Memorial Day 2011

My Top Favourite Wrestlers

Here are some of my top Favourite Wrestlers:

I. Chris Jericho - by far - Canadian, Hockey background, you either love him or hate him.

II. Bret the Hitman Hart.

III. Andre the Giant.

IV. Roddy Roddy Piper

V. Jesse the Body Ventura

VI. Stone Cold Steve Austin. (the only guy to have given me the one finger salute and I laughed about it)

VII. Randy Macho Man Savage.

VIII.Rick Rude. (My Sister-in-law, Lori, would get so mad when I impersonated him and put down the British Bulldog and Hulk Hogan)

IX. Kurt Angle. Got to meet him in person.

X. Big John Stud. Got to shake his hand ...and even though was pictured as the Bad Guy ..meeting him was really cool.

Other honorable mentions: Ric Flair, Chris Benoit, Ricky the Dragon Steamboat. (Notice anyone missing? LOL - which ones would you have included?) I don't watch wrestling anymore but as a kid was a big fan.

David Crowder * Band Love.

Official News


I like DCB ....before they were the DCB they were the UBC Band and had done a gig with CCYC - where I had heard a youth minister mention them to me. I have several of their CDs and will miss them.

David Crowder Band - "Foreverandever Etc." from Steelehouse Productions on Vimeo.

My favourite memories with DCB have to deal with the NYWC and how YS and Crowder worked well together .... ministering to youth leaders who needed ministering to. Thanks DCB.

How to Write a Book Proposal - A Review.

Disclaimer: I got this book Free as a Preview for my E-reader (Nook)

Anyways ... Lots of people have told me - You should write a book. I've thought about writing a book. I have had several friends write books: Len Evans, Marko, Adam M, Matt. M, Dan K, Tim M And I've been mentioned in a few books and quoted as such. I, even, am listed as an author on Youth Specialties' Website
So I had much interest in reading this book. Mostly not due to me writing a book proposal but others and others concerning it. (My friend, Deanna)

As I've been reading this book I thought of Tom Evans' much shorter version book called How to Write a Great Book and Get it Published.

Anyways ...How to write a book proposal is a practical insight guide - must use guide for those wishing to get their ideas from paper to book form and published. In other words ...it is How to Get a book proposal for Dummies edition.

The author goes through the basics of why write? Why you? Why the Propsal? Selling it, the value of your book and the audience, who is it to be marketed to? What is the community, platform? Making the most with technology out there and how you as the author is going to promote the book.

The author's guide is a good one for anyone interested in writing and having their own book published. As for me ... I'm just taking my time and doing my writing one word at a time. Best to pick up this copy when you can.

Books on My "Reading Now Shelf"

What are you reading?

That was Awkward!! Reaction to Camping's prediction.

News.

Here is my initial reaction:

I. Camping did teach us that we need to be prepared.

II. It points out the fact we need to be Ready, Faithful, and a Witness.

III. No One knows when it it is going to happen - not Camping, not Tim LaHaye, not Sally Mae Fry from around the block.

IV. Personally - I'm a Pan-millennialist with A-millennium tendencies.

It also shows we need to teach more people about what the Word says about the End rather than what people say.

It gives an opportunity to tell people ... what do you think of Camping? the world ending? What about God? An opportunity to actually be Jesus, show Jesus to others until He comes again.

People have tried to predict the end. All I know is I, and my church family have alot of work to do as the Bride of Christ ...until the Groom comes.

Revise Us Again - A Review ....

Ever want to start over? Or think the "Christian walk" has become too cheesy, too complicated, too deliberate?

Frank Viola writes on living from a renewed Christian Script. His writing is simplified and to the point. Sometimes too blunt but tells the truth. One of his chapters "Chapter 3" points out how people spiritualize their own answers to people's questions by rather than saying No ... say: "Let me pray about it" and never get back to the person.

If you want a short pointed book which can make you think Viola's Revise Us Again is it. I've read several of Frank Viola's books (Which some I really struggled, wrestled, and contemplated with - Pagan Christianity was one)

Disclaimer: I received this as part of SpeakEasy

Frank Viola’s extensive website: http://ptmin.org

Frank’s popular blog: http://frankviola.wordpress.com/

Career Day 2011

I had the chance to share what a church leader does for a living at Career Day 2011 at my children's public elementary school. (Which was surprising to some - and the second year I got to do this ...below is the powerpt I did) As a result my son even invited some of his friends to come to our church. The biggest thing was that I got to be Jesus' Hands and Feet to children that might not of otherwise known about Jesus. (Sure afterwards - which the kids didn't know ...I got to give them some lollipops) Yesterday I got a surprise from the whole class. Hand drawn thank you Notes from the teacher and the students. How cool is that? Definitely made my day.

