Observation-Conviction-Action

Its true - nobody celebrates 5th place. Nobody throws a party for average. Nobody returns for mediocre. Nobody talks up a storm for, “it was just OK.” Nobody is thrilled to pay money for second-rate. There’s a life principle here:  What is important is done right. The quality of a product always says something about the heart of its producer.


As a man after God’s ways, Nehemiah understood this. He occupied a time in Old Testament history when Israel was a nomadic people, dispersed all over the world after their homeland was sacked by foreign enemies. He now finds himself divinely placed as a servant in the court of the reigning Persian King. He receives words from messengers that some of his fellow Hebrews have returned back to their land only to find their holy city, Jerusalem, and their temple, in shambles.


3 They said to me, “Those who survived the exile and are back in the province are in great trouble and disgrace. The wall of Jerusalem is broken down, and its gates have been burned with fire.”  (Nehemiah 1:3)
When they found what was important to them “broken down” and “burned” they allowed themselves to be “troubled and disgraced.” In other words, they took it personally as a reflection of themselves, and more importantly, as a reflection of their God. Nehemiah allowed himself to be convicted and it drew him back to seek God for answers.
 4 When I heard these things, I sat down and wept. For some days I mourned and fasted and prayed before the God of heaven. (Nehemiah 1:4)


This was the catalyst that motivated Nehemiah to step up and lead his people back to their land to restore their temple. What is important, is done right. The quality of a product always says something about the heart of its producer. Observation led to conviction; conviction led to action.


Recent staff and leadership transitions have left some things “broken down” and “burned” at BridgePointe which affect weekly ministry. These are in addition to the impact of many years of being a mobile church. Many of our volunteers have been gracious in pointing out things that have fallen short of quality. That’s never easy to hear, but necessary to hear. It says to me as a leader that volunteers at BP want to be proud of their church and the God it represents. They, like, Nehemiah, “get it.” Their observation led to conviction; their conviction led to action.


Here’s how our restoration efforts can translate into action:


•    Be patient as new leaders seek to establish their teams and structure.
•    Volunteer at least once a month in 1 of the 7 areas listed weekly in the bulletin.
•    As a volunteer, be vocal to your team leader about needed changes.
•    Raise the bar as a volunteer with your own efforts.
•    Continue to financially invest in what God is doing at BP.
•    As a volunteer, step up to take a leadership role when asked by your team leader.


We also have some unique opportunities:


•    Volunteers to drive and drop off our trailers on late Friday afternoons or early Sunday mornings.
•    Volunteers to set up exterior directional signs on Sunday morning.
•    We have an opening for a 2-3 day paid role as a Financial Manger. Experience and a working knowledge of accounting required. Please send resumes to: wendy.snyder@bridgepointechurch.org