#raisingleaders

[becominghuman]

Are Buildings a Burden? (Part 3)

I’ve made two strong suggestions so far. Here they are again, for you to consider and chew on:

1) For all the promise a building offers, it binds us to a past reality that no longer exists. In a way, building-centric ministry is an inversion of the truth that young people will lead us into the unknown future.

2) The most important couple of questions to ask are: (1) How do we invest our resources, not in the past, but in the emerging future—the future our young leaders see clearly and are already experiencing firsthand? and (2) How do we free up resources to invest in the right people . . . the people that will lead us forward?

The APEST leadership styles found in Ephesians 4 is helpful here. (Pause. Just to be clear, a prescribed “leadership style” cannot be found anywhere in scripture. And it’s disingenuous to suggest such. However, what we get in Ephesians is a description of different roles in [one of] the first century churches, which is gently suggestive that perhaps different people—then and now—fulfill those roles as faithful participants and leaders in the body.) Ephesians 4:11 does undergird my experience that no two leaders lead the same. Every leader expresses different gifts, and yet most leaders favor one of the five APEST “styles”.

As we consider equipping young leaders to lead us into the unknown future, it’s essential to understand how our current paradigm for ministry may likely conflict with their particular skill sets and capacities.

APEST stands for:

Apostolic Prophetic Evangelistic Shepherding Teaching

Apostles are “sent ones” and they are always on the move.

They translate the Gospel into new contexts and always are looking for and discovering fresh ways to manifest the Kingdom. They are bridge-builders, innovators, and launchers. They are driven by what’s around the next corner and always looking into the future. They are often identified by their creative energy and comfort with change.

Prophets hear from God.

Or, more accurately, prophets are sensitive to what God is sensitive to and call the community of believers to do the same. Biblically speaking, prophets speak truth to power because they are not afraid to question the status quo, challenge assumptions, side with the suffering, and publicize lament. They are often activists and challengers, leading with their hearts and passion.

Evangelists are expanders and recruiters.

They are effective communicators of the Gospel with those that wouldn’t find themselves sitting inside a church. They are motivated by getting outside the church and finding “lost sheep” to bring into the fold. In this way they recruit and grow the church. But they also expand the reach of a body because translating the Gospel in the “secular” world comes naturally to them.

Shepherds nurture a community.

They find value in stability and maturity. They are particularly gifted at prioritizing healthy, long term relationships, and steering the church toward an emphasis on discipleship. Shepherds appreciate systems that support the network of the relationships that make up the body and highlight the need for loving environment for safety and healing.

Teachers have a keen ability to both understand the faith and communicate it.

They help ground the body in the historical faith, scripture, and wisdom. Because they are skilled at sharing the Gospel and transferring doctrine, they emphasize the intellectual aspects of the faith. Teachers can challenge the community through confrontational teaching, but they are more drawn to revealing the truth through discovery and education.

As you can see, while there are some similarities in the context of young leaders, there are differences in their capacities and dispositions.

Church buildings and building-centric ministries struggle to inform and prepare all five types of young leaders.

Buildings are a long-term investment. The fruits of church building ownership are not immediate but cumulative over time. This is obvious in a financial sense, as a building’s value appreciates over time. But it’s a socio-psychological investment too. A church building grows in familiarity and sentimentality, becoming associated over time with fond memories, meaningful anecdotes, congregational growth, and shared experience. The building’s emotional value appreciates. Unfortunately, this carries very little importance for apostles. Apostles are looking forward not backward, ahead not behind. Value is in innovation and being ahead of the cultural curve. Buildings, especially ones tied to sentimentality, are the antithesis of apostolic ministry

Buildings are a safe investment. They are a sure-fire way to secure a community’s wealth. Arguably, they represent good stewardship. A prophet, however, doesn’t see buildings as security but as misplaced value, inhibited resources, and even unjust. Prophets are always asking, What would God do with these resources other than hoarding them as wealth security. Training prophets to help us be more faithful will require a radical redistribution of our investments.

Evangelists want to expand the reach of the church and penetrate the community. Traditionally churches have often viewed their building as a gift-of-space to the community and therefore an evangelistic tool. The problem here is that the evangelistic imaginations of churches is too limited. The church uses the building predominantly for Sunday gatherings, and consequently understands its function through that lens. Evangelism is often reduced to inviting the community to “come see how we use this building” which is effectively an invitation to Sunday morning worship.

