I am overwhelmed

I am overwhelmed!

Normally when we hear those words we think about somebody who has too much on their plate.  They are going through a stressful time, they’re stressed out, or maybe just trying to make it through the day.

This morning I am not overwhelmed by the stress of this world, or by the stress of my job, I am truly overwhelmed by the goodness of God.

I arrived at the church building this morning at 4:45am.  Not un typical for a Sunday morning.  I love to get here early to have time pray, think, and prepare my heart and mind for what the day will bring.  This morning as I was driving in it was cold, dark and the freeway was empty.  I was listening to a pastor preach on the radio and the thought hit me like a ton of bricks “I get to teach people God’s word today”.

In my opinion I get to pastor the greatest group of people on the planet.  They are loving, generous, patient, and lets face it they put up with me.  I am fully aware I’m not everyone’s cup of tea.  I believe what the Bible says, I believe God can and will use us to impact our world.  We don’t and will not engage in the traditional church fights.  When someone asks what worship style we are I tell them if that is the deciding factor for you on where you go to church you probably wont like Restoration.  This church is not about you and it’s not about me.  It’s about us honoring God and doing what he says.  I know, I know, I can’t say and do those things and grow a church in todays culture.  That’s just it, I’m not trying to grow a church I’m trying to grow people and let God build His church.  The church isn’t mine it’s His.  The church growth isn’t dependent upon our advertising budget, or how cool our building is.  It’s really not dependent upon me at all.  My job is to preach the word and make disciples and I believe disciples make disciples and that’s how you grow. 

Restoration will be 2 years old Jan 19 and I am overwhelmed that God allows me to pastor this church.  I am overwhelmed by the love and support of the people who call Restoration home.  I am overwhelmed that they let me be me, which means they allow me to “just” preach through the Bible. I will get loud and excited when I preach; I have tried to be the calm cool pastor it just doesn’t work for me. I will butcher the pronunciation of words and yet I still feel loved.

I am a blessed man, I understand that and I pray I never forget it.

I am overwhelmed