Fearlessly proclaim....

This week, Matt, Mike and I have been at Savannah Christian Church at what is called "Next Level" conference. This church is a "prevailing" church of 6000. They have 4 campuses, and most of the growth has come in the last 10-12 years.

It is good leadership training by guys who have been through the stages of growth that we are going through and beyond. The conference itself is small enough that you can talk to the guys and pick their brains about leadership and church growth. Tonight we ate dinner with an old friend from Broken Arrow who is one of their regional campus pastors here in Savannah. It was fun to catch up, but also to pick his brain about having different campuses and the implications of such leadership decisions.

One of the best things about these kinds of opportunities is that they are challenging, , but also affirming. We hear how people are doing things and the challenges they faced to get where they are. And often we are encouraged because we are making good decisions and thinking through leadership decisions.

There are always things to learn. There are always mistakes to avoid. We make mistakes just like everyone else. But, these churches have a certain DNA that says, "We will not settle for status quo." There are lost people every where who need Jesus, and the Church of Jesus Christ can not sit back and say,"well I hope they find us." Instead, we are to be on the offense. We are to move in the world and take back ground from the enemy. Souls are at stake here...souls that Jesus died for.

I was reading tonight from Ephesians 6. I came across this prayer of Paul's which spoke to me.

" Pray also for me, that whenever I open my mouth, words may be given to me so that I will fearlessly make known the msytery of the gospel.... Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should." Eph 6:19, 20b

I wondered, "What if every Christian made that request of God and those they were closest to?" Would God grant the words? I believe he has already promised to do that. Would those words have an impact on people who don't know Jesus? I believe they would.

It is a simple thing... Pray for 5 other people to "fearlessly make known the mystery of the Gospel." Pray for 5 people who you know would sieze the opportunity to share a good word about Jesus with someone else. Then trust God for the results.

I am going to make a list of 5 people that I can pray for. I am asking you to do the same. And if I could be so bold as the Apostle Paul... "Would you pray for me, that whenever I open my mouth, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make know the msytery of the gospel?"

Thanks,

Charlie