Pressing On

In all circumstances... “... if by our zeal we can stir up many and the world be more speedily evangelized - then we thank God. If no-one joins us, but by our efforts men and women join other societies and accomplish the evangelization of the world - then we thank God. If we never have another penny for our work, but our message is used to provide the needs of others, so that the world is evangelized - then we thank God.” (Alfred Buxton) Source: HAM 1913-1920 - the First Seven Years Give thanks – for God’s faithfulness Does it seem strange to begin an article on giving thanks for God's faithfulness with this quote from one of our early WEC leaders? Perhaps, yet I feel constrained not to focus on money but on the fruit that comes from sowing generously into the kingdom. I want to focus on what the Lord is accomplishing through the efforts of the worldwide fellowship of WEC … those who go, those who pray, those who support. The church is g

Jesus call to His first disciples was "follow me" -  it would have been a natural response to ask "where?" but I don't see that in the scripture.  Is this because the question was eclipsed in the minds of the disciples by the idea of "who"? Of primary importance was that they had met Christ - the Messiah.  With regards to discipleship shouldn't the emphasis always be on the "me" not the "follow"? If it becomes the latter then we may lose the true and best motivation for our service.  The desire to follow is the effect of our relationship with Jesus not the cause of it. " Christ loves me - I love Him - I will serve"   rather than "I want Christ to love me - I will serve Him - then He will love me." The disciples knew Jesus and were willing to follow, not knowing what that would mean ... are we? Press on!

Leadership and Management The difference between a leader and a manager is an important one to ponder on and much has been written about it in a wide variety of books. I read this the other day which is a very real, and sobering, challenge to anyone who has a position of leadership - particularly for those who take on the responsibility, before God, for any group of people within the body of Christ. "A leader leads if the followers can see that he or she is out in front of them in the revelations and activities of the Spirit. That is why we should downgrade titles and human pedestals for our leaders, so that, if they haven't got what it takes, they will in due course become dagons and find their own level." Of course, if we live amongst the fellowship of people we eventually come to lead it makes it much easier to demonstrate that in advance, by our faithfulness in serving and following. When we are appointed from the outside it is much harder