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Prayer is a MUST for Godly Leadership – part 1

There are many principles and keys to successful Christian leadership but most are not as vital as prayer. Prayer is one of the most powerful communication tools given to man to use to commune with our heavenly father. Do not burden yourself by attempting to pray as good or as fluent as some of your ministerial colleagues or spiritual mentors. Simply ask the Holy Spirit to help you pray as best as you can. The ever wise Holy Spirit will teach you Psalm 32:8 “I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will guide you with My eye”, and will divinely connect you with those who will help sharpen and perfect YOUR praying style. Diligently learn from those God has brought into your life, but learn as led by the Holy Spirit. When I attempted to pray as some of the prayer warriors I respected, I did not connect with the Lord as I expected. When I trusted the Holy Spirit to help me pray based on what He and others taught me, then I truly felt the power of God as I prayed. This is the best type of praying leader you should desire to be, the one God has ordained you to become.

Jesus Christ, our Lord and best example of how to obey God prayed while he was on earth. Jesus prayed for himself in John 17:1-2 “Jesus spoke these words, lifted up His eyes to heaven, and said: “Father, the hour has come. Glorify Your Son, that Your Son also may glorify You, 2 as You have given Him authority over all flesh, that He should give eternal life to as many as You have given Him.” Jesus also prayed for his disciples as shown in John 17:9-10 “I pray for them. I do not pray for the world but for those whom You have given Me, for they are Yours. 10 And all Mine are Yours, and Yours are Mine, and I am glorified in them”.  One of my deepest desires is for every pastor and ministry leader to be able to prayer this prayer as often as needed. This particular prayer emphasizes the accountability we have to God for those given to us, but more importantly clarifies that we are simply custodians for these truly belong to God our father. Finally Jesus prayed for all believers in John 17:20-21 “I do not pray for these alone, but also for those who will believe in Me through their word; 21 that they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You; that they also may be one in Us, that the world may believe that You sent Me”.

I offer these 3 examples in John 17 to highlight the importance of praying for ourselves John 17:1-5, praying for those God has ordained us to lead, John 17:6-19 and also praying for those whom will believe in Jesus in John 17:20-26. This is one of the best examples of God’s expectation of prayer from his servant leaders. Take the time to read study and meditate on John 17 for Jesus provides profound guidelines for mastering the essentials of prayer for these 3 categories of his children which are most important to our mission on earth.

I have seen the biggest results in my life when I pray according to God’s mission for me and those he has called me to lead. Let’s be clear, God is certainly concerned about our personal welfare, such as health and family success and balance. He is also highly interested in us praying for his will in our lives and the lives he has mandated us to lead. I trust you will experience the glory of God as you use John 17 to pray for yourself, your disciples and those who will believe in our Lord and Savior.

Shalom and Glory to you.

Join us next time for part 2 which explores the root reasons for prayer in our current challenging environment.

 

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“How to Heal the Body”

As Pastors we often separate ourselves from having TRUST for anyone! WE put ourselves on an island guarded by a moat of hungry sheep! Sometimes our spouse and family are farther away than the sheep. The enemies SATAN and FLESH has caused many to buy into a culture of division! Pastors compete with each other so often while our enemies wreak havoc! Please continue. 

 

In America there are more than 250 Denominations recognized by the IRS(The World has many thousands). Throughout the “Church” in America the differences of Denomination, Doctrine, Race, Culture and Social Status has caused great division. According to the many Pastors as a group and particularly within the same denomination do not Trust one another. Sadly the Body and “Pastors” also still struggle with Racial Prejudice and Segregation. As Pastors we are taught how to build a “Castle”, more commonly called the Local Church.

