Life Principles

3 Life principles - convictions.

God is good and can be trusted with me and my life.

I hold on to this truth very tightly and it is central in my thinking when life is hard and things aren’t working the way I wanted them to or think they should. I hold to this when I am having to face hard things and confronted with something I can’t solve or fix, and that is often.

James 1: 2-5, & 12

 2 ¶ Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials,

 3 knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance.

 4 And let endurance have its perfect result, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.

 5 But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all men generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him.

 12 Blessed is a man who perseveres under trial; for once he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life, which the Lord has promised to those who love Him.

If this is not a firm conviction then every trial that I encounter in life becomes a test of God’s goodness rather than what it is - an opportunity to live by faith in Christ - and I will find myself pulling away from Him, and my dependence on Him, and then I will start trying to run my own life and I do not have the ability to do that. 

John 15: 4-5

4 “Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, so neither can you, unless you abide in Me.

 5 “I am the vine, you are the branches; he who abides in Me, and I in him, he bears much fruit; for apart from Me you can do nothing.

My trust of God will allow me to face life’s trials and walk in the faith that He allows all things for my ultimate benefit and good, and is growing me into completeness in Christ. I chose to trust Jesus when I gave my life to Him. It is that commitment to trust God and others with me that has made me stay when I wanted to run. It has made me walk into hard places when I didn’t want to or wished someone else would so I wouldn’t have to. It made me own my junk and my sin and my failings when I would much rather have just disappeared and not had to face it. It wouldn’t let me go, and I came to know that the only way out of the hard stuff was to go through it, and I have always found Jesus waiting on the other side.

3 Life principles - convictions.

God is good and can be trusted with me and my life.

I hold on to this truth very tightly and it is central in my thinking when life is hard and things aren’t working the way I wanted them to or think they should. I hold to this when I am having to face hard things and confronted with something I can’t solve or fix, and that is often.

James 1: 2-5, & 12

 2 ¶ Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials,

 3 knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance.

 4 And let endurance have its perfect result, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.

 5 But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all men generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him.

 12 Blessed is a man who perseveres under trial; for once he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life, which the Lord has promised to those who love Him.

If this is not a firm conviction then every trial that I encounter in life becomes a test of God’s goodness rather than what it is - an opportunity to live by faith in Christ - and I will find myself pulling away from Him, and my dependence on Him, and then I will start trying to run my own life and I do not have the ability to do that. 

John 15: 4-5

4 “Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, so neither can you, unless you abide in Me.

 5 “I am the vine, you are the branches; he who abides in Me, and I in him, he bears much fruit; for apart from Me you can do nothing.

My trust of God will allow me to face life’s trials and walk in the faith that He allows all things for my ultimate benefit and good, and is growing me into completeness in Christ. I chose to trust Jesus when I gave my life to Him. It is that commitment to trust God and others with me that has made me stay when I wanted to run. It has made me walk into hard places when I didn’t want to or wished someone else would so I wouldn’t have to. It made me own my junk and my sin and my failings when I would much rather have just disappeared and not had to face it. It wouldn’t let me go, and I came to know that the only way out of the hard stuff was to go through it, and I have always found Jesus waiting on the other side.

If you choose leadership, know that it is only in humble faith in Christ that you can do it.

What I do, I do for love of Christ, not the applause or the adoration of men.

There are many things that I have done both inside and outside of ODF to serve and protect this body and to spread the good news of Jesus. Most people would never know. That is true of every one of the elders and the Pastors of ODF. I could allow myself to be hurt by the lack of recognition, and at times I have found myself indulging the thoughts that no one knows and no one cares, so why do I keep doing this when no one even sees. 

But I am continually aware that someone does see. The only one that matters sees it all and He knows everything. I have to keep in front of me that it is for love of Christ that I do the things I do and out of that love I also choose to love the people I am a shepherd of. His love of me and my love of Him is what drives me, and empowers me and allows me to do it again, and again.

John once said this in a message and I believe it. I know that one day I will in the moment, in the twinkling of an eye, appear before Jesus and in that moment everything will become clear. In that moment Jesus will look into my eyes and after a pause for me to catch my breath He will say “I know. I know! I know everything. I saw everything. I know what you did for me and what it cost you that no one else will ever know. Well done, my good and faithful servant.”

That conviction is what allows me to stay in the battle and remain faithful to the things that are set before me. Without that, I just get burnt out and cynical and live out of hurt and disappointment, rather than knowing that I stand shoulder to shoulder with Jesus as He sustains me. I also know that my fellow elders and close friends stand with me in all of this and I am not alone.

It is critical that you develop this conviction and that you have those around you who hold the same conviction to the same degree. You will need them as you lead. 

I am a servant first, and everything else comes after that.

Mark 10:42 - 45

 42 And calling them to Himself, Jesus *said to them, “You know that those who are recognized as rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them; and their great men exercise authority over them.

 43 “But it is not so among you, but whoever wishes to become great among you shall be your servant;

 44 and whoever wishes to be first among you shall be slave of all.

 45 “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.”

I have always seen myself as a servant first and a leader second. Now, it could be said that it is for that very reason we need a dynamic leader for ODF’s future. I want you to know that ODF needs leaders who are willing to be responsible for the people who call this home and for the future of ODF. We need leaders who can define and then give leadership, direction and oversight to the vision that God gives them. Someone who can mobilize people and free them to ministry. There are many things yet to be done here.

