As a Bible teacher, pastor, leadership trainer, church consultant and researcher I am always thinking about the effect that church leaders can have on a congregation (positive and negative), pitfalls, and the complex emotional process that can help or hinder leadership. I know of few things that empower leaders and help them think through their roles and responsibilities like strategic training through godly principles. Leaders are encouraged in Scripture to honor the Lord by being devoted to the mandates of Christ to lead by example.
Phil Pringle, Senior Pastor of Christian City Church in Sydney, Australia, and author of You the Leader reminds us that “God desires leaders who are sold out for Him, for it is these leaders who can change the world” (21). He later comments that, “Our [leaders] personal relationship with God must occupy first place in our [leaders’] lives” (27). God calls all Christian leaders to depend on Him for wisdom and to constantly examine the spiritual and emotional processes of leading His people. Ministry is a high calling that demands spiritual growth, character development and an infusion of godly wisdom. Pringle (2005) writes:
Pastors who have growing churches are sometimes accused of “stealing sheep” from other churches. However, rather than stealing, they have just provided green grass in a restful climate. If a preacher is not searching out the Word of God with a personal hunger and excitement, that pastor shouldn’t be surprised when people find that grass really is greener on the other side of the fence. It is essential that all pastors spend time in the Word and in the anointing—for themselves and for their flocks. (126)
What are the indispensible qualities that every Christian who serves in leadership or aspiring to be a leader should possess? What is difference between a good leader and a great leader? I strongly believe that great leaders “provide hope, steadiness, and moral guidance” to a society that is starving in a spiritual famine. Leaders that are experiencing the kind of spiritual growth that draw others to Christ are in high demand. It is my prayer and passion to be actively involved in the training and development of 21st century leaders who will lead us into the next great awakening.
Friday, March 19, 2010
Saturday, February 20, 2010
Christian Leadership in the 21st Century
Have you ever thought about being placed in a position or having responsibilities without the authority to lead? Pray that our Christian leaders would receive a divine infusion of God’s power (A Pentecost experience-- Act 1:8; 2:1-4) that would propel them to lead His people with God-given authority! “And from the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffers violence, and the violent take it by force” (Matthew 11:12). May God grant us 21st century leaders who not only carry a burden to lead but have the authority and power to fulfill the kingdom mandate! Pray that the Holy Spirit guide our leaders so that they can be effective (in doing the right things) and efficient (in doing things right) in their leadership roles. That is my thought, you think about that!
Friday, December 25, 2009
Finally Christmas Day!
Dear Friends,
Christmas 2009 has finally arrived and I am very excited. I thoroughly enjoyed spending the past twenty-four days studying the Word of God with you. I pray that you have a Merry Christmas and a Prosperous New Year! Remember to make Christ the Lord and Master of your life.
Your Brother In Christ,
William Valmyr
Christmas 2009 has finally arrived and I am very excited. I thoroughly enjoyed spending the past twenty-four days studying the Word of God with you. I pray that you have a Merry Christmas and a Prosperous New Year! Remember to make Christ the Lord and Master of your life.
Your Brother In Christ,
William Valmyr
Thursday, December 24, 2009
One Day before Christmas!
"6 He is not here, but is risen! Remember how He spoke to you when He was still in Galilee, 7 saying, ‘The Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, and be crucified, and the third day rise again.’”
Jesus Appears to His Disciples
36 Now as they said these things, Jesus Himself stood in the midst of them, and said to them, “Peace to you.” 37 But they were terrified and frightened, and supposed they had seen a spirit. 38 And He said to them, “Why are you troubled? And why do doubts arise in your hearts? 39 Behold My hands and My feet, that it is I Myself. Handle Me and see, for a spirit does not have flesh and bones as you see I have.”
The Scriptures Opened
44 Then He said to them, “These are the words which I spoke to you while I was still with you, that all things must be fulfilled which were written in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms concerning Me.” 45 And He opened their understanding, that they might comprehend the Scriptures.
46 Then He said to them, “Thus it is written, and thus it was necessary for the Christ to suffer and to rise from the dead the third day, 47 and that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in His name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. 48 And you are witnesses of these things. 49 Behold, I send the Promise of My Father upon you; but tarry in the city of Jerusalem until you are endued with power from on high.” (Luke 24:6-7; 36-39, 44-49)
He was Born to Die
Born in a manger, lived a sinless life, He is the God-Man who came to die for the sins of the world. He is the “only begotten Son of the Father, full of grace and truth” (John 1:14). He was and is a unique Man and set apart from all others. He alone possessed and displayed the credentials of the promised Messiah because He died, was buried, rose again, ascended into glory and is coming back again.
May your heart be filled with the joy of the Lord, knowing that you are being transformed into the image of Christ. Have a Merry Christmas and a Prosperous New Year!
