Discussion Guide to be used with the Conference on DVD

Transcription

1 ConfrontingtheUniqueChallengesofPastoralMinistry ByPaulDavidTripp MichaelE.Breece:Contributor DiscussionGuidetobeusedwiththeConferenceonDVD DangerousCalling:ConfrontingtheUniqueChallengesofPastoralMinistry Whydosomanypastors getlostinthemiddleoftheirownministrystory?what'swrongwiththewaywecallandrelatetoour pastors?whatarethetemptationsthatareuniquetoorintensifiedbylocalchurchministry?whydoso manypastorsliveinisolationfromthebodyofchrist?whyissomuchministrymotivatedbyfearand notbyfaith?wheredoesourcurrentministrycultureneedtochange?thisstudywillanswerthese questionsandmoreinthemosthonestdiscussionofministryyouwilleverencounter.ifyouarea pastor,aministryleaderinyourchurchorsomeonewholovesandcaresforyourpastor,thisresourceis foryou.learnhowthegospelcanradicallyalterthewayyouthinkaboutyourselfandtheministryto whichgodhascalledyou. Liveconferencerecordedon3DVDsin10twentyfiveminutesessions,includingaCDwitha reproducibleleader sguideanddiscussionguide.idealforleadershiptraining,smallgroupuse,or personalstudy. Thisisaresourceof: PaulTrippMinistries 7214FrankfordAve. Philadelphia,PA19135 (800) Scripture quotations are from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version (ESV ), copyright 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

2 DangerousCalling Dangerous Calling INTRODUCTION The call to care for God s people is invaluable. Pastors are in a position to bring Christ the Way, the Truth, and the Life to the hearts of people whom God loves. Pastors are called to proclaim and lead people to eternal life, authentic truth, and empowering grace. The pastor is called to feed and care for God s people, holy and dearly loved (Col. 3:12). However, this invaluable calling is also a challenging calling. Pastors cope with the pressures of expectations. They burden a weight of responsibility for a healthy and vibrant church body. They are concerned for the finances of the church and to properly use God s resources. They strive to balance family, the church body, and their own well-being. Pastors strive to be diligent and effective in preaching while meeting the individual needs of the people. They face criticism, opposition, and unrealistic expectations. Consequently, this calling is not only invaluable and demanding, but also dangerous. Pastors face specific temptations as a result of their roles as shepherds. This series will require you to look honestly at your heart and at the ways in which you deal with those temptations. This study is a reminder of what God has truly called you to do and how He has and will provide for this calling to be achieved. Whether you are a pastor or in a position to care for your pastor, this study will assist you in examining your church culture so that those in ministry can fulfill the work they have been called to do in a way that is glorifying to our Savior King. Dangerous situations necessitate slowing down in order to accurately examine one s surroundings. As you go through this study guide, be alert and aware of your own heart and the culture of ministry in your church. Prayerfully seek what God wants to reveal and change in you and your church. May the eyes of your heart be wide open as you look into the mirror of God s Word. As the people of God, we are not called to hide or ignore the dangers; we are called to stand firm, to be strong and courageous, and to resist the devil. The following pages will provide practical discussion and application of material presented in the Dangerous Calling DVDs. It is recommended that you use this guide within a small group setting of ministry leaders and/or pastors. Reading the book, Dangerous Calling, will further benefit you since material in the book, although related to the DVD, is distinct. At the end of each session are suggested Scripture passages and chapters from the book Dangerous Calling that can deepen your study and understanding of each topic. May God greatly bless you for the praise of His glory! 1

