Discipline of Communication

Weekly Thought – May 28, 2019

Fred knew his gifting included communication. His life verse was a paraphrase given to him by an evangelist when he was a teenager… “Take the gift God has given you, and use it, and you will stand before great men.” (Proverbs 18:16) He worked his entire life honing his skills, stewarding his gift, and using them well.

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Discipline of Communication

Every leader spends a great deal of the day communicating. Many books are written on the techniques, but the emphasis should be on the spirit, not just on the technique. The why, and the who are essential to creating an effective strategy for how and when. If two people want to talk together, it is almost impossible to fail. One of the hindrances to effective communication is the self-centered motivation. Too many are influenced by their desire to impress, not express.

My friend Zig Ziglar speaks before great audiences inspiring and motivating healthy action. When building teams it is essential to understand how to use communication to the highest degree. Jim Collins wrote about going from “good to great” in your organization. Having properly, genuinely motivated employees is a benefit of good communication.

Most leaders are adequate talkers, but inadequate listeners. The ability to listen creatively and positively depends on the leader’s skill development on four levels: 1) the meaning of the words. Often vocabulary is an evidence of experience, education, and background; 2) the choice of words. I have friends with impeccable word usage. They have a wide, diverse repertoire which allows them to be very specific; 3) the sounds of the words. Words are emotionally charged. We can pick up what is going on just by hearing the tone, and rhythm; 4) the sight of the words. I would say this falls into the body language category. What we say is actually seen in our bodily reactions. When we think we are not communicating, our bodies are sending messages.

Most people listen negatively which is simply keeping silent, or reloading while the other one is shooting. Acquiring the skills of active listening guides the talker both in the giving of facts and a display of emotion which permits the listener to evaluate on more than a surface level.

An important point I want to make: communication is mistakenly confused with agreement. I often hear people comment about the solution to all relationship, management, and social problems is “communication.” The emphasis on talking with each other is the answer which will bring agreement. NOT SO! In my experience there are times that fully understanding what the other person is saying brings more disagreement and conflict. Listening, hearing, and understanding are critical to communication but not synonymous with agreement and concord.

This week think about: 1) How well am I doing with communicating to express, not impress? 2) Which of the listening skills is my strength, weakness? 3) What comes to mind as a communication goal this week?

Words of Wisdom: “We should speak to express, not impress.”

Wisdom from the Word: “A wise person’s heart makes his speech wise and it adds persuasiveness to his words.” (Proverbs 16:23 NET Bible)

Appreciating Tension

Weekly Thought – May 21, 2019

Fred refused to accept ideas at face value, processing everything. Challenging the status quo sharpened his mind. One of the examples is his view of stress. When the modern culture recommended the total reduction of stress, he worked through it identifying positive and negative stress. His thoughts helped others understand how best to handle pressure.

Thank you for supporting the ongoing work of BWF Project. The weekly thoughts reach over 5000 weekly; the campus events touched nearly 20,000; and the two websites give access to a robust source of Fred’s writings. As the updating process begins, we would appreciate your financial help – and prayer, as always.

Appreciating Tension

Successful leaders learn to appreciate tension. I am convinced positive stress is a wonderful thing. Where else would we get the energy to carry out our responsibilities? Even creation shows us the value. Botanists talks about turgor which is the pressure which keeps flower stems upright. Droopy blooms have suffered the loss of this healthy pressure. Without tension there is inadequate ambition to achieve success. Couch potatoes rarely lead.

Stress must be managed, but that is the point: manage, don’t eliminate. Learning to appreciate it, not fear it is the key to productive use of pressure. As a consultant I once asked a young employee as I studied the client’s company. “How long have you been working for this company?” He answered with “Ever since the boss threatened to fire me!” He definitely lacked the fire-in-the-belly necessary for leadership. He was wilted.

I sometimes hear wives complain about how tired their husbands are at night. I know I am biased, but my experience with leaders (male and female) is that living with tension is part of the price paid for success. I am thankful for Mary Alice who has always supported me. My reply to the desire for a non-tension environment is quite simple: “you can’t have the earnings of a race horse with the placidity of a mule.”