Jesus Appears to His Disciples
36 Now as they said these things, Jesus Himself stood in the midst of them, and said to them, “Peace to you.” 37 But they were terrified and frightened, and supposed they had seen a spirit. 38 And He said to them, “Why are you troubled? And why do doubts arise in your hearts? 39 Behold My hands and My feet, that it is I Myself. Handle Me and see, for a spirit does not have flesh and bones as you see I have.”
The Scriptures Opened
44 Then He said to them, “These are the words which I spoke to you while I was still with you, that all things must be fulfilled which were written in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms concerning Me.” 45 And He opened their understanding, that they might comprehend the Scriptures.
46 Then He said to them, “Thus it is written, and thus it was necessary for the Christ to suffer and to rise from the dead the third day, 47 and that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in His name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. 48 And you are witnesses of these things. 49 Behold, I send the Promise of My Father upon you; but tarry in the city of Jerusalem until you are endued with power from on high.” (Luke 24:6-7; 36-39, 44-49)
He was Born to Die
Born in a manger, lived a sinless life, He is the God-Man who came to die for the sins of the world. He is the “only begotten Son of the Father, full of grace and truth” (John 1:14). He was and is a unique Man and set apart from all others. He alone possessed and displayed the credentials of the promised Messiah because He died, was buried, rose again, ascended into glory and is coming back again.
May your heart be filled with the joy of the Lord, knowing that you are being transformed into the image of Christ. Have a Merry Christmas and a Prosperous New Year!
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
Two Days before Christmas!
He took my place and Yours
26 Now as they led Him away, they laid hold of a certain man, Simon a Cyrenian, who was coming from the country, and on him they laid the cross that he might bear it after Jesus.
27 And a great multitude of the people followed Him, and women who also mourned and lamented Him. 28 But Jesus, turning to them, said, “Daughters of Jerusalem, do not weep for Me, but weep for yourselves and for your children. 29 For indeed the days are coming in which they will say, ‘Blessed are the barren, wombs that never bore, and breasts which never nursed!’ 30 Then they will begin ‘to say to the mountains, “Fall on us!” and to the hills, “Cover us!”’ 31 For if they do these things in the green wood, what will be done in the dry?”
32 There were also two others, criminals, led with Him to be put to death. 33 And when they had come to the place called Calvary, there they crucified Him, and the criminals, one on the right hand and the other on the left. 34 Then Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do.”
And they divided His garments and cast lots. 35 And the people stood looking on. But even the rulers with them sneered, saying, “He saved others; let Him save Himself if He is the Christ, the chosen of God.”
36 The soldiers also mocked Him, coming and offering Him sour wine, 37 and saying, “If You are the King of the Jews, save Yourself.”
38 And an inscription also was written over Him in letters of Greek, Latin, and Hebrew:
THIS IS THE KING OF THE JEWS.
39 Then one of the criminals who were hanged blasphemed Him, saying, “If You are the Christ, save Yourself and us.”
40 But the other, answering, rebuked him, saying, “Do you not even fear God, seeing you are under the same condemnation? 41 And we indeed justly, for we receive the due reward of our deeds; but this Man has done nothing wrong.” 42 Then he said to Jesus, “Lord, remember me when You come into Your kingdom.”
43 And Jesus said to him, “Assuredly, I say to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise.” (Luke 23:26-43)
Jesus Christ died in our place when He was crucified on the cross. I Peter 2:24 says, “Who Himself bore our sins in His own body on the tree, that we, having died to sins, might live for righteousness—by whose stripes you were healed.” We deserved to be the ones placed on that cross to die because we are the ones who live sinful lives. But Christ took the punishment on Himself in our place—He substituted Himself for us and took what we rightly deserved. “God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God” (II Corinthians 5:21). We are the Barabases that Jesus replaced on that fateful day (Luke 23:13-25). Our sins nailed Him on that cross but He is our substitutionary atonement because He died in our place.
This Christmas don’t just remember the baby in the manger but remember the One who died for our sins and was a ransom for us all! May Christ fill your heart with the joy of knowing that our sins are forgiven, for He said, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” (Luke 23:34). God bless you!
26 Now as they led Him away, they laid hold of a certain man, Simon a Cyrenian, who was coming from the country, and on him they laid the cross that he might bear it after Jesus.
27 And a great multitude of the people followed Him, and women who also mourned and lamented Him. 28 But Jesus, turning to them, said, “Daughters of Jerusalem, do not weep for Me, but weep for yourselves and for your children. 29 For indeed the days are coming in which they will say, ‘Blessed are the barren, wombs that never bore, and breasts which never nursed!’ 30 Then they will begin ‘to say to the mountains, “Fall on us!” and to the hills, “Cover us!”’ 31 For if they do these things in the green wood, what will be done in the dry?”
