Rock Hill Community Church Leadership Pipeline

Transcription

1 Rock Hill Community Church Leadership Pipeline As you work through these resources, write down a one- page summary after each book. Include: Key Takeaways, Your Remaining or new questions, and action steps to take in light of what you have read. Tier 1 - Leading Yourself Self- leadership is the first building block to faithful discipleship and influence. The hardest person that you will ever have to lead is yourself. These books will introduce you to gospel dynamics, theology, and practical skills necessary to lay a good foundation for your journey into leadership. Gospel Transformation/Dynamics: You can Change, by Tim Chester Apologetics - The Reason for God, by Timothy Keller Gospel Community/Ecclesiology- Total Church, by Tim Chester and Steve Timmis Skills (Personal Productivity)- What's Best Next, by Matt Perman Bible Study Methods/Hermeneutics- The Bible Study Handbook, by Lindsey Olesberg Gospel Foundations- Faith Mapping, by Daniel Montgomery and Mike Cosper Generosity- The Treasure Principle, by Randy Alcorn Vocational Development- Every Good Endeavor, by Tim Keller Men- Dude s Guide to Manhood, by Darrin Patrick Women- Found in Him by Elise Fitzpatrick. Theology- The Dangerous Duty of Delight by John Piper Personality- Meyers Briggs Test- here Tier 2 - Leading Others Transitioning from leading yourself as a disciple to now leading others as either a team leader or counselor makes it more necessary to fill in would be gaps in skill (leadership) and knowledge (theology). These resources are still meant to be very accessible, but will force you to think more strategically and deeply. Practical Leadership (Team Dynamics)- Sticky Teams by Larry Osborn Practical Leadership (Team Dynamics)- The 5 Dysfunctions of a Team, by Patrick Lencioni Practical Leadership (Size Dynamics)- Leadership and Church Size Dynamics, by Timothy Keller Practical Leadership (Communicating Vision)- Making Vision Stick by Andy Stanley Pastoral Leadership (Biblical Counseling)- Instruments in the Redeemer's Hands, by Paul Tripp Pastoral Leadership (Shepherding People)- The Way of the Shepherd, by Kevin Leman. Theology (Mercy Ministry)- Generous Justice, by Timothy Keller Theology (Understanding God)- The Pleasures of God, by John Piper Theology (Gospel. Community. Mission.)- Saturate by Jeff Vandersteldt Theology (Family/Marriage)- The Meaning of Marriage, by Timothy Keller Theology (Money & Possessions)- Managing God s Money, By Randy Alcorn Apologetics- The Case for Christ, by Lee Strobel Vocational Calling- Am I called? by Dave Harvey Personality- Your Unique Design Inventory

2 Tier 3 - Leading Organizations (Elders/Pastors/Church Planters) For those venturing into tier 3, you feel a serious call to lead the church, either vocationally as a pastor or church planter, or as a lay elder who must be every bit as called and competent as those who do so vocationally. Most of these resources are not your light reads but will force you to think comprehensively about organizational health and culture (leadership), theologically- driven ministry, precise communication of God s word (preaching), heavy issues that come up regularly in pastoral counseling, and how to guard your own soul in the midst of such weighty tasks. Ministry Philosophy- o Theological Vision- Center Church, by Timothy Keller o Church Structure- The Trellis and the Vine, by Collin Marshall o Elders- Gospel Eldership by Robert Thune o Global Vision- Let the Nations be Glad by John Piper o Contextualization- For the City, by Darrin Patrick and Matt Carter o Corporate Worship- Worship Matters, by Bob Kauflin or Rhythms of Grace by Mike Cosper Theology o Systematic- Systematic Theology or Bible Doctrine by Wayne Grudem o Biblical Theology- Biblical Theology in the Life of the Church by Michael Lawrence o Theology (Understanding the Old Testament)- Gospel and Kingdom- by Graham Goldsworthy o Theology of the New Heavens and New Earth- Heaven, by Randy Alcorn Biblical Counseling/Theology/Cultural Issues o Homosexuality- Is God Anti- gay? By Sam Allbery o Sexual Abuse- Rid of My Disgrace by Justin and Lindsey Holcomb o Overcoming the Past- Redemption- by Mike Wilkerson o Counseling Self/Uniqueness of Pastoral Ministry- Dangerous Calling by Paul David Tripp o Race & Gospel- Bloodlines by John Piper or The Heart of Racial Justice, by Brenda Salter McNeil Preaching and Communicating God s Word o Preaching, by Timothy Keller o The Supremacy of God in Preaching, by John Piper. o Communicating for Change, by Andy Stanley Church Planting o Church Planter by Darrin Patrick o Planting Missional Churches by Ed Stetzer. Leadership o Andy Stanely s Leadership Podcast, listen to all of these, so helpful and practical. o Leadership Axioms by Bill Hybel s o The Advantage by Patrick Lencioni o Leadership as an Identity by Crawford Loritts Apologetics-

