iAsk: Natasha Kosachevich, Spiritual Counselor, Questions on Women in Ministry

 Every Monday I will be posting new interviews with Christian leaders to find in-depth counsel on issues such as ministry, family, careers, politics, finance, and theology. Today's in-depth interview is with spiritual counselor Natasha Kosachevich from California. Let's begin...

Natasha Kosachevich

Paul: First, can you tell us who you are, what you do, and what is your greatest passion in life? Our readers will be interested in hearing your story.

Natasha: I am just a simple daughter of the King of Kings J. I love Jesus and my passion is to introduce as many people as possible to Him and to encourage those that have already met Him to get to know Him better, fall in love with Him deeper and trust Him completely.  I love to share anything and everything that I learn from Him with those who will listen.  I love sharing with young people, teenagers, youth, young adults, and couples about Gods order of things.  He is the ultimate Designer of Life and He knows best how it should be handled.  Besides the fun subjects of faith, love and relationships I also cover some of the not-so common ones of abuse, sexuality, addictions and emotional healing. 
        

Paul: 1. 2013 is coming to a close and many events have taken place around the world, too many to list. For you personally, what world events in 2013 have impacted you the most and why?

Natasha: I spent most of 2013 in New York City, and thus the Connecticut School shooting was something that was close to me in proximity, and heart.  The lives of the innocent is something that is very precious to me.  Seeing children perish before truly living is devastating.  This event hit very close to another passion of mine which is the truth about abortion in our country and worldwide.  Seeing the nation mourn the lives of kids in one classroom but ignore the fact that close to 4000 pregnancies are terminated DAILY in the US alone is pretty overwhelming.

Another event that wasn’t really worldwide, but reminded me of Gods control was the flooding of the Dinuba River in Europe.  I was IN Eastern Europe at the time, and left the city of Budapest for a month, and during THAT specific month the river flooded.  When I returned and walked alongside the riverbank I was fascinated that just during the weeks I was gone the river flooded and covered the very sidewalks that I was now walking on.  The frailty of our life and Gods complete control over nature was very vivid to me.  I was reminded that no advancement in technology or modernization can stand against the mighty hand of the Creator.
    

Paul: 2. As you know, I co-labor alongside Lee Grady with the Mordecai Project to confront the abuse and oppression of women worldwide. Has the Slavic church as a whole suppressed the leadership gifts of women? Also, do you feel Slavic Christian women should be given greater measures of responsibility and authority in spiritual work like church ministry?

Natasha: Traditionally, I believe the Slavic church has disrespected the gifting that women can bring to serving people better.  I think partially it’s due to lack of resources and biblical education in the past years of the former Soviet Union and part of it is overlooking the way Jesus treated women and taking verses out of context or assuming that His commandments of going and making disciples concern men only.

I think wisdom and discernment must be applied in any church ministry.  But I Do believe that women were created in the image and likeness of God, and omitting their importance in the body of Christ is overlooking a very important aspect of God.

Recently, I was reading the gospel of John and marveled again at the fact that Jesus Himself, after resurrection showed Himself first to a woman and commissioned her to ‘go and tell,’ and she was in turn the first witness of His resurrection to the disciples. (John 20:10-18)  

Natasha sharing Jesus

Paul: 3. What message of encouragement and inspiration would you share with women who have been abused emotionally, physically, or sexually in Christian homes? If women are oppressed at home, what hope can they look for?

Natasha: Get to know the Lord Jesus who took all the pain and the shame to the cross.  He left heaven to pursue the brokenhearted, comfort those who mourn and restore all that was lost.  His LOVE covers ALL sins, those that you committed and those that were committed against you.  He is the Only One who can make old things new and restore you to His original design. (Isaiah 61)    

Paul: 4. From your travels around the world, what have you noticed the Lord speaking to the body of Christ?

Natasha: “Get Ready - Jesus is Coming!”

The Bride of Christ, remember your first love. Purify yourself. Get your ‘dress’ in order.  Get your heart focused on the Groom! 

Paul: 5. Christmas time is around the corner, where and with whom do you plan on celebrating the holiday?

Natasha: For the past 3 years I have been either out of the country or out of the states for the holidays, so I am looking forward to spending the time with my family in California this year, and listening to a lot of Christmas music, which I love. 
 

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12 Topics the Church Is NOT Talking About

This past weekend I was blessed to be at a men's conference called Barnabas Renewal in Atlanta, GA where 25 ministers under the age of 40 came together for prayer, renewal, accountability, and building relationships. Men from all over the country came and even one youth pastor from Vancouver, Canada. God was encouraging each of us to hear His voice and be led by the voice of the Holy Spirit. 

Paul Muzichuk

One topic we discussed was: What is the Church (Body of Christ) either locally or around the world NOT talking about. Here are 12 things we must start addressing in 2014....

1. Sexual Immorality + Sexual Purity. This was the number one rated topic across all 25 men from various churches and ministries that agreed it MUST be taught, discipled, and discussed in the church. 

2. Personal & Family Finances. The growing problem of rising debt in families, in ministries, and lack of accountability with ministry leaders. A call to open transparency and financial committees. 

