Some people don’t like to see others pursuing their dreams. The Biblical story of Joseph, son of Jacob, is a classic example.
Joseph had big dreams. And what was the response of his brothers? They said, “Look, this dreamer is coming! Come therefore, let us kill him now!” Genesis 37:19,20.
Life is not easy for any of us. But what of that? We, the church, must have perseverance, and, above all, confidence in ourselves. We must believe that we are gifted for something, that this thing, at whatever costs, must be attained.
So that brings me to the following question that if answered correctly will determine where the church will be in the future.
“Can we, the church, continue to stay on the course that we’re on?” When was the last time we dreamed about what could be instead of the status quo?
I recently asked a group of pastors where they saw their congregations in 2-3-5 years down the road. One brother said, “Ask me if we’ll be here in a year.”
Many I’ve visited with are in agreement that we’re in a pastor crisis. With many Bible colleges no longer in business, the number of trained pastors is at a low. Many congregations have no idea where to look for their next pastor. Unfortunately, that means the final nail in the coffin for struggling congregations.
Another alarming indicator is the lack of so many congregations that one, have a dry baptistry, or two, haven’t had a baptism for a long period of time. With that being said, making disciples is slim.
For some time now the Lord has captured my spirit and spoke to me as to how I can serve Him. Having a dual business background and 30 years of ministry I launched first of all in data mining and research. There I learned the state of pastors as well as small and rural churches.
Next came the development of The Kingdom Partnership with programs like Bridge Pastor Training (equipping believers with basic ministry skills), Shepherd’s Care (a mental health care program for pastors), and other benefits for churches.
Now, with the Lord’s guidance, is the next step. The need of a leadership team who is comfortable with change and strength. Men and women who bring a “specific set of skills” to move us forward. Leaders who can be innovative. The team will be composed of, business leaders, marketing professionals, thinkers, doers, church leaders who see the need of change.
“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed people can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.” Maragret Mead.”
Are we willing to give up some things we like to do in order to move on to those things we must do? That’s the question the church needed to answer yesterday.
Please contact me, Richard Creek, Founder & Director of The Kingdom Partnership at 402.297.6876 for further information about the Leadership Team. Or email: rdcreek@cox.net
Next Week: Dare to Dream Part Two “Thinkers, Doers, Smart Risks, Comfort Box Smashers”