32 There were also two others, criminals, led with Him to be put to death. 33 And when they had come to the place called Calvary, there they crucified Him, and the criminals, one on the right hand and the other on the left. 34 Then Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do.”
And they divided His garments and cast lots. 35 And the people stood looking on. But even the rulers with them sneered, saying, “He saved others; let Him save Himself if He is the Christ, the chosen of God.”
36 The soldiers also mocked Him, coming and offering Him sour wine, 37 and saying, “If You are the King of the Jews, save Yourself.”
38 And an inscription also was written over Him in letters of Greek, Latin, and Hebrew:
THIS IS THE KING OF THE JEWS.
39 Then one of the criminals who were hanged blasphemed Him, saying, “If You are the Christ, save Yourself and us.”
40 But the other, answering, rebuked him, saying, “Do you not even fear God, seeing you are under the same condemnation? 41 And we indeed justly, for we receive the due reward of our deeds; but this Man has done nothing wrong.” 42 Then he said to Jesus, “Lord, remember me when You come into Your kingdom.”
43 And Jesus said to him, “Assuredly, I say to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise.” (Luke 23:26-43)
Jesus Christ died in our place when He was crucified on the cross. I Peter 2:24 says, “Who Himself bore our sins in His own body on the tree, that we, having died to sins, might live for righteousness—by whose stripes you were healed.” We deserved to be the ones placed on that cross to die because we are the ones who live sinful lives. But Christ took the punishment on Himself in our place—He substituted Himself for us and took what we rightly deserved. “God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God” (II Corinthians 5:21). We are the Barabases that Jesus replaced on that fateful day (Luke 23:13-25). Our sins nailed Him on that cross but He is our substitutionary atonement because He died in our place.
This Christmas don’t just remember the baby in the manger but remember the One who died for our sins and was a ransom for us all! May Christ fill your heart with the joy of knowing that our sins are forgiven, for He said, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” (Luke 23:34). God bless you!
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
Three Days before Christmas!
As Jesus was entering into the last days of His life on earth, He began to reveal the purpose of His coming which was to die for our sins. Can you imagine what it was like for Jesus to endure the last hours of His life? How about the disciples hearing Jesus speak of His death?
In today’s passage we read about the plot to kill Jesus (Luke 22:1-13); Jesus identifying the betrayer during the institution of the Lord’s Supper (Luke 22:14-23), His discourse during the disciples’ argument concerning greatness in the Kingdom of God (Luke 22:24-30) and His prediction of Peter’s denial (Luke 22:31-34).
In His farewell discourses Jesus not only prophesied of the stumbling of the disciples (mainly that of Peter), He spoke directly to Peter regarding his denial of Christ, warning him of the coming temptation. Perhaps the greatest lesson to be learned today is that Jesus was in total control even at the last hours of His life. His concerned was for the welfare of the disciples for He said to them, “Pray that you may not enter into temptation” (Luke 22:40).
Jesus before the Sanhedrin
67 “If You are the Christ, tell us.”
But He said to them, “If I tell you, you will by no means believe. 68 And if I also ask you, you will by no means answer Me or let Me go.69 Hereafter the Son of Man will sit on the right hand of the power of God.”
70 Then they all said, “Are You then the Son of God?”
So He said to them, “You rightly say that I am.”
71 And they said, “What further testimony do we need? For we have heard it ourselves from His own mouth.”
Amid the intense drama of His trial, in the midst of the interrogation by the Jewish authorities, Jesus speaks of His future and His victorious ascent into glory (Luke 22:69). He not only answered their question about His nature but He categorically affirmed that He is the “Christ”. This Christmas will you be the one who betrays Him, deny Him or will you confess Him as the “Christ, the Savior of the world?”
In today’s passage we read about the plot to kill Jesus (Luke 22:1-13); Jesus identifying the betrayer during the institution of the Lord’s Supper (Luke 22:14-23), His discourse during the disciples’ argument concerning greatness in the Kingdom of God (Luke 22:24-30) and His prediction of Peter’s denial (Luke 22:31-34).
In His farewell discourses Jesus not only prophesied of the stumbling of the disciples (mainly that of Peter), He spoke directly to Peter regarding his denial of Christ, warning him of the coming temptation. Perhaps the greatest lesson to be learned today is that Jesus was in total control even at the last hours of His life. His concerned was for the welfare of the disciples for He said to them, “Pray that you may not enter into temptation” (Luke 22:40).
Jesus before the Sanhedrin
67 “If You are the Christ, tell us.”
But He said to them, “If I tell you, you will by no means believe. 68 And if I also ask you, you will by no means answer Me or let Me go.69 Hereafter the Son of Man will sit on the right hand of the power of God.”