3. Discipleship. People yearn to be discipled not just preached at. People want real life relationships with mentors, spiritual fathers/mothers and accountability. People want to grow spiritually. Preaching alone will not make that happen.

4. How to Serve/Minister. Yes- as basic as it sounds. There is a need to train volunteers, staff, pastoral staff on HOW to minister. Don't just tell your youth or leader "Go serve". Teach them. Walk alongside and show them. Train up a new generation of HOW to serve. 

5. Practicing the Gifts of the Holy Spirit. Much talk is said in churches about desiring the spiritual gifts but not much practice is done. Men are hungry to be trained to hear the voice of God, to be open to prophecy, and equipped with all the gifts available. The problem is the church does not practice them. If you want to impact a new generation lets start walking out our talk. 

6. Transparency. Men (and women) are tired of always hearing the perfect side of leaders, preachers, and missionaries. The deep desire is to be open, honest, transparent not only in the pulpit but more in person and in relationships. We need less glamor preachers and more men who are Barnabas'.

7. Parental Blessings. There has been a lack of understanding of how significant and vital parental blessings are in children's lives. Talk about the joy of receiving parental blessings.

8. Women in Leadership. The church for years has suppressed the leadership giftings of women. We need more women leaders trained and ready to serve. 

9. Being Flexible With Technology. At times there has been a struggle introducing technology in the church. Some feel it is "unholy" others feel it expands the kingdom of God. We cannot be blind to the fact that BILLIONS of people can be reached using new methods of technology. 

10. Science + Faith. Much of the church has pushed away from inviting science to play a role in the development of faith within a church. Science has been viewed as an unbelievers religion when in fact if we were to let science be voiced it would prove more of God's Word then without it.

11. Couples Ministry/Counseling. We must invest in not only counseling when things go bad in a marriage but when things are great and to keep it going. Couples ministry is a great need in many churches.

12. Miscellaneous. Topics like not defining a persons spirituality by the amount of ministries he or she is involved in, growing in knowledge and training is a good thing, respecting authority without constantly being skeptical, not being a church or people who are isolationists but investing in the Body of Christ. 

Let us prayerfully consider addressing some of these topics in 2014! 

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iAsk: Lead Pastor Jennifer McAfee of Villages Community Church

Every Monday I will be posting new interviews with Christian leaders to find in-depth counsel on issues such as ministry, family, careers, politics, finance, and theology. Today's interview is with Assembly of God Lead Pastor of Villages Community Church in Fort Worth, Texas Jennifer McAcfee.
 

Lead Pastor-Jennifer McAfee

PAUL: First if you can give a small summary of who you are, what you do and what is your greatest passion in life?

JENNIFER: I am a wife to an incredible man of God who works as a Lead Software Quality Assurance Tester. We celebrated our 6 year wedding anniversary a few weeks ago, and have an amazing 2 year old daughter. I am the lead pastor of a new church plant in Northeast Fort Worth, Villages Community Church. I also serve on the Northeast Fort Worth Section Committee as the Secretariat. I am passionate about seeing God in every moment, hearing God's direction, correction, and instruction, and courageously obeying Him at all costs. I love building the local church, encouraging ministers, and cultivating leadership.

PAUL: 1. Jennifer, share with me the lessons you have personally learned that may help emerging Christian women leaders from your story of you becoming a Lead Pastor in a local church? As you know, women in high ranking leadership roles both in the secular world and in the religious circles have been given little if any encouragement to pursue callings of leadership. 

JENNIFER: What comes to mind is stop worrying about what other people say and think. There will be a lot of people for you and a lot of people not for you. Those who are opposed will be the loudest in your ears, foremost in your thoughts, and heaviest on your heart. You have to operate on a level of self-control that many do not. Rather than allowing these discouragements to control you, you must control them with peaceful mind of Christ. Rather than fixating on opposition, surround yourself with a stellar support system of both women and men of God. I am learning that I will receive as much encouragement as I am willing to discover. 
  
 As a woman called to ministry, you will be hard pressed to find the same opportunities in mentoring, relationship, and visibility as men in ministry. I have learned that I can't wait for those opportunities to appear, rather I have to seek them out. I have grown a thick skin, enabling me to ask and see. You have to be able to stomach rejection and let it go rather than holding on to it and being bitter. Are you willing to engage a mentoring relationship that is less formal? Read books, ask to sit in on meetings a couple times a year, always have three questions prepared to ask, etc. There was a time I sat around waiting for opportunity and encouragement to come to me. It was lonely. It was depressing. It was a distraction from the mission of Christ to be working through me. When God called me to step out and plant a church, He also gave me key correction in how to engage leaders in my life, and my life has never been the same. God said, "Jennifer, I have called you to love, encourage, and support your leaders. Do that and let me do the rest." It was the absolute most liberating choice of obedience I have ever made. I saw God transform people's hearts, minds, and perspectives not by my persuasion, but by His transformation alone. 
  
Now I feel absolutely encouraged, loved, and supported. Why? Because I have chosen to surround myself with the leaders God has called me to encourage, love, and support. I do not seek formal mentoring from them, rather I choose to allow them to shape my life as I encourage, love, and support them. It is mentoring on my terms, in a manner that isn't about what I get from them, but in a manner led by how I can offer honor, service, and unconditional love.

