I live in Akron, Ohio and serve the Church of God here as Administrative Bishop for 120 local churches and about 350 ministers.  Our region, like all in this denomination are going through a significant realignment of finances which will reshape our organization and state operations for a generation to come–so we feel the pressure to get it right.  My wife Kathy has cancer and we live every day with the reality of that and it shapes our process and schedules.

All of this going on in me now has brought me to the conclusion…

• I cannot build His church with my strength.
• I cannot heal cancer, even with all my attention and energy.
• I cannot live an effective, discipled life without HIM!

That being said–we just completed a Great Commission Summit in Canton, Ohio with our region which potentially may be a “marker” to watch going forward for the kingdom of God in this region.  Doug Small, Carl Webb and I spoke but the impact of the meeting was personal and inspirational.  I came away personally with three very important thoughts…

• The Great Commission is a “relationship” with Christ, starts there and any success is directly tied to my love for Jesus and His mission on earth.
• Despite our environments, circumstances or situations, the work of ministry and discipleship is the Mission of Jesus and reaching lost people is top priority.
• God wants to help us, is near to us now and enables our activity–if we seek Him!

I love my Northern Ohio family and as we gathered in the altars this week, I felt the strength of God reminding me that WE ARE HIS CHURCH and WE ARE CALLED TO BE WORKERS IN HIS VINEYARD…nothing more…

So, I’m learning to:

• Release the pressure and let God.
• Trust Him in larger and more personal ways than I have been.
• Engage my energies for His Mission as long as I live upon the earth.

And you?