Eric Offstage

Who Is Your "One"?

I talked to our community of leaders about this last month and I thought it would be wise to bring it up here as well. 

Ministry is hard work.  We are trying to help thousands of people know Jesus, love Jesus, serve Jesus and become radically committed to Jesus.  Because we are dealing with crowds of people coming and going each and every week, it is easy to forget that every face in the crowd matters to God.  Every number is a life, and every life has a story. 

To help myself remember every life matters.  I have "one" person-- "one lost sheep" that I write every talk directed towards.  This person is far from God, hurting and in need of Jesus.  I meet with this person regularly.  He gets my phone number and email address.  We cry together, and I pray for him, and try to push him to know Jesus and love Jesus.  

He is my "one".  He is the person God sent me to reach right now, and if I remember this "one" as I lead the crowds, I love the crowds well.  If I forget about this "one" I forget to love the crowds well. 

Something about helping "one" helps them all. 

So I would ask:  Who is your "one"?  Not do you serve in the kids ministry, or on the parking team or help with greeting, but what "one" person are you doing life with?  What one person are you trying to help and save and change and coach to become like Jesus?  I think every pastor and church leader of God, needs to have "one" life that he/she is pouring into. 

It is a principle I heard Andy Stanley preach about several months ago.  He says, "Do for ONE what you wish you could do for ALL."

You can't help everyone, but you can help one.  And in helping one, we better care for all.  WHO IS YOUR ONE? 

All I Can Say Is Thank You

This is just a shout out of gratitude.

First, to the multitude of volunteers that served so tirelessly at the Thrill and Move Conference last Tuesday - Thank You!  Our conference was a HUGE SUCCESS because of you!  Hundreds of pastors and church leaders from Wisconsin, Minnesota and Iowa came for the day to our church; and you sacrificially served, encouraged, blessed and helped them.  THANK YOU!  The kingdom of Jesus is going to grow so much due to your hard work.  I love that we weren't just about our little church but about the entire kingdom of Jesus. 

Second, to Pastors Brad White and Shannon Odell - you guys rocked the house at our conference.  Your talks on vision and funding the church were amazing, and I am thankful to have such great pastor friends like you all.  Thanks for flying to Minnesota and encouraging pastors, church leaders and our team at the Crossing as well.  Our church and our leadership will be better because of your wisdom. 

Third, to Pastor Bil Cornelius. Thanks for being my friend, mentor, and wise board member.  Your talk all 6 services on Thrill and Move weekend were hilarious and great!  Our church was super stoked to have you preach the weekend services, and Jesus totally showed up!  But what I am personally grateful for is your friendship and wisdom.  Having a friend in ministry like you is something I will never take for granted.  So many pastors go through ministry solo, and I so thankful for your support, wisdom, and ability to get all up in my grill and explode my paradigm so I think outside the box. 

Fourth, to the Crossing staff.  You people are an amazing team, and I love you all.  You worked your guts out for the conference (not to mention every weekend), and I am so thankful you serve with me.  I have the privilege of leading the craziest, hardest working church staff on earth.  I know you love Jesus and are willing to do anything, everything or nothing to accomplish our mission to de-populate hell in the northwest suburbs.  Thank you for all you do.

Fifth, to Jesus.  Thank you for being the head of the church (specifically for being the head of The Crossing Church).  Thank you for allowing us to be part of your kingdom team and for blessing us with your presence every weekend and every day.  Without you, Jesus, we are nothing.  And once again you showed up in a HUGE way for us this past weekend and changed a TON of lives.  We are grateful, blessed, and we will not take this for granted.  We realize we serve the Greatest Savior (Jesus), on the greatest mission (The Gospel), with the greatest organization (the Church) in all the world.  Thank you Jesus for allowing us ring side seats to life change.  It is always, only about you.  

THANKS...