A psychiatrist friend of mine (social, not professional, mind you) was sent to Guadalcanal to interview a variety of soldiers. Some had performed heroic deeds; others had shrunk from battle, even deserting. His research was to discern the reason for the behavior. He told me both groups actually were motivated by the same thing: fear. However, those seen as heroes ran forward and the non-heroes ran backward. The same thing is true in business or ministry leadership. We either face our problems as challenges, or we draw into the shell of inertia.

Our assignment is to understand and use positive tension as a tool for productivity. Stress by itself is not naturally bad. We need to capture the value in order to make forward progress. Eliminate all stress? No. Manage and appreciate tension. Definitely.

This week think about: 1) Am I correctly categorizing the stressors in my life? 2) Where am I running backwards? 3) How can I demonstrate capable management of stress?

Words of Wisdom: “You can’t have the earnings of a race horse with the placidity of a mule.”

Wisdom from the Word: “For God did not give us a Spirit of fear but of power and love and self-control.” (2 Timothy 1:7 NET Bible)

Successful Aging

Weekly Thought – May 14, 2019

Fred finished well just two weeks before his 92nd birthday. He thought much about aging and created a strategy for navigating the process. He wrote an article for Leadership Journal with the title “Older, but Never Old.” He lived out those words, for sure.

Successful Aging

My serious interest in aging began with Erik Erikson’s remark: “The challenge of old age is the management of deterioration. Applying the art of management gives one control over the process.” In other words, move the deterioration toward the perimeter of life and focus on the areas of strength and vitality. Avoid the used-to-be syndrome. Too many of my friends refuse to analyze their current strengths, but continue living with the past glories. As I became bedbound I knew my traveling was eliminated. But I still had my mental faculties and my voice, so my daughter arranged for weekly events for people who sat around my bed and listened to me discuss what I had been thinking about during my three dialysis sessions each week. It became affectionately known as “Fred in the Bed.” It was a management technique.

Part of the monitoring of successful aging is asking questions. For me, I break the questions into two categories: positive and negative. Of course, these are designed for my own personality, temperament, character, and temptations. For illustration, I list some of the questions I ask myself:

Love: Where do I fall on the loving scale? How do I avoid benevolent dictatorship?

Patience: How patient am I? Do I accept the difference between excellence and perfection?

Tolerance: Am I Biblically tolerant? Do I know the difference between love and apathy?

Unselfishness: How unselfish am I? How do I implement “in honor preferring one another?”

Commitment: What is my level of commitment to work, family, faith? Am I capable of having passion without crossing over into obsession?

Flexibility: Can I develop a technique without sacrificing stability and principle?

Control: How often do I camouflage this tendency? Do I exhibit dictatorial or victim behavior?

Cynicism: Do I discount the current reality by wanting things to stay the same to make me comfortable?

Greed: Is my desire an appetite or a fire? Do I remember a fire is never satisfied?

Selfishness: How often do I see others as serving me rather than an opportunity to serve?

Concretized: How realistic am I about change?

When I do my self-audit I ask another person for counsel and accountability. This person must be chosen carefully. I am not looking for a critic; I am looking for a coach.

This week carefully consider: 1) What is my strategy for aging? 2) Who models successful aging? 3) What questions should be I be asking myself?

Words of Wisdom: “The end of the process is successful aging – staying young while getting older.”

Wisdom from the Word: “Then Abraham breathed his last and died at a good old age, an old man who had lived a full life. “ (Genesis 25:8a NET Bible)

Firestarter Questions

Weekly Thought – May 7, 2019

Fred’s mentoring questions are a compilation of conversations with the AM/PM group. It met in the morning and was initiated by Peter McNally, thus AM/PM. As they met month by month he would throw a question on the table. On www.breakfastwithfred.com there are over 300 of them for consideration. They serve as a personal exercise, as well as for a group. Fred was asked to give an impromptu answer to his own questions. Here is the unedited text.