PAUL: 2. What do you feel is the most significant barrier to female Christian leadership? and as a follow up...how did you personally overcome such obstacles?

JENNIFER: We need visible examples to follow. There is an incredible void of opportunity when it comes to women leaders being visible. The value of this visibility isn't equality, recognition, or prestige. High level visibility of women serving in lead pastoral roles is important so that other women can see that it is and can be done. Prior to God radically calling me to plant churches, being a lead pastor was never on my radar. 

 I grew up with my Dad sitting me on his knee and whispering in my ear, "You can do and be anything God tells you to do and be." Yet somewhere along the way I internalized a belief that there were certain things God only used men to do, and leadership was one of those things. Where did this belief come from? I was not raised to believe that. I received a call to ministry at a young age. I am the oldest of five children. I have always been a leader in every context I have ever been in since I was a child. Yet leading in ministry never crossed my mind. I assumed I would be a pastor's wife. When I graduated SAGU unmarried and absolutely single, I sought out positions in children's ministry and worship, because that is what a woman could do. 

Where did this mindset come from if it wasn't something taught to me outright? I firmly believe it is because I never saw it done before. I knew of women evangelists, worship leaders, missionaries, and kids pastors. My youth pastor was a woman. I never was exposed to a female senior pastor or in executive leadership. That vacuum exists still to this day. Those who are prominent features at conferences, retreats, councils, and serve in leadership by in large are men. We need more women being made visible in these contexts, not for the sake of equality, rather for the sake of showing the way.

The way I have overcome this obstacle is clinging to relationship with the female lead pastors that I do meet. I am now in a life-long covenant relationship with four other female lead pastors. We stay connect consistently, retreat together, and encourage one another in life and ministry. I also have chosen to be an example to other women. I intentionally share my experiences with transparency every opportunity that is feasible for my family and life. I may not have an easily visibly woman to model my ministry development after, but I will certainly live with an approachability and transparent vulnerability that will enable other women to have an example to learn from (successes and failures.)

PAUL: 3. Our culture today has been characterized as a sex-crazed, sexually motivated generation. Even top corporate brands like Axe and GoDaddy use what's called sex-marketing. From your perspective, how can Christian women raise their voices against such practices and avoid being caught in the swift current of always having to look "sexy" to please the culture while in many instances compromising their own walk in the fear of the Lord?

JENNIFER: The most powerful voice a woman has, especially in relation to society's sex drive, is to simply be counter-cultural. Wear clothes that are modest, yet trendy. There is not a need to sacrifice style for the sake of modesty. You can honor God and still look great! When you are among other people, shopping, watching television, etc voice when something is lacking modesty. Voicing your dislike is not a free-pass to be a mean girl. Voice your preference, not your arrogance. Carry yourself and respect yourself and others in such a way that causes others to take notice and WANT to be more honoring of themselves and others as well. I think we do harm when we voice our dislike in a spiritual manner. Modesty absolutely is a spiritual act of honoring God. But to the one who does not know God, it sounds restrictive. Instead, modesty is about self-respect. Modesty has the power to decrease discrimination, sexual abuse, lack of equality, sexualization of women, sexual harassment, pornography, adultery,  teen pregnancy, abortion, rape, molestation...the list can go on and on. If women AND men would choose self-respect by modesty then the attitude of society toward gender would heal in significant ways.
  I think it is important to note that men need to be equally as mindful about modesty as women. Men are sexualized constantly. Women lust too. Women struggle with pornography too...50 Shades of Grey has proven that (although romance novels have been around for ages). Too often the church has taken a stance on this sexual craze in society that says it is the woman's fault for mens struggle. I think it is time brothers and sisters in Christ start taking responsibility for their own choices, as well as taking responsibility for honoring and respecting one another. Another thought on this topic. We are living in a time where society's perspective of sex is in a dramatic shift. Homosexuality is no longer embraced by the majority of Americans as taboo, but acceptable. Modesty must be pursued by both men and women in all places and times, being mindful of both men and women. A woman choosing modesty is living in a way that guards their safety and respect, as well as guards the hearts and minds of other men and women. A man choosing modesty is living in a way that guards his safety and respect, as well as guards the hearts and minds of other men and women.

PAUL: 4. Jennifer, I have personally seen abused women who shared stories of physical beatings, rape, gang rape, emotional abuse from husbands, and even marital rape around the world and the effect healing has when the Holy Spirit unties and heals years of pain and torment. Women seldom talk about the abuse they went through especially if it has been or is being done in Christian homes. What counsel would you share with women struggling to share the pain in years past or even recent memories?

JENNIFER: Find a safe spiritual family who is trustworthy. Be transparent with the Pastoral couple of your church. Healing begins by confessing sins that have been done. This doesn't mean you have sinned, it means you are confessing the sins that have been done toward you. That darkness that has blanketed your heart and soul must be pulled back in the light of Jesus' mercy and grace. Only you can let that light in, and you need a safe supportive family to be by your side as you courageously allow the Holy Spirit in to those hidden hells. Let your Pastors care for you, and seek professional help as well. It takes a brave person to admit when they need help. Pastor's can spiritually lead you. A licensed counselor can psychologically help you heal. A safe spiritual family can support you through the ups and downs that are guaranteed as you confront your past so that God can bless you with a free and blessed future in Him.

