Issue #53

A Service Network for Pastors and Ministers

DECEMBER 2011

this issueq A TIMELESS RESOLUTION | BECKY GILBERT 3

q PRAISE AND WORSHIP | PHILIP RENNER 5

q LEAVING THE VALLEY OF REGRET | MIKE CLARK 10

q IMPACT HOLLYWOOD | PHIL COOKE 13

q RESTORING LEADERSHIP | RICK RENNER 16

on thePlan &Will ofGod

impartShared Vision for Excellence in Ministry | Mentoring | Synergy in Problem-Solving www.impartnow.com

fixing gaze your

A Timeless ResolutionLooking away [from all that will distract] to Jesus, Who is the Leader and the Source of our faith [giving the first incentive for our belief] and is also its Finisher [bringing it to maturity and perfection]. He, for the joy [of obtaining the prize] that was set before Him, endured the cross, despising and ignoring the shame, and is now seated at the right hand of the throne of God. Just think of Him Who endured from sinners such grievous opposition and bitter hostility against Himself [reckon up and consider it all in comparison with your trials], so that you may not grow weary or exhausted, losing heart and relaxing and fainting in your minds.

Hebrews 12:2,3 Amplified

Each December as we celebrate Christmas and another year comes to a close, many people look with anticipation to the next 12 months and what the future holds. They

may spend some time reviewing the events of the past months and considering the mistakes they would like not to repeat in the new year! Perhaps they’re setting new goals or making resolutions they’re determined to keep.

As we cast new vision or recast old dreams that are deeply rooted in our hearts, the key to our success lies in the everyday ”how” of

December Issue2011

5 Praise and Worship (Part 2)PHILIP RENNERLeading worship requires your sensitivity to the things of God and your willingness to continue to learn, grow, and even be corrected at times. But with the right attitude toward your assignment and role, the praise and worship you lead creates an atmosphere where captives are freed and lives are forever changed.

10 Leaving the Valley of RegretMIKE CLARKWe all have things in life that we wish had worked out differently. Whether it was an ill-advised decision or a lost opportunity from days gone by, there are things in our past that serve as reminders of our inadequacies and failures. God calls each one of us to leave the Valley of Regret so that He can settle us in a new land called the present, where we can rejoice in our todays and expect the best for our tomorrows.

13 This Christmas, You Can Impact Hollywood PHIL COOKE Don’t give up on Hollywood just yet! In this article, producer and change agent Phil Cooke shares two realistic ideas based on his experiences in Hollywood and his contacts in the industry that can positively change the face of movies and television.

16 Restoring Leadership (Part 2)RICK RENNERSound doctrine — solid teaching based on the Word of God — is the only successful building block for a strong foundation in our lives as well as in our churches. God’s Word lays a secure foundation that will stand the test of time and cause growth and fruitfulness — with power!

inside this issue

© Rick Renner Ministries 2011 | Designed & Produced by Zoe Life Creative Media ZoeLifeCreative.com | design@zoelifecreative.com

walking out those dreams. So it’s important to evaluate the way we’re partnering with God to see them come to pass. How are we enduring the challenges that seem to defy our God-given dream? Are we convinced of God’s faithfulness and persuaded of things we don’t yet see? Or are we responding to those circumstances in a way that distracts us from ”obtaining our prize” and causes our focus to become misplaced.

Without maintaining a steady gaze at the promise, our progress is impeded. But our deliberate and consistent focus will daily guide our words and actions and strengthen us for the task of receiving from His hand. So regardless of the promise or dream we’ve yet to see come to pass, our resolve to ”consider Jesus” and to refuse to be distracted is appropriate anytime, even as we reach the end of an old year and prepare to begin a new one.

3IMPART MAGAZINE DECEMBER 20112 IMPART MAGAZINE NOVEMBER 2011

A Timeless ResolutionLooking away [from all that will distract] to Jesus, Who is the Leader and the Source of our faith [giving the first incentive for our belief] and is also its Finisher [bringing it to maturity and perfection]. He, for the joy [of obtaining the prize] that was set before Him, endured the cross, despising and ignoring the shame, and is now seated at the right hand of the throne of God. Just think of Him Who endured from sinners such grievous opposition and bitter hostility against Himself [reckon up and consider it all in comparison with your trials], so that you may not grow weary or exhausted, losing heart and relaxing and fainting in your minds.

Hebrews 12:2,3 Amplified

Each December as we celebrate Christmas and another year comes to a close, many people look with anticipation to the next 12 months and what the future holds. They

may spend some time reviewing the events of the past months and considering the mistakes they would like not to repeat in the new year! Perhaps they’re setting new goals or making resolutions they’re determined to keep.

As we cast new vision or recast old dreams that are deeply rooted in our hearts, the key to our success lies in the everyday ”how” of

December Issue2011

5 Praise and Worship (Part 2)PHILIP RENNERLeading worship requires your sensitivity to the things of God and your willingness to continue to learn, grow, and even be corrected at times. But with the right attitude toward your assignment and role, the praise and worship you lead creates an atmosphere where captives are freed and lives are forever changed.

10 Leaving the Valley of RegretMIKE CLARKWe all have things in life that we wish had worked out differently. Whether it was an ill-advised decision or a lost opportunity from days gone by, there are things in our past that serve as reminders of our inadequacies and failures. God calls each one of us to leave the Valley of Regret so that He can settle us in a new land called the present, where we can rejoice in our todays and expect the best for our tomorrows.

13 This Christmas, You Can Impact Hollywood PHIL COOKE Don’t give up on Hollywood just yet! In this article, producer and change agent Phil Cooke shares two realistic ideas based on his experiences in Hollywood and his contacts in the industry that can positively change the face of movies and television.

16 Restoring Leadership (Part 2)RICK RENNERSound doctrine — solid teaching based on the Word of God — is the only successful building block for a strong foundation in our lives as well as in our churches. God’s Word lays a secure foundation that will stand the test of time and cause growth and fruitfulness — with power!

inside this issue

© Rick Renner Ministries 2011 | Designed & Produced by Zoe Life Creative Media ZoeLifeCreative.com | design@zoelifecreative.com

walking out those dreams. So it’s important to evaluate the way we’re partnering with God to see them come to pass. How are we enduring the challenges that seem to defy our God-given dream? Are we convinced of God’s faithfulness and persuaded of things we don’t yet see? Or are we responding to those circumstances in a way that distracts us from ”obtaining our prize” and causes our focus to become misplaced.

Without maintaining a steady gaze at the promise, our progress is impeded. But our deliberate and consistent focus will daily guide our words and actions and strengthen us for the task of receiving from His hand. So regardless of the promise or dream we’ve yet to see come to pass, our resolve to ”consider Jesus” and to refuse to be distracted is appropriate anytime, even as we reach the end of an old year and prepare to begin a new one.

3IMPART MAGAZINE DECEMBER 20112 IMPART MAGAZINE NOVEMBER 2011

This month, IMPART is pleased to present four articles that will assist you as you maintain a fixed gaze on the will and plan of God. In his second article of a two-part series, Philip Renner discusses how to lead worship with integrity and excellence by maintaining a personal awareness of God’s presence and preparing for ministry accordingly. Philip, a gifted musician and songwriter, is the youth pastor of the Moscow Good News Church, where he also leads worship for the youth and for one of the many services held each week in the church’s main auditorium. His CD ”Reach” is an anointed collection of music and lyrics that he wrote and shares with audiences in Russia and the U.S., where he travels and ministers to youth and youth leaders.

In this month’s article ”Leaving the Valley of Regret,” Mike Clark encourages readers to keep a steady gaze not only on the future,

but on the One who holds the future and faithfully preserves our

divine destinies as we ”look unto

Jesus” (Hebrews 12:2). And in his article, ”This Christmas, You Can Impact Hollywood!” producer and change agent Phil Cooke gives us sound rationale for why the Christian community shouldn’t give up on Hollywood. Phil provides practical steps believers can implement today to actually change the movie and television industries, and one of those steps is as simple as spending our entertainment dollar wisely, in a way that is consistent with our values.

Lastly, Rick Renner brings a refreshing last word in his article ”The Role of Doctrine in Building and Restoring Leadership — Part 2.” Even the most profound miracles and spiritual experiences cannot outweigh in might the

power of God’s unchanging Word. When those in leadership are grounded in the Bible’s timeless truths and bear fruit accordingly, they are in the right position to effectively support the pastor, mentor future leadership, and strengthen the church overall.

God’s highest and best in the new year!

Becky GilbertEditor, IMPART

”As we cast new vision or recast old dreams ... the key

to our success lies in the everyday ”how” of walking out

those dreams.”

In Part One of this article, I shared about the value as a worship leader of maintaining a steadfast walk with God personally, of understanding the role of praise and worship, and of valuing his or her unique assignment as a worship leader or music minister.

Praise and worship is a supernatural experience; it’s not entertainment or even art. And to assist others in that experience — to create an atmosphere where the Spirit of God can move among the people and do a work in their hearts — requires diligence and commitment, not just ”showing up” each week to minister! In other words, leading worship is something you do on purpose and with purpose.

This month, I’m sharing more ”do’s and don’ts” principles of leadership in the area of music ministry that I pray will enrich you and the people you lead and minister to in worship.

1. In your prayer time, ask God what He wants to say during the worship.

When choosing songs, resist the temptation to select songs just based on their sound — whether they’re energetic or mellow. Instead, ask God to give you a vision for what He wants to do in the worship service. Write it down and prepare for it just as seriously as you would if you were preaching the sermon. Lead every worship service as if it’s the greatest opportunity of your life!

Similar to preaching or teaching a message, there’s so much more to leading worship than just standing on the platform leading the congregation and a team of musicians. One thing I continually remind myself of as a worship leader is that I’m first singing to Jesus Christ, not to people. So as I prepare and practice, I do that ”behind-the-scenes” part of it unto the Lord as well (see Colossians 3:23).

