Before I give my list of must read books, I must give a movie recommendation. Go see "August Rush"! One of the best movies I've seen in years. You'll be cheering at the end! You want to applaud when the credits roll. How long has it been since you wanted to do that? Take a date to see this great movie.
MUST READ BOOKS. Okay, I know that I will forget one or two - but here it goes. Here is my must read Christian book list. These are not for preachers, but for everyone to read!
ABC’s of Christianity Rubel Shelly
I Just Want to be a Christian by Rubel Shelly
Experiencing God
Your God is Too Safe by Mark Buchanan
Simply Christian by N.T. Wright
It’s Not About Me by Max Lucado - any book by Lucado!
My Utmost for His Highest by Oswald Chambers
Knowing God by J.I. Packer
Blue Like Jazz by Donald Miller
More Than A Carpenter by Josh McDowell
The Ragamuffin Gospel by Brennan Manning
Messy Spirituality by Mike Yaconelli
The Cost of Discipleship by Dietrich Bonhoeffer
Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis
Any you would like to add to the list?
Next: My favorite Christian fiction books!
Tuesday, December 11, 2007
Thursday, December 06, 2007
List of must reads list?
A man has been attending Southside for about a year. He was raised LDS but has now embraced Christianity. He asked me last night for Christian books he should read. Good question!
While I'm compiling my list, I would love for you to weigh in on what books would be on your must read list.
Give me your top 10 (or 15 - how many you want!).
While I'm compiling my list, I would love for you to weigh in on what books would be on your must read list.
Give me your top 10 (or 15 - how many you want!).
Tuesday, December 04, 2007
50 new people in 2 months!
Go to livechurchtv.org and check out Greg Groeschel's blog on "40 Things I Wish Pastor's Would Have Told Me When I Was 20". Classic! He's up to number 20. If you are a pastor (minister), this list will resonate with you!
Trying to get my One Year Bible reading up to speed. I got really behind during our construction on the new building. Don't know if I'll make it up; but I'm going to give it the ole college try.
We've been in the new building for about 2 months. So far, we've gained about 50 new people! We've got our guest services going full throtle; our follow up is going great; getting our 101 back on track. I've been preaching on "Simple Church" and the reaction has been incredible!
Now, we are trying to get most, if not all, invovled in a small group. We have an ice cream social with our newcomers planned for this Sunday. They will meet all the elders and the ministry team leaders. We follow up with a 101 seminar in the new year.
Who will the Hogs hire to replace Huston Nutt? I'm hearing Tommy Bowden from Clemson. Boy, I would not be excited about that hire. Give the job to Chris Peterson from Boise, or Gus Mulzhan - and see what happens! Take a chance!
Trying to get my One Year Bible reading up to speed. I got really behind during our construction on the new building. Don't know if I'll make it up; but I'm going to give it the ole college try.
We've been in the new building for about 2 months. So far, we've gained about 50 new people! We've got our guest services going full throtle; our follow up is going great; getting our 101 back on track. I've been preaching on "Simple Church" and the reaction has been incredible!
Now, we are trying to get most, if not all, invovled in a small group. We have an ice cream social with our newcomers planned for this Sunday. They will meet all the elders and the ministry team leaders. We follow up with a 101 seminar in the new year.
Who will the Hogs hire to replace Huston Nutt? I'm hearing Tommy Bowden from Clemson. Boy, I would not be excited about that hire. Give the job to Chris Peterson from Boise, or Gus Mulzhan - and see what happens! Take a chance!
Tuesday, November 27, 2007
Confessions Of A Pastor
Reading "Confessions of a Pastor" by Greg Groescheil. Wow! What a powerful book. Greg is a pastor (i.e., "minister") of a cutting edge church in Edmond, Oklahoma. He has written a book that EVERY minister you know can relate to. He has written what many of have been thinking but were afraid to share it. Well, Greg does! He writes in an honest, confessing tone.
Some of the chapter titles: "I have to work hard at being sexually pure," "I can't stand a lot of christians," "I worry most of the time," "I feel completely inadequate" "I'm afraid of failure"
"I stink at handling criticism" "Most of the time I feel incredibly lonely" and more!
Have you ever read a book and thought, man, this writer has been reading my mind - this book is one of those books! This book should be required reading for ministers.
If you have a minister on your Christmas list (and who doesn't?), please buy them this insightful book.
Some of the chapter titles: "I have to work hard at being sexually pure," "I can't stand a lot of christians," "I worry most of the time," "I feel completely inadequate" "I'm afraid of failure"
"I stink at handling criticism" "Most of the time I feel incredibly lonely" and more!
Have you ever read a book and thought, man, this writer has been reading my mind - this book is one of those books! This book should be required reading for ministers.
If you have a minister on your Christmas list (and who doesn't?), please buy them this insightful book.
Saturday, November 24, 2007
Thanksgiving thoughts
Many times I dwell on the things that I wished I could do but can't: Ride my bike with no hands; sing, play the banjo like Earl Scruggs, -- but this day makes me stop and give thanks for what I do have. I have a lot to be thankful for.
Hope you have enjoyed a great Thanksgiving holiday. We joined the Osborn's (we have 13 of the last 14 years) in hosting several families who do not have family close by. This year we had about 23 people. We've had as many as 48 in years past! It's one of our annual traditions.
Had our annual "Pie Night" at Southside. We had close to 300 come and enjoy the 95 pies! Our praise team did a great job of singing; many, many guests came! Now, that's "a win"!
Had a great time watching the LSU vs. Arkansas with several good friends of mine. Wow! What a game! Couldn't believe the Hogs pulled it out! Maybe McFadden also won a Heisman as well! Hope so.
Took by seven year old daughter to see Mr. Magorium's Wonder Emporium today. Good movie. At least we both enjoyed it.
Looking forward to seeing "Enchanted" and "August Rush". I like it when Hollywood makes movies I can see with my children.
Hope you have enjoyed a great Thanksgiving holiday. We joined the Osborn's (we have 13 of the last 14 years) in hosting several families who do not have family close by. This year we had about 23 people. We've had as many as 48 in years past! It's one of our annual traditions.
Had our annual "Pie Night" at Southside. We had close to 300 come and enjoy the 95 pies! Our praise team did a great job of singing; many, many guests came! Now, that's "a win"!
Had a great time watching the LSU vs. Arkansas with several good friends of mine. Wow! What a game! Couldn't believe the Hogs pulled it out! Maybe McFadden also won a Heisman as well! Hope so.
Took by seven year old daughter to see Mr. Magorium's Wonder Emporium today. Good movie. At least we both enjoyed it.
Looking forward to seeing "Enchanted" and "August Rush". I like it when Hollywood makes movies I can see with my children.
Wednesday, November 14, 2007
Who Can Be a Prophet? What is the goal of preaching?
Who can be a prophet -- who is qualified "preach the word"? Read this challenging words from William Willimon:
The purpose of my preaching, the test of a "good" sermon, is its ability to be enlisted by God as part of God's prophet-making process. God intends to have a people who speak the truth, who testify to the world of God's great, loving assult upon the world. As Moses put it, "Would that all the Lord's people were prophets, and that the Lord would put his spirit on them!"
In Acts 2, the pentecostal test for prophecy is not how outrageous we preachers have managed to be in the pulpit but rather how many people we have produced who are able to say, NO: people who speak the truth to power, people who can go up and stand before the Pharaoh and impudently tell him that he is not fully charged in the world - old men and women, janitors and maids with visions and dreams who don't mind telling the world about them.
From my reading of Acts 2 and Luke's account of the birth of the church, I derive a few principles for prophecy: (1) The Spirit has given the world a prophetic community, not simply a few outspoken social critics; (2) the goal of the Spirit's descent is the creation of a polis, a people who look, speak, and act differently from the world's notions of community; and (3) No individual prophets are possible without the existence of a peculiar prophetic community whose life together is vibrant enough to produce a band of prophets who do not mind telling the truth to one another and to the world, no matter what.
The goal of our pastoral care, preaching, visitation, prayer and praise is the production of a whole gaggle of prophets who will let God use them to get back what God owns.
Wow! I love that! Does that encourage you today? Yes! It is more than just creating "good" sermons -- finding that story that everyone will love. It is much deeper than that! Is your ministry producing prophets who live out the gospel during the week?
That's the question we should be wrestling with!
The purpose of my preaching, the test of a "good" sermon, is its ability to be enlisted by God as part of God's prophet-making process. God intends to have a people who speak the truth, who testify to the world of God's great, loving assult upon the world. As Moses put it, "Would that all the Lord's people were prophets, and that the Lord would put his spirit on them!"
In Acts 2, the pentecostal test for prophecy is not how outrageous we preachers have managed to be in the pulpit but rather how many people we have produced who are able to say, NO: people who speak the truth to power, people who can go up and stand before the Pharaoh and impudently tell him that he is not fully charged in the world - old men and women, janitors and maids with visions and dreams who don't mind telling the world about them.
From my reading of Acts 2 and Luke's account of the birth of the church, I derive a few principles for prophecy: (1) The Spirit has given the world a prophetic community, not simply a few outspoken social critics; (2) the goal of the Spirit's descent is the creation of a polis, a people who look, speak, and act differently from the world's notions of community; and (3) No individual prophets are possible without the existence of a peculiar prophetic community whose life together is vibrant enough to produce a band of prophets who do not mind telling the truth to one another and to the world, no matter what.
The goal of our pastoral care, preaching, visitation, prayer and praise is the production of a whole gaggle of prophets who will let God use them to get back what God owns.
Wow! I love that! Does that encourage you today? Yes! It is more than just creating "good" sermons -- finding that story that everyone will love. It is much deeper than that! Is your ministry producing prophets who live out the gospel during the week?
That's the question we should be wrestling with!
Monday, November 12, 2007
Open House/Dedication Sunday
We had our community open house last Saturday. We invited the community in to see our new building. The West Jordan Chamber of Commerce had a ribbon cutting to open things. We had 500 people to come and visit! A number of them expressed that they hadn't been active in a fellowship in a long time and felt the need to do so. Many came on Sunday!
On Sunday we had our day to dedicate our new facility to the Lord's use. We had 365 in worship! About 200 stayed for the potluck. We had over 14 first time guests! (Most were from our open house). Many of them stayed for the potluck.
Wow! What a day! I especially liked what one guest wrote in our guest book, "You are some super friendly people!" It's one thing to say that you have a friendly church; quite another to have a first time guest say it!
Now, I embark on a four part series "Simple Church". I will attempt to bring us back to imitating Jesus two commandments! I'm praying that we, along with our guests, will get a fresh glimpse of Jesus' radical vision of what his church is to be.
Really enjoying reading "UnChristian". Good stuff!
On Sunday we had our day to dedicate our new facility to the Lord's use. We had 365 in worship! About 200 stayed for the potluck. We had over 14 first time guests! (Most were from our open house). Many of them stayed for the potluck.
Wow! What a day! I especially liked what one guest wrote in our guest book, "You are some super friendly people!" It's one thing to say that you have a friendly church; quite another to have a first time guest say it!
Now, I embark on a four part series "Simple Church". I will attempt to bring us back to imitating Jesus two commandments! I'm praying that we, along with our guests, will get a fresh glimpse of Jesus' radical vision of what his church is to be.
Really enjoying reading "UnChristian". Good stuff!
Monday, November 05, 2007
McFadden back in Hesiman?
It was good to see Darren McFadden & Felix Jones run for a combined almost 500 yards of rushing Saturday night for my Hogs. Hopefully, McFadden will get back in the Heisman running.
This coming weekend is our grand opening weekend. We have a ribbon cutting open house on Saturday; a dedication/homecoming on Sunday - complete with a potluck! Should be a busy week getting all that planned and implemented.
Finally, I get time to read Harry Potter 7! Also, I will start reading the book "UnChristian: What the next generation is saying about Christianity". Looking forward to it. Next on my list is "Confessions of a Pastor".
This coming weekend is our grand opening weekend. We have a ribbon cutting open house on Saturday; a dedication/homecoming on Sunday - complete with a potluck! Should be a busy week getting all that planned and implemented.
Finally, I get time to read Harry Potter 7! Also, I will start reading the book "UnChristian: What the next generation is saying about Christianity". Looking forward to it. Next on my list is "Confessions of a Pastor".
Wednesday, October 24, 2007
A Divine Conversation
A quote from "Proclamation and Theology" by William Willimon concerning the dialogue we have with God:
"John says that the risen Christ stood among them and said, "Peace." He spoke to them.
Why would the risen Christ appear first to these fearful ordinary men and women, his disciples, who had demonstrated so conclusively their failure to follow him and be his courageous disciples? Why would the risen Christ not appear to some powerful, influential, public figure like Pilate or Augustus?
He came to the ones who had fled the conversation once the going got tough. He came to the very ones who had so disappointed and forsaken him, those whom he had so patiently taught and yet who had so patently misunderstood his every word. He came to them and said, in effect, "Let's talk. As I was saying . . ."
And thus the church was born, and thus we were all made witnesses or resurrection and preachers of the good news.
And the conversation was resumed. Time and again in our history with the God of the church and Israel, when we have betrayed the love of God with our infidelity, when we have misunderstood, when we have fled into the darkness or stopped up our ears and hardened our hearts, this God has returned to us and has resumed the conversation.
In that divine-human dialogue, in that conversation, this God has proved to be remarkably resourceful and imaginative, full of stratagems and devices - the Incarnation, Word Made Flesh, beging the most imaginative of all. There is a relentlessness about the speech of God, an effusive loquaciounsess, a dogged determination not to rest, not to fall silent, not to cease striving until every single one of us is part of the conversation.
Therein is our hope. Here is a a divine-human dialogue that is initiated and , at every turn in the road sustained, by a living, resourceful, long-winded God, thank God."
Isn't that good news?
"John says that the risen Christ stood among them and said, "Peace." He spoke to them.
Why would the risen Christ appear first to these fearful ordinary men and women, his disciples, who had demonstrated so conclusively their failure to follow him and be his courageous disciples? Why would the risen Christ not appear to some powerful, influential, public figure like Pilate or Augustus?
He came to the ones who had fled the conversation once the going got tough. He came to the very ones who had so disappointed and forsaken him, those whom he had so patiently taught and yet who had so patently misunderstood his every word. He came to them and said, in effect, "Let's talk. As I was saying . . ."
