Fulfilling Dreams – Day 19

You don’t go as far as your DREAM, but as far as your TEAM

Today’s reading – Acts 6:1-7

I am writing tonight from the Dominican Republic.  We as a church and family have the privilege of supporting an incredible mission organization called Mission 25/35.  They are working tirelessly to do four things in the Santiago area of the D.R. to promote sustainable communities.  Clean water, food, healthcare and job training.  These four pillars are the foundation of the dream of this mission outpost.  I am here with the leadership dreaming and visioning a way forward for the incredible work they are doing.  And let me tell you, the dream is big and the team is capable and incredible.

“Don’t just tell me what you are going to do, show me, invite me, and let’s do it together.”

“And the word of God continued to increase, and the number of disciples multiplied greatly Jerusalem.”  Acts 6:7

 

Have you ever had a BIG dream that never came to pass?  Most of us have experienced the disappointment of something we felt called to but never saw come to fruition.  Maybe the most important question you will ask is, “who is with me?” The disciples had the courage to recognize they couldn’t do it all, and that allowed them to lead the early church forward.  They needed to stay in their strength zone.  They were to be devoted to the prayer and the ministry of the word. (Acts 4:4)

 

Unfortunately, sometimes we try to go it alone and we really don’t know how to empower others so we do it all ourselves.  But it isn’t like that here.  This dream here is happening.  As we sat around Rick and Tammie’s table tonight, visioning, talking, praying and sharing a meal together, something became evident to me.  This team with all its connections, strengths, humility and teamwork could actually pull this off!  The reason is because the strength of the team.  If you have a BIG dream you are going to need the help of others who will walk alongside you.

 

Some Thought on Accomplishing a Dream With a Team…

 

1. Assemble The Right Team – “A team that knows its strengths will always outperform.”  Sometimes we have to do things we aren’t that great at, but a great team will put people in places where they fit seamlessly and are able to run fast.  It’s evident here this team knows their strengths and weaknesses.  We all have blind spots, but we aren’t going to lead well out of them.  We lead well in what we see clearly.

 

2. A Culture of Empowerment – “Pride and insecurity lead to control and deceit.” People want to help, or they probably wouldn’t be in the room.  Letting others lead and make decisions is a sign of a true leader and collaboration helps us to defer to the opinions of others.  The problem is, most of the time we think we are right.  This doesn’t mean when we establish a leader in a role we abandon them in their post, or let them make colossal mistakes, but we trust and coach them up to be the best player they can be for the team.

 

3. Engage in Healthy Conflict – “A team that is unified knows how to disagree.” If everyone agrees all the time you may have a dysfunctional team.  Providing a safe place for healthy discussion and disagreement actually FOSTERS UNITY.  Allowing input from everyone with respect and inclusion shows honor for the role they play and how God has gifted them.  Remember unity does not mean uniformity.

4. If You Play together You’ll Stay Together – “If you always are serious, people will stop taking you seriously.” I wonder how many times Jesus just goofed off with the disciples.  We can tell by the writing of the New Testament that Jesus was a pretty witty and free spirited man.  I imagined he told some jokes and had some great full on laughter and celebration with his disciples.  If it’s all business all the time the time will come when the team will loathe the business.

 

What about you?  Who do you need to invite to become a part of the team to accomplish the dream he has for your life.  I promise you, His plan is NOT for you to accomplish it alone.

Josh

The 40 Day Fasting Explanation

A season of fasting and prayer – Over the next 40 days leading up to our 9th anniversary, our church family will be in a season of fasting and prayer.  I invite you to come along with us and ask God for a transformation by the renewal of our minds.

A 40 Day Prayer and Fasting Guide for 217church

1. An Everyday Habit in the Word – Each day I will be sending out a short devotional based on some selected readings.  This begins through a simple prayer of asking God to renew us.

2. Continual Fasting  – A 40 Day Prayer and Fasting Guide for 217church

God has blessed us through incredibly unique circumstances over the last nine years as 217church.  We have baptized over 275 people and been given the unique calling to have a church planting and multiplication vision.  The past 18 months of ministry have led the pastors and elders to call us as a congregation to a season of prayer and fasting.  We want to use this time to understand the depth of God’s heart for us and the next steps he is calling us to.  I trust your heart will be open and God will bring us to a deeper understanding of what it means to “rebuild lives one person at a time.”

We believe God wants us to fast over a period of 40 days.  As a reminder, what you choose to fast is between you and Jesus. But you may want to include some natural encouragement and accountability over this 40 day period.  This may mean you are doing one of the following as an example:

  • Skipping a meal or a whole day of meals.
  • Eliminating something like sugar, coffee, or meat to remind you of your total dependence on God.
  • Encouraging one another in the church family as you pray together and sacrifice your physical sustenance for spiritual direction and focus.

What will God do? I am looking forward to see his direction.

Renewal is on the way – Join me along this process

 

Josh Conn is the founding pastor of217church, a contemporary church in Mercer County NJ.  217church meets Sundays at 9:30am & 11:00am at Sharon Elementary school in Robbinsville, NJ.  Visit www.217church.com for more information, or watch a weekend message here.

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One thought on “Fulfilling Dreams – Day 19”

  1. Josh….your insights are amazing. Thanks for your incredible spiritual wisdom and leadership. Most of all your friendship