Issue #52

A Service Network for Pastors and Ministers

NOVEMBER 2011

this issueq ‘HOW-TO’S’ OF LIFE AND MINISTRY | BECKY GILBERT 3

q CONDUCTING FUNERALS | TONY COOKE 5

q PRAISE AND WORSHIP | PHILIP RENNER 8

q OVERSEAS MISSIONS | HAYNE SCHURZ 12

q RESTORING LEADERSHIP | RICK RENNER 16

ofMinistry

impartShared Vision for Excellence in Ministry | Mentoring | Synergy in Problem-Solving www.impartnow.com

do’sdon’ts &

‘How-To’s’of Life and MinistryNo matter what vocation or

calling we pursue in life, the fact is that it takes more than our gift or calling — or even

formal preparation — to ensure our long-term effectiveness. Apart from the how-to’s of assembling leadership, having the right lighting and sound, or properly setting up a 501(c)(3), as ministers, we must also have the ”nuts and bolts” of life securely established in the framework of what God has called us to do. Without these — the ability to be effective in life personally — we are relegated to simply going through the motions of ministry while producing no lasting fruit.

In a recent blog post, the author listed top responses from accomplished leaders he’d surveyed from both religious and secular communities. Asked about what they’d learned over the years as they ”did” life successfully while enjoying equally successful careers, these leaders provided the following seasoned counsel:

•The most important person you can lead is yourself.

•Nothing is more valuable than relationships.

•Maximize the moments with your children.

November Issue2011

5 Conducting FuneralsTONY COOKESometimes “less is more,” and in this article Tony shares specific points on being the right kind of help as a minister to everyone involved. An understanding of some of the basic do’s and don’ts for conducting funerals will help you approach this type of ministry in a way that best allows the Holy Spirit to minister grace and comfort in a time of great need.

8 Praise and Worship (Part 1)PHILIP RENNERWorship is more than just a sound — it’s a supernatural experience. Philip Renner shares insights on how you can prepare yourself to share this experience with the congregation. He also reveals that much of your effectiveness as a worship leader has to do with the realistic way you view music in the church and how you value your unique role.

12 Overseas MissionsHAYNE SCHURZ20 specific and useful tips that you’ll want to refer to again and again as you participate in overseas ministry yourself or you help someone else “go.” Hayne also provides an array of recommended resources that will help make each trip count so that the Gospel can be ministered without distraction.

16 Restoring LeadershipRICK RENNERTake a strong stand on God’s Word in your personal life and heed the seven charges Paul gave to Timothy during an especially trying time. If you do these eight things, your faith and your zeal will be a contagious force that will strengthen your leadership and your entire organization!

inside this issue

© Rick Renner Ministries 2011 | Designed & Produced by Zoe Life Creative Media ZoeLifeCreative.com | design@zoelifecreative.com

•Listen. You will never find the pulse of your family or organization if you don’t learn to listen.

•Worrying is temporary atheism. Rid yourself of worry.

•Become a better steward of your financial resources through investments and wise decision-making. The older you get, the more you’ll want to give away. Being able to do so begins with the financial decisions you make today.

•Balance. The words ”no ” and ”not now” are empowering when accompanied with wisdom.

•Spend time reading and receiving the Truth every morning, because the world will only lie to you the rest of the day.

of Ministry

3IMPART MAGAZINE NOVEMBER 20112 IMPART MAGAZINE NOVEMBER 2011

‘How-To’s’of Life and MinistryNo matter what vocation or

calling we pursue in life, the fact is that it takes more than our gift or calling — or even

formal preparation — to ensure our long-term effectiveness. Apart from the how-to’s of assembling leadership, having the right lighting and sound, or properly setting up a 501(c)(3), as ministers, we must also have the ”nuts and bolts” of life securely established in the framework of what God has called us to do. Without these — the ability to be effective in life personally — we are relegated to simply going through the motions of ministry while producing no lasting fruit.

In a recent blog post, the author listed top responses from accomplished leaders he’d surveyed from both religious and secular communities. Asked about what they’d learned over the years as they ”did” life successfully while enjoying equally successful careers, these leaders provided the following seasoned counsel:

•The most important person you can lead is yourself.

•Nothing is more valuable than relationships.

•Maximize the moments with your children.

November Issue2011

5 Conducting FuneralsTONY COOKESometimes “less is more,” and in this article Tony shares specific points on being the right kind of help as a minister to everyone involved. An understanding of some of the basic do’s and don’ts for conducting funerals will help you approach this type of ministry in a way that best allows the Holy Spirit to minister grace and comfort in a time of great need.

8 Praise and Worship (Part 1)PHILIP RENNERWorship is more than just a sound — it’s a supernatural experience. Philip Renner shares insights on how you can prepare yourself to share this experience with the congregation. He also reveals that much of your effectiveness as a worship leader has to do with the realistic way you view music in the church and how you value your unique role.

12 Overseas MissionsHAYNE SCHURZ20 specific and useful tips that you’ll want to refer to again and again as you participate in overseas ministry yourself or you help someone else “go.” Hayne also provides an array of recommended resources that will help make each trip count so that the Gospel can be ministered without distraction.

16 Restoring LeadershipRICK RENNERTake a strong stand on God’s Word in your personal life and heed the seven charges Paul gave to Timothy during an especially trying time. If you do these eight things, your faith and your zeal will be a contagious force that will strengthen your leadership and your entire organization!

inside this issue

© Rick Renner Ministries 2011 | Designed & Produced by Zoe Life Creative Media ZoeLifeCreative.com | design@zoelifecreative.com

•Listen. You will never find the pulse of your family or organization if you don’t learn to listen.

•Worrying is temporary atheism. Rid yourself of worry.

•Become a better steward of your financial resources through investments and wise decision-making. The older you get, the more you’ll want to give away. Being able to do so begins with the financial decisions you make today.

•Balance. The words ”no ” and ”not now” are empowering when accompanied with wisdom.

•Spend time reading and receiving the Truth every morning, because the world will only lie to you the rest of the day.

of Ministry

3IMPART MAGAZINE NOVEMBER 20112 IMPART MAGAZINE NOVEMBER 2011

•Saying, ”I’m sorry” when spoken from a genuine heart has great healing power.

•Character should always trump talent.

•Retreat and rest. If ships don’t come back to the harbor, they’ll eventually sink.

•Don’t stop learning. You’re not as smart as you think.

•Learn to value patience. You’re likely to learn more while you wait.

•Time management. Without it, time will control you.

•Develop authentic and deep relationships with men who will sharpen you and see through you. (source blog here)

In so many words, this list summarizes ”do’s-and-don’t’s” for living. And this month, IMPART is pleased to share with you three articles, specifically written in a do’s and don’ts format, by authors who are skilled in their respective areas of ministry and qualified not only because of their experience, but also because of their lives well-

lived. Tony Cooke, Philip Renner, and Hayne Schurz provide

valuable insights as well as ”nuts-and-bolts” tips on how to conduct funerals, praise and worship, and overseas missions with excellence.

Additionally, Rick Renner shares profound insights, based on the life of Timothy, on correcting defective leadership and restoring and undergirding leaders who falter. May the treasure contained in these pages serve to encourage and strengthen you as you look for ways to be more effective in your own role as a leader.

God bless!

Becky Gilbert Editor, IMPART

”It takes more than our gift or calling — or even formal

preparation — to ensure our long-term effectiveness.”

Funerals and memorial services provide ministers with a unique opportunity not only to comfort family members and friends of the deceased,

but also to minister the love of God to people who might otherwise not come to church. It’s important for ministers, especially pastors, to sharpen their skills and increase their effectiveness in this vital area of ministry.

Learn by ExampleOne of the best pieces of advice I can give to ministers

who have little or no experience in conducting funerals is to find some local, seasoned pastors in your area and ask them if you could attend a funeral service that they conduct. Visit a few different services and, in a quiet and reserved manner, take note how they do things: the order of the service, the mechanics of the service, their demeanor, their ways of interacting with the family, etc.

You may see some components that you don’t care for, and that’s all right. You can learn what to do and what not to do in the services you’ll be officiating. If you had or have the privilege of serving under a mentor who can personally teach you these things, that’s great. But if not, go out and learn from other pastors who have experience.

Following are some basic do’s and don’ts to get you started that will help you serve families well throughout the funeral process.

Do’sDO work with the family and the funeral-home director in planning the funeral service. If you know the family

is challenged financially, assure them that they don’t need to prove their love for the deceased by overspending on the funeral.

DO inquire of the family regarding their desires for the service itself and seek to accommodate them accordingly. It’s important to be aware of the musical selections made by the family.

DO try to visit with a variety of family members before preparing for the service. Each will have a different perspective of the deceased to share with you. It can also be helpful to invite family members to write a personal note about the person.

Editor’s Note: Tony has just released his new book Grace: The DNA of God — a personal new favorite of Rick Renner — which can be obtained on Tony’s website (www.tonycooke.org). You can also visit this site for other valuable tools and resources for ministers, including articles that you can download free of charge.

for

Conducting FuneralsTony Cooke | How To’s of Ministry

Do’sDon’ts &

4 IMPART MAGAZINE NOVEMBER 2011 5

•Saying, ”I’m sorry” when spoken from a genuine heart has great healing power.

•Character should always trump talent.

•Retreat and rest. If ships don’t come back to the harbor, they’ll eventually sink.

•Don’t stop learning. You’re not as smart as you think.

•Learn to value patience. You’re likely to learn more while you wait.

•Time management. Without it, time will control you.

•Develop authentic and deep relationships with men who will sharpen you and see through you. (source blog here)

In so many words, this list summarizes ”do’s-and-don’t’s” for living. And this month, IMPART is pleased to share with you three articles, specifically written in a do’s and don’ts format, by authors who are skilled in their respective areas of ministry and qualified not only because of their experience, but also because of their lives well-

lived. Tony Cooke, Philip Renner, and Hayne Schurz provide

valuable insights as well as ”nuts-and-bolts” tips on how to conduct funerals, praise and worship, and overseas missions with excellence.

Additionally, Rick Renner shares profound insights, based on the life of Timothy, on correcting defective leadership and restoring and undergirding leaders who falter. May the treasure contained in these pages serve to encourage and strengthen you as you look for ways to be more effective in your own role as a leader.

God bless!

Becky Gilbert Editor, IMPART

”It takes more than our gift or calling — or even formal

preparation — to ensure our long-term effectiveness.”

Funerals and memorial services provide ministers with a unique opportunity not only to comfort family members and friends of the deceased,

but also to minister the love of God to people who might otherwise not come to church. It’s important for ministers, especially pastors, to sharpen their skills and increase their effectiveness in this vital area of ministry.

Learn by ExampleOne of the best pieces of advice I can give to ministers

who have little or no experience in conducting funerals is to find some local, seasoned pastors in your area and ask them if you could attend a funeral service that they conduct. Visit a few different services and, in a quiet and reserved manner, take note how they do things: the order of the service, the mechanics of the service, their demeanor, their ways of interacting with the family, etc.