3 DangerousCalling 2 HerearesomeendorsementsabouttheDANGEROUSCALLINGmaterial: MyfriendPaulTrippshinesthespotlightofGod swordintotheheartofeverypastorinthisbook, DangerousCalling.Ifyouhavebeeninministryfor20minutesor20years,Icommendittoyou. Approachitprayerfully,passionately,andbepreparedforthechangeGodwillmakeinyourheart,life, andministry. JamesMacDonald,SeniorPastor,HarvestBibleChapel;author,VerticalChurch MyfriendPaulTripphasdoneitagain.Withprobinginsightandrobustrealism,hetakesanhonestlook intothechallengesthatareuniqueto,orintensifiedby,pastoralministry.gospelcenteredandgrace saturatedtothecore,dangerouscallingisamustreadforanypastororpastorintrainingwhoneedsto beencouragedbythereminderthatjesuscametodoforuswhatwecouldneverdoforourselvesor others. TullianTchividjian,PastorofCoralRidgePresbyterianChurchandauthorofJesus+Nothing= Everything "DangerousCallingisadangerousbooktoread.Itisalsoabookeverypersoninministryshouldread.It willcutyoutotheheartandbringmassiveconvictionifyoureaditwithahumilityandaskgodto exposesinsdeeplyhiddeninyoursoul.itcuts,butitalsoprovidesbiblicalremediesforhealing.iwould lovetoputthisbookinthehandofeveryseminarianwhowalksonmycampus." DanielL.Akin,President,SoutheasternBaptistTheologicalSeminary Pastoralministryisadangerouscalling,andthisisadangerousbook.Itwillnotleaveyouunchanged. Pastorsneedpastors,andbyGod sgrace,everypageofthisbookwillministertoyourheart,your marriage,yourfamily,andthepeopleyouserve inwaysyouneverthoughtyouneededit.thisbook digsdownintotheinnerrecessesofourheartstorevealourgreatestidolsandpointtoourgreatest needs.itwillmakeyoujoyfullyuncomfortableand,bygod sgrace,willbringyoutoyourkneesintears ofthankfulnessonlytohelpliftyourwearyheadtofixyourrenewedgazeonchrist.thisbookislikea mirrorthatredirectsourhearts reflectionfromourselvestochrist.ifthisbookwereasermon,itwould bethemostweightyandrefreshingsermonyou veeverneededtohear.mysincerehopeisthatthis bookwouldbetranslatedintomultiplelanguages,becomerequiredreadinginseminaries,andbe distributedtochristianseverywherewhoknowthey recalledtoservegodandotherswiththegiftsthe HolySpirithasequippedthem. BurkParsons,AssociatePastor,SaintAndrew'sChapel,Sanford,Florida;editor,Tabletalkmagazine Ourwives,children,andthemembersweservewillhaveanewhusband,father,andpastorbyFridayif wefollowtripp sexampleandgiveahumbleandhonestreadingofthisbook onewithourinner Phariseeandscribeturnedoff.Wewillseetheneedtosaveourselvesfromaverydarkanddestructive forceworkingagainstpastors:undiagnosedpastoralselfrighteousness.withmuchwisdomand conviction,tripp sdangerouscallingpreachesthegospelofgracetothemenwhoarepreachingthe gospelsundayaftersundaytoeveryonebutthemselves. EricC.Redmond,ExecutivePastoralAssistantandBibleProfessorinResidence,NewCanaanBaptist Church;CouncilMember,TheGospelCoalition Fewwouldregardapastor sroleasadangerouscalling,butfewpeopleareasqualifiedandinsightful aspaultripptopenetratethesnaresandpotentialpitfallsassociatedwithpastoralministry.fewerstill wouldprescribesuchgospelbasedandlocalchurchrootedremedies.thisexcellentvolumeshouldbe read,reread&applied. TerryVirgo,founderofNewfrontiers.

4 DangerousCalling SESSION 1: Ministry Dangers OpeningDiscussion: Whatassumptionsareoftenmadeaboutministryand/or peopleinministry? Whatneedsandproblemsdopeopleinministryhaveasa resultofbeinginministry? Scripture Passage: Malachi 2: 1-9 The reality and confession of personal spiritual weakness is not a grave danger to your ministry. God has chosen to build His church through the instrumentality of bent and broken tools. It is your delusions of strength that will get you in trouble and cause you to form a ministry that is less than Christ-centered and gospel-driven. Dangerous Calling, 2012, p. 87 And now, O priests, this command is for you. 2 If you will not listen, if you will not take it to heart to give honor to my name, says the LORD of hosts, then I will send the curse upon you and I will curse your blessings. Indeed, I have already cursed them, because you do not lay it to heart. 3 Behold, I will rebuke your offspring, and spread dung on your faces, the dung of your offerings, and you shall be taken away with it. 4 So shall you know that I have sent this command to you, that my covenant with Levi may stand, says the LORD of hosts. 5 My covenant with him was one of life and peace, and I gave them to him. It was a covenant of fear, and he feared me. He stood in awe of my name. 6 True instruction was in his mouth, and no wrong was found on his lips. He walked with me in peace and uprightness, and he turned many from iniquity. 7 For the lips of a priest should guard knowledge, and people should seek instruction from his mouth, for he is the messenger of the LORD of hosts. 8 But you have turned aside from the way. You have caused many to stumble by your instruction. You have corrupted the covenant of Levi, says the LORD of hosts, 9 and so I make you despised and abased before all the people, inasmuch as you do not keep my ways but show partiality in your instruction. NOTES: Dangerous Calling: TheUniqueTemptations ofpastoralministry 3

5 DangerousCalling TheDangerof Familiarity (LosingYourAwe) KEYPOINTS: God sgraceissometimespainful. Thecultureofministryisoftenflawedinthatitexpectspeopleinministrytobeperfect,fully mature,andabletopersonallyseeanddealwiththeirownsin. MinistrydoesnotprotectusfromthetemptationsofsinorexcuseusfromtheneedofGod s graceandourcontinuedsanctification. Yourministryisnevershapedbyjustyourknowledge,ability,andexperience,butisalsoshaped bythetrueconditionofyourheart. Ministryhastwoprincipaldangers:Thedangeroffamiliarityandthedangerofarrival. WeweremadetoliveinaweofGod. REVIEW/DISCUSSIONQUESTIONS 1. Whatistheprevailingcultureofministryinyourchurch?Howhas/doesthatcultureofministry affectyou? 2. WhatindictmentsdoesGodmakeagainstthepriestsinMalachi2? 3. Explainthedangeroffamiliarity. 4. WhyisouraweofGodsoimportant? 4

