My Favourite Bible Verse

Romans 12:1-2

The Message (MSG)

Romans 12

Place Your Life Before God
1-2 So here's what I want you to do, God helping you: Take your everyday, ordinary life—your sleeping, eating, going-to-work, and walking-around life—and place it before God as an offering. Embracing what God does for you is the best thing you can do for him. Don't become so well-adjusted to your culture that you fit into it without even thinking. Instead, fix your attention on God. You'll be changed from the inside out. Readily recognize what he wants from you, and quickly respond to it. Unlike the culture around you, always dragging you down to its level of immaturity, God brings the best out of you, develops well-formed maturity in you.


Romans 12:1-2

New International Version (NIV)

Romans 12

A Living Sacrifice
1 Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. 2 Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.


Romans 12:1-2

Word on the Streets - Rob Lacey.

So I say - and I can't say it strong enough - with all this "God writing off our mess" in mind: give it up for God - your life; give it up. Like A sacrifice, only a live one. Put your body on the butcher's block, your neck in the noose and let God's hands hold the controls. This is what "being spiritual" means; this is "worship" - making God smile. Don't get moulded by what adverts* say you should have/should do/should be. Keep on becoming more and more outstanding - literally, standing out, as your thinking's freshened up, regular. Then you'll know what God wants for you. What his plan for your life - the plan that can't be criticized.

Sometimes Ministry is Babysitting.

A Church leader recently told me: "80% of ministry is babysitting." Agree or disagree?

What are some issues you are dealing with that involved babysitting?

People are people. And people's needs (Not wants) need to be met. There is a deep problem.

As someone has recently said: "If you got a problem, its a spiritual problem."

I wonder if those that fight over minor issues realize that its their spiritual immaturity that causes some of this?

Church Sign for this Sunday

Announcements for this Sunday

What Pastors Wish You didn't Know.

Saw this post which got me thinking what are some of the things that Church Leaders would not want people to know?


I. We mess up all the time. Sure there is the whole put the preacher on the pedestal thing .... but really we struggle with sin, and tend to put on this holy self-righteous mask and really don't want people to know our deepest darkest hurts or sins. We're afraid people use it against us; or won't forgive; or see us in a different light.

II. Sometimes we want to quit. We want to throw in the towel. Sometimes it happens first thing on Monday morning. We wish the conflict, the fights, the backstabbing, the dishonesty .... (Really, you think you deceive me by lying to my face?) would stop.


III. We do compare ourselves to others. Heck, we might of even dreamed of being that Mega-Superstar, cool, pastor that every one likes and wants to be invited to the conventions is ourselves. Then we pray "God just use me, I don't need to be the next maga whoever ...but it sure would be nice."

IV. Sometimes we like our non-Christian friends better than our Church ones. (And even sometimes they treat us better).Don't use the pastor appreciation month just once a year ...

V. That YES we use the internet .... and sometimes we use other resources. (There is a difference between plagiarizing and research)


What are some things you wish people didn't know about you?

What would or wouldn't you tell your church leader?

This is My costume!!

Caring for the Lost, the Least, and the Leftout!

Yesterday I went to a seminar sponsored by the Spiritual Cares Department of Meritus Medical Center .... along with Brook Lane and Washington Cares.

One of the biggest issues of the Spiritual Care Conference is how do we know what resources are in our area, and what is the Church doing about it?

The Seminars presented where:

Identifying the Least, the Lost, and Left out.

Interviewing and getting the Info.

Identifying Community Resources.

And of course a model that has worked in another community.

The hardest part isn't all this information but the application and the real need:

Helping those hurting.

So what is the answer:

The conclusion of course was more meetings to help take this information and make it more practical.

I. Having a Centralized place to identify the resources out there for institutions, churches, ministries etc.

2. Accountability in those resources.

The hardest thing is some of the bureaucracy in the government agencies (And yes even in our churches and the red tape) And getting others on board. (Someone mentioned the politicians and law enforcement). It can seem to be an overwhelming task. Maybe this can bring some of the "Christian" community together to try to be the Hands and Feet of Jesus to the community.

