Bonus Post

Just want to let the world know that we had one of the best staff meetings we've ever had today. What made it so good? We had a group of passionate Christ-followers who are all dedicated to seeing Jesus be famous in our valley discuss and debate the best possible ways we could move ahead in our ministry as a church family.

And the best part: we didn't agree on everything!! We pushed, we pulled, we wrestled, we even had tears. I don't want to make anyone nervous, it all ended very well, but we got somewhere because people were vulnerable, open, honest and willing to speak and listen.

If you are a church member reading this (FBC or any church), understand this: we are called to love each other, not pretend to love while secretly fighting in our hearts or being passively aggressive. Far better to risk honesty and speak the truth in love like the Bible demands than to sit back, silently disagree, then work to undermine or worse, live in total apathy. Hot or cold, not luke warm, that's puke!!

If you are a church leader reading this (FBC or any church), understand this: you owe it to the God who called you to your leadership position to be open, honest, clear and loving when you approach difficult decisions and/or conversations. If you 'bull in a china closet' everthing, eventually no one will listen to you, and if you tell a 'go along to get along' lie, it's still a lie. Step up and have the hard conversations, because the Kingdom will benefit from it.

If you are a pastor of a church, understand this: the hardest thing you will ever do is chose between saying a hard thing and biting your toungue. Find a way to say the hard truth with the real love. Push for honesty, push for trasparency, then reward it when it happens. Don't let someone who opens themselves up and shares their heart get smacked for it. Honor it, encourage it, then make sure it's clear that you will take those moments seriously. They are precious.

When churches have real people and real relationships, there will be messy stuff. Get used to it, because that's how it's supposed to work. Jesus had to have talks with his disciples about who's going to be first, how to have faith, when to call down fire on a city or not, and lots of other difficult topcs. Keep truth and love together with open, honest communication and you'll get further faster.

And to my staff: I LOVE YOU, THANK YOU, AND KEEP IT UP, JESUS IS SMILING!!!