The beginning of my study retreat. Coffee and carbs. Sweet!

All Saints is undergoing some growth pains that just don't seem to be subsiding. The good news is that these are pains related to growth, the tough part is that it is pain nonetheless. I think the tougher part is constantly reminding people that we aren't looking to be a larger church for the sake of being a larger church. Growth is healthy, and part of being alive. As humans, we grow in many ways; physically, emotionally, mentally, etc. I think it is safe to say when we stop growing we are dead.

Craig Groeschel had this as the latest entry on his blog.

When I meet people from our church, they often tell me more with their words than they realize.

They almost always say one of two things:

• “I go to your church.”
• “I love our church.”

When they say, “I go to your church,” I know this person is not likely very engaged in the life of the church. In most cases, they aren’t serving, participating, or giving. They are simply attending a church that is not yet “theirs.”

When they say, “I love our church,” they are usually very involved. The church doesn’t belong to someone else. It is “their” church.

I’m asking God to empower me to move people from “going to church” to “being the church.” When they stop going and start being, the church goes from yours to mine.

I really like that! It is true, when people truly see how they have been gifted and equipped they can be released to start a viral movement that can change the spiritual climate of a city, neighborhood, workplace and home. I have such a passion to see that. That is why understanding what it means to serve and give becomes paramount to a follower of Christ.

On December 1 and 2 at All Saints we are calling all leaders, current and potential, to join us for an intensive on leadership development and equipping. Our goal is to have 250 new Life Group leaders in the next 5 years. This is the beginning of how we are going to that. I am getting so excited as the buzz turns into full on electricity! This is part of our 10:2 virus (see Luke 10:2).

We at All Saints are reading Matthew for 40 days; writing down all that Jesus said and did and how we can apply it to our lives. We are also praying at 10:02 for 40 days, begging God for workers to go into the harvest. (see Luke 10:2). We are also trusting God with our giving. Last Sunday, I challenged everyone who is not giving or who is inconsistent with their giving to bring $20. Our goal is 100% participation, demonstrating how important it is for all of us to do our part. Our church has some very generous givers, they are very consistent and give joyfully. Our challenge is all of us growing in our understanding of what giving does to the giver. It is how we show God that we trust him as our source, that our heart is fixed on God as the first priority in our life. I have learned a few things:

I give because the One who gave me everything instructs me to give. I don't want to be a consumer, I want to add value to people, my city and the Kingdom of God.

I give because I want to be an example to my children. I want my kids to see me give to Jesus because I want them to see that I trust him with everything I have.

I give because I believe in the mission and vision of All Saints Church. This church is in a unique position to change the spiritual climate of Seattle. I want to be a part of that and I realize my money is used to contribute in seeing that happen.

I give because I want to position myself under the protection and blessing of God. Jesus says, "Give and it will be given to you. Good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over will be put into your lap. For with the measure you use it will be measured back to you." Luke 6:38

I am looking forward to hearing the stories of people who are learning about how Jesus relates to life and living, how God answers prayer and the amazing blessing that comes when we trust God with our money.

What a journey!

I read a blog entry by a pastor in my city who was praising all the good things that are going on in the name of Jesus, he listed some excellent churches; City Church, Mars Hill, Eastlake Church, Northshore Baptist Church and Overlake Christian Church. I was inspired and excited to hear what all is going on in and around Seattle. I am sure some of the work these churches are doing has to do with Seattle no longer being the least churched city in America,  and the PNW no longer being the least churched area. For that, I say "Thank you Jesus." I know some of the pastors at the aforementioned churches and they are excellent men. They love Jesus, their wives and children and the church. I am so grateful for what they are able to do on the scale by which they are able to do it!

But I felt like there are other churches in Seattle that are doing some equally courageous and needed work. They aren't mega, they aren't in the news all the time, they aren't in the fraternity of big building and budget. However, they are needed just the same. The population attending churches in the city of Seattle is far below what any of the mega churches and the smaller churches combined can come close to. There are many more staying home reading the newspaper, drinking Starbucks and waiting for the football games to start on a Sunday. They aren't thinking about, nor do they care what is happening for Jesus in and around Seattle.

I wanted to point out the many churches that are existing to reach people in the name of Jesus that are not 1000's, rather, they are hundreds or a hundred. There are pastors and leaders in these churches praying the same thing. "Jesus, be glorified, bring people to a place of repentance and let them live and understand the hope of Christ Jesus."

Here are a few: Creekside, Quest, All Saints Church, Grace Seattle these are great churches that have a heart to reach and serve people with the gospel of Jesus.

I agree, God is up to some amazing things in Seattle! Let the gospel of Jesus be proclaimed to all!

I am undergoing a serious challenge, reshaping and refocus. I am not a good manager, I am not good at coaching. I am a good leader, speaker and visionary but I have a D- in passing that passion, urgency and understanding on to other leaders and potential leaders in our church.

So, the work begins. I am learning how to lead in a whole new way. I am praying all those around me can sit tight and work with me. I was reading 2 Timothy this morning, in fact, along with Matthew this will be my next 40 days of personal study and reflection.

The writer Paul gives Timothy this amazing charge after he gives him this reminder. He says, "Tim, you have a sincere faith, remember that is what will sustain you as you pastor this church." (Bill paraphrase). Then he charges him with this...

"For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands. For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self control." (2 Tim 1:6-7)

This just lifted off the page and slapped the mouse out of my hair. I have been negligent in many ways, I have asked for forgiveness and am now re-engaging in a way that will honor the gifts given to me by God's spirit. I am also a sponge, wanting to learn all I can to beg for leaders, equip leaders, coach leaders and release them to do what they are called and gifted by God to do. The key here, humility. I am a student, I am being transformed and am now in a transition. So cool. God has wired me for this, Seattle is a unique city, we are a unique church...It's time to really move into that and be a church that is igniting the passion and love of Jesus into people that would not know otherwise!

Now...the work really begins....

I am really anxious for what God has in store for All Saints. It is such a journey, I am honored to be a part of it. We are going to lay down some tracks and give some clarity to where we are going as a church and what you can do to participate in helping people grasp the reality of abundant life in Christ.

We look forward to seeing you at All Saints this Sunday!