Mission answers the question, "What are we here to accomplish?" It is reported that during World War II, if a soldier was found wandering alone in the dark and was not a part of the batalion and was not able to state his mission, he was shot on the spot. Seems kind of harsh to you and me, but when your fight is life or death, drastic action needs to be taken. How much more important is the mission Christ has sent us into the world!?!
I often wonder if the same strategy was implemented today for believers. Would we be able to state our mission with clarity and confidence. Last night we met to help bring clarity in our mission. These three activities is what I hope Christ finds me doing when he returns to bring us home. Permit me to review them below:
1. CONNECTING: As the spiritual embodiment of Christ here on earth, we are to connect with God and with others. In fact, this whole concept of connection is what distinguishes us as Pentecostals. The rest of the Evangelical world is concerned only with getting people to heaven. As Pentecostals, we embrace this and take it a step further. We want to bring a bit of Heaven to Earth. This is exactly what happen on the day of Pentecost in the upper room, heaven touched earth. What our area needs more than anything is for heaven to fall upon our church and community.
2. COACHING: As Jesus walked the face of the earth in flesh, only 3 1/2 years of his life was actually spent preaching and proclaiming the Kingdom of God. Therefore, he spent much time mentoring/discipling (coaching) 12 of His followers in His Words and His Ways. Cornerstone's leaders exist not to produce programs, but rather to coach people in their spiritual development. If our hands ever stop working with people, and only try to build programs... we are finished as an effective change agent in our world.
3. CALLING: There is so much in Scripture about "Calling" that it could be confusing. There is a "Call to Repentance," a "Call to Pray," a "Call to Serve," among many others. But perhaps I can clarify what we mean by Calling. As a church and individuals in it, we are "Calling People to their Destiny in Christ!" For the UnBeliever, this is first a Call to Salvation. No one can fulfill their divine destiny apart from the blood of Jesus. For the Believer, this is a Call to Good Works (service/ministry). We are not just called to wait for heaven, we are called to be about our Father's Business.
As we conclude 2008 and look to continue strong in 2009, may we evaluate our Hands as Leaders, to assure we are accomplishing His Mission through His Power at work within us.
Monday, November 10, 2008
Monday, November 3, 2008
A Leader's Eyes
Hello Friends! I know it has been some time since you've gotten this blog but I did want to continue to share some lessons I've learned about serving the Lord and leading in His Church. What a great privilege and honor it is to partner with the God of the universe.
I wanted to write a few thought about what I believe are a leader's most precious commodity... THE LEADER'S EYES! A leader's eyes truly sets them apart in service to our master. Your eyes will either make or break you in your effectiveness and faithfulness. Below are a two brief comparisons where our eyes may focus. Ask the Holy Spirit to examine the eyes of your soul and ask him to adjust your vision where needed.
POSSIBILITIES vs OBSTACLES
A leader must always see and believe in the possibilities in God. After the PHILLIES won the championship, Jimmy Rollins made a profound observation about the attitude of our Philadelphia region. He called us the "overlooked" city, lost between New York and Washington DC. Where others see possibilities, often we are tempted to see obstacles. That's why phrases as "There's always next year," or "we'll find a way to ruin the season," are common place for Philadelphia fans.
This same attitude can creep into the church if we are not careful. We can see all the obstacles and struggles and just assume we are not destined to win. And for those that do win... well, they just got lucky, we conclude. May we be reminded... we are more than conquerors in Christ Jesus, and He is building His church. With our eyes focused on the Lord, even the obstacles look like stepping stones to greater things in the Lord.
FUTURE vs. PAST
A leader's eyes are also future oriented. While it is appropriate to honor the past, spiritual leadership look toward what God is doing in the future. I love the apostle Paul's words in Philippians 3:13-14, "Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize."
Tour guides show you what happened in the past, Leaders lead toward the future... what has yet to be accomplished. A future-focused vision is vital, for without it even the most resilient leader fades away.
CONCLUSION:
With eyes improperly focused, we become impotent leaders. Remember what happened to Peter as he walked on water and his eyes moved off of Jesus... HE SANK!!! If you ever find yourself sinking, check your eyes. Make sure they are focused on the possibilities Christ has provided and the future He has assured. And remember, WE ARE ON THE WINNING SIDE!!!
I wanted to write a few thought about what I believe are a leader's most precious commodity... THE LEADER'S EYES! A leader's eyes truly sets them apart in service to our master. Your eyes will either make or break you in your effectiveness and faithfulness. Below are a two brief comparisons where our eyes may focus. Ask the Holy Spirit to examine the eyes of your soul and ask him to adjust your vision where needed.
POSSIBILITIES vs OBSTACLES
A leader must always see and believe in the possibilities in God. After the PHILLIES won the championship, Jimmy Rollins made a profound observation about the attitude of our Philadelphia region. He called us the "overlooked" city, lost between New York and Washington DC. Where others see possibilities, often we are tempted to see obstacles. That's why phrases as "There's always next year," or "we'll find a way to ruin the season," are common place for Philadelphia fans.
This same attitude can creep into the church if we are not careful. We can see all the obstacles and struggles and just assume we are not destined to win. And for those that do win... well, they just got lucky, we conclude. May we be reminded... we are more than conquerors in Christ Jesus, and He is building His church. With our eyes focused on the Lord, even the obstacles look like stepping stones to greater things in the Lord.
FUTURE vs. PAST
A leader's eyes are also future oriented. While it is appropriate to honor the past, spiritual leadership look toward what God is doing in the future. I love the apostle Paul's words in Philippians 3:13-14, "Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize."
Tour guides show you what happened in the past, Leaders lead toward the future... what has yet to be accomplished. A future-focused vision is vital, for without it even the most resilient leader fades away.
CONCLUSION:
With eyes improperly focused, we become impotent leaders. Remember what happened to Peter as he walked on water and his eyes moved off of Jesus... HE SANK!!! If you ever find yourself sinking, check your eyes. Make sure they are focused on the possibilities Christ has provided and the future He has assured. And remember, WE ARE ON THE WINNING SIDE!!!
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