Shepherds and teachers have historically thrived in space provided by a church building. There are classrooms for teaching, fellowship halls for conversations, offices for private conferencing, auditoriums for conventions and larger gathering opportunities, etc. With Sunday School attendance dropping, third space venues on the rise, and studies showing pastors spending more time in coffee shops and home offices than at the church, teaching and community building must also shift. Training shepherds and teachers must also be reimagined in new locations too.

Buildings are a burden because they rely on a conferencing paradigm. Because the building is no longer the primary place where communities gather (conference), leadership development for the future cannot successfully occur within a conferencing paradigm. Come, gather, and see is not a refrain that situates our congregations well in raising apostles, affirming prophets, encouraging evangelists, and equipping teachers and shepherds.

Perhaps a coordinating paradigm would be more effective. While conferencing assumes that the flow of energy and attention is always toward the church building on Sunday morning, coordinating assumes there are diverse contexts and locations necessary for training new leaders. All five types of leaders need different space and difference experiences to develop into the faithful leaders of tomorrow. The local church should consider itself the coordinator of those diverse contexts.

Coordinating doesn’t require a church building, but it does require space, facilities, and resource. What type of facilities are necessary? Where are they and how might they be used? Can the church’s buildings be converted or overhauled to suit the changing needs?

[madamemerola]

✨BOLD ENOUGH TO RUN FOR WHAT I BELIEVE IN. My love affair for Atlantic Hall Secondary School @atlantichallschool began in 1988 when I broke protocol in my family and refused to attend Queens College Lagos, @qcog_worldwide the premier public school for girls. I couldn’t explain it but I knew inside of me that that brand new school with zero history was the right school for me. Thankfully, my parents obliged their stubborn daughter and allowed me to enroll as part of the pioneer set of Atlantic Hall. My confidence grew leaps and bounds at Atlantic Hall. I was allowed to participate in varieties of activities. I acted, I sang in the choir, I led the Cultural Society, I competed in various track and field events and won numerous medals, excelled in academics, learnt swimming, ballet, volleyball etc. I have nothing but fond memories of my time there and I was proud to graduate as the Best Female of Class of 1994. So, when people wonder why I am so passionate about running for President of the Atlantic Hall Alumni Association despite how busy I am, now you have a glimpse of my WHY. Atlantic Hall helped to instill in me the core values I still stand upon today. I am a woman with gigantic dreams and I have the Godfidence to pursue them because of the way I was groomed to flourish at Atlantic Hall. I wish to do the same for others too and give them the wings to help them soar. So, I boldly run for what I believe in because I am who I am due to the help of others who raised me up. Now, it’s my turn to do the same. What are you passionate and convicted about in life? Go for it. My name is Madame Merola, The B.A.N.G Creator and I am an Igniter of dreams and destinies. Great Atlantic Hall, How we adore thee Excellence and Integrity Nurturing, sustaining all your children Oh great Atlantic Hall. Vote for a phenomenal legacy @ahallalumni XoXo from #madamemerola #thebangcreator #atlantichall #runningforacause #standingupforwhatibelievein #advocatingforchange #legacymindset #legacyminded #transformationalleadership #committedtoserve #raisingleaders #collaborationovercompetition #mentoringmatters (at Vote Now) https://www.instagram.com/p/CRtlFwBl6Xd/?utm_medium=tumblr

[dgvstyles]

When the Gemini season dawns On real #geminis, the vibes can’t be hidden. So the culture day came with some dance moves as well. Well, I’m on a “sewing diet” tho 😉😉💃🏾🎶🎵🎶 #journeytoself #selflove #geminiseason #thankful #cultureday #iamagemini #lovemesomeme #ankarafashion #orangeisthenewblack #takingterritories #fashionteacher #ibadancityfashioncollege #dgvstyles 🇳🇬©️ #iamnigerianandiworkhard #bossbabe #strengthofawoman 💪 #girlpower #raisingentrepreneurs #raisingleaders (at Ibadan, Nigeria)

[shanaflawsome]

