I have been thinking a lot about this past Sunday and what it represents for our church as we moved forward to the launch and beyond! Here are a few things I learned from our first preview service:
- God’s presence is everything!
- God’s plan is better than ours could ever be.
- When your people who are on the bus with you are all in the right seat, “greater things are yet to come”. (Thanks Jim Collins)
- Teamwork, Teamwork, Teamwork!
- Your leaders will lead effectively and at a high level, if you lead them effectively and at a high level behind closed doors. (Set the bar high for your leaders)
- Never be afraid to evaluate. Fix what what is broken and celebrate what worked!
- His Word is true, “I will build my church and the gates of Hell will not prevail against it.” (Matthew 16:18) God will build His Church!
- His Word is true, “Unless the LORD builds the house, its builders labor in vain.” (Psalm 127:1) But we need to LET God build His Church!
- Speaking a blessing over God’s people encourages and empowers them to walk under the influence and inspiration of Holy Spirit as they head back into their world.
- Parking attendants are just as important in the Kingdom of God as pastors are. (1 Corinthians 12:14-20)
These are just a few things that stick out to me from this weekend that I feel are instrumental in gearing up for our second service next month! These thoughts don’t necessarily pertain to just start up services but can be relevant for anyone and any pastor in ministry! God is challenging me to not settle for the status quo in Him and not allowing our church to view it that way either. As the pastor I feel the weight of the responsibility of my leadership and I have to admit, I love it! I am so thankful God has given me the calling to lead people and set the bar high for them! If I don’t set the bar high in my own leadership and walk with God, then my church won’t either! A spirit of excellence must exist in our churches if we want to be effective to the core! Just a few thoughts!