Matt 20:28* just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.”

I have always believed that a leader must be a servant first. I would like to believe that I have modeled that mindset in how I have shepherded ODF as and elder and as a Worship Pastor, and now in the oversight role I occupy. It is the model Jesus gave us and we would do good to never forget that. Leadership can be from a distance or from right the midst of the people. I have always felt that when I had the benefit of leaders who didn’t stand apart and direct, but were shoulder to shoulder with me doing the small things as they led the big things, I got the best of them and was inspired to go with them wherever they were going. I trusted them because they didn’t see themselves as separate from, or above me. They were one of us using the gifts and talents God gave them for our benefit. I always trust that. I don’t always trust those who aren’t willing to get dirty and do the mundane things that support the big things. They show up for the spot light and leave when it is turned off. Leaders cannot do that. It will alienate the very people God is holding you responsible for and to shepherd and love them in the trenches. They have to know that you are one of them, though your role may be different.

That can be demonstrated in many ways - John telling on himself in his messages.  Showing up early and helping set up chairs and greet the people as they come into the meeting they are about to lead. Being available for people when you step off of the stage. Being the same person on stage and off. I have met those who are so winsome and so inspiring when they speak from the pulpit and then they become someone else when they aren’t “on”. A servant sees others as more important than himself and in that they gain the trust and loyalty of those they lead.

My Failures

Not owning my influence.

There were a number of years I simply lived on the talent that I brought to my concerts and worship leading. I had many people telling me that I had more to offer, but I didn’t believe them, and I would sit silent in elder’s meetings, or staff meetings, not trusting that I had anything else to offer beyond what I did through music. I saw all of them as wiser than me. In that I know that many times I left John feeling alone when he needed his best friend to step up and stand with him. I left the other elders and ODF unprotected by not giving them my insight or thoughts and choosing instead to not share a conviction that would have maybe helped us avoid some hard seasons.  It took a long time for me to finally believe those voices and risk fully stepping into the arenas I was a part of. I needed to listen to God’s voice in those other people’s voices and stop believing I was just a talented guy who wrote music and nothing more.

I think I always knew that I was capable of more, but didn’t want to own the responsibility. I have come to realize that I am more than I thought I was. Much like Frodo. It is only because I stayed when I wanted to go that I have come to know this. You have to stay long enough to learn the truth of who you are. If you don’t, you will never really know who you are in Christ and you will always leave when you get confronted with you. That sadly is the story of so many wounded believers.

2.  Not accessing the gifting of those around me.

Out of a sense of believing I could do it alone I avoided those around me who could protect me. I did that because I knew that to get their protection I would have to reveal something about me that I would rather not let them see. Here is what I have learned - I need to check my thinking with those who I trust and who have demonstrated that they are good at whatever I am dealing with. God set this whole thing up so that each of us has gifts for the benefit of others. When we ignore this plan, we become free agents and often get hurt and hurt others. It is very important to have those around you who will tell you your blind spots and protect you from yourself. That means letting others know your junk and trusting them with you. It means living out of what we teach. I get loved more when they see the real me - the broken and flawed me. If all they see is the mask, then the mask gets loved and not me. I am still learning this one.

What I dream for ODF and this group.

I would hope that we never stop teaching the reality of our identity in Christ and how we have come to experience Jesus in this environment of grace. I would hope that 10 years from now the new person who walks through these doors broken and disillusioned would hear the message of grace that would free them from legalism and the hurt they have experienced from poor teaching about who Christ is and who they really are in Him, just like so many of us experienced it and ultimately got healed and freed.

I would also hope that we would become more kingdom minded in how we see ourselves in the world. By that I mean that we would be outward looking, that the scope of what we talk about from the pulpit become broader while never diminishing the message of grace that God has given us. I would hope we can develop more ministry to families, young adults, and opportunities for people to find ways to express their gifts and talents in ministering to those inside ODF and to those outside these walls.

I would hope we never try to be something we are not in an attempt to be like other  more “successful” churches. There will always be the pressure to try and be more like the “successful” churches and there will be those who will try and convince us that we are not enough, or need to change our message, or that we are too arrogant about this message. We have been there before and we lost confidence in who we were and tried to change only to see some of the darkest times in our history. God has given us a beautiful way of seeing life and seeing Jesus that frees us to all we are meant to be in Him. Don’t ever doubt the truths that have shaped us. Become avid students of these truths. Learn them, lean on them and trust them. Teach them every where you have the opportunity with the full confidence that they bring life when they are embraced and experienced.

As you begin to take the reins of this place over the next few years, know that this is a sacred trust that many men and women have sacrificed a lot for and it isn’t something to be taken lightly. The style of ministry may change. The music we worship to will change. Different speakers will have a different style than John and Bill. But, the essentials upon which all of this is built must be understood, cherished, taught and lived out. The word of God will always be the template against which we will continue to evaluate every idea and dream that is brought forth and we will continue to hold up Jesus as the goal of all we do, say, and sing. God is not done with us yet, and I pray that God will expand the influence of this place and this message. I hope you will cherish this place and protect this place with the same passion, sacrifice and dedication that was exhibited by those who came before you. 

Matt.20:28 3 Life principles - convictions.

