Monday, February 16, 2009

Word to Pastor's

Serving in ministry thirty plus years, traveling both here and abroad, we have seen Pastors face the universal problem of Developing Church Leadership.

Most Pastor, have ministers and leaders in their church that come from a variety of inadequate church training and experience. Many times it is “leadership” or the lack of leadership that becomes our biggest trouble. The lack of biblical submission to authority, the “I know more than you” or “we never did it that way where I come from” attitude and the "let me tell you what to do" spirit. They will say that they are in covenant relationship with you and have a loyalty to you and the ministry until things don’t go their way, then they leave and go to the Church down the street.

Pastor, do you have leaders who have a heart to serve, but only do so when they are instructed? They take no initiative by themselves.

Do you have leaders who don’t understand leadership? They show up late, but come early when it is their time to shine… want pulpit time, but don’t want to work… they are there to eat at our fellowship dinners, but leave before clean up time.

We need more leaders who understand what it means to serve, who will have a heart after God, loyalty to the pastor and the vision of the church, hungry for more and who walk in a teachable spirit.

This is why we are making ourselves available to train your ministers and leaders.

The program we bring equips emerging leaders with an understanding of biblical leadership principles and helps them develop practical application, causing them to be more effective in ministering to their communities.

“Effective and fruitful ministry depends on effective and fruitful leadership”

Let us train and equip your leaders to be effective Last Day Ministers, who will impact your church, your community and the world. For more information, (803) 617-9571

We Thank God for You,

Bishop John

Cross-Cultural Ministry

Equipping the Church and the Saints with
Cross Cultural Ministry Training

Have you ever noticed that in any given city we have a Church for everybody... a Church for the rich... and the other for the poor... one full of traditions and one that is more "user friendly"... "white Churches" and "black Churches", "Hispanic Churches" and "Asian Churches"...

But where is "His" Church... the Church with the "Great Commission", the book of Acts Church...

In Acts 10:28, God teaches us that we should not call any man impure or unclean.
And he said unto them, Ye know how that it is an unlawful thing for a man that is a Jew to keep company, or come unto one of another nation; but God hath showed me that I should not call any man common or unclean.

Acts 10:34-35, God does not show favoritism. He accepts people from every nation when they fear Him and do what is right.

(34) Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons: (35) But in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him.

God has but one message for both Jews and Gentiles... the message of the gospel of Jesus Christ (Acts 10:36)

There is no doubt, the Book of Acts Church was a Cross-Cultural Church

Shepherds Of Grace International has a Vision to launch a Cross Cultural Movement in the Churches of our cities in America. Understand, when we use the term "movement", we do not mean "our own ministry"... but rather a partnership of people who keep there own ministry indenity, but connect with other Churches and Ministries to develop a Cross Cultural approach. First in their Church, then in Churches accross their city.

Our model is God’s design for biblical diversity described in Revelation 7:9, which reveals God’s desire for cultural and racial inclusions:

"After this I looked and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and in front of the Lamb."

The Cross Cultural approach to ministry is becoming a necessity
for the survival and revival of the local congregations.

According to Scripture, God’s intention has always been that the Church be a cross cultural international community... a church of all languages, ethnicities, nationalities and peoples.

God has called us to love our neighbors, not just the neighbors who are like us. Becoming involved in racial reconciliation is part of obeying the Great Commandment and fulfilling the Great Commission. It is not an option for believers. It seems there is no stronger bond then the bond we have in Jesus Christ.

If we can labor together in the workplace, learn together in education, play together in sports, we should be able to worship together and celebrate our unity in Christ.

How Can You Participate?

By partnering for the purpose of Cross Cultural Evangelism and Development.

A partnership is a complementary relationship driven by a common purpose and sustained by a willingness to learn and grow together in obedience to God.

People who share a common vision can get there more quickly.

We invite you to partner with us and others in launching a Cross Cultural Movement in your city, by laboring with us in the Great Commission and becoming a Cross Cultural Church.

If your Church desires to become apart of this Cross Cultural Movement and/or is in need of Cross-Cultural Training, please contact our office today and let us begin to work together to take our city for the Glory of God.

Shepherds Of Grace International (803) 617-9571