respect – Page 2 – John Markum

I watched a very exciting episode of the new game show, Minute to Win It, with my wife the other day. It’s a very creative idea for a TV show and seems to be very family oriented: a breath of fresh air in such a value-deficient media. And who said only bad news sales?!

But as I got thinking about the concept, I began thinking of things that take a considerably longer time to earn, yet could be ruined in a brief moment of poor judgement. Doubtlessly, you can think of others to add to this list:

A good marriage. Takes half a lifetime to get right. Easily ruined in a variety of ways, and in less time than it takes to say “I did.”
Respect. You can work your whole life to develop the respect of your peers, children, spouse, and co-workers. One whoops can ruin a thousand at-a-boy‘s.
Health. Probably the first on the list that can be lost innocently. You can workout, lift weights, do routine cardio-aerobics, etc… One bad hit during a pick-up game and your limping for weeks (or longer).
Sobriety. From any substance. As Mark Twain once said, “Breaking the smoking habit is easy… I’ve done it hundreds of times.” You haven’t touched a drop of alcohol in years, and one tough day can push you to urges you haven’t given in to for a long time.
Purity. Once you cross those lines, you can’t uncross them. Losing something so precious and valuable to someone who has no intentions of committing to you is why God insists that sexuality be reserved for the safety of marriage. Plus, it saves you from a very uncomfortable conversation with the person you will marry.
Friendships. Some develop faster than others, but the best ones are always those that are forged by time. Good friendships are all too often torn apart by one act of betrayal, gossip, or selfishness.

Did you notice? None of these things are worth any amount of money. You would likely be very willing to empty every bank account you possess in order to keep the things on this list or in order to get them back. Don’t trade your most valuable possessions for something that is temporary and worth far less!

Blessings,

John

“A prophet is not without honor, except in his own country, and in his own house.” Matthew 13:57

There is a distinct difference between respect and honor. Respect is earned, but honor is freely given. I honor the leadership of our country, though many of those in government make choices I oppose. I respect the ones who stand for morality over popularity. Regardless, their position demands my honor. I want to show honor to every man and woman in ministry. Many of them I know well, and they’ve earned my respect. Many of them I know well and they have not earned my respect. But I still must show them honor so long as they hold that anointed position. I find that the more I freely show honor to those in authority over me, the more I find to respect them for.

Our church is lead by 8 pastoral staff members. Have you ever tried getting 8 preachers/church leaders to agree on how something should be done?!? We can’t even agree on where to go out to eat together after staff meetings some days! It’s been said, “In essentials – unity. In non-essentials – forbearance. In everything – love.” Sometimes opinions are very strong. But as we maintain a posture of honor toward the calling that God has placed on each of us, we realize that God leads each of us differently. And the more we choose to honor one another above ourselves, the more clear God seems to direct us. The church works more effectively when the whole body of Christ is moving in the same direction.

If your church seems dysfunctional, try cultivating a culture of honor in your church. Decide that you won’t trash-talk the pastor’s decisions to others in the church. And confront those who do, to deal with the pastor honorably if they have a problem. Listen to the preaching and open yourself up to the possibility that God wants to speak to you through the message of your pastor. Act on that message as you open yourself up to what God wants to do.

If you are an associate pastor and don’t see eye-to-eye with the lead pastor, honor him anyway. This is not the same as agreeing with him when you don’t. Don’t be fake! Just remember that when you disagree with your senior pastor that God put him there – flaws and all. One day, it will come back to you. You’ll be in that position and some young, headstrong, 25 year old pastor who thinks he’s figured it all out will be working for you. How would you like him to follow your leadership even when he disagrees? Maybe that would be a good place to start seeing your pastor now.

And know that, for my part, regardless of whether you are the senior pastor of your church, youth pastor, worship pastor, associate pastor, lay pastor, full time, bi-vocational, or otherwise – I am humbled by your willingness to answer the calling of full time ministry. I know your calling has it’s high and low moments, but be faithful to the calling of God on your life. Endure hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. Do not be weary in well doing. We stand to see many lives changed for the glory of God. Nothing worthwhile is ever easy. And the people God has called you to minister to are the most worthwhile. I honor you, and stand with you.

Blessings,

John

Leadership Podcast

6 Decisions BEFORE becoming a Lead Pastor

00:00 / 27:10

6 Decisions BEFORE becoming a Lead Pastor

Jan 13, 2017 • 27:10

Most of being a first-time lead pastor is learning as you go. While this was (and is) definitely true of me, there were six decisions I had made prior to stepping into this role, that I think other pastors and leaders could benefit from.
Creating Church Culture

Jan 19, 2017 • 25:36

In this podcast, John talks about branding, values, language, and celebrating as pieces to creating a healthy church culture.
Separation of Church and State

Feb 10, 2017 • 29:52

In this podcast, I talk about the Immigration Ban, and how the church should be approaching such issues regarding our response to government, and proclamation of the gospel.
Advice to those in Bible College

Feb 24, 2017 • 22:45

Here I give advice on what students preparing for vocational ministry should be doing now to get the most of what is waiting for them after graduation.
Christian Boycotts???

Mar 3, 2017 • 26:45

There’s always something to be upset about. Should Christians exert the energy and outrage in protesting the world and it’s values? Or rather in living differently, and loving the world creatively and compassionately towards Jesus? Hear me out… this isn’t talked about enough!
Live the Word

Mar 8, 2017 • 15:48

Not going to lie. I smell fake from a mile away. My guess is, you probably do to. And people who know the Bible, but don’t actually want to live it cuts me the deepest. In this podcast, I talk about the difference between knowing God’s Word and actually living…
Preaching, episode 1: What is Preaching

Aug 28, 2017 • 31:33

In this podcast, Pastor John unpacks the first of a handful of episodes intended to coach you in your growth as a preacher. Download the Handout for this episode.
Preaching, episode 2: Writing a sermon

Sep 2, 2017 • 17:50

How does one go about writing a sermon? In this podcast episode, Pastor John gets into the cadence of a good sermon, and how to lead people toward a compelling application. Click here for the outline
Preaching, episode 3: Sermon Delivery

Nov 29, 2017 • 41:45

In episode three, we look at HOW we preach and deliver our sermons. A “must listen” for the new preacher, and a great fresh perspective for the seasoned preaching veterans.
Bivocational Ministry

Jun 3, 2019 • 26:49

Bivocational Ministry is becoming more valuable than ever. Enjoy this episode as we been to discuss the needs, challenges, and advantages of being in bivocational ministry. To support this podcast and other resources from Pastor John, visit www.patreon.com/johnmarkum – thank you for your support.