And thus the church was born, and thus we were all made witnesses or resurrection and preachers of the good news.
And the conversation was resumed. Time and again in our history with the God of the church and Israel, when we have betrayed the love of God with our infidelity, when we have misunderstood, when we have fled into the darkness or stopped up our ears and hardened our hearts, this God has returned to us and has resumed the conversation.
In that divine-human dialogue, in that conversation, this God has proved to be remarkably resourceful and imaginative, full of stratagems and devices - the Incarnation, Word Made Flesh, beging the most imaginative of all. There is a relentlessness about the speech of God, an effusive loquaciounsess, a dogged determination not to rest, not to fall silent, not to cease striving until every single one of us is part of the conversation.
Therein is our hope. Here is a a divine-human dialogue that is initiated and , at every turn in the road sustained, by a living, resourceful, long-winded God, thank God."
Isn't that good news?
Tuesday, October 23, 2007
Funny video
Here is the link to a very funny video from youtube. The woman is a Christian comedian. I think you'll enjoy it. All moms and dads will get a kick out this:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IGoelj7l668&mode=related&search=--
Who will win the World Series? My heart says the Rockies; but my head says the Red Sox. Should be a entertaining world series.
We're planning our open house weekend on Nov.10,11 to celebrate our new building. We'll have an open house/ribbon cutting on Saturday followed by a dedication service on Sunday. Should be a great opportunity to invite the community.
This weekend we install our dual projectors for the worship center. We will also get our banners and other stuff up on the walls. When we're done I'll post some pictures.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IGoelj7l668&mode=related&search=--
Who will win the World Series? My heart says the Rockies; but my head says the Red Sox. Should be a entertaining world series.
We're planning our open house weekend on Nov.10,11 to celebrate our new building. We'll have an open house/ribbon cutting on Saturday followed by a dedication service on Sunday. Should be a great opportunity to invite the community.
This weekend we install our dual projectors for the worship center. We will also get our banners and other stuff up on the walls. When we're done I'll post some pictures.
Monday, October 22, 2007
A different kind of parent meeting!
Just watched the DVD of Landon Saunders' keynote at ACU Lectures in September "Night Without Vision" from Micah 3. Landon has not lost his fire, that's for sure! Get on the ACU website and order it! You'll be challenged and encouraged. (Be a great thing to show to your small group and discuss).
Our associate minister called the teen parents together yesterday. It wasn't a "planning meeting" but a "praying meeting". We as parents shared the struggles of our teens. He handed us each three teens for us to be praying for. We then prayed for 45 minutes for our teens! Spent about five minutes planning activities. Now, that's my kind of parent meeting! He plans on having these on a monthly basis. Love it!
Looking forward to attending the Zoe Conference in Fresno in January. Our worship planning team is going with me. Really looking forward to that.
Our associate minister called the teen parents together yesterday. It wasn't a "planning meeting" but a "praying meeting". We as parents shared the struggles of our teens. He handed us each three teens for us to be praying for. We then prayed for 45 minutes for our teens! Spent about five minutes planning activities. Now, that's my kind of parent meeting! He plans on having these on a monthly basis. Love it!
Looking forward to attending the Zoe Conference in Fresno in January. Our worship planning team is going with me. Really looking forward to that.
Thursday, October 18, 2007
Candlelight on Christmas Eve or not?
I've picked my sermon series for this fall - a four or five part on the church I'm calling "The Church: God's Simple Ideas" - then, after Thanksgiving I'm planning a four part series on the temptations entitled "Pause".
This year we're thinking of doing our candlelight service, which we normally have on Christmas Eve, on the Sunday morning at our regular assembly time. We hope that many of our spiritually single families can bring their spouses to this special service. The candlelight is a lot work. We can't think of a single person who has been reached through the candlelight service on Christmas Eve.
It's one of those tough questions - do you just do it because a lot of people enjoy it? The church should be about making disicples. If this event isn't doing that, isn't the question already answered? Or it is that simple?
We're about 80% moved into the new building. The new grass is beginning to grow. The landscaping is taking shape. Looking forward to getting all this behind us.
This year we're thinking of doing our candlelight service, which we normally have on Christmas Eve, on the Sunday morning at our regular assembly time. We hope that many of our spiritually single families can bring their spouses to this special service. The candlelight is a lot work. We can't think of a single person who has been reached through the candlelight service on Christmas Eve.
It's one of those tough questions - do you just do it because a lot of people enjoy it? The church should be about making disicples. If this event isn't doing that, isn't the question already answered? Or it is that simple?
We're about 80% moved into the new building. The new grass is beginning to grow. The landscaping is taking shape. Looking forward to getting all this behind us.
Tuesday, October 16, 2007
Trip To Arkansas
Just returned from a trip to Arkansas for the Auburn game. One of the worst games I have ever watched. I had a feeling we would loose the game, but I went to see Darren McFadden make some of his famous runs. He only had 30 yards rushing. Unbelievable! I did enjoy seeing my daughter, my two brothers, my first game at Fayetteville and spending four days with my good friend Scott Warren. And, oh, the catfish at the Catfish Hole was incredible.
The Hogs could go 0-7 in the SEC this year. McFadden has lost all hope of winning the Hiesman. No SEC title. No bowl game. These are truly dark days in Hogville. However, the roundball Razorbacks are picked to win the west and go to the sweet 16 by one preseason basketball magazine. I hope so.
Go Rockies!
The Hogs could go 0-7 in the SEC this year. McFadden has lost all hope of winning the Hiesman. No SEC title. No bowl game. These are truly dark days in Hogville. However, the roundball Razorbacks are picked to win the west and go to the sweet 16 by one preseason basketball magazine. I hope so.
Go Rockies!
Friday, October 05, 2007
This n' That
Saw a really good movie on DVD called "Believe In Me". It's based on the true story of a girls high school basketball coach in Oklahoma around 1964. A female version of "Hoosiers". The whole family will enjoy this one.
Caught Todd Agnew in concert a few days ago. Wow, can that boy preach! His music isn't bad either. If you get a chance, go see him concert, if nothing else for the good preaching!
Just ordered a copy of Landon Saunders' keynote at the ACU lectures. Can't wait to hear it. Anyone remember Landon's seven part series on preaching he did back in the '70's? Know how one could secure a copy of them?
Fall in Utah is my favorite time of year. Thing is, we've gone fromsummer right into winter. Tonight's projected low is 34, with snow falling on the valley floor all day Saturday into Sunday. That's just wrong. Flat wrong.
Caught Todd Agnew in concert a few days ago. Wow, can that boy preach! His music isn't bad either. If you get a chance, go see him concert, if nothing else for the good preaching!
Just ordered a copy of Landon Saunders' keynote at the ACU lectures. Can't wait to hear it. Anyone remember Landon's seven part series on preaching he did back in the '70's? Know how one could secure a copy of them?
Fall in Utah is my favorite time of year. Thing is, we've gone fromsummer right into winter. Tonight's projected low is 34, with snow falling on the valley floor all day Saturday into Sunday. That's just wrong. Flat wrong.
Thursday, October 04, 2007
In the new digs!
Had our first worship assembly in the new building this past Sunday! It was exciting. Had a great crowd, with a lot of first time guests! Felt a little funny not preaching two times!
We couldn't have classes. The Temporary Permit didn't allow for us to be in the educational wing. We received that permit yesterday. This Sunday will be our first time to have Sunday School in over a month.
This week we are busy moving in the church and the school. Next week should be a return to somewhat of a "normal" rountine around the building.
Looking forward to getting back to having time to read and reflect. Spend some evenings with the family.
Just finished season four of "24". Oh, it was very good. Season 3 is still my favorite. On to season 5 (or day 5 if you prefer). Watched the first one. My word! The first fifteen minutes changed the whole scope of "24". Which is what I like about the show - you never know who is going to survive!
We couldn't have classes. The Temporary Permit didn't allow for us to be in the educational wing. We received that permit yesterday. This Sunday will be our first time to have Sunday School in over a month.
This week we are busy moving in the church and the school. Next week should be a return to somewhat of a "normal" rountine around the building.
Looking forward to getting back to having time to read and reflect. Spend some evenings with the family.
Just finished season four of "24". Oh, it was very good. Season 3 is still my favorite. On to season 5 (or day 5 if you prefer). Watched the first one. My word! The first fifteen minutes changed the whole scope of "24". Which is what I like about the show - you never know who is going to survive!
Friday, September 28, 2007
Moving In!
We just received our TO (temporary occupancy permit) for our new building, which means that we can have worship there on Sunday. Can't have classes yet. We will get our final inspection on Wednesday, then we can use the whole building! Yea!
It has been a long process! Can't believe that we broke ground way back in March. I'll post some pictures soon
Needless to say, my movie watching and my reading time have gone by the wayside the last few months. Anything good I've missed? How bout 3-10 to Yuma?
Good to see a new season has begun. Can't wait to watch Bones, House, LOST, "24", Survivor . . Any new shows look good to you? I'm think I'm done with Prison Break. It's not working for me anymore. Seems to have lost it's tension - or is it just me? I might try Numbers - I've heard good things. Too late to get into Heroes?
I've heard that LOST doesn't start until next Feburary? Good thing - no stops in new shows until the end of May. Long time to wait!
It has been a long process! Can't believe that we broke ground way back in March. I'll post some pictures soon
Needless to say, my movie watching and my reading time have gone by the wayside the last few months. Anything good I've missed? How bout 3-10 to Yuma?
Good to see a new season has begun. Can't wait to watch Bones, House, LOST, "24", Survivor . . Any new shows look good to you? I'm think I'm done with Prison Break. It's not working for me anymore. Seems to have lost it's tension - or is it just me? I might try Numbers - I've heard good things. Too late to get into Heroes?
I've heard that LOST doesn't start until next Feburary? Good thing - no stops in new shows until the end of May. Long time to wait!
Thursday, September 20, 2007
Power lines
Received some GREAT news yesterday! The city of West Jordan has been insisting for the last six months that we bury a power line on our property, although it is a line that we would not use! Cost? Between 50 and 100,000 dollars! We were on the agenda for the city counsel meeting Wednesday night to discuss our objections to the power line.
Some men gathered early Wenesday morning to pray about his matter. A few hours later - the city attorney called to say that he agreed with us! No buried power line! Praise God! A weight lifted off our shoulders!
We're just about a week away from getting our occupancy permit. One more week worshiping at Oquirrh Elementary then we're in the new building!
Carpet is almost all installed. The ceiling tiles go in today in the foyer and classrooms. The foyer bathrooms are almost done - just a little more grouting and a few unirals to go! Almost there!
Saturday we hope to have 100 people for a workday - finishing up some landscaping details and beginning the final clean up.
Some men gathered early Wenesday morning to pray about his matter. A few hours later - the city attorney called to say that he agreed with us! No buried power line! Praise God! A weight lifted off our shoulders!
We're just about a week away from getting our occupancy permit. One more week worshiping at Oquirrh Elementary then we're in the new building!
Carpet is almost all installed. The ceiling tiles go in today in the foyer and classrooms. The foyer bathrooms are almost done - just a little more grouting and a few unirals to go! Almost there!
Saturday we hope to have 100 people for a workday - finishing up some landscaping details and beginning the final clean up.
Monday, September 17, 2007
Stitches in two fingers!
Had a great time of worship at Oquirrh Elementary on Sunday. Our church is homeless for a few weeks as we wait for our building to be completed. Had a great crowd; good spirit in worship; people hung around until I asked them to leave because our time was up (according to our rental aggrement). I really like the times we worship "off site" - church in the park, at the school. Does your congregation ever worship out of it's building?
I received nine stitches in two fingers while putting the light canisters in the ceiling frame on Friday afternoon. It's the most serious accident we've had on site; so, I guess we've been very blessed with safety during construction.
We planted 103 trees on Saturday! 23 churches bought trees for our "unity forest"! We're hoping the media will cover the story, including KLOVE.
Reading any good books?
I received nine stitches in two fingers while putting the light canisters in the ceiling frame on Friday afternoon. It's the most serious accident we've had on site; so, I guess we've been very blessed with safety during construction.
We planted 103 trees on Saturday! 23 churches bought trees for our "unity forest"! We're hoping the media will cover the story, including KLOVE.
Reading any good books?
Wednesday, September 12, 2007
Rambling
I was hoping to get to the ACU lectures next week; however, with the construction nearing completion I thought that I better stay here and keep the home fires burning. If anyone goes, let me know what CD's to order.
Learned to lay tile yesterday. Always good to learn a new skill. I'll put that on top of installing OSB board, putting up rock facia and now - laying tile. A brother always needs new skills.
I'm up to season 4 of "24". My goal is to get up to season 7 by January. Loved season 3! Holy cow! Each eposide was tense and exciting with a lot of surprised along the way.
Me and good buddy ( a baptist pastor here in Salt Lake) are heading to Fayetteville, Arkansas for the Arkansas vs. Auburn game Oct.13. Can't wait! We're making it a razorback road trip. My brother lives close by in Hogeye. Haven't see a Razorback game live in a long time. Looking forward to watching Darren McFadden/Felix Jones/Payton Hillis tear it up. WPS!!
Learned to lay tile yesterday. Always good to learn a new skill. I'll put that on top of installing OSB board, putting up rock facia and now - laying tile. A brother always needs new skills.
I'm up to season 4 of "24". My goal is to get up to season 7 by January. Loved season 3! Holy cow! Each eposide was tense and exciting with a lot of surprised along the way.
Me and good buddy ( a baptist pastor here in Salt Lake) are heading to Fayetteville, Arkansas for the Arkansas vs. Auburn game Oct.13. Can't wait! We're making it a razorback road trip. My brother lives close by in Hogeye. Haven't see a Razorback game live in a long time. Looking forward to watching Darren McFadden/Felix Jones/Payton Hillis tear it up. WPS!!
Monday, September 10, 2007
A Moving Day
Yesterday was our last worship assembly in our old building. We had a great time of worship with Valley Christian Church. Valley is the church that purchased our building. Their minister, Kent Turpin, was brought to the Lord through the Southside Church twenty years ago. Now, that's a God thing!
Lew Hancock, the first "part-time" minister came and shared some memories with us. Kent spoke of Valley's vision for the future. A very moving assembly! It is amazing our attached we get to places and buildings! Lots of memories in that place!
