Paul Stewart: Thoughts on Whiteboard

Last week I traveled to Virginia Beach to experience The Whiteboard Sessions as well as a reception with my fellow Dream Year participants. Both of these events were hosted by my good friend and mentor Ben Arment.

Based on the recommendation of Ashley (our new Gateway Kids director) I downloaded Mumford & Sons before the trip. Definitely provided a great soundtrack for this experience.

Thursday night’s Dream Year reception was definitely the highlight of the trip. Met some truly extraordinary people and was truly inspired by their dreams. Also got to hang out with my friend Sam Duregger and a bunch of other great guys and finally had the chance to meet Stephen Brewster (I gave him a big hug).

The Whiteboard Sessions were fantastic. The venue was perfect, the sponsors were great, and the atmosphere was engaging. Each speaker was given 30 minutes to present one big idea they are wrestling with in their ministries. Most differed theologically and methodologically and ranged from a church planter in New York City to a mega-church pastor in Anderson, South Carolina to the president of a conservative theological seminary.

Many of them spoke in general terms about the difficulty of ministry. Ministry is hard. Ministry is messy. Ministry will take its toll. This is something that every minister has to deal with (and probably not coincidently something that every minister from all theological backgrounds can agree on).

Tony Morgan talked about discipleship systems. He said the majority of people who come to your church were invited by a friend… so maybe the best way to help them take the next step (join a small group, ministry team, etc.) is a personal invitation as well. He challenged us to provide clear next steps. Too many options will lead to paralysis by analysis.

But in my opinion it was Jon Tyson’s talk that was worth the price of admission. This guy can preach. He did an incredible job of unpacking John’s warning to the church in Ephesus in the book of Revelation. The church in Ephesus was founded by the Apostle Paul enormous cultural impact and solid doctrine - but they had forsaken their first love (Revelation 2:4). In other words our primal task as leaders is not to be super-pastors, to lead a city-wide mission, or even maintain pure doctrine within the church. Our primary task is to help people stay in love with Jesus. If we don’t simply help people abide in Christ it will end in legalism and works-based righteousness.

Takeaways: Ministry is tough, but the most difficult task that I have as a pastor is to sit still long enough that Jesus’ voice is the loudest voice in my life. I cannot give what I have not received. Jesus split history in half in just three years by receiving love from his Father. My task is to simply hear what the Father is doing and join in.