Summer brings a welcome shift in schedule. Just prior to school’s end many parents weep and wail in weariness from the mundanity of schedule. Life flows by rhythms. Healthy rhythms order our lives in ways that honor and glorify God.
One rhythmic adjustment I’ve implemented at LifePoint is the summer preaching schedule. I first tried this approach in 2014 and wrote about it here. This schedule affords several benefits and opportunities for the church and me. I want to share some of my priorities for this summer, as well as some upcoming preaching highlights.
Four priorities focus my summer time.
First, rest is critical.
The longer I’ve served in ministry the more value I’ve assigned to physical rest, some intentionally and most by demand. Weekly, seasonal and annual rest serve an increasingly important role in my life and ministry. Rest builds my faith as it places a high trust in God’s sovereignty for everything.
Second, I evaluate and develop LifePoint’s missional partnerships and Impact.
This work is ongoing throughout the year, but summer provides opportunity to give definite shape to partnerships, Impacts and projects for the upcoming months. Occasionally I have opportunity to visit partners or lead a short-term work. The primary opportunity, though, comes through networking. Networking during this season strengthens the whole of LifePoint’s Impact partnerships and work.
Third, I evaluate, assess and develop LifePoint’s leadership, structure and practices.
I give time to mid-year reviews for staff and development priorities for elders. Currently I am writing and updating descriptions and distinctions for staff positions, the Elder Council and Board of Directors to clarify roles and responsibilities as the church grows and develops. Leadership demands intentional strategy and structure to empower, and not restrict, the missional advancement of the church.
Fourth, I plan and prepare my preaching strategy for the next year.
I take a full 4-5 days each summer to get away, pray and seek the Lord. I evaluate the past year of preaching and study, the present challenges and celebrations among the church body, and ask God to give me direction for the next season. I strive to listen to the church and what I hear among the fellowship to apply what I hear from God’s Word. I work to consider every aspect of the church’s life and bring the whole counsel of God as He speaks through His Word in this decision. In a very real way and with deep conviction, I hold this as the most important annual, operational strategy decision for LifePoint.
Finally, I am able to focus on these priorities because I implement an adjusted preaching rhythm at LifePoint. Summer 2016 began by hosting a new church planter, Tyler St. Clair. We will welcome another new Impact partner, James and Abi Copeland, on Sunday, June 19. I will introduce the Copelands on my blog next week. I hope we will be able to host a third Impact partner. (Name withheld for security reasons.) This is not a new partner, but is currently in the states. As well, LifePoint is blessed with several gifted, capable preachers. I look forward to hearing from Pastor Chris, Brandon and Clay DeWoody, LifePoint’s Church Planting Resident.
Pray fervently with me for this season. The Lord has been gracious with immeasurable blessing to LifePoint. May we strive to faithfully steward all that Jesus gives to us as He grows us and grow us up. The immediate horizon for LifePoint offers our greatest challenge and highest work yet. More on this next week.
because Jesus lives…Pastor Lane