2. Use the Scriptures during worship.

The Bible is the foundation of our faith and should therefore not be neglected during worship. One great way to use the Scripture is at the beginning of the praise and worship segment to bring a word of encouragement to people. In doing this, you’re directing people’s attention to God and His Word. Their minds may be burdened and full of anxiety and care, but as they begin to look at Jesus, their focus is changed, and it’s easier to lead them into the presence of God in worship.

PHILIP RENNER | LIFE AND WORSHIP

Part 2

of

Praise and Worship

Do’sDon’ts &

4 IMPART MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2011 5

This month, IMPART is pleased to present four articles that will assist you as you maintain a fixed gaze on the will and plan of God. In his second article of a two-part series, Philip Renner discusses how to lead worship with integrity and excellence by maintaining a personal awareness of God’s presence and preparing for ministry accordingly. Philip, a gifted musician and songwriter, is the youth pastor of the Moscow Good News Church, where he also leads worship for the youth and for one of the many services held each week in the church’s main auditorium. His CD ”Reach” is an anointed collection of music and lyrics that he wrote and shares with audiences in Russia and the U.S., where he travels and ministers to youth and youth leaders.

In this month’s article ”Leaving the Valley of Regret,” Mike Clark encourages readers to keep a steady gaze not only on the future,

but on the One who holds the future and faithfully preserves our

divine destinies as we ”look unto

Jesus” (Hebrews 12:2). And in his article, ”This Christmas, You Can Impact Hollywood!” producer and change agent Phil Cooke gives us sound rationale for why the Christian community shouldn’t give up on Hollywood. Phil provides practical steps believers can implement today to actually change the movie and television industries, and one of those steps is as simple as spending our entertainment dollar wisely, in a way that is consistent with our values.

Lastly, Rick Renner brings a refreshing last word in his article ”The Role of Doctrine in Building and Restoring Leadership — Part 2.” Even the most profound miracles and spiritual experiences cannot outweigh in might the

power of God’s unchanging Word. When those in leadership are grounded in the Bible’s timeless truths and bear fruit accordingly, they are in the right position to effectively support the pastor, mentor future leadership, and strengthen the church overall.

God’s highest and best in the new year!

Becky GilbertEditor, IMPART

”As we cast new vision or recast old dreams ... the key

to our success lies in the everyday ”how” of walking out

those dreams.”

In Part One of this article, I shared about the value as a worship leader of maintaining a steadfast walk with God personally, of understanding the role of praise and worship, and of valuing his or her unique assignment as a worship leader or music minister.

Praise and worship is a supernatural experience; it’s not entertainment or even art. And to assist others in that experience — to create an atmosphere where the Spirit of God can move among the people and do a work in their hearts — requires diligence and commitment, not just ”showing up” each week to minister! In other words, leading worship is something you do on purpose and with purpose.

This month, I’m sharing more ”do’s and don’ts” principles of leadership in the area of music ministry that I pray will enrich you and the people you lead and minister to in worship.

1. In your prayer time, ask God what He wants to say during the worship.

When choosing songs, resist the temptation to select songs just based on their sound — whether they’re energetic or mellow. Instead, ask God to give you a vision for what He wants to do in the worship service. Write it down and prepare for it just as seriously as you would if you were preaching the sermon. Lead every worship service as if it’s the greatest opportunity of your life!

Similar to preaching or teaching a message, there’s so much more to leading worship than just standing on the platform leading the congregation and a team of musicians. One thing I continually remind myself of as a worship leader is that I’m first singing to Jesus Christ, not to people. So as I prepare and practice, I do that ”behind-the-scenes” part of it unto the Lord as well (see Colossians 3:23).

2. Use the Scriptures during worship.

The Bible is the foundation of our faith and should therefore not be neglected during worship. One great way to use the Scripture is at the beginning of the praise and worship segment to bring a word of encouragement to people. In doing this, you’re directing people’s attention to God and His Word. Their minds may be burdened and full of anxiety and care, but as they begin to look at Jesus, their focus is changed, and it’s easier to lead them into the presence of God in worship.

PHILIP RENNER | LIFE AND WORSHIP

Part 2

of

Praise and Worship

Do’sDon’ts &

4 IMPART MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2011 5

”Our assignment as worship leaders is to assist others in

this experience ...

... and to fulfill that assignment and calling with

excellence.”

songs. Therefore, the melody should be easy to sing — easy enough for everyone to participate in, not just those with an ear for music.

Even secular songs that hit the top of the charts are usually those that have an easy melody and are easy to sing. One simple rule is that if it takes the worship team an entire week to learn the words and music to a new song, the people in the congregation probably won’t pick it up in three to five minutes! Simply put, praise and worship should be sweet and simple. In this sense, ”less is more.” And think about it: Songs with few words that are easy to sing can live for generations. So having easy melodies with as few words as possible should be what we strive for as we choose and write our worship music.

One ingredient found in songs that are easy to sing is a key that’s appropriate for a majority of the congregation — not too high or too low. As a worship leader, I don’t choose the key for myself — instead, I choose it for the people I’ll be ministering to and leading into worship and also for the back-vocals section of the band or choir.

A worship leader obviously must possess vocal talent, yet as he or she leads worship, it’s not about impressing the congregation with that talent. In fact, if the worship leader is the only person who can sing the songs at the right tempo and key, what was intended as a ministry to lead others into God’s presence becomes nothing more than a concert!

5. Honor the Holy Spirit and the pastor.

The worship leader has a lot on his plate. He must follow what God wants to do, honor the leadership of the pastor,

and lead the musicians as well as the congregation in worship. There have been times when I’ve concentrated so completely on God that I actually missed out fulfilling all of my responsibilities as a leader. I’m a creative person, so sometimes I’m in the clouds! I lead worship in the youth services in our church as well as in one of the adult services in which my dad ministers. Once, I was leading worship for my dad, and I had my eyes closed — just worshipping God — while Dad waited about ten minutes for me to ”wake up” so he could take the pulpit and preach!

As I said in Part One of this article, a worship leader must have a well-developed personal life of worship. However, when he’s leading worship, he must constantly be aware of what’s happening around him. That means he should never close his eyes for long periods of time in public worship. It’s possible to get so caught up in worshiping God that you become unaware of your surroundings and miss your cues from the pastor and others who are involved in the service.

When my dad had to wait on me for such a long time before he could take the pulpit, it wasn’t that my heart wasn’t right. I was sincerely worshiping God, but I wasn’t thinking about the worship I had been called on to lead. I was in my own world, so to speak, until Dad finally walked over, put his arms around me and whispered, ”I’ve been waiting about ten minutes. Are you going to let me preach today?” I knew I had made a mistake, but being the wonderful father he is, Dad smoothed it all out by thanking me for leading worship and for my heart of worship before God.

I have a great father, who taught me how to honor the Holy Spirit as well as the pastor. The Bible teaches that

we are to honor those who are in authority over us (see Hebrews 13:17). So if Dad — or any pastor I’m leading worship for — tells me not to sing a specific song, I won’t sing it, even if I like the song and want to sing it. I choose to submit to the authority given to the man or woman of God in charge of the service.

Unfortunately, churches often split because the pastor and the worship leader see things so differently. For example, a worship leader might think a particular song is anointed, but the pastor doesn’t like the song. Maybe the song is too hard to sing or it doesn’t follow the direction for the service — or for the church — that the pastor desires. Yes, the song may be anointed, but if the worship leader goes against the wishes of the pastor and sings it anyway, it will no longer be anointed because it is sung in an act of rebellion.

One of the issues that all musicians must deal with is pride. Satan, a God-gifted musician himself, was kicked out of Heaven because he thought he could be greater than God. The root of sin is pride. And the attitude that says, I know better than you is rebellion. The Bible is crystal clear when it comes to this subject. We are to humble ourselves before God, and in due to time, He will lift us up (see James 4:10). If we stick with the way God has set up the principle of submission and authority, we will always end up on the top. We must honor God, and we must honor our pastor and the authority figures in our lives. This kind of attitude positions us for favor and promotion. As we humble ourselves under God — and under the authority figures in our lives — He will lift us up.

You can use the Bible to amplify the point or message of the song. Reading from God’s Word brings unity to the worship portion of the service. Even if people don’t know the particular song you’re singing, they can always relate to and connect with the Word of God.

3. Lead the people in worship.

When people come to church, they have a lot of things on their minds: paying bills, obtaining their basic needs, mending relationships, etc. For many, worshiping God is the furthest thing from their mind. The job of a worship leader is to exhort and encourage people to turn their attention toward God where it needs to be — to bring honor to Him to whom honor is due and to prepare the way for Him to move in and on the behalf of people as He desires.

It’s okay to give direct, simple suggestions, such as, ”Let’s raise our hands,” or, ”Let’s close our eyes and concentrate on Christ and His cross,” or, ”Let’s sing in other tongues.” No matter how great the worship is, people will not always do all of these things automatically. They need to be led.

4. Choose songs that are easy to sing.

Loud music, guitar riffs, and creative arrangements can be great, but if the music is too loud or there’s been too much arrangement that you can no longer focus on the words, the song becomes distracting. You simply can’t lead people into the presence of God if they can’t sing the

6 IMPART MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2011 7IMPART MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2011

”Our assignment as worship leaders is to assist others in

this experience ...

... and to fulfill that assignment and calling with

excellence.”

songs. Therefore, the melody should be easy to sing — easy enough for everyone to participate in, not just those with an ear for music.

Even secular songs that hit the top of the charts are usually those that have an easy melody and are easy to sing. One simple rule is that if it takes the worship team an entire week to learn the words and music to a new song, the people in the congregation probably won’t pick it up in three to five minutes! Simply put, praise and worship should be sweet and simple. In this sense, ”less is more.” And think about it: Songs with few words that are easy to sing can live for generations. So having easy melodies with as few words as possible should be what we strive for as we choose and write our worship music.

One ingredient found in songs that are easy to sing is a key that’s appropriate for a majority of the congregation — not too high or too low. As a worship leader, I don’t choose the key for myself — instead, I choose it for the people I’ll be ministering to and leading into worship and also for the back-vocals section of the band or choir.

