WOW! THERE MUST BE SOME REALLY GOOD STUFF HAPPENING HERE!” have you surrender doing the important stuff? That was the response of a couple of leaders attending the conference our congregation hosted some years ago. Several years earlier we had jumped to a multiple campus ministry and had now built the first phase of the new campus where the event was being hosted.

1. Do the Important Stuff
WOW! THERE MUST BE SOME REALLY GOOD STUFF
HAPPENING HERE!”
That was the response of a couple of leaders attending the
conference our congregation hosted some years ago. Several
years earlier we had jumped to a multiple campus ministry and
had now built the first phase of the new campus where the
event was being hosted.
(The multiple campuses allowed us to maintain a deep
investment in our urban neighborhood while reaching people
who wouldn’t risk venturing across the river into such “unsafe”
territory.) It was a great affirmation. “Really good stuff…” I was
thankful… but…
There had been “some really good stuff” happening long
before there was a new building visible above the ground.
Some of that “good stuff” had been happening for
decades…before my time. It was like Gail and I gave permission
for the “good stuff” to show itself. Most “really good stuff” and
“overnight success” stories we see today have been 20 years in
the making…with leaders doing the hard stuff… the beneath
the surface stuff… the nobody seems to notice or care stuff.

2. Large numbers of leaders risk discouragement because there’s
not a new building… not a bold initiative catching fire… no
public acclaim and distant praise. And what’s worse, leaders
risk failing to pursue the beneath the surface stuff… the nobody
seems to notice or care stuff, such as:
 Living a life of integrity that others could follow.
 Reinvesting in marriage (if they’re married) when settling
could suffice.
 Working hard. Excelling at strengths. Earning respect and
trust.
Ten and 20 years from now there will be a brand new wave of
“instant successes” of people and churches living out the
Mission of God in vibrant communities with wide, wide
influence. Here’s the secret that everyone forgets:
Most of those “great successes” of tomorrow have a leader or
leader-couple today quietly, patiently, consistently doing the
stuff that no one notices. They’re…
 Learning to be the presence of Jesus in pockets and places.
 Learning to share the proclamation of Jesus in words
consistent with context.
 Learning to risk the uncertain and the untried for the sake
of souls.
They’re…
 Discipling a few by opening access to their lives and to the
Word.
 Building leaders who will follow God like they’re following
God.
 Creating communities where people of faith and no faith
can casually serve and eat and do life and listen and tell.
(See the triangle in this graphic:)
Many churches, and their leaders, are caught scrambling for
the next really good thing that promises the quick results they

3. want. You’ll find them ping-ponging back and forth from
program with its promise to next program with its promise to
next…
Every week in the PLI family I hear the stories. Large churches…
any size churches… courageous urban churches… pioneering
plants… leaders doing the important stuff… some with fruitful
harvest and some with limited harvest right now.
So, a simple question: Have you surrendered doing the
important stuff? Maybe thinking you will never see fruitful
harvest on your watch?
A long time ago, Gail and I quietly promised each other and
God that if He willed we’d stay at least a decade (we stayed
much longer!) to do the important stuff (sometimes hard stuff)
in that congregation long before there was any sign it was
worth it and long before a shiny building and words of
affirmation. We’re still making those kinds of promises today to
each other and to God!
So, three quick points. Pick the one you most need to hear!
1. Many of you show up every day doing the important
stuff…the nobody seems to notice stuff, no matter plowing
time or harvest time. Thank you!
2. Some of you want to get strategic, get honed, get
equipped to lead it all better. PLI wants to be your partner in
a learning community. Raechel can help with questions and
maybe with the costs.
3. Certain of you can invest in the #2’s where cost is their
question. Your one time or monthly gift opens the door for
a leader today to equip them for tomorrow.