tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31511736453980738942024-03-13T22:54:21.229-04:00The 2nd ManMark Coffeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07383275724751830924noreply@blogger.comBlogger35125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3151173645398073894.post-86593065557487858062010-02-24T12:05:00.002-05:002010-02-24T12:11:38.435-05:008 Reason to Follow a Great LeaderI read the follow post from the Blog of <a href="http://www.caryschmidt.com/about-2/">Cary Schmidt</a>. I thought he had some good points for the 2nd man to consider.<br /><br />1. To Be Like Jesus<br />2. To Function How God Designed You<br />3. To be a Part of a Great Team<br />4. To be Stretched to Your Potential<br />5. To Develop a Vision Bigger than Self<br />6. To Hear and Pursue the Truth<br />7. To See Your Own Weaknesses<br />8. To Enjoy a Great Adventure—no doubt<br /><br />To read the entire entry <a href="http://www.caryschmidt.com/2010/02/8-reasons-to-follow-a-great-leader/">click here</a>.Mark Coffeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07383275724751830924noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3151173645398073894.post-60005360143888006262010-02-06T08:40:00.002-05:002010-02-06T08:48:20.028-05:00Are you a 2nd man as an excuse to be lazy?Some may be saying, "I don't want to study as much as the 1st man." "I don't want as many responsibilities as the 1st man." "I don't want to work the hours that the 1st man has to work" <br /><br />Thinking on these statements, this individual definitely doesn't need to be the 1st man. Neither does he need to be the 2nd man. <br /><br />The 2nd man should count his position just as important as the 1st man's, which means he should be working at the same level, if not higher. <br /><br />One of the reason's I work as a 2nd man is because I believe it is more productive to be in my position than to start something on my own. <br /><br />Don't be a 2nd man just because you think it will help you get out of work and responsibility.Mark Coffeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07383275724751830924noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3151173645398073894.post-82621956664051314782009-04-27T09:23:00.002-04:002009-04-27T09:30:17.436-04:00Grey Areas<a href="http://visionbaptist.com/blog/">Jefe</a> is putting out some great articles dealing with the "grey areas" of ministry. I think they are helpful and very thought provoking. <br /><br /><a href="http://visionbaptist.com/blog/2009/04/27/grey-areas-6/">Click here</a> to view the latest. There are links you can follow to find each post dealing with this subject.<br /><br />Make sure to leave any questions or comments you may have.Mark Coffeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07383275724751830924noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3151173645398073894.post-83974825706828636552008-12-05T21:25:00.005-05:002008-12-05T22:15:10.372-05:00Absence of EncouragementI have the opportunity to manage most of what goes on in the <a href="http://bcwe.org/main/page_training_training_center_training_center_home.html">training center</a>. Because of my position, I have quite a few people that are always assisting me in the ministry. We have several students that are always on hand to help and several graduates that are come in at any given time just to help in the ministry in whatever area we may need help in. <br /><br />One of my hang ups, and believe me I have many more, is that I don't always encourage the workers that are around me. It's easy for me to deal out orders and expect jobs to be completed but it's another thing when it comes to encouraging or showing appreciation for the endless hours they have volunteered. <br /><br />One of my greatest fears is that one day I will run off workers that are here to help in the ministry. As a 2nd man I want to assist <a href="http://bcwe.org/bcweblogs/world-evangelism/">Jefe</a> in building our team for world evangelism, not destroy it. I know that to do that I have to be the encourager that God has called us all to be. <br /><br />I wonder how many people in our churches and ministries have we run off. The pastor worked hard at winning them and getting them to be involved in the ministry, yet we ran them off. He did all the work to get them there, and we did all the work at getting them out of there. <br /><br />Let us all be 2nd men that will aid the ministry of our 1st man. Let us be careful to care for people and to show them our appreciation. We always need to be thankful to God for them.Mark Coffeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07383275724751830924noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3151173645398073894.post-67027325648747118322008-09-02T08:05:00.003-04:002008-09-02T08:44:43.592-04:00Exhort and EncourageI received an email this morning from a good pastor friend of our church. He just wrote to say he appreciated our staff and ministry and prays this trimester at the <a href="http://bcwe.org/main/page_training_training_center_training_center_home.html">Training Center</a> will be the best yet. I can honestly say his email was a great encouragement. It was nice to know he was thinking about and praying for us. <br /><br />His email this morning was a great reminder on how I should be all the time with everyone.<br /><br />Now as a 2nd Man, I should also do all that I can to exhort and encourage the 1st man. What only took a few seconds for my pastor friend to write made an impact on my day. I have to constantly be thinking what I can say or do to make a big impact on the <a href="http://bcwe.org/bcweblogs/world-evangelism/">1st man's</a> day. With as many problems and challenges he faces on any given day, I should constantly be on the look out of how to lift him up by my actions and words. <br /><br />Also as a 2nd man you need to help the 1st man be a better encourager. You can easily remind him to call people or even give him notes to thank people from the pulpit. There are hundreds of things you can do on a daily basis to help the 1st man encourage and exhort those he has the opportunity to influence and help. It's your job to make him more effective so make sure you're not wasting time.