I kept thinking has some of these people been reading: Servolution?

Right now we have a Big Resouce Guide called 211 but it isn't enough. So what resources or what does your community Do to help those in need?

We have a Food pantry and Clothes closet but really need to be more involved in our community. The question I'm askingis if our congregation on White Hall Rd ever went missing, would anyone notice?

I'm hoping they would and we would be Jesus' hands and feet to those hurting.

Some Thoughts

Top 10 Over played Christian Songs.

This blog had the worst Christian Songs


So I thought I give a list of the most overplayed and overdone Christian Songs ....


10. I Can Only Imagine - Mercy Me.

9. El Shaddai - Amy Grant.

8. O Praise Him - David Crowder Band.

7. Another Time, Another Place - sandi patty

6. Butterfly Kisses - Bob Carlisle

5. Thank You - Ray Boltz

4. Cartoon Song - Chris Rise.

3. Heart of Worship - Matt Redman

2. Friends - Michael W. Smith.

1. The Champion - Carman.


What ones would you add? Others take off?

Honorable mention:

Blessed be Your Name

The Great Adventure

I will be Here.

Trading my sorrows

As the Deer

O Lord

And any overdone Gaither Song.

I Can See Clearly Now.

I losted one of the lenses in my glasses. I can still see .... but boy has it been different. I have a pair of reading glasses that I've been using.... and sometimes it isn't as clear as it should be.

I'm wondering though if this is like the Christian walk. We are all excited and have our new pair of glasses only to lose focus and get off track ... what we need is a our vision repaired to be back on the path that God has called us. I feel a lot of "Christian" people are just like me - not seeing very clearly ...needing to get back on track and back to where God wants them to be. Hopefully they heed the call before its too late.

Humour Versus Coarse Joking.

Ephesians 5:4
Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving.

I like to joke, and enjoy life just as much as anyone. So where is the line between coarse joking and joking?


You have to ask yourself several questions:


1. Is it in fun?

2. Is it hurting someone's feelings? (I've seen many people insult others thinking it was funny but was far from funny ... you can poke about yourself, and your life, but please don't others or put them down - sometimes I'm guilty of this)

3. Is the joke rude or crude or not pleasing (Phil.4:8,9 comes to mind: Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. 9 Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you. )

4. Does it make others encouraged or think what was that?

5. Will you and others laugh at it later?

6. Sometimes it is good to learn from your mistakes and laugh at them ... and other times it is best to leave things alone.


7. Will this come back to haunt me? (I remember some of my practical jokes in college and now am thinking - what in the world was I thinking? - I'm just glad they didn't have the internet back then - but reminds me of Ed. Young Jr. Rebuking Cursing Church leaders
and yet has this play on words video Can of Woop Bass


8. In all things does it bring God the glory?


What jokes do you like? What jokes have you told you wish you didn't?

I laugh alot because I also cry alot. Ministry can be tough; but also can be seen through the laughs and the tears.

Tri State Christian Service Camp Summer 2011 Video

Writing a Sermon

How does one Write a sermon?

There are several good books out there on writing a sermon:

Biblical Preaching By Hadden Robinson

Preaching that Changes Lives - Michael Fabarez

Applying the Sermon- Daniel Overdorf

But how does one write a sermon?

One has to choose a text and examine the text in its context.

You study, pray. write notes. Do word studies etc. Use resources such as other versions, commentaries etc.

You than go back and try to have a skeleton to your message.

What is the main idea of text?

Are there main points that support it?

Is there a structure I can use?

You also look at the content and ask things such as:

What is the subject?
Is my message built on solid exegesis?
What is my analysis?

What in the text supports this?

After doing this you can write the content of your message along with what is the application.

Then you can go back to the introduction and ask - what can I do to get the congregation's attention?

Then when delivering the sermon - you have style - vocabulary using, grammer, pronouncing the words correctly.

Practice Delivery - Who are you talking to?

Is it conversational? Articulated well? Alert? Does the congregation feel like they are talking with them or about them?

Avoid any distracting mannerism.