A worship leader obviously must possess vocal talent, yet as he or she leads worship, it’s not about impressing the congregation with that talent. In fact, if the worship leader is the only person who can sing the songs at the right tempo and key, what was intended as a ministry to lead others into God’s presence becomes nothing more than a concert!

5. Honor the Holy Spirit and the pastor.

The worship leader has a lot on his plate. He must follow what God wants to do, honor the leadership of the pastor,

and lead the musicians as well as the congregation in worship. There have been times when I’ve concentrated so completely on God that I actually missed out fulfilling all of my responsibilities as a leader. I’m a creative person, so sometimes I’m in the clouds! I lead worship in the youth services in our church as well as in one of the adult services in which my dad ministers. Once, I was leading worship for my dad, and I had my eyes closed — just worshipping God — while Dad waited about ten minutes for me to ”wake up” so he could take the pulpit and preach!

As I said in Part One of this article, a worship leader must have a well-developed personal life of worship. However, when he’s leading worship, he must constantly be aware of what’s happening around him. That means he should never close his eyes for long periods of time in public worship. It’s possible to get so caught up in worshiping God that you become unaware of your surroundings and miss your cues from the pastor and others who are involved in the service.

When my dad had to wait on me for such a long time before he could take the pulpit, it wasn’t that my heart wasn’t right. I was sincerely worshiping God, but I wasn’t thinking about the worship I had been called on to lead. I was in my own world, so to speak, until Dad finally walked over, put his arms around me and whispered, ”I’ve been waiting about ten minutes. Are you going to let me preach today?” I knew I had made a mistake, but being the wonderful father he is, Dad smoothed it all out by thanking me for leading worship and for my heart of worship before God.

I have a great father, who taught me how to honor the Holy Spirit as well as the pastor. The Bible teaches that

we are to honor those who are in authority over us (see Hebrews 13:17). So if Dad — or any pastor I’m leading worship for — tells me not to sing a specific song, I won’t sing it, even if I like the song and want to sing it. I choose to submit to the authority given to the man or woman of God in charge of the service.

Unfortunately, churches often split because the pastor and the worship leader see things so differently. For example, a worship leader might think a particular song is anointed, but the pastor doesn’t like the song. Maybe the song is too hard to sing or it doesn’t follow the direction for the service — or for the church — that the pastor desires. Yes, the song may be anointed, but if the worship leader goes against the wishes of the pastor and sings it anyway, it will no longer be anointed because it is sung in an act of rebellion.

One of the issues that all musicians must deal with is pride. Satan, a God-gifted musician himself, was kicked out of Heaven because he thought he could be greater than God. The root of sin is pride. And the attitude that says, I know better than you is rebellion. The Bible is crystal clear when it comes to this subject. We are to humble ourselves before God, and in due to time, He will lift us up (see James 4:10). If we stick with the way God has set up the principle of submission and authority, we will always end up on the top. We must honor God, and we must honor our pastor and the authority figures in our lives. This kind of attitude positions us for favor and promotion. As we humble ourselves under God — and under the authority figures in our lives — He will lift us up.

You can use the Bible to amplify the point or message of the song. Reading from God’s Word brings unity to the worship portion of the service. Even if people don’t know the particular song you’re singing, they can always relate to and connect with the Word of God.

3. Lead the people in worship.

When people come to church, they have a lot of things on their minds: paying bills, obtaining their basic needs, mending relationships, etc. For many, worshiping God is the furthest thing from their mind. The job of a worship leader is to exhort and encourage people to turn their attention toward God where it needs to be — to bring honor to Him to whom honor is due and to prepare the way for Him to move in and on the behalf of people as He desires.

It’s okay to give direct, simple suggestions, such as, ”Let’s raise our hands,” or, ”Let’s close our eyes and concentrate on Christ and His cross,” or, ”Let’s sing in other tongues.” No matter how great the worship is, people will not always do all of these things automatically. They need to be led.

4. Choose songs that are easy to sing.

Loud music, guitar riffs, and creative arrangements can be great, but if the music is too loud or there’s been too much arrangement that you can no longer focus on the words, the song becomes distracting. You simply can’t lead people into the presence of God if they can’t sing the

6 IMPART MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2011 7IMPART MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2011

Worship leader, award-winning recording artist, songwriter, and producer, Philip Renner became involved full time in worship

ministry at the age of 15. But when a groundbreaking win in a prestigious Russian music contest brought him before an international audience with the offer of a lucrative recording contract, Philip suddenly came face-to-face with his own heart motives for doing music. Philip looked inward, then upward in a way he never had before. At that time, both his life and his music were transformed. Today, alongside his wife Ella, Philip serves as youth minister for the Moscow Good News Church, founded and pastored by his parents Rick and Denise Renner. Together Philip and Ella are passionate about seeing people connect with their purpose in Christ and developing a real relationship with God. They travel abroad internationally to minister to audiences of all ages with a special emphasis on preaching and music. The couple resides in Moscow, Russia, with their young daughter Emilia.

failed to grow, someone else took that position (see 1 Corinthians 10:12).

No one is irreplaceable. It doesn’t matter how good we think we are at something, if our hearts are wrong and we’re not willing to develop our gifts and callings, God can find someone else to take our place.

I encourage you to continually develop yourself as a worship leader by reading books and studying other types of materials about worship and leadership. Attend as many conferences as you can. If you’re not already proficient at playing a musical instrument, consider learning to play one so that you’re not entirely dependent on other musicians.

Also, stay in the Word of God and maintain your personal passion for God. Remember, if you invest in your gift, it will grow, and God will able to use you and promote you to experience all He has called you to do.

8. Don’t shun advice or criticism from your team.

Team-building is extremely important in praise and worship. As leaders, we need to value the opinion of every person on the team. Members of the worship team need to know that their opinion means something to the leader. The Bible says that where there are many advisors, victory is sure (see Proverbs 11:14).

I challenge leaders to view every team member as an advisor in some way. Everyone can contribute something. Big decisions are still up to the leader, but a little extra advice never hurts. A leader who makes every decision on his own, never asking for a second opinion, is a weak leader.

By asking the team’s opinion in a matter, you build trust and devotion among your team. You can also see who has potential to lead when you’re away or when God moves you to another position.

A majority vote never rules: In the end, God will hold the leader, not the whole team, responsible for a job well done or poorly done. It’s a great privilege to be a leader, but there are also many responsibilities, and a leader needs a team to help him faithfully carry out those responsibilities. So how a leader fulfills his leadership role is important — but equally important is how well that leader builds and utilizes the team that surrounds him.

9. Don’t forget the ministry of the Holy Spirit in praise and worship.

God has assigned you as a worship leader to be His instrument to bring Heaven’s music to the people and to bring the people before His presence in worship. And in that role, it’s important to be sensitive to the Holy Spirit so that He can flow freely during praise and worship.

In fact, the gifts of the Spirit (1 Corinthians 12:7-11) should be able to freely operate during praise and worship as God sees fit. People should get saved, healed, delivered from addictions and oppression, strengthened, and encouraged in their faith. I encourage you to pray for these gifts to operate as you lead worship.

God is no respecter of persons (Acts 10:34), and since God’s glory can fall during the teaching and preaching of His Word, that same glory can fall — and God can saturate the people with His presence — as you exalt and proclaim His Word during worship. So pray and seek to be yielded as an instrument to usher in His presence in your worship. God’s glory can and will be manifested if we keep our hearts pure and our spiritual ears open to hear what He wants to do in every service.

This is true in the present as it was in the Old Testament. When Solomon dedicated the temple, as the musicians played, the glory of God filled the temple (2 Chronicles 5:13,14). The worship was so strong when the temple was dedicated that the priests (in our day, we might say pastors and elders) fell down under God’s power. God is the same yesterday, today, and forever (see Hebrews 13:8). What He did then, under the Old Covenant, He can do today in your church as well as in your life, your family, your city or community, and even in a nation.

This is the message we must all get hold of as worship leaders: If we depend solely on our music, it won’t be enough. If we’re looking to the music, we’ll barely go ”ankle deep” in our worship of God and our experiencing His glory. But if we’ll look to God, we’ll go in over our heads! (See Ezekiel 47:3-5.) Our very lives are dependent on the Lord, and enough of Him is never enough! We were created to fellowship with Him, and one of the ways we do that is through our worship. Our assignment as worship leaders is to assist others in this experience and to fulfill that assignment and calling with excellence.

6. Don’t allow obstacles to remain.There are many obstacles that can hinder our

progress, but the biggest one we must deal with is sin.

Sin is a blockade Satan uses to try to get you off-track and keep you from reaching your God-given destiny. As a worship leader, if you’re practicing wrongdoing, your praise and worship will not be as anointed as it should be, you will not be able to hear God’s voice clearly, and you simply won’t be able to lead others in worship in the best way possible.

Sin can bring feelings of condemnation and can prevent you from experiencing the love God has for you. Don’t allow the enemy to condemn you! Receive correction from the Holy Spirit, have a penitent heart, and push forward. Guard your heart (Proverbs 4:23). Give it completely to Jesus. Read your Bible, pray continually, and make God your top priority — you will never go wrong if you do these things! God will protect you and guide you through every obstacle and difficulty, including the temptation to sin or the guilt and condemnation that comes from sin.

7. Don’t stop developing.

Practice makes perfect. As praise-and-worship leaders, we must thoroughly know every song we’re going to sing in a service. We must know the order of each service and even practice leading at home. Also, we must continually develop ourselves vocally and musically.

I encourage music leaders to always continue learning. The moment we think we know it all is the moment someone else will pass us by and walk through the door of opportunity that we were waiting for. Because we refused or simply

If we depend solely on our music, it

won’t be enough.

We were created to fellowship with Him,

and one of the ways we do that

is through our worship.

