By Mike Klockenbrink
I’m sitting here trying to look ahead to next year and what it potentially holds. I go back to my “Popeye moment” (Holy Discontent by Bill Hybels) of supporting and growing the local church. It is not only my responsibility; it’s what I’ve been called to do.
My oldest son has joined me on our annual men’s retreat on several occasions. On our last retreat we had a great time together. On the way home I told him that at the age of 18, God had gifted me with total knowledge of everything, or so I thought. Since that day, He has slowly been taking that knowledge away. I know a lot less today than I did back then. It’s what we call wisdom.
As a chief operating officer for a local church, I am limited to what I know within these four walls. It is only when I step outside and tap into the vast resources of the local church that I believe I can do my job here. To know that I am not alone and that I don’t have to have all the answers lifts a tremendous burden off my shoulders.
Now I don’t know where everyone else is, but I can only imagine that many of you have similar thoughts and feelings in your current role. So as I look to next year and what it holds, let me tell you what I envision. I see men and women working together to further the Kingdom, and coming together with authenticity to tap into the power we have to make a difference in the local church. Through humility and vulnerability we can take the necessary steps to put action plans into place to support and encourage one another. I am willing to go there, and I would like you to join me on this adventure.
Mike Klockenbrink is chief of staff at Lakeside Church, Folsom, CA. www.lakesidechurch.com
