RISK!

SA,WA,NT CRC State ConferenceWednesday 2nd April

Murray BridgePr Hans Voortman

The challenge to Step Out!

• A crisis of Faith!• Hebrews 11:6

And without faith it is impossible to please God…

• My Story…

DisorientationAgitationDisengagementReengagement

Agitation Stage• Frustration• Burden or Concern• Confinement

“You haven’t lost it, you’ve just outgrown it!”

“Action must be taken!”

Thinking OldDoing Old

Thinking New Doing Old

Thinking NewDoing New

Incubation Stage…Hearing from God!

PresumptionEmotional…-No word from God-The counsel of self.Self EffortEgo DrivenIll-consideredImpulsive changesDriven by Agitation

FaithBeyond Emotion..-Scriptural reference point- Wise confidantsInspired EffortUTL!Well ConsideredSteady ApplicationPrevailing Peace

“Live by Faith, not by Sight”! (2 Cor. 5:7).

The challenge to Incubation…

• The reality is many of the things you ‘incubate’ will fail!

• So develop both an implementation and exit strategy!

• This is not planning for failure. Rather it is creating realistically a culture that is not risk averse.

• Trust for the Spirit‘s guidance in the context of human frailty.

Enactment Stage…• Through the open door of

opportunity.

1. Sharpen your edge…Decide what not to do.Put the ‘big rocks’ in place! Drill down.

2. Remain solution not problem orientated.…And have exit strategies in place.

3. Stay mission not maintenance focussed.

4. Watch the allurement of the old and safe.

5. Keep on keeping on…Stay the Course!

Determine to act Decisively…Creating the courage to decide.Ask God!James 1:5

If you don't know what you're doing, pray to the Father. He loves to help.

• Trust God! James 1:6

Ask boldly, believingly, without a second thought. People who "worry their prayers" are like wind-whipped waves.

• Allow God!Proverbs 3:6

Listen for God's voice in everything you do, everywhere you go; he's the one who will keep you on track.

Relax and Keep Leaning!

Isaiah 50:10 (Msg)For anyone out there who doesn't know where they're going, anyone groping in the dark, here's what: Trust in God. Lean on your God!

In the end, you’ve got to Step Out!• “You’ll never, never know, if

you never, never go!• Matthew 14:27-29

Jesus spoke to them, saying, “Take courage, it is I; do not be afraid.” Peter said to Him, “Lord, if it is You, command me to come to You on the water.” And He said, “Come!” And Peter got out of the boat, and walked on the water and came toward Jesus.