I was able to get some time away and attend an event called the “Gathering 2015”. It is a gathering of Wesleyan church leaders from across North America. This was my first time attending such an event, and my hope was to use it as a time of reflection, sleep and to hear from God. As a bit of a personal reflection, I thought I would blog about some of what I took away with me.
First there are many take aways that I wrote down, but trying to narrow to the top few was hard. Here are my top three things I took away from the Gathering 2015 (Wesleyan Church). These are not in any particular order.
1. God is more concerned in making me new then the “formal” ministry I call my “day-job”. There is a lot more around this thought, but I really enjoyed Kyle Ray’s closing conference session, where he was able to sum up my thoughts. . He spoke to the “Made-new” theme and challenged us from the apostles’ Peter’s life. If God broke Peter of fear in order to work through him, and bring him to a place of ministry, then what will he break in me?”
“You have been made new and he is still making you new.” (Kyle Ray) This thought also implies there is the need to allow the gospel (Jesus) to transform my life. Do I really know Jesus? The more I do, the more I see how far I still have to go. Thank God for grace and mercy.
2. Laurel Buckingham led a short seminar on over- coming. He spoke of the reality and danger of insecurity. I could totally relate, how about you? He shared this great statement that will be with me for some time. “My success does not depend on others’ response to me, as it depends on my response to people’s response to me”
3. Ken Murphy shared about three places of inspiration. The short end of what he shared was a) Look to the father, b) Look to the team, c) Look to the possibility of what could be. When God gets involved anything is possible, the seeds planted are not in vain.
It was a good trip. As I get to know the Wesleyan tribe of Jesus followers better, I am excited about what I see taking place.
I am thankful for this time away, for the extra sleep, and for what God has planned ahead. Thanks to the Wesleyan church, Sunnyside Wesleyan Church and my wife and kids for allowing me to go.