Learning About Jesus

This week's sermon we learn about Jesus'

I. Glory

II. Zeal

and

III. Knowledge.

Spiritual Gifts.

Our Congregation's Wednesday nite teacher has been going over the Spiritual gifts. We looked at 1 Corinthians, and Romans for the list.

(I had given the teacher, Jim, a few resources to look at.)

Here is what he cited that I thought was a very good reminder for everyone.

I. We don't all receive the same Gift.

II. God gives gifts and measure of them as He would will.

III. God wants us to use our gifts.

So how are you using your gifts for the Kingdom of God? Afterall, the Kingdom is bigger than any one congregation. We are members of but One Body.

The 4 Rs in dealing with Death.

Recently, our church has had several family members whose family have since passed away. A year ago today I did a funeral of a young man who took his own life. This past weekend, a 43yr old man while shoveling his driveway just fell and was gone with one teen boy mere feet away. And then one of my college friends' sister (also a facebook friend) passed away at 35.

Here are some insights I have. First is I don't have all the answers, only God does. And that in such times I just listen, and be there.

Here are the 4Rs.

I. Reality. We are all going to die. When is the question. But we're all going to die. Death is an enemy.

II. Reason. Death was alien to God's plan. We were never intended to die - but due to sin.

III. Realm. There is a realm of separation of the soul from the body.

IV. Readiness of Death. Live your life in such a way that speaks of eternity.

I do not like Death. In fact as I'm writing this - today I have to go to 2 different funeral homes for funerals. Death, dying isn't easy. It affects you. I still carry the scars and wounds that death has had on me ...but it has made me stronger. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

How have you encounter death?

What do you say to someone that has lost a loved one?

And on a smaller note - if you would please pray for those families that lost loved ones and we're trying to minister to in the midst of tragedy. Thanks.

Olympic Hockey Feedback.

So this has been an intense time. Here is what I think.

I. The Women's Rematch tomorrow US vs. CANADA for the Gold is going to be an amazing game and probably Better than the Men's match on Sunday.

II. The officiating has been horrible. Really, it has. Crosby earlier in the tourney been cut 2 times and no calls. There has been slashing, diving, and yet the "Favourites" are being pushed around.

III. The US - Canada game was Great. The "Wrong" team won .... but was rather intense. Being outshoot and outplayed wasn't what happened. The US just had a "Hot" hand Goaltender in Miller. Miller is the star of the US team.

IV. I seen Brodeur play better. A Puck to the head? Several goals in with only 20+ shots? I'm Brodeur - I think because of your dual citizenship you're playing for the wrong side.

V. The line changes have been amazing. To see players play together is awesome - that you might not otherwise.

VI. Anyone else see that Ovechkin hit on Jagr? (Classic - too bad it was taken down)

VII. Crosby vs. Ovechkin later tonite should be a good game. It is for all the marbles. Winner goes on ... Loser Goes Home.

Now only if I can get a Canadian Jersey and have the Leafs play better.

God is Here! The Gospel of John.

This Sunday starts our sermon series in the Gospel of John. We're looking at Chapter 1.

Jesus is:

I. The Word

II. The Light

III. The Son of God.

Separated at Birth

Neal Alligood and Les Averman





I've known Neal for years. When he was first started college - both Valerie and I thought he looked like Averman. Fact is He is funnier, smarter, and a Church leader.

Might want to check out his His Blog


Neal is probably one of the Greatest men of God out there. I'm not just saying that because I know Neal but He speaks from the heart, and has a passion to do what is right. Check out Neal "Averman" Alligood.

We Are More by Shane Koyczan

Cross making

Going all the Way

This week's sermon focuses on Love.

I. God is Love.

II. God Sent His Son.


III. God abides in Us.

The Olympics, Canada and You!

Well the Olympics open Tonite


And here are some of my own insights.


I. Curling will be Big.

II. Expect alot of talk about Calgary '88 and names like the Jamaican Bob Sledding team
and Eddie the Eagle
who made it big by stating it was just good to be there and represent one's country.

III. Expect not to dwell too much on past Olympics but on the Games themselves. Montreal won't be mentioned too much and highlights cannot be compared to that of China expect there to be lots of Canadian culture though some don't think such a thing exists.

IV. Canada will dominate. I'm not saying that lightly nor arrogant - but as a fact. A country the 10% the size of the US - to win.

