Good day everyone! I have been doing some spiritual reflections this weekend (Memorial Day Weekend) and stumbled across some of Adam Hamilton's teachings he did to the Florida Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church back in 2015. These teachings were from his book "Leading Beyond The Walls". This was one of the first books I read when I began my stint in pulpit ministry back in 2003. It inspired me then, and until this weekend was pretty much forgotten. When I discovered these videos I was drawn in by them once again because of some of the struggles my current church is going through. I am employed by the church as their Director of Media Ministries. Which means I am responsible for the media for two services, website, social media, video bulletin boards, etc. This is what I believe my calling is for the church at this time.

I believe that our church is going through a very difficult time. Over the past year and a half to two years the oil and gas industry has gone through a massive downturn. This has resulted in layoffs and hence as a result of that members have moved away and those who are still here have had to cutback on their giving due to loss of income. This is all part of a cycle in the industry. This also has caused the church to look at its staffing and cutbacks having to be done in this area. This involves loved people who are part of our lives and we don't want to see hurt, but reality is reality.

I say all this because I think in some aspects we have missed the mark as a church. Instead of relying on reality, we should have been turning to God for our answers. I wonder how many of us really have been praying daily for our church. If you have wonderful! If you haven't its not too late! We all need to come together in prayer not only for our church but for our people! But not only for our people, but for all people. Those who are suffering, those who are lost, those who need hope. Have we prayed for them? I am not talking about a pastoral prayer on Sunday morning but in our personal prayer life!!! I know there have been and are times that I fail in this miserably! But that's the wonderful thing about Jesus! He is full of second chances for all!!!

I think about the vision of our church, I know we have a group charged with this but I am not hearing much from them and this should be communicated and should be inspiring for the church in a time where it seems negativity has set in. We have a new pastor starting in two weeks.....what can we do in the interim so that she is not faced head on with negative issues of the church but instead comes into a congregation that is filled with love and hope. I believe together we are stronger and together we can change our reality to one that trusts in Christ to protect us and one who counts on Christ to lead us in our triumph and HIS.

I want to invite you to invest in three hour and half sessions with Pastor Adam Hamilton. I have copied the links below.

Part 1: Leadership

Part 2: Worship and Preaching:

Part 3: Mission and Outreach

I hope and pray that you find these inspiring and I ask that you think of our church while watching. Take NOTES! I did.

I will buy the book for anyone who wants it!

Just some ramblings of a former minister.

Steve