“You’ve stayed long enough at this mountain. On your way now. Get moving.” Deut. 1:6-8 MSG
“It is not so much that a man dies while he lives but what dies in him as he lives” Albert Sweitzer
Moses is standing in the gap on this mountain between Israel’s yesteryear and their tomorrow. As leaders, lay and clergy, we often find ourselves in similar positions, looking back while facing forward. People look to us as leaders to claim those parts of our story that undergird and provide a sound footing for God’s preferred future. Sometimes, that means letting some things die so that new things blossom.
Faithfully leading not in military might and strategy for Israel but in an unbroken covenant relationship with the Lord. We look back to remember God’s faithfulness, even as we look forward to the unknown, trusting in the presence of the Holy Spirit to embolden us for the adventure ahead.
We are a month into the new year. Are you looking forward with holy boldness? How are you equipping yourself more deeply to stir up new or refined visions for what can be in your local ministry context? Are you providing opportunities for building capacity that might ignite a new calling for the various team members in the ministries of your church? What fears may keep your congregation from crossing over into God’s promises?
Chris
Connectional Leadership Opportunity for Laity & Clergy
As we look forward, I invite you to an extraordinary opportunity that does not happen often. We and the Western North Carolina Conference are hosting General Conference delegates from across every continent in April.
What better way to experience the Connection than to celebrate our sisters and brothers from near and far as we invite the Holy Spirit to inhabit our hearts and minds for a time of holy conferencing?
Visit the website at https://welcometogc.org/ and explore the many options for extending the hands of Christ to the world right here in North Carolina. Additionally, feel free to download and share the flyer on the website, inviting your congregation, family, and friends to join ministry with The United Methodist Church.