The last 8 years of my life have been completely devoted to the ministry of reaching this generation with the message of the Cross. That message ranges from the need for true repentance and tangible fruit of righteousness to the development of top level leaders through intense discipleship. As I have been seeking the Lord over the last couple of months, the Holy Spirit has been speaking to me expressly about the next 5 yrs of my life and the mandate He has for Amie and I. As many of you know, the last 10 yrs (from ’01-’11) has been spent serving my father here at Bethany in the role of senior associate (on top of youth pastor). This season has been an amazing time of growing and serving that I know has prepared me for what the Lord has ahead. Now, with the transition to my brother Jonathan as senior pastor, my role here is changing to both support him as the new leader and branch out into the prophetic\apostolic ministry the Lord has called me to. Bottom line:
My heart is to serve emerging leaders by any means necessary! From aspiring youth pastors\leaders to brand new generational lead pastors, the Lord has put a burden to give freely that which He has placed on my life. In everything from wisdom for real life to faith for supernatural vision, there is a definite passion in my heart to empower leaders to be supernatural leaders. Whether through daily microblogs of encouragement to my new book (to be released soon, stay tuned) on the power of radical discipleship, my daily task will be to lend a helping hand to those desiring help. My final prayer in all of this is that the Lord would use all that I have been through and seen by way of success for His glory. His glory is everything to me!
1 Cor 11:1 Follow me, as I follow Christ!
Joel, I remember what an impact you made on my life while in was at ORU (’99). I recognized the influence that you had as a leader even amoung our generation way back then. Looking forward to the next 5!
Pastor Joel,
My wife and I love your message and apply them to our youth ministry. Your calling to inspire and disciple leaders will be a welcomed asset- we will continue to life you up in prayer as you seek God for a deeper anointing.
Looking forward to meeting with you and your wife and the 220 Leadership Conference.
Bro. Shane
Hi Joel & Aime!
I am very excited for you both! Do you think there will be some traveling around the midwest area for some conferences? Our area needs radical discipleship to revive our areas out of slumber & see there is way more to this life!
Blessings!
Karen
Hi Pastor Joel,
I got introduced to you in Portland Oregon 3-4 ago at generation Unleashed. You poured out your heart to a great harvest that night and flew home to lose your wife just days later. Joel your passion, courage and commitment to the cross has changed my understanding of ministry and discipleship for the rest of my life. I have listened to you, been disciples by your podcasts, and prayed for you as u have given God glory w every hospital visit. Thxs for daring to take God at His word and forsaking all for Jesus. Your courage led me through a 3 yr stretch of cancer scares all which God spared me and my son from. I was able to watch u model how to stand and we did Joel. In the last year we God led us to resign our position as youth pastors at a church we had been at for 9 yrs. Our hearts were broken to leave our youth kids but God said to get our finances in order. I was one of those morons who invested in property out of selfish ambition and ended up in debt. However God is gloriously delivering me Joel as we have had our best year in business ever. We made a transition to a new church where the leadership had a commitment to the cross and a vision for the city. There r other reasons as well but the decision was made in order and in the light. I say all this to say thank you and please pray for Salem, Oregon. I am helping lead the youth ministry at People’s Church with 200-250 students. I have been trusted w developing the discipleship model and just want to move in Gods will and at His pace. I desire to attend the 220 leader conference and get to shake your hand in person. I’m praying for you to hear from God and for doors to open as you move through this country declaring the message of the cross and the life of faith. Sorry for long message but this is my first chance to say thanks. Job 28:28 spoke to me this morning and it clearly describes your commitment to love people regardless of the cost