what do you want from me?

At the start of the new year, I am thinking about what I hope for in the lives of the people I help to lead.  I wonder if sometimes they wonder what I hope for. Do they clearly know our goals? Do they ever get frustrated because I never seem satisfied?

I thought this would be a good time for me to share my realistic dreams for the people whom I serve as pastor. If you are part of Cross Community Church or if I, in any way, influence you, here is what I want:

I want you to grow in your relationship with Jesus. I ask you to come to church. Are you surprised that this request tops my list? Here’s why: Those who are present can listen to and experience what God is doing and saying to our church family. If you are not present, you will go a direction that is different from the church. I want you to move forward and to make progress alongside your church. Spiritual growth happens within our hearts but it is motivated by what we expose ourselves to. I want you to commit to coming to church events. While being present does not guarantee spiritual growth, your chances are MUCH greater with us than apart from us.

I want you to connect. We need you and you need us. Isolation is a dreaded assassin of Christ-followers. Disconnection is to blame for much of our loneliness and emptiness. A great place to start the connect process is at church but it needs to continue outside the building. I want you to spend time with others from our church family. I hope you are involved in a Community Group. I hope you know others and are known by others. Please don’t come to church late and sneak out early so as to avoid saying “hi” to someone.  Make friends here. I want you to be connected.

I want you to serve. Please use your gifts and abilities to help others.  Find a need and fill it.  Serve inside or outside the church. Fill a spot and help change a life.

So, if you’re asking me, “what do you want from me?” … it’s not what I want from you that matters. It’s what I want for you.

I don’t ask you to be perfect. I only ask that you grow, connect and serve.

For more info on grow, connect and serve, click here.