leading the process of GROWTH!

I find myself in the most privileged moments of my life thus far. The moment of privilege is due to the fact that God repositioned Becky and me to be in my home city. After SO many years away it is phenomenal to be where I call home.

I’m also privileged to be leading a church. Bethel, sincerely, thank you for following our leadership in such a committed and passionate way. 

This church is not any ordinary church. This church is fast becoming an awesome place. The momentum is immense and the ‘bounce is in the house’.

We are also experiencing growth!

Growth?

Our Sunday attendance has increased by 100% in 2 months. We are believing for a continuation. The bible says ‘For whoever has, to him more will be given, and he will have abundance’ [Matt 13:12 NKJV]

Growth doesn’t just happen though does it?

Growth is a result of health.

 I’m also privileged to be a dad of 2 mighty men (4 &2)! They grow every day!Becky & I don’t stretch them physically every night when they go to bed or make them stand in grow bags. We do facilitate life in a healthy environment.

Church doesn’t just grow because we want it to. Church doesn’t grow because we stretch it and force people to the point of exhaustion.

Church grows when it is healthy.

I don’t lead the process of growth.

I facilitate life in a healthy environment.Church.

Health.

This means, as a leader, I have to grow in my capacity as a leader, in order to deal with the things that hinder health. If I grow in anointing; in my relationship with God; in my leadership gifting and in my grace and understanding of people; then I’m able to rectify situations that cause ill health, thus facilitating health.

Health.

Growth.

They work hand in hand. Stop trying to grow church. Build for growth by creating a healthy environment that people are able to thrive in.

Lead the process.

Start with I.

The BOUNCE is in the HOUSE!

Yesterday, during our time together as church, I saw this community called Bethel experience ‘freedom’.

At present we are unearthing precious gems as we examine our new ‘cultural pillars’. Yesterday we looked at ‘Generous’ which is intrinsically linked to freedom.

Jesus gave his all so that we may have freedom.

If we are generous with our all we bring freedom.

Simple really.

The effects are not simple. The effects are bountiful.

As the beautiful people of Bethel began to praise, they were challenged from Psalm 144 that David made a decision to ’sing a new song’. We believe that a new song is in the house.

Bethel, yesterday made a decision to be generous in praise and the freedom was evident.

We have a new phrase here at Bethel -

THE BOUNCE IS IN THE HOUSE.

To see so many people, in one place, in one heart, in one voice and all in time bouncing in praise was an awesome sight.

We are definately moving from certain to an awesome place!

You got to be a part of this!

THE BOUNCE IS IN THE HOUSE!

‘You Do It!’

Years ago, a very famous sports company began a marketing campaign using the phrase ‘just do it’.

It was a great campaign because it very simply empowered the individual to break free from restrictions and pursue their desired objective.

I am pretty sure that the church either didn’t listen to the inspired slogan or thought that the sports company was trying to encourage Jesus!

In church life, only in church life, do we expect great things and consider our efforts to be not required. How wrong we are. We believe for thousands to flock to us because we sings love songs to Jesus. How wrong we are!

Proverbs tells us that ‘all hard work brings a profit’. Yet we consider that it is Jesus who must do the hard work, we must simply bask in His presence. How wrong we are.

Bible.

Good place to start.

Jesus.

Great example.

Matthew 14 shows us a great example of how Jesus wants to operate through and in us. The multitudes of people were hungry. They required substance. This is like our cities and communities, they require substance, they are hungry for more in life.

It is our understanding that Jesus fed the people. How wrong we are. If you look at the passage carefully Jesus tells His disciples ‘YOU DO IT’! They submit all that they have (the boys picnic) and then Jesus gave thanks and broke the loaves. He then placed back into the disciples hands what was required to fulfil the mission.

Hey listen, we are believing for awesome things here at Bethel, Stoke on Trent. We are not playing games here; thousands of people are ‘hungry’ and we carry the answer. Jesus is not going to wonderfully excuse us for being lazy. His cry is ‘YOU DO IT!’

What a phenomenal thought, He will give thanks and administer that which we give over to Him. He will empower us to just do it. What a divine opportunty we have. Called for such a time as this.

Bethel, this is our finest hour. Just do it – ‘YOU DO IT!’ is Jesus’ cry.