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Books I've been Reading and On my "To read" list

I love to read. And here is an insight into some books I've recently read.

I. The 10 Dumbest Things Christians Do. - Mark Atteberry. A short book on some things that we do that might do more harm than good for the Kingdom.

II. Ten Stupid Things That Keep Churches from Growing - Geoff Surratt. Honestly I couldn't put this book down. Too true ... and I've done some of them.

III. The Unofficial Church Staff Manual - Mark Riddle. (YP edition). A Good read into tools to help youth ministers' jobs go a little bit smoother.

IV. The Unlikely Disciple - Kevin Roose. An interesting insight of how a sinner attends a strict University in Liberty. Very insightful for a Christian to know what sometimes how non-believers think.

V. The Voice - NT copy - Thomas Nelson. Seems to be an interesting take on The Message and sometimes articulated even better. Looking forward to when the whole Bible is done in this format.

VI. Fresh Start - Doug Fields. Took me some time to read the nuggets in this volume. Doug seems to take to heart his words as he is beginning a Fresh Start in life by resigning is ministry at Saddleback. Should be one to watch.

VII. Church Administration - Robert Welch. Not a bad volume. after 200 pages of this 375 page book ... I had to lay it down. (Honestly it was beating me to death - there is good stuff in there just not the best articulated - reads more like a manual not a one sitting read book ... good stuff which I'm applying but alot to chew on would be an ongoing read)

ON My "To READ" list:

I. "Think Orange" Reggie Joiner- started to read but had other projects - will revisit soon.

II. Simple Student Ministry - Eric Geiger/ Jeff Borton - currently reading.

III. Servolution - Dino Rizzo.

IV. Walking with God - John Eldredge

V. The Justice Project.

VI. Get in the Game - Tony Evans & Jonathon Evans.

What are you reading?

Susan Boyle - Cry Me A River ( Live Today Show 11/23/2009 )

Catalyst One Day.

Last Monday I went to Baltimore with a few friends to the one day conference called: Catalyst One Day. I heard about Catalyst from several of my friends who went to the big convention in Atlanta.

The Big word of the day was "Momentum" - Gaining and Substaining it within the ministry context. Now there were lots of notes I took and alot of little tidbits of which I can apply to my ministry context without compromising what the Bible says.

One of the sessions, entitled "Don't Be That Couch" was well worth the day.

Here is one tidbit I wrote down. "Church are empty because they love their models rather than the people." "Maybe Apple, Coke are more committed to their shareholders than we are to our Savior."

Alot to process with 40 page booklet and all the notes I took. Applying - tweaking and throwing out the old couch won't be easy.

The Process of the Ministry Search. 10 Tips.

One of the sites I like (Even if says youth ministry the principles apply to ministry as well) is Youth Ministry Pro
From the getting a job to helpful hints to how some hire is well worth it.

I have several other tips that might help your search for a ministry go alittle bit smoother.


I. Keep track of those places you applied. Why?? Well sooner or later you might be looking again and going back to your files notice this congregation also looking again ... there might be a reason - so some RED Flags.

II. Keep a copy of those questionaires you filled out. Why? Some churches ask the same questions - so makes it easier to cut and paste rather than re-type the same answers all over again.

III. Always reply to a message. Whether it is a rejection letter or the next stage in the process .... let them know you received their material and thank them for their time.

IV. Be encouraged. Find ways to relieve that stress. The ministry search doesn't happen overnight - and find others that might encourage you.

V. Keep accurate records. Sometimes it is hard to remember all you did. Listing achievements - even outside your resume and telling how God has used you impacts people. I sometimes forget the impact I've had - so kept my past newsletters, articles, pictures etc. I have a Pastoral Records book which tracks membership, baptisms, funerals, weddings etc. Comes in Handy.

VI. Get advice. Have a mentor. Have someone ask the tough questions - how is your family, marriage, walk with God during this time? Take steps to improve.

VII. Read. Be a life long learner. Don't waste your time online just looking for a ministry ...be in the Word, get information. Learn from others. Heal.

