Uniquely Better

It’s interesting that this came out of my fortune cookie today for lunch. “Your example will inspire others.”

Some years ago, when I served as a pastor at Baldwin Community United Methodist Church in Pittsburgh, PA, my Director of Christian Education at the time, Beth Lamb, made up pins to wear. The pins read, “I’m contagious! Pass it on!”

Of course we had many people look at us when we wore those buttons, however, it always led to a conversation as to what we had! We then said, “We have the joy of Christ living within us!” The joy of Christ is contagious. When you are around people who have joy residing inside them, you are naturally drawn to it. You crave it. You want more and when you experience that same joy, the natural result is to share it, or pass it on.

Inspiration. We all need it.

I was inspired this week. I mean...really inspired this week.

I’ve been attending The Willow Creek Global Leadership Summit at Crossroads United Methodist Church in Jacksonville, FL. This simulcast conference is broadcast to over 400,000 people world wide out of Willow Creek Church in Illinois. Bill Hybels is their founding pastor and current lead pastor.

This conference brings in some of the greatest leaders and innovators of our time. I’ve heard CEO’s speak, Secretary of State speak, and this week, I got to hear much of the same. These speakers come and they inspire. They inspire leaders to lead. Whether in business or in the church, leaders come from all around the world to be fed, to be inspired and to be sent out to do the work God has called them to.

This week, one of my favorite speakers, pastors and teachers spoke, Andy Stanley. Andy speaks and it becomes a quote. Well, not all the time, but you know what I mean.
I read the title of his talk, “Uniquely Better” and I thought, “What’s this all about?” Here are a few learnings from Andy Stanley’s talk at the GLS 17.

1. Capitalize on Your Successes:

Stanley encouraged us to capitalize on our successes. Just the night before, our kayak ministry, “Kayaking With Jeff” posted the next trip. In 59 minutes of it’s post, JaxPaddleSports’ fleet was completely sold out.

We have found a niche in St. Johns County, outdoors and activity. We have come to find  that when we have a ministry opportunity outside, people gather. Whether it is a community event, a block party, a kayaking trip or even an outdoor worship service, people come!

Every church or organization is different. Some churches may find that their success is a Celebrate Recovery ministry. Other churches may have a strong relationship with a local school.

2. Discovering “Uniquely Better” is almost Impossible; Recognizing When It Comes By is Much Higher.

When we launched Kayaking with Jeff in 2016, we had no idea what to expect. When God first laid this kayak Fresh Expression on my heart, I thought it would be a group of people who had their own kayaks and we would hit the waterways together.

God brought us Alex Gallaher, owner of JaxPaddleSports. Alex was beginning his business the same time we partnered together for Kayaking With Jeff. In 1 1/2 years, God has taken this partnership and has truly brought transformation for both Longleaf and for JaxPaddleSports.

We didn’t discover “uniquely better” in 2016. We recognized it this year as kayaks/SUP’s are being rented in record time. We must figure out a way now how to expand this kayak ministry in new ways, so that we can capitalize on what God has blessed.

Sometimes, that means we fail when we try something. Not everything works. However, if something does work, be sure to recognize it and invest in it. God is blessing it, so take advantage of it! Don’t thwart the work of what God is already doing! The earlier we recognize our “uniquely better,” the more successful we will be!

3. Be a student, not a critic.

Stanley encouraged us to learn. Never stop learning. He said, “I will not criticize something I don’t understand.” Another quote Stanley mentioned was, “The moment we start criticizing, we stop learning, and the moment we stop learning, we stop leading.”

I am learning everyday as a church planter. Nothing is never the same. I don’t want to be a critic. I want to be a student. I desire to know more.

What about you? Are you moving from critic to student? Leaders learn.

4. Ask the “uniquely better” questions.

Is this unique? What would make this unique? Is this better? It is better...really?

Take a look at what it is you are doing. Whether it is a small group, a Fresh Expression, an existing congregation, look deeply into the organization. What is it that you appreciate about it? Capitalize on that. How can you take what God is blessing you with to the next level? Unique attracts attention.

I have been inspired this week to strive to be uniquely better, in all areas of life. What makes you unique? What makes your church unique? What makes your organization/business unique? Capitalize on your success.