Reliance Precedes Revitalization

Since I began my journey to discover a church to serve in revitalization, I have discovered many folks who are curious about this journey or even want to join me on this endeavor. One question that comes up often is: What is the First Step? While the obvious answer is prayer, there is another principle that I think is closely linked: Complete Reliance on God’s Holy Spirit!

I have learned that this is a universal principle guiding many actions in the Christian faith. So, the principle has universal application when we consider all of the unknown factors that affecting change in our lives. I am a planner, but many times you can’t construct a perfect plan to address a tough change personally or professionally. While I love books on change management and the wisdom within, nothing can replace this preceding principle in the life of a Christian. (Proverbs 19: 21)

When I think of this principle, my mind turns to Luke 10:1-17. The heart of the principle is in versus 3-4 where Jesus commands the disciples to “³ Go! I am sending you out like lambs among wolves. ⁴ Do not take a purse or bag or sandals; and do not greet anyone on the road.” (Luke 10:3-4, NIV) Too often we as people want a plan first instead of seeking God’s will through His Holy Spirit. We have the cart before the horse. I we have been told “⁵ If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.” (James 1:5, NIV)

When I decided to leave a successful church and church role, I was tempted to first secure a plan. Make sure I had another job lined up, find some medical benefits, hide my intentions from my current church leadership, and then when I had the plan lined up; pull the trigger and execute. This was a very worldly way of thinking about the problem. But before you are too harsh on me, or yourself, we are in the world and it is easy to think this way. What God reminded me was that there is a better way.

I trusted God’s Spirit to precede me in my conversation with my leader at the time. I explained what God was doing and how to grow into the next phase of my ministry journey it was time for me to take a major risk. Once he prayed about it, he was able to send me out with his blessing as well as some financial support until we landed. Just like in Luke, I took nothing with me, but expected God to prepare the path because He had called us to the journey. A positioned opened as a Chaplain at a local hospital that provides benefits and a local church that wants to work the process of revitalization has begun the process with us. There is allot more to that part of the story, but too much to put here for a blog.

If you are considering a change in ministry or God is calling you to something new, I want to encourage you to seek His guidance available through His Holy Spirit before constructing your plan. There indeed may be some strategic planning, but if you move forward without hearing His voice you will find yourself panicking to secure a plan, before you have consulted the Man!