No doubt this is a beautiful place that God has created but I couldn't stop thinking about consumerism, commercialism, exploitation, idealisms and hurting that is visible to the naked eye. This is Culture World USA and much of what we do, say, watch, act and respond is associated with and connected to this area. You know....I wondered quite often in the midst of things, where is God in all of this? Is He at work in the world in Los Angeles, Burbank, Orange County, Saddleback....GLADEWATER? What if we bought into the "Jesus thing" as well as we buy into the latest fads and fashions? Could we transform little ol' Gladewater? What if other churches just came up beside us and we worked together instead of competing against each other? Lots of questions. If you have answers, let me know or call collect!
In a sad note, I was in Beverly Hills when Whitney Houston's story surfaced. Even sadder were the thrill seekers that arrived on the spot just after they announced her demise. It was a feeding frenzy. I was saddened by humanity.
On a happier note, I was able to go to the Saddleback Church to hear Pastor Rick Warren preach and attend their service. He is the author and presenter of the program "40 Days of Purpose" that we are studying and involved with at LHF. I am bringing home many ideas from their church to throw at you for our context of their ministry ideas. Be ready!
This weeks course deals with Global Leadership Implications to Ministry. It is the first half of the course. The second half will be building a plan of action for myself with implications to LHF. Here are some of the notes from today's lecture that are relevant to LHF:
Major trends in global ministry:
1. Globalization
2. Shifting of global economic and political powers (Zakharia 2010:_______)
3. Technological innovation
4. Changing World demographics
A. worldwide migration
B. growing urban population (Viv Grigg:______________)
C. growing youth population
5. Climate of post-modernity (How can we reconcile the presence of evil with absolute goodness?)
6. Climate of “religious pluralism” and “secularism” (Acts 4:10-12)
7. The Gospel from everywhere to everyone
Which one resonates in my context (LHF)?
Which one word stands for my context?
Experience, Authenticity, Dialogue, Community, Tangible, Adapting [Email me back and tell me which one you would choose.]
What is urgent? Make disciples----how can we get leaders in place? Can they see authenticity in their life? How do you do discipleship to post-moderns?
RELATIONSHIP
There is no “one-way” to lead in terms of global leadership. It’s not easy.
So, what’s unique in my context?
Church Unique by Will Mancini
--we are unique in our context
--a church should focus on developing strengths rather than enhancing limitations
--vision needs to be a lifestyle
--discover your kingdom concept
--develop your concept
--Distinction between “talking about the organization to the people” and “talking to people about the organization.” [:20]
[:47] invest in the values not the method
[:53] leader’s role requires stewarding…draw attention to this uniqueness
[:84] ascertaining the Kingdom concept
local predicament
apostolic esprit
collective potential
[:197-198] vision advancement
[:208] don’t align hearts but attuned their hearts
[:233] Integration Model
I don't expect each of you to understand all of my note taking, but if you can just "take-away" one thing: RELATIONSHIP is the key to vision success.
I will be praying for LHF to encounter such a spirit of enthusiasm...I can already see God's hand at work in much of what is happening now at LHF.
See you on the journey,
Ben
Rev. Ben Bright is the Logistics & Administration Pastor for LHF
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