New Leadership Axiom

You are probably aware that one of our main methods for developing leaders is through teaching leadership axioms, giving the students (and pastors) a toolbox of principles that can help them in situations throughout life. Some, like "one on one is how it's done" and "seek first to understand and then to be understood", we have been teaching for many years. But we are always listening for new and better ways to teach Christian leadership principles. 

Recently Lailah, one of my co-pastors at UTD, was praying for her family, some of whom do not know Jesus. She shared with me how eager she has been to see them all love Jesus and to see Him transform her family individually and collectively. While wrestling with God in prayer over this, He spoke clearly to her: "Lailah, you've got to love them more than you want to change them." When she shared that story, I knew we had just been given a new axiom to teach our leaders.

When change becomes the goal, we are willing to take all sorts of short cuts to make things happen. When change becomes the goal, we are more willing to walk away to find greener pastures. When change is the goal, my ego gets tied up in how other people act and the choices they make. But I think the Bible makes clear that God doesn't call us to change people, but to love people. When love is the goal, we practice being like God, because "God is love" (1 John 4:8). 

We've already started teaching this new axiom to our student leaders, and I am excited to see the fruit of this simple reminder from the Spirit in the years to come. He continues to protect us from ourselves and guide us into the self-sacrificing love of Jesus.

Thank you for your love for young people on college campuses, even when you don't get to experience any of the changes in their lives firsthand. Your love is indeed bearing much good fruit, but it's so apparent to me that your love trumps your desire for "results." We are blessed indeed.

Traveling to Arizona!

People are often worried about whether I get enough rest. :) Let me assure you that I know how to take a break! This month I got to go camping in Arizona with three other FOCUS pastors, one of the students I mentor, and some other pastors from our family of churches. I've been on this trip before, and it is always a good reset for me--slowing my pace, reflecting, connecting with God through his creation. It has me ready to finish this school year strong! We have a month of big events and our annual SICM trip to Washington state just ahead.

The view from our campsite.

Sunset from the top of a sand dune.

Mandy and I got some good downtime but also some good time to talk about the ministry.

I got to tour the Hoover Dam with Kole (one of the students I mentor this year) and Paul (my apprentice).

Student Testimony

I love this story of one of our students literally chasing someone because of the Spirit's prompting!