My Hagerstown Suns Rant!!

This Editorial piece"
bothers me. Especially this quote:

"Several people have publicly expressed their opposition to building a new stadium. Some reasons cited for this opposition are: (a) game attendance will not increase significantly, (b) the Suns provide little financial benefit to the community, (c) the Suns do not field championship teams, (d) few Suns players advance to the major leagues, (e) local taxes will increase. None of these reasons is valid. In fact, there is no valid reason for not building a new stadium.

Local taxes will not need to increase if the stadium is built. Public funding for the stadium can come from the local hotel/motel tax and the Maryland Stadium Authority."



None of this is valid?

How about they already invest over $500 000 (that a half a million dollars) in the existing stadium? How about the parking? So where is the Magic funding going to come from in this new stadium? We already know the hotel/ motel tax that was suppose to go for a new or improved stadium disappears ... and why would the State Maryland Authority want to help build when other teams nearby aka Frederick and Baltimore Orioles already have new stadiums?


Let me suggest a few things:


1. This is a crock. A way of the new owners trying to get a new stadium on threats. Build it or we'll leave town. (which they are already in talks with Winchester)

2. If you build it they will come mentality no longer exists. New isn't always better.

3. If needed to be up to code (As the MLB and especially the Nationals suggest ...why don't they invest some of their own money to help why on the taxpayers?) and with the recent improvements and ongoing ...has a Master Plan been done for the current stadium to see if improvements can be done there on the existing grounds? (I haven't heard of one)

4. I'm disappointed in the Nationals and current owners using this as a threat to get their way or the highway ...whatever happened to History??? One of the Greatest baseball legends ever starts their professional career here in Hagerstown (Willie Mays) and first African American to do so in Hagerstown... why not preserve that? Where is the Miniority community crying foul? I'm all for improvements but why not improve and restore to reflect the past and move onto the future ... Too often we're quick to Build new, without looking from where they came from. (so many good ball parks are now lost forever .... and one of the pts of Field of Dreams was to not just "If you build it they will come" but it was about baseball .... the place where dreams can come true) Seems to me one of the greatest players in Willie Mays can be remembered here in Hagerstown as well .... and with some of the upcoming players we've had at Municipal Stadium including Strasburg and Harper ... and many other notable players ....

5. I'm starting to dislike the Nationals over their stand of not committing to the Suns this year in the farm system due to this issue. I've been a fan of the Nationals/ aka Expos (Senators) and the Jays ... With Expos greats such as Gary Carter and Andre Dawson ..... and the Nats are so quick to dismiss this?


I love This review


This review
is troubling and yet states the truth.

This statement: "Municipal Stadium is still a nice enough park to host minor league baseball, but in this day of new parks and luxury boxes, its future is clearly doomed. Still as of 2010, no movement has been made on getting a new ballpark built and there has been no further threats from the owners about moving the team." (and yet as of 2012 there are threats and it seems to come to the end almost ...

The Third oldest ball park and we're willing to let it die, relocate to either downtown or to Winchester ....Very SAD without even looking at if can improve where we are at. Such a waste!!

Eight Years .....

It has been 8 yrs since the Leafs made the Playoffs. (again they will miss this year) No parade ... no running for the Cup ... No celebrating .... its been since 1993 since we had a serious run and since 1967 since we won ..You Read that right 1967 ..... Something needs to change ... I think.

Justice for Not just Travvon But Lamonte.

The year was Christmas Eve 1998. My friend, Lamonte, had finished working at KB Toys ... he had just went home. This would be the last time he would be heard from again. A few days later ...Lamonte doesn't show up for work. That was strange. He was 23. He had just quitting smoking. He talked about his son; getting ready to get married to his fiancee. He was suppose to spend Christmas with his family.

Then the news ... Lamonte (an African American) had been found in the basement of his home - murdered. Left naked and covered up by a blanket ...(as if he was some sort of animal) The robbers took all the Christmas gifts, his clothes and made off into the night.

