Typecasting Why Both Introverts and Extroverts Make Good Leaders COME for the NEXT 3 YEARS, PREPARE for the NEXT 30

NAVIGATING CHANGE | WHY WE LOVE BAD STATS | MINISTRY GRID: ONLINE TRAINING

Facts &Trends WINTER 2014

Typecasting Why both introverts and extroverts make good leaders COME FOR THE NEXT 3 YEARS, PREPARE FOR THE NEXT 30.

MIDWESTERN BAPTIST THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY exists for the Church. From start to finish, Midwestern Seminary strives to dramatically transform students by renewing their minds with biblical truth, igniting their hearts with ministry passion, and enriching their souls with deepened Christ-likeness. mbts.edu We are growing the future leaders of the church who are whole-heartedly dedicated to fulfilling the Great Commission as they go forth into all the world. 800-944-MBTS Complete your degree online or on campus. Kansas City, MO Contents COVER STORY 14 Typecasting Whether you are an introvert or an extrovert, your personality type influences everything from how you make decisions to how you communicate and interact with others. It even affects how you lead. Understanding and identifying your own personality type can help you maximize strengths and pinpoint areas of weakness.

COVER SECTION FEATURES IN EVERY ISSUE 16 I’m Not Shy 22 False Facts 4 From the Publisher Pastor Ron Edmondson shares the Why we love bad stats. By Bob 5 Inside F&T secrets of being an introverted Smietana 7 From My Perspective leader—the misconceptions, 28 Turning Tables Thom Rainer: Seven Tips for challenges and strengths. Flipping the rap conversation Introverted Leaders He also offers several to the gospel. By Aaron Earls tips on how to be an 8 Facts and Trends effective ministry leader 32 Navigating Change Beliefs, issues and trends impacting as an introvert. the church and our world A Q&A with pastor Carey Nieuwhof on guiding your 26 Technology 19 I Need Help, Too church through transition. Church training for the Seminary professor Alvin Reid By Bob Smietana digital age discusses the strengths and weak- 35 52 Ideas for 27 Calibrate nesses of extroverted leaders and Your Church Creating a culture of generosity gives six lessons he’s learned from A fresh idea for every week of the introverts. 46 On Our Radar year. By Diana Davis Relevant and practical 40 W edding Under resources the Bridge for you and your Couple shares special day with church homeless friends. By Grace Evans 50 The Exchange 42 Doubting God Ed Stetzer: Tips Real questions people ask. for Extroverted By Mary Jo Sharp Leaders

Facts&Trends • 3 FROM THE PUBLISHER LifeWay Christian Resources

Ministry Grid Transformational Groups Developing lead- In Transformational Groups, Ed Stetzer ers in your church and Eric Geiger provide a map to trans- just got a whole lot formational success for your church’s easier. Ministry Grid groups ministry. Using data from the is a subscription- largest survey of pastors based, online training tool for and laypersons ever taken pastors, staff and volunteers. on the condition of groups You’ll find more than 1,800 in the church, they define a God’s Not Dead video sessions on topics rang- simple process to lead your God’s Not Dead, a film about the ing from parking ministry to groups from where they existence of God and defending one’s polity. Learn more on page 26 are to where God wants faith, stars Shane Harper (Good Luck of this issue of Facts & Trends. them to be. Charlie) as a college freshman who MinistryGrid.com LifeWay.com is forced to defend his position that Bible Studies for Life God is alive in a series of debates with Small Group Studies Biblia del Pescador his philosophy professor. The film also stars Kevin Sorbo (Hercules, Soul Each six-session study is ideal for With 500,000 units already in print, Surfer), Dean Cain (Lois & Clark: small groups that want to study the Biblia del Pescador The New Adventures of Superman) Bible from the starting point of life is the largest Bible and David A. R. White (Evening application. Topics include facing release in the history Shade). The movie features special life’s pressures, dealing with conflict, of B&H. This edition appearances by Duck Dynasty’s answering questions people have about of the RVR 1960 Bible Willie and Korie Robertson and the God and the Bible, and finding joy in translation contains Newsboys. our work and in our giving. Group a 23-page index that member books are available in print, enables readers to eas- LifeWay.com/GodsNotDead digital and app formats. Leader kits ily locate the perfect include Bible commentary, short videos Scripture passage for any and other helps. witnessing situation. BibleStudiesforLife.com/smallgroups BHPublishingGroup.com

LifeWay Church Ordering The new LifeWay Church Ordering system, powered by BUILD-IT, allows churches to easily browse the online catalog and customize their order. Churches will find options for selecting a particular Bible study starting point, age group, translation, and print or digital delivery format. Order Bible studies, magazines, bulletins and select music resources. LifeWay.com/churchordering LifeWay Resources LifeWay.com/PastorsToday • MinistryGrid.com • BHPublishingGroup.com LifeWayResearch.com • LifeWay.com/DigitalChurch • LifeWayWorship.com 4 • WINTER 2014 Facts&Trends INSIDE F&T Volume 60 • Number 1 • WINTER 2014

Facts&Trends is designed to help pastors, church staff and denominational leaders navigate the issues and trends Playing to type impacting the church by providing information, hen you meet new people, do you clam insight and resources for effective ministry. up and retreat to the other side of the room? WOr do you converse with them like a long lost Production Team friend? After church, are you out the door at the strum of the Editor | Carol Pipes invitation’s last chord? Or do you linger and visit until the last light Online Editor | Aaron Earls is turned off? Do you process information internally or externally? Senior Writer and Content Editor | Bob Smietana What drains you: being with others or being alone? Graphic Designer | Katie Shull In this issue of Facts & Trends, we take a look at the differences LifeWay Leadership between introverts and extroverts. You’ll hear from Christian leaders President and Publisher | Thom S. Rainer on both ends of the spectrum. Authors Ron Edmondson and Alvin Executive Editor | Ed Stetzer Senior Editor | Marty King Reid examine the strengths and challenges of their respective person- Contributors ality types and how they adapt to be better leaders. Diana Davis, Ron Edmondson, Grace Evans, Alvin Reid, God has created each of us as a unique blend of personality, tal- Mary Jo Sharp and Sam Warner ents and skills. As comfortable as we may be functioning within our Advertising: unique personality patterns, God often calls us to stretch a bit outside Rhonda Edge Buescher, director, Media Business Development our comfort zones, especially when leading others. Scott Hancock, advertising production Send advertising questions/comments to: Whether you are an introverted or extroverted leader, you’re inevi- One LifeWay Plaza, MSN 136, tably going to lead people with the opposite personality type at some Nashville, TN 37234 time or another. The more you understand your own personality Email: [email protected] type and that of those around you, the better leader you will be. It’s Media kits: LifeWay.com/mediaoptions This magazine includes paid advertisements for some products important that we learn to value, appreciate and serve one another. and services not affiliated with LifeWay. The inclusion of the As you read the cover section (pages 14-21) and columns by Thom paid advertisements does not constitute an endorsement by Rainer (page 7) and Ed Stetzer (page 50), ask yourself: Where do I LifeWay Christian Resources of the products or services. find my energy? How do I process information? How do I commu- Subscriptions: nicate? What about the people I work with and lead? For a free print subscription to Facts&Trends, send your name, address and phone number to [email protected]. Also in this issue: Permissions: Pastors, pundits and reporters like to quote statistics that fit their Facts&Trends grants permission for any original article (not narrative. A sermon on divorce includes the statistics that Christians a reprint) to be photocopied for use in a local church or divorce as much as anyone else. A conference about the church’s fu- classroom, provided copies are distributed free and indicate ture hypes the latest “news” that everyone under 20 is abandoning Facts&Trends as the source. the church. In “False Facts” (page 23), Bob Smietana debunks several Scripture: bad stats about Christians and the church. He explores their appeal Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture quotations are taken from the Holman Christian Standard Bible®, copyright 2009 and why they persist. by Holman Bible Publishers. Used by permission.

Contact Us: Facts&Trends One LifeWay Plaza Nashville, TN 37234-0192 Carol Pipes, Editor [email protected] [email protected] FactsandTrends.net P.S. For a free subscription to Facts&Trends, send your name, address, phone Facts&Trends is published quarterly by LifeWay Christian number and email address to [email protected]. Resources.

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Facts&Trends • 5 10001110010101101001101 01011011001101010100111 01010101000110011011001 01111101010100010100001 01010100010101010101000 01101010100010100100010 00111001011011000111001 10001110010101101001101 01011011001101010100111 01010101000110011011001 01111101010100010100001 01010100010101010101000 01101010100010100100010 11010100010101010101000 00111001011011000111001 01101010100011010011100 10001110010101101001101 00111001011011000111000 01111101010100010100001 10111001011011000111000 00111001011011000111001 01111101010100010100000 ARE10001110101101001101 01YOU111011000111001001 01111AN1010001010001101 011001INSIDER?0110101010

See what you’re missing at biblestudyinsider.com/getin 10001110010101101001101 FROM MY PERSPECTIVE 01011011001101010100111 For more visit ThomRainer.com. 01010101000110011011001 01111101010100010100001 01010100010101010101000 01101010100010100100010 Seven Tips for Introverted Leaders

00111001011011000111001 ome people are surprised when, as CEO of a large com- 10001110010101101001101 pany, I confess to being an introvert. Admittedly, it’s an 01011011001101010100111 odd combination. I’m required to be out front leading and 01010101000110011011001 Sspeaking every week when, honestly, I’d rather be alone. 01111101010100010100001 Being an introvert doesn’t mean I toward introversion. Indeed any leader who can speak to you truthfully and 01010100010101010101000 don’t like people or that I’m quiet all the must compensate to lead effectively. remind you when you are sinking time. Introversion has to do with where Here are seven principles for leading as into extreme introversion. If I appear 01101010100010100100010 I get my energy. an introverted leader. to be acting like an uninterested jerk, 11010100010101010101000 Think of an introvert as an automobile 1. Practice LBWA, leadership by walk- that friend does not hesitate to tell me. 00111001011011000111001 with a tank of fuel. The longer an intro- ing around. I shouldn’t stay confined He tells me how my actions or lack of 01101010100011010011100 vert is in a meeting or public setting, the to the comforts and seclusion of my actions may be perceived. 10001110010101101001101 more fuel is depleted. At some point we office. I must be seen by my staff, as 6. Use social media as your voice. Intro- introverts run out of fuel and become al- well as by constituents and customers. verts often struggle with being social 00111001011011000111000 most non-functional. We can only refuel I need to be around people in order to in person, but typically don’t mind 01111101010100010100001 by moving to a more private setting. I’m develop relationships. The same goes writing. The more people see you on 10111001011011000111000 personally fueled by the time I spend for pastors. While an introvert should Facebook, Twitter, Google+ or a blog, 00111001011011000111001 alone with my thoughts, in deep study not plan too much interaction, force the more they will feel like they know 01111101010100010100000 or writing. yourself to get out among the mem- you, even though you don’t have one- Introverts are usually comfortable bers of your church frequently, even if on-one interaction with them. Social ARE10001110101101001101 communicating behind the quiet clicks only for brief periods of time. media is a great tool for introverts. 01YOU111011000111001001 of a computer with no face-to-face in- 2. Be transparent about your introver- 7. Schedule time to recover. If I don’t 01111AN1010001010001101 teraction. We relish times of solitude, sion. Being open will allow people recharge my batteries often, I become 011001INSIDER?0110101010 reflection and personal study. to understand you better. If people a useless leader. But I can’t succumb Surely, other introverts can identify know you are an introvert, they will to the temptation to perpetuate my with my dread at being placed at a din- be less likely to misinterpret a quiet downtime. I must return to all of the ner table where I’m expected to carry the and reticent nature as a lack of interest principles stated above. conversation. I don’t like being the cen- or unfriendliness. It is possible for introverts to lead. But ter of attention. To the contrary, a lone 3. When possible, I try to keep meet- it takes effort. Don’t allow your person- corner of a room with no one noticing ings short. The longer a meeting, the ality to be an excuse to keep you from me suits me just fine. Introverts are often more I get drained. doing what God has called you to do. n perceived as unfriendly. I am not gregari- 4. As much as possible, I try to have an In His Service, ous or outgoing, but I am deeply loyal to extrovert with me when I’m in pub- friends and family. Still, I have to work lic or group settings. That extrovert on my appearance of unfriendliness. can help carry the conversation. I can Compensating for Introversion nod my head and smile. Through the years, I have tried to 5. Be accountable to an extrovert. It’s Thom S. Rainer is president of LifeWay Christian Resources. See what you’re missing at biblestudyinsider.com/getin compensate for my strong tendencies important to have someone you trust

