I Want to Be a Better. . .
Where is James? What is he thinking? How is his sabbatical going? I don’t suppose very many people are even thinking about me, but if you happen to be among the few wondering ‘where I am at,’ here is a little update as of July 6, 2009.
It took me almost a month just to detox from the continuous flow of ministry demands. The staff has been 100% phenomenal in helping me get there. For the past 2-4 weeks I have really rested, and as renewal begins to arrive in my soul and even grow, I am thinking about the future of my faith personally and of my family and my church family at Harvest, and Walk in the Word, and Harvest Bible Fellowship. I am determined not to do just more but to do better for the next 20 years than I have done these past 20. To that end I want to be a better. . .
1) Follower of Christ: I want to know Him better, imitate him more accurately and entirely, reflect his heart and obey his words. In short, I want to be a better disciple. This is the original fire that got all the other fires going and I want to throw more of the ‘logs’ of my energy right here at the source. I could never have imagined how serving Christ mitigates against following him, but for me it often does and that is no one’s fault but my own. More focus on being, means a little less focus on doing. Jesus at the center of it all for sure—that’s what he is asking of me and that is what I long to give. No doubt Mary chose ‘the better part.’
2) Leader of Others: More and more I relate to the lament of C.S. Lewis in Mere Christianity, who longed to get rid of the false self “and all its posing and posturing. To get even near it, even for a moment, is like a drink of cold water to a man in a desert.” The biggest part of leading others is just that, it’s about others. In times of opposition and disappointment I regret allowing the discussion to become about the personalities rather than staying focused on the mission. Strong leadership means death to self, in the home and in the church. It means a non-anxious presence doing what is right for the mission and paying the price quietly and prayerfully. By God’s grace I will do this better and delight myself in the refrain, ‘It’s all about you, Jesus.”
3) Student of Scripture: I want to take a full further step away from the demands of administrating the work of God and into the Word of God. More and more I see there are others who can manage and insure and develop and delegate, but fewer who can fulfill my calling in my church to feed hungry hearts the Word of the living God. I have given myself to that task for more than two decades and in this season of reflection before redeployment, I only long to do that more. The Scriptures satisfy my soul and dispensing them does more to satisfy my calling, by far, than any other activity.
4) Friend of Pastors: Pastoral leadership is a very lonely calling at times and almost nothing fires me up more than getting with a group of men who understand that space and helping each other do it better. I want to give increased energy to our HBF pastors. I want to speak and write and blog and create resources to help pastors pastor better, more biblically, more fruitfully and with greater fulfillment. How unusual that I know and count as friends great leaders in the seeker movement, the reformed movement, the baptist world, plus charismatics and bible church guys and other large non-denom pastors, etc. I have felt like I fit a bit everywhere but not entirely anywhere. I am not going to resist that anymore. I am going to revel in it, and encourage pastors where ever I find them to center their efforts more and more on “the Word of God and the testimony of Jesus Christ” (Revelation 1:2).
5) Pursuer of Quality: Since the first days of Harvest we have tried to keep our focus upon QUALITY not QUANTITY. Better worship services, better children’s ministry, better small groups led by better disciples, etc. Yet the demands of numerical growth, and the recognition people seem to automatically give it, and the complication it brings to any organization, war against that quality focus. Quality and quantity are in a constant battle and both matter, but I still believe that quality matters MORE! I believe the best quantity is a by-product not a goal. We have never done much to reach more people, believing the numerical growth was healthiest as an end not a goal. As I head into this last half of my sabbatical I am thinking about how we can make better disciples in more ways in our own church. The ultimate goal is God’s glory and better disciples bring more glory to God as they reach others authentically than weak disciples pushing an artificial outreach mechanism. In the end quality disciples reach many and build a better representation of His kingdom here in our little corner of the vineyard.
Each of these could be a whole blog, but that’s a little update about what I am thinking. Hope your summer is going well! 
james
Categorized as: From James, Luke's Links
July 6th, 2009 at 12:00 pm
Wow. That was powerful. Glad your sabbatical is going well. If you want to be a better student of scripture, to more than ever feed the hungry hearts the word of the living God, I can’t imagine how good that will be…for us and for you. I for one am hoping that the elders approve your Revelation series you’ve spoken of earlier. James MacDonald, fresh off a 3 month sabbatical, full tank of gas, diving head-first into Revelation. Wow. I an SO THERE BRO!
