Restart

Wow...it's been a while since my last entry.  There is no way to summarize the drama that has taken place over those years so I'm not going to try....well, I'll try:  it's possible that either God has had me in the furnace for some "dross" removal OR He's trying to tell me to get out of ministry and get a real job.  While I hate the heat, I think I'll stay in the ministry...I mean, who wants a "real job", right?

For those who understand the unique burden of a pastor, you get the humor.  For those who are scratching their heads, hang in there.

2012 marks the 10 year anniversary of the InnerChange...the church I was called to plant.  It has been the best time of my life.  Sprinkled in those years are days/weeks/months of pain and brokenness.  I have come to understand the unique burden of Moses...feeling unworthy and unequipped to lead, feeling the exhilaration of watching God work, feeling the frustration of not hearing and/or obeying God clearly, and the feeling the exasperation of listening to people whine.  When you lead people out of bondage...especially religious people...they eventually prefer the stability/predictability of "how it used to be" as opposed to "wandering in the wilderness".  BUT, along the journey a new generation of followers begins to appear.  They are difficult to describe but they are a joy to work with.  They understand the path is only visible in short segments.  They accept the dangers and risks of the journey.  They are willing to try some crazy things...and laugh about the things that fail.  They are more interested in hearing the voice of Jesus than hearing mine.  They are people who are broken and messed up, but honest about it.  They can see the "beautiful things" God has made out of the dust.  What a group!

I don't think I have another 30 years of leading left in me (Moses led his bunch for 40 I think) but I do feel that I've found my leadership "shoes" again.  I take them off occasionally because they are heavy and from time to time I misplace them.  I realize I haven't worn them in a while...but they still fit...and they feel lighter than they used to.  And with me, I have a group of people who are anxious to "break camp" and move on.  I have two huge dogs; Magmadar and Stonewall.  Everyday, they beg me to let them out of the back yard so they can run, romp, play, explore, swim, and mark their territory (which is everywhere we go).  I love walking them, and they need my protection and guidance, but it's work keeping up with them.  Not to compare anyone to my dogs, but the InnerChange has become a group of people who are ready to be "set free" to run, romp, play, explore, swim, and mark some territory for Christ.  They are work to keep up with, but to leave them "penned" up only quenches the Spirit.
So, I know you're ready...listen up because we're heading out!