Hard to believe the month of June is already upon us! I guess it's about time for the stores to bust out the Christmas stuff and start their holiday routines. I know, I know...I'm rushing it but only because you'll blink and it will be here before you know it.
We've got some exciting things in store for the summer months at Christian Life Center. This Sunday we'll talk about the key to becoming the kind of church God wants us to be. As a matter of fact, the entire month of June will be a series called A Window To The Future. I'll be sharing what God has been revealing to the leadership about the direction and vision of CLC. This will be a great opportunity for me to share my heart about the kind of church I want us to be as a part of the Bensalem community.
In July I'll be doing a series called Encountering God! Many of our church family come from varies church backgrounds and don't have any idea who the Holy Spirit is, etc. I'll be taking both Sundays and Wednesdays in July and making that the focus of our services. In August during our mid-week services we'll be talking about Prayer: The Ultimate Life-style. Finally, we'll conclude the summer with a series called Stress-busters: God’s Antidote For Our Busy Lives.
As you can see it promises to be a busy summer, but a great summer. I know many of you have plans to take some time off and relax, but when you're home don't forget to keep CLC as a part of your weekly schedule!
Thursday, May 29, 2008
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
World Clock
Here's an interesting website you'll find slightly disturbing:
http://www.poodwaddle.com/worldclock.swf
I won't tell you what it's all about other than to say it's a sobering visual of the changes taking place in our world. At the top of the page you'll notice several icons by the name of "year" "month" "week" etc. By clicking on those you can refine the statistics down to the minute.
Check it out and let me know your thoughts.
http://www.poodwaddle.com/worldclock.swf
I won't tell you what it's all about other than to say it's a sobering visual of the changes taking place in our world. At the top of the page you'll notice several icons by the name of "year" "month" "week" etc. By clicking on those you can refine the statistics down to the minute.
Check it out and let me know your thoughts.
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
Important Leadership Principle
Leadership is such an imposing topic. Not because it's so difficult to understand, but because it can be so simple to implement. Just when I think I've gotten a good handle on it I realize I don't know near as much as I thought I did! Take for example the task of making sound decisions. There's a balance that leaders must maintain. We can't be too stubborn to admit a mistake, or too inflexible to change, but neither can we allow ourselves to follow those whom we are called to lead.
I see parents do this all too often...and I think I've been guilty of it as well! They make a decision, the kids object, and, after a bit of noise is made, the parents relent. I've also seen employers do this, as well as teachers, pastors, and coaches.
Jesus said, "Simply let your 'Yes' be 'Yes,' and your 'No', 'No.'" (Matthew 5:37) He was talking about using oaths to give strength to your words. The principle applies here, too.
Only a 'yes' should be enough; we shouldn't have to strengthen it with other words. And 'yes' should always be 'yes,' even when 'yes' is unpopular is unpopular with the 'no' crowd.
The worst thing a leader can do is to allow those he leads to make his calls for him. When you make an obvious bad call, your leadership can withstand the occasional reversal -- if you create a pattern of leadership in which 'yes' means 'yes.'
I see parents do this all too often...and I think I've been guilty of it as well! They make a decision, the kids object, and, after a bit of noise is made, the parents relent. I've also seen employers do this, as well as teachers, pastors, and coaches.
Jesus said, "Simply let your 'Yes' be 'Yes,' and your 'No', 'No.'" (Matthew 5:37) He was talking about using oaths to give strength to your words. The principle applies here, too.
Only a 'yes' should be enough; we shouldn't have to strengthen it with other words. And 'yes' should always be 'yes,' even when 'yes' is unpopular is unpopular with the 'no' crowd.
The worst thing a leader can do is to allow those he leads to make his calls for him. When you make an obvious bad call, your leadership can withstand the occasional reversal -- if you create a pattern of leadership in which 'yes' means 'yes.'
Sunday, May 25, 2008
Pre-Service Jitters!
Unless you've done something like this before it's kind of hard for me to explain. Every Sunday morning I go through what I call the "pre-service jitters." It doesn't matter how much I've prayed, studied, reviewed, reflected, revised, rehearsed, etc. every Sunday I get a bit anxious thinking about the day.
They typically don't go away until the afternoon. Earlier in my ministry I would think, "I can't wait until I've done this enough times and these feelings go away!" Boy, was I naive! They're never going to go away! But that's ok. They force me to lean entirely on God. An older, more experienced pastor told me once that if I ever get to the place where I don't have pre-service jitters I better reconsider what I'm doing.