3 o Total Truth by Nancy Pearcy Tier 1 Leading Yourself Gospel Transformation/Dynamics: You can Change, by Tim Chester o The goal for the reader of this book is to develop a framework for gospel transformation. The reader should understand that the gospel is not simply the ABCs of the Christian faith but the A to Z of growing as a Christian. Additionally, the goal of this book is that the reader would choose 1 to 3 areas where they would like to grow in holiness and begin making significant progress in that area. Apologetics - The Reason for God, by Timothy Keller o Timothy Keller understands the defeater beliefs of those in our culture better than anyone else I have read. After reading this book, you should be able to answer the 7 common defeater beliefs or objections that most skeptics have toward Christianity. Additionally, after learning to winsomely answer the objections, this work helps you to see that you can t convince someone into the Kingdom. You can only help them to realize that their primary objections to the Christian faith aren t intellectual as much as willful. Gospel Community/Ecclesiology- Total Church, by Tim Chester and Steve Timmis o This book paints a beautiful picture of the church as a community of people shaped by the gospel, and sent on mission. It helps us to see that our identity as followers of a triune God, is best reflected as an individual in community (church) sent together on God s mission. This reality has far reaching repercussions. A person who has read this should begin to see their identity as an image- bearer of God through the lens of their church community and begin reorienting their lives away from individualism toward interdependence. Additionally, they should understand how the gospel shapes both the community and mission. Skills (Personal Productivity)- What's Best Next, by Matt Perman o The way to truly be productive is to realize that you don t have to be. This is how the gospel frees us to do the most good possible. Building on many of the principles of David Allen s work Getting things done, Matt Perman takes is a step further. The key to productivity is not simply doing tasks with a clear mind, it is first understanding what is the most important task to be singularly working on is. Without this discernment, you can be busy without being productive. In reading this book, you should be able to start developing weekly rhythms of productivity, as well as incorporating a system to manage your diversity of tasks. Any leader who works, has a family, and does ministry will have to be able to balance these things while focusing on one at a time. Bible Study Methods- The Bible Study Handbook, by Lindsey Olesberg o Knowing how to read and study the Bible in it s proper context is immensely important. The skill of inductive Bible study will open up a new world to most Christians. Without this skill, it is too easy to simply get out of the Bible what we want to without consideration for the author s original meaning or it s place within the Bible as a whole. This work practically walks you through how to respect the author s intent, the genre, and it s place in the broader story of redemption. Gospel Foundations- Faith Mapping, by Daniel Montgomery and Mike Cosper o This book introduces you to the key aspects of the Gospel: Kingdom, Cross, and Grace. It will help you understand the need for gospel balance and nuance. Additionally, this helps us to see how the gospel transforms who we are. If you want to understand how and why we articulate our vision the way that we do at Rock Hill Community Church, read this book!

