I am undergoing a serious challenge, reshaping and refocus. I am not a good manager, I am not good at coaching. I am a good leader, speaker and visionary but I have a D- in passing that passion, urgency and understanding on to other leaders and potential leaders in our church.
So, the work begins. I am learning how to lead in a whole new way. I am praying all those around me can sit tight and work with me. I was reading 2 Timothy this morning, in fact, along with Matthew this will be my next 40 days of personal study and reflection.
The writer Paul gives Timothy this amazing charge after he gives him this reminder. He says, "Tim, you have a sincere faith, remember that is what will sustain you as you pastor this church." (Bill paraphrase). Then he charges him with this...
"For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands. For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self control." (2 Tim 1:6-7)
This just lifted off the page and slapped the mouse out of my hair. I have been negligent in many ways, I have asked for forgiveness and am now re-engaging in a way that will honor the gifts given to me by God's spirit. I am also a sponge, wanting to learn all I can to beg for leaders, equip leaders, coach leaders and release them to do what they are called and gifted by God to do. The key here, humility. I am a student, I am being transformed and am now in a transition. So cool. God has wired me for this, Seattle is a unique city, we are a unique church...It's time to really move into that and be a church that is igniting the passion and love of Jesus into people that would not know otherwise!
Now...the work really begins....