Week 10 – Thursday
4/2/09
Maxwell Book
- Lighten Your Leaders Load
When working as a supporting staff member it is important to remember the stress that your senior pastor is under. By helping to make their burden easier you show that you are a team player and makes you part of something that is bigger than yourself. It also will get you noticed by leadership and will increase you influence among others. You can lighten your leaders load by being a problem solver, supporting your leaders, and taking on the burden of leadership whenever you can.
Monday, April 13, 2009
Week 13 - Tues. - Josh
Week 13
Tu 4/14
Minister’s Taxes
Six Important Things About Taxes
1. Do not pay income taxes on housing expenses – do pay Social Security.
2. Opting out of Social Security is a question of conscience and integrity – not what makes sense financially.
3. Have to pay taxes on fair retail value of a parsonage.
4. Other income does not qualify for ministerial deductions.
5. Must pay Social Security tax on housing amenities paid by the church.
6. Social Security is due every 3 months.
Tu 4/14
Minister’s Taxes
Six Important Things About Taxes
1. Do not pay income taxes on housing expenses – do pay Social Security.
2. Opting out of Social Security is a question of conscience and integrity – not what makes sense financially.
3. Have to pay taxes on fair retail value of a parsonage.
4. Other income does not qualify for ministerial deductions.
5. Must pay Social Security tax on housing amenities paid by the church.
6. Social Security is due every 3 months.
Week 13 - Thurs. - Josh
Week 13 – Thursday
4/16/09
Singleness and Ministry
I consider myself lucky to already be married. But, marriage does not instantly relieve the problems that surround living in a sexual world. To deal with those issues I have created a list that constitutes my “Personal Code” for Sexuality and the Ministry.
• My wife comes before all other relationships outside of the one shared between God and myself.
• I do not spend time alone with females.
• I do not spend time alone with minors, regardless of gender.
• I report any “crushes” a student may have for me with both my wife and the senior pastor.
• I avoid creating emotional bonds with another female that exceed healthy boundaries.
• I remain accountable to others by establish partners to ensure that purity of my lifestyle.
• My internet history is open to examination and software is installed to report any abuses.
4/16/09
Singleness and Ministry
I consider myself lucky to already be married. But, marriage does not instantly relieve the problems that surround living in a sexual world. To deal with those issues I have created a list that constitutes my “Personal Code” for Sexuality and the Ministry.
• My wife comes before all other relationships outside of the one shared between God and myself.
• I do not spend time alone with females.
• I do not spend time alone with minors, regardless of gender.
• I report any “crushes” a student may have for me with both my wife and the senior pastor.
• I avoid creating emotional bonds with another female that exceed healthy boundaries.
• I remain accountable to others by establish partners to ensure that purity of my lifestyle.
• My internet history is open to examination and software is installed to report any abuses.
Week 12 - Thurs. - Josh
4/13
Learning leadership
“ Some leaders learn to lead by making mistakes and then reflecting enough on those mistakes to develop principles for the future…another way is to learn the principles based on the mistakes of others.”
We can save ourselves a lot of trouble by learning leadership principles form others, but that is all they are, principles. We cannot learn how to lead or how to “think” leadership by observing other leaders. All these principles do is give us a starting point. The ability to lead and adapt in new situations will only come with experience. Experience will reveal the illusion of leadership principles.
Learning leadership
“ Some leaders learn to lead by making mistakes and then reflecting enough on those mistakes to develop principles for the future…another way is to learn the principles based on the mistakes of others.”
We can save ourselves a lot of trouble by learning leadership principles form others, but that is all they are, principles. We cannot learn how to lead or how to “think” leadership by observing other leaders. All these principles do is give us a starting point. The ability to lead and adapt in new situations will only come with experience. Experience will reveal the illusion of leadership principles.
Week 12 - Tues. - Josh
4/13
Formal Leadership Theory
- 360 Degree Leadership
The 360 degree leadership model is particularly useful when in an assistant/youth pastor position in the local church (which is the job that I am pursuing). The power that comes with a youth pastor title is only an illusion. So a youth pastor’s strength and leadership MUST rely on their ability to influence others. A youth pastor has to answer to the senior pastor, the board, trustees, and parents; while at the same time overseeing students, volunteers, and parents (funny how parents fit into both categories). By understanding how to crate and use influence (aka power) a youth pastor can make a senior pastor look good and elevate his own standing with the church staff; can gain the support of the parents, broadening the scope and range of the ministry; and can invest in and grow the lives of the students, bringing up strong leaders in the church.
