"The real power in today's church"

Jim Martin reminds preachers of the need for character in our own lives:

. . . ultimately, people do not change by a leader "willing" them to change. People do not change because I make an announcement, or because I decide to present a series on prayer.

Many people ultimately change because they see in us something of Christ incarnate. They are experiencing "Christ-in-you." This happens as the Spirit of God pours out the very life of Jesus through you and me. People experience this as they are in relationship with us over a period of time and they witness who we really are.

So often, Christian leaders just wear people out. We talk. We announce. We talk more. Sure, there is a time to talk. There is a time to announce. But--what is most important as a Christian leader or a Christ follower is to be a guy (or woman) who is living an authentic life before God. That is powerful. More importantly, that is real.

Amen and amen.