V. Expect Hockey to Be BIG. If Canada-US meet expect Ratings whether women or men. Don't discount Russia.

VI. Snowboarding will be Big - only due to Shaun White.

VII. There will be many familiar Canadian names - which people will be like, Oh, I didn't realize he or she was Canadian. Top 20 Canadians


VIII. There will be many of those tearful stories. Terry Fox
will be one of many.

IX. Canada loves its comedy. With names like Dan Aykroyd, John Candy, Mike Myers, Jim Carrey, Lorne Michaels, Howie Mandel, Martin Short .... Phil Hartman etc.

X. Canada is often seen as the 51st State. Though it is definitely not.




Here are some Myths about Canadians


And Top 10 Canadian Inventions

An Email, and My Response.

Below is an email I received today and my response.


Dear Mr. Figure it all Guy.

I'm writing you because I think you should not be concerned. I am
already involved in a network that also has its own level of impact
and growth. They have done everything to get me involved and to grow
and the church as well. In fact they have a 100% Money back guarantee
too. You see it doesn't cost me anything but everything. They invest
time and energy and as well as we live life together and meet face to
face monthly.

Frankly, I'm puzzled that you cannot take NO, or that not everyone can
or is willing to be coached just by you.

I'm probably not being that Hard on you, but should be. You see I
don't believe on just marketing tools or someone who has it all
figured out but depending more and more on God. The Kingdom of God is
bigger than anyone person. For that I appreciate your prayers.

Serving Jesus,

Gerrard R. Fess

-----------------------------------------

Dear Gerrard,

I'm writing because I'm wondering if I should be concerned or not.

For the last three months you've been hearing about my Senior Pastors Tele-Coaching Network that begins NEXT WEEK on Thursday, Feb 18. This network is all about helping you and your church go to the next level of growth and impact.

I've done everything I can to tell you about this network . . . I've sent you several packages and postcards in the mail. . . I sent you the unedited testimonies from those who just completed the network . . . I've offered a week of free Growth Barriers training so you could get a sense of how impactful coaching can be. . .plus several other email invitations for you to apply.

. . . but I still don't see your name on the application list . . . and I've only got a few spots left!

Frankly, I find that puzzling.

Look, if you are interested in seeing your church grow and your leadership ability increase, I urge you to apply right now.

. . . stop whatever you are doing and go to this Web site, download and
complete the application:

Listen, the average participant in last years network saw 30% growth in their weekend attendance! I am blown away! While I can't promise this kind of growth for your church, it is possible. I've seen it first hand.

In addition, the average pastor tells me the network fully pays for itself within four to six months so the financial investment in minimal compared to the return you will experience.

. . . even more, I offer a full no-hassle 100% money back guarantee anytime
before the fourth network session so there's no risk to give it a try.

Since 2004, I've personally coached over 600 pastors (you can read some of their testimonies at the link above) and I've probably talked to 600 more who drug their feet or shook their head and refused to join or even apply for one of my networks because of one lame brained excuse or another.

Believe me, I've heard it all:

I would join your coaching network IF . . .

If it was on a different day . . .

If it didn't require a 12 month commitment . . .

If it was at a different time . . .

If it was in my town . . .

If it wasn't a long distance call . . .

If it was half the investment price . . .

If you offered me a scholarship . . .

If the application was online . . .

If things were better between me and my elders/deacons/staff/wife or dog!

If . . .If . . .If . . . NOW is not the time for if's! Now is the time for action.

Trust me, you'll thank me later for being so hard on you.

Don't miss out.

Guilty by Association?

The older I get - the more conservative theologically I'm becoming.

There is this whole debate within the brotherhood of our churches of who do you fellowship with? In other words, who do you consider Brothers in Christ, or Christians and why?

I'm reminded that we are Christians Only, but not the Only Christians. The objective of such a question is almost to divide rather than unite.

Are there churches and denominations of which I disagree with? YES.

Interesting is how people can connect one because you attended such a meeting and So-so was there makes you like that person. Fact is just because I attended a meeting where a Republican or Democrat was - doesn't make me a democrat or republican any more than going to McDonalds makes me a Cheeseburger.

I've been to my fair share of meetings, conferences, conventions, camps. Not every one did I agree with. Fact was one of the best Church Leaders' Meetings I went to (Besides the current Fusion one I'm in now)was mostly Church of Christ Acappella. Fact is not everyone agrees with me either.

So to better understand this issue I'm going to do a Question and Answer Format.

I. Who do you consider Brothers In Christ?

Anyone who knows they are saved by grace, through faith, are baptized and are on the faith journey.