Formal Leadership Theory
- 360 Degree Leadership
The 360 degree leadership model is particularly useful when in an assistant/youth pastor position in the local church (which is the job that I am pursuing). The power that comes with a youth pastor title is only an illusion. So a youth pastor’s strength and leadership MUST rely on their ability to influence others. A youth pastor has to answer to the senior pastor, the board, trustees, and parents; while at the same time overseeing students, volunteers, and parents (funny how parents fit into both categories). By understanding how to crate and use influence (aka power) a youth pastor can make a senior pastor look good and elevate his own standing with the church staff; can gain the support of the parents, broadening the scope and range of the ministry; and can invest in and grow the lives of the students, bringing up strong leaders in the church.
Week 10 - Tues. - Josh
Week 10 - Tuesday
Lakeview Wesleyan Church
Rev. Brad Terhune 3/22/09
1. A OB/GYN attended a church and delivered a baby of a couple who also attended the church. There was cord entanglement and the baby was born with physical and mental handicaps. When the girl was 6yrs the parents were convinced by others that they could sue the doctor for malpractice. They sued the doctor’s insurance company. The two parties became gagged from speaking to each other. They attended the same services and declension began to form among some members of the congregation.
2. Case was not malicious – no animosity. They were suing the insurance company – not the doctor
a. There was no hatred but it breed something in the church body as the lawsuit drug out for many years
3. Should a pastor intervene in the issue
i. The mom trusted lawyers more than God
ii. Doctor was open to Pastoral input, but there was no two way conversation
a. Pastor should be aware of those things that cause problems in the church body
a. Bring parties together and help to restore the relationship
b. This is not easy
Lakeview Wesleyan Church
Rev. Brad Terhune 3/22/09
1. A OB/GYN attended a church and delivered a baby of a couple who also attended the church. There was cord entanglement and the baby was born with physical and mental handicaps. When the girl was 6yrs the parents were convinced by others that they could sue the doctor for malpractice. They sued the doctor’s insurance company. The two parties became gagged from speaking to each other. They attended the same services and declension began to form among some members of the congregation.
2. Case was not malicious – no animosity. They were suing the insurance company – not the doctor
a. There was no hatred but it breed something in the church body as the lawsuit drug out for many years
3. Should a pastor intervene in the issue
i. The mom trusted lawyers more than God
ii. Doctor was open to Pastoral input, but there was no two way conversation
a. Pastor should be aware of those things that cause problems in the church body
a. Bring parties together and help to restore the relationship
b. This is not easy
Week 9 - Tues. - Josh
Week 9 - Tuesday
Lakeview Wesleyan Church
Rev. Brad Terhune 3/22/09
Firing a teacher
1. Quarterly/topical class – just don’t rehire them, let them finish their term and fade away
a. Not worth the problems associated with firing
2. Grade level / age level class – tougher
a. Will not fade away
b. Go and observe
i. Reveal hear-say
ii. If it changes when you observe – a sign of deception
c. Chance to start a conversation
i. Always start with a conversation
d. If there is no adjustment or change
i. Set a time table for change
ii. Keep them informed on all your decisions
e. Be loving and caring throughout the ordeal
Lakeview Wesleyan Church
Rev. Brad Terhune 3/22/09
Firing a teacher
1. Quarterly/topical class – just don’t rehire them, let them finish their term and fade away
a. Not worth the problems associated with firing
2. Grade level / age level class – tougher
a. Will not fade away
b. Go and observe
i. Reveal hear-say
ii. If it changes when you observe – a sign of deception
c. Chance to start a conversation
i. Always start with a conversation
d. If there is no adjustment or change
i. Set a time table for change
ii. Keep them informed on all your decisions
e. Be loving and caring throughout the ordeal
Week 8 - Tues. - Josh
Week 8 – Tuesday
Word of Hope
Rev. Scott Wiley 4/13/09
Motivating Volunteers
1. Make a specific job description
2. Offer a time limited commitment
3. Recruit face-to-face in conversation
4. Do not use general announcements to the entire church
5. Tell them why they are the person for the position
Word of Hope
Rev. Scott Wiley 4/13/09
Motivating Volunteers
1. Make a specific job description
2. Offer a time limited commitment
3. Recruit face-to-face in conversation
4. Do not use general announcements to the entire church
5. Tell them why they are the person for the position
Week 5 - Thurs. - Josh
4/13
People
The administrative side of ministry is often overlooked by those of use who are called into ministry. The idea of being stuck behind a stack of papers that are waiting for my attention is almost enough for me to join the art department. But I have a few ideas that may make administration more about people than paper.