You may see some components that you don’t care for, and that’s all right. You can learn what to do and what not to do in the services you’ll be officiating. If you had or have the privilege of serving under a mentor who can personally teach you these things, that’s great. But if not, go out and learn from other pastors who have experience.

Following are some basic do’s and don’ts to get you started that will help you serve families well throughout the funeral process.

Do’sDO work with the family and the funeral-home director in planning the funeral service. If you know the family

is challenged financially, assure them that they don’t need to prove their love for the deceased by overspending on the funeral.

DO inquire of the family regarding their desires for the service itself and seek to accommodate them accordingly. It’s important to be aware of the musical selections made by the family.

DO try to visit with a variety of family members before preparing for the service. Each will have a different perspective of the deceased to share with you. It can also be helpful to invite family members to write a personal note about the person.

Editor’s Note: Tony has just released his new book Grace: The DNA of God — a personal new favorite of Rick Renner — which can be obtained on Tony’s website (www.tonycooke.org). You can also visit this site for other valuable tools and resources for ministers, including articles that you can download free of charge.

for

Conducting FuneralsTony Cooke | How To’s of Ministry

Do’sDon’ts &

4 IMPART MAGAZINE NOVEMBER 2011 5

”Endeavor to add a light moment somewhere in the service,

if appropriate.”

”People attending funerals are from varied backgrounds and at different

levels of spiritual receptiveness”

DO speak personally to the family during the service, but make sure you don’t leave anyone out if you do so. For example, talking about the deceased’s relationship with one child while ignoring another child can cause hurt feelings. Be consistent.

DO let those attending the funeral know that their love and support is very appreciated by the family. Also, encourage them to remember to support the family in the months to come.

DO have the church provide a meal for the family at the church or at a family member’s home after the funeral. The healing process for the family is facilitated when they have this kind of opportunity to fellowship and reminisce.

DO follow up on the family periodically after the funeral.

Don’tsDON’T preach long at a funeral. Share the Word, but keep your comments short and sweet. People come to pay their respects to the deceased and to show their support for the family, not to hear a lengthy sermon. While there may be some variation depending on cultural expectations, 45 minutes is typically a good length of time for a funeral service (the church or chapel portion).

DON’T preach a person into Heaven or hell if there are questions about his or her spiritual condition. Simply commit the person to a merciful and just God and minister to those present.

DON’T convey expectations that inhibit the family from experiencing or expressing their sorrow. They shouldn’t feel pressure to project ”victory.” On the other hand, don’t play on the emotions of people in an attempt to make the service a ”tear-jerker.”

DON’T use worn-out clichés that offer little comfort and may even be unscriptural. For example, saying, ”God took John to a better place” implies that God is responsible for the death of the family’s loved one. It’s better to say that God ”received” John and ”welcomed him home” when his life on earth ended.

DON’T say to the bereaved, ”I know how you feel.” Even if you’ve experienced a similar loss, it’s important to remember that different people experience grief differently. Every person is unique, and that uniqueness should be respected.

DON’T be opportunistic in sharing the Gospel at funerals. This is not to say that the Gospel should not be shared or that people cannot be invited to receive Jesus, but we must realize that people attending funerals are often from varied backgrounds and are at different levels of spiritual receptiveness. If guests at the funeral feel as if the main purpose of the funeral was to convert or proselyte them, they may leave feeling betrayed and exploited. It is recommended that the Gospel be presented positively and in good taste, but not in a ”hard-sell” kind of way. Remember, Proverbs 25:16 indicates that a little honey is good, but too much will have an adverse affect.

Funerals provide ministers with the opportunity to minister comfort to the bereaved and to begin the process of healing after their loss. Besides having an understanding of some of the basic do’s and don’ts for conducting funerals, the compassionate manner with which you approach this type of ministry goes a long way in facilitating that process and allowing the Holy Spirit to minister grace and comfort to the family at a crucial time in their lives.

Some of these comments can then be included in your remarks.

DO check on the correct pronunciation of all names to be read from the obituary (clergy record).

DO arrive early for the funeral. Make sure all participants in the service are present and aware of their responsibilities. Provide each participant, including the funeral-home representative, with an ”Order of Service.” Make sure all parties clearly understand the order of events and the logistics of the service, including the dismissal.

DO make the service personal. In addition to sharing God’s Word, reflect positively, genuinely, and realistically about the deceased.

DO endeavor to add a light moment somewhere in the service, if appropriate. It’s sometimes helpful to share a warm, funny memory about the deceased, something that will bring a smile and a warm remembrance to the family and friends. This can help break the tension, create a more rounded picture of the deceased, and let people know that it’s okay to smile and laugh again.

DO validate feelings of loss. Let people know it’s all right to cry and feel sad. A significant loss has taken place, and such feelings are normal and natural. In the midst of sorrow, we have the Comforter and access to supernatural grace and hope. Both elements (sorrow and comfort) are real. This is why we ”…sorrow not…as others which have no hope” (1 Thessalonians 4:13).

Author and Bible teacher, Tony Cooke has been serving the Body of Christ in various capacities since 1980. His passion for teaching the Bible has taken him to more than 45 states and 22 nations. His website (www.tonycooke.org) reaches

pastors, missionaries, and other church leaders in more than 170 nations with encouraging and helpful ministerial resources. Tony was involved in pastoral ministry for more than 20 years and served as an instructor and Dean of RHEMA Bible Training Center. He also served for 13 years as Director of an International Ministerial Association. Since 2002, Tony and his wife Lisa have traveled full-time with an assignment of ”strengthening churches and leaders.” In addition to being a 1981 graduate of RHEMA Bible Training Center, Tony studied Religion at Butler University and received a Bachelor of Science degree in Church Ministries from North Central University. Tony and Lisa reside in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, and are the parents of two adult children, Laura and Andrew.

6 IMPART MAGAZINE NOVEMBER 2011 7IMPART MAGAZINE NOVEMBER 2011

”Endeavor to add a light moment somewhere in the service,

if appropriate.”

”People attending funerals are from varied backgrounds and at different

levels of spiritual receptiveness”

DO speak personally to the family during the service, but make sure you don’t leave anyone out if you do so. For example, talking about the deceased’s relationship with one child while ignoring another child can cause hurt feelings. Be consistent.

DO let those attending the funeral know that their love and support is very appreciated by the family. Also, encourage them to remember to support the family in the months to come.

DO have the church provide a meal for the family at the church or at a family member’s home after the funeral. The healing process for the family is facilitated when they have this kind of opportunity to fellowship and reminisce.

DO follow up on the family periodically after the funeral.

Don’tsDON’T preach long at a funeral. Share the Word, but keep your comments short and sweet. People come to pay their respects to the deceased and to show their support for the family, not to hear a lengthy sermon. While there may be some variation depending on cultural expectations, 45 minutes is typically a good length of time for a funeral service (the church or chapel portion).

DON’T preach a person into Heaven or hell if there are questions about his or her spiritual condition. Simply commit the person to a merciful and just God and minister to those present.

DON’T convey expectations that inhibit the family from experiencing or expressing their sorrow. They shouldn’t feel pressure to project ”victory.” On the other hand, don’t play on the emotions of people in an attempt to make the service a ”tear-jerker.”

DON’T use worn-out clichés that offer little comfort and may even be unscriptural. For example, saying, ”God took John to a better place” implies that God is responsible for the death of the family’s loved one. It’s better to say that God ”received” John and ”welcomed him home” when his life on earth ended.

DON’T say to the bereaved, ”I know how you feel.” Even if you’ve experienced a similar loss, it’s important to remember that different people experience grief differently. Every person is unique, and that uniqueness should be respected.

DON’T be opportunistic in sharing the Gospel at funerals. This is not to say that the Gospel should not be shared or that people cannot be invited to receive Jesus, but we must realize that people attending funerals are often from varied backgrounds and are at different levels of spiritual receptiveness. If guests at the funeral feel as if the main purpose of the funeral was to convert or proselyte them, they may leave feeling betrayed and exploited. It is recommended that the Gospel be presented positively and in good taste, but not in a ”hard-sell” kind of way. Remember, Proverbs 25:16 indicates that a little honey is good, but too much will have an adverse affect.

Funerals provide ministers with the opportunity to minister comfort to the bereaved and to begin the process of healing after their loss. Besides having an understanding of some of the basic do’s and don’ts for conducting funerals, the compassionate manner with which you approach this type of ministry goes a long way in facilitating that process and allowing the Holy Spirit to minister grace and comfort to the family at a crucial time in their lives.

Some of these comments can then be included in your remarks.

DO check on the correct pronunciation of all names to be read from the obituary (clergy record).

DO arrive early for the funeral. Make sure all participants in the service are present and aware of their responsibilities. Provide each participant, including the funeral-home representative, with an ”Order of Service.” Make sure all parties clearly understand the order of events and the logistics of the service, including the dismissal.

DO make the service personal. In addition to sharing God’s Word, reflect positively, genuinely, and realistically about the deceased.

DO endeavor to add a light moment somewhere in the service, if appropriate. It’s sometimes helpful to share a warm, funny memory about the deceased, something that will bring a smile and a warm remembrance to the family and friends. This can help break the tension, create a more rounded picture of the deceased, and let people know that it’s okay to smile and laugh again.

DO validate feelings of loss. Let people know it’s all right to cry and feel sad. A significant loss has taken place, and such feelings are normal and natural. In the midst of sorrow, we have the Comforter and access to supernatural grace and hope. Both elements (sorrow and comfort) are real. This is why we ”…sorrow not…as others which have no hope” (1 Thessalonians 4:13).

Author and Bible teacher, Tony Cooke has been serving the Body of Christ in various capacities since 1980. His passion for teaching the Bible has taken him to more than 45 states and 22 nations. His website (www.tonycooke.org) reaches

pastors, missionaries, and other church leaders in more than 170 nations with encouraging and helpful ministerial resources. Tony was involved in pastoral ministry for more than 20 years and served as an instructor and Dean of RHEMA Bible Training Center. He also served for 13 years as Director of an International Ministerial Association. Since 2002, Tony and his wife Lisa have traveled full-time with an assignment of ”strengthening churches and leaders.” In addition to being a 1981 graduate of RHEMA Bible Training Center, Tony studied Religion at Butler University and received a Bachelor of Science degree in Church Ministries from North Central University. Tony and Lisa reside in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, and are the parents of two adult children, Laura and Andrew.

6 IMPART MAGAZINE NOVEMBER 2011 7IMPART MAGAZINE NOVEMBER 2011

their spiritual walk affects the entire organization on some level.

God promised us as believers that out of our ”bellies,” or spirits, would flow rivers of Living Water from God (see John 4:14; 7:38). No matter how skilled or talented we are as worship leaders, ultimately, God’s presence is the only thing that will truly satisfy our hearts and the hearts of those we lead in worship. As worship leaders, we must picture ourselves as a sponge that becomes saturated throughout the week by the Living Water of God. Then as we lead worship on Sunday, we

release those waters to the people. Every day we must drench ourselves with His presence so that we can impart that same presence to others. This kind of commitment is required of everyone who is part of a praise-and-worship team, but it is especially necessary for the leader. If a leader possesses this kind of dedication and commitment, it will have a positive effect on the congregation as well as the musicians who work with him or her.

