Advancing God's Kingdom Through Leadership and Character
Summary
### Summary
Tonight, we gathered for our Ministry Leader Training, a pivotal moment in our journey as a church. We introduced new shirts symbolizing our commitment to advancing, not retreating, in our mission. Reflecting on a challenging past year, I felt God urging me to invest in developing leaders at Hope City. This led to a staff boot camp in January, where we immersed ourselves in leadership principles inspired by military training. The goal was to reset our staff culture and equip them to pass down these principles to all ministry leaders.
Our core confession as Christians is that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the living God, who died for our sins, was buried, and rose again on the third day. This belief anchors our faith and drives our vision: to see the lost found and the found set free. Our mission is to lead people into a life-changing relationship with Jesus by offering hope, community, and a better way to live.
We operate on five core values: Hope finds people, Hope brings change, Hope serves others, Hope builds community, and Hope gives extravagantly. These values guide our actions and behaviors as a church. As we enter a new decade, we see ourselves as a multi-functional special operations unit with a worldwide mandate to fulfill the Great Commission. We are not on the defense; we are advancing the Kingdom of God.
The foundation of our Discipleship Training Academy is built on three principles: display character, develop skills, and charge the hill. Inspired by Psalm 78:72, which describes King David's leadership, we emphasize integrity of heart and skillful hands. Leadership requires courage, boldness, and instant obedience to God's commands.
We have shifted from calling you volunteers to ministry leaders because leaders take ownership, show up, and lead. They are not just workers; they are owners who make things happen and rise to challenges. As ministry leaders, you are expected to display character, start and finish well, and have an owner mentality. This involves loving Jesus, understanding our church culture, living a biblically sound life, being open about struggles, and being humble and self-controlled.
In conclusion, as we move forward, we will continue to develop your skills and mindset, preparing you to charge the hill and advance God's Kingdom. Thank you for being part of this journey and for your commitment to serving as ministry leaders at Hope City.
### Key Takeaways
1. Display Character, Develop Skills, Charge the Hill: These three principles form the foundation of our Discipleship Training Academy. Inspired by Psalm 78:72, we emphasize the importance of integrity of heart and skillful hands in leadership. This approach ensures that we are not just performing tasks but leading with excellence and advancing God's Kingdom. [12:05]
2. From Volunteers to Ministry Leaders: We have shifted our language from calling you volunteers to ministry leaders. This change reflects a deeper commitment and ownership. Ministry leaders are not just workers; they are owners who take responsibility, show up, and lead. This mindset shift is crucial for advancing our mission and vision. [17:30]
3. Core Values and Vision: Our core values—Hope finds people, Hope brings change, Hope serves others, Hope builds community, and Hope gives extravagantly—guide our actions and behaviors. Our vision is to see the lost found and the found set free, and our mission is to lead people into a life-changing relationship with Jesus by offering hope, community, and a better way to live. [08:57]
4. Leadership Requires Courage and Instant Obedience: Leadership is not for the faint-hearted. It requires courage, boldness, and instant obedience to God's commands. As ministry leaders, we must be ready to act immediately when God speaks, without hesitation. This level of commitment is essential for advancing the Kingdom of God. [16:39]
5. Character is Foundational: The first thing we look for in ministry leaders is character. Skills can be taught, but character must be developed through choices. As ministry leaders, you are expected to live a biblically sound life, be open about struggles, and display humility and self-control. Your character is a reflection of your commitment to God and His work. [27:21]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[01:08] - Introduction to Ministry Leader Training
[02:09] - Inspiration from Military Training
[03:00] - Staff Boot Camp Experience
[03:55] - Vision for Discipleship Training Academy
[04:44] - Hope City Staff Team 6
[05:36] - Importance of a Small, Effective Team
[06:38] - Core Confession and Creed
[07:41] - Vision and Mission of Hope City
[08:57] - Five Core Values
[10:25] - Culture Shift and New Decade Vision
[12:05] - Display Character, Develop Skills, Charge the Hill