IMG_3034.JPGThe Simple Solution:

Diligently Strive to Transform our Differences into Wholeness in the Body! (One Body with many parts working together to grow the Kingdom) Develop a “Kingdom Culture”! This is the culture when Pastors in a community agree to attack the enemy as one Army and one Body in love, trust and power! It is the mindset of bringing the Lost to the Kingdom and allowing the Holy Spirit to direct them to the right “Church Fellowship”. Pastors Need each other! We must find Pastors to establish True Relationships of Trust, Accountability and Encouragement across all barriers and walls. We suggest that every Pastor make a commitment to find Three other Pastors-different denomination, race, and culture “if possible” and meet with them EVERY WEEK for about 1-2 hours to talk as real men about real issues.                                                                                                                                    20 If someone says, “I love God,” and hates his brother, he is a liar; for the one who does not love his brother whom he has seen, cannot love God whom he has not seen. 1 John 4:20 NAS

The Results: The Body is quickly Healed! More lost will be brought into the Kingdom of God. Communities will see what being “Christian” really means. Your “Church Fellowship” will benefit because you get refreshed and re-fired every week. Many Pastors say that their “Messages” become more powerful. Your Wife will be Thrilled because she will be spending more time with her Husband and not her Pastor. You will develop trusted friendships to share things that only another Pastor can understand. You will finally have a place to unload without fear of betrayal. You will personally grow because you have embraced accountability. You will learn more about the “Body”…… a lot more! As we build these Friendships with Trust and Encouraging Accountability the Body also comes together and is held tightly together by this bonding also! The community will become shaken. When Pastor’s come together publicly and regularly in love and relationship it overflows to congregations and communities. Note: Pastor’s Marriages, Ministries, and Lives have been saved by starting these weekly Champion Tables! (Just ask Me)                  

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Sex, Money and Power: Table Talk

How do we treat God's Gifts?Dear Pastor,

A few years ago God put a strong word in me about the struggles Pastors have with sex, money and power. As people that are human we have the same driving issues that every other person has. The flesh that we live in has hungers that if not “Disciplined” will ruin our lives our families and our ministries! Sex has been made to be a dirty word by many pastors and churches because the world has been very abusive and seductive in its portrayal of it, however the beautiful union between a man and a woman was given to us by God. God set this special gift aside to be between a man and his wife as a Holy Union that demonstrates the oneness of marriage. Our challenge to you today is to ask yourself, am I seeking to be like the world or am I seeking to be like God. In other words, am I treating sex as “Holy Intimacy” as a gift or am I treating it as a flesh satisfying action where God is forgotten?

Pastors, we must not allow ourselves to stay in the trap of the enemy filling our eyes, mind and actions with sexual fantasies. This is a sure way to total failure and perhaps eternity in the pit of hell. Yes, we said hell! Let us say this very truthful statement, “Your Actions and Words Identify Whose you really are!”  The only way to defeat the enemy in this arena is to (1) Be “full” of God’s word (2) Obey the Holy Spirit (3) Put NOTHING before your eyes that cause temptation (4) If Married- Have Holiness in your intimacy and make your bed an altar before God (5) Engage in weekly Accountability The Bible teaches that the love of Money is the root of all kinds of evil. Having Money or lacking Money is definitely a driving force in peoples lives today.

As Pastors we must have Money for ministry. We must have money for survival. We must answer the question that if we serve an all powerful and loving God why are so many Christians struggling to eat and pay bills. These are questions that we face constantly. The wealthy Pastor versus the poor Pastor is a very difficult challenge. What we know is very clear, “Seek ye first the Kingdom of Heaven”! “Where your heart is there is also your treasure!” These are just two of the truths of God’s word. As Pastors we volunteer to give up our lives to serve the Lord. Money is the defining tool God uses to determine where your heart is. God may choose to bless one greatly and another not. He looks at the heart. But be aware, the enemy can pour money and earthly treasures on you as well giving you the choice, who are you going to serve?