The commitment to develop and maintain a consistent life of personal worship requires determination and persistence. Our attitude toward our

T here is no greater sound than when the people of God come together in unison and worship Jesus. Praise and worship is

a supernatural experience. Miracles happen, issues of the heart are dealt with, and sinners come to repentance in an

PHILIP RENNER | LIFE AND WORSHIP

presence throughout the week, my praise and worship as a worship leader won’t be anointed during the Sunday morning service. Spending time in God’s presence helps me know what He wants to say to the people through the praise and worship. But I can’t impart His heart if I don’t know His heart!

Our relationship with God is critical as worship leaders and as any Christian leader. The saying is true that ”as the head goes, so goes the whole body.” What the leaders of an organization do or don’t do in

Worship leader, award-winning recording artist, songwriter, and producer, Philip Renner became involved full time in worship ministry at the age of 15. But when a groundbreaking win in a prestigious Russian music contest brought him before an international audience with the offer of a lucrative recording contract, Philip suddenly came face-to-face with his own heart motives for doing music. Philip looked inward, then upward in a way he never had before. At that time, both his life and his music were transformed. Today, alongside his wife Ella, Philip serves as youth minister for the Moscow Good News Church, founded and pastored by his parents Rick and Denise Renner. Together Philip and Ella are passionate about seeing people connect with their purpose in Christ and developing a real relationship with God. They travel abroad internationally to minister to audiences of all ages with a special emphasis on preaching and music. The couple resides in Moscow, Russia, with their young daughter Emilia.

atmosphere of godly worship. The Bible says God inhabits the praises of His people (see Psalm 22:3) — and there’s nothing quite like having God ”invade” your praise and worship!

This is the goal of praise and worship in every service. How to reach that goal requires commitment — including multiple rehearsals each week — and maturity in your own spiritual walk. The following are some ”do’s and don’ts” of praise and worship that can help ministers and their worship leaders lead others into heartfelt, undistracted, and meaningful worship of God.

# 1: DO Spend Time in God’s Presence for Yourself

The saying is true that you cannot give what you do not have. If I haven’t spent time in God’s

Part 1

of

Praise and Worship

Do’sDon’ts &

8 IMPART MAGAZINE NOVEMBER 2011 9IMPART MAGAZINE NOVEMBER 2011

their spiritual walk affects the entire organization on some level.

God promised us as believers that out of our ”bellies,” or spirits, would flow rivers of Living Water from God (see John 4:14; 7:38). No matter how skilled or talented we are as worship leaders, ultimately, God’s presence is the only thing that will truly satisfy our hearts and the hearts of those we lead in worship. As worship leaders, we must picture ourselves as a sponge that becomes saturated throughout the week by the Living Water of God. Then as we lead worship on Sunday, we

release those waters to the people. Every day we must drench ourselves with His presence so that we can impart that same presence to others. This kind of commitment is required of everyone who is part of a praise-and-worship team, but it is especially necessary for the leader. If a leader possesses this kind of dedication and commitment, it will have a positive effect on the congregation as well as the musicians who work with him or her.

The commitment to develop and maintain a consistent life of personal worship requires determination and persistence. Our attitude toward our

T here is no greater sound than when the people of God come together in unison and worship Jesus. Praise and worship is

a supernatural experience. Miracles happen, issues of the heart are dealt with, and sinners come to repentance in an

PHILIP RENNER | LIFE AND WORSHIP

presence throughout the week, my praise and worship as a worship leader won’t be anointed during the Sunday morning service. Spending time in God’s presence helps me know what He wants to say to the people through the praise and worship. But I can’t impart His heart if I don’t know His heart!

Our relationship with God is critical as worship leaders and as any Christian leader. The saying is true that ”as the head goes, so goes the whole body.” What the leaders of an organization do or don’t do in

Worship leader, award-winning recording artist, songwriter, and producer, Philip Renner became involved full time in worship ministry at the age of 15. But when a groundbreaking win in a prestigious Russian music contest brought him before an international audience with the offer of a lucrative recording contract, Philip suddenly came face-to-face with his own heart motives for doing music. Philip looked inward, then upward in a way he never had before. At that time, both his life and his music were transformed. Today, alongside his wife Ella, Philip serves as youth minister for the Moscow Good News Church, founded and pastored by his parents Rick and Denise Renner. Together Philip and Ella are passionate about seeing people connect with their purpose in Christ and developing a real relationship with God. They travel abroad internationally to minister to audiences of all ages with a special emphasis on preaching and music. The couple resides in Moscow, Russia, with their young daughter Emilia.

atmosphere of godly worship. The Bible says God inhabits the praises of His people (see Psalm 22:3) — and there’s nothing quite like having God ”invade” your praise and worship!

This is the goal of praise and worship in every service. How to reach that goal requires commitment — including multiple rehearsals each week — and maturity in your own spiritual walk. The following are some ”do’s and don’ts” of praise and worship that can help ministers and their worship leaders lead others into heartfelt, undistracted, and meaningful worship of God.

# 1: DO Spend Time in God’s Presence for Yourself

The saying is true that you cannot give what you do not have. If I haven’t spent time in God’s

Part 1

of

Praise and Worship

Do’sDon’ts &

8 IMPART MAGAZINE NOVEMBER 2011 9IMPART MAGAZINE NOVEMBER 2011

worship of God should be that of Jacob’s when He wrestled with the Lord. Scripture tells us that Jacob wouldn’t let God go until he received from Him. (See Genesis 32:24-26.) Through that experience, Jacob’s name was changed from Jacob to Israel — and changing his name eventually changed his life.

Similarly, we should have the attitude, I’m not leaving until You bless me. I won’t leave this place of worship until you change my heart and take me to another place in my walk with You.

#2: DON’T Confuse Praise and Worship With Entertainment

I’m all for lighting, special effects, and excellence in performance, as these are things that can enhance praise and worship. But it’s important to understand that praise and worship is not a show. In other words, the goal of praise and worship is not to entertain but to usher in God’s presence. Therefore, as worship leaders, we must be more focused on bringing glory to God than on the entertainment value of what we’re doing for Him.

We’ve heard arguments over which has the best music — the Church or the world. God created music, and no music can surpass His genius and creativity. So certainly, the best music should be coming from the Church. But my honest opinion is that the world has the best entertainment, and I’ll tell you why I believe that. Entertainment appeals to the flesh, or the natural part of man. And simply put, the best entertainment — from movies, music recordings, concerts, nightclubs, etc. — comes from the world.

As worship leaders, we can’t get people to come back again and again to a church or meeting on the sole basis of our entertainment quality. The world is simply superior in this respect. We must focus on something the world does not and cannot have: the anointing, God’s power and presence that changes people’s lives. And one way the anointing is released into people’s lives is through praise and worship.

Worship leaders should remember that the service is not theirs but God’s. And the church

is not ours but God’s. We live under His rules, and His rules are to follow the leading of the Holy Spirit and to esteem His power and presence as absolutely vital and necessary when we meet together as a local body of believers.

Submission to the authority of the Holy Spirit in worship is something we must constantly strive for as worship leaders. For example, if the Holy Spirit wants me to sing a certain chorus longer than I’d planned for, rather than be concerned about my agenda or schedule, I must be concerned about following Him. I don’t want to grieve the Spirit of God or give Him only limited access to the service and the people in attendance. Instead, I want Him to fill the place with His glory, because when that happens, God touches people, and they’re set free from sin, sickness, addictions, etc.

The Holy Spirit doesn’t just deal with people during the message. During praise and worship, He can deal with people and prepare their hearts for the message. Praise and worship is a crucial part of God’s work during a service, so it’s important to stay focused on Him, allowing Him to lead you and your team into God’s presence in worship and to help the congregation enter His presence with you.

#3: DO Realize the Importance of Your Role So You Can Do Your Part Well

Imagine yourself going to church for the first time. You’re not saved, and you go to church only because you made a promise to your friend that you would. You leave your home, careful not to be late, but when you arrive at the church early and find a seat, you have to sit and wait because the service doesn’t start on time. And thoughts begin to flash across your mind, These people don’t respect me or my time.

Finally, the worship starts. The music is loud, and the people look sloppy and unprofessional. The worship leader says nothing to encourage the people to enter into praise and worship, and there’s no explanation as to the purpose of worship or why others are raising their hands as they praise God. You’re thinking, These people are weird or maybe even crazy!

Then the songs are hard to sing because the key is too high. The melody is also difficult, and there are too many words — so many that even the worship leader mixes them up. Afterward, the minister begins the message, but you as a guest are so bewildered that you’re more attuned to your ”strange” environment than to the words of the message. At that point, the chances that you’ll ever return to that church are slim.

Unfortunately, what I just described is a reality in many churches and to many who are unsaved and unchurched. Yes, there are a lot of great praise-and-worship leaders in the Body of Christ, but there are also things churches could perhaps improve on regarding their praise and worship.

For example, imagine a similar scenario at a different church. You arrive at that church, and the service starts exactly on time. Whether consciously or subconsciously, you think, This organization is professional, and I feel respected. The worship leader greets the people and leads them into a song that is easy to sing. Then he or she uses Scripture in between songs to briefly explain the importance of worshipping God. Your mind feels at ease instead of distracted by questions and confusion.

Perhaps the leader exhorts the people in a specific way as he or she is led by God, such as to pray for their city, a friend or relative, or even the person in the seat beside them. The worship leader might also have a word of knowledge that he or she speaks out. It ”hits home” to you, and the Holy Spirit begins ministering to your heart.

As the music continues, you notice that the team is sharp and plays well together. The sound is pleasant to your ears, and you’re eager to hear the pastor’s message. You end up yielding to the convicting power of the Holy Spirit — and when the man or woman of God gives the altar call, you give your heart to Jesus. You feel at home in that church and look forward to returning and learning about your new life in Christ. The praise and worship played a role in your getting saved because it opened the door for God to move in your live without distraction.

Music and worship play a valuable role in any service. In Second Chronicles 20:20-22, we can read that King Jehosaphat sent his worshipers out ahead of even his soldiers. In other words, the worshipers were in the frontlines of battle! And worship still has its place on the ”frontlines” today. Biblically, praise and worship is a spiritual weapon God has given to His Church. But the praise-and-worship portion of a service also provides one of the first impressions for a guest in your church or meeting — and it can prepare the way for a move of God’s Spirit to radically change people’s hearts and lives.

Serving as a worship leader or on a worship team is an honor, but it’s also a calling that carries a great deal of responsibility and commitment. It’s important that we as worship leaders give careful attention to this area of ministry so that we don’t fall short in fulfilling our role to make each service — as well as the church overall — what God desires it to be.