<br /><br />We as Christians really have to start placing more value on what we say and do. We at times are so self centered and never think about others. Christ has done so much for us that it's about time we did things for others so He will be honored and glorified.Mark Coffeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07383275724751830924noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3151173645398073894.post-10379965342392832722008-06-23T00:19:00.002-04:002008-06-23T00:46:57.649-04:00My 2nd ManI want to just take a while and go over why I am able to do what God has called me to do. I say a lot of things about what a 2nd man should be like but I usually put it in the context of what I do as a 2nd man. Well I couldn't do anything I am able to do if it wasn't for my 2nd man. This 2nd man is who really teaches me what hard work, sacrifice, determination, loyalty, character, and true love is all about. This 2nd man is who helps me to be what I am today. <br /><br />My 2nd man isn't a man at all. She's a woman, a lady to be more specific. She's my wife, my best friend, my confidant. Her name is Amy Coffey and she is the greatest woman I have ever known. It really hit me today, as it does on several days, what a great wife, help meet, I really have. <br /><br />We were dealing with some problems in the church this weekend and as always she was there to step in and help. She comforted the people involved and sacrificed herself, her family, and her time to be where she needed to be in the time of great distress. She has done things like this at any given time since I have known her. She is definitely known at the gates for her good works. <br /><br />I am glad that I have a wife that always supports me in the decisions I make in the ministry or encourages me when I do things that I am not very comfortable in doing, like preaching. <br /><br />She always lays her head on my shoulder not realizing that she is really the one holding me up. <br /><br />When I was 24 years old I stole my pastor's daughter and married her before her dad could change his mind. What I got 8 years ago tmrw, is so much more than I ever could have imagined. She was a treasure waiting to be spent, and all these years that is al she has done, be spent for others. <br /><br />I wondered if she would be a good missionary wife and love the people and be willing to spend time with the people. Most people would laugh at that thought now knowing that she is so much better in the ministry than I could ever be. She is a strength to people at all times.<br /><br />I know I don't deserve what I have. I know I take advantage of the great gift God has given me. I know that I am the luckiest man in the world. I know that without her I would be a failure. She's the greatest and most beautiful person I know from the inside out. I pray to God that I never take for granted again what He has given me these past 8 years. <br /><br />I am privileged to know my children have the greatest mom in the world watching out for them. I am honored to know that my children will learn what the right example is from a mom that follows after God. I am excited to know that I still have the greatest partner in the world working with me in the ministry. <br /><br />I love You Amy and I want you to know that I love You with all my heart. I am glad you are my 2nd man.Mark Coffeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07383275724751830924noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3151173645398073894.post-27654311161392885682008-04-11T11:09:00.005-04:002008-04-11T11:42:35.466-04:00John MarkIn Acts 12:25 we see a young man that decided to leave Jerusalem to become the 2nd man for Barnabas and Paul. His name was John Mark. He left his home town to travel first to Antioch where a good church had been established and then to the unknown world to take the gospel message to the world. <br /><br />In Acts 13:4 the missionary team departed from Antioch to begin their missionary journey and by verse 13 John Mark couldn't take it anymore. He left on an emotional high from Jerusalem but when things started heating up he took off. Here we can see what not to do at a 2nd man. <br /><br />Being a 2nd man means staying no matter how difficult the trials become. In the ministry there are going to be times when everything seems to be going perfect and then the other 75% of the ministry comes along. Remember that we have to take up our cross and follow Jesus. We have to die daily to ourselves. <br /><br />Mark had a tremendous opportunity to help two of the greatest church leaders in history, and he threw it all away. <br /><br />What will it take for you to turn your back on the 1st man? When he starts being criticized by others are you going look for the back door? When the money goes away are you going to run in the opposite direction? When the ministry just isn't fun anymore are you going to find the easy way out? <br /><br />Determine in your heart today that no matter what situation comes along you will stand your ground. <a href="http://visionbaptist.com/blog/">Jefe</a> has made this statement hundreds of times since I have known him, "Never leave when everything is going wrong. Stick it out until everything is fixed. Not until then can you even consider leaving." <br /><br />Make sure that you stick by the 1st man no matter what, and if God is moving you away, make sure it's not just because the job is too hard and not fun anymore. I am pretty sure when Jesus said to take up your cross he didn't mean for it to be easy.Mark Coffeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07383275724751830924noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3151173645398073894.post-78715928964224265702008-04-03T17:13:00.002-04:002008-04-03T17:34:23.816-04:00Jonathan- Part 3Jonathan was definitely in a difficult situation. He had the relationship with his father the king on one side and then loyalty to his best friend who he knew was a man of God on the other. <br /><br />In I Samuel 20:13 Jonathan affirmed David that he would not let His father do anything evil to him without Jonathan letting him know. He proved his loyalty. Our job as a 2nd man is to do all we can to make sure no unnecessary harm comes to the 1st man. We have to be ready to defend and protect. Nowadays it doesn't really mean we will hold up a literal shield in a battle, but it does mean that we will stand up against anyone that tries to hurt his name or his reputation. It means that if someone maliciously attacks his character we stand with him and show support. <br /><br />To be a 2nd man there has to be loyalty. No matter what happens the first man has to know that his 2nd man is standing with him. If you can't be loyal than you can't be a 2nd man. Of course I am not talking in the context of defending any sin. We are talking about standing behind a 1st man who is sold out for the Lord as David was.Mark Coffeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07383275724751830924noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3151173645398073894.post-10440171835527385192008-03-29T14:02:00.002-04:002008-03-29T14:47:49.739-04:00Jonathan- Part TwoMany are not willing to be the 2nd man because they don't wan to play second fiddle. If they aren't the ones running the show they aren't going to play.<br /><br />Jonathan according to the tradition of all the kings of the world was next in line. In everyone's eyes but God's he was to be the next king. Although his father wasn't willing to live with that, he definitely was. <br /><br />Humbly Jonathan accepted the position God had for him. In I Samuel 18:4 Jonathan took everything that he was wearing that showed he was the king's son and put them on David. In chapter 20 and verse 4 Jonathan let David know that anything David desired he would do it for him. Jonathan was the prince but made himself a servant to the man God had already appointed to be king. He didn't rebel or fight against what God wanted. He joyfully accepted God's will and sought to live in it. <br /><br />We need humble men like this working all around the world. We need men that are willing to help the head missionary or pastor accomplish all that God has put in their hearts. Are you humble enough to be this man? Are you willing to put aside your pride and your desire for fame to accomplish what God wants done?<br /><br />We need to stop trying to set the rules and positions for our lives and let God take total control. When we surrendered our lives to do His will, that included us being willing to take 2nd place. Don't take control of your life again. Remember that God is our master as we are His slaves.Mark Coffeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07383275724751830924noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3151173645398073894.post-74266513035566232542008-01-25T09:35:00.001-05:002008-01-25T09:59:47.850-05:00Jonathan- Part OneThis past year at the <a href="http://www.bcwe.org/ourgeneration/page_10746.html">Our Generation Summit</a> I shared a message with everyone about being a 2nd man. I want to take a few blog posts and share those same points with you about a man who I believe is one of the best examples of what a 2nd man really should be like.<br /><br />Being a 2nd Man doesn’t mean you have to be incapable or unproven to do the job of the 1st man. In I Samuel 14:6-15 we see that the King’s son Jonathan was a very capable man. He proved that he was a courageous man that trusted in the Lord with all his heart. It appears that he went up against a garrison of Philistines without any fear of death. He knew that God could use him just as he used men in the past, and don't forget, he fought the Philistines almost 4 chapters before David and Goliath were ever in the picture. From the inside out he was definitely capable and probably more qualified than his own father to be the next King.<br /><br />You need to realize is that no matter what ministry the Lord has lead you to, you can’t be lazy and say “I don’t have to work or prove myself because I am not in the 1st man’s position." Be the man that knows God can use him to defeat a garrison of the Philistines. Let God use you to win great spiritual battles. Jonathan didn’t freely turn over his rightful place to David because he wasn’t qualified. He turned over his position because he knew that’s what God wanted.<br /><br />Don’t settle for 2nd place so you can get an easier life. Take the position of the 2nd man because You are accepting God’s call on your life. Don't think the job is beneath you. If God has that for your life, follow him and do the job well with everything you have in you.<br /><br />We have many weak pastors and leaders in our churches today because there isn't a 2nd man willing to stand up and be the Aaron or Hur that pastor or leader needs.Mark Coffeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07383275724751830924noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3151173645398073894.post-4909194589576949482007-12-15T09:40:00.000-05:002007-12-15T09:49:21.056-05:00Less StressStress is the leading cause of many of the major illnesses that exist today. In the life of a hard working and biblical pastor, there are a lot of areas that can cause stress.