Rev. David Gilpin

Senior Minister of Hope Church, Sheffield

Behind everything you see is something you don’t see. This book is designed to outline nuggets of wisdom that often remain invisible behind thriving churches and ministries. Mixed with a touch of humour. Top 10 of Everything looks into the Private Word and the Practical World, the Handy Hints World and the Wide World of Knowledge. It gives advice on many subjects that may prove invaluable to established and up-and-coming leaders. Read it all at once or read it one Top Ten at a time. This book can also provide new preachers with an opportunity to ‘borrow’ some of the Tom 10 outlines to create lively and dynamic sermons.

Top ten THINGS TO AVOID WHEN SPEAKING PUBLICLY

avoid like the plague

Being a good speaker isn’t just about having something to say or about saying it in a really interesting way that leaves people both inspired and challenged. It’s also about not allowing little things to distract from thee main points that you’re trying to make.

1.    AVOID USING A LIST OF EXAMPLES FROM THE “BOOK OF ILLUSTRATIONS”

Personal stories are always the best.

    2.   AVOID USING EXAGGERATIONS

Be enthusiastic but stay truthful. How many were actually saved at that African mission?

3.   AVOID TAKING POT-SHOTS AT YOUR ANTAGONISTS

      Don’t preach at people – preach to them.

4.   AVOID SWEARING

Apart from the obvious, watch out for culture differences in the meaning of some words.

5.   AVOID TOO MUCH REPETITION STAND UP.

       Speak up. Shut up.

6.   AVOID USING THE EXPRESSIONS “HALLELUJAH”

and “Praise the Lord” to fill in the blanks while you think of what to say next. Religious jargon is a putter-offer.

 7.  AVOID SHARING STUFF OVER WHICH YOU HAVEN’T GOT THE VICTORY

Testimony is what you get when you’ve succeeded at the test.

     8.   AVOID SHARING SOMETHING ABOUT YOUR LOVED ONE

 that they just didn’t want revealing

.

9.   AVOID THE PEACOCK WALK

two steps forward, two steps back. Try standing on the same spot, even when excited

10.  AVOID ALL OTHER FUNNY MANNERISMS

Ask the youth to imitate you and you’ll notice the stuff you do that’s distracting from the message.

Rev. David Gilpin

Senior Minister of Hope Church, Sheffield

Behind everything you see is something you don’t see. This book is designed to outline nuggets of wisdom that often remain invisible behind thriving churches and ministries. Mixed with a touch of humour. Top 10 of Everything looks into the Private Word and the Practical World, the Handy Hints World and the Wide World of Knowledge. It gives advice on many subjects that may prove invaluable to established and up-and-coming leaders. Read it all at once or read it one Top Ten at a time. This book can also provide new preachers with an opportunity to ‘borrow’ some of the Tom 10 outlines to create lively and dynamic sermons.

Top ten WAYS NOT TO TAKE YOURSELF TOO SERIOUSLY

EXCUSE ME

1. GET SOMEONE

    to do an impersonation of you and join in the laughter with every-one else.

1. GET A GROUP

   of people to quote you some of your “faux pas” and laugh hilari­ously.

1. GET CHUCKLING

   about some of the people who have left your church.

1. GET RELAXED

   and find a Lazarus, Mary and Martha. Use their house as a place of rest and relaxation.

1. GET OUT OF THE HABT

   of dividing fun times and spiritual times. Have spiritual fun times

1. GET A REALISATION

    that a great failure was the proof of a great attempt – celebrate!

1. GET TO GRIPS

    with the fact that the whole thing is beyond you. It was designed to be. That’s your life!

1. GET SHARING

      in your sermons about some of the stuff you really enjoy that you know is a bit quirky. Let them see a bit more of the real you

1. GET A LIFE

   outside of the life of ministry. Have fun with unsaved people.

1.  GET OUT MORE

     and see that you’re doing better than you think you are!