BWF Project is excited about the new edition of You and Your Network. It will be available by fall, 2019. The research for What’s Next will continue year long. We invite you to participate in the interview process. Contact us at Brenda@bwfli.com

Firestarter Questions

1) Question; What changes would I make if I could live my life over? Fred: I doubt I would make any changes if the circumstances and options were the same. If I were given hindsight, then certainly I would have taken advantage of many more opportunities. As the wag said, “If I had my life to live over I would live over a delicatessen.” I don’t believe it is profitable to worry about such unchangeable things as our past.

2) Q: What psychological barriers have I permitted in my life? Fred: Psychological barriers can either be temporary or long-lasting. We outgrow the temporary ones. For example, one can be controlled by what others think of us. As we mature, we can overcome this one and have a healthy view of ourselves. The long-term ones are mostly character flaws. We must first recognize them and then develop a plan and time frame to reduce their influence on us. The long-term ones will take serious work, but can be minimized.

3) Q: How much does advertising influence me? Fred: I wish it influenced me less than I am afraid it does. However, I am allergic to nonsensical advertising. In fact, I consider the mute button on the TV remote as one of the greatest inventions of the modern age. Therefore, I mute most commercials. I read the advertisers believe we must see an advertisement nine times in order to become conscious of it. I hope that is true, because I seldom watch an ad more than one time. I am immunizing myself. I saw a survey of the American population saying they are far more influenced by Madison Avenue than by the church. George Gallup wrote a book titled, The Saints Among Us. He says only 10% of those claiming to be born again are really influenced by their faith.

4) Q: Do I have a healthy sense of humor? Fred: As long as I can genuinely laugh at myself rather than laughing at others I will have at least a moderate sense of humor. Much of today’s humor is sick. It does not promote healthy mental attitudes. I always look for any humor in any situation, often finding it. Most of my life I have studied humor because I think it is a vital element. I would like to be able to laugh at only those things which are genuinely funny. Humor should be a bridge between people rather than an obstruction. I have a very intelligent friend who every Sunday morning called one of his friends to read the comics together. We are admonished in scripture to be careful about taking ourselves too seriously. I believe in humor as Gods lubricant in life and certainly as a happy reality.

This week think about: 1) What makes me laugh? 2) What affect does stress have on my sense of humor? 3) How can I discipline my humor to keep it clean and appropriate?

Words of Wisdom: “I don’t believe it is profitable to worry about such unchangeable things as our past.”

Wisdom from the Word: “After three days they found him in the temple courts, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions.” (Luke 2:46 NET Bible)

Experience to Experiment

Weekly Thought – April 30, 2019

Fred tweeted long before twitter was a concept. He called them “one-liners.” His friends, his associates, even his family carried these “Fred Saids” in their minds as bywords. In diverse situations one of his wise bites always popped up. This week’s thought is an example.

BWF Project is looking for men and women who want to share their story of dealing with “What’s Next” Fred’s writings on mentoring, networking, and persevering form a foundation for decision making. If you want to participate in this research, please contact us: Brenda@bwfli.com

Experience to Experiment

When in a difficult situation, it is helpful to establish an experimental mindset. You can negotiate and navigate the experience without falling into an emotional pit. For example, I once took a stop watch to the dentist’s office – not to see how much he was charging me per minute, but to see how much time I actually spent in pain. Without the stop watch to verify and validate, I would have said I hurt 50% of the time. But the objective data said it was a short time. I ran the watch only when I was in serious pain – four seconds! Yes, four seconds of tough stuff.

Another dental experience took awhile to fully turn into an experiment. I read about one of the tortures during World War II was conducting root canals without anesthetic. I decided to see if I would have endured. By the way, my dentist thought I was crazy and made me sign a disclaimer that it was in no way his suggestion! I made it through, but my family told me it took about 6 months for me to appear normal again!