July 6th, 2009 at 12:11 pm
James,
Stay faithful — you are being brought before the throne daily!
Phil
July 6th, 2009 at 12:21 pm
Well James just want to let you know that you are in my mind daily as i hear your messages i pray for u and pray that God with meet you in this time of (sabbitical)as you search for a closer, stronger, more intimate relationship with our Creator.. its great to know that you are taking these steps to further your commitment with God and i know because i know that God Will make you a stronger, more Wiser Man …Listen i will take you just the way u are…u have been a blessing in my life even though i may not know you personally But i feel you have been like a brother to me and thank God for you everyday..I hope your Sabbatical continues to bring you surprises and spiritual growth..God bless you james and i hope to meet you one day..
Brother in Christ Joey Gutierrez
July 6th, 2009 at 12:26 pm
Right on James!!
July 6th, 2009 at 12:49 pm
Hi Pastor James and Kathy, I thank my Father often for you – for your love for Him and His Word, your transparency in leading us, your steadfastness and diligence in preaching and teaching God’s Word without apology. I have been worshipping, walking and working at HBC since 1995. I know that it has been God’s hand in my life but He has used you powerfully in my life by blessing me with a hunger and thirst for Him and His Word that I never knew before and His indescribable peace, which is indescribable.
I pray for you and the other leaders at church often. This summer our small group is studying Nehemiah. One of our memory verses is 5:19 “Now remember me, O my God, for good, according to all that I have done for this people.” That verse has been my prayer for you this summer. God is so good and gracious and loving and kind. May He continue to bless you with good rest and rekindle that fire (add those logs)to walk and talk and be more and more like Jesus – that you would love Him more each day. Teaching and leading us out of the overflow of your heart.
I miss you guys at church but thankful that we are blessed with many who handle God’s Word so well and can teach us while you are away from the pulpit.
You are loved!
sandy
July 6th, 2009 at 12:58 pm
Just to let you know, WE ARE THINKING ABOUT YOU AND PRAYING FOR YOU AND MISS YOU IN THAT PULPIT!!!! We have truly enjoyed and been blessed by the other speakers we have had – no complaints there – but we do miss you and pray that you and Kathy will be renewed and refreshed during this time!!! Also, have fun on the motorcycle event!! I owned one when I lived in Dallas, but alas, I sold it when I moved north – miss riding so much some times!!! Blessings on you and your family!!!
July 6th, 2009 at 1:26 pm
that is some good thinking; God be glorified!
July 6th, 2009 at 1:32 pm
Please keep sharing with us young pastors, James. Being in a season of discontent with my own leadership/opposition, I have found your videos and thoughts to be a source of mentorship I’ve needed more than I even realized.
July 6th, 2009 at 2:33 pm
Thanks Pastor James… Yes and AMEN…. The Fire of the Holy Spirit is burning strongly in the words you have written.
Actually I prayed for you this very morning, when I hit my knees upon waking. God bless you in your sabbatical and through to eternity. Nancy G. Albuquerque
July 6th, 2009 at 2:51 pm
i left a comment before why hasn’t it posted…
Thanks
Joey:
Sorry I don’t remember your specific comment. Scroll down to an old article dealing with what comments we post and why, was it too long? You should find the reason there, unless it was just an error.
thanks,
james
July 6th, 2009 at 2:57 pm
James,
I am with you! I am glad you are getting some soul rest. The Lord is speaking to you in your time away and that is great! I look forward to lots of co-ministry with you, including seeking after God’s best for Harvest and beyond. Pastors and leaders need your encouragement and can learn from your desire to always grow.
In His rest, Garrett
July 6th, 2009 at 8:10 pm
James,
If I type too much you won’t get rest so I’ll be brief. I’ve been sending your DVD’s to friends in western Illinois. They can’t get enough James. Walk in the Word only whets their appetite. I will see you on the Lake Geneva ride. Look for the big Eagle on the front fairing. (Isaiah 40:31) We pray as a family for your strength, love, and wisdom. You have helped me become the spiritual leader of my family although I may never catch up to my wife.
In His Name,
Craig
July 6th, 2009 at 8:49 pm
Hey Pastor James..