6 DangerousCalling APPLICATION Pastors/MinistryLeaders: o Isthereanareainyourlifethatothershave expressedconcernabout,butyouhavebeenquick It is nearly impossible in todismiss? ministry to give away what o Whatlevelofimportancedoyouplaceonthe you, yourself, do not have. conditionofyourownheartforeffectiveministry? Dangerous Calling, 2012, p. 41 Doyoutendtofocusmoreonyourownknowledge andskill? o Whatcouldyourchurchdoforyoutohelpyoureneworprotectyourownspirituallife? o Whatgloriescompeteforyourattentioninministry? o HasyouraweofGoddiminished?Hasyourpassionandmotivationforministrychanged? WhatdoyouneedinordertorebuildandregainyouraweofGod? Supportingothersinministry: o Yourpastorisintheprocessofgrowthandsanctificationjustlikeyou.Hetooneedsyour gentleness,patience,andencouragement.writeanoteofaffirmationtoyourpastor. o Yourpastor sministrymustflowfromtheconditionofhisownheart.findwaystofeedand careforyourpastor sownspiritualcondition:sendhimonaretreat;give,orifnecessary, forcehimtotaketimeoff;encourageyourpastortobepartofabiblestudywhereheisnot expectedtolead;sendyourpastoronamissionstrip. o Inwhatwaysorareasoflifehaveyouexpectedyourpastortobeperfect?Howcanyou adjusttheseexpectationstobemorerealisticandsupportive? FurtherReading:DangerousCallingchapters:1,2,4,5,8,12 5

7 DangerousCalling SESSION 2 : The Danger of Familiarity OpeningDiscussion: WhatputsyouinaweofGod? HowhasGod swordtransformedyou?whatsermonsdoyou rememberhavingalifechangingimpactonyou? Whatwereyoupassionateabout,ifanything,thispastweek? ScripturePassages: Isaiah55:1013 Psalm145 The content and theology of the Word of God is not an end in itself but must be viewed as a means to an end. The intended end of this content is God-honoring, lifeshaping worship. Dangerous Calling, 2012, p For as the rain and the snow come down from heaven and do not return there but water the earth, making it bring forth and sprout, giving seed to the sower and bread to the eater, 11 so shall my word be that goes out from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it. 12 For you shall go out in joy and be led forth in peace; the mountains and the hills before you shall break forth into singing, and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands. 13 Instead of the thorn shall come up the cypress; instead of the brier shall come up the myrtle; and it shall make a name for the LORD, NOTES: TheDangerof Familiarity (LosingYourAwe) I will extol you, my God and King, and bless your name forever and ever. 2 Every day I will bless you and praise your name forever and ever. 3 Great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised, and his greatness is unsearchable. 4 One generation shall commend your works to another, and shall declare your mighty acts. 5 On the glorious splendor of your majesty, and on your wondrous works, I will meditate. 6 They shall speak of the might of your awesome deeds, and I will declare your greatness. 7 They shall pour forth the fame of your abundant goodness and shall sing aloud of your righteousness. 6

8 DangerousCalling Humility Passion Confidence Discipline Rest KEYPOINTS: Theologymustneverbeheldasanendinitself;theologyleadstoanaweofGodandshould resultinaholylife. Spiritualmaturitymustbemorethanjustattainingtheologicalknowledge. GodgaveusHisWordandgivesusgracetorestoreouraweofHim. TheministryoftheWordofGodshouldresultinrenewinganaweofGodand,therefore,must bepreparedandgiveninaweofgod. Weallhaveanaweproblem wereplaceanaweofgodwithaweofotherthingsorpeople. MinistrycharacteristicsflowfromanaweofGod. REVIEW/DISCUSSIONQUESTIONS 1. AccordingtoIsaiah55:1013,whatisoneofthepurposesoftheWordofGod? 2. WhatdowegainfromhavingaweofGodandnotaweofthingsorourselves? 3. Wherewouldyoulikeareignitingofaweinyourlife? 4. SharewitheachotheramomentwhereGodremindedyouofHisawesomepowerandgrace. 7

9 DangerousCalling APPLICATION Pastors/MinistryLeaders: o DoyoustudyGod swordsothatitmighttransformyou?isyourpursuitofknowinggod motivatedonlybyyourdesiretohaveanincreaseinknowledge?ordoyouseektoknow GodsothatHemightworkinyouandrevealHisglory? Rateyourselfineachoftheareasbelowwith1aslowand10ashigh. pride: passion: confidence: discipline: rest: Supportingothersinministry: o Doyoulistentothepastor ssermonsonlybecauseyouareexpectedtooronlywhenit catchesyourinterest?or,doyoulistensothatgodmightworkinyouandrevealhisglory? o SharewithyourpastorhowGodusesHisWordinyourlife. Biblical maturity is never just about what you know; it s always about how grace has employed what you have come to know to transform the way you live. Dangerous Calling, 2012, p. 13 FurtherReading:DangerousCallingchapters:3,8,10 8