As soon as the closing song was over, we began loading a semi-truck with all our belongings. The move went very smoothly as we had over 100 that pitched in to help! I love it when a community acts like a community!
Carpet goes in today at the new building! Interior doors are being hung. The landscaping is going in as well. Saturday we will plant over 50 trees - including about 25 churches who have bought a tree and are coming Saturday to plant them! Now, THAT's a God thing! I call it our "unity forest". We hope to get some good media coverage, including KLOVE.
Lew Hancock, the first "part-time" minister came and shared some memories with us. Kent spoke of Valley's vision for the future. A very moving assembly! It is amazing our attached we get to places and buildings! Lots of memories in that place!
As soon as the closing song was over, we began loading a semi-truck with all our belongings. The move went very smoothly as we had over 100 that pitched in to help! I love it when a community acts like a community!
Carpet goes in today at the new building! Interior doors are being hung. The landscaping is going in as well. Saturday we will plant over 50 trees - including about 25 churches who have bought a tree and are coming Saturday to plant them! Now, THAT's a God thing! I call it our "unity forest". We hope to get some good media coverage, including KLOVE.
Wednesday, September 05, 2007
Posting Again!
It's been a very hectic summer getting this building constructed. We've done a lot of the work ourselves, which has been taxing - but as brought a sense of community which has brought us all closer together.
We're in the final stages. Painting. Laying tile. Putting in the springler system. That kind of thing. Our goal is to be in by Sept.16th. Don't think we'll make it. If not, we will worship at Oquirrh Elementary, kittly corner to our building, for a few weeks.
Just saw the movie "September Dawn". The movie is about the Mountian Meadows Massacre which occured in southern Utah in 1857. 127 men, women and children were shot down in cold blooded murder (it was a wagon train from Arkansas). If you have an interest in Mormon history, I would encourage you to go see it.
What is your favorite movie of the summer so far?
In a few weeks we are planting trees on the new property. The cool thing about that is about 20 churches have bought trees and are coming to plant them on the 15th of Sept. I love that! There is a lot of symbolism in that! If your church would like to give a tree, just let me know.
Can't believe I haven't posted since July 23! Where did the summer go?!
We're in the final stages. Painting. Laying tile. Putting in the springler system. That kind of thing. Our goal is to be in by Sept.16th. Don't think we'll make it. If not, we will worship at Oquirrh Elementary, kittly corner to our building, for a few weeks.
Just saw the movie "September Dawn". The movie is about the Mountian Meadows Massacre which occured in southern Utah in 1857. 127 men, women and children were shot down in cold blooded murder (it was a wagon train from Arkansas). If you have an interest in Mormon history, I would encourage you to go see it.
What is your favorite movie of the summer so far?
In a few weeks we are planting trees on the new property. The cool thing about that is about 20 churches have bought trees and are coming to plant them on the 15th of Sept. I love that! There is a lot of symbolism in that! If your church would like to give a tree, just let me know.
Can't believe I haven't posted since July 23! Where did the summer go?!
Monday, July 23, 2007
Thoughts on Preaching
Jesus was primarily a story teller. No question. He used familiar themes (nets, pearls, fishing, etc) and gave them new meaning. His parables were very simple, easy to understand stories. Some were humorous. Some were sad. They all had a shock value - introducing the new values of the Kingdom of God into the world.
A few Sundays ago I was telling a story for the "sermon". Got a note from one of our visitors - it read, "I don't come to hear about personal stories! We've all got stories. Not enough Bible. Needed more Bible!" A few years ago a retired "gospel preacher" told me that I would make a fine gospel preacher one day myself if I would just quit telling so many stories and start "preaching". (I ask him to go to the gospels and count how many stories Jesus told versus how many "sermons" he preached. He never got back to me.)
Now, this person didn't qualify what "enough" would have been. (I used three verses). Being a older Christian (I would put her in her mid 70's) - I realize that she comes from a different generation - and being a "lifer" in the "c of C" - I realize that comes with some built in slants as well.
However, I even began my "story" with the thought that Jesus was a story teller. And in that vain, let me tell you a story . . . .
Sometimes we say that we want to do things just like Jesus. Many times we just don't mean it. I think we do that we a lot of things, don't we?
A few Sundays ago I was telling a story for the "sermon". Got a note from one of our visitors - it read, "I don't come to hear about personal stories! We've all got stories. Not enough Bible. Needed more Bible!" A few years ago a retired "gospel preacher" told me that I would make a fine gospel preacher one day myself if I would just quit telling so many stories and start "preaching". (I ask him to go to the gospels and count how many stories Jesus told versus how many "sermons" he preached. He never got back to me.)
Now, this person didn't qualify what "enough" would have been. (I used three verses). Being a older Christian (I would put her in her mid 70's) - I realize that she comes from a different generation - and being a "lifer" in the "c of C" - I realize that comes with some built in slants as well.
However, I even began my "story" with the thought that Jesus was a story teller. And in that vain, let me tell you a story . . . .
Sometimes we say that we want to do things just like Jesus. Many times we just don't mean it. I think we do that we a lot of things, don't we?
Friday, July 20, 2007
VBS and other things
Another VBS is over. I must say, we do a good VBS! Last night we capped it off with the Carnival in the Park. Now we turn our attention to packing up the building. Next week we put the rock facia on the new building. Things are really coming along! Go to our website to see the progress (www.southsidechurchutah.org)
I'm well into the second season of "24". Looking forward to getting the 7th and final Harry Potter book tonight. My daughters are excited about the movie "Hairspray". Oh, boy.
Won't get in a vacation in this summer. Where have you gone this summer?
I'm well into the second season of "24". Looking forward to getting the 7th and final Harry Potter book tonight. My daughters are excited about the movie "Hairspray". Oh, boy.
Won't get in a vacation in this summer. Where have you gone this summer?
Tuesday, July 17, 2007
Great idea for your cell phone!
Went to Target yesterday. Found software called "Ringfactory" for $9.99. It turns any music on your PC into a ringtone! You can even pick the part of the song you want as your ringtone! That's pretty neat!
Verizon charges $2.99 to download a song, plus $1.00 a month. This is $10 for unlimited downloads with no monthly charge! Now, that is a beautiful thing!
Yesterday, I downloaded the Andy Griffith theme song as my ringtone! Yeah, baby, that's what I'm talking about! Today, I'm putting on the Arkansas fight song so when Scott Warren calls me (a fellow Hog fan) I will hear the ole fight song to let me know who is calling.
If you're on Verizon, you may want to check out this cheap alternative to creative ringtones for your cell phone.
Verizon charges $2.99 to download a song, plus $1.00 a month. This is $10 for unlimited downloads with no monthly charge! Now, that is a beautiful thing!
Yesterday, I downloaded the Andy Griffith theme song as my ringtone! Yeah, baby, that's what I'm talking about! Today, I'm putting on the Arkansas fight song so when Scott Warren calls me (a fellow Hog fan) I will hear the ole fight song to let me know who is calling.
If you're on Verizon, you may want to check out this cheap alternative to creative ringtones for your cell phone.
Checking in !
Haven't posted for a while, so thought I would check in! It's been one of those summers. We're providing volunteer labor on our construction of our new church building. We also have VBS going on right now. That takes a lot of time. We always wind up VBS with a Carnival in The Park. If that is not enough, we are beginning to pack everything up in the current building!
Right now, I'm reading "Made to Stick" by Chip Heath & Dan Heath. A great book for all communicators. I'm also reading "Life of Pi". Haven't made my mind up on the book yet. Has anyone read it? Can't wait to get the final Harry Potter book on Friday night. I always go to the midnight party with my daughter. We have a great time.
Did catch "Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix" last week. While not my favorite HP movie, it served the book well. Enjoyed "Transformers" more than I thought I would. Did finish the first season of "24" on DVD. WOW!! I've already started season two. I hope to have watched all six seasons before season 7 begins.
What are you doing this summer? Its time to check in!
Right now, I'm reading "Made to Stick" by Chip Heath & Dan Heath. A great book for all communicators. I'm also reading "Life of Pi". Haven't made my mind up on the book yet. Has anyone read it? Can't wait to get the final Harry Potter book on Friday night. I always go to the midnight party with my daughter. We have a great time.
Did catch "Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix" last week. While not my favorite HP movie, it served the book well. Enjoyed "Transformers" more than I thought I would. Did finish the first season of "24" on DVD. WOW!! I've already started season two. I hope to have watched all six seasons before season 7 begins.
What are you doing this summer? Its time to check in!
Tuesday, June 26, 2007
Anonymous
Have a great book to recommend. Right now I'm reading "Anonymous: Jesus' Hidden Years" by Alicia Britt Chole. She writes in a thoughtful, reflective tone. Here is a sample:
10% visible + 90% unseen = an indestructible life
Icebergs do not grow their virtually indestructible strength top down, but bottom up. Over countless millennia, falling snow melts and refreezes layer upon layer, creating enormous ice sheets over land and extending ice shelves over the sea. When chunks break off these icy masses they are referred to as icbergs and are monitored closely because of their profound effect upon sea life and shipping.
The point being that an iceberg's strength does not emerge overnight but grows slowly, layer upon layer, over time. Likewise, Jesus' spiritual reslove did not suddenly materialize the moment he stepped into the desert. His ability to throw out an anchor in God's Word and reposition his roaring feelings behind God's will was not an istant acquisition. That strength had been growing steadily in unapplauded places as Jesus developed a severely underrated value.
More tomorrow.
10% visible + 90% unseen = an indestructible life
Icebergs do not grow their virtually indestructible strength top down, but bottom up. Over countless millennia, falling snow melts and refreezes layer upon layer, creating enormous ice sheets over land and extending ice shelves over the sea. When chunks break off these icy masses they are referred to as icbergs and are monitored closely because of their profound effect upon sea life and shipping.
The point being that an iceberg's strength does not emerge overnight but grows slowly, layer upon layer, over time. Likewise, Jesus' spiritual reslove did not suddenly materialize the moment he stepped into the desert. His ability to throw out an anchor in God's Word and reposition his roaring feelings behind God's will was not an istant acquisition. That strength had been growing steadily in unapplauded places as Jesus developed a severely underrated value.
More tomorrow.
Monday, June 25, 2007
Back to Blogging!
Had one of those weeks! The garbage disposal went out. The dishwasher went out. The in-laws were here for the week. You get the picture!
Had a special contribution for our building project yesterday. The goal was $50,000. We collected $90,000!!! A lot of people sacrificed to make this happen! Even better, we're getting a lot of fringe people to come and volunteer some time on the building. (We're doing a lot of sweat equity). Some of our new members are volunteering too! Love it.
BUT - we are also having a booth at the Western Stampede Days in West Jordan, VBS is going forward! Our children's ministry is having Kid's Kamp on Sunday mornings, our women's ministry is hosting a women's day in August at Valley Assembly since our building will be in shambles with packing! We are not just about the building this summer!
The van was totaled. We're now trying to decide what to replace it with. We are leaning toward a Honda Odyssey. A friend of mine will sell me a brand new one for cost. (Still expensive!) I think we'll go for it. Just trying to get over having a car payment again after a few years without one.
I am back to driving a pick up! A member of Southside gave me (yes, gave me!) a 1997 Ford F150 pick up in excellent condition. A lot of people told me that it looks natural for me to be behind the wheel! First thing I had to do? Put a Razorback sticker on the back window. Now I just need to find a gun rack at a garage sale and I'm all set.
Hey, you can take the boy out of Arkansas, but you can't take Arkansas out of the boy!
Had a special contribution for our building project yesterday. The goal was $50,000. We collected $90,000!!! A lot of people sacrificed to make this happen! Even better, we're getting a lot of fringe people to come and volunteer some time on the building. (We're doing a lot of sweat equity). Some of our new members are volunteering too! Love it.
BUT - we are also having a booth at the Western Stampede Days in West Jordan, VBS is going forward! Our children's ministry is having Kid's Kamp on Sunday mornings, our women's ministry is hosting a women's day in August at Valley Assembly since our building will be in shambles with packing! We are not just about the building this summer!
The van was totaled. We're now trying to decide what to replace it with. We are leaning toward a Honda Odyssey. A friend of mine will sell me a brand new one for cost. (Still expensive!) I think we'll go for it. Just trying to get over having a car payment again after a few years without one.
I am back to driving a pick up! A member of Southside gave me (yes, gave me!) a 1997 Ford F150 pick up in excellent condition. A lot of people told me that it looks natural for me to be behind the wheel! First thing I had to do? Put a Razorback sticker on the back window. Now I just need to find a gun rack at a garage sale and I'm all set.
Hey, you can take the boy out of Arkansas, but you can't take Arkansas out of the boy!
Saturday, June 16, 2007
HAPPY FATHER'S DAY!
Just want to wish all the Fathers a Happy Father's Day tomorrow. I think my family picked me up a copy of "Blazing Angels" for my Father's Day present. (It is a game for the Wiii; you fly war world two planes. Pretty cool!).
The last time I celebrated Father's Day was 1974. A few weeks later, my father passed away at age 41 of a cerebral hemmorage of the brain. I still miss him. I can still hear his voice. I can smell him. I can still hear his laugh.
I see my dad in certian expressions on my kids faces. He would have been a fun grandparent.
More and more, I see that I am becoming just like my dad in the things I say and do. I sure hope so.
The last time I celebrated Father's Day was 1974. A few weeks later, my father passed away at age 41 of a cerebral hemmorage of the brain. I still miss him. I can still hear his voice. I can smell him. I can still hear his laugh.
I see my dad in certian expressions on my kids faces. He would have been a fun grandparent.
More and more, I see that I am becoming just like my dad in the things I say and do. I sure hope so.
Wednesday, June 13, 2007
I'm hooked
A friend of mine and I started watching "24" season one last night. Neither one of us had ever watched an episode. This conversation started at prayer breakfast a few weeks ago - we were bemoaning the lack of good shows to watch in the summer.
So, we made a pact to watch "24" to see what all the buzz was about. He found the first season DVDs for $19.99; I found season two for $16.99. We took it as a sign that we should indeed begin watching. We watched the first two episodes last night. Holy cow! We are both hooked!
Only 22 hours to go to finish day one.
Our goal is to get caught up by the time the new season starts! We got a lotta "24" to go! Any of you "24" fans?
