A Leap Day Leap: My New Adventure

 

It's Leap Day, a good day to talk about my latest leap of faith. At the age of 54 I just quit my job and have taken a position that pays no salary. After 30 years of being a church pastor, I'm walking away for a new adventure. And I'm super excited!

I'm devoting my time, talent, and energy to an incredible organization called Iron Men's Ministry. I passionately believe God is going to use Iron Men to change the lives of 1000's of men, their families, and their churches - all for the sake of Jesus Christ.

For most of my life I've been committed to making a difference in God's Kingdom. By joining the Iron Men's Ministry team, I know God is going to use me to make a significant impact for Him in this world.

I invite you to be my partner in this adventure. As I mentioned earlier, my new position has no salary. I'm asking my friends, relatives, and acquaintances to consider helping support me financially in 2012. Over the years God has blessed me with incredible people who have shared some amazing faith and life adventures. Would you please consider helping me?

If you want to help, you can do so one of two ways. Email me at tallpastor@comcast.net and I'll send you a support letter along with more information about Iron Men's Ministry and a contribution commitment form.

Or, go to ironmensministry.com, click on financial support and make your donation. On the confirmation page be sure to click on "add special instructions to the seller" and type in "For support of Jim Kennon."

I covet your prayers for Sue and me. Keep an eye on this blog for regular updates on the great things God is going do through Iron Men's Ministry.

Please take a moment and leave a comment.

Thanks!

Jim

5 "Take-Aways" From A Fish Story

As a life-long fisherman, any fish story that could begin with "Fish catches man," catches my attention. I've been wrestling with the story of Jonah this week. Here are a few "take-aways" from the disobedient prophet and the big fish story.

1. Running away from God is usually my first response. Unfortunately, it's never a good idea.
2. God never gives up on us, even when we're off-track.
 3. Self-centered faith is off-centered faith. Jonah's prayer in chapter two is filled with the words "me and I". It appears 3 days in the belly of a fish wasn't a sufficient lesson for Jonah.
4. Doing the right thing for the wrong reason isn't any better than doing the wrong thing. The 3rd chapter reveals an obedient Jonah who does the right thing by preaching repentance to Nineveh, but does it for the wrong reasons - "I can't wait to see God stick it to those evil people of Nineveh!"
5. God is passionate for people. The real lesson of Jonah isn't about obedience or disobedience. It's not about whether or not a fish can swallow a man whole. The lesson of Jonah is about God's passion for people. His heart burns with compassion for all people, even those might live in a modern-day Nineveh.

As I stumble and bumble my way through life, I need to be sure to see people the way God sees people - with compassion, grace, and mercy.  Pastor Ed Young recently posted, "We've never locked eyes with someone who doesn't matter to God!"

 "The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance." (2 Peter 3:9)

What are your "take-aways" from this fish story?

3 Reasons I Quit My Job For One Without A Salary

Well, I did it. I resigned yesterday as Lead Pastor at my church to take a job with an organization that can't pay me a salary. At the age of 54, I'm starting a new career without the assurance of a paycheck. I think I'm beginning to grasp how Peter felt when Jesus called him to get out of the boat and become a wave-walker. Those waves are starting to look big!
What makes a relatively level-headed and somewhat over-the-hill Baptist pastor attempt something so risky? I've been asking myself that question a lot. I think there are 3 reasons:

1. The truth is, I am level-headed and somewhat over-the-hill. In other words, my life has become a little boring. I need to experience the thrill of faith. Last week I heard Francis Chan ask, "Since when did the goal of life become to be safe and grow old?" I have a feeling things are going to be a little more exciting the next several months.
2. This is my chance to have major Kingdom influence for Jesus. My new position will allow me to impact perhaps thousands of men, their families, and churches for Jesus. The potential for Kingdom impact outweighs the need the need for financial guarantee.
3. If I'm really honest with myself, this change isn't as risky as it might first seem. The Lord has my back. He's been faithful in the past --- he'll be faithful tomorrow. When Peter began to sink under the waves, Jesus lifted him up to safety. When I do fail, and it's probably more of matter of when rather than if, Jesus will take care of me. Of this I'm certain.

I can't wait to start my new position in two weeks. I ask my friends to pray for me. I want to be bold for Jesus. I want to make a difference in the world. I want to get out of my boat walk on a few waves!

Have you ever done any wave-walking? Tell me your story.

To learn more about the organization I'm joining, go to Ironmensministry.com