PAUL: 5. Who have been key folks in your life that have greatly encouraged you in your ministry and even personally? How did that make you feel?

JENNIFER: First and foremost is my husband, Andy McAfee. He has been absolutely supportive in every way imaginable. He knows my weaknesses and still believes there is nothing that I am not able to do in Christ. He sees God's call on my life, he affirms God's anointing that rests on me, and he supports my obedience to God. I am so thankful that God blessed me with such a secure and strong man of God. My parents, Tom and Emily Alderman, and my in-laws, Richard and Jina McAfee, are constantly encouraging me in ministry and life. My lifelong sisters - Preacher Girls Rachel Ross, Kathy Cannon, Leila Ojela, and Korista Lewis. I am so thankful for such supportive District Leadership here in North Texas. Pastors Rick Dubose, Gaylan Claunch, David Henry, Nova Pittman, and Mike Harper have been such an incredible source of encouragement. The Northeast Fort Worth Section is full of men and women who have been an incredible source of blessing and support, and it is such an honor to serve alongside Presbyter Roger Lewis and fellow committee-persons Randy Sheridan, Jeff Strickland, David Freeman, and Ken Harris. Pastor Rod Loy, Pastor Scott Wilson, Pastor George O. Wood, Pastor Doug Clay, Pastor Ron Hawkins, Dr. Hardin, Dr. Hayes, Dr. Bartel, Dr. Hester, Steve Pike, John Jay Wilson, John Davidson, Jason and Renee Exley, John and Gwen Miller, Mary Beadles...I could write page upon page the names of all the people who have been such a powerful source of encouragement and blessing to me in ministry and life. I am truly blessed beyond measure, and definitely beyond what I deserve.

PAUL: 6. What have you noticed and see great hope for in the millennial generation?

JENNIFER: Courage to demand truth, justice, love, and transparency. By and large the millennial generation cares more about relationship and the family unit than the appearance of success. This generation will not just jump, they want to know exactly what they are jumping into, and when they do finally jump it is with absolute loyalty and commitment. Those are the makings of the greatest disciple-making generation this world has ever encountered!

Jennifer

PAUL: 7. As a mom, pastor, wife, and friend when and how do you find time to relax and collect your thoughts and hear from the Lord? Also, what helps you stay motivated to do what you do?

JENNIFER: First of all, I have to confess that I am TERRIBLE at relaxing. I am in a season of learning how to rest and discover what I enjoy outside of the work of the ministry. I absolutely LOVE the work of the ministry, and so I tend to just keep on keeping on. I am learning that this is not healthy. I need to have a place of relaxation, rest, and reprieve to quiet my heart and rejuvenate my soul. This fall I have made it my mission to make my home a sanctuary, a place of comfort and tranquility. As one who works from home, it has not been this. This week I rearranged the house in such a way that it carries a calm and intimate feeling. This has been a wonderful change for me. I now can sit in my home while my daughter naps, and by lamp light sit in my comfy chair and simply breath and rest in the presence of God. I keep the television off, no music, no computers, the phone on silent, and I just sit and mentally talk to God. I always make it a point to acknowledge God and that this is our time. Sometimes, after this acknowledgement, I just rest in his presence. I have NEVER been able to do this before! For the first time in my entire memory of life I can actually sit and not have a million thoughts flooding my brain. I believe that many people struggle with this. We live in a digital era where communication and productivity are available at a touch of a button. I believe we tend to live in sensory overload. We are so great at multitasking life that we miss out on living life with Christ. I am learning how to do that. This time is so precious to me, but it isn't my only time with God. In fact, I don't get to spend this kind of rest in Him every day. It usually occurs once ever three days or so. Every morning I wake up, and before I do anything else I spend time in the word - reading scripture, journaling what I observe God doing in that Scripture, journaling what I should apply to my life from that Scripture, and journaling my conversation with God in light of that Scripture. This week I am beginning to do this with 4 chapters a morning. I can't go a day without this time. It is my breakfast of champions!

I desperately need this time with God. Ministry is so hard. Often I feel all eyes on me. There are times where I sense that people are watching and wondering if this can really work, a woman leading a church. I feel this pressure to be an example to other women. I feel like at any moment I could drop it all and leave a legacy of failure. Now, I know that some of those feelings are straight up a lie from the enemy. Some of those feelings are true and real, but not for me to spend time and energy fixating on. Some of those feelings don't matter at all. It is easy to start drowning in all the emotions and awareness of it all. There are days where I am doing all I can to just keep my head above water. There are days that I just want to quit, not because things are so bad but because I don't know why God chose me. Sometimes in the midst of it all I imagine what it would be like to live a normal life that blends in. "I can go to a church, be a godly wife, be a godly mom, teach a Sunday School Class." That would be a life changing existence that leaves a powerful legacy and blends in with perfect acceptability. My mom and mother-in-law taught me well by living this powerful world-changing example for me out loud. The problem with me following in their footsteps is that is not the future God built me to live. God shaped me to lead. God shaped me to forge into the dangerous wilderness to make it a smoother journey for those who are coming behind me. God created me for a challenging and adventurous life and ministry. The problem with the "normal" life is that it is not normal for me. God created me for difficulty. If life and ministry wasn't and adverse reality, I would be terribly bored and out of my element. Some boats are made for rowing, some for tugging, some for carrying, some for cruising, some for speeding, and some for weathering the storms. I am a stormy ship. Recently God has been incredibly mindful in encouraging me in my call, through MANY unrelated sources. The message has been the same...my life is a pearl of great price, clarifying a crown for eternity rather than present, and measured by a success that humanity cannot understand but only the Holy Spirit reveals. 