I am new to Harvest (Naperville)… I always thought sabbaticals were for rest and relaxation? Sounds like you have been busy. Your blog, tweets, and Walk in the Word have been an encouragement to me the new believer.. I think… maybe he is the real deal? He walks the walk that he talks about…not all preachers do..and now.. I am reading about the being Gripped by God…I have been on the temple mount..Even that earthly comparison was awe inspiring..to be actually in Gods presence… I would be on my face.
Blessings!
Sue
July 6th, 2009 at 10:11 pm
Hey Pastor James! Definitely thinking about you and your family daily! We keep you in our prayers. In fact, I just left a little (obviously short) reply to your twitter account!!
We have missed you SO much this summer. So I was especially excited to read number (3)!!
I am glad that you are getting refreshed. I teach mathematics, so I understand a little of the pressure you feel (as an instructor). It is important to get away and rest!!
By the way…loved the announcement for the bike ride last sunday in church! Very entertaining! It was nice to hear from you too!
Enjoy the remaining time of your sabbatical.
July 7th, 2009 at 1:12 am
Like the others, I have also been praying for you and your family. Truth preaching pastors and their families need fervent and consistant prayers. It must be so hard and depressing at times. Please know how much you are missed and needed. Change for the worse is more rapid and the world needs the message of the cross now. The Word of God hidden in our hearts and preached throughout the world. Amen.
PS Go James Go…………..
July 7th, 2009 at 3:32 am
Dear Pastor,
God bless you and keep healing you. I pray for you and all my other pastors – at my church and on tv and radio. You guys are my human heroes, God being my ultimate hero. God is working mightly through you guys (though, I like you the best).
July 7th, 2009 at 8:10 am
Dear Pastor James,
I don’t think you have any idea how many people are truly thinking about you and what you are doing, and who are praying for you and your ministry. I live in Pennsylvania and have been a faithful listener for almost 10 years, since I first picked up the book I Really Want To Change, So Help Me God. My 12-yr. old daughter has been a faithful listen for about 4 years; in fact, for her birthday last October, we took her to see you speak in Lancaster and bought her your series 10 Choices to Change Your Life Forever. Now what 12-year old wants to spend her birthday money on sermons?!? It’s just a testimony to the impact of your teaching.
The vision above you have for you and your ministry is dead on and is sorely missing from today’s church, especially point #5. It seems so many churches are focused on getting people saved, and not on ministering to the believers already in the church. They don’t seem to get that if the teaching is what it’s supposed to be, the people will come.
We need you Pastor James! Thank you for being bold and challenging us to live for Christ. Thank you for not watering down the Word of God. Thank you for stepping on our toes and saying things that we need to hear. May God bless your time of sabbatical and refresh and restore you and your family. Looking forward to your teaching on Revelation.
Under His Mercy,
Kim
July 7th, 2009 at 12:00 pm
James…You are always missed because of your passion for Christ. I am grateful you are resting now so that we will get a renewed minister of God’s Word.
July 7th, 2009 at 3:39 pm
All well said. Know that you are very much thought of, prayed for, and loved. Enjoy seeing you around Twitter and the updates in services occasionally. HYSTERICAL video this weekend on the motorcycle riding, laughing so hard I was crying! We miss you, but are enjoying the others bringing God’s Word to us during this time of refreshment for you & your family. We send you all the best!
July 7th, 2009 at 3:49 pm
The Lord bless you in your sabbatical!
July 7th, 2009 at 11:52 pm
Hey Pastor James. I’m from Alabama and currently in school, and I’ve been listening to WITW via podcast for some time now. This may sound a little on the weird side but I had a dream about you the other night… and in it I was having a conversation with you about the impact that one of your sermons had on my life and walk with God. It’s the sermon from Galatians 6:7… Laws of the Harvest.
So now that I got THAT off my chest (I don’t normally go around telling people they’re in my dreams)… I just want you to know that even though you’re not preaching right now, God is still using your sermons to speak truth in this crazy college kid’s life.
Cameron
Very cool and encouraging, thanks for writing Cameron,
james
July 8th, 2009 at 9:10 am
James – You and your family are in our prayers daily and my daughter Ashley and I can’t wait for you to return. We are so happy that you are being refreshed and renewed. We miss you but know this time for you is just what you need. Please say hi to Kathy for me and tell her I miss seeing her at Costco.