I understood what he was saying. So every 7 days I tell myself what I'm feeling is a reminder that I need God's help more than I realize. Actually, all of us need God's help more than we realize. For me, it's those feelings of weakness and fear before a Sunday service that keep me focused on God's presence. For you, it might be something else, but we all need those subtle reminders that without Him we can do nothing.
Live on, pre-service jitters...live on!
They typically don't go away until the afternoon. Earlier in my ministry I would think, "I can't wait until I've done this enough times and these feelings go away!" Boy, was I naive! They're never going to go away! But that's ok. They force me to lean entirely on God. An older, more experienced pastor told me once that if I ever get to the place where I don't have pre-service jitters I better reconsider what I'm doing.
I understood what he was saying. So every 7 days I tell myself what I'm feeling is a reminder that I need God's help more than I realize. Actually, all of us need God's help more than we realize. For me, it's those feelings of weakness and fear before a Sunday service that keep me focused on God's presence. For you, it might be something else, but we all need those subtle reminders that without Him we can do nothing.
Live on, pre-service jitters...live on!
Saturday, May 24, 2008
The Hardest Part
In his sermon "Better Odds" Andy Stanley makes a great statement. He's talking about waiting on God, and he says something along these lines: We look at our watches; God looks at the calendar. When I heard that it froze me in my tracks!
One of the most difficult lessons for any of us is to learn to wait on God. By nature we're not patient, and our culture offers little encouragement to develop the habit. We want, we need, we think we deserve everything now.
On Wednesday evenings I've been talking about Joseph. His story from the book of Genesis is an incredible adventure. He languished in a pit and a prison for several years before God vindicated him. But it was worth the wait. It always is!
If I have learned anything in ministry it is this: we cannot see the whole scope of God's work, but the scope exists. And we may not see the big picture, but there is one. Today might be just another day of waiting for you, but here's how you can make it better: Take your eyes off the clock and turn them toward Jesus. Spend this time waiting in expectation rather than desperation. God is at work in your work in life, making all things beautiful in their time.
It's the hardest part, but eventually the most rewarding!
One of the most difficult lessons for any of us is to learn to wait on God. By nature we're not patient, and our culture offers little encouragement to develop the habit. We want, we need, we think we deserve everything now.
On Wednesday evenings I've been talking about Joseph. His story from the book of Genesis is an incredible adventure. He languished in a pit and a prison for several years before God vindicated him. But it was worth the wait. It always is!
If I have learned anything in ministry it is this: we cannot see the whole scope of God's work, but the scope exists. And we may not see the big picture, but there is one. Today might be just another day of waiting for you, but here's how you can make it better: Take your eyes off the clock and turn them toward Jesus. Spend this time waiting in expectation rather than desperation. God is at work in your work in life, making all things beautiful in their time.
It's the hardest part, but eventually the most rewarding!
Thursday, May 22, 2008
Jellyfish and Sharks!
Every time I go swimming in the ocean, someone inevitably warns me: Watch out for sharks! Of course, I always do, but I've never seen one. I've never even heard the "bom-bom-bom-bom" music that plays in the background when sharks come near. And it's a good thing, because once you hear the music, it's probably too late.
I've been warned to watch out for sharks, but no one has ever said to me, "Watch out for the jelly fish." The fact is, jelly fish are far more dangerous. Each year they kill more people than sharks do.
We tend to spend our lives worrying about the sharks (whether we ever go near the water or not), because sharks are big and scary. And we tend to ignore real threats because, by themselves, they're not all that intimidating.
Don't let the little things in life fool you. You ignore them at your own peril!
I've been warned to watch out for sharks, but no one has ever said to me, "Watch out for the jelly fish." The fact is, jelly fish are far more dangerous. Each year they kill more people than sharks do.
We tend to spend our lives worrying about the sharks (whether we ever go near the water or not), because sharks are big and scary. And we tend to ignore real threats because, by themselves, they're not all that intimidating.
Don't let the little things in life fool you. You ignore them at your own peril!
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
Why can't I sing like this?
So, I'm sitting here watching American Idol wondering why I can't sing like these two guys on stage! Why wasn't I given the gift of "voice?" Isn't it ironic that no matter who we are, and what we have we all want a bit more? The idea of learning to be satisfied with who God made us to be is a hard lesson to learn. I may never sing like an American Idol or preach like a world-class communicator, but I can be the best "me" God created me to be! And you can too. Be who God made you to be, and be the best you, you can be!