Facts&Trends • 7 FACTS AND TRENDS Beliefs, issues and trends impacting our world Prayer and Mental Illness Fifty-four percent of Americans say medical condition. Christians will go to churches should do more to prevent the doctor if they break their leg, he said. suicide. That number jumps to 64 But some may try to pray away serious percent among evangelical, funda- Nearly half (48 percent) of mental illness. mentalist or born-again Christians. “They forget that the key part of men- evangelical, fundamentalist, At the same time, a third of Ameri- tal illness is the word ‘illness,’” he said. or born-again Christians— cans—and nearly half (48 percent) of “In a typical evangelical church, half believe prayer and Bible study evangelical, fundamentalist, or born- the people believe mental illness can be alone can overcome serious again Christians—believe prayer and solved by prayer and Bible study alone.” mental illness. Bible study alone can overcome serious The study also found, just over half mental illness. (51 percent) say someone close to them Ed Stetzer, president of LifeWay has experienced mental illness. And Research, said Christians care about most Americans (68 percent) say they those affected by mental illness. But he would feel welcome in church if they worries some Christians see mental ill- were mentally ill. ness as a character flaw rather than a Source: LifeWay Research

“The family needs Preferred Careers to be restored When asked what kind of career people would want if as the ultimate money didn’t matter, 42 percent of Americans answered they’d want to help others—as a nurse, social worker, small group.” human rights worker or philanthropist. Another 15 – Randy Frazee, senior pastor of Oak Hills percent answered that they’d work as teachers, and Church, San Antonio, Texas 13 percent as artists and musicians. QUOTABLES } Source: Fast Company NEARLY TWO-THIRDS OF AMERICANS AGREE THEY CAN TRUST THE BIBLE TO TELL THEM WHO GOD IS.

Source: Bible Studies for Life and LifeWay Research 8 • WINTER 2014 Childhood faith impacts Sounds for Work adult commitment Homes with serious faith tend to produce children who carry faith into adulthood, according to a recent study by Focus on the Family. “Parents who provide a home where faith is vibrantly practiced—even im- perfectly—are remark- ably likely to create young adults who remain serious Christians, even as they sometimes % to through bumpy spots 60 of millennials in the road,” the study said. Sixty percent of categorize Millennials categorize themselves as themselves as keeping keeping faith. faith. PHOTO BIGSTOCK The study tracked the religious trends of Millennials re you among the masses who prefer to put and found only a fraction are leaving their childhood in office hours at your local coffee shop? faith—most likely because they didn’t have much of one If so, there may be a scientific reason. to begin with. About a fifth (18 percent) of young adults Research published in The Journal of Con- raised in homes with any measure of religious influence A sumer Research, found the background noise of a are now unaffiliated with a specific faith. typical coffee shop provides just the right level of Of the unaffiliated, only 11 percent say they had a sound, about 70 decibels, to stimulate creativity and strong faith as a child and lived in a home where vibrant help people concentrate. faith was practiced and taught. In other words, the ma- Not ready to fork over $4 for a cup of Joe? You’re in luck. A new jority of young adults leaving Christianity never had website, Coffitivity.com, plays a looped coffee shop soundtrack, a strong faith to begin with. The Focus on the Family providing listeners the same background noise without all the caf- study noted, “this is not a crisis of faith, per se, but of feine. Researchers warn that moderate noise only works for creative parenting.” tasks, though. Quiet environments are best suited for detailed proj- Churches have an increasingly important opportunity ects like doing your taxes. to help parents build strong, godly families. Source: New York Times Source: Focus on the Family African-American Church Planting AFRICAN-AMERICAN CHURCH PLANTS 120 A steady increase in attendance is the overall trend among 100 African-American church starts, according to a study by 80

LifeWay Research on African-American church plants. Conver- 60 sions peaked in year three at 20 and then remained at 12 or 40 higher for the rest of the years measured. Two activities common among a majority of churches that positively impacted new 20 commitments to Christ were door-to-door evangelism and new 0 1st year 2nd year 3rd year 4th year 5th year 6th year 7th year Current members’ classes. Each year church has been in existence Source: LifeWay Research WORSHIP ATTENDANCE COMMITMENTS

Facts&Trends • 9 FACTS AND TRENDS

Beliefs, issues and trends impacting our world GOD PLAYS A ROLE IN God and football OUTCOME OF SPORTS Nearly 3-in-10 (27 percent) Americans believe God plays a role in GAMES BY REGION: determining which team wins sports events, according to a Religion est and Politics Tracking Survey, conducted by Public Religion Research uth idw So M Institute during the weekend of Super Bowl XLVII. Americans in the South are most likely to think God has a stake in the 36% 28% outcome of sports games. More than one-third (36 percent) of Southerners agree agree say that God plays a role in who wins, compared to nearly 3-in-10 (28 percent) Americans in the Midwest, 1-in-5 (20 percent) of Americans in the ast rthe est Northeast, and 15 percent of Westerners. No W When it comes to watching sports, Americans are just as likely to say they watch sports at least once a week as they are to say they attend church 20% 15% agree agree or another place of worship. More than 4-in-10 Americans say they watch college or professional sports more than once a week (22 percent) or once a week (19 percent). Similarly, nearly 4-in-10 (37 percent) Americans say they attend a church or place of worship at least once a week.

Source: RNS

Weight of regret lmost half of Americans feel the weight of a bad choice from their past, according to a recent study by LifeWay Research. AThe study, sponsored by Bible Studies for Life: Do Over, a group study from LifeWay Christian Resources, also found the vast majority of Ameri- cans believe God gives second chances for those who have made a bad decision. Almost half of Americans (44 percent) believe God’s offering of a second chances depends on human action.

Source: LifeWay Research

10 • WINTER 2014 The Cost of a Job “ We have to ccording to the intentionally U.S. Department of equip people to Health and Human follow Jesus and AServices, “After drug dealing, trafficking of to multiply.” humans is tied with arms – John Burke, pastor of Gateway dealing as the second-larg- QUOTABLES Church in Austin, Texas, and author est criminal industry in the of No Perfect People Allowed (Zondervan) world.” People fall victim to } trafficking for many reasons. PHOTO BBC ASIA Some may simply be seeking Victims of forced labor a better life, a promising job, lose an estimated or even an adventure. Others may be poverty stricken and $20 billion Are you happy? forced to migrate for work, of earnings every year. or they may be marginal- Only one in three Americans say they are ized by their society. An forced by traffickers to perform very happy, according to a poll by Harris estimated 20 million men, labor that is not covered by the Interactive. Fewer Americans say they are women and children around visa provided by his labor broker. optimistic about the future (down from 75 the world are victims of what He is then forced to repay the percent in 2011 to 67 percent in 2013). is now often described with broker and travel fees, all while Seventy-three percent of Americans say the umbrella term “human working nearly 80 hours a week their spiritual beliefs are a positive guid- trafficking.” for less than minimum wage. ing force, down from 77 percent in 2008. Most people think only about • The cost of a job for Vietnamese Source: Harris Interactive how much they will earn from a migrant workers seeking work job. But for people desperate to ob- abroad may be the equivalent of tain employment to provide for and $4,250 or three times Vietnam’s By the Numbers support their families, a job can also per capita income. When they go About one-third of come with extreme costs, sometimes abroad, some of these workers Americans trust God more in the form of modern slavery: have debts that exceed the earn- when unfair suffering occurs. • A 15-year-old Indian girl spends ings they expect in the first year of One in four say suffering three years of her life working typical three-year contracts. causes them confusion in a garment or textile factory, Victims of forced labor lose an about God. forced to work excessive hours estimated $20 billion of earnings in dangerous conditions, and of- Source: Bible Studies for Life every year. and LifeWay Research ten subjected to verbal or sexual January is National Slavery and abuse. At the end of this three- Human Trafficking Prevention year period, she might receive a Month. Find out how your church payment of approximately $645 can make a difference: PolarisPro- - $860, which would be used as a ject.org, theA21Campaign.org, dowry to give to the family of her rescueandrestore.org. future husband. Source: Trafficking in Persons Report, • An undocumented Guatemalan U.S. Government; International Labour Organization worker in the United States is MOORE, OKLAHOMA | PHOTO BY BOB NIGH Facts&Trends • 11 FACTS AND TRENDS

Beliefs, issues and trends impacting our world Jesus at the box office The majority of Americans (56 percent) want more than popcorn with their movies—they want to see Christian values. The exception is young adults who are more likely to disagree than agree with this sentiment. “ I wish there were more movies that reflected Christian values.” People who agree, by region: 65%

SOUTH MIDWEST People who agree, by age: 62% 63% SOUTH NORTHEAST WEST MIDWEST 51% SOUTH ADMIT ONE 62% 63% 44% 48% MIDWEST NORTHEAST WEST 62% 63% 43% NORTHEAST

44% 48% WEST ADMIT ONE ADMIT ONE 44% 48% MIDWEST SOUTH

ADMIT ONE ADMIT ONE 62% 63% ADMIT ONE

WEST 44% 48% NORTHEAST

ADMIT ONE ADMIT ONE

ADMIT ONE

ADMIT ONE ADMIT ONE

ADMIT ONE

ADMIT ONE ADMIT ONE

ADMIT ONE

Source: LifeWay Research AGES: 18-29 39-44 45+ Church giving continues to fall Worshipers are putting less cash in the Some of the giving figures from the Year- collection plate at Protestant churches, book of American and Canadian Churches, according to the latest report from Empty Tomb Inc., a nonprofit that stud- according to RNS. Researchers also con- ies church giving patterns. tacted some denominations directly. Researchers said that churches are failing Empty Tomb reported that church mem- to teach church members how to be gen- bers gave 2.3 percent of their income in In 1968, the average amount erous. “Is the issue that the church is not 2011, the last year statistics are available. of giving was 3.1% of income providing an authentic alternative to the That’s down from 2.4 percent in 2010, and consumer mindset?” Sylvia Ronsvalle, ex- the fourth year in a row that giving de- ecutive vice president of Empty Tomb, told In 2011, the average amount clined, according to Religion News Service. RNS. “Over a period of time, if the church of giving was 2.3% of income The decline is part of a long-term pat- isn’t providing more of an authentic alter- tern of diminished giving. “In 1968, church native, the church will lose.” members gave an average of 3.1 percent of See page 27 for ways to create a culture their income,” reported RNS. of generosity in your church. Empty Tomb looked at giving from 23 Protestant denominations for their report. Source: RNS 12 • WINTER 2014 The Benefits of Multisite Mega-Ministry ore and more megachurches and gigachurches are multiplying their ministries through multi-campus ministry. Warren Byrd of MLeadership Network reported the rate of growth for the number of multisite churches now outnumbers and outpaces the number of megachurches (churches with 2,000 of more in weekly attendance). More than 5,000 multisite churches meet weekly in North America. Leadership Network’s research underscored the benefits of multisite ministry: • Multisite churches reach more people than single site churches. • Multisite tends to spread healthy churches to more diverse communities. • Multisite churches have more volunteers in service as a percentage than single site. • Multisite churches baptize more people than single site. • Multisite churches tend to activate more people into ministry than single site.