The questions you may need to also ask is, do I have any idols in my closet? Would you be willing to sell all to follow Jesus? If the answer is No, then perhaps you need to examine your heart and see if Jesus lives there. If the answer is yes then you need to live like it! Treat everything you have as if it were Jesus’ and he expects you to return it to him. Having Money is a good thing as long as it doesn’t own you! Power and Glory are battles that all Pastors face. They are either inward or outward. Being in control as the Shepherd is a genuine responsibility that must be taken seriously. Falling into the deception that we are to control and dictate has caused the destruction of many great Pastors. Leading as a Bold servant of God who understands the authority you operate under is critical to having a highly blessed/successful ministry. Power struggles in church leadership, pastoral staffs and congregational leaders continue to be one of the primary tools satan uses to destroy churches and pastors.

Self center attitudes by pastors breeds destructive tendencies as well. Being in charge is a constant battle and it often stems from home life. The worlds way says, “it’s all about me”! The idea of being a humble servant is not very appealing based on worldly standards however Jesus humbled himself to become a man. The fact is that when you truly know who you are in Jesus and you know how to live under his authority then being humble is a necessity. Why? Because you walk in His Power and Authority, not your own. You walk in the fullness of Holy Spirit and are confident! Pastor, I pray that you will examine yourself today and get with your fellow Champions and review these three major battle grounds for Christians/Pastors. Dissect them, search the scriptures establish a checks and balance/accountability. It is our prayer that this brief letter will bring things to your attention that will cause you to stretch to a higher calling and a higher walk with the lord Jesus. We also pray that you will become the leader and pastor that God called you to be by humbling yourself and praying daily more fervently than ever before. We love you and continue to pray for you. Your Servant, paul        

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Am I a “Man of God”?

Recently at one of our lunches the guest speaker used the term “Man of God” as he was telling a story about someone. Immediately the Holy Spirit spoke to me and said, “Man of God is what you and every man should be striving to be called”. When people see you they should think of you as a “Man of God” before anything else!

The “Holy Spirit” further went on to say that being a Pastor is a position, but being a “Man of God” is a description of who you really are. It describes your character and testifies of who you are on the inside.  Many of us work hard to earn degrees and attain many great titles and this can be well and good, however Holy Spirit said to me the most important title (if we can call it that) is “Man of God”.   Who are you, really? Who am I? Does our title tell the world who we really are? I have been called many things: Pastor, Dr., Bishop, Apostle, Executive Director, Reverend, etc. some of these are not accurate about me and others were spoken just for respect, but none of these are true reflections of who I am as a follower and servant of Jesus!

Did my wife marry a Pastor or a man? She married a “Man”. She is more interested in me being a man seeking God with my whole heart and mind than she is that I may be a Pastor or Minister. Who we are is much more important than what we do as a calling or position. How important is it to our church families and fellowships to know that they can trust and count on us as men of integrity and godly character?   Our positions can change and be forgotten our relationships are what is remembered and has the longest lasting impact.

Now for the kicker. When we truly are a “Man of God” all of these things mentioned become easier to do and with lasting affect! Being a Pastor is easy when you know that you are walking in the Power and Wisdom of the Holy Spirit. Being a husband and Father is much easier when your wife sincerely sees you as a Man of God! Being a leader of a ministry or business breeds much success because people want to be led by great “Men of God”!

Now the question remains, am I a “Man of God”? Are you a “Man of God”? What are we going to do about this?

I pray that this will make us think about how people really see us, starting at home. As you meet with your Champions Table this week discuss the importance of why it is critically important that as Pastors and Ministers that all people see you as a “Man of God”

We are praying for you!!

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Pastor, It Is So Easy!

Pastors never need a day to rest, right. Being a Pastor or a Pastor’s wife is so easy, you just work on Sunday and go out to eat with people to talk. No one bothers you or criticizes you, never complains or calls you out at 2:00AM. You are expected to survive on as little as possible and never drive the finest cars. The Pastor must never make a mistake and have perfect kids. The Pastor’s wife must either be a great singer or play a keyboard and surely be at all the women’s prayer groups. The Pastor never grows weary and never ever gets grumpy!