<br /><br />Now <a href="http://visionbaptist.com/blog/">Jefe</a> isn’t you normal hard working pastor. He does an excellent job at pastoring the <a href="http://visionbaptist.com/">Vision Baptist Church</a>, but he is also the president of the <a href="http://www.bcwe.org/">Baptist College for World Evangelism</a>. Between those two jobs, stress is definitely on the rise. On top of that he also travels out of the country almost every month to aid one of our missionaries. Last month he was in South Africa with missionary <a href="http://www.hallsinafrica.com/blog/">Kevin Hall</a>, the month before that he was in Peru with his son, <a href="http://blog.uttermost.net/">Chris Gardner</a>, and this coming January he will be in Burkina Faso with Missionary <a href="http://www.theharvest.net/blog/">Keith Shumaker</a>. <br /><br />As you can imagine pastoring a church, running a training center, and traveling all over the world can definitely bring on some major wear and tear. <br /><br />With all he has going on, I am constantly trying to make sure he stays comfortable. If he is traveling and has to stay overnight somewhere, I try make sure that some essentials things are taken care of. He has to have an air conditioned room if it’s hot and no matter what the climate he has to have a fan. <br /><br />When in an airplane I try my hardest to make sure he has an exit row aisle seat. I would love to always make sure he goes to 1st class but our budget really doesn’t leave any room for that.<br /><br />Last month I bought a special cushion for him to sit on because of his bad back. <br />When we got back from a trip one time, the other guys in the office put a small refrigerator in his office and filled it with Diet Mountain Dew. They also are always trying to see what they can do to make him a little more comfortable to take away any extra stress. <br /><br />You should always be on the look out to see what extra things you can do to make sure your 1st man stays comfortable. A lot of the times it’s the little things that make a big difference. Give attention to details.Mark Coffeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07383275724751830924noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3151173645398073894.post-26532568452729412312007-12-08T12:37:00.000-05:002007-12-08T12:42:06.249-05:00John the BaptistA good friend and mentor of mine, <a href="http://deputationtips.blogspot.com/">Tony Howeth</a>, gave me some great points for my post today. <br /><br />It comes from the life of John the Baptist in the book of John and chapter three.<br />Verse 26- John’s disciples wanted to compete with Christ. A 2nd man does not compete but compliment.<br />Verse 28- John knew, respected and loved his place. He said, I am not the Christ. It was not a matter of dishonor but acknowledgement of his purpose in serving God.<br />Verse 30- John wanted to lift up Christ. He was humble and willing to decrease that Christ could be known.<br /><br />John the Baptist definitely sets a strong example being a great 2nd man to Jesus. It’s not about us but about Him. As a 2nd man the ministry can’t be about my ministry. It has to be about serving the Lord and complimenting the 1st man’s ministry.<br /><br />John the Baptist could have gotten prideful and desired to have the preeminence but he knew his rightful place. Make sure as a 2nd man you don’t take the preeminence. Do your job and take your correct place. Don’t try to advance yourself over what the 1st man wants you to be.Mark Coffeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07383275724751830924noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3151173645398073894.post-3395014223737740222007-11-28T16:44:00.000-05:002007-11-28T16:47:09.095-05:00Trustworthy?I was reading this morning in Genesis how Abraham sent his servant to get a wife for his son Isaac. In Genesis 24:10 it says that all the goods of Abraham were in the hands of his servant.<br /><br />I was amazed to see the loyalty that Abraham had in his servant. First of all he trusted him to pick out a wife for his son and then he trusted him with all his goods.<br /><br />I can remember when I was 21 years old and was living in Peru, <a href="http://visionbaptist.com/blog/">Jefe</a> and the whole family left for three months to attend his daughter Stephanie's wedding. During those three months I was put in charge of handling all the bills and finances of both <a href="http://visionbaptist.com/blog/">Jefe</a> and his son <a href="http://blog.uttermost.net/">Chris</a>.<br /><br />I can remember as a 21 year old student how neat it was for two successful missionaries to trust me enough to handle the money for both of their ministries. I am not sure I deserved that kind of trust but it was definitely very honoring.<br /><br />Are you a person that your 1st man can trust with everything he has? Could he give you a key to his house or all his credit cards and not have to worry about you spending one single dime that he wouldn’t approve of.<br /><br />Make sure you keep a testimony where people can trust in you. Never do anything that will cause doubt. Be above reproach and take better care of the possessions of your 1st man than you would your own possessions.Mark Coffeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07383275724751830924noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3151173645398073894.post-62086500834031999912007-11-26T14:31:00.000-05:002007-11-26T14:34:07.954-05:00In His AbsenceIs there someone that you can count on to do anything you need done they way you need it done. It there someone that knows you well enough that can represent you the right way. <br /><br />Philippians 2: 20-21- For I have no man likeminded, who will naturally care for your state.