Church growth is almost always linked to the personal growth of its pastors, senior leaders and people. Some may argue with me by saying it is ALWAYS linked to the personal growth of those mentioned. OK, you win.
What I have discovered is that personal growth is an intentional act of the believer. God’s desire is to grow us, but we are the one’s who must take the initiative. Growth happens when we pay attention. It’s not about the answers, its always about the questions. That is why I agree with Leonard Ravenhill when he says, “A man only twenty-eight years old may die a hundred years old in wisdom. The richest garments of the soul are spun on the looms of prayer and dyed in the travail that fills up the sufferings of Christ.” Amazing insight as you might agree. As you step into the ultimate decade of your life, I would like to express some things that have helped me to grow personally.
1. Prayer. Being intentional is the order of the day. I have to admit that the past 3 years of my life, I have wanted God more than I ever have. I have needed God more than I have ever needed him. Nothing in my life would possible without God’s force in my life. I have cherished my prayer life. It is important to me.
2. Great books. I must admit that I have made a personal commitment to reading. I consider myself like Paul who cherished reading & writing. I receive many requests from people about my reading schedule, I do my best to pass on what I read, but I consider it very personal, just like music. At the start of every new year I purchase a black composition book for notes, thoughts, journal. When the year ends I stack them neatly in my home office.
3. Relationships. When I was young my mother gave me advice. She said, “Son, if you die with one true friend, you are a lucky man.” So as you can imagine, I have not needed much as friends go. However, I have discovered that relationships are the currency of the kingdom. I choose friends who will stretch me. Challenge me, make me uncomfortable in a positive way. I choose friends that enjoy who I am, and I can enjoy who they are. We don’t try to change each other.
4. Personal records. At the beginning of each year as ask God this question, “What personal records would you lead me to break for you this year?” I have tried to follow a pattern in my life that will glorify God in every area of my life. I believe that God is glorified through a life that is lived out for Him. Leaders who die the best are leaders who have lived the best for God. I have a desire to be an example to my wife, children, church & community. I am not called to lead all, but I am called to lead some.
5. Pain. I have learned that life hurts. At times it hurts badly. However, I am learning to control what kind of pain I experience. There is the pain of regret and there is pain that changes us. I would rather live in the realm of change. Change produces growth. Regret produces…well, you know.
6. Positivity. I am learning to work from the positive. Negativity can really drain a leader. There is always something to be negative about. So positivity is a choice. I truly believe that being optimistic is much more attractive to a hurting world, then to spend time telling people what’s wrong with it. I think people get that. Growth happens for me when I make the choice to be positive.
Keep rising.