What would you have done for Career Day?

Surprised that a church leader was allowed to present in a public school?

Or think it is a good thing and gives Hope?

Thoughts?

Top Places to Search for a New Ministry.

So we're in the midst of possibly looking for our next staff member

Here are some sites to look at and to post at.
Especially for those in the Restoration Movement - Christian Churches/ Churches of Christ - instrumental.

1. Christian Church Search


2. Christian Church today


3. Christian Standard


4. Crosslink


5.Schools such as: Milligan
MACU
JU
CCU

LCU

OCC and other schools like FCC, KCU, ACC, St.Louis etc.

6. Ministry Source


7. Church jobs


8. Pastor Finder


9. Church Staffing


10.Church Staff Search


11. Ministry Search


12. WCA


13. Pastor Positions


14. Finding our place - DOC


15 - youth positions: Youth Pastor
YS Job Bank


16. Others such as: http://www.churchjobs.net
http://www.simplyhired.com/a/jobs/list/q-youth+ministry
http://www.ministryjobs.com
http://www.youthpastorjobs.net
http://www.christianjobs1.net/jobs/list ... outh1.html

Any others you would add?

Love Costs Everything

My Friend is a Winner

Article


My friend, Tim, got to shine light on a car design he did and most importantly on a rather lesser known disease that some children are fighting against.

Here is the video ....

16 Things I've learned in 16 Years as Ordained Minister

This week I'm finishing sixteen years as an ordained minister - about to enter my 17th year. Here are sixteen things I've learned:

I. Love God. I mean it - show more love to God.

II. Pray more. Prayer is powerful.

III. Choose your battles wisely. Somehow that fight over that minor issues seems of little importance now.

IV. Spend more time with family. Family is important. Protect them.

V. Spend more time in the Word. There is value in God's Word.

VI. Don't read too much or take away too little from the Bible.

VII. Opinions are much like cows - they are everywhere. And everyone seems to got one or want one.

VIII. Be a life long learner. Read more.

IX. Have a coach, mentor, peers in which you can share life together. Pray with one another. Nothing says Kingdom Work than a fellow Church Leader who lets you know "You are not alone."

X. Memorize more scripture. There is value in knowing the Word.

XI. Don't make your teaching so complex that No one understands it; but don't make it too Simple that it insults God and comes off as having all the "Pat Answers" - Christianese, and downwatering are insulting to God.

XII. Give honor where honor is due. Respect for elders, those that have served their country and in ministry goes a long way.

XIII. Worship is important. Do it daily.

XIV. Be yourself. You don't have to be the next mega-Rock Star Church leader- be who God created you to be.

XV. Learn to laugh at yourself. Learn from your mistakes. Don't be afraid to admit you were wrong. Grow from them.

XVI. Live life to the fullest. You have the opportunity to work with some of the greatest people around. I've worked with some great young adults, some great sponsors, some great parents, and leaders. Not everyday was great but reflecting back - it wasn't just one great moment but the opportunity that God put certain people in your life to make it better. Thanks,

What things have you learned?

Meritus Medical Center and Grand Rounds

Grand Rounds
has started at the new Hospital. (6mths old).

So on Thursdays during the month of May about 20 Church leaders take a tour and hear from speakers from the new medical center. It has been an exciting adventure. I had been through it before in 2006 with the old Washington County Hospital but felt this was a fresh and new perspective with the new facility and knowing the behind the scenes work.

Today I got to see the OR, Women's Center, and Cath lab. It has been an adventure to say the least.

I Gave the Bible a Chance.

With Bible Illiteracy at an all time high; ( One Source
) its no wonder we've downplayed, marketed and topicified the Bible to death.

From things such as "Ten Easy Steps to dealing with divorce, sin, and Republican Jesus" it borders on ridiculous. We brand, the Bible, as an easy answer book rather than being about the Word of God. We have it have pat answers rather than the real answer. It points to God. It is a pursuit, not a one time thing.

The scarey thing is people thing they know what the Bible says; but it doesn't really say that.

Sermons run in 6 week series topics rather than expository sermons. We need to be people in the Word, and people of the Word. It is ok to have topical sermons but if that is all you are preaching ... I question it. The latest gimmick and "Mega-pastor" sermons online are not the fix. Have a plan. I have my own sermon series planned for the year. From what books I'll be preaching on to topics (Which can change though)

In order to do that we need to offer:

I. Bibles to People.

II. Different Versions.

III. Reading Programs.

IV. Opportunities to study the Word.

V. The tools to help enhance and to study their Bible.

In the context of the Congregation I serve ... I say:

1. Take out your Bibles. (WE offer anyone that needs a Bible to please take one ...we've had a few go home with people ...which we view as a good thing)

2. Test what I say .... with what the Bible Says. Don't believe everything people tell you ... see what it says in the Word. (Every preacher needs to say this but unfortunately does not)

3. We offer Bible Reading Programs throughout the year ... We do a 21 days reading of the last week of Jesus' life. Leading up to Easter. Youversion.com offers free reading programs.