Rev. David Gilpin

Senior Minister of Hope Church, Sheffield

Behind everything you see is something you don’t see. This book is designed to outline nuggets of wisdom that often remain invisible behind thriving churches and ministries. Mixed with a touch of humour. Top 10 of Everything looks into the Private Word and the Practical World, the Handy Hints World and the Wide World of Knowledge. It gives advice on many subjects that may prove invaluable to established and up-and-coming leaders. Read it all at once or read it one Top Ten at a time. This book can also provide new preachers with an opportunity to ‘borrow’ some of the Tom 10 outlines to create lively and dynamic sermons.

Top ten THINGS THAT REALLY EXCITE A LEADER

HaPPY AS  LARRY

There are some things that really excite leaders. Sometimes we are taken by surprise.

Here are ten top things that bring back that buzz factor and make ministry all the more enjoyable.

1.     WHEN YOU ASK SOMEONE TO DO SOMETHING AND YOU FIND THAT THEY’VE ALREADY DONE IT.

2.     WHEN YOU HAVE TO TELL PEOPLE TO STOP GIVING BECAUSE YOU’VE MET YOUR TARGET.

3.     WHEN YOU CORRECT SOMEONE AND THEY IMMEDIATELY RESPOND WITH A POSITIVE ATTITUDE.

4.    WHEN SOMEONE NOT ONLY HEARS THE PREACHING BUT DOES IT.

5.     WHEN YOU FIND OUT SOMEONE’S GIVEN UP THEIR ANNUAL HOLIDAYS IN ORDER TO HELP FUND THE VISION.

6.    WHEN SOMEONE HAD A GREAT IDEA AND THEN DID IT NO MORE PROCRASTINATION.

7.    WHEN SOMEONE WHO’S A WHIZ ON GUITAR IN THE CHURCH BAND

SPENDS THEIR AFTER-SERVICE TIMES LOVING PEOPLE WITHOUT THE GUITAR ANYWHERE IN SIGHT.

      8. WHEN YOU INVEST A LOT OF TIME ON A “WILD CARD” AND THEY BECOME A CHAMPION.

,

  9.   WHEN SOMEONE WINS SOMEONE WHO WINS SOMEONE TO IESUS

IT’S THE MAKINGS OF REVIVAL.

   10. WHEN SOMEONE DOESN’T GIVE THE LEADER THE BENEFIT OF THE DOUBT

     THEY JUST NEVER DOUBTED.

Rev. D. Gilpin

Senior Minister of Hope Church, Sheffield

Behind everything you see is something you don’t see. This book is designed to outline nuggets of wisdom that often remain invisible behind thriving churches and ministries. Mixed with a touch of humour. Top 10 of Everything looks into the Private Word and the Practical World, the Handy Hints World and the Wide World of Knowledge. It gives advice on many subjects that may prove invaluable to established and up-and-coming leaders. Read it all at once or read it one Top Ten at a time. This book can also provide new preachers with an opportunity to ‘borrow’ some of the Tom 10 outlines to create lively and dynamic sermons.

Top ten THINGS THAT MAKE A LEADER ANGRY

MAD AS A HATTER

Here’s my chance to let off some steam. What gets leaders really mad is that they can’t often show it. People punch you and say all kinds of nasty things about you and the only thing you can do in return is smile. Leaders need to take care. It’s the retaliator not the initiator that gets the red card in football and it’s the same with leadership. It’s so unfair.

1. PEOPLE WHO

say that they’re right behind you then suddenly disappear. (You really want people right beside you, not right behind you.)

2. PEOPLE WHO

say that we need more prayer and then fail to turn up when you put on that extra prayer meeting.

3. PEOPLE WHO

say that we’ll need a bigger building soon, then slip out the back door when the fundraising begins.

4. PEOPLE WHO

think that they’ve got that extra edge in spiritual revelation

5. PEOPLE WHO

gather a little following and call it a ministry.

6. PEOPLE WHO
just sit there after the meeting is finished.

7. PEOPLE WHOSE
first letter to you is a letter of complaint, not a letter of praise.
8. PEOPLE WHO
always wear their heart on their sleeve.