God is good and can be trusted with me and my life.

I hold on to this truth very tightly and it is central in my thinking when life is hard and things aren’t working the way I wanted them to or think they should. I hold to this when I am having to face hard things and confronted with something I can’t solve or fix, and that is often.

James 1: 2-5, & 12

 2 ¶ Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials,

 3 knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance.

 4 And let endurance have its perfect result, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.

 5 But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all men generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him.

 12 Blessed is a man who perseveres under trial; for once he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life, which the Lord has promised to those who love Him.

If this is not a firm conviction then every trial that I encounter in life becomes a test of God’s goodness rather than what it is - an opportunity to live by faith in Christ - and I will find myself pulling away from Him, and my dependence on Him, and then I will start trying to run my own life and I do not have the ability to do that. 

John 15: 4-5

4 “Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, so neither can you, unless you abide in Me.

 5 “I am the vine, you are the branches; he who abides in Me, and I in him, he bears much fruit; for apart from Me you can do nothing.

My trust of God will allow me to face life’s trials and walk in the faith that He allows all things for my ultimate benefit and good, and is growing me into completeness in Christ. I chose to trust Jesus when I gave my life to Him. It is that commitment to trust God and others with me that has made me stay when I wanted to run. It has made me walk into hard places when I didn’t want to or wished someone else would so I wouldn’t have to. It made me own my junk and my sin and my failings when I would much rather have just disappeared and not had to face it. It wouldn’t let me go, and I came to know that the only way out of the hard stuff was to go through it, and I have always found Jesus waiting on the other side.

If you choose leadership, know that it is only in humble faith in Christ that you can do it.

What I do, I do for love of Christ, not the applause or the adoration of men.

There are many things that I have done both inside and outside of ODF to serve and protect this body and to spread the good news of Jesus. Most people would never know. That is true of every one of the elders and the Pastors of ODF. I could allow myself to be hurt by the lack of recognition, and at times I have found myself indulging the thoughts that no one knows and no one cares, so why do I keep doing this when no one even sees. 

But I am continually aware that someone does see. The only one that matters sees it all and He knows everything. I have to keep in front of me that it is for love of Christ that I do the things I do and out of that love I also choose to love the people I am a shepherd of. His love of me and my love of Him is what drives me, and empowers me and allows me to do it again, and again.

John once said this in a message and I believe it. I know that one day I will in the moment, in the twinkling of an eye, appear before Jesus and in that moment everything will become clear. In that moment Jesus will look into my eyes and after a pause for me to catch my breath He will say “I know. I know! I know everything. I saw everything. I know what you did for me and what it cost you that no one else will ever know. Well done, my good and faithful servant.”

That conviction is what allows me to stay in the battle and remain faithful to the things that are set before me. Without that, I just get burnt out and cynical and live out of hurt and disappointment, rather than knowing that I stand shoulder to shoulder with Jesus as He sustains me. I also know that my fellow elders and close friends stand with me in all of this and I am not alone.

It is critical that you develop this conviction and that you have those around you who hold the same conviction to the same degree. You will need them as you lead. 

I am a servant first, and everything else comes after that.

Mark 10:42 - 45

 42 And calling them to Himself, Jesus *said to them, “You know that those who are recognized as rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them; and their great men exercise authority over them.

 43 “But it is not so among you, but whoever wishes to become great among you shall be your servant;

 44 and whoever wishes to be first among you shall be slave of all.

 45 “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.”

I have always seen myself as a servant first and a leader second. Now, it could be said that it is for that very reason we need a dynamic leader for ODF’s future. I want you to know that ODF needs leaders who are willing to be responsible for the people who call this home and for the future of ODF. We need leaders who can define and then give leadership, direction and oversight to the vision that God gives them. Someone who can mobilize people and free them to ministry. There are many things yet to be done here.

I have always believed that a leader must be a servant first. I would like to believe that I have modeled that mindset in how I have shepherded ODF as and elder and as a Worship Pastor, and now in the oversight role I occupy. It is the model Jesus gave us and we would do good to never forget that. Leadership can be from a distance or from right the midst of the people. I have always felt that when I had the benefit of leaders who didn’t stand apart and direct, but were shoulder to shoulder with me doing the small things as they led the big things, I got the best of them and was inspired to go with them wherever they were going. I trusted them because they didn’t see themselves as separate from, or above me. They were one of us using the gifts and talents God gave them for our benefit. I always trust that. I don’t always trust those who aren’t willing to get dirty and do the mundane things that support the big things. They show up for the spot light and leave when it is turned off. Leaders cannot do that. It will alienate the very people God is holding you responsible for and to shepherd and love them in the trenches. They have to know that you are one of them, though your role may be different.

That can be demonstrated in many ways - John telling on himself in his messages.  Showing up early and helping set up chairs and greet the people as they come into the meeting they are about to lead. Being available for people when you step off of the stage. Being the same person on stage and off. I have met those who are so winsome and so inspiring when they speak from the pulpit and then they become someone else when they aren’t “on”. A servant sees others as more important than himself and in that they gain the trust and loyalty of those they lead.

My Failures

Not owning my influence.