Sunday, May 18, 2008
Attenders and Members
This afternoon we completed another membership class at CLC. This class is the basic introduction to our church family. Since we have members from many different church backgrounds, this class is designed to explain who we are and what our church is about. You may wonder why churches ask their people to take the step of becoming members. We ask you to commit as a member for 4 major reasons:
1. A Biblical Reason: Christ is committed to the church
“… Christ loved the church and He gave His life for it.” Ephesians 5:25
2. A Cultural Reason: It is the antidote for our society.
We live in an age where very few want to be committed to anything … a job … a marriage … our country. This attitude has even produced a generation of church “hoppers and shoppers.” Belonging and membership swims against the current of America’s “consumer religion.” It is an unselfish decision. Commitment always builds character.
3. A Practical Reason: It defines who can be counted on.
Every team must have a roster. Every school must have an enrollment. Every business has a payroll. Every army has an enlistment. Even our country has a census and requires voter registration. Membership identifies our family.
4. A Personal Reason: It produces spiritual growth.
The New Testament places a major emphasis on the need for Christians to be accountable to each other for spiritual growth. You cannot be accountable when you’re not committed to any specific church family. Therefore, you cannot grow without belonging to a church body.
Of course, membership to any church won't get you into heaven. Only salvation does that. If you've not considered applying for membership, however, perhaps the above reasons will persuade you to do so!
1. A Biblical Reason: Christ is committed to the church
“… Christ loved the church and He gave His life for it.” Ephesians 5:25
2. A Cultural Reason: It is the antidote for our society.
We live in an age where very few want to be committed to anything … a job … a marriage … our country. This attitude has even produced a generation of church “hoppers and shoppers.” Belonging and membership swims against the current of America’s “consumer religion.” It is an unselfish decision. Commitment always builds character.
3. A Practical Reason: It defines who can be counted on.
Every team must have a roster. Every school must have an enrollment. Every business has a payroll. Every army has an enlistment. Even our country has a census and requires voter registration. Membership identifies our family.
4. A Personal Reason: It produces spiritual growth.
The New Testament places a major emphasis on the need for Christians to be accountable to each other for spiritual growth. You cannot be accountable when you’re not committed to any specific church family. Therefore, you cannot grow without belonging to a church body.
Of course, membership to any church won't get you into heaven. Only salvation does that. If you've not considered applying for membership, however, perhaps the above reasons will persuade you to do so!
Friday, May 16, 2008
How's Business?
Thomas Carlyle said, "Our main business is not to see what lies dimly at a distance, but to do what lies clearly at hand."
Vision is essential to leadership, as is seeing the big picture—no doubt about it. But great leaders also have the ability to see and do what is necessary today.
It's the principle of first things first. Solomon said it as simply as it can be said: Develop your business first before building your house. (Proverbs 24:27)
This is what great leaders do. Whereas many flounder from week to week, effective leaders make sure that first, before anything else, business gets done each day.
What's your business? I mean your real business? What matters most to you? Is there anything on your agenda today that reflects this priority? Long term vision is great, but we also need to make a habit of taking care of today's business today.
If your real business is following Jesus, then do something today that makes you more like him. Give. Love. Serve. Forgive. Show mercy. Develop your business (your real business) first, before doing anything else!
Vision is essential to leadership, as is seeing the big picture—no doubt about it. But great leaders also have the ability to see and do what is necessary today.
It's the principle of first things first. Solomon said it as simply as it can be said: Develop your business first before building your house. (Proverbs 24:27)
This is what great leaders do. Whereas many flounder from week to week, effective leaders make sure that first, before anything else, business gets done each day.
What's your business? I mean your real business? What matters most to you? Is there anything on your agenda today that reflects this priority? Long term vision is great, but we also need to make a habit of taking care of today's business today.
If your real business is following Jesus, then do something today that makes you more like him. Give. Love. Serve. Forgive. Show mercy. Develop your business (your real business) first, before doing anything else!
Thursday, May 15, 2008
HONESTY AND INTEGRITY
Here's a good illustration on honesty from the Associated Press. When I read it I was confronted with my own response, and a bit surprised of my own reaction! How would you have reacted in a similar situation?
Most of us have the unrealistic fantasy of finding a briefcase or bag of cash along some well traveled road some unfortunate soul has lost. What if you actually did?? Can you imagine what a find that would be! The bigger issue is what would you do?
............................
When an 11-year-old Boy Scout found someones wallet with $800 inside, he understood what the person who lost it was going through.
Only a few weeks before, he had lost his own wallet and the $45 it contained.
J.R. Bouterse immediately told an adult about his discovery, which was turned over to a law-enforcement official and returned to its grateful owner.
''We're just so proud of him,'' said the boy's mother, Michelle Bouterse, 41. ''We can't say enough.''
