Lost and Found - Slide Girl

Sundin and the Great One!

Investing in God's Economy or your Own.

Tomorrow's sermon looks at the parable of the talents.

I. The Profit of the Servants.

II. The Profitless Servant.

III. Our Response.

NHL Promo Commercial ''Cup Raise'' (HD)

6 Things I like about Doug Fields

Some of you may actually think I have a love-hate relationship with Doug Fields
But I don't.

Here are some Great things I think Doug has done in light of him recently resigning and taking a Big Leap of Faith


Here are what I believe to be some of Doug's greatest resources.

1. His book: what Matters Most. Definitely a keeper and for any church leader.

2. Your First Two Years in Youth Ministry. I wish I had this resource when I first started out in Youth Ministry.

3. Purpose Driven Life ..(OK He didn't write that) but Purpose Driven Youth Ministry has shaped and challenged youth ministries to ask the tough questions on what is the purpose of what we are doing and why?

4. Simply Youth Ministry
a great resource and site.

5. His honesty and vulnerability


6. Power play trivia Games. I use mine occasionally.

I like also how he points people to Jesus. Somehow I think his resigning we won't see him more in youth ministry work as much as we'll see him encouraging youth workers to do youth ministry more.

I Hate Doug Fields?

I hate Doug Fields. Okay, maybe hate is such a strong word, maybe it's
dislike. I have nothing against Doug Fields himself; just that so many in
youth ministry want to attempt to be well like Doug Fields or the next
Doug Fields of youth ministry. Don't be like Doug. (Or even like Mike for
that matter). What God has done at Saddleback is great. But be who you
are, and God created you to be.

Imitiate Jesus, not Doug. I think that's the way Doug would of liked it.
Pointing all things to God's Glory that we may Love God and love our
students. We don't need more Doug Fields in Youth Ministry. We need more
youth workers who have a passion and desire to be who God wants them to
be in youth ministry. I've stopped trying to be Like Doug, Mike
Yaconelli, Duffy Robbins (And whoever else is Big in your Denomination)
and let God work on me. God has blessed people like Doug, and He can me.

I wonder why we look to people like Doug Fields, instead of the Rulemaker
That Doug Loves. Maybe that's the point. Don't let your life be modeled
after Doug Fields, model your life after the God who Doug loves. I really
don't dislike Doug Fields; I've just fallen more in love with the God he
serves.

What about you? Caught in the game of trying to imitiate a mega church;
instead of just learning and applying some principles from them. How can
you fall back in love with God? Maybe it isn't looking at what others
have; but thanking God that their part in the Body is doing well ..and
God Can use you too.

What do you think? Hate Doug? or Love the God He Serves?

The 3Ds

So I got thinking about what are the three things on has to do on any given project?

Here is what I came up with.


I. Design. One has to design and think of what you want to achieve.

II. Determination. What are the steps you need to take to get your design to its end? What objectives do you need to met the ends? Determining how to do about your design is key.

III. Direction. This is different from design and determination. the direction helps with your determination and the design phrases. Also in having direction - it clarifies not only the end but evaluates your design and determination? Have I bite off too much? what resources do I need to achieve this?

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Now let's take this a step further ... how does this apply to a ministry setting?

We need to need to know what our church and ministries are designed to look like?
We need to be determined to take steps to support the design?
We need direction - not just a formula but have God in the equation as well. I've seen many ministries base their ministries on the latest book, gimmick, or convention and try to design their ministries and were determined to make them look like the next MEGA SUPER WALMART CHURCH. The problem? God wasn't in the equation.

Let's be who God created us to be. He gives the increase. We just need to be busy trying to plant seeds and growing those seeds, and the increase will come.

Picking a Church - King of the Hill!

Overcoming Fear!

I'm afraid. It is hard to admit. Afraid to admit that I fear things. I fear God, I try to keep His commandments. There tends to be alot out there on fear. As if I can overcome Fear itself. You know what I think it is ok to be afraid at times. It is ok to doubt, to have emotions and feelings. People like to think there is some magic formula to overcoming things. There isn't. They write books and say - "Oh, you can overcome fear - just trust God." Sounds like and Cute in practice, but in reality doesn't work. To overcome fear - it is like a process. You have to know what your fears are.

For example: "I hate Spiders." Just can't stand them. So do I need to pull an Indiana Jones and be thrown into a pit of spiders to overcome my fear? Absolutely not! Then there are some things that people are afraid of that they need to seek more professional help. To come up with some clever slogan or something disregards the way God created us. Sure, we are to have a Spirit of Hope, to not be intimidated. Fear is one of those emotions I'm grasping. I ask myself the tough questions:

1. What am I afraid of?
2. Why is that?
3. How can I overcome that?
4. When did this fear first start?

Sometimes fear isn't easily controlled, nor should we reduce it down to some formula. There are real people, that are really hurting, and for us to say "Don't be afraid - just ..." rather ignores the issue rather than listening to them and helping them to listen for God.

