This was the theme for this year’s leadership getaway at Southbrook. We actually didn’t go too far this year and nothing very exotic.

 

Camp Singleton to be exact.

 

But it was my favorite leadership getaway we’re ever had. I guess the home court advantage really is a big deal.

 

Why the “Surrender or Attack” theme?

 

Well, it has a lot to do with the current state of things not only across the country and around the world, but also in a lot of local churches.

 

Notice how everything seems to be doom and gloom these days?

 

For example:

• The earth is burning up. It’s on fire from global warming! We’re all going to burn (Incidentally, here in the Charlotte, North Carolina area we are coming off one of the colder winters in one hundred years and about to wrap up one of the coolest summers as well. Somebody didn’t get the memo).

• The glaciers are melting! Run for higher ground! We’re all going to drown!
• Sell your vehicle and bicycle to work. Oil is disappearing from the ground.
• We’re all going to starve! Because we are using food for fuel now (corn and rice) there’s a food shortage! We’re going to starve to death (that is, if we don’t burn up or drown first)!
• It’s America’s fault!
• Especially the men!

I could go on and on, but you probably sense the sarcasm. So, what have you done? Have you joined the nay-sayers? Are you planning on having a last meal and then laying down and waiting for death’s sweet kiss?

 

A lot of people are. They’ve decided to surrender, to quit, to hunker down and ride out the storm. And, sadly, the reaction of many churches and church leaders is the same. They are no longer advancing God’s kingdom. They are no longer moving out in faith and attempting great things for God. No, instead they have adopted a ‘wait and see’ mentality.

 

How do they do this in light of verses like 2 Timothy 1:7?

For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.

Christians shouldn’t be running scared no matter what the economy is. Christ followers should never hunker down and wait for more ‘favorable’ circumstances—look at the underground church in China. Circumstances have never been good form them yet they are experiencing and absolute explosion in growth!

 

So, I challenge our staff not to give in to the surrender mindset, but rather, to “ATTACK!” As Christ followers and leaders of Christ followers, we should be taking territory from Satan on a daily basis. And we do not need to let up under any circumstances until that final day.

 

Surrender or attack?

 

Which mode are you in?

 

Here are some pictures from our time together.

 

 

 

7 Responses

1. Dan says:

   August 18, 2008 at 8:40 am

   Hey Rob,

   Who are those t-shirt models in the picture, and are those t-shirts going to be available in the “new” Southbrook Church Apparel catalog??

   Dan
2. Kati says:

   August 18, 2008 at 10:08 am

   we have such cool leaders!
   Come on Southbrook! Lets go attack the world in God’s love!!!
3. Dan says:

   August 18, 2008 at 1:45 pm

   Hi Rob,

   That was such a great service this weekend. Would it be possible to post up that video part where they talk about God and then turn the message upside down and reread from the bottom up. That was so cool. We heard quite a few people around us just say “Wow”!! I would love to see that again and show it to some friends.

   Thanks,

   Dan
4. Rob says:

   August 18, 2008 at 1:49 pm

   Hi everyone!

   This is pastor Rob. I have received a lot of requests for the video from the weekend but we are unable to post it because we had to pay for the rights to use it.

   Sorry…

   But keep coming. We have more cool stuff!
5. Matt says:

   August 18, 2008 at 3:17 pm

   I found it here

   http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fYiv7JH1Lh4
6. Jim Leasure says:

   August 18, 2008 at 3:26 pm

   Hey Rob,
   I would have been on board with you a long time ago. I caught your comment on Russ’ blog.

   In reply to your post for today 17 Aug. 08, I would say, I am on the attack. In fact most all of my post are related to explaining scripture. Not that I am a ‘Pro’ at it. However, I find that many people just do not know where to begin. Not many people understand the core message of the Bible, either. Atleast, this is what the American Family Association reported. They said, “Only six percent of all people who call themselves Christians truly understand the core message of the Bible”.
   I believe this. I can’t tell you how many Christians who I have talked with, who are willing to say that God does not require holiness. In fact, Hebrews 12:14 says, “without holiness, no one shall see the Lord”. Or, Jesus says, “What ever you have done to the least of these brothers of mine, you have done to me. …..What ever you have not done to the least of these brothers of mine, you have not done to me”.
   I get into conversations that are days long. In fact, one rediculous exchange of comments I had with someone was 80+ comments long (on his blog).
   I am on the attack, because I love people for what Christ wants with people. That would be, relationship.
   Alright, visit my blog and leave a comment. I will host a link for you on my blog, as well.
   Jim
7. thekingpin68 says:

   August 19, 2008 at 12:24 am

   Especially the men!

   I agree Rob, that Christians and Christian men need to take a stand. In the USA you still have some semblance of Christian culture, in Canada we have little. Either way, we should respectfully stand for the gospel.