I & II Corinthians

By Dr. Brian Simmons

Reading these books on our 2025 cruise in Greece prompted me to consider many themes. The first of two letters begin with Paul writing to the believers in Corinth about the importance of unity in the church. Believers are to be of one mind united in thought and purpose (1:10). The other theme that should be characteristic of the body of Christ is love (I Corinthians 13).

Paul then wrote about the theme that wisdom of the world is foolishness (1:20). Christ is the wisdom of God and the power of God. Human wisdom is at odds with the wisdom and power of God.

Then, Paul began to address the primary theme of both letters to the Corinthians. They were still controlled by their sinful natures (3:3). Paul was writing to the church i.e. followers of Christ but they were immature believers needing the milk of the Word and not ready yet for the meat!

I will focus the remainder of my thoughts today on I Corinthians 3 as this chapter was a tremendous encouragement to me as I reflected back on my life and career. I was born an only child, but today at 65 years old I am SO blessed with a close family of 25! I love each one DEARLY!

And, the Lord has used me to teach and lead via many different churches and organizations through the years. And what one theme ran through many of these places? I led during times of organizational transition while many of these places of service were at an inflection point. They could either move forward to greater effectiveness or fall back into chaos and ineffectiveness.

Paul wrote, “I planted the seed in your hearts and Apollos watered it, but it was God who made it grow. It is not important who does the planting or watering. What is important is that God makes the seed grow. The one who plants and the one who waters work together with the same purpose. And both will be rewarded for their own hard work.” (I Corinthians 3:6-8)

Leading through times of transition involves leading change. And people tend to avoid change to the degree to which they think the changes will negatively impact them!

We do what God enables us to do as His faithful stewards. Then, He does what only He can do. This is the Divine/human cooperative.

Paul laid the foundation. I founded NGOS, CSLS via a merger with The Stewards Journey and NGOS, and I am helping my son Jared found Lakeside Christian Academy.

At EBCS I led the transition from a fledgling school under Dan Gelatt (founder) to an ACSI a accredited member Christian school under David Graham. At HCS I led trough the death of the founder, Walter Best, and the work of the “A” board to a more effective and Christ-centered Christian school. At IWU I led through the transition from an 18-year VP for advancement and this one man doing everything to a team approach to biblical fundraising. At ACSI I led the organization out of the founder era where many key paid leaders and most of the board of directors had been with the organization from the start and needed to transition to a new and more effective way of doing things. At CIU I worked with a 5-year president to found CIU Global (online mode of content delivery) and the PhD in Organizational Leadership degree program. I helped Ben Lippen as a board member move from a mediocre to an exceptional Christian school supporting and teaching Tony Fajardo and Ben Porter and others in the process. And at Kings Ridge and Augusta Christian schools I was called to lead as interim head of school during rough spots where both organizations were at an inflection point defining the type of school each would become. Interestingly was how my life was intertwined with Tony’s life and career and SO many other lives and careers! What a joy! What a privilege. Thank you, Lord!

My most effective ministry has been to either create something new or to take something that already existed to a new level. This required leading change which is no easy task!

And I began as an only child, married Bonnie, and now lead a family of 25. To state the obvious, we enjoy relationships with each family member including 15 grandchildren that did not exist 11 years ago!

The foundation of my family and the organizations I have led is Christ. And, if the work survives the builder will receive a reward!

Thank you, Lord!