Getting inside the mind and heart of Joseph Christopherson….
1. You’ve been here a year now on staff. What have been the areas that you’ve felt you’ve made the most impact with our community at Bethel and beyond?
The one area that has made the most impact both at Bethel and the community has probably been made through counseling. Offering insight, techniques and a dose of the Holy Spirit now and then.
2. What energizes you in ministry?
What energizes me the most is when I sense that the Lord is pleased with how I expend my energy and time.
3. What has been the most difficult challenge for you in being the first full-time leader in Bethel’s Growth and Healing ministry?
The most difficult thing I’ve faced as G&H’s first full time director has been recognizing my own insignificance as a “small fish in a big pond.” Also, I’m challenged in my spirit to teach people the beauty of moving from an independent ministry style to a unified, corporate ministry style (focus, leadership & common purpose).
4. What are you working on for next fall?
I’m sensing the Lord wanting to change the paradigm of G&H to one that reflects a more purpose focused model of Christian based emotional education that walks a journey with folks from victim to victor; powerlessness to empowerment; depression to passion; confusion to focus; floating to sailing. It seems that this journey would best be walked by utilizing core curriculums and two year tracks.
5. What are you reading now?
It’s only taken me a month to answer this question, “What are you reading now?”
I am currently reading The Great Omission by Dallas Willard. Dallas is a professor at the USC School of Philosophy. In terms of a blurb about the book, we can understand it best by our Bethel motto, “Making Disciples. ” This ought to be a must read for all leaders! The author shares with great clarity Jesus’ essential teachings on discipleship and leaves the reader wanting to adopt them. He is relentless in his clear and intentional message to the church about growing as disciples instead of “just being Christians.”
6. Just for fun: If you were sent to a deserted island and could only bring 5 items, what would they be?
(1) the book of Ephesians (or the entire Bible); (2) a picture of my wife (if she can’t come with me); (3) pictures of my grandchildren; (4) A pencil & paper; (5) a shovel.
7. How can we leaders be praying for you personally?
You leaders can pray for me by asking the Lord to continually break my heart, keeping me humble. You can pray for me to be sensitive to His voice and that I maintain a desire to please Him through worship. You can pray for peace and direction concerning the future of G&H, peace in my heart regarding the use of my primary gifts in the church and for the security, safety, and joy of my family.
