Faith, Hope & Love » Fun

Leaving PBC

Wayne Alexander — Mon, 08 Nov 2010 08:05:00 +0000

How do you ‘leave’ a church that you’ve loved, laughed with, grieved with, walked with and experienced many of life’s profound events together? It’s so much more than just leaving a job; we’re leaving home and friends and a deeply fulfilling role. PBC was the church where I met Jem, the place where our children were born, and the community in which I’ve learned some vital lessons about myself and about leadership. PBC was the church where I had the immeasurable privilege of leading and serving with great staff, volunteers and Elders as we saw ministries strengthen, and many new initiatives begin, and many lives being impacted. I couldn’t have picked a better ‘first’ church, though I never saw PBC as my ‘first’ church until I felt God’s call to move; when God led me to PBC, he was giving me a wonderful gift. I had no idea how the journey would turn out! Eugene Peterson sums up my experience of PBC when speaking about his own experience of being in a church family:

‘Every once in a while a shaft of blazing beauty seems to break out of nowhere and illuminate these companies: Word of God-shaped, Holy Spirit-created lives of sacrificial humility, incredible courage, heroic virtue, holy praise, joyful suffering, constant prayer, persevering obedience.’

During last week as my official last few days, it was a roller-coaster of events and emotions. The church gave us a wonderful last Sunday and truly awesome goodbye bash on Tuesday. On Sunday I taught my last sermon, David Chaput gave a wonderful tribute, the children led a special prayer for us, and then the church gathered round us to pray. Tuesday had people gathered from far and wide, tributes, a live jazz band, and generous gifts. We were blessed with so many generous gifts, words and memories. I’m still amazed by the heartfelt things that were said to both of us.

Though I am confident that becoming Senior Minister at Tonbridge Baptist Church is God’s will – a role I am thrilled to receive – I leave PBC with a deep mix of sadness and thanksgiving. As I had no idea how the journey would turn out at PBC, I’m sure the same will be true of our time at Tonbridge Baptist Church, and I look forward with expectation to see how God will move us all forwards into the things of His heart.

Think Different?

Wayne Alexander — Sat, 03 Jul 2010 20:40:43 +0000

The power of a good product. I stood in line today for 40 minutes to get my due upgrade at the end of my existing contract (good timing) to the latest Iphone 4.

‘Think different’? It’s a brilliant axiom for design and innovation, whether it’s technology, business or church, but the irony about the power of this product was that it caused my fellow waiters in line and I to think the same thing: I want one.

Was it worth the 40 minute wait? Yep. What about the signal issues that have been identified with the new device? No issues so far.

French beauty

Wayne Alexander — Fri, 02 Jul 2010 21:42:10 +0000

I’ve just returned from eleven days in a stunning home in the South West of France. Brilliant time with my family, wonderful time reading, particularly the first in Simon Walker’s ‘Undefended Leaders‘ series, and Ian Stackhouse’s ‘The Day Is Yours‘, and lots of time to think and pray. It was a gift from God through the generosity of friends for which we are so thankful.

Now’s the time Capello

Wayne Alexander — Sun, 20 Jun 2010 13:45:53 +0000

Capello is a proven manager at club level, but I hope he’s not so confident in his own track record that he won’t listen to those who have managed a squad at an international tournament. Capello needs to dig deep in his man management and tactical acumen to bring about some real change on Wednesday. There’s only so much that autocratic leadership can produce, particularly in the stifling conditions of ‘camp England.’ He needs to generate ownership and team spirit, and leadership that listens will help. The papers are saying that the senior players have asked Capello to use a 4-2-3-1 formation, with Lampard and Barry sitting deep, Joe Cole on the left, with Gerrard in the middle behind Rooney, and Lennon on the right. It’s worth trying, because Friday was so poor and more is needed than a bit of tinkering.

Against Algeria, England looked clueless, shapeless and visionless. Wright-Philipps can have moments of excellence, but he’s not a game changer who’ll unlock a robust defence whereas Joe Cole has that ability. England need their leaders now more than ever; leaders on the pitch and leaders behind the scenes. In the profound – cover-version – words of Glee, ‘Don’t stop believing.’

Funny video

Wayne Alexander — Mon, 18 Jan 2010 09:41:23 +0000

So I’m a Jason Mraz fan – saw him in Brighton when he supported Tracy Chapman. I was looking on youtube for Mraz and found this. Some things just put a smile on your face – this is one of them. What a talented kid!

I’m home

Wayne Alexander — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 08:31:09 +0000

I’m back at home – The flight was simple (flights are simple if you don’t have children climbing all over you!) but as usual on a flight I couldn’t sleep a wink. That means I’ve got to try to make it until at least 6pm tonight before going to bed. Should be fun. My lovely ladies were so delighted to see me. My daughter’s face and reaction when I walked in the door was something I’ll never forget.

When the dust has settled I’ll comment on my incredible morning yesterday (Sunday) at Willow Creek’s service at their main auditorium… wow, wow, wow. I’ll also try and sum up the week and tell some stories about some of the infectious (not Swine flu…) Willow members I’ve had the privilege to meet but haven’t mentioned yet.

Visit to Willow Creek – Meeting my host family

Wayne Alexander — Sat, 28 Nov 2009 12:53:05 +0000

The next day I left the hotel and drove an hour north to my hosts. I purposefully drove along Lake Michigan, and as the Chicago Skyline was getting smaller in my rear view mirror and I again thanked God for the great opportunity that it is to be here, ‘Roxanne’ by the Police came on the radio. It was one of those unforgettable moments.

An hour later, involving accidentally driving illegally through a freeway toll, and then not having enough money for the next toll, I arrived at my hosts. For those attending conferences at Willow Creek Chicago, Willow’s global hospitality team has hundreds of Willow families who open their homes to guests for free. I would see again and again in the coming week just how deeply sacrificial and servant hearted the Willow Community Church members are – Global hospitality is one example, and the Stein family are another.

When I pulled up on the drive, Brian Stein came to greet me and warmly welcomed me to his home. This was repeated inside when I met Denise, Bethany, Claire and Rachel. Within minutes they all helped me to feel like I’d known them for ages. Here is a family that have a passion to support Pastors getting trained and they generously offer their home for this. They’ve attended Willow since about 1984, and during our conversations demonstrated to me great examples of the kind of mature, compassionate and generous Christ-followers Willow has helped to grow. I couldn’t help but think of my two girls and I hope they’ll be as good at welcoming guests into their home as the Stein’s girls had been with me. This is one inspiring family.