How to Lead a Missional Church that Expands God’s Kingdom

 

Recognizes the importance of God’s call and promises. God’s promises will come to pass. It is a matter of trusting and believing that God is able. He is bigger than every need we may have, and certainly, He always provides for His people. “Upon the basis of your promises I am looking for you to fulfill them, O my Jesus Christ; bring forth your fruit through me into this poor world.”¹⁸ The Bible states: “Not a word failed of any good thing which the Lord had spoken to the house of Israel. All came to pass” (Josh 21:45). In addition, He is the one who “builds the house” (Ps 127:1).

Builds authentic relationships. There is a significant need for building authentic relationships. Trust is one of the most important aspects to consider for developing relationships with diverse ethnic leaders. “If we say that we have fellowship with Him, and walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth. But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin” (1 John 1:6-7).

Most of the world leaders are looking for people that they can trust and with whom they can partner. Also, it is important to “recognize that unity is grounded in shared commitments, but nurtured in relationship.”¹⁹ This is an important value for the Hispanic, Asian, and African cultures. Most of the leadership transactions are based on authentic relationships. The majority of world missionaries are not necessarily looking for perfect pastors and leaders, they also want to know that we are willing to learn from them as well. Are we willing to listen and learn from them?

Maintains a balanced life. What are your hobbies? What kinds of activities you do with your family? It is very important for missional pastors and leaders to have balance and enjoy life. My recommendation for you is to find a partner in ministry, or a close friend, do exercise, laugh together, and enjoy life. “While I know my work is never done, I’ve discovered I need the discipline to say, ‘I’m finished.’ Knowing when to finish each weekday is crucial to a balanced life.”²⁰ God wants us to enjoy His call, and we need to be good stewards of our bodies as well.

Recognizes that family is the most important ministry. We are all are guilty of having the wrong priorities in our lives, and our families suffer the consequences. Our main ministry is at home. “For if a man does not know how to rule his own house, how will he take care of the church of God?” (1 Tim 3:5, emphasis added). We can try to save the whole world and yet lose our families. Our children are watching everything that we do. It is amazing how many leaders’ kids are walking away from God because the lack of good example from their parents. “A weak home means a weak ministry.”²¹

Tags: church, expands, gods, kingdom, lead, missional

Category: Ministry, Winter 2011