That's a value that I've held since my days in the business world. It didn't take me long to figure out that if I wanted to lead in business I would have to be in a constant learning mode. To lead you have to be growing. You have to be moving forward intellectually, emotionally, spiritually and relationally. It's the only way to stay on the edge.
And that value holds true not just in the business realm but in the ministry world too. Spiritual leaders, whether they be pastors or church staff members or volunteer team leaders, have to be in constant growth mode spiritually and in their ministry skills. Unfortunately, some pastors and leaders fail to learn this valuable lesson and eventually end up leaving the ministry or even the church. They often walk out the door burned out and disillusioned.
One of the ways I learn is by attending ministry conferences along with our staff and volunteer leaders. Here's what I've experienced at various conferences over the years:
• I've learned new ministry skills
One of the best ways I know to learn new skills is to find someone who is doing what you want to do and learn how they're doing it. Like the old saying goes, "Why reinvent the wheel?"
• I've been fed spiritually
Conferences are usually very intense spiritual environments. The worship is usually off the hook. The teaching is top notch and the overall atmosphere is one where God seems to move very strongly. The result for me is that I've had some of my most meaningful encounters with God in recent conferences. God has used the spiritual atmosphere of conferences to broaden my vision, to encourage me, to challenge me and to speak things into my heart.
• I've had fun
One thing we always try to include in conference trips is a little bit of fun. I love the team I work with and it's great to just hang out together and laugh and do things that create memories.
So, tomorrow (Wednesday) we head out for the Unleash conference in Anderson, SC. I would like to ask you to pray for our team. Pray that God would refresh us, stretch us, broaden our vision, challenge us and most of all - minister to us.
Honestly, I'm a little tired right now. I've had some tough personal challenges lately, plus I've been teaching some stuff that has been particularly emotionally draining for me. I need to meet God over the next couple of days and I'm not ashamed to say it. I need to meet God in a fresh way. I'm praying for that for me and I'm praying for that for our team.
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