One of the things colleagues do is remind each other of what we already know, but are not doing or only doing sporadically. As the leader of the Holy Spirit Task Force in our region, I have often been aware that I’m not doing the stuff I’m supposed to champion.

This is especially true of leading people in doing the “stuff of the Spirit”. I’ve spent my life drifting between one of the following three places:

Oblivious: I’m so busy meeting deadlines, planning series, coaching staff, or whining about problems that I’m not even aware of the Spirit’s promptings in the market place, or anywhere else.

Theoretician: I can give a good talk about the Biblical rationale of God’s kingdom and spiritual gifts. There’s nothing wrong with this.  It’s a good thing to do regularly, but without actually doing it, it’s just lifeless knowledge.

Practitioner:  John Wimber called these people “Word Workers” after Jesus’ model in the gospels. Of course, this must be seasoned with the reality that all of us will do this in varying degrees. Trying to be John Wimber is not a healthy approach. But I can be, and have been, a Word Worker and I can lead others to do the same.

After 25 years of going at this I have discovered I need constant encouragement in the things of the Spirit. It’s the slipperiest part of my Christian practice because it’s not in any way controlled by me. It’s the easiest part to discard or ignore.

So my friends and colleagues, I want to invite you to the Florence Vineyard for a “Fresh Fire” Conference with Robby Dawkins on Friday evening November 11 and Saturday November 12.  Bring your church with you. It’s an opportunity for us to remind each other that the thing we need most in ministry is God’s empowering presence. All details are available on our web site:  http://vineyardchistian.org

Blessings,

Barry Long