A Pastor’s Letter

Randy’s October, 2012 Update:

A Pastor’s Letter:

Randy,
“It is said of the great sculptors that they could see a masterpiece in a block of stone.  Their job was to remove everything that wasn’t part of that hidden image in order to set it free.  You have been that sculptor for me.

“You have seen me…in the beginning when I was reluctant and slow to trust…through times when I’ve overanalyzed and evaded questions…in times when I was discouraged…at times when I ran back to old patterns…and in those times when I wrestled with shame.

“You have seen me with the eyes of a craftsman who knows there’s something struggling to break free.  And you’ve known where to apply the chisel.

“Because you’re being true to yourself in this calling, you rarely strive.  You’re able to apply skill and strength without feeling tremendous strain.  Your sustained energy through these years is proof to me that this is a divine calling.

“Most impressive of all to me is the way you partner with God in your work.  I have never met anyone who is as gifted as you are at facilitating another person’s direct encounter with God.

“Whether I was imagining myself climbing into the lap of Jesus as a little boy or walking with the master gardener through the fields or journaling about what’s on my heart or sitting in silence and allowing you to pray over me.  We shared many sacred moments.  And it’s because you made space for me to encounter God.  Your living room has become an altar on many occasions.  And I’m certain others have had the same experience.

“I feel catapulted forward in my own formation.  I know much better the meaning of Ephesians 2:10, ‘For we are God’s masterpieces.  He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.’

“I owe a debt of gratitude to you for your work as a sculptor who has apprenticed himself under the Master Craftsman, who is Jesus.

“I used to think that when God thought of me he was disappointed.  Now I know that when He thinks of me He smiles with delight.

“I’ve moved a lot of beliefs from my head to my heart in experiential ways.  I now know it is possible to ‘experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully.’ (Ephesians 3:19)

“I originally approached you motivated by a desire to understand how to lead a growing small group ministry.  We discussed a lot of issues around intentional shepherding.  But I learned very quickly that your top priority was my own transformation.

“Robert Clinton says that leaders who are effective and finish well have had 10-15 people who come alongside them to mentor them.  You have been one of the top people on this list at a critical time in my life and in the life of our church.

“So, on behalf of everyone who is influenced by my leadership, ‘Thank You’.

Eric Flood, Senior Pastor of South Park Church

I’m Squirming With Discomfort:
It makes me uncomfortable sharing a letter like this.  Usually, when people write something for one of my updates, I edit out as much about me as I can.  I get concerned that people might think I’m trying to self aggrandize.  I know this isn’t about me; it’s about what God has done, is doing, and will do.

I’ve shared this letter because I see it as a Thank You to those of you who have partnered with me in this life-changing ministry.  Without God, and without You, none of these things would have happened.  So Thank You!  Thank You!  Thank You!  I don’t take your investment lightly.  I believe it is reaping eternal returns.

How is Eric Applying What He Received?

• “I am currently mentoring Kevin, a recent graduate from Moody Bible Institute and a M.Div. student at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School.  [Note:  How cool for a young pastor to be poured into by a more seasoned pastor, who can help him navigate life, face character issues, and deal with ministry struggles that a pastor may face.  I am so excited to see high-quality Legacy people, like Eric, passing on what they’ve received.  That’s what the Legacy part is all about!]
• “Our church has made mentoring part of our church strategy and growth process, with many relationships already launched and producing fruit.  [Note: People around Eric have seen the changes in him and have heard him talk about how mentoring has impacted and influenced him throughout the years we met.  The vision of spiritual mentoring is spreading within his church.  A year or two ago, I met with Eric and two key staff members at his church to discuss a spiritual mentoring training class they were going to lead.  The church’s response to the training was inspiring.  Attendance was great and the impact is still rippling.  A senior pastor has caught the vision and his church, family and life will never be the same.  Yeah!]
• “I use multiple principles that I learned daily in my oversight of staff.  [Note: Eric regularly pours into and expends energy developing his staff to the level they require or desire it, often using some of the materials we went over.  He has also invested personally in some key lay leaders who have shepherded small group leaders, within the small group structure he successfully implemented.  As Eric pours into his staff and key lay shepherds they in turn are pouring into the leaders and potential leaders in their care.  Hopefully, more difference makers are being raised up, equipped, and supported, as people give away what they’ve received, both inside and outside of the church.]
• “I start the day by spending time with the One who calls me his dearly loved son. That serves as my anchor through both successes and disappointments.  [Note: It all starts and flows out of intimacy with the Lord.  As we embrace our true identity, we can then live out our unique purpose in ways that truly bless the world in love, rather than harm the world with our ego and false self].

Eric Is Passing It On!
A whole church of approximately 700 people is being impacted by the investment we made in Eric.  That’s exciting!  Eric is passing it on!

And so are the others!  Today, many of the young leaders I’ve met with are doing amazing things, actively meeting some of the physical and spiritual needs of the world.  Through the journey we’ve gone on together, they are experiencing deeper intimacy with God, living more fully out of their true selves, and have discovered and are living out their unique redemptive purposes in the world.  They are leaving a Legacy!

How You Can Make A Difference:
I invite you to partner with me and God in this divinely empowered adventure of developing and mentoring young Christian leaders who are making and will make a loving impact on our world.

Will you please pray for this ministry?  While you consider your year-end giving, would you please prayerfully consider investing financially in the next generation of Christ-following leaders?  What will the world be like without them?

Contributions are tax deductible!

Thank you so much for joining me on this amazing journey.  You are making a difference.

In His Love,
Randy

(Note: Sculptures by Rodin.  Photos from Flickr by dSeneste.dk, Harshlight, and Oh Paris)