II. Would you consider having Fellowship with those of a different belief system then you?

No. You see the word "Fellowship" isn't just saying "let's all be facebook friends - and agree on everything or diagree with everything" it is sharing life together. It is more exclusive than inclusive. The term "Fellowship" some use rather loosely, but in fact is part of the disciple-making process and about sharing things in common and living that life together. We see the term Fellowship and then have it equal with the term "associated with" - which it is not. Fellowship is building upon community and interacting daily. Even if I meet with a ministerial group or go to this or that meeting doesn't make it a fellowship.

III. Would you be friends with those that don't share the same beliefs as you?

Sure. Jesus was known to be a friend to sinners. I'm probably chief among them. I'm just forgiven. Thanks be to God for His grace. I have lots of friends and even some facebook friends (Some are more acquaintainces than friends). Some are Christians, some are not, some like hockey, some do not.

IV. What about the different doctrinal positions? Would you have their resources?

I would have them. I would learn from others. Fact is I don't know it all. There are positions I disagree with. There is also discernment. I would not be going to a Universalist Camp meeting any time soon - if that is what you are asking. I think as leaders - we need to watch our doctrine closely. We have to point out those things which we think are scripturally not accurate and be standing on the premise of being people of God's Word. In using discernment - we also as leaders don't give Baby Christians the whole steak, nor feed them rubber steak.

V. What about watch dog groups? Would you want to be part of that?

I don't see myself as a watchdog. There is alot of critics out there of everything and everyone. My time isn't best used to criticize every thing or everyone but to Know THE ONE!

VI. Would you say you are legalist in some things?

Some might say the same about Jesus. Sure I might come across as a jerk at times. I'm thankful for forgiveness and Grace. I'm very proud of my heritage (Notice I didn't say tradition). I think the Restoration Movement has some great things going. I think it gets it unfair share of critics - and do think there are some good checks and balances within the system. I, as a minister, appreciate the conservative branch of our movement and embrace that.

VII. What would you say to someone that sees you have something "Theologically inaccurate on your bookshelf"?

It was part of the learning process. Fact is I have several books by atheists on their view of Christianity. Does it mean I subscribe to their view? No.

VIII. What about supporting other organizations that bear the name "Christian" or are a parachurch organization that differ from your own background?

Again discernment. Not everything nor everyone do you want your name or the Church's name associated with it - though it might be a Very good Endeavor. It might lose the focus and vision of what you are trying to achieve as a congregation. We get this all the time. Requests to support certain missions - even local ones that are "non-denominational" - we have to ask ourselves "Does this take away from what we are trying to do as a church?" and "Do we want our name associated with such a thing?"
There are several good things to do ..but as a church body our own communications system (Bulletin, newsletter etc) are to be used for those church sponsor activities and not for people thinking - "Hey I have an idea - let's support this." - without them knowing the bigger picture. Does it mean we squash their zeal and creative juices for such a project? No. They can do it on their own or get a small group to help sponsor it.

Again discernment. We had this happen about a few months ago. Several people wanted to do some benevolent type projects and have the church sponsor it. Unknowingly to them was we were already doing some of that, and had to really discern what we could and could not do (We were also going through our budget and had to cut back $40 000 from it - including some staff and hours)

IX. What about leaders?

We test them. We look for leaders. We learn, study and grow from each other. I've been learning a lot from leaders of the past, present, and even some future ones.

X. How does this shape you?

The impact of different associations, friendships, networks tends to make me better. Gives me a better worldview and especially godly view. Seeing the world through God's eyes isn't easy. I think it breaks God's heart to see how things are so easily distorted. I'm just thankful for Grace and Mercy. I laugh a lot and have fun in ministry; but I also cry alot because of the heart ache and pains I see. May in all things God be given the Glory.

Mistakes I've made in Ministry.

We've all made mistakes. I've made a lot. I'm so thankful for forgiveness and Grace.

Here are a Highlight of some I remember:

I. Not knowing about permission forms and liability. In one of my ministries I just thought it was ok to take students out and hang out. Fact is I need to let the parents know where their child is at all times. It wasn't good to get a speeding ticket with a student while getting materials for V.B.S.

II. Checking the Church Van. Make sure the vehicle is always kept up and have some one check if in good condition and running order. I think the 2 times of being stranded - this might of helped. One on a trip to Milligan College, TN and the other with flat ties on I-295 on the way home from King's Dominion. Fortunately I had gotten the vehicle over in time.

III. Counseling resources. I had a young man - I'll call him: Fred. Fred caused many an issue in one of my ministries. He was kicked out, was going to sleep in his car etc. (And that was just a tip of the iceberg) - I wish At times I knew the resources out there more to help him.

IV. Be above Reproach. I had earlier in my ministry - was single and didn't think through on all things. Thus accusations of flirting, being lazy, too much time spending with so and so etc. Could of been worse ... and did do some stupid things ... but I think being above reproach or trying to be would of helped.