[13:34] - Biblical Foundation for Leadership
[15:55] - Advancing the Kingdom of God
[16:39] - Courage and Instant Obedience in Leadership
[17:30] - From Volunteers to Ministry Leaders
[18:17] - Ownership vs. Worker Mentality
[19:19] - Commitment and Responsibility
[20:14] - Leading in Ministry Environments
[20:57] - Taking on More Responsibility
[21:49] - Importance of Teamwork
[22:34] - No Insignificant Roles
[23:21] - Making Things Happen
[23:55] - Rising to Challenges
[24:42] - New Season and Expectations
[25:20] - Character and Integrity
[26:04] - Definitions of Character
[27:21] - Character as Foundational
[28:00] - Developing Character Through Choices
[29:21] - Example of Daniel's Character
[30:45] - Resolving to Honor God
[31:58] - Daniel's Commitment and God's Favor
[33:08] - Choices in Ministry Leadership
[33:44] - Picking Up Your Walkie Talkie
[34:18] - Story of the Walkie Talkie
[36:04] - Walking the Walk and Talking the Talk
[37:04] - Loving Jesus, Church, and the Lost
[37:35] - Openness About Struggles
[38:43] - Humility and Teamwork
[39:23] - Self-Control and Purity
[39:53] - Starting and Finishing Well
[40:40] - Privilege of Serving
[41:27] - Commitment and Responsibility
[42:14] - Preparation and Punctuality
[43:23] - Internalizing Lessons
[44:22] - Showing Up on Time
[45:18] - Proper Attire and Dress Code
[46:44] - Being Picky and Leaving Environments Better
[48:10] - Choices in Ministry Leadership
[48:44] - Future Training and Development
[49:22] - Closing Prayer and Encouragement
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. Psalm 78:72 (NIV 1984): "And David shepherded them with integrity of heart; with skillful hands he led them."
2. Matthew 11:12 (NIV): "From the days of John the Baptist until now, the kingdom of heaven has been forcefully advancing, and forceful men lay hold of it."
3. Daniel 1:8 (NIV): "But Daniel resolved not to defile himself with the royal food and wine, and he asked the chief official for permission not to defile himself this way."
### Observation Questions
1. What are the three foundational principles of the Discipleship Training Academy mentioned in the sermon? [[12:05]]
2. How does the sermon describe the difference between a volunteer and a ministry leader? [[18:17]]
3. According to the sermon, what are the five core values of Hope City? [[08:57]]
4. What does the sermon say about the importance of character in ministry leadership? [[27:21]]
### Interpretation Questions
1. How does Psalm 78:72 illustrate the qualities of a good leader, and why are these qualities important for ministry leaders at Hope City? [[14:12]]
2. In what ways does the concept of "forcefully advancing" the kingdom of heaven in Matthew 11:12 apply to the mission and vision of Hope City? [[15:55]]
3. How does Daniel's resolve in Daniel 1:8 serve as an example for ministry leaders in maintaining integrity and character? [[30:45]]
4. Why is the shift from calling members "volunteers" to "ministry leaders" significant for the culture and mission of Hope City? [[17:30]]
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on the principle of "display character, develop skills, charge the hill." How can you personally apply these principles in your role at Hope City? [[12:05]]
2. Think about a time when you had to show courage and instant obedience to God's commands. How did that experience shape your faith and leadership? [[16:39]]
3. How can you adopt an "owner mentality" in your ministry role, and what practical steps can you take to show more responsibility and initiative? [[19:19]]
4. Identify one area in your life where you need to develop more character. What specific choices can you make this week to improve in that area? [[29:21]]
5. How can you better prepare and show up on time for your ministry responsibilities? What changes do you need to make to ensure you are punctual and properly attired? [[44:22]]
6. In what ways can you contribute to building community within your ministry team and the larger church body? [[10:25]]
7. How can you be more open about your struggles and seek support from your ministry team? What steps will you take to foster a culture of transparency and humility? [[37:35]]
Devotional
Day 1: Integrity in Leadership
Description: Leadership in the church is not just about performing tasks but leading with excellence and advancing God's Kingdom. This requires a foundation of integrity and skill, as emphasized in Psalm 78:72, which describes King David's leadership. Leaders must display character, develop skills, and be ready to charge the hill with courage and boldness. This approach ensures that we are not just doing work but are committed to the mission of advancing God's Kingdom. [12:05]
Psalm 78:72 (ESV): "With upright heart he shepherded them and guided them with his skillful hand."