4 Generosity- The Treasure Principle, by Randy Alcorn o The way that we handle money matters immensely as followers of Jesus. If you are not generous with your money, then chances are you do not really understand the generosity of God toward you in the gospel. This short but powerful read by Randy Alcorn will not be as practically helpful to you as something like Dave Ramsey s system, but it will make you want to give generously and not miss out on God s blessings. All this without drifting into a health and wealth gospel distortion. Vocational Development- Every Good Endeavor, by Tim Keller o This book helps every Christian think through their vocations and work in light of the Kingdom of God. It will help you understand all work in light of the gospel and kingdom of Jesus Christ, while infusing everything we do with meaning, value, and worth. It paints a far bigger picture of work than simply a place to evangelize your co- workers. Men- Dude s Guide to Manhood, by Darrin Patrick o This is immensely practical roadmap for me on how to be godly men. For those who have not been spiritually fathered, Darrin Patrick shares from his own experience what it means to be God s man. While it is simple, straightforward, and accessible, it is not simplistic or shallow. Women- Found in Him by Elise Fitzpatrick. o One of the most foundational doctrines of the Christian faith is our Union with Christ. This book unpacks it both practically and beautifully. Upon reading this book, you should have a solid grasp on Jesus incarnation and what it means to be in Christ. This changes everything! Theology- The Dangerous Duty of Delight by John Piper o This really short read helps you to understand that your greatest joy and delight is found in God. Your desire to be happy and God s desire to be glorified and not competing desires, but rather, God is most glorified in you when you are most satisfied in him. Personality- Meyers Briggs Test- here o This test helps you to understand how you think and process both information and emotions. It is not the end all be all of personality assessments, but is incredibly helpful for understanding yourself and how you function within a team of other people that aren t all like you. Upon completing this inventory, schedule an time with elder Luke Olson to help you interpret the results. Expectations for those in Year 1 1. Be an active covenant member of Rock Hill by embodying the 5 core Identities. Worship Regularly, Be an active participant in a City Group, Serve, Give Generously, and Share your faith. 2. Take a Character Assessment at the beginning of the year and at the close of the year. In light of this, set a few goals for yourself. How are you going to grow in holiness/character, mission, service, giving, etc. 3. Meet regularly with a pastoral mentor to process what you are learning and track your progress in your goals. 4. At the end of the year, celebrate what God is doing and has done!

5 Tier 2 Leading Others Practical Leadership (Team Dynamics)- Sticky Teams by Larry Osborn o I find myself constantly re- reading this books whenever we encounter growth challenges or vision leak. It is incredibly practical and takes into account many of the challenges to be found in leading the church. Keeping everyone on the same page (Elders, staff, deacons, members) is one of the most important things a church can do. Practical Leadership (Team Dynamics)- The 5 Dysfunctions of a Team, by Patrick Lencioni o Teams are incredibly beautiful things until they stop working; then they are a drain on everyone. Through a modern parable, Lencioni illustrates the organizational failure that occurs when trust is lost. Although written in the context of a business, the application points transcend different types of organizations. Practical Leadership (Communicating Vision)- Making Vision Stick by Andy Stanley o This short read helps us see how and why we need to make vision sticky. How can we create organizational lingo that is both memorable and meaningful so that we can fight against the inevitable vision leak that constantly occurs? Is your vision Clear? Memorable? Compelling? Pastoral Leadership (Biblical Counseling)- Instruments in the Redeemer's Hands, by Paul Tripp o The beauty and challenge of the church is that God uses ordinary messed up people to help other messed up people. Rather than constantly needing to see a therapist or pastor, this book helps us embrace the vision of equipping the church to be a group of friends and counselors to each other by rightly handling and speaking the word of God to each other. Pastoral Leadership (Shepherding People)- The Way of the Shepherd, by Kevin Leman. o This short parable introduces leaders to the incredibly helpful metaphor of a shepherd. True leaders have the heart of a shepherd and lead those in their care by laying down their own lives and preferences. This book, written primarily to business leaders is one that Pastor Kyle tries to read each year. Theology (Mercy Ministry)- Generous Justice, by Timothy Keller o Who is my neighbor and what is my responsibility to him/her? This books lays out a Biblical vision for mercy and justice ministry within the context of the local church. It is not an optional add on to the Christian life, but an integral part of displaying the gospel in our city and world. Theology (Understanding God)- The Pleasures of God, by John Piper o This book will blow your mind with the Godness of God. Do you worship a big God, or a little God? What does God ultimately delight in above all things? The key in answering that is to find what will truly delight our souls as well. Theology (Gospel. Community. Mission.)- Saturate by Jeff Vandersteldt o How do we live out the gospel in the everyday rhythms of life? This practical and inspiring story of SOMA s leader in Tacoma, WA will inspire you and provoke you to not allow theological convictions to stay in the theoretical, but to make them painstakingly practical. Do you long for God to saturate your community with the hope and freedom of the gospel? Theology (Family/Marriage)- The Meaning of Marriage, by Timothy Keller o A theology of marriage, family, and sexuality is vital for doing contextual ministry in our day. In this work Keller balances theology, sociological data, and practical wisdom to help you develop a framework for marriage. If you are leading people, then you will be dealing with marriages: the good, the bad, and the ugly. Theology (Money & Possessions)- Managing God s Money, By Randy Alcorn

