LEADERSHIP REALLY MATTERS
ANNE BOSARGE
REV. JAY HANSON
People ask us how the church where we serve is different than other churches. They are usually looking for “the thing we do” that sets us apart. Rather than give them a list of activities we try to explain that what you believe shapes how you behave. In fact, the connection between belief and behavior is so strong, you can tell what someone really believes by looking at how they behave. You might even say behavior reveals our beliefs. Here are a few things we believe:
1. We believe relationships are more important than religion.
This means we invest more in cultivating relationships than in promoting programs. We care more about a personal relationship with God than we do about getting someone to follow some plan or obey some rules.
2. We believe in movements, not monuments.
Monuments simply celebrate what was, while movements strive toward what can be. It is important to take time to celebrate successes, but be sure to use the momentum to propel you forward toward new opportunities rather than pull you back to the glory days.
3.
We believe rivers are preferred to lakes.
Rivers flow. Lakes hold. We value our sending capacity over our seating capacity. We understand the importance of seating capacity. In fact, we are currently renovating our sanctuary to increase our seating capacity, but it is because a larger seating capacity creates the
opportunity for us to increase our sending capacity. We want to be a river, not a lake.
4. We believe God can use others at least as well as He can use us.
So we build teams and include others. We invite others to the table and we give them opportunities to use their gifts in ministry. The most consistent complaint I (Jay) get is that I don’t teach every week. The reason I don’t is because I believe God can use others at least as well as He can use me.
5. We believe equipping is different than teaching.
Teaching is a subset of equipping. It is part, but not all, of equipping. Transferring information is helpful, but the ultimate goal is enabling and empowering others to do ministry.
6. We believe asking questions is better than giving answers.
Helping someone figure out what they need to figure out is far better than simply telling them their next step. Just like teaching a person to fish is better than giving them a fish.
What do you hear God saying to you through this article?
How is He calling you to respond?
How can we help you take your next step this week?
Jay Hanson, Lead Pastor, and Anne Bosarge, Multi-Campus Director, serve at The Chapel Ministries. They love sharing about the ways God is moving in their church. Contact them at jay@thechapelministries.com and anne@thechapelministries.com.