10 DangerousCalling SESSION 3: Fears OpeningDiscussion: Whatattitudesandmindsetscanhaveadestructiveeffect onaministry? ScripturePassage: Psalm37:8 Refrainfromanger,andforsakewrath! Fretnotyourself;ittendsonlytoevil Romans4: Inhopehebelievedagainsthope,thatheshouldbecomethefatherofmanynations,ashehadbeen told, Soshallyouroffspringbe. 19 Hedidnotweakeninfaithwhenheconsideredhisownbody,which wasasgoodasdead(sincehewasaboutahundredyearsold),orwhenheconsideredthebarrennessof Sarah'swomb. 20 NounbeliefmadehimwaverconcerningthepromiseofGod,buthegrewstronginhis faithashegaveglorytogod, NOTES: TheDangerof Familiarity (LosingYourAwe) Fear Relational-situational-location fears are only ever put in their proper place and given their appropriate size by a greater fear fear of the Lord. Dangerous Calling, 2012, p. 74 9

11 DangerousCalling KEYPOINTS: AdeficientordiminishedaweofGodcanresultinfear. o Fearwillmakeamessofyouandyourministry(Ps37:8). o Decisionsmadeoutoffear,youwilltendtoregret. Ministryiswarbetweenthingsthatfightforcontrolofyourheart. o Ministrywillprovidemultipleopportunitiestofear,butaproperaweofGod spower, sovereignty,andgracewillkeepthemfromrulingourhearts. REVIEW/DISCUSSIONQUESTIONS 1. Howcanfearshapeourdecisionsandmotivations? 2. Explainthefourdebilitatingministryfears. APPLICATION Pastors/MinistryLeaders: o Whatinfluencehasfearhadonyourministry,onyourdecisionsandmotivations? o Inwhatarea(s)doyouneedtoallowGodtohavecontrol? Supportingothersinministry: o Whatexpectationshaveyouplacedonthosein ministryasaresultofyourfears? The gospel declares that there is nothing that could ever be uncovered about you and me that hasn t already been covered by the grace of Jesus. Dangerous Calling, 2012, p. 55 FurtherReading:DangerousCallingchapters:4,5,7,9 10

12 DangerousCalling SESSION 4 : Mediocrity OpeningDiscussion: Whatdoesexcellenceinministrylooklike?Soundlike? Whatdoesmediocrityinaministrylookandsoundlike? Whatdopeopledotoescapetheoverwhelmingpressuresoflife? NOTES: TheDangerof Familiarity (LosingYourAwe) We have lost our commitment to the highest levels of excellence because we have lost our awe. Dangerous Calling, 2012, p. 81 Mediocrity KEYPOINTS: Numbing 11

13 DangerousCalling AtrueaweofGodshouldleadustowanttorepresentGodwellbyministeringwithexcellence andnotmediocrity. Thestresses,fears,andtemptationsofministrybringtheneedtoseekrefugeeitherinGodor someotherway. Godwillnotrejectyouwhenyoulookatyourselfwithhonesty,confessyoursin,andcryoutfor help. REVIEWQUESTIONS 1. Whyistheactofpreparationforministryimportantforbearingfruit? 2. Whatcanleadministryleaderstoneedtoseekrefuge? 3. HowdoesoneseekrefugeinGod? APPLICATION Pastors/MinistryLeaders: o Wherehaveyousettledformediocrity? o Howcanyoubringagreaterlevelofexcellenceintoyourministry? o o Howcanyoumodelexcellencetothoseyouministerwithandto? Howwouldyoudescribeyourneedforrefugerightnow?Whatcanyoudotofindthat neededrefugeinchrist? Supportingothersinministry: o Isthereawayyoucanmakesureyourpastorandotherministryleadersaregivenadequate timetopreparesermons? SESSION 5: The Danger of Arrival The standards you set for yourself and your ministry are directly related to your view of God. Dangerous Calling, 2012, p. 79 FurtherReading:DangerousCallingchapters:6,7,8,10 12

14 DangerousCalling OpeningDiscussion: WhatpartsorstoriesintheBibletendtoshockyouor remindyouofhowdestituteweare? WhatpassagesorstoriesintheBibletendtogiveyouhope? ScripturePassages: 1Timothy1:1216 Psalm51 NOTES: 12 Ithankhimwhohasgivenmestrength, ChristJesusourLord,becausehejudgedme faithful,appointingmetohisservice, 13 thoughformerlyiwasablasphemer, persecutor,andinsolentopponent.buti receivedmercybecauseihadactedignorantly inunbelief, 14 andthegraceofourlord overflowedformewiththefaithandlovethat areinchristjesus. 15 Thesayingistrustworthy anddeservingoffullacceptance,thatchrist Jesuscameintotheworldtosavesinners,of whomiamtheforemost. 16 ButIreceived mercyforthisreason,thatinme,asthe foremost,jesuschristmightdisplayhis perfectpatienceasanexampletothosewho weretobelieveinhimforeternallife. TheDangerof Arrival (ForgettingWhoYou Are) No pastor has graduated from his need for forgiving, transforming, empowering, and delivering grace. Dangerous Calling, 2012, p. 15 Have mercy on me, O God, according to your steadfast love; according to your abundant mercy blot out my transgressions. 2 Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin! KEYPOINTS: 13

