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Mentor Visit Assessment #1

Contact(s):

John McKinzie
Location:
Hope Fellowship Frisco East
Purpose:
All-Staff Meeting
Date:
January 5, 2016
Analysis:
After laying the groundwork for the year in my first meeting with Pastor John a month ago, I
attended an all-staff meeting at Hope Fellowship this week. I went into the meeting with
expectations that were dashed upon arrival. I expected the meeting to take place in a large
conference room or the auditorium. With Hope being a multi-campus church, I expected the room to
be filled. I expected the meeting to be long and arduous, consisting of financial dealings,
housekeeping announcements, and correctional goal-setting. This meeting contrasted with all of my
expectations.
Johns communications assistant, Angela Linz, met me at the door and guided me to the
location of the meeting. As we walked through the office, smiles were exchanged and laughter
echoed throughout the halls. To my surprise, we waltzed to the last place that I expected a meeting
to be held: the childrens ministry wing. Where just the fourth and fifth graders meet for church on
Sunday morning, the entire staff of Hope Fellowship gathered, barely filling the room.
With coffee in hand, staff members mingled and chatted, exchanging stories about the
holidays. John entered and came straight to me and we caught up and found a seat. I had expected
John to preside over the meeting. Instead, Staff Development Pastor Carlos Ortiz got up on stage
and began the proceedings. Brief announcements were followed by a game led by Frisco Wests
student pastor. Half of me participated, half of me sat there extremely confused as to what was
going on. Following the game, Hopes McKinney campus pastor took the floor and updated the entire
staff on McKinneys spiritual growth throughout the course of 2015. The worship pastor was called
onstage and led the group in the singing of two songs, setting the stage for surrendered hearts and
refreshed souls. Finally, John got up to speak. Once again, I was surprised by the content of his
speech. Rather than speak of the churchs business and dealings, he called for his staff to lead, to go
first. Referring to the teachings recorded in Romans and Hebrews, John called for his staff to lead by
example in the categories of spiritual growth, connectedness, outreach, wisdom, and personal
financial stewardship. His heart is for the members of Hope and the greater community to grow in
these five categories. In order for this to take place, his staff must lead the way. This was his cry and

his motivation. Concluding his sermon, John called me up to front and introduced me to the staff as
the next pastor of Hope Fellowship, arousing laughter in the crowd and humility in me.
In conclusion, the all-staff meeting consisted of announcements, a game, worship music, and
a sermon. I loved every minute of it. Ive always feared what goes on behind closed doors in the
church world. I still do, to an extent. I cant stand the politics, the hypocrisy, and the apathy that I
imagine exists among church staffs throughout the United States. What I fear and loathe, Im sure
exists. However, this staff meeting calmed me. I saw genuine love, genuine faith, and genuine
community in the all-staff meeting John invited me to attend. Everyone and everything has baggage.
Nothing is as it should be. But by the grace of the Father, the power of Christ, and the moving of the
Holy Spirit, imperfect beings are brought together and guided according to Gods will and purpose.
Hope Fellowships staff is blessed with the peace of God. God clothes the impure with
righteousness. I hope to lead a church like Pastor John does one day, in faith, love, and purity.

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