Reflecting God’s love is Our first priority, and it always will be. Christ’s love is the Mark of Discipleship. The love of Christ, paired with the discipleship of the local Church are the platforms that allow us to do my best work for Christ. It gives us permission to be oir best self in leadership. We are to be Vanguards of Adventist Beliefs and Culture. While always remaining innovative in our approach to teaching and the application of our beliefs.
Humility
We begin by admitting none of us, especially ourselves, are perfect. In ministry and in life we need each other. Humility means knowing our strengths and weaknesses. One of our primary strengths is in building teams who are confident in sharing Christ’s love. We utilize this skill in building teams in the local church that are passionate about our mission and confident in their part in the body of Christ. We put ego aside and strive to work collaboratively while leading with a servant’s heart. We pursue truth in every interaction. We will work to root out the bad within ourselves to accelerate the good. Always allowing room for the Holy Spirit, and mentors to show the need for change or shift of focus allowing for maximized growth. It is this perspective that keeps us on track as we pursue our goals in ministry. Repentance, not a rationalization of failure, is key for a great servant leader. To grow and move forward either in ministry, or relationships, we must be retentive and attempt to make right the wrong of our sins. We all make mistakes, and we all are sinners, but it is in how we choose how to respond to our transgressions that separates great leaders from cowards. However, it is the Holy Spirit’s transformative power that empowers us to face these complicated issues in a respectable, mature manner that reflects Christian maturity.
Growth
We are all about progression and advancement of the Kingdom of God. We strive for growth in our personal relationship with God and in ourselves personally, spiritually, educationally, and professionally. We do not rest on past achievements; We do not coast on the work of others or press cruise control. We pray and push forward in the good times, and We pray and push even harder in the not-so-good times. We will work hard to be the sharpest tools we can be and to continue to grow into true servant leaders.
Inner Circle
The Inner circle is of the utmost importance in any ministry leader’s life and it must be a priority. Even Jesus had a small inner circle that included Peter, John, and his brother James. On several occasions, Jesus pulled the three away from the other twelve disciples. Some of the most intimate moments in Christ’s ministry were experienced with this tight-knit group.
To have a small circle of trusted friends to confide in, bounce thoughts off, pray with, dream with, and ultimately grow together is critical for success. In John Maxwell’s book The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership he says, “A leader’s potential is determined by those closest to him.” Therefore, We focus on developing an inner circle of leaders and mentors that have the same desires for personal growth in life and ministry.
Warrior’s Resolve
We are determined. We face our challenges and our successes with a winning attitude; We own them and handle them with dignity, when faced with these challenges We bring them to God first in prayer and devotion. In understanding that it’s not always going to be easy, but We submit to the reckless raging fury that is the Love of God. We embrace the adventure of building ourselves and our community into one that is full of love, on fire for outreach and thriving spiritually. We will do what it takes to allow God to use our leadership skills and servants’ hearts to make incredible things happen.
Giving Spirit
Something divine happens when we give of ourselves. We grow. We grow personally, and spiritually, and our scope of ministry can grow too. And somehow, we grow the capacity to give even more. Through the act of giving of myself, I will continually add value. Relationships are not built on just helping individuals grow spiritually but on also helping them to discover how their passions can align with our mission as a church. Understanding that investing in others spiritually and their individual missions will cause a shift in the culture of the local church from one inwardly to one that is mission driven.
Understanding Heart
I believe in building trust with one another. I understand that we all make mistakes; we are all human, but I do not look for who is at fault when a difficult situation arises in ministry. I remain committed to who we are as a church in belief and in mission. I will kneel with others in prayer and praise and look for solutions. I discuss difficult issues with our elders team when needed and determine how to best move forward together.
Community Mind
I am involved. I will not be just another faceless pastor in the community; I am an activist doing what it takes to move issues that matter forward. I will be involved in organizations that align with our mission. I do and will work in committees and volunteer my time in the community —all to drive the change we wish to see both in our communities and around the world. For It is the Love of Christ that urges us on. Often, we remnant forget we are to be in the world not of the world. Meaning we need to be involved IN our communities. This means from volunteering at local public schools and secular campus ministries to community cleanup projects. We can better share the Love of Christ with people if they know and trust us first. I will lead by example and encourage others to share the love of Christ through developing friendship and community involvement.
Loving Focus
We focus on the development of the Character of Christ throughout our lives and encourage the development in our leaders and teams. This is not just important but essential. In the postmodern/ post Christian world, people value authentic relationships and demand authenticity from their leadership. For me as a follower of Jesus Christ and a Seventh Day Adventist this is crucial to reflect authentically the true character of Christ. I will foster this through annual mission trips, local mission outings, and other events that strengthen our bond and our unity. This allows each of us to be not just an ambassador of the SDA Church and culture but a staunch protector of the character of Jesus Christ.
Holy Spirit Transformation
The transformational power of the Holy Spirit is vital to us and any servant leader’s growth in several ways. The Holy Spirit will guide us in times of trouble and strife. The Holy Spirit will empower us for service. In other words, the Holy Spirit will enable, strengthen, and provide the resources needed to do what we have been called to do. The Holy Spirit empowers and inspires evangelistic and missional efforts as well. The power the Holy Spirit has in a life that has submitted to the Glory of Christ is endless. We believe in big goals. Goals are big because we serve a big God who has given us His Holy Spirit to guide us in doing great things for Him.