VIII. Improve your communication Skills. First impressions do matter. Know what you say and say it well. Also know what you are communicating through online activity. Facebook, twitter etc ... do matter. Your social media is a reflection of who you are. And can either make or break a deal at times. If a church leader sees you have written some crazy ideas online - he might not want to hire you. (True story - I had one leader tell me he didn't want to hire me because he thought I was a punk kid and too young and cocky after reading just one blog post I wrote)Have a place (Website) that lists those places such as your blog, twitter, facebook, RSS feed, articles, linkedin, youtube etc. It helps add to your portfolio!

IX. Pray. Pray without ceasing. Pray that God would have you in the place He wants you to be.

X. Have Fun! Be yourself. Use the gifts God wants you to. Sure there is room for improvement but don't be fake in order just to get a "Ministry" or a "Job" only to be looking in a year or so down the road. The process of the ministry search can be stressful and cause headaches but try to look at it as an opportunity to learn, seek where God would have you to be, and to improve.

God's blessings as you seek Him!

Help Wanted! Employment Opportunities for Youth Ministers and Ministers?

So as the Restoration Movement and our independent thoughts. Where are my friends that are youth workers look for a youth ministry or ministry?

Here are some to consider:

Youth Ministry Pro

Youth Pastor

Youth Specialties Job Bank

Church Staffing

YMX

WCA

Churchjobs

Simply Hired

Pastor Positions w/ youth

Pastorfinder

Ministry Jobs

YP Jobs

Christian Jobs
Ministry Search


Now having said that .... I know some have used the above sites and found a ministry but here are some of the sites I've used for my own search for working in the context of the Restoration Movement churches:

Crosslink

Christian Churches Today

Christian Standard

JBC placement

CCU Ministry openings

Ozark Christian's Ministry listing

Lincoln Christian

MACU listing


Christian Church Search

ACU resource
(Non-instrumental brethen)
KYOWVA openings


There are tons of ministry openings out there - it is just the right one God wants you to be and the right fit. God's blessings upon you. If I can be of any help ..let me know.

A Fresh Start Review

So I just finished reading Doug Fields' latest book Fresh Start is just that ...an invitation to a great life. It is a challenge. Getting beyond the little things of life to that of being who God wants you to be.

Doug gives insight on how one can go beyond the old life to that of the life God wants for you. Doug's chapter on Freedom from Hurt is well worth the price of the book. I know there have been times I have been hurt and hurt others and had to go over the exercise of Canceling the Debt as hhe describes on page 71. Letting go of that hurt. So often I wanted to dwell on it.

As he concludes his book, he shares that of investing in that of which you value most. And most likely it isn't stuff, but rather Family. He cites the whole example of cell phones and driving and the whole disruption of the "Mr. Spock earpiece" while your children are craving attention.

One of the things I appreciate about the book is "It's not about harder, it's about plugging into God's transforming power." That is which I can agree.

A short little book of which I've learned some.

** Thomas Nelson sent me this copy awhile back FREE **

A Minor Prophet with a Major Message

This week we look at the book of Nahum, and how God is jealous. God speaks and encourages.

Mending Hurting Teens

HT Joe

The Leader's Hands

In our local preachers' meeting we have been reading the following book, and I was assigned Chapter 6 - here is my review!


Leadership from the Inside Out
Examining the Inner Life of a Healthy Church Leader
By Kevin Harney


Chapter 6: The Leader’s Hands. Humble Service Reveals Jesus’ Presence – Review by Gerrard R. Fess, Lead Minister CCHMD

In Chapter 6, the author goes over what it means to be a humble servant of Jesus Christ. The example of the man showing up on Easter Sunday claiming he was Jesus – yet he had no scars. “Jesus would never have his scars removed.” Pg 120. And the confused man was ushered out of the service.

