Everyone who is Jesus disciple is his witness (Acts 1:8) and is sent somewhere, whether locally or further afield. The New Testament shows us fishermen, tax collectors, former prostitutes, women whod had 5 husbands, zealots, ex-Pharisees, old, young, rich, poor, educated and uneducated, sent out on mission to draw people to Jesus. So theres no excuse for watching someone else do it instead of us, as all Christians share the gospel.
Remember that we live in an 8 second world, and first impressions are critical. In that context, whether you have one person or a multi-person team helping in the parking lot, they’re the first contact new visitors will receive.
When you lead a church, you cant help but dreamand dream big. I think thats one of the marks of a leader. But for most, its not long before the dream comes face to face with reality, especially in the week after Easter.
Seeking to build a multiethnic church in one of the most racially divided cities in the world
The future is uncharted territory, but we walk forward into it whether we like it or not. Believers have a Lord who dwells in the future as well as the present. We can go confidently into that good night, as one put it. He leadeth me in paths of righteousness, especially when the church is resisting change.
Teams that thrive tend to encourage one another seven to nine times more than they criticize, a key aspect of pastor burnout recovery.
“It takes a team—a multistrand cord of leadership—to effectively direct the local church in evangelism.”
Its important to take time to help young people sort through their thoughts and feelings about tragic events. Whenever news of a school shooting spreads, our young people are impacted. Innocence ebbs away, and studentsmany who already struggle with anxietycan spiral into confusion, fear, and even depression when helping young people process grief.
There’s a lot wrong with me, but introversion isn’t one of the things. I’m just quieter than some leaders you may know — or your immediate perception of a leader.
It never gets old to watch leaders formed and shaped in the painful, yet necessary, crucible of struggle and come out the other side more resilient, getting back up after falling.
