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.

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.

Future Church

The Thrive Conference with Ray Johnston changed lives again this year. I had the privilege of attending a session during a William Jessup University board meeting a few weeks ago.

WOW!

I've always been a Bayside/Johnston fan. But I have added measures of respect, excitement and appreciation for the ministry of Johnston and particularly Thrive.

My understanding of the conference's purpose is to help produce healthy churches and leaders. There aren't many nobler causes, are there? Think about it. If healthy churches were in play... lives would change and needs would be met.

People would get saved.
Human trafficking would end.
Marriages would be restored.
The hungry would be fed.
The needy would have their needs met.
The weary would find encouragement.
The angry would find peace.
Those in pain would find joy.
The withdrawn would find connection.
The shy would reach out.
The less fortunate would be less unfortunate.

You get the picture. Pick a cause that's out there. Pick a need that's worthy of your time, talent and treasure - not to mention your prayers. If the churches in America (and abroad) were healthy... those needs would be met and lives would change exponentially around the globe.

Over the next set of posts, I'm going to reveal some insightful, challenging and convicting ideas I learned during Ray's address to the energetic attenders of the Thrive Conference. I think you'll be challenged in your thinking as well.