9. PEOPLE WHO
everyone thinks are wonderful, but the leader knows the truth.
10. PEOPLE WHO
tell you that you’re looking tired and need a holiday, then do nothing to lighten the load (or sponsor a holiday!).

Rev. David Gilpin

Senior Minister of Hope Church, Sheffield Behind everything you see is something you don’t see. This book is designed to outline nuggets of wisdom that often remain invisible behind thriving churches and ministries. Mixed with a touch of humour. Top 10 of Everything looks into the Private Word and the Practical World, the Handy Hints World and the Wide World of Knowledge. It gives advice on many subjects that may prove invaluable to established and up-and-coming leaders. Read it all at once or read it one Top Ten at a time.

This book can also provide new preachers with an opportunity to ‘borrow’ some of the Tom 10 outlines to create lively and dynamic sermons. 

Top ten WAYS TO COUNT YOUR CONGREGATION 

UP FOR THE COUNT

 One of the most frustrating things about leadership is how slow it is to get your ministry grow. God gives the increase but sometimes we lose patience waiting for it. 

1. INSTALL THE TURNSTILES 

    and make sure that the toilets are on the opposite side of the turn­stiles from the     meeting hall. 

   2.  iNCLUDE ALL THE PREGNANT WOMEN

             Count them as two. 

   3.  INCLUDE ALL THE PEOPLE WHO DIDN’T COME

            but call the church their home. 

   4.  INTRODUCE THREE PEOPLE TO COUNT THE CONGREGATION

      Always pick the highest figure. 

   5.  INVOLVE YOUR EVANGELIST IN THE ROLE OF COUNTING

             The figure is sure to be higher than normal. 

   6.  INSIST ON ALWAYS COUNTING ‘IN FAITH’ 

      Surely the numbers will be higher than when counting with the natural eye 

   7.  INVITE THE WHOLE COMMUNITY TO COME

   and tell them that you’re giving free shopping vouchers from a major supermarket to all who turn up. Then count. 

   8.  INDULGE IN COMPLETE DENIAL

     and keep preaching to thousands. 

   9.  INTRODUCE A MIRROR WALL ON THE SIDE OF THE WORKSHOP HALL 

          and then get someone visually challenged to count. 

   10.  INTERVIEW FOR THE JOB OF COUNTING

    and only select teenagers who use excessive words such as “mega” and awesome  

Rev. David GilpinSenior Minister of Hope Church, Sheffield Behind everything you see is something you don’t see.

This book is designed to outline nuggets of wisdom that often remain invisible behind thriving churches and ministries. Mixed with a touch of humour. Top 10 of Everything looks into the Private Word and the Practical World, the Handy Hints World and the Wide World of Knowledge. It gives advice on many subjects that may prove invaluable to established and up-and-coming leaders. Read it all at once or read it one Top Ten at a time. This book can also provide new preachers with an opportunity to ‘borrow’ some of the Tom 10 outlines to create lively and dynamic sermons. 

Top ten TYPES OF CHRISTIANS THAT REALLY NEED YOUR HELP 

HELP!

 Sometimes we think that abnormal is normal and normal is exceptional. It’s time to get more confident with what you believe the normal Christian experience should be all about. What kind of Christian are you looking to develop and what kind of church do you think gives the best opportunity for Christians to grow into champions of the faith? Here are a few people that we’ve met (and been) and some solutions to help them on their journey to maturity.  

1. STRIVING STANLEY

     Stanley is never happy and always frowning. He always wrestles with condemnation and never thinks he prays enough. Solution – affirma­tion and encouragement that he’s doing greatl 

   2.  MYSTIC MEAGAN

            Meagan is always looking for heavenly signs. She always has a couple of visions each day and loves “end times” teaching. Solution – get her into the children’s ministry where rubber always meets the road. 