What motivates me to do what I do is knowing that what I do - this life I lead - is what I was built, shaped, created, and purposefully engineered to do and be. If I did anything else I would be lost because it isn't the life I was called, ordained, anointed, and appointed to live. The ease of being something else would be the weight of losing who I am created to be. This statement by Paul in Philippians 1:20-21 best states what motivates me to keep obeying the call of Christ,

" ²⁰ I expect and hope that I will not ·fail Christ in [^Lbe ashamed about] anything but that I will have the ·courage [boldness] now, as always, ·to show the greatness of Christ [or so that Christ will be exalted] in my ·life here on earth [^Lbody], whether I live or die. ²¹ [^LFor] To me ·the only important thing about living [^Lto live] is Christ, and ·dying would be profit for me [^Lto die is gain/profit]."

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iAsk: Robert Walter- Training Director for LeaderSource

Every Monday I will be posting new interviews with Christian leaders to find in-depth counsel on issues such as ministry, family, careers, politics, finance, and theology.

Robert Walter

My first interview is with training director from LeaderSource, Robert Walter, who lives in Chesapeake, Virginia. Earlier this year I ministered together with Robert at Bold Venture Northeast Regional Men's Discipleship Conference held in Philadelphia, PA. My hope is many who read this interview and the ones to follow will gain new insights, inspiration, and be challenged to become disciple-makers. Here are ten questions I asked Robert....

PAUL: First if you can give a small summary of who you are, what you do and what is your greatest passion in life? 

Robert: Paul,I appreciate what you are doing here and pray God’s blessings on it and you!

Who am I? I have had different job descriptions and titles but the most important one comes from Jesus – he calls me friend.  Along the way, I’m amazed at all he’s let me in on. I worked many years in the petroleum business until God called me into full time ministry. At that point, I became a pastor and as of the last 10 years, I’ve been involved in a ministry for training pastors and other church leaders. I feel like I’m in my sweet spot because I get to do what I do best – teaching, coaching, counseling. Seeing lives change is a real thrill.

Leaders from various countries praying for the
North Korean Church in Hong Kong.

PAUL: 1. You just recently returned from a trip to Hong Kong, China where you met with Christian leaders from 20 different countries. Tell me about your experience there. What were the results of your meeting? 

ROBERT: Leaders can easily get isolated. Our Leader Development Consultation was a time of being connected, encouraged and being equipped.

There were several great outcomes. One was a renewed sense that even though we come from different nations, we are one family. We know that in our minds but it is far better to experience it.

One example was the commitment Chinese church leaders made to bless Christians in North Korea. This followed a report from North Korea about the amazing endurance of North Korean Christians in the face of the most humiliating persecution. There was a time of powerful intercession for our brothers and sisters in North Korea as we wept with them. Several strategic partnerships have now been established and the Chinese have pledged to get more involved.

Another great outcome was that leaders left with a much more holistic and comprehensive view of how to develop the next generation of leaders.  They have a new paradigm for discipleship and very practical ideas of how to reach nations and raise up leaders.

Several leaders (from the left) Robert Walter, Dr. Jessy Thomas (New India Bible Seminary faculty member), Dr. Jaison Thomas (New India Bible Seminary Director), Elie Haddad (Arab Baptist Theological Seminary President), Raj Chevelraj (LeaderSource India Director)

PAUL: 2. What is the number one challenge facing Christian leaders in the world today?

ROBERT: I don’t know the number one challenge but I will tell you that modernization brings many temptations that have undermined scores of leaders in the undeveloped (majority) world.

With the internet comes a connection to lots of great resources but also a connection to internet pornography. And it’s no longer a problem just for men; many women also report a struggle with this issue.

Another challenge is materialism. You can’t serve God and money. We see many leaders falling out because of the lure of material success as capitalism sweeps their nation.

PAUL: 3. As the training director of , LeaderSource, a Christian leadership organization and a pastor, what was something you saw in Christian leaders in Asia that you have seldom seen elsewhere?

ROBERT: I serve with a guy named, Malcolm Webber, who does a fantastic job leading our organization called LeaderSource.

One thing I notice is how dedicated Asian leaders are to learning and to ministry. In the US, people complain if I speak longer than 45 minutes; there they complain if you can’t teach for at least four hours.

But their dedication comes with a price. Many of these leaders work 7 days a week and rarely take a break. They often neglect their own families. It can happen in the West too but it is a far greater problem there.

