'A leader of Influence' - 6 'P's"

Hi Incredible leaders,
I want to start a 6 part devotional series on "A leader of influence' I am suggesting 6 'P's or principles of the influential leader. I actually came across these six principles as I had been musing over what it means to be a leader of influence for a number of weeks and felt quickened one morning (quite early) by the Holy Spirit. The fact that there were 6 things that he spoke to me, they all started with 'P' , had a logical flow convinced me that it was of the Lord, (and the fact that I could remember them all later on that day!)
By way of introduction I want is to consider our influence. As leaders at any level it is my conviction that our primary concern be 'How am I influencing others?' notice the question is not "Am I influencing others" - as leaders by virtue of our very reality amongst those we are called to serve, we will exert either a passive or active influence on the lives of others. I think of it just as an isotope of radioactive material in a room will 'irradiate' every object in its vicinity; So to we will exert a powerful spiritual, emotional, at times physical influence on others, just by virtue of our inherent reality. The issue for leaders then becomes searching out, considering, adopting, continuing & reviewing definite principles and their adjunctive behaviors to ensure that our influence is active, positive and effective to developing and shaping the lives around us for Christ & the Kingdom.

To let you into my life and experience - I remember several powerful influences in my own life, my Step father both actively and passively (i.e. the things we do & the things we don't do)infuenced me; He was often antagonising and belittling towards me; or dismissive & alienating - This communicated to me a devaluing of my 'person hood' - At a time when I was desperately trying to establish identity - it imparted an insecurity that took me many years to overcome as I have since learned that my 'identity security' is in Christ, and I am seen by God as 'a beloved son' - My Mother on the other hand, though expressing love more often, had a rather impossible standard of behaviour and obsessive control over our lives. ( She has mellowed over the years, and I dearly love her!) This taught me that love was 'conditional' i.e. more earned than bestowed, and contingent on performance & conformance. Two images come to mind; one of the cruel headmaster, just waiting to catch you out with their 'list of rules' and administer a fitting punishment, or that of the ring master cracking their whip and demanding that the hapless animals jump through the appropriate hoops; obedience earns you a reward & praise, disobedience you get scolded, or worse ignored. I again have managed to overcome (to a measure) this mentality that communicates value based on performance, the 'rationing' of acceptance and controlling behaviors. I have an intrinsic value as a child of God. My performance does not affect this status, and I by faith, enjoy the liberating smile of God on my life. See with me that in these two primary relationships of life a powerful 'shaping' is taking place, and we can see this principle of influence at work. It was a cathartic moment in my life, when I realised, as an adult that my parents behaviours where influenced by others as well! i.e. They were just living out the shaping of others on them.

Translate this now over to the realm of Christian leadership and care of people, and you will begin to understand how critically important our leadership influence is. I encourage you to take some time, grab a journal and write some responses to the following questions: Perhaps buddy up with your spouse or another trusted leader to discuss together.

1. As a leader I am continually influencing others every day. It is both passive and active / do I consider this in every interaction with others?
2, Who were/are some of the significant 'shapers' in my life?
3. What were some of the negative mentalities or behaviors I have learned? ( & what do I need to avoid in my interactions with others?)
4. What were some of the positive mentalities or behaviours I have learned? ( & what do I need to adopt or continue in my interactions with others?)
5. What are some practical ways I can grow my leadership influence?

I hope that this triggers healthy reflection and positive change in you, as we all continue to grow together as powerful influences in this local church.
NEXT WEEK: the first P of influence = "Passion"

You are all awesome!
Ps Rhett

Whom am I that I should go?

Whom am I that I should go?

God asked Moses what he had in his hand. Only a rod. a shepherd's rod. A simple tool. And look what he did with it. Moses felt insecure because of a lack of elequence. Yet God said He would give him the words to speak. Even Jonah had doubts. He was sure the people wouldn't listen to him.

How did God feed the multitudes? With a little boys simple lunch a multitude of people were fed, sustained and satisfied. What would have happened if the boy held back 'knowing that it wouldn't be enough?'

Do you have great talents, great abilities, or great goodness? If you do, you stand alone. If you do God might not need you. He might not be able to use you, that is until you realise that even your greatest abilities are small in comparison to God. God does not ask for greatness, strengths or goodness.