Trying to rest up from being rear ended at a stop light last night! I think the van is totaled. I was trying to be a good husband and fill up my wife's minivan. A guy in a old Ford 150 smacked in the rear, sending me into the pickup in front of me. Both the back and front are pretty banged up. Sad thing is, the van was paid off last year and we were hoping to get at least 4 years of no car payments. Oh, well. I'm a little stiff and sore but nothing serious. A few trips to the ole chiopractor (spelling?) are probably in my future.
Construction is coming along on the new building. Tomorrow we start putting OSB board on the studs. We're doing it with all volunteer labor (us!). Just go to www.southsidechurchutah.org to see the latest updates on the construction.
So, we made a pact to watch "24" to see what all the buzz was about. He found the first season DVDs for $19.99; I found season two for $16.99. We took it as a sign that we should indeed begin watching. We watched the first two episodes last night. Holy cow! We are both hooked!
Only 22 hours to go to finish day one.
Our goal is to get caught up by the time the new season starts! We got a lotta "24" to go! Any of you "24" fans?
Trying to rest up from being rear ended at a stop light last night! I think the van is totaled. I was trying to be a good husband and fill up my wife's minivan. A guy in a old Ford 150 smacked in the rear, sending me into the pickup in front of me. Both the back and front are pretty banged up. Sad thing is, the van was paid off last year and we were hoping to get at least 4 years of no car payments. Oh, well. I'm a little stiff and sore but nothing serious. A few trips to the ole chiopractor (spelling?) are probably in my future.
Construction is coming along on the new building. Tomorrow we start putting OSB board on the studs. We're doing it with all volunteer labor (us!). Just go to www.southsidechurchutah.org to see the latest updates on the construction.
Tuesday, June 12, 2007
Pilgrims Progress?
Nathaniel Philbrick offers this insightful description of the Pilgrims view of the church when they were are deciding whether to go to the New World or stay put:
Catholics and more conservative Protetants believed that the traditions of the church contained valid, time-honored additions to what was found in the Bible. Given man's fallen condition, no individual could presume to question the ancient, ceremonial truths of the established church.
But for the Pilgrims, man's fallen nature was precisely the point.
A Purtian believed it was necessary to venture back to the absolute beginning of Christianity, before the church had been corrupted by centuries of laxity and abuse, to locate divine truth. In lieu of time travel there was the Bible, with the New Testament providing the only reliable account of Christ's time on earth while the OT contained a rich storehouse of still vital truths. If something as not in the scriptures, it was a man-made distortion of what God intended. At once radical and deeply conservative, the Puritans had chosen to spurn thousands of years of accumalted tradition in favor of a text that gave them a direct and personal connection with God.
A Puritan had no use for the Church of England's Book of Common Prayer, since it tampered with the original meaning of the Bible and inhibited the spontaneity that they felt was essential to attaining a true and honest glimpse of the divine. Puritans refused to kneel while tking communion, since there was no evidence that the apostles had done so during the Last Supper. There was also no biblical precent for making the sign of the cross when uttering Christ's name. Even more important, there was no precedent for the system of bishops that ran the Church of England. The only biblically sanctioned organizational unit was the individual congregation.
(pp, 8,9 "Mayflower).
Boy, that has a familiar ring to it, doesn't it? Fellow Pilgrims, have we made any progess in discarding traditions that have nothing to do with God's word?
Catholics and more conservative Protetants believed that the traditions of the church contained valid, time-honored additions to what was found in the Bible. Given man's fallen condition, no individual could presume to question the ancient, ceremonial truths of the established church.
But for the Pilgrims, man's fallen nature was precisely the point.
A Purtian believed it was necessary to venture back to the absolute beginning of Christianity, before the church had been corrupted by centuries of laxity and abuse, to locate divine truth. In lieu of time travel there was the Bible, with the New Testament providing the only reliable account of Christ's time on earth while the OT contained a rich storehouse of still vital truths. If something as not in the scriptures, it was a man-made distortion of what God intended. At once radical and deeply conservative, the Puritans had chosen to spurn thousands of years of accumalted tradition in favor of a text that gave them a direct and personal connection with God.
A Puritan had no use for the Church of England's Book of Common Prayer, since it tampered with the original meaning of the Bible and inhibited the spontaneity that they felt was essential to attaining a true and honest glimpse of the divine. Puritans refused to kneel while tking communion, since there was no evidence that the apostles had done so during the Last Supper. There was also no biblical precent for making the sign of the cross when uttering Christ's name. Even more important, there was no precedent for the system of bishops that ran the Church of England. The only biblically sanctioned organizational unit was the individual congregation.
(pp, 8,9 "Mayflower).
Boy, that has a familiar ring to it, doesn't it? Fellow Pilgrims, have we made any progess in discarding traditions that have nothing to do with God's word?
Monday, June 11, 2007
Recommendations and reflections
Got a movie for you to go see. "Gracie" is based on the true life experience of actress Elizebeth Shue. She was the first girl to out for the boys soccer team in her high school in 1978. Dads, take your daughters to see this movie! You will be inspired.
Have a couple of books to recommend as well. "Mayflower" is a fasinating account of the pilgrims who came over on the Mayflower to settle in the New World. 'The Heavenly Man" is the story of one man's experience of being a minister in communist China. After reading this, you will not complain about anything! Both would make great summer reads. Have a book to recommend?
Went to the Truth Project workshop this past weekend. Awesome! Produced by Focus on the Family, it is designed as a small group study to encourage a Christian world view. Dr. Tel Tackett does a marvelous job of leading you through 7 basic areas in which we need a christian perspective. You have to attend a workshop to get a copy of the DVD set (which is included in the price of the workshop). I highly recommend this material!!! The production values are what you would come to expect from Focus on the Family.
Have a couple of books to recommend as well. "Mayflower" is a fasinating account of the pilgrims who came over on the Mayflower to settle in the New World. 'The Heavenly Man" is the story of one man's experience of being a minister in communist China. After reading this, you will not complain about anything! Both would make great summer reads. Have a book to recommend?
Went to the Truth Project workshop this past weekend. Awesome! Produced by Focus on the Family, it is designed as a small group study to encourage a Christian world view. Dr. Tel Tackett does a marvelous job of leading you through 7 basic areas in which we need a christian perspective. You have to attend a workshop to get a copy of the DVD set (which is included in the price of the workshop). I highly recommend this material!!! The production values are what you would come to expect from Focus on the Family.
Monday, June 04, 2007
Half time report
The year is nearly half over. I was just taking stock of how I'm doing on my new years resolutions. I lost my weight - in fact, I've already gained back about 5 pounds! SO - back on the diet as of today. I'm caught up in my One Year Bible reading. That's good. Those were my two big goals this year.
My ministry goals are also going very well. One was to get our new building completed - we should be in it by Sept.1! The worship planning team is going very well. We had a very successful bring your neighbor day. One thing we haven't done on the ministry goals is to get our guest services ministry up and going. Time to refocus on that!
In the prayer accountability group that I am in, we have five personal goals and five ministry goals that we review twice a week. It really helps to maintian those goals so you can prioritize time and keep focused on what is really important.
This Sunday marked the beginning of my fifthteenth year at Southside. God has indeed been good. I think our best days as a church are yet ahead of us.
My ministry goals are also going very well. One was to get our new building completed - we should be in it by Sept.1! The worship planning team is going very well. We had a very successful bring your neighbor day. One thing we haven't done on the ministry goals is to get our guest services ministry up and going. Time to refocus on that!
In the prayer accountability group that I am in, we have five personal goals and five ministry goals that we review twice a week. It really helps to maintian those goals so you can prioritize time and keep focused on what is really important.
This Sunday marked the beginning of my fifthteenth year at Southside. God has indeed been good. I think our best days as a church are yet ahead of us.
Thursday, May 31, 2007
People who have inspired me
My daughter told me that I was whinning in my last post. That wasn't my intent. I was trying to point out that preachers do a lot more stuff than people realize.
The USA Today ran an article for its 25th anniversary to site the people that have inspired them over the last 25 years. Some great names were on the list: people of flight United 93, Lance Armstrong, "Mattie", Oprah, Nelson Mandella, etc.
Got me to thinking about the people that have inspired me. (Jesus is a given). Here is a few on my list - in no order of importance following my parents and children :
1.) My father and mother.
2.) My children
3.) George Washington
4.) Abraham Lincoln
5.) Ronald Reagan
6.) Jerry Jones (teacher, mentor)
7.) Jimmy Allen (professor in college)
8.) Mrs. Howerton (my high school biology teacher)
9.) Bill Hybels
10.) Mrs. Humphrey (5th grade teacher)
11.) Norman Dale
12.) Brick Hendricks
13.) Ruby Bridges
14.) T.L.Spears
15.) Billy Blakney
16.) Max Lucado
17.) Alexander Campbell
18.) George Baldwin
19.) Lillie Rucks
20.) Lucille Walls
21.) Marcille Breeding
22.) Steve Saint
23.) "Mattie"
24.) JFK
25.) Martin Luther King, Jr.
26.) Marvin Phillips
27) Randy & Martha Crider
28.) Jackie Robinson
29.) People of United 93
30.) Jim Cymbala
31.) Steve Osborn
32.) Ann Kullberg
33.) Rick Atchley
34.) Mike Cope
35.) Harry Fox
36.) Chuck Mix
37.) George Patton
38.) Ben Franklin
39.) Harold Abrahams
40.) Steve Meeks
41.) Marshal Keeble
42.) Rick Warren
43.) Clint O. Crowe
44.) Erwin McManus
45.) Andy Stanley
I'm sure I'll think of a few more - right after I push the "publish" button. Here's a question worth pondering today - you has inspired you? and why?
The USA Today ran an article for its 25th anniversary to site the people that have inspired them over the last 25 years. Some great names were on the list: people of flight United 93, Lance Armstrong, "Mattie", Oprah, Nelson Mandella, etc.
Got me to thinking about the people that have inspired me. (Jesus is a given). Here is a few on my list - in no order of importance following my parents and children :
1.) My father and mother.
2.) My children
3.) George Washington
4.) Abraham Lincoln
5.) Ronald Reagan
6.) Jerry Jones (teacher, mentor)
7.) Jimmy Allen (professor in college)
8.) Mrs. Howerton (my high school biology teacher)
9.) Bill Hybels
10.) Mrs. Humphrey (5th grade teacher)
11.) Norman Dale
12.) Brick Hendricks
13.) Ruby Bridges
14.) T.L.Spears
15.) Billy Blakney
16.) Max Lucado
17.) Alexander Campbell
18.) George Baldwin
19.) Lillie Rucks
20.) Lucille Walls
21.) Marcille Breeding
22.) Steve Saint
23.) "Mattie"
24.) JFK
25.) Martin Luther King, Jr.
26.) Marvin Phillips
27) Randy & Martha Crider
28.) Jackie Robinson
29.) People of United 93
30.) Jim Cymbala
31.) Steve Osborn
32.) Ann Kullberg
33.) Rick Atchley
34.) Mike Cope
35.) Harry Fox
36.) Chuck Mix
37.) George Patton
38.) Ben Franklin
39.) Harold Abrahams
40.) Steve Meeks
41.) Marshal Keeble
42.) Rick Warren
43.) Clint O. Crowe
44.) Erwin McManus
45.) Andy Stanley
I'm sure I'll think of a few more - right after I push the "publish" button. Here's a question worth pondering today - you has inspired you? and why?
Tuesday, May 29, 2007
What does a preacher do anyway?
I've been asked the question a million times - just what does a preacher do anyway, besides just working for one hour on Sunday?
Saturday (day off, right? It's a holiday weekend!) - we have a celebration for our high school graduates. Lasted about 2 hours. Our youth committee did a great job!
This past Sunday we only had one worship assembly (holiday weekend), with class at the normal time (10:15 a.m.) "Boy, Randy had a day off today!" What they don't know is that I was at the building at 7:45 a.m. to rearrange the chairs so I could get about thirty more chairs from the storeroom to allow for the one service. I then dowloaded my powerpoint slides, got the DVD I was using as an illustration all set; then downloaded the worship slides from gmail. That was all set. By now - it's about 9:00 a.m.
Saw that my secretary forgot to print the children's bulletins. I run them through the copier (both sides) and folded them. Time is now about 9:20 a.m.
While I'm doing this, the person in charge of the praise team asked me if I had a couple of minutes to help her do a mike check - she forget to tell the sound person to be there early. No problem I tell her - I've got all the time in the world!
I unlock all the doors for the building. Check the thermostat to a cool 68 - with a packed room it will get hot in a hurry.
Go to the kitchen to prepare the Lord's Supper. Our small group was in charge this month - so I go back to do that. Since we're having one service - we'll need two more trays of everything.
Time is now about 10:00 a.m.
During the class I take about five minutes to look over my sermon notes.
After class its apparent that we have a ton of guests! Need more chairs! A few guys see me getting folding chairs from the classrooms and pitch in to help!
Get a call that I'm to be in charge of the silt fence that surrounds the construction of our new building. That requires a staple gun and hammer. Got both so I'm qualified. Actually, I live just two blocks from the site ( I was NOT on the land committee!) - so I get volunteered for a lot of things. (For example, a few weeks ago I was called on to water the entire six acres with a fire hose for my Friday night's excitement!)
Monday morning (day off, right? ) I go to the building to put up the extra chairs and return th e folding chairs to their classrooms as our Christian school will need them. Have a nice picnic with a life group at a city park. I go back to the building around 10:15 p.m. to meet Won by One from Pepperdine and get them to their houses. night. They will sing for us on Tuesday Get home around 11:00 p.m.
It's good that I have a Master's Degree in Bible, otherwise I wouldn't be qualified to do these things! Actually, I'm like most preachers. A lot of what we do doesn't invovle our training. We just serve and do a lot of the day to day things that need to be done that no one will ever notice. Its not exciting work most of the time.
I do love what I do. I love ministry.
I do live for the day that all I think and worry about are preaching and people. Don't know if they day will ever come. It's a nice thought. Hey, a brother can dream, can't he?
But it does make me wonder - think Max Lucado ever sets up the chairs?
Saturday (day off, right? It's a holiday weekend!) - we have a celebration for our high school graduates. Lasted about 2 hours. Our youth committee did a great job!
