Something Every Pastor Needs to Hear

Yesterday, the leaders of Heartland Church visited the Catalyst offices. Such an amazing story. Ten years ago, Mark Bankord (on right) approached friend Bill Hybels about using Willow's teaching videos to launch a church. Six months later, they were running 1,100 people. Today, around 8,000.

But Mark said something that every pastor needs to hear.

At a time when Willow had a "dream team" of teachers, people were still telling Mark that they "weren't being fed."

At first, he was put-off, offended, told them to "take a lap," so to speak. But when it didn't stop, he realized they must really be saying something else.

He finally figured out that people were simply trying to take the next step spiritually. They weren't trying to insult the teachers. So he created a discipleship program that could be customized for every person.

Man, I wish I'd understood this when I was a pastor...

Comments

[Jonathan Brink]

That is a rockstar in my book.

[Sam Mahlstadt]

Where can I learn more about the discipleship program that resulted? I am familiar with Willow's small group approach, but only vaguely familiar with this story.

[Ben Arment]

http://preview.monvee.com

[Gavin Baker]

Ben glad you got to spend some time with Mark. I've been fortunate to spend some good times with Eric and Mark and I've always left impressed and encouraged by any time spent with them.

[Allan W.]

I'd love to hear more about what he found worked. I used to hear that phrase a lot from people early on in our church plant - it usually irritated me. It smacked of entitlement; I saw this visual of little babies being spoon-fed. I wanted people to take ownership of their own spiritual growth, and not just rely on a pastor or teacher.

Perhaps I need to help our leaders focus on real equipping, to help disciples go deeper. I need to listen to the need behind the words, and get over my attitude.