Love you all – you are in our prayers….Denise and Ashley
July 9th, 2009 at 9:33 am
You inspire us to be better, more eager followers of Christ. We are consistently praying for you, James. I just finished reading through Revelation–I’m so ready and excited to sit under your teaching this coming year. Praying that God is daily opening your eyes to His amazing Truth. Thankful for you–Jan
P.S. Also praying for your dear mom & dad.
July 9th, 2009 at 11:51 am
Pastor James,
I was wondering why you weren’t posting or tweeting. I’m glad you’re resting. It’s good to know you are doing well. God Bless and have a great rest.
Pam
July 10th, 2009 at 12:24 am
Pastor James – We traveled to Myrtle Beach with all your CD’s. (17.5 hours each way!!!) My five children are getting very good at imitating you, lol. Just wanted to thank you so much for being a faithful pastor. I live in St. Louis, MO and try to listen everyday via the internet. You are one of the people that make me look forward to eternity. I can’t wait to finally meet you and let you know what God has done for myself and family through your saying “yes” to Him. You don’t know us, but we love you to pieces and are praying for you!!!! Theresa Roberts (& family)
July 10th, 2009 at 4:59 pm
I wondered why the radio was running a re-run. It is a great one though “Downpour”. I will be praying for you as you are on Sabbatical. I have a silly question. Where do you go to church when you are on Sabbatical? Do you visit your church or do you go to another one? Just curious. I pray for God to shower you with His richest Blessings at this time and that you receive the Spiritual refreshment you need to continue. I love your radio program!! God uses you in a mighty way. He is glorious and i thank you for your service to Him!!!
For His Glory,
Pam Hardy
July 12th, 2009 at 6:58 pm
Dear James,
Amen! I am glad you are doing well. I want you to know what a blessing you and your ministry has been to me. I have gone through some hard times and your messages have been a blessing to me. I am looking forward for the next 20 years!!
Sister in Christ from Toronto Canada,
Claudia
July 12th, 2009 at 8:44 pm
Hey James,
I just wanted to say that you are a great man of God. Thank you for staying true to the Word of God, so many are straying from it. I listen to you on the radio every day down here in southern Illinois. I can’t wait to meet you here on this side or the next. I hope and pray that you are being restored during your break.
July 12th, 2009 at 11:02 pm
Hi James,
I am new to Walk in the Word and am very interested to hear about Harvest Bible Chapel and all that is taking place there and on the different campuses. I am so glad to hear that you are taking a break and I pray for good relaxation and ‘regrouping’ of where you need to be in the next several years. I live in Dubuque, IA and I will be praying and am praying for you!
And “hey, hey, hey…” (as you say…
, I am from Canada too…born and raised in Windsor, Ontario and my cousin goes to Riverside Baptist Church! Are you going to get to the Great White North while you are off??
take care and God bless,
Ruth Pitman
July 13th, 2009 at 11:45 am
Hey Pastor,
That is why you are my pastor even though I’ve only met you face to face once and I am on the left coast…your heart is so very obvious in your writing and I have adopted your call to “say what God wants said, and do what God wants done”…thank you Pastor James for being the man that God wants you to be and rest well.
July 13th, 2009 at 12:28 pm
Pastor James, Your teaching is Renewal because it is a rock solid foundation. I haven`t been able to understand the Book of Revelation and am looking forward to your teaching. Please relax now and enjoy your well deserved sabattical. God Bless… Peace, Angelo
July 13th, 2009 at 1:54 pm
Hi,James
i don’t know u personally but we do have something in common we are seeking to be more like Christ i want to be all that he has in mind for me to be that nothing or no one will hold me back from being an effective christian.James my prayer for you today is Hebrews 13:20-21 May he equip you (James) with all you need to do his will.May he produce in you (James)through the power of Jesus Christ every good thing that is pleasing to him.All glory to him forever and ever!Amen Be Blessed your sister in Christ Jesus Maria
July 14th, 2009 at 10:59 am
Pastor James, just wanted to share how God has used you in many lives here in NC. My husband and I, along with 4 other close friends, did the Downpour study early this year. How powerful and life changing…for all of us! Too much to go into here, but God’s timing was perfect for life changing events. Our marriage was transformed; God glorified & lives saved even in sudden suicide death of nephew in one couple’s life; one couple called to pastor and plant Freedom Biker Church in Fayetteville, about a hour away. Pastor’s house sold, new one bought, moved in less than one month. The other couple and ourselves called to be part of the core team. Downpour study is a requirement for the other 3 couples on the team and they are half way through! So appreciate your unwavering focus on Jesus Christ, your honesty with your own trials and journey. God has used your ministry to transform many lives, ours included. Thank you! We praise God for His Awesome Holiness and all that He is and thank Him for you. God bless you and your family.