We used this experimental syndrome to our advantage in working with a direct sales force whose big problem was door slammers. (This was in the days when door knocking was an accepted sales technique). We gave the sales force a chart of different door slammer personalities. For example, they had quick, loud, apologetic, indifferent, offensive, polite, indignant, etc. When someone slammed the door in their faces they simply checked the appropriate type box. By turning their experience into an experiment they turned personal rejection into an objective exercise.

I offered this system to a waitress at a local restaurant I frequented. The breakfast diner atmosphere drew a variety of patrons. I noticed several of the customers were gruff and even rude. I told her to make a card with columns and categories such as friendly, interested, polite, grumpy, and downright rude. One morning I sat at the counter listening as a customer berated her. When she came to refill my coffee I asked about it. “Oh, him? I was glad to see him because I was missing a downright rude and he filled my card!” She turned her experience into an experiment.

This week think about: 1) What am I facing that needs a shift from experience to experiment? 2) How does moving from subjective to objective make me more effective? 3) Who needs to hear about this system?

Words of Wisdom: “By turning experience into an experiment personal rejection can be turned into an objective exercise.”

Wisdom from the Word: “Indeed, if you call out for discernment – raise your voice for understanding.” (Proverbs 2:3 NET Bible)

The Practicality of Faith

Weekly Thought – April 23, 2019

Fred grounded his faith in scripture. His profound belief in God and His Word formed his foundation. He did not spend time trying to justify objections from non-believers. He valued intellectual integrity, but didn’t “put much stock” in endless debates trying to prove God.

BWF Project, Inc. has large goals for 2019. We are excited about the work that is ahead. And thank you, as always, for your faithful participation with us.

The Practicality of Faith

Being immobilized and bedridden, I watch a great deal of educational television (or so they name it). Recently I heard four scholars discuss the authenticity of the Bible. On another night archaeologists discussed the discovery of Noah’s Ark. They followed Biblical directions to Mount Ararat. After a group of my friends lost real money on an oil exploration in Israel based on the existence of tar pits as described in scripture, I find such endeavors less credible.

I watched a long program discussing the historical evidence validating the resurrection. I acknowledge there are weighty Biblical scholars who major in the area of scriptural validation and verification. I choose to accept its authority and authenticity by faith. What it says I believe.

I certainly applaud those who are gifted to study the historicity of scripture, but it cannot be just an academic exercise – it has to be taken beyond that to a faith position.

My personal conviction at this advanced age is to focus more on obedience to the scriptures rather than the validation. By faith I substantiate it.

Those who search for Biblical antiquities like the Ark assuming its discovery will cause non-believers to immediately turn to faith in Christ are operating on sight, not faith. I am not diminishing their scientific enterprise, but to think salvation comes through seeing the Ark seems counter to scripture. Those who are blinded to spiritual truth will continue to be so, even in the presence of the original Ark.

I had a preacher friend who became popular in Hollywood, divorced his wife, and married a young, more glamorous woman. When we met sometime later he said, “Fred, I have become a Universalist, let’s discuss religion.” I said, “There’s no point discussing what you want and need to believe.” The humanist is not going to accept the Biblical definition of truth. Jesus said, “I am the truth.”

At a couples’ retreat I was drawn into an intellectual discussion about comparative religions (against my better judgment). I thought I was holding my own until one of the wives broke in to say, “I don’t understand one word you all are talking about. All I know is that I love Jesus.”

I am not saying faith is putting your mind on the shelf. After all, we are to love God with all our heart, mind, soul, and strength. We are to be faithful “dividers of the word.” But we aren’t to spend our time on useless debates. And we are to be prepared to defend the hope that is within us. But it isn’t to be an intellectual dueling match.

My own prayer is, “Lord, I believe – help thou my unbelief.” I don’t need proof – I need obedience.

This week think about: 1) What do I accept by faith? 2) How apt am I to get into circular arguments about religion? 3) What is my source of authority?

Words of Wisdom: “My personal conviction at this advanced age is to focus more on obedience to the scriptures rather than the validation. By faith I substantiate it.”

