The Lion Chaser's Manifesto

Well, I'm enjoying some time off with my family but for those out there who are still blogging or even slogging through the dog days of summer, here's a quick take from Mark Batterson, pastor of National Community Church (Washington, DC). He was at Granger Community Church recently on his summer speaking tour and closed his session with the following "Lion Chaser's Manifesto":

Quit living as if the purpose of life is to arrive safely at death.

Set God-sized goals.

Pursue God-ordained passions.

Go after a dream that is destined to fail without divine intervention.

Keep asking questions.

Keep making mistakes.

Keep seeking God.

Stop pointing out problems and become part of the solution.

Stop repeating the past and start creating the future.

Stop playing it safe and start taking risks.

Expand your horizons.

Accumulate experiences.

Consider the lilies.

Enjoy the journey.

Find every excuse you can to celebrate everything you can.

Live like today is the first day and last day of your life.

Don't let what's wrong with you keep you from worshipping what's right with God.

Burn sinful bridges.

Blaze a new trail.

Criticize by creating.

Worry less about what people think and more about what God thinks.

Don't try to be who you're not.

Be yourself.

Laugh at yourself.

Quit holding out.

Quit holding back.

Quit running away.

Chase the lion!"

posted by Mark Batterson (evotional.com)

Mark Wilson on Pastoring in a Small Town

Rev. Mark O. Wilson is an amazing pastor and equally gifted writer. If you haven't already bookmarked his blog, check out Revitalize Your Church.

Mark is a gift to The Wesleyan Church and a good friend for more than a decade. You'll enjoy his perspective on life and local church ministry. Here's one of his recent postings:

Seven Advantages of Pastoring in a Small Town

1. Everybody is connected to everybody. This means that when you help one person, you help the WHOLE community.

2. Word of mouth travels fast. Free advertising!

3. You don't have to be very good to be spectacular. There's not a lot of competition.

4. You can send a mass mailing to everybody and not go broke.

5. You can influence an entire community. The local "salt and light" impact of a thriving small town church is greater than a mega-church in metropolis.

6. Follow up is easier. "Seen Fred lately?" "Nope, but I'll call him this week."

7. When you earn their trust, they will rise up and bless you. Small town folks are loyal and their commitments run deep.
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Mark's growing church celebrated 49 baptisms last week and planted their first (but definitely not their last) church plant this past year.

Thank you, Mark, for staying on the edge of church ministry even while living on the edge of the Wisconsin wilderness!