A Beautiful Mess - A Review

Marko's latest book about Youth Ministry is a Must for anyone in youth ministry. It is almost a follow-up from his book YM 3.0. He refutes the "Sky is falling" in the youth ministry world that a lot of us have been saying for years. He talks of the components of a great youth ministry - love youth, willing to grow as a follower of Jesus, willing to do so in the midst of students.

What I like most about Marko's latest book is his honest, transparent evaluation of youth ministry and encouragement. His "Bigger Youth Ministries" isn't always better statements sums it up. The author basically states that God can use churches and youth ministries of all sizes - both big and small ... and not to be caught up in the comparison game but be who God has called you to be. It seems to be a beautiful mess that God is using groups of all sizes to reach the "Michaels" of the world and not just write them off.

The concluding remarks about being intentional ... through humility, learning, and knowing that it is God in control, not us. This book is a reminder to youthworkers why we do what we do.

Preach: Theology Meets Practice - A Review.

Just finished reading this book. The authors break the book into three parts

Part One: theology of preaching. God speaking, power of His Word, Expositional preaching, and what preaching does.

(almost a reminder of why do we preach the Word each week)

Part Two is the Practice. (Application and practicality of it) It includes what to preach, prep, structure of the sermon, delivering, and reviewing.

Part Three is the author's sample and discussing their sermon transcripts.

Personally Part Three was ok to see what the author's did but Part Two was worth the book's price in gold. It helped as one is to preparing to concluding the sermons. It was a good reminder to "Preach the Word, in season and out of season."

Those going into the preaching ministry - need a copy of this book.

Lost and Found Needs Your Help!!

I've been a fan of Lost and Found for years ... Almost a decade now. Every NYWC (National Youth Workers' Convention) I'd rather see them than any other band (Even Crowder) ...maybe its their crazy style, maybe its the Canadian song, maybe its Slinky, or maybe it is just George and Michael's passion for God. I've even put together a video and used it for a sermon illustration (See Baby youtube here)

They are working on a new album and need help supporting it. Info found here


If you can help ... that would be great. If not, if you can pray ...that would be great too! Thanks.

Our Heroes

Always Remember

Dorks and Nerds.

A few years ago this pic was taken with my friend, Angela (Aka http://scifichick.com)

I still laugh at this pic. It was at a youth convention in Atlanta, GA.

Just one Click Video

Saw this video and all I can say is "WOW" Powerful message .... and STRONG message on the dangers of porn and the internet. May we promote Good and be accountable in all areas of our lives.





Watch this provocative, just-released video and make sure you forward to the parents and leaders in your life today!

* Warning: Mature Content. Disclaimer: The Just1ClickAway video was created according to the highest standards of integrity. All minor children acting in the film were supervised at all times by a parent. The parents met with the director in advance to closely review the script, receive explanations about the purpose and use for the film and sign releases. Minors were on set only for their specific parts and their scenes were shot without suggestive images or other characters within their view

Just1ClickAway (J1CA) is not a stand-alone piece - it is one facet, or track, of a much broader ministry emphasis - the Bare Facts. The purpose of the Just1ClickAway video is to raise awareness about the threat of Internet pornography and to network with other organizations to offer solutions for families and individuals of all ages and stages. The Just1clickaway.org website promotes the Bare Facts messages and products, along with many other referrals to articles and partner organizations who are working in the areas of prevention, addiction, and education - all groups that are offering solutions.

Bluetree- Jesus Healer song.

Lord, Change my Attitude - Study on Wednesdays.

Winner vs. Loser

Winner vs Loser
by: Author Unknown, Source Unknown




The Winner is always part of the answer;
The Loser is always part of the problem.

The Winner is always has a program;
The Loser always has an excuse.

The Winner says,"Let me do it for you;
The Loser says;" That is not my job."

The Winner sees an answer for every problem;
The Loser sees a problem for every answer.

The Winner says," It may be difficult but it is possible";
The Loser says,"It may be possible but it is too difficult."

