I had a great morning today. Although I was unable to be at Southbridge, I heard things went well people making decisions for Jesus and Jesus was exalted. I was at Fellowship Bible Church in Little Rock Arkansas, the church that sent us out to plant Southbridge. Today, we celebrated their ten year anniversary of planting churches through their residency program at Fellowship Associates. In ten years they have planted over forty churches, from LA to Dubai. Praise the Lord.
One of the big reminders for me was a definition of leadership that was shared. Leadership is taking the initiative for the benefit of others. What a biblical definition of leadership. Jesus Christ took the initiative for our benefit (Phil 2:5-11), and that is the call on those of us who lead, to take the initiative for the benefit of others.
One of the latest things we have been doing at Southbridge has been our 411 video announcements during our service countdown. This element of our service keeps everyone updated on the latest things happening at church. If you have not been coming early to the services you probably have not seen this yet, and may not know the latest on what is happening. To see the 411 click on the video below (on facebook go to view original post).
We had another great day at Southbridge today. Worship through singing was great. We continued our series entitled: Respond, which talks about unique responses to Jesus. Then after church, we had 9 people take the next step of baptism. One of my favorite parts of the worship service was hearing the spontaneous applause in the second service after the baptism video was played. I also loved getting to baptize several of these wonderful people, who were taking their next step of obedience.
I have not been blogging much since we had our newest addition (Jane Ann Lehr born on September 8th. She was 8 lbs 12 ozs and 21 inches. She is gorgeous). Now that I think we are starting to come out of the sleep deprivation mode I think we are starting to get in a groove. However, it is a new groove.
I have found that while we will do whatever God wants whenever God wants, life works best when we are in a groove. If we stay in the same groove for too long there is the danger that it becomes a rut. It is possible to begin to think it is the groove that is working (and not God) and start to depend on the groove, especially when that groove is working for you. Some people are still doing the running man (it worked for a time but it is time for a change). I am finding I function best with a groove, but it is healthy to change the groove from time to time just to keep things fresh. God is the one who makes all of this work. After all I would not even be breathing if it were not for Him, but I think the way He has designed me I function best with a groove (or you could call it a routine).
Does your life feel like chaos? Are you always doing things and never getting anything done? Where is your groove? Your life may look like me dancing at a wedding (that is not good).