Wisdom from the Word: “Abram believed the LORD, and the LORD considered his response of faith as proof of genuine loyalty.” (Genesis 15:6 NET Bible)

Prayerfulness

Weekly Thought – April 16, 2019

Fred’s exceptional verbal skills often made him the “go to guy” for public prayer. He preferred to keep prayer private. The frequent competition seen (and heard) by vocationals prompted Fred’s hesitation. His family remembers their Dad on his knees beside the bed in earnest prayer. That image taught them the reality of his faith.

BWF Project is undertaking several major projects in 2019: upgrading You and Your Network, a book based on the What’s Next Roundtable, and website reconstruction. We are thankful as you stand with us in this exciting year.

Prayerfulness

Prayer is both marvelous and mysterious. Marvelous that a sinner saved by grace can at any time commune the Lord Almighty, creator of heaven and earth. In the night when I awake and am tempted by frustration because I am bedbound, it is comforting to be able to talk with the Lord about it.

One of psychiatrists who helped select the first astronauts told me about the one of the tests they used. They needed to see how much they could withstand in total isolation. He said some could go indefinitely. When they did further examinations, they discovered these were the ones who could pray. If we could only realize our opportunity for direct communication with the Lord, how much more we would do it.

Mysterious is the nature of intercessory prayer. How can my request affect God’s love for others? How can my prayer influence His activity in their lives? Yet, in scripture we are instructed to pray for one another. Frankly, I would be so frustrated if I didn’t have the opportunity to pray for others when there is absolutely nothing else I could do for them.

Often people will say to me, “At least I can pray for you.” I remind them praying is the most they can do for me. I have never felt the number of those praying is the vital point. I do not believe God is impressed with celebrity Christians. I think of saints who are known only to a small circle of friends, who endure hardships, and pray with devotion and power. I think of those who prayed for me as I grew up in the Mill District of Nashville with little material resources, but great faith. I felt like the sweet widow lady’s prayers were just as effective as those of Billy Graham. I do not think God is a politician who counts votes and is influenced by the numbers. Still, I am grateful for each and every one who encourages me by saying, “Fred, I am praying for you.”

The other day I found a bit of humor when I thought of all those who have said, “after your near death experiences it is evident God has more work for you to do.” A friend then not-so-gently reminded me that maybe heaven just isn’t ready for Fat Fred. I pray for you as you pray for me. The comfort of this communion is marvelous and mysterious. Prayer is one of God’s greatest tools and gifts.

This week think about: 1) How am I growing in my prayer life? 2) What is my answer to “why do you pray?”3) Who is on my intercession list?

Words of Wisdom: “In the night when I awake and am tempted by frustration because I am bedbound, it is comforting to be able to talk with the Lord about it.”

Wisdom from the Word: “O LORD, I come before you in prayer.” (Psalm 25:1 NET Bible)

The Four M’s of Goal Setting

Weekly Thought – April 9, 2019

Fred had great interest in simplifying ideas so they could be easily handled and implemented. He highly respected Einstein who said:” Everything should be as simple as possible, but not simpler.” He had a great ability to take large quantities of information and distill it down to manageable concepts. He learned much from other leaders and liked taking thoughts, and the expanding them with his own thoughts.

The Four M’s of Goal Setting

I found the difference between seeing something as a challenge or a threat is very simple – it is planning. You know I have always stressed the importance of direction over a singular emphasis on goals, but setting targets is very important. At the beginning of every year I sit down and carefully look at certain areas of my life, setting marks for the next 12 months. My friend Bob (Robert) Schuller, founder of the Crystal Cathedral, talked on goals and used these four M words. They triggered my thinking. So, I want to share four qualities of worthy goals using Bob’s M words and my comments.

1) Meaningful – how much of my life am I willing to swap for this goal? Is it a worthy goal? Is it a long term goal which has long range benefits?

2) Marvelous – how exciting or energizing is this goal? Getting started is always my problem. I fight procrastination. In fact, I once thought it would be a great idea to start a national association for procrastinators. I would certainly be glad to start it, but I just can’t seem to get around to it. On my desk I keep one word: START. I find if I will just start, I will finish. It is the starting that is difficult. A philosopher said, “Start, and your brain will warm up.”