The big thing is after all the sermon prep, work etc. Is going from the text and context to the application. What is the Word saying that might lead people to changed lives? (In other words, application)


Here is a Sermon worksheet
I use.

Giving more Credit to the Devil than we Should!

Sometimes I think we give Satan more power than he has. Oh, the devil made me do it. Oh it is the devil's fault. Oh, the devil is doing this to me ...as if the devil is everywhere and can be everywhere like God. He can't. Sometimes the greatest enemy isn't the devil but ourselves.

The devil tempts us and is a roaring lion and disguised himself as an angel of light ...but ultimately we choose to fall into that sin or not. The devil doesn't make you do anything. We like to use him as a scapegoat much like what people do in talk shows.

James 1
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13Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am being tempted by God”; for God cannot be tempted by evil, and He Himself does not tempt anyone. 14But each one is tempted when he is carried away and enticed by his own lust. 15Then when lust has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and when sin is accomplished, it brings forth death.




We have 3 things that make up a person:

1. Genetics. What get from parents. I was born ugly going to stay that way.

2. Environment - peers, tv, radio, internet. (If don't believe influence of music or commercials why they spend millions on 30 second commercial for superbowl?) They influence you ... things like the the song the joy of ....(Cola) or the song "We like to goto the Y ...." you know the rest (Think Village People)

3. The Will. We choose to sin or not sin. this is where it gets to people. They like to complain and say it was my upbringing because I didn't get that Big Wheeler when I was 5 so I shoot and killed someone ...No, you shoot and killed someone because you're an idiot and need to take responsibility for your actions. We all will and do.


Ecclesiastes 12 (KJV)

13Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man.

14For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil.

Tech Gadgets You Can use in Ministry!

We all love gadgets. We use them in ministry. Smartphones. Lap tops. etc.


Lately I've been thinking about not only APPs but what are those gadgets that I could not do without:


1. Scanner - scan documents, images etc. I use my flatbed scanner all the time to make videos etc. And use the software.

2. A good camera. I use some of the pictures I take for graphics, presentations etc.

3. USB cords. I have a variety of styles of USB cords for my printer, cameras etc. And keep them handy just in case.

4. A charger - for my nook, ipod, phone etc. Our electronics always need to be powered up and ready.

5. Ear phones. I use mine all the time.

6. Velcro Strips to organize the many wires, lines, and cables you have. (Not really a gadget but nice item)

7. Eternal Hard Drive - having a good one. I use flashdrives, external hard drive and an app called drop box to save some of my files on.

8. An Mp3 player. I love my ipod. I could do more with it ...but just love the songs and music I have.

Any other suggestions?

What gadgets do you love?

Women Preachers.

 Titus 2: ³ Likewise, teach the older women to be reverent in the way they live, not to be slanderers or addicted to much wine, but to teach what is good. ⁴ Then they can urge the younger women to love their husbands and children, ⁵ to be self-controlled and pure, to be busy at home, to be kind, and to be subject to their husbands, so that no one will malign the word of God.

The case for women teachers but maybe not preachers

1. Older women teaching the younger women and children.

2.  Younger women to be Children's Ministers or even "Youth Ministers"

3. The priesthood of all believers - we're all to share and make disciples of all people and to go and share.

4. To be a living sermon.

5. How beautiful are the feet that bring good news.

Now if one wants to say we can now have women preachers in our pulpits (A Big jump from the role each Christian should be playing to that of one who is leading a church and preaching/teaching in it BTW and justification) .... I think there is a difference between that of a leader and that of a teaching. God gives different gifts to different people but also there is different roles in which men and women play. Men are called to be leaders of their home and to treat their familes, especially wives as Christ treated the church. (HE gave up His life for her). Men if desiring the office of the elder (aka pastor/bishop) have the qualification set in 1 Timothy and Titus. There is definitely something to that behind every godly man leader is a moreso godly woman. People even use that verse in Galatians 3:28 "There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus." to justify the need for women preachers. (BTW that verse in context is talking about salvation being for all - sons of God through faith vs. 26 vs.29 belong to Christ not leadership)

What saddens me is that:

1. Some women think they are belittled or looked down upon because they can't be "preachers" - there is so much work to do ... why think you have to be a leader, to be a servant-leader. Other women are looking to other women to lead them.

