Earlier this week I was looking for an old file and ran across some notes from a “Dream Big” planning retreat we did as a staff at Grace Community Church in August of 2007. We were almost 2 years old at that time and the assignment was to brainstorm about “the sky is the limit” and “money is not an obstacle” dreams the staff at the time had. It was amazing to look at the list today and realize that much of the list is being accomplished or could be in a short amount of time. I realized it is time for us to dream big again!
To lead by example, here is what I’m currently dreaming and praying about:
Coaching network – I have long been interested in mentoring. The new “buzz” term appears to be coaching. Call it what you want, but I am praying about ways that I can invest in others, both in our church and outside our church. Look for something next year.
Book publishing – I have a few ideas floating around, but more importantly I have an edited Word document with 365 of my devotionals from Mustard Seed Ministry ready to publish. I am weighing my options.
Grace Community Church– I cannot list all the big dreams here, mostly because they involve other people, but let me just say God is blowing my mind with possibilities.
What are you dreaming big about these days?
I’m seeking God for a dream He’s had on my heart for a long long time… to be a Pastor and lead people into active faith and authentic relationship with God and others…
There’s a real need in Australia for people to wake up and take their faith seriously, I see a real need for men to be reminded that they are men and to live lives of adventure, stedfastness and faith as men of God…
I’ve been in ‘ministry’ ever since I was 15 (now 30) and have been a youth pastor for nearly 10 years and am now into my 3rd year in the ‘wilderness’. Over the last 3 years God has called me out of youth ministry, out of worship ministry and out of the church we have been attending for over 10 years… it’s a lonely place and my wife and I are waiting for God to show us the next steps… it’s hard working in a secular job when all that’s in me desires to be in ministry… I know I’m learning, I know I’m ministering to my work friends and I want to be faithful where I am placed but It’s hard knowing this is not long term and not trying to run ahead of God…
Would appreciate your prayers 🙂
.-= Andrew´s last blog ..How to Change the World…? =-.
Andrew, I will certainly be praying. In my experience, there are places to bloom where you are planted. Look for those opportunities God has in front of you today and in the process of seeking them, perhaps He will reveal your dream to you, and I can almost assure you His dream is bigger and better even than yours. That was precisely my situation coming to ministry just a few years older than where you are now. God bless you as you seek Him.
I don’t know if I am moving forewords or backwards sometimes.
I recently had some interaction with some of my fellow alumni over the direction of my Alma Mater is taking. It was remarkable to see just how far God has taken me over the last 2.5 years in maturity compared to where I was…when I was student there. Apparently I have mellowed considerably in terms of taking offense.
I will take you up on that suggestion though with Isaiah 30 & 55 and we’ll see where it goes. Thank you!
Dreaming big? Dreaming of what God has in mind next for my wife and I and drawing blanks. We know God operates in His own timing and is never early or late, but 90% it feels like our life is on hold and we are not sure how to get unstuck.
We know God can only guide a moving ship, but what do you do when almost every single major door you try has been closing for the last 3 years. We have an appt, I have a job, my wife has a developing ministry, we have money in savings but our cash flow is negative by a small amount each month. And I am coming home mentally and physically exhausted a great majority of the time these days…..what am I missing?
Daniel, I have lived in your world. I wish I had easier answers for you. Try reading Isaiah 30 and Isaiah 55. Those two chapters were huge for me. So many times, in my experience, God is answering in some way, but we just can’t see it. Either that, or He is preparing you for the answer. For me, I was already doing what God wanted me to do…ministry…it just wasn’t paying anything. I wanted a “real job” with a paycheck to keep the lifestyle we had going. God stripped me of that dream and led me into the wilderness for a while, but it was the best ride of my life. I am actually back to being financially stable again, but it didn’t come overnight. The sense that I was in the center of His will, however, came instantly, and I wouldn’t trade that feeling for anything. Praying for you.
Ron
BTW, when I surrendered to the ministry, I finally got around to telling my wife the night before I started “working” for God. She already knew. She was just waiting until I surrendered.
You have some exciting projects pending, and I love watching you work!
I have some big dreams of my own:
Kingdom 9-1-1
Crisis stablization and case management for those who suffer from extreme poverty, homelessness, mental illness, domestic violence, and families with incarcerated loved ones.
(in AMERICA!)
Finish developing the curriculum that has been born of my experience with those issues…
Learn to animate said curriculum, and connect with others who are equally committed to the ministry of reconciliation, and edification of the Body of Christ!
After lunch, we’ll tackle the rest of the world…
Naw, not really; we’ll wait at least until after dinner!
As you can see, I have to rely heavily on my sense of humor, coz that’s a BIG plateful!)
Is anything too difficult for God?
NOPE. THERE’S NOTHING MY GOD CAN’T DO!
He’s convinced me!!!
: )
All blessings to you and yours,
Connie
http://www.conniescrafts4kids.com