As you know this is what many people believe and sadly drive Pastors to give up. Pastor please stay the course and let us encourage you! You are not alone.

We at All Pro Pastors are prepared to share with your congregation how to treat their Pastor and family! Some congregations need to know what the Shepherd’s responsibilities are and equally important what the Sheep’s responsibilities are, according to God’s Word! We are prepared to help you meet other Pastors to develop relationships. We are prepared to connect you to Pastors who can relate to the struggles, challenges, heartaches and joys of being a Pastor.

Each week thousands of Pastors meet at Champion Tables throughout the world. These Tables give us a place to go and pour ourselves out in complete confidentiallity and trust. It is a place of refreshing and refilling. It is also a place to laugh out loud and cry when needed.

Pastor we are just like you. Men who have given their lives to serve our Lord Jesus and to bring people to His saving Grace and Comforting Love!  It is what we signed on for when we said yes to His “Call!” As men, sometimes we fall, we fail, we mess up and we feel inadequate and except for His Grace, Protection and Holy Spirit we would quit!

Praise God we do not have to walk in despair, defeat and rejection. As Men of God we can(and should) walk in Power, Victory and Success! This does not mean to say we do not need encouragers and friends. Moses had Aaron, Hur and Joshua and even Jesus had Peter, James and John. We all need brothers to pick us up when we fall, counsel us when we are faced with tough decisions, push us when we are ready to quit, hold our arms up when we are in the heat of battle.

And Pastor, you need to be the best husband and father in your fellowship. Men need to see a man who outwardly demonstrates love to his wife and children. We need to pray daily with our wife in unity and harmony. Our children should know that our family comes before all others including the “Church”. This is part of our instructions from God. The Champion Table constantly challenges me to be a living example not just a mouthpiece for God!

Pastor you are anointed to carry the battle to the enemy! Let us encourage you walk in strength and holiness, in power and victory, boldness and humility and with love and mercy. Do not wait for the enemy to attack! Take the battle to him. Share the gospel of Jesus daily, pray with people everywhere you go, pray for those as the Spirit guides, and smile smile smile.

Pastor we are praying for you!!!!

 

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Pastor or Politician

In America one does not have to listen very long in conversations to hear the phrase “politically correct.” Sadly, pastors who pursue political correctness often render themselves powerless in their calling to be difference makers.

In the world of ministry, Pastors are the center of attention. All eyes are on the Pastor and every ear is straining to hear what the Pastor is saying. The words Pastors speak carry life-changing power because pastors are called to be the mouthpiece of God.

This huge responsibility is something every Pastor needs to take seriously! The questions each must ask are:

Do I preach God’s message, or

Do I preach what I believe will make people in “my” church happy?

Do I teach God’s Word, or

Do I teach non-challenging politically correct words of compromise?

During the past five years of this ministry I cannot tell you how many Christians have confided that they wished their Pastor would preach more of God’s Word!

Don’t be shocked.

Our church families are seeing Christianity attacked on every front. Spiritually, America appears to be crumbling before the eyes of the world and our children are the innocent victims.

The “church” as a whole or in part, would seem to any onlooker that we have —

  • invited sexual immorality into our homes (TV, Internet and movies)
  • allowed other religions to infiltrate our schools and colleges without a fight
  • invited sinful compromise into our fellowships in the name of tolerance and acceptance
  • permitted our government (at all levels) to modify laws and regulations which hinder our freedom and ability to minister and share the gospel!

Pastors, it is our responsibility as the Ambassadors and Messengers of God to tell our congregations and family what God says is sin. “Sin” is not a word whose definition you can assume people, and especially young people, fully understand or agree with. When they see people in our churches openly defying God’s word, the word “sin” carries no weight or consequence.

The big issue is that most do not know God’s Word because they are not hearing it, nor seeing it lived in their homes. The “Church” should have open arms to ALL people in order to bring all to the saving grace of Jesus.

