Sunday Extra: Organically Grown Fruit Does Us Good
What do you think of when the preacher mentions “fruit of the Spirit”? Habit training? Something you need to work on?
Thomas Merton once observed, “How does an apple ripen? It just sits in the sun.”
Leighton’s good friend, Ken Shigematsu, has applied that to the fruit of the Spirit. It’s not about our effort to make it rain or achieve the right temperature. It’s about sitting in the Son.
“Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing” (Jesus as recorded in John 15:5, NLT).
Are you ready for fresh perspective and encouragement on the fruit of the Spirit?
Ken Shigematsu is one of Leighton’s spiritual sons. He serves as Senior Pastor of Tenth Church in Vancouver and is the author of several books, including Survival Guide for the Soul: How to Flourish Spiritually in a World that Pressures Us to Achieve (which I highly recommend).
Ken was one of Leighton’s first mentees and God has used him in a tremendous way in a very secular city.
Organically grown fruit is good for the body. Organically grown fruit of the Spirit produces love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. I encourage you to join us this week in listening with impact and benefit!
Dr. Jim Singleton
Executive Director of Missional Leadership
Leighton Ford Ministries
Dr. Singleton also serves as Associate Professor of Pastoral Leadership and Evangelism at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary.
PRAYER REQUEST: CITYWIDE CHURCH WORKSHOPS
This week, Kevin Ford will lead citywide church visioning workshops in Dallas and Phoenix.
The Transforming Church: A Visioning Workshop program is part of LFM’s new Transforming Church Cohorts initiative, with seed money from Lilly Endowment Inc., focused on introducing pastors, elders, and lay leaders to key concepts and practical resources for guiding their church into the next season of vibrant ministry.
In Phoenix, the workshop will be hosted by the Surge Network, a movement of local churches putting Jesus on display by equipping, reconciling, and activating God’s people in Arizona. In Dallas, the workshop will be hosted by the Episcopal Diocese.
Please pray for Kevin and these local church leaders as together they explore God’s vision for transforming churches that impact their communities for Christ!
