Seasons
Constipated leadership
There are some things I just don't understand!
Take several competent men and women who in their homes and employment are clear planners, pro-active decision makers, and significant achievers. Now, put them in a church meeting and their leadership ends up constipated - meandering discussions, inability to make significant decisions, and achievements that rarely go beyond maintaining the status quo. Up and down the land I have come across this phenomena, constipated leadership - oh woe is the church!
I'm wondering why?
Is it because hidden personal agendas take precedence over the meeting agenda?
Is it because we have little idea how to work together, despite all the words about being a team?
Is it because everyone is too nice, thinking that love means no feathers can ever be rustled?
Is it because we know our personal livelihood is critical, but we don't think that of the church is?
Is it because it's just too hard to come to unity of 'faith and works'?
You will have seen that if a business is going to collapse, or a family is breaking down, amazing focus and energy and sacrifice and decisive action takes place. In this day, when there is fragility in the church in NZ and the need for change, God is calling his people to renewed focus, energy, sacrifice and decisiveness. Please pray for the leadership teams of the churches of NZ - and for those who are constipated, that they may be open to the enema of the Spirit.
accountability of the press -
We probably have a love-hate relationship with the media. Annoyed with its sensationalism and shallowness, but dependent upon it for information and for the expression of viewpoint and debate. One of the positives of recent days has been the public uncovering of excessive MP's expenses and the trial of MP Mr Taito Field on corruption and obstruction charges.
Here is the press working well; exposing issues to the light and holding those in public office accountable. In a democratic country the press becomes an agent of the individual, helping ensure that those who govern do so in a transparent and righteous way. If 'righteousness makes a nation great'. (Prov 14:34) then the press has a role to play.
prayer -
Please give us, Father God
A clean start for beginners,
Intelligence for the young,
Aid to those who are running hard,
Repentance to those who fall,
A revived spirit to those who are lukewarm,
And to those who have given their best a good ending.
(Irenaeus of Lyon - died 202)
sunday@ Discovery - 'Grace and Gratitude -reflections from Luke 7:36-50
sunday@ Oaks - Sowing and soils, and shining lights - reflections from Luke 8:1-18
SIGN OFF
This will be the last Seasons for some time. Next Monday I begin a period of Study Leave - for a short while in Auckland and then for a semester at Westminster College, Cambridge, UK. And in between times having some annual leave. Val will be with me for some of the time, and we plan to be back in mid-December.
Meanwhile, wherever we are, whatever the circumstances - the Lord is with us.
Grace and peace to you all
Garry
End Quote: 'The unconverted ego wants one thing only: control - and it wants it now. It never wants to change, in fact it hates change. Perhaps that is why Jesus puts metanoia (literally 'change your mind' or even 'beyond your mind') at the very centre of his proclamation. It is very unfortunate that this word has been historically translated as 'repent'. For moderns this word connotes strict moral stances, usually concerning so-called 'hot' sins instead of an actual change of consciousness. That's quite a loss I would say.' Mike Todd
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