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Four Questions to Keep Your Passion Thriving

Orginally published on Monday, October 13, 2008 at 8:12 AM
by Todd Rhoades


Last week at Catalyst, Perry Noble shared the four questions that he constantly asks himself to make sure he's keeping his passion. Perry is the pastor at NewSpring Church in Anderson, SC. These are great questions all of us need to ask ourselves regularly to make sure that we doesn’t lose out passion for Jesus, the church, and ministry. Here they are:

1.  How much time do I spend listening to God?  Perry said that leadership is as simple as listening to God.  But in order to listen to God, it takes time… consistent, uninterrupted time.

2.  Am I more concerned with being discovered or being developed?  This is a constant temptation for Perry and most other great leaders that I know.  You must stop thinking constantly about what other people think of you or your ministry (and stop trying to impress them!) and instead, allow God to develop your relationships with others and Him.  Also allow God to develop your character and your ministry skills.

3.  Am I believing any lies?  Perry mentioned that every leader believes certain lies throughout their ministries that hold them back, and in fact, admitted to running from some really stupid things in his ministry.  Don’t allow your critics to doubt what God is calling you to do.  And when you get depressed or discouraged, simply go back to where God found you.  There you will find the strength and answers and fortitude to move forward and not give up.

4.  Am I risking or am I playing it safe.  According to Perry, great leaders must constantly risk.  Many pastors, in fact, are one risk away from a breakthrough.  Perry is not afraid to fail.  Here’s how he looks at leadership:  “Take a risk… fail… take another risk.” If God tells you to do something, do it… even if others think your crazy. 

I thought these were great questions to ask ourselves constantly.  Take some time today to ask yourself these questions.  If you’re feeling ‘less than passionate’, the answers to these questions will help you get back on –track!

Have a great week!

Todd


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  There are 9 Comments:

  • Posted by

    Great list

  • Posted by

    What, no briefs or boxers?  How do you expect to be relevant without that question. smile Great list.

  • Posted by Camey

    Especially agree with number 1.. “listening to God.” Not “talking to God and giving Him my ‘to do list’ in the time frame I expect it to be done.”

    Great list…

  • Posted by Peter Hamm

    I’d add one. Am I developing other leaders and reproducing myself and working to reproduce my church. THAT gets my motor going in a big way!

  • Posted by Andy Wood

    Thanks for this.  As a first-time Catalyst attender, I had two regrets.  First, not meeting you.  Second, missing the Wednesday sessions.  This is good stuff.

  • Posted by David

    These are definitely excellent questions for each to consider.  As a young church leader the one I struggle the most with is number two.  Serving in a remote town in the deserts of Eastern Oregon as an associate pastor I sometimes wonder if any ever notices that I am here and that I what I am doing is significant.

    This was a good gut check and reminder for me.

  • Posted by Camey

    David,

    You were just prayed for!

  • Posted by David

    Camey,

    Thanks for the prayers.  Last night I stepped up and made a difficult ministry contact instead of letting slide.  I need to allow God to develop me as a pastor and as a husband and father.

  • Posted by Camey

    David,

    You’re welcome. Actually prayed for you after reading your comment yesterday… but you were brought to my mind again today.. so I prayed again..

    I don’t know how young you are.. or if you mean that more so from the being young in ministry.. but your last line there, “I need to allow God to develop me as a pastor and as a husband and father.” that is so key! For how we might want that to happen may truly not stretch us in all the ways that require real faith and trust in Him alone. 

    Know the prayers will continue as you seek to hear from God and to follow Him no matter how thick it might get.

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