10 IMPART MAGAZINE NOVEMBER 2011 11IMPART MAGAZINE NOVEMBER 2011

worship of God should be that of Jacob’s when He wrestled with the Lord. Scripture tells us that Jacob wouldn’t let God go until he received from Him. (See Genesis 32:24-26.) Through that experience, Jacob’s name was changed from Jacob to Israel — and changing his name eventually changed his life.

Similarly, we should have the attitude, I’m not leaving until You bless me. I won’t leave this place of worship until you change my heart and take me to another place in my walk with You.

#2: DON’T Confuse Praise and Worship With Entertainment

I’m all for lighting, special effects, and excellence in performance, as these are things that can enhance praise and worship. But it’s important to understand that praise and worship is not a show. In other words, the goal of praise and worship is not to entertain but to usher in God’s presence. Therefore, as worship leaders, we must be more focused on bringing glory to God than on the entertainment value of what we’re doing for Him.

We’ve heard arguments over which has the best music — the Church or the world. God created music, and no music can surpass His genius and creativity. So certainly, the best music should be coming from the Church. But my honest opinion is that the world has the best entertainment, and I’ll tell you why I believe that. Entertainment appeals to the flesh, or the natural part of man. And simply put, the best entertainment — from movies, music recordings, concerts, nightclubs, etc. — comes from the world.

As worship leaders, we can’t get people to come back again and again to a church or meeting on the sole basis of our entertainment quality. The world is simply superior in this respect. We must focus on something the world does not and cannot have: the anointing, God’s power and presence that changes people’s lives. And one way the anointing is released into people’s lives is through praise and worship.

Worship leaders should remember that the service is not theirs but God’s. And the church

is not ours but God’s. We live under His rules, and His rules are to follow the leading of the Holy Spirit and to esteem His power and presence as absolutely vital and necessary when we meet together as a local body of believers.

Submission to the authority of the Holy Spirit in worship is something we must constantly strive for as worship leaders. For example, if the Holy Spirit wants me to sing a certain chorus longer than I’d planned for, rather than be concerned about my agenda or schedule, I must be concerned about following Him. I don’t want to grieve the Spirit of God or give Him only limited access to the service and the people in attendance. Instead, I want Him to fill the place with His glory, because when that happens, God touches people, and they’re set free from sin, sickness, addictions, etc.

The Holy Spirit doesn’t just deal with people during the message. During praise and worship, He can deal with people and prepare their hearts for the message. Praise and worship is a crucial part of God’s work during a service, so it’s important to stay focused on Him, allowing Him to lead you and your team into God’s presence in worship and to help the congregation enter His presence with you.

#3: DO Realize the Importance of Your Role So You Can Do Your Part Well

Imagine yourself going to church for the first time. You’re not saved, and you go to church only because you made a promise to your friend that you would. You leave your home, careful not to be late, but when you arrive at the church early and find a seat, you have to sit and wait because the service doesn’t start on time. And thoughts begin to flash across your mind, These people don’t respect me or my time.

Finally, the worship starts. The music is loud, and the people look sloppy and unprofessional. The worship leader says nothing to encourage the people to enter into praise and worship, and there’s no explanation as to the purpose of worship or why others are raising their hands as they praise God. You’re thinking, These people are weird or maybe even crazy!

Then the songs are hard to sing because the key is too high. The melody is also difficult, and there are too many words — so many that even the worship leader mixes them up. Afterward, the minister begins the message, but you as a guest are so bewildered that you’re more attuned to your ”strange” environment than to the words of the message. At that point, the chances that you’ll ever return to that church are slim.

Unfortunately, what I just described is a reality in many churches and to many who are unsaved and unchurched. Yes, there are a lot of great praise-and-worship leaders in the Body of Christ, but there are also things churches could perhaps improve on regarding their praise and worship.

For example, imagine a similar scenario at a different church. You arrive at that church, and the service starts exactly on time. Whether consciously or subconsciously, you think, This organization is professional, and I feel respected. The worship leader greets the people and leads them into a song that is easy to sing. Then he or she uses Scripture in between songs to briefly explain the importance of worshipping God. Your mind feels at ease instead of distracted by questions and confusion.

Perhaps the leader exhorts the people in a specific way as he or she is led by God, such as to pray for their city, a friend or relative, or even the person in the seat beside them. The worship leader might also have a word of knowledge that he or she speaks out. It ”hits home” to you, and the Holy Spirit begins ministering to your heart.

As the music continues, you notice that the team is sharp and plays well together. The sound is pleasant to your ears, and you’re eager to hear the pastor’s message. You end up yielding to the convicting power of the Holy Spirit — and when the man or woman of God gives the altar call, you give your heart to Jesus. You feel at home in that church and look forward to returning and learning about your new life in Christ. The praise and worship played a role in your getting saved because it opened the door for God to move in your live without distraction.

Music and worship play a valuable role in any service. In Second Chronicles 20:20-22, we can read that King Jehosaphat sent his worshipers out ahead of even his soldiers. In other words, the worshipers were in the frontlines of battle! And worship still has its place on the ”frontlines” today. Biblically, praise and worship is a spiritual weapon God has given to His Church. But the praise-and-worship portion of a service also provides one of the first impressions for a guest in your church or meeting — and it can prepare the way for a move of God’s Spirit to radically change people’s hearts and lives.

Serving as a worship leader or on a worship team is an honor, but it’s also a calling that carries a great deal of responsibility and commitment. It’s important that we as worship leaders give careful attention to this area of ministry so that we don’t fall short in fulfilling our role to make each service — as well as the church overall — what God desires it to be.

10 IMPART MAGAZINE NOVEMBER 2011 11IMPART MAGAZINE NOVEMBER 2011

Practical Do’s and Don’ts of Overseas Missions

For more than 20 years, I have been honored to minister overseas in a wide variety of settings. Some trips lasted only a week or two. In another season, we lived on the field for four years. I am by no means an expert on missionary work or cross-cultural effectiveness. However, I have collected more than a few helpful hints along the way

as I’ve lived and ministered on the mission field. I hope that what I share proves to enrich your life and ministry as you venture into the regions beyond or help others as they go.

Do:1. Know where you’re going. Take time before your trip to read up on the area of the world where you’re headed. Books such as Lonely Planet and Fodor’s are great travel guides. Operation World offers more insight into the spiritual climate of a nation or region. National Geographic can also be an insightful resource. Additionally, many foreign newspapers are available online. These can be a great way not only to get you up to speed on local current events, but they also to serve as a very advanced cultural window to the place you’ll be traveling.

• Cultural Ideas — Look for ways to experience and understand the local culture. Kiss, Bow or Shake Hands is a classic book on effective cross-cultural exchanges. Also, while you’re there, find a restaurant that serves the local cuisine and give it a try. Look for nationals and see if you can strike up a conversation. It’s amazing how much of the world is in our ”backyard.”

• Language — Even with a short trip, your ability to speak basic conversational words in the local language can be a wonderful bridge-builder. If you will be in that language zone for an extended time, language skills are not only helpful in the day-to-day

Hayne Schurz and his wife Heather have ministered the love and power of God on 5 continents and in more than 20 nations since 1989. Since connecting with DOMATA (a training school for ministers) and its founders, Mark and Janet Brazee, the Schurzes have ministered in DOMATA schools around the world. From 1998-2002, they lived as missionaries in Bangkok, serving as overseers of DOMATA Thailand and pastors of Victory Church. Hayne currently serves as the overseer of DOMATA Tulsa and Missions Pastor for World Outreach Church. Both Hayne and Heather are graduates of Oral Roberts University and RHEMA Bible Training Center and are the parents of three beautiful children.

Hayne Schurz | GEMS FOR MINISTERS

processes, but speaking the native language connects you to the people — and the people to you — in ways that nothing else can. Immersion programs in which you’re surrounded by national speakers are the best way to learn, but Rosetta Stone and other books or software can be very helpful too.

Don’t be bashful to try out your new words and phrases. Yes, you will make mistakes and, yes, they can be embarrassing. But they can also serve as more bridge-building moments to connect you with the local people.

2. Observe, pay attention, and learn. With or without the above-mentioned books and interaction, you can assimilate yourself in a culture more quickly by simply watching carefully those around you. For example, when eating with a group, discreetly watch what others as they eat; you may find that it would appropriate to eat with your spoon and use the fork as a ”pusher.”

One of my favorite stories is about a zealous young missionary who was eager to show his devotion and commitment. Sharing a meal with church leaders overseas was a perfect opportunity. So when they served a whole, grilled fish, he ”sacrificially” chose to eat the head of the fish and to leave the tender fillet portions to the national leaders. After his boney, tasteless meal was finished, the nationals asked how he liked their food. With a brave smile, he commented how delicious it was. They all expressed their relief and quickly added, ”We’re so glad to hear that; we’ve never seen anyone actually eat the head of the fish like you just did”!

You could also observe traffic patterns, family interactions, ”personal space,” and anything else that could be helpful for gleaning clues about a different culture.

3. Seek to understand and then to be understood. I first read this in Stephen Covey’s classic book Seven Habits of Highly Effective People. I have also seen this same principle as a strong, underlying value of the love of God. I am much more likely to ”hit the mark” if I restrain myself — my opinions and my answers — until I’ve

reached a better understanding of the people to whom I want to minister. Jesus taught with stories about fishing and farming to an audience of fishers and farmers. The apostle Paul became familiar with the false religions that choked the city of Athens, and he was also well-versed in the ongoing debate between the Pharisees and Sadducees concerning the resurrection. Then he used that to bring his message at opportune times as he continued his journey to Rome. Rather than debate the culture or the doctrine, Paul simply preached Christ.

Whether your mission journey is short-term or long-term, you’re still a citizen of your home country, and you’re likely very proud of that heritage. However, your mission work is about the Kingdom of God. And in that work, it’s important to be as culturally neutral as you can be so that your behavior doesn’t detract from your message. And try not to be surprised when you grow and are challenged by the very ones you went to help.

4. Be flexible. Traveling overseas can often include last-minute changes to your schedules and plans. Airlines can re-route your bags at their leisure. Be ready to be flexible. You may be ready to teach and preach, specially gearing up with extra study and prayer time. However, it might be customary to the nationals to begin your visit with a long, slow tea and snack time so that your hosts can meet you and you can get to know each other better. Relax and purpose to remain flexible.

Itinerary — When you put together your planned schedule, keep in mind that some things that are quick and easy at home may not be that way on the field (one notorious example is doing business at banks and post offices). Of course, you’ll want to fill your schedule with ministry activities, but you may also need some time on the front end of your trip to make the adjustment physically if there is a major time change. It’s also important to be aware of local holidays.

12 IMPART MAGAZINE NOVEMBER 2011 13IMPART MAGAZINE NOVEMBER 2011

Practical Do’s and Don’ts of Overseas Missions

For more than 20 years, I have been honored to minister overseas in a wide variety of settings. Some trips lasted only a week or two. In another season, we lived on the field for four years. I am by no means an expert on missionary work or cross-cultural effectiveness. However, I have collected more than a few helpful hints along the way

as I’ve lived and ministered on the mission field. I hope that what I share proves to enrich your life and ministry as you venture into the regions beyond or help others as they go.

