Church Life | Christian Ministry Training Blog

Compassion: More than an Option?

Posted on November 13, 2013 by Ministry Tools Resource Center — 1 Comment ↓

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Sometimes it seems easier to close our eyes to all the pain and sorrow around us. Certainly it can be more convenient for us to ignore what we see. And, it is more comfortable to not let ourselves feel for people and respond to their needs.

But, is compassion, for the believer, optional? If we want to be Christ-like, then we must answer no, that it is not optional. We must both feel compassion and respond, as we saw in a previous post.

If we get beyond the example of Jesus, we will find Scripture, like Colossians 3:12-14, that lets us know that compassion is more than an option.

Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.

Why Compassion Must be Seen as More Than an Option:

Compassion is an identifying mark of belonging to God, who is “the Father of compassion and God of all comfort” (2 Cor. 1:3).

“Therefore, as God’s chosen people”

Compassion is not reserved for people with the spiritual gift of mercy. Rather, if you are one of His, you are to be compassionate regardless of gifting, personality, or background.

“clothe yourselves with compassion”

Compassion is something that is outwardly manifested, something we put on that others around us can see and thereby know that we belong to Him.

Also Read: Consideration & Compassion Showcase God’s Love for People

Compassion is the logical reaction to who we are in Him and His love toward us.

“Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved”

We are set apart to live according to God’s standards and to love as He loves. He is “the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God” (2 Cor. 1:3-4). Compassion can’t help but grow out of holiness and knowing how much we are loved by God.

Compassion is commanded which means it is not an option.

“clothe yourselves with compassion”

We must be intentional about putting on compassion. We don’t wait until we “feel” moved or when it is convenient or comfortable for us.

Compassion is an expression of love, the Greatest Commandment.

“And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.”

Compassion, along with kindness, humility, gentleness, patience, and forgiveness helps define love as seen in 1 Corinthians 13. If we are going to fulfill the Greatest Commandment, we must be clothed with compassion.

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Compassion: More than a Feeling?

Posted on November 6, 2013 by Ministry Tools Resource Center — 2 Comments ↓

People helping ministry sometimes gets labeled as a compassion ministry.

But, what is compassion?

If we were to do a word study in Scripture, we would find that English translations sometimes use the Hebrew word “racham” and the Greek words “oiktirmos” and “splanchna.” All of these words refer to the inward parts, specifically the bowels or the heart, seen as the seat of emotion. Hence, we read of having a “heart of compassion” or “bowels of mercy” depending on the translation. Different versions interchange compassion, mercy, and pity.

Hence, we might conclude that compassion is a feeling we have toward someone. But, if we look at Jesus to define compassion, we will conclude that compassion is more than a feeling.

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When Jesus landed and saw a large crowd, he had compassion on them and healed their sick. (Matt. 14:14)Jesus called his disciples to him and said, “I have compassion for these people; they have already been with me three days and have nothing to eat. I do not want to send them away hungry, or they may collapse on the way.” (Matt. 15:32; Mk. 8:2)Jesus had compassion on them and touched their eyes. Immediately they received their sight and followed him. (Matt. 20:34)When Jesus landed and saw a large crowd, he had compassion on them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd. So he began teaching them many things. (Mk. 6:34)

Observations about Being Compassionate Using Jesus as our Example

People did not have to bring their needs to Jesus for Him to have compassion on them, although sometimes that is what happened. In many of the recorded cases of Jesus having compassion, we read that He reacted in response to what He saw.

Are we seeing the people around us with the same eyes as Jesus?
Are we proactive based on our observations or do we reserve our compassion for those who come to us with a need?

Varying needs invoked compassion within Jesus, both physical and spiritual. Though Jesus “came to seek and to save the lost” (Lk. 19:10), He genuinely cared about the whole person. He didn’t simply address the physical needs to tap into the spiritual. In the case of the feeding of the multitude (Mk. 15:32), He had already been teaching them for three days. He was, at that point, simply concerned for their physical well being as they traveled home.

Are we authentic in our concern for others or somewhat manipulative?
Are we unconditional in our concern for others or do we tend to put stipulations on people?

Some sort of action followed Jesus’ compassion. He saw the need, felt compassion, and then responded.

Are we more than talk, not just saying we care about people, but backing up our words with what we are able to do?
Are we moved enough inwardly that we can’t help but outwardly express it?

The response depended on the need. Jesus did not slap a spiritual bandaid on every need. If the people were physically hungry, he fed them. If they were sick, he healed them. In regard to spiritual needs, he pointed to prayer in one case but taught the people in another passage.