2. The wussification done to men lately.

3. That some men won't step up to leaders and in some churches the women have replaced the men.

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Because God called you to preach ladies, doesn’t justify you to as a pastor-teacher

-Because you prayed about ladies, doesn’t justify you to be a pastor-teacher

-Because you think Paul was writing based on the culture, doesn’t justify you as a pastor-teacher -Because you have teaching gifts (even better than the men), doesn’t justify you as a pastor-teacher.

 

We can justify anything - can we not?

So when someone asks me - What do you think about women preachers? I ask them? What do you mean by that? Other women leading other women or some woman wanting to do the role that God has called godly men that should be doing?

Usually the conversation ends there. If the older women teach the younger ... and the older men teach the younger men ...imagine how many godly men and women we'd have.

Is this just a pipe dream? My prayer is it isn't so.

The ABCs of Worship!!

So what is Worship? How can one simply worship? Is it just music?

The ABCs of Worship is easy but complex.

1. Worship is not music.

2. Music can help us worship but in and of itself is not worship.

So what is worship?

1. Worship is showing love or adoration for something or someone. (Alot of people worship alot of things, stuff, people, TV shows, sports, busyness ..whether they like to admit it or not) What do you devote most of your time to? (That is probably what you worship the most)

3. Worship isn't a one time action .... Worship is a constant.

4. Worship is showing love and adoration or rather should be showing love and adoration for God.

So how does one go about showing love and adoration for God?

1. Be with God. Listen for Him. Pause. Be still. Pray and listen.

2. Be in His Word. Study. Pray. Read the Word.

3. Write. Journal. What is God doin in your life now.

4. Have things that help you concentrate on him. Read books, use media - internet, TV, radio, music, podcasts to help point you to Jesus.

5. Music is a tool. Helps point you to Jesus.

6. How you act - with God and others reflects your adoration. The way you drive, treat your family etc ...shows how you love God.

7. Not forsaking the assembly (Some call this going to Church ...I call it the Church coming together) so you can encourage others to share Jesus, make disciples, and not give up in their Christian Walk.

8. In the assembly - spending time in a corporate "Worship" setting.

So what is worship? Worship is what you do everyday to show your love for God by doing everything for Him. Is it easy? No.

So what are some ways we can Worship God? By being His Hands and Feet with others as well. Sharing with Him and sharing Him with others.

Worship in otherwords is fulfilling the Greatest Commandment and the Great Commission at once. So let's worship God by loving Him and loving others. I'm game; how about you?

The video here shows what some people are passionate about. What about you?

Is the Church of Christ a Cult?

I get this question ... alot.

Due to the different perceptions of the Church of Christ
due to:

1. The acappella fellowship  and differences of:

    a. Mutual Edification - oppose local preacher, and institutional support.
    b. Oppose having separate Bible school classes
    c. Non-institutions - against church support of such.
    d. One Cup used for communion etc.
    e. Being dogmatic on acappella music (If use instruments going to hell crowd)

2. The Boston Movement of the Church of Christ. (Cult-like in evangelism and small groups)

3. The variety of Churches of Christ in the Restoration Movement from the acappella fellowship to Christian Churches/ Churches of Christ (Independent) and the Disciples of Christ) (Not to mention the United Churches of Christ etc)

So what is the answer? The answer is the Boston Movement used to be classified as a cult. There are churches that can be cult-like .... and what you need to ask is:

1. Is the preacher focusing on himself or pointing people to check it out for themselves?

2. Are you to follow the leader or follow what the Bible teaches?

3. Who do they say Jesus is?

Others (within "Christianity") might classify "us" (Those in the Stone-Campbell movement/ Restoration Movement/ Christian Church/ Churches of Christ "Denomination") as a cult due to the differences we have theologically with them - especially in the issue of baptism. We believe it is part of the process in the plan of salvation. (We've even been called water regenerates) - others do not. Does this make us a cult? Nope ....

