Matt Priebe 
Lead Pastor of True Hope Collister
 

I read a lot. Why? I like learning about what is happening in the world, new ideas, and brainstorming ways those ideas could help me in the goals I am striving for. But if I am honest, reading can also overwhelm me.

It is overwhelming because the tendency to try to be like others is real and ultimately unattainable. We can learn from others- that I agree with. But if I am trying to be someone that I am not in my leadership and as a church, then it complicates the work the Lord has called me to do.  

Every couple of months throughout the rest of 2020, our leadership team at City Network is going to be sharing the different perspectives we use to approach ministry. The goal isn't for you to mimic what we are doing but to allow the Holy Spirit to use the experiences of others to help guide you in yours. The outcome we genuinely long for is for God to empower you in who he made you to be. Dallas Willard says it this way, "Discipleship is the process of becoming who Jesus would be if he were you."  So what does it look like to live like Jesus in the gifts, make-up, and abilities he has given you?  

One of the things that I love about our team is how different we are. We are a unique group with varied backgrounds, some shared experiences, and many mixed experiences, diverse personalities, individual yet biblical expressions of the church and, a shared and intense desire to see God's kingdom expand. Needless to say, these facts make for compelling meetings. But I love how we encourage each other in who we are and discourage comparison in ministry.  

The point is, God wants to use you, the fully surrendered you, in building his kingdom. He isn't looking for us to mimic anyone other than Jesus. And he is looking for us to do that within the gifts he has strategically given each of us. So, as we embark on this journey of hearing other's stories use them as motivation to discover:

As we share our stories, we are interested in hearing your stories too. Consider sharing what God is doing in and through your leadership and church by emailing Angela at  admin@thecitynetwork.org. We look forward to hearing from you!

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