APOSTOLIC FOOT NOTES- WEEK TEN

from Dr. Bill Faught, Jr.

A brief explanation: we will call these interactions “Foot Notes”, which is based on Romans 10:5:
“How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!" Receive our love and prayers as you enjoy
these weekly chats!

Brother Bill

From Sons to Brothers (part 1)

For decades, John Maxwell has declared the following reality: “Leadership is influence”. His timely
wisdom is unmatched when it comes to revealing much-needed leadership principles in our generation.
John has also been a great example, when it comes to the subject of “moving sons to brothers”.
Truthfully, exemplary leaders are most definitely defined by the way they relate to others on the
ministry team. All peoples share a common need: they need leaders – daily, they expect these leaders to
lead them well. Often, though, there is a plethora of misunderstandings surrounding this most popular
subject in today’s church culture. In turn, this can create a few character roadblocks, such as: distrust,
jealousy, and more. Leadership should work for us; not against us. Yes?
By now, we understand how this works: leaders lead and followers follow. However, for the
moment, let us unveil the mistrust that can be experienced on both sides of ministry relationships.
Fathers will mistrust their sons, at times – sons will mistrust their fathers, sometimes. So, exactly
what feeds this relational mishap? What is the remedy for this comparative disease that will erode the
opportunity to form and build the ministry team? And what is the component that weakens the bond (or
cohesiveness) of relationship?
Moving toward home life, surely you have noticed “the devastating clash” as sons mature; this is
especially true in the teenage years. This application is the same in other realms of leadership, too. Sons
want to “try it for themselves” – they want to flap their wings and fly – they want to soar – they want
us to know “they can do it”. On the other side of the potentially troubled relationship: secretly, fathers
do not want their sons to fail – they do not want their sons to “make the same mistakes as they did”. In
reality, sons will fail on their own terms.
Sons must be given a chance to prove themselves. If fathers have trained their sons well, they must
must trust well. This is part of the journey – sink or swim – good or bad – right or wrong – weak or
strong. The only decision that remains to be made by fathers, is: will they fail with us, or without us?
There has been much emphasis placed on having apostolic fathers for more than two decades, now;
still, I am waiting to see this come full circle – fathers must equip their sons – sons must become
brothers (and fathers), as well.
The father-son clash has happened since the dawning of time, when the idea of relationship had it’s
start. Whether we are willing to accept it or not, any attempt by sons to separate will be part of the
process. You see, the glue of relationship will gradually loosen as sons mature. This will catch too
many fathers unaware, but, again, it should be expected. If we do not adjust, the clash could become
even worse.
I am a huge proponent of honor. Perhaps you have heard me say, “Honor is the currency of
heaven”; I do believe this statement 100%, by the way.
Often, fathers will view a clash with their sons as a moment of disrespect and dishonor; this may or
may not be the case. It depends on the situation and the words (and emotion) exchanged. While
disrespect and dishonor can become the case, this should not be assumed. Be careful not to allow this
moment (or act) to go to deeper levels as eyes, ears, brains and mouths are over-focused on this
clashing moment. We should be cautious about this. The fight will persist, because protecting and
advancing the relationship is not the greater focus. In this case, both the father and the son have taken
the bait. At this moment, the relationship can easily be damaged beyond repair. Here is an image for
your consideration that may help with this:

If fish were relationships, imagine the water as the parameters of those relationships – imagine the
bait on the treble-hook comprised of three components that lead to conflict: misrepresentation,
misunderstanding, and misinterpretation. Now, let us give this scenario some life-application.

Simply put: too often, problems arise the most whenever the process of relationship is mistaken and
misunderstood – too easily, the purpose of relationship is misinterpreted – too frequently, both fathers
and sons will misrepresent their roles. Be reminded of this: this can happen in almost in any leadership
scenario. Now, here is some good news: The remedy will be in the apostolic footnotes in the next three
weeks.

Receive hugs from Lynda and I. We take time to wait on the Lord and pray for you...to love you in the
way you are most worthy of. Please contact us if you need advise or prayer anytime. My WhatsApp #
817-360-6751. God’s best to you, as always!

Dr. Bill Faught, Jr.

a.k.a. “Brother Bill”