Vision, what is your vision for the church? Many times that question has brought up all my insecurities as the weight of the reality and responsibility I have as pastor to lead the congregation, like Moses, out of Egypt and into the promised land feels overwhelming. Really, I think it is the fear of failure as the under shepherd of God's flock that drives those feelings. What a great encouraging word II Timothy 1:7 was to Timothy and to us who seek to lead. God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of love, power and a sound mind. He gives us the courage to go forth with His vision. Simply put we are here to reach people. We are praying to connect as many people as possible with God and with each other and then together serve as His representatives on earth.
I sense a stirring in the hearts of the ALC family to live out this vision. I am looking forward to fleshing out the process that God is unveiling to us to become the "Breakout Church" He desires us to be. As John wrote to the seven churches in Asia, "He who has ears let him hear what the Spirit is saying to the church." I hear Him saying "Go for it! Deny your self and take up your cross! You will be amazed at what I will do. As T.D. Jakes often says, "Get ready, Get ready, Get ready!
God is about to do something grand.
1 comment:
You talked about vision-What is the Vision God has given you?
You also talk about the weight or reality and responsibility you have as a pastor to lead the congregation. Yes, you have that responsibility, but God has placed people in the church for you to rely on for help so the burden does not overwhelm you, just as Moses did in battle-he had Aaron and Hur. He also delegated by appointing judges over the tribes on recommendation from Jethro. May I encourage you to find your leaders, delegate and rely on them. At least some weight will be lifted and you can be freed up to direct your flock. Remember, in the book “Breakout Churches”, a legacy pastor delegates and steps back, freeing people to do the work within the church they were called to do. Now we need to pray for more of those people!
Jon S.
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