Reported by John Sprecher
The final morning of the US FCA 2017 convention sent the attending ministers back home with a sense of gratitude—not only for a wonderful and inspiring time together, but for some excellent insights on how to minister to their ministry teams, encouraging them and improving their effectiveness for the kingdom.
Freddie Washington led an uplifting time of worship. Afterwards, the gathering extended appreciation to Pastor Daniel Johnson who led the planning and execution of the convention—along with the entire team of helpers from Gracepoint Gospel Fellowship. Their hospitality and service blessed everyone who attended.
Then Al Toledo, pastor of the Chicago Tabernacle, brought the final convention message: “Honey for Your Team.” Using the story of Jonathan and his armor bearer in 1 Samuel 14, Pastor Toledo presented several keys for leadership including:
- Jonathan’s courage and trust in God: “Nothing restrains the Lord from saving by many or few.”
- Saul’s initial good move: he said “Bring the ark of God”—he sought God’s presence before doing anything else.
- Saul’s bad decision: when he heard the increasing noise from the Philistine camp, he felt the need to take action and told the priest, “Withdraw your hand.” The pressure of the moment distracted Saul from seeking God’s direction further.
- Jonathan’s discovery: honey—oozing out of the ground—could have been God’s provision of energy needed for Israel to utterly destroy the enemy. Jonathan had not heard Saul’s command for a fast, so he ate some of the honey and was strengthened. “See how my eyes brightened when I tasted a little of this honey,” he said. If the soldiers could have been strengthened by eating, he said, the victory could have been much great.
Pastor Toledo used the story as an analogy for four kinds of “honey,” which pastors and leaders should provide for their team:
- Love and acceptance.
- Truthfulness—so team members can express themselves freely and they know what the leader is thinking through appropriate feedback.
- Space and freedom—to do the ministry to which they are called.
- Appreciation and recognition.
To watch Pastor Toledo’s message on video, click here.
After Pastor Toledo concluded his message, host pastor Carl Johnson, related how earlier that morning in his devotional time, he had been drawn to the last part of Psalm 81:16: “…with honey from the rock I would have satisfy you.” And that was before he had any idea of what Pastor Toledo would be speaking about.
Pastor Johnson then led the pastors and missionaries in a wonderful time of communion. The gathering left grateful and joy-filled for the honor of serving the One who called and equipped them to make him known.