To reward the boy, the Michigan State Police threw a pizza party Monday night, not only for the law-abiding child but for all 30 Scouts in Troop 90.
Another guest at the party, to J.R.'s surprise, was 20-year-old Jessica Cutler, the wallet's owner, who wanted to personally thank him for his act of honesty.
''I can't believe someone would find a wallet with that much money in it and not take some,'' she said. ''A lot of people maybe wouldn't have done that same thing. I'm just glad he found it and not someone else.''
J.R. found the wallet a little more than a week ago while leaving a Scout meeting at the church.
''I knew exactly how she felt,'' he said.
Not exactly: His own wallet has not been returned to him.
Most of us have the unrealistic fantasy of finding a briefcase or bag of cash along some well traveled road some unfortunate soul has lost. What if you actually did?? Can you imagine what a find that would be! The bigger issue is what would you do?
............................
When an 11-year-old Boy Scout found someones wallet with $800 inside, he understood what the person who lost it was going through.
Only a few weeks before, he had lost his own wallet and the $45 it contained.
J.R. Bouterse immediately told an adult about his discovery, which was turned over to a law-enforcement official and returned to its grateful owner.
''We're just so proud of him,'' said the boy's mother, Michelle Bouterse, 41. ''We can't say enough.''
To reward the boy, the Michigan State Police threw a pizza party Monday night, not only for the law-abiding child but for all 30 Scouts in Troop 90.
Another guest at the party, to J.R.'s surprise, was 20-year-old Jessica Cutler, the wallet's owner, who wanted to personally thank him for his act of honesty.
''I can't believe someone would find a wallet with that much money in it and not take some,'' she said. ''A lot of people maybe wouldn't have done that same thing. I'm just glad he found it and not someone else.''
J.R. found the wallet a little more than a week ago while leaving a Scout meeting at the church.
''I knew exactly how she felt,'' he said.
Not exactly: His own wallet has not been returned to him.
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
More of What To Expect!
How do we make our worship experiences more effective and impactful? I’ve been asking myself that question every Sunday afternoon. For starters, we begin by streamlining some of the elements of a CLC Sunday morning experience, and then re-evaluate the entire process. I’ve tried to define it as if I was talking to a person who had never attended one of our gatherings.
Here is what a typical service might look like…
1. Music
For the first 25 minutes or so, we’ll sing some simple songs to God. Feel free to sing along or just enjoy the music from our worship leaders and musicians. Some people like to stand the entire time, and others like to sit. Many enjoy clapping and verbally expressing how they feel about God. The key is just being comfortable and feeling free to be yourself!
2. Community
We’ll give you an opportunity to make some new friends. You might meet someone from your neighborhood or from where you work…how cool would that be!
3. Prayer
No matter where you are in your spiritual journey, God is waiting for you, ready to listen to you hurt, pain, passion, and desires. During our prayer time, we take a few moments to ask God to help us with the issues of life that are common to all. Often I’ll remind us that God is big and God can do anything!
3. Giving
For those who value the mission of Christian Life Center and are learning to give, this is a time to give back to God a portion of what He’s given to us. Obviously, we don’t want our guests to feel obligated to give anything unless they feel comfortable in doing so.
4. Message
I will give a 25 to 35 minute message about applying God’s Truth to life’s challenges. We often use varies props, drama, video or life stories (testimonies) as part of our service. At the conclusion of each message people are given time to respond and make a faith commitment to surrender their lives to God.
5. Closing
A short closing prayer and that’s it. If you like, individual prayer is offered at the front of the auditorium after every service. You will find warm and caring individuals who desire to pray with you and for you at the front of the auditorium. Please feel free to come forward and stay as long as you'd like.
Feel free to connect with others after the service, check out the bookstore, or stop by the welcome center if you have any questions. (After we get the new welcome center up in the center of the foyer!)
Simple service order, but hopefully with a powerful impact.
Here is what a typical service might look like…
1. Music
For the first 25 minutes or so, we’ll sing some simple songs to God. Feel free to sing along or just enjoy the music from our worship leaders and musicians. Some people like to stand the entire time, and others like to sit. Many enjoy clapping and verbally expressing how they feel about God. The key is just being comfortable and feeling free to be yourself!
2. Community
We’ll give you an opportunity to make some new friends. You might meet someone from your neighborhood or from where you work…how cool would that be!
3. Prayer
No matter where you are in your spiritual journey, God is waiting for you, ready to listen to you hurt, pain, passion, and desires. During our prayer time, we take a few moments to ask God to help us with the issues of life that are common to all. Often I’ll remind us that God is big and God can do anything!