3) Measurable – how specific is it? We had a sales manager who used to ask the salesmen at the beginning of the year how much they wanted to make that year. If any of them said with a laugh, “More!” he would say very seriously, “That not a goal – that’s a wish.” Whenever someone makes the comment in Peter Drucker’s hearing “That is a good man,” he responds, “Good for what?”

4) Manageable – Can this goal be controlled as life unfolds and flexible enough to fit the circumstances? Effective goals are realistic and fit within my talents and opportunities. Too many live in a fantasy world thinking they can do anything they dream about. I heartily disagree. There are some things I will never do, no matter how hard I try. For example, I will never be a jockey. Goals have to operate within the realm of possibility.

Making the most of your time is critical to the efficient and effective use of goal setting. And, as I said earlier. I prefer to stress the importance of setting and assessing the direction I am taking. It is easy to move a degree or two off track and end up thousands of miles away from the targets, goals, and accomplishments.

This week think about: 1) How am I doing with my desired direction? 2) Which of the M words sparks my thinking? 3) What can I do to ensure the best use of my time?

Words of Wisdom: “I found the difference between seeing something as a challenge or a threat is very simple – it is planning.”

Wisdom from the Word: “May he grant your heart’s desire; may he bring all your plans to pass!” (Psalm 20:4 NET Bible)

Christ and the Abundant Life

Weekly Thought – April 2, 2019

Fred particularly appreciated the writings of Paul. In his latter days he quoted the words from Romans 5 in which the Apostle said “suffering produces perseverance; perseverance character; and character hope.” He learned each day about the abundance of freedom in Christ. These thoughts of Fred’s will bring hope and encouragement.

During 2019 BWF is working on both www.breakfastwithfred.com and www.bwfli.com to bring new content, greater functionality, and ease of use. This project will enable us to further the reach, deepen the impact, and preserve the lifework of Fred Smith, Sr. Your prayer and financial support is greatly appreciated as we undertake this major effort.

Christ and the Abundant Life

Christ said: “I came to give you life, a abundant life.” I have been thinking about what abundant life really means. I certainly think the foundation is the purpose of Christ’s coming – to provide and assure us of eternal salvation. Too often we do not appreciate enough the abundance of our salvation. We are not even conscious of the true salvation. The richness of His grace will only be fully realized in heaven. There I will “see as I am seen, and know as I am known.” There I will understand the abundance.

Another aspect is freedom. Without Christ’s freedom we cannot do the things that abundant living calls for. Steve Brown calls it “scandalous freedom.” I like that. Too many run around claiming freedom and liberty when it is really just license and irresponsibility. The abundant life flows from true freedom.

I am convinced the third part of the abundant life is usefulness for Him and the Kingdom. Genuine usefulness and productivity comes from our acceptance of eternal life. Freedom is really a reaction to the love of God. We love because He loved us. We are helpful and useful because He loves us and creates a place of service for us.

An important aspect of abundance is joy. The Apostle Paul constantly referred to joy, especially in his prison letters. That is hard for us to understand. Too often we confuse happiness and ease with real joy. I think joy is founded on the love of God. When we think of His love it is a source of true joy, despite our condition – or even our spiritual maturity. This is the way I like to think of joy and happiness. One is a pleasing rain; the other is a deep well. The rain of happiness can be random and spasmodic; joy is an aquafer which provides an ongoing source.

I cannot define the abundant life without considering peace. This is not a common trait, especially in these days of upheaval and turmoil. As individuals in this world, we will have tribulation. The ability to have peace with acceptance and gratitude for suffering is the result of our loving God and knowing He loves us. It is the overflow of the abundant life.

