During the Catalyst Conference I picked up a book by Reggie McNeal, Get A Life! It is All About You. I'm not sure this title is my favorite, but I get what Reggie is saying. Reggie is a friend that goes back a long way. There was a time in my ministry that he encouraged me and saved my ministry...probably my life and family. I owe Reggie a lot. He is a great leader and even better missionary to the North American church. Anything Reggie writes is worth the read.
I picked up the book because it is interactive and I am talking with a publisher about writing a book that allows for a lot of interaction and processing. I thought it would be good to see how Reggie did it.
As I read through the book it hit me that it would do be well to refocus my life on why I am here. I don't feel that I have lost my way. In many ways I am more focused and have more purpose then ever. However, I do realize more everyday I have limited time here on earth. I am 48 years old...now I must confess a very young 48...as my son said, "the new 24".
As I've reflected on Reggie's book I realize there are four areas that I am incredibly called to and passionate about. Here is how I see it:
1) I am a family man first and foremost. I have the privilege of spending the rest of my life investing in wife and two children. Matter of fact my son will arrive home for 18 days this weekend from Afghanistan. It will be the first time we have seen him in nearly a year. We can't wait. At the end of the 18 days he will return to the front lines of the War on Terror. You better believe that we will spend everyday as if it is our last. I can't wait. It is going to be so good to hang out as with my wife and two children.
2) I am a pastor. God has called me to the local church. The local church is our front lines on the War on Sin. Jesus tells us that "the thief comes to steal, kill, and destroy. I have come that you might have life and have it to the full". John 10:10 The local church is the context in which the rest of my life is informed.
3) I am a missionary. That's right a missionary. I really thing we all are or at least should be. I am a missionary to the North American church. God has called me to work toward the re-planting and the renewal of the North American Church. All of my ministry has been about helping the church become relevant to North America and the way you become relevant is to become like Jesus. This is where ChurchPlanters.com comes in. It is the means in which I relate and connect with other young leaders and churches. I will tell you more in my next few blogs.
4) I am a writer. I don't know why I am a writer, but I have always wanted to write. It is just something that God has put in me that has to find some kind of expression. I have always been good at figuring things out, connecting the dots. I'm about to start on book four and five. I will write one of them with my ministry partner, Shawn Lovejoy and the other will be a follow up on Breaking the Discipleship Code. I really believe both will be helpful to a lot of people.
Over the next couple of weeks I am going to flesh out how all four are these areas are key to me living out my life and mission. I'm doing this for me. Sort of a reminder of why on earth I am here. I don't want to ever forget...but I hope it will encourage you as well. I hope you will be reminded that God has a very special plan for your life and you too are important to the kingdom...
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