8 IMPART MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2011 9IMPART MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2011

Worship leader, award-winning recording artist, songwriter, and producer, Philip Renner became involved full time in worship

ministry at the age of 15. But when a groundbreaking win in a prestigious Russian music contest brought him before an international audience with the offer of a lucrative recording contract, Philip suddenly came face-to-face with his own heart motives for doing music. Philip looked inward, then upward in a way he never had before. At that time, both his life and his music were transformed. Today, alongside his wife Ella, Philip serves as youth minister for the Moscow Good News Church, founded and pastored by his parents Rick and Denise Renner. Together Philip and Ella are passionate about seeing people connect with their purpose in Christ and developing a real relationship with God. They travel abroad internationally to minister to audiences of all ages with a special emphasis on preaching and music. The couple resides in Moscow, Russia, with their young daughter Emilia.

failed to grow, someone else took that position (see 1 Corinthians 10:12).

No one is irreplaceable. It doesn’t matter how good we think we are at something, if our hearts are wrong and we’re not willing to develop our gifts and callings, God can find someone else to take our place.

I encourage you to continually develop yourself as a worship leader by reading books and studying other types of materials about worship and leadership. Attend as many conferences as you can. If you’re not already proficient at playing a musical instrument, consider learning to play one so that you’re not entirely dependent on other musicians.

Also, stay in the Word of God and maintain your personal passion for God. Remember, if you invest in your gift, it will grow, and God will able to use you and promote you to experience all He has called you to do.

8. Don’t shun advice or criticism from your team.

Team-building is extremely important in praise and worship. As leaders, we need to value the opinion of every person on the team. Members of the worship team need to know that their opinion means something to the leader. The Bible says that where there are many advisors, victory is sure (see Proverbs 11:14).

I challenge leaders to view every team member as an advisor in some way. Everyone can contribute something. Big decisions are still up to the leader, but a little extra advice never hurts. A leader who makes every decision on his own, never asking for a second opinion, is a weak leader.

By asking the team’s opinion in a matter, you build trust and devotion among your team. You can also see who has potential to lead when you’re away or when God moves you to another position.

A majority vote never rules: In the end, God will hold the leader, not the whole team, responsible for a job well done or poorly done. It’s a great privilege to be a leader, but there are also many responsibilities, and a leader needs a team to help him faithfully carry out those responsibilities. So how a leader fulfills his leadership role is important — but equally important is how well that leader builds and utilizes the team that surrounds him.

9. Don’t forget the ministry of the Holy Spirit in praise and worship.

God has assigned you as a worship leader to be His instrument to bring Heaven’s music to the people and to bring the people before His presence in worship. And in that role, it’s important to be sensitive to the Holy Spirit so that He can flow freely during praise and worship.

In fact, the gifts of the Spirit (1 Corinthians 12:7-11) should be able to freely operate during praise and worship as God sees fit. People should get saved, healed, delivered from addictions and oppression, strengthened, and encouraged in their faith. I encourage you to pray for these gifts to operate as you lead worship.

God is no respecter of persons (Acts 10:34), and since God’s glory can fall during the teaching and preaching of His Word, that same glory can fall — and God can saturate the people with His presence — as you exalt and proclaim His Word during worship. So pray and seek to be yielded as an instrument to usher in His presence in your worship. God’s glory can and will be manifested if we keep our hearts pure and our spiritual ears open to hear what He wants to do in every service.

This is true in the present as it was in the Old Testament. When Solomon dedicated the temple, as the musicians played, the glory of God filled the temple (2 Chronicles 5:13,14). The worship was so strong when the temple was dedicated that the priests (in our day, we might say pastors and elders) fell down under God’s power. God is the same yesterday, today, and forever (see Hebrews 13:8). What He did then, under the Old Covenant, He can do today in your church as well as in your life, your family, your city or community, and even in a nation.

This is the message we must all get hold of as worship leaders: If we depend solely on our music, it won’t be enough. If we’re looking to the music, we’ll barely go ”ankle deep” in our worship of God and our experiencing His glory. But if we’ll look to God, we’ll go in over our heads! (See Ezekiel 47:3-5.) Our very lives are dependent on the Lord, and enough of Him is never enough! We were created to fellowship with Him, and one of the ways we do that is through our worship. Our assignment as worship leaders is to assist others in this experience and to fulfill that assignment and calling with excellence.

6. Don’t allow obstacles to remain.There are many obstacles that can hinder our

progress, but the biggest one we must deal with is sin.

Sin is a blockade Satan uses to try to get you off-track and keep you from reaching your God-given destiny. As a worship leader, if you’re practicing wrongdoing, your praise and worship will not be as anointed as it should be, you will not be able to hear God’s voice clearly, and you simply won’t be able to lead others in worship in the best way possible.

Sin can bring feelings of condemnation and can prevent you from experiencing the love God has for you. Don’t allow the enemy to condemn you! Receive correction from the Holy Spirit, have a penitent heart, and push forward. Guard your heart (Proverbs 4:23). Give it completely to Jesus. Read your Bible, pray continually, and make God your top priority — you will never go wrong if you do these things! God will protect you and guide you through every obstacle and difficulty, including the temptation to sin or the guilt and condemnation that comes from sin.

7. Don’t stop developing.

Practice makes perfect. As praise-and-worship leaders, we must thoroughly know every song we’re going to sing in a service. We must know the order of each service and even practice leading at home. Also, we must continually develop ourselves vocally and musically.

I encourage music leaders to always continue learning. The moment we think we know it all is the moment someone else will pass us by and walk through the door of opportunity that we were waiting for. Because we refused or simply

If we depend solely on our music, it

won’t be enough.

We were created to fellowship with Him,

and one of the ways we do that

is through our worship.

8 IMPART MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2011 9IMPART MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2011

wishes could be different. By definition, regret denotes mental anguish over past events — events that cannot be changed. We all have plenty of events from our pasts that we wish had turned out differently. I can look back through the years and ask myself, ”What if” or think, ”If only I had…” about so many different instances. But doing that does nothing to change what happened, where I am now, or, most importantly, where I’m headed. If I allow myself to be lured into these mind games by Satan, my life becomes defined and dictated by my past. My decisions become directly

We all have things in life that we wish had worked out differently. Whether it was an ill-advised decision or a lost

opportunity from days gone by, there are things in our past that serve as reminders of our inadequacies and failures. When we look upon these events and learn from them, they become building blocks toward a more successful future.

MIKE CLARK | GEMS FOR MINISTERS

discouragement and despair fill the air — and condemnation lurks in a haze that can be seen in every direction. One cannot see very far in the Valley of Regret, as this haze obstructs his view. And the broken dreams that are strewn about draw his focus away from things in the distance and from hope for his future.

The Valley of Regret is home to the mental mazes of, ”What if” and, ”If only I had…” — places that lure the mind into endless twists and turns that bring no peace.

Mike Clark has been an associate of RENNER Ministries for more than eight years and currently oversees all of the technical operations of the ministry. He is

a 1997 RHEMA Bible Training Center graduate who has served in various capacities in the local church and ministered the Gospel in different venues for more than two decades. Mike resides in Tulsa, Oklahoma. He and his beautiful wife Rebecca have four children.

Unfortunately, too often we allow these events to become beacons for disappointment, discouragement, and regret. The mistakes we’ve made will indeed define us, but they can become defining moments from which we gain wisdom and grow — or they can become anchors from the past that weigh us down as we attempt to rise above our past failings and press toward a brighter future.

Alexander Graham Bell once said, ”When one door closes, another door opens. But we so often look so long and so regretfully upon the closed door that we do not see the ones which open for us.” Mr. Bell captured the essence of what many people become entrapped by: living in the ”Valley of Regret.”

The Valley of Regret is littered with the broken dreams and shattered lives of those who have lived life less than perfect and then failed to navigate successfully past the point of their mistakes. In this valley,

Leaving the Valley of Regret

”Our call is in our future, whether it’s tomorrow or ten years from now. You will not find the call of God in your past, nor will you ever fulfill it by dwelling there.”

Have You Visited the Valley of Regret? Do You Live There Now?

Regret is often defined as a feeling of disappointment or distress about something that one

10 IMPART MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2011 11IMPART MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2011

wishes could be different. By definition, regret denotes mental anguish over past events — events that cannot be changed. We all have plenty of events from our pasts that we wish had turned out differently. I can look back through the years and ask myself, ”What if” or think, ”If only I had…” about so many different instances. But doing that does nothing to change what happened, where I am now, or, most importantly, where I’m headed. If I allow myself to be lured into these mind games by Satan, my life becomes defined and dictated by my past. My decisions become directly

We all have things in life that we wish had worked out differently. Whether it was an ill-advised decision or a lost

opportunity from days gone by, there are things in our past that serve as reminders of our inadequacies and failures. When we look upon these events and learn from them, they become building blocks toward a more successful future.

MIKE CLARK | GEMS FOR MINISTERS

discouragement and despair fill the air — and condemnation lurks in a haze that can be seen in every direction. One cannot see very far in the Valley of Regret, as this haze obstructs his view. And the broken dreams that are strewn about draw his focus away from things in the distance and from hope for his future.

The Valley of Regret is home to the mental mazes of, ”What if” and, ”If only I had…” — places that lure the mind into endless twists and turns that bring no peace.

Mike Clark has been an associate of RENNER Ministries for more than eight years and currently oversees all of the technical operations of the ministry. He is

a 1997 RHEMA Bible Training Center graduate who has served in various capacities in the local church and ministered the Gospel in different venues for more than two decades. Mike resides in Tulsa, Oklahoma. He and his beautiful wife Rebecca have four children.

Unfortunately, too often we allow these events to become beacons for disappointment, discouragement, and regret. The mistakes we’ve made will indeed define us, but they can become defining moments from which we gain wisdom and grow — or they can become anchors from the past that weigh us down as we attempt to rise above our past failings and press toward a brighter future.

Alexander Graham Bell once said, ”When one door closes, another door opens. But we so often look so long and so regretfully upon the closed door that we do not see the ones which open for us.” Mr. Bell captured the essence of what many people become entrapped by: living in the ”Valley of Regret.”

