dr. kevin tyler is a prolific missionary (director of eurasia teen challenge) and a good friend of mine (at least he allows me to say so in public). when he is in the country, he visits our accountability group and he always brings something meaty.
this week in our meeting, the topic turned (again!) to local church polity and methodology. we talked about churches we both know of that are wildly successful, and we talked about churches we know that are dying a slow and painful death. kevin travels all over the world, is exceptionally well-read, and is an “out-of-the box” thinker so he brings a broad perspective to our meetings that i cherish.
when the conversation turned to the fellowship i lead, kevin asked about our mission statement. then he asked about my personal mission–”not what’s written on paper,” he said, “but what is in your heart that you want to see god do.” i told him i wanted to raise up young men and women who would come after me and make a difference in the next generation, generally, and in my community, specifically.
he asked, “what is your role in that mission.” i told him that my biblical function is to model servanthood for them, and to resource and equip them.”
then kevin tyler asked me a thought-provoking question: “who equips you?”
i immediately told kevin that he did, and my other accountability partners. then i began to think of all the godly influencers in my life and i felt an overwhleming sense of gratitude. several times every week, busy, important men take time to pour into me and listen to me and admonish me. these are guys that juggle many personal demands, and yet they pause to invest in me. i know they are a gift to me from god, and i thank him for his gracious kindness toward me. my friends are absolutely invaluable to me.
going into the weekend, i would turn dr. tyler’s question around to you, dear reader, and ask you to carefully and deeply consider the relationships in your life.
who equips you?
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