Heather Ward
July 14th, 2009 at 4:56 pm
Dear Pastor James
Thank you and Kathy for your ministry! Our glorious God has spoken through you many, many times to break me ,draw me, and all for His everlasting glory…
May our holy saviour Jesus bless you and your family mightily for your wholehearted commitment.
In the love of Christ,
Daniel F. Harb
July 16th, 2009 at 10:03 am
Dear Pastor James
Thank you and Thank our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ for calling you into this great ministry. i have been so blessed by your ability to get the message thru in such clarity! God Bless you and your Family and i look forward to meeting you some day.
In Jesus’ name, Amen
Dean Prince
Canada
July 16th, 2009 at 11:46 pm
Hello, Pastor James.
Fun.
I have been listening to you on KFNW out of Fargo, ND abt 1 yr. First time I heard the broadcast I said, “wow! is he real!” Saw you goofing off on Price is Right. Cornball.
Anyway – I am listening to the series about forgiving and I mean really listening. I am married to a fella that is stuck in unforgivenesss so I have to forgive him for being unforgiving. How’s that for tricky?
Actually, cool thing is… I know that I know that I know that I have been forgiven a TON + several more thousand pounds so I can forgive and love… I can see what he struggles with (we both had abusive childhoods) He refuses to let go. Isolates himself, anti social etc. So I love him where he is. (how do you hug a porcupine?)
Just wish it wasn’t so sad and lonely at times. Would be nice to share life. so… blah blah blah
Just thinking that it has been cool to listen to you teach on a subject so dear to my heart and actually be listening for myself. Raves.
Glad you are getting some R&R. It is a needful thing. Press on.
July 18th, 2009 at 2:04 am
Dear Pastor,
Your time out from the church is very wise, your time with the Lord is very fruitful. May the Lord keep shining on you and your family. Press On!
P.S.
Please pray for my pastor husband who really needs a time out from the church, he needs time with the Lord most of all. Also, pray that our marriage will go on as the enemy got a foothold of our marriage. We will be in counseling in the next coming weeks. Your message in Family Wise series is very timely.
In Christ,
Tana
July 18th, 2009 at 7:51 am
Dear James,
I so appreciate your devotion to the teaching of God’s Word. It has humbled me, encouraged me, and comforted me again and again, and I am so happy in the Lord that it shows! I’m listening to “Way of Wisdom” and have found that knowing the will of God is so much clearer once the decision is made to do only what pleases Him, and despite my circumstances I find I am no less determined.
Please bring another church to the Dallas/Fort Worth area, okay? Thanks for everything, and God bless your family.
July 19th, 2009 at 2:14 pm
Pastor James,
I just wanted to share with you how blessed my summer small group is by your Gripped by the Greatness of God study. We can’t wait to get together each week and learn more. This is the first time I’ve visited the website; enjoyed the reading! I also signed up for the “Gripped” e-mail- pray that my husband will listen to it at home… Enjoy the rest of your sabbatical- you deserve it! I thank God that there are men like you who really seek Him. God bless, Gail
July 20th, 2009 at 3:13 pm
Pastor James,
You are the first person I see when I sing on to the internet. Thank you for your work and your teachings. May the God of our Lord Jesus bless you and make you stronger in your walk with Him, as you rest a;nd wait on Him.
Ps. 91
Mary Ellen
July 21st, 2009 at 12:19 pm
Your ministry is truly a blessing to me. My family takes an annual vacation camping in Canada for one week every July. For the first time ever, we held a daily Bible study, and I brought several of your DVDs, CDs and books. What a blessing! I can’t get enough of your teachings, and the whole family is now getting back to the Bible. Thank you so much, and may God continue to bless you, your family, and your ministry. Rest well, we are eagerly awaiting your return!
