The Infleuntials
Just spent the last ninety minutes with Rick McKinley from Imago Dei in Portland. He was in town for meetings so we hooked up at Ebenezers. Both of us write for Multnomah so we talked about everything from publishing to pastoring. So inspired by the way Imago Dei is impacting the city of Portland. And I love their advent conspiracy initiative. I'll post more 411 once their website goes live.
Last week it was the Dream Center in LA. This week its Imago Dei in Portland. Gotta be honest. Part of me feels like we're doing Jack Squat in DC by comparison. But I really feel like God has given us a platform in this city and we need to dream bigger dreams for DC. I really do believe we can turn this city upside down.
I love the way Rick is challenging "the influentials" in his church to leverage their influence for the kingdom! Gave me an idea for a small group next semester. We've got so many influentials at NCC--political influence, journalistic influence, economic influence. But influentials want to and need to be challenged with God-sized dreams! It comes down to this: God gives us platforms not to platform us but to platform Himself and His message!
Influence is a stewardship issue!
FYI--The Influentials is a good read.
Last week it was the Dream Center in LA. This week its Imago Dei in Portland. Gotta be honest. Part of me feels like we're doing Jack Squat in DC by comparison. But I really feel like God has given us a platform in this city and we need to dream bigger dreams for DC. I really do believe we can turn this city upside down.
I love the way Rick is challenging "the influentials" in his church to leverage their influence for the kingdom! Gave me an idea for a small group next semester. We've got so many influentials at NCC--political influence, journalistic influence, economic influence. But influentials want to and need to be challenged with God-sized dreams! It comes down to this: God gives us platforms not to platform us but to platform Himself and His message!
Influence is a stewardship issue!
FYI--The Influentials is a good read.
4 Comments:
I got to sit and listen to Rick McKinley speak at Imago Dei three weeks ago while I was passing through Portland. So glad I did.
I've now had several good conversations with friends about Imago Dei, but I'm realizing that I should have paid more attention while I was there. Thankfully the sermons summarys are online and while re-reading it I was able to remember more of the things that had impacted me while I was there.
I love that Rick said "We have been planted in the world in a particular zip code with a specific culture." Then he went on to say "God has placed all of us in a place where we can have influence. What are you doing with this influence? This influence has nothing to do with power or position (note Jesus' posture in his ministry, and the influence he had). Our influence is a more subversive one. Our influence comes because God is transforming our lives." (sermon summary here)
Amen!
Wow. That's rock solid. Love it. Came here to post a generic comment then saw Laura's post and it was like a double dippin of influential stimulus. Thanks Laura for adding and linking. I think many dismiss the influence they have by being awestruck by the perceived bulk influence of others. My mom gave me a CD of a Rob Bell sermon several years ago. That CD went from my hand to the hand of someone else (of influence) who then began to leave a life of "new age" beliefs and follow Jesus. My mom never even realized the "influence" she would have by something as simple as passing on a sermon CD. God positioned her at just the right moment to do just the right thing.
Two of the most influential pastors in my life sitting down for coffee and talking about the influentials... that's ironic.
I know God is doing a work in D.C. I was there not two months ago and felt the Life in that city. Knowing what your church is doing, as well as others I'm sure, I trust that He will continue to show Himself.
I am praying for my part in that too. I've never considered moving to another city before...always too afraid or too selfish...but I've sensed a call to D.C.
Be encouraged! He has amazing plans for you guys!
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