God Honors Honor, Pt.2 [guest blogger: Buddy Cremeans]

Recently, I had the privilege of learning from an amazing team from NorthwayChurch.tv just outside Albany, NY. Lead Pastor, Buddy Cremeans is an explosive leader, church planter, and biblical communicator. Pastor Buddy planted his church just over 6 years ago and now has close to 2,000 people gathering every Sunday.

Here is BuddyCremeans.com discussing the importance of creating a culture of honor:

HONOR THE HOUSE

I would love to lob some questions your way…

• How do you approach God’s House?

• What’s your attitude when you come to God’s House?

• What your attitude when you serve in The House?

I know for me, too often I can approach God’s House like I’m doing Him a favor. No, I don’t ever come out and say it like that…but it’s there subliminally. I may hide behind statements like…I’ve given my life for the church! I’ve started a church! I’ve sacrificed, C’mon I’m a Pastor….blah blah blah.

Can you hear it? It’s a subtle attitude.

Remember, we defined Honor as our attitude and approach.

When any of us approach the God of the Universe and His House like we are doing Him a favor….its the most arrogant thing we could do.

The Net effect? We dishonor The House.

God convicted me of this big time entering into 2009. I knew Northway Church had to radically change and it must start with me. What did that look like? Reader’s digest version is this.

First my attitude, then my approach. I stopped whining and started preaching! It didn’t matter who liked it or not…I just let it rip! Next, I had to release honor with those that I lead. (I’ll talk more about that in my upcoming post).

Then, I called out dishonor whenever I saw it in leaders whether staff or volunteers.

I had to reset the bar…then guard the bar. And I had to be ok that we may lose people.

Did we? We lost some. Ironically, we gained so much more. God sent us more people, but MORE than that, Together we brought back Honor to God’s House.

Consequently, God has honored us.

God Honors Honor.

Would you describe your church as a House of Honor?

How would you describe your team’s attitude? Is it one of honor?

Do you Honor your team?