15 DangerousCalling TheBibleisshockinglyhonestaboutthebrokennessofthisworldbutis,also,gloriouslyhopeful. SincetheBibleishonestandhopeful,weshouldbethemostopenandhonestcommunity. Thereisadangerofidentifyingordefiningourselvesandeachotherbypositionsofministry. Effectiveministryrequiresanintentionallyintrusive,Christcentered,gracedriven,redemptive communitybasedonhumbleapproachabilityandlovinghonesty. Wearealltemptedtoliveaccordingtothelieofautonomyandthelieofselfsufficiency. ThegreatestproblemsandtemptationsoflifelieinsideofmeandnotoutsidewhichmeansI needthegraceofgodinmemuchmorethanineedchangesinsituations. REVIEW/DISCUSSIONQUESTIONS 1. Explainthe DangerofArrival. 2. The DangerofArrival shortcircuitswhichtwoimportantcharacterqualities? 3. Explainthelieofautonomyandselfsufficiency. APPLICATION Pastors/MinistryLeaders: o o Istheresomeoneinyourlifewhomyouhave madeyourselfapproachabletoandwillallowthemtointrudeintoyourlife?ifnot,why not?whocouldbesuchapersoninyourlife? AreyoustillapersonwhohungersandthirstsforGod sgrace? If we have produced a culture where pastors have to deny sin and live in fearful hiding, we have built a pastoral culture that cannot work, because it is a contradiction of the gospel that this culture is called to both proclaim and live. Dangerous Calling, 2012, p. 117 Supportingothersinministry: o Howcanyourchurchhelpdevelopandsupportthespiritualgrowthofyourpastor? o Prayforandwithyourchurchleaders. o Istheresomeonetowhomthepastorisabletoconfesssinandbeheldaccountable? FurtherReading:DangerousCallingchapters:6,11 14

16 DangerousCalling SESSION 6 : Isolation OpeningDiscussion: Howeffectivehaveotherbelieversbeeninyourspiritual development? Howeffectivehaveotherbelieversbeeninlovinglyand truthfullyconfrontingsinissuesinyourlife? WhathardshipshasGodusedinyourlifetorefineyouand drawyouclosertohimself? ScripturePassage: Romans7:1420 Amos4:611 Psalm51:12,78 Have mercy on me, O God, according to your steadfast love; according to your abundant mercy blot out my transgressions. 2 Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin! Hebrews3: For we know that the law is spiritual, but I am of the flesh, sold under sin. 15 For I do not understand my own actions. For I do not do what I want, but I do the very thing I hate. 16 Now if I do what I do not want, I agree with the law, that it is good. 17 So now it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells within me. 18 For I know that nothing good dwells in me, that is, in my flesh. For I have the desire to do what is right, but not the ability to carry it out. 19 For I do not do the good I want, but the evil I do not want is what I keep on doing. 20 Now if I do what I do not want, it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells within me. Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean; wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow. 8 Let me hear joy and gladness; let the bones that you have broken rejoice. There is a war that is still taking place for the rulership of our hearts. And because there is, we all need the warning, protective, encouraging, rebuking, growthproducing ministry of the body of Christ. Dangerous Calling, 2012, p I gave you cleanness of teeth in all your cities, and lack of bread in all your places, yet you did not return to me, declares the LORD. 7 I also withheld the rain from you when there were yet three months to the harvest; I would send rain on one city, and send no rain on another city; one field would have rain, and the field on which it did not rain would wither; 8 so two or three cities would wander to another city to drink water, and would not be satisfied; yet you did not return to me, declares the LORD. 9 I struck you with blight and mildew; your many gardens and your vineyards, your fig trees and your olive trees the locust devoured; yet you did not return to me, declares the LORD. 10 I sent among you a pestilence after the manner of Egypt; I killed your young men with the sword, and carried away your horses, and I made the stench of your camp go up into your nostrils; yet you did not return to me, declares the LORD. 11 I overthrew some of you, as when God overthrew Sodom and Gomorrah, and you were as a brand plucked out of the burning; yet you did not return to me, declares the LORD. 12 Takecare,brothers,lesttherebeinanyofyouanevil, unbelievingheart,leadingyoutofallawayfromtheliving God. 13 Butexhortoneanothereveryday,aslongasitis called today, thatnoneofyoumaybehardenedbythe deceitfulnessofsin. 15