It's not who or what we are but in our dedication to him. Are we willing to release that little thing for God to use for his purpose? Are we willing to give God free reign? Only then will we be given freedom - released to serve. God does not ask you to be perfect. Just willing, obedient and faithful in what you have been given.

We need to step out in faith and use the talents and gifts that God has given us and not be afraid to be seen as imperfect or as a failure. Our greatest abilities are very small compared to God. Our talents and giftings may be small but God uses even the smallest things.

The secret is not in who we are or what we are but in our dedication to Him. God knows what can be accomplished with the little we have to offer Him. It all depends on whether we are willing to give Him free reign.

What God leads people to do does not always make logical sense to his mind. His spirit may affirm it and his mind reject it, especially if it would be out of the ordinary or unpleasant or if it would require personal sacrifice or discomfort.

Fear of rejection, mistakes and failure cause people to make the worst mistake of all - that of doing nothing. If we did all the things we are capable of doing we would astound ourselves.

It is satan's task to convince every individual that they are unworthy. God has called you - you are answerable only to Him, not satan or other people.

God keeps track of how faithful you are to your calling, how concerned you are over lost souls, how willing to be obedient you are, how close a walk you have with Him.

We don't have to be gifted in speaking to speak for God. God uses ordinary people who may have limited abilities. God wants people who are available to be used by Him.

From little things big things grow.

It's not what we have that counts, but what we do with what we've got. Focus on what you've got, not with what you haven't. Don't focus on what you can't do. Excel in what you can do and do it well.

Remember, we can do all things through Christ Jesus who strengthens us.

Michelle Cozins

Small groups Worship night

"...for God is seeking such to worship him"
Tuesday night we had a refreshing time of worship. Many thanks to the leaders who prioritised this time and joined us. I wonder if you have ever considered these words from the Lord to the Samaritan woman. God seeks (searches out) genuine, unpolluted, unforced worship. As Leaders we worship out of our 'being' it is what we are before what we do! I feel this is the best 'Leadership development' for us. Are you on this 'journey' of worship? - as you can't take people where you have not been yourself in Kingdom life.

We also read John Chapter 10 again, the great 'Shepherding' discourse from Jesus. 'I am the good shepherd' I encourage all our leaders to familiarize themselves with this passage as I believe it is the definitive leadership model for us as NT believers. Its metaphor is rich with meaning and application to the life of the developing shepherd of God's people.

Some general issues around small groups were:

-August is our 'difficult questions' month we have two sessions 8 & 22nd I will post session notes up to the web asap.

-We will be launching the 'Extraordinary' series on Sept 19th - this is our combined service day.
-All groups are required to get numbers in for their 'Extraordinary' workbooks asap to Kathy Barlow @ Grace office.
-The next Small groups LD night is as per the calendar for 2010. (Tues Oct 12th 7-8:30 Grace Cafe')
-The next Area leaders meeting is on Sept 26th 12:30 in the Auditorium Creche

We had about 24 leaders away on Tues night and many of you did not rsvp. I am asking you to prioritise these LD nights as a rule, or at least inform if you cant make it - this is a courtesy to me, and a key leadership criteria.

Have a great term 3 and remember my door is always open & my ear always available.
Kind regards,

Ps Rhett
Small groups coordinator

Session # 9 NAC 'God's annointing'

Hi Leaders,
This is the last of the sessions from the National conference - Scott Hanzy launched out of Acts 10:38 "How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power, how he went about doing good, and curing all who were under the tyranny of the Devil"

After all we had heard during the conference particularly in regards to the Church having a social profile and meeting need as a way of ministering to our communities - about the church not becoming a corporate or 'business' entity - modeled after the world and building itself up in a vertical way - Scott reminded us that the core mission of the church is to 'preach the gospel' with signs & wonders to convict, convince & convert a lost world. The anointing is given to do the ministry of the Christ - specifically, preaching a sharp, convicting, no-nonsense gospel message of repentance, To heal the sick, to cast out demons, to break chains and to raise up disciples to teach others to do the same. This is setting captives free, dealing with spiritual oppression & ending the despotism of hell in peoples lives.

