I. The Draft brings a new twist to it. I liked it. Though the hosts, and the analyzing I could of done without.
II. There should of been also an old alumni All-Star Draft ... imagine Team Wayne Versus Team Mario?
(They don't have to play but would be interesting to see who those guys draft and do a computer style game with social media people partaking ... just a thought and have them there as well during the SuperSkills Day)
II. The Skills competition was great. I got to see some of it. Ovie just is hilarious.
III. The Game itself was amusing. High scoring game. (I don't suspect a shutout any time soon)
Having Jeff Skinner there was GREAT. I think it helped celebrate what the NHL is all about.
Here are some thoughts:
I. Be good to celebrate the History of the NHL.
II. Have online broadcast as well. Not everyone has Versus.
III. Be good to have Sid and Ovie on the same team, wouldn't it?
Think it did well in Raleigh. I am kicking myself for not going. I've been to an NHL Draft, playoff games, the Hall of Fame, and eventually would love to go to an All-Star Game. (wonder if they have any pucks with 2011 All-Star Game left? Would love one for my collection)
Here is a profile I've been working on for Hagerstown, Maryland to possible prospective candidates for our next Staff position. (A Work in process)
Our Community
For the past few decades, families and businesses have been choosing Hagertown, Maryland as their home.
Hagertown, Maryland is near what is called the Tri-state area. Maryland, West Virginia, and Pennsylvania. In fact we have people from three different states (MD, PA, WVA) attend our services each week. We are located off the Interstates of I-70 and I-81. We are a bedroom community and only an hour away from major cities like: Baltimore and Washington D.C.. The area’s climate is seasonal. You can get to the Lakes of Deep Creek or go to the beach in Ocean City. We are also near the mid-point of the Appalachian Trial. Today, Hagerstown is a vital residential and commercial center, brimming with national recognition and unique community activities.
Helpful Websites:
According to the latest public census, Hagerstown is unofficially the Sixth largest city in Maryland with a population of 75,000. The area has an average age of 35 years and approximately 50% of Hagertown’s population is married with children. 73% of the population have a high school degree or above.
Transportation
Aviation –With nearby Hagerstown airport and Reagan, Dulles, and BWI – you can fly anywhere.
Rail – Nicknamed the Hub City.
Newspapers
The Hagerstown area is serviced by the daily newspaper, the Herald News.
Hospitals
Hagerstown and the surrounding area have some of the finest medial-practice and research facilities
in the world. Hagerstown just opened up a brand new hospital: Meritus Medical Center.
Everyday, people stream into the region from areas around the nation and the world in search of top-notch medical care.
There are six (6) major full service hospitals in the area: Meritus Medical Center, Waynesboro, City Hospital, Chambersburg, Frederick Healthcare, and Western Maryland Medical Center. There are
psychiatric help through Brook Lane. Other nearby Medical Facilities include: John Hopkins, Sinai, and the University of Maryland, and Shady Grove.
School Systems
The Washington County school system is recognized as a national leader not only in academic achievement, but in technology, accountability, school choice, character education, leadership, school security, finance and over-all operations. There are 47 public schools. The Superintendent was named 2010 Superintendent of the year. The dropout rate is 1.56% one of the lowest in the nation.
There are numerous Christian private schools located in the city of Hagerstown and surrounding areas
Including: Broadfording Christian Academy, Grace Academy, Highland ViewAcademy, and Heritage Academy.
Shopping Centers
The county has shopping opportunities that rival some of the Country’s largest urban centers. The area
offers an indoor malls at the Valley Mall. Longmeadow plaza is the north end of town. And then there is the Prime Outlets off of I-70 with many more shopping areas planned in the future.
Major highways
Hagerstown , long labeled nicknamed “The Hub City”, offers travelers and local citizens safe and convenient
Highways. The major interstates and highways located near Hagerstown are I-70, I-81, I-68, I-270.
Type of Local Government
The City of Hagerstown has many boards, commissions and committees, which report to the City Council.
The City staff plays an important role in the operation of these boards and commissions.
The City’s elected officials are:
Mayor Robert E. Bruchey II
Council Members:
William M. Breichner, Martin E. Brubaker, Forrest W. Easton, Ashley C. Haywood,
Lewis C. Metzner
Average Economic Level
Hagerstown and surrounding Washington County, Maryland are at the strategic crossroads of the Mid-Atlantic region. There is no more affordable, better-connected place for business—with a skilled and educated workforce and a quality of life that combines the best of small-town America with close proximity to the nation’s biggest metropolitan areas.
