| Know Your Goal of Maturity Sunday Community Worship |
Mark SavageDATE: September 27, 2009
SPEAKER: Mark Savage
SERIES: The Coward's Guide to Conflict
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Bloomington/Normal is full of surprises! I have been surprised by all of the road construction, which seems to be happening on EVERY street. I have found myself working to navigate the construction by going around it, avoiding it, forgetting about it; and sometimes just being stuck in it. Last week I was joking to myself that Main Street had become Pain Street. And yet, while driving on some of the finished portions of Main Street I have spoken out loud, “Wow this is nice.” The hassles of construction are definitely worth it.
Navigating the street construction seems a lot like navigating conflict, which most often is a pain. What we know to be true is that conflict matures us and grows us. On the other side we can say, “Wow this is nice.” Last week’s message “Conflict is Normal,” has brought some great discussion with many of you. I taught that God will disrupt our lives! This creates conflict and this is normal. I also spoke how I am learning to respond to it by Stopping, Pausing and Pursuing. In the midst of God disrupting our lives, I shared that we are to:
- Stop and receive what God is speaking to you!
- Pause and hear what the conflict is saying to you personally!
- Pursue maturity at all costs!
Last Sunday, I also communicated how I am working to accomplish these three principles in my life. Below is a recap of what I shared:
I am taking this step in partnership with the Leadership Council. As Jill and I enter this next season of ministry, we need to proactively pause and take the time over these next few months, through the end of the year, to seek clarity in God’s direction and intentionally strengthen our relationship. This is called a sabbatical. I will begin this step after this weekend.
Sabbatical Purpose:
- 1. To hear from God and be clear on His calling on our lives.
- 2. To be attentive to deepening my relationship with Him and to resolve some of my own personal struggles.
- 3. To take some time to further strengthen our marriage and seek God together for what He is directing.
- 4. To take time to refresh me.
In addition, Jill and I will be participating in Community Worship and KidStuf. I will be serving in different areas of the church, will be spending time with God, reading, journaling and refreshing. I will continue to participate in the Leadership Council; and will engage in personal counseling.
Jill and I will continue to participate in our community group and are scheduled to go to The Blessing Ranch this fall. To find out more about this ministry you can visit their website at www.blessingranch.com. From their website: “Some leaders come because they are facing personal or professional crises; some because they have simply grown weary in well-doing. Others come because they are contemplating a major transition in ministry or desire to deepen their well or rekindle their flame.”
During this sabbatical, you will experience a variety of C3 leaders sharing the Word, a continuation of leadership and deepening of ministry.
We ask for your help for Jill and me; and for the C3 leadership. Pray for us, encourage us and stay steadfast in your love and support. Thank you!
I have had some of you say to me. “I wish I could do something like this.” My encouragement for you is that you can stop, pause and pursue. How would God lead you to take this step in your circumstances? How will you look to the Word, Listen to the Holy Spirit and Lean into Community in working to take this step?
Listen now to this message by Teaching Pastor, Mark Savage on September 27, 2009.
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