6 o This book moves from a theology of money and possessions into practically stewarding it in such a way as to honor God. Randy Alcorn speaks with directness, joy, and winsomeness into one of the most common idols of our day. What do I Give? Spend? Invest? Save? Apologetics- The Case for Christ, by Lee Strobel o This is an easy read that deals primarily with the person and work of Jesus Christ. Is their historical evidence for him? Did he really do what the Bible claims he did? Is the resurrection true. Follow Lee Strobel on his journalistic adventure to see if the claims of Jesus Christ actually hold up to historical scrutiny. Personality- Your Unique Design Inventory o This is another helpful personality tool. Why do you think the way that you do and process information the way that you do? Upon completely this inventory, schedule a meeting with Pastor Robby to help interpret the data. Vocational Calling- Am I called? by Dave Harvey o This is a really practical guide for assessing whether or not you are called to vocational ministry, specifically whether or not you are called to preaching/pastoral ministry. After reading this book, you should have a biblical grid to help you assess your call in the context of community. Expectations for those in Tier 2 Leading Others 1. You are effectively embodying what it means to be a mature disciple of Jesus Christ. 2. You once again complete a character assessment and set goals in the following areas: a. Head- Biblical Thinking b. Heart- Godly Character c. Hands- Ministry Skill 3. It is an Expectation that you are leading in an area of ministry: Lead a serving team, deacon role, City Group leader, Youth Ministry leader,etc. This is so that none of your learning is done in a vacuum but with real people and faces in mind. Theological education is best done in the context of messy missional ministry. It is way harder for idealism to infect your thinking with real people all around. Additionally, often our best ideas don t actually work. You will learn while your hands are dirty. 4. You will meet regularly with a pastoral mentor to process through issues of Head, Heart & Hands. 5. At the end of your time, you will allow other people to speak into whether or not they recognize a calling in your life to continue toward elder, pastor, or vocational ministry.

7 Tier 3 - Leading Organizations (Elders/Pastors/Church Planters) Ministry Philosophy- o Theological Vision- Center Church, by Timothy Keller This is the definitive work by Tim Keller and is a goldmine for developing your theology and philosophy of ministry. Every church should be theologically driven. This work causes you to think deeply, but then act decisively on the unique theological vision God has given you. o Church Structure- The Trellis and the Vine, by Collin Marshall A beautiful trellis (church structure) without a vine growing on it is a sad thing indeed. Additionally, a vine (church people) without a proper trellis (structure) to grow on will not flourish and thrive. The get is to build adequate church structures (trellises) that allow the people of the church (vine) to flourish and thrive. o Elders- Gospel Eldership by Robert Thune This study lays out both the theological necessity of a plurality of elders/shepherds as well as the spiritual formation that is part of being an elder. It builds off the work of Alexander Strauch, Darrin Patrick, and Mark Driscoll to apply it in a communal context. o Global Vision- Let the Nations be Glad by John Piper Missions continue to exist because universal worship of God doesn t. As Christians, our hearts should beat for the salvation of all nations because Jesus Christ is worthy of all worship due his name, and we are the ones to bring the message. How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news. Additionally, when all the nations hear, then Jesus will return we have our marching orders. o Contextualization- For the City, by Darrin Patrick and Matt Carter Will we be a church of the city, against the city or for the city? Carter and Patrick explore this as practitioners, not theoriticians. Theology o Systematic- Systematic Theology or Bible Doctrine by Wayne Grudem This resource is the gold standard for evangelical theology. It reads devotionally a chapter at a time, however it also is arranged as an excellent reference material whenever you have the what does the Bible say about again moment. o Biblical Theology- Biblical Theology in the Life of the Church by Michael Lawrence Faithful theology is understanding the Bible in the context of the broader story. Without this, systematic theology can easily become a picking of what makes most sense to us, rather than what the cumulative message of texts say. Biblical theology matters for practical ministry. This is a good guide. o Theology (Understanding the Old Testament)- Gospel and Kingdom- by Graham Goldsworthy What is the Kingdom of God and why does Jesus constantly talk about it? How does the theme of God s Kingdom tie the story of Redemption together? How does it inform our reading of the Old and New Testament? Goldsworthy does a phenomenal job teaching and applying both the Old and New Testaments as part of one unified story. o Theology of the New Heavens and New Earth- Heaven, by Randy Alcorn

