I have taken some time off from writing because of a new schedule with school and now as a Lead Pastor for the last few months at a small church. God has done some incredible things in that time. My first few months have been spent ( no offense to him) debunking, cleaning out, and taking heat from the Pastor I replaced.( As I am sure he did too!) This would have happened either way if he had been liked or disliked. What I have learned thus far:
- It does not take a year to try new things, just pray & ask
- Whatever the member of your church says, listen, discern, pray, and then act.
- Don't let them bad mouth the last pastor, even if you think he deserves it
- Admit you don't know what you don't know.
- Stay Humble
- Do what they are hungry for! Visit. Be apart of their lives and not just a passerby.
The best part of this has been getting to know new people, communities, and watching life happen. I did take a risk in my first few months because I refuse to stay still. Church should grow, develop, and look new every week. In my first few months, our people have brought over 100 new people in a community that is saturated with churches. 33 churches for a town 2,700 people! This is huge deal.
Have you ever felt that way at something new? Like you have to prove something? I have since crept back in the attitude to take it one step at a time, but always pray about everything. Right now my church is in a series called, Live.Laugh. Love. Learning how to Live well, Laugh often, and Love much. It reminded me of all I had to be thankful for.
God,
I thank you for this new thing you are doing in my life. Help me to Live well, Laugh Often, and Love much. Help me to be anxious for nothing, but with everything Thanksgiving!
