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Leadership in the C.R. Ministry


 hmullan    Oct 06 : 11:18
 None    Classes

The Bible is quite clear on the subject and concludes that, without leadership there will be a lack of direction and purpose.

Leader in the CR MinistryNeed for Leadership: 
As with any organizational or ministry structure there is always a need for leadership.  The Bible is quite clear on the subject and concludes that, without leadership there will be a lack of direction and purpose.
  Judges: 18:1, 19:1, 21:25 “In those days Israel had no king; everyone did as he saw fit.”
When God spoke about Israel “having no king” it was not a compliment.  The book of Judges records some of the worst times in Israel’s history because of the lack of solid spiritual leadership.
It was not the title of “king” that God was emphasizing but instead He was expressing the need for strong spiritual guidance for a nation of His people.

Clearly defined leadership should be modeled after the greatest example of leadership in the Bible, Jesus. We must never feel weird about embracing a role of leadership in the C.R. Ministry, leadership is a very good thing when done in accordance with the scriptures. 

I am among you as one who serves:  Jesus washed the disciples feet, SHOWING THEM how to serve and care for one another.  Even before that when He was baptized, it was a sign of leadership SHOWING all others who would follow how things ought to be done.  The leaders role in C.R. is first and foremost one of example.

Luke 22:25-27
25 Jesus said to them, "The kings of the Gentiles lord it over them; and those who exercise authority over them call themselves Benefactors. 26 But you are not to be like that. Instead, the greatest among you should be like the youngest, and the one who rules like the one who serves. 27 For who is greater, the one who is at the table or the one who serves? Is it not the one who is at the table? But I am among you as one who serves.
  

“Hat Rack at The Door” 
The best and most effective way of doing that is through true humility.  When a leader is in C.R. his or her “title hat” is taken off and placed on the rack as soon as he or she enters the room.  His or her primary objective is to be there for themselves.  THIS MUST NEVER GET AWAY FROM THEM or they can develop an “Us and Them” mentality and become “special addicts” verses the other “regular addicts”. 

This line of thinking has corrupted governmental officials, athletes, musicians and movie stars because it gives them a mentality that is “above the law” so to speak.  In C.R. we don’t have one rule for the leader and another rule for everyone else.  In the C.R. meeting we all meet at the hallowed ground at the foot of the cross where we are all recognized as sinners in need of God’s help.  And He has provided it abundantly through this incredible ministry.    

Matthew 28:20 “Go and teach them everything that I have taught you” 
This scripture points out the significance of two vital roles in the process of learning.  One is that there must be a source of learning and two the learning process must be continued.  

The goal for a C.R. Leader is much like that of a ministry leader: 
To get the group to a place where his hands on participation in the everyday matters becomes less and less significant because he is raising up others to share in the process.  With this in mind the actual function of the C.R. Leader will change over time:

     1)Starting up a group:  The role of the C.R. Leaders is vital to this process in that they have to be the ones sounding the “Battle Cry”.  Doing anonymous surveys in the ministry to highlight the need for such a ministry.  Making sure that their  ministry is well informed about the startup of such a group in their fellowship. Making sure that announcements are in the church bulletin and even announced from the podium about this new ministry in their church.  Making up fliers and having them passed out.  Doing their best to get the ministry off to a good start and that it’s well attended.  Teaching the Staff and Bible Talk leaders the “How To’s” when it comes to working with someone with a C.R. background.  Communicating clearly and consistently with their ministry leader about how things are going in the C.R. Ministry; how people are being helped by the ministry.      
Remember the primary objective mentioned above “They are there for themselves” this must never get away from them.  But at the same time they must understanding that God has called them to lead this ministry for His glory.  Psalm 115:1

      Initial Objectives In Group  
       a) Making sure that the structure and integrity of the group is maintained.
       b) Traditions and Rules are read at each meeting.
       c) Check to see if someone has “picked up” or been tempted to use drugs or alcohol since the last time at group.
       d) Proper protocol is followed when a journal is read.
       e) Ending group with “feelings check”: Mad, Glad, Sad, Afraid or Embarrassed.       
     2) Continual Need for Leadership            
John 15:15
I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master's business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you.
 

Clearly there came a time when the relationship between Jesus and His disciples (students, learners) changed.  They were still His disciples but they had matured and were now able to take on a different role.
Now they were ready to truly take on the role of Matthew 28 by going out and beginning ministries of their own.  They were now ready to train others to do the same thing they were doing.

Continued Objectives of The C.R. Leader 
       a) Planning C.R. Graduations
       b) Having annual C.R. “Friends and Family” Picnics.
       c) Help to establish other C.R. Ministries in other Sectors or Regions in their church
       d) Maintaining healthy relationships with other mature C.R. Leaders by attending C.R. workshops.
       e) Planning C.R. workshops and Leader’s Retreats
       f)  Maintain a great relationship with his or her Evangelist about the great things God is continuing to do in and through the C.R. Ministry.

These are the notes from the CR session presented at the ILC in Miami in 2010. This section was presented by Will Ashley.

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