Larry Osborne is one of those pastors that seems to just “get it.” He is very intentional in mentoring the next generation of leaders. The church he pastors, North Coast, has grown as a result of their small group emphasis. Larry has been pastor there for over 30 years and has great insights in what it takes to faithfully lead the church.
Here’s a short excerpt from his time at The RightNow Conference where he talks about getting people in the church to serve because of “the Bono factor.”
Last year on this morning we were standing in a courtroom finalizing our adoption of Ashley. It was an awesome day!
This week I was marking February 24 on my calendar as Adoption Day and I realized that I entered “Adoption Day – Ashley” as if there might be other adoption days in the future for different kids. Within the next few weeks we should be active foster parents again and the adventure will start all over.
Here’s a picture that typifies Ashley … always trying to be like the big kids, she’s trying to swing a bat … hair is a little wild because she’s always on the move … face a little dirty after playing hard outside … wearing those boots (she loves those things) … and of course dressed like a bumble bee.
Last year I put together this video to capture Ashley’s life from birth to adoption.
When you enjoy launching new things there’s a temptation to jump to the next project before completing the one you are on.
RightNow has been focused for months on launching a brand new project called RightNowTraining.org. We are very excited about the potential this has to serve churches as they seek to make their small groups effective at discipling people.
But in the midst of launching this RightNowTraining.org project there are a few new potential projects surfacing.That’s where I have realized the value of our board of directors. This group is willing to trade in their time and experiences to give counsel to our young leadership team.
On the phone with one of our board members this week, Sean said “you can’t push a rope.”
He encouraged us to keep focusing on the big project in front of us and not to force any additional things. He reminded me that if God wants us to work on a new project then he will bring together the people and resources necessary. But until then we should make sure we are giving the appropriate energy to the project God already has given us.
I think Tony Evans could read the phone book out loud to an audience and make it compelling. God has simply gifted some people with the ability to capture people’s attention in a powerful way.
So what happens when a talented communicator like Tony Evans talks about something more important than the phone book? Here’s a short excerpt of a message he gave at our RightNow Conference on the role of the church.
This message is part of the RightNow Mission Development Kit for Church Leaders.