His family found him. Later the police would find the criminals and prosecute them. Nothing in the news. Just another murder in a city as if this was the norm. It wasn't the norm. It shouldn't be the norm. I want my friend back. (Fact is I want all my friends who have died back at times ...I cry and think man what a mean and evil world we live in)


The reality is that there is sin. There is racism. (It shouldn't BE!!!) My friend was just considered another stat. Another murder. Another forgotten face. Life taken too short. Nothing in the paper, in fact you can't even find the obituary nor find out what happened to his killers. I've gone over this time and time again and think about Lamonte ever now and then. I've moved on and forgiven but wonder when there is a National NEWS about a murder is what about Lamonte? What about some people like the friends of Kyle Fleischmann (who want answers?)(Who went missing in Charotte, NC a few yrs ago and never to be seen again. I had held a prayer vigil in Raleigh, NC for him). I remember Lamonte's funeral .... all of us from KB Toys went ... They played a Kirk Franklin song ... Tears in my eyes.

In the end all will be revealed .... whatever happened with this current Case of Travvon/Zimmerman .... it reminds me for every one of these stories there is always one that is forgotten not on the news ....Someone struggling that they just lost a loved one. They are grieving and that Only the God of all Comfort can be there!!! Probably one of the most comforting facts as to why I'm in ministry ....is that God is in control ....I trust Him. I Follow Him. Try to give hope, love, faith to a hurting world.

What about you? Have a "Lamonte story" in your life? Helping hurting people? Praying for them? Thinking about that as I heard at my children's school that a child lost a parent to cancer this week. Continue to pray for each other.

My Calvin and Hobbes Collection

Calvin and Hobbes
is probably one of the best comic strips ever made. I went into a bookstore and one of the workers never heard of the Strips.

Here are the books I have:

Something Under the Bed Is Drooling


The Essential Calvin and Hobbes: A Calvin and Hobbes Treasury


Yukon Ho!


The Authoritative Calvin and Hobbes: A Calvin and Hobbes Treasury


Calvin and Hobbes: The Tenth Anniversary Book


It's a Magical World

Calvin and Hobbes: Sunday Pages, 1985-1995



My Dream is to get the Whole Collection .....

What Calvin and Hobbes books have you read?

My Favourite Calvin and Hobbes Comic

This is one of my favorite Calvin and Hobbes comic ... Found here
Top 25 (Warning some language)


I loved Calvin and Hobbes. Collected the books. Just recently, my own children have been reading them too ...when I brought my books home this week ... it seems both Nicole and Brian love the books. (Calvin is about the same age as my son)

30 Pieces Offering!!

This past Sunday we gave out some small draw string bags to our children's ministry. The children and their families are to put their spare change (Coins, dollars etc) in them and bring the bags back in 2weeks for our Easter Service as an offering.

During our Easter Service - we will have a time where the children can bring their bags of coins and present the to the Cross and put them near the foot of the Cross (Which we have in the front of our Auditorium).

Why 30 pieces? And what does this represent?

Well, we like, Judas, have betrayed Jesus with our own sinfulness .... We nailed Jesus to the Cross. (Actually our sin did and (Romans 3:23 and Romans 6:23 reminds of this) And so we give back our offering to Him for in Romans 5:8 "while we were yet sinners .... Christ died for us." Our special offering will got to one of our missions to surprise them as well ......


This might be an idea you can use in your ministry as well.

Are you doing anything special or different for Resurrection Lord's Day? aka Easter Sunday?

Let me know of some ideas that have worked or didn't work.

Reminds me of the Cancelling of This
event .... hmmm might be a bit of both poor planning and poor parents ...

Sermon Scripture References for Next Quarter.

Sermon Text

DATE Scripture Reference
Apr. 1st Joshua 10: 7-13
8th John 20:1-10
15th Joshua 11:16-20
22nd Joshua 14:6-12
29th Joshua20:1-6

May 6th Joshua 23:1-11
13th Ruth 20th Jude
27th 1 John 1


June A Study through 1 John continues .....


What series are you doing??

Comparing Teens from 1982 to 2012

Was sent this and thought Amusing ...



From: BestEducationDegrees.com

Times to Rejoice!!!!

