividly portrays the consequences of not having a Servant-Leader’s attitude.
by Clarence E. Stowers | Nov 26, 2011 | regular
Happy Saturday!
Last Sunday, November 20, 2011, we held our Family & Friends Day during our 8:00am and 10:30am services. On this day, we rededicated our sanctuary and shared the blessing with family and friends, former members, co-workers, and those who may be searching for a church home.
Last week I asked those who attended to share their thoughts, views, & comments on my Facebook page. The comments & words of encouragement were too powerful & life-changing not to share.
Here’s what they shared:
Pastor Stowers, its said actions speak louder than words… well my 3 cousins tried to tear up our new chairs getting their praise on (LOL), one cousin told me she’s thinking about becoming a member and my two girlfriends were very animate about how they enjoyed the service!!! Bottom line, I’m proud to be a member of MH and blessed that my invitation was so well received. “Teamwork makes the dream work!” Nockamury Coleman
I had a wonderful time. It’s been a while since I had the opportunity to worship with my entire family!!! What a privilege!!!! The Word was both timely and a confirmation. I’m Walking in Plan B! It’s time to be in the perfect will of God! BTW, I love the new sanctuary! It’s beautiful!!! Lady Marcie Stowers
This was a AWESOME DAY @ THE HILL……The message was on point I AM FOLLOWING MY “PLAN B”…..My father was my guest he said that he really enjoyed himself and the WORSHIP was great….Thanks for letting me be apart of THE MARS HILL BAPTIST CHURCH FAMILY….Wanda Hudson
I had a wonderful time…it was so refreshing to see my Mars Hill Baptist Church family. My girls said that it felt like they returned home. They were so excited to see everyone and happy and excited that so many people knew who they were. I haven’t gotten my praise on like that in over a year. Can’t nobody bring it like The Hill….God blessed! Daphne Pickney
All I can say is “Never wanna leave this place!” Margaret is the greatest, she shared with me the programs and writings which are a part of our church history. What a great woman of God and friend! Charles Sands
I thank God for the increase & this day will forever be etched in my heart, mind, & soul.
by Clarence E. Stowers | Nov 24, 2011 | regular
HAPPY THANKSGIVING!
Thanksgiving Day has evolved over the years as an important holiday. It is not just about feasting and shopping. It is about showing one’s gratitude for the blessings that we are showered with.
What is Black Friday you might ask, It’s the day after thanksgiving, the kick off of the holiday shopping season, a day you will find great deals, and lots of people. If you have never done a black Friday before you will need to have a plan in place. You can’t control your job, investments or home value, however, you can control how you spend.
Therefore, before you hit the stores (you may already be out there by the time you read this), ask yourself the following questions:
Do I really need this? There’s a big difference between needs and wants. How to differentiate? Well, if you can’t afford to live without something, if it’s a means to helping you function in society, it’s a need. If you can shrug it off, it’s a want. If you don’t need it, don’t buy it!
Ask: If I buy this will it make my family better, smarter, or more prepared?
Can I even afford it? The old-school rule is true: If you can’t pay cash or pay your credit card off at the end of the month, YOU CAN’T AFFORD IT!
Ask: Can I pay the entire amount in cash?
Do I have an emergency fund established? In life you should expect the unexpected, and this is why you need an emergency fund. Financial emergencies can come in the form of a job loss, significant medical expenses, home or auto repairs or something you’ve never dreamed of. The last thing you want to do is be forced to rely on credit cards or a loan which could simply compound the problem. Most experts agree that you should keep between three and six months worth of your living expenses set aside in your emergency fund (3-6 months living expenses).
Do I have at least $2,500 in my emergency fund?
Am I using God’s tithe to shop? SELF-EXPLANATORY…No need to elaborate on this!
Have you given your 1st 10 percent to God?
Is it really worth the hassle? Thanksgiving means many things to different people but for most people, the holiday of Thanksgiving is synonymous with festive meals, parades, football, family and friends, and, of course, turkey. For many, it’s also about spending time together, catching up and enjoying one another’s company.
Relax & enjoy your family and friends!
