Nathan Neighbors » Leadership

A Radical Book

Nathan Neighbors — Tue, 07 Dec 2010 13:56:29 +0000

Though I love to learn new things about the God I love and the ministry He has called me too, I’m not an avid reader. Ashley, on the other hand, can read a book in a day. Despite my lack of reading, this week I finished my second book in three weeks. You would think that during this busy holiday time I would have less time to read, but this book captivated my attention. I kept wanting to go back to it again and again.

Radical is the new book by David Platt. Platt writes with a sincere conviction for the American church to return to the purpose for which Christ died for them. His passion for the lost and his heart for world missions is contagious. I’d highly recommend reading it. Be warned that if you do, be ready to be convicted by the Holy Spirit to step away from the American dream and into the dream God has for the world to hear the Good News. It’s an easy read – but hard to live. That’s what’s so great about it. I pray that God will continue stirring in me what he wants me to do with what He has taught me through David’s book.

Tebow’s Faith…in USA Today

Nathan Neighbors — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 14:55:07 +0000

Yesterday in a USA Today opinion piece in the religion section, Tom Krattenmaker, makes some outlandish remarks about his study of organized sports and religion. He highlights Tim Tebow, quarterback for Florida, as one who’s actions off the field are good (his service and mission work), but criticizes his thought of Christ being the only way to salvation. On the one hand he commends Tebow’s actions, yet condemns his thoughts. Krattenmaker also attempts to generalize organizations that minister to athletic teams as being manipulative and not accepting of players from other faiths. He goes on to say…

Evangelical players and ministry representatives in sports aren’t out to harm anyone, of course. On the contrary, they see themselves as fulfilling the Bible’s Great Commission (“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,” Matthew 28:19). In this sense, their mission is pure altruism: They seek to share the gift of eternal life. But there’s a shadow side to this. If their take on God and truth and life is the only right one — which their creed boldly states — everyone else is wrong.

Though I don’t follow sports very closely, it’s hard to miss hearing about Tim Tebow. In my opinion, Tebow is a breath of fresh air in light of the scandals and junk that surrounds so much of college and professional sports. He’s a young man who not only knows what he believes, but is a strong enough leader to be straight about his convictions. Though we ought not treat others with contempt because they believe differently than we do – Truth is Truth – and The Truth of John 14:6 rings ever true. Jesus Christ, is the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Him…period.

Click here to read the USA TODAY article.

Just Finished the Greatest Story

Nathan Neighbors — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 19:20:53 +0000

For the last 90 days I’ve been encouraging our students at Morningside to read though the entire Bible for their summer reading. Though I love to read God’s Word, I have never actually read the entire Bible. So, when I gave this challenge back in late May, I new I was asking the students to make a big commitment. If I was going to ask them to make it – I had to lead by example. So, on June 1st I began with Genesis 1:1. I even wrote about it in my blog titled, God’s Word This Summer.

Today I finished reading John’s Revelation. This has been the most amazing summer. It has been difficult at times, but so worth the extra 1-2 hours reading His Word. Everyday I was able to see God’s story being played out in my own story. Time after time I saw his Word being fleshed out in the experiences of my day. Because I read the whole Bible in 90 days, I didn’t have much time to do in-depth study of any one passage. However, because it was only 90 days, it was much easier to see all the connections between books because it was easier to remember what I had read.

I’m not sure if any of our students joined me in this adventure, but it made a difference in my life. Even if this reading challenge was just for me, I’m glad I hung on for the ride. God’s word is meant to change the way we think and live. Maybe by taking this step in my walk with Christ and the emphasis I’ve put on the Bible this summer will help these students take the next step in their walk with Christ too.

Great Week * Great Leaders * Great God!

Nathan Neighbors — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 14:13:08 +0000

What a week we’ve had in the youth ministry at Morningside. We’ve kicked off a great new year in Sunday School, we’ve started our Fall season of discipleship groups and we’ve started a new worship service for students on Wednesday nights. In fact, we had over 50 attend the first service last week. As I look back at this wonderful week of ministry I cannot help but be thankful for two things:

First of all, we serve an awesome God. As we’re in the midst of a study about the truth about God and absolute Truth, I’m time and time again blown away by how good God is to us. Even at our worst hour he is there. But in these last few days of great things at Morningside, he’s good too. I love serving Him and I love seeing our students serve and honor him too. May God not only receive all the glory for what happens at Morningside, but may He also have the hearts of us all.

Secondly, I am very thankful for great volunteers. We have over 25 adult leaders plugged in weekly and focused on reaching students for Christ. I love their passion and enthusiasm for students and their tireless efforts at keeping up with the lives of the students that God has entrusted to our care. Most youth ministries have great adult volunteers, but I am really becoming encouraged lately at how much some of our older youth and college students have stepped up in their leadership to begin helping lead out in the youth ministry. Specifically, I love how ten of our students are helping lead our new Ignite worship service on Wednesday nights.

Thank you volunteers for serving with us at Morningside. It’s been a great week and I can’t wait to see what God is going to do with us this school year if week keep our focus soley on Him! See you at Ignite this Wednesday.

Simple Church

Nathan Neighbors — Wed, 17 Oct 2007 21:12:43 +0000

Recently I’ve made a commitment to read more, especially as it relates to ministry. I spend a lot of time (not as much as I would like) reading God’s Word and I spend time reading blogs, emails, and the occasional article, but I’ve been slack in my book readings.

So, I’ve started back. I picked an awesome one to start with. In the midst of my busyness I read a book ironically called Simple Churchby Thom Rainer and Eric Geiger. Gustaw, the head of the Polish Baptist Union and our contact in Poland, suggested it to me on our recent mission trip to Poland. It was exactly what I needed to hear. I’ve read The Purpose Driven Life and The Purpose Drive Youth Ministry and a dozen other church leadership books – but this is one of the first that has been so crystal clear about the importance of streamlining ministry and programing to be only the essential things. And that those things should all be moving someone along in the process of becoming a disciple. Finally, a book that’s not suggesting new or more programs, but offering solid statistical evidence for a “less is more approach.” Check it our some time. It’s a good read.

Pat Williams on Leadership

Nathan Neighbors — Mon, 20 Aug 2007 03:09:49 +0000

Today Morningside had the great privilege of having Pat Williams speak in both services. Pat is a well know sports manager and has worked in both major league baseball and basketball. He’s managed many pro teams and also speaks on leadership. He currently lives in Orlando Florida, where he co-founded the Orlando Magic. More than anything, he’s a man who loves the Lord with all of his heart. These days he is a highly sought after speaker on leadership. Here are just a few things I heard him say today about leadership during the message he delivered. Check out his website for more info about him or to get one of the 26 books he has written.

Seven Sides of Leadership…message by Pat Williams

Vision – keeps you focused, keeps you fueled, helps you finish well
Communicate Your Vision – communicate optimism, inspiration, motivation, talk about the vision often in front of people
People Skill – be visible, be available, empower others, listen! It may not be a coincidence that “listen” and “silent” have the same letters just in a different order.
Character Counts – don’t disqualify yourself because of your character, honesty, integrity, humility
Competence - must be good at what you do, need to be a good teacher, need to be a great learner
Boldness - great leaders step up, don’t worry about others, be the boss
Serving Heart - our greatest model is Jesus himself when he told us if we want to be great, we need to get up and serve other people.