Do:1. Know where you’re going. Take time before your trip to read up on the area of the world where you’re headed. Books such as Lonely Planet and Fodor’s are great travel guides. Operation World offers more insight into the spiritual climate of a nation or region. National Geographic can also be an insightful resource. Additionally, many foreign newspapers are available online. These can be a great way not only to get you up to speed on local current events, but they also to serve as a very advanced cultural window to the place you’ll be traveling.

• Cultural Ideas — Look for ways to experience and understand the local culture. Kiss, Bow or Shake Hands is a classic book on effective cross-cultural exchanges. Also, while you’re there, find a restaurant that serves the local cuisine and give it a try. Look for nationals and see if you can strike up a conversation. It’s amazing how much of the world is in our ”backyard.”

• Language — Even with a short trip, your ability to speak basic conversational words in the local language can be a wonderful bridge-builder. If you will be in that language zone for an extended time, language skills are not only helpful in the day-to-day

Hayne Schurz and his wife Heather have ministered the love and power of God on 5 continents and in more than 20 nations since 1989. Since connecting with DOMATA (a training school for ministers) and its founders, Mark and Janet Brazee, the Schurzes have ministered in DOMATA schools around the world. From 1998-2002, they lived as missionaries in Bangkok, serving as overseers of DOMATA Thailand and pastors of Victory Church. Hayne currently serves as the overseer of DOMATA Tulsa and Missions Pastor for World Outreach Church. Both Hayne and Heather are graduates of Oral Roberts University and RHEMA Bible Training Center and are the parents of three beautiful children.

Hayne Schurz | GEMS FOR MINISTERS

processes, but speaking the native language connects you to the people — and the people to you — in ways that nothing else can. Immersion programs in which you’re surrounded by national speakers are the best way to learn, but Rosetta Stone and other books or software can be very helpful too.

Don’t be bashful to try out your new words and phrases. Yes, you will make mistakes and, yes, they can be embarrassing. But they can also serve as more bridge-building moments to connect you with the local people.

2. Observe, pay attention, and learn. With or without the above-mentioned books and interaction, you can assimilate yourself in a culture more quickly by simply watching carefully those around you. For example, when eating with a group, discreetly watch what others as they eat; you may find that it would appropriate to eat with your spoon and use the fork as a ”pusher.”

One of my favorite stories is about a zealous young missionary who was eager to show his devotion and commitment. Sharing a meal with church leaders overseas was a perfect opportunity. So when they served a whole, grilled fish, he ”sacrificially” chose to eat the head of the fish and to leave the tender fillet portions to the national leaders. After his boney, tasteless meal was finished, the nationals asked how he liked their food. With a brave smile, he commented how delicious it was. They all expressed their relief and quickly added, ”We’re so glad to hear that; we’ve never seen anyone actually eat the head of the fish like you just did”!

You could also observe traffic patterns, family interactions, ”personal space,” and anything else that could be helpful for gleaning clues about a different culture.

3. Seek to understand and then to be understood. I first read this in Stephen Covey’s classic book Seven Habits of Highly Effective People. I have also seen this same principle as a strong, underlying value of the love of God. I am much more likely to ”hit the mark” if I restrain myself — my opinions and my answers — until I’ve

reached a better understanding of the people to whom I want to minister. Jesus taught with stories about fishing and farming to an audience of fishers and farmers. The apostle Paul became familiar with the false religions that choked the city of Athens, and he was also well-versed in the ongoing debate between the Pharisees and Sadducees concerning the resurrection. Then he used that to bring his message at opportune times as he continued his journey to Rome. Rather than debate the culture or the doctrine, Paul simply preached Christ.

Whether your mission journey is short-term or long-term, you’re still a citizen of your home country, and you’re likely very proud of that heritage. However, your mission work is about the Kingdom of God. And in that work, it’s important to be as culturally neutral as you can be so that your behavior doesn’t detract from your message. And try not to be surprised when you grow and are challenged by the very ones you went to help.

4. Be flexible. Traveling overseas can often include last-minute changes to your schedules and plans. Airlines can re-route your bags at their leisure. Be ready to be flexible. You may be ready to teach and preach, specially gearing up with extra study and prayer time. However, it might be customary to the nationals to begin your visit with a long, slow tea and snack time so that your hosts can meet you and you can get to know each other better. Relax and purpose to remain flexible.

Itinerary — When you put together your planned schedule, keep in mind that some things that are quick and easy at home may not be that way on the field (one notorious example is doing business at banks and post offices). Of course, you’ll want to fill your schedule with ministry activities, but you may also need some time on the front end of your trip to make the adjustment physically if there is a major time change. It’s also important to be aware of local holidays.

12 IMPART MAGAZINE NOVEMBER 2011 13IMPART MAGAZINE NOVEMBER 2011

8. Tell it all at once. It’s incredibly important to communicate with those who helped send you, whether they provided prayer or financial support. I love to come back from a trip and be exploding with excitement and stories, testimonies, pictures, scars, and… You get the picture. But as I share with friends (and unsuspecting strangers), I need to remember to ask, for example, ”How was your summer?” and to be sincere in my interest.

Share your experiences in bite-sized pieces that leave people wanting more.

9. Substitute human sympathy for divine love. Especially in settings where the physical conditions are difficult, don’t let your emotions overwhelm the spiritual force of real love. We must do much more than simply feel sorry for people. The purpose of missions is not to return home and feel more grateful for our toys. Sympathy feels pity for another; love compels us to action that can change the situation. Maybe the priest and the Levite felt sympathy for the man who was beaten and left to die, but the Good Samaritan acted in love and actually recovered the man (see Luke 10:30-34).

10. Quit! You may experience a trip that’s less than what you hoped. Don’t quit! Hang in there. Don’t back off and don’t back down. We may get knocked down, but we’re not knocked out. Persevere, and the overall rewards will outweigh any less-than-positive experience you might have along the way. And the Gospel will have been preached in one more place to one more people group for whom Christ died.

Football or a DVR takes half of your preaching time, it’s probably better just to skip it. Healing may be the ”children’s bread” (Matthew 15:26; Mark 7:27) in one part of the world, but it’s the children’s rice in many settings in Asia — and God’s Word is your ”daily pasta” in Italy (see Matthew 6:11; Luke 11:3)!

4. Wrinkle your nose at the food. ”Where He leads me, I will follow. What they feed me, I will swallow.” This is fun to say but a bit less fun to practice. Nevertheless, trust God for an ironclad stomach.

5. Be ungrateful. No matter how it compares to what you’re used to, we can all grow and develop in our level of appreciation. No one owes us anything, and every effort and expense is deserving of our heartfelt gratitude.

6. Join the ”Ugly American” club. While we live in our home culture, we are often unaware of how someone from another culture might view us. (Ever wonder if a goldfish knows that it’s wet?) However, when we leave the safety and security of our home base, our cultural differences can become painfully obvious.

Unfortunately, many American travelers have well-earned this branding, the ”ugly American.” We are often too loud. We are too often arrogant. And we have a tendency to assume that our culture is not only ”ours” but also ”right.” With any culture, it’s too easy to compare other cultural dynamics to our own and reach the conclusion that the differences are more than different — that others’ cultures are actually wrong.

When it comes to the culture I’m visiting on the field, I want to defer to that culture. But where any culture contradicts the ”culture” and behavior of biblical Christianity, I will have to remain loyal to the Word of God.

7. Be bashful about your message. While I encourage cultural sensitivity, I do not encourage timid, fearful ministry. Preach the Word! Paul asked that utterance may be given to him that he may speak boldly, as he ought to speak (see Ephesians 6:20). You ought to be bold!

In other words, let’s go ”heavy” on the Scriptures and ”light” on personal opinions and pet doctrines!

5. Be prepared (have an emergency plan). With the increase in volatility around the world, it’s a good idea to have a contact sheet for yourself as well as a point person at ”home.” This list should include the phone numbers to the closest embassy of your nation, how to reach key people back home, and how they can reach you. It’s also a good idea to check your destination for any cautions from the State Department website.

6. Use wisdom concerning your physical health. Check your local health department to see if any immunizations are required. I don’t like shots, but I like tropical diseases even less! Yes, I can and do believe God for health and healing, but there are so many areas in which I must believe God during each trip that if a shot or pill can help me, it only serves to strengthen my body, and it doesn’t hinder my faith.

I also recommend some backup items that may be common at home but uncommon on the field, such as something to settle your stomach, moisten your contacts, or clear your sinuses. All of these things can be quite a convenience when you’re busy focusing on ministry work.

7. Stick with the fundamentals and keep yourself well fed. Pray. Read the Bible. Walk daily in intimate fellowship with God. In unfamiliar settings, it always comforts me to open my Bible to a familiar passage.

Also, it’s not unusual to be pouring out your heart for an extended time as you minister. In many cases, you’re a breath of fresh air to those you’re ministering to, and the nationals want to take full advantage of your being there. But don’t forget to keep yourself well fed in the Word of God and other books or materials that encourage and build you up. Don’t become a famished chef!

8. Love people, not trophies. Although the testimonies and adventures of missions stir even the calmest waters, always remember that the people you minister to are just that: people.

They’re not photo ops or trophies for a ministry mantel. They are actual people, just like you and me. They have names, families, histories, and feelings. Very often, they also possess a keen detection of sincerity versus a ”plastic,” superficial hyper-spirituality. Be real and be genuine.

9. Be aware of ”reverse culture shock.” As I enter a new and different culture, I am charged with adventure, hopefully prepared for the challenges ahead. However, I find it quite common that the re-entry to my home culture is more challenging than that of a new and different one. Things I hadn’t noticed before about my friends and family, my local grocery store, and even my own closet can stand out with blatant and often appalling triviality.

I don’t know that we can change that; in fact, I don’t think we should. However, I hope that this simple ”heads up” will give you some warning so that you’re not too surprised by your pantry when you return home!

10. Just go! Whether or not you can ”check all the boxes” I’ve shared about in terms of your own experiences, you can still just go. Just get your passport, get a ticket, and go for it! Participating in even a short-term mission trip will be an enriching, life-changing experience, so I encourage you to look for your opportunity. Obey the Great Commission and let God mess with you!

Don’t:1. Lose your passport. It can be

helpful to have photocopies of your passport in your luggage or carry-on, as well as with your point person back home. But nothing beats having the original in safekeeping.

2. Flash the cash. Be careful with money. Politely and discreetly ask a national you can trust about tips, offerings, and gifts to translators or others helping you. Do what is appropriate.

