Initial Thoughts

Our architect came back with initial thoughts for the development and extension of our campus. Here they are:

Why?

For most of my life I have worked a "normal" job, mixing with all sorts of people. I have always sought to serve in the church in ministry and share my story of how God made a difference in my life. 5 years ago things changed it took up the role of a pastor at my local church.

I always wanted to do this but never thought it would happen. The chance to actually work full time building the local church and God's kingdom was like all my birthdays had come at once.

5 years in and although it has given me some incredible highs it has also produced some incredible lows. Yesterday was one of those days. I left my office after 12 hours wondering why I do this. Its certainly not for the money - I took a substancial decrease to take up this role. Its certainly not for an easy life - i've never worked so hard or sacrificed so much family time.

I am still left with a burning desire inside to see people who are hurt & broken experience this incredible relationship that is possible with an awesome God!

I don't do it for Christians, I do it for those yet to start following Jesus.

Success means Sacrifice

Read this quote today from Steven Furtick. Success means sacrifice.

This made me think of one man - George Ridley. I have know George for around 25 years now. I first met him when he came and lectured my class at Bible college. He was very different to the other lectures. He had vision, passion and determination. I knew then that I needed to be working with Him.

He built a successful church from scratch, made a successful transition to a younger leader (something very rare) and has developed a successful mission's organisation - LightForce International, which is making a difference in 1000's of lives around the world.

To achieve this took all the qualities I mentioned before and one more - sacrifice. Planting the church meant huge sacrifices for him and his family. Many times financially he had nothing. He took a salary drop to bring in another pastor and paid him more because he wanted to see the church grow.

He now spends much time away from family in places like northern Uganda so he can make a difference in the lives of the most vulnerable.

His sacrifice will not be forgotten by the most important person!

Grace works

Roger Blackmore my Pastor from Cairnbulg days made the following post in his blog yesterday. Grace works!

Sitting here, fighting sleep, with a cold drink and a WW muffin, reflecting back on a very good evening. We had our small group tonight and it was excellent. What a great group of people! I've got so that I really look forward to seeing each of them over in darkest East Patchogue.

We chatted for a while tonight about the encouragement to be radically inclusive that Bill Hybels gave in one section of the DVD teaching that made up Part 4 of Just Walk Across The Room. While we were discussing that I remembered a good example of it from Jonathan and Donna's wedding (our son and daughter-in-law for the uninitiated!).

Jonathan works in the fashion industry and had invited a number of friends from work to be guests, several of whom were gay. When one of them asked if it was okay for him and his friend to dance together, Jonathan told them to go ahead and they had a blast. We also had a good time getting to know them. We did not ostracize them because of a lifestyle we do not condone, we accepted them as people and were radically inclusive.

One of the guys there that day ultimately came to faith, was helped by a ministry that reaches out to homosexuals and was married last year. I dare to believe that the fact that Jonathan and others opened their hearts and homes to him played a significant role in his life being turned around.

Radically inclusive!

That's a great phrase.