When I was on vacation, I had the opportunity to do some more reading than normal. One of the books that had been on my shelf for some time was this one: IT. I really enjoyed the two other books I had read from this author: "Confessions of a Pastor" and "Chazown". So, I was looking forward to reading this one, but just hadn't taken the time the past couple years.
I would highly recommend this to any ministry leader in a church; and especially pastors. I like Craig's humor and humble writing style. It was very interesting for me, as it relates to being the right kind of church leader. At this time in my pastoral and private life, this book was motivational, encouraging and challenging. Let me share some of my favorite quotes with you:
- Where did "it" go? Instead of passionately caring about people who didn't have Christ, members started to grip about how the church wasn't all that they wanted it to be. Instead of people sacrificing for the cause of Christ, people appeared to be consuming, not contributing
- I can't tell you exactly what "it" is. Part of what makes "it" it is that it defies categorization. It won't reduce to a memorable slogan. "It" is far more special than that. It can't be learned in a classroom. Yet even though "it" can't be taught, "it" can be caught.
- When a church has "it", lives are changing, and everyone around knows it. The only thing constant is change, which it-soaked people seem to thrive on.
- So, you may ask, what is "it"? The best explanation I can give you is this: it is what God does through a rare combination of these qualities found in his people: Passion for his presence; a deep craving to reach the lost; sincere integrity; Spirit-filled faith; down to earth humility; brokenness
- Ministries that have "it" always have a clear vision. The people know the vision, understand the vision, believe in the vision, and live the vision
- To have "it", you'll have to choose not to do everything. Those who attempt to do everything always lose it. To be great at a few things and experience "it", you'll have to say no to many things.
- The team with "it" loves each other. Not only do they minister together, they do life together. What they have is more than friendship. It's something that God gives - more of a partnership of people with deep love committed to a single mission. You're more than friends. You're a team.
- Those with "it" know how to fight. When I talk about a fight, I'm referring to shutting the doors and fighting fair in private. People with "it" know how to say what's on their minds, get it out in the open, and not walk out of the room until the issue is settled. Once it's resolved, they act publicly as if the fight never even happened.
- At our church, we encourage people to do anything short of sin to reach those who don't know Christ...With-"it" ministries are filled with people so passionate, they're driven to become innovative. They'll become like others or do unusual things to reach those who are far from Christ or to help those who are hurting.Like the four men who broke through the roof to get their crippled friend to Jesus, motivated believers don't see obstacles. they create opportunities. Instead of saying, It will never work, they say, What if this does work?
- [WARNING: if you are easily offended, don't read this next quote]: You push forward a new idea or proposal you're passionate about. A fast-paced discussion leads to an upwelling of support that seems to reach critical mass. And then, in one disastrous moment, your hopes are dashed when someone weighs in with those fatal words: 'Let me just play the Devil's Advocate for a minute'...After making that seemingly harmless statement, the person feels free to blast your idea to smithereens. Your new idea will face resistance. It may or may not work; but don't let the devil's advocate kill God's plan. And when someone does try to take the devil's deadly role, tell the devil he can go to hell.
- The "it"-ified ministries that I've observed fail often. They're led by aggressive, do-what-it-takes, thick-skinned people who are willing to make mistakes. They're not afraid to fail. They don't know what can't be done and are willing to try things others think aren't possible
- If your ministry has become focused on the already-convinced, I'll bet that your ministry doesn't have "it". Many of our churches unintentionally turn their backs on those who need Jesus most. We focus inward. Do whatever it takes to make your ministry a place that welcomes those who don't know Christ.
- Have you noticed that new believers often have "it"? They're "unreasonably" excited about Christ. They think God is always speaking to them. They see everything as spiritual. They believe Jesus might return soon. Everything they do is focused on him. They have "it".
It is my desire to have "it" and keep "it". I want to honor God with my life and ministry; and I want to be a part of a church that desires to reach people for Jesus, sacrificing everything to do it. May God bless as we pursue Christ sincerely. May he give us "it".
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