Reflection: In what areas of your life can you demonstrate greater integrity and skill? How can you take steps today to lead with excellence in your community or church?
Day 2: Ownership in Ministry
Description: The shift from calling members "volunteers" to "ministry leaders" signifies a deeper commitment and ownership. Ministry leaders are not just workers; they are owners who take responsibility, show up, and lead. This mindset shift is crucial for advancing our mission and vision. As ministry leaders, you are expected to display character, start and finish well, and have an owner mentality. This involves loving Jesus, understanding our church culture, living a biblically sound life, being open about struggles, and being humble and self-controlled. [17:30]
1 Peter 4:10 (ESV): "As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace."
Reflection: How can you shift your mindset from being a volunteer to being a ministry leader? What specific actions can you take to demonstrate ownership and responsibility in your ministry?
Day 3: Hope as a Core Value
Description: Our core values—Hope finds people, Hope brings change, Hope serves others, Hope builds community, and Hope gives extravagantly—guide our actions and behaviors. Our vision is to see the lost found and the found set free, and our mission is to lead people into a life-changing relationship with Jesus by offering hope, community, and a better way to live. These values are not just words but are meant to be lived out in our daily actions and interactions with others. [08:57]
Romans 15:13 (ESV): "May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope."
Reflection: Which of the core values of Hope City resonates most with you? How can you actively live out this value in your interactions with others today?
Day 4: Courage and Obedience in Leadership
Description: Leadership is not for the faint-hearted. It requires courage, boldness, and instant obedience to God's commands. As ministry leaders, we must be ready to act immediately when God speaks, without hesitation. This level of commitment is essential for advancing the Kingdom of God. Being a leader means being prepared to face challenges head-on and to trust in God's guidance and strength. [16:39]
Joshua 1:9 (ESV): "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go."
Reflection: What is one area in your life where you need to show more courage and obedience to God's commands? How can you take a bold step of faith today?
Day 5: Character as the Foundation
Description: The first thing we look for in ministry leaders is character. Skills can be taught, but character must be developed through choices. As ministry leaders, you are expected to live a biblically sound life, be open about struggles, and display humility and self-control. Your character is a reflection of your commitment to God and His work. Developing character involves making daily choices that honor God and reflect His love and grace to others. [27:21]
Proverbs 11:3 (ESV): "The integrity of the upright guides them, but the crookedness of the treacherous destroys them."
Reflection: How can you cultivate and demonstrate godly character in your daily life? What specific choices can you make today to reflect your commitment to God and His work?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "At Hope City as Christians, we have a core confession or what would we say is a creed. And this is the creed that we live by and stand by as Christians, right? That we believe Jesus is the Christ, the son of the living God, that he died for our sins according to the scriptures that he was buried and on the third day, he rose from the grave and that he is visibly coming again, right? That is the foundation of our faith. It is anchored in the person of Jesus Christ and our belief that he is who he said he was, that he is the son of the living God, that he died for our sins, that he went to the grave. And on the third day, he rose again and he's coming again. And that's the hope we have." [06:38] (47 seconds)
2. "In 2014, the Lord gave me this vision and it was to see the lost found and the found set free, right? It was supposed to be both, not just getting lost people to find Jesus, but then getting them discipled so that they're living a life of freedom. They're living a life and living a lifestyle that honors the Lord, that they're free from all of the things that helped them. Now, having kept the story to the rich, that was really the library for me to reach out of this person who's spiritually and emotionally captive and all these areas, right? Spiritually, relationally, physically, emotionally, mentally, financially, we want to see people set free because we believe what the Scripture says, that whom's the son sets free is free indeed." [07:41] (43 seconds)
3. "We believe that God pursues every single person on this planet therefore we are passionate about finding and loving people into the kingdom and family of God. That's hope finds people. The second one is hope brings change we believe that it's impossible to be a follower of Jesus Christ and to remain the same because God is in the life-changing business and at Hope City we celebrate life change that's why we do what we do that's why we make a big deal with our baptisms that's why we videotape their testimonies that's why we ask them to march in as we sing the river song and we're all clapping and applauding because we celebrate life change we celebrate when we see God working and moving in somebody's life." [08:57] (46 seconds)
