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We had done four (4) NCD church profiles
over the last few years with marked improvements in each year’s minimum
factor. After we completed our fifth profile in 2002, we anxiously
anticipated its result. The minimum factor turned out to be Empowering
Leadership. It was unexpected. Almost shocking. I for one was quite
disappointed over the sudden drop in this area. Our leadership team seemed
strong. There were no conflicts, strife, or problems between or involving
leaders. What was wrong?
Together with the full-time church staff (6)
and the cell leaders (10) we tried to analyse possible areas of weakness
in the leadership of the pastor and other departmental leaders. We
wrestled with several possible key issues, such as lack of commitment,
discipleship, lack of ministry-mindset. Yet we only came up with "could
be-s" and "possibly-s". After about a month of brainstorming and
evaluation, we still could not pin point the cause.
Then Christoph Schalk arrived in Malaysia
for an NCD training session hosted by Bethel Church and we had the
opportunity to seek his advice and guidance. Over a meal we asked him
about possible causes, for help in analysing root problems, and his
previous experience of this particular minimum factor. He asked an
enlightening question, "Have you made any significant structural
changes in your church recently?"
Yes, we had. Major changes had been made to
our service day, time, and format. Our service had shifted from Sunday to
Saturday, from 10.00am to 8.00pm, and the sermon was given prominence in
the service by moving the worship session to conclude the service instead
of opening it. Six months had not passed since we implemented these
changes and people were still disorientated, not having found their niche
in the new structure. Now that we had discovered one of the major
contributors to the leadership factor’s decline, all we needed now was a
plan of action.
Some key areas we worked on:
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1. |
We implemented a series of lessons on "Servant Leadership"
by Dr. John McGeorge on the first Sunday of every month. We believe
that the starting point to empower leaders is to establish the
essence of Biblical leadership i.e. "to be a servant". This will be
a major paradigm shift from the traditional emphasis of controlling
and dominating that seems to borrow strength from titles and
positions. If we could produce "true servants" that will begin to
serve at the lowest level and be faithful in the smallest areas of
service, we are confident that God will raise up mighty leaders to
be effective in the "high places". This year in 2004, we are
training lay-preachers. Before embarking in the pulpit ministry
there is the necessity and prerequisite of developing a servant’s
heart and attitude of humility towards the people we are trying to
serve. |
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2. |
We started sending ministry teams to
serve different churches locally and in different states (we have 13
states in Malaysia) on the last Sunday of every month. After the
"Servant Leadership" equipping class on the first Sunday of the
month, these members were given the opportunity to practise
preaching and real ministry on the last Sunday in smaller, rural
churches. Those who participated were all in the process of being
empowered servant leaders. |
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3. |
A group of teachers volunteered to
give free tuition to underprivileged students as a ministry to the
community. Giving extra tutorial classes after school hours was yet
another exercise for our church members to practice leadership to
our community. We recruited volunteers from the church to serve
these young students. The volunteer teachers were required to
sacrifice their time, efforts and finance that further provided them
the experience of responsible leadership. |
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4. |
I was
elected "President" in our church residential committee to serve and
meet the needs of the residents in the district. This was the best
"visible" example for me to exemplify what true servant leadership
entails. By doing this I am modelling what each member of the
congregation can do in their respective profession and neighbourhood
to be salt and light for the Lord. Hopefully all my leaders will be
empowered also to be a testimony and a blessing to their respective
communities. |
A year passed. The congregation had
reconciled their schedules, integrated new ministries, and taken on more
leadership roles according to their gifting. Another profile was done and
the Empowering Leadership factor had moved up nine points. Aside from
numerical growth on the bar chart, the congregation showed growth in
maturity by offering their services in times of need with great
initiative, being more willing to accept greater responsibility, and
demonstrating the desire to sacrifice their time and effort for
discipleship locally and in surrounding churches.
Rev. Philip Sung
serves as Senior Pastor of Bethel Church, Melaka (Malaysia) as well as
National NCD Partner for Malaysia |
