If you've logged on then you probably received an email from Pam and I or saw a post through Pam's Facebook page. We miss you all so much! In a variety of ways you have had a meaningful impact on our lives and we've been able to invest in you as well.
As we relaunch Haven for the Heart with this blog, we also want to reconnect with those friends who have meant so much to us through our Haven for the Heart retreats. We have lost contact information on several friends, so feel free to pass this on to others you know that may be interested.
The phrase that Pam and I have adopted to depict the mission of our marriage is “Haven for the Heart”. In helping churches become communities of hospitality, hope and healing we've begun to use this phrase to describe the kinds of groupings that healthy church families are centered upon. We'd like to see every home become a “Haven for the Heart”. We look forward to sharing our reflections and responding to your comments or questions in the months ahead.
Over the years I've been blessed to listen to many sermons and teachings from some of the most dynamic speakers, as well as to read articles or books from many of our most brilliant authors. Their passion, wisdom, humor and devotion has deeply inspired and challenged me to new ways of thinking and living – but there was always something missing!? I've attended some deeply moving and motivating church services and university classes. These adequately educated my mind and encouraged my heart – but there was always something missing!? I've often scanned the audiences at pastors conferences or mens seminars and observed the hunger and hopefulness on the people's faces as they were challenged intellectually, moved emotionally and committed themselves to a new way of life – but something was missing!? I'm not one to minimize the critical value of biblical teaching or motivational speaking. We need God's truth communicated in many ways. I've been profoundly impacted by preachers and authors as well as a host of informational resources and inspirational
events – but something is missing!?
events – but something is missing!?
The missing piece, the critical ingredient that's central to my educational and ministry philosophy is Experience! The years of training pastors, counselors and missionaries in the art of leadership has taught me that genuine comprehension and authentic transformation requires Experience! The wisdom (biblical convictions), maturity (character development), and skill (ministry competency) it takes to lead God's people cannot be nurtured by merely listening to a lecture or reading a book – it takes Experience!
People need to see it done (modeling) and be able to practice it personally (mentoring). The apprentice approach was Jesus' pattern. “Come follow me (watch – listen – learn) and go do what I've done to you”. But this approach to education and ministry requires more time with fewer people, and in a bigger/faster culture this process is not as successful or efficient. But that is how Jesus did it!
The missing ingredient in many teaching methodologies and ministry strategies is the experience of RELATIONSHIP. Participation and interaction are often missing dynamics in our Bible studies, church services, committee meetings and ministry teams.
You are so right...doesn't it just seem like something is missing from our experience of Christ if we stop at merely reading a book, sitting in a pew or listening to a sermon/seminar? All good things...but relational experience as we process and do "life together" in midst of it all is where it's at, where we see the spirit move in our lives! Excited to continue moving forward with that with you guys:) (P.S. The blog looks great!)
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