Sometimes in preaching, things come out a little off when speaking with passion. On Sunday, I mentioned during the sermon that 50% of adults in America are single. I was a little off.
According to articles I looked at today, 45% of adults in America are single. In Sumner County, 43% of adults are single.
While that is not half of the population, that is still A LOT OF PEOPLE. For CIL to share our amazing Jesus, we must embrace and welcome singles.
I look forward to preaching at CIL on Sunday because I will be speaking to the people God has called me to do life with.
Pastoral messages are important because they reflect what God is saying to a particular people in the here and now. No copy and paste from the internet. He is speaking to us as a people, in the place we gather.
One of the best phrases I have used in leadership is, “I don’t know.” Admitting you don’t know something actually invites new knowledge and collaboration. You may be able to fake your way through a conversation a time or two, but a sharp person quickly figures you out.
A confident leader is able to admit what they don’t know. This practice puts people at ease and gives more weight to what you actually do know. Plus, who really wants to be around a “know-it-all” anyway?
I’ve been amazed this summer when learning details about the United States sending an astronaut to the moon fifty years ago. It was indeed a remarkable accomplishment of scientific skill, resolve, human cooperation, courage, and love of country.As followers of Christ, we must continually evaluate words, attitudes, innuendos, tones, or symbolic practices that cooperate with racism. Actions once accepted now must be corrected.
Listening and learning from younger generations on this issue is a critical practice to keep our heart in tune with today’s culture. This path calls for humility and constant self-correction. But as Christians, are we not people of transformation?
Our sabbatical ended yesterday, and I am so glad to be back at work with new perspectives, deeper appreciation for God’s blessings, and a renewed awareness of my call.
I’m so grateful for the CIL family that made this time possible, and I look forward to loving and serving this faith community with more effectiveness in this next era of ministry.
Aaron's Angle 