This past Sunday we only had one worship assembly (holiday weekend), with class at the normal time (10:15 a.m.) "Boy, Randy had a day off today!" What they don't know is that I was at the building at 7:45 a.m. to rearrange the chairs so I could get about thirty more chairs from the storeroom to allow for the one service. I then dowloaded my powerpoint slides, got the DVD I was using as an illustration all set; then downloaded the worship slides from gmail. That was all set. By now - it's about 9:00 a.m.
Saw that my secretary forgot to print the children's bulletins. I run them through the copier (both sides) and folded them. Time is now about 9:20 a.m.
While I'm doing this, the person in charge of the praise team asked me if I had a couple of minutes to help her do a mike check - she forget to tell the sound person to be there early. No problem I tell her - I've got all the time in the world!
I unlock all the doors for the building. Check the thermostat to a cool 68 - with a packed room it will get hot in a hurry.
Go to the kitchen to prepare the Lord's Supper. Our small group was in charge this month - so I go back to do that. Since we're having one service - we'll need two more trays of everything.
Time is now about 10:00 a.m.
During the class I take about five minutes to look over my sermon notes.
After class its apparent that we have a ton of guests! Need more chairs! A few guys see me getting folding chairs from the classrooms and pitch in to help!
Get a call that I'm to be in charge of the silt fence that surrounds the construction of our new building. That requires a staple gun and hammer. Got both so I'm qualified. Actually, I live just two blocks from the site ( I was NOT on the land committee!) - so I get volunteered for a lot of things. (For example, a few weeks ago I was called on to water the entire six acres with a fire hose for my Friday night's excitement!)
Monday morning (day off, right? ) I go to the building to put up the extra chairs and return th e folding chairs to their classrooms as our Christian school will need them. Have a nice picnic with a life group at a city park. I go back to the building around 10:15 p.m. to meet Won by One from Pepperdine and get them to their houses. night. They will sing for us on Tuesday Get home around 11:00 p.m.
It's good that I have a Master's Degree in Bible, otherwise I wouldn't be qualified to do these things! Actually, I'm like most preachers. A lot of what we do doesn't invovle our training. We just serve and do a lot of the day to day things that need to be done that no one will ever notice. Its not exciting work most of the time.
I do love what I do. I love ministry.
I do live for the day that all I think and worry about are preaching and people. Don't know if they day will ever come. It's a nice thought. Hey, a brother can dream, can't he?
But it does make me wonder - think Max Lucado ever sets up the chairs?
Wednesday, May 23, 2007
The Traveler's Gift
Just finished "A Traveler's Gift" by Andy Andrews. Pretty good book. A little cheesy, but I liked it. The sub title is "Seven Decisions That Determine Personal Success". Here are the seven decisions:
1.) The buck stops here.
2.) I will seek wisdom. I will be a servant to others.
3.) I am a person of action.
4.) I have a decided heart.
5.) Today, I will choose to be happy.
6.) I will greet this day with a forgiving spirit.
7.) I will persist without exception.
What I liked was that in each of these "decisions" - the character in the book went back in time to visit an historical figure who personified that particular trait. For example, in the first decision he has a conversation with Harry Truman. Would be a great gift for a high school grad.
Is there any question who will win American Idol? Jordan hands down. Of course, the best singer wasn't in the finale, but I've let that go. Melinda will have a great career, you just wait and see!
Looking forward to the LOST season finale tonight.
It's my "sabbath" day. I'm digging into David Baldacci's new book "Simple Genius". I'm also still listening to "1776" by David McCullough.
1.) The buck stops here.
2.) I will seek wisdom. I will be a servant to others.
3.) I am a person of action.
4.) I have a decided heart.
5.) Today, I will choose to be happy.
6.) I will greet this day with a forgiving spirit.
7.) I will persist without exception.
What I liked was that in each of these "decisions" - the character in the book went back in time to visit an historical figure who personified that particular trait. For example, in the first decision he has a conversation with Harry Truman. Would be a great gift for a high school grad.
Is there any question who will win American Idol? Jordan hands down. Of course, the best singer wasn't in the finale, but I've let that go. Melinda will have a great career, you just wait and see!
Looking forward to the LOST season finale tonight.
It's my "sabbath" day. I'm digging into David Baldacci's new book "Simple Genius". I'm also still listening to "1776" by David McCullough.
Tuesday, May 22, 2007
Nine "C's" of Leadership
In his book "Where Have All The Leaders Gone?" Lee Iacocca shares his list of qualities that a leader needs to have:
A leader has to show CURIOSITY. He has to listen to people outside his "Yes, sir" crowd in his inner circle. He has to read voracioulsy, because the world is a big, complicated place. If a leader never steps outside his comfort zone to hear different ideas, he grows stale.
A leader has to be CREATIVE, go out on a limb, be willing to try something different. You know, think outside the box.
A leader has to COMMUNICATE.
A leader has to be a person of CHARACTER. That means knowing the difference between right and wrong and having the guts to do the right thing.
A leader must have COURAGE.
A leader must have CONVICTION - a fire in your belly. You've got to have passion!
A leader should have CHARISMA. I'm not talking about being flashy. Charisma is the quality that makes people want to follow you. It's the ability to inspire. People follow a leader because they trust him.
A leader has to be COMPETENT. You've got to know what your doing.
You can't be a leader if you don't have COMMON SENSE.
That's a good list. It's good to ask ourselves ourselves some tough questions ever now and then. Things like - am I being an effective leader? Am I exicted to preach every Sunday?
Am I being creative in my preaching? In my ministry? In my small group? In the way I teach my Sunday school class?
Am I showing courage or just taking the easy way out in order to keep my job?
Ask yourself some tough questions today! Self examanation is good for the soul.
A leader has to show CURIOSITY. He has to listen to people outside his "Yes, sir" crowd in his inner circle. He has to read voracioulsy, because the world is a big, complicated place. If a leader never steps outside his comfort zone to hear different ideas, he grows stale.
A leader has to be CREATIVE, go out on a limb, be willing to try something different. You know, think outside the box.
A leader has to COMMUNICATE.
A leader has to be a person of CHARACTER. That means knowing the difference between right and wrong and having the guts to do the right thing.
A leader must have COURAGE.
A leader must have CONVICTION - a fire in your belly. You've got to have passion!
A leader should have CHARISMA. I'm not talking about being flashy. Charisma is the quality that makes people want to follow you. It's the ability to inspire. People follow a leader because they trust him.
A leader has to be COMPETENT. You've got to know what your doing.
You can't be a leader if you don't have COMMON SENSE.
That's a good list. It's good to ask ourselves ourselves some tough questions ever now and then. Things like - am I being an effective leader? Am I exicted to preach every Sunday?
Am I being creative in my preaching? In my ministry? In my small group? In the way I teach my Sunday school class?
Am I showing courage or just taking the easy way out in order to keep my job?
Ask yourself some tough questions today! Self examanation is good for the soul.
Monday, May 21, 2007
Missional Vision by Fudge
Here is the post on "The Missional Vision" from Edward Fudge. This is awesome! - Randy
THE 'MISSIONAL' VISION:Old Truths in New Clothes (3)
In an "attractional" church, success is usually measured by the number of people in attendance, the size of the offering and (using those calculators) the growth of the institution itself. In a "missional" church, success will not be measured by counting heads or dollars but by faithfulness to God's mission, deepening faith and the development of Christ-like disciples. Obviously these intangible indicators are much harder to assess than those borrowed from the business world. That does not bother missional people, however, because their focus is not on the institutional church to begin with. It is rather on the kingdom and mission of God.
Missional people understand that the church is called to be an expression of God's kingdom during the interim between Christ's first coming and his final appearing. God has planted the church in the world as a model community, an advance demonstration of the redeemed society of the new heavens and earth to come. But they understand that even at its best the church is always a flawed and incomplete expression of God's kingdom. They confess that sometimes the church scarcely resembles God's kingdom at all. To the extent that the church does express God's kingdom now, its presence in this world is a sign of God's kingdom that has come and is yet to come. And to the extent the church aligns itself with the mission of God, it is also an agent of God's kingdom to which that mission is surely leading.
This vision of a missional church is old truth in new clothes. It is the vision of discipleship we hear in all the parables and teachings of Jesus. It is the sort of Christianity we discover throughout the Book of Acts, the kind of church the Epistles all call us to become. Consider, for example, the following missional goals which in reality are New Testament values: * Using God's mission as the standard for determining priorities and allocating resources (Matt. 6:33; 2 Cor. 8:1-5; 9:8-15). * Measuring success by sacrifice and self-giving (Mark 12:41-44). * Placing kingdom concerns ahead of any particular congregation or denomination (Acts 13:1-3). * Expecting believers to meet high standards (Rom. 12:1-2; Col. 1:28). * Participatory worship meetings open to the fresh leading of the Spirit (1 Cor. 14:26). * Learning truth to obey it and not merely to know it (Eph. 4:20-24; 1 Tim. 1:5-7). * Every believer a missionary on God's mission (Phil. 2:13; Eph. 2:10). * Being honest, authentic and real (1 Thes. 2:3-10; Eph. 4:25). * Changing the world in keeping with principles of God's kingdom (Titus 2:11-14; 3:8). The list could go on and on."
Those who wish to be missional people, God's fellow-workers on behalf of his kingdom, must cultivate a personal relationship with Jesus Christ as living members of his spiritual body the church. We must become a people of prayer, a people fed by the Word, a people totally dependent on God and not on ourselves, a people guided and empowered by the Holy Spirit. Such a prescription holds little attraction to a fleshly-oriented, self-centered or worldly-minded church. On the other hand, nothing less than this prescription will enable us effectively to become God's fellow-workers through whom his mission is carried out in this world.
Copyright 2007 by Edward Fudge
THE 'MISSIONAL' VISION:Old Truths in New Clothes (3)
In an "attractional" church, success is usually measured by the number of people in attendance, the size of the offering and (using those calculators) the growth of the institution itself. In a "missional" church, success will not be measured by counting heads or dollars but by faithfulness to God's mission, deepening faith and the development of Christ-like disciples. Obviously these intangible indicators are much harder to assess than those borrowed from the business world. That does not bother missional people, however, because their focus is not on the institutional church to begin with. It is rather on the kingdom and mission of God.
Missional people understand that the church is called to be an expression of God's kingdom during the interim between Christ's first coming and his final appearing. God has planted the church in the world as a model community, an advance demonstration of the redeemed society of the new heavens and earth to come. But they understand that even at its best the church is always a flawed and incomplete expression of God's kingdom. They confess that sometimes the church scarcely resembles God's kingdom at all. To the extent that the church does express God's kingdom now, its presence in this world is a sign of God's kingdom that has come and is yet to come. And to the extent the church aligns itself with the mission of God, it is also an agent of God's kingdom to which that mission is surely leading.
This vision of a missional church is old truth in new clothes. It is the vision of discipleship we hear in all the parables and teachings of Jesus. It is the sort of Christianity we discover throughout the Book of Acts, the kind of church the Epistles all call us to become. Consider, for example, the following missional goals which in reality are New Testament values: * Using God's mission as the standard for determining priorities and allocating resources (Matt. 6:33; 2 Cor. 8:1-5; 9:8-15). * Measuring success by sacrifice and self-giving (Mark 12:41-44). * Placing kingdom concerns ahead of any particular congregation or denomination (Acts 13:1-3). * Expecting believers to meet high standards (Rom. 12:1-2; Col. 1:28). * Participatory worship meetings open to the fresh leading of the Spirit (1 Cor. 14:26). * Learning truth to obey it and not merely to know it (Eph. 4:20-24; 1 Tim. 1:5-7). * Every believer a missionary on God's mission (Phil. 2:13; Eph. 2:10). * Being honest, authentic and real (1 Thes. 2:3-10; Eph. 4:25). * Changing the world in keeping with principles of God's kingdom (Titus 2:11-14; 3:8). The list could go on and on."
Those who wish to be missional people, God's fellow-workers on behalf of his kingdom, must cultivate a personal relationship with Jesus Christ as living members of his spiritual body the church. We must become a people of prayer, a people fed by the Word, a people totally dependent on God and not on ourselves, a people guided and empowered by the Holy Spirit. Such a prescription holds little attraction to a fleshly-oriented, self-centered or worldly-minded church. On the other hand, nothing less than this prescription will enable us effectively to become God's fellow-workers through whom his mission is carried out in this world.
Copyright 2007 by Edward Fudge
Sunday, May 20, 2007
Sunday Night Thoughts
In the things I will never understand department: How in the world did Melinda Doolittle get voted off American Idol? Going back on your word (Dremz on Survivor) to win a million dollars - and you think people will vote for you? Why is the slowest car is always front of me?
I really enjoyed the posts this last week that Edward Fudge wrote on "Missional" churches. If you didn't catch them - go to gracEmail. Anyone have a more simple explanation of missional church that Fudge presents?
Our tribe had a good day today. Our shepherds each presented a different angle on our new building project. They really showed some great leadership today. I preached on giving from Malachi 3:8,9. Response was overwhelming!
Just began reading "The Traveler's Gift" by Andy Andrews. Our book club is reading "In His Steps" for our summer read.
The steel arrives this Wednesday. The structure begins going up! The floor was poured last week. When the steel goes up it begins to look like a new building. Very exciting.
I probably shouldn't blog on Sunday night. I'm quiting while I'm ahead.
I really enjoyed the posts this last week that Edward Fudge wrote on "Missional" churches. If you didn't catch them - go to gracEmail. Anyone have a more simple explanation of missional church that Fudge presents?
Our tribe had a good day today. Our shepherds each presented a different angle on our new building project. They really showed some great leadership today. I preached on giving from Malachi 3:8,9. Response was overwhelming!
Just began reading "The Traveler's Gift" by Andy Andrews. Our book club is reading "In His Steps" for our summer read.
The steel arrives this Wednesday. The structure begins going up! The floor was poured last week. When the steel goes up it begins to look like a new building. Very exciting.
I probably shouldn't blog on Sunday night. I'm quiting while I'm ahead.
Thursday, May 17, 2007
This N' That
Drove three hours (one way) for lunch today! Why? I had lunch with our future associate minister, Kevin Hooper. Since his family can't join us until September, I wanted to spend a few hours catching him up on what is going on here. We had a great time - and the six hour drive was a good time to listen to the book "1776" by David McCullough. Great book.