• Take it with you – if you have computer or paper work that is not sensitive or captures all of your attention, bring it with you and go have a cup of coffee with a program leader or church member. Make sure the situation is informal enough that you will not offend others if you bring your work with you.
• Make mundane logistical meetings a time for fellowship – involve food somehow and give people a chance to unwind before getting to the nitty-gritty; maybe they will leave feeling better than when they came.
• Make phone calls – when stuck in the office make follow-up phone calls to people. There is not a lot of effort involved in calling someone and asking how they have been.
• Make meetings relational – any time you work with others make it a relational time; don’t ignore the business at hand but make room for friendship.
People
The administrative side of ministry is often overlooked by those of use who are called into ministry. The idea of being stuck behind a stack of papers that are waiting for my attention is almost enough for me to join the art department. But I have a few ideas that may make administration more about people than paper.
• Take it with you – if you have computer or paper work that is not sensitive or captures all of your attention, bring it with you and go have a cup of coffee with a program leader or church member. Make sure the situation is informal enough that you will not offend others if you bring your work with you.
• Make mundane logistical meetings a time for fellowship – involve food somehow and give people a chance to unwind before getting to the nitty-gritty; maybe they will leave feeling better than when they came.
• Make phone calls – when stuck in the office make follow-up phone calls to people. There is not a lot of effort involved in calling someone and asking how they have been.
• Make meetings relational – any time you work with others make it a relational time; don’t ignore the business at hand but make room for friendship.
Week 3 - Thurs. - Josh
4/13
Parliamentary Law
There are those who think that Roberts Rules of Order are too divisive for the churches purposes. This is a stance that I disagree with, people will always disagree - even if the decision is eventually unanimous, there will be those who have simple conceded to be done with it. There has always been disagreement in the church, since Paul and Barnabas, and growth has come from those troubles. Do not think that the spirit can only move through conformity. But for the sake of argument (and my grade) let us say that there are issues with Roberts Rules – what would I change.
• Make firm statements about what decision a yes or no vote will result in so that those who are unfamiliar with the format of parliamentary law cannot be taken as suckers.
• Remove the need for a second in order for a motion to continue to the discussion phase, consider all motions so that each person ideas gets equal representation.
• Allow for less formal wording when moving from stage to stage of parliamentary law.
• Ask for more than a simple majority on all decisions – ¾ perhaps
Problems
• Much time will be spent discussion ideas that have very little merit because they are advance without the need for a second
• The formal wording provides a contrast of demeanor so that those present understand that there is something important happening and those they should wipe the drool of their legal pad and pay attention.
• Moving to a ¾ vote will slow down any decisions from happening, motion will remain motions forever until people finally concede or the church dies form stagnation because it cannot go anywhere.
Parliamentary Law
There are those who think that Roberts Rules of Order are too divisive for the churches purposes. This is a stance that I disagree with, people will always disagree - even if the decision is eventually unanimous, there will be those who have simple conceded to be done with it. There has always been disagreement in the church, since Paul and Barnabas, and growth has come from those troubles. Do not think that the spirit can only move through conformity. But for the sake of argument (and my grade) let us say that there are issues with Roberts Rules – what would I change.
• Make firm statements about what decision a yes or no vote will result in so that those who are unfamiliar with the format of parliamentary law cannot be taken as suckers.
• Remove the need for a second in order for a motion to continue to the discussion phase, consider all motions so that each person ideas gets equal representation.
• Allow for less formal wording when moving from stage to stage of parliamentary law.
• Ask for more than a simple majority on all decisions – ¾ perhaps
Problems
• Much time will be spent discussion ideas that have very little merit because they are advance without the need for a second
• The formal wording provides a contrast of demeanor so that those present understand that there is something important happening and those they should wipe the drool of their legal pad and pay attention.
• Moving to a ¾ vote will slow down any decisions from happening, motion will remain motions forever until people finally concede or the church dies form stagnation because it cannot go anywhere.
Week 2 - Thurs. - Josh
4/13
Tithing
When it comes to tithing, it means 10%. While there is no new testament statement drawing 10% as the line to meet, the Old Testament background of the command to tithe constitutes giving a tenth (Genesis 14:20 “Then Abram gave him a tenth of everything.” - Genesis 28:22 “and of all that you give me I will give you a tenth." - Deuteronomy 14:22 “Be sure to set aside a tenth of all that your fields produce each year.” and several more). Many feel that the New Testament interpretation of tithing is “give what you can” or “what feels right”, but I see the New Testament as urging us to give more and do so joyfully.
