Stoked About Sunday?

April 24, 2010 in Leadership,Life,Mission,Music,Spiritual Growth with 4 Comments

So it’s tempting as we head into the weekend to say things like "so stoked about Sunday" or "so pumped about our next (fill in the blank for the service or event here). 

But why are we stoked?

Are we excited:

  • because we’re speaking?
  • because we organized the event?
  • because we’re trying to get or we have momentum?
  • because we’re trying something new?
  • because we did a killer job planning it?
  • because we just like the things we create?

I know that’s a tad cynical, but honesty is a good policy.  Many of us who have led ministries or events have had some of those thoughts (or all of the above). Personally, I think I’ve been guilty of all of the above.  

There is one reason to be stoked about Sunday: because Jesus Christ is risen and interacting with people He loves.  

You can phrase it differently, or maybe even better.  But the bottom line is the same. He is the one who draws people to Himself. 

Now I’m still excited about a great band, some intriguing video, and a message that I hope inspires and helps people. There’s nothing wrong with that. 

But Jesus is the deal.  The only deal.  The only One worth doing this (or anything) for. 

The more I keep that front and centre, the more there’s actually something to be stoked about. 

About Carey Nieuwhof: Carey Nieuwhof is lead pastor of Connexus Community Church and author of the best selling books, Leading Change Without Losing It and Parenting Beyond Your Capacity. Carey speaks to North American and global church leaders about change, leadership, and parenting.

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  • http://www.thebassman.ca Tim L. Walker

    ***thumbs up***

  • http://heartofthematta.blogspot.com Michelle M

    I always feel really unqualified to comment on your blogs.. but I also always hope my perhaps “off” perspective can help you maintain your wonderfully well-rounded ability to get people excited about Jesus (if that makes any sense). As well, I think your responses help me come closer to understanding better too…

    With that said, I see a parallel of what you’re saying with the way people deal with a loved one’s death. They fear that their ability to smile, have fun, be “distracted” means that they are forgetting their lost loved one and remembering/loving them less. We all know that this is not true, which is probably why you say ‘there is nothing wrong’ with enjoying the other parts of a well-run ministry. After all, we were created to enjoy such things.

    I once had a professor who would include a cartoon/video clip/demonstration every hour or so of our 3-hour lecture on physiology. It rarely was related, but was a chance for us to break the monotony of such deep thinking and refresh us for the next hour. I see that what you are saying is that running a good ministry (and a good life?) is not like my physiology class, instead its refreshingly “different” moments are still experienced within the context of what is really important (God).

  • Carey

    Michelle…great to hear from you. I feel mostly unqualified to write my blog…so that gives us something in common. Thanks for the perspective. I think there is a link! Good points….God wants us to enjoy life. But when we get the motive wrong, we can’t enjoy it. Today’s blog post on idolatry explores that a little more.

  • Carey

    Thanks Tim. Just wish it wasn’t true…:0)