7 Things I Won’t Apologize For

 

sorry-1 copy

Perry Nobel, founding and senior pastor of NewSpring Church, wrote this interesting post over at Church leaders (read it here). While I read it I couldn't help but squirm a bit, and felt uneasy afterwards. Not exactly sure why, but as I pondered that thought, I made up my own list.

7 things I wont apologize for (probably, almost never, really going to try)

1. Loving God with everything I am

2. Putting my family before ministry (They are my greatest ministry)

3. Not knowing everything

4. Trying my best but failing short (a lot)

5. Not being everything for everybody

6. Loving people as they are

7. Wanting people to grow in God

Maybe I'm just tired of justifying my role as leader... or my vision... or agendas...my mind doesn't disagree with Perry's list but my heart does. When I'm less concerned about proving I'm right, I find that I'm more concern about people's hearts... that has impacted my role as husband, as a father and now as a pastor.

"Shepherd the flock of God among you, exercising oversight not under compulsion, but voluntarily, according to the will of God; and not for sordid gain, but with eagerness." 1 Peter 5:2

So, I admit I might be a tad sensitive about brother Perry's list but I wonder did you read Perry's? How do you think it compares to mine? Would love you feedback!

 

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Comments

Joanne Norton said…
I agree with your thinking phase, Jay. Sorry I've not spent enough time with you; so much on our plates. But you are a special in my life and I certainly spend a lot of time agreeing with what you perceive and how you explain. Bless you and yours.
August 13, 2013 at 8:49 PM
jasonS said…
I just finished my post for tomorrow and we are definitely in a similar vein right now. No apologizing, no compromising. By grace, we stand and press forward into all He has promised. I like it, Jay! :) Good word.
August 13, 2013 at 9:43 PM
Jay Cookingham said…
Thanks Jason...wasn't trying to be critical of PN's post but thought I would take it in another direction. Pressing on bro'!
August 14, 2013 at 8:38 AM
Jay Cookingham said…
Bless you sista! Isn't God good to allow us to have hearts connected though we both be crazy busy!
August 14, 2013 at 8:39 AM
Bill (cycleguy) said…
Well jay, it has been a looooong time since I read anything of PN. There is a reason which I choose not to share. Suffice it to say I like your list a whole lot better. :) If I am going to be known for anything I want to be known for loving God, my family and "my" people.
August 14, 2013 at 9:20 AM
floyd said…
Perry's list seems a to tend to the flesh to be honest. I don't know who he is, but those seem to be closer to the ways of the world. I like your list. It speaks to humility... the place I believe we find our Father.
August 14, 2013 at 10:01 AM
Jay Cookingham said…
PN is a highly respected/controversial (depending on who you're talking to) of a mega-church in SC. Again, not knocking him, but I felt inspired to write my own list to remind me of the important things to stress. Thanks Brother!
August 14, 2013 at 10:54 AM
Jay Cookingham said…
Amen to that Bill! I know PN is sometimes a controversial guy but I have read other things from him that were good. This list however...just rubbed me the wrong way.
August 14, 2013 at 10:56 AM
TCAvey said…
I like your list! it's on par with mine- though to be honest I do struggle with some of these- especially #5. God's been freeing me from being a people pleaser but it's a long journey.
August 14, 2013 at 5:07 PM
Eddy Damas said…
You're right on track!
August 14, 2013 at 7:17 PM
Jay Cookingham said…
Just means you have a big heart TC! Praying for you!
August 15, 2013 at 8:15 AM
TCAvey said…
Thanks so much, Jay. I really appreciate it and you. Love your blog!
August 15, 2013 at 4:31 PM
David Rupert said…
This is good...kind of mission statement. "This is who I am" is not a bad thing to put out there. That way, when peopel come with the accusatory finger, you can just point to the list. "That's who I am and I cannot change."
August 19, 2013 at 1:01 PM
Caleb said…
I like the list, I think there are a few things I would add like;
"Taking care of my health"
"Resting at least one day a week"
"Calling sin sin"
August 20, 2013 at 9:20 AM
Jay Cookingham said…
Great additions bro'....thanks!
August 26, 2013 at 1:28 PM
Jay Cookingham said…
Yep...that's what I figured...kinda like my base code! Thanks David!
August 26, 2013 at 1:31 PM
Dan Black said…
Good list, Jay! I recently attended The Catalyst one day conference and one of the things Andy Stanly said was, “Nobody at home should feel like they are competing with someone at church.” I agree 100 percent with those words. God calls us to be stewards of our family before the church.
September 3, 2013 at 8:38 PM
Jay Cookingham said…
That quote from Andy was spot on. Appreciate your comments bro'!
September 4, 2013 at 7:42 AM
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