Source: Leadership Network

Virtual sermons get thumbs down Most Americans still prefer a real-live preacher to a video sermon, according to a LifeWay Research survey of 1,001 Americans. About a third (35 percent) say they’d only visit churches with a live sermon. In addition, 3 in 10 say they’d prefer live peaching to video, while the same number say either was fine. Less than 1 percent prefer video preaching to a live sermon. Source: LifeWay Research Rise of the @pastor The last two years have seen a significant leap in the number of pastors and churches engaging social media. The use of social media for ministry doesn’t show signs of WEDDINGS stopping: 65 percent of pastors say they think social media will be a significant part LESS RELIGIOUS of their ministry over the next two years. In hand with the move toward more-casual weddings, religious in- PASTORS CHURCHES stitutions are chosen less frequently for the wedding ceremony. Only Who use Who use 35 percent of brides opted to hold Facebook Facebook their wedding in a house of wor- 2013 70% ship in 2012, down from 41 percent 2013 66% 2011 in 2009. Additionally, more couples 59% 2011 57% are opting to have a friend or fam-

Who use Who use ily member officiate the ceremony. Twitter Twitter In 2012, 1 in 3 (33 percent) couples chose a friend or family member to 23% 2013 21% 2013 officiate, up from 31 percent in 2011 13% 2011 14% 2011 and 2010, and 29 percent in 2009. Source: TheKnot.com and WeddingChannel.com 2012 Real Weddings Study

Source: Barna Research Facts&Trends • 13 Typecasting Are you an introvert or an extrovert? by Carol Pipes xtroverts are outgoing and introverts are shy, right? Not necessarily. Extroversion and introversion describe where people focus and find Etheir energy—outside themselves or inwardly. Extroverts (or those who have extroverted tendencies) gain energy by being around other people. They recharge in social situations. Often, the more people that are around, the more energized extroverts feel. On the other hand, introverts often lose energy in social situations and need time alone to recharge their batteries. Everyone falls somewhere along the extrovert-introvert spectrum, either from one extreme to the other or somewhere in the middle. Our place on this continuum influences almost every decision we make—from our career choice to who we marry and even what we’ll do on Friday nights. It affects how we interact with the people around us, how we lead and resolve conflict, even how we share the gospel. Introverted and extroverted leaders will present themselves differently from one another because of the different ways they get energy and process information. There are no good or bad personality types; each has its gifts and blind spots. All personality types are valuable. However, for years it was believed that extroverts make the best leaders. They have the qualities that make for great leadership, right? They are charismatic, energetic, confident and quick on their feet. In her book, Quiet, Susan Cain explains that in the early 1900s, America shifted from a “Culture of Character” to a “Culture of Personality.” People prized extroverted leaders for their outgoing personalities while ignoring sensitive, introverted thinkers. “At the onset of the Culture of Personality, we were urged to develop an extroverted personality for frankly self- ish reasons—as a way of outshining the crowd in a newly anonymous and competitive society,” Cain writes. “But nowadays we tend to think that becoming more extroverted not only makes us more successful, but also makes us better people.”

14 • WINTER 2014 COVER SECTION

The truth is, both personality types can make the limelight, so they may not speak up in strong leaders. How someone recharges (alone meetings. That doesn’t mean they don’t have vs. in a group) has little to do with leadership anything of value to add. Be intentional about success. But understanding and indentifying inviting introverts into the conversation. personality type can help leaders maximize 4. Make meetings efficient. Because extroverts strengths and pinpoint areas of weakness. find energy from dialogue and engaging oth- How to get the best out of everyone ers, they often allow meetings to go longer Every day we come in contact with a variety than necessary. This can drain the introverts of personality types, from extreme extroverts on your team. Follow an agenda and keep and introverts, to everyone in between. Because meetings as short as possible. personality affects how people lead, how they communicate, even how they react to chal- Here are four things introverted >> lenges, Christian leaders need to understand I E leaders can do to help extroverted the differences between personality types to team members. get the most out of people. 1. Extroverts need to be around people. If Even though personality type influences sequestered to their offices for too long, behavior, it doesn’t have to limit behavior. extroverts can become unfocused and un- Taking into account personality differences productive. Allow them the freedom to and adapting to the preferences of others can interact with others in the office or assign be the key to successful leadership. ministry tasks that involve engagement with people. Create social situations for your Here are four things extroverted staff or team away from the office. E>>I leaders can do to help the 2. Extroverts often process things externally. introverts on their team. Be patient and listen. Encourage their en- 1. Introverts need time to process informa- thusiasm by allowing them to explore ideas tion. Provide written information before and talk things out. staff meetings so introverted team members 3. Extroverts are prone to action. They act have time to reflect on the material and pre- first and then reflect. At times this can be pare for discussion. If big changes are on the beneficial. Depending on the situation, you horizon, try to give them as much advance may need to help them think through the notice as possible. appropriate way to act or react depending 2. Introverts prefer one-on-one conversa- on the desired outcome. tions. If you have to reprimand them, do it 4. Give extroverts time to shine. Allow them privately. to take the lead in settings that require cha- 3. Give introverts an opportunity to share risma, energy and charm. n their thoughts. Introverts tend to avoid Carol Pipes is editor of Facts & Trends.

Facts&Trends • 15 I’m not shy

by Ron Edmondson

16 • WINTER 2014 COVER SECTION

confess. sumptions people have made about me: I am an introvert. I’m shy. That may be your word, but I am also the pastor of a it’s not mine. I prefer purposeful—I will large church. speak when there’s a reason for me to IFor many people, this doesn’t add up. do so. Big church pastors are supposed to be I need more courage. When I choose extroverts, with larger than life person- not to speak, it’s not that I am scared. alities in order to draw a crowd. I’m just comfortable being quiet. Not me. I’ve got nothing to say. Actually, I This worried me when I first started as have lots to say. I blog almost every day a pastor. I’d been in business for years and often update Twitter and Facebook. and felt God calling me to vocational But I often choose to communicate in ministry. But I didn’t think that would writing rather than speaking. work for an introvert. I’m arrogant or I don’t like you. So at first, I tried to hide my intro- Honestly, I love everyone. Or at least version, out of fear that people would that’s my personal goal and a biblical reject me as a leader if they knew my command. Listening is a way I can show “ When I choose not to speak, secret. No longer. Today, I’m glad to you love and respect. it’s not that I am scared. I’m be an introvert, because it makes me a I need you to talk for me. Actually, just comfortable being quiet.” better pastor. I’d rather you not – unless you’re my — Ron Edmondson Strengths of introverts wife. If I have an opinion I think needs This may be difficult for overly ex- sharing, I can speak for myself. troverted people to understand or I need to change, mature, grow as appreciate, but there are some benefits a person or leader. There is nothing to being an introvert. wrong with me. I am just quieter than For one, we tend to spend a lot of some. I’m not perfect. In fact, I still sin. time thinking. It often makes us good There are lots of things wrong with me, strategizers. If you need help thinking but introversion is not one of them. a project through, call on an introvert. Challenges of leading We’d be glad to help. as an introvert Plus, we usually think before we speak. There are some downsides to being an Introverts choose our words very care- introverted pastor. fully. Everyone sticks their foot in their I can often fail to network when in a mouth occasionally—but we are likely crowd. I will go to a conference, expect- to do it less often. That has proven to be ing to meet new people, but instead of quite helpful as a pastor. engaging I stand in the corner waiting to Misconceptions about introverts be spoken to first. Still, there are lots of misconceptions I am also not good at making small about introverts. Here are a few false as- talk. That’s a problem, because small

Facts&Trends • 17 talk is the first step toward building is a reason to be extroverted in some ter an extremely extroverted occasion, healthy relationships or in making new occasions. Often people are waiting on I crash. Sunday afternoon I’ve found, people at church feel welcome. me to engage them. To be a Kingdom is a great time to nap. If the weather is Because of my limitations, I’ve learned builder, I have to converse with others nice, I will run for miles after church to a few tips on how to do effective minis- even when it’s uncomfortable. I’m will- unwind. try as an introvert. ing to act outside of my comfort zone to It’s important to remember people are Prepare mentally. I try to prepare show people that I love them. different. We are unique. God designed myself mentally for Sundays. I remind Discipline myself. At some point, I us that way, and He didn’t make a mis- myself that I have a job to do, that just do it. I simply have to make myself take. He never does. people expect me to engage with them, do what I may not want to do. Work Learning to appreciate introversion, that it is not going to be easy but I can the room. Make the initial approach for rather than resist it, and adapting ac- do all things through Christ who gives a new relationship. Talk. Engage. Con- cordingly, has been a part of maturing me strength. I do this as a mental exer- nect. Do it. as a person and leader. n cise before any event where I need to be Practice. It gets easier with time. It re- Ron Edmondson (@ronedmondson) is pastor, outgoing. ally does. conference speaker, blogger and leadership consultant in Lexington, Ky. You can connect Act purposeful. I remind myself there Reward myself with down time. Af- with him at ronedmondson.com. 7 Ways Extroverts Can Help Introverts By Ron Edmondson

hances are you have lots of introverts on your team, more time alone than an extrovert. in your organization, at your church, or even in your We energize during these times, not family. If you’re an extrovert, here are some ways you just relax. There’s a huge difference. can help introverts. C 6. Don’t expect us to always love or get 1. Give us advance warning. Don’t but that doesn’t mean we do not love excited about extroverted activities. put us on the spot for an answer or people or that we don’t want to com- The social activities where you get to opinion. Give us time to formulate a municate with them. Plus, we talk one meet all the cool people you do not response. at a time, so if there’s someone always know…that’s not too exciting for us. talking, we may not get a chance. It may even be a little scary. We’ll find 2. Don’t assume we don’t have an excuses not to go, even if we know we opinion. We do, and it may even be 4. Give us time to form relationships. need the experience or will have fun the best one. But we are less likely Introverts don’t form relationships once we do them. to share our opinion surrounded by fast. We may appear harder to get to people who are always quick to have know, but when we do connect, we 7. Allow us to use written communica- something to say and tend to control are loyal friends with deep, intimate tion when available. We often prefer the conversation. connections. emails to phone calls. We are usually more engaging when we can write out 3. Don’t assume we are unfriendly or 5. Allow us time alone. All of us need our thoughts ahead of time. n anti-social. We may not be talking, personal time, but we require even

