pastor as pansy

Bill Easum just said "Too many pastors are pansies. What do you need God for to do just doing what you are already doing? Did God call you to do this?"

Let the congregation know where God sent you to them to lead them where to go!
Never let the church set your agenda. That's not the way the Gospel was written.
God has something for us to do. If we don't do it, we will pay a price (death) even greater than the price we pay for risking and trusting God to step out in real ministry.

If God has "shown" us something in our journey, will we continue to trust what God has done for us? [DL comment: For instance, at Fairlawn-West, look at what God has done for and with us? How can we step back and question God's extravagant promise? We just continue to step out and continue to do what God is telling us to do. And the Bible is real clear how that is!]

If it's "possible", you don't need God.

Len Sweet now - What are our spiritual weaknesses? What is your strongest weakness? That's where God is calling you to grow and bless others. Your growing edge. Look at Moses. God told him to go face the biggest political super power of the day and tell them to let go the basic ingredient of their economy, the Israelite slaves. What did Moses say? "Sure God, that's my spiritual gift and I will do it." ? No! He said "No way, Yahweh!!!" But with Yahweh/God leading him, it happened! Where are you going to make the biggest difference as a spiritual leader?

Easum - If you hit a brickwall, probably God is behind it. Don't give up.

Sweet - It is out of God's broken heart, Jesus Christ, a new heart/a new life arises. Our hearts need to break for the things that break God's heart. If you do love, your heart will break. If you don't want a broken heart, then don't ever love.