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1 votes
Wow ... What a Phone Call
Posted by
Don Sappington
,
02 December 2011
·
1210 views
I just talked to a very excited, encouraged, energized pastor. Would you like to know why?
God is at work in some amazing ways in and through a partnering relationship his church has developed. It all started with a phone call several months ago. "Pastor, would you be interested in coming with me to visit the "Smiths" (international workers)? You know them and already pray for them. This trip will help you learn more about where they work." The response was, "Don, I can't believe you called right now, our leadership has been wrestling with how we could be more personally involved in missions. Maybe this is the answer. I'll get back to you." And so began a conversation that led to the Pastor and one of his elders joining me on a Totally-In Vision Trip to visit the "Smiths" and the region where they serve.
On the trip our goal was to listen to God, to be open to what He would reveal, to open doors of relationship, to confirm His plan - and God DID ALL THAT on our journey. The pastor came back with new relationships and renewed commitment to existing relationships, fresh vision, firm commitments, and a plan of action. That was just six months ago.
Since then,
Today I just learned the church is going to experiment in their setting with what they observed in the international setting of their partner - how cool is that? We learn from each other in a healthy partnership relationship.
I love phone calls like the one I had today - I love coaching leaders and churches toward healthy partnerships. Give me a call sometime if you want to share your story or want some assistance along this line - 719-265-2017 / sappingtond@cmalliance.org
God is at work in some amazing ways in and through a partnering relationship his church has developed. It all started with a phone call several months ago. "Pastor, would you be interested in coming with me to visit the "Smiths" (international workers)? You know them and already pray for them. This trip will help you learn more about where they work." The response was, "Don, I can't believe you called right now, our leadership has been wrestling with how we could be more personally involved in missions. Maybe this is the answer. I'll get back to you." And so began a conversation that led to the Pastor and one of his elders joining me on a Totally-In Vision Trip to visit the "Smiths" and the region where they serve.
On the trip our goal was to listen to God, to be open to what He would reveal, to open doors of relationship, to confirm His plan - and God DID ALL THAT on our journey. The pastor came back with new relationships and renewed commitment to existing relationships, fresh vision, firm commitments, and a plan of action. That was just six months ago.
Since then,
- the pastor or others from his church have been back twice
- ministry has taken place on site through a short-term team
- translation of dicipleship material has been done from English to their language
- future ministry trips are on the calendar
- partner care toward the workers has been ramped up
- attention to increasing financial support is now on the radar
- prayer has taken on personality and passion
- there are efforts to stay in touch more frequently with those serving in the country
- interest and engagement has spread wildly throughout the congregation
Today I just learned the church is going to experiment in their setting with what they observed in the international setting of their partner - how cool is that? We learn from each other in a healthy partnership relationship.
I love phone calls like the one I had today - I love coaching leaders and churches toward healthy partnerships. Give me a call sometime if you want to share your story or want some assistance along this line - 719-265-2017 / sappingtond@cmalliance.org
