Summer is an interesting season in American culture, typically known for major schedule shifts, vacations, late nights and the like. Summer too often assumes a “check out” mentality rather than a “strive toward” attitude. Several years ago I began to implement a strategic shift in my sumer schedule. Several factors contributed to allow this shift. I desire for summer to be a season to “press in” (for me, my family and LifePoint) in order to “press on” for longevity and endurance in life and ministry.
Summer 2014 has been a different season for me personally. I typically take off from preaching for 5-6 weeks from late May through early August. This allows me to rest from the weekly sermon prep demand, spend time with my family, focus on other areas of responsibility and prepare for our next season. This summer I stepped away from the pulpit for eight straight weeks. (I honestly did not think I would make it.) I want to thank LifePoint for this opportunity and share more insight into my time. I pray this provides encouragement to others to be intentional and strategic in life. I also pray this serves as some accountability to the body of Christ at LifePoint that I serve.
First, rest and family time serves as my first priority for summer. I confess a personal tension. I don’t unplug easily, but I do need to rest. (As much as I don’t like to admit it, I do. My wife knows.) Rest means hanging out with the family. I love spending time alone with my bride. She is my joy and strength. We celebrated a great milestone in our marriage this summer. We celebrated 20 years of marriage, on our 21st anniversary! We planned to get away for our 20th anniversary but were not able to make that happen last year. 21 years of joyful bliss, headed for 70+.
I also want to take make time to watch my kids and talk to them. I have learned that two teenagers means planned opportunities are necessary in addition to daily conversations. Nothing thrills my heart more than watching my kids grow and mature. Just watching them brings great joy. My baby girl turned 13 this summer. (I am not happy about this.) I could not be more proud of the godly young lady she has become. Time is so short. God is so gracious. I took my son on his first international impact trip this summer. I am amazed by the gift God has given him. God broke our hearts for the people of the world. The Gospel is powerful to save.
As it relates to my work, rest doesn’t mean “I stop working” or dormancy. This shift affords me more personal devotion and study, to focus on the strength of my heart and mind. I also focus on other responsibilities in order to change my weekly rhythm of sermon preparation. I spend time on areas such as annual syncs with the ministry staff, leadership development and planning, overall evaluation, strategic planning and vision development, and annual sermon planning. I typically lay out a year’s worth of goals and direction during the summer months. This shift allows my leadership to flow from personal devotion and study.
Second, I started working toward my doctorate two years ago and entered the writing phase this Spring. I intentionally scheduled additional time this summer to write and work ahead on my project. I knew I could not sustain the additional work load with my current schedule. LifePoint has grown and developed with additional leaders to take on more responsibility that allows me to make needed adjustments in schedule. I am thankful to the Lord for these men who serve with faithfulness and passion for Jesus and His Word.
Third, I remain resolute that summer will never be a season for spiritual slump at LifePoint, specifically in preaching. In a season when our people press in to intense missional implementation, the pulpit must be a place of refreshing every week. LifePoint’s pastoral staff handles the Word faithfully and capably. The summer series “Fellowship with God; a study of 1 John” has been a refreshing time. I am thankful for their willingness to serve the Lord Jesus, the church and me in this way. In addition, LifePoint is blessed with young, emerging leaders. Leadership development demands opportunity. What a blessing to listen to these men preach God’s Word as they grow and mature among us.
Finally, Summer 2014 afforded me the opportunity to be intentionally engaged in much of LifePoint’s missional implementation. I represented LifePoint at the annual Acts 29 Church Planting Network pastor’s retreat. What an encouragement to see the labors of our network multiplying around the world. I also spent two days with our students in Kansas City, watching God use them powerfully in an urban context to minister the gospel to families and strengthen a church in the midst of revitalization. This thrilled my heart. As I mentioned already, I also led a small international team to develop a new Impact partnership. You will hear more about this in the months that follow.
God’s grace and power on LifePoint remain strong. I pray that Summer 2014 will prove to prepare us for a fruitful Fall season of missional multiplication and advancement. May the Gospel of Jesus Christ be our one resound.