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Central Family,
This Sunday we are privileged to welcome Bjorn and Esther Dixon to Central and Elk River! Bjorn, a recent graduate of Talbot School of Theology in California, is the new Director of New Worshipping Communities. It is our prayer that under Bjorn’s leadership God will begin five new worshipping communities in the next few years.
In January I began to talk very seriously and frankly with Bjorn about the possibility of him being a candidate to fill this Odyssey 2010 position. In the months that followed and as Bjorn met more people from Central it seemed to us that the Spirit was leading and guiding. During this process a few persons have commented;
“He is so gifted.”
“He is so mature and wise for someone so young”
“He sure has a lot of potential”
And I would add an AMEN to all of the above! Bjorn is an extremely gifted, talented, capable young person who has a heart for Jesus and a desire to reach people with the good news of Jesus! He joins some other awesome young leaders at Central. I look at Bjorn, Ryan, Alison, Kirsten, Jason, Laurie – just to name a few – and I say wow! You might be tempted to say, “There is a staff with a lot of potential.” We see these young people and think, “Ahh, they’re so impressive.” BUT be careful when you find yourself thinking those thoughts. Why would I warn you to be careful? Let me try to name what I am talking about. We don’t intend it this way, but often times what it is is an unconscious defense against God’s work in our lives.” The six young people I mentioned are not amongst us to impress us with how good they are or are going to be, they are our co-workers in Christ’s mission. You and I cannot evade God’s call or claim on our life by sitting back as if we are movie critics and saying, “that was a good one,” or as if we had gone to the Guthrie and said, “Oh, I really like those actors on stage.” God calls you and me to get up on the stage and to join hands with the other actors.
In fact our whole life is a performance! In our thoughts, words and deeds we are putting on a performance for God Almighty. God is our audience and everything we think, say and do is to be done for the glory and honor of Jesus Christ! So as we welcome Bjorn remember that we are not hiring him to do evangelism for us – no he is coming amongst us as a co-worker in Christ’s mission! I hope you will join me this Sunday as we extend our hands of welcome and commit to joining hands with Bjorn in seeking to fulfill the great commission in the Elk River area!
Thanks for your prayers and partnership!
Paul Johansson
Paul.johansson@clcelkriver.org
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