Was really disappointed that Melinda Doolittle got the boot on American Idol last night. I predict she will have a better career than either Jordan or Blake. I wasn't disappointed in the season finale of "Bones". Good to see "LOST" getting back in form, although it took them most of the season to refind their groove.
Haven't read a Lucado book in a while but I am really enjoying his latest book "Facing Your Gaints".
"The Last Sin Eater" is out on DVD. GREAT MOVIE. Rent it this weekend.
If you know of someone that has a used Treo for Verizon let me know! I loved mine. It was ran over by a car. Oh, well. Can't afford a new one. Maybe a used one will show up!
Tonight our bookclub will discuss "This Present Darkness". Read it 20 years ago - it still is a great read! The classic book was the first Christian fiction that I read. Still one of the best!
(I like the sequel, too!).
Was really disappointed that Melinda Doolittle got the boot on American Idol last night. I predict she will have a better career than either Jordan or Blake. I wasn't disappointed in the season finale of "Bones". Good to see "LOST" getting back in form, although it took them most of the season to refind their groove.
Haven't read a Lucado book in a while but I am really enjoying his latest book "Facing Your Gaints".
"The Last Sin Eater" is out on DVD. GREAT MOVIE. Rent it this weekend.
If you know of someone that has a used Treo for Verizon let me know! I loved mine. It was ran over by a car. Oh, well. Can't afford a new one. Maybe a used one will show up!
Tonight our bookclub will discuss "This Present Darkness". Read it 20 years ago - it still is a great read! The classic book was the first Christian fiction that I read. Still one of the best!
(I like the sequel, too!).
Monday, May 14, 2007
Leadership #2
My guess is this - that if you asked church of Christ ministers this simple question - "do you feel restricted by elders in your church to do what you feel lead to do to grow the church you serve?" -- what percentage do you think would answer in the affirmative?
I would say the percentages would be high to answer in the affirmative. 75% 80%? I bet it's somewhere in that range.
We are hesitant (in the churches of Christ) to give the evangelist any leadership authority. For example, we say that there is no blueprint for choosing elders and so we come up with our process; however, there is a bluprint - Paul told Timothy to appoint the elders! I've NEVER heard of a church doing that. Have you?
What I'm saying is this: our present model clearly is not producing growing churches for the most part. We clearly need to get out of our business model that we adopted from the world and refocus on what a true Biblical model of leadershp would look like.
I'm not saying that the shepherds have no authority. However, I'm saying that the evangelist has more authority in the NT church that he currently does in the contemporary church. Agree or disagree? Why or why not?
What we are doing for the most part is not producing disciples, growing churches, equipping people for ministry or reaching the world for Christ. If it's not working, why don't we fix it?
I would say the percentages would be high to answer in the affirmative. 75% 80%? I bet it's somewhere in that range.
We are hesitant (in the churches of Christ) to give the evangelist any leadership authority. For example, we say that there is no blueprint for choosing elders and so we come up with our process; however, there is a bluprint - Paul told Timothy to appoint the elders! I've NEVER heard of a church doing that. Have you?
What I'm saying is this: our present model clearly is not producing growing churches for the most part. We clearly need to get out of our business model that we adopted from the world and refocus on what a true Biblical model of leadershp would look like.
I'm not saying that the shepherds have no authority. However, I'm saying that the evangelist has more authority in the NT church that he currently does in the contemporary church. Agree or disagree? Why or why not?
What we are doing for the most part is not producing disciples, growing churches, equipping people for ministry or reaching the world for Christ. If it's not working, why don't we fix it?
Wednesday, May 09, 2007
Biblical Model for Church Leadership?
Been reading a book entitled "Go Big". The theme is explosion growth as a God given mandate for the church. He uses several examples from Acts that are convicting.
In the book he makes this statement, "The pastor lead model is the most Biblical model of church leadership." Now, if he had said that the pastor led model was the most practical - I may be in agreement with them.
I want to raise a question that I'm wrestling with: what is "the" most Bibical model for church leadership? What is the most practical model? Is one at the expense of the other?
The authors of "Go Big" assert that most dying or stagnant churches have a democratic or "committee" led model while most, if not all, growing churches have a "pastor" led model.
Just because "it works" - does that mean that we should follow the model?
Is the Biblcial role of "shepherds" lost in our corporate model of church goverment?
I'll share my thoughts in a day or so. What thinking have you done along these lines? What model of leadership do you think we (as the church) should adopt?
Is the model of church leadership where you worship producing disciples? A growing church? A vibrant church? Is it producing people who are equipped for ministry?
In the book he makes this statement, "The pastor lead model is the most Biblical model of church leadership." Now, if he had said that the pastor led model was the most practical - I may be in agreement with them.
I want to raise a question that I'm wrestling with: what is "the" most Bibical model for church leadership? What is the most practical model? Is one at the expense of the other?
The authors of "Go Big" assert that most dying or stagnant churches have a democratic or "committee" led model while most, if not all, growing churches have a "pastor" led model.
Just because "it works" - does that mean that we should follow the model?
Is the Biblcial role of "shepherds" lost in our corporate model of church goverment?
I'll share my thoughts in a day or so. What thinking have you done along these lines? What model of leadership do you think we (as the church) should adopt?
Is the model of church leadership where you worship producing disciples? A growing church? A vibrant church? Is it producing people who are equipped for ministry?
Monday, May 07, 2007
Loving God; Loving Our Neighbor; Serving Everyone
Yesterday the leaders of the Southside Church met and simplified what we are all about: Loving God (greatest command); Loving Our Neighbors (second greatest command); Serving everyone (continuing the ministry of Jesus - he came not to be served but to serve). Every ministry at Southside will have the same vision - Loving God; Loving Our Neighbor; Serving!
You could call this: Upward Growth; Inward Growth; Outward Growth. I think Milton Jones wrote a book called "How to Make Disciples" using that wording, so this is not original with us!
Instead of growing a church, we have set our minds on making disciples!
We're learning to think steps not programs. How do you get a person from worship to small groups? You think steps - perhaps a "Discovering Southside" Workshop; an ice cream social with the elders/ministers/ministry leaders, etc that will lead them to be in a small group.
We see this as a process - first step -- worship. More than likely, that will be their first connection with Southside. Second step - small group experience. Third - invovled in serving; using their gifts, talents and abilities to glorify God. We're also going to limit people to one area of serving!
We talked about learning to count horizonally instead of vertically. If worship increases by 50% but small groups grows only by 10% - something is wrong with our process! So, we will begin to think horizonally.
One of our elders said it best when he made this comment, "I hope that this is just not a new slogan; but a new standard of how we do church. It will take a lot of commitment to adopt this new way of thinking; maybe even dropping some activities that are popluar but that do not contribute to the process." BINGO!
So, we have laid the foundation. I really like the idea of growing disciples instead of growing a church. I'll keep you posted!
You could call this: Upward Growth; Inward Growth; Outward Growth. I think Milton Jones wrote a book called "How to Make Disciples" using that wording, so this is not original with us!
Instead of growing a church, we have set our minds on making disciples!
We're learning to think steps not programs. How do you get a person from worship to small groups? You think steps - perhaps a "Discovering Southside" Workshop; an ice cream social with the elders/ministers/ministry leaders, etc that will lead them to be in a small group.
We see this as a process - first step -- worship. More than likely, that will be their first connection with Southside. Second step - small group experience. Third - invovled in serving; using their gifts, talents and abilities to glorify God. We're also going to limit people to one area of serving!
We talked about learning to count horizonally instead of vertically. If worship increases by 50% but small groups grows only by 10% - something is wrong with our process! So, we will begin to think horizonally.
One of our elders said it best when he made this comment, "I hope that this is just not a new slogan; but a new standard of how we do church. It will take a lot of commitment to adopt this new way of thinking; maybe even dropping some activities that are popluar but that do not contribute to the process." BINGO!
So, we have laid the foundation. I really like the idea of growing disciples instead of growing a church. I'll keep you posted!
Thursday, May 03, 2007
I Should Be in Malibu!
Met with some other ministers this morning for the National Day of Prayer Breakfast. It was a great time. Our church is having a gathering tonight. The motto of our prayer ministry is "making prayer our first response instead of our last resort." Boy, I like that!
This is my week to be in Malibu for the annual Pepperdine Bible Lectures. Instead, I had to stick around and get my stitches taken out following my skin cancer surgery of last week. Bummer. I do hope to make it to Nashville in October for the Zoe Worship Conference.
Reading a really good book right now entitled "Go Big". As I read more, I share some insights.
Found a copy of "Facing the Giants" at Blockbuster yesterday for $14.99! "The Last Sin Eater" comes out May 8th; can't wait to show it to our church! (Yes, we have a license to show movies).
It's been good for me to re-read "This Present Darkness". I had forgotten how good that book is!
Getting ready for the summer movies! Spiderman 3 is upon us. Any movie you're looking forward to above the others?
Did I mention that it is twenty degrees cooler today than yesterday? And that its raining in the valley and snowing in the mountians?? And that I should be in Malibu?
But I'm over it.
This is my week to be in Malibu for the annual Pepperdine Bible Lectures. Instead, I had to stick around and get my stitches taken out following my skin cancer surgery of last week. Bummer. I do hope to make it to Nashville in October for the Zoe Worship Conference.
Reading a really good book right now entitled "Go Big". As I read more, I share some insights.
Found a copy of "Facing the Giants" at Blockbuster yesterday for $14.99! "The Last Sin Eater" comes out May 8th; can't wait to show it to our church! (Yes, we have a license to show movies).
It's been good for me to re-read "This Present Darkness". I had forgotten how good that book is!
Getting ready for the summer movies! Spiderman 3 is upon us. Any movie you're looking forward to above the others?
Did I mention that it is twenty degrees cooler today than yesterday? And that its raining in the valley and snowing in the mountians?? And that I should be in Malibu?
But I'm over it.
Friday, April 27, 2007
A Great Investment
A long time ago I made a deal with my kids. This deal has cost me a lot of money. I told them that I would buy them any Christian CD they wanted. Actually, I look at it as an investment not an expense.
I found out along the way that I liked a lot of the same music they do - so it gives us a good way to grow together.
We also spend a lot of money on Christian fiction. My children have inherited a love for reading. Again - we see it as an investment and not an expense. There is a lot of good Christian fiction for all ages!
Now, any "secular" music and books - well, they are on their own! There is some good "secular" stuff out there too! I've been known to crank some tunes (everything from CCR, Guess Who, to Alison Kruass and Ricky Skaggs). - in my day. If the truth be known, in our car its the kids who tell me to turn it down!
And yes, we listen to Acappella, Zoe and all that stuff as well.
What kind of investments are you making in your kids?
I found out along the way that I liked a lot of the same music they do - so it gives us a good way to grow together.
We also spend a lot of money on Christian fiction. My children have inherited a love for reading. Again - we see it as an investment and not an expense. There is a lot of good Christian fiction for all ages!
Now, any "secular" music and books - well, they are on their own! There is some good "secular" stuff out there too! I've been known to crank some tunes (everything from CCR, Guess Who, to Alison Kruass and Ricky Skaggs). - in my day. If the truth be known, in our car its the kids who tell me to turn it down!
And yes, we listen to Acappella, Zoe and all that stuff as well.
What kind of investments are you making in your kids?
Thursday, April 26, 2007
Accountability; necessary or optional?
Here's a question: is being accountable to others optional for the believer? Is it only for those who are weak? Is it only for new Christians?
For me, being accountable was always optional. Until a few years ago. I've been in a pastor's accountability group for a about 3 years now. I can tell you - it's been one of the best things I have ever done! I don't know how I got by without it.
Here are the list of things that we have agreed to be accountable to each other for: pray for one hour a day; half hour of devo reading in the Bible every day; pray with our wives three times a week; read 20 pages of a Christian book, excercise three times a week for thirty minutes, review our personal and ministry goals twice a week; pray for our congregations by name every week; send in a report every Monday morning on how I did on the covenant the week before!
There are over 100 "one another" verses in the NT alone. Much of them have been ignored. Especially the ones like "confess your sins one to another".
I hope that you are accountable to someone who know and trust. It will make a huge difference in your walk with Christ. We have shyed away from accountability in the churches of Christ, partly because of the abuses that we saw in the Boston movement. But that doesn't mean that we shouldn't be accountable! It is a Biblical idea.
We all need accountability. I know I do. Are you accountable to anyone?
For me, being accountable was always optional. Until a few years ago. I've been in a pastor's accountability group for a about 3 years now. I can tell you - it's been one of the best things I have ever done! I don't know how I got by without it.
Here are the list of things that we have agreed to be accountable to each other for: pray for one hour a day; half hour of devo reading in the Bible every day; pray with our wives three times a week; read 20 pages of a Christian book, excercise three times a week for thirty minutes, review our personal and ministry goals twice a week; pray for our congregations by name every week; send in a report every Monday morning on how I did on the covenant the week before!
There are over 100 "one another" verses in the NT alone. Much of them have been ignored. Especially the ones like "confess your sins one to another".
I hope that you are accountable to someone who know and trust. It will make a huge difference in your walk with Christ. We have shyed away from accountability in the churches of Christ, partly because of the abuses that we saw in the Boston movement. But that doesn't mean that we shouldn't be accountable! It is a Biblical idea.
We all need accountability. I know I do. Are you accountable to anyone?
Monday, April 23, 2007
Trying to work the angles of ministry
Gotta tell you a quick story. We usually have several first time guest every Sunday. Yesterday was no exception. One of our guests was asking one of our members who could take communion because she had noticed the communion trays on the table. My daughter, who is only seven, overhead the question and decided that, as the minister's daughter, she needed to answer it. She piped up, "Oh, that's only for the Batpists!" (She meant for only those that are baptized!). Out of the mouths of babes.
Recently I was asking a fellow "pastor" in town about his schedule. He said that he takes at least a half a day to just be with the Lord. A time of prayer; a time of quiet time with the Lord. I'm now trying to take that to heart. It's funny; as full-time ministers you would think that would be an easy thing to do. It's not.
Haven't we lost our way when the minister is too "busy" - saddled with "running" the church, to take a half a day a week just to be with the Lord? Too many appointments; too many activities; too much "stuff". We've become more like CEO's than spiritual directors (or spiritual reflectors).
