Like A Candy Store...

So, yesterday my oldest attended a birthday party at the theatre in town and she had a great time. The youngest didn't want to go, so my wife ended up at the movie and the youngest and I got lost.

We went for a little drive and ended up at a store, that I'm trying to recall if I've been in before. Perhaps once, a number of years ago. It didn't take long for me to remember, what I've written about a couple of times here.

"At a certain pace, it's hard to be both effective and fast."

Just as I typed that, I remember the day, Dad told me I could no longer use the riding mower to mow the grass as my childhood home. That old Cub Cadet mower was a fun beast, except for that afternoon that Dad asked what gear I was traveling in, that made it look like it was not cutting as well as it should. To which I replied, "third".

Third was top gear.

That's how it was yesterday. I knew where my daughter was in the store and she wasn't going round so far that she was out of sight or anything, but always a few feet further along than I was.

Dad, come here. Dad, check this out. Dad, look at this!
Yes, I'm getting there. Yes, I see it, Yeah, that's cool... hang on a second!

Likewise in ministry...

Churches can grow too fast in numbers...
Churches can take on too many projects, events or ministry opportunities...
Churches can implement too many elements into a ministry before they are necessary....
And much like individuals often do, churches can simply move in ways, directions and speeds that we find our ourselves stepping out and away from where God would have us to be, go, do and move... in places where He is not ready for us to stand.

And much like my youngest...

God look over here!
Yes, but I'm not ready for you to be over there. I am not with you over there. I am here. We're doing this now.

Pray, this #effectiveSunday, that the church would recognize, hear, understand and respond to the voice of God. May we find ourselves where He would have to be and be used where He has placed us. Pray for wisdom and guidance to stay the course and has destined for us; that we may not move away from His Spirit; that we would not detour from the plans and purposes He has in store that we should accomplish. Pray the church remain focused on the ministries God has called us to and not distracted by all the other opportunities, that while legitimate, may not be where God would desire, whether just for a time and season or ever. Pray for discernment, that leaders would have the mind of Christ as they lead the people of God to make an impact in our culture for the cause of Jesus Christ.

Efficient in pace.
Effective in ministry.
Balance in the journey
For the glory of God.

- PNC

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