Perry Noble

Just saw this on Perry Noble's blog. He is the pastor of NewSpring church. Check out more on his blog.

#3 - What “old song” must I stop singing to make room for something new that God wants to place in my heart?

Every church planter is going to face this issue one day.

You see, when we first began NewSpring Church we were all about not being “traditional.” We were going to “break the mold.” We used phrases like “taking EXTREME risks” and “not afraid to die” quite often around here.

But here we are eight and a half years later and I am finding myself in quite a pinch because…

The traditions that we are now having to attack are the ones that I helped to develop. The ideas that we are now calling “outdated” are the ones that were once a brand new thought in my mind.

Honestly, there are times when I have been in a meeting and have wanted to halt the conversation because, well, to be honest, I didn’t like what was being discussed. It was tearing away at what I had shed hours of blood, sweat and tears over…but…God has been slowly showing me that I must celebrate the songs that we’ve sang…but I must always be open to the fact that He wants to do new things.

Is there anything in your church that was once a good idea that isn’t anymore?

We’re hitting this hard…and it’s tough for me…but I know it’s going to be awesome in the end.

He REALLY brought this home for me when I read Isaiah 43:16-19…

“I am the LORD who opened a way through the waters, making a dry path through the sea. I called forth the mighty army of Egypt with all its chariots and horses. I drew them beneath the waves, and they drowned, their lives snuffed out like a smoldering candlewick. But forget all that–it is nothing compared to what I am going to do. For I am about to do something new. See, I have already begun! Do you not see it…”

I should CELEBRATE all that God has done…but ANTICIPATE that He is going to do more and be willing to change ANYTHING that He needs to change.

I’m asking Him to “put new songs” in my heart.