the SIGNIFICANCE of insignificance

If you go back two weeks, I talked about beginning a series of posts about the crucial vision that I believe God has given me for Mt. Bethel.  Today, I begin part one of that vision.  Should you read this and have some additional insight, PLEASE don’t hesitate to make comments or to email me.

The interesting thing about vision is  that there is always a prophetic element to it.  As I prepare my sermon for Sunday, I’m studying Isaiah and his prophecies concerning the remnant of Israel, the judgement of Assyria, and the peace that will pervade the world.  There is no question that on spiritual gifts assessments, across the board, this is the area that  I always test the highest.  I certainly don’t say that to brag, as it tends to be more frustrating than exciting.  And I certainly don’t say that to deduce that I am a fortune-teller. 

As I contemplate this vision and how to communicate it to the church, I see that there are options:  the first is continued complacency and eventual death, the second is new methods and a new heart.  Neither option is  pretty, but God has declared that if we refuse to, he will make the rocks cry out instead.  Basically, if we choose not to take on a new life as a congregation, God will make a new start without us.  Our community is too ripe for harvesting for our self-centeredness to deny God’s will.

So, for this vision:  The first essential element in new life as a congregation will be  establishing and equipping strong and transformative leadership.  A protective leadership that is in survival mode will no longer do for this vision.  Leadership must exhibit the hope that is found in Christ and also the power. 

This need for leadership is the hinge on which the entire  vision is developed.  This year, we have made strides in establishing new leadership that will begin to look more objectively and optimistically at the future and current ministries of Mt. Bethel.  In some cases, this has meant moving some of the old guard into new, unfamiliar leadership roles where they will use past experience to re-learn ministry.  In  other cases, it has meant retiring some of the old guard and bringing in new leaders who have never been considered for any leadership position.  My new SPRC Chair had to be convinced that he has leadership qualities and would be better than one of the six eligible veteran candidates!  Older members have asked me from the first day why there haven’t been any younger leaders in the congregation since  they were young and my answer to them is this:  If you, as a leader, don’t disciple someone and call them into those roles, they’ll never have the confidence or awareness to do so. 

My challenge to all of my older members who want to retire from official leadership positions is to take 3 younger people, inside or outside the church - doesn’t matter, and disciple them. Take some time and go for coffee or buy them lunch.  Invite them into your life as you would a son or daughter and teach them what you know.  Compare the disciples early in the Gospels to the disciples  as  they ventured out in Acts and see the difference that discipleship makes.  Read through Timothy and see what it takes to bring up the next generation of leaders.

Our strong lay-leadership is vital to setting the communal vision, and keeping focus on Christ as we move into the future.  Without leadership, we are destined to wander in the wilderness and lose identity as a church.  With key leadership, we fulfill the great commission and live the greatest commandments.

That’s SIGNIFICANT.