Pour Some Sugar...!

COTH (Concert on the Hill) 2014 has made its appearance and like VBS now blesses us with more energy and momentum for a season of "God-serving" to come!  This year's concert was AWESOME!

Although I'd like to say the awesomeness of COTH was such because the COTH band played Def Leopard's "Pour Some Sugar on Me" (as my blog title would suggest, in reference to one of my favorite big-hair-band songs), the day was awesome for far more substantial reasons.

In addition to the great music, games, emcee, food, weather, attendance, and general spirit at the event, one of the best contributors to the awesomeness of the day was the sea of green t-shirts and others who offered their leadership and volunteership for the event.

As we approached the COTH day, many asked if I thought we'd have success this year.  Although the heat, potential rain, difficulties with scheduling and promoting, and a mountain of details all threatened the event, I continually responded out of optimism with the following nugget of truth and hope:

• It's up to God what happens, but I know this for sure.  We have poured a TON of sugar leadership into this year's event.  And where there is leadership, there is likely to be big things happening!

You may be wondering what does leadership have to do with things?  Everything.  Jesus' ministry was backed by leaders called disciples.  The early church was started by leaders called disciples.  The early church grew by recruiting more leaders called ministers.  The Christian movement became a reality because of committed leaders called evangelists, pastors, teachers, etc.  Growth and success in spiritual regards nearly always correlates with growing leadership.

In addition to the church at large, Horizons sees this all the time.  Want to grow VBS?  Sure, invite more kids, but also invite more leaders.  Want to grow a garden for mission purposes at Horizons?  Sure, plant more plants, but also invite more leaders.  The Steering Team has become an astonishing nexus of direction, wisdom, and excellence over the last two years.  Why?  Not only because we've asked the right people, but because we've also invited each member to pour themselves into particular focuses such as stewardship, vision, and leadership.  We've already seen tremendous results, even before proposing specific solutions.  Why?  Because we poured leadership into each of those areas.  

In general, the more leadership God blesses us with at Horizons, the more ownership, passion, energy, prayer, commitment, and support we'll have.  It's a beautiful thing to see, and it's something that clearly leads us closer to becoming devoted followers of Christ!   Thank you leaders!!

More to come!

Jason <><