We just finished our Baby Bottle Campaign to help support our local Crisis Pregnancy Center. In just a few short weeks .... we raised over a thousand dollars to help our local center. (How Cool is that?)


Our local boy scout troop 252 has several young men getting ready to start on their Eagle projects. (How cool is that?)


And then our little ole Clothes closet has been used and even some of the clothes donated to a local mission called:

Children in Need


We're still helping to feed the hungry and clothe the naked by our local ministries and share Jesus both near and far.


And let's not forget all the behind the scenes stuff that happens weekly ...preparing for Easter, and then summer with VBS, camp etc. God has truly blessed.

And one more thing our mortgage is under $175 000 left. I'm truly amazed how God is working and using people .... one person just wrote me this week and quoted Hebrews 11:1 "Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, and the evidence of things not seen ..." and not to give up on the work for the Lord.

We are to be Jesus' hands and feet. We have lots of work to do ... to supporting local ministries to supporting each other, and proclaiming the Good news .... Don't give up ...We serve a Great God.


What exciting things is God doing in your life?

Commentaries ... Which ones do you use?

In preaching - one uses many different commentaries ... I use some online, Matthew's, Wierbe's and just recently picked up this one for my sermon series through Joshua. I like it. Very simple. Very relevant.


What other resources do you use for your messages? What was the last commentary you bought?

The Effective Pastor - A Guide. - Review.

Seems to me I've been getting more resources and books that are more practical in the Minister's Life and Work. Robert Anderson's book is one that I wanted to check out and read for some time. It gives some good insight for ministry.

Written from a Baptist background (and hints of traditional bias) this book is anything but. This resource even speaks on one of the issues that few church leaders hear about ... the role their wife plays in the ministry. This practical guide is one that goes through the daily routine of ministry and it isn't always about "Just preaching the Word."


what was the last book you read?

Bible Reading Plans.

Right now I'm reading through two different Bible Reading plans ...One along with our church people that goes through the life of Jesus leading us up to Easter ... and the other has me reading through the Bible in a year. I've tried different reading plans but these ones help me stay disciplined and in the Word.

What reading plans are you using to help you be in God's Word?

There is one through EBible that sends you a daily verse of the day and of course youversion and other online and software out there .... The best advice - stick to it ...and be in the Word.

Downsizing My Office.

As many of you know is "I love books." I love to read. And until a few years ago, would rarely part with any of my books or resources .... This week I went through my office and actually got rid of two book cases full of material. (I took my book cases that I bought home and cleaned up my office). Don't get me wrong ... I love reading and I still love books ...and there are some books I wouldn't want to part with. (I'm actually hoping to pass along to my kids)

The reality is that most of the books I have - after I read them - they just collect dust. So I need to recycle, reuse and re-invest in others as well. A lifelong leader is a learner ...and he also passes along his resources. I'm hoping to do that more. To learn, re-invest in people's lives, and help people be even better leaders than me.

How about you?

It's Not About Me - Max Lucado - A review.

I'll be honest ... I read and have a lot of Lucado's books. Why? Because they are simple, sound, and concise.

This one took me awhile to get reading at first. Why was that? Perhaps because I'm still getting used to using and reading certain books on my e-reader. Perhaps it was too simple. Perhaps because of life itself. Anyways ... Max Lucado again writes a homerun book. A good reminder that it isn't about US, but about Him.

One of my favourite chapters was Chapter Eight. The story of G.R. Tweed hit home. As we are to be reflecting the mirror of our Lord (2 Cor. 3:16) In Chapter 9, Max Lucado shares about a European priest who gathered the Church for a special service .... in the darkness of the night ...they waited.

Soon the priest arrived. "when he reached the crucifix that hung on the wall, he lit a candle. Saying nothing, he illuminated the pierced feet of Christ, then the side, then one hand, and then the other. Lifting the candle, he shed light on the blood masked face and the crown of thorns. With a puff, he blew out the candle and dismissed the church." pg. 69

What a powerful illustration and remind that it isn't about US but about Him!!! May we be mirroring that. This book was a good reminder for anyone WHO it is all about.

The 3 Es of What the Church is to be doing.