Eugene Peterson really helped me to see what the pastor's work is in his book "Working the Angle's". He says that ministry has three "angles": Prayer, Scripture, Spiritual Direction. Great book if you haven't read it. I have re-taken his words as things I need to practice!
What I've done lately is just to say "that time is blocked off" - or "I have a standing appointment". I'm learning to protect my time to be with the Lord. Some weeks it still doesn't work out. Now, I really miss it when I don't get it!
I'm just a minister who is struggling to spend less time in the "office" and more time on the "mountian". Can you relate?
Recently I was asking a fellow "pastor" in town about his schedule. He said that he takes at least a half a day to just be with the Lord. A time of prayer; a time of quiet time with the Lord. I'm now trying to take that to heart. It's funny; as full-time ministers you would think that would be an easy thing to do. It's not.
Haven't we lost our way when the minister is too "busy" - saddled with "running" the church, to take a half a day a week just to be with the Lord? Too many appointments; too many activities; too much "stuff". We've become more like CEO's than spiritual directors (or spiritual reflectors).
Eugene Peterson really helped me to see what the pastor's work is in his book "Working the Angle's". He says that ministry has three "angles": Prayer, Scripture, Spiritual Direction. Great book if you haven't read it. I have re-taken his words as things I need to practice!
What I've done lately is just to say "that time is blocked off" - or "I have a standing appointment". I'm learning to protect my time to be with the Lord. Some weeks it still doesn't work out. Now, I really miss it when I don't get it!
I'm just a minister who is struggling to spend less time in the "office" and more time on the "mountian". Can you relate?
Saturday, April 21, 2007
Amazing Grace - the movie
Wow! The list of movies that entertain and elighten you are rare. Amazing Grace is such a movie. If it is still playing in your area, make this a must see movie. It's been a long time since I heard an audience applaud a movie. I wasn't aware of the story of Willaim Wilbaforce (might not be spelling that right) and his fight to end the slave trade in Great Britan.
I've been praying for God to open doors for me to be more active in the community. Today I dedicated the Healing Field in West Jordan. It is dedicated to the memory of abused children. BACCA (Bikers Against Child Abuse) was there all decked out in the black leather. I had a chance to talk with the national director of BACCA. I don't think you won't to mess what that dude. In May I've been asked to be on the program for the National Day of Prayer. The West Jordan Chamber of Commerce (of which our church is a member) has asked me to create a team of churches to do a community service project for the city. Be careful of what you prayer for, God just might answer your prayer!
I've been praying for God to open doors for me to be more active in the community. Today I dedicated the Healing Field in West Jordan. It is dedicated to the memory of abused children. BACCA (Bikers Against Child Abuse) was there all decked out in the black leather. I had a chance to talk with the national director of BACCA. I don't think you won't to mess what that dude. In May I've been asked to be on the program for the National Day of Prayer. The West Jordan Chamber of Commerce (of which our church is a member) has asked me to create a team of churches to do a community service project for the city. Be careful of what you prayer for, God just might answer your prayer!
Friday, April 20, 2007
TGIF
TGIF!
I'm hoping to finally see "Amazing Grace" tonight! Another movie with a Christian theme is "The Ultimate Gift". Several people I know saw and told me that it was very powerful movie. "The Last Sin Eater" comes out on DVD May 15th. Looking forward to that.
I wish all the best to Mitch Mustain, the most higly recurited quarterback in Arkansas history, who just announced that he will transfer to USC. Wished it would have worked out with the Hogs, but it was not meant to be I guess.
Its time to watch the NBA again. Don't watch much in the regular season but I do start watching in the playoffs. For the first time in three years the Utah Jazz are back in the post season! I think they'lll beat Houston in six. Dallas and Phoenix look awfully tough.
For the first time, Willow Creek will beam its Leadership Summit to a church here in Salt Lake City. I've watched it on DVD many times. Really looking forward to watching it live. Great stuff. Love to hear Bill Hybels speak on leadership. He always has a great line up of speakers.
Have a great weekend. May your tribe have a good day on Sunday.
I'm hoping to finally see "Amazing Grace" tonight! Another movie with a Christian theme is "The Ultimate Gift". Several people I know saw and told me that it was very powerful movie. "The Last Sin Eater" comes out on DVD May 15th. Looking forward to that.
I wish all the best to Mitch Mustain, the most higly recurited quarterback in Arkansas history, who just announced that he will transfer to USC. Wished it would have worked out with the Hogs, but it was not meant to be I guess.
Its time to watch the NBA again. Don't watch much in the regular season but I do start watching in the playoffs. For the first time in three years the Utah Jazz are back in the post season! I think they'lll beat Houston in six. Dallas and Phoenix look awfully tough.
For the first time, Willow Creek will beam its Leadership Summit to a church here in Salt Lake City. I've watched it on DVD many times. Really looking forward to watching it live. Great stuff. Love to hear Bill Hybels speak on leadership. He always has a great line up of speakers.
Have a great weekend. May your tribe have a good day on Sunday.
Wednesday, April 18, 2007
Ricky Skaggs comin' to Salt Lake!
Our hearts go out to the community of Virgina Tech. Senseless. Absolutely senseless. We do live in a fallen world.
Got my tickets today for the Ricky Skagss and Kentucky Thunder concert here in Salt Lake on July 8. Well, a Red Butte member told me today that he would get me a ticket since he can buy them early. Really looking forward to that! I've never seen him in concert. Other artists I would love to see in concert but haven't: Casting Crowns, Mercy Me, Blue Highway, Chris Tomlin, to name a few. How 'bout you?
My daughter will be home from Oklahoma Christian in just a few weeks. Looking forward to having her home for the summer. This may be her last time to be home for the summer. She wants to intern for a church next summer. Not many churches in Utah that hire summer interns! We will cherish the time this summer.
It is snowing as I write this. Love a good spring snow storm. Two years ago it snowed in June! That was wild.
Got my tickets today for the Ricky Skagss and Kentucky Thunder concert here in Salt Lake on July 8. Well, a Red Butte member told me today that he would get me a ticket since he can buy them early. Really looking forward to that! I've never seen him in concert. Other artists I would love to see in concert but haven't: Casting Crowns, Mercy Me, Blue Highway, Chris Tomlin, to name a few. How 'bout you?
My daughter will be home from Oklahoma Christian in just a few weeks. Looking forward to having her home for the summer. This may be her last time to be home for the summer. She wants to intern for a church next summer. Not many churches in Utah that hire summer interns! We will cherish the time this summer.
It is snowing as I write this. Love a good spring snow storm. Two years ago it snowed in June! That was wild.
Tuesday, April 17, 2007
A Preacher's Addiction
I felt a little pain of guilt when I encouraged you to go and buy the book "Simple Church". Although it I throughly enjoyed the read, I may have played the role of "pusher". You see, I feel that I have an addiction - not to any drug - but to books. To be more specific, I have an addiction of buying books.
I don't read all the books I buy. I think I will at the time of purchase. The truth is many books sit on my shelf unread. But - I keep buying new ones. Maybe by encouraging you to buy "Simple Church" that perhaps I was encouraging you do join me in my addictive behavior.
One of my goals this year is to quit buying new books until I have my "to read" pile finished. As soon as I say that, I'll do that after I buy this one book! That is the cycle of addictive behavior.
You know you want to quit the behavior, you just can't.
I think preachers have lots of such addictions that we need to clear ourselves of. What's your addiction?
That reminds me . . . bought a new book this morning on leadership. No, I really did! It was with a gift card. Does it count?
I don't read all the books I buy. I think I will at the time of purchase. The truth is many books sit on my shelf unread. But - I keep buying new ones. Maybe by encouraging you to buy "Simple Church" that perhaps I was encouraging you do join me in my addictive behavior.
One of my goals this year is to quit buying new books until I have my "to read" pile finished. As soon as I say that, I'll do that after I buy this one book! That is the cycle of addictive behavior.
You know you want to quit the behavior, you just can't.
I think preachers have lots of such addictions that we need to clear ourselves of. What's your addiction?
That reminds me . . . bought a new book this morning on leadership. No, I really did! It was with a gift card. Does it count?
Monday, April 16, 2007
Simple Church, part 2
More on the simple church . . .
A simlple church is different from a complext church in four areas: clairty, movement, alignment, focus.
Clarity is the ability of the process to be communicated and understood by the people. Before the process can be clear to the church, it must first clear to the leaders. Is your process clear? (Do you have a process or does it "just happen"?)
Movement is defined by Rainer as "sequential steps in the process that cause people to move to greater areas of commitment. " Simple church leaders design a ministry process where the programs are placed as tools along the process. Does your church have a ministry process???
Alignment is the arrangement of all ministries and staff around the same simple process.
Focus is the commitment to abandon everything that falls outside of the simple ministry process. Simple churches abandon all that is outside of the simple process because it threatens to steal attention and energy from what has been determined as necessary.
One of the points the writers make that struck a cord with me is how a church counts success. Most of us count things "vertical". In other words, we just cound the attendance of that activity and decide whether is was a "success" or not. Simple churches, who have a clear process of making disciples, count "horizontal". How do your count "horizontal"? You count those in assembly, those in small groups, and those who are active in ministry. If they have huge numbers in the assembly, but very few in small groups, then they are not being successful! If they grow in one area but not in another - they take a hard look at the process and figure out what is not working. I love that!
You know a good book by the amount you are highlighting. I know that I'm not doing this book justice, but I hope that I've wet your appetite enough to get a copy of this book and read it for yourself.
A simlple church is different from a complext church in four areas: clairty, movement, alignment, focus.
Clarity is the ability of the process to be communicated and understood by the people. Before the process can be clear to the church, it must first clear to the leaders. Is your process clear? (Do you have a process or does it "just happen"?)
Movement is defined by Rainer as "sequential steps in the process that cause people to move to greater areas of commitment. " Simple church leaders design a ministry process where the programs are placed as tools along the process. Does your church have a ministry process???
Alignment is the arrangement of all ministries and staff around the same simple process.
Focus is the commitment to abandon everything that falls outside of the simple ministry process. Simple churches abandon all that is outside of the simple process because it threatens to steal attention and energy from what has been determined as necessary.
One of the points the writers make that struck a cord with me is how a church counts success. Most of us count things "vertical". In other words, we just cound the attendance of that activity and decide whether is was a "success" or not. Simple churches, who have a clear process of making disciples, count "horizontal". How do your count "horizontal"? You count those in assembly, those in small groups, and those who are active in ministry. If they have huge numbers in the assembly, but very few in small groups, then they are not being successful! If they grow in one area but not in another - they take a hard look at the process and figure out what is not working. I love that!
You know a good book by the amount you are highlighting. I know that I'm not doing this book justice, but I hope that I've wet your appetite enough to get a copy of this book and read it for yourself.
Sunday, April 15, 2007
Construction Pictures
You can see pictures of the construction of our new building on Southside's website at www.southsidechurchutah.org It will be a 30,000 square foot building complete with a family life center and six acres to grow on! This week will be the rough plumbing.
Just started a series of sermons on Malachi. Everyone (including me) was fasinated by a teaching from this little read book. I was inspired by a series preached by Bill Hybels. Hopefully, we have figured out how to link our sermons on our website in a day or two. I'll let you know.
Tomorrow we will continue our discussion of the simple church.
Just started a series of sermons on Malachi. Everyone (including me) was fasinated by a teaching from this little read book. I was inspired by a series preached by Bill Hybels. Hopefully, we have figured out how to link our sermons on our website in a day or two. I'll let you know.
Tomorrow we will continue our discussion of the simple church.
Thursday, April 12, 2007
Simple Church
I have really been enjoying reading "Simple Church" by Tom Ranier and Eric Geiger. They have this quote on the inside cover , "Relax. This book is not about another church model."
The writers make a distinction between a complex church and a simple church. In a simple church, everything fits together to produce life change. In other words, a simple church is all about PROCESS. In a complex church, nothing fits together - but they are busy! It's all about the PROGRAMS. Leaders compete for volunteers, budget money and time.
In a complex church, promotion of events occupies a lot of time. Ministers spend a lot of time organizing events and begging people to come. The effectiveness of the church is judged based on how events are attended! (Ouch, that hurt!) Registration is low; frustration is very high.
In a simple church, processing people as disciples occupies the time. The staff uses their time to organize and promote activities that are within the process. People are not bombarded with too many options on programming. Registration is high; frustrations are low.
The writers note that their research shows that almost every church that is growing is a simple church. Virtally no complex churches are growing!
Is your church simple or complex?
We will continue this discussion . . . .
The writers make a distinction between a complex church and a simple church. In a simple church, everything fits together to produce life change. In other words, a simple church is all about PROCESS. In a complex church, nothing fits together - but they are busy! It's all about the PROGRAMS. Leaders compete for volunteers, budget money and time.
In a complex church, promotion of events occupies a lot of time. Ministers spend a lot of time organizing events and begging people to come. The effectiveness of the church is judged based on how events are attended! (Ouch, that hurt!) Registration is low; frustration is very high.
In a simple church, processing people as disciples occupies the time. The staff uses their time to organize and promote activities that are within the process. People are not bombarded with too many options on programming. Registration is high; frustrations are low.
The writers note that their research shows that almost every church that is growing is a simple church. Virtally no complex churches are growing!
Is your church simple or complex?
We will continue this discussion . . . .
Wednesday, April 11, 2007
Who Feeds You?
Who feeds you spiritually? This question is primarily aimed at preachers, I guess. I know that we feed the flock in sermons, classes and one on one studies - but who feeds you God's Word? Where do you go to get your nurishment?
I'm taking for granted that you spend time in the word outside of your study time for sermons and classes. Or, I hope you are! We cannot just study the Bible for "lessons". We, too, need time to read it devotionally. Just for our souls. Do you do that? Honestly?
So, it taking that for "granted" - who feeds you? Let me share a few who regulary feed me. Here, I'm thinking more of preaching than I am reading books. Who are the preachers that feed you - the preacher?
I love to hear Bill Hybels preach! The man reaches down to my soul and fills my tank. Andy Stanley always inspires me. His passion for communicating the Bible to seekers is amazing. Rick Atchley always teaches me something and challenges me at the same time. Randy Harris always has a new spin on an old topic - and he makes it new! A true gift. Love to hear him on the area of spiritual disciplines. Mainly because I know he lives them out. I love to hear Chuck Swindoll - you always get a great story! I love his conversational style.
