The goal of this ministry was that pastors not quit, churches not die, communities not lose a lighthouse, and those without Christ have more opportunity to hear the gospel and believe. Using the acronym FIRE - it was so that Faith would be renewed - there would be Inspiration and Instruction - it would be a catalyst for Revival and Renewal - and ultimately pastors and leaders would be Encouraged.
We are living in the day of ministry burnout. It's not new. Elijah battled it as did others in Scripture. This much I know - while caring for the souls of others, we must also remember to care of our own. I've been reminded of that lately. As I watched the video of a godly pastor - Pete Wilson - resigning after planting a church that in the last 14 years has grown to more than 7000 on the weekend, I was humbled by his honesty, and troubled by his weariness. There was no scandal, he was just tired, broken and needed rest. How many pastors could not identify? I have great respect for Pete.
As we have been planning for 2017, our team had an open and honest discussion about KTFB. This week, I have made a decision with their counsel and other godly leaders who have impacted my life. The ministry will continue. Keep the Fire Burning will remain in the budget. The conference however will not be held in 2017. In Scripture, the land was given a rest every seven years, and then came back even stronger after that. We've been at it six years, and I believe it is time to give this field a rest while we focus on others closer to home. It may sound selfish, but I prefer to believe it is wise - in fact I believe very wise.
I feel the need to stoke my own fire, and the fire of our team at Northside. I am watching God work in our midst right now and am trusting Him to do great things rekindling the fire at Northside day to day, and week to week. I see him working right now in our current series 'I Will'. We will be calling a new worship pastor, and are closer to the finish line on that journey. In the midst of caring for others, we need to care for our own souls and pace ourselves for the long haul.
As for KTFB, I and at times others from Northside traveling with me, will make trips throughout the northeast in 2017 to see the land once again. I believe these trips (2 or 3 days at a time, perhaps 3-4 times in the year) will give us the Nehemiah glimpse of the wall and a fresh understanding of what God is doing. I look forward to those gatherings and hearing from the Lord through our time together as pastors and leaders in your own context.
I will gather pastors in locations for candid conversations about their greatest struggles, and greatest needs in life and ministry. I will ask them how to best lead Northside to impact them and others for the glory of God and be a spark for revival and renewal in the Northeast. We will take the year to plan the best format(s) to impact the northeast in 2018. It may look similar to the past or different - all we want is the best - for the glory of God!
To my Northside family I cannot thank you enough for your constant encouragement and support of this ministry that reaches way beyond our walls. To every participant of the conference in the past, this is not the end. It is a new beginning. I make no apology for taking time to stir my own fire, that of our team and our church, and I am totally confident that our Lord will do great things for His glory. I thank you for your understanding and prayers. Keep the Fire Burning!!!
