Serving...

Happy New Year AMPED leaders new and old! With a new year always comes the inevitable resolutions, goal setting and vision casting. I used to always set some attainable resolutions and some resolutions that were entirely beyond my reach. I have a friend that sets specific, attainable goals each year. This person writes them down, seals them in an envelope and doesn't look at them until after the next new year. While both methods may benefit each person to a point, there are some flaws with goal setting in these ways. Neither keep the goals in front of you each and every day so that you are challenged to evaluate how you are doing in reaching said goals.
After attending the final night of the FiRST conference last night, I have to say that my spirit was stirred in mighty ways. The Lord spoke so clearly and plainly to me last night about so many things but the one thing that He drilled right into my core was the need have very clear, plainly written goals for 2008 and beyond for the leaders at AMPED. The scripture that Pastor Willie George, affectionately known to many as "Gospel Bill", spoke from was Habakkuk 2:2, Then the Lord answered me and said: "Write the vision and make it plain on tablets, that he may run who reads it."
Keith has graciously asked me to contribute to the AMPED leaders blog specifically in the area of leadership development. That is just a fancy way of saying that he recognizes my burden for the current and future leaders of AMPED. My role is to serve YOU as you serve our students, their families, each other and our new and future leaders.
I truly can say there is no greater reward in life and in heaven than when God's people are served by His people. With that said, I wanted to share some goals and vision for you as we begin this new year.

Become REAL servant leaders
The term "servant leaders" is almost overused in not only the church but in the business world as well. What does this really look like for us in a REAL daily sense? Simply put, a servant leader puts the needs of others ahead of their own needs, position and place.
-Submission: Submit yourself to the vision of reaching students and their families for the Lord as Jesus was submitted to his Father's vision John 6:38
-Compassion: Seek the Father's heart in order to gain His love and burden for students and their families. Luke 4:18
-Humility: Strive for Jesus' model of humility as demonstrated in John 13:1-7. No task or need is beneath us as leaders, there may be a delay in reward on earth for humble actions but the heavenly reward is much greater

Duplicate yourselves
It isn't enought to just pray for more leaders, we must pray specifically for leaders that will not only have the burden on their hearts to minister to students but will also fill a need we have at AMPED. John 15:14-17 speaks about raising up new leaders and setting them out to reach others.
Keith told me the other day that God had spoken to him about not only asking for what we need but for what we want.
I want leaders that want to develop relationships with students by leading access groups.
I want leaders that can help Keith, Kam, Brittney and Rich follow-up with new students and students that have been absent.
I want leaders that can provide altar ministry.
I want leaders that can help secure our building to protect our students
I want leaders that can help with our drama team.
I want leaders that will lead home/fusion groups
I want leaders that will run our VIP room for new students and their families
I want leaders that are passionate for reaching this generation
Pray specifically that the Lord will set up that divine appointment with that future leader or that He reveals the leader within someone that is a friend or family member. I know that the reach of AMPED will extend this year and bring so many students that need either a relationship with Father or a deeper relationship with Father. This means we need help. It is easy for them to get started with us by either emailing Brittney or coming by to check out a service on Sunday nights at NRH.

Let's focus on these goals and vision we have for AMPED leaders this year. I am positive that God will outpour a blessing on this ministry in both increased students reached and increases in the number of leaders that will be available to reach these students.
I am honored to serve you. Don't hesitate to reach out to me with needs, questions, ideas or just to chat.
Blessings,
James R.