I have just wrapped up 17 total years in youth ministry and it was truly an amazing journey. Into my second year as a youth pastor, my assistant at the time, Alex Hernandez and I, sat in my little office and scribbled on a white board all that God was putting in our hearts to do in youth ministry. We are both dreamers and visionaries, and when we were through scratching and scribbling out the list that day, I remember laughing as Alex said “Well, that could take a while!” Small groups, creative arts, worship CD’s, conferences of thousands, Bible studies, raising up leaders, outreaches, missions, training and equipping, transforming culture, multiple extension services, impacting the Northwest, and even the nation were just some of the things on the board that day. It sounded like a movement and not just a ministry.
Yet, my heart was to build the local church and not necessarily start a movement. Over time I realized that the local church is the movement.
Every corner of the board had something written on it and there was almost no white left. I knew that it would take a lifetime to accomplish everything we had written down, so in my heart I committed my life to long-term youth ministry, silently though as I thought some would think I was overshooting with everything we wanted to accomplish. There are some things you just hide in your heart until God helps them come to pass.
It was on September 2, 2009, walking into Pastor’s office (Pastor Frank Damazio, City Bible Church, Portland, OR) when I realized that everything on the white board had been accomplished and it took almost two decades. I have learned that the time it takes to fulfill a vision is directly connected to the size, breadth, and width of the foundation for that vision. I have come to understand that the larger the foundation, the larger the plans, and the greater the cost. City Bible Church had a large foundation and nothing done right could be done quickly. Notice what Luke 14 says;
Luke 14:27-30 “27 And whoever does not bear his cross and come after Me cannot be My disciple. 28 “For which of you, intending to build a tower, does not sit down first and count the cost, whether he has enough to finish it? 29 Lest, after he has laid the foundation and is not able to finish, all who see it begin to mock him, 30 saying, ‘This man began to build and was not able to finish.’”
Some people are given a great foundation but have no idea what to do with it and dream small. They sacrifice little, miss opportunity, and constantly look backwards wondering if they were truly effective. Some people have great vision but no commitment to laying a proper foundation. They are impatient and their vision is larger than their reality. What is worse, is some already know they won’t pay the cost, but don’t tell anyone. Unfortunately, I have known people like this. They are the ones who want the spotlight, but they don’t want it on their character. For whatever reason, their character, motives, and agendas keep them from truly committing for the long haul. Jesus identifies these traitors as “hirelings” in John chapter 10. You can read about them there as this post has another purpose. Be assured that God will reveal motives in due season.
Luke 14 however, focuses on an even more critical issue, cost. Some people estimate the cost incorrectly, and though sincere in their call and motives, they fall short of finishing. This happens for various reasons. Some factors that affect our miscalculating cost would be; immaturity, a lack of spiritual covering when making decisions, wrong motives, inexperience, a wrong perspective of ones own gift, and on an on. As a Leader you must work hard to know your own gift, receive good advice from proven mentors, plan well, and pray. This process will help you accurately discern what the cost will be. What is certain is that cost, if not estimated correctly, will steal every bit of joy, every drop of strength, and every ounce of vision that you started with, and you will fall short. Stop where you are right now, and estimate the cost of the next leg of your journey. Be more aware of what the next leg of the race will cost and you will experience more success and more joy.
We could go farther, but here is my heart on the matter looking back over the last two decades. Luke 14:29, has always alarmed me. Could I do something that would actually cause people to laugh or mock not just me, but the church? What a tragedy that would be! Donna and I have had our share of successes and our share of failures. Also, not everyone has agreed with every decision that I have made in my career as a pastor and leader. That is to be expected. But my dream, my heart, and motive was to live life in such a way that no one could ever “mock” the church, the ministry, or the grace of God because I couldn’t finish what I started. And, correctly calculating cost is the key. This is why this section of Luke begins with “27 And whoever does not bear his cross and come after Me cannot be My disciple.” Cost is synonymous with cross in this portion of scripture. When you say to God, “I will pick up my cross,” you are saying to God “What ever it takes, as long as it takes, and with all my heart.” Cost is now not about what I am willing to give, but about what He is asking us to give. And when we get this right, the fruit speaks for itself.
I decided to believe God for big things and He met us at the point of our faith. Then, somewhere along the way I realized that one persons’ entire ministry is just the next mans foundation.
My goal was show the next generation that they could dream big as well… and that they could see their dreams come to pass.
I want to honor all the young people over the years that have responded to the call of God in their own lives. We are so proud of all of you. Around the world you are now pastors, leaders, worship leaders, missionaries, business people, teachers, politicians, athletes, musicians, world shapers, and on and on. Over time you became builders with us, and now you are building wherever God has you. A special shout out to all of you carrying the torch in Portland. Donna and I couldn’t be more proud. You have followed God’s plan for your lives and you are proof that building God’s way works.
And now, people are asking about the new church, how it is going, when did it start, and what do I want to build. We will get to that in upcoming posts. But for now, here I am with a white board on my wall once again, casting vision, making plans, and dreaming big. I’ve been here before. Each time I pause with this dry erase pen in my hand, I am counting the cost. Am I willing to pay? More than willing. Look at what God has done! We will only truly appreciate and value those things that cost us something. Jesus wants us to feel about our destiny the way He feels about us. We cost him everything. He gave his Son so that we might live. We were the joy set before Him that enabled Him to endure the cross. Now He is the joy set before us. Give all you have, believe big, pursue Him with passion and sacrifice, and hold nothing back. He’s worth it… and there’s still room on your board.
Pastor Doug Lasit
The Pearl Church
Denver, CO