The Valley of Regret is littered with the broken dreams and shattered lives of those who have lived life less than perfect and then failed to navigate successfully past the point of their mistakes. In this valley,

Leaving the Valley of Regret

”Our call is in our future, whether it’s tomorrow or ten years from now. You will not find the call of God in your past, nor will you ever fulfill it by dwelling there.”

Have You Visited the Valley of Regret? Do You Live There Now?

Regret is often defined as a feeling of disappointment or distress about something that one

10 IMPART MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2011 11IMPART MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2011

influenced by what has happened previously instead of by how and where God desires to lead me now.

Bell said, ”…We so often look so long and so regretfully upon the closed door that we do not see the ones which open for us.” No matter what our past, in our present circumstances, it is intended by God that we: Learn from our past.

Press on toward His call for our lives.

Our call is in our future, whether it’s tomorrow or ten years from now. You will not find the call of God in your past, nor will you ever fulfill it by dwelling there.

In Jeremiah 29:11 (NKJV), God makes it very clear where our focus should be, because it is where His focus is: ”For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.” His thoughts toward us are to give us a future and a hope!

Unfulfilled Dreams — The Breeding Ground of Regret

Hope can be defined as a favorable and confident expectation. Hope can also be viewed as the opposite of regret. Whereas regret laments the loss of desired results, hope is a favorable and confident expectation that the desired results in a situation will ultimately occur! Unfulfilled dreams are the breeding ground of regret, but dreams that have a God-given promise of success are the essence of hope!

What promises do you have from the Word of God? What dream has He placed in your heart to fulfill? The keys to fulfilling that dream are found in seeking God and following His leading, not revisiting your past failures. Let God teach you from those failures and then instruct you in how to overcome them as you press toward what He has asked you to fulfill.

Satan will do his best to lead you back down into the Valley of Regret, to squelch the dreams and callings that have been placed in your heart. If you haven’t already done so, repent of those old mistakes and move forward with God out of the valley and on to the higher ground that He has ordained for you to take. What God has forgiven is forgotten by Him, as He desires that you move forward. If Satan continues to bring up those failures (and he will as often as he can get away with it), remind him that you have repented of those actions, that you’ve been forgiven by God, and that they are no longer a point of contention for you. Remind him of the promise you have from Romans 8:28 (NKJV), and let him know that you know those past events aren’t the end of you or your call.

And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.

The events from the past can be used by God to work something for your good as you seek to fulfill His purpose. Right now, you may not see or understand how, but you have a promise that you can place your hope in — your confident expectation. You can allow those past failures to become only testimonies to the grace of God, not monuments to your shortcomings. Then you can focus on the open doors that God brings before you — and step through them into the plan and purpose He has ordained for you.

Refuse To Look BackThe Valley of Regret doesn’t have to be

anything more than a place you’ve visited before and decided that from now on, you’ll take an alternate route. Decide today to travel the path that God has laid out for you, and leave the Valley of Regret where it belongs — in your rear-view mirror.

This Christmas, You Can Impact Hollywood!

At Christmas, major big-budget movies flood the theaters, and the television networks are filled with new programs and seasonal specials. Sometimes the entertainment choices are positive,

but most often, it’s easy to get frustrated with

Phil Cooke is a producer in Hollywood and author of Jolt: Get the Jump on a World That’s Constantly

Changing and Branding Faith: Why Some Churches and Non-Profits Impact the Culture and Others Don’t. Find out more at philcooke.com.

Phil Cooke | CULTURAL COUNTERFORCE

the moral values, vulgarity, and crude elements of many television programs and films.

That’s why I’d like to share with you two important secrets that can actually change the entertainment you see on television and in movie theaters.

1. Start Voting at the Box OfficeThe bottom line is that Hollywood is a business, and they are in business to

make money. Movie studio executives rarely pay attention to criticism, protests, or boycotts, but they pay really close attention to box office results. That’s why the most powerful weapon we have to demand good entertainment is the choices we make at the box office.

If you like a movie, buy a ticket. If you don’t, stay at home. It’s as simple as that. Today there are millions of Christians in America, and if we knew how much power we could wield just by supporting movies with positive morals and values, we could change Hollywood — literally. After all, when Christians turned out en masse to see Mel Gibson’s ”The Passion of the Christ,” Hollywood noticed. As a result, many studios now have ”faith-based” divisions, focused on creating movies for people who take their faith seriously.

The only problem is, Christians don’t support good movies nearly enough. So start a movie club in your church. Go as a group. Discuss good movies and buy tickets for those movies that respect your values. Spread the word to other Christians and, before long, we’ll have a movement that can literally transform an industry.

12 IMPART MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2011 13IMPART MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2011

influenced by what has happened previously instead of by how and where God desires to lead me now.

Bell said, ”…We so often look so long and so regretfully upon the closed door that we do not see the ones which open for us.” No matter what our past, in our present circumstances, it is intended by God that we: Learn from our past.

Press on toward His call for our lives.

Our call is in our future, whether it’s tomorrow or ten years from now. You will not find the call of God in your past, nor will you ever fulfill it by dwelling there.

In Jeremiah 29:11 (NKJV), God makes it very clear where our focus should be, because it is where His focus is: ”For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.” His thoughts toward us are to give us a future and a hope!

Unfulfilled Dreams — The Breeding Ground of Regret

Hope can be defined as a favorable and confident expectation. Hope can also be viewed as the opposite of regret. Whereas regret laments the loss of desired results, hope is a favorable and confident expectation that the desired results in a situation will ultimately occur! Unfulfilled dreams are the breeding ground of regret, but dreams that have a God-given promise of success are the essence of hope!

What promises do you have from the Word of God? What dream has He placed in your heart to fulfill? The keys to fulfilling that dream are found in seeking God and following His leading, not revisiting your past failures. Let God teach you from those failures and then instruct you in how to overcome them as you press toward what He has asked you to fulfill.

Satan will do his best to lead you back down into the Valley of Regret, to squelch the dreams and callings that have been placed in your heart. If you haven’t already done so, repent of those old mistakes and move forward with God out of the valley and on to the higher ground that He has ordained for you to take. What God has forgiven is forgotten by Him, as He desires that you move forward. If Satan continues to bring up those failures (and he will as often as he can get away with it), remind him that you have repented of those actions, that you’ve been forgiven by God, and that they are no longer a point of contention for you. Remind him of the promise you have from Romans 8:28 (NKJV), and let him know that you know those past events aren’t the end of you or your call.

And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.

The events from the past can be used by God to work something for your good as you seek to fulfill His purpose. Right now, you may not see or understand how, but you have a promise that you can place your hope in — your confident expectation. You can allow those past failures to become only testimonies to the grace of God, not monuments to your shortcomings. Then you can focus on the open doors that God brings before you — and step through them into the plan and purpose He has ordained for you.

Refuse To Look BackThe Valley of Regret doesn’t have to be

anything more than a place you’ve visited before and decided that from now on, you’ll take an alternate route. Decide today to travel the path that God has laid out for you, and leave the Valley of Regret where it belongs — in your rear-view mirror.

This Christmas, You Can Impact Hollywood!

At Christmas, major big-budget movies flood the theaters, and the television networks are filled with new programs and seasonal specials. Sometimes the entertainment choices are positive,

but most often, it’s easy to get frustrated with

Phil Cooke is a producer in Hollywood and author of Jolt: Get the Jump on a World That’s Constantly

Changing and Branding Faith: Why Some Churches and Non-Profits Impact the Culture and Others Don’t. Find out more at philcooke.com.

Phil Cooke | CULTURAL COUNTERFORCE

the moral values, vulgarity, and crude elements of many television programs and films.

That’s why I’d like to share with you two important secrets that can actually change the entertainment you see on television and in movie theaters.

1. Start Voting at the Box OfficeThe bottom line is that Hollywood is a business, and they are in business to

make money. Movie studio executives rarely pay attention to criticism, protests, or boycotts, but they pay really close attention to box office results. That’s why the most powerful weapon we have to demand good entertainment is the choices we make at the box office.

If you like a movie, buy a ticket. If you don’t, stay at home. It’s as simple as that. Today there are millions of Christians in America, and if we knew how much power we could wield just by supporting movies with positive morals and values, we could change Hollywood — literally. After all, when Christians turned out en masse to see Mel Gibson’s ”The Passion of the Christ,” Hollywood noticed. As a result, many studios now have ”faith-based” divisions, focused on creating movies for people who take their faith seriously.

The only problem is, Christians don’t support good movies nearly enough. So start a movie club in your church. Go as a group. Discuss good movies and buy tickets for those movies that respect your values. Spread the word to other Christians and, before long, we’ll have a movement that can literally transform an industry.

12 IMPART MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2011 13IMPART MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2011

”Good entertainment is a gift from God”

2. Write a Letter to the Network President

If you don’t appreciate vulgar or immoral programming on network television, write a letter to the network president. I asked a friend who’s a network comedy writer how many letters it takes to get a TV network’s attention, and his reply was simply:

”One.”He told me, ”They take letters very seriously. The fact that a person

took the time to craft a serious letter speaks volumes. A letter should

and more. But it’s time to stop complaining and do something that actually motivates and inspires television networks and movie studios to realize the magnitude of the Christian audience.

This Christmas season, make your mark for good entertainment!

Beginning January 3rd for a limited time, we’re offering to IMPART members only the following titles at a special discount of half off the regular price!

The following titles are available while supplies last:

Take advantage of this opportunity to add these great resources to your collection of study aids and materials. They’re sure to enrich you, your family, and those you minister to.

Orders must be phone-in only. Call 877-467-2785 toll free and place your IMPART order by credit or debit card.

Order copies for yourself or a friend!

