Daniel Henderson, a dear mentor of mind can often be heard quoting this Brazilian Proverb…
“The heart cannot taste what the eyes have not seen.”
I knew the church in Austin was incredible, but now I know the church in Austin is incredible!
I figured it would be because I have known and loved the senior pastor for several years and because I have enjoyed their services online on several occasions. But, being there in person gave me the ability to “taste” the beauty of this fellowship in a way I had yet to.
Words that come to mind to describe the people and the Sunday worship experience include:
Vibrant. Young. Humble. Diverse. Hungry. Expectant. Impressive. Missional. Loving. Intentional. Unhurried. Successful. Healthy.
They are a church plant that is 10 years young. Easily over 1000 people. 700+ of which are in community groups. And they have planted multiple churches out of their church both locally and globally. They are getting it done.
My buddy who is the Senior Pastor is, easily, one of the five greatest pastors/leaders I have the privilege of having a relationship with.
Gifted and God-glorifying.
Influential and deferential.
Powerful and hospitable.
Strong and weak.
Fun and serious.
Visionary and present.
Young and mature.
Spirit-filled and biblically-committed.
Gospel-grounded and mission-driven.
Focused and fatherly.
Real and relational.
Hood and holy!
The dude is an absolute gem in the Kingdom of God.
And…there is a very real opportunity for me to work for and alongside him!
So why am I not just saying “no” to the other opportunities and immediately taking this job?
Simply put, I’m not sure if it’s God’s will for me to do so.
Questions the two of us (and our wives) discussed included:
Is placing my desire and, what I feel like is a, calling to be a Senior Pastor on a hold to be an Associate Pastor at this church, for at least 10 years, a form of “burying my talents?” (I say 10 years because both he and I want a long-term commitment.)
Can we both humble ourselves and sacrifice parts of who we are to make this work?
Does this church really need a guy like me?
Definitely difficult questions to discern the answers to.
Honestly, before my wife and I even visit Atlanta next week, we find ourselves quite overwhelmed by the great opportunities that are before us. We are grateful, but we are unsure. We don’t want to make the wrong decision.
Please continue to pray for God to give us wisdom. (Thank you to so many of you who have been praying!)
But, whether I end up working at this church or not, this trip and the time spent with my friend strongly solidified a few things in my mind…
A healthy inner life matters exponentially more to me than outer success. (My friend, coincidentally, has both!)
Being around healthy leaders brings healing. (I experienced healing this weekend.)
The Church of Jesus Christ is thriving and expanding in ways most believers believe it isn’t. (My friends church is an example of this.)
One of the most impactful ways to be motivated to persevere in fulfilling your calling in pastoral ministry is to surround yourself with pastors who are thriving in their calling in pastoral ministry. (My friend did this for me this weekend.)
The greatest leaders may not be, currently, standing on the biggest platforms or holding the most prestigious positions. (One day, my friend is going to have a greater, visible impact. I’m sure of it.)
And finally…
I am most impressed by the leader who is least impressed with themself.
But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not look on his appearance or on the height of his stature, because I have rejected him. For the Lord sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.” 1 Samuel 16:7
Community Opportunity
In the comments below, please share about a humble, successful friend who inspires you. I’d love to hear about a peer, mentor, or hero whose character encourages you to be all that God is calling you to be!
Two of the most humble men I've met are Dr. RT Kendall and Billy Graham. Mr. Graham is now with the Lord, but his life and humility greatly inspired me as the Lord gave me the opportunity to serve in the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association. What a joy it was!
Dr. Kendall, who pastored Westminster Chapel in London for 25 years, has become a friend and mentor over the past 20 years of my life. He now lives in Nashville and I hope to see him again in March. He's a theological giant, yet so humble. His words, teachings and writings have helped mold my life in Christ in a number of ways and I am so grateful that in the Lord's timing, He has allowed me to be able to call him my friend.
I don't Pastor Ed, this stuff is tricky. I usually do a fast to get this kind of clarity. What I DO KNOW is that I am looking forward to experiencing your sermons again.