Scott spoke about Moses plea; "If your presence does not go with us" - Moses desired the visible, tangible presence of the Lord to go before Israel in her journey to the promised land. Ps Scott asserted that while social programs are beneficial we must be true to our Pentecostal roots and seek God for supernatural power. As leaders are we 'whole' ? Can we say with the prophet Micah ' But as for me, I am full of power by the spirit of the Lord, of justice and courage, to declare to Jacob his rebellion, and to Israel her transgression' ? You can only impart that which you already possess - to impart power we must be walking in it ourselves. The Pentecostal Baptism is essential for moving in a powerful anointing that realises all that God has intended for us. Scott finished with the story of William & Catherine Booth. It was Catherine Booth that said ' We must go to him for the equipping & for power."

That finishes my notes on the National Conference, I hope that they have been of some inspiration to you and that as leaders we can seek this anointing together in the context of small groups to see Christ glorified, lives unlocked, and amazing growth in people coming to Jesus.

You are all amazing leaders

Ps Rhett

Why Be A Witness To The Lost

Who are you witnessing to?

People are watching you. They are examining the christian life. Are we confusing them? Are we hurting the cause of Christ by just listening to the word and not being doers of the word? Are we giving them a reason not to take that step of faith to accept Christ?

Witnessing is taking a good look at Jesus then telling others what you hve seen. Witnessing isn't an activity, it's a way of life - good or bad. Witnessing is simply sharing our heartfelt faith in Christ - what He's personally done to change our lives. Witnessing isn't an effort, it's an overspill.

Witnessing won't always be easy and many times be unpopular. However we have to overcome our fears because the lives of the lost in our world lie in our hands. You can never speak to the wrong person about Christ. We are a representitive of the kingdom. We are the hands that God uses to touch people.

The strongest way to be a witness for Christ is to walk in His ways and live in His freedom.
We're not called to argue or debate anyone into heaven. We're called to share. We're called to be a witness for the gospel, not the lawyer, judge or jury ... Leave that to God.

Sharing Christ  is about being real and demonstrating our faith with passion, conviction and sincerity. In order to witness one must have experienced something and be sure about it.
Christianity is contagious; but if christians quarratine themselves, no-one will ever catch what they have.
God cannot use christians to witness to the lost if they are in too much of a hurry to stop and listen to people Much can be done for the kingdom of God if christians will leave margins in their schedule.
Christ has given a clear command to every christian to go and make disciples.

Who will you witness to this week?

Michelle Cozins

Session # 8 NAC "Blueprint for Revival"

Hi Incredible leaders,
Nathan Claridge presented this session from Luke 10:27 - The story about the good Samaritan. Nathan encouraged us to pursue 'revival' i.e. the awakening and multiplication of our churches the 'Samaritan' way by being attentive to the desperate needs right around us.

 He encouraged us to identify with the broken & the needy and give of ourselves & our resourses to do what is needed to 'save' the individuals. The Priest and the Levite both saw the same need - but hurried along in their religious mindset and activity - the Samaritan (who was an enemy of the Jew) saw the need as an opportunity to exercise mercy. This week I encountered a battered and broken individual - I had two choices; See it as an inconveinience, or see it as a God opportunity to minister mercy. I chose mercy.

 As a Pastor/Shepherd I must be 'alive' and awake to the condition of souls around me. Admin can wait, managing the Church can wait, there is no more urgent need that a damaged soul before me - they must immeadiatly go to the top of my priority list. The poor man in our story was effectivly 'bleeding out' and an immeadiate response was needed. As leaders and Shepherds lets always remember that our first priority is to people in need. If you are first on the scene - then do what you can immeadiatly - before calling the Paramedics (Pastors) We all need to be well trained in spiritual first aid! If you feel that you are not equipped - then ask for training! - This is what the LD nights are for for Small group leaders! :)
See you at the Worship night
Ps Rhett

Why Read The Bible Grace House Devotions

The Bible is a book of life,
A treasure chest of truth -
... reviving the soul
... making wise the simple
... giving joy to the heart
... giving light to the eyes
... more precious than gold
... sweeter than honey
and in obeying it's teachings there is a great reward

The more of the bible you know, the more in line with God's purposes will be your decision making. If people were more familiar with the bible, then there would be much less confusion as to how they should act in difficult situations.

We can overcome satan by using God's word. And to be able to use it we must know it. We need to meditate on the word for it to be in your life. It needs to be in your life so that you can apply it.
It is not sufficient to just receive the word, one must respond to it an active obedience. Do not merely listen to the word, do what it says.