18 • WINTER 2014 COVER SECTION

I need help, too

by Alvin Reid

Facts&Trends • 19 ur culture loves risk for the gospel. As a seminary “ We tend to be more excited extroverts. professor, I have watched students when things go well, but more We love the brash, out- over the years, and those who go to moody and easily upset when Ospoken athletes, the most the hardest places and take greater dealing with people who extravagant of actors and musicians, risks most often are extroverts. This do not see the world the way and the most extreme spokesmen on is not to say that introverts won’t; I we do.” — Alvin Reid TV. Add the glut of 24-hour sports and have seen many introverts take seri- news networks and it seems the louder ous risks for Jesus. But the extroverts and more extroverted you are, the more tend to answer the bell more quickly yearn so much for the next great popular you will be. and more often. thing, we fail to rest in the goodness That’s often true in church as well. 2. Extroverts thrive in social settings, of God today. Pastoral search committees love hy- and the church is a social community 4. We struggle to keep balance in our peractive pastors with relentless energy of people. lives. and great people skills. Congregations 3. Extroverts tend to be more likely 5. We tend to be more excited when love preachers who can “shuck the to share Christ, although I would things go well, but more moody corn” and interact with crowds. argue that introverts may in fact be and easily upset when dealing with When it comes to choosing leaders in better personal witnesses when they people who don’t see the world the churches, extroverts (like me) often have endeavor to do so. way we do. an advantage over introverts. 4. Extroverts are also typically early Learning from others That’s not always a good thing. We adopters, those vital people needed in In order to be successful in ministry, we all know of extroverts who go too far. any new initiative. extroverts can and must learn from oth- They’re bullies, poor listeners, and often 5. Extroverts tend to be more openly ers, especially from the introverts in our are short tempered and impatient. happy about life and thus are effec- families and congregations, because they But if we’re honest, we also know ex- tive at creating positive momentum. are all around us. troverts who genuinely love people and Challenges of leading About half of the people who take the show they care without reservation, who as an extrovert Meyers-Briggs Type Indicator, a com- lead groups of people to do remarkable We extroverts have our issues as well: mon personality test, are introverts. things for God, and who take the time to 1. We can easily become utilitarian— Other studies suggest that somewhere learn and listen. thinking bigger is always better and between one-third and one half of In my mind, there are at least five ways might makes right. Americans are introverts. that being an extrovert can help a pastor 2. We care more about crowds than My wife, Michelle, is one of them. or church leader: individuals. We’d rather read in the We epitomize the “opposites attract” 1. Extroverts tend to be risk takers. The Book of Acts about 3,000 coming to idea of marriage. She is as introverted as mission of God and the fact that we Christ than one person being saved. I am extroverted, and has been the great- as believers are a sent people requires 3. We are easily dissatisfied. We can est blessing of my life.

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Michelle has helped me understand and ap- 6 Lessons Extroverts preciate introverts. She has taught me by her example how vital it is to sit at Jesus’ feet for Can Learn from Introverts lengths of time, alone, to know Christ more. By Alvin Reid She is also the greatest listener I have ever 1. Slow down. No, really, slow down. Jesus rested. God rested on the sev- known. enth day. You can actually do more for God long term by learning to rest Our personalities offer a great example for as well as working hard. the need of community in the church. I have 2. The goal is not to change the world. The goal is to honor Christ. The been in class when an extrovert begins to wax result is to impact that world, but introverts can help us add the why to eloquently (in his own mind) while other our how. students roll their eyes. Pulling that student 3. See God in the little things. We tend to be so big picture focused that we aside and taking the time to give him a little miss the little, daily ways God moves. perspective on when and where to expound 4. See life more as a series of relationships than a list to check off. We his learning has helped more than a few. extroverts can easily fall into the trap of turning life into a to-do list. That young minister who wants to change 5. Do not just learn about Christ, learn Christ. Related to the previous the whole world and do it yesterday needs to point, extroverts can fall into the habit of studying the Bible to learn be helped to see how his ambition to make more facts to communicate better to change the world more. But the goal God famous can easily become ambition to is not to learn more facts, but to learn Christ, to become more like Him. be famous himself. 6. Don’t rush through your devotional time. Take a deep breath, cut off Living in community where we encourage your phone, open your Bible, and dine with the Father. For me, journal- one another to see the strengths in different ing helps me slow down and focus less on the cares of the day and more personalities while being aware of the dan- on time with Him. gers can play a vital role in spiritual growth. God has given us such a variety of personalities, interests, talents and gifts, why not celebrate them and encourage one Dig Deeper • Type Talk (Dell) by Otto Kroeger another to be who we are for the glory and Jane Theuson of God. n • Intorverts in the Church Alvin Reid (@alvinreid) is professor of evangelism and student ministry at Southeastern (IVP) by Adam McHugh Baptist Theological Seminary. You can read • Margin (NavPress) by more from him at alvinreid.com. Richard Swenson

Facts&Trends • 21 FALSE FACTS Why we love bad stats

by Bob Smietana ne of the dangers of being a reporter who goes to church is that you know when the preacher is wrong. Not wrong in theology. Wrong in facts. O Like this one, which came halfway through a recent sermon on marriage. Things are scary out there, the preacher told us. And there’s no difference between people sitting in these pews and everyone else when it comes to divorce. It made a great sermon illustration. Only it’s not true, says Bradley Wright, a sociologist at the University of Con- necticut and author of “Christians Are Hate-Filled Hypocrites ... and Other Lies You’ve Been Told.” Wright looked at marriage statistics from the General Social Survey (GSS), a national random survey of Americans, taken since the 1970s. Half of the “Nones”—people who claim no religious identity—were divorced. Only 42 percent of self-identified Christians—and members of other faiths—were divorced. Catholics (35 percent) were least likely to divorce, fol- lowed by Mainline Protestants (41 percent) and evangelicals (46 percent). Believers who show up to church every week were even less likely to divorce. Wright, who has been writing about faith and divorce rates since 2006, found that only about a third of evangelicals (34 percent) and Mainline Protestants (32 percent) and a quarter of Catholics (23 percent) who go to church are divorced. Still the myth that churchgoers get divorced at the same rate as everyone else persists. Wright thinks we pay more attention to bad news than to good news.

22 • WINTER 2014 “We pay a lot more attention to things “I give God 10%,” Bell wrote on the “My fellow servers called them the that are dangerous,” he said. “If I’m bill. “Why do you get 18?” ‘Holy Rollers,’” she wrote. “Knowing driving down the road, I can pass 200 Welch posted the bill on Facebook there would be little, if any, tip left at parked cars and not notice them. But if and it went viral. She eventually was the end of their meal, the servers saw the I see an accident—I will stop and look.” fired, while Bell apologized (indicating Christians’ robust attempts at ‘friendli- Mark Regnerus, a sociologist at the she’d left a cash tip) after her note made ness’ instead as pushy and arrogant. The University of Texas in Austin, says headline news. memories still pain me now.” something called “confirmation bias” Turns out Welsh isn’t the only server But a study from Michael Lynn of might be at work. In other words, people to have a bad run in with church folks. Cornell University and Benjamin Katz like statistics that reinforce their beliefs. Karen Swallow Prior, an English pro- of HCD Research, showed that, over- If people are fearful that marriages are in fessor at Liberty University, worked all, Christians are pretty good tippers. trouble, he said, they’ll tend to believe her way through college as a waitress. Their online survey of 1,068 Americans statistics that confirm those fears. Christians were notorious for being bad found that the average Christian tipped Even if those statistics aren’t exactly tippers, she wrote in a piece for Christi- 17 percent for good service. Only 13 right. anity Today’s website. percent of Christians left a smaller tip Regnerus said using bad statistics for good service. about marriage is appealing—because bad news can motivate people to action. But it can also undermine the credibility The truth about: of a pastor’s message. Divorce Rates in America “I am glad that pastors want to The truth is when church attendance is factored in the results, believers who strengthen marriages,” he said. “And attend church are less likely to divorce than people who do not show up. bad news can be galvanizing…. But we trust our pastors to tell us the truth.” 50% Are Christians really bad tippers? Marriage isn’t the only subject where the facts don’t match up to perceptions 34% about Christians. 32% That’s also the case when it comes to tipping and believers. 23% Earlier this year, a trip out to eat turned into a nightmare for the Rev. Alois Bell of the World Deliverance Ministries Church in Granite City, Ill. Bell and a large group of friends went to Evangelical Mainline Catholic Applebees. Following company policy, churchgoers Protestant churchgoers their server, Chelsea Welch, added an churchgoers automatic tip to the bills. Bell was not pleased. Source: General Social Survey (GSS)

Facts&Trends • 23 “If you can’t think of a way to verify a statistic, it is probably not true.” — Ed Stetzer The problem is that there are a lot Chris- by southpaw kittens from the Lone Star state. tians out there. And since we tend to This claim, however, isn’t quite true. remember bad news, a few bad tippers give There are more cats (and dogs) than all the other Christians a bad name. evangelicals in the U.S. But not Texans or The sky is falling phenomenon southpaws. While there are about 95 million cats in Statistics about the future of the church also the U.S., according to the Humane Society, give pastors and other church leaders a hard there are between 50 million (Religious time. Congregations & Membership Study, 2010) Like this one: “94 percent of Christian and 75 million evangelicals (Pew Research). young people leave the church That’s more than the estimated number never to return,” which was used of southpaws—between 30 and 45 million The truth about: to promote a major Christian Americans—and Texans (26.6 million, ac- Tipping conference several years ago. cording to the U.S. Census). It’s partly true; young people The average Christian tipped Going one for three might be good in do drop out of church. baseball. But it’s bad for preachers. 17 percent for good service. A 2009 LifeWay Research Bad statistics persist because they work— study of 1,000 young Prot- Source: Cornell University and HCD Research at least in the short term. estants found that seven They help sell books and tickets to confer- out of 10 did drop out of ences, make great sermon illustrations, and church for a time after get people in church fired up. high school. The problem, says Ed Stetzer, president of A few more details: LifeWay Research, is that bad statistics don’t the students surveyed had solve real problems. all attended church for at least a It’s difficult to solve a problem when you year in high school. Most dropped out don’t understand it, says Stetzer. because of a life change—such as going to Too many bad statistics can also under- college—and just over a third had come mine a leader’s credibility. Get too many back to church by age 30. facts wrong and it’s harder for people to The idea of anyone dropping out of church trust you. is a concern. But there’s no sign young people are forsaking the church in droves. Setting the record straight Perhaps the best bad statistic is this Perhaps it’s time for preachers—and confer- one, which also was used recently by a ence speakers—to be a little more wise when megachurch pastor to promote a Christian it comes to statistics. conference: “There are more left-handed Stetzer says Christians should view all sta- people, more Texans, and more pet cats than tistics with healthy skepticism. evangelicals in America.” That’s especially true if a statistic is found This pastor is apparently quite concerned in an advertisement. that the evangelical church is being overrun Ads, says Stetzer, are used to sell things.

24 • WINTER 2014 They’re not particularly concerned with get- The truth about: ting the facts right. Evangelicals Also, beware any statistic that can’t be veri- fied. 95 Million “Ask, how do you know that?” says Stezter. “If you can’t think of a way to verify a statistic, it’s probably not true.” He also says to be wary of stats that don’t 50-75 match reality. Million “It’s okay to apply your own censor to say this doesn’t make sense,” he said. It’s important to realize that all research is imperfect and context matters. Researchers don’t have unlimited resources. They can’t interview or poll everyone. Instead they inter- 30-45 Million view a representative sample of people, asking a few questions. So go to the source. Find out who did the 26.6 research, how many people they interviewed Million and what specific questions were asked, before assuming the research is valid. For example, a poll from professional researchers using a large sample will likely be more reliable than an informal poll taken by a professor of the students in class. Finally, don’t look at only one study. “To understand the whole picture, respon- Cats in U.S. Evangelicals Left-handed People who reside in Texas sible researchers look at various studies, their in U.S. people in U.S. methodologies, and their results,” Stetzer wrote in a 2010 story about bad statistics for Sources: Humane Society, Religious Congregations & Membership Study, Pew Research and U.S. Census Christianity Today. “We reach bad conclusions when we latch onto one finding of one study, drag it out of context, and proclaim it from the rooftops without knowing whether our inter- pretation is justified.” Facts are our friends, as Stetzer often says. Ask Facts & Trends Just make sure the facts are true. n Want to know if a stat you heard Bob Smietana is senior writer and content editor for is legit? Send us an email and Facts & Trends. we’ll check it out for you.