The abundant life is relationship with God, ever hour in and with Him and His will. We hear people saying, “Now THIS is living – this is the good life.” They are speaking materialistically. They eagerly draw others to join in the race. Personally, I believe there is no financial component to the super abundant life in Christ. This authentic, genuine abundant life is about Him – His power, His peace, and His joy. I can say with assurance “Man, this is living – in whatever circumstances I find myself… housebound and bedbound, but HEAVENBOUND!”

This week think about: 1) How do I define the abundant life? 2) What is bringing me to spiritual maturity? 3) Who needs the encouragement of Fred’s words?

Words of Wisdom: “I can say with assurance ‘Man, this is living – in whatever circumstances I find myself… housebound and bedbound, but HEAVENBOUND!’”

Wisdom from the Word: “I have experienced times of need and times of abundance. In any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of contentment, whether I go satisfied or hungry, have plenty or nothing.” (Philippians 4:12 NET Bible)

The Big Three

Weekly Thought – March 26, 2019

Fred respected the mission of the church. He refused to join into sarcasm and public criticism. He was not unaware of the soft spots, but he addressed them as a member of the family, not a critic. He was the fourth born child of a Southern Baptist pastor. He saw the gloriousness of the God and the goriness of mankind growing up. However, he always kept his eyes focused on the ultimate nature of the Bride.

Thank you for covering us in prayer. Would you consider joining our prayer network and lifting up Christian higher education month by month? No memberships, no fees, no meetings – just a coming together of men and women whose hearts are attuned to the purposes of Christian education.

The Big Three

Within the life of any church, there are three broad-based umbrella areas speaking to the purpose of the church and the mandate which is drawn from that purpose and vision. 1) The salvation of the lost 2) The maturing of the saints; and 3) The spiritual community and fellowship of believers. All evaluations of a local church’s mission and activities need to proceed from these three fundamentals.

Each local church may put more focus on one or another of these three legs, but they should all be visible. How they weight them will affect their mission statements and strategic planning. For example, a church with the belief its mandate is evangelism will develop tactical action steps turned toward the unsaved. They will develop outreach programs. They will ask questions like: “What actions are we taking to win the lost? What are the specific programs which focus on evangelism? How are organizing and evaluating those programs? How best can we speak to the nonbeliever?”

According to church consultant Lyle Schaller, as much as 85% of “church growth” is actually transfer growth. Sadly, there are churches who wave the banner of evangelism who are really just spiritual poachers, robbing members from other congregations.

The maturing of believers requires its own strategic plan. The first step is to define “mature Christian.” Then the church must look at ways which this can be accomplished. The measurement of maturity isn’t clear cut. Certainly there are Scriptural examples of men and women who follow Biblical principles and help grow others. Leaders must design not only a plan, but an assessment. “Is the congregation growing in grace? What tells us we are stronger followers of Christ? What sermon series helped in the maturation process? How did our other programs point believers to Christ? What are the outward signs of inward change?”

It is too easy to think of fellowship as food and get-togethers. It is easy to confuse social activity for spiritual fellowship. Even small groups are prone to deteriorate into social gatherings without direction and specific goals. The idea of connection and community is central to Scripture, but it is to be focused around the Word and the moving forward in faith. There is nothing wrong with a good casserole and a big piece of pie (I wasn’t known as Fat Fred for nothing!), but it is key to differentiate between Biblical fellowship and just good old down-home socializing. Spiritual fellowship should have elements of accountability, strengthening, and belonging. And most of all, fellowship should be about encouraging one another to strive for Christlikeness.

Finally, it is important to distinguish a program from a mandate. Programs come and go – as they should. Leaders should always be looking at programs in light of the proper relationship to the mandate. If they aren’t pushing the mandate forward, they should be cut.

This week carefully consider: 1) How am I helping my local church clarify and follow the mandate? 2) What do I see as the central focus of my church? 3) Which programs in my church do I find most helpful in my spiritual growth?

Words of Wisdom: “It is important to distinguish a program from the mandate.”

Wisdom from the Word: “When they arrived in Jerusalem, they were received by the church and the apostles and the elders, and they reported all the things God had done with them.” (Acts 15:4 NET Bible)

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