I read a quote from Mother Teresa this week that floored me.  This quote is from memory so I apologize if I get it a little out of order but the purpose is unmolested.  She said, "We are not called to be successful, rather we are called to be faithful."  Let that resonate a little.  We have been called to be faithful.

This is a foreign concept to my generations.  While the generations before me understood faithfulness:  faithful in marriage, faithful to fulfill obligations, faithful to institutions, and faithful to their employers.  Our generation is only faithful to our own personal desires.  In turn, we know a lot about how to strive for a successful life.  We find meaning and purpose in our success.

What if life wasn't judge by how successful we were but how faithful we were?  What if the measure of a man was not how much money he had in his bank account, how many people he leads, or how many books he has written but rather what if a man was measured by his honor?

What are your thoughts?

Will  <><

Did you know that 80% of church planters' wives say that if they could choose a different calling for their husbands they would!  What is that statistic saying?  It is saying that the wives of these men who plant churches are overburdened, stressed out, unappreciated, and taken advantage of.  Their husbands are fully vested in their callings and the truth is much of his time is spent at the expense of his family and his marriage.

Most people wonder, "What does a church planter do with his time?"  I mean, he doesn't have an office so he is probably spending all day in his pajamas watching Sportscenter, right?  The church only has one weekly service, he gets most of his work done in one day, right?  What does his wife have to complain about, her husband can form his own schedule, right?

I love what God has called me to do but while I am out on my white horse trying to save the world for Jesus, our wives are left to do everything else.  Tarah puts in a full day, everyday.  She rises before the sun comes up, cares for six children (3 our own & 3 others).  She finds time to meet with ladies in our community, lead a small group, and plays a critical role on our worship team.  Unfortunately, her husband comes home feeling the weight of his calling and many times is in a daze as he considers the grandeur of God's call on his life.

Knowing the stress that has been put on Tarah and Erin (Clay's wife), we are taking our wives to a marriage retreat this weekend.  Please pray for us.  Pray that God will renew our marriages.  Pray that we will get a chance to relax and focus on each other.  Pray that no emergencies arise that will draw us back home.

Will  <><

Much praise to my partner in crime Clay Jernigan for this but this week we had a big win at the Journey Church.  Now this is only one week but it is still quite amazing.  We had 89% of those adults who came to our worship service to be engaged with our small group ministry!  I have had disciple leaders, education pastors, and Sunday School directors tell me that small groups are just a fad and that they won't work.

In humility I want to say, "That is just not the case!"  Our groups are doing community outreach, forming authentic community together, and teaching the eternal truths of God's Word.  These are not wimpy groups but passionate people drawing near to God and putting action to their convictions.

Clay Jernigan is a master mind and a great leader.  Great job Journey Church and thanks for believing in the vision God has given us to accomplish.  Let's keep pressing forward towards the goal.

Will  <><