Be sure to get in on General Council ‘09 takeaways
General Treasurer Doug Clay
By Doug Clay
Have you ever noticed how the exhibit halls at General Councils resemble a mall? Thousands of people walking past and entering hundreds of booths, browsing and shopping for information. And nearly every vendor in the hall offers an imprinted giveaway to encourage you to stop in — and later, remember them by.
This year, I want to encourage each person attending General Council to not only check out the Exhibit Hall and get in on some of the free giveaways, but to focus on what Council as a whole offers in “takeaways.”
Takeaway is a new buzz word currently being used in conferences and seminars. It is intentionally used to help attendees focus on what they can “take away” from the conference and use in their life and/or leadership. Here are a few takeaways that I pray you leave GC ’09 with:
1. Live with the confidence that you are the object of God’s love. He is for you.
Ephesians 1:3 (MSG)
“Long before he laid down earth’s foundations, he had us in mind, had settled on us as the focus of his love….”
2. Consider Christ as your primary coach/mentor. There are a multitude of models of leadership and ministry — but He is the ultimate.
John 5:30 (NIV)
“…I seek not to please myself but him who sent me.”
3. Have fun doing ministry. We have not been sentenced to the ministry as something to be endured, rather we have been called into it…so enjoy!
Psalm 2:4 (KJV)
“He that sitteth in the heavens shall laugh….”
4. Blow the dust off the Ghost and invite the Holy Spirit’s participation in everything you do.
Luke 24:49 (NIV)
“What comes next is very important: I am sending what my Father promised to you, so stay here in the city until he arrives, until you’re equipped with power from on high.”
5. Stay connected. Don’t be an island — we are much stronger collectively than we will ever be individually.
Proverbs 27:17 (TEV)
“People learn from one another, just as iron sharpens iron.”
6. Keep yourself pure. The anointing can take you places, but it’s your character that keeps you there. How cool would it be to see people be willing to humble themselves and seek counsel first — before becoming a statistic.
2 Timothy 2:21 (Phillips)
“If man keeps himself clean from the contamination of evil, he will be a vessel used for honorable purposes, dedicated and serviceable for use by the Master, ready for any good purpose.”
7. Stretch your faith to increase your level of personal participation in missions.
Romans 10:15 (NIV)
“And how can they preach unless they are sent?”
8. Learn to listen to the whisper of the Spirit. Don’t let the busyness of life and ministry keep you from hearing.
John 8:26b (NIV)
“….what I have heard from him I tell the world.”
9. Reach one more for Jesus.
2 Peter 3:9 (NCV)
“…He does not want anyone to be lost, but he wants all people to change their hearts and lives.”
10. Be an Andy’s type of person. Andy’s is an incredible frozen custard place in Springfield, Missouri, that draws people by the hundreds each night — it’s always a treat going there. Smiling, caring, outwardly focused Christians can draw people to Christ in much the same manner, as they’re always a treat to be with. And by the way, if you happen to come to Springfield, your Executive Leadership Team will GLADLY go with you for your first experience at Andy’s!
Psalm 34:8a (NIV)
“Taste and see that the LORD is good…” Okay, I know that verse is a stretch!
I love the prayer of Dr. Richard Kriegbaum, and it is my prayer for you.
“Whatever you teach me is all I have for others, God. I must be wise if we are to succeed, and you know I am not naturally wise. Too often I am a fool, tricked so easily by my own personality, deceived by my ignorance, blinded by my proud determination to win, and misled by my logic. Sometimes my spirit is asleep or busy elsewhere or just encrusted with all my own exquisite rationalizing. I need your wisdom.
“If I were brilliant, if I had the knowledge and strengths that I admire in so many other people, if I were a spiritual giant, I would simply ask you to help me do my best. But my best is not good enough. I do not know enough, and I cannot see clearly enough. I am your child, and I want to learn, but unless your Spirit teaches me, I have little to offer. I need your wisdom.
“What you give me determines the success or failure of those I lead. They deserve some word, they need a message. How else will they understand our situation and how it informs our direction and points to a worthy purpose? I have studied and analyzed all I can. Teach me to go beyond the facts and feelings. My spirit waits quietly. I need your wisdom.
“Teach me, God, so I have some wisdom to share.”
May God help all of us to lead forward with divine wisdom.