How I Am Different

Craig Groeschel had a great post today about how different he is today than when he started in ministry.  I can connect with that thought big time.  I look back to just when we started Revolution Church 3 years ago and I don’t even recognize the person who was the pastor then.  I actually was thinking about this a month ago and it is amazing to see how much God has changed me since we started the church.

Some of the ways I am a different Pastor today then when we started:

• I think I am much more kingdom minded.  When we started Revolution I was anti every church in town.  Now, I have several relationships with local pastors, I pray for the area churches and pastors on a constant basis, and I get excited when I hear great things coming from what they are doing.  Sadly, I couldn’t have said that when we started.
• I don’t get mad at people when they leave.  At one time I took it very personal when people left our church.  Not anymore.  When people leave, I want them to know I appreciate what they have done to make church happen and I have actually helped some people find their next church.  If they don’t want to be here, I sure ain’t begging them to stay.  I realize God brings people in and God moves people out.
• I know who I am as a teacher.  Early on, I didn’t.  I basically tried to be whoever I listened to last.  Now, I am very confident in who I am as a teacher and the style in which I teach.  I have found my voice.
• I enjoy the ride a lot more.  Early on, I was so consumed with growing and breaking the next growth barrier that I couldn’t enjoy the ride.  We would have a large number of people and I would be made that it wasn’t more.  I would let others bring me down with their attitudes.  Not anymore.  The last part of 2007, I turned this corner.  I am enjoying everything about the ride.  I am stopping to sight see, I am smelling the roses, and I am having a blast.
• I like Christians a lot more. Tadd can tell you that early on, I had big time issues with Christians.  3 years in to this thing, I love and appreciate the Christ-followers that Jesus has sent our way.  Those that get IT are near and dear to my heart.  We are 100% focused on those far from God, but if it weren’t for the Christians God has sent us, we couldn’t reach those far from God.  I thank God for the good people that have come our way.
• I’ve let go of A LOT.  I have been labeled a control freak and rightfully so.  As the leader of the church, I push the vision and I will always know the overview of what is going on in the different areas.  However, I don’t know every detail like I did at one time.  I trust my staff, our volunteers, and those doing the ministry and I let them do it.  The key here is to make sure they understand the vision and let them go at it.  I can still improve in this area, but I have come a long way.
• I don’t know everything.  I know everything about starting a church BEFORE starting one. 3 years in, I know nothing about it.  What I think will work, doesn’t.  What I know won’t work, does.  I am still learning, still growing, and still figuring this thing out.  I listen a whole lot more than I did at one time.  I observe, I read, I ask questions, and whatever else it takes to be the best leader I can and reach as many people as possible.