Yay! Leaders!

One thing every pastor dreams of is being able to work with a team of leaders who are able to take initiative, think biblically, act courageously, demonstrate integrity, and be genuine servants of the church family.

I am so thrilled to say that's exactly what God has been putting together at Hope! Last week, our new Elder Team met together for a time of prayer and getting to know each other better. The guys shared at a meaningful level, and I sensed our hearts beginning to knit together for the task ahead. This month we're reading a book together to provoke discussion and be a catalyst to the vision-casting process. Having been freed up from the administrative chores of leadership, the Elders can truly focus on being a team of shepherds for Hope. And I couldn't be happier.

Last night, our Deacon Team met to hammer out a full agenda that ranged from facilities challenges to the transition for our new bookkeeper, from job descriptions to budget adjustments, from event planning to missions commitments. Over the past year, this team has embraced these responsibilities in an incredible way, and I feel privileged to watch them at work.

Both leadership teams are working in ways that compliment each other and function according to the pattern seen in the New Testament, and everyone agrees that God has some really big things coming our way. Add to that the incredible leadership of our children's ministry by Lissa Little, our youth ministry by Bill Little, and our worship ministry by Nikki Stamps, along with a great group of Hope Group leaders and hosts, and I'm just blown away by how things are coming together. It's amazing!

I praise God for his provision and empowerment of each of these leaders, and I feel so deeply humbled to be among them.