July 22nd, 2009 at 12:41 pm
Brother,
Thanks for the update. I couldn’t agree more about the ‘quality’ thing. It’s SO true, yet so overlooked, because so few people have experienced true quality that they assume their experiences prove the principle wrong. Praise God for people like Dever and you who recognize that biblical church health leads to biblical church growth.
In Christ,
Matt
July 22nd, 2009 at 8:27 pm
Pastor James, Had a few moments to myself and decided to see if there were still daily broadcasts available on line and I was thinking to myself “I wonder how he is doing” so thanks for the update! Now I know how you are doing AND what you are thinking too! I am a friend of Tegan Jackson’s down in south FL and I look forward to coming to your church during Founder’s Week. Grateful to the Lord for your time of refreshment…praying His Spirit will strengthen you to be that disciple of Christ He has called you to be. Thank you for your ministry and your faithful obedience as you serve Him!
July 28th, 2009 at 7:29 pm
James,
I was saved when I was younger. Throughout my adult life I have fought with what it means to be “in Christ”. I have often worried that I was not good enough to be a true follower of Christ.
When I read your thoughts, it makes me want to be a better person in Christ. It makes me want to read the Word with renewed vigor. I listen to the programs and I want to be a better Christian. I want to fight for the love of the Lord that you have.
Thanks for bringing that to me daily. Thanks for helping me stand in Christ. Thanks for guiding me. Thanks for teaching me the word. Thanks for all you do. Rest in the love of the Lord. You deserve it.
I am praying for you. May the Lord bless you always.
Chris
July 29th, 2009 at 8:40 am
Pastor I just can’t thank you enough for your words. I am so thankful to God that he has healed you from the cancer. To God be the glory. I was truly inspired as I read the end of your posting for July 6th… . “The ultimate goal is God’s glory and better disciples bring more glory to God as they reach others authentically than weak disciples pushing an artificial outreach mechanism. In the end quality disciples reach many and build a better representation of His kingdom here in our little corner of the vineyard.”
Those words are ringing in my ears as our church approaches the beginning of our AWANA season. I felt that we were not being authentic and we were just trying to increase the number factor and not being true teachers and disciples to the children. Thank you for showing me that it’s not the numbers that are important. It’s the lives that are impacted to choose to follow Christ.
May God bless you, Kathy, your family and your ministry.
July 30th, 2009 at 4:59 am
Pastor James,
I, along with so many others, thank God for your ministry. I download your sermons daily so that I can hear them ( I live in an area that doesn’t always get the station in which your preaching is on) and am always getting something out of them. God will use your sermons to either convict me or encourage me. As I read your list of “I want to be a better…” I found myself praying for those things as well as my heart desires that too. The LORD recently spoke to me ” a good leader is a servant” and I know that as He has His way in you during your sabatical and the weeks to come He will be encouraging others in their walk.
Praying for you,
Vicki
July 30th, 2009 at 12:05 pm
James,
Im praying for you while on your vacation!!!
That GOD HIMself reaches down and touches you with refreshment and JOY!!
In the meantime Im listening to you EVERY single day on the radio I am learining more than I ever have thanks to you and your ministry and I pray that HE bleeses you more and more.
See you my friend
Mike
July 30th, 2009 at 12:31 pm
Pastor James,
I want you to rest, so I will “try” to be short & sweet.
You “are” thought of EVERY day because I listen to you EVERY day! Rest up our Brother & Teacher. The LORD has used you mightly this side of eternity and in your days ahead He will use you in greater ways, for He needs a few “good” men.
In humor, I think I heard Jesus tell me, “Go out to all the world and spread the gospel. If you are too busy, tell them to listen to Pastor James. For he surely knows me. he talks the talk AND walks the walk. He will point the way!”
Praying “for” you, praying “with” you, and standing beside you at the foot of the Cross, always.
Jeff
July 30th, 2009 at 4:10 pm
Pastor James,
I thank God at every remembrance of you. You have been a Blessing to so many people. Thank you for for being Faithful to our Lord and Savior. May the Lord Bless you and Keep you all the days of you life. You are greatly loved!