Spiritual Leadership Conference 2014 is fast approaching! Our staff and church family are daily making preparations for this event and are anticipating this being the most refreshing and renewing conference we have ever had.
As we approach the conference, I have three distinct goals for the pastors who attend…and they all relate to the phrase from 2 Timothy 2:1, “Be strong.”
I have had many times in my ministry where the words “Be strong” were a needed admonition. Every pastor and Christian leader has those times. Yet, if there has ever been a moment when pastors must work in the renewed strength of the Lord it is today.
I’m praying that through this year’s Spiritual Leadership Conference, every delegate who attends will be renewed in three specific ways:
Renewed in their spirit
As pastors, we preach God’s grace every Sunday. But sometimes we forget that the grace that saves and sanctifies also revives. Even as we need God’s grace to transform us into Christlikeness, we need His grace to renew our spirits. A pastor’s greatest personal leadership tool is a healthy soul and a Christlike spirit.
And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.—2 Corinthians 12:9
For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day.—2 Corinthians 4:16
Through the preaching of God’s Word and the fellowship of other leaders, I pray that Leadership Conference will renew the spirit of every pastor who attends.
Renewed in their soulwinning
We face many issues in these trying days, but none greater than reaching the lost for Christ. Indeed, preaching the gospel is the Great Commission with which we’ve been entrusted. We labor to put on events, build websites, and engage in philosophical discussions. But do we labor for souls?
Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.—Matthew 28:19–20
Through practical sessions and spiritual encouragement, I pray that this year’s Spiritual Leadership Conference will renew the soulwinning of every Christian who attends—and by extension, every local church represented.
Renewed in their stand
Have you ever noticed that many who talk about grace refuse to stand, while many who talk about standing refuse to show grace?! As servants of God we are soldiers of the cross. As soldiers, we must stand for truth in a decadent culture. We must “endure hardenss, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ” (2 Timothy 2:3).
Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.—Ephesians 6:10, 13
Through the strong preaching of God’s Word and the biblical encouragement of likeminded leaders, I’m praying that Spiritual Leadership Conference will renew every pastor who attends in his commitment to stand for truth.
Do you have a need to be renewed in your spirit, your soulwinning, your stand? Do you know someone who needs renewal in any of these areas? It’s not too late to register for the conference.
Perhaps you are already attending. I’d ask you to pray with me that these three goals would be accomplished in your life, in my life, and in the life of every other delegate.
Without the renewal of God on our lives and ministries, we have nothing from which to serve Him or lead others. But praise God, we serve a God who renewes! May He do it in each of our lives at this year’s Spiritual Leadership Conference.
But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings as eagles; They shall run, and not be weary; And they shall walk, and not faint.—Isaiah 40:31
