Learning While You Go

I'm new at this lead pastor thing. Was an associate prior to this role. Totally different animal than lead pastor. Doing new things and taking on new roles stretches you. And that's a good thing if you are in it for the marathon.

Yesterday I hosted a Pastor/Board Roundtable at our church (and included the board member's spouses) to get a pulse of where we are now as a church, to identify our "sweet spot" of ministry, to present the Mission, Vision, and Values statement that I have developed, and to identify what needs to change in order to move forward. I believe that what was discussed at that meeting will be a pivotal point in our history. I laid my heart out to them concerning the future of our church and where God could take us together. It is encouraging that after only three years that we are beginning to gain momentum and my leadership is beginning to get focused, and the best is yet to come.

All of you who pastor smaller works know that it is a great deal of work, especially if you have no paid staff. In that position you cannot just manage the church, you have to lead - leading means seeing what could be! I like what I read that Oral Roberts said - "If you can see the invisible, you can do the impossible!"

Are You Hungry?

Had some great food today at the Catalyst meeting - the chicken was over the top! The only thing missing was some cheesecake smothered with blueberries. Oh, I can't take it! Then I could wash it all down with a Venti Carmel Macchiato - hold the whipped cream, please. Are you hungry yet?
I recently had a spiritual retreat where I was able to get away for a few days and really spend some time alone with God. The more I took in from Him, the more I wanted. The Scripture is so true - Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for Him - they will be filled. And in that meeting today and talking with other lead pastors, I sensed a hunger growing inside of each of us, wanting to see God do what His Word says He can. I still believe that He heals the sick, that He saves the lost, and baptizes in the Holy Spirit. I still believe His Word is authoritative and does not change. And the more I taste of His goodness, the more hunger grows inside of my spirit.
Forgive me if I sound preachy, but when the hunger gets ahold of you, you just can't hold back!

Criticism

Rare is the individual in ministry that has not faced criticism from time to time. Some face it more than others. We cannot be so narcissistic to believe that everyone will always buy into our vision at all times. Some have the philosophy that if people in your church don't buy into your vision, well, maybe they should just leave. I believe, while not everyone will, you should try to bring them along and help them to see the value of your vision. If you vision involved building your kingdom, you deserve criticism. But if your vision involves building the kingdom of God, and you are doing things God's way, then only criticism that forwards the vision should merit attention. Steven Furtick has a great video on the subject. Check it out!

One Could

One could take a view of ministry that looks at all the negative aspects, such as sacrifices of time and energy, not being home as much as you'd like to, and the never-ending lists of things to do. One could . . .

But one could also take the view that no other profession in life has the eternal ramifications like ministry, that there is no greater calling, no greater "career" that we could have. And if you learn to strike the appropriate balance in your life, your perspective towards ministry will remain positive.

So . . . one could look at ministry in two different ways. Which way are you are you looking at it?

(BTW, I feel that God-sized Dream coming on! But you'll have to get your own!!)