Mike Edmisten Follower of Jesus. Husband of Nicki. Father of Ryan & Brock. Communicator of the Word.

Pleasing Him

The last installment in a series posts about lessons from my first four years as the Preaching Minister at ACC.

People are fickle. I know this is true, because I'm one of them.

I'm a people-pleaser by nature, so I've made a lot of mistakes in ministry because I tried to please people instead of God.  That sounds like something a pastor would never do, but trust me…it's very, VERY easy to do.

This doesn't mean that I don't want to be a blessing to the people of ACC.  I do.  I want my ministry to bless, honor, encourage, and challenge our people.  But I can never do that with 100% success.

Sometimes what people want and what God wants are different.  The choice I make in that moment will define my ministry.  In fact, that choice will define my life.

Steven Furtick wrote, "NOTHING you will ever say or do will please EVERYONE. Keep your audience small…like, say…One."

Great advice, whether you're a pastor or not.

I love the people of ACC with all my heart. I've given the last four years of my life to them.  But, as much as I love our people, I won't stand before them one day to give an account for how I led.  The Bible is pretty clear that I will answer to God for my ministry and my leadership in His church (Hebrews 13:17).

And I've always got to remember that it is, in fact, HIS church.  He loves His church more than I ever will.  He gave His life for His church.  He has a vision for His church.  I'm just a temporary fixture in the church, but His presence will permeate the church forever.

That makes it a lot easier to lead with vision.  To dream big dreams.  To take faith risks.  As long as we're going where He is calling us to go…as long as we are faithful to His Word and His vision for His church…we will be successful.

Remember, from God's perspective…

Faithfulness = Success.