The Cancer of Complaining

Posted on August 16, 2010 by Dr. Matthew Lee Smith

by Dr. Matthew Lee Smith

“Must you always complain!” I wanted to say. There I was again, listening to another person who seemed to have the spiritual gift of complaining. This one was taking it to an art form!

“Now the when people complained in the hearing of the Lord about their misfortunes, the Lord heard it and his anger was kindled. Then the fire of the Lord burned against them, and consumed some outlying parts of the camp.” Numbers 11:1 (New Revised Standard Version)

How often do we forget that the Lord hears all, including our complaining. Even less often do we think about the emotional response our complaining brings to the Lord. Here, we discover that our complaining kindles the anger of the Lord!

As the redeemed, we are to be different! We are to have a spirit about us that personifies …

“the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy.” James 3:17 (New King James Version)

One of the keys to this spirit of wisdom is expressed by Paul when he says …

“Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content.” Philippians 4:11 Emphasis mine. (New King James Version)

When the cancer of complaining infects to true Christ-follower, we must admit it is not pretty! Yet we are able to change our perspective and focus our attitudes! That is the difference that separates us from the unredeemed. We have the Holy Spirit’s supernatural presence and power to transform us.

“A drowning man does not complain about the size of a life preserver.” When I read this quote several years ago I was reminded that any time I complain I am simply ungrateful! Ungrateful to God for His wisdom and will in my life. Like the current cliché, “All I need is some cheese to go with my whine!”

My youngest daughter, Hannah, collects the Eeyore character, out of the Winnie the Pooh cartoons. She has several of them. Best known for his “gloom and doom” spirit, Eeyore always sees the gray cloud in every silver lining!

How often do we, as the children of God, draw the rain clouds about us? Whining and complaining begins to take its toll on us. People no longer stop by. After all, who wants to spend their time under a rain cloud? Pretty soon, we find our list of friends smaller than the number of fingers on our right hand. Or as John Peers puts it, “The squeaky wheel doesn’t always get greased; it often gets replaced!”

Consider yourself for a moment. Do you claim the Name of Jesus? Then another thought if you would. Do you possess an attitude of gratitude or are you caught in a rumbling of grumbling?

Perhaps you will be as warned from our Father who is “the same yesterday, today and forever” as I was when I read these words:

“The carcasses of you who have complained against Me shall fall in this wilderness, all of you who were numbered, according to your entire number, from twenty years old and above.” Numbers 14:29 (New King James Version)

Beware the cancer of complaining! Surely Lucifer is afoot! Instead …

“draw near to God and He will draw near to you.” James 4:8 (New King James Version)

If you will, then it will be said of you …

“the disciples were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit.” Acts 13:52 (New King James Version)

To God be the glory!

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7 Issues That Determine Church Size

Posted on August 10, 2010 by Dr. Matthew Lee Smith

At its inception, the church was a Mega-church (Acts 2). Granted, as it was being planted it started small (the twelve), but it grew (the 70) until it reached a solid core (120). Bathed in prayer and empowered by the Holy Spirit, Peter preached and the Church of Jerusalem grew to 3,000 plus in membership. Over time, the size of the church continued to grow as it followed Jesus’ commands.

As many of you know, Melodee and I are currently in between ministries and seeking God’s next step for our lives. As we look for and listen to various opportunities, we have detected some areas that resurface in our investigations. Each area seems to determine the size of the church we investigate.

• The issue of theology – “Fortress Mentality” or “Great Commission” oriented: How a church views God’s Word impacts a whole gamut of attitudes and actions. Theology that sees the church losing the battle in the grand scheme will regress and seek to escape from the world. On the other hand, a church that sees a victorious Christ and a mandate to conquer the world will forge their mission into every area of their world.

• The issue of methodology – regressive or progressive: Theology influences and often breeds methodology. When the church fears the coming invasion of evil its methods are survival in nature. If a church believes the power of the invincible Christ, their methods are heroic at least!

• The issue of focus – ingrown vs. outwardly focused: Closely related to the issue of methodology is the issue of focus. As the years pass by, “Fortress Mentality” theological and regressive methodological issues take their toll. No longer – if they ever did – does the ingrown church look to reach the lost no matter the cost. However, if our theology reverberates with the God of love and the call of his heart from the beginning: “Adam, where are you?” the church will do all it can to reach the lost.

• The issue of change – entrenched or willing: Key to church size is the issue of change. While the Gospel never changes, culture and receptivity issues are always in flux. Since the world around us is changing every 18 months or so, being willing to reach out to those without Christ using innovation in a relational manner is critical to growth in the local church.

• The issue of demographics – sparsely vs. densely populated: A church can only grow as large as the population of their surrounding community. Rural churches may remain small because of this limitation. However, in a larger city or metroplex, a small church indicates another issue.

