Leadership: Respected By Outsiders
He [a leader] must also have a good reputation with outsiders, so that he will not fall into disgrace and into the devil’s trap.
1 Timothy 3:7 (NIV)
Consider a critical conclusion:
The last leadership qualification Paul gave to Timothy (and to us) was…. a 'Good reputation with outsiders.' Why?
Because they’re THE GOAL of evangelism!
If outsiders don't respect insiders (namely, you and me, today’s Christian church), why would they want to become a member?
When Jesus said, 'Go into all the world and preach the Gospel to all creation' (Mark 16:15),
Does “all creation” include outsiders?
No matter how they act– or what they’ve done?
Surely, both!
My concern with most insiders I’ve met… is that they prefer to preach to themselves. They lift each other up and talk 'Christian.'
Understandably, pastors and churches want to feed and grow their congregations, but here's my commission-focused question: Do they want to reach…
Christians seeking/needing a new church home? Or…
Outsiders seeking/needing love and hope?
Surely, both! But remember in this quest…
To the world, ‘Christianese' is a strange tongue. Lost sheep (outsiders) need to hear Good News in an easily understood language. So consider these worldwide translators:
Love! Joy! Peace! Patience! Kindness! Goodness! Faithfulness! Gentleness and Self-control!*
Your off-stage acts, spoken in this language, eliminate cultural boundaries.
If outsiders fear coming to a church, then insiders must be bold to go out! So, embrace your roles as missionaries and go where the people live:
MEDIA! How better?
'How then shall they call on Him in Whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him of Whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher?' (Romans 10:14).
Enter stage right, Spirit-filled performers: a church unbound by roofs and religion, starring preachers whose leading line is love!
Actors, models, and talent for Christ:
Practice your leadership duties daily.**
In each quality that adds to your strength, praise God and keep rehearsing to stay strong.
In each temptation that may weaken you, praise God and keep rehearsing righteousness.
Uncover God's church. It’s your destiny.
Leadership: Respected By Outsiders (Part 47, conclusion)
* Actors, models, and talent for Christ, consider each quality of leadership. Are you...
God-surrendered, God-fearing, God-loving, Bible-loving, Family-loving, Saint-loving, neighbor-loving, Jesus-exampling, light-bearing, brethren-teaching, cross-carrying, Spirit-filled, faith-filled, mission-minded, sober-minded, prayer-dependent, servant-hearted, temptation-resistant, bribe-resistant, self-sacrificing and self-controlled?
Are you exhorting, preaching, responsive, temperate, fervent, patient, peculiar, experienced, wise, humble, meek, pure, bold, genuine, truthful, peaceful, fruitful, gentle, merciful, impartial, joyful, correctable, hospitable, generous, and kind ambassadors, who are respected by insiders and outsiders?
Leadership: Respected By Outsiders (Part 47, Conclusion)
NOTE: God is my Ghostwriter. If what I write is good, it’s from God! We’re ALL called to be actors (action stars) for Jesus. We’re ALL called to models of Jesus, and we ALL have gifts, talents, and callings from God– to multiply them in the world for His glory.
P.S. NO DEVOTION, PREACHER, or SERMON… can begin to replace personal time in the Bible. I wholeheartedly and clear-headedly recommend READING THE BIBLE DAILY.
WARNING: Don’t focus on favorite verses, because out of context, they’re often misinterpreted. I plead with you to READ AT LEAST 1 BIBLE CHAPTER DAILY. How long does it take? An average of 5 to 10 minutes!