Five Minutes on Friday

Please remember “Vancouver Chinese EFC” – our LPD “Church” of the Week.

Thanks to Anna (Ben) Crumback at Sointula Community Church for producing the Church of the Week!

Dear friends,

Good Friday morning.

Last week, I shared three questions for reflection in looking to the season ahead.
They are:

1. What should I plan to do more of in the season ahead?
2. What should I plan to do less of in the season ahead?
3. What do I hope to never do again in the season ahead?

I do hope that you found these helpful in looking ahead to the fall.

More and more, I am convinced that there are three essential qualities of effective leadership.

First is the ability to accurately assess and communicate “where things are at.” This means that one does not live in denial, and one is neither a pessimist nor a blind optimist. He or she has a realistic understanding of the current situation and communicates this to those being led.

Second is a conviction of what God is calling his people to. The word “vision” comes to mind, but more than this. Vision can be an idea, a dream or a program. I am speaking of a deep conviction of what God is calling his people to and this can be referred to as hope. God is not finished with his people – He is calling his people to more!

Third is a conviction of what God is asking of us. What is God asking us to do, and what are the priorities and steps to arrive at what He is calling us to? It is one thing to communicate conviction of what God is calling us to. It is another thing to communicate the steps to get there.

What are your thoughts about these three qualities?

This week, I read an article by Thom Rainer, titled, “12 Ways Pastors Went from Burnout to Vision.” In this article, Rainer shares examples of pastors who have shifted their perspective from that of burnout to renewed vision through some rather practical steps. I would encourage you to read this – here’s the link:  http://www.lifeway.com/pastors/2015/02/19/12-ways-pastors-went-from-burnout-to-vision/

Related to the topic of burnout and insular thinking is that of thinking of the mission and purpose of our local church. For whom do we exist and for what purpose? Please read the attached Five Minutes on Friday for news of what God is doing in various churches in our LPD.
Please click this link to this week’s Five Minutes on Friday with the LPD:  Five_Minutes_on_Friday.pdf

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• LPD Pastor and Staff Orientation – Monday, September 18 at ACTS Seminaries/EFCC Office. Orientation is a requirement for all ministry credentials in the EFCC. If you have not already attended,   please plan to do so!    Please see attachment  

LPD_Pastors_Orientation_2017_Invitation.04.pdf

• JOB Postings Is your church hiring? Please let us know at the LPD Office! We have several resumes available and also, we are glad to post your position profile on our district website. Please email Josephine at office@lpd-efcc.ca