Are we willing to give people what they need in the moment or do they have to first jump through spiritual hoops?
Are we flexible enough to adapt to needs or so locked in to procedures and programs that we miss what is truly needed?

How Christ-like are you?

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Being Harmonious – How’s that going to happen?

Posted on April 17, 2013 by Ministry Tools Resource Center — No Comments ↓

Since conflict is inevitable in the Church we might question if harmony is possible. To that we must reply that it’s not only possible but commanded. But, doesn’t being harmonious require us to let go of our different ways of thinking and doing things? Actually, it means just the opposite. Rather than let conflict over varying issues divide and destroy us, we come together with all our differences intact to become fuller and better because of it. So, how can that happen?

What It Takes to Be Harmonious

Looking at the context of both Romans 12:16 and 1 Peter 3:8 which exhort us to live in harmony with one another, we learn what accompanies harmony. The ability to be harmonious stems from the way we think so we not only list what we must do but also the perspective needed to get there.

Don’t worry about making yourself look good. (“Do not be proud.” – Rom. 12:16)

Perspective Needed: It’s not about “me” but about “us” so I must work toward the effect something has on the other person and all of us, not just me.

Also Read: Phil. 2:3

Accept people who aren’t as mature, qualified, trained, intelligent, or on the same level as you. (“Associate with people of low position.” – Rom. 12:16)

Perspective Needed: God did not accept me on the basis of who I am or what I have done so I must not make others earn my acceptance or approval before I let them into my life.

Also Read: Rom. 15:7

Lose your sense of superiority. (“Do not be conceited.” – Rom. 12:16; “be … humble” – 1 Pet. 3:8)

Perspective Needed: I am who I am because of the grace of God so I should not see myself as better than someone else.

Also Read: Rom. 12:3; 1 Cor. 15:10

Take the high road. (“Do not repay anyone evil for evil.” – Rom. 12:17; “Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult” – 1 Pet. 3:9)

Perspective Needed: If God gave me everything I deserved, I’d be condemned, so I should be merciful to others and not try to even the score.

Also Read: Matt. 18:21-35

Learn to be submissive. (“Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody.” – Rom. 12:17)

Perspective Needed: If Jesus came to serve, so should I be willing to lay aside my agenda for the sake of unity and the greater good.

Also Read: Phil. 2:4-8

Focus on being a peace-maker. (“If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.” – Rom. 12:18)

Perspective Needed: If Jesus went out of His way to seek reconciliation with me, so should peace-making be a priority for me.

Also Read: James 3:14-18; Rom. 14:19

Trust God to bring justice to a situation. (“Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: ‘It is mine to avenge; I will repay,’ says the Lord.” – Rom. 12:19)

Perspective Needed: God’s ways are higher than mine and His timing is best so I must let “it” go when there seems to be no resolution and not take matters into my own hands.

Also Read: Prov. 14:12; Isa. 55:9; 2 Thess. 1:4-7

Forgive people and treat them well instead of as deserved. (“On the contrary: If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head. Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” – Rom. 12:20-21; “Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing” – 1 Pet. 3:9)

Perspective Needed: If God loved me while I was still a sinner, so should I extend forgiveness and goodness to those who have done me wrong even if they haven’t apologized.

Also Read: Eph. 4:32

Put yourself in the other person’s shoes. (“be sympathetic” – 1 Pet. 3:8)

Perspective Needed: God wants me to love my neighbor as myself so I must seek to empathize with them and understand where they are coming from.

Also Read: Matt. 22:39; Rom. 12:15; 1 Cor. 12:25-26

Be devoted to one another. (“love as brothers” – 1 Pet. 3:8)

Perspective Needed: I became part of a family when God adopted me as His own, so I must treat others like they belong and matter to me.

Also Read: Rom. 12:10; Eph. 2:19; Phil. 2:1-2

Cut each other a break. (“be compassionate” – 1 Pet. 3:8)

Perspective Needed: God takes into account that I am human so I should be tenderhearted toward others.

Also Read: Ps. 103:13-14; Eph. 5:1-2

Harmony Like an Orchestra - How the Church is Harmonious If we apply these eleven principles to our relationships with one another, we won’t let conflict divide but rather become better because of it. We will come together, in harmony, with all of our differences, like the instruments in an orchestra, and together make a beautiful sound to the ears of those around us and to the glory of God.

Living in Harmony – What does that mean?

Posted on April 15, 2013 by Ministry Tools Resource Center — 5 Comments ↓

Conflict can’t be avoided but in it we are commanded to all live in harmony. When we do, we’re be better for it. If harmony is that important, perhaps we should examine what that means.