Members of a congregation should give the full amount of their tithe to their local church. This is a practice referred to as storehouse tithing (Malachi 3:10 Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this," says the LORD Almighty, "and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that you will not have room enough for it.) Malachi indicates that the entirety of a person’s tithe should be brought into the service of God’s house, what many would interpret as the local church. In reserving the full tithe for the local church God promises to pour out his blessing, something that is much more satisfying that any warm fuzzies one may get from giving to a cause.
I think that those who give to the church should be thanked. While those who tithe should not be out looking for thanks, or any sort of return for their giving, there is a greater joy in giving when you know that your sacrifice is being noticed.
Tithing
When it comes to tithing, it means 10%. While there is no new testament statement drawing 10% as the line to meet, the Old Testament background of the command to tithe constitutes giving a tenth (Genesis 14:20 “Then Abram gave him a tenth of everything.” - Genesis 28:22 “and of all that you give me I will give you a tenth." - Deuteronomy 14:22 “Be sure to set aside a tenth of all that your fields produce each year.” and several more). Many feel that the New Testament interpretation of tithing is “give what you can” or “what feels right”, but I see the New Testament as urging us to give more and do so joyfully.
Members of a congregation should give the full amount of their tithe to their local church. This is a practice referred to as storehouse tithing (Malachi 3:10 Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this," says the LORD Almighty, "and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that you will not have room enough for it.) Malachi indicates that the entirety of a person’s tithe should be brought into the service of God’s house, what many would interpret as the local church. In reserving the full tithe for the local church God promises to pour out his blessing, something that is much more satisfying that any warm fuzzies one may get from giving to a cause.
I think that those who give to the church should be thanked. While those who tithe should not be out looking for thanks, or any sort of return for their giving, there is a greater joy in giving when you know that your sacrifice is being noticed.
Week 13: Singleness and Ministry>>>Trenton Prieshoff
I was told by a District Superintendent when interviewing that "it is not a problem that [I am] single," but I realize that it is, in fact, a problem if not handled properly. I have seen youth ministers date the girls in their youth group and I have heard too many reports of sex scandals in every denomination and tradition to think that it is "not a problem." As soon as my call to ministry really sank in, I made immediate changes to my behavior and continue to commit myself to a new "code" as situations come up which my previous code did not cover:
- I maintain a very strict "NO TOUCHING" policy with women and girls. Even a touch on the shoulder or any kind of comforting touch to the hand, etc is enough to give a woman the wrong signals. The best method for avoiding temptation is to not give it a chance to start. Even with my closest female friends, touching is limited to a "one-arm hug" (and with those 4 or 5 I will comfort, but not with any physical touch).
- I will be firm with how I manage relationships with females verbally as well. When women have emotional problems which require counseling or just advice, I will listen but enough to understand the source of the issue. At that point, I will guide them to another female on staff or within the church who could help them better for having gone through the same thing. If it is something I can help with personally for having a similar experience or being able to shed light from a different perspective, I will do so only in the presence of that second female or after she has met with them.
- I will have a strict "Open Door" policy. There are some I can provide counseling for, but for serious issues, they need to see a professional counselor. As far as my role is concerned, the door needs to stay open or we need to meet somewhere where there are witnesses who can attest to my behavior in order to attest for my integrity and alleviate doubts when others in the congregation have them. That same "Open Door" policy would help deter any problem people who sought to develop a relationship with sinful intentions.
- A new one I have added since this class is not to date anyone within the church. That is asking for trouble. It makes it difficult for the church by creating divisiveness if the relationship goes sour and it hurts how the church would perceive the minister's intentions for being there: as if he were there to find a spouse rather than to serve. There are plenty of other places to meet women as Drury outlined in his article. I am very content to be single and am not on the prowl, but if I met someone through doing volunteer work, a second job, another church, etc. I believe I am open to the idea of dating.
- When dating, I maintain my "NO TOUCHING" policy with only a few added exceptions: holding hands and other "light" touching is permitted, though petting (light or heavy) are out of the picture. The first is only toying with the latter.
Week 13: Minister's Taxes>>>Trenton Prieshoff
Six Most Important Things I Need to Remember About Ministerial Taxes (Other Than What Anton has Already Mentioned):
- When buying a house, I can take off my housing expenses from the ministerial housing allowance and then take that same amount off again as a regular deduction (as I would giving tithes and other donations) and thus "Double Dip" my allowance when buying a house.
- It is easy for the church to cheat on taxes by "laundering" money: such as by taking money as for sending someone to seminary or college from the person and paying it for them so that they are still paying for their own seminary education, but now they are getting a tax credit for giving to the church. These kinds of loopholes are closely watched.
