“If you’re over 40,” mega-church pastor Steve Andrews tells his congregation, “your job is to train the next generation of Christians.” It’s leadership advice like this that’s seen Kensington Church in Troy, MI grow from 40 people to 12,000 in that last two decades.
Steve’s heart for the Gospel and for keeping the message relevant to younger generations, impressed me so much I had to interview him. In the midst of a burgeoning ministry whose demands grow daily, I think you’ll be impressed to see how Steve keeps his humility and self-deprecation.
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Synopsis
Year after year Kensington Church grows. It’s the leadership, it’s the ministry to men, and it’s the humility and dedication to the Gospel that play key roles. If you thought mega-church pastors were only interested in driving fancy cars and wearing fancy watches, you’ll be encourage by Steve’s simple way of living, and spreading the Gospel. Here are my notes from the interview:
Appeal to Men
Like Bill Hybels at Willow Creek (Kensington is a member of the Willow Creek Association), Andrews takes great pains to appeal to men. Hunting and Fishing outings, Men’s retreats, and every preacher is asked to consider ‘the man code’ (explained in the interview).
Develop Relationship with Young Leaders
70% of the people hired in the last year or so were under 30. Steve says it’s imperative that somewhere in the office, there are crying babies – because the church is always just one generation away from extinction.
Pastors, Live Simply
Kensington took in $10.7 million in offerings last year plus $4 million for building projects, yet Steve drives a beat up car and is ‘student-loaned out.’ He says his real joy is planting churches (he’s had a hand in starting 35): it’s not about the money.
About Steve Andrews
Twenty years ago Steve and two others started Kensington Church, which has 6 campuses in 2 states. Steve played starting quarterback at Wheaton College and received his seminary training at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School in Deerfield, IL.
Books Steve Recommends:
Radical - David Platt
The Hole in Our Gospel – Richard Stearns
Sun Stand Still - Steven Furtick
The Monkey and the Fish – Dave Gibbons
Sponsors I Mentioned
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