Being Released

If you are carrying a burden that you believe is from the Lord, but are not currently ministering in that burden, maybe you should be seeking release and support from your church. As you have read so far in this book, you are beginning to recognize that ache within you as being His burden and you are now wondering what to do about it. This chapter is for you.

1. The first thing you must do is clarify the burden. It is no use speaking to others about it when you cannot tell them just what you feel and mean. “I feel very sad about the prostitutes on our streets” doesn’t really say whether you have His burden for them. Do you mean that you wish the authorities would stop the prostitutes being seen in public?

Do you mean that you cannot walk downtown with your children in the evening? Do you mean that you feel ashamed because friends know your town as a place where there are prostitutes? Or do you mean that you want to reach out to them to show them the better life found in Christ? Does this sadness, this yearning, penetrate your mind much of the time or does it only come to the surface whenever you might be ‘downtown’? In other words, is the burden within you or does it come upon you only when external circumstances remind you? A true burden from the Lord will dominate your thinking, rob you of sleep and energize you into action.

2. Ask yourself some questions.

“Am I already doing all that is within my ability to meet this need?”

If, for example, you find it very difficult to speak to the women of the streets, the support of your church is not going to make it any easier!

“Do I know that I have gifts and abilities appropriate to the ministry I seek?”

“Have others affirmed those gifts in me?”

“How would release by the church make my ministry more effective?”

“Is the church already ministering in this area?”

If so, why are you not part of that ministry? Would your release augment that work or counteract it?

“Do the spiritual leaders of my church know me well enough to recognize my burden and giftings as being from the Lord?”

Do not expect to be released into a ministry by your church leaders if you have not proven yourself to be faithful in serving within the church, committed to the fellowship of the church, honouring to the church leadership and recognizing the spiritual giftings and ministry of others.

Why should the church leaders release you into a ministry if you have not honoured their authority in leadership? They also (should) have a ministry for which the Lord has prepared and equipped them. If you do not recognize that, why are you in that church?

I am reminded of the time that David spent running away from the mad king Saul. David knew that God had anointed him to be king over Israel, he had been brought into the palace and must have been amazed at how the Lord was preparing the way before him. However, Saul remained as king even though it was obvious to all that he had lost the favour of God and was approaching madness.

On two occasions David had an easy opportunity to kill his pursuer but, each time held back his arm declaring, “Even though my leader is wrong and seeks to destroy me, even though God has called me to be the leader of this people, I will not lay my hand against the Lord’s elect!” (Italics mine). He knew that, if it was God’s will for David to take the throne, He was perfectly able to bring it about without David’s interference!

How much church warfare would cease, how much shame to the body of Christ would be avoided, if we recognized the same principle. If you do not believe that the Lord has ‘elected’ your pastor to the position he holds, why do you remain in that church? He is either God’s ‘elect’ ministering where the Lord wants him (even though he makes mistakes and does not do everything you think he should), or he is a false shepherd leading you astray! Be careful how you judge him!

3. Understand the leadership structure of your church. Do you know who is your ‘spiritual covering’? In a large church, for example, it is impossible for the senior pastor to know everyone, so the shepherding ministry is usually delegated to the elders or small group leaders. Does your elder/small group leader have delegated authority to speak on your behalf to those in church leadership who might release you? Does he have the authority himself to release you into a ministry? If you made your presentation to him, would he be able to present it, and you, to those who do?

4. Write out a statement regarding your vision and burden so that the church leadership will understand just how you feel. This should be sent or presented to the leadership together with a letter asking for an opportunity to meet with them. If you are not experienced in expressing yourself clearly by letter, ask a wise friend to proofread the papers and to give you advice on their content.

The statement should also include some suggestions as to what form any ministry might take.

You might want to include a copy of this book so that the leaders will understand just where you are coming from! To so many of them, this would be a novel approach as they have never considered their responsibility to ‘equip the saints for the work of the ministry’. They have never thought about releasing you to fly like the eagle. They were taught that the work of ministry belongs to the clergy. How sad! How unbiblical!

5. Seek to work with your church leaders in developing your ministry with accountability. It is only as you accept accountability to those the Lord has set in the Body of Christ to be your equippers, that He can give you the authority of His anointing. Remember that accountability means being willing to accept a ‘No’ answer as well as a ‘Yes’! Your leaders may be acting very responsibly when they say ‘No’ to your request because they believe you are not yet ready to be released. You have yet to prove yourself faithful in small things, unwavering in purpose, displaying the character and giftings necessary. They are not going to push you out of the nest if they detect that you are still carrying wounds and attitudes that would hinder your flying!

Only if the leaders of your church do not accept the responsibility of equipping and releasing, are you free to take step 6!