Facts&Trends • 25 TECHNOLOGY Technical tools for your ministry Training for the digital age inistry Grid (www.MinistryGrid.com) is the latest training model for the digital generation. The online training tool offers more than 1,800 videos of Mpastors, theologians and church leaders offering insights on a range of topics from pastoral ministry and leadership development to discipleship and Bible study.

“Technology has changed the way we es the importance of developing a educate and entertain ourselves, but up transition plan for pastors and their to now it hasn’t affected the way pastors successors. train and develop themselves, their staff In addition to practical ministry and their leaders,” says Todd Adkins, training, videos cover a wide range LifeWay’s director of leadership. “Many of theological and doctrinal topics. churches are finding it increasingly dif- Ministry Grid enables leaders to ficult to schedule time to attend or host customize training to fit the needs training.” and goals of their staff and volun- Ministry Grid changes all that. Sub- teers. Church leaders can choose scribers can access Ministry Grid’s built-in tracks or provided video videos from a computer, tablet or smart- sessions, upload their own video phone, making it convenient for them content, turn off unwanted content to train anytime, anywhere. An annual and put their church’s logo and look discussions, create comprehension ques- subscription price is based on weekly on the site. tions and provide additional resources. average church attendance. So, how does it work? Let’s say you Another church might develop a Need to train your parking lot atten- have a new children’s ministry volunteer First Impressions course that instructs dants? There’s a video for that. Need at your church. She needs training, but volunteers on how to make guests feel help with time management? There’s a doesn’t have time to attend a weekend welcome and engaged on their first visit. video for that, too. seminar. You can have her watch videos Church leaders will find Ministry Grid The video collection includes real life on how children learn and ways to en- allows them to meet the diverse needs experiences and insights from minis- gage children in spiritual conversations. of their volunteers. Leaders can easily try leaders who have wrestled or are On her own time, she logs in from organize and assign training courses to wrestling with the content they pres- her own computer or mobile device and different individuals and also track their ent: Melita Thomas, of LifeWay Kids watches training videos reserved for her. progress. Ministry, explores the eight approaches Or she can take a skills assessment and “Because this is a digital product, it can to how children learn; Danny Franks, receive training suggestions based on change and grow along with the needs connections pastor at The Summit the results. She picks a course, watches a of the local church,” Adkins says. “Pas- Church in North Carolina, considers video, and she’s done. tors can be confident their staff, leaders the importance of preparing for guests A small groups pastor could have all and volunteers receive the training they who visit your church; and Bob Russell, the small group leaders walk through a need to better prepare them to make dis- retired pastor in Louisville, Ky., discuss- course together online where he can host ciples.” n

26 • WINTER 2014 CALIBRATE Practical ministry ideas for your church Creating a culture of generosity by Sam Warner undreds of books have been published on giving, and every pastor, church member or attender has an opinion on giving and generosity. Is there a difference between Hyounger and older generations when it comes to giving in your church? Why do your members give? What motivates them to be generous? What can you do to boost generosity? Let’s take a look at what the Lord has to say about these questions.

I talk with new believers almost ev- for younger generations who might not ery day who were not raised in a home have been raised in church. where they were taught to tithe. This The older generation does not always of the unforgiving slave just how impor- has definitely had an impact on the giv- have it right, either. Some of them have tant forgiveness is in creating a culture ing habits and generosity level of the been raised in a home where duty and of generosity in your church. When we younger members in your church today. loyalty to the church have been taught. truly understand what Christ did for It may take time to teach them to give They may give because it’s what they us on the cross, it becomes hard not to consistently. were taught or because they feel obli- be generous. The gospel message is the I often hear young people would rath- gated. key motivator with your most generous er give to a cause than give to the church When looking at your faithful, gen- members. because they think the money is only erous givers, two traits usually stand Don’t be afraid to talk about gener- going to pay for facilities, staff salaries out—humility and thankfulness. osity and giving in your church. Jesus and administrative costs. It’s not true of Humility, which is often overlooked, certainly wasn’t afraid to talk about it. all young churchgoers, but it is some- is a key characteristic. In Proverbs 22:4, You’ll find more than 1,000 references to thing to keep in mind. It’s beneficial to we see that ‘fear of the Lord’ results money in the Bible, second only to love. remind givers their tithes and offerings in humility which ultimately leads to Use the Scriptures to guide your church are being used to minister both locally wealth, honor and life. I can see your in the area of giving. If you want your and globally, not just to pay the rent. church members being motivated to be members to be humble and faithful, then In Matthew 19:27, Peter asks Jesus, humble when they grasp this truth. it is up to you to provide the guidance “Look, we have left everything and fol- Thankfulness is another key motivat- they need to become great givers. lowed You. So what will there be for ing factor prevalent in your generous I love the advice we are given in Prov- us?” When we are teaching about giving members. From a grateful heart comes erbs 11:14: “Without guidance, people and generosity in the church today, we generosity. When members are thankful fall, but with many counselors there is must remember to focus on the fact that for what the Lord has done for them, deliverance.” Make sure you are teach- Jesus wants all of us. the generosity will flow from them like a ing your members why they should give, We cannot be a part-time Christian and fountain. Your faithful, generous givers and you will see a culture of generosity still receive the blessings He has in store know the Lord’s blessing is a result of spring up. n for us. Jesus’ response in Matthew 19:29 giving with the right heart. In Proverbs is priceless. He tells Peter that whoever 28:20, it is clear that the Lord blesses Sam Warner (@SamWarner914) is a lead navigator for Auxano and senior consultant leaves everything because of His name those who are faithful. for LifeWay Stewardship. You can reach him will “receive 100 times more and will Generosity is the sign of a mature at [email protected]. inherit eternal life.” That’s a great lesson believer. We are reminded in the parable

Facts&Trends • 27 NG NI

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28 • WINTER 2014 Flipping the rap conversation to the gospel by Aaron Earls s part of his most recent tour, Kanye West had “Jesus” Christian, heritage, rap artists cannot appear on stage to carry on a conversation with the con- help but use that imagery in their mu- troversial rapper. Some Christian artists, however, are sic. In his blog post “Rap & Religion,” Aengaging the hip-hop culture in hopes that Jesus will be Christian lyricist Trip Lee asserted an integral part of that world, not just appearing at a concert. “few rappers—or any artists for that matter—can shake the urge to include The culturally relevant and doctrinally religious opposition to same-sex mar- God somewhere in their art.” The ques- astute lyrics of the new breed of Chris- riage in his song “Same Love” by tion about the art is, as Lee contended, tian hip-hop artists give pastors and drawing from personal memories of “What are we saying?” parents a bridge to the hip-hop culture church services. Hip-hop icon Jay Z’s and their rap-inclined student who may somber “Heaven” encourages his audi- Sounds from the be getting more theology than expected ence to “question religion, question it Doctrinal Underground from the top 40 rap song they hear on all” because “religion creates division.” When Jay Z and his label Roc Nation the radio. All the while, the man who dubbed him- released “Magna Carta… Holy Grail,” West’s song “I Am A God (Feat. God)” self J Hova (a mash up of his rap name he used three-minute long commercials is not only the rapper’s latest and most and Jehovah) boasts that he is a prophet during the NBA Finals to announce an up front attempt at self-aggrandizement, who turns arenas into churches with lyr- app specifically for Samsung phones that the track is one of many theologically- ics that carry the same weight as Bible would allow one million free downloads driven rap songs seeking to use the depth passages. of his twelfth studio album. of biblical imagery as a cover for shallow Despite their insistence on breaking Christian artist Lecrae and his label proclamations of personal opinion. away from a reli- Reach Records didn’t have such luxu- Breakout artist Macklemore critiques gious, primarily ries for “Gravity” or even many radio stations to play his songs, but the At- lanta-based performer’s sixth release still managed to debut at No. 3 on the Billboard 200. Immedi- ately after the debut,

l-r: Jay Z, Kanye West, Macklemore, Lecrae

PHOTOS FROM ISTOCKPHOTO AND FLICKR Facts&Trends • 29 three of the top 10 spots on iTunes hip Reach Records, that means responding stretch of highway we’re driving down, hop/rap charts, including No. 1 and No. to religious themed lyrics from rappers like He just owns those couple of acres 2, belonged to Lecrae. who “don’t understand who Jesus is” in where the church is.” In an interview on LifeWay’s webcast, a way that addresses the real problem. For Lecrae, Christians will only influ- “The Exchange,” the Grammy award As West’s song was the pop culture ence culture if they recognize “Jesus’ winning emcee told LifeWay vice presi- topic du jour, Trip Lee wrote on his per- blood purchased this world. It all be- dent Eric Geiger that hip-hop was a sonal blog that the unbiblical theology longs to Him.” And as such, Lecrae and “powerful tool” that could be used for from rappers was “a reflection of their others are seeking to be out in culture good or bad. He views his role as a mis- hearts.” His solution was for “the peo- where many would never hear the truth sionary to the secular rap culture. ple who do know about Jesus to speak otherwise. He challenges believers to “I’m a big fan of looking at Paul in up. Not just in songs and blog posts, but rehabilitate and redeem culture. “Go Acts and in the marketplace, but in at the dinner table, the boardroom, and and paint a picture of what it looks like the synagogue as well, mixing it up in in the classroom. Why? Because this ig- when Jesus radically changes someone.” the culture, and knowing who their norance and irreverence isn’t unique to Music, particularly hip-hop, is an area modern-day poets were and speakers rappers. Reckless art is just one expres- of culture that is in need of an illustra- and philosophers and then being able sion of it.” tion of redemption because much of it LockmanAd 9/4/13 12:12 PM Page 1 to integrate their ideals and values in his But it does need to be in songs as well, brings a negative influence that can only talks as he’s trying to preach Christ to which is why Lecrae, Lee and others be countered with the gospel. them,” said Lecrae. have been at the forefront of a growth in Conversation Remix For Trip Lee, an artist with Lecrae’s theologically rich and doctrinally sound Researchers from the University of rap. In a talk at Resurgence 2012, Lecrae Pittsburgh analyzed the 279 most popu- defended his creating music in a genre lar songs of 2005 based on Billboard of music that has historically glorified charts and found that 77 percent of the sinful behavior, while challenging the rap songs contained a reference to drugs mindset of a sacred/secular divide. or alcohol. Musical messages that con- He told a story of he and friend tradict Scripture bombard teenagers, driving down the road listening to rap who listen to an average of 16 hours a music, when his friend turned down week. the station as they drove past a church Music is an especially powerful me- saying, “We’ve got to be respectful.” dium when conveying a message. Thinking back over the inci- “Go ahead, try to say your ABCs dent, Lecrae said, “It’s without singing the little song that goes as if God doesn’t with it,” challenged Erin Davis, author own every and teen girl ministry expert. “When we memorize information, thoughts or ideas it’s hard for it to stick in our brains,” she said. “But put an idea to music, give it a beat and

Trip Lee

30 • WINTER 2014 PHOTO FROM REACH RECORDS some notes that tug our emotions and ager develop a biblical, gospel-centered may be new lyrical things tend to stick.” worldview that enables them to reject ground, the assertion is With that being said, those seeking false theology. as old as the Garden of Eden, to positively influence students can “Pop culture is always going to churn and as such the solution remains become bogged down in responding to out junk,” said Davis. “But kids who the same. every unbiblical entertainment choice know who God is will lose their appetite “The gospel is what changes minds, and miss the bigger issue, according to for what’s being flung at them because changes hearts and corrects wrong Ben Trueblood, director of student min- they know the alternative is better.” thinking,” said Trueblood. istry for LifeWay. According to Trueblood, real truth Or as Lecrae says in “Tell the World”: “Don’t make music your ‘hill to die and real community will come from So I-I’m read’ to go, and I’mma tell on,’” he said. “Make the Word of God God. the world what they need to know that hill and approach the issue from “Show teenagers that the Bible really A slave to myself, but You let me go, what God calls us to rather than merely does speak to the issues of everyday I tried getting high but it left me low attacking the music.” life,” he said. “Show them the most real You did what they could never do For Davis and Trueblood, the most community they could ever experience You cleaned up my soul and gave me important thing parents and student comes from the unity brought by the new life – I’m so brand new. n LockmanAd 9/4/13 12:12 PM Page 1 leaders can do is turn the focus to God Holy Spirit in the lives of believers.” Aaron Earls is online editor of Facts & and His gospel, which will help a teen- While Kanye calling himself “a god” Trends.