The “Church” should be:

  • A living body that is constantly growing
  • Helping people rid themselves of sinful ways (must be taught)
  • Alert to the attacks of the enemy and be acting upon those
  • Learning and teaching people how to be like Jesus
  • Embracing the Holy Spirit as our Helper, Teacher, and Power
  • Proactive as God’s army to make disciples on the earth

As Pastors we need to be aware of what the enemy is doing. The Bible says “satan” is roaming around like a hungry lion seeking whom he can devour. As a man of God, are you aware of what the enemy is doing in your community and city? Do you understand that this enemy is trying to keep you silent and alone! It is our job to protect the sheep and lead with all diligence. You are not alone! (I pray for you to be bold!)

Let us go just a little deeper.

  • Do you believe that as Pastors we need to keep quiet and ignore Islamic teachings that threaten our religious freedoms?
  • Do you really know what their writings say and instruct about Christians?
  • Should we keep silent about homosexuality and its obvious political agenda in America to destroy the traditional perceptions of home and marriage?
  • Should we say nothing of the fornication and adultery running rampant in many church families?
  • Should we seemingly approve by silence the pornography plague that has gripped men and women alike by the tens of thousands?

Politicians are all about getting votes. They will say anything to anybody to get their approval. They will do almost anything, if they believe you will donate to their cause! With politicians money is king. (Note: There are a very few good politicians the previous statements were made to me by one of them who loves the Lord Jesus.)

What would people say about you as a Pastor? Are you more about giving or more about getting? Are you —

  • Pastor or Politician?
  • Leader or People Pleaser?
  • Army General or Civilian?
  • Visionary or Status Quo?

The souls of America and your church family are at stake!

Pastor, I pray that you will take this post seriously. The enemy “satan” is working overtime to divide the Body of Christ and to keep us from sounding the alarm. He is distracting us from telling people they are lost and headed for Hell without Jesus!

Jesus is still the only way to Heaven!  He is still Lord!

I pray that you will become aware of what is happening in your city, community and country. Listen to the opposition and to a variety of Christian leaders on the radio and television. Listen, watch and study across denominational, racial and cultural lines. Become acquainted with fellow Pastors in your neighborhood. Take a couple of Pastors in your city to breakfast and become friends and allies in order to impact your local culture for Christ.

We need to be All-Proactive Pastors who rightly divide the Word of Truth.

We love you and are praying for you. May God shower His grace and blessings upon you and may you faithfully carry HIS Word in your mouth!

Amen

 

 

 

 

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The Power of Humility

Jesus was completely humble and yet had all the power on earth and in heaven as given to him by His Father God in Heaven. The world today does not understand what great power there is when we are completely humbled to the Lord God and yielded to the Holy Spirit. The Word teaches that the very smallest amount of FAITH can move mountains, heal the sick, raise the dead and make the blind to see. When we fully believe that God is, and that He is who He says He is and we embrace his Word as truth, we are able to walk in great faith which produces humility with complete confidence. “When you know that you know”, you begin to walk in victory even through  life’s struggles. We walk in the assurance that when we seek the Father He hears us and our prayers are powerful.

Jesus is our perfect example. He knew He had ALL power and restrained himself (Humbled himself). His humility was not weakness but strength under control.

Today many of us need to exercise humility and restaint instead of flexing our muscles. This does not mean to be passive, quite the contrary. We should demonstrate the power in the Name of Jesus openly starting at home with humility and compassion. 

Try humility and see how powerful it is. Trust Jesus and many blessings will follow.

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Frequently Asked Questions

ABOUT OUR MINISTRY

When was All Pro Pastors International started?

Our vision to get started was in 2003 – with the first ‘Champions Table’ beginning in April of 2007.  Our actual kick-off to reach out in Florida started in January 2009 in Tampa.

Why was it started?

Because there is a great sense of loneliness and isolation identified by 70% of Pastors, and God through the Holy Spirit laid on our heart to start it. Pastors live on an island and sometimes we shut everyone out including our wife and children. Only another Pastor can feel what this is like. (I know from personal experience.)