3. Overuse American illustrations. It might be your favorite story at home, but if explaining Monday Night

14 IMPART MAGAZINE NOVEMBER 2011 15IMPART MAGAZINE NOVEMBER 2011

8. Tell it all at once. It’s incredibly important to communicate with those who helped send you, whether they provided prayer or financial support. I love to come back from a trip and be exploding with excitement and stories, testimonies, pictures, scars, and… You get the picture. But as I share with friends (and unsuspecting strangers), I need to remember to ask, for example, ”How was your summer?” and to be sincere in my interest.

Share your experiences in bite-sized pieces that leave people wanting more.

9. Substitute human sympathy for divine love. Especially in settings where the physical conditions are difficult, don’t let your emotions overwhelm the spiritual force of real love. We must do much more than simply feel sorry for people. The purpose of missions is not to return home and feel more grateful for our toys. Sympathy feels pity for another; love compels us to action that can change the situation. Maybe the priest and the Levite felt sympathy for the man who was beaten and left to die, but the Good Samaritan acted in love and actually recovered the man (see Luke 10:30-34).

10. Quit! You may experience a trip that’s less than what you hoped. Don’t quit! Hang in there. Don’t back off and don’t back down. We may get knocked down, but we’re not knocked out. Persevere, and the overall rewards will outweigh any less-than-positive experience you might have along the way. And the Gospel will have been preached in one more place to one more people group for whom Christ died.

Football or a DVR takes half of your preaching time, it’s probably better just to skip it. Healing may be the ”children’s bread” (Matthew 15:26; Mark 7:27) in one part of the world, but it’s the children’s rice in many settings in Asia — and God’s Word is your ”daily pasta” in Italy (see Matthew 6:11; Luke 11:3)!

4. Wrinkle your nose at the food. ”Where He leads me, I will follow. What they feed me, I will swallow.” This is fun to say but a bit less fun to practice. Nevertheless, trust God for an ironclad stomach.

5. Be ungrateful. No matter how it compares to what you’re used to, we can all grow and develop in our level of appreciation. No one owes us anything, and every effort and expense is deserving of our heartfelt gratitude.

6. Join the ”Ugly American” club. While we live in our home culture, we are often unaware of how someone from another culture might view us. (Ever wonder if a goldfish knows that it’s wet?) However, when we leave the safety and security of our home base, our cultural differences can become painfully obvious.

Unfortunately, many American travelers have well-earned this branding, the ”ugly American.” We are often too loud. We are too often arrogant. And we have a tendency to assume that our culture is not only ”ours” but also ”right.” With any culture, it’s too easy to compare other cultural dynamics to our own and reach the conclusion that the differences are more than different — that others’ cultures are actually wrong.

When it comes to the culture I’m visiting on the field, I want to defer to that culture. But where any culture contradicts the ”culture” and behavior of biblical Christianity, I will have to remain loyal to the Word of God.

7. Be bashful about your message. While I encourage cultural sensitivity, I do not encourage timid, fearful ministry. Preach the Word! Paul asked that utterance may be given to him that he may speak boldly, as he ought to speak (see Ephesians 6:20). You ought to be bold!

In other words, let’s go ”heavy” on the Scriptures and ”light” on personal opinions and pet doctrines!

5. Be prepared (have an emergency plan). With the increase in volatility around the world, it’s a good idea to have a contact sheet for yourself as well as a point person at ”home.” This list should include the phone numbers to the closest embassy of your nation, how to reach key people back home, and how they can reach you. It’s also a good idea to check your destination for any cautions from the State Department website.

6. Use wisdom concerning your physical health. Check your local health department to see if any immunizations are required. I don’t like shots, but I like tropical diseases even less! Yes, I can and do believe God for health and healing, but there are so many areas in which I must believe God during each trip that if a shot or pill can help me, it only serves to strengthen my body, and it doesn’t hinder my faith.

I also recommend some backup items that may be common at home but uncommon on the field, such as something to settle your stomach, moisten your contacts, or clear your sinuses. All of these things can be quite a convenience when you’re busy focusing on ministry work.

7. Stick with the fundamentals and keep yourself well fed. Pray. Read the Bible. Walk daily in intimate fellowship with God. In unfamiliar settings, it always comforts me to open my Bible to a familiar passage.

Also, it’s not unusual to be pouring out your heart for an extended time as you minister. In many cases, you’re a breath of fresh air to those you’re ministering to, and the nationals want to take full advantage of your being there. But don’t forget to keep yourself well fed in the Word of God and other books or materials that encourage and build you up. Don’t become a famished chef!

8. Love people, not trophies. Although the testimonies and adventures of missions stir even the calmest waters, always remember that the people you minister to are just that: people.

They’re not photo ops or trophies for a ministry mantel. They are actual people, just like you and me. They have names, families, histories, and feelings. Very often, they also possess a keen detection of sincerity versus a ”plastic,” superficial hyper-spirituality. Be real and be genuine.

9. Be aware of ”reverse culture shock.” As I enter a new and different culture, I am charged with adventure, hopefully prepared for the challenges ahead. However, I find it quite common that the re-entry to my home culture is more challenging than that of a new and different one. Things I hadn’t noticed before about my friends and family, my local grocery store, and even my own closet can stand out with blatant and often appalling triviality.

I don’t know that we can change that; in fact, I don’t think we should. However, I hope that this simple ”heads up” will give you some warning so that you’re not too surprised by your pantry when you return home!

10. Just go! Whether or not you can ”check all the boxes” I’ve shared about in terms of your own experiences, you can still just go. Just get your passport, get a ticket, and go for it! Participating in even a short-term mission trip will be an enriching, life-changing experience, so I encourage you to look for your opportunity. Obey the Great Commission and let God mess with you!

Don’t:1. Lose your passport. It can be

helpful to have photocopies of your passport in your luggage or carry-on, as well as with your point person back home. But nothing beats having the original in safekeeping.

2. Flash the cash. Be careful with money. Politely and discreetly ask a national you can trust about tips, offerings, and gifts to translators or others helping you. Do what is appropriate.

3. Overuse American illustrations. It might be your favorite story at home, but if explaining Monday Night

14 IMPART MAGAZINE NOVEMBER 2011 15IMPART MAGAZINE NOVEMBER 2011

there were two more men named Alexander and Philetus, who were also very well respected and who had also gotten into this Gnostic error. These three men were teaching that the resurrection was only symbolic. And because of their great influence, people began to listen to them.

An Effective Spiritual Leader Uses Doctrine To Steady People in Tumultuous Times

That’s why Paul reminded Timothy in Second Timothy 2:11, ”It is a faithful saying: For if we be dead with him, we shall also live with him.” Nevertheless, these three leaders in Timothy’s church had stabbed Timothy in the back and were exerting their influence to undermine his authority, causing many to default on their faith. As the pastor, Timothy was struggling with backstabbers among his closest leadership, erroneous teaching in the church, death threats, a congregation that appeared to be ”defecting,” and even his own doubts.

Paul’s words to Timothy in Second Timothy 4:1 begin: ”I charge thee therefore before God....” That word ”charge” is from a Greek word diamarturomai, which indicates solemnity. In other words, Paul was saying to Timothy, ”I solemnly charge thee....” The words Paul then spoke to his son in the faith weren’t fleeting words of instruction. They were a charge before God. In fact, that word ”before” is from the Greek word enopion, which means in the presence of. Paul was saying, ”I charge you, Timothy, in the presence of God — in the very face and in the very eyesight of God....”

Paul was saying, in effect, ”I solemnly charge you — and, listen, God’s presence is attending this charge. His face is hovering over this charge. God’s eyes are upon that which is happening right now.” So it was a very serious moment.

Verse 1 says, ”I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom.” Paul was also making it clear to Timothy who had called him into the ministry: the Lord Jesus Christ. In other words, it wouldn’t be the people of Timothy’s church who would judge him at Christ’s ”...appearing and his kingdom.” It would be the Lord, who judges ”...both the quick and the dead....” So Paul was saying, ”In light of that — and, Timothy, this is very serious — do these things.”

Then in verse 2, Paul begins to give personal instruction to Timothy, charging him to: 1) preach the Word; 2) be instant; 3) do it in season and out of season; 4) rebuke; 5) reprove; 6) exhort; 7) do it with longsuffering; and 8) do it with doctrine.

These eight things are extremely important to Christian leaders and particularly to fivefold ministers, not only for their public ministries, but for their personal lives as well. Diligently doing these eight things lays a solid foundation — or rebuilds a foundation — that sets a minister on course to do exploits for God and to encourage and empower others to do the same.

The Place of Doctrine in Building

and Restoring Leadership

As pastors and leaders, we must know what the Bible says about leadership. And the verses in Second Timothy are some of

the most important in the entire New Testament for encouraging leaders — especially those who are discouraged, fearful, and distraught — such as in the case of Timothy. In this passage, the apostle Paul was telling Timothy how to correct his failures and start all over again. And what God delivered to this spiritual leader through the ministry of Paul — to change and empower him to do exploits — is what God makes available to us as leaders today.

What were Timothy’s big issues that prompted this exhortation from Paul? At first glance, it seems that Timothy’s primary problem was that his leadership was defective. His key leaders were leaving him and the church because the heat was on. A demon-possessed man by the name of Nero had become the Roman emperor. When Rome burned in 64 AD, there was

by Rick Renner

Last Word

a widespread belief that Nero had ordered the burning for his own insane reasons. To deflect blame from himself, Nero came up with the idea to use Christians as his scapegoats, blaming this horrific act of arson on believers and accusing them of being enemies of Rome. Thus began one of the darkest periods in the infant Church’s history, during which believers, especially in Rome, were hunted down like animals and killed on the spot or tortured to death.

As word of what was happening in Rome reached Ephesus, fear began to take hold of the members of Timothy’s church. Even Timothy himself feared for his life.

However, because of the believer’s promise of a resurrection from the dead, death is not something to be afraid of. The certainty of a bodily resurrection eliminates the tormenting fear of dying. Well, therein lay Timothy’s problem, because one of the primary teachers in his congregation was a man by the name of Hymaneaus, who had begun teaching people that there was no literal resurrection, just a spiritual one that was reflected in the believer’s change of heart and his new lifestyle — his being ”raised” to newness of life in Christ. Besides Hymaneaus,

Part 1

I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom; Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine. — 2 Timothy 4:1,2

16 IMPART MAGAZINE NOVEMBER 2011 17IMPART MAGAZINE NOVEMBER 2011

there were two more men named Alexander and Philetus, who were also very well respected and who had also gotten into this Gnostic error. These three men were teaching that the resurrection was only symbolic. And because of their great influence, people began to listen to them.

An Effective Spiritual Leader Uses Doctrine To Steady People in Tumultuous Times

That’s why Paul reminded Timothy in Second Timothy 2:11, ”It is a faithful saying: For if we be dead with him, we shall also live with him.” Nevertheless, these three leaders in Timothy’s church had stabbed Timothy in the back and were exerting their influence to undermine his authority, causing many to default on their faith. As the pastor, Timothy was struggling with backstabbers among his closest leadership, erroneous teaching in the church, death threats, a congregation that appeared to be ”defecting,” and even his own doubts.

