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!  

Ministry, money, abuse and the fallout

There are many things I love about being a pastor.  I love people, I love seeing God change people's lives.  I love seeing people set free from all types of bondages and addictions.  I love knowing I cant talk to God.  I love hearing that still small voice of the Holy Spirit.  Christ is real.  He is risen.  He is alive and is doing incredible things on our planet today.

There are certain things that, as a pastor with a heart for people, I can't stand.  Jim Allen does an excellent job summing up some of the erroneous practices of Television ministries.  Unfortunately, these are also practices that have crept into our local church.  Yes, it's been around for a while but it doesn't make it ok.  For a description of what I am talking about and the harm that it does, you can click here and read Jim's blog.

What do I want to be remembered for?

I perform about 20 funerals every year.  Each has a unique flavor to it.  Some are very heavy and heartbreaking, such as a funeral I did for a 24 year old who was killed in a car accident.  For others, like a feisty 80-year-old Italian grandma, there are lots of laughs, hilarious stories and family hugs.  The mood of the funeral largely depends on the family, the personality of the deceased, and the circumstances behind the death.  There is also far more peace for those who know that their loved one is in Heaven. 

What stands out the most to me is that no matter what age or socio- economic status, people will remember you for three or four things. 

This got me thinking, what will I be remembered for?  My guess is:

1-    My love for my family.  (having some nerdy fun in the picture below)

2-    My service to God and ministry. 

3-    Being a die hard Hokie fan.  Wow.  Really?  Yep.  I would guess that’s what people will remember me for. 

The cool thing is that I can change it if I really want to.  There is still game time left on life’s clock. 

What about you?  What three or four things do you think you will be remembered for?  If you could change it, what would you want your life to have stood for?

...And a new blog is launched

My name is Jack Guerra. I am the father of four kids and the Husband of one wife for 22 years (only wife I’ve ever had).

Professionally, I am a pastor.  It is a career and a calling.  (Side note, I see every opportunity to minister or speak for Christ as our calling no matter what the profession).  I love what I do.  I love people, I love studying and digging into truth, I love dreaming, and I love strategic planning as to how a church can be at it’s best for the community and for the people in the pew.

Many people stop at these first two identifiers.  We can feel closed in or pigeon holed into the tasks of our job and family responsibilities.  Then there is the other stuff.  The stuff we do for fun.  The stuff we do to give back, or, “pay it forward”.  There’s always the stuff that makes us laugh, cry, and that eats at your soul.  I wrote of some of this stuff for me below. 

For some, this list will be too deep.  Too much religious stuff, to many social issues, and to philosophical.  For others, it will seem to shallow.  A lot of playing, friendship, sports and “hanging out”.  It seems to me though that the minority tends to live in either the “all work” mode or the “all play” mode and most of us live in a blended state of all of it.   And this is why I want to write this blog.  My love for God and family will come through loud and clear.  What I do will also be a prominent theme because I love what I do.  Through out the year, so will my love for college sports, friends, yard work, my Del Sol, coaching, Buffalo wings, the beach, the mountains, and all of the other things that bring spice to life. Please feel free to join in and I look forward to doing life together. 

Some of that other “life stuff” for me is:

* College football (it’s bowl season so this is makes the top of the list…Go Hokies)

* Coaching sports for kids of all ages

* Connecting with good friends

* Inner city issues

* Our next generation

* Being Italian

*  Inter-racial relationships

* Facebook (although Twitter is quickly replacing it).  

* Sharing Christ with others who REALLY want to know

*My Honda Del Sol (I love my car but at 255,000 miles, I think her best days are in the rear view mirror)

* Getting GOOD one on one time with my kids.  Not because I have to, but because I WANT to!

* Enjoying one on one time with my wife… and not just at Walmart doing the grocery shopping.   

* Gardening and working with plants.

* GOOD buffalo wings!

* Spending time with God when it has NOTHING to do with preparing a message.

* Talking with someone who doesn’t believe just like me. This can happen with people of all faiths, walks of life, political views, and orientations.  We don’t have to agree to respect one another.