Craig Groeschel gave a straightforward talk to Pastors (or maybe I felt that way because he was spot on in so many ways). His main text was from Acts 20:22:24 – some of my favorite passages in the Bible. His thoughts focused on the making of a spiritual leader. He gave Four Phases God takes a leader as He prepares them for ultimate impact.

1. Spirit’s Prompting (compelled by the Spirit)

There is a moment in life that God will compelled you to do something for Him and it will drive you to take a risk. He made the statement, “Step away from your security to step into your destiny.” Whoa. This is how I felt when it came to becoming a Pastor. I left what was secure, what I knew how to do and what I was successful at, and took on an opportunity that was part of God’s unfolding plan for my life.

So, we’re to pay attention to the ways God is moving, and to look around and see what we’re not okay with and that very well may be why God is compelling you to do.

2. Certain Uncertainty (22b)

Many of us know what we want to do, but we don’t have the clue as to what that means. Craig encouraged the group by saying that was okay. It’s okay to have a level of certain uncertainty. Many times in fact, God won’t give us all the details because we couldn’t handle all of them anyway. You are just to be faithful to him.

God often puts something on your heart. If you knew how something was going to get done, then he wouldn’t get the glory. If you’re not afraid, then you aren’t being led by the Spirit.

3. Predictable resistance (23)

One of the things many leaders forget is that any time you lead, tough times are coming. Leading will not be easy. How easily I forget this!! This was a massive statement that seared in my heart:

If your not ready to face opposition to be used by God, then you’re not ready to be used by God.

This was powerful. Any time there is something new and effective, it will always be met with resistance. God often uses resistance to move you so that he can use you. “Don’t worry when you face resistance. Worry when you don’t.”

4. Uncommon Clarity (24)

This is that urge in a person when they know why they are where they are and what God has called them to do. When that clarity comes, you then are to finish the race and complete the task God has given you. Why? So that you could testify of the gospel of the grace of God.

THEN – Craig laid into what I think was the best part of his talk. He talked about three levels of effectiveness and it was like a hammer in the throat. Here they are:

1. Make a name for themselves – “better believe I am good, and everyone is bad” (this is a lie). There are those who set out to be famous and they orient their entire life around making a name for themselves. It’s the worst position of leadership.

2. Make a difference – “we know that I’m not good enough (but pretty good) to do this alone, and those in a similar field are a threat (other pastors).” The problem is that we believe the lie that we’re good at what we do. This is a lie. It comes out by taking shots at others. So we set our entire ministry around the point that we are better than others and we see ourselves as better than everyone else. This is a negative view of what making a difference actually is. You end up hurting others in the process and not really being as effective as you could be in ministry.

3. Make history – “Know that God is good and we only have one enemy and that is satan.” When we understand that God is good, that’s when you’ll make a difference in our church and city. It’s not about us, it’s about Him.

This was a HUGE reminder and challenge. I spent some time reflecting on this session, and was convicted that often times I dwell in the “make a difference” category rather than the “make history” line. I pray that I attempt to make history…

One last quote to end:

Don’t be so stupid to make a name for yourself, but make a difference in history by making much of Jesus.