Paul’s words to Timothy in Second Timothy 4:1 begin: ”I charge thee therefore before God....” That word ”charge” is from a Greek word diamarturomai, which indicates solemnity. In other words, Paul was saying to Timothy, ”I solemnly charge thee....” The words Paul then spoke to his son in the faith weren’t fleeting words of instruction. They were a charge before God. In fact, that word ”before” is from the Greek word enopion, which means in the presence of. Paul was saying, ”I charge you, Timothy, in the presence of God — in the very face and in the very eyesight of God....”

Paul was saying, in effect, ”I solemnly charge you — and, listen, God’s presence is attending this charge. His face is hovering over this charge. God’s eyes are upon that which is happening right now.” So it was a very serious moment.

Verse 1 says, ”I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom.” Paul was also making it clear to Timothy who had called him into the ministry: the Lord Jesus Christ. In other words, it wouldn’t be the people of Timothy’s church who would judge him at Christ’s ”...appearing and his kingdom.” It would be the Lord, who judges ”...both the quick and the dead....” So Paul was saying, ”In light of that — and, Timothy, this is very serious — do these things.”

Then in verse 2, Paul begins to give personal instruction to Timothy, charging him to: 1) preach the Word; 2) be instant; 3) do it in season and out of season; 4) rebuke; 5) reprove; 6) exhort; 7) do it with longsuffering; and 8) do it with doctrine.

These eight things are extremely important to Christian leaders and particularly to fivefold ministers, not only for their public ministries, but for their personal lives as well. Diligently doing these eight things lays a solid foundation — or rebuilds a foundation — that sets a minister on course to do exploits for God and to encourage and empower others to do the same.

The Place of Doctrine in Building

and Restoring Leadership

As pastors and leaders, we must know what the Bible says about leadership. And the verses in Second Timothy are some of

the most important in the entire New Testament for encouraging leaders — especially those who are discouraged, fearful, and distraught — such as in the case of Timothy. In this passage, the apostle Paul was telling Timothy how to correct his failures and start all over again. And what God delivered to this spiritual leader through the ministry of Paul — to change and empower him to do exploits — is what God makes available to us as leaders today.

What were Timothy’s big issues that prompted this exhortation from Paul? At first glance, it seems that Timothy’s primary problem was that his leadership was defective. His key leaders were leaving him and the church because the heat was on. A demon-possessed man by the name of Nero had become the Roman emperor. When Rome burned in 64 AD, there was

by Rick Renner

Last Word

a widespread belief that Nero had ordered the burning for his own insane reasons. To deflect blame from himself, Nero came up with the idea to use Christians as his scapegoats, blaming this horrific act of arson on believers and accusing them of being enemies of Rome. Thus began one of the darkest periods in the infant Church’s history, during which believers, especially in Rome, were hunted down like animals and killed on the spot or tortured to death.

As word of what was happening in Rome reached Ephesus, fear began to take hold of the members of Timothy’s church. Even Timothy himself feared for his life.

However, because of the believer’s promise of a resurrection from the dead, death is not something to be afraid of. The certainty of a bodily resurrection eliminates the tormenting fear of dying. Well, therein lay Timothy’s problem, because one of the primary teachers in his congregation was a man by the name of Hymaneaus, who had begun teaching people that there was no literal resurrection, just a spiritual one that was reflected in the believer’s change of heart and his new lifestyle — his being ”raised” to newness of life in Christ. Besides Hymaneaus,

Part 1

I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom; Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine. — 2 Timothy 4:1,2

16 IMPART MAGAZINE NOVEMBER 2011 17IMPART MAGAZINE NOVEMBER 2011

Preach the WordLet’s begin in verse 2 where it says, ”Preach

the Word.” Here we find God’s instruction to Timothy — and to us as ministers — that pertains to public ministry. We are to preach the Word. The word ”preach” is from the Greek word kerusso, which means to herald loudly. It actually refers to a man who would take news out into the streets and yell the news as loudly as he could. His entire mission in life was to record and disseminate the most recent news.

So Paul says to Timothy, ”Your first job is to herald the Word of God.” To do that, Timothy had to devote himself the God’s Word and then to herald the revelation he received. That was his number-one job as a minister ― and if you’re a minister, it’s your number-one job.

Be ‘Instant’ — Take a Personal Stand

Second, Paul says, ”Be instant.” What does the word ”instant” mean? It’s from the Greek word ephistemi, which can be translated be attentive. Actually, it’s from two Greek words — ephi, which means on top of, and histemi, which means to stand. What the Scripture is saying here is this: ”Be attentive to the Word. Stand on top of the Word. Don’t just preach the Word, but also take your stand on the Word. Give your whole life to it. Be very attentive to the Word of God.”

I also want to point out that when this verse says, ”Be instant,” that word ”instant” denotes that it was a word of personal instruction. Paul wasn’t telling Timothy to be instant, or be attentive to the Word, for the church’s sake. He was saying, ”Be attentive for your sake.”

Paul said something very similar to Timothy in First Timothy 4:16.

Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee.

I want you to notice that it says in verse 16, ”Take heed unto thyself....” This is important. Paul was telling Timothy that as he stayed on top of God’s Word and remained firmly fixed on it, it would benefit his personal life and position him to bring the same benefit to those who sat under his ministry.

In other words, if pastors don’t take heed unto themselves, they’re not going to have anything to give to the congregation they oversee. But by being ”instant” or personally attentive to God’s Word for themselves, pastors bring the blessings of salvation to their own lives and to the lives of the church members under their care.

So Paul’s first word to Timothy, ”Preach the Word,” pertained to his public ministry. His second word to his son in the faith, ”Be instant,” applied to his private ministry, which would in turn affect his public ministry. Paul was saying, in effect, ”Take a personal stand on the Word, Timothy, and then get that message out to others!”

You Must Maintain Your Stand in Good Times and Bad Times

In Second Timothy 4:2, Paul also tells Timothy when to be attentive to the Word of God and take his stand on it: ”in season, out of season.”

When we hear about seasons, we often think of the four seasons — winter, spring, summer, and fall. But the word ”season” here is actually from a Greek work that means time. In fact, the first part of the phrase ”in season” is from a compound word eukairos. Kairos means times, and eu means good. So you could translate it like this: ”Be attentive in good times.”

Well, it’s wonderful to preach the Word of God in good times. But Timothy was not experiencing good times. In fact, he was not having a good time at all. That’s why

the second part of the phrase reads ”out of season,” which is translated from a compound word in the Greek, akairos, meaning bad times.

Have you ever experienced ”bad times” in ministry? You need to know that the preaching of the Word doesn’t just work and bring benefit when things are flowing nicely. The Word of God works all the time — in season and out of season — in good times and bad times.

So Paul was saying to Timothy, ”Timothy, this thing doesn’t work just when you feel good. You’re to take your stance of faith even when people aren’t in agreement or flowing nicely. The Word works all the time. You’re not just to herald the Word when your church is growing and you’re not facing any major challenges. You’re the man of God, Timothy. And as such, you’re to flow from one season to the next without a break in your stance of

faith. Regardless of what you’re experiencing in your life and ministry, you’re to be ‘instant,’ or attentive concerning God’s Word.”

Reprove and Rebuke

Then Paul tells Timothy very specifically that he is to ”reprove and rebuke.” The word ”reprove” is from the Greek word elegcho that means to speak out against. What was Timothy to speak out against? In his situation, he was to speak

‘‘Take a personal stand on the Word and then get that message

out to others!”

18 IMPART MAGAZINE NOVEMBER 2011 19IMPART MAGAZINE NOVEMBER 2011

Preach the WordLet’s begin in verse 2 where it says, ”Preach

the Word.” Here we find God’s instruction to Timothy — and to us as ministers — that pertains to public ministry. We are to preach the Word. The word ”preach” is from the Greek word kerusso, which means to herald loudly. It actually refers to a man who would take news out into the streets and yell the news as loudly as he could. His entire mission in life was to record and disseminate the most recent news.

So Paul says to Timothy, ”Your first job is to herald the Word of God.” To do that, Timothy had to devote himself the God’s Word and then to herald the revelation he received. That was his number-one job as a minister ― and if you’re a minister, it’s your number-one job.

Be ‘Instant’ — Take a Personal Stand

Second, Paul says, ”Be instant.” What does the word ”instant” mean? It’s from the Greek word ephistemi, which can be translated be attentive. Actually, it’s from two Greek words — ephi, which means on top of, and histemi, which means to stand. What the Scripture is saying here is this: ”Be attentive to the Word. Stand on top of the Word. Don’t just preach the Word, but also take your stand on the Word. Give your whole life to it. Be very attentive to the Word of God.”

I also want to point out that when this verse says, ”Be instant,” that word ”instant” denotes that it was a word of personal instruction. Paul wasn’t telling Timothy to be instant, or be attentive to the Word, for the church’s sake. He was saying, ”Be attentive for your sake.”

Paul said something very similar to Timothy in First Timothy 4:16.

Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee.

I want you to notice that it says in verse 16, ”Take heed unto thyself....” This is important. Paul was telling Timothy that as he stayed on top of God’s Word and remained firmly fixed on it, it would benefit his personal life and position him to bring the same benefit to those who sat under his ministry.

In other words, if pastors don’t take heed unto themselves, they’re not going to have anything to give to the congregation they oversee. But by being ”instant” or personally attentive to God’s Word for themselves, pastors bring the blessings of salvation to their own lives and to the lives of the church members under their care.

So Paul’s first word to Timothy, ”Preach the Word,” pertained to his public ministry. His second word to his son in the faith, ”Be instant,” applied to his private ministry, which would in turn affect his public ministry. Paul was saying, in effect, ”Take a personal stand on the Word, Timothy, and then get that message out to others!”

You Must Maintain Your Stand in Good Times and Bad Times

In Second Timothy 4:2, Paul also tells Timothy when to be attentive to the Word of God and take his stand on it: ”in season, out of season.”

When we hear about seasons, we often think of the four seasons — winter, spring, summer, and fall. But the word ”season” here is actually from a Greek work that means time. In fact, the first part of the phrase ”in season” is from a compound word eukairos. Kairos means times, and eu means good. So you could translate it like this: ”Be attentive in good times.”

Well, it’s wonderful to preach the Word of God in good times. But Timothy was not experiencing good times. In fact, he was not having a good time at all. That’s why

the second part of the phrase reads ”out of season,” which is translated from a compound word in the Greek, akairos, meaning bad times.

Have you ever experienced ”bad times” in ministry? You need to know that the preaching of the Word doesn’t just work and bring benefit when things are flowing nicely. The Word of God works all the time — in season and out of season — in good times and bad times.

So Paul was saying to Timothy, ”Timothy, this thing doesn’t work just when you feel good. You’re to take your stance of faith even when people aren’t in agreement or flowing nicely. The Word works all the time. You’re not just to herald the Word when your church is growing and you’re not facing any major challenges. You’re the man of God, Timothy. And as such, you’re to flow from one season to the next without a break in your stance of

faith. Regardless of what you’re experiencing in your life and ministry, you’re to be ‘instant,’ or attentive concerning God’s Word.”