Major Industries
Hagerstown’s pro-business atmosphere has landed an impressive list of companies, including:Volvo, First Data, Brethen Mutual Insurance, Maryland Paper, Netconn Solutions, Review and Herald Publishing Association
However, just a matter of a couple of miles away, either in Martinsburg, Greencastle,, or Baltimore and D.C. or better known as the Tri State Area., the area has become known as the Hub City. Where one can go east and west to major cities or even North and South.
Nearest Colleges
Nicknamed the Hub City, Hagerstown offers much in vastly different careers. Despite its semi-rural western Maryland setting, Hagerstown is a center of transit and commerce. With several interstates running through the town, Hagerstown is the chief commercial and industrial hub for a great Tri-State Area that includes much of western Maryland as well as south central Pennsylvania and eastern panhandle of West Virginia. Students can also find a number of colleges or universities in Hagerstown and surrounding areas. These include: Hagerstown Community College, Shepherd, Frost, WVA, UMD.
What other things do you think I should include? We have the Suns, an Ice Complex and many other resources including Little League being a Big impact here. There is lots happening here in Washington County, MD.
So what criteria does one Use to evaluate Vacation Bible School?
One of our church leaders, and I went to a VBS seminar. (Basically an informercial for VBS)
And here is some of the criteria we used:
I. Do we like the Theme?
II. Is the theme too simple or too complex for the children we have?
III. Is the curriculum itself sound doctrinally? (Or will we have teachers that can make it so?)
IV. Are the crafts easy or too costly? (Do we have to buy from them alone?)
V. How complex are the Snacks?
VI. What about the Music? Is it reproducible or do we have to buy each individual CD for each child?
VII. Can the different themes, stations be used on a rotating basis; and can this curriculum be used later on?
We had 5 presenters of Group, Standard, Gospel Light Lifeway. and Group again.
Here are some of the thoughts we had:
I. Group's Pandamania. Seemed like a lot of hype but seemed too simple and costly. Did like the ""Watch for God" bracelet.
II. Standard's Main Street. Not sure on the connection made. The analogy of parables to younger elementary kids might not get ideas like gratitude, compassion, and other 50 cent words ... Also had cooking station which seemed to convey "Germ Factory" to me. Though cool thing I liked was the pen ... I mean really ...it had the Bible lessons, and the themes of each day rolled up all in one.
III. Gospel Light's Sonsurf Beach Bash. This was pretty straight forward. No gimmicks. The presenter even mentioned about using all the publishing houses represented - throughout the year. Showed video and basically had their catalogue. Mentioned about being economically affordable and even using Oriental Trading and the Dollar Store for supplies (You don't hear that often from a person trying to sell their curriculum to you)
IV. Lifeway's Big Apple Adventure. Rather strange for them to be hosting this event and several glitches happened. Of course with lines like "The Big Apple, she's Easy ...." (I don't think the presenter even got that when she said that) and comparing it to being a Hot model. (I was like did I just hear that??) They did have some New York facts compared to Bible facts but seemed rather dorky and too much on NY emphasis rather than Bible. (I wonder if people in NY would use this theme too??)
(Though there was only 20 minutes for each one ..this presentation seemed longer ...and cut off the last speaker and no catalogue either ..disappointed) The Alphabet About Admit Believe Confess Discipleship, and Evangelism and Fun was there.
V. Hometown Nazareth. Where Jesus was a kid. (I saw a version of this in the 80s ...really it was a Bible tour of when Jesus was a kid. How do I know? Because I was a teen leader helping out at Sweets Corners Church leading their VBS in the 80s.). Felt bad that this person was cut off but did presentation afterwards (After presenting earlier). Loved this one. In fact this Fall before Advent, we're thinking of using this for our children's ministry to lead into our reading of when Jesus was a kid unto Christmas. We have the costumes, some of the supplies. The bandanas for each of the 12 tribes was cool. The story about the starfish was interesting too.
The Starfish Story:
Loren Eiseley, while writing his book The Unexpected Universe, was walking along the ocean in Costabel early one morning. It was shortly after a storm had subsided and as he continued walking, he noticed that thousands of starfish had been washed up on the beach. Ahead of him was a gigantic rainbow of incredible perfection shimmering into existence. At the base of the rainbow stooped a little boy, gazing fixedly at an object in the sand. Eventually, he flung the object far beyond the breaking surf.
Eiseley went up to him and asked, "Son, what are you doing?" The little boy answered, "I'm throwing starfish back into the sea because if I don't they're going to die." "But there are thousands of starfish. In the larger scheme of things you're not going to make much of a difference to all these starfish." The little boy looked up at him, stooped down again to pick up another starfish and, gently but quickly, flung it back into the ocean. "It's going to make a big difference to that one" he replied.
