
“The Holy Spirit has been made like a drunk uncle at a wedding: still technically invited, but stuck in the corner in case he embarrasses us.”
I was privileged to attend this year’s Wildfires event. My first reflection is no wonder it’s grown every year. I was invited in previous years and thought ‘it’s too far from Manchester’ but I’ve realised it’s not going to get any closer just because I moan about it and it was definitely worth the drive.
This summer, the tent was bigger and the hunger greater, and I was so glad to be one of the 4000 adults (plus 2000 children and young people) who attended and actually it was fantastic NOT doing anything but receiving and worshipping. On the first night Pete spoke and my notes are below – brilliant stuff!
I see a lot of posts floating around about ‘The Jezebel Spirit’, many of which don’t seem to have a clue. This is not a definitive word on this terrible assignment the enemy loves to send but looking back on 30 years of church leadership rather than sound triumphant – I can show you the scars from my wounds.
Raising up other leaders starts in the heart.
Many leaders don’t do it – because they don’t want to.
They are more interested in the seating capacity than the sending capacity.
Hero makers want to empower, create space, give away even some of the aspects of leadership that you like – that’s a sacrifice.
INTRODUCING LAUNCH – COMMUNITAS! What if you could surround yourself with a tribe of leaders who are just as committed to growth, health, and mission as you are?Introducing LAUNCH Communitas: Church Leadership Consulting, Coaching, Courses & Connection
This is more than a membership group or ministry network. It’s a place for leaders at every level of seniority or experience to grow in intimacy, stay healthy relationally, and multiply their mission exponentially through Content, Coaching and Community
Yesterday I had the privilege again of speaking to homeless people in Manchester City centre at Barnabus at one of their regular outreach gatherings. While I was getting ready someone hammered on the door because another homeless man had been run over by a taxi driver right outside! I went out to see blood pouring from the guy’s head and a huge lump appearing on his leg as he couldn’t move. I went into First Aider mode and spoke to the emergency services to help as best I could. There were people all round shouting angrily at the driver which may have been understandable but wasn’t helping anyone much.
Put first things FIRST:
F – Finances: Is God first in how I handle money?
I – Interests: Are my hobbies and habits helping or hindering my devotion?
R – Relationships: Are the people I’m closest to seeing Jesus in me more?
S – Schedule: Is my time aligned with my values or just my to-do list?
T – Troubles: Am I turning to God in prayer first when life hits hard?
If you’ve been shrinking back, playing it safe, or just trying to survive— I believe God is saying it’s time to dream again. Not just following your dreams, but stepping into God’s dreams for your life, which are always bigger than you think.If you want to walk in God’s dream, your first move is to put His dream ahead of yours. When you do, you’ll see Him open doors, pour out resources and somehow orchestrate events you couldn’t make happen in a million years. I know it’s true because I have seen it happen so many times I had to pinch myself that I wasn’t dreaming when it happened!