There were a number of years I simply lived on the talent that I brought to my concerts and worship leading. I had many people telling me that I had more to offer, but I didn’t believe them, and I would sit silent in elder’s meetings, or staff meetings, not trusting that I had anything else to offer beyond what I did through music. I saw all of them as wiser than me. In that I know that many times I left John feeling alone when he needed his best friend to step up and stand with him. I left the other elders and ODF unprotected by not giving them my insight or thoughts and choosing instead to not share a conviction that would have maybe helped us avoid some hard seasons.  It took a long time for me to finally believe those voices and risk fully stepping into the arenas I was a part of. I needed to listen to God’s voice in those other people’s voices and stop believing I was just a talented guy who wrote music and nothing more.

I think I always knew that I was capable of more, but didn’t want to own the responsibility. I have come to realize that I am more than I thought I was. Much like Frodo. It is only because I stayed when I wanted to go that I have come to know this. You have to stay long enough to learn the truth of who you are. If you don’t, you will never really know who you are in Christ and you will always leave when you get confronted with you. That sadly is the story of so many wounded believers.

2.  Not accessing the gifting of those around me.

Out of a sense of believing I could do it alone I avoided those around me who could protect me. I did that because I knew that to get their protection I would have to reveal something about me that I would rather not let them see. Here is what I have learned - I need to check my thinking with those who I trust and who have demonstrated that they are good at whatever I am dealing with. God set this whole thing up so that each of us has gifts for the benefit of others. When we ignore this plan, we become free agents and often get hurt and hurt others. It is very important to have those around you who will tell you your blind spots and protect you from yourself. That means letting others know your junk and trusting them with you. It means living out of what we teach. I get loved more when they see the real me - the broken and flawed me. If all they see is the mask, then the mask gets loved and not me. I am still learning this one.

What I dream for ODF and this group.

I would hope that we never stop teaching the reality of our identity in Christ and how we have come to experience Jesus in this environment of grace. I would hope that 10 years from now the new person who walks through these doors broken and disillusioned would hear the message of grace that would free them from legalism and the hurt they have experienced from poor teaching about who Christ is and who they really are in Him, just like so many of us experienced it and ultimately got healed and freed.

I would also hope that we would become more kingdom minded in how we see ourselves in the world. By that I mean that we would be outward looking, that the scope of what we talk about from the pulpit become broader while never diminishing the message of grace that God has given us. I would hope we can develop more ministry to families, young adults, and opportunities for people to find ways to express their gifts and talents in ministering to those inside ODF and to those outside these walls.

I would hope we never try to be something we are not in an attempt to be like other  more “successful” churches. There will always be the pressure to try and be more like the “successful” churches and there will be those who will try and convince us that we are not enough, or need to change our message, or that we are too arrogant about this message. We have been there before and we lost confidence in who we were and tried to change only to see some of the darkest times in our history. God has given us a beautiful way of seeing life and seeing Jesus that frees us to all we are meant to be in Him. Don’t ever doubt the truths that have shaped us. Become avid students of these truths. Learn them, lean on them and trust them. Teach them every where you have the opportunity with the full confidence that they bring life when they are embraced and experienced.

3 Life principles - convictions.

God is good and can be trusted with me and my life.

I hold on to this truth very tightly and it is central in my thinking when life is hard and things aren’t working the way I wanted them to or think they should. I hold to this when I am having to face hard things and confronted with something I can’t solve or fix, and that is often.

James 1: 2-5, & 12

 2 ¶ Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials,

 3 knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance.

 4 And let endurance have its perfect result, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.

 5 But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all men generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him.

 12 Blessed is a man who perseveres under trial; for once he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life, which the Lord has promised to those who love Him.

If this is not a firm conviction then every trial that I encounter in life becomes a test of God’s goodness rather than what it is - an opportunity to live by faith in Christ - and I will find myself pulling away from Him, and my dependence on Him, and then I will start trying to run my own life and I do not have the ability to do that. 

John 15: 4-5

4 “Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, so neither can you, unless you abide in Me.

 5 “I am the vine, you are the branches; he who abides in Me, and I in him, he bears much fruit; for apart from Me you can do nothing.

My trust of God will allow me to face life’s trials and walk in the faith that He allows all things for my ultimate benefit and good, and is growing me into completeness in Christ. I chose to trust Jesus when I gave my life to Him. It is that commitment to trust God and others with me that has made me stay when I wanted to run. It has made me walk into hard places when I didn’t want to or wished someone else would so I wouldn’t have to. It made me own my junk and my sin and my failings when I would much rather have just disappeared and not had to face it. It wouldn’t let me go, and I came to know that the only way out of the hard stuff was to go through it, and I have always found Jesus waiting on the other side.

If you choose leadership, know that it is only in humble faith in Christ that you can do it.

What I do, I do for love of Christ, not the applause or the adoration of men.

There are many things that I have done both inside and outside of ODF to serve and protect this body and to spread the good news of Jesus. Most people would never know. That is true of every one of the elders and the Pastors of ODF. I could allow myself to be hurt by the lack of recognition, and at times I have found myself indulging the thoughts that no one knows and no one cares, so why do I keep doing this when no one even sees. 

But I am continually aware that someone does see. The only one that matters sees it all and He knows everything. I have to keep in front of me that it is for love of Christ that I do the things I do and out of that love I also choose to love the people I am a shepherd of. His love of me and my love of Him is what drives me, and empowers me and allows me to do it again, and again.