70 Then they all said, “Are You then the Son of God?”
So He said to them, “You rightly say that I am.”
71 And they said, “What further testimony do we need? For we have heard it ourselves from His own mouth.”
Amid the intense drama of His trial, in the midst of the interrogation by the Jewish authorities, Jesus speaks of His future and His victorious ascent into glory (Luke 22:69). He not only answered their question about His nature but He categorically affirmed that He is the “Christ”. This Christmas will you be the one who betrays Him, deny Him or will you confess Him as the “Christ, the Savior of the world?”
Monday, December 21, 2009
Four Days before Christmas!
Zoom into the Second Advent
“36 Watch therefore, and pray always that you may be counted worthy to escape all these things that will come to pass, and to stand before the Son of Man.” (Luke 21:36)
Dear Christian friends,
We have spent 20 days focusing on the first coming of Christ. While this has been a very edifying time for me and I hope it has been for you. I am writing you this letter today with the second coming in mind. My goal in this short communication is to zoom in on a subject that is of outmost important for all of us.
Today, a portion of the Scripture passage reads:
“8 And He said: “Take heed that you not be deceived. For many will come in My name, saying, ‘I am He,’ and, ‘The time has drawn near.’ Therefore do not go after them. 9 But when you hear of wars and commotions, do not be terrified; for these things must come to pass first, but the end will not come immediately.” 10 Then He said to them, “Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom.” (Luke 21:8-9)
Many of us are looking forward to Christmas with great expectations. For some of us it is the party that we will attend with friends and family; the gifts that we will open on Christmas morning or maybe it is the family traditions that we look forward to enjoying once again. May I remind you of a few words of encouragements and exhortations in regard to the signs of the time and the end of the age.
Brothers and sisters did not make it a secret; He made it very clear that just as many were awaiting His first advent, He desires that those who believe in Him would watch for His second coming with great anticipation. In fact, He warns us by saying:
“But take heed to yourselves, lest your hearts be weighed down with carousing, drunkenness, and cares of this life, and that Day come on you unexpectedly. 35 For it will come as a snare on all those who dwell on the face of the whole earth. 36 Watch therefore, and pray always that you may be counted worthy to escape all these things that will come to pass, and to stand before the Son of Man.”(Luke 21:34-36)
This is not a letter of doom; it is simply a reminder to have the proper perspective this Christmas. The same Jesus Who came in a manger 2,000 years ago, is the Lord of hosts and “Behold, the Lord comes with ten thousands of His saints” (Jude 14).
I want encourage you to live in obedience to God’s word. This Christmas do not just focus on the things that perish but focus on eternity, “….look up and lift up your heads, because your redemption draws near” (Luke 21:28).
Yours In Christ,
William Valmyr
“36 Watch therefore, and pray always that you may be counted worthy to escape all these things that will come to pass, and to stand before the Son of Man.” (Luke 21:36)
Dear Christian friends,
We have spent 20 days focusing on the first coming of Christ. While this has been a very edifying time for me and I hope it has been for you. I am writing you this letter today with the second coming in mind. My goal in this short communication is to zoom in on a subject that is of outmost important for all of us.
Today, a portion of the Scripture passage reads:
“8 And He said: “Take heed that you not be deceived. For many will come in My name, saying, ‘I am He,’ and, ‘The time has drawn near.’ Therefore do not go after them. 9 But when you hear of wars and commotions, do not be terrified; for these things must come to pass first, but the end will not come immediately.” 10 Then He said to them, “Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom.” (Luke 21:8-9)
Many of us are looking forward to Christmas with great expectations. For some of us it is the party that we will attend with friends and family; the gifts that we will open on Christmas morning or maybe it is the family traditions that we look forward to enjoying once again. May I remind you of a few words of encouragements and exhortations in regard to the signs of the time and the end of the age.
Brothers and sisters did not make it a secret; He made it very clear that just as many were awaiting His first advent, He desires that those who believe in Him would watch for His second coming with great anticipation. In fact, He warns us by saying:
“But take heed to yourselves, lest your hearts be weighed down with carousing, drunkenness, and cares of this life, and that Day come on you unexpectedly. 35 For it will come as a snare on all those who dwell on the face of the whole earth. 36 Watch therefore, and pray always that you may be counted worthy to escape all these things that will come to pass, and to stand before the Son of Man.”(Luke 21:34-36)
This is not a letter of doom; it is simply a reminder to have the proper perspective this Christmas. The same Jesus Who came in a manger 2,000 years ago, is the Lord of hosts and “Behold, the Lord comes with ten thousands of His saints” (Jude 14).
I want encourage you to live in obedience to God’s word. This Christmas do not just focus on the things that perish but focus on eternity, “….look up and lift up your heads, because your redemption draws near” (Luke 21:28).
Yours In Christ,
William Valmyr
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