How many members are in All Pro Pastors International?

We are currently in the process of registering pastors into our Pastors Global Network.  In the USA we currently have 1800 registered, however each month we reach out and pray with over 40,000 USA pastors. We do not count them until they are officially registered in our data management system. In February 2020 we met in Mumbai, India with Pastors and Bishops representing over 50,000 Churches. They all committed to joining our PGN(Pastors Global Network) and we are currently working on their registrations. Our National Director for India/Nepal Dr Ashok Karkera personally leads over 1,000 churches in India, Nepal and Pakistan. In Africa we are following the same process in getting pastors registered. By all projections there are well over 100,000 pastors in the PGN yet to be registered.

What are some of the countries outside the USA that APPI have members?

India, Sierra Leone, Sri Lanka, Liberia, Malawi, Kenya, Nigeria, West Africa, Pakistan, Germany, Cyprus, Brazil, Nicaragua and Honduras, this is just a sampling. Every day we communicate with pastors in multple countries.

How do you manage, minister and communicate with such a large and diverse group?

For each country we establish a local National Director and they establish local directors by region. We also appoint an American Ambassador (usually a pastor) to be assigned to a country and to act as our communication representative with the National Director for that country. We minister through our multi-language Website, Mobile APP, Zoom meetings, YouTube, Facebook and similar methods. We have also had ministry teams go to India, South/Central America and Africa for Pastor conferences and training.

CHAMPIONS STAND TOGETHER

What is a Champions Table?

A group of (4) Pastors who are committed to meet each week for about 1-2 hours for personal encouragement, accountability, prayer and relationship building. To learn more watch a few of the pastor testimony videos and click on the Champions Table page.

What are the benefits for a Pastor to register?

They will be included in our monthly e-prayer and other resources that are available. They will qualify for occasional special events and give-aways that are only offered to those who are registered, such as a free vacation or new book.

What is the most common testimony of Pastors who are in Champions Tables?

1)I feel safe at my Table; 2) Finally a place I can really talk; 3) It has saved my marriage; 4) It has saved my ministry; 5) It is not a meeting, it is place of trust and rest each week; 6) It is the only place my wife pushes me out the door to go to; 7) A place I can go as a man with no holding back; 8) Opened my eyes to new revelations of truth that I desperately needed; 9) I now know what real trust is; 10) My Table has literally saved my life and become my prayer fortress!

FOR PASTORS

Why does APPI have luncheons, breakfasts, conferences and other special events?

To introduce Pastors to All Pro Pastors International and to give them relevant information they can use in their ministry and life. Also, to introduce them to fellow Pastors in their community.

What do you offer Pastors?

What we offer a Pastor is a way to connect and build lifelong trusted friends through “Champion Tables”. This is your opportunity as Pastors to not walk alone! We have many online resources too. Our Pastors Prayer Center is continuously praying for pastors and their families. We receive prayer requests daily from all across America and we take these seriously. Our interactive Mobile APP has a Prayer Portal where you can make your prayer request either for public or private viewing. You can also pray for the most recent requests received that are public.

What is the Pastors Prayer Center?

The Pastors Prayer Center is totally committed to praying for/with Pastors throughout America every day. At the present time this is a virtual prayer center with volunteers working from home to pray for and with pastors. Our vision is to be praying “with” 50,000 pastors each month! Please watch our video to learn more : Pastors Prayer Center Video 

What are the requirements to join?

Our ministry is focused on men who are Pastors who profess Jesus as their Lord and Savior and recognize Him and Him alone as the way to eternal life. It is basically a Pastor to Pastor ministry. The purpose is to help these men develop trusted friendships through encouraging accountability and to become great husbands and dads, great roles models based on how they live not just what they preach, and to stay healthy in their ministry.

Are women allowed in APPI?

Yes, we have many women throughout the world in Champions Tables and registered. Our focus is primarily to the men and written in a masculine tense because the vast majority of pastors are men. Women only meet with Women in Champions Tables and Men with Men.