Here is what the church needs to be doing:



I. Edify the Saints. Encourage them. Fellowship. Disciple. Telling them not to give up ..run the race, persevere .... pursue God. Be Holy.


II. Encourage non-believers to follow Jesus. From Fan to follower ..... (Part of the Great Commission)


III. Elevate the Lord. (Part of the Greatest Commandment to Love God) (Give God all the glory)

What do you think? Anything to add? How you encouraging non-believers, edifying the saints and elevating God?

Be a Fountain not a Drain.

Saw this from a church newsletter and thought to share:

BE A FOUNTAIN NOT A DRAIN

I saw a marquee in front of a church’s building that had the following on it: “BE A FOUNTAIN NOT A DRAIN”. I looked over at my wife and said, “There is a sermon in there somewhere.” Indeed, there is a lesson in this simple statement that every Christian needs to hear.
Christians will either be a fountain or they will be a drain when it comes to their responsibilities in the kingdom of God. This is especially seen in the local work of a congregation. There is no middle ground. As a member of a local church, I am either a fountain that nourishes the work or I am a drain that is depleting the energy and life from that work.

Paul expressed the ‘either or’ principle when writing about the life of the Christian. “Do you not know that if you present yourselves to anyone as obedient slaves, you are slaves of the one whom you obey, either of sin, which leads to death, or of obedience, which leads to righteousness? But thanks be to God, that you who were once slaves of sin have become obedient from the heart to the standard of teaching to which you were committed, and, having been set free from sin, have become slaves of righteousness.” (ROMANS 6:16-18)
Having become slaves of righteousness, we are bound to fulfill our servanthood. Slaves have a vested interest in the success of their master. The accomplishing of the master’s desire is directly related to the faithfulness of the slave. The lazy servant fails to understand that he is important in the process of completing the task. A modern expression to emphasize this principle is, “he got skin in the game”.

Every member of a local church has “got skin in the game”. Therefore, when a member is lazy and a slacker regarding the work of the local church, they become a drain rather than a fountain of life giving water. Drain is defined as, “To deplete gradually, especially to the point of complete exhaustion.” (American Heritage Dictionary) My oldest son has a GMC pickup truck that began having a problem with the battery losing power when the truck wasn’t run for a day or so. It was determined that it had an electrical short that drained the battery. Like the electrical short in my son’s truck, a member who does not consider that they have “skin in the game” will drain the life out of a local church.
Christians often lament the lack of growth in the congregation where they hold membership. We all have known of local churches that at one time were growing but today are on the verge of death. Why do congregations find themselves in this dilemma? In my humble opinion, it is because members have failed in their servitude by losing sight of their personal responsibility. A local church’s spiritual vitality is predicated upon the individual member’s participation. Yes! Every member has “got skin in the game”!

Some will say, “I can’t do anything.” Peter says you can, and he was inspired by God to say so. “His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence, by which he has granted to us his precious and very great promises, so that through them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped from the corruption that is in the world because of sinful desire. For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge, and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness, and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love. For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they keep you from being ineffective or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. For whoever lacks these qualities is so nearsighted that he is blind, having forgotten that he was cleansed from his former sins. Therefore, brothers, be all the more diligent to make your calling and election sure, for if you practice these qualities you will never fall.” (2 PETER 1:3-10)

What makes a local church grow and do the work God has assigned to it? It takes a membership where each individual member is personally involved in every aspect of its work. In this way and only in this way, will it be a living active organism.

Members who are fountains will give forth their energies to serve. Local churches that are alive and well have members who are fountains. Further, churches whose members are drains are being depleted of their life’s energy which leaves them a useless shell; an illusion rather than the real thing.
Which are you, a fountain or a drain?

From: The Pound Proclaimer is published monthly by the Pound church of Christ 9517A Orby Cantrell Hwy. Pound, VA 24279
All articles by the editor unless otherwise stated
Editor: Glen Young
http://poundchurchofchrist.org/December2011.htm

Again: which are you? Fountain or Drain? Thoughts?

Re-thinking Mission Statement.

in the process of re-thinking our "Mission statement" It is a good statement but no one remembers it. Just finished up reading "Church Unique" and came up with three words: Live. Love Long.