Facts&Trends • 31 NAVIGATING CHANGE Guiding your church through transition A Q&A with pastor Carey Nieuwhof by Bob Smietana

he first churches Carey Nieuwhof pastored were so small, he says, they couldn’t afford a real minis- Tter. So they hired him instead. In 1995, Nieuwhof, a former lawyer turned pastor in training, moved to the small community of Oro, Ontario, to serve three small Presbyterian congregations. Total Sunday attendance was 50 people. One church drew only six on Sundays. “When my wife and young son and I showed up, we grew their attendance by 50 percent overnight,” he said. Eventually those three churches merged and grew to a congregation of more than 600, with a lot of changes along the way. Six years ago, Nieuwhof started over, as founding pastor of Connexus Community Church, a multisite church of about 900 people, with campuses in Barrie and Orillia. He’s also the author of Leading Change without Losing It: Five strategies that can revolutionize the way you lead change when facing opposition. He spoke to Facts & Trends. As a pastor, how do you discern whether or not to make a change? The first test would be to see if a change is consistent or inconsistent with Scripture. If it is inconsistent, don’t do it. The second thing is to realize that most of the debate in the church is about method, not mission. Almost everybody agrees on mission, but where

32 • WINTER 2014 CAREY NIEUWHOF, PHOTO PROVIDED BY CONNEXUS COMMUNITY CHURCH we tend to have the most vehement dis- call him or her. If someone calls and agreements is on the issue of methods. leaves me a voicemail, I will say, why In every generation—within certain rea- don’t we meet for coffee? sons—method is up for grabs. Nine times out of 10, if you can es- The third thing I would say is that tablish voice-to-voice—or better yet, when you change methods make sure face-to-face—contact with people, the you are aligning along a consistent conflict de-escalates. strategy—a strategy that shows some Tell us about a change that worked well promise; a strategy that has a track re- for your church and one that didn’t work cord behind it. so well. We made a lot of changes that worked Every once in a while, you have to go early on. One of those included a six- out on a limb. But for the most part the month process where we studied the changes you are embracing should be af- locations of the church’s three original firmed among some wise counsel. buildings. I always look to our elders, staff and When the churches were built in the key volunteers. Usually you will dis- 19th Century, they were about half an cover most of them are in fairly wide hour apart by horseback. agreement with the change. If you have “ We don’t think about strategy nearly as Then the car was invented that kind of affirmation, I think you and all of a sudden 30 min- much as we need to. Strategy plays have the green light for change. utes became five minutes. a big part in whether a church is Most change in a church brings some level of conflict. What’s the best way As we started to grow, effective in accomplishing its mission.” for a pastor to defuse conflict and move we began to consider con- — Carey Nieuwhof forward? solidating our resources. You are going to get angry emails. You Prayerfully we led a study are going to have people fly off the team through that six-month period handle at a congregational meeting or and shared our recommendations to maybe on Sunday after a service. That’s some key influencers in the church. happened to me—it’s happened to every When we brought it to the congrega- leader who has navigated change. tion, 75 percent voted in favor of selling If you can wait even 24 hours, you al- our buildings and starting a new church, most always are better off. with a new name, in a new location. Another helpful practice is one I call, A change that went badly? “Reply relationally.” It is easiest to When I went from being a solo pastor to have conflict using impersonal media. I leading a multi-staff church, I definitely always say nothing good ever happens made some mistakes in hiring. over email. I remember a church member who You cannot resolve conflict over email. asked me, “Do you need any advice in If somebody sends an angry email, I will terms of bringing on new staff.

Facts&Trends • 33 Stupidly, I said, “No. I’ve got this all covered.” That was a really dumb decision. Dig Deeper How do you know when it’s the right time to make a change? • MinistryGrid.com I try to think of it in terms of short-term goals (what we can accomplish in Thousands of a year); medium-term goals (what we can accomplish in two to three years, videos with understanding those are some of the more long-term, wholesale changes); leadership advice and then long-term goals (what we can accomplish in five years) from pastors and The mistake a lot of leaders make is overestimating what you can do in church leaders. one year and underestimating what you can do in five years. You can have a • Leading Change long-term plan developed in a few months, but to implement all that change Without Losing It at once is usually disastrous. by Carey Nieuwhof How do you best communicate change in a church? (reThink group) In his book, The Advantage, Patrick Lencioni talks about cascading communication. And I think that is key. One of the mistakes we make in the church world is taking an idea from the boardroom to the congregational meeting and bypass- ing everybody in between. The crowd is almost always the most resistant to change. Sharing the vision with some senior leadership, staff, key volunteers and key influencers is crucial. Let- ting them know here is this idea we are chewing on and asking them what they think. COMMUNIC�TION If we are able to share information in cascading circles, usually by the time we share it with the con- UUUU ININ ACTIONACTIONUUUU gregation, there are fans of the change in place already. Where do pastors go wrong when it comes to change? Find out how churches ENCOURAGE We don’t think about strategy nearly as much as we FELLOWSHIP ™ by using VoiceWave need to. Strategy plays a big part in whether a church is effective in accomplishing its mission. Most church leaders have the same mission and vi- your messages sion as the guy down the street. are too important We love Jesus. We love God. We believe we have a to miss message for the world, and we believe we need to grow in our faith. At the end of the day, it’s my responsibly to develop 888.204.1746 phonetree.com/LW14 a cohesive strategy for accomplishing that mission. n Bob Smietana is senior writer and content editor Automated phone, text, email & social media messages for Facts & Trends.

34 • WINTER 2014 IDEAS FOR YOUR CHURCH

by Diana Davis

How will God use your church in 2014? Here are 52 easy ideas to inspire you:

1 The 52 Challenge. Members commit to personally invite one person—friend or stranger—to church every week this year, and write the names on their personal calendar. 2 Snow Day. Build dozens of snowmen on the church lawn. Deco- rate snow-families with creative props and signs inviting folks to church. 3 Plan a baby shower for a local pregnancy center on Sanctity of Human Life Sunday, January 19.

Facts&Trends • 35 4 Sunday Brunch. Deliver invitations Challenge members and regular at- to homes located near the church tenders to commit at least two hours building inviting them to worship for planting, painting, cleaning and services and to a Sunday brunch be- other DIY projects. forehand with their neighbors (and 12 Host a kite-flying day. Encourage some friendly church members). kids, teens and adults to participate 5 Pray for Leaders. Invite local gov- and invite friends. Give awards for ernment leaders to your worship highest, longest in flight, most cre- service. Recognize those who are ative kite. able to attend and pray for them. 6 Community-Wide Blood Drive. Sup- port your local blood bank. 7 Date Night. Provide complimentary childcare for unchurched couples on Valentine’s Day. 8 NearlyWed Seminar. Invite engaged couples to an 8-week seminar before church or during the week. Each session is a topical Bible study about marriage, with homework and handouts. At completion, couples get a certificate and promote to new- lywed class. 9 Mission Trip Mania. Plan several 13 Community Easter Egg Hunt. Pro- mission trips for the year—local, vide kids’ music, candy-filled eggs, national, international—and chal- snacks and a puppet show about the lenge members to either participate meaning of Easter. Distribute book- personally or help sponsor another marks or refrigerator magnets that participant. list weekly and special events for 10 Interactive Missions Fair. Educate kids. Don’t forget to invite everyone the entire church about how your to Easter worship. church does missions both locally 14 1-2-3 Serve! Each small group in the and globally. Invite missionaries church plans a servant evangelism your church supports and local project on the same Saturday, blitz- ministries you partner with ing the entire community with good to set up booths. works in Jesus’ name. 11 Biggest Workday Ever. Plan dozens of projects, involving all age groups.

36 • WINTER 2014 PHOTOS IN ARTICLE FROM: BIGSTOCK, ISTOCKPHOTO AND LIFEWAY 15 Friend Day. Encourage every mem- The Chamber of Commerce can ber to bring an unchurched friend to provide you with the names and worship. addresses of people who recently 16 Car-Care Clinic. Enlist the have relocated to your area. help of some men in your 21 Be Festive. As a church, participate church to set up a free in the town’s annual fair or festival. oil and lube change and Wear church T-shirts and have fun. general car maintenance Make a parade float, host a diaper operation at your church changing station or offer to be the for the single moms and cleanup crew. widows in your community. 22 Neighborhood Cookout. Encourage 17 Stop & Pray Day. On May church members or small groups to 1, National Day of Prayer, host a neighborhood cookout one use an outside banner to invite the Saturday and invite their neighbors community to come inside and pray. to church. Play background music, light some 23 Cool Comfort. Open your facility to candles and provide a simple prayer those in the community who may guide, sign-in-book and printed in- not have air conditioning. Provide vitation to worship. play areas for moms with young 18 Mother’s Day is perfect for a baby kids. Set up a workspace for college dedication and to promote the launch students with free Wi-Fi access. The of a small group for new parents. summer heat is especially dangerous 19 School’s Out Celebrations. Host three for seniors. Providing a cool place last-day-of-school parties. Elemen- for them to spend their days may tary kids’ ice cream party, middle even save a life. You may need to school pizza party and treasure hunt; arrange transportation to and from high school sand volleyball tourna- their homes. ment and Christian concert. Provide 24 Student Camp Sendoff. Members of a summer calendar of church events an adult Bible class select a camper, for each age group. prepare a snack bag for the trip, and 20 Welcome Wagon. Deliver welcome pray for them that week. baskets to people who move into 25 Outdoor Concert. Invite the entire your commu- community to a free outdoor con- nity. Include baked cert on the church lawn. goods or pantry 26 Thank Local Heroes. Invite items, information fire fighters, police officers, about your church, emergency medical personnel and as well as coupons others for a special recognition to local businesses. service and lunch at your church.