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Table Covenant

The All Pro Pastors International Table Covenant

I believe that Jesus Christ of Nazareth is the only begotten son of God and that salvation comes only through Him and Him alone!

I believe that Jesus died on the cross and was raised from the dead and is alive today!

I believe that Jesus is the one and only way to Heaven!

I attest that I personally have surrendered my life to Jesus and have received Jesus as my Lord and Savior.

I believe in the Trinity: Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

I believe that the Holy Bible is without error and is the divine Word of God.

I agree that Our Champions Table is a place for confidentiality and trust, what is spoken at the Table is kept in sacred trust and will not be shared or discussed with others without request or permission.

I agree to pray for each of you every day!

Champions/Pastors Sign:

(1)______________________ Date___________ 

(2)______________________ Date___________

(3)______________________ Date___________

(4)______________________ Date___________ 

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What is a Table of Champions

The ‘Table of Champions’ is a group that we consider to be “elite” pastors, kind of like the Special Forces! This does not mean they are better than anyone else, it means they embrace accountability, faithfully  pray for fellow pastors, accept the Bible as God’s undisputed infallible word, accept marriage as between a man and a woman, that God created every person unique and either male or female without mistake, and actively seek unity within the Body of Christ by developing relationships with fellow pastors! This group encourages each pastor to start or join a “Champions Table” which is 4 Pastors who meet each week for prayer, accountability and encouragement, either in person or virtually! They hold each other up to a higher standard of achievement for the kingdom of God.
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A Champions Table is a group of four local pastors(leaders) who meet together on a weekly basis for one to two hours to challenge each other, to encourage, to pray for one another and to help attain individual goals. To have a friend you must learn to be a friend. Champion Tables allow pastors to develop trusted friendships that are genuine.

As a pastor I have found it very difficult to trust anyone. I have many friends/acquaintances in my church and denomination, but these are people I would never expose my hurts or weaknesses to. There are times that I have questions and frankly I am embarrassed to ask anyone because of what they might think. Other times I get so frustrated I just want to quit, knowing I can’t it just stays inside of me like a sore that keeps festering.

Does this sound familiar? You may have other issues that only you know about. The Champion Table may be the place that over time you build deep rooted trust. The kind of trust that you can say anything and know your words and feelings are strictly confidential and secure . How refreshing to find a place where I can take my “Pastor Title” off and just be a man.

Jesus RejectedIt is every Christian’s desire to be like Jesus! Do you know there is one vital example that Jesus gave us that most men do not follow. We call it “The Jesus Model”!  This model can also be seen when studying the lives of Moses and Daniel.

If we are to be like Jesus, to imitate his life, then we must follow his example when it comes to developing deep trusted personal relationships with other men. In the Book of Mark three times it is recorded that Jesus took Peter, James and John aside, leaving the other disciples out. When Jairus’ daughter is raised from the dead, when he took them to the transfiguration, and in the garden of Gethsemene when he was troubled and distressed before his crucifixion he called them to join him. Sometimes people refer to this group as Jesus’ inner circle. It would be fair to say that Jesus might very well have taken them aside many times that are not recorded in the Bible. These four men spent a lot of personal time together. Jesus knew what was about to happen when he went to pray that night in the garden. His human body was about to be broken beaten and utterly mutilated and he wanted his “buddies” his closest trusted friends with him in those final hours. It was these three, Peter, James, and John who he poured more of himself into than any others. He trusted them and he felt safe with them!

 

Moses also had a strong group of 3 men who he leaned on, Joshua, Hur and Aaron. Aaron and Hur held Moses arms up during the battle with the Amalekites while Joshua led the physical fight. Sometimes we need a couple of brothers to hold our arms up and to fight for us.

Daniel had Shadrack, Meshack and Abednigo as his inner circle or trusted accountability and encouragement brothers.

