Some thoughts
There are a few things roaming around my head this morning that I want to share with you. The first is on the loss of influence.
Starting this church has placed me in a position that I am not comfortable with but has taught me much. When I was the pastor of Parkway Church I had a certain level of “clout” and influence because of the size and scope of the ministry there. God did some amazing things in, for, and through me as a leader during those 15 years. When I moved to Florida, by the call of God, I lost all that clout and influence. I jokingly say that I once was somebody. The amazing thing is that I am still the same guy. In fact I have grown more this last year than I have in years. The biggest revelation to me is my pompous attitude. I have declared that I want to make Jesus famous but the reality is that I want some fame as well. That is called pride and pride made the devil the devil.
Another thought running through my head is partnerships. Not everyone who says they are in with you are in with you. I have discovered some real friends during my transition. Leaders like Hal Mayer, Ted Cunningham, Mike Hurt, Bil Cornelius, Gary Smalley, and others have poured life into me. I have also been disappointed, oh well.
The last for today is on funding. Tara and I took a huge risk leaving the established church to start over. We knew it was God’s will so it was God’s bill. We have two kids in college. This was not the best time to be leaving everything. God has displayed His ability to meet our needs in a real way. No risk no reward has been our motto. God is good and able. Tara is starting her own business and once again we are out on God’s limb.
I did a lot of whining in my time with God this morning and writing these thoughts down for you has helped me to regain clarity. Let me ask you, “What would you do for God if you knew you could not fail?”
Starting this church has placed me in a position that I am not comfortable with but has taught me much. When I was the pastor of Parkway Church I had a certain level of “clout” and influence because of the size and scope of the ministry there. God did some amazing things in, for, and through me as a leader during those 15 years. When I moved to Florida, by the call of God, I lost all that clout and influence. I jokingly say that I once was somebody. The amazing thing is that I am still the same guy. In fact I have grown more this last year than I have in years. The biggest revelation to me is my pompous attitude. I have declared that I want to make Jesus famous but the reality is that I want some fame as well. That is called pride and pride made the devil the devil.
Another thought running through my head is partnerships. Not everyone who says they are in with you are in with you. I have discovered some real friends during my transition. Leaders like Hal Mayer, Ted Cunningham, Mike Hurt, Bil Cornelius, Gary Smalley, and others have poured life into me. I have also been disappointed, oh well.
The last for today is on funding. Tara and I took a huge risk leaving the established church to start over. We knew it was God’s will so it was God’s bill. We have two kids in college. This was not the best time to be leaving everything. God has displayed His ability to meet our needs in a real way. No risk no reward has been our motto. God is good and able. Tara is starting her own business and once again we are out on God’s limb.
I did a lot of whining in my time with God this morning and writing these thoughts down for you has helped me to regain clarity. Let me ask you, “What would you do for God if you knew you could not fail?”
Labels: Reflections
posted by Scott Weatherford at
10:54 AM
2 Comments:
I think it is great that you are able to admit that there is a part of you that wants some of God's glory to shine your way. The reality is that this is exactly what WILL happen to you. The question that only you can answer is what will you do when it shines on and through you? Not all people will realize that this movement is not about you but God. All you can do is to choose to give Him the glory and keep pointing to Jesus. When God shows off how Huge He really is...that is when Scott will be tested.
I can hear Tweety bird right now "poor wittle Scott, how is he going to handle things when God weally shows off?"..."poor wittle Scott" LOL
By
Jim, At
July 10, 2008 7:07 AM
Oh Scott, I love the "poor wittle Scott" comment coming from the Tweedy Bird fan above. How closely I can relate based on what we have discussed... :-)
You are an inspiration to me...don't worry, Jesus and His Father are already famous! I think you're just trying to facilitate folks acceptance of His love, power and saving grace...
Again, truly, I doubt your heart is seeking fame, fortune or recognition. Yet, you recognize with worldly success in any endeavor comes a certain amount of "fame". I don't think God would pick a man who didn't want these things at least in a small way...you see God knows what qualities it takes to save souls in this world. Don't you think he picked you, at least in some small way, because of your desire to make Him famous and at the same time yourself? I'm not sure but God uses all our qualities right? So he can even use your pride for His kingdom...maybe?
From my experience, you are a very humble and spiritual man. Those qualities comes through to those who meet you only once more than you know.
I'm fascinated by your story of transition. In so many ways it parallels my own move from Washington DC where I personally know many hiring managers with Fortune 500 companies and could take my pick of lucrative positions Instead I came to a city where I knew absolutely no one and had no "friends" I could call on for favors. I am now making 73% less money than I made in 2005...it's a lifestyle adjustment. Yet I am closer to my savior and His power in my life.
I'm excited to see the results, for both of us, in God's time.
By
danamj79, At
July 12, 2008 4:35 PM
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