Most people go to church hoping to learn about God and His word, but few people get to experience God and His word from the other side of the stage. This weekend I was awarded the wonderful opportunity of preaching in the main service. I'm very grateful for the experience and I thought I'd give you a few of the things that God taught me in the process.
1. It's humbling. There is something very humbling that happens when a room full of people that are older than you, with more experience and wisdom look to you to learn something about God's word. I'm sure there were many people in the crowd that have far more to say than I did this weekend, but I was truly humbled that they would give me a chance to share what God is teaching me.
2. It's exhausting. Speaking takes it out of you. I get to speak every week and Sunday afternoons are usually reserved for crashing on the couch. Speaking on Thursday and twice on Sunday's takes it to a whole new level. It gives me a whole new respect for guys teaching multiple times a week and especially multiple times a day.
3. I love to preach. It sounds weird coming from the former teenager that worked in the tech booth. I always pictured myself as a behind the scenes guy, so I know it's totally a God thing that He has led me down this road to speaking in front of people. I love studying His word and relaying that to other people. It's my favorite part of my job.
4. It's a huge responsibility. The weight is enormous. Preachers aren't talking to fill the pews and grow the church. They speak truth from God in order to transform someone's life. God's plan for our lives isn't just right, it's what's best for us. It's the path to living a truly amazing, joy-filled, meaningful life. They truly want the best for people and knowing that their words are a bridge to that life, wow. That's huge.
5. I'm very thankful. I'm thankful for a church and leadership that believes in me. For a Senior Pastor that was willing to invest in me. For elders that would give me such an amazing opportunity. For a congregation that would welcome me so kindly.
It was a great experience. I learned a lot and I'm looking forward to doing it again. To top off the experience my parents, grandparents and sister and brother-in-law were all able to come up and watch me. It was a great suprise!
If you missed it and want to listen you can click this link!
I know God used you to speak to many parents and I know countless conversations were sparked on Sunday afternoon each seeking how to be better training our kids to be first and foremost on God's team! Thanks for your faithfulness to Him!
Posted by: Jen Friesen | September 20, 2011 at 09:14 AM
Thanks Jen!
Posted by: Justin Fluhr | September 21, 2011 at 09:26 AM