3. Giving
For those who value the mission of Christian Life Center and are learning to give, this is a time to give back to God a portion of what He’s given to us. Obviously, we don’t want our guests to feel obligated to give anything unless they feel comfortable in doing so.
4. Message
I will give a 25 to 35 minute message about applying God’s Truth to life’s challenges. We often use varies props, drama, video or life stories (testimonies) as part of our service. At the conclusion of each message people are given time to respond and make a faith commitment to surrender their lives to God.
5. Closing
A short closing prayer and that’s it. If you like, individual prayer is offered at the front of the auditorium after every service. You will find warm and caring individuals who desire to pray with you and for you at the front of the auditorium. Please feel free to come forward and stay as long as you'd like.
Feel free to connect with others after the service, check out the bookstore, or stop by the welcome center if you have any questions. (After we get the new welcome center up in the center of the foyer!)
Simple service order, but hopefully with a powerful impact.
Monday, May 12, 2008
What To Expect...
If you were present during one of CLC’s two weekend services Mother’s Day weekend you may remembering hearing me say we’re in the process of eliminating the announcement segment in the middle of worship. That will be a cultural change for many of us. Nevertheless, it will help the flow of worship become more impacting by not only freeing up more time for worship, but it will also make for a more effective transition into the message.
Here’s how the potential new order of Worship might look – remember this is very loosely structured!
• 2-3 min welcome and announcements
• 20-25 min worship through singing
• 30-35 min message
• 10-15 min prayer time and offering
You’re probably wondering where does choir fit? Also, how about Baby dedications and some of the other things we typically do? Well, we’re still working on that. But rest assured we’ll still do dedications, and choir will continue to be an integral part of what we do!
Tomorrow I’ll share a bit more in detail about what a service might look like at CLC as we go forward. Any ideas or suggestions are always welcomed! Thanks.
Here’s how the potential new order of Worship might look – remember this is very loosely structured!
• 2-3 min welcome and announcements
• 20-25 min worship through singing
• 30-35 min message
• 10-15 min prayer time and offering
You’re probably wondering where does choir fit? Also, how about Baby dedications and some of the other things we typically do? Well, we’re still working on that. But rest assured we’ll still do dedications, and choir will continue to be an integral part of what we do!
Tomorrow I’ll share a bit more in detail about what a service might look like at CLC as we go forward. Any ideas or suggestions are always welcomed! Thanks.
Sunday, May 11, 2008
Happy Mother's Day!
I came across the following story about mothers and thought it was so good that I wanted to share it with all of you. It sums up the job a mother performs for her children and I couldn't help but think of my own mom and the impact she made on my life.
A baby asked God, "They tell me you are sending me to earth tomorrow, but how am I going to live there being so small and helpless?"
"Your angel will be waiting for you and will take care of you."
The child further inquired, "But tell me, here in heaven I don't have to do anything but sing and smile to be happy."
God said, "Your angel will sing for you and will also smile for you. And you will feel your angel's love and be very happy."
Again the child asked, "And how am I going to be able to understand when people talk to me if I don't know the language?"
God said, "Your angel will tell you the most beautiful and sweet words you will ever hear, and with much patience and care, your angel will teach you how to speak."
"And what am I going to do when I want to talk to you?"
God said, "Your angel will place your hands together and will teach you how to pray."
"Who will protect me?"
God said, "Your angel will defend you even if it means risking it's life."
"But I will always be sad because I will not see you anymore."
God said, "Your angel will always talk to you about Me and will teach you the way to come back to Me, even though I will always be next to you."
At that moment there was much peace in Heaven, but voices from Earth could be heard and the child hurriedly asked, "God, if I am to leave now, please tell me my angel's name."
"You will simply call her, 'Mom.'"
A baby asked God, "They tell me you are sending me to earth tomorrow, but how am I going to live there being so small and helpless?"
"Your angel will be waiting for you and will take care of you."
The child further inquired, "But tell me, here in heaven I don't have to do anything but sing and smile to be happy."
God said, "Your angel will sing for you and will also smile for you. And you will feel your angel's love and be very happy."
Again the child asked, "And how am I going to be able to understand when people talk to me if I don't know the language?"
God said, "Your angel will tell you the most beautiful and sweet words you will ever hear, and with much patience and care, your angel will teach you how to speak."
"And what am I going to do when I want to talk to you?"
God said, "Your angel will place your hands together and will teach you how to pray."
"Who will protect me?"
God said, "Your angel will defend you even if it means risking it's life."
"But I will always be sad because I will not see you anymore."
God said, "Your angel will always talk to you about Me and will teach you the way to come back to Me, even though I will always be next to you."
