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"Stages Up the H.I.L.L.—Stage Three" My vision for our church is that we be a place where northwest Austin can find and follow Jesus together. Think of it:
Now, leaders at a church where people find and follow Jesus together will recognize that people are at one of four stages in relation to these life purposes:
What are these “life purposes”? God made us to honor him, invite others to him, love each other, and live his Word—at our church we call that our “H.I.L.L.” to climb. When we fulfill those purposes, we are fulfilled as human beings. Someone at Stage One is being exposed to the H.I.L.L. we’re meant to climb: She catches a vision of the way life could be as she spends time with believers—in structured Hillcrest activities as well as informal social occasions. By the grace of God, she reaches Stage Two where she agrees with the life purposes: She accepts Christ’s offer of forgiveness, commits to the path he wants her to walk, and she formally connects with the Hillcrest community through membership. As Hillcrest leaders, we need to make sure that those who express a commitment to climb the H.I.L.L. get all the help and encouragement they need to make the upward trek. That’s our work with people at Stage Three. Here are four ways to do this: Set the Example. In 1 Corinthians 11:1, Paul wrote, “Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ.” As a Hillcrest leader, can you say that yet? More important, does it bother you if you can’t? Whatever your position—deacon, staff member, Common Ground host, Sunday School teacher—you set an example whether you want to or not. So, be sure to set an example worth following. Pray. When Paul wrote the Colossian Christians, he commented on one of their leaders who was visiting him in prison: “Epaphras, who is one of you and a servant of Christ Jesus, sends greetings. He is always wrestling in
prayer for you, that you may stand firm in all the will of God, mature and fully assured” (Colossians 4:12). When was the last time you “wrestled in prayer” for those you lead? In my 20s, just starting out in ministry, I found all the
pastoral prayers in the New Testament, wrote them on index cards, and memorized them. What a difference it would make if all of us as leaders prayed for those at Hillcrest like Paul prayed for his people! Listen to his heart in
Evaluate the Program. We should use the H.I.L.L. acrostic to regularly evaluate the kind of program we provide at Hillcrest. Are we consciously, deliberately providing activities, studies, and opportunities for people to learn how to
Exercise Church Discipline. As church leaders, we need put Galatians 6:1 into practice: “Brothers, if someone is caught in a sin, you who are spiritual should restore him gently.” From time to time, our staff has had to quietly go to some people and remove them from leadership and service for a season. It’s not pleasant, but it’s biblical. If you are in a position of influence, you may have to do the unpleasant work of reprimanding someone. Don’t neglect this essential, biblical work of church leadership. Another part of leadership is identifying growing Christians with the aim of pulling them into positions of leadership and influence. We’ll look at how to get people to Stage Four next week. —Tom This edition of LeaderLines is part of a series:
LeaderLines is a weekly "e-briefing" providing valuable information and inspiration to those who serve at Hillcrest Baptist Church. Do you know friends who would appreciate LeaderLines? Just forward this Have you subscribed to LeaderLines? You can subscribe by clicking here and following the instructions. Your |
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