God's word is:
Inspired by God
Alive
Authoritive and
Truth

Don't worry about what you do not understand. Worry about what you do understand in the bible but do not live by.
The word of God provides footings for our faith.

Most people do not research the word of God very deeply. As a result they get confused about why they are not powerful christians living victorious lives. Most of them really don't put much effort of their own into the study of the word. A person will get out of the word what they are willing to put into it.

The word of God is a two-edged sword. It must be used against the enemy. A sword in it's sheath won't do any good in an attack. The word of God is the only offense/weapon we have. The rest of the armour of God is used as defense. See Ephesians 6 from Verse 10

To find out more about why we need to read the bible read Psalm 119

Have a great read

Michelle Cozins

Session # 7 National Apostolic Conference "Esau's birthright"

Tim Jack delivered a powerful session on Esau's birthright from Gen 25:34

"This is how Esau despised his birthright"

Esau was legitimately entitled to the family birthright as first born - nevertheless he 'despised' this privilege by selling it to Jacob for a bowl of soup. Overwhelmed by his temporal & immediate physical needs he traded his future inheritance. We as Churches can fail to comprehend the awesome privileges and scope of our heavenly inheritance, by prioritizing the immediate, the trivial, or that which is only beneficial to our local needs.

• We have a personal birthright...


It is recorded of Isaac that he prayed for Rebecca, his barren wife and "the LORD heard his prayer" He stood in the place of priest and interceded for his wife, exercising the prerogatives and authority of the spiritual position given him. So to we need to stand in the spiritual authority and position we have graciously been given and exercise a priestly ministry on behalf of those who are unable to get a breakthrough for themselves. As leaders in God's house we need to understand our 'birthright' and begin to function in it.

• We have a 'Birthright' as individuals & as a movement...


Holiness - The apostolic movement is identified as a Holy people. We must all be striving for a Holy life; in word, in deed, and in thought. As leaders we must prioritize this as many are looking to us to see this modeled. Sexual immorality in the church needs to be lovingly confronted and judged according to scripture. Dishonesty & lying need to be forsaken for truth & transparency. Division must bow to unity, everything 'un' holy in our lives must be willingly forsaken, repentance and restoration applied, and a striving to embrace the life of Christ, through the empowering of Grace. It’s important that every member of the local church understands the impact of their life on the corporate community. So let’s 'get our Holy on"

Missions - The roots of the Apostolic/Pentecostal movement are unashamedly missional. It is a 'distinctive' of this movement that defines us as a people of/for God. The Welsh revival birthed missions to Australia that started the growth of ACA in this nation, in turn missionary initiatives were birthed in New Guinea, Sri Lanka, the Philippines, Indonesia, and now Laos. Countless souls have been impacted and the Kingdom advanced because the responsibility and priority of missions was held onto.

Sacrifice - Many individuals have sacrificed much to contribute to the advancement of the Kingdom through the ACA over the years. We honored Ps Harry Reer at the conference; at 91 he is still serving God and ministering to God's people. Ps Harry pioneered in the Highlands of New Guinea with his wife, building a house in the jungle with his own hands and serving the Highland natives with the Gospel of Jesus. Long and difficult was his journey - but many Highlanders came to know Christ. I wonder as leaders what is the extent and depth of OUR sacrifice for the Kingdom? The local church? your brothers & sisters around you? God is calling many of us to a new demonstration of personal sacrifice for the greater good. I think 5 minutes talking to Ps Harry about his time in the Highlands would challenge us to the core about what it really means to be a servant of God.

The Apostolic 'Pattern' is leaders functioning as servants / equippers / developers / imparters of vision, gifting, enabling to do the work of God in the world. It is the well known Eph 4 mandate - and it is all the more pertinent today for leaders & Pastors. Paul said to Timothy "All seek their own and not the things that are of Christ Jesus" We have become a self-seeking, indulgent, shallow, indolent generation of believers generally; But God is shaking & waking us up to the glorious opportunity we have to move in our 'inheritance' recapture our distinctives, and raise up a fully equipped, God enabled people to do his work in our generation; the salvation of souls.

This is our time as leaders, Pastors, workers in the local Church!


Hooah! Ps Rhett

Time to worship

Hi church as the song says 'Now is the time to worship'
Put aside our busy lives and connect to the divine; Jesus told the woman by the well God is seeking worshippers; will we answer the call.
C u in worship soon
Ps Rhett