And then the presenter talked about the difference we can make in a child's life because of our VBS programs.
Some interesting stats that were cited that night were:
In the US - there are 262 000 VBS programs each year reaching 2.5 million children.
26% of decisions made for Jesus come as a result of VBS.
The Power Based Life book seemed more like one of those informercials. The author seems to have good intentions. The most interesting thing is about Mike Flynt's bio and how he came to be successful. Mike uses his own personal story and that of others to help encourage and help others be better in their life.
If I was new to the faith, needed some encouragement ...then this book is for you. The author defines what it means to be success by thinking it, having your soul prepared and making sure you are fit.
This all sounds good ... but in reality there are just many variables that also interfere with one having a "Power Based" Life. I can almost picture the author saying you can have the body, success and spirit life you always wanted ... and only for $19.95 plus shipping and handling.
If it was me, I'd skip this book and read the Word of God, the Bible ... and start the life change there.
This is a picture of my son's Tickle Me Elmo. I knew sooner or later he would give it up ... just not in this way nor in a way I thought any child would do.
I guess kids learn from each other. My son was recently given a gift (DS) from an older child. Well, my son knew a new born baby (Just a month old) that was a foster child. He basically (without being told or anything) said: "Dad, is it ok I give her my Elmo?" I was like "Are you sure?" I am Dad.
So this past Sunday ... not known to hardly anyone a small child received a gift from another that brought tears to my own eyes. Sure, Elmo isn't worth much ...but at one time he was everything to my son. Kind of reminds me of another gift. A gift given to each of us. God's Son ... much more valuable than any Elmo. Jesus the greatest gift given to us. A lesson not only from my own son, elmo, but what God continues to remind me. Be thankful for His Grace.
One of my more popular blog posts from Three years ago I decided to updated and revise (with the old and new post having proper working links) This was originally written Jan. 25, 2008.
1. What is the Church like? Demographics, style, who trying to reach, history of the church?
2. What is the youth program like? what style - PDYM, Family, etc.
3. What is the Senior Minister like? Style, reference, how does he work with others etc.
4. What is the Leadership Structure? Is it Ministry teams, committees, staff lead, eldership/deacons what?
5. What is the expectation of the youth minister? Is there a job description, contract? What is expected from the staff, leadership, parents, volunteers, youth?
6. How are evaluations done? What are the goals and objectives of the ministry? How are they measured?
7. What is the future and vision of the church? Of the youth program?
8. What does the package offer? Salary range, benefits, vacation etc.
9. What is the area like? Demographics of the area and households. Is it rural, urban, what is there to help the Kingdom grow?
10. How are the parents, volunteers and students? Is their input saught? How was the interim handled?
Some additional resources to consult:
How to Choose a Youth Pastor by Paul Borthwick
Your First Two Years in Youth Ministry – Doug Fields
Youth Ministry Management Tools – Olson, Elliot and Work.
Group Magazine Nov./Dec 2005 – 2005 Youth Ministry Salary Survey edition.
2006 Compensation Handbook for Church Staff - James F. Cobble & Richard R. Hammar
The Big Book of Job Descriptions – Gospel Light
Things They Didn’t Teach at Bible College but you really need to know about Youth Ministry – Todd Clark
Youth Ministry Handbook – Edward A. Trimmer.
What questions would you add? Any of these you wouldn't ask?
Church 3.0 is about the author inferring that the way we've been doing church has been wrong and we need to start over. The author seems to be on the same path as others in the "House Church" "Organic Church" movement.
Which isn't a bad thing ... the problem is discounting the multiplication factor being down in churches (Though he says it is addition only - which I'll disagree)
The two bigger issues of Cole's book is he says this is upgrades to the future ... the problem is it:
1. Discounts the role of the eldership in such. (Says homes and shared meal though 1 Cor. 11 tends for people to share a meal in their own homes so they not fight over eating the Lord's Table)
2. Discounts the usage of tools such as buildings, procedures etc. can have on the community. I agree that it's all about the presence of Christ, not programs, policies, buildings and budgets .... But let's not discount those tools of which can help lead people to Christ.
There tends to be much wrong in the thinking of Church 3.0 as if it can and should arrive. I'm thinking Church 2.0 can skip 3.0 and Just BE THE CHURCH God called it to be.
If it wasn't for a required reading for my local ministers' group ... I might of just skipped this book. Though it did allow me to scream, highlight, and out of frustration yell at sometimes. You probably should skip it too unless you want to re-think why you learned what you learned about Church and what it does and shouldn't be doing.