<br /><br />Paul could count on Timothy to fill in for him and care about the people as much as he did. <br /><br />Being a 2nd man means that you will learn the way the 1st man likes it to be done and do it that way. <br /><br />If the 1st man goes out of town he shouldn’t have to worry about how people from your church that are in the hospital are going to be treated. He shouldn’t have to worry about if people that need visiting are going to be visited or not. He shouldn’t have to worry about something being said from the pulpit that wouldn’t be in accordance with the way he usually teaches and preaches. <br /><br />I know a lot of pastors that are nervous to let visiting evangelist and missionaries preach in their pulpits because they are afraid of how they will treat their church people. They are afraid they will be too harsh or mean spirited. The pastor should never have to worry about his 2nd man being that way. The 2nd man should know what is acceptable and what is out of line. <br /><br />Make sure you learn your 1st man so that you will be able to represent him correctly when he is absent.Mark Coffeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07383275724751830924noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3151173645398073894.post-42833321952058830842007-11-24T11:49:00.000-05:002007-11-24T11:52:26.038-05:00Work HardFor me it has always been a challenge to put in as many hours as <a href="http://visionbaptist.com/blog/">Jefe</a> does. If he is awake he is usually working. If he stays at home to rest he ends up working at home. If he goes on a getaway he only gets away where he can work some more. He has definitely raised the bar for our entire team when it comes to hard work.<br /><br />A lot of times when a person isn’t in charge or doesn’t want a promotion he may not put as much effort into his job like he should. Whether you’re a 2nd man to gain experience or a 2nd man for life, this should never be your attitude<br /><br />The 2nd man should work at least as hard as the 1st man if not harder. He should make sure that every job the 1st man gives out is taken care of, plus he should be working on his own to come up with ways to make sure the 1st man is more effective. <br /><br />Colossians 3:22 Servants, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh; not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but in singleness of heart, fearing God:<br />Colossians 3:23 And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men;<br /><br />We have to understand we work for the Lord and not for man. We should put in no less than 50 to 60 hours a week. Remember that should be our minimum not our maximum. With driving time and work time, the people in our congregation are easily putting in that many hours. <br /><br />The ministry should never be considered a place where we can get away with doing less work. Make sure you work enough where God’s people don’t think you just took up a ministry job to have an easy life.Mark Coffeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07383275724751830924noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3151173645398073894.post-46933010986857114482007-10-19T16:43:00.000-04:002007-10-19T16:50:04.909-04:00Don’t disagree with the 1st man in front of othersOccasionally the <a href="http://visionbaptist.com/blog/">Jefe</a> says something in front of all the students that at first I disagree with. There are some times in front of others he tells me what I am doing is wrong and what I need to do to fix it. There have been a couple of those times I didn't agree with them or when I was not wanting to be corrected, and I thundered my disapproval in front of everyone. After a short time I realized the terrible mistake of arguing with him in front of others. <br /><br />As a 2nd man I have to show people my total loyalty to the <a href="http://visionbaptist.com/blog/">Jefe</a> at all times. When I step out of my place and argue with him in front of others I am not showing a lot of loyalty.<br /><br />If you are going to be a 2nd man, the one thing you have to learn to do is keep you mouth shut. You don’t have to shut it forever, but you have to learn when to talk. <br />There isn’t anything I can’t talk to <a href="http://visionbaptist.com/blog/">Jefe</a> about. His door is open to me 24/7 for anything I need. If I disagree with him he has provided plenty of time for me to talk to him without doing it in front on others. <br /><br />When I am in front of others I want them to know I am behind everything he says or does. We can argue behind closed doors but when the doors open I want them to know that I stand behind his decisions and ideas 100%. <br /><br />I never want someone to think there is a possibility of me siding with them against the 1st man. <br /><br />Make sure you have the same attitude or leave.Mark Coffeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07383275724751830924noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3151173645398073894.post-8297232866107292852007-10-13T13:24:00.000-04:002007-10-13T13:31:36.630-04:00Figure out the areas you need to dedicate your timeRight now I am at one of my favor places in the world, Arequip, Peru. I had the opportunity to travel with <a href="http://visionbaptist.com/blog/">Jefe</a> and Ms. Betty and also <a href="http://bcwe.wordpress.com/">John</a> and Sandy Pearson for the Pastor’s Conference.<br /><br />I like these times when we are able to get away and see how the Lord is working in the lives of our <a href="http://blog.uttermost.net/">missionaries</a>.<br /><br />Trips like these are also good training times. <a href="http://visionbaptist.com/blog/">Jefe</a> has the opportunity to be around a few younger missionaries, and they are always asking him questions about how to do the ministry better.<br /><br />I have worked with <a href="http://visionbaptist.com/blog/">Jefe</a> for around 12 years now so there isn’t much of his training I haven’t heard. But as I have the opportunity to hear him again teach on things I have heard before I am convicted by my lack of work to put some of his key ideas into action. I have really felt like a great waster of time this week seeing a lot of things we planned years ago never to be accomplished.<br /><br />As a 2nd man you must keep on track with the important things. You can’t let time pass without carryout the priorities that have been set in the ministry.