by Clarence E. Stowers | Apr 14, 2011 | Communication, Empowerment, Leadership, Relationships, Staff
God blessed me with an opportunity most pastors rarely experience – an opportunity to pastor a large and thriving congregation that grows daily (Acts 2:42-47). I’m humbled because I had a strong and solid foundation to build upon. Although our church experienced many changes, for the most part, our members remain supportive, prayerful, and committed.
As a family, we’ve experienced setbacks, disappointments, and trials, however, we’ve remained true to our mission, values, and vision. Although we’ve accomplished much, there’s more God wants us to accomplish and we are uniquely positioned participate in expanding God’s Kingdom.
Therefore, I want the world to know how proud I am to serve as your pastor.
Dear Family,
There are people in this world we hardly notice. There are people in our circle of friends we rarely observe. But you are different.
Because of your significant contribution to our church family, your dedicated service to the Lord Jesus Christ through our local body of believers, I’m writing this letter to say a big “Thank you.” I want you to know that your devotion does not go unnoticed.
You are there when we need you. You are available at extra times, and best of all, you back up what you do with a life of faith. I value your ministry among us.
With heartfelt gratitude, I put into words in this letter what has long been in my heart.
With best regards,
Pastor Clarence E. Stowers, Jr.
Senior Pastor
Mars Hill Baptist Church of Chicago
“Serve the LORD with gladness: come before his presence with singing” (Psalm 100:2).
by Clarence E. Stowers | Sep 28, 2009 | Communication, Decisions, Empowerment, Leadership, Staff, Teamwork
A team is capable of accomplishing things that no individual, no matter how multi-talented, could do alone. To function well:
A team must be committed to a common vision and purpose, and it must be willing to work in unity for the improvement of the whole rather than the advancement of any one member.
Synergism can be defined as the interaction of elements that, when combined, produce an effect that is greater than the sum of the individual parts. Therefore, synergy is a joint action that increases the effectiveness of each member of a team. Synergy is exactly what Jesus had in mind when he chose His twelve disciples.
From a large pool of disciples who were following him, Jesus designated only twelve men who would become his disciples. This was such a significant decision that the Lord prayed all night to prepare for it (Luke 6:12-13 & Mark 3:14).
Jesus knew that this was the team that would be with Him for the rest of his ministry, and He was prepared to pour Himself unreservedly into their lives. Jesus’ actions, the unshakable reality of the resurrection and the indwelling power of the Holy Spirit turned a group of men who were characterized by confusion, infighting, and self-interest into a genuinely synergistic team. Today the church (the body of Christ on earth) is not an organization but an organism that manifests both unity and diversity.
What does Ephesians 4:4-16 tell us about the dynamics and purpose of this organism, and what do 1 Corinthians 12:12-26 and Romans 12:3-8 tell us about how spiritual gifts contribute to the effectiveness of the groups of believers?
by Clarence E. Stowers | Mar 13, 2008 | Church Issues, Staff
I have the privilege to serve with an incredible staff…a fired up group of people
who love their church and have a “by any means necessary” mentality towards
ministry.
However, in my ministry experience, both in the life of Mars Hill, working with
other churches and conversations with many pastors and leaders I believe there are five phrases that we should NEVER
hear from someone on staff.
#1 – “That’s Not My Job.”
When a staff member is asked to do something and they reply, “That’s not my
job,” then you can be assured that he/she does not have a heart that is fully
devoted to the ministry.
The staff we have here at Mars Hill walk around with fire in their eyes…and
when asked to do something they just make it happen. Now…I have seen this abused & do not think
ANYONE should allow themselves to be ran over; however, when asked to do
something that might not serve the person BUT WILL SERVE THE CHURCH…the answer
should always be yes.
#2 – “That Can’t Be Done.”
I have noticed something about staff members that say something cannot be
done…USUALLY the ones who say that are the ones who are going to be asked to do
the particular project they are freaking out about…and it will require tons of
work…SO, they just say it can’t be done.
I have a confession to make…I don’t like hearing “it can’t be done.”
Here’s the kind of attitude I like:
Someone who’s realistic with me and says, “Now we CAN do that…but it will
require such and such and we don’t have that–and if we want it then it is going
to cost this…so what do you want to do?” I LOVE THIS ATTITUDE!
Trust me, when a staff member continually says that something cannot be done they either have a lazy work ethic
OR a very small view of who God is…neither are beneficial for your team.
#3 – “All I Need Is More
Staff & Money To Make This Happen.”
When people begin to use resources as an excuse for a stagnant or failing
ministry then you can be sure they are in trouble and have most likely became
spoiled, thus forgetting the art of being innovative.
#4 – “Recognize Me!”
Beware of the staff member who is always telling you how much work they did,
how many hours they put in and how tired they are.
HOLD
ON
…as
a leader it is our job to make sure that staff members are not sacrificed on
the alter of ministry. We should pay them well and make sure they have adequate
time off.
BUT…when someone is always demanding attention for the work they’ve done
then you can be sure that either pride or insecurity is coming out…and neither
are good!
#5 – “My ministry needs BLANK
to…and if we don’t get it then…”
When a staff member begins to focus on his/her ministry more than the church
as a whole…trust me, you have a HUGE problem.
A good staff member does have passion and vision for their particular area
of ministry; however, they have an even greater passion for the church as a
whole and will gladly lay aside their plans if it means that it is best for the
church.
The church will either operate as a loosely organized group of sub
ministries…OR ONE BODY with many parts…and if a staff member cannot be a part
of the body then they most likely do not have a kingdom mindset.