17 DangerousCalling NOTES: TheDangerof Arrival (ForgettingWhoYou Are) Isolation KEYPOINTS: Whenyoubegintobelievethatyouhavearrived,youwillbeunpreparedfortheviolenceof grace.godwillbringthegraceofrefinementandrescuetoreclaimyourheart. Godwantsyou. Ministrycanleadtothetemptationofisolation. Sinblinds,andtherefore,wewillhaveaninaccurateviewofourselvesandwillnotbeableto repentofsins. REVIEW/DISCUSSIONQUESTIONS 1. Whatisthedifferenceinmeaningbetweeniniquity,transgression,andsin? 2. Explainthetheologyofuncomfortablegrace. 3. WhatisthedangerofisolatingyourselffromthebodyofChrist? 16

18 DangerousCalling APPLICATION Pastors/MinistryLeaders: o HaveyouisolatedyourselffromorabovethebodyofChrist? o Haveyoubeenusingyourpositionaspastortojustifynotrevealingyourstrugglesand temptationstoothers? o Doyoutellyourselfthat,asaleader,youmustsetagoodexampleand,therefore,not o confesssin? Haveyoutoldyourselfthatyoumustnotshowweaknessesinordertobeaneffective leader? Supportingothersinministry: o Haveyouimproperlyjudgedthoseinministryorplacedunreachableexpectationsupon them?ifso,perhapsyouneedtoconfessthistothem. o Areyoupreparedtoshowcompassion,mercy,andgracetowardthoseinministry?Have youmadeyourselfapproachableshouldanyonewanttoshareorconfesstheirstrugglesto you? o Areyoupreparedtospeakthetruthinlovetothoseinthebodywhoneedtoheardifficult truthsspokeninlove? Your Lord is not just after the success of your ministry; He is working to dethrone you as well. It is only when His throne is more important than yours that you will find joy in the hard and humbling task of gospel ministry. And His grace will not relent until our hearts have been fully captured by His glory. Dangerous Calling, 2012, p. 104 FurtherReading:DangerousCallingchapters:5,6 17

19 DangerousCalling SESSION 7 : The Danger of Self-Glory OpeningDiscussion: Whatistheroleofanambassador? Whattypicallymakesyouangryorfrustrated? Whattypicallymakesyouexcitedandjoyful? ScripturePassage: 2Corinthians5:1421 NOTES: TheDangerof Arrival (ForgettingWhoYou Are) You are constantly naming things as important and other things as not so important. You are always attaching your inner hope and contentment to something, and when you do, those things take on lifeshaping value. Dangerous Calling, 2012, p For the love of Christ controls us, because we have concluded this: that one has died for all, therefore all have died; 15 and he died for all, that those who live might no longer live for themselves but for him who for their sake died and was raised. 16 From now on, therefore, we regard no one according to the flesh. Even though we once regarded Christ according to the flesh, we regard him thus no longer. 17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come. 18 All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation; 19 that is, in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation. 20 Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. 21 For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. 18

20 DangerousCalling SelfGlory KEYPOINTS: ThroughministrywecanbuildGod sgloriouskingdom,orwecanattempttobuildourown gloriouskingdom. TheDNAofsinisselfishness. YouractualpositioninministryisGod sambassador;assuch,wearecalledtoincarnatethe King. REVIEW/DISCUSSIONQUESTIONS 1. Whattypesofselfglorytemptthoseinministry? 2. WhatissignificantaboutbeingcalledasChrist s ambassadorinyourministry? APPLICATION Pastors/MinistryLeaders: o Examineyourfrustrationsinministry.Isyourangerrighteousbecauseitdefendstheglory ofgod,orisitselfrighteousbecauseyouaredefendingyourownglory? o Whenareyoumostexcitedaboutyourministry?Isitonlywhenyouareatthecenterand canshareintheglory? Supportingothersinministry: o If you and I have been guaranteed a place in eternity with our Savior, then we also have been guaranteed all the grace we need along the way. Dangerous Calling, 2012, p. 126 Inyourrecognitionandencouragementofthoseinministry,besuretoplacethefocuson GodandHisgloryinsteadofexaltingtheperson. FurtherReading:DangerousCallingchapters:7,10,11,12 19

21 DangerousCalling SESSION 8 : Be Reconciled OpeningDiscussion: Whatdoesitmeantobereconciled? ReadJohn15:45.WhatdoesJesusmeanwhenhesays, Apartfromme,youcandonothing.? ScripturePassage: 2Corinthians5:1421 NOTES: TheDangerof Arrival (ForgettingWhoYou Are) The private nurture of your own heart as a pastor is not only a humble confession of need and a confession of your love for your Savior; it is also a statement of your love for the people that God has placed in your care. Dangerous Calling, 2012, p For the love of Christ controls us, because we have concluded this: that one has died for all, therefore all have died; 15 and he died for all, that those who live might no longer live for themselves but for him who for their sake died and was raised. 16 From now on, therefore, we regard no one according to the flesh. Even though we once regarded Christ according to the flesh, we regard him thus no longer. 17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come. 18 All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation; 19 that is, in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation. 20 Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. 21 For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. 20

