Leadership Summit 2008 - Session #5 called, "IT"

By far, this was my favorite speaker and talk. In fact, if you have been around newhope lately, you know I am trying my best to convince large numbers of people to read Craig Groeschel's new book titled, IT.

Before I share his talk with you, let me tell you about Craig Groeschel. He pastors Lifechurch.tv, an amazing movement of God. Craig’s church is in 13 locations in six states with 25,000 people. Lifechurch.tv has been called one of the most innovative movements across North America!

Maybe you have heard it said, "You can learn from anyone." OK - I agree. But let's be really honest, some people are easier to learn from than others. They are more interesting. They demonstrate competencies others lack. They have an impressive track record. They know something you don’t (yet), can do things you can’t (yet) and offer what you need (now)!

Hear me loud and clear leaders - Craig Groeschel is a person I want to learn from - period. He is talking and I am listening. As such, grab a beverage and enjoy a slightly longer post - his talk was / is REALLY good!


The Leadership Summit and Craig Groeschel - IT


You know when you walk in a church if it has IT or it does not have IT.

Spir – IT. But this is more than just the spirit. It is the Spirit but it is also about special people who are open to IT.


What is IT? “I don’t know”, says Groeschel. :-)


In general, he says this:

God makes it happen. It is from Him, by Him and for His glory. We can’t create it, manufacture it. One person can bring it. One person can kill it. It can’t be taught; it can be caught. It is not a system.


Craig’s strong admonition here was bold and clear. The arrogance of suggesting that “IT” is simply and only the presence of the Holy Spirit demeans the Spirit-led ministries of faithful pastors around the world who love God deeply and serve God passionately. In other words, never imply that "IT" churches are the only ones with the Holy Spirit. That would be a terrible oversimplification and simply untrue. I loved Craig’s clarity on this.


Here are his theories:

1. It can’t be taught – it is often caught. One person can kill it. It can be found in all kinds of churches.

2. IT happens. People will criticize it. IT happens. ☺ Often it doesn’t. If you have it, you can loose it. If you don’t have it, you can get it!

The early church had “IT.” Recall Acts 2:42 – 47. "IT" happened "Daily". Imagine if the church saw people converted daily! If someone had a need, people would sell what they had and feed others. When the church was like that, God gave IT to them and people said, “I want IT.”



Qualities that are present when you see IT:

1. Laser focus – more is NOT better. Better is better. LESS IS MORE! In order to reach people that no one is reaching you will have to do things that no one is doing. YOU HAVE TO ASK WHICH MINISTRIES ARE MAKING FULLY DEVOTED DISCIPLES?

Here is how they focus at Lifechurch.tv:

1. weekend worship
2. small groups
3. kid’s ministry
4. student ministry
5. missions

{Personal Note to newhopers: At newhope, we’re constantly trying to maintain laser-like focus. The pressure to “do more,” and divert resources away from the critical growth path of our ministry is huge. I’m sure you feel it too. Every leader is faced with this reality; you can’t say “No,” until you’ve said, “Yes.” Figure out what God wants you to do. You need the “God idea,” not just a “good idea.” Say “Yes,” to the God-idea and you’ll have courage (and reason) to say “No” to the things that dissipate your energy and drain your resources. THIS IS ALL ABOUT VISION, newhope. As God keeps blowing this thing up, we will need to become more and more intentional in what we do and what we do NOT do!}


2. They see opportunities when others see obstacles. We say, “Where God guides He provides.” Well, where God does not provide, He also guides.” What is God trying to show through your greatest limitations?

3. Organizations that have it are willing to fail. People say failure is not an option. I say, “Failure is a mandate.” We have to be willing to fail. We do not fail enough. What has God called you to do that you are afraid to do – get out of the boat and walk on water!

4. Organizations that have IT are led by people who have IT. You need to have IT before your ministry can get it. (Craig says Ephesians 2:8 – 9 saved his life) Ministry about killed his faith. He stopped trying to build His kingdom and was trying to build the church and there is a HUGE difference. He said, "I had become a full time pastor and a part time follower of Christ." {That statement took my breath away. He had lost IT. Lord, never let me "Go there."}

In closing, Groeschel, says this:


* “It” matters. If you don’t have “IT,” go get “IT.”
* "If you lost IT, go find IT.
* "You need IT.

QUESTION: What are you going to do to get IT?


{Final note from me :-) I repeat, this was solid! I have not been able to shake this talk. I encourage you to go buy this book ASAP. You can do so here.

If you don't have IT, I sincerely pray you miss some sleep over this one. No, I take that back. Actually, I pray you can't sleep a wink until you get IT!

My prayer is that churches all over this land will saturate planet earth with the undeniable and contagious reality of IT. If we do, get ready, because I can promise you there are not enough churches in the land to handle the influx of God's people!

May God bless us all with IT!}