- If you opt out of paying social security, there are some pretty major repercussions: you must opt out in the first two years and if you do it for any reason other than serious religious objections, you can be charged with perjury.
- I must make sure the church withholds money for the ministerial housing allowance ahead of time in order to benefit from it, otherwise, I don't get it. (And I need to get licensed right away, because I don't get that benefit at all until I am licensed).
- Because I cannot legally ask the church to withhold my Social Security tax from my paycheck, I need to be aware of how much of my check to set aside myself in order to be ready for that tax when the time comes around.
- One option I have, since the church cannot withhold my Social Security tax, is to ask them to withhold an extra 5-6K from my paycheck annually for Income Tax. When tax time comes around, I simply transfer the amount I overpaid in my Income Taxes into the Social Security tax.
Week 4 Administrative Work - Anton Folz
#10 Week 4 Administrative Work – Anton Folz April 13th 09
1. I interviewed Rev. Brad Terhune on February 9th, 09 at Lakeview Wesleyan Church.
2. The numbered list of the things that Pastor Brad does as administrative work, and the total time that he spends.
1- Working on the church website
2- Connecting with parents and planning Upward practice times and games
3- Planning for committee meetings
4- Filing papers
5- Planning and stocking the Coffee Shop
6- Managing blogs and various other means to promote coffee shop and other ministries
7- Creating and placing the monthly updated events for the church in the bathrooms and in key places around the church building
All together Rev Brad Terhune spends approximately fifteen hours a week doing administrative and office management related tasks.
3. Observations from the interview.
Overall it was very interesting to see just how much time goes into all the paper work that allows the church to be public with the ministries that exist in the life of the church. Rev Brad spends a great deal of his time working on organizing teams and volunteers to allow for the ministries to be open. No one man or woman could run al of those ministries, thus it takes a team of volunteers to make them all run efficiently. There is more office work to be done than one might expect when first going into ministry. Without the proper office and administrative skills, a pastor will sink in paper work and fail as a result of not having organized ministries.
1. I interviewed Rev. Brad Terhune on February 9th, 09 at Lakeview Wesleyan Church.
2. The numbered list of the things that Pastor Brad does as administrative work, and the total time that he spends.
1- Working on the church website
2- Connecting with parents and planning Upward practice times and games
3- Planning for committee meetings
4- Filing papers
5- Planning and stocking the Coffee Shop
6- Managing blogs and various other means to promote coffee shop and other ministries
7- Creating and placing the monthly updated events for the church in the bathrooms and in key places around the church building
All together Rev Brad Terhune spends approximately fifteen hours a week doing administrative and office management related tasks.
3. Observations from the interview.
Overall it was very interesting to see just how much time goes into all the paper work that allows the church to be public with the ministries that exist in the life of the church. Rev Brad spends a great deal of his time working on organizing teams and volunteers to allow for the ministries to be open. No one man or woman could run al of those ministries, thus it takes a team of volunteers to make them all run efficiently. There is more office work to be done than one might expect when first going into ministry. Without the proper office and administrative skills, a pastor will sink in paper work and fail as a result of not having organized ministries.
Week 12: Learning Leadership>>>Trenton Prieshoff
"Some leaders learn to lead by making mistakes and then reflecting enough on those mistakes to develop principles for the future... another way is to learn the principles based on the mistakes of others."
I wish I could say the later were just as effective as the former, but there is something about the experience, the tension, the pain, the failure of experiencing the failure firsthand. There is much to be learned from others. I grew up watching my sister fight with my parents which I learned a lot from second hand, seeing what did and didn't work, learning what my parents really wanted and how to get what I wanted by giving them what they wanted. I have certainly learned a lot from the mistakes I have seen made in other churches about how to keep myself safe from malicious people and how to approach conflict.
I think we often play up the idea of learning from others' mistakes more than is realistic. Things can be learned from others, but the truth is that the people who learn from their own mistakes learn the same lessons in so much more of a profound way than others that perhaps the best way to learn is through gradual increases in responsibilities and controlled "labs" where people can experience mistakes in a way that is personal and effective but not devastating to their future. That is the purpose, I believe, of our Practicum opportunities, whether we take advantage of them or not.
I wish I could say the later were just as effective as the former, but there is something about the experience, the tension, the pain, the failure of experiencing the failure firsthand. There is much to be learned from others. I grew up watching my sister fight with my parents which I learned a lot from second hand, seeing what did and didn't work, learning what my parents really wanted and how to get what I wanted by giving them what they wanted. I have certainly learned a lot from the mistakes I have seen made in other churches about how to keep myself safe from malicious people and how to approach conflict.