Harmony Like an Orchestra - What it Means for the Church to be Harmonious
Liken living in harmony to an orchestra with different instruments coordinating their sounds. But, there’s more to it than that. It goes deeper to the way one thinks about being in the orchestra.

Each person must understand that they are part of something bigger than themselves.
Individuals must see themselves as a member of a group, not a soloist.
Each member must realize that what they do will affect the quality of the music they make.

Living in Harmony is About the Way We Think

When we examine the original words used in the two passages about living harmoniously, we see that harmony is indeed about the way we think.

Rom. 12:16 – autos (the same) phroneo (from the word phren which means the mind)

1 Pet. 3:8 – homophron – homos (the same) phron (from the word phren which means the mind)

In dealing with conflict, we must gain perspective. It isn’t about “feeling” good but “thinking” right. Nor is it about thinking the same, as in agreeing on issues, but thinking the same about what really matters, the higher principles in the kingdom.

Perspectives We All Need to Maintain Unity in the Midst of Diversity

When we come together on this basis, with these perspectives, we can’t help but to accept one another with all of our differences. We will want to add into each other’s lives for the common good, not destroy one another by pettiness or personal preferences. We are all …

recipients of the same grace of God. … No one is better than the other.
responsible to the same God. … No one is more or less accountable than the other.
retrofitted by the same Spirit to each have a part. … No one is less important or less needed than the other.

This kind of unity sounds great doesn’t? But, let’s get real:

Making Embezzlement Too Easy?

Posted on March 13, 2013 by Ministry Tools Resource Center — 2 Comments ↓

Some time ago I was asked if it was acceptable to have one person as both secretary and treasurer in a church, particularly because the church was small. I thought it would be good to share my response for others who might face a similar situation. The person specifically asked about having the same person both record and deposit money, count collections and pay bills, etc.

What does the Bible say about it?

I couldn’t provide a biblically definitive answer as the Bible does not talk about secretaries and treasurers in the church as we know them. But, I definitely could pull on some principles from Scripture like:

to be careful of even the appearance of evil (1 Thess. 5:22)

to not put stumbling blocks or temptations in front of people (2 Cor. 6:3)

Those principles do not necessarily mean the role of secretary and treasurer must be kept separate, though that would undoubtedly be the ideal. There are churches that combine the two roles into one person and have had no problems. That, however, doesn’t make it right or good. They hold on to the pragmatic value in combining these positions as their rationale. Again, that doesn’t make it right or good.

Guard against Church Practices That Lend Themselves to Temptation that Could Lead to Embezzling

Points of conflict open the door for temptations.

The same person purchasing supplies is paying the bills.
The same person could potentially be reimbursing themselves.
The same person could be signing checks that go to family or friends who submitted reimbursements.
Etc.

In addition to potential temptation, the lure of power in this kind of situation can also be a problem.

One individual in the church knows an awful lot. By virtue of secretarial duties, the person would often be privy to confidential information. A treasurer knows the finances and giving. With knowledge can come an illusion of power which can lead to a host of indiscretions.

How to Prevent Embezzlement When You Have Limited Options

What do you do if you see no other choice? Whether or not to abide by biblical principles is where you lack an option. To have the same person as secretary and treasure, you would need to build in some checks and balances right from the start. Don’t wait until you have a problem to enforce accountability. Establish guidelines like the following:

This person could not sign checks.
Certain kinds of receipts would need approval.
Etc.

You would need to think of all the potential and/or possibly perceived conflicts of interest and develop these kinds of checks and balances. I would even recommend putting it in writing so that if there are questions, you have something to fall back on.

This is in combination with other financial precautions that should be in place whether or not you have two different people or one. Too many churches have made it too easy for embezzlement.

The treasurer should not be the one counting the offerings, especially alone. It’s good to have several people who rotate in this responsibility.
The treasurer should not necessarily be the one to deposit the money, especially not all the time.
Good records and receipts should be kept and always be available.
Certain kinds checks should require two signatures, especially larger amounts of money.
Etc.

You might already be doing some of this because of legal liabilities. But, we still read of embezzlement happening in churches. We don’t want to think someone we know and love would be capable of such a crime. However, we are all human who have the potential of breaking under temptation or going on power trips. Let’s not make it easy for one another. Let’s think through the implications of biblical principles to these kinds of situations.

Let’s aim for integrity in the way we handle finances. Read: Managing Church Finances with Integrity

For more on finances, go to: Biblical Stewardship Resources

Encouragement Needed: How

Posted on January 23, 2013 by Ministry Tools Resource Center — 1 Comment ↓

We’ve can learn much about the need for encouragement in 1 Thessalonians 5. The first ten verses of that chapter provide the reason we need encouragement. The eleventh verse spells out who needs encouragement and who should be giving it. When we get to verses 11-15, we find practical help for how to encourage people.

