One of the greatest things that has ever happened to me as a young leader and pastor is when people who were mentors to me as a teenager and young adult reached beyond the call of duty and actually became friends. I think of my former youth pastor Mark Einersen, who always noted a potential in me that helped me become who I am. The great part about our relationship is that it grew beyond that. We view each other as friends. Sure their are things that he and his family have done for Julie and I that we could never repay and the truth is there are still things that I learn from him, but the relationship is not built around those things. It is built on a genuine authentic relationship that can be nothing more than hanging out at times. Things like that make ministry worth it!
P.S. - I am now on staff at the church he grew up in and a bulk of our ministry focuses on the high school he graduated from.
Showing posts with label Mentors. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Mentors. Show all posts
Monday, September 29, 2008
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
Mentors - Part 3
Indirect Mentor #3 - Craig Groeschel
There are so many things to say here. Craig and Bobby at LifeChurch have made it possible for their impact for the Kingdom to be felt in larger ways than most of us have the creativity to imagine. I'll never forget Craig's story of how they started in a garage with an overhead transparency for their worship. He had a vision and a passion that led to things never thought of 15 years ago, and he is humble enough to admit that he stumbled on the idea during the birth of his child. The thing that I have gleaned the most and continue to glean from him is the fact that we have to do what we are good at doing. God created each and everyone of us uniquely and we are purposed to use the giftings that he has given us in the most effective ways we know how. We are not called to be like someone else!
Direct Mentor #3 - Randy Valimont
Pastor Valimont was my pastor from the time I was about 13 years old. I watched as our church grew from about 300 people to nearly 2500 when I left for college. Since that time it has continued to grow and touch the community in so many ways. Over the years Pastor Valimont and I have had a few conversations that I will not forget. As a college student I will never forget the things that he expected from those around him...1. Passion for God, 2. Work Ethic, and 3. Teachability. He also made this statement in another conversation...(paraphrased) delegation is not delegation without accountability. Now that I have been involved in full-time ministry for nearly nine years, those 2 valuable lessons still remain a part of my ministry philosphy. Thanks Pastor for everything.
There are so many things to say here. Craig and Bobby at LifeChurch have made it possible for their impact for the Kingdom to be felt in larger ways than most of us have the creativity to imagine. I'll never forget Craig's story of how they started in a garage with an overhead transparency for their worship. He had a vision and a passion that led to things never thought of 15 years ago, and he is humble enough to admit that he stumbled on the idea during the birth of his child. The thing that I have gleaned the most and continue to glean from him is the fact that we have to do what we are good at doing. God created each and everyone of us uniquely and we are purposed to use the giftings that he has given us in the most effective ways we know how. We are not called to be like someone else!
Direct Mentor #3 - Randy Valimont
Pastor Valimont was my pastor from the time I was about 13 years old. I watched as our church grew from about 300 people to nearly 2500 when I left for college. Since that time it has continued to grow and touch the community in so many ways. Over the years Pastor Valimont and I have had a few conversations that I will not forget. As a college student I will never forget the things that he expected from those around him...1. Passion for God, 2. Work Ethic, and 3. Teachability. He also made this statement in another conversation...(paraphrased) delegation is not delegation without accountability. Now that I have been involved in full-time ministry for nearly nine years, those 2 valuable lessons still remain a part of my ministry philosphy. Thanks Pastor for everything.
Mentors - Part 2
Indirect Mentor #2 - Bill Hybels
I have read so many books by Hybels and the Willow Creek staff. He says in his book Courageous Leadership that "the local church is the hope of the world." When I first read that it was like I was hit by an oncoming train. But that is exactly the way Jesus set the stage. He spent time on earth with His disciples, and set the church into motion at His death. The "local church" (bodies of believers within a particular community) is the hope for changing that community. We must see more effective churches planted, lead, and grown in every community of the world.
Direct Mentor #2 - Tim Bach
I had the opportunity to serve with Tim Bach during a transitional year of my life. I was about to graduate college and get married. Tim taught me many things, but I think the thing that hit me like a tire iron was his passion for seeing people's life transformed by Jesus. No person was too far from God. Everyday was an opportunity. I have always heard passion is contagious, and in this situation, I am the victim. Since that time, I have had the opportunity to serve with him in other capacities and that passion is still the same.
I have read so many books by Hybels and the Willow Creek staff. He says in his book Courageous Leadership that "the local church is the hope of the world." When I first read that it was like I was hit by an oncoming train. But that is exactly the way Jesus set the stage. He spent time on earth with His disciples, and set the church into motion at His death. The "local church" (bodies of believers within a particular community) is the hope for changing that community. We must see more effective churches planted, lead, and grown in every community of the world.
Direct Mentor #2 - Tim Bach
I had the opportunity to serve with Tim Bach during a transitional year of my life. I was about to graduate college and get married. Tim taught me many things, but I think the thing that hit me like a tire iron was his passion for seeing people's life transformed by Jesus. No person was too far from God. Everyday was an opportunity. I have always heard passion is contagious, and in this situation, I am the victim. Since that time, I have had the opportunity to serve with him in other capacities and that passion is still the same.
Monday, September 22, 2008
Mentors - From Hindsight to Foresight
It has been said that a mentor is "Someone whose hindsight can become your foresight.” I think there are days worth of learning in that statement. There are so many people who have been where I want to go. They are on all different stages of the journey. It's not that I want to be exactly like any of them, but there are things that they have learned along the way that have and will continue to give me insight into decision making along the journey. Over the next week or so I will be sharing a few thoughts on people who have impacted my life. I don't believe that you have to have a relationship with all of the people that impact your life, so I have broken these down into what I call "Direct Impact Mentors"(those who I have a personl relationship with) and "Indirect Impact Mentors"(those I have learned from the most from books, blogs etc.).
Indirect Mentor #1 - Dave Ramsey
Although I now have what I would call an acquantance with Dave, before I knew him personally, he challenged me to change my family tree. My wife and I are and have been debt free except for our home for the last 6 years. He has changed my view on money, giving, and debt. Julie and I are now certified financial counselors with Ramsey's organization (The Lampo Group) and have helped hundreds of families become debt free.
Direct Mentor # 1 - My Dad
My dad taught me so much about hard work. Though our skill sets are remarkably different, ministry can be difficult at times. He taught me to take care of my family, never give up, and work hard and get ahead. He coached my sports teams, and stretched me to become the best that I could be in whatever I was doing. Thanks Dad I will forever be grateful.
Indirect Mentor #1 - Dave Ramsey
Although I now have what I would call an acquantance with Dave, before I knew him personally, he challenged me to change my family tree. My wife and I are and have been debt free except for our home for the last 6 years. He has changed my view on money, giving, and debt. Julie and I are now certified financial counselors with Ramsey's organization (The Lampo Group) and have helped hundreds of families become debt free.
Direct Mentor # 1 - My Dad
My dad taught me so much about hard work. Though our skill sets are remarkably different, ministry can be difficult at times. He taught me to take care of my family, never give up, and work hard and get ahead. He coached my sports teams, and stretched me to become the best that I could be in whatever I was doing. Thanks Dad I will forever be grateful.
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