rants of a beggar

“For I fully expect and hope that I will never be ashamed, but that I will continue to be bold for Christ, as I have been in the past. And I trust that my life will bring honor to Christ, whether I live or die..”
Philippians 1:20

As I read and reflect on the words of Paul inspired by the Holy Spirit..I am convicted of Pauls captivity..  Not the physical chains and imprisonment he suffered.. but his sole & devout affection for the Heart of Christ.

A heart held captive by the depth of love and mercy that pour uninhibitedly.. To be utterly consumed and captured up to the point of complete and perfect submission..

And from Paul’s ransomed heart, lies a strength of divine and complete authority.. His words, are no longer his own.. His actions, bear fruit of one much greater than he.. His thoughts, take heed to an all knowing King..His courage, bold and reckless.. Nothing will stop him, not even death..

Below is a visionary template for a leadership developmental process
that will be implemented in the local church.

Vision:

To develop people in our church to become agents of change that impact our surrounding community by boldly and innovatively sharing God’s love.

Mission:

The focus of this ministry is to cultivate the character and leadership abilities of individuals to reflect the heart of Christ.

2 Timothy 2:2 And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable men who will also be qualified to teach others.

Through the teaching of God’s word and communion with one another, the relationships forged will cultivate a catalyst for spiritual growth that will spur on the body of believers.

How:

Commitment to meeting regularly (weekly or bi-weekly) will be required and must be a priority for each individual.

Each meeting will be characterized by a time of teaching from God’s word in various formats (such as video, devotional, reading, etc.) along with time for building relationship (through sharing, testimonials, praying, etc.)

Individuals will be expected to engage the body of believers through a form of ministry or outreach (small groups, welcome center, soup kitchen, etc.) empowered by the outpouring of Christ love administered through us.

Mentor relationships must be sought by each individual. Corporate meetings are intended to foster mentorship, not to be the suffice for it.

Personal growth is emphasized through daily reading of the Word, and times of prayer.

Unity is an essential factor to the Kingdom of God. Attendance of 1PRAYER meetings is required in order to be apart of and network with other believers to fulfill God’s complete vision for our local community

God has been burning this vision of Acts 20:28 on my heart..

During my time as an intern on a Church planting team.. I was able to experience shepherding and discipleship in its purest form. It was understood by the church, that these were responsibilities of everyone. Not just a specific leader or elder, rather each member was expected to look out for one another, and speak in love thru fellowship with the body.

It was amazing to say the least.. I fell so deeply in love with the Church, that I vowed then to be one of the “dirty” workers. The servant that has to get his hands dirty and be ready to act when no one else will.. Thats my heart.. I am a servant to the bride, on behalf of the Bridegroom.

So now, I fast forward to my church of 250+ regular attendees. We have a Pastor, but he is not able to care to the flock as one should. Judging simply by numbers it isnt “impossible” but still unlikely that he can do so in an effective manner. Yet the issue is still their..

People come and go, but who are they? Who knows their names? Who is caring for the couple that recently separated? or the navy wife that just sent her husband off over seas?
These are questions that cant be answered due to lack of knowledge…

As I pray about this, my heart begins to ache… Ive been crying out, that God press His heart for His people onto mine. I want to feel the pain he feels, and experience the joy as well..

So with that said, I have set out to find a few good men. I have been praying to God to lead me to people with the heart for people. I want to meet in a small group structure with the purpose and intent to mobilize leaders to help shepherd the flock.

Tonite was our first meeting. I challenged both men that met, that our purpose is to be “sheep dogs”. A sheep dog is obedient to the Shepherd and acts only on His commands. The role of a sheep dog is to help flock and gather the sheep and lead them to follow the Good Shepherd which is Christ.

I am psyched about this.. and eager to see where this takes us.. but one thing is for certain..

A “Sheep Dog” ministry has begun. And as long as we meet I will challenge everyone that attends to get serious about the Church and shepherd the Community God has placed us in.

Past few days God has been pressing on my heart a specific vision..

My overall vision is that God consume His Church “big C”  with a passion for Community.

Community which consist of each person connected with one another thru the Love and Sacrifice that Christ has on our behalf. A connection that cuts thru the superficial motions of sunday morning or weekly gathering. Rather digs into the everyday joy and hardships of each others lives. Cultivated by authentic relationships with one another that are built on our genuine love for Him.

My focus for this vision is simple… Its starts with You.

I am going to commit to labor in prayer for You. That God will continue to work in your heart drawing you closer and closer to Him each and every step you take.
I would like to meet with You, have coffee, share a meal, pray for one another, laugh with one another, and sacrifice for one another.  . ..

I am convinced that if Our lives is set on fire for God, He will carry us unto the ends of the earth. But it must first begin here and now.

“God doesn’t send you to Africa until He first plants the love of Africa in your heart…

Grace always precedes call.”

No.. I dont feel called to Africa.. but yes.. His Grace ALWAYS precedes His Call..

I have to say, my favorite author of all time (other than the authors of the Gospel or Old Testament.. ) is Brennan Manning..

Tonight I was reminded of that.. and walked over to my bookshelf.. and grabbed The Wisdom of Tenderness as I opened it to a bookmark.. these words smacked me in the face.. My first response was to laugh.. and then exhale in comfort.. of knowing Gods grace provides..

Why would God just dump me off in Africa?  So easy is it to forget the reason why we are here..  So easy to forget that if God was strong enough to get you here.. He is more than able to pull you through.. Its only when we forget, and act as if we are living by our own accord, do we find the Well dried up.. and crops not able to produce.. The Genesis curse of the earth is that man will sweat and bleed to produce a futile harvest.. yet God promises that the Crop that he has is abundant and ready to harvest.. only looking for those who are willing to trust Him.. Claiming that they will reap what the did not sow.. because we cant sow! .. If we do.. it is futile ..

Which brings me back to Africa.. I did not get here on my own.. So I should not live like I have.. Then I should trust the Grace that has precedded the call..