So is the Church of Christ a cult? I don't think so. My prayer is that the Church whether Church of Christ of Christian Church or what have you be the Bride that makes Christ proud of us. So let's go out and be the Church to the World.

(In a side note, I see our congregation very doctrinally conservative as the acappella fellowship ...with the goal of trying to be Jesus to the World)

Fall Reading List

Here are the two books I'm reading this fall. (Plus a few others on my Nook) The "Not a Fan" book (I'm almost done with) is for an upcoming sermon series/ small group study for later this year. The Dare to drop a Pose (Formerly known as Confessions from a pastor) is for my Fusion group (Church leaders study' monthly meeting) in which we review and discuss the resource.

I'm actually looking forward to these two books.

So what are you currently reading?

What series are you currently teaching on?

Announcements for this Sunday

The Holiday Debate Updated.

Every year it comes and goes.

Xmas Versus Christmas.

Easter Versus Resurrection Lord's Day.

The Evils of Halloween.

So what is a Christian to do? What is the Church's position? And how are we, as Christians, to act?

Here is the Big Deal in a nutshell: Basically it is "Christians majoring in minors." So what people call it XMAS or Holidays rather than "Christmas." Are we so surprised that sinners do what sinners do? The bigger question is how are you promoting Jesus everyday? Not just on Sundays or Holidays to suit your traditions.

So what that some holidays have their roots in evil? Shouldn't we redeem them, and make things Christ-like?

Colossians 2:16 says "Therefore do not let anyone judge you by what you eat or drink, or with regard to a religious festival, a New Moon celebration, or a Sabbath day."

Seems I don't see too many New Moon holidays (unless you count that book/ movie series).

So what is one to do? Well Phil. 4:8 says "Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things."

All parents need to decide what is best for their children - as to what holidays they celebrate and what ones they will not and which honors Christ. We, as a Church, to help make suggestions.

Then comes the "But ..." But doesn't celebrating promote "Satanism?" That is why we, as Christians, need to be the Hands and Feet of Jesus. Be in the world, not of it. We can celebrate - have fun - even have halloween alternatives, trunk or treats, goto parades, or even practice dress up. (My family hosted local kids and took them trick or treating in our neighborhood - with friendly customes etc. No demons etc.) Our church hosts an early Harvest Party and we have people at the annual Mummers' Parade.

What about Christmas and Easter? We celebrate the focus of Jesus. That is the main point. Now, personally, I celebrate Jesus coming EVERYDAY - don't you? I'm thankful for His Grace given to me.

Every year this debate comes up. In fact someone just this week called celebrating "Halloween" - "the Festival of Death.".  We, as Christians, need to recognize there are several things that make up we as people. The first is genetics. (I was born ugly - probably going to stay ugly LOL). The second is the environment (Music, peers, computer, TV, parents have an influence on a person). Otherwise why would they pay for millions of dollars for a 30 second AD? (Just 30 seconds influences people - especially during the Super Bowl). And Finally - there is the Will. We choose to sin or not sin. Most people like to blame their parents, or environment or something else (Isn't that why Oprah exists? or Dr. Phil?) Ultimately though people don't just say - Oh, I didn't get that Big Wheel when I was 5, so I killed 10 people. No, you killed 10 people because you choose to. (Idiots)

So, as Christians, we need to be salt and light. (Matthew 5:13-16) If you are celebrating any holiday - do it responsibly that Jesus might be glorified. Sometimes I wonder why we major in minors. We get upset over things like holidays, meanwhile our neighbors are going to hell. Lost souls aren't learning about Jesus. I'm more concerned over my neighbor than I am over someone calling a thing "Christmas" or Xmas. In the scope of eternity - it is mere semantics. We shouldn't be surprised that unbelievers do what unbelievers do. We need to be Jesus in all things.

So with that in mind; am I celebrating Easter, Christmas, Halloween? No. I'm celebrating God's GRACE given to me everyday. I just partake in the festivals to help point people, to well, Jesus.

How about you?

Tired of the debates?