Product Code: IB0028

A Leader in the Making, Joyce MeyerReg Price: $22 Sale Price: $11

Product Code: IB0062

Old Testament Times, R. K. HarrisonReg Price: $30 Sale Price: $15

Product Code: IB0029

God Knows How To Raise Your Kids, Joe McGee Reg Price: $13 Sale Price: $6.50

Product Code: IB0086

The complete Book of Who’s Who in the Bible, Comfort and ElwellReg Price: $15 Sale Price: $7.50

Product Code: IB0042

New Testament Words, William BarclayReg Price: $25 Sale Price: $12.50

be polite and articulate. It must not be written in an angry tone or say anything, such as, ‘I will never watch this show again!’ If they read that kind of rhetoric, producers will say, ‘Then why should I bother changing anything?’”

Real letters of concern matter in Hollywood. They won’t respond to every letter, but when enough believers express their concern or distaste about programming, I believe we’ll begin to see a change. Remember, networks are looking for the largest audiences, and when those audiences aren’t happy, they listen.

Good entertainment is a gift from God, and we should value and nurture the gifted men and women who make us laugh, cry, and feel love, excitement, mystery,

14 IMPART MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2011

”Good entertainment is a gift from God”

2. Write a Letter to the Network President

If you don’t appreciate vulgar or immoral programming on network television, write a letter to the network president. I asked a friend who’s a network comedy writer how many letters it takes to get a TV network’s attention, and his reply was simply:

”One.”He told me, ”They take letters very seriously. The fact that a person

took the time to craft a serious letter speaks volumes. A letter should

and more. But it’s time to stop complaining and do something that actually motivates and inspires television networks and movie studios to realize the magnitude of the Christian audience.

This Christmas season, make your mark for good entertainment!

Beginning January 3rd for a limited time, we’re offering to IMPART members only the following titles at a special discount of half off the regular price!

The following titles are available while supplies last:

Take advantage of this opportunity to add these great resources to your collection of study aids and materials. They’re sure to enrich you, your family, and those you minister to.

Orders must be phone-in only. Call 877-467-2785 toll free and place your IMPART order by credit or debit card.

Order copies for yourself or a friend!

Product Code: IB0028

A Leader in the Making, Joyce MeyerReg Price: $22 Sale Price: $11

Product Code: IB0062

Old Testament Times, R. K. HarrisonReg Price: $30 Sale Price: $15

Product Code: IB0029

God Knows How To Raise Your Kids, Joe McGee Reg Price: $13 Sale Price: $6.50

Product Code: IB0086

The complete Book of Who’s Who in the Bible, Comfort and ElwellReg Price: $15 Sale Price: $7.50

Product Code: IB0042

New Testament Words, William BarclayReg Price: $25 Sale Price: $12.50

be polite and articulate. It must not be written in an angry tone or say anything, such as, ‘I will never watch this show again!’ If they read that kind of rhetoric, producers will say, ‘Then why should I bother changing anything?’”

Real letters of concern matter in Hollywood. They won’t respond to every letter, but when enough believers express their concern or distaste about programming, I believe we’ll begin to see a change. Remember, networks are looking for the largest audiences, and when those audiences aren’t happy, they listen.

Good entertainment is a gift from God, and we should value and nurture the gifted men and women who make us laugh, cry, and feel love, excitement, mystery,

14 IMPART MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2011

effect, the ability to swell or the ability to burn a long time.

We need the patient endurance of longsuffering as ministers, because there’s a tendency for leaders to get tired of working with people. Therefore, leaders especially need this fruit of the spirit in their lives. They can’t give up on the people God has sent to them. Instead, they must ”suffer long” and work with them, because often, going the extra mile with them is what it will take to get through to them and actually help them.

Lastly in Second Timothy 4:2, Paul goes on to tell Timothy how he’s to ”…exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.” You see, it’s not enough to walk beside someone on your leadership team, for example, and try to correct, nurture, or restore him with clever sayings and a pat on the back. Telling him, ”Isn’t it great just be saved” is not enough to exhort someone — to teach or train him. It’s going to take doctrine, or the teaching of God’s Word, to get the job done correctly. Whether you’re dealing with erroneous teaching, a wrong attitude that has become prevalent in your ministry or congregation, or some other problem within your organization, the way to correct it is by doctrine, or by teaching the Word of God.

In the case of Timothy, he faced several problems in his church at the time Paul wrote this second epistle to his son in the faith. Widespread fear had taken hold of the people because of the deadly religious persecution that was taking place under Nero’s tyrannical rule. But at the root of Timothy’s situation was bad teaching — wrong doctrine in the church by some very highly respected leaders. The teachings of Hymenaeus, Philetus, and Alexander were having a devastating effect on others in leadership and on the entire church congregation. Faced with the threat of dying for their faith, these believers’ entire belief system concerning the resurrection from the dead was being undermined at its foundation by these false teachers. As a result, instead of drawing near to Jesus and becoming strengthened by His keeping power, many found themselves gripped with terror and were abandoning their faith and fleeing the church.

Paul commanded Timothy to deal with the situation — to walk right next to those in leadership who were wavering and, walking

with them side by side, to exhort them with longsuffering. Paul wanted Timothy to correct them and to encourage and restore them. But Timothy wasn’t going to be able to do that successfully just by putting his arms around them and holding their hands. He was going to have to spend time by their side teaching them something — the Word of truth — in order to get them ”unstuck” from the word of error they had been taught.

Biblical Doctrine Is the Foundation of Our Lives

I want to make a point here about doctrine. The word ”doctrine” alarms some people in charismatic and word-of-faith circles who came out of certain denominations where doctrine was emphasized, but they never experienced any kind of power. Therefore, many have mistakenly believed that doctrine was the equivalent of powerlessness! But that’s simply not true. Doctrine for the

The Place of Doctrine in Building

and Restoring Leadership

Last month, I introduced the important role that sound, biblical teaching plays in our effectiveness as pastors and leaders. I also

said that what the apostle Paul wrote in Second Timothy is some of the most important material in the New Testament for strengthening and encouraging spiritual leaders — especially those who are discouraged or fearful or have missed the mark in some way.

No matter where we are in ministry, God has not left us without the power or the instruction we need to correct our failures and mistakes and to start over again. And this power and instruction can be found in the Word. The way we study, meditate on, understand, and apply the Word to our lives determines how effective we’ll be in ”making full proof of our ministry” (see 2 Timothy 4:5).

This month in Part Two, I want to focus on the last phrase in Second Timothy 4:2: ”…Exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.”

by Rick Renner

Last Word

We know from the Greek word translated ”exhort” in this verse that exhorting people describes a ministry of working with people. As I said, it’s not enough just to correct a situation that needs correcting, or to speak out against something wrong that needs to be dealt with. As a minister of the Gospel, and especially as a pastor, you have to take the correction a step further in order to be effective. Once you tell people that they missed it or that something they did was wrong, you have to show them why it was wrong.

Our job as ministers is not just to reprimand those God has entrusted to our spiritual care — rather, we are to teach them and train them so that they can be nurtured and grow spiritually. We’re supposed to make disciples, not turn people aside because they make mistakes. Well, how are we to exhort — correct and disciple — those we’re called to minister to? We’re to do it with longsuffering.

In Part One of this article, I shared that the word ”longsuffering” is translated from the Greek word makrothumia, which means, in

Part 2

I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom; Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine. — 2 Timothy 4:1,2

16 IMPART MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2011 17IMPART MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2011

effect, the ability to swell or the ability to burn a long time.

We need the patient endurance of longsuffering as ministers, because there’s a tendency for leaders to get tired of working with people. Therefore, leaders especially need this fruit of the spirit in their lives. They can’t give up on the people God has sent to them. Instead, they must ”suffer long” and work with them, because often, going the extra mile with them is what it will take to get through to them and actually help them.

Lastly in Second Timothy 4:2, Paul goes on to tell Timothy how he’s to ”…exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.” You see, it’s not enough to walk beside someone on your leadership team, for example, and try to correct, nurture, or restore him with clever sayings and a pat on the back. Telling him, ”Isn’t it great just be saved” is not enough to exhort someone — to teach or train him. It’s going to take doctrine, or the teaching of God’s Word, to get the job done correctly. Whether you’re dealing with erroneous teaching, a wrong attitude that has become prevalent in your ministry or congregation, or some other problem within your organization, the way to correct it is by doctrine, or by teaching the Word of God.

In the case of Timothy, he faced several problems in his church at the time Paul wrote this second epistle to his son in the faith. Widespread fear had taken hold of the people because of the deadly religious persecution that was taking place under Nero’s tyrannical rule. But at the root of Timothy’s situation was bad teaching — wrong doctrine in the church by some very highly respected leaders. The teachings of Hymenaeus, Philetus, and Alexander were having a devastating effect on others in leadership and on the entire church congregation. Faced with the threat of dying for their faith, these believers’ entire belief system concerning the resurrection from the dead was being undermined at its foundation by these false teachers. As a result, instead of drawing near to Jesus and becoming strengthened by His keeping power, many found themselves gripped with terror and were abandoning their faith and fleeing the church.

Paul commanded Timothy to deal with the situation — to walk right next to those in leadership who were wavering and, walking

with them side by side, to exhort them with longsuffering. Paul wanted Timothy to correct them and to encourage and restore them. But Timothy wasn’t going to be able to do that successfully just by putting his arms around them and holding their hands. He was going to have to spend time by their side teaching them something — the Word of truth — in order to get them ”unstuck” from the word of error they had been taught.

Biblical Doctrine Is the Foundation of Our Lives

I want to make a point here about doctrine. The word ”doctrine” alarms some people in charismatic and word-of-faith circles who came out of certain denominations where doctrine was emphasized, but they never experienced any kind of power. Therefore, many have mistakenly believed that doctrine was the equivalent of powerlessness! But that’s simply not true. Doctrine for the

The Place of Doctrine in Building

and Restoring Leadership

Last month, I introduced the important role that sound, biblical teaching plays in our effectiveness as pastors and leaders. I also

said that what the apostle Paul wrote in Second Timothy is some of the most important material in the New Testament for strengthening and encouraging spiritual leaders — especially those who are discouraged or fearful or have missed the mark in some way.

