The Summit: Groeschel

I had the opportunity to attend the Leadership Summit broad casted by the Willow Creek Association to churches all of the United States. Even though I was sitting in a chair at a satellite site in St. Louis, thousands of others were receiving the same teaching and singing the same worship songs in other states. The unity of that is just plain cool.

Additionally, there were two speakers who really stuck out to me. One of them was Craig Groeschel, the senior pastor of Lifechurch.TV. While Craig had some insights into how to "do church" more effectively and not burn out leaders in the process, what stuck with me the most from his talk was the statement: "Sometimes God guides by what he DOESN'T provide."

That is so true! I prayed for years about being a missionary and God guided me by what He didn't provide. He didn't provide a country, a type of ministry, or confirmation that He wanted me to be a missionary. By not providing those things, God kept me right where He wanted me to be, which turned out to be in the United States---at Truman State University and later as a kindergarten teacher in the Pattonville School District. Craig's statement has a lot to do with waiting on God and trusting Him, believing that He really does know what He's doing!

The same thing happened last week with the BBQ Fundraiser Luncheon (see earlier post)! By not providing a plethora of people, God made it even more obvious that He was at work and that He was the one providing for me. So I agree with Craig's statement and might also adjust it a bit to make a similar point: "Sometimes God reveals Himself by what he DOESN'T provide." I think guiding is more about God showing me what He wants me to do and revealing Himself is more about God showing me who He is and how He's working...

At the end of his talk, Craig prayed this powerful prayer prayer, which is actually a Franciscan Blessing:

"May God bless you with a restless discomfort about easy answers, half-truths and superficial relationships, so that you may seek truth boldly and love deep within your heart.

May God bless you with holy anger at injustice, oppression, and exploitation of people, so that you may tirelessly work for justice, freedom, and peace among all people.

May God bless you with the gift of tears to shed with those who suffer from pain, rejection, starvation, or the loss of all that they cherish, so that you may reach out your hand to comfort them and transform their pain into joy.

May God bless you with enough foolishness to believe that you really CAN make a difference in this world, so that you are able, with God's grace, to do what others claim cannot be done.

And the blessing of God the Supreme Majesty and our Creator, Jesus Christ the Incarnate Word who is our brother and Saviour, and the Holy Spirit, our Advocate and Guide, be with you and remain with you, this day and forevermore. AMEN."

Wow. Restless discomfort, holy anger, the gift of tears, and foolishness never sounded so good!