• The issue of preferences – my likes vs. my sacrifices: Often, at the core of small churches, is the issue of preferences. Usually, a powerful group holds on to the reigns of the church – wreaking unholy havoc and throwing temper tantrums when anyone desires to change something not to their liking. The obvious result of such an approach is division, strife and shrinkage. Growing churches, on the other hand are willing to reinvent themselves and put the needs of the community before their own; thus, growth happens.

• The issue of generosity – misers or generous: Sometimes church growth is directly tied to the generosity of its membership. The mission of Jesus is only accomplished when a significant number of God’s people reject the affluent lure of our culture and sacrifice their time, talents and treasures so that their church has the resources to accomplish the mission of Jesus.

While this list is not exhaustive, it is suggestive. It is quite possible that while you were reading this ideas and experiences came to your mind. Would you like to add to this list or share your experience? Please feel free to comment …

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Ed Stetzer Talks About Transformational Churches!

Posted on July 13, 2010 by Dr. Matthew Lee Smith

Churches committed to following Christ’s example want this world changed for the sake of eternity. While the supernatural piece of making that happen goes without saying, how does a body of believers do its part to be in that “sweet spot” where true spiritual transformation occurs?

In Transformational Church, best-selling research authors Ed Stetzer and Thom S. Rainer survey fifty thousand churches—then narrow the scope down to five hundred congregations—for a qualitative answer. Their book, the most comprehensive study of the modern American church to date, contains a wealth of indispensable new data, nuanced insights, and how-to guidance, all centered on this key finding:

“Transformational churches make disciples whose lives are being transformed by the gospel, so that people engage the culture around them for its ultimate transformation. Deeply committed to the essential foundations of discipleship (worship, community, and mission), transformational churches practice their faith and make disciples through vibrant leadership, prayerful dependence upon God, and relational intentionality. And they do so paying mind to their unique context and with a missionary mindset.”

About the book …

Dr. Smith says, “YOU SHOULD BUY SEVERAL COPIES OF THIS BOOK! I have read at least 100 books on the church in my ministry years. It is not a stretch to say that this book is biblical, practical and well researched. The weaving of the seven traits of transformational churches is well balanced by stories and explanations, without providing programs and ‘reproducible templates’ by which the cultural nuances would be lost in their reproduction. This is an excellent book and a powerful read for those who are serious about the church in the coming decade or more. Thank you for beginning the discussion and reviving hope for the church. I look forward to more on this!

“Transformational Church should be the first book you read this year if church health and growth are your priorities. Ed Stetzer and Thom Rainer have written one of the most researched, biblical, practical and hopeful books on the church in years!”

~ Matthew Smith, founder and director of Eagles In Leadership

You can order your copy of Transformational Church here.

About the Authors …

Ed Stetzer is director of LifeWay Research and missiologist in residence at LifeWay Christian Resources in Nashville, Tennessee. He holds two masters, two doctoral degrees, and has written dozens of articles and acclaimed books including Planting Missional Churches, Breaking the Missional Code, Comeback Churches, and Lost and Found. Ed and his wife have three daughters.

Thom S. Rainer is president and CEO of LifeWay Christian Resources, one of the largest Christian resource companies worldwide, and the best-selling coauthor of Simple Church, Essential Church, and Simple Life. Rainer and his wife, Nellie Jo, have three grown sons and live in Nashville, Tennessee.

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MIKE POWERS INTERVIEWS LUIS PALAU!

Posted on July 6, 2010 by Dr. Matthew Lee Smith

World evangelist and author Luis Palau (loo-EES puh-LAOW) and his ministry have shared the Gospel with more than 1 billion people through evangelistic events and media. He has spoken in person to more than 25 million people in 72 countries with more than 1 million registered decisions for Jesus Christ.

His radio broadcasts in both English and Spanish are heard by millions more on 3,000 radio outlets in 48 countries. His outstanding and significant contribution to the field of Christian communications was recognized in 2008 with the National Religious Broadcasters William Ward Ayer Distinguished Service Award.

Mr. Palau has authored close to 50 books and countless articles on issues of faith, and has counseled with business and political leaders and heads of state around the world. Luis Palau festivals have produced some of the largest audiences ever recorded in cities from south Florida to South America.

His ministry also includes the Next Generation Alliance®, created to grow and nurture partner evangelists, and the Livin It® Alliance, which uses action sport ministries, film and video to reach young people for Christ. His latest book, A Friendly Dialogue Between an Atheist and a Christian, quickly became a bestseller in China and released in the United States in February, 2008.

Luis and his wife, Pat, live in Portland, Oregon, where they have eleven grandchildren and four sons, three of whom are actively involved with the ministry.

For more information about Luis Palau, check his website

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The Christian Atheist – A MUST Read!