When a Winner makes a mistake, he says," I was wrong";
When a Loser makes a mistake, he says," It wasn't my fault."

A Winner makes commitments;
A Loser makes promises.

Winners have dreams;
Loser have schemes.

Winners say," I must do something";
Losers say,"Something must be done."

Winners are a part of the team;
Losers are apart from the team.

Winners see the gain;
Losers see the pain.

Winners see possibilities;
Losers see problems.

Winners believe in win/win; Losers believe for them to win someone has to lose.


Winners see the potential;
Losers see the past.

Winners are like a thermostat;
Losers are like thermometers.

Winners choose what they say;
Losers say what they choose.

Winners use hard arguments but soft words;
Losers use soft arguments but hard words.

Winners stand firm on values but compromise on petty things;
Losers stand firm on petty things but compromise on values.

Winners follow the philosophy of empathy: "Don't do to others what you
would, not want them to do to you";
Losers follow the philosophy, "Do it to others before they do it to you."

Winners make it happen;
Losers let it happen.

In a Second ....

A man goes to church and starts talking to God.
He says: "God, what is a million dollars to you?"
and God says: "A penny",
then the man says: "God, what is a million years to you?"
and God says: "a second".
then the man says: "God, can I have a penny?"
and God says "In a second."

Why She gets a Day - Happy Mother's Day!

He Chose the Nails. - A Review.

I read "He Chose the Nails" a few years ago. I re-read it again this year - after being given a free copy to review. (I had regretfully given alot of my Lucado books away in a past ministry and wish to reclaim and rebuild my personal library for study.)

Max Lucado makes it so clear and understandable for what God did to win our hearts. Christ did it for us. The tools of toture tell their own story. One of the biggest things to this book (and wasn't there when it first came out) includes now a study guide where you can use this book as a discussion guide for your small groups. (Well worth the price alone)

Knowing Christ chose the nails. Knowing what final message that Christ sent for us ...what should we do as a result. The author gives a lot of food for thought of "the symbols surrounding Christ's crucifixion, revealing the claims of the cross and asserting that if they are true, then Christianity itself is true" (A description of the book found on Amazon)

The challenge is there is if Christ chose the nails and to die for us, what do we need to do as a result? The choice is ours to either accept Jesus or rejection Him altogether. In the words of Joshua, "as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord." May that be your prayer too!!

Books I'm reading: On my reading Shelf

A Surprise in the Paper

Our local paper on Wednesday had this AD. Quite a pleasant surprise.

Having a Robber in Front of you.

Several years ago (when I first moved to a ministry in Virginia) a man robbed the bank in front of me. (The article and photo is of him) It was quite scarey and yet knowing God was in control. It was in August 1999. Over 12 years ago. I still remember being called back and having to identify him. The details I didn't get right but had witnessed it in front of me. My wife, Valerie, saw him leave the bank and what direction he went in. We didn't know the bank was robbed until they later called us back as witnesses and had to talk to the police.

What does that have to do with today?

Well ... it makes me observe better. Try to see things from a different perspective.
It has me pray more. It also has me nervous at times.

I trust God but the next time I have a robber in front of me ... I sure wish he wasn't there.

All I ever needed to know in Life I learned from the Circus.

So this past Monday I took my family to the circus and thought about a few things I have learned in life that relates to the circus. Here they are:

1. There will be clowns.

2. Life can be exciting.

3. There will be lots of different messes and smells.

4. You look forward to seeing things happen.

5. People will try to trick you and deceive.

6. Things can appear to be scarey.

7. There will be lots of noise. (Filter it out)

8. Never tame a lion alone.

9. The Great Lion (of Judah) is to be respected.

10. The Ring Master is in control.

When not to Resign or Fire Someone!

Every now and then this issue comes up, especially in the ministry atmosphere.

I knew a preacher that resigned on Easter Sunday just to get back at the leadership.

Others who just after Easter asked the leader to resign. And even some just after the Christmas holidays to ask the minister to resign.


