Sunday, October 15, 2000
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Sunday, October 15, 2000 |
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Living life full? Then die empty By
REV. DR. JOHN HATCHER "Most people live full and die full," Pastor Rick Snow said as he talked about the state of Christianity and the Christian church. On the other hand, Snow said, "Jesus lived full and died empty." Snow, senior pastor of fast-growing Atlanta City Church, said God seems to be "tipping" his saints over, calling them to pour out their lives into the community around them and into the lives of other people. He quoted the apostle Paul, one of the most gifted minds of all time, as Paul spoke personally, "But even if I am being poured out as a drink offering upon the sacrifice and service of your faith, I rejoice and share my joy with you all." (Philippians 2:17). Pastors and churches are full of the resources of God: his love, wisdom, compassion, and even material blessings. "If we don't pour ourselves out on the needs of our blighted communities, God will send trials and tribulations to get our attention," Snow said. "No one in heaven needs healing, demons cast out or a new beginning. Now is the time for Christians to get out of the church house and meet the staggering needs of our neighbors and communities," Snow added. Snow said the Lord showed him two very interesting verses in 2 Kings 13: 20, 21. It seems that as some soldiers were burying a man, they hurriedly threw his body into what was known at the time as the grave of Elisha. When the dead body touched the bones of Elisha, the man was revived and stood on his feet. "Elisha died full to such an extent that his bones still had miracle power to give," Snow said. That's not the way to die. We all should die empty, Snow shared. The saints at ACC must be "tipping" and pouring out new life, because just in the last week 25 people were saved and 30 people were baptized and filled with the Holy Spirit. And that was just in two services. In one year ACC has added 200 new people. Their youth ministry has exploded with 150 excited young people. When Rick Snow speaks, people should listen. He has paid his dues. Although ACC had started before Snow arrived, he was the first pastor determined to stay planted. He and his wife, Susie, who also serves as pastor, have completed more than 20 years as ACC leaders while raising two daughters and a son. Now, all their children are involved in ministry. The unity movement on Atlanta's south side has been greatly encouraged by Rick Snow's participation and leadership. But Snow believes that God wants the unity movement to go up a step. "God is not pleased with pastors remaining just nice friends, but wants us to grow together in prayer and personal accountability." He also said God is asking the Christian community to pour out itself into the blighted areas of our communities. "God's going to ask us: 'Did you just arrive? I've been all along,'" Snow remarked. With more than 20 years of experience, I asked Rev. Snow what counsel he would give young ministers. He encouraged young ministers to place themselves under the spiritual covering of an older, wiser minister who can mentor them. "What's lacking in our nation are fathers, and that's what is lacking among many ministers spiritual fathers who can shepherd them." Secondly, Snow said ministers should be intentional about growing. "My church grows because I am growing," he said. Finally, Snow counsels ministers to "learn early that you are not as good as you think you are." Although by all appearances Rick and Susie Snow are the pictures of success, they still believe they need to keep on growing in their personal faith venture and in their leadership roles. Snow says John Maxwell mentors him through Maxwell's tapes, books and conferences. Maxwell is a nationally recognized expert in leadership. Rick and Susie Snow also annually attend a worship seminar in Sydney, Australia. Additionally, Snow submits to an accountability group called Ministers Fellowship International, a growing fellowship of pastors of Spirit-filled ministers. Currently Snow gives a large chunk of his time to mentoring other pastors in the international fellowship. As one who sees the multifaceted nature of the church across denominations, it's easy for me to see that Pastor Snow is a strategic prophetic voice in our community. He tunes into the mind of God and speaks not only to his local church, but to ministers around the world. The bottom line to Rick Snow, however, is that men and women, boys and girls will be saved. "That is, that people who are confused, dazed, disoriented by sin will be changed by the light of God in their lives." If those people get around Rick Snow, they will see some of God's light, they will hear God's hope, and they will be assured of God's great love. Rick Snow is a God happening.
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