PAUL: 4. Why have you invested so much time, energy, and resources in training leaders around the world?

ROBERT: Evangelism gets all the press but lack of healthy leaders is the bottleneck. Jesus pointed this out to the disciples when he told them the harvest is great but the workers are few.  He directed them to focus their prayers not on getting more souls but on getting more shepherds.

One leader from Papua New Guinea told us this crazy story. He actually told his evangelists to STOP sharing the Gospel. Here is what was happening. The evangelists go into a village to pray for the sick and miracles start to break out. As a result the whole village often comes to faith.  But the problem is that there aren’t enough pastors to care for these new believers where so many remain superficial believers or fall away. So this leader from Papua New Guinea finally told his evangelists to STOP sharing the Gospel and focus instead on discipleship. He desperately wants someone to help him train pastors.

Jesus did ministry but where would the church be if he had not also trained the next generation of those who would do ministry and plant churches. That’s why we equip experienced Christian leaders to train emerging Christian leaders.

PAUL: 5. There has been in the last decade a plethora of books, DVDs, and training manuals written and produced on Christian leadership yet we still have moral failures, financial scandals, and disgraced leaders leaving the ministry. What do you see as the weak point Christian ministers and leaders should be addressing?

ROBERT: The problem is not just that we are focusing on the wrong issues, we are also using the wrong methods. Our goal in training tends to emphasize competencies. But we need to be developing more than just competencies (Biblical knowledge and ministry skills). We also need to help leaders grow in their relationship with Jesus, grow in their family and team relationships, and grow in their character.

This is all easier said than done. To actually accomplish this goal we can’t rely on teaching alone – no matter how good it is. People learn in relationships; they learn through experiences. Jesus was a brilliant teacher, of course, but his genius is not just his content, it’s in setting up a context for learning that is rich in relationships, experiences and the work of the Spirit.

We tend to think the answer is in the curriculum, but books and lectures don’t make leaders. Leaders grow in the crucible of life in connection with other godly men and women. 

PAUL: 6. Share with me some examples of Christian women in key leadership roles that have affected the expansion of the Great Commission in the body of Christ from your personal encounters? ...and as a follow up... women have been marginalized some even outright forbidden in holding roles of leadership in the church around the world, what would change this view in Christian men to see the value of godly and leadership gifted women?
 
ROBERT: We’ve had the privilege of working with some mighty women of God. One I’m thinking of has planted thousands of churches but still hesitates among her peers to exert her authority.

PAUL: 7.  What advice would you give someone going into a leadership position for the first time?

ROBERT: I’d say 1) dedicate yourself to growing in intimacy and dependency on Christ – apart from him we can’t do anything of lasting value.  And 2) build your support team – safe people who can pray for you, encourage you, coach you, challenge you and cheer you on. Finally, 3) realize you don’t have to be perfect. God chooses the weak to shame the strong and the foolish to shame the wise. This isn’t an excuse for lackluster performance but it is a reassurance that God delights to use everyone of us.

PAUL: 8. Can you share with me one or two leadership failures that you have personally gone through, how it affected you internally, and what would your advice be for someone in a similar position?

ROBERT: My advice (above) comes from lessons I should have learned from the Word but instead had to learn from my own mistakes.

In my early years of full time ministry, I experienced a lot of success. Unfortunately, that led me to depend more on my own experience and education.  I got by until there was a time of great testing and things started to fall apart. It was then that I realized my big mistake: I was so busy doing things for Jesus that I didn’t have time to spend with Jesus. I had become a hollow man.  And you can’t give what you don’t have.

Long story short…I reconnected with Jesus on a mountain in New Mexico and that led to deep repentance. Then he had to rebuild me before he could rebuild the church. But he is faithful even when we are not.

PAUL: 9. Can you name a person who has had a tremendous impact on you as a leader? Maybe someone who has been a mentor to you? Why and how did this person impact your life? 

ROBERT: There is more than one but let me mention a person who was a lifeline to me during a long season of testing in my ministry. I had a spiritual mother named Betty. She believed in me when I didn’t believe in myself. She prayed for me every day, exhorted and encouraged me. Meeting with her each week was often the highlight of my week. She is with the Lord now and I miss her.

PAUL: 10. What are a few resources you would recommend to someone looking to gain insight into becoming a better leader?

ROBERT: There are lots of good resources out there. But a book or a course is nothing compared to a spiritual father or another Christian leader who you can meet with face to face. All the same, we do have some good resources on our website. You can check it out at www.leadersource.org

Twitter: @PaulMuzichuk

Consequences In Dealing With Sexual Sin Publicly

The Bible is the infallible Word from God and it is written by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. Every word, every phrase, every command, and every promise is God's pure truth for our lives. One verse that keeps slipping the minds of many men is found in Numbers 32:23, "But if ye will not do so, behold, you have sinned against the Lord, and be sure your sin will find you out." In our age of hyper-grace and distant personal accountability we have discovered the true meaning of this verse with the epidemic tsunami of moral failures one after another from mega-church preachers to local 50 member congregations not only here in America but around the world. As a warning and guard to recheck your personal lives here are 6 consequences of dealing with sexual sin publicly.

