Earlier today, I was one of 70 leaders who shared an idea or ideas (in 9 short minutes!) at The NINES. I streamed the presentations here at my blog and there was a robust discussion in the blog comments. As I hoped, there was good discussion around theology, mission, and ministry.
Now that the program has ended, I am sharing my presentation here at the blog.
Mission is the opposite of self. We have to remember to make it about God and not about us.
Even pastors struggle with the reality that the heart is an idol factory. Your heart is an "Idol Factory" constantly creating things other than God to worship.
We must resist the pull of idols and live the mission-- to make it about God's Glory and His agenda.
We pastors too often consider ourselves as "religious professionals who can put on a show" rather than people transformed and sent on mission.
1. Those on mission focus on God's glory and His agenda
(Isaiah 6:1-8).
2. Those on mission reflect being with God
(2 Corinthans 3:16-18).
Trying to get people on mission who haven't been transformed by the gospel is a fool's errand.
3. Those on mission no longer live for themselves
(2 Corinthians 5:14-15).
It's not about thinking less of you; it's about thinking of you less.
I hope it is an encouragement to you.
Posted on September 9, 2009 at 8:24 PM ~ 7 Comments
Thanks Ed for this short talk about being on mission with God. Very convicting yet encouraging. I spoke negatively about the Nines too soon yesterday. My apologies to everyone. Need prayer as I minister on the Navajo reservation.
As I guy trying to live and lead on mission, my character development is super accelerated right now.
The more I am transformed by his grace, the more I find him grinding out my character imperfections so that I am able to reflect his image to the city.
Difficult yes, yet I find myself wanting to serve more, share more, and comfort more with great joy.
Ed what particularly helped me was the thought that encountering God must come before ministering for God. How easy it is to forget that and rush into action!
Great! Thanks again for being used of the Lord to speak into my heart.
-K
Thanks Ed for this short talk about being on mission with God. Very convicting yet encouraging. I spoke negatively about the Nines too soon yesterday. My apologies to everyone. Need prayer as I minister on the Navajo reservation.
Ed, A29 guy here in Seattle who was deeply convicted and encouraged about making mission opposite of self. THanks for the word.
Great word, Ed! Lacey and I loved it.
As I guy trying to live and lead on mission, my character development is super accelerated right now.
The more I am transformed by his grace, the more I find him grinding out my character imperfections so that I am able to reflect his image to the city.
Difficult yes, yet I find myself wanting to serve more, share more, and comfort more with great joy.
Thanks for reinforcing these points to me.
Blessings.
Very encouraging, humbling and inspiring. thank you.
Ed what particularly helped me was the thought that encountering God must come before ministering for God. How easy it is to forget that and rush into action!