Fact is there is never a good time to resign. During these times though especially in the Church atmosphere .... Christmas and Easter are never good times.

Why?

1. Poor Etiquette.

2. People will question the leadership and mistrust will build in. (Even with all the good intentions)

3. Pray about a good time. Sometimes timing is everything.

4. View the pros/ Cons when leadership should request someone to resign. This is never an easy process.

Now when is the best time to fire someone? (There really is a good time ...and even to have them resign .... give some warning, grace, forgiveness and opportunity to be Jesus to them ....(Even in the midst of scandal and immorality - try to get them the help they need to repent and be part of the Church again - maybe not that local body but their family and their souls are at stake as well)


Most of the ministries I left on good terms and wanted them to see where God was molding and shaping me to be His hands and feet. I have had friends that resigned that are seeking where God would have them be. Friends resign because of tough situations (Sheep can have fangs) but in all those I see the best in the Bride of Christ, learn from those situations and point others to Jesus. May we all do the same.

In all of this - there are lessons to learn ... and may God be glorified.

May the 4th Be with ....

Lord Change my Attitude Series ....

When the Word Leads Your Pastoral Search - A Review.

Read this book in one day. Couldn't put it down. I have a friend that is currently inbetween ministries and wanted to help him. So I picked up this book to review ...

There are some good practical and principles here. Alot of Biblical principles that sometimes the hardest search isn't the one of Moses letting my people go ...but that of getting your next preacher.

One of the nuggets I got out of the book (Besides the whole pastoral search hints for both sides of the aisle - those on the committee and those searching for their next church) was found on pg. 104.

"Bryan Chapel's '3am test' is especially vivid:
The 3am test requires you to imagine (Someone) awaking you from your deepest slumber with this simple question, 'What's the sermon about today, Pastor?' If you cannot give a crisp answer, you know the sermon is probably half-baked. Thoughts you cannot gather at 3am are not likely to be caught by others at 11am'"

Bibilical preaching being central to the ministry at the church. The author Chris Bauns does a great job of guiding one's search and what should be done when a local congregation is searching for their next preacher.

I Once Was Lost - Book Review.

I read this book as an recommendation from Gene Appel. He recommended it in one of his sermons from the Next Level Conference.

In a nutshell this book is about sharing your faith without seeming weird nor wanting your friends as some sort of project.

The whole reminder of a conversation like ATTIC

To Affirm, Translate, Tranparent, Insert yourself, Challenge ....

The analogy of how serious discipleship is similar to wedding vows. From dating, checkin out Jesus, and finally pledging to Him. It takes serious of how we can help the lost, without downplaying nor making our friends a project but rather them seeking and asking questions along the way. The Habits within the first few weeks hit home (and to nurture them)

1. Getting them to pray.

2. Getting them studying the scriptures.

3. Getting them connected into the community.

4. Get them to tell their story.

5. Get them serving in some way.

I think we can get people to Christ, but it is afterwards that counts as well.

A very good reminder of why we do ministry. 3.5 out of 5 for this book.

Just a line to say I'm Living.

Just a line to say I'm living,
Just a line to say I'm living,
That I'm not among the dead.
Though I'm getting more forgetful,
... And mixed up in my head.

I've got used to my arthritis,
To my dentures I'm resigned.
I can manage my bifocals,
But, oh my!! I miss my mind.

For sometimes I can't remember
When I stand at the foot of the stairs,
If I must go up for something
Or, I've just come down from there.

And before the refrigerator so often,
My poor mind is filled with doubt.
Have I just put food away, or
Have I come to take some out?

And there's times when it is dark,
With my nightcap on my head.
I don't know if I'm retiring,
Or just got out of bed.

(Wes Bush, "Just a line to Say I'm Living) Found in the book: Holmon Old Testament Commentary Joshua. General Editors: Maz Anders. Author: Kenneth O. Gangel. B&H Publishing 2002 pg. 302

Saw this poem as I'm getting ready to finish up my series on Joshua and on Finishing Well.