Don't Be Defined

Leaders who start movements are not defined by their group of association. For churches this is their denomination and the traditions of that denomination. For businesses it is the product they produce.

I am ordained and work within the Pentecostal Holiness Church. They are a great and amazing group of people. I enjoy our heritage and our beliefs. But I realize if I am going to start a movement and do something significant where God has placed me, I cannot be defined by the IPHC. I see alot of pastors and church planters who are consumed and ultimately defined by their denomination. Some are consumed with their tradition and polity. Others are consumed by the flashy, hip preachers or leaders in their sect. Either way, they are being defined.

Here is a newsflash for pastors: The people in your city don't care about your denomination. They want to be a part of the most happening church in town.

Here is a great example of being defined: Baptists term of "outreach" and Pentecostals term of "outreach." Baptist use the term to mean an event, sermon series or small group resource. Pentescostals use the term and talk about Sidewalk Sunday School. Presbyterians; feed the homeless. The list goes on and on.

Most guys learn from their denominational guys and structures without "cross-pollenating." We are in a day where we must look outside and not be scared to overlook such issues as "Eternal Security" and "Tongues" inorder to learn what other denominations are doing. Don't let your articles of faith be a restraint to you.

I read a lot of the North American Mission Board's material. I draw from their leaders. One of my favorite preachers is in a very cutting edge Southern Baptist Church. I want to challenge you in this blog. If you are Baptist/Methodist/Presbyterian, then find out what are the most happening Charismatic/Pentecostal churches and what are they doing. What do their services look like? What are they doing to reach their cities? If you are Pentecostal/Charismatic group, then find the most happening Baptist/Methodist/Presbyterian Churches and find out what are they doing. Music styles, preaching styles, etc...The list goes on and on.

Dr. Garnett Pike said this, "If you continue to look for a wife at your family reunion, your offspring will come out a little slow."

Don't Be Defined by your association.