7 Traits of a Wise Master Builder by Mark Pfeifer

Apostles are builders! All of them!  

They build churches, ministries, systems, organizations, institutions, and businesses… but most of all, they build people! In fact, the reason they build everything else is to ultimately build the people who join them. 

Paul said in I Corinthians 3:10, “According to the grace of God which was given to me, as a wise master builder I have laid the foundation, and another builds on it. But let each one take heed how he builds on it.”
 
What does it take to be a Wise Master Builder? 
 
I’ve done some building in my life.  Both my granddads were builders; my dad was a builder, and my brothers and I have been builders.  We grew up on construction sites and feel right at home in the building trades. 
 
Using the qualities of a general contractor, we can understand these seven characteristics of a “wise master builder” like Paul describes in this passage. 
 
#1. A Wise Master Builder must see the finished product before it begins.
 
The general contractor must be able to look at the plans and see with his/her mind’s eye what the building will look like sitting on the building site.  They must see the finished product even before the process begins.
 
A Wise Master Builder must have vision to see the finished product even before the process begins.  By studying the scripture, forming a vision bathed in prayer, receiving wise counsel from others, and based upon past experiences, Wise Master Builders can formulate a clear picture of what they’re building and a strategy on how to get there.
 
#2. A Wise Master Builder must find creative solutions for unexpected problems.
 
No matter how much a person plans, there are always unforeseen obstacles.  One of the most important features of a general contractor is the ability to stay clear-headed and not get distraught when problems arise.  They must stay positive and confident and find creative ways to keep the job going.  
A Wise Master Builder must keep their emotions in check and examine each problem rationally.  Obstacles must be anticipated and seen as opportunities to reaffirm their leadership and build unity in the team.  The solution is out there waiting to be discovered.  The Wise Master Builder must find it and steer the project forward.
 
#3. A Wise Master Builder must stay current.
 
New products are coming online all the time.  New methods are constantly being introduced.  A general contractor must stay current and decide which of these new products and techniques are temporary fads that will soon disappear - vs. - which ones are permanent practices that present opportunities to move the company forward into the next decade as a leading organization.
 
The same thing is true in the church.  A Wise Master Builder must know when to stay with proven building methods and when it’s time to adopt a new way of doing things.  Some changes in the church are nothing more than temporary fads to be disregarded.  Other changes present an opportunity for the organization to move forward into the next generation.  Builders must know the difference between the two. 
 
#4. A Wise Master Builder must understand people.
 
General contractors must deal with a variety of people.  They interact with clients who are ultimately paying the bills and whose desires must be served.  They deal with subcontractors who are doing most of the work.  They encounter inspectors who must be respected.  They cooperate with suppliers to get materials on the job site.  General contractors must understand how to get everyone on the same page and work together as a team to get the job done.   
 
Wise Master Builders build teams. Some people are temporary. They are like scaffolding.  They work for a while until the vision is at a certain stage and then move on.  Others on the team will grow up, move on, and build their own organizations like sons and daughters do in a family.  A few will stay for a lifetime and walk with the apostolic leader for years ...and others, unfortunately, are detrimental to the team and need to be removed.  The Wise Master Builder must know how to interact uniquely with all these people.
 
#5. A Wise Master Builder must know what a quality job looks like.
 
General contractors need to be familiar with each specific trade to determine what the quality of work and how long it should take to complete the job.  The reputation of the builder ultimately rests upon the work of the tradesmen working as subcontractors.  It is in the contractor's best interest to make sure each sub is doing their job with excellence. 
 
The process described above is neither quick nor easy.  It takes time. There are no shortcuts in learning what a quality job looks like and how to achieve it.  This is why it takes time and experience to become a Wise Master Builder like Paul.  The skill of multitasking within a scale of quality for each system is not a hastily acquired attribute. 

This is why many apostolic leaders are advanced in years.  It takes time to acquire these skills and create a proven track record. 
 
#6. A Wise Master Builder must take responsibility for themselves and others. 
 
General contractors don’t often have the luxury of taking days off and letting things run themselves in their absence.  They must be self-motivated and be energetic.  They must remain positive, detail-oriented, and focused on the end result. 

They must be present! 

They must stay consistent and lead by example in attitude, honesty, fairness, and work ethic.  They must be able to inspire everyone on the job site to work as a team, meet deadlines, and maintain quality.
 
The same is true for Wise Master Builders.  They must willingly accept responsibility for themselves and others as they build.  Feeling sorry for oneself, making excuses for inaction, and blaming others for failure will erode a person's ability to lead. 

Apostolic leaders should shoulder the blame for failure and give their team credit for success.  If a person cannot do this, they’ll never become a successful builder.       
 
#7. A Wise Master Builder must have patience until the job is finished.
 
Starting a project is easy.  It’s fun and exciting when the journey begins.  But somewhere in the middle, things slow down.  It feels like the team is marching through quicksand.  Progress is slow.  Each step is laborious and time-consuming.  At the end of some days, it looks like nothing has been accomplished whatsoever.  This is when the endurance and patience of a builder is tested. 

General contractors must stay focused on completing the job.  They cannot grow impatient and hurry through the finishing steps in order to get done – and quitting is out of the question!
 
Wise Master Builders refuse to quit.  They are determined and patient, not relying on outside impetus.  They are self-motivated and will stick with a project until it is completed. 

Entirely!

Ministry is a marathon, not a sprint.  Building takes time. There should be no fantasies of a quick and easy completion of a worthwhile project. 
 
Wise Master Builders must wake up every day, go to work, and execute the plan.  They must complete each mission no matter the cost.  They must be patient and stay engaged in the building of the Kingdom of God.  Over time, they will look back and see what (and who) they have built. 

Nothing is more rewarding than that!

THE END

© 2024 Mark Pfeifer