At that moment there was much peace in Heaven, but voices from Earth could be heard and the child hurriedly asked, "God, if I am to leave now, please tell me my angel's name."
"You will simply call her, 'Mom.'"
Thursday, May 8, 2008
Distracted from worship...
I spent a few days this week in Dover, DE for the Pennsylvania/Delaware District Council of the Assemblies of God Minister’s Summit (what a mouthful that is!) It was good to reconnect with friends from around the district that I don’t get to see very often. Even the business sessions were enjoyable and not their typical Chinese water torture experience! But the best part was being able to enjoy the worship services without any responsibilities.
For once I could relax and worship without being sidetracked with what I needed to do or say. It was actually fun to be a “regular” church attender and experience God without worrying about the different elements of the service. You might be surprised by that, but every pastor I know has the same thought process on Sunday mornings: “Where’s everybody at?” “Will they like what I have to say this week?” “Oh, God, please let the offering be enough!” “Why do I have to make these announcements that no one listens to anyway?” “What will I say during prayer time to encourage them?” “Did I pray enough?” “Did I study enough?” “Oh, God, please let the offering be enough” “What’s for lunch?” “Will Jeff Gordon will win today’s race?”
Ok, so perhaps the last one is specific only to me, but you get the idea. Sometimes it can be hard to “worship while you work.” However, I’m discovering when I begin each service by reminding myself that it’s all about Him and not about performance, image, etc. my worship becomes more focused, and thus more meaningful.
I’ll probably never be completely free of every distraction, but I’m slowly learning to focus on what really matters!
For once I could relax and worship without being sidetracked with what I needed to do or say. It was actually fun to be a “regular” church attender and experience God without worrying about the different elements of the service. You might be surprised by that, but every pastor I know has the same thought process on Sunday mornings: “Where’s everybody at?” “Will they like what I have to say this week?” “Oh, God, please let the offering be enough!” “Why do I have to make these announcements that no one listens to anyway?” “What will I say during prayer time to encourage them?” “Did I pray enough?” “Did I study enough?” “Oh, God, please let the offering be enough” “What’s for lunch?” “Will Jeff Gordon will win today’s race?”
Ok, so perhaps the last one is specific only to me, but you get the idea. Sometimes it can be hard to “worship while you work.” However, I’m discovering when I begin each service by reminding myself that it’s all about Him and not about performance, image, etc. my worship becomes more focused, and thus more meaningful.
I’ll probably never be completely free of every distraction, but I’m slowly learning to focus on what really matters!
Monday, May 5, 2008
Good Stuff Pt. 2
This posting is part two of the one from yesterday (May 4th). I would recommend starting there first if you haven't read it yet. Again, it's written primarily for those in a pastoral role, but the principles can apply to everyone!
#6 Do Recon –
You've got to do everything within your power to keep from going into maintenance mode. Stay in growth mode. Remain an open-source system. Go to conferences and visit other churches.
#7 Be a God-Pleaser –
I remind myself of what Abraham Lincoln said all the time: you can please all the people some of the time, some of the people all of the time, but you can't please all the people all the time. Don't worry about offending people. Worry about offending God. Stay true to the vision God has given you. Don't waver when people want you to conform to their vision of what the church should be. You'll spend the rest of your life contorting yourself and your church into a thousand shapes. Make sure you're doing ministry out of the overflow of what God is doing in your life. Make sure you allow God to work in you before you ask Him to work through you. The church will never outgrow you! And if it does it's dangerous!
#8--Keep it Simple –
Less is more. We have two goals: plug into a small group and plug into a ministry. Don't try to do too much. Be really good at what you do. Know who you are. Know who you aren't. Develop a kingdom mindset. Learn to appreciate the unique role that others churches play in your community. Then play to your strengths.
#9 Paint Your Church Purple –
Either you are remarkable or invisible. Too many churches are ignorable. The good news ought to make the news. You've got to do things to get the attention of your community. Do what you do with an excellence that makes people do a double-take. Make sure you print materials are aesthetically pleasing. Do outreaches that bless the socks off your community. Find the needs in your community and fill them. Dare to be different. Add a touch of creativity to everything you do!
#10 Enjoy the Journey –
If you're a visionary you'll tend to live for the future, but enjoy the moment. Be the best pastor you can be during every stage.
#6 Do Recon –
You've got to do everything within your power to keep from going into maintenance mode. Stay in growth mode. Remain an open-source system. Go to conferences and visit other churches.