   3. DEMONIC DANIEL

Daniel sees demons behind everything. He even thinks that if he could just get that one more demon out of Stanley, he would be really free. Solution – tell him to be less nosey and only ask him about the good things God is doing. 

   4.  COUNSELLOR COLIN     

Colin loves to use all of the counselling course material on any willing participant. He often has a perceptive and slightly aloof air about him. Solution – get him in the evangelism team and back to reality.    

   5.  WHATEVER WENDY

Wendy is so laid back she’s almost asleep. Nothing fazes her and she wonders what all the fuss is about. Solution – extra hours at work and a crisis to stir the soul. 

   6.  HYPOCRITICAL HARRY

Harry loves to look really great on Sundays and he’s always dressed srnartly. His video collection at home gives a completely different pic­ture. Solution – an altar call. 

   7.  IMPETUOUS IAN

       Ian always says “yes” to everyone. He runs at 100 mph and then crashes. He comes and goes like a yo-yo. Solution – a good talking to and the passing of time. 

   8.  SPIRIT-LED SARAH

Sarah only comes to church when the spirit leads. She’s a part of the city-wide church and meets in a mid-week intercessory group. Solution – avoid her – it’s all a mask for rebellion and independence. 

   9.  SIMPLE SIMON

            Simon believes everything and is quickly cornered by Counsellor Cohn and Demonic Daniel. He even borrowed some videos from Hypocritical Harry. Solution – a good cell group with good role models. 

   10.  CYNICAL CYNTHIA

Cynthia has been burnt in the past and not moved on. She loves cross­ing her arms and thinks everything is one big act. Solution – keep preaching faith. Don’t look at her when you’re speaking publicly. It will only discourage you.  

Rev. David GilpinSenior Minister of Hope Church, Sheffield Behind everything you see is something you don’t see.

This book is designed to outline nuggets of wisdom that often remain invisible behind thriving churches and ministries. Mixed with a touch of humour. Top 10 of Everything looks into the Private Word and the Practical World, the Handy Hints World and the Wide World of Knowledge. It gives advice on many subjects that may prove invaluable to established and up-and-coming leaders. Read it all at once or read it one Top Ten at a time. This book can also provide new preachers with an opportunity to ‘borrow’ some of the Tom 10 outlines to create lively and dynamic sermons. 

Top ten WAYS FOR CHRISTIANS TO ESCAPE RESPONSIBILITY 

EXCUSE ME

 Some Christians have mastered the art of trying to escape responsibility. It’s all dressed up in spiritual clothing and all done decently an in order. It’s hilarious. 

1. TELL THEM

You’ll pray about it 

   2.  TELL THEM

You’ve been led by the Spirit to another ministry 

  3.   TELL THEM

That you felt the Lord say that you needed ‘time out’. 

  4.  TELL THEM

            that you just don’t feel your gifts lie in that particular field 

  5.  TELL THEM

    that your ministry is more prophetic than practical. 

  6.  TELL THEM

   that you’ll do it when you feel God move you. 

  7.  TELL THEM

   that your time is taken up in intercession. 

  8.  TELL THEM

    that you think you’re coming to the end of a season and you’re not sure what the new season is yet. 

  9.  TELL THEM

    nothing  just don’t turn up and avoid the subject if asked about 

  10.  TELL THEM

     that you’re leaving the church. They’re all a bunch of hypocrites  Bible Extra  Matthew 25:1-  30, Acts 2:42-7, Philippians 2:1-16, James 1:22-25

Rev. David GilpinSenior Minister of Hope Church, Sheffield Behind everything you see is something you don’t see.

This book is designed to outline nuggets of wisdom that often remain invisible behind thriving churches and ministries. Mixed with a touch of humour. Top 10 of Everything looks into the Private Word and the Practical World, the Handy Hints World and the Wide World of Knowledge. It gives advice on many subjects that may prove invaluable to established and up-and-coming leaders. Read it all at once or read it one Top Ten at a time. This book can also provide new preachers with an opportunity to ‘borrow’ some of the Tom 10 outlines to create lively and dynamic sermons. 

