This week's episode features a pastor's journey to renewed purpose. From spiritual dryness to leading a vibrant missions movement, Pastor Lee Stevenson offers a masterclass in authentic leadership.
At Macland Community Church, a fascinating transformation is underway. What makes their approach distinctive is how deeply missions is woven into every aspect of church life. Small groups must partner with outreach organizations. Their "Macland Moment" replaces traditional children's messages with mission testimonies and opportunities. Every day at 9:37 AM and PM, alarms ring throughout their congregation—a daily reminder to pray for harvest workers based on Matthew 9:37. This simple practice keeps evangelism at the forefront of members' minds and has sparked remarkable generosity.

Lee's church recently experienced their "Faith Promise" missions fund initiative exploded from an anticipated number to over five times more than expected in just their second year, demonstrating how spiritual hunger translates into tangible resources. Most innovatively, they've established funding specifically to keep their pastors engaged in frontline mission work, ensuring church leadership stays spiritually fresh through hands-on service.

For leaders currently navigating dry seasons, Pastor Lee offers liberating advice forged through experience: "Just find somewhere and go do it." His testimony proves that personal transformation often precedes organizational change. When we step out individually, regardless of institutional support, we create the stories and experiences that will eventually inspire others.

From dry seasons to kingdom harvests, Lee's refreshing candor about struggling through seasons where he "stopped having his own stories to tell from the pulpit" resonates with anyone who's experienced ministry burnout.

When you begin ILI training, you will discover how the Eight Core Values will lead to the Seven Outcomes in your life and the lives of those you lead. Join a community of leaders who are ready to change history and make an impact in this world. Discover more at ILITeam.org/connect.