22 DangerousCalling Always Preparing (WhatHappenedtoMy DevotionalLife?) KEYPOINTS: WemustcontinuallybereconciledtoGod. Ministryisonlymadeeffective,safe,andattractivewhenitisfueledbyourowndevotionallife. REVIEW/DISCUSSIONQUESTIONS 1. WhatdoesitmeanforonewhoisalreadyabelievertobereconciledtoGod?Whatis significantaboutthiscommandforthoseinministry? 2. WhatdefinesaChristian sdevotionallife? I am more and more convinced that what gives a ministry its motivations, perseverance, humility, joy, tenderness, APPLICATION passion, and grace is the devotional life of Pastors/MinistryLeaders: the one doing ministry. o Inwhatareashaveyoubeenseekingselfglory Dangerous Calling, 2012, p. 18 andlivingforyourself?bereconciledtogod. o HowisyourrelationshipwithChrist?Doyou spendtimewithchrist,communicatingandseekinghim notjustforministrypreparation, butinordertoworship,enjoy,andhearfromhim?ifnot,figureouthowtorearrangeyour scheduleandyourpriorities. Supportingothersinministry: o YourdevotionallifeneedstobemorethanjustdependingonSundaysermons.The ministriesthatserveyoucannotbeyourdevotionallife. FurtherReading:DangerousCallingchapters:8,10,13 21

23 DangerousCalling SESSION 9 : The Danger of Separation OpeningDiscussion: ReadAmos5:2126 andisaiah1: I hate, I despise your feasts, and I take no delight in your solemn assemblies. 22 Even though you offer me your burnt offerings and grain offerings, I will not accept them; and the peace offerings of your fattened animals, I will not look upon them. 23 Take away from me the noise of your songs;to the melody of your harps I will not listen. 24 But let justice roll down like waters, and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream. 25 Did you bring to me sacrifices and offerings during the forty years in the wilderness, O house of Israel? 26 You shall take up Sikkuth your king, and Kiyyun your star-god your images that you made for yourselves, 10 Hear the word of the LORD, you rulers of Sodom! Give ear to the teaching of our God, you people of Gomorrah! 11 What to me is the multitude of your sacrifices? says the LORD; I have had enough of burnt offerings of rams and the fat of well-fed beasts; I do not delight in the blood of bulls, or of lambs, or of goats. 12 When you come to appear before me, who has required of you this trampling of my courts? 13 Bring no more vain offerings; incense is an abomination to me. New moon and Sabbath and the calling of convocations I cannot endure iniquity and solemn assembly. 14 Your new moons and your appointed feasts my soul hates; they have become a burden to me; I am weary of bearing them. 15 When you spread out your hands, I will hide my eyes from you; even though you make many prayers, I will not listen; your hands are full of blood. 16 Wash yourselves; make yourselves clean; remove the evil of your deeds from before my eyes; cease to do evil, 17 learn to do good; seek justice, correct oppression; bring justice to the fatherless, plead the widow's cause. WhywasGodnotpleasedwiththeirsacrificesandactsof worship?whatmightthisproblemlookliketoday?how coulditbeaproblemforthoseinministryaswell? You and I must never approach grace only as instruments of that grace in the lives of others; we must also remember that there is no grace that we offer to others that we don t, at once, need ourselves. Dangerous Calling, 2012, p

24 DangerousCalling ScripturePassage: Ephesians6:1020 NOTES: 10 Finally,bestrongintheLordandinthestrengthofhismight. 11 PutonthewholearmorofGod, thatyoumaybeabletostandagainsttheschemesofthedevil. 12 Forwedonotwrestleagainst fleshandblood,butagainsttherulers,againsttheauthorities,againstthecosmicpowersoverthis presentdarkness,againstthespiritualforcesofevilintheheavenlyplaces. 13 Thereforetakeupthe wholearmorofgod,thatyoumaybeabletowithstandintheevilday,andhavingdoneall,to standfirm. 14 Standtherefore,havingfastenedonthebeltoftruth,andhavingputonthe breastplateofrighteousness, 15 and,asshoesforyourfeet,havingputonthereadinessgivenby thegospelofpeace. 16 Inallcircumstancestakeuptheshieldoffaith,withwhichyoucan extinguishalltheflamingdartsoftheevilone; 17 andtakethehelmetofsalvation,andthesword ofthespirit,whichisthewordofgod, 18 prayingatalltimesinthespirit,withallprayerand supplication.tothatendkeepalertwithallperseverance,makingsupplicationforallthesaints, 19 andalsoforme,thatwordsmaybegiventomeinopeningmymouthboldlytoproclaimthe mysteryofthegospel, 20 forwhichiamanambassadorinchains,thatimaydeclareitboldly,asi oughttospeak TheDangerof Arrival (ForgettingWhoYou Are) KEYPOINTS: Separation Oneofthedangersofarrivalisthatyoubecomecomfortablewithadisconnectbetweenwho youareinpublicministryandwhoyouareinprivate. 23

