I really love my church. You may say that is a very good thing because I am the pastor of the church. Truth be told, there are pastors serving that do not love their church. More specifically, they do not have a love for the people they are serving, teaching, equipping, challenging, encouraging, praying with and praying for. I just do not know how a person can do that.
I am finishing up a master’s program and yesterday did a case study presentation. It was based off our leasing challenges in our church. I worked with another student that is serving another ministry, some dynamics were added to make it a more integrative project. We presented the case study to the class for their questions, comments and concerns.
I found myself inwardly defensive when any criticism came up. Even though we made it a fictitious 151st Church of the North Suburbs, I felt like they were criticizing the people at River of Life. My insides wanted to defend and say how they did not know the quality of the people, they did not know their passion, and love for the Lord.
While talking to the Lord on the drive home about my inward reaction, I realized that my reactions came as the result of profoundly caring and loving the people in our church. I see a husband who has taken the most significant steps towards Jesus he has ever taken in his life. I see a young child that loves to sing to Jesus and talk to Him. I see a single person trusting the Holy Spirit to open doors in their workplace for a better shift. I see a wife and mother depending upon the Father to watch over her family.
I love that we are on a journey together. We are building a better church culture for the next generation. We are serving our community in creative ways led by the Holy Spirit. We are pursuing a naturally supernatural life as Spirit-filled and Spirit-led followers of Jesus Christ. I love the privilege of leading this adventurous group of people. I love being able to live this calling in
1 Peter 5:2-4
Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, watching over them—not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not pursuing dishonest gain, but eager to serve; 3 not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock. 4 And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away.
I love my church!
I hope you do too.
I am finishing up a master’s program and yesterday did a case study presentation. It was based off our leasing challenges in our church. I worked with another student that is serving another ministry, some dynamics were added to make it a more integrative project. We presented the case study to the class for their questions, comments and concerns.
I found myself inwardly defensive when any criticism came up. Even though we made it a fictitious 151st Church of the North Suburbs, I felt like they were criticizing the people at River of Life. My insides wanted to defend and say how they did not know the quality of the people, they did not know their passion, and love for the Lord.
While talking to the Lord on the drive home about my inward reaction, I realized that my reactions came as the result of profoundly caring and loving the people in our church. I see a husband who has taken the most significant steps towards Jesus he has ever taken in his life. I see a young child that loves to sing to Jesus and talk to Him. I see a single person trusting the Holy Spirit to open doors in their workplace for a better shift. I see a wife and mother depending upon the Father to watch over her family.
I love that we are on a journey together. We are building a better church culture for the next generation. We are serving our community in creative ways led by the Holy Spirit. We are pursuing a naturally supernatural life as Spirit-filled and Spirit-led followers of Jesus Christ. I love the privilege of leading this adventurous group of people. I love being able to live this calling in
1 Peter 5:2-4
Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, watching over them—not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not pursuing dishonest gain, but eager to serve; 3 not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock. 4 And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away.
I love my church!
I hope you do too.
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