John once said this in a message and I believe it. I know that one day I will in the moment, in the twinkling of an eye, appear before Jesus and in that moment everything will become clear. In that moment Jesus will look into my eyes and after a pause for me to catch my breath He will say “I know. I know! I know everything. I saw everything. I know what you did for me and what it cost you that no one else will ever know. Well done, my good and faithful servant.”

That conviction is what allows me to stay in the battle and remain faithful to the things that are set before me. Without that, I just get burnt out and cynical and live out of hurt and disappointment, rather than knowing that I stand shoulder to shoulder with Jesus as He sustains me. I also know that my fellow elders and close friends stand with me in all of this and I am not alone.

It is critical that you develop this conviction and that you have those around you who hold the same conviction to the same degree. You will need them as you lead. 

I am a servant first, and everything else comes after that.

Mark 10:42 - 45

 42 And calling them to Himself, Jesus *said to them, “You know that those who are recognized as rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them; and their great men exercise authority over them.

 43 “But it is not so among you, but whoever wishes to become great among you shall be your servant;

 44 and whoever wishes to be first among you shall be slave of all.

 45 “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.”

I have always seen myself as a servant first and a leader second. Now, it could be said that it is for that very reason we need a dynamic leader for ODF’s future. I want you to know that ODF needs leaders who are willing to be responsible for the people who call this home and for the future of ODF. We need leaders who can define and then give leadership, direction and oversight to the vision that God gives them. Someone who can mobilize people and free them to ministry. There are many things yet to be done here.

I have always believed that a leader must be a servant first. I would like to believe that I have modeled that mindset in how I have shepherded ODF as and elder and as a Worship Pastor, and now in the oversight role I occupy. It is the model Jesus gave us and we would do good to never forget that. Leadership can be from a distance or from right the midst of the people. I have always felt that when I had the benefit of leaders who didn’t stand apart and direct, but were shoulder to shoulder with me doing the small things as they led the big things, I got the best of them and was inspired to go with them wherever they were going. I trusted them because they didn’t see themselves as separate from, or above me. They were one of us using the gifts and talents God gave them for our benefit. I always trust that. I don’t always trust those who aren’t willing to get dirty and do the mundane things that support the big things. They show up for the spot light and leave when it is turned off. Leaders cannot do that. It will alienate the very people God is holding you responsible for and to shepherd and love them in the trenches. They have to know that you are one of them, though your role may be different.

That can be demonstrated in many ways - John telling on himself in his messages.  Showing up early and helping set up chairs and greet the people as they come into the meeting they are about to lead. Being available for people when you step off of the stage. Being the same person on stage and off. I have met those who are so winsome and so inspiring when they speak from the pulpit and then they become someone else when they aren’t “on”. A servant sees others as more important than himself and in that they gain the trust and loyalty of those they lead.

My Failures

Not owning my influence.

There were a number of years I simply lived on the talent that I brought to my concerts and worship leading. I had many people telling me that I had more to offer, but I didn’t believe them, and I would sit silent in elder’s meetings, or staff meetings, not trusting that I had anything else to offer beyond what I did through music. I saw all of them as wiser than me. In that I know that many times I left John feeling alone when he needed his best friend to step up and stand with him. I left the other elders and ODF unprotected by not giving them my insight or thoughts and choosing instead to not share a conviction that would have maybe helped us avoid some hard seasons.  It took a long time for me to finally believe those voices and risk fully stepping into the arenas I was a part of. I needed to listen to God’s voice in those other people’s voices and stop believing I was just a talented guy who wrote music and nothing more.

I think I always knew that I was capable of more, but didn’t want to own the responsibility. I have come to realize that I am more than I thought I was. Much like Frodo. It is only because I stayed when I wanted to go that I have come to know this. You have to stay long enough to learn the truth of who you are. If you don’t, you will never really know who you are in Christ and you will always leave when you get confronted with you. That sadly is the story of so many wounded believers.

2.  Not accessing the gifting of those around me.

Out of a sense of believing I could do it alone I avoided those around me who could protect me. I did that because I knew that to get their protection I would have to reveal something about me that I would rather not let them see. Here is what I have learned - I need to check my thinking with those who I trust and who have demonstrated that they are good at whatever I am dealing with. God set this whole thing up so that each of us has gifts for the benefit of others. When we ignore this plan, we become free agents and often get hurt and hurt others. It is very important to have those around you who will tell you your blind spots and protect you from yourself. That means letting others know your junk and trusting them with you. It means living out of what we teach. I get loved more when they see the real me - the broken and flawed me. If all they see is the mask, then the mask gets loved and not me. I am still learning this one.

What I dream for ODF and this group.

I would hope that we never stop teaching the reality of our identity in Christ and how we have come to experience Jesus in this environment of grace. I would hope that 10 years from now the new person who walks through these doors broken and disillusioned would hear the message of grace that would free them from legalism and the hurt they have experienced from poor teaching about who Christ is and who they really are in Him, just like so many of us experienced it and ultimately got healed and freed.

I would also hope that we would become more kingdom minded in how we see ourselves in the world. By that I mean that we would be outward looking, that the scope of what we talk about from the pulpit become broader while never diminishing the message of grace that God has given us. I would hope we can develop more ministry to families, young adults, and opportunities for people to find ways to express their gifts and talents in ministering to those inside ODF and to those outside these walls.

