Influence Recap: Bringing the Water
Last Wednesday we had a guest at Influence that I had been wanting to have for a long time: Pastor Bart Kelly, from Sapulpa Life Church. (website is being re-aligned at the moment) Pastor Bart was one of my first clients for my other job and I so enjoy talking to the guy. Every time I call him up he’s telling me something else that God has done in his life and for his church. His message brings the experience that we’ve been looking for since day one at Influence, and what he said was unique and important.
If you go read about us, you’ll find one of our favorite quips around the Influence office: “People don’t need lip service. They don’t need a turn-or-burn message. They need hope.” We are very firm about ensuring that we are serving people to Jesus, not dragging people to Him. Pastor Bart’s message brought this about in relating how Jesus spoke in parables (bonus points if you can remember how he defined a parable and comment it!). He showed us how Jesus never forced anything down anyone’s throat. He simply provided the answer, and they had to receive it. He wanted them to learn on their own.
He drove it home by telling us to follow the same example: there’s no point in forcing God on someone. Wait for them to get thirsty and be ready with the water. Great message, Pastor Bart!
We had 42 students in attendance this week. Next Wednesday will be the last meeting for Novemeber due to Fall Break and yours truly will be leading the show. Looking forward to seeing you there!
