On June 1st and 2nd, I had the privilege of attending Incubator's annual summit in Nashville, Tennessee. And let me tell you, we tore Nashville up!
Getting to love on my Incubator buddies is always a treat...we truly are a family and it's just like the ultimate family reunion when we get together. (Well, minus the crazy uncle sitting in the corner.) This year I was overjoyed to get to meet several new artists as well. Under Nate Sakany and Tami Rowbotham's teaching and encouragement, we laughed together, prayed together, encouraged each other, learned even more about ministry and delved into the deep things of God.
Now, some of you might be saying, "Tara, you've been with Incubator for nine years now. How much could you possibly have learned?" Oh, if you only knew...
I confess I harbored a little bit of the "I-can-take-it-easy-this-weekend-'cause-I-already-know-it-itis." My, how quickly God changed my perspective around! Nate challenged us on an incredibly deep level. I found my scars laid bare and even discovered some new ones hiding in the shadows. I met some incredible new friends with stories and ministries that will turn the world upside down. They were humble, giving and talented.
Just this morning I was reading in Acts 18 about Apollos.
24 Meanwhile a Jew named Apollos, a native of Alexandria, came to Ephesus. He was a learned man, with a thorough knowledge of the Scriptures. 25 He had been instructed in the way of the Lord, and he spoke with great fervor[a] and taught about Jesus accurately, though he knew only the baptism of John. 26 He began to speak boldly in the synagogue. When Priscilla and Aquila heard him, they invited him to their home and explained to him the way of God more adequately. 27 When Apollos wanted to go to Achaia, the brothers and sisters encouraged him and wrote to the disciples there to welcome him. When he arrived, he was a great help to those who by grace had believed. 28 For he vigorously refuted his Jewish opponents in public debate, proving from the Scriptures that Jesus was the Messiah.
Here's what I learned from this passage: (This applies to all believers and, I think, has monumental impact for those in ministry. It reminds me much of this year's Summit.)
1. Be teachable. Even though he was an educated, learned man, Apollos was open to receiving instruction, even from those who may not have had a 'degree'. Whether a newbie in ministry, or someone who has weathered the ups and downs for thirty years, be pliable to instruction. Apollos was humble and, bad grammar aside, was growable.
At the Summit, Nate gave us an article to study that I had read before. But you know what? I read it and was blown away. I missed so much of it before because I didn't fully understand the gist of the article. I wasn't in a position to absorb it like I needed. A few years behind me, a bit more mileage on the ministry odometer and I finally, finally grasped it! The impact has been life changing. And really, if we're not growing, we're dying.
2. Be Passionate. The Greek idea behind 'fervor' has the idea of a pot of water boiling over. I love that! When we are passionate about Jesus, how He has transformed us and the work He has given us to do, the passion will overflow out of us. Hearts will be touched and lives transformed...our own included. Passion is the fuel that will keep your ministry moving forward.
3. Be Faithful. I don't know about you, but looking back on my early songs, my early concerts, my early writings, I cringe. I think, "If I only knew then what I know now...". And that's normal. It's okay. It's part of the growth process. But whether we feel inadequate or not, God has called us to be faithful. Pursue Him. Teach him. Share Him. Love people. Don't compare yourself to others, whether you are new to ministry or are a seasoned veteran. Just like Apollos, we can be faithful, even if we don't know the end of the story! And actually, the only One who has seen our completed story is God Himself. Be faithful and enjoy the journey!
As a result of Apollos' willingness to learn, be faithful and grow, he ended up leading many Jews to Christ. He even reached them when Paul could not! And that's what God has asked us to do. Turn the world upside down for Him. Be broken and honest. Even though I've heard this all my life, it wasn't until working with Incubator that I finally grasped the full impact of what this truly means.
God has given each of us a story to tell. There is only one YOU. Thank you to Nate, Tami, all the artists and the entire Incubator crew for another fabulous Summit. In some ways, I felt like I was learning about ministry as a newbie again.
And that is a very good place to be.