<br /><br />Just to keep you up to date, starting now I will be making sure I help <a href="http://visionbaptist.com/blog/">Jefe</a> put together training material and books we have talked about producing. I am rearranging my schedule to make sure those things are taken care of.<br /><br />We don’t have much time. Make sure you are using your time wisely.Mark Coffeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07383275724751830924noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3151173645398073894.post-73929247006444490282007-10-01T08:59:00.000-04:002007-10-01T09:09:33.390-04:00Looking Past What They are Now<a href="http://www.worldvisionbaptist.com/blog/">Jefe</a> preached a great message last night about Mark, Barnabas’ nephew. You really need to get the cd. He went over how Mark, because of the excitement left with Paul and Barnabas to do great things for God but quickly fell away. Later on Barnabas wanted to restore Mark, but Paul didn’t want anything to do with it. Well in the long run we see that Mark did become useful and Paul was 100% behind him.<br /><br />The lesson learned here is that we never need to give up on people. <br /><br />I can remember when I just started turning my life over to the Lord there were a few critics. They didn’t have a lot of good things to say about me. Now, instead of trying to help me and bring me along, they only liked telling other people how I wasn’t a good candidate for the ministry. Instead of helping they just cast their ballots that I wouldn’t make it.<br /><br />I am thankful that <a href="http://www.worldvisionbaptist.com/blog/">Jefe</a> didn’t listen to them. I am thankful he saw past what I was and saw what I could become. Now some of those men or men like them look at me now and say, “Hey I wish I had a guy like that working for me.” But you know what, they never will because they are not willing to look past what someone is to what they can become. They only want the finished product. They will never have a band of men to follow after them because they were not willing to put their pharisee spirit aside to invest their life into someone. <br /><br />If you’re looking to work with ready made Christians you really need to look for another profession. We need more men that will look past the insufficiencies of people and see what they can become. It is amazing what someone can become when they know they have someone that believes in them. <br /><br /><a href="http://www.worldvisionbaptist.com/blog/">Jefe</a> has a lot of guys that look to him for guidance and council because he at one time believed in them when no one else would. There are missionaries all over the world working now that others didn’t have a lot of confidence in.<br /> <br />We have students in our <a href="http://www.visionbaptist.com/_mgxroot/page_10843.php">training center</a> now that no one else believes in, but they came to the right man for second chances. <br /> <br />Might we have more 1st men that have the courage to invest time into people that love God and have a desire to become more than what they are now.Mark Coffeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07383275724751830924noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3151173645398073894.post-48677726429937774022007-09-24T16:57:00.000-04:002007-09-24T17:30:49.402-04:00The 2nd man needs to strengthen the 1st man when he is in battle.The following is taken from "The Second Man" by David Maynard.<br /><br />Exodus 17:8-13 “Then came Amalek, and fought with Israel in Rephidim. And Moses said unto Joshua, Choose us out men, and go out, fight with Amalek: to morrow I will stand on the top of the hill with the rod God in mine hand. So Joshua did as Moses had said to him, and fought with Amalek: and Moses, Aaron, and Hur went up to the top of the hill. And it came to pass, when Moses held up his hand, that Israel prevailed: and when he let down his hand, Amalek prevailed. But Moses' hands [were] heavy; and they took a stone, and put [it] under him, and he sat thereon; and Aaron and Hur stayed up his hands, the one on the one side, and the other on the other side; and his hands were steady until the going down of the sun.<br /><br />And Joshua discomfited Amalek and his people with the edge of the sword.<br /><br />When God’s Man is in the midst of the battles of life, God uses the Second Man to strengthen him. In this situation Aaron was used of God by holding up the hands of Moses. As a pastor, it seems that we sometimes fight our battles alone. I am glad for the men that God has used to strengthen me in the midst of my hardships. They overcame the enemy because they fought the battle together. They struggle did not cause Aaron to run. The battle would strengthen their relationship.Mark Coffeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07383275724751830924noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3151173645398073894.post-43216768780264441952007-09-17T08:21:00.000-04:002007-09-17T11:43:45.960-04:00Keep Your Spiritual Life in CheckOne of the greatest heart aches leaders have in the ministry is to see people they have worked with turn back to the world, to see them reject what they know is right for the lust of their flesh, lust of the eyes, and the pride of life (John 2:16).<br /><br />There are several people that worked under <a href="http://www.worldvisionbaptist.com/blog/">Jefe</a> that are not serving God any longer. He has invested much time and money into people that as of now could care less about what God wants for their lives.<br /><br />We have to realize we are in a battle. The devil wants to take us down. Don’t expect to work with a man of vision and think that you’ll be safe from the devil’s attacks. A man of God that moves forward will always be under Satan’s attack. <br /> <br />Many times he isn’t able to take down the 1st man so he goes after the 2nd man. He knows that if he destroys someone as close to the 1st man as his 2nd man, he can cause a lot of damage to the 1st man’s ministry.