I. Live the Gospel - (The Great Commission Matt.28:16-20)

II. Love God and others. (The Greatest Commandment Makr 12:28-34)

III. Long for others to Follow and be Disciples. (1 John 4:7,8)

Just brainstorming. Of course next up is Andy Stanley's book: Visioneering ... But I just can't get out of my head that of Phil Vischer's speech and that "Where there is no "Vision" people perish" or rather where there is no revelation, people perish. We just need the people of God to follow the Word of God and not some business model. (End of rant and same of Phil's words too that he said in a speech in Atlanta NYWC several yrs ago)

More Suns Baseball Drama

Story


Ah, so a lease being done ... the Winchester factor ..... and the Drama begins.

Meanwhile the taxpayers paying for this and people are struggling? Something tells me

1. Either the Suns owner wants a FREE ticket to a NEW Stadium.

2. This is a joke.

3. If the Suns so profitable and wants to keep them here ...why not willing to put his own $$$ into the club?

4. Something smells fishy here ...

Baseball Controversy in Hagerstown

Municipal Stadium
has had its share of controversy.

Including:

In 2005 a movement arose to rename an adjacent street to honor Willie Mays, who played his first game at the park as a minor league rookie. The proposal, however, was shot down due to protests by various American war veterans groups who wanted to keep the original road name of Memorial Boulevard. The affair was covered by ESPN on its Outside the Lines program.

And now the controversy of

New Stadium downtown


Suns to possibly move to Winchester?


And the owner being told by the MLB and the Nats organization the stadium needed to be updated (Actually they seem to demand a new stadium)


Now here is where the rubber mets the road.

1. Why should the government be funding this?

2. What happened to past tax revenue that was suppose to be used for this?

3. What about the History of the Stadium? We forget the traditions etc. Willie Mays, (and even current super stars like Bryce Harper, Steven Strasburg) Do we destroy one landmark for something new?

(On a side and personal note it seems Washington County has already done that with several of its buildings - destory and build anew forget the past seems to be the motto from the ole Library, Hospital, Pangborn


I think we're too quick to build anew without considering the history and rich tradition in the current facility being used.

(Of course I'm still stuck on Air Canada Center and want Maple Leaf Gardens .... want where the Jays play be called the Skydome etc.)

What surprised me, as a fan, of the Suns is the willingness to just build and appease the new owners and the lack of NOISE for tradition and even that of a GREAT BASEBALL player and African American in Willie Mays.

Why is that?

Is it because the community has already been through this? Is it because the "Tension" of it and the history we have in this area (I'm reminded I like both near major Civil Wat battles: Antietam and Gettysburg), The Mason Dixon line, and that of a slave plantation Rockland Info here


It saddens me that we can so easily toss away history, have what seems like a bad business plan (Umm they already put in $$$ for improving the stadium several hundreds of thousands of dollars and just want to build a new one because MLB, The Nats, and the Owners want one? And the ole threat of "We're out of here...") Something seems terribly wrong in this situation and SHAME on everyone for being so quiet about it!!! (And I'm not even a Big Baseball fan but know this just doesn't all ADD up)

Thoughts?

What do you think?

"Celebrity" Christian Causes.

Seems a lot of people see a certain video or social network issue and have to promote or press the "Share" button. The problem is it becomes the fad or gimmick of the week. What happens next week? Who picks up the pieces?

Do we jump on the bandwagon? Or do we continue with the resources and gifts and abilities that God gives us?

Seems to me this week to week or month to month causes ...they cause confusion. The focus tends to be on the social justice issues rather than the God of Justice. We need to be careful. Be as innocent as doves, wise as serpents ...


So what is the Church to do when certain causes come up or emergencies arise?


I. Have a plan.

II. Pray

III. Respond with kindness.

IV. If people want to give, or share that is ok ... but recognize or ask are they doing because "everyone is doing it" or feel compelled because they prayed about it and are convicted to do so?

V. What happens when this Cause is over?

VI. Have a Church Emergency Plan or "Special offerings" when leaders decide what funds to help support.

What is that Smell?