8 The most heavenly minded people do the most earthly good. So what will it be like? Allow your Holy Spirit inspired imagination to wander as we understand what has been revealed about the Re- Newed Creation. Biblical Counseling/Theology/Cultural Issues o Homosexuality- Is God Anti- gay? By Sam Allbery This succinct book deals with what the Bible actually says about homosexuality. As this is a watershed issue in our culture today, you must be able to articulate winsomely what the Bible says about sexuality and marriage. Additionally, if you are a pastor, there are those in your congregation that struggle with same sex attraction. Other helpful books on this topic are: Washed and Waiting by Wesley Hill and Secret Thoughts of an Unlikely Convert, by Rosaria Butterfield. o Sexual Abuse- Rid of My Disgrace by Justin and Lindsey Holcomb If you are a pastor, then you will inevitably have someone come to you who is a victim of sexual abuse/assault. Be prepared for that day with the hope of the gospel specifically for those who have experienced sexual abuse. o Overcoming the Past- Redemption- by Mike Wilkerson The story of God redeeming his people in the Exodus is a beautiful picture of how he brings about redemption in all of our lives. Learn to embrace this story as a way of walking out of past hurts and behaviors. Experience the incredible redemption of God. o Counseling Self/Uniqueness of Pastoral Ministry- Dangerous Calling by Paul David Tripp There are unique job hazards as a pastor. Do not think that because you are leading the body of Christ that you do not need the ministry of the body of Christ. Do not let doing ministry replace your awe of God and your personal worship of him. o Race & Gospel- Bloodlines by John Piper or The Heart of Racial Justice, by Brenda Salter McNeil Preaching and Communicating God s Word o Preaching, by Timothy Keller Preaching the Gospel in a Post- Christian context can be difficult. Tim Keller masterfully explains how to preach to the heart of those who are religious, skeptical and seeking. This is an incredible work, but a very helpful teacher and practitioner. o The Supremacy of God in Preaching, by John Piper. Do you let God s word speak or do you feel as though you need to add to it? Is your preaching full of heat (intensity) and light (content)? We serve a big God; be a Big God preacher! o Communicating for Change, by Andy Stanley How can we make our preaching compelling to listen to, helpful for life change, and memorable to those listening. Andy Stanley gives us a very helpful model of message delivery. Me. We. God. You. Us. Church Planting o Church Planter by Darrin Patrick The Man. The Mission. The Message. Allow pastor Darrin to walk you through the calling of a church planter and let him help you discern whether or not this may be what you are being called into. o Planting Missional Churches by Ed Stetzer.

9 This book not only lays out the theological mandate for churches to multiply, it also gives an incredibly practical toolkit on how to plant a church. There is no resource that can function as church in a box, however we would be remiss to not learn many of the best practices and practical issues that doom many church plants. Leadership o Andy Stanely s Leadership Podcast, listen to all of these, so helpful and practical. This is an amazing free collection of immensely practical leadership talks. It will help each leader develop vision, organizational culture, and self understanding to help everyone around you flourish and thrive. o Leadership Axioms by Bill Hybel s This is a great resource from the life of Bill Hybel s one of the nations best leaders. It is his collection of leadership axioms or proverbs that govern his life and organization. Each 3-5 page chapter will help an emerging leader codify his or her own axioms to live by. o The Advantage by Patrick Lencioni The key to organizational advantage is simple. Organizational Health. People often take it for granted rather than working diligently on it. It happens when 4 things are present: 1. Build a Cohesive Leadership Team 2. Create Clarity. 3. Overcommunicate Clarity 4. Reinforce Clarity. o Leadership as an Identity by Crawford Loritts According to Crawford, there are 4 traits of those who wield lasting influence are: 1. Brokenness 2. Uncommon Communion 3. Servanthood as an Identity and 4. Radical, Immediate Obedience. May the Pastor s of Rock Hill be such men. Apologetics- o Total Truth by Nancy Pearcy Why is it that so many people live and interact as if there are two floors of truth? A bottom floor that deals with rational things like business and science, and an upper floor dealing with religion, values, church, etc? How is it that people hold completely contradictory truth claims in different levels of their house? Explore with Nancy Pearcy what it is to live with an integrated Christian view of the world. Expectations for those in Tier 3 Leading Organizations 1. You will meet the qualifications of a mature disciple 2. You will have effectively lead people and teams. 3. You will do a life assessment of Head, Heart, & Hands and set goals accordingly with a pastoral mentor. 4. You will have been affirmed by other elders to continue pursuing this training.