No matter where we are in ministry, God has not left us without the power or the instruction we need to correct our failures and mistakes and to start over again. And this power and instruction can be found in the Word. The way we study, meditate on, understand, and apply the Word to our lives determines how effective we’ll be in ”making full proof of our ministry” (see 2 Timothy 4:5).

This month in Part Two, I want to focus on the last phrase in Second Timothy 4:2: ”…Exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.”

by Rick Renner

Last Word

We know from the Greek word translated ”exhort” in this verse that exhorting people describes a ministry of working with people. As I said, it’s not enough just to correct a situation that needs correcting, or to speak out against something wrong that needs to be dealt with. As a minister of the Gospel, and especially as a pastor, you have to take the correction a step further in order to be effective. Once you tell people that they missed it or that something they did was wrong, you have to show them why it was wrong.

Our job as ministers is not just to reprimand those God has entrusted to our spiritual care — rather, we are to teach them and train them so that they can be nurtured and grow spiritually. We’re supposed to make disciples, not turn people aside because they make mistakes. Well, how are we to exhort — correct and disciple — those we’re called to minister to? We’re to do it with longsuffering.

In Part One of this article, I shared that the word ”longsuffering” is translated from the Greek word makrothumia, which means, in

Part 2

I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom; Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine. — 2 Timothy 4:1,2

16 IMPART MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2011 17IMPART MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2011

Church actually refers to the basic teaching of Scripture that we base our lives upon.

Doctrine serves as a foundation for our lives that supports us in the face of struggle and adversity. Yet many have shunned doctrine because of their past experiences, and as a result, they’ve become empty and unstable in their faith. They know about speaking in tongues, healing the sick, and other experiential things, but their foundation is lacking. They don’t really know the Word of God in depth as they should.

For instance, most believers today can’t even explain the doctrines of sanctification, redemption, or justification. Just because they’re saved doesn’t mean they can explain the doctrine of the adoption of sons. And just because they’re filled with the Holy Spirit with the evidence of speaking in other tongues doesn’t mean they can explain the doctrine of the baptism in the Holy Spirit. These doctrines are vital if they’re to walk securely in their convictions, but the Church at large doesn’t know them!

Some Christians won’t even endure the teaching of sound doctrine. A minister could try to teach on some of these basic Bible subjects and be challenged with the attitude, We don’t want to hear this. Tell us about the time you cast a demon out of a man!

The truth of the matter is, you can cast out demons until you’re blue in the face, so to speak, but when you come face to face with adversity in your life, you need something to stand on and keep standing on until you get to the other side of that test or trial with the result God wants to you have. You can’t stand on a word of knowledge, and you can’t stand on a dream. But you can stand on the solid teaching of God’s Word.

That’s why Paul told Timothy, ”As you’re restoring your leadership in the church, teach them doctrine.”

The Word will build a foundation under people like nothing else can. And when you have doctrine, you will have experience — and you’ll be better equipped to grow, even in the hard places, and to endure over the long haul with supernatural, spiritual strength. When your life is built on sound, biblical doctrine, you’re not basing your life on experience but on the infallible, unchangeable Word of God. When tests and trials come — and they come to every one of us — you have a leg to stand on!

Over and over in Scripture, we see both doctrine, or teaching, and power — and we should have both in the Church. For example, everywhere Jesus went, He taught the people (gave them doctrine), and He also performed miracles, healing the sick and casting out devils (gave them power).

And they were all amazed, insomuch that they questioned among themselves, saying, What thing is this? what new doctrine is this? For with authority commandeth he even the unclean spirits, and they do obey him.

Mark 1:27

Why was Paul so emphatic that Timothy exhort his people ”…with all longsuffering and doctrine”? Timothy needed to address the situation in his church and cut out like a gangrene the erroneous teaching that had gone forth and that threatened his congregation, his leadership, and church itself. But Paul also knew that if the foundation of sound doctrine was not repaired, it would eventually be destroyed, so Paul was urging Timothy to preach the Word, be instant and attentive to that Word in his private life and also in public ministry, speak out against what’s wrong, and then walk with the people right where they were, encouraging and restoring them tirelessly with teaching that was based solidly on the Word of God.

Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine. For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears.

2 Timothy 4:2 ,3

If we as pastors don’t meet people’s need for sound teaching from the Word when they’re young in the Lord, they’re going to miss a major foundation in their lives. And as time goes by, they will likely reject sound doctrine

‘‘The Word will build a foundation under people like

nothing else can. And when you have doctrine,

you will have experience”

when they finally hear it. Why? They won’t be able to distinguish between teaching that is good or bad — correct or incorrect, or sound or unsound.

We need the Word and experiences.Now let’s look at Second Timothy 4:3: ”For

the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine….” This is not a very good translation. The word ”sound” should actually be translated unhealthy. In fact, this part of the verse could read like this: For the time will come when they will not hold themselves back from unhealthy doctrine.

Well, how do you help hold people back from unhealthy doctrine? You give them healthy doctrine first! If you give them something that’s healthy and good — a solid foundation they can build their lives life on — they won’t run after something crazy. The problem is that many don’t know whether something is good or bad, because they’ve never been given that which is good.

The Emptiness of Emphasizing Our Experiences More Than the Word

This is exactly what happens when Christians are taught to follow ”experience” over the Word of God. When they hear something sound and stable, it sounds so normal and so down to earth that they think God’s not in it! And they don’t want it; they only want something that’s exciting and dramatic.

Paul was saying to Timothy, in effect, ”Son, listen to me. Get next to your leaders and walk with them. Teach and teach and teach them. Do it with longsuffering. Then teach them some more. If you don’t put teaching into them, and do it right now, a time will come when they won’t even recognize sound teaching when they hear it.”

Don’t misunderstand me. There’s nothing wrong with experiences, but experiences must never become a substitute for the Word of God.

18 IMPART MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2011 19IMPART MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2011

Church actually refers to the basic teaching of Scripture that we base our lives upon.

Doctrine serves as a foundation for our lives that supports us in the face of struggle and adversity. Yet many have shunned doctrine because of their past experiences, and as a result, they’ve become empty and unstable in their faith. They know about speaking in tongues, healing the sick, and other experiential things, but their foundation is lacking. They don’t really know the Word of God in depth as they should.

For instance, most believers today can’t even explain the doctrines of sanctification, redemption, or justification. Just because they’re saved doesn’t mean they can explain the doctrine of the adoption of sons. And just because they’re filled with the Holy Spirit with the evidence of speaking in other tongues doesn’t mean they can explain the doctrine of the baptism in the Holy Spirit. These doctrines are vital if they’re to walk securely in their convictions, but the Church at large doesn’t know them!

Some Christians won’t even endure the teaching of sound doctrine. A minister could try to teach on some of these basic Bible subjects and be challenged with the attitude, We don’t want to hear this. Tell us about the time you cast a demon out of a man!

The truth of the matter is, you can cast out demons until you’re blue in the face, so to speak, but when you come face to face with adversity in your life, you need something to stand on and keep standing on until you get to the other side of that test or trial with the result God wants to you have. You can’t stand on a word of knowledge, and you can’t stand on a dream. But you can stand on the solid teaching of God’s Word.

That’s why Paul told Timothy, ”As you’re restoring your leadership in the church, teach them doctrine.”

The Word will build a foundation under people like nothing else can. And when you have doctrine, you will have experience — and you’ll be better equipped to grow, even in the hard places, and to endure over the long haul with supernatural, spiritual strength. When your life is built on sound, biblical doctrine, you’re not basing your life on experience but on the infallible, unchangeable Word of God. When tests and trials come — and they come to every one of us — you have a leg to stand on!

Over and over in Scripture, we see both doctrine, or teaching, and power — and we should have both in the Church. For example, everywhere Jesus went, He taught the people (gave them doctrine), and He also performed miracles, healing the sick and casting out devils (gave them power).

And they were all amazed, insomuch that they questioned among themselves, saying, What thing is this? what new doctrine is this? For with authority commandeth he even the unclean spirits, and they do obey him.

Mark 1:27

Why was Paul so emphatic that Timothy exhort his people ”…with all longsuffering and doctrine”? Timothy needed to address the situation in his church and cut out like a gangrene the erroneous teaching that had gone forth and that threatened his congregation, his leadership, and church itself. But Paul also knew that if the foundation of sound doctrine was not repaired, it would eventually be destroyed, so Paul was urging Timothy to preach the Word, be instant and attentive to that Word in his private life and also in public ministry, speak out against what’s wrong, and then walk with the people right where they were, encouraging and restoring them tirelessly with teaching that was based solidly on the Word of God.

Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine. For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears.

2 Timothy 4:2 ,3

If we as pastors don’t meet people’s need for sound teaching from the Word when they’re young in the Lord, they’re going to miss a major foundation in their lives. And as time goes by, they will likely reject sound doctrine

‘‘The Word will build a foundation under people like

nothing else can. And when you have doctrine,

you will have experience”

when they finally hear it. Why? They won’t be able to distinguish between teaching that is good or bad — correct or incorrect, or sound or unsound.

We need the Word and experiences.Now let’s look at Second Timothy 4:3: ”For

the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine….” This is not a very good translation. The word ”sound” should actually be translated unhealthy. In fact, this part of the verse could read like this: For the time will come when they will not hold themselves back from unhealthy doctrine.

Well, how do you help hold people back from unhealthy doctrine? You give them healthy doctrine first! If you give them something that’s healthy and good — a solid foundation they can build their lives life on — they won’t run after something crazy. The problem is that many don’t know whether something is good or bad, because they’ve never been given that which is good.

The Emptiness of Emphasizing Our Experiences More Than the Word

This is exactly what happens when Christians are taught to follow ”experience” over the Word of God. When they hear something sound and stable, it sounds so normal and so down to earth that they think God’s not in it! And they don’t want it; they only want something that’s exciting and dramatic.

Paul was saying to Timothy, in effect, ”Son, listen to me. Get next to your leaders and walk with them. Teach and teach and teach them. Do it with longsuffering. Then teach them some more. If you don’t put teaching into them, and do it right now, a time will come when they won’t even recognize sound teaching when they hear it.”