Top ten WAYS TO GET EVERYONE TO CATCH THE VISION OF A LEADER 

THE TRANSFER MARKET

 How do you make a dream become a reality? How do you get people to catch your vision so entirely that it becomes their vision? How do you transfer your passion so that it affects everyone that you are targeting? 

1. RELEASE THE VISION CREATORS

        Leaders create vision. Give yourself permission to be inspired by God and create a vision that becomes irrepressible and irrefutable. Stop living under people’s limitations 

    2. RELEASE THE VISION COLLABORATORS

Find other leaders who are called to be mentors, modellers, fathers and friends. Share your vision with them and release the power of collaboration. Let them visit and share their passion. 

    3. RELEASE THE VISION CASTERS

            Leaders cast the vision. Create opportunities for casting the vision through preaching, publicity and prayer. 

    4. RELEASE THE VISION CLARIFIERS

      There are leaders and there are managers. Managers clarify how the vision will work. They find solutions and strategies. 

    5. RELEASE THE VISION CONNECTORS

 Some people are born to sell. They’re the people, people, who love to be the life of the party. Search them out and power them to connect people with vision, people with people and people with leaders. 

    6. RELEASE THE VISION CARRIERS

 Vision is often caught, not taught. The carriers spread the vision by rubbing shoulders with people. They let people browse before buying. 

    7. RELEASE THE VISION CONVERTS

There are some good people who are already the first fruits of what your dream is about. Promote their testimony and release their spirit. 

    8. RELEASE THE VISION CUSTODIANS

There is always the next generation that needs to run with the dream. Select future leaders who will one day take the baton for you. Teach and train them in the things of God. 

    9. RELEASE THE VISION CLUSTERS

 Break the vision into smaller parts and raise up people to work in teams for the success of the vision. Departmental teams. area teams, service teams . . . .teams of all shapes and sizes where the vision can infiltrate into the lives of every person. 

    10. RELEASE THE VISON CATALYSTS

Getting started in a small way can cause a momentum that creates a snowball effect. Provision starts to flow and signs and wonders follow. Momentum is the hidden force of every successful ministry.   

Rev. David Gilpin

Senior Minister of Hope Church, Sheffield Behind everything you see is something you don’t see.

This book is designed to outline nuggets of wisdom that often remain invisible behind thriving churches and ministries. Mixed with a touch of humour. Top 10 of Everything looks into the Private Word and the Practical World, the Handy Hints World and the Wide World of Knowledge. It gives advice on many subjects that may prove invaluable to established and up-and-coming leaders. Read it all at once or read it one Top Ten at a time. This book can also provide new preachers with an opportunity to ‘borrow’ some of the Tom 10 outlines to create lively and dynamic sermons. 

Top ten THINGS YOU DEFINITELY NEED TO KNOW ABOUT YOUTH MINISTRY 

YOUNG BLOOD

Youth ministry is tough at the best of times. Often the youth leaders are still working through a lot of stuff in their own lives and they-re given the entire responsibility for a whole lot of other lives. There’s not much praise from the youth and definitely a lot less from the parents. There’s pressure from the elders because the youth don’t sit still in church and if that’s not enough, the Devil is somewhere around as well. 

1. YOUTH MINISTRY IS PASSION PERSONIFIED

 It’s the heart of enthusiasm for every church. Let their passion drive the music, fuel the worship, fill the testimonies and impregnate the atmosphere. Take the ‘suits’ off the front rows and let the youth sit there. 

   2. YOUTH MINISTRY IS ‘PAY PER VIEW

 It is a payment by instalments. Teenagers don’t make one big decision for Jesus but a series of min-decisions. Each decision lets them view that bit more of God’s amazing call for their lives. 

   3. YOUTH MINISTRY IS A TIME-SAVING DEVICE

 Prevention is better than cure. The smart money is in an awesome youth programme that puts teens on the right footing for life. It saves lots of time of ‘adult’ ministry. 

