Celebrate What God is Doing in Axis

Legacy Shepherding Ministries, Inc. – Randy’s July Update

At the end of June, after my last letter, Axis (the 20something ministry at Willow Creek Community Church) had a Volunteer Appreciation Dinner to honor the young leaders who have served so faithfully this past year.  I was invited as well, since I mentor many of these leaders.

Earlier that day, I met with the leader of the ministry, Jon Peacock, for our usual weekly mentoring session.  Jon told me he didn’t want me to do any leading or mentoring that evening.  I was a guest to be celebrated.  He wanted me to receive.

It was good for me to have that direct reminder (command, actually!).  It feels more comfortable for me to give. It’s much harder for me to receive.  I usually feel awkward and unworthy on the receiving end. Knowing that about myself, I tried to open myself up to what Jesus would wish to form and transform in me through this event.  I went and just let myself BE.

Jon does a beautiful job of affirming people.  He had each of his community hub leaders stand up as he verbally affirmed them in front of everyone.  It was a blessing.

Near the end, he had me stand up.  He affirmed me with wonderful words, even stating that he wouldn’t still be doing what he’s doing without the love, support, and guidance he’s received through our times together.  That would be a shame, because he is brilliant at what he does, and so many young people are benefiting in countless ways (In June, 34 people in their twenties were baptized! Not to mention all the other life-change).

Jon said that he thinks we are a more loving community because of my influence.  That alone makes it worth the sacrifices.  I believe one of the key indicators of growth is if we see within ourselves an increasing capacity to love God, love ourselves, and love others – what Jesus simplified all the confusing complexities down to: simply Love.

Then Jon asked all the people who I’ve mentored (past and present) to raise their hands.  Of the 41 people in the room, 16 people raised their hands (2 others were missing).  Visually, it was a surprisingly large percentage of the room.

It’s hard for me to let that soak in sometimes, what God is doing and can do, through you and me as we continue to partner together in this disciple-making ministry to the next generation.  Thanks for all your prayers and support (financial and otherwise).  Those hands wouldn’t have been raised without you.

Jon paused and slowed things down.  The room went silent.  He asked the leaders to keep their hands raised, and encouraged me to look around the room and soak it in.  I felt known in that gesture.  I would have raced past it, especially being the center of attention.  Instead, in the silence, I did soak it in.  I looked at each amazing person and allowed myself to feel all the tenderness and love and hope and joy that was in my heart.

These are some AMAZING young people.  God is at work.  You’d be so proud of this whole group (including the ones I don’t mentor…yet!).  I wish you could have been there to meet them.

The young leaders I mentor have done such hard work – leading and loving their communities well.  In addition, they have been doing the hard internal work of letting Christ be formed more fully in them, inviting God to work on their characters so that what they DO flows out of who they are – their BEing.

Please keep them in your prayers.  These are some of the future leaders of the Church, who will most likely need to be prepared to lead through tougher times than today.

Thanks for everything,
Randy

First row:
3-Evan, who is taking courageous steps, bringing himself into the light to be transformed.
5-Kelly, who exudes love and warmth and joy; for many Kelly’s presence feels like finding home.
6-Jon, a leader and pastor extraordinaire- humble, affirming, visionary, likeable. I would be a part of any church he would lead.
7-Ted, who is generous and welcomes irreligious people the Church may shun.
8-Sheri, who is filled with wisdom and shepherding gifts; a woman of tender strength.
9-Jodie, with a heart for discipleship and a listening spirit for the Lord; her beauty is blossoming.
10-Brian, a difference-maker at heart, with a passion for spirit-led worship; he is coming alive.
11-Scotty, who makes me laugh and who can also go deep, with a passion for emotional health. After we meet, he’s giving away what he has learned almost the minute he walks out my door.
13-Gabe L, who I only met with once, has modeled honesty and vulnerability in community.
17-Amy, who doesn’t feel at home in a city until she knows the homeless by name; what a servant and voice for the underprivileged. She inspires me.

Second row (treat everyone on the upper tier as one row, count in order their face appears):
5-Jason, a passionate and sensitive leader who spurs men on to be better men and lovers.
6-Nuree, a pastor at heart who leads people into the beautiful deep; a spirit-filled worship leader.
9-John, who is radically inclusive, opening his arms no matter how messy the person; crazy things happen for Christ in John and Carmelina’s (#11) open invitation world – CRAZY stuff!
17-Matt, who feels drawn into the pastorate and is trying to follow God wherever he may lead.
19-Mike, a sensitive and strong man of deep integrity and godly character who teaches children.
20-Gabe S, a visionary who inspires people with his passionate spirit and entrepreneurial mind.
25-Me on the end, who is blessed to know this group of people.

Missing:
Troy, who has opened himself up and experienced amazing transformation as he continues to discover his True Self and remove the blocks from love.
Andy T., who deeply enters in with people and loves them well, which is healing. He has been a good friend to me this year, when I needed a friend.  Thanks Andy.

Thanks for praying for all these leaders.