What is that smell?

In
2 Corinthians 2:15-16 it says:

New International Version (NIV)

"15 For we are to God the pleasing aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing. 16 To the one we are an aroma that brings death; to the other, an aroma that brings life. And who is equal to such a task?"

For we are the aroma of Christ. We either smell like death or life. We either are sweet or we stink. There is no inbetween. What aroma of Christ (if any) are you giving to others? Are they smelling you and thinking, "Man, I don't want to be near you" or are they saying "There is something different and special about you." (To which you point them to Christ)


I've always like Pepe. I felt sorry for him. The problem is He is a romantic. He wants to be sweet, act sweet, but his aroma says otherwise. (Funny thing is we named our black cat we had, Pepe). Thar is the issue of some Christians - they want to be sweet, sometimes act it (We call them Fans of Jesus) but are far from Followers of Him.

The Sweet Aroma of Christ is summed up in the great commandment: Love God and love others. The ole saying "They will know we are Christians by our love, by our love ..." What you do daily, how you act, react, and treat others shows what you love or don't love. So let us press onward and show the love of Christ to all.

So what aroma do you have? My prayer is it doesn't stink.

"Self Promoting" Christian Blogs = Self Righteous?

Here is a pet peeve of mine ... Christian leaders that self promote their own blogs every day. In fact if it isn't every day it is every other day on other social media sites such as groups in Facebook. All they post is their blog ... don't contribute to the conversation ... and sometimes post their blog posts just to stir things up. It gets old. There are things as "Google Reader" to add people's blogs to one's reader or even an RSS feed. You can also have the posts emailed to you ... but no instead these authors and Christian leaders just post their blog posts on the site ... and it is like saying:

1. Hey look at my latest writing .... I'm cool.

2. I, know it all. How self-righteous of you.

3. Promotes this celebrity mentality.

4. Promotes sometimes disunity.


What do you think? am I off base? I know there are some good authors out there and probably don't mean it that way.

Maybe they can see ...check out my blog and add it to your Feed. Or post their blog posts they think contribute to the issue that is being discussed ... to just post your latest blog post and that is it ...adds nothing but self promotion and almost seems you are being arrogant and self righteous at the same time ...no matter how good or bad your writing is.

Online Resource Index for Hurting Church Leaders

One of the best resources for those hurting in ministry is parsonage.org Found here
for either ministers, youth ministers etc.

They have listings for Church conflict, counseling, retreat centers etc.

One of the Finest people that I consulted with while in transition with a few ministries I had.

25 Books for those Church Leaders that are Hurting.

One of my biggest passions and sympathy for is those that are ministers and have been hurt by the church. There are tons of stories out there .... Sheep that bite. Churches that have hurt some good preachers ... and of course preachers that have hurt churches too!! My hope is that the church improves. I love the Church. See the potential in her. See people that have abused her; and people that misuse "the Church and her leaders."

So this is to encourage my fellow workers in the ministry: Hang in there. Don't quit. The grass isn't always greener.

Through the years there have been some good books and resources that have encouraged in in the midst of down times.

Here they are:

1. Brothers We are Not Professionals - John Piper

2. Christian Minister - Sam Stone

3. Churches that Abuse - Ronald M. Enroth.

4. Dare to Drop the Pose- Craig Groeschel

5. Dear Preacher, Please Quit! Roy Branson. Jr.

6. Escape from Church, Inc. E. Glenn Wagner

7. Find Us Faithful - Bob Russell

8. Genuine Ministers - Marshall Leggett

9. How to be an Effective Church Leader - Sam Stone

10. I'd Rather See a Sermon - Dave Stone.

11. Keeping Your Head Above Water - Dave Stone

12. Leadership from the inside out - Kevin Harney

13. Leading on Empty - Wayne Cordeiro

14. Making Sense of the Ministry - Warren and David Wiersbe

15. Painful Side of Leadership - Jeff Iorg

16. Pastors in Pain - Gary Preston

17. Pastors at Greater Risk - HB London Jr, Neil B. Wiseman

18. Power of Loving Your Church - David Hansen

19. 10 Things Every Minister Needs to know - Ronnie Floyd

20. They Smell like Sheep - Lynn Anderson

21. Things They Never Taught You in Seminary - Deborah and James Bushfield

22. Tool box for Busy Pastors - Barry Campbell

23. Wounded Minister - Guy Greenfield

24. Who Stole My Church? - Gordon Macdonald

25. Pastors Handbook - John Bisagno.

I believe every preacher, leader, etc. Needs to have one or more of these books on their bookshelves to encourage them and when times get tough.