   4. YOUTH MINISTRY IS THE MOST VOLATILE

 They go from the top of Everest to the depths of the earth in a day. Trust that under all the emotion is a faith that will keep them from falling. 

   5. YOUTH MINISTRY IS PRONE TO THE PACK INSTINCT

 They arrive in a pack and leave in a pack. Within the pack, though, are lone wolves hungry for God. 

   6. YOUTH MINISTRY IS ABOUT PUSHING THE LIMITS

 Safe is boring. Outrageous is more like it. 

   7. YOUTH MINISTRY IS A MATTER OF BEING ‘WISE AS SERPENTS’

 In attempting to be relatable, the youth leader sometimes takes on the same spirit as the people he’s trying to help. 

   8. YOUTH MINISTRY IS A PROPHETIC MINISTRY

 If you change the youth, you can change the nation. Almost every movement for good has been through a youth revolution. 

   9. YOUTH MINISTRY IS NOT A STEPPING STONE

 Full stop. 

  10. YOUTH MINISTRY IS MUCH MORE THAN YOUTH MINISTRY

 It is also ministry to the parents, crowd control, health and safety supervision, damage limitation, child protection, financial assistance and family planning. 

Rev. David Gilpin

Senior Minister of Hope Church, Sheffield 

Behind everything you see is something you don’t see. This book is designed to outline nuggets of wisdom that often remain invisible behind thriving churches and ministries. Mixed with a touch of humour. Top 10 of Everything looks into the Private Word, the Practical World, the Handy Hints World and the Wide World of Knowledge. It gives advice on many subjects that may prove invaluable to established and up-and-coming leaders. Read it all at once or read it one Top Ten at a time. This book can also provide new preachers with an opportunity to ‘borrow’ some of the Tom 10 outlines to create lively and dynamic sermons. 

Complicated reports encourage nit-picking: ‘If we cut down on our cat food expenditure we might see fewer mice’.

Clash of the Titans

Every Church needs an AGM – the infamous Annual General Meeting. It’s often a meeting where cracks are prized open, doubts are aired and votes are cats. The key to everything, including AGMs, is great leadership.

 TOP TEN WAYS TO HAVE A SUCCESSFUL AGM 

1. MAKE SURE THAT YOU HAVE CREATED A ONE-HEART LEADERSHIP TEAM

 Out of the heart of the church flow the issues of life. Good issues come from good hearts. 

   2. MAKE SURE THAT YOU FILL THE ROOM WITH PRAISE

 For everyone who is partnered in the vision. Without them – it would all remain a dream. 

   3. MAKE SURE YOU FILL THE ROOM WITH PRAISE REPORTS

 From people who always have a good report. 

   4. MAKE SURE THAT YOU GIVE SOME COMMENDATION

 For some of the people who have made sacrifices way beyond the call of duty. 

   5. MAKE SURE THAT THE FINANCIAL OVERVIEW IS DONE LAST AND NOT FIRST

 Jesus made Judas the treasurer to get him away from the most important issue – the people. Vision precedes provision. 

   6. MAKE SURE THAT YOU ATTITUDE IS ALWAYS THAT THE GLASS IS HALF FULL

 Don’t despise the day of small beginnings or magnify the opposition. 

   7. MAKE SURE THAT YOU RELATE YOUR JOURNEY

 of realising your vision to a prophetic example or prophetic word from scripture. 

   8. MAKE SURE THAT YOU ALWAYS PRESENT THE VISION

 as being in the middle of construction. You’ve come so far, but the best is yet to come. Then encourage greater participation and commitment. 

   9. MAKE SURE THAT THE FINANCES ARE PRESENTED

 in an easy-to-read format. Give just enough to satisfy. Complicated reports encourage nit-picking. 

   10. MAKE SURE THAT YOU KNOW THAT IT’S GOD WHO HAS CALLED YOU

 and not a committee. 

Bible Extra:  Numbers 13: 26-33; Proverbs 4: 23; Zechariah 4: 6-10Ephesians 6: 7