4. "We believe that God operates best within the context of relationships we see that in the father son and holy spirit the trinity triune relationship of God and therefore as his followers we will be intentional about growing spiritually through community with one another and those even outside our our walls and then the last one is hope gives extravagantly that we believe that you can out give God whether that's your time your talent or your treasures and we find it a privilege to give sacrificially cheerfully and extravagantly." [10:25] (33 seconds)
5. "We believe that we are a multi-functional special operations unit with a worldwide mandate and that's to fulfill the great commission we are not playing defense we are not retreating we are on the attack and we are advancing the kingdom of God on this earth and we display character develop skills and charge the hill right we display character develop skills and charge the hill if there's one thing I want you to remember tonight it's those three things because this is the foundation of your discipleship training academy it's display character develop skills and charge the hill." [12:05] (47 seconds)
### Quotes for Members
1. "The reason why we have a small staff, if you think about it, a six people for a church of 800 people, six people on staff for a church of 800 is small. And the reason why we can remain small is because everyone in that picture is the best of the best, right? They're the best of the best. And with a team of six, those of you in the Army, you know, these units, the smaller the team, the more damage they can do, right? Because they can go out and communicate efficiently. Effectively accomplish the task and return back home safely." [05:36] (36 seconds)
2. "Let me tell you the difference between a volunteer and a ministry leader, right? Volunteers are workers. Ministry leaders are owners. I don't know if you understand the difference. Let me explain it to you. If you worked at McDonald's, I don't want to make Chick-fil-A look bad. If you work at McDonald's, if you work at Popeye's chicken, and you're just a worker, when you park your car and your shift is about to start, towards the restaurant to clock in, and on your way in, you notice there's trash and debris in the parking lot, a worker is just going to walk past it and go clock in and just make the fries. Now, the owner of the restaurant, when he or she parks the car and is about to walk into their restaurant, if they notice debris and trash in the parking lot, they don't ignore it. They stop and they clean it up and they pick it up, and then they enter their restaurant. That's the difference between a worker and a worker. I'm a leader, and you all are ministry leaders. Because workers, I mean, volunteers are just workers. Ministry leaders are owners." [18:17] (82 seconds)
3. "A volunteer may or may not show up to do a task. Because you're just a volunteer. So what's the big deal if I don't show up? That's the mentality that a volunteer has. They may or may not show up to do the job, to do the task. But a ministry leader always shows up and looks at the job. And leads. You're not here just to perform a task. You're here to lead. When you serve in the various ministry environments, you're just not there just to do that one task or that one role. You're there to lead in that ministry environment. We give you ownership. We give you responsibility. And you are to lead in that role." [20:14] (50 seconds)
4. "Character is the will to do what is right as defined by God, regardless of personal cost. I love this. I love this definition. Character is the will to do what is right. What's the right thing to do? Well, that comes from God. God is one who defines what is right and what is wrong. And you do it regardless of personal cost. This isn't like, oh, I don't feel like it. No, too bad. Being a ministry leader is costly. I mean, we're giving up our Friday evening tonight to be here. Why? Because you're a ministry leader and you count at the cost and you say it's worth it because I'm a part of this team that's advancing the kingdom of God on this earth. But this is how we know what's the right thing. Well, God and his word defines what's right and wrong and we're going to do the right thing 100% of the time even if it's hard. Even if it's going to cost me something." [26:47] (72 seconds)
5. "When you sign up to be a ministry leader, you're resolving some things in your heart. And I'm going to tell you what they are in a minute. You're making a choice to say, I want to be a part of the serve team at Hope City. I want to be considered a ministry leader in Hope City. And when you sign that form and when you go through the onboarding process through the various ministry environments here at Hope City, here's what you're deciding ahead of time. And it all has to do with your character. Number one, as a ministry leader, I will pick up my walkie talkie. That means I'm going to be a part of the serve team and I'm going to walk the walk and talk the talk as a Christ-centered follower and leader." [33:08] (46 seconds)
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