Overcome Evil With Good Romans 12:21

This week we look at how we can overcome evil.

9-11 - My Memories!

Here is what I wrote only a few days after Sept 11 - Sept 15,2001

In a week, where healing, comforting and tragedy has overtaken us; the only words I find myself asking is "What can I do?" Than I found out I wasn't alone. Knowing God was in control; and uplifting prayers; and having prayer services; making phone calls to check on churches in DC and NY. Getting donated goods; getting people to donate blood ..but there has to be more. So without delay; last nite - a band of Christians left to deliver good to NY. A six hour drive. Left 8pm back before 3pm Saturday.
In the several hours we spent dropping off goods; praying with others there; and seeing as close as we can the devastation ..I don't think I'll ever be the same. It is worse than even what you see. In walking by Vincent Hospital ..the "lost" notices ....the New Yorkers telling their stories at 3am in the morning; and the scenes of police; workers; and heavy equipment being transported.



I was wondering; and hoping; and praying. I'll never be the same. It was a memorable; sleepless; prayerful nite. One in which you sense evil; see good; and embrace and seek God. It took me a 10- 12 hour trip late last nite to find that my journey is different now. God is there even as the dust is settling in the midst of Manhattan. Picture, after picture ..it is not just the faces on TV; but these were real; real to me. I talked with some; prayed with some. Hoping God used me; yet questioning; not having the answers; but knowing Who does. Just thought I'd share my adventures as a band of Christians late last nite dropped off some goods for the WTC relief.

Gman

Fall 2009 Sermon Series!

Youth Minister's Vision should be a part of the Church's overall Vision.

I recently saw this remark from a friend and responded.

"It's like a Senior Pastor who can't allow his youth pastor to cast a vision for the student ministry because he thinks he can do a better job." (And there are some lame ministers out there - myself included at times)


Actually, I hate to say this (As a former Youth worker and now Lead Minister) I think a Youth worker doesn't cast the vision for the student ministry. The student ministry's vision has to be a part of the whole church's vision otherwise you're a lame duck without support and just running a separate "Youth" Church rather than intergrating the students into the whole Body of Christ and being multi-generational. I hope (And YES I know some SP who think they can do a better job in student ministry and try to micromanage their staff - been there, done that; bought the T-shirt)

I think in my opinion a student ministry's vision has to be partnering and a part of the overall vision of the church. Without support of your Senior Minister and others you're a lame duck!

What do you think? Should youth workers' vision be separate from the church or a part of the overall church?

What is your church's vision?

What direction are you headed in, do you even know?

8 Excuses People Give For not Attending Church

So I read this Article
on 5 Reasons (They actually have 8) people don't goto church.

Got me thinking of Dan Kimball's book: They like Jesus, just not the Church


But the really shocker is most excuses come from so-called Christians.

So let me attempt to answer these excuses.


1. What do I wear? Seriously dude? Come naked. OK. Don't come naked, but just wear what you normally would (Minus the thong). Church isn't a comparison Dress up game but rather who you are and what you want to be. It is more than clothes.

2. Why would I want to come to church; it is the only day I can sleep in? Seriously? You sleep in until 10am? I gave that up when I went to college. There is also this wonderful invention - called the Sunday Afternoon nap. Most guys do it in the Fall while watching NFL when their team is losing anyways ... so you should try it sometimes.

3. I can worship God at home by watching that TV preacher or out in the Woods. But do you? Most people who use this don't do this - another lame excuse.

4. But I understand the church and its styles. Neither does everyone else. It is called learning.

5. There are too many hyprocrites there. Always room for one more. The only difference between those that are the church, and those that aren't Christians - is Christians have accepted Forgiveness.

6. I don't like the style of music. Don't worry, neither do I. Style changes. It isn't about you; nor me. It is about God. It isn't about hymns, contemporary, non-contemporary, traditional, grunge, blended. Worship is about God. It is more than singing. Singing can be a part of worship but in and of itself is not worship alone. Worship shows what and Who you love. Worship is always changing.

7. There is nothing for my family. No students my son's age - so he can date girls (I actually got this one) For small churches and medium sized there is a catch 20. too small to be big; and too big to be small. People Church shop. Unfortunately. Well, super Walmart mega church down the street has an awesome this and that - why don't you? And I'm like - well, thanks ... I'm so glad you think we need that ... why don't you head that up? (Silence). There is lots for people to do if they want to get involved rather than just sit on the sidelines. Whiners and complainers need not apply.