I would hope we never try to be something we are not in an attempt to be like other  more “successful” churches. There will always be the pressure to try and be more like the “successful” churches and there will be those who will try and convince us that we are not enough, or need to change our message, or that we are too arrogant about this message. We have been there before and we lost confidence in who we were and tried to change only to see some of the darkest times in our history. God has given us a beautiful way of seeing life and seeing Jesus that frees us to all we are meant to be in Him. Don’t ever doubt the truths that have shaped us. Become avid students of these truths. Learn them, lean on them and trust them. Teach them every where you have the opportunity with the full confidence that they bring life when they are embraced and experienced.

As you begin to take the reins of this place over the next few years, know that this is a sacred trust that many men and women have sacrificed a lot for and it isn’t something to be taken lightly. The style of ministry may change. The music we worship to will change. Different speakers will have a different style than John and Bill. But, the essentials upon which all of this is built must be understood, cherished, taught and lived out. The word of God will always be the template against which we will continue to evaluate every idea and dream that is brought forth and we will continue to hold up Jesus as the goal of all we do, say, and sing. God is not done with us yet, and I pray that God will expand the influence of this place and this message. I hope you will cherish this place and protect this place with the same passion, sacrifice and dedication that was exhibited by those who came before you. 

If you choose leadership, know that it is only in humble faith in Christ that you can do it.

What I do, I do for love of Christ, not the applause or the adoration of men.

There are many things that I have done both inside and outside of ODF to serve and protect this body and to spread the good news of Jesus. Most people would never know. That is true of every one of the elders and the Pastors of ODF. I could allow myself to be hurt by the lack of recognition, and at times I have found myself indulging the thoughts that no one knows and no one cares, so why do I keep doing this when no one even sees. 

But I am continually aware that someone does see. The only one that matters sees it all and He knows everything. I have to keep in front of me that it is for love of Christ that I do the things I do and out of that love I also choose to love the people I am a shepherd of. His love of me and my love of Him is what drives me, and empowers me and allows me to do it again, and again.

John once said this in a message and I believe it. I know that one day I will in the moment, in the twinkling of an eye, appear before Jesus and in that moment everything will become clear. In that moment Jesus will look into my eyes and after a pause for me to catch my breath He will say “I know. I know! I know everything. I saw everything. I know what you did for me and what it cost you that no one else will ever know. Well done, my good and faithful servant.”

That conviction is what allows me to stay in the battle and remain faithful to the things that are set before me. Without that, I just get burnt out and cynical and live out of hurt and disappointment, rather than knowing that I stand shoulder to shoulder with Jesus as He sustains me. I also know that my fellow elders and close friends stand with me in all of this and I am not alone.

It is critical that you develop this conviction and that you have those around you who hold the same conviction to the same degree. You will need them as you lead. 

I am a servant first, and everything else comes after that.

Mark 10:42 - 45

 42 And calling them to Himself, Jesus *said to them, “You know that those who are recognized as rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them; and their great men exercise authority over them.

 43 “But it is not so among you, but whoever wishes to become great among you shall be your servant;

 44 and whoever wishes to be first among you shall be slave of all.

 45 “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.”

I have always seen myself as a servant first and a leader second. Now, it could be said that it is for that very reason we need a dynamic leader for ODF’s future. I want you to know that ODF needs leaders who are willing to be responsible for the people who call this home and for the future of ODF. We need leaders who can define and then give leadership, direction and oversight to the vision that God gives them. Someone who can mobilize people and free them to ministry. There are many things yet to be done here.

I have always believed that a leader must be a servant first. I would like to believe that I have modeled that mindset in how I have shepherded ODF as and elder and as a Worship Pastor, and now in the oversight role I occupy. It is the model Jesus gave us and we would do good to never forget that. Leadership can be from a distance or from right the midst of the people. I have always felt that when I had the benefit of leaders who didn’t stand apart and direct, but were shoulder to shoulder with me doing the small things as they led the big things, I got the best of them and was inspired to go with them wherever they were going. I trusted them because they didn’t see themselves as separate from, or above me. They were one of us using the gifts and talents God gave them for our benefit. I always trust that. I don’t always trust those who aren’t willing to get dirty and do the mundane things that support the big things. They show up for the spot light and leave when it is turned off. Leaders cannot do that. It will alienate the very people God is holding you responsible for and to shepherd and love them in the trenches. They have to know that you are one of them, though your role may be different.

Matt. 20:28 Just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve and give His life a ransom for many.

That can be demonstrated in many ways - John telling on himself in his messages.  Showing up early and helping set up chairs and greet the people as they come into the meeting they are about to lead. Being available for people when you step off of the stage. Being the same person on stage and off. I have met those who are so winsome and so inspiring when they speak from the pulpit and then they become someone else when they aren’t “on”. A servant sees others as more important than himself and in that they gain the trust and loyalty of those they lead.

My Failures

Not owning my influence.

