I will be posting more and more to leaders who are like us in a weird position…You lead a larger church (or desire to) in a small to medium sized town (or to be honest, principals that are reaching people in all sized towns).
I am shocked at the lack of churches who are truly engaging the culture in huge ways for the Kingdom of Christ. Not to build bigger attendance, but to truly reach people for Christ and then help them grow in their faith to where they are truly “new creations.” Tried finding churches in my Sister’s town (a large suburb of Detroit…1 huge one, the rest non-engaging pretty-much, but a lot are trying…but it seems to not be truly fruitful).
In our personal lives, our spiritual lives, and in the lives of the staff at New Hope…one of the biggest principals we live by is vision. If we pray to God and ask His direction and He gives us all a picture of what that vision is, why do we stop and make excuses for why “we can’t do that!”
From lack of finances, to lack of staff to lack of knowledge…we cut short the vision God has given us and we wonder why we are not hitting on all cylinders. As a leader…you have to make things happen, especially if that vision was truly from God. That is the A-1-A principal that we have followed since day 1 at New Hope and in my family. “I can do all things through CHRIST who gives me strength.” (Philippians 4:13)
Most wont like you for taking that picture that God has given you and bringing it to life. But who are we to obey…God or man? Tough stuff to ponder…
Yesterday I got some father-son time amidst the chaos of the week. Were supposed to do some stuff in Michigan where we were on vacation staying at my sister’s house…so we re-formulated it for home. Took him on His first skiing adventure…he did very well. We are both killer sore though…not used to being hit by downhill skiers who can’t stop at a rapid speed…then went to dinner and then…he was stoked big time…to see National Treasure 2. How amazing to spend time with my son. God must think the same when we slow down to be with Him.
Gotta run…need to spend time with the Father and prepare for the Celebration of Life Service tomorrow.
blessings and peace.
