I Get Excited!
Last week, I had the priviledge of overhearing (ok, maybe eavesdropping) on a conversation a couple tables down from me at the coffee shop. A pastor of a new church here in Greenville was meeting with a couple of the young leaders of his church discussing the particulars of the church vision.
I can honestly say that this was the most encouraging and exciting things I’ve ever listened to. Seriously, you should have heard the eagerness in their voices as they discussed evangelism, worship, charity, vision, leadership, teaching, discipleship, etc. These guys were on their game, and it made me happy!
And things like this always excite me! (although I may not always show it). It excites me when I hear things like this or this. It excites me when I hear my brother talk about the ministry he’s involved with on a college campus! It excites me to hear about what’s going on at my Dad’s church! It excites me to hear about Paul’s next steps! It excites me that I’m in a place where God is about to move me into a new ministry (even if I don’t know which one yet)! God IS exciting!
And if you’re a Christian, and you don’t see God moving in your life or the life of others, is there something wrong? Is God exciting to you? If you’re stuck in a dead church or ministry wondering why God isn’t moving, why are you still there? God has called us out of our comfort zone, out of our bubble, and wants us to DO something for Him! The grass really IS greener where God is moving! Why stay?
God likes to move, and I love it when He does! There are countless stories like this one in every good church in America! Do you have a story like this one? Have you ever experienced excitement over what God is doing in your life or the life of someone else? If you’d like to share it, I’d love to hear it in the comments!
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If you’re stuck in a dead church or ministry wondering why God isn’t moving, why are you not picking up your cross and doing something about it is what I would ask!
Abandon a fellowship because “they” are not “on fire for the Lord”? Start the fire yourself, and let it spread!
Maybe that is why God has YOU there would be my advice!
Every dying church or ministry can’t be turned around. Sometimes we need to let the old things go to make room for something new and better. Just because something has been around for many years doesn’t mean God wants it to continue to exist. You can’t assume that you’re supposed the be the spark that rekindles the flames, nor can you just abandon a ministry as soon as you hit a bump in the road. The key is to seek God’s will openly, without presupposing what He has to say.
I can “presuppose” this much…
Praise God that He doesn’t “leave” us when we are “dead” or “not moving”.
Romans 12:5 So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another.
To let a foot die helps the hands how?
Nathan, another conversation overheard in this coffee shop! Seems like quite a source of inspiration to you and your blogging.
You better make sure no one links your blog to your visits, perhaps you need to go undercover.
I get excited too!
I’m about to take a pastor’s position in June and I’m currently in throes of defining my own vision for church life and it’s role in the community.
This will be my first pastorate and the prospect of taking it on is both terrifying and exhilarating. My father was a pastor so I am fully aware of how difficult and rewarding it can be.
My wife and 3 kids will be moving from my home town, leaving many family and friends behind to take on this new adventure. It’s a small, hidden church in need of fresh vision for being relevant to their community and missional in mindset.
Isn’t “exciting” just a synonym for “terrifying”?
David,
I could have heard them from across the room.
In my defense, they were talking REALLY loud
BTW, this post wasn’t supposed to be controversial … rather it was meant to encourage you.
Guy,
I understand what you’re saying about trying to be the catalyst if your church is dead. That much is assumed. You should never just up and leave because you don’t see any life in the church. But if you’ve tried, or you’ve watched better men try to turn the church back in a positive direction, and the leadership just won’t have it, you should find somewhere else to go. It’s worth the trouble, and it’s so much better in a church with a vision and purpose.
Oh and to answer your question:
I’d say it like this. It never hurt a tree to have the bad apples fall off. It just makes room for new, good apples.
Ben,
I’m very excited for you! Yes, excited and terrified are synonymous in the case of new ministry. I have no idea where God is leading me right now, and that both excites and terrifies me!
BTW,
I wish you’d comment even more 
Shelly, it’s always nice to have you enter the conversation. I don’t think you’ve ever had an idle word to say, and I appreciate that
I like the way Mark Driscoll calls it “church re-planting”.
I was encouraged!
Revival is always encouraging!
That was a nice thing to say – thanks!
Have I ever experienced excitement over what God is doing in my life? YES, YES, YES!!!!
I have always hoped to be able to use all that I have been through to help at least one other person. Well, God has bigger plans and they are unfolding! Not only has He moved me along in my own journey, but He has sparked something in me that is incredible!
The blog that I thought would be read by a few friends and forgotten is reaching people in ways I can’t even begin to understand, all over the world! I am reaching out to young adults and being not only accepted but connecting in amazing ways. God has now put in on my heart to move beyond the “occasional volunteering” to more…it is still unfolding and I’m not sure where it will lead but…I’m holding on for the ride and eager to follow!! It is awesome and wonderfully indescribable!!
Here’s the official invite to stop on by my blog…there’s more to come!