I'm going to play football for the GREEN BAY PACKERS!!!!

I have been in Green Bay, Wisconsin for about a month now.  It has been an incredible experience!  Gina and I have felt at home within both our new church family and our community at large.  Sophia and Dominic are now busy finishing up the school year at De Pere Middle and High School.    Our stuff is slowly moving out of boxes and finding its way into their proper niches, corners, and closets. 

With the house duties and the move behind me, I can start focusing on my purpose for moving to Green Bay in the first place; to make a difference for God.  As I look at what truly pulls this community together and what impacts the lives of the people here, I am left with only one option.

 I’m going to play football for the Green Bay Packers! 

I think that’s about the only way I can really get the city’s attention and make my mark around here!  It worked for Reggie White, Donald Driver, Aaron Rodgers, Jordy Nelson and some other followers of Christ.  It could probably work for me too!  I haven’t padded up since my senior year of high school but I’m sure I’ll catch on!  The Pack must have a need somewhere for a slow 44 year old with bad knees and arthritis in my hip.  My 40 time is a little iffy and I think I could finish the 100 yard dash…maybe! 

Obviously, this pipe dream isn’t going to happen.  The reality of the situation is I have to use the gifts I’ve been given and the season of life that I’m in to make the biggest difference in people’s lives that God has blessed me to cross paths with.   Life change happens best in relationships and people knowing you care (Although I don’t think they would mind if I single handedly brought home a Lombardi trophy!)

How about you?  If you can’t play for your area’s professional, college, or Recreation League All Star team, what can you do to make a difference and with whom?  Go be you, the best “you” you can be!

Delay of Game… When the offense, business, and life, feel like its taking to long!

Delay of game.  This is probably one of the most frustrating penalties in football.  There HAD to have been a plan and a play called.  What happened?  Did the defense show you something you weren’t expecting?  Was someone on the offense out of position or not in sync?  SNAP THE BALL ALREADY!!!

If you haven’t figured it out already, I’m not always the most patient person. I came home from work one day and was frustrated at the speed at which change was happening.  My daughter said to me “dad you’ve only been there for two days, give it a chance.”  I’ve started in a new role recently and, one month in, I’m ready for things to happen…now!

Running with the football analogy (it’s spring practice time!!) here are some things I’m realizing.

* The larger the project, the more likely that you will have to be patient for something to execute.  Everyone must be headed in the same direction.  It often feels like you’re always waiting on someone!  Making sure everyone knows the play is critical for execution.

* If you are new, give it a little time.  Sometimes the team is still figuring out your speed and cadence.  It seems like there is a group who will pick up the playbook pretty quick.  Others take time; others shouldn’t be in the huddle.

*  Sometimes you may be the only one seeing the play clock.  The execution of what needs to happen is eminent.  Get the teams attention and SNAP THE BALL!  If the environment is always this frantic, then something is majorly wrong with communication.  Give time to communicate and be ready to go at the line.  If you continually have to audible or can’t read the defense, something is wrong with your preparation.

Ok, I’ve run with the analogy, can you think of any to add?  

The Burden of Vision

Over the years I have read books on the Power of Vision, The Visionary Leader, Visioneering, Vision Burst, etc… but never have I read a book about the burden of vision. 

I recently moved into my first Senior Pastor role in Green Bay Wisconsin (yes, the land of cheese, Brats and the Packers).  I have been in lead roles in ministry, sports, and community events before but never have I felt the burden of vision and leadership like this.  There are a lot of fun aspects of vision (planning, seeing things happen, blazing the trail, etc…).  There is also the harsh reality that God’s vision is not for our gratification but for the good, well being, and in some cases, the survival of others. 

I honestly believe God wants His church to positively impact the community around it in both practical and spiritual ways, and I believe we will see this happen.  But I drive through Green Bay and my heart breaks for the emptiness I see in so many people.  There is the obvious practical need of those walking, and sometimes living on the streets in freezing weather.  

I hear the news of a teenage death and I quickly think, “What can we do about this?  How can we help the family and be there for the friends of this student?  What can we do to see that this doesn’t happen again?  

I listen to stories of those looking for spiritual TRUTH and think “How do we get the message of Christ’s love to all of them?”  How can we reach out to those going through loss, pain, divorce, and in financial need?

I look at the incredible group of people in Spring Lake Church and want nothing but the best for them.  I want this church to have the best children’s ministries, the best adult ministries the best worship, and sermons that challenge and feed them.    

I know that the results of all of this do not rest on me but do require me to be faithful to the vision God has placed in my heart and the heart of the church.  I also do believe that God has prepared me for what he has in store for me in this season of life and responsibility.  I find my strength and source in Christ and lean on the fact that He will order my steps.  He is the one who changes lives and will bring about the change Green Bay needs.  I am just humbled and honored to be a vessel he chooses to use in this awesome city.  Spring Lake loves Green Bay!