There were a number of years I simply lived on the talent that I brought to my concerts and worship leading. I had many people telling me that I had more to offer, but I didn’t believe them, and I would sit silent in elder’s meetings, or staff meetings, not trusting that I had anything else to offer beyond what I did through music. I saw all of them as wiser than me. In that I know that many times I left John feeling alone when he needed his best friend to step up and stand with him. I left the other elders and ODF unprotected by not giving them my insight or thoughts and choosing instead to not share a conviction that would have maybe helped us avoid some hard seasons.  It took a long time for me to finally believe those voices and risk fully stepping into the arenas I was a part of. I needed to listen to God’s voice in those other people’s voices and stop believing I was just a talented guy who wrote music and nothing more.

I think I always knew that I was capable of more, but didn’t want to own the responsibility. I have come to realize that I am more than I thought I was. Much like Frodo. It is only because I stayed when I wanted to go that I have come to know this. You have to stay long enough to learn the truth of who you are. If you don’t, you will never really know who you are in Christ and you will always leave when you get confronted with you. That sadly is the story of so many wounded believers.

2.  Not accessing the gifting of those around me.

Out of a sense of believing I could do it alone I avoided those around me who could protect me. I did that because I knew that to get their protection I would have to reveal something about me that I would rather not let them see. Here is what I have learned - I need to check my thinking with those who I trust and who have demonstrated that they are good at whatever I am dealing with. God set this whole thing up so that each of us has gifts for the benefit of others. When we ignore this plan, we become free agents and often get hurt and hurt others. It is very important to have those around you who will tell you your blind spots and protect you from yourself. That means letting others know your junk and trusting them with you. It means living out of what we teach. I get loved more when they see the real me - the broken and flawed me. If all they see is the mask, then the mask gets loved and not me. I am still learning this one.

What I dream for ODF and this group.

I would hope that we never stop teaching the reality of our identity in Christ and how we have come to experience Jesus in this environment of grace. I would hope that 10 years from now the new person who walks through these doors broken and disillusioned would hear the message of grace that would free them from legalism and the hurt they have experienced from poor teaching about who Christ is and who they really are in Him, just like so many of us experienced it and ultimately got healed and freed.

I would also hope that we would become more kingdom minded in how we see ourselves in the world. By that I mean that we would be outward looking, that the scope of what we talk about from the pulpit become broader while never diminishing the message of grace that God has given us. I would hope we can develop more ministry to families, young adults, and opportunities for people to find ways to express their gifts and talents in ministering to those inside ODF and to those outside these walls.

I would hope we never try to be something we are not in an attempt to be like other  more “successful” churches. There will always be the pressure to try and be more like the “successful” churches and there will be those who will try and convince us that we are not enough, or need to change our message, or that we are too arrogant about this message. We have been there before and we lost confidence in who we were and tried to change only to see some of the darkest times in our history. God has given us a beautiful way of seeing life and seeing Jesus that frees us to all we are meant to be in Him. Don’t ever doubt the truths that have shaped us. Become avid students of these truths. Learn them, lean on them and trust them. Teach them every where you have the opportunity with the full confidence that they bring life when they are embraced and experienced.

As you begin to take the reins of this place over the next few years, know that this is a sacred trust that many men and women have sacrificed a lot for and it isn’t something to be taken lightly. The style of ministry may change. The music we worship to will change. Different speakers will have a different style than John and Bill. But, the essentials upon which all of this is built must be understood, cherished, taught and lived out. The word of God will always be the template against which we will continue to evaluate every idea and dream that is brought forth and we will continue to hold up Jesus as the goal of all we do, say, and sing. God is not done with us yet, and I pray that God will expand the influence of this place and this message. I hope you will cherish this place and protect this place with the same passion, sacrifice and dedication that was exhibited by those who came before you. 

Dreams

11-16-2013

I dreamt again that I was in heaven and I saw Jesus. I bowed to Him and He lifted me up and said again - you don’t have to do that. I know what you have done for me. I know every song you ever sang and everything you shared about your faith. I know how much you sacrificed for me and I also know that you have loved me unconditionally just as I have loved you. You are home now and you never have to bow to me. What you have done in your life is all the worship you need to give. I saw it all and I know everywhere you went and how much you sacrificed to share your faith and my story. I am proud of you and again He said “Well done my good and faithful servant”. 

He also told me that I had no idea how many people there were waiting for me to get there. How many people were there because I was willing to share my story and the reality of new life in Christ. They were anxious to meet me and tell me how much it meant to them that I had shared the truth of God’s love displayed in His Son.

I then asked Him “Where are they?” At that point He took my hand and said “come with me, I will show you.” Sure enough not far from where I had been standing with Jesus was a crowd of people waiting to share with me how much it meant to them that I would come and share Jesus with them, and that they would not have been there without my having come to tell them the Gospel and the story of the cross and why Jesus died there. 

At that point I was undone. I looked at Jesus and I said “You know that You were the reason I did all of this. I had to tell people about what you had done for me and what you could do for them.” 

Jesus looked at me again and said yes I know that I was your reason. I also know that these people wouldn’t be here if it weren’t for you. I then said but I was just a messenger. I didn’t die on a cross or suffer hell or watch my father turn His face away. You did that and You chose to give everything to set us free from the condemnation that was ours because of sin. And you did it for love. Your love was so deep and rich that you had to do this. 

Then Jesus quoted a line from one of my songs to me - “Love could do no less”.

At that point I said You know the words to my songs? 

