Frustrations and Fumings

The past couple of Sunday's have been interesting. You won't find any audio of the messages- due to ongoing construction the computers have been down and not quite ready for Sunday's. I have been a little (no, scratch that, a lot)overwhelmed. And, to be quite honest, I've missed the sense of wonder and awe that needs to chracterize genuine worship. Now, the problem is not the church, it is a problem in me. But enough of that- -. A busy week. This evening I am in Vancouver, WA for a meeting tomorrow of new Exec Board members of the NWBC. Drive home tomorrow, take Cindy out for birthday dinner. then Tuesday, meet with some men in the church at 6:30am, pastor's for breakfast at 7:30am, then a day in the office, a full Commission on Children and Families meeting at 5:30pm. Then, Wednesday we leave early in the am for Louisville, KY where Josh will join us and I will graduate from The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary with a Doctor of Ministry degree. Then home on Saturday, and a very busy two weeks till Christmas.
Now, to my real challenge. First, I have to learn how to 'go with the flow' when things don't go according to schedule or plan. My flexibility is limited at best. Secondly, I have to find a way to reconnect with a sense of awe and wonder at who God is, what He is in Jesus, how the Spirit works, so that I can do more than lead worship, but so that I can worship. Second, as leader I need to look at structrual issues as to how our church can more effectively reach our community. Newcomers are rare- yet we live in a highlu unchurched community. We have the best gift- life in Christ- that has ever been given and yet, too often our church feels like an enclave for the saved, a place where we can be comfortable. There is value in that, but...sometimes I feel our comfort gets in the way of what our genuine function is. Third, I am trying to build accountablilty into my life- that I desperately need. As a single staff pastor I have grown far too accustomed to making sure everything gets taken care of...except me. I need to delegate- and give authority with the assignment. I need to focus on what our church's core values and dreams are all about.
That's a big agenda. So, let's aim for the prize, forgetting the past, letting go what was and learn to live focused on what God is doing- bringing us to completion and maturity in Christ.
Help me, hold me accountable. I'll help you...together we will be what God has called us to be!