<br /><br />There are times in my life when I am discouraged, angry, bitter, and lustful. The devil wants to use each of those vices to take me down. If I am not relying on Him, I could fall into any of those traps at any given time.<br /><br />Sometimes you may get the feeling you don’t have to study, pray, or read the Word as much because you’re not the main guy in charge, but you are so wrong. It is just as important if not more to do all of those things. <br /><br />If I let down my guard for one minute I could lose everything. Satan wants nothing more than to destroy my ministry. <br /><br />If you don’t think the job of a 2nd man is that important then don’t worry about your spiritual life. You also won’t have to worry about being a 2nd man for much longer either.Mark Coffeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07383275724751830924noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3151173645398073894.post-64316941454404124212007-09-03T09:35:00.000-04:002007-09-03T09:45:10.244-04:00Be LoyalLoyal is defined as giving or showing fixed and constant support or allegiance to a person or institution. My two favorite words in this definition are fixed and constant.<br /><br />When an argument arises between you and your 1st man, do you show fixed and constant allegiance? When the majority is against him, do you show fixed and constant allegiance? When you disagree with his decisions, do you show fixed and constant allegiance?<br /><br />I have seen several men come and go in the ministry since I started working with <a href="http://www.worldvisionbaptist.com/blog/">Jefe</a>. I have seen them make commitments to stand and work with him no matter what to get the gospel to the world. <br /><br />I have also seen those men turn their back on him and act like they have never made those promises. When times got touch, or when the wrong decisions where made, instead of trying to improve the situation they threw in the towel. When he challenged them to have good work ethics and to be accountable to those that pay or support them, I have seen them run in the opposite direction.<br /><br />One thing I had to learn in order to be <a href="http://www.worldvisionbaptist.com/blog/">Jefe’s</a> 2nd man is that he is flesh and blood just like the rest of us. He makes mistakes, loses his temper, and at times says things he shouldn’t say. You know, the same mistakes you and I both make. <br /><br />A good 2nd man won’t waiver when trouble comes. His loyalty will stand no matter what the circumstances.<br /><br />I know there are times when a 1st man totally turns away from God and his word. The 2nd man may have to leave, but if you have a 1st man that desires nothing but to please God, like I have, you better learn what loyalty really means.<br /><br />You better learn that you don’t talk bad behind his back or try to get others to back up your ideas and decisions against him. You stand with him even if the gates of hell come crashing down on his head. <br /><br />Be the man he can rely on 100%!Mark Coffeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07383275724751830924noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3151173645398073894.post-47908512402895891722007-09-01T12:11:00.000-04:002007-09-01T12:33:29.774-04:00Remember You are an Extension of the 1st ManEverything you do as a 2nd man should further the ministry of the 1st man. <br /><br />If I make a visit to a first time visitor, I need to make the visit in the name of my <a href="http://visionbcstaff.blogspot.com/">pastor</a>. If I make a hospital visit, I need to tell the person that <a href="http://visionbcstaff.blogspot.com/">Pastor Gardner</a> asked me to come and see how they are. <br /><br />A lot of pastors are worried about their 2nd man being loyal. When he knows that everything you do complements and strengthens his ministry, he doesn't have to be worried about loyalty.<br /><br />At the <a href="http://visionbaptist.com/_mgxroot/page_10727.php">church</a> we strive to represent the <a href="http://visionbcstaff.blogspot.com/">Jefe</a> in everything we do. We want to make sure that what we do doesn't hinder but help his ministry.<br /><br />The 1st man should get the credit for everything we do or say. Now that's a good thing when what we do is right, but it can be very devastating when we cause problems. We have a enormous responsibility to make sure we don't give him a bad name, which in turn gives the Lord a bad name.<br /><br />Remember the importance of your position. Remember that everything you do is what the 1st man does. Make sure you're the right kind of representative.Mark Coffeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07383275724751830924noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3151173645398073894.post-24676632347686903272007-08-29T22:06:00.000-04:002007-08-29T22:13:51.826-04:00Implement the 1st Man's IdeasThe following is from a guest blogger, <a href="http://ogarmy.blogspot.com/">Trent Cornwell</a>. Trent is the youth director at our church and is also my brother-in-law. God has truly equipped Trent to be a great help to the <a href="http://www.worldvisionbaptist.com/blog/">Jefe</a>.<br /><br />“Inside every successful organization there is a musical score for<br />innovation. And every score has three key musicians: the composer (the<br />idea person), the conductor (the creative people and others who believe in<br />the idea and put their reputation on the line for it) and the orchestra<br />(the people who actually implement the idea and make it better).”<br />- Leonard Sweet, Summoned to Lead<br /><br />Ideas are either “a dime a dozen” or worth millions. It all depends on the<br />steps taken after an idea is given. I believe the more people identify<br />their position on a team the smoother the transition will be from idea to<br />impact.