Reprove and Rebuke

Then Paul tells Timothy very specifically that he is to ”reprove and rebuke.” The word ”reprove” is from the Greek word elegcho that means to speak out against. What was Timothy to speak out against? In his situation, he was to speak

‘‘Take a personal stand on the Word and then get that message

out to others!”

18 IMPART MAGAZINE NOVEMBER 2011 19IMPART MAGAZINE NOVEMBER 2011

out against the things that were going on in his church. He was to reprove Hymenaeus, Philetus, and Alexander for the mess they were causing in that local body (see 1 Timothy 1:20; 2 Timothy 2:17; 4:14). In other words, as the leader, Timothy couldn’t just stand by and hope the situation would sort of ”drift by” and eventually rectify itself. No, he had to take his stand on the Word of God in this bad season as well as in the good seasons. Timothy had been entrusted by God with the care of that church, and he had to speak out against that which would harm it (see 2 Timothy 2:14-18).

And their word will eat as doth a canker: of whom is Hymenaeus and Philetus; Who concerning the truth have erred, saying that the resurrection is past already; and overthrow the faith of some.

— 2 Timothy 2:17,18

So Paul was charging Timothy very seriously to speak out against that which was working like a ”gangrene” in the church to eventually destroy it.

Then the next thing Timothy was to do after he reproved the wrongdoing was to ”rebuke” — which

is a word taken from the Greek word epitimao that could also be translated ”admonish.” This is important, because no one likes to be reproved without also being admonished! In other words, no one likes being corrected without being told why he or she is being corrected.

Previously, Paul had also told Timothy to ”flee also youthful lusts” (2 Timothy 2:22). Well, what is one temptation of ”youthful lusts”? To rise up in judgment without ministering in grace and to just tell people to shut their mouths! Isn’t that also a temptation for any Christian leader — to just ”rear up” and abruptly put an end to a problem without providing the teaching, training, and guidance necessary to set the people involved on the right course?

But if you’ve been in the ministry for any length of time, you know that’s not the way to take care of problems. In fact, you’re going to cause more and bigger problems in your church if you operate that way.

Take It a Step Further

So after Paul tells Timothy that he must reprove or speak out against the wrongdoing that was going on in his church, he tells Timothy that he must also rebuke the wrongdoers. Paul was calling on Timothy not just to sternly correct the people, but also to step in — as a father would for his son — and admonish those under his care in the Lord, explaining to them their error.

In other words, when we ”reprove and rebuke,” we’re not just to tell people they’re wrong. We’re to show them how they’re wrong and where they messed up. We’re supposed to explain it to them so that they’re not simply censured, or reprimanded, but also taught and trained.

Exhort With Longsuffering and Doctrine

Then Paul gives Timothy the next step: He was to exhort the people (2 Timothy 4:2). That word ”exhort” is from the Greek word parakaleo, and it truly describes the ministry of working with people. Parakaleo is a compound of two words: para, meaning to be alongside or to befriend, and kaleo, meaning to speak, to call out, or to whisper.

First, Timothy was to ”reprove” — to speak out against wrongdoing. Then he was to ”rebuke” — to admonish and teach. Next, he was to ”exhort.”

There are times when it’s not enough just to reprove a congregation publicly or to correct and admonish and then stop right there. There are times when you have to take the next step and parakaleo — come alongside someone personally to speak into his life.

What Paul is saying is this: ”Once you have heralded the Word to the world, corrected the problems in your church, and admonished those causing the problems, you have to take it a step further. You must exhort. Step right alongside your leaders and walk with them. Be personal with them, and encourage them in their growth and in areas where they need to be restored. You must be involved. They can’t do it on their own; you must help them.”

It’s interesting that the phrase added to this word ”exhort” is with all longsuffering. When you’re a leader and you have people working with you, there’s one fruit of the spirit that must especially be present in your life, and that’s longsuffering. Why longsuffering? Because there’s a tendency for leaders to get tired of working with people. They don’t really want to deal with people’s problems. In fact, they’d prefer it if people never have any problems!

The word ”longsuffering” is important. It’s from the compound word makrothumia. The first word is the word makro, referring to something that is long. The second word is the word thumos, and it refers to something that is heated, something that is swelling with hot air, or something that is full of a passionate desire. When you put makro and thumia together, you have the word makrothumia, which mean to have a long desire.

Or you could translate makrothumia like this: the ability to swell or the ability to burn a long time. And it’s supernatural, because the thing your flesh wants to do is get upset with people and give up on them quickly. That’s why Paul’s word to Timothy was so specific. Youthfulness tends to get upset with people. Maturity waits, before acting abruptly, and works with people.

Paul said to Timothy by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit (and God by His Spirit is saying the same thing to us today): ”Fulfill your public ministry by heralding the Word to the world. And fulfill your private ministry by taking heed to the Word for yourself. Then fulfill your ministry to your church by reproving, rebuking, and exhorting— walking by their side, working with them, and helping restore them when needed. And do it with longsuffering. Be willing to go a long way with your people, because sometimes that’s what it will take.”

Finally, Paul goes into detail regarding how to exhort with longsuffering. What is a leader supposed to say to people as he seeks to restore them? Is it enough for him to put his arm around someone under his charge and just say, ”Isn’t it great to be a Christian? Gee, I love the Lord”? Of course that’s not enough, and in my next article, I’m going to talk about the importance of biblical doctrine — the teaching of God’s Word — in the ministry of a pastor or spiritual leader. Whether it’s erroneous teaching, widespread fear, discord, or some other problem in your church or organization, the cure is the teaching of the Word of truth.

‘‘There are times when you have to take the next step and come alongside...’’

20 IMPART MAGAZINE NOVEMBER 2011 21IMPART MAGAZINE NOVEMBER 2011

out against the things that were going on in his church. He was to reprove Hymenaeus, Philetus, and Alexander for the mess they were causing in that local body (see 1 Timothy 1:20; 2 Timothy 2:17; 4:14). In other words, as the leader, Timothy couldn’t just stand by and hope the situation would sort of ”drift by” and eventually rectify itself. No, he had to take his stand on the Word of God in this bad season as well as in the good seasons. Timothy had been entrusted by God with the care of that church, and he had to speak out against that which would harm it (see 2 Timothy 2:14-18).

And their word will eat as doth a canker: of whom is Hymenaeus and Philetus; Who concerning the truth have erred, saying that the resurrection is past already; and overthrow the faith of some.

— 2 Timothy 2:17,18

So Paul was charging Timothy very seriously to speak out against that which was working like a ”gangrene” in the church to eventually destroy it.

Then the next thing Timothy was to do after he reproved the wrongdoing was to ”rebuke” — which

is a word taken from the Greek word epitimao that could also be translated ”admonish.” This is important, because no one likes to be reproved without also being admonished! In other words, no one likes being corrected without being told why he or she is being corrected.

Previously, Paul had also told Timothy to ”flee also youthful lusts” (2 Timothy 2:22). Well, what is one temptation of ”youthful lusts”? To rise up in judgment without ministering in grace and to just tell people to shut their mouths! Isn’t that also a temptation for any Christian leader — to just ”rear up” and abruptly put an end to a problem without providing the teaching, training, and guidance necessary to set the people involved on the right course?

But if you’ve been in the ministry for any length of time, you know that’s not the way to take care of problems. In fact, you’re going to cause more and bigger problems in your church if you operate that way.

Take It a Step Further

So after Paul tells Timothy that he must reprove or speak out against the wrongdoing that was going on in his church, he tells Timothy that he must also rebuke the wrongdoers. Paul was calling on Timothy not just to sternly correct the people, but also to step in — as a father would for his son — and admonish those under his care in the Lord, explaining to them their error.

In other words, when we ”reprove and rebuke,” we’re not just to tell people they’re wrong. We’re to show them how they’re wrong and where they messed up. We’re supposed to explain it to them so that they’re not simply censured, or reprimanded, but also taught and trained.

Exhort With Longsuffering and Doctrine

Then Paul gives Timothy the next step: He was to exhort the people (2 Timothy 4:2). That word ”exhort” is from the Greek word parakaleo, and it truly describes the ministry of working with people. Parakaleo is a compound of two words: para, meaning to be alongside or to befriend, and kaleo, meaning to speak, to call out, or to whisper.

First, Timothy was to ”reprove” — to speak out against wrongdoing. Then he was to ”rebuke” — to admonish and teach. Next, he was to ”exhort.”

There are times when it’s not enough just to reprove a congregation publicly or to correct and admonish and then stop right there. There are times when you have to take the next step and parakaleo — come alongside someone personally to speak into his life.

What Paul is saying is this: ”Once you have heralded the Word to the world, corrected the problems in your church, and admonished those causing the problems, you have to take it a step further. You must exhort. Step right alongside your leaders and walk with them. Be personal with them, and encourage them in their growth and in areas where they need to be restored. You must be involved. They can’t do it on their own; you must help them.”

It’s interesting that the phrase added to this word ”exhort” is with all longsuffering. When you’re a leader and you have people working with you, there’s one fruit of the spirit that must especially be present in your life, and that’s longsuffering. Why longsuffering? Because there’s a tendency for leaders to get tired of working with people. They don’t really want to deal with people’s problems. In fact, they’d prefer it if people never have any problems!

The word ”longsuffering” is important. It’s from the compound word makrothumia. The first word is the word makro, referring to something that is long. The second word is the word thumos, and it refers to something that is heated, something that is swelling with hot air, or something that is full of a passionate desire. When you put makro and thumia together, you have the word makrothumia, which mean to have a long desire.

Or you could translate makrothumia like this: the ability to swell or the ability to burn a long time. And it’s supernatural, because the thing your flesh wants to do is get upset with people and give up on them quickly. That’s why Paul’s word to Timothy was so specific. Youthfulness tends to get upset with people. Maturity waits, before acting abruptly, and works with people.

Paul said to Timothy by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit (and God by His Spirit is saying the same thing to us today): ”Fulfill your public ministry by heralding the Word to the world. And fulfill your private ministry by taking heed to the Word for yourself. Then fulfill your ministry to your church by reproving, rebuking, and exhorting— walking by their side, working with them, and helping restore them when needed. And do it with longsuffering. Be willing to go a long way with your people, because sometimes that’s what it will take.”

Finally, Paul goes into detail regarding how to exhort with longsuffering. What is a leader supposed to say to people as he seeks to restore them? Is it enough for him to put his arm around someone under his charge and just say, ”Isn’t it great to be a Christian? Gee, I love the Lord”? Of course that’s not enough, and in my next article, I’m going to talk about the importance of biblical doctrine — the teaching of God’s Word — in the ministry of a pastor or spiritual leader. Whether it’s erroneous teaching, widespread fear, discord, or some other problem in your church or organization, the cure is the teaching of the Word of truth.

‘‘There are times when you have to take the next step and come alongside...’’

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