So the word of God spread. The number of disciples in Jerusalem increased rapidly...

Acts 6:7

In February, our Network Leadership Team was able to travel the state in what we call our “2023 Connection Tour.” The tour's main purpose has been to connect with our OMN pastors and leaders. In addition, we wanted the time to be enriching and empowering to continue fulfilling our spiritual leadership roles. I am pleased to report that nearly 400 participated in the 2023 CT. It was powerful. 

During this year’s tour, I shared our 2023 theme, ACCELERATE, and provided 4 Action Steps to take that will help us pick up the pace of ministry in the local context.  

1. Be ALERT To What God Is Doing Now.

See, I am doing a new thing!

Isaiah 43:19

I shared that we should always be grateful for what God has done in the past. Those specific moments have brought redemption, change, and a new direction that has shaped us. However, I stressed that we must not get stuck in the past. If we do, we will miss what God is doing now. 

So, I encourage you to be ALERT to the new word or work God is doing today in and through your life. Be observant of what God is speaking and doing at this moment. We dare not miss it, or we will decline and not move forward. 

2. Be AGGRESSIVE in Improving Your Vision.

So prepare your minds for action.

1 Peter 1:13

I spoke of the value of pausing from the current routine, taking time to pray, and planning for the next step God has for us. What new vision, dream, or project does God long for you to take? After completing a demanding two-year building project in our church, I found myself gliding, not growing.  I remember wondering, “Ok, now what do I do?” After seeking the Lord, He refreshed my vision for our new season. It was a pivotal moment in our ministry as a church. God does not run out of vision and dreams for your future. In fact, you are about to step into your most fruitful season in ministry if you let God speak again to you.

3. Be AVAILABLE to Use Your Gifts and Skills.  

For this reason, I remind you to fan the flame the gift God...

2 Timothy 1:6

Acceleration speaks of activating the gifts and skills God has given you. This is the message of Romans 12 and reminds us not to be idle or passive in those motivational gifts. They are needed. You have been positioned to be an influencer, instructor, and inspiration to others. Stir up the gifts God has given you and use them in your community. You’ll experience growth personally and collectively for the glory of God. 

4. Be ACTIVE in following the Holy Spirit's Lead.

If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit. 

Galatians 5:25

We accelerate when we follow the Holy Spirit’s leading. It requires faith, trust, cooperation, and obedience. I am wondering what the Holy Spirit is leading you to do now. Speaking to someone about faith in Jesus? Starting a new discipleship effort? Staying where you are rather than leaving? Accepting a new assignment? Beginning a new sermon series?  Resetting your leadership model?  The list could go on. The Holy Spirit guides you and will bring you into a new season. Go for it!

I continue to be expectant and excited about the Oregon Ministry Network. Together we will accelerate and see God do great things! Keep moving forward!

Looking forward to seeing you at Summit 2023. A new format and special guest General Superintendent Doug Clay. Can’t wait. 

The Lord God is my strength; He will make my feet like hind's feet, and He will make me walk on my high places.

Habakkuk 3:19

During our Assemblies of God Executive Presbytery meeting in November, the AG Legal Counsel strongly recommended these guidelines and practices for all our AG churches. These steps were given to ensure proactive actions in the local, state, and national context and are intended to help protect from frivolous litigations that have become more common.      

1. Include the affirmation of the AG - 16 Fundamental Statements of Faith in your Church Bylaws.
2. Include the support of the AG – Position Papers & Purposes in Employee Manuals.
3. Require all Employees/Volunteers to Sign an Annual Code of Christian Conduct & Agreement. This would include proper sexual conduct.
4. Provide a well-written Job Description for all Employees/Staff.
   • This would include a purpose statement of the church/ministry.  
   • This would include clear duties and responsibilities of each employee/staff member.
   • Each person would be required to agree to and sign the job description.
5. Conduct Regular (annually or more) Performance Evaluations/Reviews.   
   • Include measures of spiritual health.
   • Include measuring professional performance.
   • Include measuring relational compatibility with the team and mission.

These proactive steps are intended to show effort and due diligence in working with individuals within your local church or ministry if ever faced with an unfortunate legal challenge by an employee or volunteer. This will also assist in avoiding misunderstandings, miscommunication, and misrepresentation of both the local church and the staff/employees.   

On a personal note, this has been a helpful practice for many years in our ministry. It reinforces that people matter to us, and it also provides an opportunity to have meaningful and productive conversations. The desire is to encourage a healthy, supportive, and Christian work environment.  

…pray for us that the message of the Lord may spread rapidly (accelerate)and be honored...

2 Thessalonians 3:1

2023 is a year for all of us in the Oregon Ministry Network to accelerate our leadership. In February, our OMN Team will be gathering at eight locations throughout the state to share some of the tools that will help us make this a reality in the days ahead.    

A few years ago, I was having a conversation with one of my former pastors and mentors. He was a man of vision and very clear on his responsibilities to lead forward. During our meeting, my pastor friend looked at me and asked, “What are you planning to do in the future?” Now understand I have just led one of the most significant building projects in our church’s history. It was the biggest thing I had ever done. I was looking to enjoy it now simply, and he was asking, “What is next?” I responded, “Well…I’m just trying to survive!” He pressed me more, “I know all you accomplished, and I’m proud of you, but what are you dreaming about now? What is the next step in your mission and vision?” For the next few minutes, my beloved mentor challenged me not to stop dreaming. I now look back and realize he was spurring me on to keep leading forward. 

For us to accelerate as pastors and leaders in 2023, we must pause to reconsider our God-directed mission and vision. Why did God place you where you are? What has he called you to do?

Great pastors and leaders need to know three things regarding their mission and purpose.

1. Clearly understand the WHAT. Ask, what is the central mission and purpose of what I am doing?
2. Clearly understand the WHY. Ask, why is this central mission important, and why am I doing it?
3. Clearly understand the HOW. Ask, how will the central mission be accomplished?

I recently spoke to a couple considering their next steps in ministry. After discussing a recent disappointment in ministry, we all concluded that God was preparing them to turn what appeared to be a setback into a setup for an extraordinary new assignment. We left the conversation full of confidence that God was directing their steps and they would accelerate. 

Psalm 37:23 The Lord directs the steps of the godly.  He delights in every detail of their lives.

I am going to suggest that in the next couple of weeks, you carve out a few hours or a day to get alone and prayerfully contemplate your current role and responsibilities. Here are some coaching suggestions:  

1. Take time to refresh your personal mission statement (God’s calling).
2. Take time to identify one or two new things you want to pursue in 2023 (God’s vision).
3. Take time to discuss with two or three trusted friends your written mission and pursuit (God’s counsel).
4. Take time to reset a timeline to begin, evaluate, and complete your new efforts in 2023 (God’s timing).
5. Take time to begin by taking the first steps needed to stay on mission and fulfill your dreams (Your obedience).

For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.

Jeremiah 29:11