JACKSONVILLE (FBC)—Visiting the Baptist Building March
31, Tommy Green, president of the Florida Baptist State
Convention, challenged employees to have a spirit of possession
and promise, removing any potential of "lagging
limitations" or "lackluster leadership" in the
work of Florida Baptists.
Cautioning against becoming like the "murmuring"
congregation of Israel, Green’s message highlighted the
spirit of Old Testament character Caleb and the rebellious nature
of the people of Israel. Referencing Numbers 14:24, Green urged
the staff to model the spirit of Caleb who, according to the
Scripture, was claimed by God to have a "different spirit
that followed Him wholeheartedly."
Green presented a passionate dialogue stressing the importance
of leading Florida Baptists with the courage of Joshua,
confidence of Mark, obedience of Mary and the heart of Jesus
Christ Himself. He urged the staff to "have a place of
leadership and service that will inspire as never before."
"We don’t want to see a state with carcasses of
disobedience filling the land," warned Green. Leading
without a spirit of "power, promise and possession"
could inhibit ministry to the increasing population of Florida.
Green told of when several men from First Baptist Church,
Brandon, where Green serves as senior pastor, journeyed to his
home town to familiarize themselves with the pastor’s
spiritual roots. The men’s actions evoked memories of his
call into ministry and the passion he first held for God’s
work.
Closing with an invitation for prayer, he asked the staff to
recall their spiritual roots and compare their spirits with
Caleb’s.
John Sullivan, executive-director treasurer concluded the
service with a prayer. "I don’t want to surrender
anymore sod, I want to claim it. Father, let it be said of
Florida Baptist Convention employees that there is a different
spirit about them—a spirit of promise and possession,"
he prayed.
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