1.) Major Depressive Disorder Occurs. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, major depressive disorder is characterized by a combination of symptoms that interfere with a person's ability to work, sleep, study, eat, and enjoy once-pleasurable activities. If God has called you to minister in a public way, either its in front of a Bible study group or in front of a large conference as a speaker, take heed to knowing that any form of joy will be eradicated from your life if sexual sin is exposed publicly by not dealing with it privately. 

2.) Ruptured Relationships Privately & Publicly. When a life lived and portrayed is exposed to be false as in sexual sin then family, friends, peers, co-laborers, and public acquaintances flee from the vile smell of sin's result which is death. No one wants to be in a relationship with a hypocrite. Search your hearts to ask the Lord to remove any roots of hidden sins. 

3.) We Become Arsonists to our Credibility. I know many have heard about fires being started by criminals called arsonists. They set buildings, stores, cars, and houses on fire for the sole purpose of bringing destruction to the owner or those living in it. Not dealing with sexual sin before the Lord will result in your own hands setting spiritual, emotional, physical, and psychological "fire" to everything you had built to that time. Be accountable to mentors in your life. 

4.) Lifetime of Regret. We can be restored, forgiven, and given new chances to rebuilt our reputation and relationships but the lingering thought of the damage done is difficult to erase from a heart. Many times marriages result in divorce, ordination revoked, ministry taken away, and even financial payments needed to be made for restitution. The Lord wants our hearts and he must be the King of our lives. Save yourself future pain and live clean before the Lord. 

5.) We Flame Persecution on Christians. Yes, that's right. Christians have enough persecution to deal with in the world and dealing with sexual sin publicly flames the burden of even more persecution on Christians. How many pastors, youth leaders, counselors, lay leaders, Sunday school teachers have given the body of Christ extra weight to carry? Every time a moral failure occurs every Christian must continue to take time away from building the kingdom to defending the faith because the mockery of "Christian Leaders" has been blasted on every media channel that exists today. Just STOP it! Your private pleasure is not worth millions of faithful believers to take time to stop building the kingdom. 

6.) Children, Teens, Young Adults Subconsciously Model Your Behavior. It's one thing to say I didn't mean to hurt someone or I never wanted this to happen but it's another to realize that a generation of young people will subconsciously think it is okay to do the same. If we are fighting for purity, abstinence, and sex for marriage then you will not only destroy your own life but the lives of thousands of others. Deep down someone thinks that pastor or that leader got caught but I will not get caught. Enough is enough. Zip your pants up for the sake of future generations. Inspire the next generation to live holy because it starts with you.

Here are links to recent examples of the consequences of dealing with sexual sin publicly: 

 Orlando, FL: Pastor Sam Hinn steps down as Senior Pastor from Gathering Place Worship Center

Virginia Beach, VA: Youth Pastor sentenced for sex abuse 

Chicago, IL: Ex-mega church pastor gets 12 years in sex scandal 

Louisville, Kentucky: Pastor Accused Of Covering Up “Biggest Evangelical Sex Scandal Of All Time”

3 Calls To Action:

1.) Stay Accountable. Find mentors to talk about struggles and don't hide from your weaknesses. 

2.) Intentionally Ask for Resources. Too often we have big heads and small hearts. We think we know everything there is to know about all subjects especially about the ones we struggle with. Be intentional in seeking resources and the Lord will order your steps. 

3.) Be Mature in Friendships. Its easy to find friends who adore you and want to hear the next greatest thing from you. Find friends who will be a Barnabas in your life. He will encourage but also reprove when needed. Be balanced in picking friendships. You want to grow not sink. 

Twitter: @PaulMuzichuk

Celebrating Leadership Gifts in Women

"Preach it Sister! We encourage your voice and position of influence! Do great things for God by His Holy Spirit! We stand with you! We rally around you to celebrate what God is doing in you!"...These should be the statements of encouragement we should be shouting to our dear sisters in Christ. Somehow we have seen more voices like, "Sit down, your not allowed to preach! Women must be silent in the church! You have no authority to speak! Your task is to be home with the kids! You can only support your husband! Cook, clean, stay home, that is your purpose in life!" As the body of Christ, we must see EVERY member valuable, honorable, and functional for the glory of God. Then the question is raised, Why should we celebrate leadership gifts in women?

1. God gave EQUAL responsibility, authority, and promotion. 
Many take passages out of context to create theology based on what they grew up to be true and have never examined or questioned the scriptural basis of women in leadership roles. Jesus Christ broke the chauvinistic domineering curse over women at the cross. In Genesis 3:16 the second part of the verse it says this, "Your desire shall be for your husband, and he shall rule over you." This was said as a curse for disobeying God's commandment to not eat any of the fruit. However, this curse's price was paid in FULL at the cross and restoration was brought back to the original design. The design to have male and female as co-equals working in the fields for the Lord. Women have the full authority, responsibility, and God's kiss of promotion to go and win souls. And yes that means they can publicly preach, sing, worship, lead a church, lead Bible studies, create sermon series, lead seminars. Say these words.."I celebrate godly women leaders!" 

