Signs of the Times - Church Future
April 14, 2008
As I mentioned in the site description above, DNA is best described as the basic genetic building blocks that determine who we are and ultimately what we will become. I apply this to the church - every church has building blocks that determine its current practices and its plans for the future.
Let’s not overlook or assume anything in our planning for the future of your church. First of all, pray that God will give you a passion for the future of your church and that he will guide your steps. Secondly, pray for creativity and a deeper insight into what relevant ministry looks like in your particular context. And finally, pray that God will protect you and encourage you in your challenge to lead your sheep to greener pastures (fields that are ripe for harvest - but that is another blog entry).
The thought of rocking the boat and leading your congregation to a future that goes against the status quo can be scary. In fact, I know that sounds like a daunting task. Allow me to motivate and inspire you with one of the greatest challenges for future ministry and courageous living that I have ever encountered.
The “Lion Chaser’s Manifesto” by Mark Batterson:
Quit living as if the purpose of life is to arrive safely at death. Set God-sized goals. Pursue God-ordained passions. Go after a dream that is destined to fail without divine intervention. Keep asking questions. Keep making mistakes. Keep seeking God. Stop pointing out problems and become part of the solution. Stop repeating the past and start creating the future. Stop playing it safe and start taking risks. Expand your horizons. Accumulate experiences. Enjoy the journey. Find every excuse you can to celebrate everything you can. Live like today is the first day and last day of your life. Don’t let what’s wrong with you keep you from worshiping what’s right with God. Burn sinful bridges. Blaze new trails. Criticize by creating. Worry less about what people think and more about what God thinks. Don’t try to be who you’re not. Be yourself. Laugh at yourself. Quit holding out. Quit holding back. Quit running away. Chase the lion.
Are you ready to “chase the lion” and boldly pursue God’s plan for your future? If so, take the next exit.
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Mark Batterson, lead pastor of National Community Church in Washington DC, is one of the most influential and creative young pastors in the U.S. today. Enjoy what he calls the “Lion Chasers Manifesto”, check out his blog, and/or buy his book, “In a Pit with a Lion on a Snowy Day”.
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