I just finished reading The Healthy Pastor. It is a MUST HAVE book for any leader. So many quotes and so little time. Such as: "Despite all the demands of twenty-first living, ministers can learn to manage their lives and their time." pg. 127 (Something I'm learning to do and balance)
"A common joke among ministers is that the ministry would be a great profession if it wasn't for the people. Of course ministry is all about people." pg. 126
The author is very blunt and honest with the both trials and joys of ministry. He, even, calls out some churches that don't deserve to have a church leader. Calls them "Widow-makers."
This book is a practical guide and resource to help those recapture the joy and excitement there is to serving God and His people. I know this book is one I couldn't put down.
This next book was a gift book, given to me by a church member. A very short and sweet collection of illustrations that can uplift you. With all illustrations - some of these represent possible urban legends - so though meaningful in their intent ... some might be best to skip in sermon illustrations unless you clarify otherwise.
On my "To READ Shelf Next" is Leading the Vision by Dale Galloway, The Power Based Life.
People want to make sense of everything. It is very natural and almost rational.
The interesting thing is people want to do the same with God, His Word and basic theological understandings.
It really puts God in a box. The whole idea that we can have facts, and feelings and it equal faith is almost silly.
There are just some things we don't or won't understand this side of eternity. (Of course this discussion stems from one trying to explain the concept of the Trinity, but thinks Grace makes sense? I'm like "what?")
Does it mean we give up on Theology? No. Theology afterall is a life long pursuit of learning, re-learning and seeking after God.
Doesn't 1 Corinthians 1:25 say "The foolishness of God is wiser than man's wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than man's strength"
Grace doesn't make sense. Hence, one of the amazing things about it. That is why the message of the cross is power to us as vs. 18 of 1 Cor. 1 tells us.
One of the things I think we discount is we forget about the Mystery of God. Colossians 2: 2 talks about this, namely: Christ.
There is the unseen essentials of God. as 2 Corinthians 4:18 talks about fixing on our eyes not one what is seen, but what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary. What is unseen is eternal.
Ephesians 6:12ff. talks about our struggle and the spiritual realm that is out there.
In Job 38-41, God in response to Job and His questions basically states "I Am God ..." and how does one who is indivine understand the ONE who is divine. The mortal trying to understand immorality. We can try, we can pursue ... but ultimately we can't put God in this box.
Now someone might state to me, Gman ... you are applying logic as if expected ... and there is a difference to the laws of logic. It seems to me that God created logic, is above logic and yet interacts with it. Why? The same way He does with Time. He is God.
There are basic doctrines and theology we can try to understand (But if we get a perfect grasp on them - is it really Faith) .... I'm sure my professors, and Dr. Cottrell would say things to the contrary that We can know certain doctrines for sure. (And we can if We're in His Word and continually studying it)
It seems to me almost arrogant of people to say the Cross makes logical sense. To Who? Maybe to God ...but to us ... that is one of the amazing things about it. The whole Bible doesn't make sense. We teach it like it does.
When was the last time you saw the flannelboard of Noah and the Ark ... and later him getting drunk and naked. There isn't. We tell these stories like they make sense ...but ultimately it comes down to God's Story interacting with His people and how we can be a part of His Story.
Thus we like to make sense of God. Things like doctrinal studies, apologetics, and so forth are great tools but let's not discount faith and to study God's Word first. God's Wisdom and Logic is far better than anything man has to offer. I think for one God doesn't need more people defending His Name as much as He needs people to follow Him first and foremost.
God has defended His own Name on His own.... What He needs is people to take a stand for Him and to live for Him and to love Him and others. Sometimes we're so busy putting out all the flaws of the world ... we forget that Jesus was more harsh with the religious believers at the time than He was those who didn't know Him. There is just some things I'm coming to a conclusion that I'll never fully understand this side of eternity. how about you?
So I do a Sermon Series. People say to have a short series: Usually 4-6 weeks. I do longer. Why? Because of the material I go through. Also the series may relate but each sermon is different and application is different. I try to do mostly Expository
Exhaustive series. Why? Because it helps expound on what is going on in scripture and give the context.
Here is some of the series I have taught:
The Spiritual Disciplines
Renewal Plan (On the Church and its Leaders)
Stewardship
When Polar Bears Attack (Conflict Resolution)
10 Dumbest Things Christians Do.
Here is some of the Bible Sermon Series I have done:
Be Diligent: Study of Mark.
A study in the book of Galatians.
