Don't Pull Punches

I was challenged by a statement today that hit close to home.  "Never feel bad for asking people to make the same sacrifices that you were asked to make."  This is a struggle for me.  I always seem to feel bad for asking people to make sacrifices.  But when I do that I pull a punch with those people and they miss out.  What I forget is that the sacrifice I was asked to make completely changed my life and by not asking others to do the same causes them to potentially miss out on those earth shattering moments.  My life came alive when I did something absolutely crazy and decided to join Jesus on his mission.  But when I'm faced to ask someone else to do the same thing I often pull a punch and just ask people to give what's convenient, comfortable or responsible.  How many people have missed out because I didn't ask them to do something that could turn their world upside down but also might change them forever.  As leaders we first need to remember that someone looked us in the eye and asked us to do some pretty big things and we thank them for doing so.  We then need to turn and look at those around us and call them to this mission and ask them to make the sacrifices that will change them for eternity.

Let Your Roots Grow

I grew up in a small town.  I mean small.  No stop lights and the main stop sign was a RIGHT TURN PERMITTED WITHOUT STOPPING.  Small town.  After moving to Seattle and going to the University of Washington I always thought a small town was something good to be from.  I thought I was a city kid for life.  Something has happened this past year.  I have become a small town kid again...and I love it!  Although, I don't know whether it's a small town thing or a city thing at all.  I think it's a mission thing.  But it wasn't instant or over night...it has grown over time.  This Christmas I began to realize something that has helped this love grow.  Heather researched all of the events going on this Christmas and we did one simple thing...we showed up.  Jesus has grown our hearts and it's changed my life in the process.  There are a few things that have helped me live a more missional life this year...

1) Volunteer in your city
2) Show up to the events in your city
3) Allow Jesus to grow your heart for your city

Let your roots grow and see what happens to your heart and to the mission this year.

Own Christmas

A friend of newlife is a pastor in California and he challenged Wes when it comes to the Christmas season.  He said you know you have connected with the city when you see people connected to you in a significant ways during Christmas.  He said that Easter is usually the largest day of the year in church but it's mostly celebrated by Christians.  In contrast, nearly everyone in the culture celebrates Christmas.  He said you know you've connected with the community when you see them joining you for Christmas.  Whether that's a party, gathering or group, you know you are starting to impact your community at large when you "Own Christmas" for the city.  Let's own Christmas this year and bring hope and grace to people this Christmas.  Jesus brought heaven to earth...let's bring Christmas to our community this year...let's own Christmas and tell Kitsap how Jesus does "beautiful things!"

Love the City || Serve the City

I love my city.  I haven't always been able to say that and mean it.  Now, I have said it in the past but it felt different than it does these days.  When most people say they love their city they mean they enjoy the local bakery or they like the schools or they find their neighborhood appealing.  But do you really love your city?  It's not a nostalgic feeling but it's action.  Loving the city isn't looking to the city for what it can give you but what you can give in return.  I understand this at a deeper level after coaching football as a volunteer at the local high school this fall.  It was a privilege coaching the Vikings of North Kitsap High School and serving the city I now love.  As my family begins to look for more ways to serve and love the city we look forward to Jesus growing our hearts for the people of Poulsbo.  This Christmas let us serve the city like Jesus has served us.  If you say you love the city...prove it...serve the city.