Craig Groeschel Responds to Session 9
I had a chance to visit Craig Groeschel's church, LifeChurch.tv, last year before his talk at the A2 Conference. When I met Craig, I was struck by how passionate and focused he was. His willingness to take risks and try new things in sharing the gospel was unbelievable. It felt like he would literally do anything to help somebody know Jesus, even risking what other people thought of him.
Craig will be a speaker at next year’s Leadership Summit because of his strong entrepreneurial leadership at LifeChurch.tv, where he and his team has accomplished what no other church has, pulling together teams in 12 locations in six states and leading the way in online ministry. Just recently, Craig and his team launched You Version, a new Web site that promises to bring Scripture, collaboration, and community together in a whole new way.
I’m happy to post his reflections on Bill Hybels’ interview with President Jimmy Carter.
Some friends from Willow invited me to blog on my spiritual perspectives from Bill Hybels’ interview with President Jimmy Carter. I’ll focus on what I considered very positive points and summarize how the interview impacted me.
I was immediately moved by President Carter’s humility and willingness to admit to mistakes. He talked openly about his negative interview with Playboy magazine, his dismissal of cabinet members, and his challenges with the failed rescue attempt of American hostages. Some might quickly point to many more of his failures, but I appreciated his transparency.
I was moved by President Carter’s passion for racial reconciliation and for helping the poor. His famous quote was inspiring to watch on old video footage when he boldly declared, “I say to you, quite frankly, that the time for racial discrimination is over.”
This battle for unity and peace seems to be a sincere reflection of President Carter’s faith in Christ. He expressed concern that most churches are still incredibly segregated. This must break the heart of God. His passion on this subject should be a great motivator for Christian leaders everywhere.
When Bill asked President Carter what he saw as one of the world’s greatest challenges, he replied, “The growing gap between the rich and the poor.” While his opinion is debatable, we have to acknowledge it is a colossal challenge.
I was moved by his statement (and I’m paraphrasing), “It is inconvenient to break out of our cocoons every person builds.” He explained how we want to be around people who are like us. Those who think like us, dress like us, worship like us. The word “inconvenient” jumped out at me.
Jesus often calls us to do things that are inconvenient. Laying down our lives is inconvenient. Serving others is inconvenient. Selling everything to give to the poor … inconvenient.
President Carter’s zeal for helping the poor through Habitat for Humanity reflects his willingness to be inconvenienced to serve those who are in need.
I know some people who openly criticized Willow for interviewing President Carter. I don’t know any of them who have done even a fraction of what he’s done for the poor.
God, inconvenience us all for your glory.
Now back to you … share with us what “inconvenient” thing God is calling you to do.