I love podcasting on iTunes because you can now download for free literally thousands of great sermons! Download them on your PC. Put them on your iPod and take a walk with a great sermon in your ears! (It's a great work out for your body and your soul!)
Who feeds you?
I'm taking for granted that you spend time in the word outside of your study time for sermons and classes. Or, I hope you are! We cannot just study the Bible for "lessons". We, too, need time to read it devotionally. Just for our souls. Do you do that? Honestly?
So, it taking that for "granted" - who feeds you? Let me share a few who regulary feed me. Here, I'm thinking more of preaching than I am reading books. Who are the preachers that feed you - the preacher?
I love to hear Bill Hybels preach! The man reaches down to my soul and fills my tank. Andy Stanley always inspires me. His passion for communicating the Bible to seekers is amazing. Rick Atchley always teaches me something and challenges me at the same time. Randy Harris always has a new spin on an old topic - and he makes it new! A true gift. Love to hear him on the area of spiritual disciplines. Mainly because I know he lives them out. I love to hear Chuck Swindoll - you always get a great story! I love his conversational style.
I love podcasting on iTunes because you can now download for free literally thousands of great sermons! Download them on your PC. Put them on your iPod and take a walk with a great sermon in your ears! (It's a great work out for your body and your soul!)
Who feeds you?
Thursday, April 05, 2007
Core Values
Last Saturday at our leadershership retreat we renewed our core values for Southside. Here's what we came up with:
To be a Christ centered fellowship. We want to take the example of Jesus seriously. Not as easy as it sounds. Jesus said and did a lot of things that make us uncomfortable.
We want to be a Bible centered fellowship. We want our preaching and teaching to come from God's Word. We want to be anchored in the Word, not in tradition. Again, not as easy as it sounds - but that is what we desire to do!
A House of Prayer. We want our church life to reflect the value that prayer is paramount in both our individual and cooporate lives.
We love children. Jesus loved children, and so do we! Children are not the church of tomorrow; they are the church of today!
To be a family. We want people to be drawn to Christ because of our love for each other.
I know that those core values aren't very original but I do believe they are life changing. What are the core values of your fellowship?
To be a Christ centered fellowship. We want to take the example of Jesus seriously. Not as easy as it sounds. Jesus said and did a lot of things that make us uncomfortable.
We want to be a Bible centered fellowship. We want our preaching and teaching to come from God's Word. We want to be anchored in the Word, not in tradition. Again, not as easy as it sounds - but that is what we desire to do!
A House of Prayer. We want our church life to reflect the value that prayer is paramount in both our individual and cooporate lives.
We love children. Jesus loved children, and so do we! Children are not the church of tomorrow; they are the church of today!
To be a family. We want people to be drawn to Christ because of our love for each other.
I know that those core values aren't very original but I do believe they are life changing. What are the core values of your fellowship?
Wednesday, April 04, 2007
Reaching a goal!
Good-bye Dana! Dana Altman decided to go back to Creighton after being the Razorback coach for 24 hours. Wow! Back to the drawing board for the 'Backs. Who now?
The new CD by Alison Krauss: Five Star! This new "collection" are songs that have never appeared on a "Alison Krauss" CD before - but have been on soundtracks and other artists CD's. If you are a fan of Krauss (and who's not?), you must add this to your collection.
Reading "Simple Church" by Tom Rainer. Goes along very well with Andy Stanley's "7 Practices of Effective Ministry". I would highly recommend both reads.
I've reached one of my goals! On January 2nd I weighed 180. When I weighed this morning, the scale said 159! I think its a sad when you see a bunch of preachers who are fat and out of shape. What kind of example is that? The words discipline and disciple are almost the same word. How can we preach the need for discipline when we ourselves are not?
Our next "Kings Reader's Book Club" selection is the old classic, 'This Present Darkness" by Frank Peretti. It's the book that really got Christian fiction off the ground. Can't wait to read it again.
The new CD by Alison Krauss: Five Star! This new "collection" are songs that have never appeared on a "Alison Krauss" CD before - but have been on soundtracks and other artists CD's. If you are a fan of Krauss (and who's not?), you must add this to your collection.
Reading "Simple Church" by Tom Rainer. Goes along very well with Andy Stanley's "7 Practices of Effective Ministry". I would highly recommend both reads.
I've reached one of my goals! On January 2nd I weighed 180. When I weighed this morning, the scale said 159! I think its a sad when you see a bunch of preachers who are fat and out of shape. What kind of example is that? The words discipline and disciple are almost the same word. How can we preach the need for discipline when we ourselves are not?
Our next "Kings Reader's Book Club" selection is the old classic, 'This Present Darkness" by Frank Peretti. It's the book that really got Christian fiction off the ground. Can't wait to read it again.
Monday, April 02, 2007
A few ramblings
Well, not to brag, but I had Florida winning the National Championship. Another SEC team takes it all!
Arkansas hired a new head basketball coach today - Dana Altman from Creighton. Altman was 2-7 in the NCAA tournament. Didn't Arkansas fire Stan Heath because he was unsuccessful in the NCAA tourney? In his press conference, Altman said that he loves to press the whole game! Now, I like the sound of that. Was curious to learn that Creighton was 11th in the country in attendance average! That's good. We'll have to wait and see how this works out.
Alison Krauss' new CD comes out today. This will be her second "collection". A new Krauss CD is always cause for celebration. I'll download it from iTunes and let you know how great it is.
Kevin Hooper has accepted our invitation to come and partner with us in ministry here at the Southside Church in the area of Associate Ministry. I'm really excited to have Kevin and his wonderful family to come an join us. He will begin here on Sept.1st.
Arkansas hired a new head basketball coach today - Dana Altman from Creighton. Altman was 2-7 in the NCAA tournament. Didn't Arkansas fire Stan Heath because he was unsuccessful in the NCAA tourney? In his press conference, Altman said that he loves to press the whole game! Now, I like the sound of that. Was curious to learn that Creighton was 11th in the country in attendance average! That's good. We'll have to wait and see how this works out.
Alison Krauss' new CD comes out today. This will be her second "collection". A new Krauss CD is always cause for celebration. I'll download it from iTunes and let you know how great it is.
Kevin Hooper has accepted our invitation to come and partner with us in ministry here at the Southside Church in the area of Associate Ministry. I'm really excited to have Kevin and his wonderful family to come an join us. He will begin here on Sept.1st.
Friday, March 30, 2007
A Building Merry Go Round
We have broken ground on our new building. We should be in it by Sept.1.
Valley Christian Church is buying our building. Their minister is Kent Turpin. Kent was raised LDS here in the valley. He was baptized at Southside about 15 years ago. It was Kent's dream to preach. He had preached for us about once a month. He then preached part time for the Orem Church of Christ for several years. I recommended Kent for the full time job at valley about 3 years ago.
And now, Kent comes back "home" with his church! I love it when people are equipped for ministry then sent out to do ministry!
Why don't we do this more often? The job description of leaders is to equipp people for ministry. We need to do more mentoring in the kindgom.
It is one of my dreams of Southside that we become so effective at equipping people for ministry that we will add to our full time staff in the future from within. A person would be taught, discipled, equipped for ministry, and all within the local body. Is that possible?
It was in the first century.
A great footnote to this story: A good friend of mine, Scott Warren, is here planting a Baptist church. His group is buying Valley's building! Everyone wins! I think God smiles when his people work together!
Valley Christian Church is buying our building. Their minister is Kent Turpin. Kent was raised LDS here in the valley. He was baptized at Southside about 15 years ago. It was Kent's dream to preach. He had preached for us about once a month. He then preached part time for the Orem Church of Christ for several years. I recommended Kent for the full time job at valley about 3 years ago.
And now, Kent comes back "home" with his church! I love it when people are equipped for ministry then sent out to do ministry!
Why don't we do this more often? The job description of leaders is to equipp people for ministry. We need to do more mentoring in the kindgom.
It is one of my dreams of Southside that we become so effective at equipping people for ministry that we will add to our full time staff in the future from within. A person would be taught, discipled, equipped for ministry, and all within the local body. Is that possible?
It was in the first century.
A great footnote to this story: A good friend of mine, Scott Warren, is here planting a Baptist church. His group is buying Valley's building! Everyone wins! I think God smiles when his people work together!
Wednesday, March 28, 2007
Baptism stories from this past Sunday
Sunday, Meita and Mindy were baptized in our second assembly. Meita is the mother; Mindy is her daughter. Their first Sunday with us was Feb.4th - our F.A.N. Day (Friends And Neighbors). Patrick invited his neighbors. They came! And came. And came. And now, they have made Jesus Christ the Lord of their lives! The power of an invitation! A simple, "Can you come with this Sunday?" "Come to small group with me?" Never underestimate it!
Susan was also baptized into Christ, along with two of her children. Susan comes from an conservative LDS background. She has baptized three times in the LDS (each time her family moved, they ask her to be re-baptized into "their" group). She said, "I just want to owned by Christ!" What a beautiful statement. We didn't ask her to be baptized; she came to this decision by a moving of the Holy Spirit.
It was a great Sunday!
Susan was also baptized into Christ, along with two of her children. Susan comes from an conservative LDS background. She has baptized three times in the LDS (each time her family moved, they ask her to be re-baptized into "their" group). She said, "I just want to owned by Christ!" What a beautiful statement. We didn't ask her to be baptized; she came to this decision by a moving of the Holy Spirit.
It was a great Sunday!
Tuesday, March 27, 2007
Back to Blogging
Several have asked me to pick up the blog again. I admit; I got discouraged with the lack of comments. (I confess; I read Cope's blog with 65 comments and I compared and found me lacking). I always seem to be doing that - this game of comparing. I compare my church attendance, baptisms, programs, salary - against other ministers, churches. Do you ever do that? When you come out ahead - you feel better; when you come out on the short end of the stick - you feel like a looser.
SO - we begin anew with a new mindset. I'll just do my thing and not compare this blog with anyone else's blog. In fact, I'm beginning to do that with other areas - I'm not going to compare my family, my church, my ministry with anyone else. Okay. There is a lot of peace in that kind of decision!
Just finished reading "And The Shofar Blew" by Francine Rivers. Every minister should read this book! It is the story of a man building a mega church and the effects it has on him. Very powerful.
Also reading "Simple Church" by Tom Rainer. Great book. Our small group is reading "The Jesus I Never Knew" by Philip Yancey. Wow. The leadership book I'm reading right now is "The 360 Degree Leader" by John Maxwell. What are you currently reading?
Our new small group is a book club. We have about a dozen who have signed up! Our first book was "The Last Sin Eater" by Francine Rivers. Great book! Our next book is a classic - "This Present Darkness" by Frank Peretti. Seems a good way to promote the reading of Christian function. The response has been encouraging.
Welcome back to the blog.
SO - we begin anew with a new mindset. I'll just do my thing and not compare this blog with anyone else's blog. In fact, I'm beginning to do that with other areas - I'm not going to compare my family, my church, my ministry with anyone else. Okay. There is a lot of peace in that kind of decision!
Just finished reading "And The Shofar Blew" by Francine Rivers. Every minister should read this book! It is the story of a man building a mega church and the effects it has on him. Very powerful.
Also reading "Simple Church" by Tom Rainer. Great book. Our small group is reading "The Jesus I Never Knew" by Philip Yancey. Wow. The leadership book I'm reading right now is "The 360 Degree Leader" by John Maxwell. What are you currently reading?
Our new small group is a book club. We have about a dozen who have signed up! Our first book was "The Last Sin Eater" by Francine Rivers. Great book! Our next book is a classic - "This Present Darkness" by Frank Peretti. Seems a good way to promote the reading of Christian function. The response has been encouraging.
Welcome back to the blog.
Thursday, February 08, 2007
Lots to catch up on!
Can't believe I haven't blogged since December! We've got some catching up to do -
Finally saw "Facing The Giants". Very, very good movie. Five star. Right now I'm reading several books - "Prayer" by Philip Yancey and "The Last Sin Eater" by Francine Rivers. Both are excellent reads so far. In fact, "Sin Eater" is a new movie which begins tomorrow. I'm seeing it with a friend who recommended the book to me. Looking forward to that.
Was at a Pastor's Prayer Summit last week in Park City. Instead of teaching on prayer, each three hour session was time of guided prayer. The highlight for me was a foot washing time. I had never been a part of one in my whole life. A very moving experience. And way, way out of my comfort zone!
We are now taking resumes during the month of February for an associate minister. If you know of a good man who would love an opportunity to work outside the Bible belt - have them send a resume to: southsidesearch@gmail.com
We break ground on our new facility in a few weeks! An exciting, yet scary time. One of the neat things that God is doing in this process is the that Kent Turpin, the minister at Valley Christian Church (the church that is buying our current building), was baptized at Southside about 20 years ago! Now, that's a God thing! Kent is excited to be coming home as he puts it.
Going to a prescreening of "Amazing Grace" Monday night. Amazing Grace is a new movie about the story of the writing of the great hymn. Should be inspiring.
Turned 49 on Tuesday. Where has the time gone?
Finally saw "Facing The Giants". Very, very good movie. Five star. Right now I'm reading several books - "Prayer" by Philip Yancey and "The Last Sin Eater" by Francine Rivers. Both are excellent reads so far. In fact, "Sin Eater" is a new movie which begins tomorrow. I'm seeing it with a friend who recommended the book to me. Looking forward to that.
Was at a Pastor's Prayer Summit last week in Park City. Instead of teaching on prayer, each three hour session was time of guided prayer. The highlight for me was a foot washing time. I had never been a part of one in my whole life. A very moving experience. And way, way out of my comfort zone!
We are now taking resumes during the month of February for an associate minister. If you know of a good man who would love an opportunity to work outside the Bible belt - have them send a resume to: southsidesearch@gmail.com
We break ground on our new facility in a few weeks! An exciting, yet scary time. One of the neat things that God is doing in this process is the that Kent Turpin, the minister at Valley Christian Church (the church that is buying our current building), was baptized at Southside about 20 years ago! Now, that's a God thing! Kent is excited to be coming home as he puts it.
Going to a prescreening of "Amazing Grace" Monday night. Amazing Grace is a new movie about the story of the writing of the great hymn. Should be inspiring.
Turned 49 on Tuesday. Where has the time gone?
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