Honorable mention:

The Healthy Pastor - Dennis Bickers

The new Guidebook for Pastors - James Bryant and Mac Brunson

Moments for Pastors - Robert Strand.

Church Unique

In the midst of reading this book. A very interesting book. It is probably one of the books that should of been written years ago. It talks how one can cast vision and create a movement. One of the focuses it tends to focus on is how we as the church can be the church rather than the focus on programs but on setting things forward.

A Partnership That didn't Happen!

So I heard about a guy named Dudley Rutherford in CA whose church merged and helped out another and went on to be successful. I had a friend who went through having a partnership with another church and they combined resources and eventually became United Church in Richmond.

So this past Fall, I had a friend, who sent out an email looking for a church to help out their struggling congregation.

(A independent Church who came out of Lutheran background, and was meeting at a 7th Day Adventist Church where the church I serve use to met - coincidence??) So I responded and we met for lunch and showed his leaders our facility.

I didn't know where we stood - other than they were struggling financially and were seeking what the next steps were.

Either:

I. Use our facility and operate as a separate church.

II. Combine resources and merge

III. Say "Thanks but no thanks".

I was very upfront where we stood doctrinally. They saw our statement of faith and agreed with it. They came out of the Lutheran denomination due to liberalism .... (Female pastors and stand on homosexuality etc)
I told them about the Lord's Supper and Baptism.

So I didn't hear from them in months. Then a few weeks ago ... I get a call from their pastor. He'd like to have his leaders meet ours if willing. So it was decided to hold a meeting after church and just listen. Introductions were made and questions asked. (I was waiting for the ASK and facilited some of the dialogue which I assumed would be coming from the other congregation). The meeting itself was very cordial but seemed to focus on our differences and a step like putting the cart before the horse.

It was suggested maybe to meet as a smaller group. We had all closed in prayer.

Then people read too much into it. What if we merge? What is this doctrine was taught? What if?

We weren't even there yet. It seemed our differences on Infant Baptism, and Communion separated us. So afterwards, the other church decided to explore other options.

Here is the lesson I think we can learn from this.

I. Our Church needs Leaders. I can't do it alone.

II. We need to stand firm and courageous on God's Word.

III. We need to think outside the box in ministry opportunities and be praying more.

IV. The Kingdom of God is bigger than anyone church. We are Christians only, but not the ONLY Christians.

As I reflect on this ... I'm also learning who I "Fellowship" with and partner with matters. There is a group of "pastors" from the community that meet monthly I go to meet with that I learn from though they are theologically different ... they do bring some resources to knowing what is happening in our area.

Then there is a group I meet with monthly that I learn, partner, fellowship with that have a Kingdom mindset and appreciate the group as we continue to pray for each other.

The older I get, the more conservative I'm becoming. As I reflect back on all of this it seemed to be a learning process for all.

Be praying for Christ Community Church.

Church merger article


Church mergers

Getting in Shape.

I use to kid with people "I'm getting in shape. Round is a shape." But I've been convicted. 1 Cor. 6:19-20 talks about the temple ... I've been sick of the jokes I heard about preachers being overweight; fat' and eating chicken alot (Though that last part might be true). So I decided to do something about it. I weighed about less than two years at the most over 242 ....

I've had friends, (like Matthew McNutt who was on the Biggest Loser) who put me to shame. So I've decided to do something about my weight. Get rid of Mt. Dew (though drinking Pepsi isn't good either) I'm now done to drinking some coffee, and not as much snackie foods, water and exercising. (Biking alot ....at the Y) As of this week I'm down to 206. My goal is to get under 200 ...

So what goals do you have?

Are you getting in shape?