We recently returned from Birmingham Alabama, the home of Dreamland BBQ ribs and the ARC Conference 2019. The ARC (Association of Related Churches who recently signed an historic agreement with the Church of God), is primarily a church planting organization, also hosts an annual conference to encourage pastors, inform members of the network, and celebrate the growth of the capital “C” Church around the globe. 2019’s theme for the conference was Family Vibes.
While at this year’s conference I noticed some amazing trends that seem to be fostering a new brand of revival across the nation. Regardless of whether a pastor finds himself in skinny jeans and a man bun, or dockers and Nike Monarchs, these trends are relevant to any ministry hoping to reach more people for Jesus. And all of which fit under the theme of Family Vibes.
1 - Tribes
Even though ARC is a relatively young organization itself, there was an unspoken push towards finding smaller tribes to plug into. Doing a quick Google search I was able to find numerous networks and smaller families to connect to through their respective organizations: Next Level Relational Network, River Valley Network, Gateway Network, Relate, etc.
The Church of God has been standing behind an initiative for these smaller tribes through their Pastoral Covenant Groups. These Covenant Community Groups have seen a recent revival in our Region by uniting pastors from all points geographically as well as ages and styles. The most important part of these groups is the openness, transparency, and trust that is built among them.
This type of connection brings an innovation that not only challenges us as leaders to grow outside of our comfort zone, but brings us to a place where the Spirit of God meets us in the newness. For information on these groups click here.
2 - Multi-Cultural Ministry
Let’s be clear - this is more than making sure we use stock photos showing a diversity of races on our websites. This is more than adding a gospel song to the 3 other Chris Tomlin songs in the weekly worship setlist. Rather this is intentionally building relationships with those in our communities that don’t look like us, talk like us, vote like us, and think like us.
In a recent series on racial reconciliation a caucasian pastor from New York formed a group of African American attendees from his church in the hopes of having a transparent and vulnerable conversation. The two questions posed to the group was, “What is like to be African American in New York City?” and “What is it like to be African American in our church?” The dialogue that came from that room drastically changed this pastor’s approach to everything he does, and has brought a fresh wind of unity and God’s presence upon this congregation and even into the surrounding community!
Viewing those in our church as family - not attendees, tithe payers, or potential volunteers - should alter us deeply and indelibly, and create a culture for a spiritual renewal that the enemy undoubtedly will fight tooth and nail.
3 - Family, Family
In one of the breakout sessions, Shawn Lovejoy (former Church Planter and Pastor) spoke of the urgent need for ministry leaders to redefine our priorities. He presented the urgent need to change our definitions of success. One of his most pointed comments was, “Success is being fully where my feet are.”
We must be fully present in every environment we find ourselves. Most importantly with our family at home. If when we are with our spouses and children, yet our mind is back in the office, then we cannot claim true success as leaders. Our success as parents and spouses IS our success as leaders. Because we all know the reverse to be true - the demise of the health of our families will be the demise of our success as leaders.
How do we make our families priorities? Here are couple ideas from the session:
Make a stop doing list
Write down all of your tasks for 4 weeks and at the end separate the tasks between what you can delegate, and what you cannot.
Develop a healthy rhythm
When do you start working? When do you stop working? When is your date night? When is your family vacation? Write them down and stick to it!
Don’t walk in your front door still on the phone
By being on your phone as you walk in, you are communicating to your family that they are not as important as your final call. But the opposite is also true.
I believe a healthy home-front paves the way for receptivity to the Spirit of God in our churches. And the attacks on the unity in our homes is a sure sign that the enemy knows this too, and will stop at nothing to disrupt it.
In addition to our focus on Jesus, the Word, prayer, and worship how could you pursue revival through the family? Perhaps linking up with a few other pastors in your area and creating covenant? Maybe, redefining the priority of your home? Or through choosing empathy and uniting with those in your communities that wouldn’t normally connect with?
We cannot deny that God designed the family, as well as the human race to be united. So regardless of how and when, by us finding, feeding, and protecting our families will bring new life to our churches, homes, and communities like never before!
Which trend do you see already in your area? Which trend do you need to implement most?