Facts&Trends • 37 27 All-church picnic. Plan a fun-filled unconnected members to join one. day of food, games and fellowship. 35 Adopt an International Student. A 28 VBS. Vacation Bible School is an majority of international students enormous outreach. Visit LifeWay. who come to the U.S. to study are com/vbs for ideas. never invited into an American 29 Middle School Summit. Incoming home. Work with your local univer- middle school students and their sity to host an international student parents rotate through 10-minute throughout the year. Pick them up at topical classes taught by church the airport when they arrive. Invite youth leaders and Christians who them to dinner once a month and teach or work in local middle spend time with them during the schools. Afterward, kids have a holidays. party and parents eat out together. 36 “Meet the Teacher” Sunday. Kids 30 Back-to-School Backpacks. Partner invite their schoolteacher, princi- with a local school or shelter and pal, cafeteria worker, etc., and sit donate backpacks filled with school by them in worship. Pray for them supplies to school-age children during church and honor them with whose families need financial assis- a brief milk and cookies fellowship tance. afterward. 31 Move It. Recruit volunteers to wear 37 Singles Dream Team. About one- church T-shirts and help with move- third of adults in your town are in day at your local college. Invite single. Form a top-notch team to students to Sunday worship and a pray and plan multiple small groups, homemade lunch in their honor. events and ministries for singles. 32 Snacks for Teacher Workday. Bible Kick off with a single adult retreat. study classes or small groups select 38 New Members Fellowship. Host a a local school, prepare and deliver bi-annual or quarterly event for new baskets of snacks with a note of church members to help them feel thanks and a prayer for the upcom- welcome and make friends. ing school year. 39 Minister Appreciation Week. Ask 33 First Day, Moms Pray. Host a tea for members and attenders to send a moms just after they drop their kids note of appreciation to the pastor(s) off for the first day of school. Seat during the first week of October. them by school or child’s grade level for fellowship. Pray for the moms and the children. Provide a list of church activities and worship times. 34 Explosion Sunday. Kick-off new small groups and invite guests and

38 • WINTER 2014 40 Stock the Pantry. Ask members to promising prayer for that leader. donate non-perishables to your 46 Baptism Sunday. Invite people who church’s food pantry or a local food want to become a Christian, and be- bank. lievers who have never been baptized 41 Pumpkinpalooza. Display an invita- to sign up for a big baptism Sunday. tion banner and gobs of pumpkins Provide printed and e-invitations for outside. Kids under 12 pick a pump- their family and friends. kin, decorate it and take it home. 47 Missions Parade. Emphasize in- Take family photos and invite guests ternational missions with a simple to pick them up on Sunday. international parade during wor- 42 Senior Adult Revival. Plan a week- ship. Have children march around long daytime evangelistic revival for the worship center during a mission- senior adults. Serve lunch. Encour- themed song carrying miniature age members to bring friends who flags of the nations. may not know Christ. 48 Digital Thanks. Members submit 43 Citywide Thanksgiving Art Exhibit. In one photo and a two-word descrip- early fall, begin to solicit entries from tion of something for which they’re church members, friends, local art- thankful. Show a media presentation ists, art clubs and classes. Using any of the photos before and after the medium, artists illustrate a Thanks- service. giving theme. Deadline is end of 49 Holiday Food Baskets. Organize, October, and art is displayed in the prepare and deliver holiday food church lobby throughout November. baskets to families and individuals 44 Fall Daylight Savings. Plan ahead so in need. early arrivers (who forgot to change 50 Wrap It Up. Provide free gift-wrap- their clock) can enjoy their error. ping for mall shoppers. Promote Signs at doors can offer upcoming Christmas events at your doughnuts and coffee church. in the foyer, library 51 Christmas Caroling. Teams blanket time, or an invitation to the community with caroling then watch the praise team meet later for hot cocoa. rehearse. 52 Christmas Eve Candlelight Service. 45 Election Day. Before voting day, Keep it brief and family friendly. each Bible study class selects one Plan ahead for quality music and elected position such as Sheriff or friendly greeters. Invite the entire City Commissioner. The group community. purchases a Bible, highlights favorite Diana Davis is an author, columnist Scriptures, and delivers it immedi- and speaker. For more ministry ideas, visit dianadavis.org. ately after the election with a note

Facts&Trends • 39 Wedding under the bridge Couple shares special day with homeless friends

By Grace Evans lastic wrappers and other pieces of litter rolled like tumbleweed across the empty space under the Jefferson Street Bridge.

P Two hours later, enough chairs were set up to seat several hundred of Nash- ville’s homeless, and enough chicken and baked beans had been prepared to feed them all. While many were still eating, a cloth was rolled down the aisle, and my friend Amanda walked through a crowd of her homeless friends to meet her fiancé at the altar under the overpass. She’s not homeless. Never has been. Neither has Heath, her fiancé. They just have tasted the grace of God and now see people through the eyes of Christ. “Husbands are called to be the model of Christ in their marriage and, as a result, communicate to the world who Christ is,” Heath says. And Christ is a servant to all—especially the outcast, he says. Getting married among the homeless and outcast was a step in communicating Christ’s love.

40 • WINTER 2014 When people ask Amanda why they to give them that gift.” chose a wedding in such an unusual set- As a train whistle echoed under the ting, she shrugs and smiles. overpass and Tuesday evening rush “It doesn’t really feel like we’re do- hour traffic shook the concrete, Aman- ing something out of the ordinary,” she da smiled out at a sea of familiar faces as said. “People get married at their favor- the band played and sang … “ On the contrary, when you host ite place, and our favorite place is under “There are no strangers the bridge. We feel closest to God here.” There are no outcasts a banquet, invite those who are Those of us who weren’t regulars to There are no orphans of God poor, maimed, lame, or blind. their normal Tuesday night gathering So many fallen, but hallelujah And you will be blessed, of friends run by The Bridge ministry There are no orphans of God.” in Nashville, Tenn., didn’t quite know And then the couple pledged to love because they cannot repay you; what to do when we first arrived, except each other for a lifetime as they love the for you will be repaid at the we knew one thing. The homeless were “outcast” together. resurrection of the righteous.” to be the guests of honor. As they walked back down the aisle (Luke 14:13-14) Over and over we had the privilege of as husband and wife, Amanda reached escorting guests as they walked to their out and grabbed the hands of several of seats, or talking with them and serving the homeless men. “That was special to them plates of chicken and beans as they me,” she said. settled in for the wedding. She loves them personally. As Aman- “You look beautiful,” one lady da puts it, she “looks the homeless in stopped and told the bride with a gap- the eyes” every day on her way to work toothed smile as she walked to her seat. downtown. Amanda beamed. She had carefully And she and Heath love them both thought this through, and it was just spontaneously and intentionally—once, what she wanted. they spent a date night passing out cup- She had normal bride jitters, but she cakes to their friends in a local park. kept trying to remind herself that she Their wedding feast was an extension and Heath were doing their favorite of their everyday, missional lives—a cel- thing, they were just wearing different ebration with the least of these on His clothes—a fancy gown she had bought behalf. intentionally to wear in the dust and Amanda simply explained, “We want Dig Deeper gravel under the bridge. God to be glorified.” n • A Christ-Centered “I knew it would be dragged through Grace Evans (pseudonym) is an overseas Wedding by the dirt, but I felt like God was saying worker who blogs at gracefortheroad.com, a travelogue-style blog that deals with Catherine Strode to be the bride of Christ,” she said. “I everyday life issues, spiritual matters and the Parks and Linda spread of the gospel around the world. felt like He was telling me I shouldn’t Strode (B&H Publishers) choose not to be beautiful just because I Available at LifeWay stores and was going to be with the homeless, but LifeWay.com.

Facts&Trends • 41 42 • WINTER 2014 Real questions people ask by Mary Jo Sharp

n today’s marketplace not intended for suffering. Suffering of ideas, Christians often and death are corruptions of God’s feel overwhelmed by good gift of life. They weren’t origi- the frenzy of questions nally part of this world and are only I temporary. coming at them. Many of us want to have meaning- In a universe void of God as the ful conversations about faith with standard of good—a standard that people who hold a different view of does not change with human prefer- God. But we often feel ill-equipped ences or culture—we end up with no and worry about saying the wrong objective good or evil. Things that things happen are just the way they are. As an apologetist—someone who What if there is no God? Without explains the Christian faith for a an objective standard of good, we living—I’ve had a lot of practice dis- have no reason to think that these cussing faith with nonbelievers. things that happen are good or bad. Here are the common questions I If the Church has the truth, am most often asked by nonbelievers why is it full of hypocrites? and how I answer them. This question is near and dear to If God is good, why is there suffering? my heart. I began to doubt my belief This is one of the most important in God because of the disconnect I questions about our faith. It’s also a noticed between the people who pro- difficult question since all of us expe- fessed the Bible as the Word of God rience pain and suffering in this life. and how those people behaved. To view suffering as something that Some of my most hurtful experi- is evil implies that good and evil have ences in life came by the mouths of recognizable standards. professing believers in God, those Christians say God’s nature is good, saved by the abundant grace and and so we can look to who God is to mercy of the Lord. figure out what is good and what is You will live out what you truly evil. We can say that His original cre- believe. Jesus discussed this in the ation, which was perfectly good, was Sermon on the Mount. The inner life

Facts&Trends • 43 and thoughts work their way into our discovered through science (the actions. Others notice the discrepancy scientific endeavor), they fail to realize in our lives between our beliefs and our that this belief itself is not discovered actions. It can provide fodder for their by any method of science. minds as they turn from God. Rather, the belief that science discov- But the church is full of hypocrites ers knowledge about the universe, is a because we are all hypocrites: the entire philosophical statement. There’s no lab human race. A hypocrite can be any experiment we can do to discover if the person who acts in contradiction to his knowledge we gain about the universe or her stated beliefs or feelings. I’ve said is accurate. in the past I would never drink coffee If the Christian God is real, then as the and now I do. I have stated I don’t like perfectly good Creator of the universe, postmodern art, but there are works He has gifted us with the ability to ac- I enjoy. By Webster’s definition, I’m tually know things about our universe. a hypocrite. He has not created a grand delusion in The same principles apply to the sub- which to trick humans into thinking ject of God. this universe is real, when in fact it is not The hypocrisy of humanity can be real. Rather, He has given us an actual explained within the Christian universe to learn about and discover. worldview (“the Spirit is will- As we learn about the universe, we also ing but the flesh is weak”). learn about its Creator. So there’s a rea- But the idea that hypoc- son for the knowledge we gain about risy exists is based on the creation to be true and not a delu- the belief that there is sion: to help us know the Creator. a standard for how hu- Do you have to choose to trust in either mans should behave. science or faith? Can you trust both? There can be no Here we have a misunderstanding of hypocrisy when every both the realm of science and the defini- individual decides for tion of faith. What we call science is the themselves what is good. study of the natural realm. Without a standard in Faith is not a study of the natural place, we would have no rule realm. Faith is a trust in God. You can for suggesting the person is being trust in God and study the natural hypocritical. realm. You can even believe that your Hasn’t the scientific endeavor shown faith in God is what provides a founda- that belief in God is unnecessary and tion for your study of the natural realm. unintelligent? As Francis Bacon noted in The New When a person assumes the only Organon, it is because God brought all knowledge we have is what we have of creation into existence that makes all

44 • WINTER 2014 of creation worthy of our investigation. It is also belief in God as Creator that Talking About Your Faith pening up and discussing your beliefs gives us a foundation for understanding with someone can be nerve-racking. the physical universe as actually exist- But it doesn’t have to be. Here are four ways to ing. If God is real, and He is responsible make sharing your faith a little easier. for creation, then we can reason His O 1. “I don’t know” is a good answer. creation is real as well. Faith and science Only God has all the answers. So if someone asks a ques- are not only compatible, but completion that stumps you, try a little humility. By saying, “I don’t mentary. know” you’re being honest while taking truth seriously. As we seek to provide arguments for 2. It’s okay to make mistakes. our beliefs to share with the world, We all struggle with this one. I’ve heard great orators err in we must not forget that everyone has a presentation with which they should be comfortable. This a worldview. We can minister to oth- happens to everyone. Give yourself room to learn from your ers by not only being ready to answer mistakes. questions asked of us, but by asking 3. There are no perfect times to share your faith. more questions. As part of loving other Don’t wait around for everything to be just right. There are no people, we need to help them discover prefect situations this side of eternity in which to discuss God. or uncover the truth about why they There are only opportunities. believe in a certain view of the world. 4. Have a bit of faith. By asking questions, we will find Don’t be alarmed as you begin to talk with folks. It will take points of communication in which we some time and practice to alleviate that wandering-in-the-dark can discuss and discover truth together. feeling during a conversation. Just be open to the moments and Don’t worry if you are not an expert people God brings into your life. communicator or conversationalist; just start talking. —Mary Jo Sharp Yes, you’ll make some mistakes and maybe even feel you failed from time to time. However, you’ll learn from those mistakes and know how to better handle a similar situation the next Dig Deeper time around. Remember, it is a privi- • Why Do You Believe That? A Faith Conversation lege, not a burden, to discuss the big This practical seven-session study will help questions in life as part of loving and Christians gain understanding and skill to share caring for the people God places in Jesus effectively with others, and better under- our lives. n stand their own faith. A former atheist from the Pacific north- • Truth Matters (B&H Publishers, March 2014) west who thought religion was for the Available at LifeWay stores and LifeWay.com. weak-minded, Mary Jo Sharp is now a Christian author and director of Confi- dent Christianity Apologetics Ministry.