How to Encourage Based on Need Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing. Now we ask you, brothers, to respect those who work hard among you, who are over you in the Lord and who admonish you. Hold them in the highest regard in love because of their work. Live in peace with each other. And we urge you, brothers, warn those who are idle, encourage the timid, help the weak, be patient with everyone. Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always try to be kind to each other and to everyone else.

To know how to most effectively encourage one another, we must make some presuppositions based on this text:

People are at different places, with varying needs, requiring tailored responses to help them more effectively let their lights shine.
We must know people well enough to be able to provide the kind of encouragement they need to spur them on.

How to Encourage Those who Seem to Have It All Together

These would be the leaders among us, whether in a formal position of leadership or not. How can we encourage those servants among us?

“oida” – Attentiveness. You will encourage them by respectfully listening to and cherishing them and what they have to say.

“hegeomai”, “hyperekperissou”, “en agape” – Affirmation. You will encourage them by showing them great value (hyperekperissou), love (agape), and consideration/regard (hegeomai).
“eireneuo” – Cooperation. You will encourage them by trying to work with them harmoniously, in peace (eireneuo), rather than against them, not making their job any harder than it needs to be.

The Kind of Encouragement Needed by Those Who Aren’t Aligned with God’s Ways

The NIV text refers to them as “those who are idle” but the NASB and KJV seem to describe these believers more accurately as “unruly.” The original word is a military term for those who were disorderly or insubordinate — “not keeping order” (from Vines Expository Dictionary). Idleness certainly could be a symptom especially given that early in 1 Thessalonians 5 Paul stressed the need to “be alert and self-controlled.” Insubordination can be demonstrated passively or actively. How can we encourage people who are not lining up with God’s ways?

“noutheteo” – The most loving thing you can do is to admonish or exhort them in the Lord. The original word signifies to “put in mind” (nous – “mind”, tithemi – “to put”). More than seeing admonishment as a verbal lashing, think of it as providing the person with firm reminders … putting them in mind of certain truths so they regain perspective. Remind them of who they are in Christ. Remind them of the resources they have in Him to line up and live in accordance with who they are in Him. They are without excuse. These reminders serve as warnings for those with hardened hearts who will not heed, but encouragement for those who will repent.

Encouraging Those Who Struggle with Fears & Insecurities

While some willfully fail to line up, others struggle because of fears and insecurities. The word “timid” used in 1 Thessalonians 5 comes from “oligos” meaning “small” and “psuche” referring to “the soul” hence depicting someone who is “small-souled.” The desire might be there but they lack the courage or faith to line up. How can we encourage the faint of heart?

“paramytheomai” – They need you to work with (para) them, counseling or advising (muthos) them. Unlike the firm reminders given to the willfully unruly, the timid need a gentler motivational approach that sometimes is more consoling.

How to Encourage the Weak

Some people struggle because they’re weak (asthenes: “a” – negative; “sthenos” – “strength” … “without strength”). 1 Thessalonians 5 does not give the reason for such a lack of strength. Perhaps this is a new believer. Maybe it is someone who has been through a prolonged traumatic event in his/her life. Or, it could be someone coming out of a backslidden state. In addition, it could be a person who feels beaten down due to spiritual warfare. How can we encourage those in this state?

“antecho” – They need extra support. They need someone to hold (“echo”) firm to (“anti” – to, against) them, to pay particular heed to them, to consistently stay in front of them. They need you to be with them each step of the way, not simply providing them with counsel or advice (paramytheomai).

What Everybody Needs

As seen in this passage, people are at different places in their lives needing the right kind of encouragement to meet their needs. What is the one thing everybody needs regardless of where they are?

“makrothymeo” – Patience. We are all a work in process. Encouraging people doesn’t always follow a 1-2-3 step path. Sometimes people go backwards before they go forward, or take one step forward and then two steps back. That can get frustrating. Sometimes people aren’t ready to be helped and seemingly disregard our encouragement. That can get discouraging. We can continue to encourage people, regardless, by being long (makros) tempered (thumos), or longsuffering. Rather than give them what we think they might deserve for not making appropriate progress, we extend mercy and grace, just like God has shown us his longsuffering.

Sometimes Bible teachers can get discouraged, frustrated, stressed, feel defeated, fearful, uncertain, or overwhelmed. They can sense the effect of their own inadequacies, inconsistencies, and sinful attitudes. Perhaps the Encouragers for Teachers of God’s Word will be just the encouragement they need in the form of written reminders or counsel. Never, however, substitute something like this resource for the personal support some might need.