“To lead like Jesus is to offer our hands to take up the cross daily, to pick up the towel and basin, to serve as he did. Sadly, many in Christian ministry have forgotten the service part of the equation.” Pg. 121. I use to dread the phrase in my contract in youth ministry, “Other duties as assigned.” Now I appreciate it. There is something about serving together – being humble and knowing no Job is beyond or beneath you. There have been times I’ve had to be a plumber, janitor, change diapers, clean flooded classrooms (One time when 2ft was in our basement of the church and classroom wing during services and several men and I were preventing the flooding). I’ve been on search committees – both for a Senior, Music etc. And the one question I really want to ask is “What do you feel about moving tables and chairs?” (I’ve moved my share of tables and chairs and recognize no task is Beneath me)

The Self-checks of Soft hands or how am I serving freely helps in gaining perspective and recognize that we, as Leaders, need to be serving. There is a danger in delegation. The author mentions the danger of specific ministries, that we need to be generalists.

The author, Kevin Haney, the cites the A-WICS attitude – “Any Way I Can Serve” Attitude. We all need this. From maybe being there to a teen who gets arrested for pot, to speeding tickets, to listening to the needs of people, to seeing where you can help. The big thing is Active listening. “Listening precedes serving” (pg. 132) Investing in people’s lives takes time and energy.

We need to go beyond the “What can we get” model to the “What can we give” model. Certain congregations have resources to share their own resources and some Simple Model as which they are good at to share with their community. It might be their facility; programs like Divorce Recovery etc. Think outside the box to serve – but not making another program for a program’s sake but for people to be investing in themselves and community. The chapter says “God wants us to share our finances, our facilities, and our ministry ideas.” Pg. 133.

As we serve, and use our hands to serve – may we reflect how we are ultimately doing what to serve Jesus.

Colossians 3:17 “And Whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.”

Questions to Discuss:

I. How are you serving outside the scope of your ministry?

II. Would you have “Other duties as assigned” in your contract, why or why not?

III. Would you ask a potential ministry candidate, “What do you feel about stacking chairs?” Why do you think this question might be asked.

IV. Who is someone you think of when you think of as a humble servant of Jesus?

V. Does your church have a A-WICS attitude? Why or Why not?

VI. Why does the there have to be “active listening” before serving?

VII. What would you do if someone confused, claiming to be Jesus came to your church?


Serving is an attitude. Getting out of the office. Willing to share life with people. Jason Bedell shares on his blog about a lot of pastors using websites as a source of pride and ego rather than serving God in a humble way. Instead of GerrardFess dot com why not just be a humble servant. Phil. 2:5-12 should be our model.

A Deliverer is Coming

This Sunday's sermon is from the book of Micah. We'll be looking at the Ruler coming and to how we need to Trust the Lord, now.

What R U Doing to Reach your Community?

Sure, we come up with lots of programs.

Our congregation tries to serve in NEEDS area by Food pantry and clothes closet.

We, even have outreach events like: Movie nite, VBS, Pinewood Derby.

And we even take part in community events like Relay for Life.

But what are we doing to reach our community? Are we reaching it?

I'm thinking through some ideas and trying to see how we can better reach our community for Jesus. Got any ideas?

"Baggage"

IN FLANDERS FIELDS - Anthony Hutchcroft

Lead, Follow, or Get out of the Way?

I wrote the following last week and thought to share:


Lead, follow, or get out of the way? I've heard this phrase a lot of times. Sometimes I wonder whether I'm a leader, follower, or need to get out of the way? It is a balance. There are times I need to step up as a leader, but ultimately GIVE GLORY to THE LEADER. There are times I need to follow. Set that example. Afterall, Jesus set the example as being a servant. (Philippians 2:5-12 comes to mind) And then there are times I need to get out of the way. (This past Sunday was one example - where several things went wrong - DVD player not working, wrong song etc and then we prayed to God to leave our baggage at the door and just focus on Him - and We did) From Eddy's poem for communion, to the song, How Great is our God, to the decision of Olivia being baptized into Christ. I know I was in awe, how about you?

All I can say is .... Do it again, Lord. Do it again! There are people's lives that need to be transformed by the loving grace that Jesus brings.

In the next few weeks - we have a lot of "stuff" going on. From Thanksgiving - to taking up an Special offering for Missions, to Christmas programs to that just ministry. May we never forget it isn't about just stuff, but about Jesus.