6. Step out of the nest!

Without the support of your church, this can be rather daunting. If your burden is not from the Lord you will become frustrated and weary as you struggle in your own effort to make this ministry work . You will be tempted to employ worldly methods to gain ‘success’ and cynicism will rob you of the joy of serving. Finances you deem as necessary will not be readily forthcoming and the burden will become heavy. It’s time to quit!

However, if the burden is from Him, you will find doors opening before you and a ministry developing, even though your church leadership did not act responsibly to release you.

You must not add your wrong to theirs by becoming a lone ranger . It is imperative that you gather round you, mature wise Christians who can give you sound counsel and to whom you must make yourself accountable.

You want God’s anointing? Then do it God’s way!

THE END.

Appendix - 1A ACCOUNTABILITY, AUTHORITY & RESPONSIBILITY In ministry, the only true authority we have is from the Lord. It is NOT an authority due to our position or title but is an authority evident in our anointing.

There is however, a delegated authority that also needs to be recognized. For example, when a pastor is ordained and placed over a congregation, he has an authority delegated to him both by his denomination leaders and by the church elders who received him.

This often leads to a dilemma, for to whom is he now accountable? His position tends to become political as he acts as liaison between the church and its governing body. Whose interests does he pursue when those of the local church come in conflict with those of the denomination? In almost all cases neither the denomination nor the church have sufficient power to absolutely force their will upon the pastor. No one is really certain to whom he is actually accountable. So, when conflicts arise, pastors tend to become their own man, exercising a false authority – a lone ranger!

Why is it we are so quick to demand our rights, our authority? Maybe we should be emphasizing our responsibilities, our accountabilities rather than our authority. For all three are interdependent. There is no authority, whether from God or delegated by man, without responsibility and accountability. Many leaders make the mistake of thinking they can delegate responsibility without authority. When a man is given responsibility, he must always be given the authority to carry it out, with power to make decisions – and mistakes. You cannot delegate responsibility – it always remains yours – but you can delegate authority.

A pastor has a delegated authority which brings with it a responsibility and an accountability to both his elders and his District Superintendent (or equivalent). His elders have a similar responsibility and accountability to their pastor and to their congregation.

Accountability is a two-way street – both to those who gave us authority and to those to whom we gave authority.

When working with volunteers, it is a good policy to make a clear statement of authority granted with its associated accountability and responsibility. E.g.: a Ministry Covenant (see Appendix 2).

Appendix 1B - PRINCIPLES FOR EFFECTIVE DELEGATION A. WHAT YOU CANNOT DELEGATE 1. Your job. Therefore, you need a clear definition of your own job.

2.What only you can do B. WHAT YOU SHOULD DELEGATE 1. What you can’t do.

2. What others can do better 3. What you are training others to do.

4. What is not part of your goals and calling.

C. PITFALLS TO DELEGATION 1. Make sure that the one to whom you are delegating knows he is responsible to do the job.

2. Make sure your instructions are clear and that the task is well defined.

3. Make sure he can do the job, OR, that you are willing to let him fail.

4. Make sure you have given all the needed authority, as well as the responsibility. (It’s still yours too!)

5. Try to put what is wanted in the form of a ‘goal’ which he can own.

D. LEVELS OF DELEGATION - Make it clear.

1. Do it - and do not report back.

2. Do it - and let me know what you did.

3. Let me know what you intend to do and go ahead and do it until you hear from me.

4. Let me know what you intend to do, but do not go ahead until you hear from me.

5. Investigate all the available alternatives and make a recommendation to me about what should be done.

6. Give me all the information available, and I will decide.

E. COMMON REASONS FOR FAILING TO DELEGATE 1. You believe the person will not be able to handle the assignment.

2. You feel you will not have the time to turn over the work and provide the necessary training.

3. You fear competition from the person.

4. You are afraid of losing recognition.

5. You are fearful your weaknesses will be exposed.

Eric Spruyt YWAM Appendix 2 - MINISTRY COVENANT SAMPLES FOR ELDERS 1. This is a Ministry Covenant we used for our CHURCH ELDERS.

{Preamble: (This was a statement concerning the Constitution and By-Laws of the local church and its Statement of Faith. Naturally all elders would be expected to recognize and support these.)} Biblical Qualifications: These are to be mostly found in 1 Timothy 3: 1-7 and Titus 1: 5-9.

We would recognize that: It is good for a man to desire such an office. 1 Tim.3:1 Such office is ‘God-given.’ 1 Cor.12:28 Should be recognized by current pastor/eldership. 1 John 4:1 Approved by congregation (election). 1 Tim. 3:7 On being appointed to the office of elder, the undersigned is accepting the above statements and the following authority/responsibility as a Ministry Covenant commitment.

