Every Thursday I feature a “throwback” post from my blog archive. The goal is to look back and discover new lessons or opportunities to grow. This week is going to be a little bit different as it is a very unique week for me. Today, I would love to reflect on this season and share some things God is showing me through it.
Last night, I preached my final sermon as a member of the staff at Calvary. In a few short weeks, my family will pack up and move closer to home in the Southeast. We’ve missed living near our families so much and can’t wait to be close enough to go to birthday parties, high school graduations, and random weekend visits just because. As the day of the move gets closer and closer, I continue to look back with deep appreciation and gratitude over my time here in Nebraska.
Over the last few weeks, I have talked to so many people who have been a key part of my story here. We’ve shared stories, laughed together, cried together, and remembered the shared moments in which God knit our hearts together in pursuit of His Kingdom. These last five years have been years that I will never forget and years that have marked my life for eternity. As I look back, there are countless things that I have learned that I will carry with me forever. Today, I thought I’d share a few with you as I celebrate an amazing season of life and ministry.
Do you know your core values? Establishing core values is key to living the life you were created to live. If you don’t know your personal values, I’d love to help. Click the button below to get my free values assessment tool.
Never despise the day of small beginnings.
I have a ministry mentor named Jeanne who says this regularly. It’s her reminder that building a solid foundation from the start was critical. Last night as I looked out and saw over a hundred students and coaches, I remembered how it all began. I remembered working tirelessly with my team to invite others in, to connect with students, to recruit leaders and coaches. I remember those small beginnings when we had the opportunity to build something that will last and that matters.
No matter what you do or want to do, you have to start somewhere. Those days can be hard. The world tells us that bigger is better but in God’s eyes, bigger is just bigger. Those early days afford you the opportunity to connect with the people around you in deeper and more meaningful ways. Some of the strongest relationships I have here are the ones forged in those early days of ministry through moments spent praying that God would do something amazing. Now, in the midst of that amazing work He’s done and is continuing to do, those relationships are strengthened through shared celebration and effort toward His next move.
If you are in the midst of “small beginnings,” pay special attention to the people beside you. The stories you are writing can be core memories that last a lifetime.
Cling to the Truth of God’s word.
As I shared my sermon last night, we dove into the story of Peter. We celebrated his willingness to leave everything he knew and a lucrative catch of fish to follow Jesus (Lk. 5:1-11). Then, we talked about the moment in which he denied Jesus and thought that disqualified him from his calling (Lk. 22:54-62). We ended with the hope that comes when Jesus restores Peter and reminds him of his calling (Jn. 21:1-19). As I shared this story, I saw students leaning in. I saw them captivated by God’s word and the hope that God has something more for them. I reminded them that the world and their life before Jesus has nothing to offer them and I watched as this room full of teenagers let that truth sink in.
Here’s what I know: This generation is on a search for truth. Not “their truth,” but The Truth. If we shy away from it, our churches will continue to see a generation walk away hungry. When you have an opportunity to speak Truth into someone, take it. Speak this truth in love, the way Jesus did with Peter. Remind them of who God says they are and the purpose He has for them. Remind them that they are invited to be part of His everlasting kingdom, and remind them that life with Him is always better than anything the world can offer. Cling to the Truth of God’s word. Allow it to transform your heart and life. Then share that Truth with others.
My new book, “Magic in the Mug” is almost
here! Want a preview? Click the button
below to download chapter one for free!
Know that the faith of the next generation is of the highest importance.
The business world talks a lot about succession planning, leadership pipelines, and employee development. They know that these things are critical if the company is going to have a future. If future leaders aren’t being developed and trained, the company has no future. The same is true in our churches and in our families. We must constantly strive to pass down our faith to the next generation. We have to give them opportunities to put it into practice in tangible ways. We have to let them lead in meaningful areas and trust them with significant responsibilities.
The next generation wants to have an impact. They want to do something significant and make a difference in the world. When we help them make an impact in ways that engage their faith, we help cement that faith in tangible and lasting ways. So whether you are a parent, a business leader, a pastor, a volunteer, or just know a child or teenager, find ways to help them engage their faith in tangible ways. When we give the next generation ownership of meaningful things that support their faith, they will own that faith for themselves, and that faith will persist in the face of adversity.
Never hesitate to call out the greatness you see in someone
One thing I know to be true is that the last five years would have been wasted if I had tried to do it alone. There is no way that the growth over the last five years would have happened if I were the only one investing in kids and students. It takes a team of people working together toward a common goal to do anything of significance. If you want to succeed in ministry, business, parenting, or anything in between, you have to have a team. Unfortunately, that team isn’t going to just show up at your door. You’re going to have to find great people and invite them to partner with you.
The thing about great people, is they rarely know how great they are. Most of the greatest people I have had the opportunity to work with over the last few years have had to be convinced of their greatness. If I had a dollar for every time someone answered my invitation to serve in leadership with “I could never do that!” I would be a very wealthy man. In these moments, I have learned that people can’t argue with observed gifts. I’ve got numerous stories of people who gave me some version of “I don’t have what it takes to be a leader.” My answer is always, “Yes you do because I have seen you lead in this way.” I follow that up with an observed experience in which they have lived out the quality or character. In those moments, you see the wheels turning and the story change. You see them realize that they have God-given gifts that they can use to advance his kingdom. You have the ability and responsibility to call out greatness in the people around you and to invite them into an amazing story. Whether you are a ministry leader or not, never hesitate to call out greatness in the people around you and challenge them to use that greatness to impact the kingdom of God.
This post is already way longer than I intended. The truth is, there are so many things I have learned over the last five years. There is no way I could ever share them all or fully express my gratitude for this season. While I look forward with great anticipation and excitement, I will always look back with deep affection and gratitude. I will miss my Nebraska family dearly and know that the relationships forged here will never be forgotten. I can’t wait to see and hear what God does next!
BrandonHair.me 
Leave a comment