Here is some food for thought:

1. Should Christians celebrate Easter, Christmas?

II. How about Halloween?

III. How are you pointing people to Jesus?

IV. What do you think of the debates over XMAS versus Christmas?

V. What about the Easter Bunny and Santa?

In all things may God be glorified. (1 Peter 2:12)

Mormonism 101

Some Basic facts to Mormonism:

1. Started by a 14yr old Joseph Smith in 1820 ho had a vision of "resurrected being' named Moroni.

2. The "church" officially started in 1830 in NY with 6 members.

3. Believe the Bible is true "As long as it is translated properly."
The Mormon writings including: Book of Mormon, Doctrine and Covenants, The Pearl of Great Price have greater authority than the Bible/

4. Mormons believe God used to be a man. (Believe humans progress towards godhood and that we are now what God once was) In other words, can attain Godhood through obedience. OT heroes like Abraham, Isaac, Jacob already became gods.

5. Mormons at one time allowed men to marry several wives. (Stopped practice in 1890 though some branches continue this) Great emphasis on marriage, children and to "Multiply and fill the earth."

6. Mormons at one time did not allow African Americans to be priests. (lifted in 1978)
(This due to ole belief that descendants of terrible sinners Cain and Ham)

7. Jesus attained his Godhood because of His obedience in dying. (Not that He was God or the Son of God before this)

8. Key doctrine of Mormonism is Christ guaranteed eternal life to all beings. Those obedient and baptized spend eternity working toward Godhood in heavenly kingdom of God. Others spend in earthly kingdom, where they will have presence of Son (not the Father)

The Mormon Church or the Church of Christ of Latter Day Saints may claim Christians aren't being fair to them but there are definite differences between Mormonism and Christianity.

Some of the issues include:

The Sovereignity of God (Claiming He was once human alone like us)

The nature of God's presence

The nature of Jesus (Claiming He attained Godhood by his actions)

The authority of Scripture.

The sinful nature of humans (Claiming we can become gods)

The nature of salvtion (Eternal life to everyone rather than those who put their trust in Jesus)

Why are people drawn to Mormonism?

1. Family atmosphere.

2. Aggressive missionary efforts.

3. Clean cut, self-promoting atmosphere.

4. A reason to belong.


Resources:

The Kingdom of the Cults - Walter Martin.

Can I know what to Believe? Custom Curriculum Cook Communications.

What is a Cult?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

cult/kəlt/

Noun:

A system of religious veneration and devotion directed toward a particular figure or object. A relatively small group of people having religious beliefs or practices regarded by others as strange or sinister. But what is a cult? With all this talk in political circles about what politician is in a cult and what one is not ...here is what to know what a cult is and is not. Here are some identifying features of a cult: 1. It has a dominant leader 2. It follows "holy" teachings in addition to the Bible. 3. It isolates members from society. A cult is a group that tends to stray from traditional teachings on Christianity. People are attracted to cults  because they tend to offer easy answers to modern problems, provide an atmosphere of love and acceptance ...and people who are tired of traditional "Religion" tend to be attracted to them. Most of the important questions you should ask : 1. what does this group believe about Jesus? 2. Who started this group and what is their history? 3. What kind of people follow this teaching? 4. Does group allow me to think for myself? 5. Do these beliefs make any sense to other Christians I know and respect? If someone claims that only their leader knows the Bible and to believe what they say. Here is a Guide to Recognizing Cults: 1. A leader who claims to have unique authority. 2. Claims that some truth can be found in a book or some other text not in the Bible. 3. Isolation of its members. 4. Group members not allowed to question their leader or group's teachings. 5. Difference from Christianity concerning key doctrine Resources: The Kingdom of the Cults - Walter Martin. The above adapted from Beliefs to Beware of: Paul Borthwick and Randy Petersen. Cook Communications.  2003. They have a lot of reproducible sheets and lessons for students from the Curriculum "Can I know what to believe?" Handbook of denominations in the United States. Frank S. Meade. Revised by Samuel S. Hill.  Adingdon Press.

My Loser Shirt!