The Gospel of John
The 12. (Minor Prophets)
Wii the Church. A study in 1 Corinthians.
My Thought is for each year to go through an Epistle,an OT book, a topical series and a Gospel.
This next year I have: Hebrews, Judges and Luke. (As well as a series on Serving) I'm also looking to incorporating some of my Wednesday night studies for certain books as well. (James and Psalms)
If the Lord wills, also looking to do: Isaiah, Colossians and Matthew in 2012.
My aim is to get God's people into God's Word. We also have reading plans for each quarter. In February we're having 28 Days through the book of Acts. Then in April having the Passion Week Readings. We're also planning on for September, and another for December (Advent readings).
This plan looks to go verse by verse through God's Word in sermon series in less than 10 yrs.
Now all of this said - there is value in being in God's Word. Hopefully people's lives are transformed by the Word of God that they may be the Hands and Feet of Jesus, and not just say - Oh, that was a nice sermon, or nice little reading and do nothing about it.
It used to be being a tentmaker was a good thing. Several church leaders I've know to sell goods, supplies, cars and insurance. The problem becomes when do you go from seeing the congregation you serve as potential "suckers..." ummm I mean customers to which you exploit.
Our job, as church leaders, is first and foremost to preach Christ, and Him crucified.
I think we do a disservice otherwise.
I think we can justify a lot of different services and say well it promotes Jesus. Thus we get more into the Industry of Christianialization(A word I just made up) of things rather than pointing people to Jesus. There is enough, tidbits, gadgets, and well "Jesus Junk" to make well Jesus want to flip over a table or two.
Which brings me to a point: Why is it we expect institutions, people to be Christian when they are clearly not?Things cannot be Christian.
Jesus didn't come to be a politician; institution; nor to have us sign petitions and boycott. Jesus came to save. Why is it we expect people to be Christian and act Christian - when they are not. Walmart, Target, Sears, or wherever you shop aren't Christians. Christians need to shop there to show non-believers how Christians should act.
Church Leaders' job is to help love God and love others ... not all the selling of the latest fad, gadget, or even the latest movie. (seems to me the movie industry is having Church Leaders to Free Screenings to be their PR agents and thus the Leaders can lose their focus and mission as to what they need to be doing) Don't get me wrong, movies, and that can be a valuable tool. But that is all it is.
The Apostle Paul says "Though I am free and belong to no one, I have made myself a slave to everyone, to win as many as possible.To the Jews I became like a Jew, to win the Jews. To those under the law I became like one under the law (though I myself am not under the law), so as to win those under the law." 1 Corinthians 9:19-20.
These things are all tools: Social media, buildings, programs, Bible School etc.
The Church is the people. There is value in using tools and technology. (something the Amish and some in the "House Church" movement don't see.)
It all comes down to - does this point to Jesus? If it doesn't why do it? There are just some things that have went through their cycle. Here are some Thoughts I have in thinking through on some of this.
I. Is there a starting point to this item?
II. What is the focus? Does it focus on God or His message or the item itself?
III. What can we learn from what we are doing? (Sometimes the hardest thing is criticism and evaluating one's programs, tools etc.)
IV. Will this help us share the good news of Jesus? (Sure lots of things can be justified to share the Good News - afterall I always wanted to be a professional NHL Zamboni Driver and maybe just have John 3:16 on my zamboni, right?)
Other Thoughts:
What do you think of salesmen and ministry?
What about Jesus Junk? (own any?)
What do you think about the above blog post? Agree or disagree?
As I look back to 2010 ... Here are some Highlights for me:
I. Getting to send support to the Dominican.
II. Our VBS was a blast. Brought our people together.
III. Baptisms never get old.
IV. People expecting babies. My "sister" Katie is having her child soon. Congrats to her and Caleb.
V. Going to South Dakota on a Missions Trip where I wasn't a leader. Amazing trip - where God did some amazing things.
VI. Performing a wedding ceremony for former youth group members from a church over 15yrs ago. What an honor ... and for my family to participate as well.
VII. Getting to be mentored and coached by a fellow preacher.
VIII. The honor to do a memorial for Sweet Families honoring their loved ones.
IX. The Chance to preach and be a living sermon.
X. My family. With all the kids back in school, and my great wife ... it has been a joy.
Here are some goals I have to 2011:
I. I Would pray more. A giving, and living and breathing church is a praying church.
II. That my dash mark wouldn't be about me - but about Jesus. If I were to die today - may it be said that I wasn't that great, but boy, was his God Great.
III. I live a life of balance. Seems either I'm too much off balanced.