Posted on July 1, 2010 by Dr. Matthew Lee Smith

Craig Groeschel has written a book called The Christian Atheist – and I believe it is a MUST read for all who call on Jesus.

The Christian Atheist is quite an eye-catching title – one that seeks to encourage us to live the Christ-life, without hypocrisy. Christian atheism is best explained as where people believe in God but live as if he doesn’t exist. You will enjoy Craig’s great writing style – he communicates very well in this book using humor liberally.

Christian Atheism takes on many characteristics, and Craig lists 12 in his book.

  • When you believe in God but really don’t know him
  • When you believe in God but are ashamed of your past
  • When you believe in God but aren’t sure he loves you
  • When you believe in God but not in prayer
  • When you believe in God but don’t think he’s fair
  • When you believe in God but won’t forgive
  • When you believe in God but don’t think you can change
  • When you believe in God but still worry all the time
  • When you believe in God but pursue happiness at any cost
  • When you believe in God but trust more in money
  • When you believe in God but don’t share your faith
  • When you believe in God but not in his church

Early in Craig’s life, in a backyard vacation Bible school, Craig chose NOT to go to hell – so he ‘accepted’ Christ. However, as he moved into high school his ‘faith’ was disconnected from his lifestyle. It wasn’t until a low point in college, after reading his Bible, that he realized that being a Christian was a lifestyle, not a label. Whispering to God, “Take my life,” God did; and, as he says, “For the first time in my life, I believed in God and began to live like he is real.”

Groeschel takes his stand on clear Scripture and talks about how ‘as you get to know him better, you will change.’ This is at the center of the entire idea of The Christian Atheist.

As Craig wraps the book up, he issues us a challenge entitled ‘Third Line Faith,’ a challenge God first gave to him. With three lines in the sand, God asked Craig if he would step over the third line – each line representing a clear belief system and choice:

Line 1: I believe in God and the gospel of Christ enough to benefit from it.

By this he means, “We want God’s benefits without changing how we live. We want his best, without our sacrifices.”  Concerned this may not be real Christianity Craig pressed on to understand the second lifestyle choice he could make …

Line 2: I believe in God and Christ’s gospel enough to contribute comfortably.

Here he understood that his belief in God was “not only enough to benefit [from] but also enough to give back – as long as it doesn’t cost too much.” Realizing this was where he was at the moment God was speaking to him, he longed for the lifestyle of those who step across the third line …

Line 3: I believe in God and Christ’s gospel enough to give my life to it.

He says, “Although most people I knew were line-one and line-two believers, suddenly anything less than line three didn’t seem like real Christianity to me. Could I give my whole life to Christ? Not only in words but in my daily life?” Through a series of decisions and choices, Craig finally crossed the third line, and now he asks you to do the same and allow him to “welcome [you] to true Christianity.”

This book is for anyone courageous enough to admit to their hypocrisy. It pushes you, challenges you, and disturbs you. And if you are honest before God the lessons in this book will help you shed some of your hypocrisy as it did for me.

You can order your copy of the Christian Atheist here.

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The Paralysis of Fear

Posted on June 28, 2010 by Dr. Matthew Lee Smith

(Names have been changed to protect privacy.)

(c) 1999 Dr. Matthew Lee Smith

Every eagle leader knows the fear that comes when someone says, “I need to speak with you,” in that certain tone of voice. “What did I do now?” often runs through our minds. What is almost impossible to bear is when they say, “Not today, maybe tomorrow.” How many nights have we spent fretting and wondering, paralyzed by the fear of the unknown?

It was late on a Sunday evening, as we were finishing up a full day of ministry, when one of the elders asked to talk to me many years ago when I was a young pastor. “I don’t have time right now. Could we get together this week? I have some concerns I’d like to talk over.” What could I say but, “Sure.” Read more …

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Matt Bell Talks About Money, Purpose, Joy!

Posted on June 24, 2010 by Dr. Matthew Lee Smith

Matt Bell has written a must read – must study book here! It’s subtitle, “The proven path to uncommon financial success,” explains the value of this book. Using time-tested principles from both the Bible and from secular writers, Bell shows us the importance of living out our values.

Listen to this encouraging and inspiring discussion with Matt! Dr. Matthew Lee Smith interviews the author of Money, Purpose, Joy about the Biblical truths and wisdom needed to achieve your inner hopes and dreams.

You can order Matt’s book here!

You can learn more about Matt’s ministry and receive his free newsletters here!

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Mutual Accountability

Posted on June 15, 2010 by Dr. Matthew Lee Smith

by Dr. Matthew Lee Smith PhD

One of the key secrets to great growth – individually and corporately – is the issue of accountability and the change that comes from it. In fact, when we evaluate based on  the core values, vision and mission statement we have created a simple and effective means of ensuring focus on the things that really matter.