A leader is someone who is willing to take another step, even if nobody 🙅🏻‍♀️ understands WHY. A leader knows what their ‘WHY’ is. ⁣ ⁣ YOU know yours babe and they’re counting 🙏 on YOU to stand up for it! •⁣ •⁣ •⁣ #betheleaderyouwereborntobe #momlifebelike #raisingleaders #girlsdoitbetter #goodvibetribe #minime (at North Charleston, South Carolina) https://www.instagram.com/p/B_3kAHPl4bV/?igshid=1g9p72rpfj8zd

[juliejewlzrose]

Transformation Tuesday as happen when you consistently show up day in day out whether you want to or not. I just really want my Toronto Raptors jacket to zip up and that is quite a few pounds I need to release to make that happen! So I’m in it to win it! Who else has weight loss goals that they want to achieve and need a mom tribe to help back you up, challenge and support you! I got you!!!! Tuesdays are absolutely nuts for our family we cram all her activities in one day. At least it’s all at the same place! #blessedmom #mamalifestyle #lifeasmama #likeamother #mamasmatter #mentalhealthmatters #sweatysuccessfulmoms #raisingleaders #momtribe #fitfitness #homeworkouts #putinthework #gettheresults #fullbodyworkout #barreblend #showmeyourattitude #chronicpainandfatigue #fibromyalgia #fibromyalgiaawareness #gettingstrongereveryday #makingtimeforme #selfcarelove #dailyrituals #iamworthy #willing #wellnessinfluencer #fitnesscoachonline #noexcusesjustresults #decidecommitsucceed #jointhetribe (at London, Ontario) https://www.instagram.com/p/B8c0Lo2n2xE/?igshid=zvtu7zhgf0b3

[honeybethwiggs]

Books the kids and I will be going through for the next several weeks. This is what school looks like for us. #raisingleaders #leadersarereaders #leadbyexample #newwayofschooling #homeschooldifferently #honeybethwiggs #speaker #author #lifeissweeterwithhoney #legacyofjoyinc https://www.instagram.com/p/B3WoBvCnMx_/?igshid=eejtokjr0586

[jerryhughes]

Each time I visit the grocery store I always greet our uncle at the security desk with a handshake, a hug, a smile...teaching our kids at House of Hope the same simple aspects of respect each time we go out-and-about. We never get out of a taxi without saying "thank you uncle" or offering up our seat for someone older. Respect is definitely taught by example. And appreciated by everyone around. #respect #saythankyou #smile #loveoneanother #houseofhope #raisingleaders #HF #nagpur #india (at Nagpur)

[bethelacademyofmartialarts-blog]

We had the opportunity to work with a amazing group of girl scouts on safety tips. We gave them skills to walk all their days with confidence. Hopefully they go out into the world and do great things ❤🙂❤ #girlscouts #scouts #bethelacademyofmartialarts #bethelct #reddingct #danburyct #buildingbetterheroes #beyourownbodyguard #raisingleaders #selfdefense #girlpower (at Bethel Academy of Martial Arts) https://www.instagram.com/p/Bp7GN2rgq_W/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=14e39h407dcr9

[selfcarefanatic]

This is Posh's Starter Kit. Might not be a big deal to some, others may see it as a great deal on tons of products. BUT what this kit to me is: 💓 My confidence builder 💓My kids learning how to run a business 💓Learning the importance of selfcare 💓Friend maker, I have met SO many awesome people since getting this kit 💓My family fun time- we go to many fun vendor events and have extra play money 💓People skills Not only for me but my kids 💓My freedom pass 💓My love to help others 💓Skincare lessons 💓My me time 💓Our outreach to serve others 💓Pedicures, bubble baths, & healthy skin 💓Pays for gymnastics 💓Our girl time I could go on and on but as you can see this kit is SO much more to me and my family #pamperme #skincare #poshlove #lovethislife #lovemyPosh #selfhelpfanatic #starterkit #posh #momboss #morethanakit #businessskills #outreach #freedom #gymnastics #vendor #fun #selfcare #metime #raisingleaders #girlpower #healthy #joinus #confidence #funmoney https://www.instagram.com/p/BoM8cUDnouq/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=1d2q33afr8uaw

[tw0f4z3]