Having men to encourage us and hold us accountable is something every man needs. Jesus allowed himself to be accountable as a man with Peter, James and John. His willingness to take them into his sacred trust is a further demonstration of how important that it is for us to learn to trust! Jesus was well aware as “the Son of God” what was taking place at all times. Jesus was all man and all God and he wanted his friends with him when it counted. He personally set the standard that this is what I need and you need too!

peter simwa and friendsFor Pastors it is a very powerful message for our spouse, church family and leaders when they know we have accountability and a place to unload our burdens when distress and trouble hits us. As a Pastor we are also human, we have the needs of the flesh along with the battles of the flesh. Making the decision to follow Jesus’ example will give genuine relief and freedom.

Finding three men (Pastors) to link arms with will extend your life, improve your marriage, and strengthen your ministry. We call this group of four the Champion’s Table!

Testimonials

“I wanted to drop you a line to express my joy in our All Pro Pastors Champion Table. We have been meeting since May, 2007 now, and the intimacy level is really growing. We have seen barriers come down, and transparency taking place. Our four pastors have learned to lean on and count on one another. Hardly a week goes by that I don’t receive an email or phone call, giving or asking for encouragement. Every pastor needs a Table like ours.”

Fred Harrold, New life Community Church USA

 

“All Pro Pastors has helped me as a man, a husband and a Pastor. The impact of Champion Tables in Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania is changing the Kingdom of God for all of Africa. My life will never be the same!”

Ambassador Peter Simwa, Higher Vision Center, Eldoret, Kenya

 

“Our All Pro Pastors Champion Table meets every Tuesday morning. I was at a point where I had decided not to add anything else to my weekly calendar. After a couple of weeks I discovered that the “Champion Table” was not your normal “meeting type” atmosphere as some would think.  It offered open discussion with like-minded people who share the same type of accomplishments, challenges, and needs.  We share the importance of honoring God as the husbands, fathers, and leaders in our homes.  I now look forward to Tuesday mornings as a priority.”

Kevin M. Wynne, FBC Durant USA

Champions Table Foundational Scriptures

Encouragement and Growth

Proverbs 27:17

17 Iron sharpens iron,So one man sharpens another. NASB

Friendly Counsel

Proverbs 27:9

9 Oil and perfume make the heart glad,So a [a]man’s counsel is sweet to his friend. NASB

Several Counselors

Proverbs 15:22

22 Without counsel, plans go awry,But in the multitude of counselors they are established. NKJV

Four Went Together

Matthew 17:1

17 Now after six days Jesus took Peter, James, and John his brother, led them up on a high mountain by themselves; NKJV

Four Worked Together

Exodus 17:12-13

12 But Moses’ hands became heavy; so they took a stone and put it under him, and he sat on it. And Aaron and Hur supported his hands, one on one side, and the other on the other side; and his hands were steady until the going down of the sun. 13 So Joshua defeated Amalek and his people with the edge of the sword. NKJV

Friends Lift Each other Up and Stand Strong

Ecclesiastes 4:9-12

9 Two are better than one,Because they have a good reward for their labor.
10 For if they fall, one will lift up his companion.But woe to him who is alone when he falls,
For he has no one to help him up.
11 Again, if two lie down together, they will keep warm; But how can one be warm alone?
12 Though one may be overpowered by another, two can withstand him.
And a threefold cord is not quickly broken. NKJV

Friends Share the Load

Galatians 6:1-3

Live creatively, friends. If someone falls into sin, forgivingly restore him, saving your critical comments for yourself. You might be needing forgiveness before the day’s out. Stoop down and reach out to those who are oppressed. Share their burdens, and so complete Christ’s law. If you think you are too good for that, you are badly deceived. MSG

A True Friend You Can Trust!

Proverbs 18:24

24 Friends come and friends go,but a true friend sticks by you like family. MSG

A Friend Walks with us through our Challenges!

Proverbs 17:17

17 A friend loves at all times,And a brother is born for adversity. NKJV

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