Leadership Cup
“WHY I’M PASSIONATE ABOUT YOUTH MINISTRY”
- Nate Dame - Chicago, IL
I believe it was John Maxwell who first coined the phrase “leadership cup.” (This is the same John Maxwell that was arrested for bringing a handgun through security at an airport. Don’t believe me? Google it. I dare you. Funny story. It’s true, and it was an accident.)
A person’s leadership cup is their capacity to lead others. Some people have a huge leadership cup. John Maxwell has sold over 13 million books and trained 2 million leaders worldwide. His leadership cup is massive (although we all make mistakes now and then). Other people have leadership cups of various sizes. How big is yours?
The great thing about your leadership cup is that you can grow and make it bigger. Some people are born with big leadership cups and a natural ability to lead others. But if that’s not you, most of the skills and traits of a good leader can still be learned, and that’s good news for all of us. That means we can always grow our potential.
Man do I love youth ministry. (Did I mention I’m bad at transitions?) I love fighting for students, blessing them, serving them, walking with them, and showing them what it means to know Christ’s love and walk with Him. I love getting together with youth pastors because we have so much in common, even if we’ve never met. Nothing needs to be said: We’d give it all for students.
And I love youth ministry because, unfortunately, we are sometimes the last line of defense for students. If there is nobody else praying for the students in our communities, we won’t give up. We’ll keep praying, keep loving, and keep serving, in Jesus’ name. What’s that got to do with your leadership cup? One of the hardest parts about being a youth pastor is balancing your passion for the “one” and for the “multitudes.” Jesus said He would leave the 99 for one lost sheep (Matt 18:12). Another time, when crowds of followers were begging him to say, He told them He must continue on to preach the good news to the other towns too (Luke 4:43).
As disciples of Christ and student leaders, we often have to make similar hard choices: How much time do I devote to individuals, and how much time do I devote to the “multitudes”? You can grow your leadership cup and reach more students. As a youth pastor, I understand that you are giving everything you have to reach and disciple the students you have today. But you also have a heart to impact the hundreds and even thousands of students in your town that still don’t know the Lord. God’s heart also yearns for both those in your group and those that don’t yet know Him. The good news is that you can grow your leadership cup to make an even greater impact in the future.
Be encouraged. Through prayer, learning, and practice, you can grow your leadership cup—and help grow the leadership cup of your leaders—to reach more students tomorrow. And as we grow closer to Him, we will better understand and fulfill God’s heart, “not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance” (2 Peter 3:9).
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If you have ever been blessed by my blog we have a couple people to thank. God for grace, my parents for upbringing, my wife who loves me and our first guest blogger - NATE DAME. Thanks to him, he helped design my blog and periodically, I will have friends share what is on their heart and what God is doing through them. Nate is a youth ministry guru, loves God, and a consultant with National Network of Youth Ministries. He lives in IL and his website is www.EffectiveYM.com
Folks stop me periodically and say: “Frank, I love Jesus, I am going to Heaven but I don’t feel obligated to go to church. What do you think?” Perhaps you have had heard a similar statement too. Some suggest salvation is enough. Well, before I answer let me remind you what God says on this subject. He is the Authority (not me or others in ministry).
The Bible is bold and crystal clear about church attendance: “not forsaking our own assembling together, as the custom of some is, but exhorting one another, and so much the more, as ye see the day drawing nigh.” Salvation is found by faith in Christ alone and we can add nothing to or subtract from to gain access to an eternal Paradise with God. However, church attendance should go hand in hand as kids of the King! If you are in a marriage and never eat a meal with your spouse except for the night of your wedding you are struggling to say the least.
Iron sharpens iron and it is imperative that we trust God together and be encouraged by one another. The local church exists from an outline I borrowed years ago from Dr Adrian Rogers: Exalt the Savior, Encourage the Saints, Evangelize the Sinner and remind all to Expect the Son because Jesus is coming back! We find many reasons why we should worship together (especially in these dark, difficult days). Here are just a couple:
1) God’s PRAISE: The Lord is worthy to be praised. If we can sit in the snow cheering with 82,000 fans at a football game we most certainly need to applaud for the Almighty, cheer for Christ, root for the Redeemer and give a standing ovation for our Savior! Give me a “J” - give me a “E” - give me a “S” - give me a “U” - give me a “S” what does that spell: JESUS! When we worship the Lord in our mess - I have found after the preacher’s message many times my problems dissapear and I see Christ more clearly. We need to be together to encourage one another, be a blessing to one another and weep with those who weep and rejoice with those who rejoice. Truly, it is good to be in the House of the Lord.