<br /><br />At our <a href="http://visionbaptist.com/_mgxroot/page_10727.php">church</a>, as all should be, our <a href="http://www.worldvisionbaptist.com/blog/">Pastor</a> is the visionary leader. God<br />has given him the vision and direction the church should go in. So, it is<br />only natural that the majority of ideas that affect our ministry come from<br />his office. Many times he comes up with the idea and other times he<br />creates an environment and leads conversations that yield the ideas<br />needed.<br /><br />I believe many great ideas are lost and diluted from the time the<br />“composer” gives the idea to the time the “orchestra” implements the<br />plans. It is the job as 2nd men to make sure the idea of<br />the pastor is protected and improved upon, but never taken in a different<br />direction then he meant for it to go in.<br /><br />As 2nd men who conduct and lead in the church one of the best<br />investments we can make in the church is to better know the pastor. We<br />need to know his vision, dreams, and everything we can about him so that<br />we can best implement the ideas God will give him.Mark Coffeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07383275724751830924noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3151173645398073894.post-48453597957083100852007-08-29T07:49:00.000-04:002007-08-29T07:53:24.503-04:00Good 2nd men are willing to work for free.When being a 2nd man you have two options. Stay with your 1st man for life or learn as much as you possibly can from the 1st man so you will be an effective 1st man some day.<br />We have two students right now at the Our Generation Training Center that are planning on being full time missionaries. <a href="http://www.worldvisionbaptist.com/teachertraining/">Philip Bassham</a> is planning on going to Kyrgyzstan in Central Asia and <a href="http://www.asianbiblefellowship.blogspot.com/">Mark Tolson</a> is planning on going to China.<br /><br />Both of these guys are at the top of the list. They have sacrificed and worked in a way that is above and beyond many students. They are involved in several hours of classes every week; work 30 to 40 hours for the church, and on top of that work part time jobs. By the way, neither of them receives a salary, not one dime. <br /><br />They have committed working and training under <a href="http://www.worldvisionbaptist.com/blog/">Jefe</a> so they will learn what they have to learn to be the right kind of leader. <br /><br />If you don’t have 2nd men around you that are willing to work for you for free, you don’t need them as 2nd men. Don’t spend money on those that aren’t willing to learn, serve, and kill themselves when money isn’t involved. <br /><br />Few students have paid the prices these young men have. I count it a privilege to be able to work beside them every day.<br /><br />I truly believe we are working with men whose hearts God has touched.Mark Coffeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07383275724751830924noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3151173645398073894.post-35435985025318341562007-08-24T21:55:00.001-04:002007-08-24T22:07:47.325-04:00Make sure you make a big deal out of the 1st man’s big daysI will have to admit here that I have not been very good at all in this area. When I worked with the <a href="http://www.worldvisionbaptist.com/blog/">Jefe</a> in Peru this was never a problem. The Peru team always made sure he was honored for every possible occasion. Now that we are here in the states and everything falls on me to make sure things are planned out right to honor him it is a little more difficult. I have to make sure he isn’t overlooked.<br /><br />Hopefully, you have people in the ministry that will help you in this area. I know I do. If I forget something I usually have four to five other people coming to me asking what we have planned for the <a href="http://www.worldvisionbaptist.com/blog/">Jefe’s</a> birthday, anniversary, or for pastor’s appreciation month. Last week was both the <a href="http://www.worldvisionbaptist.com/blog/">Jefe’s</a> birthday and anniversary so that is why this is so fresh on my mind.<br /><br />You need to make sure that for the special occasions things are planned long in advance. If you have a 1st man that has the right kind of heart, you know he doesn’t care about how much money you spend on him. He may even get upset if he knows that you did spend a lot, but that doesn’t matter. Your heart is where your treasure is. Make sure you plan long enough in advance so that people can be saving to spend a good amount of money on him.<br /><br />If you wait to the last week or even month, it is difficult to really go all out. With our church just starting out here in Alpharetta, and our finances as tight as they are, we have to plan long in advance. Or at least we should.<br /><br />Now my brother-in-law is in a hard position that I know many 2nd man are in. He is 2nd man to his <a href="http://www.sermonaudio.com/source_news.asp?sourceid=whitfieldbaptist">dad</a>. It is more difficult for him to tell all the church people to spend a lot of money on his dad. With that situation make sure you get the other church leaders behind you. Start conversations where the idea will arise, and you can turn it into their idea and get them to push the agenda. That’s a little trick that will work in a lot of areas in the ministry, not just gifts. You just have to make sure you don’t abuse your position when it comes to that.<br /><br />But not matter what relationship you have to the 1st man make sure his is remembered. Remember his birthday, his anniversary, the day he started or came to the church, his wife’s birthday, etc, etc, etc. If you have a 1st man as good as the one we have here at Vision, make sure he is honored. People are more likely to stay around longer if they know they are appreciated.Mark Coffeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07383275724751830924noreply@blogger.com1