While in Orlando visiting Filipino missionaries and Every Nation church planters, I participated in the Charismatic Leadership Summit, hosted by Steve Strang and Lee Grady of Charisma magazine.
Two things happened while I worshiped, prayed, and talked with those sixty Charismatic leaders.
First – I felt kinda like an outsider. While I believe in the current reality of charismatic gifts, I don’t think I do life, church, or ministry like traditional American Charismatics. Maybe I’ve lived overseas too long.
Second – I realized that while I may not do church and ministry in the same way, these men and women are sincerely and passionately seeking God wholeheartedly. The more I listened to them and prayed with them, the more I respected and appreciated them—most of them anyway.
I was particularly surprised by and/or impressed with:
– the practical wisdom and humor of Mike Bickle – didn’t expect the 24 hour prayer guy to be practical or funny
– the passionate fire of Wellington Boone – that guy hates compromise and isn’t afraid to name names
– the compassion of Rodney Howard-Brown – his love for people was contagious
– the quietness of Rick Joyner – he hardly spoke a word, but furiously took notes every time anyone spoke
– the quiet/strong leadership of Steve Strang – this guy gave all these preachers a ten-minute time limit, and no one violated it—a modern miracle!
– the fire in Lee Grady’s bones
Most of the discussions were about the health of the Charismatic movement. After hearing everyone’s opinions, I am convinced that the key to health is quite simple—honor God and make disciples.
The Charismatic movement in America has not done either very well lately.
Coming in a future blog: summary of Emanuele Cannistraci’s annual “International Apostolic Leadership Summit”
