Restart: Leading with ConfidenceSample

1 and 2 Timothy are great sources of encouragement to pastors and church leaders. Today, there is a great need for more mentoring and discipling of leaders (and followers) in the church. The church must be generationally linked in this age of collaboration. What was Paul’s primary focus in his directives to Timothy, the young pastor of the Church at Ephesus? Arguably it is the teaching and preaching of God's Word. Over 30 times in his short letters, Paul uses the words “preach,” “teaching,” “train,” “Scripture” and “Word of God.” Paul is using his affirmations and directives in these two letters not only to guide this disciple-pastor, but to build his confidence in the Word of God.

If you could sit across from Paul at a table and have him instruct you as growing pastors in the art of gaining confidence in the Word of God, here are a few things he would likely say with urgency:

“GROW IN IT PERSONALLY!” – Our confidence in God’s Word as followers (and as leaders) comes from our consistent exposure to it. It is difficult to imagine a more important goal to have as a pastor than filling your life, your home and your church with the Bible, and training your congregation to do the same.

“UNDERSTAND IT DEEPLY!” – Our confidence in God’s Word increases as we recognize its authority. Paul was unequivocal about his conviction that the Scripture is thoroughly authoritative. “Everything in the Scriptures is God’s Word” (v. 16). In your congregation, the church will be as certain of the Word of God as their leader.

“COMMUNICATE IT BOLDLY!” – Our confidence in God’s Word is strengthened when we find that it is useful. For Paul, ministry flowed out of God’s Word. Ministry was simply doing what God says we are to do. At one point Paul says plainly and simply to Timothy: “Preach God’s message” (2 Tim. 4:2).

“WATCH IT WORK IN PEOPLE’S LIVES!” – Our confidence in God’s Word is enhanced every time we observe the work it accomplishes in people’s lives. Paul said: “The Scriptures train God’s servants to do all kinds of good deeds” (v. 17). Paul’s preaching was more than notes on papyrus; it came to life in the form of a developing young leader.

Pastors have all heard the well-known adage, “Practice what you preach,” but one leader I heard turned it around and asked: “What would our sermons be like if we only PREACHED what we PRACTICED?” Ouch! That struck a chord I would not soon forget. The Bible is not just information; it is a transformational tool we use to change lives. Within the pages of Scripture the Word of God is described as: a “sword,” “hammer,” “lamp,” “light,” “seed” and “fire.” It is so powerful it pierces, pounds, brightens, directs, grows and burns within our souls.

SCRIPTURE ENGAGEMENT BRINGS POWERFUL LIFE CHANGE TO LEADERS, CONGREGATIONS AND COMMUNITIES.