During a prayer drive around town this morning (that's like a prayer walk, except for lazy people) I had a "what if" moment. What if people don't get on board? What if they don't see the benefit of what we're trying to do? What if they walk away?
You can call "what ifs" stategic thinking or you can call them a lack of faith or anything in between, but everyone has them from time to time. What if we're making a mistake? Then God laid an awesome thing on my heart... it all comes down to sticking tenaciously to the Vision.
The vision from God of where we are going is the only thing that can keep us focused in "what if" moments. It's the instrument panel when you're flying blind. Vision is what is left when you boil everything else away.
Stick to the vision; cast the vision to others; live in faith pursueing the vision; surround yourself with people who are sold out for the SAME vision; and set free those who seem to follow a different vision. If the vision is from God, he'll call the right people to pursue it.
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6 comments:
Hey! Deborah Lynne Wright here!
I too was driving and praying this morning coming home from the "almost daily ritual" of dropping 3 children off at school. I tend to drive a tad fast but not today...hmm! When I arrived home I read your blog and received Kevin's newsletter about the possibility of the new but temporary building.
Here are some tongue in cheek thoughts on the cons:
1. Limited parking...walking a few steps is good for us and for cryin' out loud no matter where one has to park, Morris isn't that big!
2. Sound system...you gotta special interest in that, son?! Just sing LOUDER until the new one is installed! Don't worry. Be happy. Your sound system will be a reality.
3. Shallow stage...I'll recruit volunteer catchers! EASY BUTTON!
4. The old part...NEVER say old in public Mr. Thirtysomething! The building is cosmetically challenged on the inside! Most of us are!
5. No foyer...My house is virtually foyerless but none the less inviting. Maybe we could just put a nice braided rug there to define the space...or maybe not! We'll just "great and seat!"
6. Small Children's area...Patsy's good and kids adapt especially if they have a treat or hot chocolate! Aside to Patsy...it's not easy being good!
7. Perception...both your blog and the newsletter were so clear about this being TEMPORARY that if someone doesn't get it...GET THE EASY BUTTON,QUICK!
8. WOW factor...I'm there. You're there. How much more of a WOW factor do people want?!!!!!!!
Sometimes to move forward we have to take a step backward and remember what really matters. God matters. I really believe that we have taken that step backward and prayed and prayed and prayed. God is smiling on NC3 'cause we didn't sit back and just press the EASY BUTTON.
xoxo,
Debi
I have to say Debi sure has a way with words and I have to agree with every point she made. But ever member will have their say and their chance to vote. That's what makes this such a great church........it's everybodies church. It doesn't matter what kind of a building we're in. We are here to spread the word and that is going to happen whether we're at the school a "church" building or shouting it on the street. It would just be alot more convienent if we were in our "own" building. I totally understand the parking issue, sound quality, stage and lack of foyer. But point being....it will be OUR building to do with what we please and when we please. Without having to work around other peoples schedules and wishes.....God Bless!
Thanks for commenting, guys. And for anyone who is confused at this point, I believe these comments are regarding a previous post titled "Facility Opportunity."
For the record, I too am excited about the possibilities that 705 offers.
Any good leader knows that the quickest way to underperform is to refuse to acknowledge the brutal facts. Being tongue in cheek about problems does not make those problems disappear.
Progress usually accompanies intentional, deliberate steps. A remodeled 705 that serves our vision for NC3 can be a great intentional step forward, but if by doing things half-way, it is allowed to be perceived as a step backward... our progress can come to an abrupt halt.
To me this is a situation where we should pray like it all depends on God, and work like it all depends on us. I'm definitely excited about putting in some major work to make 705 an awesome step forward. There's so much more to this than just the financial issue and buying versus renting. But I'm confident if we listen to God and not rely on our own understanding, he'll show us where he is moving.
And I do want to point out that if a new sound system is purchased, it will be OUR sound system with the sole purpose of building bridges to connect people with Jesus. My special interest is in seeing New Community be the most effective it can be at bring people back to God.
Corbett, corbett, corbett!
"Just the facts m'am...okay, okay!"
I agree with you that there are pros and cons re.705! ...and I think it's a terrific idea to consider purchasing the property. My tongue in cheek thoughts were not SERIOUS. I was just havin' a little fun with you and I'm sorry you didn't read it that way. Actually, I am the eternal optimist which is not always the best thing to be and in reality, I tend to not look too closely at the cons. That's Mike's job! We are really a good team. In this case though, I too will look at the pros and the cons and pray and pray some more.
Peace,
Debi
PS I just ate a whole bunch of peanut M&Ms because I felt so bad that I hurt your feelings. I feel much better and hope you do too!
Debi, you didn't hurt my feelings. Any decision worth making is worthy of spirited debate. And while you may not have been serious in your comment, there are probably many who would agree with you anyway.
Thanks for commenting!
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