#7 Be a God-Pleaser –
I remind myself of what Abraham Lincoln said all the time: you can please all the people some of the time, some of the people all of the time, but you can't please all the people all the time. Don't worry about offending people. Worry about offending God. Stay true to the vision God has given you. Don't waver when people want you to conform to their vision of what the church should be. You'll spend the rest of your life contorting yourself and your church into a thousand shapes. Make sure you're doing ministry out of the overflow of what God is doing in your life. Make sure you allow God to work in you before you ask Him to work through you. The church will never outgrow you! And if it does it's dangerous!
#8--Keep it Simple –
Less is more. We have two goals: plug into a small group and plug into a ministry. Don't try to do too much. Be really good at what you do. Know who you are. Know who you aren't. Develop a kingdom mindset. Learn to appreciate the unique role that others churches play in your community. Then play to your strengths.
#9 Paint Your Church Purple –
Either you are remarkable or invisible. Too many churches are ignorable. The good news ought to make the news. You've got to do things to get the attention of your community. Do what you do with an excellence that makes people do a double-take. Make sure you print materials are aesthetically pleasing. Do outreaches that bless the socks off your community. Find the needs in your community and fill them. Dare to be different. Add a touch of creativity to everything you do!
#10 Enjoy the Journey –
If you're a visionary you'll tend to live for the future, but enjoy the moment. Be the best pastor you can be during every stage.
Sunday, May 4, 2008
Good Stuff For Life!
This is a longer post than I usually do, so I'm going to do it in two parts. The majority of the information comes from one of the most innovative pastors in the Northeast. His comments are for those in the pastoral ministry, but the principles are easily transferable to anyone in any career.
Mark Batterson of National Community Church in Washington DC writes...“I just got an email from a pastor asking my advice: what are the top 3 things every person should know before they senior pastor their first church? I haven't done a top ten list lately so here goes. Here are a few of my off the top of my head thoughts about pastoring:”
#1 Be Yourself –
Even more important than being a pastor is being yourself. Be authentic. Be real. Share your weaknesses and struggles. Remind your congregation that you are a work in progress just like they are. Be true to the unique passions and giftings God has given you. Develop core values and core convictions.
#2 Put Your Family First –
I limit my church-related meetings to one evening per week. Establish those boundaries early on. If there is ever a conflict between family and ministry it's a no-brainer. Family first.
#3 Have Fun—
Church ought to be the most enjoyable hour of the week. Don't take yourself too seriously. The healthiest and holiest people laugh at themselves the most. Let your congregation see you laugh at yourself. Alot.
#4 Keep Learning –
Readers are leaders and leaders are readers. Once you think you have it figured out it's the beginning of the end. There are ways of doing church that no one has discovered yet. Keep experimenting. Realize that if a 100 people give you 30 minutes of their time to listen to your sermon, your message better warrant 50 hours of listening time. Study to show yourself approved. And make sure you're doing both biblical exegesis and cultural exegesis.
#5--Hire people you like hanging out with –
How much you enjoy ministry depends on who you're doing ministry with. Hire people you can laugh at. I mean with :) Hire people who love God and love life. Hire people who go the extra mile. Hire people who work hard and play hard. Hire the right people then let their portfolio conform to them like a new shoe conforms to your foot.
Great stuff, huh? Tomorrow I'll post items 6 thru 10. God bless!
Mark Batterson of National Community Church in Washington DC writes...“I just got an email from a pastor asking my advice: what are the top 3 things every person should know before they senior pastor their first church? I haven't done a top ten list lately so here goes. Here are a few of my off the top of my head thoughts about pastoring:”
#1 Be Yourself –
Even more important than being a pastor is being yourself. Be authentic. Be real. Share your weaknesses and struggles. Remind your congregation that you are a work in progress just like they are. Be true to the unique passions and giftings God has given you. Develop core values and core convictions.
#2 Put Your Family First –
I limit my church-related meetings to one evening per week. Establish those boundaries early on. If there is ever a conflict between family and ministry it's a no-brainer. Family first.
#3 Have Fun—
Church ought to be the most enjoyable hour of the week. Don't take yourself too seriously. The healthiest and holiest people laugh at themselves the most. Let your congregation see you laugh at yourself. Alot.
#4 Keep Learning –
Readers are leaders and leaders are readers. Once you think you have it figured out it's the beginning of the end. There are ways of doing church that no one has discovered yet. Keep experimenting. Realize that if a 100 people give you 30 minutes of their time to listen to your sermon, your message better warrant 50 hours of listening time. Study to show yourself approved. And make sure you're doing both biblical exegesis and cultural exegesis.
