theology & leadership
The first day of my sabbatical was the last day of my son's life. Writing that sentence is still strange. I struggle to believe it's true. But it is. I created my sabbatical plans months in advance. But my plan did not match God's plan.
To develop people who can preach takes time and effort. Like a bad diet is easier than eating healthy, it is easier not to raise up new preachers and just keep a heavy load of preaching. It is the path of less friction. To form a preaching team requires commitment.
My church is doing something crazy. At least it feels crazy. We are growing rapidly right now. At this time last year we were averaging around 800 people per weekend in our worship gatherings. This year we are pushing 1,200 people per weekend at those same gatherings. The church is growing.
I planted the TJC over twelve years ago. I am the Lead Pastor. I am the chief vision caster. I spearhead the staff. I am the first among equals with our elders. I am invaluable, and the church is in trouble without me, right?
The Journey Church exists to show Jesus as incomparably glorious, in Lebanon and beyond. We truly desire to see the lost, broken, and hurting of our community come to a saving faith in Jesus. This should lead us to live as witnesses to His grace in our lives. We should willingly share with others why we follow Christ. We should invite people to experience the collective worship of the saints in praise at church services. All these things should be markers of our lives.
Every leader desires to get things accomplished, but not every leader knows how to do it. Here is a strategy for getting some things accomplished that will help push the ball down the field in your family, business, or church.
Patrick Lencioni wrote a book in 2002 that has remained a best seller from the time of its publishing until this day. The book is entitled The Five Dysfunctions of a Team. It is a leadership classic beneficial to businesses, churches, families, and any other environment where people need to live and act as a team.
*This post was originally posted on the one year anniversary of Sadie Davis' passing One year ago this day, I received a text from one of our elders at The Journey Church that caused my heart to sink in my chest. "Sadie went to be with the Lord" were the words that met my eyes.... Continue Reading →
This weekend at TJC we will conclude our Incomparably Glorious series by studying Matthew 27:15-26. The sermon title is: The Great Substitute.