2. Women are more generous in financial giving.
Some men maybe saying, whoa whoa whoa hold on there. But let me shed some light or perhaps let me ask you some questions. Who were one of the first financial supporters of Jesus' ministry? Who was the one that helped start a church in Philippi because she opened her home? Who had more passion during the times of Jesus' ministry? Who poured out more than a year's worth of salary onto Jesus' feet? Yes, it was women. We cannot deny the fact that women love to give and support not only Christian causes but community causes too. I recently had a breakfast meeting with a prominent women in our city of Jacksonville, FL. We sipped coffee at Starbucks and she shared an interesting study she came across recently. The study said that as more women CEO's, VP's, Presidents', Executive Directors get positioned into those roles the higher the giving to the local community outreaches and nonprofits go up. Also the trend stated that as women leaders are replaced with men in the corporate world less community giving is tracked. For men tend to spend on their personal wants, like high priced vehicles, houses, vacations, on and on. Boy toys you can say. If we as men decry the notion of feeble giving in our churches and missions organizations perhaps we should let women ministers attend our board meetings and financial committees? (And all the women said amen!) 

3. Compassion vs. Strategy is advanced 
We love the gift of visionary strategy that advances a church, a missions organization or an international ministry. Yet, Jesus called us to reach the lost with compassion. We cannot deny that we need vision and strong leadership but I cannot find in the Bible a quote where it says, "Peter be a strong leader! or "John stop hugging me already, where are the business plan models for growth of disciples?" Jesus walked with great compassion and humility while on earth. There is no doubt that women have a more tender, compassionate, loving, and gentle heart. However, that does not mean they are not strong enough or bold enough to lead congregations or ministries into the will of God. This world is suffocating from a drought of pure compassion. We need more compassionate hearts in leadership roles. Women can teach us much about this! 

4. Men are NOT enough to advance the kingdom 
Jesus used the Samaritan woman at the well to preach to her village and call the men and women to meet Jesus. Deborah in the book of Judges was a leader of the Israelite's and led them to victory. Esther was given a queen's position to influence law and order for the Jewish nation. When the Holy Spirit was poured out in the upper room, it was in full measure given to men and women equally. We must understand that women must be encouraged and given the platform and opportunity to develop their leadership giftings in the body of Christ. My heart cries for the many women young and old who feel tormented inside for being discriminated and neglected in being able to serve in the body of Christ fully. Dear sister, we NEED You! 

5. Healing Flows from Broken Strongholds 
Religion loves to take hold and never let go. Religion loves control but the Holy Spirit loves liberty! We must give the command over to the moving of the Holy Spirit to reach this world. Having recently visited Romania and Hungary a few weeks ago, I can personally tell you that Jesus through the Holy Spirit is equipping thousands of ready and willing women's hearts. When we as men can be humble enough to break tradition, culture, and religion to take our sisters hands and work together a healing flow of anointing begins to work in us all. We as men need to pray fervently for the Lord to break the yokes still set over many women leaders who have had much ridicule and wounds from pursuing the call of God in their lives. As men, instead of throwing stones, lets shield our sisters from the stones. Its time we stand up as men and not only protect our sisters financially and physically but we create a wall of fortified protection over those dear sisters, who are called to preach publicly, called to lead churches, called to be international evangelists, called to do radical things for Jesus Christ. I am one that stands with my sisters in Christ and say I am with you. Let's bring healing not only to this sin-filled world but more so to the body of Christ for all the self-inflicted wounds. Come Holy Spirit and heal! 

Heartfelt Forgiveness to ALL WOMEN LEADERS today: 

I want to close and feel pressed to make a public apology on behalf of men to all my dear sisters in Christ who have been marginalized, discounted, abused, neglected, mistreated, hurt, wounded, offended, discriminated against, rejected, or in anyway looked down upon for being born a women and having leadership gifts in you. I pray healing will begin here and right now and that the Holy Spirit will launch and raise you up into what God has called you to do! 

Please forgive men, including myself, if we have not seen the treasure inside you. Forgive us for being chauvinistic and not kind. Forgive us for not building you up but in wounding you. Forgive us for blocking your rightful position in the ministry. Forgive us for causing emotional and spiritual pain to linger so long and never receiving an apology. I ask for your forgiveness for all men for the way we have treated you in church. Forgive us for dishonoring your leadership gifts and not giving you a position of influence. I ask for the binding unity of the Holy Spirit to heal your heart with the love of Jesus Christ right now. I pray for you dear sister right now! I pray you walk with your head up high, your arms high to the sky and your heart full of joy for the calling God has given you. I pray you give new strength to my dear sisters who have been deeply confused and rejected in their culture and did not find any help or support from us as men. Dear Lord, minister to the deepest part of their soul and heart and bring reconciliation back into your people so we can walk hand in hand winning one soul at a time together. I see Lord a women who is reading this and is shedding tears for the pain she has endured. I pray healing over this women dear Lord. I pray she finds renewal in these words of reconciliation and put her into the proper position of preaching your Word! 

I CELEBRATE WOMEN LEADERS AND ALL YOUR GIFTINGS THE LORD HAS GIVEN YOU!

Twitter: @PaulMuzichuk