April 25, 2008
I just finished two days at Trinity Fellowship in Sharpsburg, Georgia. We had a very productive time. I mentored the board, spoke to the church, taught the staff, then conducted a “brain-storming” meeting with the creative team.
The creative process is an amazing exercise. When I was the Executive Pastor at Church on the Move, I learned how valuable it is when leaders begin to “plow” through creativity. It was there that I learned the dynamic work of the Holy Spirit to impart His wisdom in our plans. Proverbs says, ”The ways of a man are deep waters, understanding draws it out.” It takes work to draw out of the deep cisterns of man.
”Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed.” (Proverbs 15:22)
The reason that most leaders will not use this amazing process is simply because it can be a difficult process if you don’t know how to make it happen.
We ended the afternoon with some very creative thoughts for their local fellowship that will increase their attendance by 20% by the end of the year.
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May 24, 2008
”Wounds from a friend can be trusted.” Proverbs 27:6
Recently, a pastor shared with me that his board was initially very excited about my consulting then suddenly turned and suggested to the pastor that they severe their relationship with me.
What was the problem? Their idea of consulting was for me to come in and flatter them with words of honey. They wanted me to give them a few “business” steps to solve their spiritual problems. When I pointed out the spiritual principles behind their “business” failures they took offense.
Unfortunately, it is becoming the norm for people to want to be able to accomplish great exploits with mediocrity as their standard.
For an example, look at the judging of American Idol. Randy is technical. Paula thinks everyone is a star. Simon is the only one who simply tells you the obvious.
Simon’s judgment can seem harsh at times; however, I understand exactly how he feels. While everyone else wants to have their fun, he wants to find extraordinary talent and expose it.
Paula simply wants to “multiply kisses”. Of course, she is the one accused of delirium.
My consulting doesn’t always seem pleasant at the time, but in the end it produces. Hundreds of churches have multiplied because of my willingness to expect more than mediocrity out of extraordinary people.
I do not present myself as “perfection” nor am I delusional to think that I know everything. I have a unique set of experiences in working the process of establishing two churches, leading a mega-church, and helping hundreds of pastors fulfill their God-given dream.
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