•To make his primary spiritual concern that of his own personal growth and meeting the biblical standards of eldership.

•To make his primary spiritual ministry that of serving as elder at this church.

•To honour the confidentiality of the Elders’ Board.

•To recognize the office of other elders and their right to disagree.

•To publicly support the pastor at all times.

•To publicly support the corporate decisions of the Elders’ Board.

•To voice any disagreements with other elders’ actions/ministry, only to that elder directly or at the regular Elders’ Board meeting.

•To carry one’s own personal ministry burden and to actively encourage others in carrying theirs.

•To shepherd those under his care – to seek reconciliation where necessary – to maintain the unity of believers – to encourage commitment to church ministries.

•Not to grant confidentiality where it would impair the effective functioning of the Elders’ Board. The Elder’s Board must have open communication. When members desire such confidentiality, they must be referred to the pastor.

•Not to initiate any meetings without prior consultation with the Elders’ Board.

•To work with the pastor in interviewing and approving potential new members.

•To act with the Elders’ Board in disciplining members/adherents where necessary. This must be along biblical guidelines. (One should note that the disciplining of an elder is a serious matter and will be public before the membership – 1 Tim. 5: 1,2,19,20) Relationship with Pastor Having been responsible for the pastor’s ‘call’ the Elders’ Board is responsible for his welfare and support. Each elder should make it his responsibility to encourage the pastor (and his family). He does this by evident support, by praying for him, by acting as a buffer/liaison between him and the congregation, by safeguarding his privacy, days-off, etc., by willingness to serve and active participation in church ministries.

Relationship with the Congregation Eldership is primarily ‘serving.’ LEADING BY SERVING should be our goal, not serving by leading.

Without the recognition and support of the congregation (preferably 100%) there is no such office as elder. We hold this position just so long as we are considered worthy to carry it. However, one should zealously guard the office at all times, lest the Lord should remove that ‘calling’ and give it to another.

Relationship with other Elders “In love, honouring one another” (Romans 12:19). As men called together in responsibility, we need to strive for the ‘unity of the Spirit.’(See Philippians 2: 1-8) We cannot expect the church to be more unified, burdened, blessed, Christlike, etc., than we are as its elders are! No church can advance beyond the maturity of its elders!

Being appointed as an elder at ****** church, I have read and accept the above document with its authority/responsibility.

Signed: ______________ ; Sec. Elders’ Board: _________________; Pastor: ___________________ ; Date:_____________________.

Appendix 3 - MINISTRY COVENANT SAMPLES FOR YOUTH LEADERS Recognizing: the need for a young adult to lead our church Youth Work, that John Doe has expressed a burden for such work, that he has shown evidence of being gifted for such work, we, the elders of ***** church release John Doe into this ministry, by appointing him official YOUTH LEADER of this congregation.

Authority: He shall be authorized to make all decisions regarding the corporate activities of our youth, subject to informing the Elders’ Board in writing at least one week before the activities.

He can invite others from outside our congregation to minister to our youth subject to informing the Elders’ Board before confirming the arrangement with said ‘outsider,’ unless it is known that he already meets with the elders’ approval.

He can interrelate with the youth leaders and youth of other congregations in our city, so long as he safeguards the teachings of this church among our own youth.

He can appoint co-workers from our church subject to informing the Elders’ Board before such appointments are confirmed.

He shall be granted an annual budget of $2000, issued in monthly amounts not exceeding $300. Should he desire more as a one-time payment, (eg; as an honorarium guarantee), he must seek prior Elders’ Board approval.

Responsibility: He shall make a written report to the Elders’ Board of all Youth activities once every three months. This shall be a review and a preview. At this time he shall present a balanced account of all monies received and spent.

He shall seek to bring understanding and reconciliation when there is tension between our youth. He shall act as liaison whenever such tension is with parents or other non-youth.

He shall develop and promote youth Bible Study and Youth Prayer groups.

He shall actively seek to disciple our youth by personal encouragement in spiritual disciplines.

He shall develop a missions awareness and evangelism outreach among our youth.

He must at all times, be a positive witness for His Lord and for this congregation.

Accountability: He shall be personally accountable to A.N.Other as representative of the Elders’ Board.

This Ministry Covenant is to be reviewed annually with A.N.Other and the Pastor.

************************ Having read the Ministry Covenant and having discussed it with A.N.Other and the Pastor, I ____________ (John Doe) accept the position of Youth Leader subject to the above Authority, Responsibility and Accountability.

Signed: ___________________ (John Doe) Elders’ Board: ___________________ (A.N.Other) Pastor: ___________________ Date: ___________________