Don’t misunderstand me. There’s nothing wrong with experiences, but experiences must never become a substitute for the Word of God.

18 IMPART MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2011 19IMPART MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2011

It’s the teaching of the Word that makes people so stable that they never go into error. But if they never receive that foundation, they’ll go after anything they can find that’s exciting or a little strange and mysterious. They’ll be tantalized by the stories they hear from sensational ministers, and that’s all they’ll want to hear. Then when a minister tries to teach them something practical from the Word that they can build their lives on — or that could perhaps even save their lives — they get bored. They can’t endure sound doctrine.

Praise God for the experiences of the Holy Spirit — I’ve had many, many supernatural and even spectacular things occur in my life and ministry over the years. I’ve cast out demons, I’ve seen people healed by the multitudes, and I’ve witnessed people ”falling out” under the power of God en masse, before a minister even had a chance to lay hands on them. But I have to tell you something important about those experiences. I’m not devaluing them one bit, but the real truth is, those things are gone; they’re history. But the Word of God remains. It’s still

here, and it’s eternal and steadfast. I can’t build my life and ministry on those experiences, but I can build it on the infallible, unchanging Word!

And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.

2 Timothy 4:4

Once a person won’t endure sound teaching from the Word, that individual turns his ear away from the truth because the truth just sounds too practical and ordinary. That person has no foundation of the Word of God in his life, so he turns away from the truth. But notice the person doesn’t just turn away from something — he also turns toward something: fables.

That word ”fables” is from the Greek word muthos, which means muttering. It refers to telling stories and passing rumors, and it is absolutely empty and hollow with no basis in the truth whatsoever. There may be some truth mixed up in what these so-called teachers are teaching, but more than anything, they are

simply ”telling stories and passing rumors.” In other words, what they’re putting out has no power or ability to lay a solid foundation underneath believers upon which they can build solid, healthy, and robust lives both spiritually and naturally.

But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry.

2 Timothy 4:5

Paul further exhorts Timothy to ”watch thou in all things.” That phrase ”watch thou” means Paul was saying, ”Be sober-minded,” or, ”Don’t be drunk!” In other words, Paul wanted to communicate to Timothy the importance of thinking like a man who’s sober, circumspect, alert, and wide awake!

Spiritual Leaders Must Be Awake and Alert

The phrase ”all things” here indicates every single area of the ministry. Paul was saying, in effect, ”Watch every little area of your ministry. Make sure you know what’s going on, and be the leader. You be in control of what happens in your church.”

Now, the phrase ”endure afflictions” is taken from two Greek words — kakos and pathetos. Kakos means the evil or wicked thing, and pathetos means to suffer in the mind.

Paul had already spoken about this Second Timothy 2:2 when he said to Timothy, ”Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.” So now, in chapter 4, Paul is saying, ”Timothy, if it means suffering in your mind, step up and have some endurance as you do your job and fulfill your ministry calling. You have to endure afflictions as a good soldier of Christ.”

Then after Paul says to watch and to endure afflictions, he instructs Timothy, ”Do the work of an evangelist.” Paul alluded to the work of an evangelist in Second Timothy 4:2 when he said, ”Preach the word…,” or, ”Herald the Word to the world.”

The fourth thing Paul required of Timothy was that he ”make full proof of his ministry.” That phrase ”full proof” is from two words in the Greek: pleres and phero. Pleres means completely full, and phero means to bear or to carry. Combined, this exhortation to Timothy could be translated as, Carry your ministry to its complete fullness.

Well, what would be considered the fullness of Timothy’s ministry as a pastor? Paul listed it in the very beginning of this chapter when he said, ”Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine” (2 Timothy 4:2). The ”fullness” is preaching, standing, speaking out, training, and teaching. And the Word of God is to be at the foundation of all of it. Paul said, ”Carry this to its completion. Be devoted to it.”

No one said that fulfilling our ministry calling would be easy. As long as we’re working and dealing with people, there will be problems. Besides the attacks the enemy tries to bring to our minds, he tries to infiltrate the local church, and the way he does that is through the people who are in that church.

So what can you do as a pastor or minister to stand against that? You can teach and teach and teach your people sound doctrine from the Word of God! By laying underneath their lives a solid foundation based on the eternal truth of God’s Word, you not only show them the right way to live in the Lord, but you also instruct them in doctrine so that they can strengthen others to honor God with their lives and fulfill their own callings to the fullest.

‘‘A person [who] won’t endure sound teaching turns his ear away from the truth —

but he also turns toward something: fables.’’

20 IMPART MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2011 21IMPART MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2011

It’s the teaching of the Word that makes people so stable that they never go into error. But if they never receive that foundation, they’ll go after anything they can find that’s exciting or a little strange and mysterious. They’ll be tantalized by the stories they hear from sensational ministers, and that’s all they’ll want to hear. Then when a minister tries to teach them something practical from the Word that they can build their lives on — or that could perhaps even save their lives — they get bored. They can’t endure sound doctrine.

Praise God for the experiences of the Holy Spirit — I’ve had many, many supernatural and even spectacular things occur in my life and ministry over the years. I’ve cast out demons, I’ve seen people healed by the multitudes, and I’ve witnessed people ”falling out” under the power of God en masse, before a minister even had a chance to lay hands on them. But I have to tell you something important about those experiences. I’m not devaluing them one bit, but the real truth is, those things are gone; they’re history. But the Word of God remains. It’s still

here, and it’s eternal and steadfast. I can’t build my life and ministry on those experiences, but I can build it on the infallible, unchanging Word!

And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.

2 Timothy 4:4

Once a person won’t endure sound teaching from the Word, that individual turns his ear away from the truth because the truth just sounds too practical and ordinary. That person has no foundation of the Word of God in his life, so he turns away from the truth. But notice the person doesn’t just turn away from something — he also turns toward something: fables.

That word ”fables” is from the Greek word muthos, which means muttering. It refers to telling stories and passing rumors, and it is absolutely empty and hollow with no basis in the truth whatsoever. There may be some truth mixed up in what these so-called teachers are teaching, but more than anything, they are

simply ”telling stories and passing rumors.” In other words, what they’re putting out has no power or ability to lay a solid foundation underneath believers upon which they can build solid, healthy, and robust lives both spiritually and naturally.

But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry.

2 Timothy 4:5

Paul further exhorts Timothy to ”watch thou in all things.” That phrase ”watch thou” means Paul was saying, ”Be sober-minded,” or, ”Don’t be drunk!” In other words, Paul wanted to communicate to Timothy the importance of thinking like a man who’s sober, circumspect, alert, and wide awake!

Spiritual Leaders Must Be Awake and Alert

The phrase ”all things” here indicates every single area of the ministry. Paul was saying, in effect, ”Watch every little area of your ministry. Make sure you know what’s going on, and be the leader. You be in control of what happens in your church.”

Now, the phrase ”endure afflictions” is taken from two Greek words — kakos and pathetos. Kakos means the evil or wicked thing, and pathetos means to suffer in the mind.

Paul had already spoken about this Second Timothy 2:2 when he said to Timothy, ”Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.” So now, in chapter 4, Paul is saying, ”Timothy, if it means suffering in your mind, step up and have some endurance as you do your job and fulfill your ministry calling. You have to endure afflictions as a good soldier of Christ.”

Then after Paul says to watch and to endure afflictions, he instructs Timothy, ”Do the work of an evangelist.” Paul alluded to the work of an evangelist in Second Timothy 4:2 when he said, ”Preach the word…,” or, ”Herald the Word to the world.”

The fourth thing Paul required of Timothy was that he ”make full proof of his ministry.” That phrase ”full proof” is from two words in the Greek: pleres and phero. Pleres means completely full, and phero means to bear or to carry. Combined, this exhortation to Timothy could be translated as, Carry your ministry to its complete fullness.

Well, what would be considered the fullness of Timothy’s ministry as a pastor? Paul listed it in the very beginning of this chapter when he said, ”Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine” (2 Timothy 4:2). The ”fullness” is preaching, standing, speaking out, training, and teaching. And the Word of God is to be at the foundation of all of it. Paul said, ”Carry this to its completion. Be devoted to it.”

No one said that fulfilling our ministry calling would be easy. As long as we’re working and dealing with people, there will be problems. Besides the attacks the enemy tries to bring to our minds, he tries to infiltrate the local church, and the way he does that is through the people who are in that church.

So what can you do as a pastor or minister to stand against that? You can teach and teach and teach your people sound doctrine from the Word of God! By laying underneath their lives a solid foundation based on the eternal truth of God’s Word, you not only show them the right way to live in the Lord, but you also instruct them in doctrine so that they can strengthen others to honor God with their lives and fulfill their own callings to the fullest.

‘‘A person [who] won’t endure sound teaching turns his ear away from the truth —

but he also turns toward something: fables.’’

20 IMPART MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2011 21IMPART MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2011

December

A Service Network for Pastors and Ministers

Membership is free.

Sign up today!

IMPART2011

Articles for Pastors, Ministers, and Christian Leaders. Membership is Free.

IMPART Facebook | www.ImpartNow.comJoin Now.

Issue #53

A Service Network for Pastors and Minis-

DECEMBER 2011this issueq A TIMELESS RESOLUTION | BECKY GILBERT 3q PRAISE AND WORSHIP | PHILIP RENNER 5q LEAVING THE VALLEY OF REGRET | MIKE CLARK 10q IMPACT HOLLYWOOD | PHIL COOKE 13q RESTORING LEADERSHIP | RICK RENNER 16

on thePlan &Will ofGod

impartShared Vision for Excellence in Ministry | Mentoring | Synergy in Problem-Solving www.impartnow.com

fixing gaze your

23IMPART MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2011

The Place of Doctrine in Building

and Restoring Leadership

Last Word

Part 2

MIKE CLARK | GEMS FOR MINISTERS

Leaving the Valley of Regret