Holy
June 30, 2010 at 11:04 am | Posted in I Peter, The Leadership P.A.T.C.H. | 6 CommentsTags: 1 Peter 1, 2 Kings 4, Biblical leadership principles, Christian leadership, deacon ministry, Elisha, holy, leadership patches, leadership training, ordination service, qualifications of deacons, servant leaders
P.erceived
A.dvancing
T.urning
C.onstant
H.oly
The H. in P.A.T.C.H. is for Holy.
And it fell on a day, that Elisha passed to Shunem, where was a great woman; and she constrained him to eat bread. And so it was, that as oft as he passed by, he turned in thither to eat bread. And she said unto her husband, Behold now, I perceive that this is an holy man of God, which passeth by us continually.
II Kings 4:8-9, emphasis added
“Holy” means separated: cut and culled; set apart from the world, and separated unto God. Christian servant leaders are to consider themselves specially designated to be used by God.
God uses clean vessels; consecrated vessels; set-aside vessels. Holiness is out of vogue in this world, in this 21st Century. But it is not out of style with God. We ought not to be average, 21st Century American, one-of-the-crowd Christians. We ought, with God’s help, to rise to a higher standard.
But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation;
I Peter 1:15
Constant
June 16, 2010 at 11:19 am | Posted in The Leadership P.A.T.C.H. | 4 CommentsTags: 2 Kings 4, Biblical leaders, Biblical leadership principles, charge to the candidates, charismania, Christian leadership, Colossians 4, Elisha, leadership training, ordination service, Peter, qualifications of deacons, servant leaders, servant leadership
P.erceived
A.dvancing
T.urning
C.onstant
H.
The C. in P.A.T.C.H. is for Constant or Consistent.
And it fell on a day, that Elisha passed to Shunem, where was a great woman; and she constrained him to eat bread. And so it was, that as oft as he passed by, he turned in thither to eat bread. And she said unto her husband, Behold now, I perceive that this is an holy man of God, which passeth by us continually.
II Kings 4:8-9, emphasis added
A servant leader who is inconsistent is a poor servant, and is unqualified for being a “leader.” The Shunammite woman was impressed with this in Elisha: He passed by “continually.”
There is a sense in which Christian leaders ought to meet the true Biblical definition of being “charismatic.” “Charisma” is from the Greek word for the grace-gifts given to born-again believers by the Holy Spirit. This has nothing to do with the current meaning of “Charismatic” Christianity which has more to do with emotions, wild behavior, and counterfeit signs and wonders. We must remember, not just the idea of being “charismatic,” but the importance of being “automatic.” Do not be a “mood-swing” Christian – up one day and down the next; hot one minute and cold the next. Be consistent for Christ.
Peter learned this lesson when Jesus wanted to wash his feet. Peter went from being unworthy of Jesus washing his feet one minute, to wanting Jesus to wash his whole body the next. However, Peter overcame this as he grew in grace and knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ. You will be consistent if you do the same.
Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving;
Colossians 4:2, emphasis added
Next time: the “H” in P.A.T.C.H.
Turning
May 27, 2010 at 1:09 pm | Posted in The Leadership P.A.T.C.H. | 3 CommentsTags: 2 Kings 4, Acts 4, Christian leaders, Elisha, leadership principles, meeting needs, obstacles, opportunities, servant leaders
P.erceived
A.dvancing
T.urning
C.
H.
The T in P.A.T.C.H. is for Turning.
And it fell on a day, that Elisha passed to Shunem, where was a great woman; and she constrained him to eat bread. And so it was, that as oft as he passed by, he turned in thither to eat bread.
II Kings 4:8, emphasis added
As a Christian leader, turn in thither where you are needed. Be willing to stop and serve when needed, and when opportunity arises. See problems not as obstacles to be avoided, but as opportunities to be activated.
And laid them down at the apostles’ feet: and distribution was made unto every man according as he had need.
Acts 4:35, emphasis added
Next time, the “C” in P.A.T.C.H.
Advancing
May 7, 2010 at 10:04 am | Posted in The Leadership P.A.T.C.H. | 13 CommentsTags: 2 Kings 4, advancement, Christian leadership, Elisha, Ephesians 4, leadership training, patches, retirement, servant leadership, unbiblical retirement
P.erceived
A.dvancing
T.
C.
H.
And it fell on a day, that Elisha passed to Shunem, where was a great woman; and she constrained him to eat bread. And so it was, that as oft as he passed by, he turned in thither to eat bread. And she said unto her husband, Behold now, I perceive that this is an holy man of God, which passeth by us continually.
II Kings 4:8-9, emphasis added
The life of a Christian servant is a life of walking, of moving forward. Elisha was moving. He was passing by continually. If you are of the age when your flesh, this world, and our enemy, Satan, is telling you that you need to retire, to rest – then I exhort you, by the mercies of God, to reject this lie. As Christians, God has called us to a position of active service. He would not call you, and then fail to give you the strength and the energy to walk in His calling.
I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called,
Ephesians 4:1, emphasis added
Keep passing by. Stay busy for the Lord until He comes back or calls you home.
Next time, the “T” in P.A.T.C.H.
Perceived
May 4, 2010 at 11:30 am | Posted in The Leadership P.A.T.C.H. | 7 CommentsTags: 2 Kings 4, charge to the candidates, Christian leaders, Christian leadership, Christian leadership principles, Elisha, perception, servant leaders, servant leadership, standing in the gap
And it fell on a day, that Elisha passed to Shunem, where was a great woman; and she constrained him to eat bread. And so it was, that as oft as he passed by, he turned in thither to eat bread. And she said unto her husband, Behold now, I perceive that this is an holy man of God, which passeth by us continually.
II Kings 4:8-9, emphasis added
A patch is something that repairs a breach, or stops up a gap. Patches are used for protection and for restoration. In the Bible this is referred to as “making up the hedge” or “standing in the gap.” A Christian leader should be someone who is willing to stand in the gap and be a “patch.” He should be willing to stand in a place of protection and service.
Elisha was the protégé of Elijah the prophet. When Elijah was taken up to Heaven in a chariot, in a whirlwind of fire, Elisha received his greatest wish: a double portion of Elijah’s spirit. This was a great gift – and a great opportunity to serve – and a great responsibility.
The P. in P.A.T.C.H. is perceived: “I perceive that this is an holy man of God, which passeth by us continually.”
If you aspire to the responsibility of Christian leadership, you will be watched. You will be observed. Your job, as a servant leader, will be to watch for the needs of others, and, while you are not to be overly self-conscious, you must be aware that God’s people will be watching you. Many will be looking for encouragement as they watch, and, sadly, a few will be watching for faults. There is a requirement that you be found “blameless” – without fault. This is primarily between you and God, but, because people whom you serve will form a “perception” of you, you must, according to I Thessalonians 5:22, “Abstain from all appearance of evil.”
You have freedom in Christ Jesus, but it would be better to forgo the exercise of your freedom if it will cause another person to stumble.
Next time: The “A” in P.A.T.C.H.
The Deep End 