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Joel A’Bell - Part 4
LifeChurch.tv was very honored to host Joel A’Bell and his mates from ‘down under’ last week. This is the last of a four-part video interview:
Joel A’Bell - 3
Hillsong Church is gifted at developing leaders and taking risks on the next generation.
After seeing how Hillsong raises leaders, I told our staff, “We’re not going to recruit volunteers but release leaders.” Joel A’Bell answers my questions about building leaders.
Joel A-Bell - 2
“Heart for the House” is a phrase that is common at Hillsong. It speaks of the loyalty, honor and single-mindedness that is felt for the local church. In this segment, I asked Joel to explain how they develop a “heart for the house.”
Joel A’Bell from Hillsong - 1
We were blessed to have Joel A’Bell, Lead Pastor under Hillsong Church’s Senior Pastors Brian and Bobbie Houston, with us last week all the way from Australia.
In this session, we discussed some new things that God is doing at Hillsong and talked about developing a strong culture of worship.
Your Prayers Matter
Dear Church,
My family is overwhelmed with gratitude for your prayers. Thank you for lifting us before God faithfully.
Several of you ask us often how you can specifically pray for us. I always look forward to giving you honest and immediate needs because I know your prayers make a difference.
If you ever don’t know what to pray, we always are asking God for wisdom to lead well, spiritual direction and power, anointing to teach God’s word, and protection for our family from spiritual and other attacks.
We truly feel your prayers. Without your prayer support, we couldn’t do what we do.
Thank you for caring enough to pray.
Your Friendship Matters
Dear Church,
Thank you so much for treating me like a normal person. I feel that you honor the “office” of the pastor but love and accept me as a person.
I don’t take this for granted. Many of my pastor friends tell me that they feel lonely in ministry. Many have explained that other pastors in town are difficult to get to know and trust. Others have expressed deep hurts from friendships-gone-bad with people in their churches.
My family feels loved and accepted and not judged by the church. Some people may act differently around us because they are “with the pastor.” Our family enjoys when you are yourself and let us be ourselves. I’m especially grateful when you don’t put unrealistic expectations on my children and love them as regular kids.
We’ll always try to be a good and faithful example of Christ, but we’re grateful when you love us even though we occasionally fail.
I’d love to hear your perspective of friendships in ministry.
Letters from a Pastor
People in my church often ask me, “What can we do to help you?”
This week I’d like to dialog about how people can truly help and support their pastor. I’ll write from my perspective and would love to hear yours.
Your Words of Encouragement Matter
Dear Church,
Thank you so much for taking time to share how God is working in your life. Knowing that our ministry is making a difference is often all I need to keep going when I’d rather give up.
As your pastor, I’m way more “human” than I’d like to be. In my best moments, I’m fully convinced of God’s calling and presence. In my worst moments, I feel weak, insecure and totally ineffective as a Christian, much less the shepherd of a flock.
Just last week, one of you took the time to tell me how God has used our church to change your life for the better. I didn’t tell you, but on the inside I was wondering if my efforts mattered. God used your words to minister to me in a deep way.
Thanks so much for telling me how God is working in your life!
How has God used your church to minister to you?
UMC - Part 6
This may be the most controversial suggestion I’ll make. I understand that the implications are enormous and complicated. I also acknowledge the “real estate” ownership questions this raises (which is another important issue).
I think the United Methodist Church either needs to become united again or intentionally part ways.
Today, there is a huge divide between liberal Methodists and evangelical Methodists. While I don’t pretend to understand all of the nuances of the issues, I know that division doesn’t help anyone.
While conferences are wrestling with questions around ordaining homosexuals and the inspiration of scripture, Methodist churches are dying daily. More importantly, people are dying daily without a relationship with Christ.
While the UMC prides itself in being open, many of my evangelical peers don’t believe that their conference is very open to them.
Being an evangelical, I’m obviously biased. It is my humble opinion that pastors should boldly preach the life-changing Word of God and the new birth in Christ. Without the powerful proclamation of the Gospel, I don’t see any hope of survival. If liberal leaders won’t support evangelicals, the denomination would be wise to allow them a way to gracefully exit.
I pray God will bless and empower the UM Church to unite and share Christ around the world!
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