Effective leaders must have the abilities to both have a vision, and then effectively communicate that vision to his/her followers. In a business the results depend exclusively upon the ability to promote a product. In the work of the church, success depends upon motivation of people, the most fickle commodity in the world.
Several of our youth team went to James River Assembly and came back fired up. The reason? They had captured the possibilities by seeing first hand what can be. I thank God for that! I have the vision God has given me stored up in my heart. I realize that God has not allowed us to build yet because we would have built too small. But over time, when it is time to build, we will have a better perspective on the size.
I believe God will help us build a church that will serve our community and serve as a doorway for many to find Christ. I am grateful for the Brad and the youth team who were able to expand their view of what can be. James River is a church that went from 90 people to serving 9000 people in an 18 year period of time. This is the kind of thing God has dealt with me about for a long time. I know in my heart we can build the kind of ministries that will reach many people with God's saving grace.
Let's work together....remain prayerful....remain humble....support one another.....work hard....do the right thing all the time... and watch what God will do through us.
I hope each of you, the readers, have a wonderful week. If you were one of those who went to James River, then let me know your thoughts.
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14 comments:
I told the group yesterday morning that God had put it on my heart to move that mountain. I prayed for God to give me confirmation of that all day yesterday. This morning your wife started the practice meeting off by talking about paying for the land. Later you mentioned it a couple times. After service I had a couple jr high girls come up and tell me how they wanted to give to the cause. I am just amazed right now. Lets move the mountain!
Brad
The conference was an awesome experience that served me both in my personal walk as well as with how I will serve my church. God has given me more affirmation of the growth that is taking place and the role that I am to play in the vision that God has for us. I have never seen a group of people who passionately share the same vision and were equally excited about getting to work on it. I feel very blessed to be apart of what God is/going to do through NLT.
Also I noticed a repetition of advice that pastor Scotty kept saying. He said that people all the time asked how did he do it...how did he go from 90 to 9000. He said that they took it one day at a time building one relationship at a time. Keeping the vision alive. Putting God first and he did the rest. I thought that was really awesome because it is so simple and something that our church does an excellent job of right now!
I didn't get to go to James River this weekend, but I am very excited to see what God has done for the youth. I'm hearing so many great things and although I'm unable to be at New Life due to college, I'm excited for what God has in store. Sometimes God takes us away from the things we love, to remind us of how blessed we are to have them. Good words spoken from the PB, or Pastor Brad. I'm taking that into perspective now. Since I've been gone, so many awesome things are happening and it excites me. I would love to come back right now, but I know an education is important and God has a plan for me. So I'm going to keep following His will, even when I don't understand it, and I'm going to keep a long distance relationship with New Life until God says it's time to go back. In which I am hoping is sooner than later. So many great things are yet to come!
Kayce
I completely agree, I went into the weekend just looking for something new in God but I found that my eyes were opened to so much more. I see now what a church is supposed to be, we aren't supposed to just show up for 2 hours and have service and leave. The church is supposed to be a place where you can live your day to day life, where you can go to relax, have fun, fellowship, pray, read, anything and everything you want to do! I am so excited about what's to come and I know that if we stay connected with God, the only way we can go is up!
Good thinking! Man, it's amazing how much clearer things can get with a little perspective. I love how God can use other things in his kingdom to inspire us, as well as our hope should be to inspire others. Keep up the good work with the blogs!
Oh Pastor, I dont know how to put in to words what Im thinking right this second! I just know that since a started coming to NLT a year ago, the growth in members as well as the growth spiritually in the current members. I love this church and everyone in it, and know that the favor of God is on us. If we just keep the main goal of our growth in our mind, which is reaching the community, then our Lord will bring the big building and the full parking lot and the 150+ ministries. Its all just a matter of time.
Josh, it thrills me to read and hear your excitement!! You have grown soooo much and now you are a vital leader at NLT. Satan wanted to destroy you and your future, but thru submission to Christ you are going to have a wonderful, and productive future. You have no idea how happy that makes me. I am glad you see the vision of our future. Just a little time, perseverance and you will see an amazing church on Cheri Whitlock Drive. Love ya man!!
Pastor T
Thanks Brandon. Perspective is everything! We all need to remember that the next time we feel down and discouraged. We may be only minutes...a phone call... a letter in the mail....one prayer away from a change of perspective! What you see and say is what you get! Blessings on you my dear brother.
Tim
MikeG... You are right on! The first church in Acts revolved around their hub...the church. Church has been traditionally misleading to North America. We made it a place to come occasionally. Really, we are to use the church to serve our community. I believe one day we will see that church where we tutor kids after school etc, etc. Thanks for your insight. Keep praying for the continued exciting growth of NLT. Make it part of your daily, committed prayer.
Love ya!!
Tim
Kayce,
It is really great to hear from you girl! We miss you too! I support your pursuit of an education. It will serve you well as you serve the Lord the rest of your days. Please do stay in touch and come see us as often as you can until the Good Lord brings you back home. We will need your services more then than you can imagine. Keep the faith and let me know if you need anything!!
Pastor T
Terry,
I share your excitement. Building great churches primarily requires the anointing/favor of God, excited hard working people, and time. We have God's favor, for which I am grateful. We have a growing number of people who are ready to be on board full force. I also know that everyone does not fit what God is doing here and God is moving them where they need to be also. Lastly, we must continue to be patient as God begins to build our church at a rate that will likely stagger you. I can't wait and I am sooo glad God sent you and your family here for the long run. Love ya dude!!
Pastor T
Brad,
God has confirmed this thing in unmistakeable fashion many times over. I have been humbled to witness such confirmations each time our church was to make major moves. Thanks for your vision and willingness to work alongside me for the glory of God. Let's Move the Mountain!! It will happen sooner rather than later.
Bless you bro!
Pastor T
Going to the conference was a eye opening experience. It showed me how we should be as a church and that it is not far out of reach. We are able to be a church that reaches our community like James River has done with theirs. I know that NLT is a great church and will only get better through Christ. Im so ready to be a church that is the hub of Siloam Springs. I feel so blessed that I have been able to be a part of NLT for so long. It has been a blessing to see the journey that we have gone on to get where we are today. God is going to do amazing things at NLT!!
I can't tell you how excited I am about the vision God has given our church!! I know it's going to take a LOT of work but I think we have the people that are willing to put forth that effort! God has plans bigger than we can imagine! Let's keep the momentum going!! He's a GREAT God!!
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