JUSTICE FOR ALL! - FOCUS ON STRENGTHS!
I spent the end of last week in the Gwinett County Arena, just north of Atlanta, attending the Catalyst Conference. This ecclectic Leadership conference had us laughing our loud, moved to tears, prostrate before God, lifting holy hands, and being filled with the joy of the Lord. The speakers had me thinking about so much, some I disagreed with but thought provoking nonetheless. Overall a great time of ministry, mirth (yes, mirth as Jeff Foxworthy pointed out how Jesus picked a few rednecks as disciples), and a time to recharge batteries and spend time as a leadership team. Perhaps next year we will be able to have the whole team go as it was beneficial for all.
Gary Haugen of the International Justice Mission had a great illustration from his life when he was a boy. He had the opportunity to go on a an adventure hike with his dad and brothers up Mount Ranier but he chose to stay in the "safe" visitor center. He still regrets this decision and he paralleled this to the "adventure" of this life where we are called to go out by our Heavenly Father to a "risky" journey. Taking a stand for the oppressed, going into unsafe places and making a difference one life at a time where those who have no voice or are ignored get to see the love of Christ in action. Where God reaches out through us to show the world His love. What a privilege. I want to be willing to take those risks for God, to stand up for justice. If you want more info on IJM check out their website (www.ijm.org).
Another theme that stuck out was the fact that when we focus on weaknesses, both personal and corporately, as in a church or business, our efforts will be in vain. Our weaknesses are just that, weak. We can try to improve in these areas, especially if they are anti-social, or so bad that we must minimize them, but turning them into areas of growth is ludicrious. Plus it takes us away from what we are good at - our strengths. I know that this is a counter-intutive thought in today's economy but it really makes sense. If we focus on improving our strengths, we are better as individuals, better as teams, better as a whole for our churches. Here is an example I see in my own life. I, by my very nature, am not a very organized person. Sure, I can find things when I need to but as far as efficiency in my organizatational skills - nope, not gonna be great here. However, I have other areas of strengths. I see the big picture, I drive consensus, I think strategically, I am passionate about worship, music, and believe it or not am a pretty good leader. If I focus on my weaknesses, I get frustrated, others get frustrated, and we end up with no greater progress than before and a bunch of frustrated people. You can see where I am going with this can't you. :] Of course, if I focus on my strenghts, I operate in areas that I love, have great passion in, and am good at.
I will have to post more on Andy Stanley specifically later but suffice it to say, I enjoyed the conference, it was invigorating. I have been stimulated to deeper pursuit of God; of greater worship and more prayer; to less marginalizing and more action.
Love justice (Micah 6:8) and use your strengths to worship God (Mark 12:30),
Graham
I spent the end of last week in the Gwinett County Arena, just north of Atlanta, attending the Catalyst Conference. This ecclectic Leadership conference had us laughing our loud, moved to tears, prostrate before God, lifting holy hands, and being filled with the joy of the Lord. The speakers had me thinking about so much, some I disagreed with but thought provoking nonetheless. Overall a great time of ministry, mirth (yes, mirth as Jeff Foxworthy pointed out how Jesus picked a few rednecks as disciples), and a time to recharge batteries and spend time as a leadership team. Perhaps next year we will be able to have the whole team go as it was beneficial for all.
Gary Haugen of the International Justice Mission had a great illustration from his life when he was a boy. He had the opportunity to go on a an adventure hike with his dad and brothers up Mount Ranier but he chose to stay in the "safe" visitor center. He still regrets this decision and he paralleled this to the "adventure" of this life where we are called to go out by our Heavenly Father to a "risky" journey. Taking a stand for the oppressed, going into unsafe places and making a difference one life at a time where those who have no voice or are ignored get to see the love of Christ in action. Where God reaches out through us to show the world His love. What a privilege. I want to be willing to take those risks for God, to stand up for justice. If you want more info on IJM check out their website (www.ijm.org).
Another theme that stuck out was the fact that when we focus on weaknesses, both personal and corporately, as in a church or business, our efforts will be in vain. Our weaknesses are just that, weak. We can try to improve in these areas, especially if they are anti-social, or so bad that we must minimize them, but turning them into areas of growth is ludicrious. Plus it takes us away from what we are good at - our strengths. I know that this is a counter-intutive thought in today's economy but it really makes sense. If we focus on improving our strengths, we are better as individuals, better as teams, better as a whole for our churches. Here is an example I see in my own life. I, by my very nature, am not a very organized person. Sure, I can find things when I need to but as far as efficiency in my organizatational skills - nope, not gonna be great here. However, I have other areas of strengths. I see the big picture, I drive consensus, I think strategically, I am passionate about worship, music, and believe it or not am a pretty good leader. If I focus on my weaknesses, I get frustrated, others get frustrated, and we end up with no greater progress than before and a bunch of frustrated people. You can see where I am going with this can't you. :] Of course, if I focus on my strenghts, I operate in areas that I love, have great passion in, and am good at.
I will have to post more on Andy Stanley specifically later but suffice it to say, I enjoyed the conference, it was invigorating. I have been stimulated to deeper pursuit of God; of greater worship and more prayer; to less marginalizing and more action.
Love justice (Micah 6:8) and use your strengths to worship God (Mark 12:30),
Graham
posted by Graham at 12:02 PM
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