Regrann from @deadreckoningco - What is it about a private corporation choosing an athlete (actual performance is irrelevant) to be the center of a marketing campaign, which makes everyone feel it’s okay to use the face of a fallen service member in their response? Why do we care what Nike is doing? Why do we care what the NFL is going? If you don’t believe in the cause that Kaepernick is using his platform to support, inform your peers in an intelligent manner. If you think Nike could have picked a better spokesman for this campaign, they don’t care and no one else does either. It also goes without saying that if they had used the image of someone like Pat Tillman, there would have inevitably been a crowd wondering how much money they were donating to the Pat Tillman Foundation or whether or not he would want his face on a Nike advertisement but throwing his face on a meme is different, I guess. Discuss like grownups. • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • #deadreckoningcollective #counterculture #veteran #veterans #gwot #veteranowned #army #navy #marines #airforce #soldier #raisingleaders #leadership #pma #positivementalattitude #resilience #strength #podcast #drctopictuesday #nike #colinkaepernick #handsup #pattillman #pattillmanfoundation #ranger - #regrann https://www.instagram.com/p/BnUQ_R0Flrz/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=1cdku95v39uyn

[ampersandgo]

Happy Leadership Day to these handsome + proud leaders! #lhepride #lheproud #lindenhilllions #leadershipday #7habitsofhighlyeffectivepeople #7habitsofhappykids #theleaderinme #leaderinmeschool #theleaderinmeschool #7habits #loveleadlearn #raisingleaders

[solefoodbrand]

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Repost from @kriolamommyscholar using @RepostRegramApp - Guess who made it on @cnnafrica IG stories last week?! This Lil ol’ Kriola did! 😮 ☺️The question was: how do we empower the next generation of leaders? With so much going on last week, I’d forgotten to post about it. It was such a treat to meet my girl @melissamahtani from #cnn - she’s such a boss and delightful sister! 🙏🏽 • • • • • • #leadership #empowerment #youth #africa #africanyouth #global #girls #resources #believeintheyouth #inspire #buildingcommunity #raisingleaders #speakup #kriola #caboverde #advocate #feminist #scholar #fbf

[dgvstyles]

Every business is not the same. Fashion design has become a sought after profession, thanks to a lot of surrounding factors. Before you atart the business, you should weigh all the work involved know how to plan for the future. Lack of planning and education is the reason many in the fashion business fail. The week kicked off learning some indepth facts in the fashion business, the background details , building your business from the scratch. And more....... #businesstips #businessoffashion #businesssense #raisingentrepreneurs #raisingleaders #fashionstudy #fashiondesign #fashionstudent #ceos #ibadantotheworld #ibadancityfashioncollege #fashionschoolibadan #skillacquisition #vocationaleducation #dgvfashionacademy

[c01es1aw]

#stepone #therapy #mychildren #sicklines #crazytalented #geometrictattoo #minecraft #oragami #unicorn #cat #paperplanes #onwardandupward #raisingleaders #healedbysummer #justwaitforit (at Lost Soul Tattoos)

[juliejewlzrose]

Happy Friday I am Worthy I know my excellence, and I settle for nothing less. I so wish this for you!! I am so grateful for my virtual on line group that help me stay accountable and really help me to keep on showing here and in life. I am so grateful for this lil opportunity for me to grow in unimaginable ways. Slowly and surely I will get there!!! Who else wants more for yourself and of yourself? Join our fabulous tribe!? #blessedmom #mamalifestyle #lifeasmama #likeamother #mamasmatter #mentalhealthmatters #sweatysuccessfulmoms #raisingleaders #momtribe #fitfitness #homeworkouts #putinthework #gettheresults #fullbodyworkout #barreblend #showmeyourattitude #chronicpainandfatigue #fibromyalgia #fibromyalgiaawareness #gettingstrongereveryday #makingtimeforme #selfcarelove #dailyrituals #iamworthy #willing #wantmore #domore #noexcusesjustresults #decidecommitsucceed #jointhetribe (at London, Ontario) https://www.instagram.com/p/B8RzEWQnaN4/?igshid=1ckyik86ck5z6

[honeybethwiggs]

Books the kids and I will be going through for the next several weeks. This is what school looks like for us. #raisingleaders #leadersarereaders #leadbyexample #newwayofschooling #homeschooldifferently #honeybethwiggs #speaker #author #lifeissweeterwithhoney #legacyofjoyinc https://www.instagram.com/p/B3WoBvCnMx_/?igshid=gzd9kgv8k9dp