Taking it easy


This week, I went to a pastor’s gathering @ EBC with our interim lead pastor.

We heard from Phil Wagler. He’s the lead pastor of a number of churches in Huron county. Their model of leadership and their ideas about ministry resonated with me.
One of the things that stood out to me was something Phil said about visionary leadership and the faithful opposition. As a visionary myself, I have come to appreciate those who oppose my ideas. I used to get uptight when others didn’t see what I saw. Now I see how important nay sayers are in refining the vision. The church needs the dreamers and those who oppose because in the end, we’re all better off working together.
I was also struck by the one year Sabbath Phil’s church took. Yes, the entire church stopped all programs and only gathered for two reasons. First, they gathered Sunday mornings to worship and learn. Second, they gathered in intergenerational house groups throughout the week to grow together, study Scripture together, and serve together.
Phil reported that during their Sabbath year they saw more people come to Christ and be baptized than in any other prior year.
I wonder what might happen if HMC decided to take a Sabbath year?

Related Posts

  • Staff Evaluation time

    My annual staff review/evaluation is coming up on Tuesday. In past years, I’ve answered a questionnaire about how well I was doing according to my ministry (job) description. Things are different this year.  Since we’re in a transition as a church, our interim lead pastor has asked us to answer questions like, “What’s your primary…

  • The key and the keys

    I’m always amazed when big box store customer service associates use first person language when referring to their products. It makes me feel like I’m buying something from a likable individual who is just squeaking by on their monthly payments, not a multi-billion dollar, money hungry, corporation whose only interest is the bottom line. Ownership….

  • Tiling on diagonal

    Our laundry room project that was launched in August is nearing completion. This past week, my final vacation allotment for the year, Erika and I tiled the floor. We attempted something new–tiling on diagonal. For those who aren’t up on tiling terminology, that’s what you call laying tiles on a 45 degree angle. Rather than…

  • The Other Woman

    This evening I went on a date. Erika (my wife) had other plans so I asked her if I could ask another woman. She agreed. My companion was beautiful and charming. We talked about her best friend, dating, and our favorite foods. And before I knew it I told her I loved her. Maybe it’s…