Here is a great article on the downfalls of being an introverted pastor. I too am introverted & many have a hard time believing this if they only know me from my public teaching. It really is an odd thing to feel more comfortable communicating to a large crowd than to an individual; however, it is my reality. I connected with what Ron Edmonson writes.
Here is the link: www.ronedmondson.com – The 7 Pitfalls of Being an Introverted Pastor
I received a copy of 5 Ministry Killers & How to Defeat Them published by Bethany House & written by Charles Stone. I was so excited when this book arrived at my office – I couldn't wait to jump in it!
I had the great opportunity to serve on church staff with Charles Stone for almost five years. He has always been a "learner" – constantly reading, thinking, listening, implementing, improving, growing, & influencing. That is one reason why I was anxious to read this book. I knew this book would be an authentic sharing of Charles' heart & the reader would have have access to a great wealth of knowledge.
Every person in ministry begins the journey with great excitement & very often, with great naivety. Reality shows up at your door & kicks you before you know it… that's why way too many people who begin in ministry do not end in ministry!
Charles Stone does a fantastic job identifying the top 5 "ministry killers" (thanks to brand new research from Lifeway & Barna) and giving some very practical applications to once again, re-discover the joy of ministry!
This is an excellent book & a must read for everyone who serves in church leadership!
Day 1 – Exponential Conference – Orlando, FL Pre-conference session: What’s Next? Shawn Lovejoy & David Putmam This first session focused a lot on vision – Shawn & David shared some great stuff! One point that I have heard multiple times over the last three years is:
Protect the Church’s Vision
Everyone who walks into a church has some type of idea what it should be like – even unchurched people have expectations from a church! A problem arises when someone has an idea for a new program, event, or ministry & it is inconsistent with the vision of the church. It may be a good idea & may even be effective at other churches; however, if it does not support & promote the vision it is the beginning of disunity & dilution. This is the beginning of the church’s death! –> My Responsibility as the Lead Pastor (as well as every leader at Warehouse 727) is:
Do Whatever is Necessary to Protect the Vision!
· Disaster happens when the church becomes distracted from the vision and focuses its energy & resources on something else. Disaster also happens when the leadership allows someone else to hijack the vision. It would become double minded – trying to do two different things at the same time – resulting in disunity – two different groups trying to pull the church in different directions. Unfortunately, this happens too many times in churches. Sure, the church may still be existing (doors are open & paying the bills); however, do not confuse existence with effectiveness.
By the way – we do not have to create the mission because Jesus already gave it to us in Matthew 28:18-20 when He said “…make disciples…”
The mission / vision of Warehouse 727 is: Connecting People to a New Life in Christ
This is the purpose of every effort, every gathering, every resource, every member, every volunteer, and every group of Warehouse 727!