I think we often play up the idea of learning from others' mistakes more than is realistic. Things can be learned from others, but the truth is that the people who learn from their own mistakes learn the same lessons in so much more of a profound way than others that perhaps the best way to learn is through gradual increases in responsibilities and controlled "labs" where people can experience mistakes in a way that is personal and effective but not devastating to their future. That is the purpose, I believe, of our Practicum opportunities, whether we take advantage of them or not.
Week 13 Singleness and Ministry - Anton Folz
13 Singleness and Ministry
April 13th, 09
The Code by which one can avoid sexual sins (Top Five)
1. Avoid being in the same room alone with the opposite sex at all costs. I will endeavor to never meet with someone of the opposite sex in an office with a closed door, a secluded place where no one is around, and especially not at a woman home or apartment.
2. Avoid attractions to anyone of the opposite sex that is not one’s spouse. I will endeavor to not allow any attraction to build up inside of me for anyone that is not my wife, by not treating any woman better than my wife or by giving them special favors or attention that I would not do for anyone in the church.
3. Avoid sin by listing to other's advice. I will endeavor to avoid sin this way by allowing the advice of my wife and others in the church to warm me if I am ignorantly walking into a trap of the devil. I will keep a humble spirit that is willing to take confrontation and warning without becoming defensive.
4. Avoid inappropriate touching of people of the opposite sex. I will make sure to try and appropriately always stay away from touching or hugging people of the opposite sex so that mixed signals or inappropriate feelings do not come between me and someone of the opposite sex.
5. Avoid the temptation that since one is becoming more successful that sin on the side will not matter. I will endeavor to stay true to my wife and to God by not allowing power and fame to gain me the access to sexual sin on the side, and disillusion myself in thinking that it can go unchecked and unnoticed.
April 13th, 09
The Code by which one can avoid sexual sins (Top Five)
1. Avoid being in the same room alone with the opposite sex at all costs. I will endeavor to never meet with someone of the opposite sex in an office with a closed door, a secluded place where no one is around, and especially not at a woman home or apartment.
2. Avoid attractions to anyone of the opposite sex that is not one’s spouse. I will endeavor to not allow any attraction to build up inside of me for anyone that is not my wife, by not treating any woman better than my wife or by giving them special favors or attention that I would not do for anyone in the church.
3. Avoid sin by listing to other's advice. I will endeavor to avoid sin this way by allowing the advice of my wife and others in the church to warm me if I am ignorantly walking into a trap of the devil. I will keep a humble spirit that is willing to take confrontation and warning without becoming defensive.
4. Avoid inappropriate touching of people of the opposite sex. I will make sure to try and appropriately always stay away from touching or hugging people of the opposite sex so that mixed signals or inappropriate feelings do not come between me and someone of the opposite sex.
5. Avoid the temptation that since one is becoming more successful that sin on the side will not matter. I will endeavor to stay true to my wife and to God by not allowing power and fame to gain me the access to sexual sin on the side, and disillusion myself in thinking that it can go unchecked and unnoticed.
Week 13 Minister's Taxes - Anton Folz
Week 13 – Anton Folz
April 12th, 09
The Six Most Important Things I need to Remember about Ministers & Taxes
1. The money that a minister spends on housing is income tax free. This includes all the money that one spends on loan principal, interest, utilities, furniture, and other appurtenances
2. The first limitation is that this money must be allocated in advance. A minister must get the spending designated in advance for this to work.
3. The second limitation to the ministerial housing allowance is that one is only able to designate the fair rental market value of the home plus utilities. This is typically means one tenth the total value of the home plus utilities.
4. It is easy for ministers to cheat on their taxes by under reporting their parsonage, or by hiding any honorariums that they accumulate, but it does not pay in the end. As a person in the ministry, one must be able to stand about cheating and do what is right.
5. Ministers can opt out of paying any social security by filing the 4361, but it is the mother of all cheating. This can save a minister thousands, but one must confess to their commissioning board, and hold to this view by oath.
6. Money that is gained by honorarium must have taxes paid on it. This is income, and one needs to pay both income tax and social security tax on it.
.
April 12th, 09
The Six Most Important Things I need to Remember about Ministers & Taxes
1. The money that a minister spends on housing is income tax free. This includes all the money that one spends on loan principal, interest, utilities, furniture, and other appurtenances
2. The first limitation is that this money must be allocated in advance. A minister must get the spending designated in advance for this to work.
