Things to know…
What does becoming a leader look like within Storied Church?
That’s a great question! And the answer is simple: Gather, Serve, Give, Inspire. As a church planter, I want everyone to become a leader in our church. As we talked about this past Sunday, we will Multiply Everything: Disciples, Leaders, and Churches. As the point person for Storied Church, commitment is a big deal to me. Generally in life, when I notice consistency in commitment, it immediately flashes the “potential leader” lightbulb in my head. Within our church, when someone consistently Gathers, Serves, Gives, and Inspires, they are putting out the “leadership potential" vibes!
Where did I get this framework from? Life experience, leadership training, and Jesus. He himself said, “If anyone is willing to come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross, and follow me” (Matthew 16:24). Jesus called many people to follow, but few rose to the expectations he set. And as your pastor - leader, I will never call any of us to rise to low expectations. Jesus didn’t.
So one last question. Gather - Serve - Give - Inspire?
If GATHER, then show up to gatherings and events to encourage others not to give up.
If SERVE, start with helping us set up on Sundays and seeking out ways to make our launch gatherings better. Schedule a time with me so I can learn your giftings and passions and help you serve intentionally and selflessly.
If GIVE, start giving. Pick a percentage of your income, and trust in the One who richly provides, not in provision (START GIVING NOW).
If INSPIRE, then begin asking other people questions to learn their story so you can help them see God at work. Need a place to start inspiring? Do this at our gatherings every week. Come early and get to know a fellow believer and launch team person so you can mutually be inspired!
When you do these things consistently, you are informally a leader at Storied Church. You are fully engaged. It will easily recognizable. Someone like me would be crazy to not ask you to lead more! And I want to.
No Gathering Labor Day Weekend.
We are a church on mission, to inspire people to celebrate their lives with Jesus. We do that gathered. But we also will do this intentionally, scattered. So, we are intentionally not going to gather Labor Day weekend. Why? A few reasons.
Some of y’all need a true Sabbath. No work to provide or survive. You need rest and to rest in God’s grace. I love us gathering together, but I will also fight the slippery slope gathering can become in terms of legalism (doing things to be good with God). Take this weekend and allow Jesus to fill your cup to the brim so that it will pour over into others.
On the flip side, we need to be strategical about normal rhythms of American life that we can use to inspire others. Throw a BBQ this weekend for others (Want help or resources, just ask!). Take a friend or a family to the HOT AIR BALOON LIFT OFFS & GLOWS! Be intentional with this weekend and inspire others and help them believe their story matters to Jesus.
We’ll pick back up gathering on Sunday, September 12th at OUR NEW TIME of 4pm at Northgate Family Chiropractic!
I love you all and love growing in Jesus together.
All for the Kingdom,
Tim