We’re going to take a little break from our Growing Leaders series – I’ll pick it back up next week.  This week I want to reflect on some thoughts I’ve been having over the last week or so…

Last week I was named one of the top 20 emerging kidmin leaders by Children’s Ministry Magazine. I was so honored. It was an amazing thing to me especially considering some of the folks on that list – there are several who I genuinely look up to as amazing leaders.  I know that I was on this list because of the grace of God and a nomination from a good friend.

As most of you know I am a proud Ohio State Buckeye fan and when we win, I am a prideful Buckeye fan – I gloat and brag…I know it and I love it! (And it’s all in good fun, except when OSU beats Pastor Glenn’s Hawkeyes)  And it’s one of the only times it’s ok to be prideful.

A few years ago if I had been on that list it would have been tragic.  Tragic because I would have been unbearable to be around; back then I wanted to be a big shot. I want to be a big name and I was working hard to try and ‘make a name’ for myself. I was pursuing speaking opportunities, networking to get my name out there, and looking for every chance I could to promote myself.

Then God healed me from that desire.  I say healed – because it was like an addiction for me or a deep emotional wound in who I was.  I was reminded in a Club Lesson by Bro. Jim that promotions comes from God.  And you know – once I gave up the desire to be somebody – positive things started happening in my life. I met my Children’s Ministry Idol, God opened doors of opportunity, and my life became a lot less driven be ego.

There are those who might think that I still sound prideful at times – but it’s entirely unintentional if I do. I do share about great things that are happening and what amazing opportunities that come my way and I think people misunderstand me; I share because I am amazed at the things God has brought into my life.  I’m amazed because I know something you don’t know – how unqualified and unworthy I am of the blessing God has given me.  I truly am in awe of what God has done for me.

I often talk about the great things that our volunteers are doing and what awesome things are happening at our church.  It’s easy in the midst of all the praise and kudos to get a big head.  I want our volunteers to be proud of the work they’ve done – we just also have to remember it is because of God’s grace that we have anything.  God’s grace to give us such an awesome Pastor, God’s grace to give us such a supportive church, God’s grace to give us kids to minister to, God’s grace to get out of bed in the morning – without His grace, we have nothing.  As leaders, as volunteers, and as people – without Jesus we are nothing.

Take pride in what you do – but remain humble in who you are.  When we learn to do that – God will bring His blessings.