For many years we would find ourselves in dreamy conversations wondering what it would be like to start a church – those conversations always ended with – “I wonder if we should do that?”

As the years passed the dreamy conversations moved to tangible questions like – “Did God design us with the gift mix to do this? Do we have the kind of abilities that would lend to leading what we sense God is planting in our hearts?” – those conversations always ended with – “Can we really do that?”

But when God spoke into our hearts this past year the question of “Should we do this & I think we can do this – became a resounding We MUST do this!” It was a matter of obedience – and I am so glad that it is.

This journey has caused us to hunger for more and more obedience in our lives. We don’t want to give ourselves to things that we should do which often can turn into routine and obligation… We don’t want to give ourselves to things that we can do which often can get clouded with arrogance and pride – We want to give ourselves whole heartedly to the things of God – the things we must do because it is an act of obedience.

What is something that God is lovingly asking you to do in your life that moves you from SHOULD to CAN to MUST?

As we mentioned last week we are introducing you to a handful of people from our incredible team. Before we move on though, the winner to the "Name that Brent Johnson Tune" is, "Grace Unnatural." Congratulations, Rob B, your prizes are on the way. 

Over the next few weeks we are launching a new conversation here on the blog designed to talk very practically and honestly about pursuing dreams. We will look one by one at lies that hold us back from pursuing the dreams God has given us.

by Josh Roland

I have the privilege of interacting with many dreamers and starters. Perhaps the most crippling hindrance I see to great visions is the absence of a team. Most ideas, dreams, and endeavors are much too heavy to rest on the shoulders of just one person. The job of the leader is to be a vision caster - to find and inspire others who share a passion for the vision.

Believe it or not, there are other people who desire to use their lives for similar things as you; they are simply waiting to be led. Instead of only using your energy and time to create your vision – consider making it a priority to identify and connect with people that could be a part of your team as volunteers, advisors, or staff.

At Broken Voices, we do everything as a team. From staff to volunteers we each have clearly defined roles and responsibilities, but we are a unified force dedicated to a common dream. That unified vision is what drives us, unites us, and motivates us on the good and the difficult days. I am so proud to be a part of this team. I promise whatever you are attempting, you will get further with others shouldering the vision with you.

One of my primary roles is to be expanding and strengthening our team at Broken Voices. My challenge for you is to create a team and intentionally strengthen and grow it every chance you get.

by Aaron Skinner

Deeply confused by the preference given to the professional Christians, I began to wonder as a college student majoring in Advertising if God gave me the gifts I had for creative communication and the passion I had for marketing just to waste them. I spent years spinning my wheels in despair, willing to sacrifice anything for God but utterly lost and out of place in seminary where I was trying to reach what I thought was the Christian upper class. After a year and half of trying to be something I wasn't, my life spun out of control. Flunked out of school with all my cool stuff sold to a pawn shop, I went home to Miami to wait tables. Living with my parents and working at Cracker Barrel, It didn't take long before I was restless. At that point I no longer cared about being a superchristian. I just wanted a job that didn't make me smell like bacon grease. I sent out a few resumes for advertising jobs and sent my portfolio to a friend in Atlanta to critique. Out of no where I got a call to work at one of the largest churches in America as a graphic designer. Scared out of my mind that I was coping out on God by pursuing something I enjoyed doing, I moved 800 miles from home to take the job. Four years later, I am married with a kid on the way and pursuing my dream to develop innovative ministry brands as the owner of a small creative business. But more important than the change that took place in my circumstances, is the change that has taken place in my thinking.

There is nothing biblical about a system that elevates vocational ministry over professional vocation. This is simply a result of tradition and the fact the we all tend to look up to pastors, musicians, and missionaries. There is nothing wrong with that. The mistake is made when we limit our definition of ministry to those positions. God hasn't put a specific definition on what ministry looks like. He simply requires that any thing that represents Him be characterized by love for Him and love for others. He has however defined you- very clearly stating that you are his workmanship, his masterpiece, designed to do the great things He's prepared for you. All creation speaks of a Creator who designs things down to the most minute detail to perform a specific task. Fish have gills so they can breathe underwater. Springer spaniels have large, slightly webbed feet so they can retrieve game from the water for their masters. In Habbakuk 3:19, we are assured "The Sovereign Lord is my strength! He makes my feet as the deer's feet, able to tread upon the heights."

We all have heard God has plan for our lives, but not only has He planned your future, He has designed who you are today. Whether you are a graphic designer, cartoonist, writer, doctor, scientist, teacher or any other kind of dreamer, the secret to God's will for your life is in the specific way He has designed you to think, communicate, serve, and ultimately love your world. No one else can do it the way you can. God's design is as detailed as His plan.

(We met Aaron at one of our events back in the Spring. It's been a privelege to get to know him and the story God is writing through him. You can check out some of his work here.)

In true Broken Voices fashion we were able to squeeze in one more major shoot before another child was born. (Between the Morgans and the Deuels labor has started for 3 of our 4 children within 24 hours of a massive BV event - no joke!) Last week we were on set filming two more episodes of Broken Voices TV just hours before Gavin Morgan started entering the world. We are grateful for God's timing on all ends of that equation!

We interrupt our regularly scheduled blog to bring you this exciting update...