I have this shirt .... with "Loser" on the front and this verse on the back (Actually the Matt. equalivant) I had it for some time. I wore it this past Sunday while talking about the commitment we are to be making to follow Christ. Following Christ isn't easy nor is it for everyone. We are to be willing to count the cost, carry our crosses and follow Him. Are you game?

Top 10 Things to Give for Minister Appreciation Month

Top 10 Things you can give for Minister  Appreciation Month

By Gerrard R. Fess


October is Minister  Appreciation Month. The following are some suggestions to help show your leadership that you care. As a fellow minister  some of these suggestions were given to me and helped encourage and show that I was valued as a member of the church body.


1. Gift cards – cards from local grocery store, home value places,, I-tunes etc. Be creative. 


2. Groceries. Get what their grocery list is or what they usually buy. Some churches in the South I’m told do what is called a “Pounding” and basically what a pounding is a challenge to fill the cupboards and fridge to the brim with stocks of food. Imagine saving $$$ on groceries. Very practical idea.

3. Free babysitting and complimentary funds for a date night.

4. Money – always works. Sometimes you don’t know what the family’s bills, struggles or what they need – it might be they need more clothes for the kids but the budget is tight so some extra funds come in handy.

5. A hand written card. Nothing says Thank You like getting the personal touch of someone saying thanks. Even an e-card would do too.

6. Subscription services to magazines (Leadership, Rev, Journal of Student Ministries, Group), online services and websites, podcasts. There are some online services like preachingtoday.com that have a subscription and might help with their ministry. Maybe get a wish list here of magazines or online services they’d dream of subscribing to.

7. Gadgets. Help the leadership maybe update their software, laptops, PDAs, cell phones. Maybe even have several families go in to help purchase some of this higher dollar items. This not only shows love but an investment in their ministry. It is only a matter of time that some leaders have to quit using Windows 2000 and eventually go MAC. even having an E-reader like a kindle or nook.

8. Books – get a wish list of books you church leader has (note the favorite authors) or would like to buy. A good leader is a lifelong learner and always could use more reading resources and books. E-books too!

9. Extra Vacation days. Help organize more time off or see that they can get renewed by having their own personal retreat. Perhaps there is someone in your congregation who has a vacation home to offer, or see what your local camp ministry offers or other resources.

10.  Help send them to that seminar or convention that they always wanted to go to. Conventions can be expensive. Making sure they get there, have all the funds and don’t have to worry about how this affects their own personal budget or the church’s – set them at ease. There are many ministers, pastor, youth leader, marriage, conventions out there.

Honorable Mention:
-Do any of the above and more on any other day other than Minister Appreciation Month will go a long ways too.

-Specifically pray for your church leaders. Ask them for prayer requests. Send them a note telling them that you are praying for them.

-Have a special ceremony to recognize them in front of the church body.
-Celebrate those holidays, birthdays, anniversaries. Recognize the anniversary of the number of years that they been at the church. Promote and celebrate longevity.

-Take them out. Treat them to dinner, lunch, a fun activity. Sometimes it is the little things that say a lot. Be creative and have fun with showing love.

Some resources:

What is minister appreciation month?

Difference you can make!



Books:
Genuine Ministers – Marshall Leggett
Becoming Your Favorite Church – HB London, Neil Wiseman.

Ministry for the Long Term.

I've been in ministry for over 16yrs. Married for over 14yrs. In my current ministry, as a preacher, for over 3yrs ... and yet some of my peers ask me:

"So you still at the same place?"Joking with me. When I was in youth ministry, there was this idea, and challenge that you were handling people's most precious treasures ... their children. There have been some great ministries I've had. (Always a good sign when you are invited back and left on good terms - that isn't so in all my ministies or for many of my friends)


Ministry is tough. Whether you are full time paid staff or volunteers. Ministry can be tough. But what I want to tell people is: don't give up, hang in there, the benefits far outweigh the grieve. The joys of ministry ... the honor of seeing people's lives changed is well worth it.

So as you are Jesus' hands and feet daily to people ....know this .... be in it for the long haul, don't give up. Make disciples ....love God and love others.


See you Sunday.

My next seminar.

I plan on going to this event. If you live loically ...why not plan to go as well?