2) God’s PROTECTION: The above video is powerful. No church membership (or lack of) will forfeit your access to Heaven but you are isolating yourself like an island when you choose to face life alone and not with the help of God and His People. We resemble the zebra in this video and Satan is a “roaring lion, waiting to devour and destroy” anyone and anything in his path. We are an open target when we fail to move with the Body of Christ. By God’s grace the zebra made it but most would not be so fortunate.
3) God’s PRAYER: It took me awhile but I have learned a couple things about prayer. First, it is a privilege to speak to Father God. The President may not know me but God does! Secondly, prayer is more me listening to God than me talking to God. Third, prayer gives me peace, purpose and power. You will never lose your footing when you have been on your knees. When we kneel before God - we can STAND before any man. We find courage with prayer. It has been said: “Seven days without prayer makes one WEAK.” Jesus noted His House was a place of prayer. Without question, I gain great peace with prayer but the beauty of hearing the petitions of other people’s prayers thrills my heart and I know touches the Heart of God. The irony is that God prays for us. Jesus told Peter: “Satan desires to sift you like wheat (translation: Kick your butt, embarrass you and put you six feet under) but Jesus goes on to say: “But I have prayed for you” to basically be a VICTOR not a victim. Sadly many in society worshipping lifeless gods chasing false religions pray to a god that can’t hear them and I have a God who not only hears my humble prayers but prays for this glorified goof-ball! As Ric Flair would say: “WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!”
4) God’s PEACE: Sure, God can speak to us as individuals but He often gives a relevation to others that will benefit the group. When one is down the others may be up (vice versa). Satan wants to make you think that you are the only one going through tough times. When you are isolated and alone you are tempted to buy that lie. When we are surrounded by the saints of God we find not only protection but peace in the process. Many folks have endured what you may be facing. We find great comfort to think we are not weird, wrong or weak while “waiting on the Lord” in a fallen world.
5) God’s PURPOSE: We exist to worship the Lord by our life and lips. A boat can get off course easily and when you worship alone you may miss the mark. Christians are to love each other (even when feeling un-lovely). We graciously rebuke when one is wrong and we politely point back to Christ our Compass when we wander off course. Water, waves and intense weather have a way to lead us away from God’s assignment. With numbers we find safety, solace and our schedule. We must report regularly for our orders to go where God says go and be all He desires us to be. The Lord is our Lighthouse and God is our guide but He uses the church to help steer us to the Promised Land.
5) God’s POWER: We tap into God’s power when we are with fellow believers. Sports teams have been known to be down three quarters of a game but when the momentum shifts they turn the tide and win! In these last days, we must assemble as often as possible. Church attendance doesn’t equal SALVATION but it does help with our SUCCESS. The church has taken some shots over the years. Her sail is torn, the paint has peeled and the bow at times looked broken. But the blessing (like that Ray Boltz classic) is the Anchor Holds (though the ship’s been battered). The Anchor holds though the sails are torn. I’ve fallen on my knees, I’ve faced the raging seas but the Anchors holds despite the storms!”
6) God’s PROVISION: God often uses OTHERS to bless you! There is power in numbers and folks with no finances can find a helping hand to those down and out. Folks with no food have been known to find help to feed hungry stomachs at home. Those with no shelter have found place to lay their head in the midnight hour. Those seeking employment may bump into a job recruiter teaching a Sunday School class. Those trying to sell a house may have a member in the church who works for Century 21. The fact is when we cease to assemble and worship at the church we often hinder our chances to see God work in our midst.
Lastly, we remember God’s PLACE: He is in our heart but Heaven is our Home. Sometimes, when alone we forget where we have been but also where we are going. We are pilgrims passing through. We are adopted to the Family of God and because of His great grace we are kids of the King. If you own a business or minister at a church -Remember, we are out to build His Kingdom not ours. I love the fact that KINGdom has “King” in it. Christianity, Christians and Church is always about Christ. Its ALL His and may we like Jesus at age 12, be about our Father’s Business.
