In our Experience Speaks series, Outreach 100 pastors share what they’ve learned about themselves, the church and the definition of success.
J.D. Greear
The Summit Church in Durham, North Carolina
ON THE CHURCH
Jesus’ promises about the greatness of the church relate to leaders being empowered and sent out, not to attendees being gathered and counted.
ON MYSELF
Ministry is a great place for guys with the idol of success to hide, because we can cloak our selfish ambition in the garments of pursuing great things for God. Often I’ve prayed, “thy kingdom come” when what I meant was, “my kingdom come.” The Holy Spirit’s power awaits those who seek the kingdom for God’s sake, not their own.
ON SUCCESS
Success is raising up leaders and sending them out. Sending capacity, not seating capacity, ought to be our target.
BEST ADVICE I EVER RECEIVED
Never stop repenting and preach the gospel to yourself daily. The best gift you can give to your congregation is humility and a fresh, authentic experience with the gospel that comes from you wrestling with it personally.
THE SUMMIT CHURCH
Durham, North Carolina
Pastor: J.D. Greear
Twitter: @JDGreear
Website: SummitRDU.com
Founded: 1962
Affiliation: Southern Baptist
Locations: 8
A 2015 OUTREACH 100 CHURCH
Attendance: 8,275
Growth in 2014: +993 (14%)
Fastest-Growing: 28
Largest: 47