3. The second limitation to the ministerial housing allowance is that one is only able to designate the fair rental market value of the home plus utilities. This is typically means one tenth the total value of the home plus utilities.
4. It is easy for ministers to cheat on their taxes by under reporting their parsonage, or by hiding any honorariums that they accumulate, but it does not pay in the end. As a person in the ministry, one must be able to stand about cheating and do what is right.
5. Ministers can opt out of paying any social security by filing the 4361, but it is the mother of all cheating. This can save a minister thousands, but one must confess to their commissioning board, and hold to this view by oath.
6. Money that is gained by honorarium must have taxes paid on it. This is income, and one needs to pay both income tax and social security tax on it.
.
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
Week 12: Formal Leadership Theory>>>Trenton Prieshoff
Transformational Leadership
April 7, 2009
I have been going to God's House Ministries for the past three and a half years and I think this theory describes well the atmosphere of God's House. The biggest key indicator came from an interview I had with Pastor about preaching. He said: "I don't feel the need to add any new information to the world. The world doesn't need a lot of information. What it needs is inspiration. I try to ask myself 'would I be inspired by this?' as I am writing a sermon and even as I am preaching..." and he makes changes accordingly. The Transformational Leader is primarily characterized by a person who inspires other and is able to instill them with enthusiasm and energy.
Descriptions of the Transformational Leadership type include the description that the leader mostly gives back in intangible ways such as praise and responsibility. Pastor has told me he loves to give people a chance to take responsibility and nurture something themselves that they want to see happen. Also, Pastor is the only paid staff member (and he is bi-vocational) at a church of almost 500! Obviously, he tends to give more through intangible means than anything. Instead, he praises the good work people do through his sermons as it applies to the message and they have a periodic leadership lunch for anyone who wants to get involved and he brings up the leaders in the church, praising the work they have accomplished and the other people involved with those ministries.
April 7, 2009
I have been going to God's House Ministries for the past three and a half years and I think this theory describes well the atmosphere of God's House. The biggest key indicator came from an interview I had with Pastor about preaching. He said: "I don't feel the need to add any new information to the world. The world doesn't need a lot of information. What it needs is inspiration. I try to ask myself 'would I be inspired by this?' as I am writing a sermon and even as I am preaching..." and he makes changes accordingly. The Transformational Leader is primarily characterized by a person who inspires other and is able to instill them with enthusiasm and energy.
Descriptions of the Transformational Leadership type include the description that the leader mostly gives back in intangible ways such as praise and responsibility. Pastor has told me he loves to give people a chance to take responsibility and nurture something themselves that they want to see happen. Also, Pastor is the only paid staff member (and he is bi-vocational) at a church of almost 500! Obviously, he tends to give more through intangible means than anything. Instead, he praises the good work people do through his sermons as it applies to the message and they have a periodic leadership lunch for anyone who wants to get involved and he brings up the leaders in the church, praising the work they have accomplished and the other people involved with those ministries.
Monday, April 6, 2009
Week 12 Learning Leadership April 7th 09
12. Learning Leadership – Anton Folz
When you learn from your own mistakes, a leader is making small and significant progress. This is the natural and progressive way to move along in one’s understanding of their leadership roles and responsibilities. However if one is able to learn from others’ mistakes and bypass making those same mistakes themselves, that is where significant and powerful change and leadership development takes place. Having this ability and insight is highly desirable for a leader, so that they may maintain a strong Christian witness, and so that they can focus on moving ahead rather than always looking back at what they have done so that thy can continue to move in the correct direction. When a leader can keep their walk blameless and their focus and attention on the goals and direction that the church is headed in, then they can guide and motivate the people around them to also be moving in the direction that church is headed.
When you learn from your own mistakes, a leader is making small and significant progress. This is the natural and progressive way to move along in one’s understanding of their leadership roles and responsibilities. However if one is able to learn from others’ mistakes and bypass making those same mistakes themselves, that is where significant and powerful change and leadership development takes place. Having this ability and insight is highly desirable for a leader, so that they may maintain a strong Christian witness, and so that they can focus on moving ahead rather than always looking back at what they have done so that thy can continue to move in the correct direction. When a leader can keep their walk blameless and their focus and attention on the goals and direction that the church is headed in, then they can guide and motivate the people around them to also be moving in the direction that church is headed.