By attending church we worship, fuel our faith, get a glimpse of God’s Glory and remember we are winners not wannabees because we are on the winning side. Christ is our compass and fellow Christians cheer us on to remember Heaven is around the corner. This week if you haven’t been to church in awhile visit a Bible believing, soul saving service this Sunday and you will encounter God’s Praise, Protection, Prayers, Provision, Purpose, Power and may we see your FACE in His Place (church & Heaven).
COWBOYS STADIUM - $1.1 Billion
It is always fun to visit Dallas, TX
. We just got home at midnight (last night) and I am feeling this morning like a muffler - EXHAUSTED. It was a wonderful trip and it was great reuniting with family and friends. Ruth’s brothers and sisters live in Irving (just outside of the old COWBOYS Stadium). Baby Andrew was a hit with everyone and he didn’t even cry on his first airplane flight - PRAISE THE LORD!While in town, we were blessed to attend the Inaugural event held at the brand new $1.1 Billion dollar COWBOYS STADIUM that Jerry Jones built. Over 100,000 folks showed up to attend the George Strait, Reba, Blake Shelton & Lee Ann Womack Concert! It was AWESOME and half way through George’s set he had Jerry Jones open the retractable roof and we enjoyed the rest of the show under the Texas stars. It was impressive to say the least.
Two things really hit me during the concert this past Saturday, in Texas while at the new stadium with my bride, Ruth. The TWO themes that kept coming to my mind were both SALVATION and SIMPLICITY. For those that know me, you realize I am not a “hater” but a helper. I try to celebrate other’s success as much as humanly possible. It has been said: “It is a small person who cannot celebrate the success of others without feeling threatened.” Sadly, many in ministry fail this test. Yes, the new COWBOYS STADIUM literally could be tapped the Ninth “Wonder of the World.” For brevity sake, I will talk about SALVATION on this post and “Simplicity” the next.
On one hand, my heart was happy for Jerry Jones to see his “baby” and dream become a reality. Hands down (even as a Redskins fan) I can attest that the new stadium is not only the nicest stadium in the NFL but arguably anywhere in the world. It boasts the largest HD TV in the world, largest roof in the world, largest square footage of any stadium in the world with now the most expensive price tag in the whole wide world. They always do things “BIG” in Texas. Very few human beings can enjoy the type of “success” that Jerry Jones has enjoyed personally and the Dallas Cowboys as an entity professionally. It has been said that the “STAR” in the middle of the field of that legendary team is now worth more than the New York Yankees.
In closing, the reason my heart was both happy and burdened is during the concert all I could think of was that verse: “What would it profit a man to gain the whole world and lose his own soul?” This post is not to be harsh, jealous or even envious at another’s accomplishments. Quite the contrary (during the concert) and it was an indeed an honor to be present at this historic venue and incredible concert. However, as they would often show Jerry Jones on the massive jumbo tron (biggest in the world) I just kept praying privately to God that even Jerry would know Jesus as Savior (if he already doesn’t).
In life, one can be a “success in the world” and still a failure with the Lord. Success begins and ends with a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Apparently, Cowboys QB Tony Romo, favorite line is “at the end of the day” during all of his press conferences. He repeats it so frequently that it has become a staple in his interviews and almost laughable by journalists because they mimmick him as he says it so often. However, if I may borrow his quote: “At the end of the day” the fact is we can have success, wealth and prestige and even, technological power but we are still bankrupt and skating on thin ice for those whom don’t know Jesus as Lord & Savior.
This Redskin fan would love to CHEER like never before for Cowboys owner Jerry Jones and the entire Dallas Cowboys to get “saved” before its eternally too late. Then and only then, will they really have “home field advantage” with God at the helm. Their logo of the Texas “Star” is known world-wide. Talk about “branding.” However, the answer in life is not found in their big, blue Star but the Son of God (Jesus) who bled red.
Go Cowboys and go God!
Friends, please keep me in prayer. In the next seven days I am scheduled to preach NINE times! Yesterday, (Sunday, April 26), I preached twice (AM & PM) at Oxon Hill Baptist Church to “kick off” their five service, four day revival. My daughter, HANNAH GRACE SHELTON had her 9th birthday on Sunday sandwiched between both services and we had a blast! She is starting to love basketball like her Daddy and my thighs and calves are certainly sore! Today (Monday, April 27), I am officiating a funeral at Cheltenham Veterans Cemetery at 11 AM and then back to preach Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday night for the ongoing revival. My special guest on the radio show “FRANKLY SPEAKING” this Thursday, April 30, is ANDY WILLIAMS - drummer past five years with Grammy Winners & Group of the Year - Casting Crowns! Andy, also just stepped out in faith and left CC to tour with Soul Sister Sally!
