Good morning from the Summit.  First up this morning was Craig Groeschel of lifechurch.tv.  This Summit is feeling a little like a book tour and Craig is speaking on the topic of his new book, It.

That being said, unlike some of the other speakers, I think he sold a book.  His presentation was really good.  Here is what he had to say about it.

First, he talked about churches having it.  It, being something that is hard to quantify when you walk into a church gathering but is a general feeling that this place is alive…something is happening here.

It, he said, it not tied to a program or model but a working of the Spirit in a special way.  The Spirit is present everywhere, but churches that have it have the Spirit in a unique way.  It is a work of God that is rare, attracts critics, found in all sorts of churches, results in changed lives, and can be lost over time.

Then he set out, I think quite well, to share the qualities that seem to be present when it is there.  He was careful to say that this is not a formula, but qualities that seem to be around.

First, places with it have laser focus.  They know what they are and are not about.  They identify what they can do well and camp out there.  They are aggressive about cutting programs and ministry that do not add benefit to the church.  He then challenged us to consider the question, “what does your church need to quit?”

Second, places with it see opportunities when others see obstacles.  He said we have what we need to do what God wants us to do.  He made an interesting point when he told us that often God guides based on what he does not provide.  And when we do run into obstacles, have an eye to see what God is trying to show you through those.

Thirdly, places with it have a willingness to fail. He pointed out, again I think rightly so, that failure is often the first step towards finding God.  (See Peter)  Craig challenged us to consider what we are wanting to try but are afraid to fail at.

Finally, places with it are led by people who have it.  Leaders need it for their church to get it.  People are attracted to God’s work in our lives.

To close he quoted this prayer by Franciscan Benediction.

May God bless you with discomfort
At easy answers, half-truths, and superficial relationships,
So that you may live deep within your heart.

May God bless you with anger
At injustice, oppression, and exploitation of people,
So that you may work for justice, freedom, and peace.

May God bless you with tears
To shed for those who suffer from pain, rejection, starvation, and war,
So that you may reach out your hand to comfort them
And turn their pain into joy.

And may God bless you with enough foolishness,
To believe that you can make a difference in this world,
So that you can do what others claim cannot be done.
Amen.

There are several more in his book.  This was a great way to start the day.