#5--Hire people you like hanging out with –
How much you enjoy ministry depends on who you're doing ministry with. Hire people you can laugh at. I mean with :) Hire people who love God and love life. Hire people who go the extra mile. Hire people who work hard and play hard. Hire the right people then let their portfolio conform to them like a new shoe conforms to your foot.
Great stuff, huh? Tomorrow I'll post items 6 thru 10. God bless!
Saturday, May 3, 2008
One of those weeks...
It’s been one of those weeks for me. I think you know the kind; hard to pray, can’t stay focused, easily distracted, reading the Bible only because I have to not because I want to, etc. The kind of week were you feel like all you're doing is going through the motions; you can't feel anything, can't see anything, and wonder if perhaps God has gotten distracted blessing others and has overlooked you.
I'm glad weeks like these don't come along too often. However, it highlights an awesome reality about God. You see, my emotions and feelings will always be fluctuating; one day they'll be up and I'm on top of the world, and the next day they'll be down and I want to run away from it all. It can be endless cycle. But when I got up this morning I was reminded "The steadfast love of the Lord never changes."
Maybe not for you, but for me that's the most powerful reality about our God! He never changes! He loves me as much this week as he did the week before last, and He'll love me next week like He's loved me this week! Yesterday, today, and forever God is steadfast in His love for me. And God's love for you is also as strong as it's always been; no matter what your week as been like!
I'm glad weeks like these don't come along too often. However, it highlights an awesome reality about God. You see, my emotions and feelings will always be fluctuating; one day they'll be up and I'm on top of the world, and the next day they'll be down and I want to run away from it all. It can be endless cycle. But when I got up this morning I was reminded "The steadfast love of the Lord never changes."
Maybe not for you, but for me that's the most powerful reality about our God! He never changes! He loves me as much this week as he did the week before last, and He'll love me next week like He's loved me this week! Yesterday, today, and forever God is steadfast in His love for me. And God's love for you is also as strong as it's always been; no matter what your week as been like!
Thursday, May 1, 2008
It's All About Perspective!
Most people are familiar with the convoluted sayings of baseball hall-of-famer Yogi Berra. Berra was the catcher, and later the manager, of the legendary New York Yankees. Some of the misstatements attributed to Yogi include...
My favorite Yogi-ism occurred when a reporter asked him what he was going to do about the fact that he was in the middle of a batting slump. Yogi looked at the reporter with surprise and said, "Slump? I ain't in no slump. I just ain't hitting."
There is undeniable wisdom in his perspective. It's the difference between seeing your problems as a temporary situation or a permanent condition. "Not hitting" is a game-to-game struggle; a "slump" lasts indefinitely.
The bible teaches that believers can strike the word "slump" and its equivalents from their vocabulary. We may face challenges, setbacks--even outright persecution--but we have God's guarantee that it will not last. His words to Jeremiah apply to us today:
They will fight against you but will not overcome you, for I am with you and will rescue you. (Jeremiah 1:19)
Paul made reference to this mindset in one of his letters. He said...We are hard-pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed. (2 Corinthians 4:8-9)
Paul reminds us there is a difference between being knocked down and being knocked out; there's a difference between seeing a problem as a temporary situation and a permanent condition.
Be careful of the labels you give to the challenges you face. Remember that they will not last forever, and by God's grace, it won't be long until you're hitting again.
- A nickel ain’t worth a dime anymore.
- It gets late early this time of year.
- If you come to a fork in the road, take it.
- I usually take a two hour nap, from one o’clock to four.
- If you can’t imitate him, don’t copy him.
- If I didn’t wake up, I’d still be sleeping.
- It ain’t over till it’s over.
My favorite Yogi-ism occurred when a reporter asked him what he was going to do about the fact that he was in the middle of a batting slump. Yogi looked at the reporter with surprise and said, "Slump? I ain't in no slump. I just ain't hitting."
There is undeniable wisdom in his perspective. It's the difference between seeing your problems as a temporary situation or a permanent condition. "Not hitting" is a game-to-game struggle; a "slump" lasts indefinitely.
The bible teaches that believers can strike the word "slump" and its equivalents from their vocabulary. We may face challenges, setbacks--even outright persecution--but we have God's guarantee that it will not last. His words to Jeremiah apply to us today:
They will fight against you but will not overcome you, for I am with you and will rescue you. (Jeremiah 1:19)
Paul made reference to this mindset in one of his letters. He said...We are hard-pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed. (2 Corinthians 4:8-9)
Paul reminds us there is a difference between being knocked down and being knocked out; there's a difference between seeing a problem as a temporary situation and a permanent condition.
Be careful of the labels you give to the challenges you face. Remember that they will not last forever, and by God's grace, it won't be long until you're hitting again.
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