Worship - More Experiential

Ray Johnston's young leaders weigh in on ministry at Bayside Church in Granite Bay, CA. This is number 5 of 7.

Worship needs to be far more experiential... expect God to show up!

It's not all about the smoke, sound and lights. It's not all about picking the best songs. Worship needs to be approached with an expectation that God is going to show up and do something big... every week. Churches should set up the service with His movement in mind. Plan for it. Expect it. Watch for it.

Young leaders seem to have an almost 'child-like' faith that puts the responsibility back on God to do the 'experiential' part of the worship. I've been guilty in the past in trying to 'help' God where He might be lacking.

Do you 'experience' God in your weekly church services? Does God show up? Quite honestly, many of us might not recognize Him if He DID show up.

Ministry-More Compassionate

Ministry is not about meeting the surface needs of all the followers. Young leaders let Ray Johnston know of their desire to be led well by elder leadership.

As I picture it, it's great to give the passing, "Praying for you," when rubbing shoulders with someone you know has a need. But is that really compassion?

Some show compassion by reaching out to the less fortunate. Others champion the rights of those who can't defend themselves. Maybe, compassion can be extended to those in your own family. How cool would it be for a teenager to really understand and empathize with a parent going through a tough time... instead of consistently being focused on their own world... their own emotions... and their own needs?

Are you short on compassion anywhere in your life? I think I'll go hug my kids.

Preaching-More Challenging

Going through homiletically correct motions in a sermon is a waste of time. Continuing some previous blogs regarding Ray Johnston's keynote address at the 2011 Thrive Conference at Bayside Church... young leaders are weighing in with Ray.

Young leaders are clamoring for their preaching and teaching pastors to stop talking just to be heard. Instead, throw down the gauntlet. Eloquent words are not desirable. What's needed is for young leaders to be challenged by the teaching of the local church. When that happens... young people will rise to the occasion.

I'm 45 years old. I'm not a 'young person' anymore... even though, inside, I feel like I'm about 28. I can say that this makes perfect sense to me. I agree. And, to the best of my ability, I try and live this concept out in my own teaching. Maybe to a fault.

I realize most readers, when asked if challenging preaching and teaching is what they desire, would give a resounding, 'YES!' But, could it be when we hear challenging preaching... we actually tend to get upset and really DON'T want to hear it?

Change-Implemented Quicker

Bayside's Ray Johnston explains how his younger staff are begging to be led. In striving for a God-directed ministry accomplishing the impossible... here is the 2nd characteristic.

2. Change needs to be implemented quicker.

They are NOT saying that change is fun. But young leaders are stating when change is needed, it needs to be done quicker.

Young leaders understand there’s an urgency that’s obvious. So they want to see the politics stop and the needed changes be swiftly made if the church is to have a successful future.

Do you agree? Should we start making quicker changes when it's needed and stop worrying about being so safe? Do we stop prolonging the inevitable?

Young leaders say, “YES!” What say you?

Vision-More Dramatic

From the Thrive Conference at Bayside Church in Granite Bay, CA... Ray Johnston gave the message at one of the sessions. He spoke on what he's being taught by very young leaders at Bayside. The young 19-30 year old innovators have challenged Ray (and me) to stretch our current thinking about the church and its effectiveness.

I'll be sharing seven aspects of what the church of the future (or the church WITH a future) should/must look like. In striving for a God-directed ministry accomplishing the impossible... here is the first characteristic.

1. Vision has to be more dramatic!

Vision that's boring... is just... well... tiresome. No one wants to follow a lackluster vision. You really can't even call it vision.

Anything dramatic has some aspects of 'drama' in it. Vision with drama sounds like something worth checking out and connecting with.

It's time for the church to mix it up (again). Get a vision that takes your breath away. I had that when I landed at Impact 11.5 years ago. I don't need more drama in my life. But I could use more dramatic vision in my church and my life.