8. See Better things. (This goes along with #7) People always think the Grass is greener. The problem is all churches are messy. No church is perfect. (If they think they are - RUN AWAY). The problem though becomes it (Seeing things better) sometimes turns into a bashing of the bride of Christ and turning her into a prostitute rather than the Bride she is. You see the Kingdom of God is bigger than any one church; and any one congregation but is a part of the Body and the Larger Universal CHURCH.
We have to be willing to make a less than desirable situation better and great. See the optimism in the situation rather than giving up hope and just throwing in the towel and going down the street to Mr. Super-walmart Church that we think has it all together when it doesn't either.

Are there people that need to leave and go to another church? Sure. Some people just aren't going to be satisfied no matter what and in a new context might thrive. I'm just glad that God is still molding, making, refining the congregation where I am at - included myself - messy disciple at all.

What Excuses have you heard? Any others you would add?

Here are some I found amusing


and the 180 more


and excused used in a sermon Illustration

Transformation Happens.

The purpose statement the congregation has is: "Transforming families into people of purpose." (Which is some ways is a mouthful.)

I got thinking is there an easier way to state our purpose?

Sure? Transformation Happens - based on Romans 12:1-2.

Happens in

-Your life.

-Your Family.

-Your Church.

-In the World.
(Job, community, unto the ends of the earth)

So what does this include? this included Spiritual development of people, by people, for people - thus taking them where they are to where they are to be. The Great commission and greatest commandment summed up.

What is the purpose statement or Vision of your church? Does it need to be revised and relooked at?

I know of one ministry that had one that no one could recite and had to revisit it.

Here is what their old Mission statement was "WE exist to accomplish God's will by attracting people in faith in Christ, encouraging love for one another and equipping believers for service in the church and a life mission in the world."

Of course, I had a minister friend of mine who stated: "Most mission statements aren't worth the paper they are written on." Then again if you aim for nothing - you hit it every time though.

5 Positives Effects of the Recession for our Congregation!

Adam's post on 3 positive effects of the recession on the church
got me thinking about my local context and how the recession has affected us.

Here are 5 positives effects I could think of that has helped our church family where I serve.

I. Our benevolent policy. We relooked at how we did benevolence. We looked at scriptures such as 1 Timothy 5:4-10 and Matt. 25:31-46. It use to be if there was a need - we helped out. The problem was this might of been enabling the problem rather than solving it. Or in my words - putting a bandage where there is a severed arm. We had to think of ways not only to stop the bleeding but also have it not happen again. We relooked at our benevolence as a leadership and wanted to be better stewards of which God entrusted us with.

II. Intentional about our Resources. As a small to medium sized congregation - reality was we couldn't do it all nor should we. This past Fall I had a crash course in what resources are out there. I had meetings, trying to partner with community agencies and had to research to see what is out there. (Sometimes the work is already done - you just have to find it) We were working with different social service agencies (And I suggest you go and visit your local social services office and befriend them and ask the tough questions - if someone is in need or rent assistance, food, home, etc ... where do I goto? What is out there?)

III. Honest about our Budget. We can't take love offerings for every Sally's sister's cousin's dog's nephew's owner who happens to be circulating on the internet as dying. We can't. We would like to help and love to help but need to be intentional about what God is doing. We had to cut some areas. We had some of our own facility damaged (due to Winds etc) and didn't have a reserve fund but asked our people to step up so God can provide. (We view our facility as a tool and means but not an end - It is a tool of which God has given us to point to the end, Jesus.) Thus honest conversations and talking about not meeting ends if something ongoing with us but we're trusting Him!

IV. Opportunity to serve. Because of a tight budget - we also been honest and because of that people have given. We had a new digital sign out of nowhere - because someone saw a need. We had people give above and beyond to meet several thousand dollars to repair our facility beyond what I can imagine. (IT is only God)
We have people giving of their time, talent, and tithe and discussing it more to do so. We have people organizing our Food pantry. We have a clothes closet which about a year ago was rare to see people come and now is becoming a regulare resource. For a medium size church - these 2 basic needs of food and clothes is huge. It was amazing to see at the end of July people bring truck loads of food for our pantry. People - even without jobs - are trying to find a way to serve.

V. Because of Opportunitues to serve - our giving increases. Not just monetarily. We have people giving of their time and talents. Starting next month - our leadership is going to using this opportunity to give back to the people. How? In the midst of a recession - sometimes the hardest talks to do is about money. Our focus this Fall will be on stewardship, personal finance, and equipping people to manage better of what God has given them. We're not looking for our own Giving to Increase but rather people to view everything they have is not their own anyways - it is God's and to use it wisely. Parable of the Talents.

That is all I can think of. How is the recession affecting the context where you live?