(I thought I’ve posted this. I haven’t. Queuing for the second night session now. )
Pastor Jeffrey Rachmat and Pastor Sidney Mohede met in 1996. Pastor Sidney just came back from the US.
Pastor Jeffrey said often we look outside for talents when there are already many talented people in the church. Many talented people want to make it on their own. Pastor Sidney didn’t have the discipline of life in then. He got up when he wanted to, played games, etc. Yet, he wanted to be pastored.
Pastor Jeffrey wanted him to come to the office in the morning. He started coming late but he slowly adjusted his life. And he started to get his rhythm in life.
Pastor Sidney appreciated what Pastor Jeffrey shared the other day about routine. It’s important that we faithfully do the small things and to carry out the routine tasks.
Pastor Sidney shared that when they met, both were not pastors yet. They met in a birthday party. Pastor Jeffrey invited him to the Friday meetings. Pastor Sidney didn’t have a mobile phone, only a pager. He got paged the next day and took a bus to Pastor Jeffrey’s office where he was given a Sony Erickson phone.
Pastor Jeffrey’s generosity spirit would permeate the church they later found. He is not restrictive. He wanted his members to bless the body of Christ, not just their local church.
Pastor Jeffrey said it takes a secured leader to have Pastor Sidney in his church as he has more followers. In fact, Pastor Jeffrey would be asked to take photos when they travel.
They have any other celebrities in the church now. Pastor Jeffrey protects them especially from the media. Some journalists would try to take picture when they worship but Pastor Jeffrey stopped them. He told his members that if they see JPCC as their home then everyone is treated the same. No one has special treatment. If they are late, they have to sit at the back or sit on the floor. That is a key to handle “guys like him.”
Pastor Sidney doesn’t see himself as a celebrity. He thinks people know him because of the longevity of the things they have done. He was taught that at “home” he is just one of them. When he is scheduled to lead worship, he would be in church at 0600 getting ready. If anyone wants to take pictures with him, he’d know they are tourists or visitors. He appreciate Pastor Jeffrey for teaching them to be generous and also to serve rather to be served. He has no personal ministry. He subject to the Pastor Jeffrey’s authority as far his itinerary is concerned.Pastor Sidney loved that because Pastor Jeffrey cares for him as Sidney the person, the father, the husband and not Sidney the musician and the singer.
Pastor Jeffrey said he is jealous of Pastor Sidney can sing, write songs, preach very well and speak English very well. There are time when we need to release leaders than to keep them for ourselves. Their ministry is bigger. He doesn’t want to restrict Pastor Sidney from his musical pursuits but he just wants to remind him about balancing his time and to pay attention to his family. Pastor Jeffrey told us Pastor Sidney listens and that he is one of the success stories of his leadership. He admitted there were a few who chose not to listen. He also mentioned that Pastor Sidney went sideways. He would literally rebuke him and warn him of the consequences. Sometimes leaders just want to get the benefit from a multi-talented person, but not helping them in their lives. He is not afraid of losing him.
Next, Pastor Peter Tanchi and his wife, Deonna took the stage.
Deonna felt they need to be intimate with God. Anchoring in God helps her.
Pastor Peter appreciates his wife. He didn’t think his ministry will not be like today without her support and encouragement. What is essential?
- God first. Not each other, not ministry.
- Need to let the spouse felt loved. It’s not enough to say it.
- The roles of the husband and wife are crucial.
Deonna said it’s important to have a spirit-filled life. Pastor Peter carries 2 bags, business and ministry. He would come home not being grumpy. He would let them know he was meeting the most important people in his life. Deonna realized her role as helpmate to support Pastor Peter. She is always joyful. When the children see them in joy, they are joyful too. She submits as if the church submits to Christ.
Pastor Peter discussed the transition from business to ministry. He said there is no difference. Pastor Peter said home is a ministry. He talked about the 10/90 rule. There are things that we can delegate and there are things we cannot delegate. There are 10% we cannot delegate. For example, being a father or being a husband. This in line with My Top 5% that Pastor Chris Kam share in the Men Alive! blog.
Deonna homschool their own children. Sometimes they follow as they travel. When Pastor Peter was present, he was present. Communication is important. They have a walkie-talkie – they walk and they talk. She told the ladies that men don’t like eyeball to eyeball talk over coffee. They prefer shoulder to shoulder talk. Talking in the car is one example.
Pastor Peter build the ministry DNA in their children. They all take part in ministry. They can offer help and counseling. Deonna never grumble about his ministry.
Deonna said they are not stressed in ministry because they train and mentor others. Pastor Peter trains the men while Deonna works with the wives. There is a 360 degree accountability. Everyone by God’s grace is doing the work.
Pastor Peter takes a group of men and his goal is to ensure they are spiritually healthy. They go into many areas, finance, sex, etc. If there is a problem, Peter and Deonna will work together. The 360 also involves getting the children to evaluate their pastors annually. The evaluation is given to another pastor. They don’t disciple all 40,000 people in the congregation. They focus on a few and ensure they are leading the people they are leading.
Deonna said there must be transparency in mentoring. They want to walk their talk. They don’t want to live one way in ministry and another way in private life.
Pastor Peter said we must be honest with one another. He apologized to his pastors and they dare to criticize them.
Pastor Pet
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