The need to Network

I have this weird life!  I work for and with a great community of people in San Jose.  They consistently challenge my gifts and encourage my development as a pastor and as a  man.  I love working there.  But Westgate church is part of a larger community of churches that frustrate me deeply.  The church in general is so hesitant to work together and help each other.  Churches in poor health are like the old man who refused to see a Dr. thinking it as an admission of not being a man.  Churches somehow think we should figure everything out on our own and never seek help from someone else. 
Now, I'm not saying I know what to do in these other communities, but i would certainly role up my sleeves and try to work with them. 
The church in San Jose simply must get over itself!  We are not effective in our city at the level we need to be and we must work together.  O God, that we would get a vision of what YOU want to do here in the South Bay, and that vision would move us to think outside of our little "kingdoms." 

Comments

[John Myers]

Good post Steve. I agree. Perhaps part of the problem is that our model is the corporate CEO model which is by nature, a competitive model instead of a cooperative model. There is a huge sense of competition out there between churches.

The best way to overcome that, I believe is for pastors to hang together, share what God is doing in their midst and try to see the whole landscape of God's work. A couple of years ago I was challenged by a friend to see the Kingdom work with a broader perspective...it has opened my eyes and given me a greater love for the Valley.

[LaVon (Giles) Baker]

An age-old situation.
You just ask the LORD to show you where He's at work and when He does (and He will) consider it your invitation to join him. THEN roll-up your sleeves and allow Him to accomplish His work through you.
Hi Steve! Let's see how long it takes you to figure out who this is.
It sure would be a kick to see ya'll.
LaVon

[Steve]

LaVon!!
I know who you are! This is old Kaufman week. i just got an email from your daughter Leslie!! Wow! this is great. she gave me a bit of an update and said you now travel around some, if you come to the bay area, you have to let us know. Great to hear from you and from Leslie!