Facts&Trends • 45 ON OUR RADAR

Practical resources for you and your church A look inside Seasons of a Leader’s Life by Jeff Iorg

ife has seasons. For leaders, those seasons could also be called phases or stages of leadership. Younger leaders start out full of passion, ideal- Listic, and excited about the future. Most of them are aware of how little they know about leadership and are zealous to learn all they can. They work hard to earn degrees, seek out mentors, attend conferences, read books, and so on. These emerging leaders recognize that their early years are primarily learning years—a time to gain information, solidify convictions, test theories, and practice skills. They discover the possibilities of their abilities and gain key insights about their future usefulness. This can be both an exciting and a trying time. While learning is the primary goal, many are also already leading (some with very significant responsibilities). While good leaders are always learning, at some point the primacy of the learning phase gives way to the reality of the leading phase. Leading replaces learning as the main goal. This new season of life finds leaders engaged in their role, using their training to make a difference while still learning on the job. Leaders lead. They employ key practices to advance the mission of their organization. For Christian leaders, that means advancing the mission of God’s kingdom as expressed uniquely through the commission of their church or ministry. Leaders who paid attention during the learning phase now have resources to draw from to know what to do. This longer season—sometimes decades long—is the prime of a leader’s life when their most significant contributions are made. But time marches on. Eventually, leaders recognize their time to lead is passing. Some make the mistake of holding on too long, dismantling what they have built by clinging to their leadership role long after their effectiveness has waned. Most leaders, however, are fully aware that the person in the mirror keeps getting older. For most of us, the loss of stamina alone forces us to face the reality that the final stage—the time to leave our legacy—is dawning. The final phase of a leader’s life, the final contribution, is formalizing a leadership legacy. Learning, leading, and leaving your legacy. These are the phases of a leader’s life. Which season are you in right now? What should you be learning? How can you improve what you are doing? What will you leave for future generations? n Excerpt from Seasons of a Leader’s Life (B&H) by Jeff Iorg.

46 • WINTER 2014 Books

One Way Love Hebrews Limitless Life What Are You Accidental By Tullian Tchividjian, By Lisa Harper By Derwin Gray, Afraid Of? Pharisees David C. Cook, 2013 LifeWay Thomas Nelson By David Jeremiah, LifeWay By Larry Osborne, Real life is long on The Book of Hebrews As a former NFL Zondervan This six-session law and short on is a rich, dense section player, Derwin Gray In Accidental study is a companion grace. We are all in of Scripture that can has seen what many Pharisees, Osborne to Jeremiah’s What need of some relief. intimidate the most would call a life warns believers Are You Afraid Of?: Sadly, Christianity scholarly biblical without limits. But against developing Facing Down Your is perceived as being student. But Lisa in his new book, a dangerous elitist Fears with Faith merely a vehicle for Harper makes digging Limitless Life, the or exclusive mindset (Zondervan). In the good behavior and into Hebrews fun pastor of Transforma- and urges people to study Dr. Jeremiah clean living—and the and doable, without tion Church explains become more loving, explores six of the judgments that result losing an ounce of that the only way to humble, compas- top 10 fears holding from not reaching depth. Hebrews truly experience a full sionate and caring many of us back, and them—rather than was a sermon for a life is through Christ. when calling others he shares the secrets the only recourse for specific people and Gray intersperses real to Christlikeness. to facing those fears those who have failed culture in the midst stories from his own He writes, “Make no with faith. For many over and over again. of martyrdom and life and those of his mistake, my warnings people worry, anxiety, Tchividjian calls on us persecution, but is congregation with about the dangers and fear are constant to abandon our play- also relevant for us biblical truths about of overzealous faith companions. And too it-safe religion and get today, reminding us where we find our are not meant as a often those fears are drunk on grace. It’s to continue walking identity, our value, defense of soft and crippling, keeping us shocking and scary, toward Jesus regard- our life. easy Christianity, from the life God has unnatural and undo- less of our culture or they are simply a plea called us to live. The mesticated … but it our circumstances. that we remain true challenge is to look is the only thing that to the heart of the to God when you are can set us free and gospel, offering rest, afraid, and to find a light the church—and hope and salvation to biblical response to the world—on fire. the weary and heavy your fears. laden.”

For more new releases visit LifeWay.com. Facts&Trends • 47 ON OUR RADAR

Practical resources for you and your church

media, to financial health. There’s also a Conferences & Events track for pastors’ wives. ChurchPlanters.com Student Life Conference January 24-25, Birmingham, Alabama; January 31-February 1, Orlando, Florida; February 7-8, Houston, Texas; February 21-22, Memphis, Tennes- see; February 28-March 1, DFW Metro Area, Texas; March 7-8, Louisville, Kentucky; March 14-15, Atlanta, Georgia The Uprising Speakers: David Nassar, Courtney Clark, Wade May 1, 2014, Lexington, Kentucky Morris, A.C. Sandford, Brent Crowe Speakers: Pete Hise (Quest Community Church), Your students will have a gospel-centered Bill Hybels (Willow Creek Community Church), experience that powerfully proclaims that Clayton King (Teaching Pastor, Newspring Church) and presenter Pete Wilson (Crosspoint life in Christ is far more than what can Church) be seen with physical eyes. God is calling For the past four years, The Uprising His children to see the eternal value and has been dedicated to re-awakening impact of everything they do in daily life. the revolutionary spirit that God has That focus will fuel the heart of the entire placed in the hearts of church leaders. weekend: corporate worship, prayer and This one-day experience re-ignites other thought-provoking elements. church teams with fresh vision and Studentlife.com practical ministry ideas. The Uprising features main sessions and worship as well as labs and workshops led by guest the women of your small group, church speakers and the Quest Community or community to participate as well. Church staff. LifeWay.com/PriscillaShirerLive TheUprising.org Priscilla Shirer Live April 5, New Orleans, Louisiana; July 18-19, Lexington, Kentucky; August 22-23, Warner Robins, Georgia Speakers: Priscilla Shirer; Musical guest: Anthony Evans Velocity Ever feel like you’re in a rut? Whether February 17-18, 2014, Cumming, Georgia The Main Event you need inspiration or a challenge, Speakers: Mark Batterson, Rick Bezet, Dave August 1-2, 2014, Nashville, Tennessee Priscilla Shirer Live will snap you Ferguson, Pete Hise, Shawn Lovejoy and others Speakers: Michael W. Smith, Jeff Struecker, Velocity is designed to encourage and Derwin Gray, Thom Rainer, Darrell Waltrip, and out of routine faith. Shirer’s ministry more equip church planters who lead at an to women around the world focuses Get together with other men to be en- exhilarating pace. Pastors and leaders on teaching of the Word of God. She couraged, equipped and inspired. This of churches who want to multiply their desires to see women come to a full un- year’s event will honor the men who churches will also benefit from the derstanding of who they are in Christ sacrificed to give us freedom on earth wide range of topics discussed at the by hearing the uncompromising truth and will honor the Man who sacrificed conference. Breakout sessions cover of Scripture. Can’t make it to one of to give us freedom forever! everything from children and student the live events? Join the Priscilla Shirer LifeWay.com/MainEvent ministries, to worship production and Live Simulcast on April 5, and allow

48 • WINTER 2014 Digital

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Christian Web Trends Hosted by Paul Steinbrueck, this site discusses news and trends in communications technology and how that impacts Christian individuals and organizations. Here you’ll find tools, resources and ideas into all things technology and social media. blog.ourchurch.com

Facts&Trends • 49 THE EXCHANGE For more visit EdStetzer.com.

3 Tips for leading as an extrovert

know this may come as a You cannot control others’ feelings, but that you have room to grow as well. shock, but I am an extro- you can assure them you’ve understood Take what you give. Us extroverts are vert—a really extroverted their point of view—even if you disagree often blunt in how we deliver news— extrovert. with them. sometimes too blunt. We should be IBoth extroverts and introverts have Deal with mistakes seriously, but gra- prepared for and even encourage blunt- tendencies that can become weakness. ciously. Some people will not want to ness in those on our team and in our life. The best way to combat this is through accept responsibility for mistakes they When you have created the right envi- intentionality. You have to be aware of made, while others are too hard on them- ronment and handled mistakes properly, who you are and whom you have on your selves. As an extrovert, you can help people will feel the freedom to be com- team. I’ve found these three tips helpful make sure everyone grows from mis- pletely honest with you. If they think in leading as an extrovert in ministry and takes, including you. an idea is horrible, they’ll beyond. I want people tell you. But if they think Be a catcher, not a pitcher. This might around me who are “As an extrovert, you can something coming up be the only sports analogy you’ll ever get passionate about can make a huge impact, from me, but it holds true. Ask questions help make sure everyone what they do, but they’ll let you know and and gather feedback instead of always who will stand up grows from mistakes, get involved with it. speaking and making assumptions. and admit when they including yourself.” Don’t get upset and As an extrovert, the natural inclination messed up. For those Ed Stetzer angry every time others is to speak first and speak often. That’s who are reluctant to challenge ideas. Eventu- how we process information. However, acknowledge their ally, the decision has to be if you’re not careful, you’ll create a pas- own shortcomings, you can point it out to made, but hearing from different per- sive environment from those around you. them if needed. For those who recognize spectives can help make the final project They will assume you’ll give the first, last the mistake and are eager to learn from it, that much stronger. Train your team to and only word. They won’t feel the need you can show grace and build them up. know when it’s time to raise concerns and to come to meetings ready to share ideas This is where the extrovert can be a good when it’s time for the leader to make the or give input. teacher to his or her team. The goal should call and the team follows. That doesn’t mean you become passive be for the individual to gain wisdom and Extroverts have many traits that are yourself. Sometimes the leader must be for the team to be better as a result. associated with leadership, but don’t willing to say what others are too afraid When you have developed an environ- assume your personality makes you a to say. When you point out the emperor ment where your team feels free to speak, leader. Be intentional about improving. has no clothes, some people may cheer, they can help you see your mistakes as Believing you’re the perfect leader doesn’t but the emperor is usually not too happy well. You should seek to work with peo- mean you’re an extrovert. It means you’re about it. ple who see what you can’t see. They can a jerk. n In dealing with others, work hard to cover your blind spots and remind you Ed Stetzer is president of LifeWay Research. treat them fairly and seek out their input.

50 • WINTER 2014 Scan the code to hear your mission possible. lifeway.com/D3message2

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