26 April 2007

I’m attending the National New Church Conference this week.  I enjoy this conference more than any other conference I attend each year.  I get the most out of this one.  So you’re wondering why of course.

In session after session new church leaders from all over the country tell their stories - and each story is so different. This morning an inner city Hip Hop church led worship that was fantastic. Yesterday one pastor discussed how their church is meeting at the ten different sites each weekend. Another leader explained how their church offers six different styles of worship in a "mall-like" atmosphere reaching over 6,500 people in their community. A church in Hawaii meets in several different locations and has started over 30 in other countries.

I’m always so encouraged and challenged at the sheer variety of ways God accomplishes His purpose through His Church, and in our individual lives. More importantly, I’m motivated to look at what I am presently doing, and what I want to do in the future, in new ways.

It’s so easy to get stuck in a rut.  It’s so common to become narrow focused isn’t it?  We’ve failed a number of times and now assume there are no more new ideas to try.  We can only see one way to get something done, so we keep reproducing the same ole’ thing.

I challenge you. There’s always another way, a new idea. If you’re stuck in a rut, put yourself in a place where new ideas flow.  Read a new book. Do a new Google search. Ask for another opinion. Pray for God to open the window of your mind and bow a fresh wind into your heart.

Imagine, Don Hamilton enjoying RAP worship!  What will God do next?

Sharing the Journey,
Pastor Don