4 Measures of a Minister

It is common practice for a struggling company to call in a consultant – someone that can help the management team identify underlying problems and make improvement recommendations. While Senior Managers tend to focus on the standard financial reports (e.g., the balance sheet and income statement), the wise consultant knows that financial “struggling” is most often a symptom of poorly managed and measured activities further up the production lifecycle.

And so, they go looking. What they usually find are areas of the company that are trying to manage themselves using production and performance measurements that no longer match the vision and values of the company.

Take the church for example. I mean the church that Jesus Christ is building. That church has come upon hard times – particularly in North America and Europe. We have gotten to the point where measurements are no longer needed to recognize our struggles. The end product is certainly not up to the Master’s standards.

There are at least two reasons the Western church is struggling. First, we are measuring the wrong things. Secondly, we are not doing things God’s way. Put those together and we can say that the Western church is failing to measure itself in the way God has prescribed.

So, where do we start measuring in the right way? Scripture makes it clear that the shepherds will be held responsible for the health of their flocks (Hebrews 13:17). If I was the Master’s consultant, that is where I would begin.

Sometimes it is hard to point out the right way to do something without first identifying what’s being done wrong. In this case, I am relieved that such an approach is not necessary. Why is this? Because whatever way is not God’s way is the wrong way – and get this – no matter how successful that way may appear.

But who am I to judge? Exactly! Judgment is not my intent, nor is it my responsibility. I’m just the consultant. We are called to judge ourselves… and for good reasons.

For if we would judge ourselves, we would not be judged. But when we are judged, we are chastened by the Lord, that we may not be condemned with the world. 1Corinthians 11:31-32

If we will not judge ourselves, the Lord will judge us. In either case, the chastening and correction are for our good and the good of our ministries. No one is perfect. The wise leader makes an assessment on a regular basis.

A Reminder of Your Calling in the Workplace

You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven. Ephesians 5:14-16

Some of you might be new to Workplace Leadership. Some of you may have simply forgotten. And, yes, some of you are actively resisting what you know is God’s purpose for your life.

It has been a while, so let me lay out some fundamental truths about God’s intention for the Workplace.

1. Most people spend most of their waking hours in the Workplace.
2. God has not turned the Workplace over to His enemies.
3. Every person that has influence over one or more other persons, in the Workplace, is a Workplace Leader. Your position in the hierarchy does not matter. Their age (and yours) does not matter.
4. God is a very careful orchestrator. There are no coincidences for God’s children. You are a Workplace Leader because God wants you to be; and because He has intention in your positioning.
5. It is your solemn responsibility to discover how God intends to use you in your current position – and to surrender to His intention. If you do not, the Master will label you as lazy, wicked and unprofitable; and He will have you cast into outer darkness (Matthew 25:14-30).
6. On the other hand, God knows something about you that has led Him to position you in the Workplace. He has favored you in His wisdom and grace. He is offering you an opportunity to walk in His glory.
7. God has promised to prepare you, and go before you. The first step is simply a choice – to surrender to His will for you. His grace will accomplish the rest.

Do not settle for “church” that is a group of people gathered in a place. We are the called out ones!  We are set apart to be holy salt and light!  We are the instruments of God’s glory – everywhere and all the time!!

If I can help you experience God’s joyful and Spirit-filled ministry in the Workplace, please let me know. It is the desire of my heart to be a part of Him giving your desires to you (Psalm 37:4).

Humbly yours and forever His,

Rob

Pastoring Workplace Leaders Through the Transformation Process

In business and in ministry, it is exciting to see things “come together”. For the salesman and the preacher, seeing someone “connect the dots” is a fulfilling exercise. Building strong relationships is profitable for both the Pastor and the Workplace Leader.

I love making connections; and one connection that is dear to my heart is the relationship between Pastors and the Workplace Leaders they are called and anointed to lead. It is for that reason that I am truly excited to offer the following thoughts about the transformation process.

But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord. 2Corinthians 3:18

God has a way for everything. His way for maturing the disciples of His Son is called transformation. Transformation is a process of God that applies to individuals and groups. Those groups include fellowships and businesses. This is a connection that Pastors and other Workplace Leaders share.