Jesus answered I was there with you and in you every time you sang a concert. I also was in you when you wrote the songs. Where do you think the thoughts came from - they came from me and my spirit in you. They were from me and they were the outgrowth of having me live in and through you. I know everything you ever wrote - songs, articles, messages. I still live in you even here and that will never change. I will always be your inspiration and whisper truth to you when everything else is trying to shout don’t listen.  Nothing can separate you from me and my love. There is nothing in all of creation that can separate us ever, because I am God and I am the one who made everything and I alone rule it. We are bound together and nothing can separate us ever!

So come now and enter my rest. I have prepared a place for you and everything in my kingdom is yours. Whatever you want is yours and I will meet your every need and will show you greater things than you have ever seen. This I promise and you can trust me, I am the beginning and the end, the alpha and the omega. You have been faithful in little and I will make you faithful over much more. You have proven yourself a worthy servant and a man of faith and love and that is what I will build on. Your faith is all I need to shape you and make you into a new creature that can abide my kingdom and my glory.

Whatever you want in my kingdom is free because I have covered the cost. It is all added to my account and I am good for it. I will always be here to talk with you and to you anytime you want. We have all of eternity to meet and talk and for you to get to know me and for me to get to know you. I will show you who I am and what I can do and give you the life you have always dreamed of in my kingdom. Nothing is kept from you and you can go anywhere you choose in my kingdom because it was made by me for you and all those who have come to be here with me. Here you will know what it is to be fully whole and substantial and be able to live in my glory and see my face. I have made you new and whole and complete. You are a new creature that is fully fit for my kingdom and can abide heaven and all of it’s glory because you are fully made complete and substantial.

Dreams

11-15-2013

I dreamt I was in heaven and I saw Jesus. I bowed before Him and He lifted me up and said “You don’t have to bow to me. I know what you have done and what it cost you to share the truth about me and what I did to bring salvation to the world.” He also said that “He knew everything about me and my life and knew the pain and the disappointments that I had known and knew how much I had suffered in serving Him.”

Then I saw my family - my Sister, my Brother, my Dad, and my Aunts and Uncles. They were all there to meet me. I am convinced that Jesus made sure they would be there to greet me, and for me to be able to celebrate with them the wonder of heaven and to be able to see them and hug them and tell them how much it meant for me to be able to see them now that I was there.

Jesus also said the words I have longed to hear all my life -”Well done my good and faithful servant”. 

I also was given a crown which I laid at Jesus feet. I wanted Him to know that any glory I was given all belonged to Him. He was the one who chose to die for me and my sin and to rise again the third day. His love and mercy and grace were what bought me forgiveness. He was the one whose name I will proclaim forever. His is the only name that matters. Jesus was the one who bought me new life and paid a dear price to do it. I wanted Him to know that whatever I did I did for Him and because of my love for Him. He is everything to me and to get to see Him and talk to Him was beyond my wildest dreams. I was looking at the face of my Savior and the only one I care about. To actually be there and see Him and talk to Him and have Him tell me “Well done my Good and faithful servant” was all I would ever have hoped for and all I have ever wanted. 

I woke up and was totally amazed that I had had this dream. I shared it with Linda and I am convinced God was giving me a glimpse of what awaits me one day when He calls me home - whenever that might be. I also know that having experienced this in a dream, I can’t wait for the real thing. I know it will be amazing to actually be there and see heaven and my family and Christ in all His glory. To know I am home and I will live eternity with Jesus and in heaven. That is my wish and my hope and what I long for more than anything else - HOME. HEAVEN.

Dreams

My Dreams

11-14-2013

I dreamed I was in heaven and I saw Jesus. I bowed before Him and He lifted me up and said “You don’t have to bow to me. I know what you have done and what it cost you to share the truth about me and what I did to bring salvation to the world.” He also said that “He knew everything about me and my life and knew the pain and the disappointments that I had known and knew how much I had suffered in serving Him.”

Then I saw my family - my Sister, my Brother, my Dad, and my Aunts and Uncles. They were all there to meet me. I am convinced that Jesus made sure they would be there to greet me, and for me to be able to celebrate with them the wonder of heaven and to be able to see them and hug them and tell them how much it meant for me to be able to see them now that I was there.

Jesus also said the words I have longed to hear all my life -”Well done my good and faithful servant”. 

I also was given a crown which I laid at Jesus feet. I wanted Him to know that any glory I was given all belonged to Him. He was the one who chose to die for me and my sin and to rise again the third day. His love and mercy and grace were what bought me forgiveness. He was the one whose name I will proclaim forever. His is the only name that matters. Jesus was the one who bought me new life and paid a dear price to do it. I wanted Him to know that whatever I did I did for Him and because of my love for Him. He is everything to me and to get to see Him and talk to Him was beyond my wildest dreams. I was looking at the face of my Savior and the only one I care about. To actually be there and see Him and talk to Him and have Him tell me “Well done my Good and faithful servant” was all I would ever have hoped for and all I have ever wanted. 

I woke up and was totally amazed that I had had this dream. I shared it with Linda and I am convinced God was giving me a glimpse of what awaits me one day when He calls me home - whenever that might be. I also know that having experienced this in a dream, I can’t wait for the real thing. I know it will be amazing to actually be there and see heaven and my family and Christ in all His glory. To know I am home and I will live eternity with Jesus and in heaven. That is my wish and my hope and what I long for more than anything else - HOME. HEAVEN.