LISTEN UP & Tune in this Thurs on AMERICAN FAMILY RADIO @ 6:30 PM EST on 89.7 FM in Richmond, VA or listen online www.wauq.net to my interview with Andy. It will certainly bless you! Switching gears - Saturday, May 2, I will drive 200 miles to First Baptist Church of Easton, MD and preach and return that night to preach on Sunday, May 3, @ First Baptist Church of Accokeek - www.FBCOA.org
As I mentioned in my inaugural post - I have learned in life (especially business, politics and ministry) that folks are slow to promote others. God laid on my heart to highlight others along the way. Therefore, at least one blog post per month (sometimes two) I am going to dedicate towards promoting friends that I have been blessed to meet on the road of life. God has strategically placed some special people in my path to help me grow in grace and get to the next level with the Lord. It has been said: “If you see a turtle on a fence post, it didn’t get there by accident.” The morale of the story is the turtle had some help. My life is no exception.
Long ago, I learned that we don’t have to be better than those we meet. However, we should hopefully be better because God enabled our lives to cross. God gave me a saying: “The Greats are Gracious.” I have learned that those that have been to the pinnacle of their profession are often decent and down to Earth folks. I have witnessed that winners are often wonderful to deal with. It’s the wannabees you have to WATCH OUT for! Those that have achieved success and have nothing to prove typically desire to help others not only survive but thrive. Mentorship is one of the greatest un-tapped resources today. It has been said: “Cemeteries are the wealthiest places in the world because so many took their dreams and talents to the grave.”
In the next few weeks, months and years (should the Lord tarry), I would like to shine a light on those that have un-selfishly helped me. The world needs to hear their stories and I pray that you can gain insight, wisdom and helpful nuggets to help you in the days ahead for your journey with Jesus. On July 27, 2007, after working 17 years on Capitol Hill; I knew God had transitioned me from “wordly power” to Kingdom power. God showed me that the answers in life are not in the “gifts of government” but the grace of God. So like that Soap Opera show and with “One Life to Live” I walked away “by faith” leaving 401K, health insurance, set salary; knowing full well I would no longer benefit from a retirement from the federal government. The first person that I called after leaving my job in Washington, DC was TONY NOLAN.
Tony, is one of the most powerful Christian communicators in America. He is an author, tour pastor to nearly every Christian Contemporary Musician and has addressed audiences in the largest venues around. Just this year on WINTER JAM with Dove Award Winners Toby Mac, NEWSONG, Brendan Heath & Francesa Battistelli; Tony witnessed over 69,000 adults and teens make professions of faith in Jesus Christ! Without question, I was nervous when I left Capitol Hill. Married and with a mortgage; I knew I had to speak to someone who had been there and could relate to my dilemma. That day while leaving Washington in the rear view mirror, I called Tony Nolan on the cell and fortunately for me - he answered. We talked for several minutes and I shared with him where I was at and he calmly said two statements that have given me much hope and help over the past year and a half.
First, he said: “Frank, when God guides - He provides.” Secondly, “When you’re in God’s Will - it’s on His Bill.” Meaning the pressure is off me and totally on Him! That was so liberating for me. Tony, knew firsthand what I was going through. He also was married, with kids, bills that still come every month and the only certain thing in his life was his salvation. It was really “big” of Tony to help me and many others over the years. Without question, his reward will be HUGE in Glory and he is one of the men in mininstry that I admire most. The blessing is Tony didn’t see all the doors that God was going to open in advance. They didn’t open until He stepped out “by faith” and God did His part after Tony did his. Eventually, “Casting Crowns” came calling; he toured with WINTER JAM and now considered by many to be one of the most respected and requested speakers around. The Scripture is clear: “Without faith - it is IMPOSSIBLE to please God.”
Over the years, I have had my share of “minor league” haters but God in His great grace has also hooked me UP with some “Major League” helpers! Tony Nolan is one of those helpers. Today, both of us made the “leap of faith.” Christ caught us and He will certainly catch and carry you!
Friends, pause and PRAY about what God may be telling you to do in your immediate future and like that Van Halen classic: “JUMP!”
God bless and go with God.