This month’s blog is the fourth and final one in a series based on a chapter by the same title that I wrote in a new book SBCAL has coming out this spring: The Baptist Association: Assisting Churches. Advancing the Gospel. Be on the lookout for it!
What are the Attributes of an Effective AMS?
After being involved in associational ministry in various ways for over 35 years, including serving as the associational leader of five associations, I believe the following attributes—as well as the proficiencies in this book—should guide the effective AMS:
What are the Attributes of an Effective AMS?
After being involved in associational ministry in various ways for over 35 years, including serving as the associational leader of five associations, I believe the following attributes—as well as the proficiencies in this book—should guide the effective AMS:
1. Giftedness—Know your spiritual gift(s) and use it (them) for God’s glory and for the advancement of His kingdom. Be yourself, not someone else. Cast vision and lead your association with the God-given gifts and strengths you have seen Him utilize for His glory in the past.[i]
2. Stewardship—Be a good steward of the role and responsibilities that are yours for this season. Don’t coast! Be found faithful to your calling as a minister of the Gospel and an associational leader.[ii]
3. Fruitfulness—Intentionally focus and prayerfully depend on the Lord to assist pastors in equipping the saints to make disciples and produce much fruit for the glory of God as it is “in season” according to God’s timing.[iii]
4. Teachability—What are you doing to sharpen yourself?[iv] Some of the best sharpening comes from peer interaction and peer learning. Participate in SBCAL, your state AMS fellowship, and other peer groups. Don’t let jealousy, insecurity, or ego prevent you from being a lifelong learner. “The one who walks with the wise will become wise, but a companion of fools will suffer harm.” [v]
It is becoming more and more obvious in SBC life that the role of the AMS is a significant one. There appears to be a renaissance in the recognition of the need for wise, collaborative, visionary leaders in our associations. May it be so for God’s glory and the advancement of His kingdom.
To the praise of His glory,
Ray
Pr. 3:5-6
Quotable Quote: I believe ministry is first and foremost about relationships. The rest is just details. Details matter, but relationships are priority. Dr. Adam Greenway, at his inauguration as the ninth President of Southwestern Seminary, October 2019
2. Stewardship—Be a good steward of the role and responsibilities that are yours for this season. Don’t coast! Be found faithful to your calling as a minister of the Gospel and an associational leader.[ii]
3. Fruitfulness—Intentionally focus and prayerfully depend on the Lord to assist pastors in equipping the saints to make disciples and produce much fruit for the glory of God as it is “in season” according to God’s timing.[iii]
4. Teachability—What are you doing to sharpen yourself?[iv] Some of the best sharpening comes from peer interaction and peer learning. Participate in SBCAL, your state AMS fellowship, and other peer groups. Don’t let jealousy, insecurity, or ego prevent you from being a lifelong learner. “The one who walks with the wise will become wise, but a companion of fools will suffer harm.” [v]
It is becoming more and more obvious in SBC life that the role of the AMS is a significant one. There appears to be a renaissance in the recognition of the need for wise, collaborative, visionary leaders in our associations. May it be so for God’s glory and the advancement of His kingdom.
To the praise of His glory,
Ray
Pr. 3:5-6
Quotable Quote: I believe ministry is first and foremost about relationships. The rest is just details. Details matter, but relationships are priority. Dr. Adam Greenway, at his inauguration as the ninth President of Southwestern Seminary, October 2019
[i] Romans 12: 3-8; 1 Corinthians 12: 4-7, 28-31
[ii] Proverbs 16:2-3; Proverbs 22: 29; Colossians 3:23
[iii] Matthew 28: 18-20; Ephesians 4:11-12; 1 Corinthians 3:5-9
[iv] Proverbs 27:17
[v] Proverbs 13:20
[ii] Proverbs 16:2-3; Proverbs 22: 29; Colossians 3:23
[iii] Matthew 28: 18-20; Ephesians 4:11-12; 1 Corinthians 3:5-9
[iv] Proverbs 27:17
[v] Proverbs 13:20
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