Another year is about to come to a conclusion. This past year I completed ten years as pastor of NewSong, watching a church go from 27 people to 700. From one full time everything dude to 13 competent staff members. This coming year I turn 50 – that’s right the BIG 5-0! Enough said! As I consider where I have been and where I am going, I can definitely see God at work in my life. I especially look at how I have grown as a leader….here is how I have changed…..
#1 - I’ve Moved From Personal Preferences To Conviction.
I used to have “good ideas” and well-intentioned theories. But now after 20+ years of ministry I have convictions that are unmovable. The problem is that at times these convictions play out as arrogance. Its not – it is just that I hang with so many younger evangelicals they misunderstand!!
#2 - I’ve Moved From Decision Making To Delegation.
I just don't think up something to do and start doing it; I am always looking to play it off to another. Not to get out of work, but I am much more satisfied in life when I am passing off some skill, truth, experience or ministry opportunities to others.
#3 - I’ve Moved From Insecurity To Confidence.
I used to want everyone to like me. When someone would correct me it bothered me. Now it’s not that I don’t care or am callous to criticism, it just does not rattle me as much – I believe it is confidence in who am I and who I am NOT! I once said to my friend Calvin – “I have become comfortable with my skin!” (There is a lot of skin!)
#4 - I’ve Moved From More To Less
I used to believe the myth that in order to be successful in ministry that I needed to be “well rounded” and try to be good at everything. The fact is I have come to the place where I can do a few things and make them count. That is the value of experience. I think I did a lot more in the past because I was not sure what was right or the effective thing to do!
#5 - I’ve Moved From Talker To Listener
I know I still talk a lot but I find myself listening to a whole explanation of a story before trying to explain how they should fix it. I have become slower to listen and not as quick to respond.
#6 - I’ve Moved From My Perspective To His Perspective!
I don’t want to get sappy and over spiritual, but I understand the sovereignty of God so much more today and thus I don’t run in a panic. I also “see God at work” much more at almost 50!
#7 - I’ve Moved From Being Discovered To Being Developed.
I am not trying to be noticed by people but looking for ways to improve what is already there. The fact is I try to fly under the radar because I know the value of “sneak attacks” as a leader!
I still have a long way to go but I am glad for the growth to this point.
PJM