Our Savior, Our Friend Poem

A few weeks ago, one of our young men shared a poem he wrote for his communion mediation and I (with his permission) wanted to share it with you.

Our Savior, Our Friend

by Eddie Dorsey Jr Jr

Copyright (c) 2009.

Three nails and one cross
You knew the plan when you came to this earth in swaddling clothe
You made the blind to see, the dumb to talk
The deaf to hear, the lame to walk
Your trade was a carpenter, but you were really a fisher of man
You walked with me, carried me when i needed i; thats why there
is only one pair of footprints in the sand
You told parables and walked on water
You were part man, part our Father
You were our sacrifice, our perfect Lamb
And You are the son of The Great I Am
He was handed to us because Pilate could no fault
But unlike Pilate we were not going to let him walk
We killed our friend, We killer our Savior
He could have called angels but he died for us, He did a favor
So take your bread, your juice, our emblems
Because we are commanded to do this in remembrance
Cause without Him, we would be in Hells Prison
He died, shed blood, bit more importantly He is risen!

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Famous Failures

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Why is it hard to follow up on people?

Here is an email I recently sent the congregation I serve:


One of the things I know myself and even the church needs to do is to invite people and follow up on not only on Visitors but also on those missing.

Why is it hard? Let me suggest a few reasons.

I. It takes time.

II. It is a relationship.

III. It can be awkward.

Let me tell you what I am doing and maybe you can be encouraged as well. Each week, we follow up on our visitors with a letter right away and try to reach them and ask if they have a church home. Every few weeks I try to reach out to them - send reminders or thank them for coming. We also have an absentee list and I try to make phone calls to people missing - unless I know they reason they are gone (Usually some people tell me they'll be gone). One of the hardest things I haven't been doing is getting into these homes of visitors or of those absent. Why? Well it isn't because I haven't been trying but rather life is busy. (Time is precious to alot of us). So what have I been doing? Well I've been more focusing on getting people to come .... been to the coffee shops, the places of work and interacting with people .... I need to be Jesus' Hands and Feet and not just telling people to invite, but doing so as well ...being that example.

Now some of you maybe asking - what can I do? Well - call people. tell them you miss them. Invite them to come. What a better time of year than this time of year to invite?

Invite new people, invite those missing, invite those you meet @ the coffee shops, doctors' offices, vet's offices etc.

Of course, with this idea - comes - well I see problems with this or that or I just don't (And then INSERT any issue you have with Church etc Quit the Complaining)

The Answer to this is simple: BE part of the Solution. Don't be the negative - every family has its own issues, problems ... and yet with family comes love, patience, and hope.

1 Cor. 13 tells us the greatest of these is love. I've seen our services improving. I see God working. I see God doing some amazing things. If you want to be a part of what God is doing - be Where God is.

Hope to see you Sunday.

Preaching and Pouting Jonah 3 - 4

This week we look at

I. How God used Jonah.

II. How God ministered to Jonah.

And how this applies to us today.

BRBPDYM - Big Red Ball Purpose Driven Youth Ministry

It all started out as a discussion on what it means to be purpose driven and ministering to those in the post-modern era about 12 years ago.

Online there wasn't message boards or forums as much as listservs. Email lists and debates and discussions. Youth Specialties had this one listserv started by Mike A of Mikey's Funnies. (Later would become YMExchange) So as the discussion came about, one person suggest all we need is a Big Red Ball. A Big Red ball? Yeah, Big Red Ball Purpose Driven Youth Ministry. It wasn't so much the tool but on the relationship.

Bouncing the ball back and forth and asking the students how they were. Genuinely interested. Actively listening and then bounce, bounce. It was more of a tool, and a way to say "All the gimmicks of the world aren't worth it unless you are willing to love God and love those students."

Sometimes as I reflect back ... I think we need a BRBPDC - Big Red Ball Purpose Driven Church. A Church that actively listens - prays, helps, heals, and seeks God. In other words, just being the church to people. Loving God and loving others.

Are you with me?