25 DangerousCalling Spiritualwarfareisbeingwagedinthelittlemomentsoflifewithinourhearts. Sincealloflifeisministry,wearealwaysintheroleofambassadorsofChrist. REVIEW/DISCUSSIONQUESTIONS 1. Whatarepossibledisconnectsthatmayexistbetweenourministrypersonaandwhoweareat home,withfamily,orinprivate? 2. Whataresomepossiblereasonswhysomeonewouldbecomecomfortablewithadisconnected lifesuchasisexplainedinthissession? APPLICATION Pastors/MinistryLeaders: o AreyoudoingthingsyouwouldbeembarrassedforyourbrothersandsistersinChristto knowabout? o Ifyourspousehonestlywrotedown5characterqualitiesthatdescribedyouathome,what wouldshe/hewrite?what5qualitieswouldyourchildrenwritedown? Supportingothersinministry: o Isthecultureofyourchurchsafeforthoseinministrytoconfesssin? o Wouldyoubequicktojudgeandcondemn,orwillyoubequicktoseekGodandbeginthe processofrestorationandforgiveness? There is a way in which all of us have a separation in our lives between our more pristine public ministry persona and the more messy details of our private lives. This separation does not necessarily disqualify you from ministry, but it becomes spiritually debilitating to you and your ministry when you become comfortable with it. Dangerous Calling, 2012, p. 115 FurtherReading:DangerousCallingchapters:6,11,14 24

26 DangerousCalling SESSION 10: Removing Pretenses Because daily private worship puts the glory of God in front of me again and again, because it forces me to face the sad condition of my world, because it confronts me with my weaknesses and sin, and because it showers me with God s amazing grace, it progressively makes me alert and ready for the things that God has called me to do and the struggles I will face as I do them. Dangerous Calling, 2012, p. 110 OpeningDiscussion: Reviewthematerial: Howdoesfamiliarityandlosingyouraweresultinfearfocusedministry? Howdoesfamiliarityandlosingyouraweresultinmediocrity? HowdoesfamiliarityandlosingyouraweresultinseekingrefugeoutsideofGod? Howdoesasenseofarrivalleadtothinkingyoucandoministryinisolation apartfromothers andapartfromasincererelationshipwithgod? Howdoesasenseofarrivalleadtoafocusonselfglory? Howdoesasenseofarrivalleadtothinkingyoucandoministryinisolation? Howdoesasenseofarrivalleadtobeingcomfortablewithseparatingyourpublicministrylife fromyourprivate,personallife? WhyistheroleofambassadorsosignificanttotheChristianlife? ScripturePassage: 1Peter5:611 NOTES: 6 Humbleyourselves,therefore,underthemightyhandofGodsothatatthepropertimehemayexalt you, 7 castingallyouranxietiesonhim,becausehecaresforyou. 8 Besoberminded;bewatchful.Your adversarythedevilprowlsaroundlikearoaringlion,seekingsomeonetodevour. 9 Resisthim,firmin yourfaith,knowingthatthesamekindsofsufferingarebeingexperiencedbyyourbrotherhood throughouttheworld. 10 Andafteryouhavesufferedalittlewhile,theGodofallgrace,whohascalled youtohiseternalgloryinchrist,willhimselfrestore,confirm,strengthen,andestablishyou. 11 Tohim bethedominionforeverandever.amen. Pastor to Pastor (1Peter5:611) 25

27 DangerousCalling KEYPOINTS: Wewillblamesituationsorpeoplefortheseparationwemayhavebetweenourpublicministry andourprivatelives. Weallexperiencealossofaweandfeelingsofarrival,butcanfightthesetemptationsby: o Rememberingyourplace:HumbleyourselfunderthemightyhandofGod o RestinginGod scare o Takingthewarofministryseriously o Resisting,nomatterwhat o TrustingGod ssanctifyinggrace REVIEW/DISCUSSIONQUESTIONS 1. Whatisapretense? Howdoweusepretensetomakeourselvescomfortablewithaseparationbetweenourpublic ministryandourprivatelives? 2. Whatchangeswouldyouliketoseeinyourchurchministryculture?Inyourself? 3. Whatperceptionsaboutyourselforministryhavechangedasyou veworkedthroughthis material? APPLICATION Pastors/MinistryLeaders: o Whichactiondoyouneedtobemore mindfultoincorporateintoyourlifeand ministry:humblingyourselfunderthe There is nothing in you that could ever be mightyhandofgod;restingingod scare; exposed that hasn t already been covered Takingthewarofministryseriously; by the precious blood of your Savior King, Jesus. Resisting,nomatterwhat;orTrustingGod s sanctifyinggrace? Dangerous Calling, 2012, p. 14 Supportingthoseinministry: o Howcanwebuildahealthyandeffectivecultureofministrytogether? FurtherReading:DangerousCallingchapters:7,8,12,14,15 26