Week 12 - Anton Folz April 7th 09
Week 12
Formal Leadership Theory – Anton Folz
April 7th 09
At Lakeview Wesleyan Church, the church that my wife and I have been attending now for almost four years has gone through some fairly dramatic changes in the past two years. The church has gone through a large building addition, some very tough financial matters that involved stolen monies, and a change in the senior pastor. Through all of this I personally have seen how the Situational Leadership principal has come into play at our local church. As the church was going through the building project, the church was in a circumstance where they really needed a leader that was willing to motivate them to give and to make the sacrifice so that more ministries and avenues for the church could be open to the people in the community. That was exactly what they needed and what they received.
As the church began to discover what had happened with the stolen money, they needed a leader that would then be able to walk with them through the time of mourning and then forgiveness, so that they could then heal. This was and still is a very sensitive and hard issue for many in the church, but overall the leadership has helped to provide guidance to the people as to how they should walk through this difficult time and how they can then move on. After this circumstance, the situation is now beginning to change again and there has been a great need for a leader that can motivate and help lift the sprit of the congregation. A leader was needed to help the people feel as though they had a real reason to continue giving, and that the church was and is recovering. The current senior pastor has been able to motivate the people to give, and he has been a tool from the Lord to help encourage the people that they are a part of a church that is growing and in the recovery state.
So by looking at the leadership and situations over the past several years at Lakeview Church, one is able to see how the situational leadership principal has played its part. Through all the circumstances God has led and He continues to lead. He has provided the right leadership and the right type of leadership from those leaders as the times have changes and the situations have required special attention.
Formal Leadership Theory – Anton Folz
April 7th 09
At Lakeview Wesleyan Church, the church that my wife and I have been attending now for almost four years has gone through some fairly dramatic changes in the past two years. The church has gone through a large building addition, some very tough financial matters that involved stolen monies, and a change in the senior pastor. Through all of this I personally have seen how the Situational Leadership principal has come into play at our local church. As the church was going through the building project, the church was in a circumstance where they really needed a leader that was willing to motivate them to give and to make the sacrifice so that more ministries and avenues for the church could be open to the people in the community. That was exactly what they needed and what they received.
As the church began to discover what had happened with the stolen money, they needed a leader that would then be able to walk with them through the time of mourning and then forgiveness, so that they could then heal. This was and still is a very sensitive and hard issue for many in the church, but overall the leadership has helped to provide guidance to the people as to how they should walk through this difficult time and how they can then move on. After this circumstance, the situation is now beginning to change again and there has been a great need for a leader that can motivate and help lift the sprit of the congregation. A leader was needed to help the people feel as though they had a real reason to continue giving, and that the church was and is recovering. The current senior pastor has been able to motivate the people to give, and he has been a tool from the Lord to help encourage the people that they are a part of a church that is growing and in the recovery state.
So by looking at the leadership and situations over the past several years at Lakeview Church, one is able to see how the situational leadership principal has played its part. Through all the circumstances God has led and He continues to lead. He has provided the right leadership and the right type of leadership from those leaders as the times have changes and the situations have required special attention.
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
Week 11: Maxwell Book>>>Trenton Prieshoff
April 2, 2009
Lead up--Be a leader for your leader
This is one of the principle of John Maxwell's book "360 Degree Leader" in which his basic premise is to lead up (to your superiors), lead across (to your coworkers) and lead down (to your subordinates). The concept of being a leader for your leader I thought was cool, because in most cases of describing leadership, we tend to focus on the "leading down" part of his 360 degree approach. By being a leader for your leader, you are not treating him or her the same way you would treat a subordinate, but you are advocating on their behalf in order to affirm their own place of authority, to energize them and to energize your coworkers to be equally energized. Even if you are not the biggest supporter of your leader, it speaks highly of your own leadership abilities to support him or her anyway. If your leader ever gets promoted, they will bring you up with them and if they ever get fired, no one will have anything but positive things to say about you so you have a good chance of taking their place.
Lead up--Be a leader for your leader
This is one of the principle of John Maxwell's book "360 Degree Leader" in which his basic premise is to lead up (to your superiors), lead across (to your coworkers) and lead down (to your subordinates). The concept of being a leader for your leader I thought was cool, because in most cases of describing leadership, we tend to focus on the "leading down" part of his 360 degree approach. By being a leader for your leader, you are not treating him or her the same way you would treat a subordinate, but you are advocating on their behalf in order to affirm their own place of authority, to energize them and to energize your coworkers to be equally energized. Even if you are not the biggest supporter of your leader, it speaks highly of your own leadership abilities to support him or her anyway. If your leader ever gets promoted, they will bring you up with them and if they ever get fired, no one will have anything but positive things to say about you so you have a good chance of taking their place.
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