Spies in the land…

I am down in Portland with Naomi and a group of leaders from the church. We have spent the last 3 days participating in City Bible Church’s leadership conference and it has been inspiring, challenging and refreshing. We were invited down as guests after Pastor Frank spoke at our leadership conference in February. When Pastor Frank came to our conference in February he was able to bring a few other leaders and they were all unanimously impacted, and impressed, by the spiritual atmosphere and culture of our church. Beyond what their human eyes and ears picked up, they sensed something and were stirred by it. Holy Spirit quickened something within them about the destiny of Northgate Foursquare and they felt that our participation in their conference would be a benefit to us as we stepped into what God has called us to. So we came down not as conference attendees but as spies in the land. We came to observe and receive from an apostolic, multi-site church that is equipping, resourcing, sending and influential.

In no uncertain terms are we trying to be, or imitate, City Bible Church. God has called them to be them, and us to be us (now that’s profound!) and for us to pursue anything less (or more) than our unique call and culture would be sinful. That being said however, there is a benefit in intentionally placing ourselves in situations where God can enlarge, and clarify, the vision and our understanding of it. This was what we felt God call us to after our leadership conference - 1. Declare more boldly and freely who you are and, 2. More intentionally step into it – and it was why we made the trek southward to participate in this conference.

As leaders we are trying to diligently prepare for what God is calling us to. It is our desire that nothing in us would in any way hinder what God desires to do in and through our family. As we walk through this process of surrender, stretching, and submission, I pray that everyone in our church family would do the same. That we would all be willing, and ready, to do whatever is necessary to possess our future. I can tell you with certainty that the report of these “spies” is a good one. Through eyes of faith we have seen the promised land and we CAN possess it. With God as our guide, and our willing hearts it is absolutely possible. I have such an expectancy about what lies ahead for our family and I pray earnestly that God will give me the grace and wisdom to impart that expectancy to each of our family members and then lead us all in possessing our future.