4. We have opportunities to study the Word. From Bible School to Wednesday nite etc.

So what are you doing to combat Bible illiteracy?

14 Things I've learned.

I've been married for over 14 years now and here is 14 things I've learned in those fourteen years.

1. It is all about love.

2. There will be change.

3. People change.

4. Choose wisely your battles.

5. Dealing with death is never easy.

6. Parenthood is an adventure.

7. Family is important.

8. Soul care is important.

9. Be careful who you trust.

10. Words are powerful and can hurt.

11. Encouragement goes a long ways.

12. More prayer is needed.

13. Don't burn any bridges.

14. Live each day as if it is your last.

I am a Disciple of Jesus

The Audacity of a Question.

The audacity of a question ... a "Christian" telemarketer wanted to know where a former staff person was ... I almost said "Oh, they're no longer in ministry ..." but I didn't. I didn't really respond other than "They are no longer here .."

Fact is there is no such thing as no longer serving in ministry. If we're Christians, and working - whether in a paid "position" or not ...we're all doing ministry. In fact the Bible seems to support that of the priesthood of all believers, and we're all to be doing ministry. Some of us just get the double portion of getting to teach and preach and being a worker worthy of this honor.

Ministry has its UPs and DOWNs. It is not meant for sissies. You have to have tough skin ... It is probably the toughest job you'll ever love. You get to see people at their best; and people at their worse. You get to see the joys, tears, fears, and share in life together.

Some of my best moments have been doing ministry; some of my worse moments have been doing ministry. Those graduating and going into full time Christian service and being paid for it ...should know this "Warning: This could be dangerous to your own health - your family's health - be sure to guard your spiritual life; and your family's." Sheep have fangs at times.

There is also the joys of ministry. Working with some GREAT people. Sharing joys of kids, weddings, baptisms. Grieving with families - yet rejoicing because of heaven.

So what do you do with questions? Sometimes it is best to not answer ...recognize the joys of ministry and that it is well worth it.

Holy bunches of Worship

HT to Marko

Announcements for this Sunday - May 22.

May 15 2011

VBS Website is Live

Our VBS Website is live ...if you wish to visit ...it can be found Here

End of the World is May 21?

Apparently a group of "Christians" think so.

Here is an amusing Interview


thoughts?

Got anything going on May 21st?

News story

A Rob Bell Funny

Ht to Derek Tang.

One Another Passages

How to Destroy Your Church!

Saw this article and thought to share:

Don't attend
If you do attend, arrive later, leave early.
At every service ask yourself "what did I get out of this?"
Never volunteer for anything. Let the minister do it all.
Gossip.
Be critical of the church leaders and the musicians.
Don't give, or wait until the end of the tax year to see if you have any extra money.
Don't talk with others or encourage them.
Don't forgive when someone offends you.
Avoid praying for your church.

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, self-control against such things is no law ... if we live in the Spirit let us also walk in the Spirit. Galatians 5:22-25.

May 8th Announcements.

The Mom Song

Men's Retreat, Leadership Conference and You ...

The last few days have been a world wind of adventure.

I went to our camp's Men's Retreat and got to hear an Allegience Quartet. Art Bush, JD Seagroves, Chuck S. and Jerry Timbrook sing. Then hear about what it meant to be pursuing Jesus ... a good time.

Sunday we had a great service. Praying for people; and for them to be Jesus' hands and feet to the world. We had one family that just wanted to have us pray for them.

That evening ... my family had the chance with other church leaders in the area to have dinner and just sit and listen to Ben Merold and Tom Ellsworth. Funny thing was the Question and Answer session focused on how their wives views ministry and was encouraging to the wives that were there. (Mine included). It seemed like only minutes passed by and we noticed it was hours ...a good time.

On Monday (of course we heard the news about Osama with mixed reaction ... ) Had 4 great sessions on the Dangerous Church on Churches, Leadership, Choices and Calling. Well worth it. Alot of good information, encouragement of why ministry is so needed.

Today I'm just trying to really chew on what I heard and the adventure to begin ....

Mother's Day - Why She Gets a Day

Willing to Dream?

Are You Amazed?

Welcome to our Church 2011

2011 Theme Video - National Day of Prayer Task Force