Effective accountability is always mutual – always for the benefit of all involved. In a church, pastors and leaders (paid, elected and volunteer) interact and seek to bring out the best in each other. In a ministry where the mission of Jesus Christ is held as primary, effectiveness and faithfulness are accomplished through mutual accountability.

As Iron Sharpens Iron

Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another.
(Proverbs 27:17 ESV)

Accountability is just part of the life in Christ. Discipleship and leadership development involve intimate relationship – one that is constantly in action. “… but exhort one another daily, while it is called “Today,” lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin (Hebrews 3:13 NKJV). Those who choose to refuse evaluation have something to hide. Two-way mutual responsibility through a caring, empowering and mission-vision focused relationship is what the Bible teaches.

Evaluation or Evaluations?

Transparency breeds trust and secrecy breeds suspicion. No where does this speak louder than with a leader who does not allow others to investigate their lives through constant evaluation.

Over the years I have had allowed people into the deepest, darkest recesses of my soul. Asking questions and allowing questions to be asked are all part of our weekly life lives together.

Questions that Beg Transparency

Meeting with leaders is always a great time for me. It is a time to discover and hope, correct and plan, pray and trust. Developing a ‘meeting checklist’ is central to a profitable meeting. Below is one that I like to hand out before we meet one-to-one each month, asking the leader to fill one out for me and assuring them that I will fill one out for them. When we meet, we discuss the responses to the following questions …

  • What has been your past month’s devotional routine? (I.e., reading schedule, prayer times, etc.)
  • What new insights in God’s Word have you discovered over the past month?
  • What specific answers to prayer have you enjoyed over the past month?
  • What has been the biggest joys for you personally over the past month?
  • What has brought the greatest drains upon you personally over the past month?
  • What are you planning for this coming month that you are anticipating with excitement?
  • What are you planning for this contemplating in this coming month that you are dreading?
  • How have I been a hindrance to you this past month?
  • How have I been a help to you over the past month?
  • How can I can be the most help to you in the coming month?
  • Over the past three months, what ministry objectives have you accomplished?
  • Over the past three months, what ministry objectives have you not accomplished?
  • In order to be a success in the next months, I will need the following from you …

A Daily Process

Yes, we are all being evaluated each and every day by each and every person we come in contact with. People measure their effectiveness to take evaluation and change by the number of friends they have. Organizations and churches measure their effectiveness at making change from their evaluations by the number of people who remain faithful.

Evaluation is the substance of life. Change is the purpose of evaluation and Jesus’ mission is the motivation for being evaluated. Here’s to a sharper edge!

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Transformed Interviews Jhan Moskowitz

Posted on June 10, 2010 by Dr. Matthew Lee Smith

Jhan Moskowitz
North American Director, Jews For Jesus
http://jewsforjesus.org/

Jhan Moskowitz, North American Director, was born and raised in the Bronx in New York City. From his refugee parents, he learned at an early age what it means to be a Jew. He was disenchanted with religion in his teens, but was committed to the survival of his people and became a short-term volunteer on a kibbutz in Israel. It was there that he became a seeker. He found his answer in 1971 when he came to terms with God through His Messiah, Jesus.

Jhan was one of the “original” Jews for Jesus volunteers, even before the organization’s incorporation in 1973. Jhan co-founded the New Jerusalem Players (a mobile drama team of Jews for Jesus) and toured the United States as leader of that team for five years. He has directed the New York branch, where he also served as spiritual leader of a messianic congregation in Manhattan. He served as director of the Chicago branch of Jews for Jesus for 25 years. During that time, he taught a Bible study for the legal community of downtown Chicago. Jhan currently serves as the Director of North American Ministries, overseeing the ten Jews for Jesus branches in North America.

Jhan graduated from Long Island University and received his theological training at Simpson College in San Francisco. He received his Masters in Missions from the School of World Missions at Fuller Seminary. He is currently working on his Doctorate of Ministry at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School. He is ordained through the Christian and Missionary Alliance denomination.

Jhan has served as a platform speaker for Promise Keepers, bringing the message of reconciliation through Messiah Jesus to tens of thousands of men.

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Urban Praise (WMBI Chicago) Interviews Matt and Melodee!

Posted on June 3, 2010 by Dr. Matthew Lee Smith

While in Chicago this past May, Roy Patterson, host of Urban Praise, on WMBI (AM 1110), interviewed Matt and Melodee Smith. The subject of that interview was “Prodigal Children.” Drawing from their 5 year journey through the valley of sorrow and darkness, Matt and Melodee share how God enabled them to have hope that one day, God would bring reconciliation to their relationship with their run away daughter.

Melodee wrote Hope Enabler at the direction of God to help parents know that, despite the present situation, God can give hope and help to an estranged relationship. You can order Hope Enabler at Eagles In Leadership or on Amazon.

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