V. Watching your language. People can take things the wrong way. Even when you write something. I know that communication is more than words too - it is your body language. I remember one time trying to communicate that there was an accident near a gas station and ended up making the Station's name sound like a Cuss word. (Without intending to). Language is very important. Sometimes it isn't so much what you say but how you say it.

VI. Watch your Games. Some games can be very rough. Know the rules. Keep them simple. Games like chubby bunny; even some messy games - seem to be things of the past. Try to play ones that are fun, not dangerous. I remember being the King of Messy Games (Trust me I did the Human Milkshake where you had each students chew on the ingredients in their mouth and then spit it into a cup and then I'd drink it)

VII. People are watching you. There are times (alot) I wish I can be a better husband, father etc. to my own family. Afterall, that is my first ministry. I yell, I get upset ...but I also cry. I love my family. This Sunday was a classic example: I told my one daughter she needed to be still (again) and at the end of the service she was upfront with me clinging ont to me. What that communicated to the church was I was committed to being a father as well as a leader to the church. I know I'll need to be trying better all the time.

VIII. Be a leader. There were times I admit I haven't been. Lately though in my current ministry - I've been the leader. In my last ministries I've been more of a follower? Why was that? I think it was due to perception. I was just a youth minister. My opinion didn't really matter. (Which in reality it did - and it took some encouragement from the leaders of those past ministries to let me know that)

IX. Be a life long learner. Sure I love to read, but learning from it was hard. I use to come off as the "I know it already guy" - now I'm the guy who hardly knows anything at all - willing to risk making mistakes and try Big things for God ...how about you?

I've made alot of mistakes in the past - including my family, church etc. And probably will make tons more. The big thing is am I learning from them?

What mistakes have you made?

What lessons have you got to share?

No Free Lunch Campus Visits.

Earlier in my ministries - I use to love visiting students on their turf - during their lunch time, except it caused some issues.

What issues?

Well some students thought I might embarrass them. Principals and educators were leary of a "Minister" being on their campus etc.

And then there were those "Super Mage Youth Pastor Ego types" who thought it was their right to be on campus and tell everyone about How great of a church they had compared to all the "little people." (Seriously - I ran into one of these guys who yelled at a Middle School principal and then the Principal closed their campus due to this one jerk.)

So what is the solution?

Here is my suggestion. Don't do lunch visits. Don't do it. Why? You ask. There is plenty of other time to build relationships on the school campus ... Let me suggest some:

1. Coach. Volunteer to coach or help with extra curricular activities.

2. Substitute teach. Sure the pay might not be great, but gives you an opportunity to meet the students.

3. Meet with the Principal. Have a lunch meeting with the teachers etc. Pray for them.

4. Go to the School Board meetings - know what is going on in your area and how you can help.

5. Go and offer help - especially when tragedy happens. I know I've visited some schools when a fellow classmate passes or a teacher etc. And offer to stay and listen. Usually the staff have the resources in place - but always a good thing to build relationships and offer help.

6. Go to the EXTRA Curricular activities. My last ministry - several of us spent most of the Fall on Fridays and Saturdays going to different games and Marching Band competitions. Why? Because we wanted to show the students we loved and valued them. That said so much more than me spending lunch with them.

7. Have lunch with their parents. There is nothing like having lunch with a parent and hearing their dreams for their children. I still remember some of the lunches and meals I've shared with parents from the last ministry I had. They all had given me some wise advice.

8. Offer some after school activities. We have currently one of our volunteers for our teen ministry that gets together a few guys (Even goes and picks them up) and opens up our multi-purpose room and they play street hockey. Think Game, movie nites - be creative to building that relationships.

9. Be praying. Pray specifically for the schools that those students go to. With so many different schools and activities ... I know I can't make ever campus anyways ...

10. Balance your time wisely. Time management. You could be focusing on so much on campus visits that you forget all the other stuff. Don't forget the goal isn't for you to be a buddy to your teens, but to be their mentor, friend, leader ... in doing that have some time management. I've know some youthworkers who spend alot of time on campus of schools but forget to prepare for their lessons, forget to feed their own souls. So ask yourself - is this effective use of my time? In some cases it is, in other times it is just a waste of time.

Church Snow Policy!

This is getting ridiculous. The Canadian in me is loving this snow, but why on the weekends! Driving the minister in me crazy!

Here's our snow plan at CCHMD: we don't cancel church. Even if it's the worst storm in history! We're gonna have church no matter the snow total. Obviously, we don't want anybody to endanger themselves. But we're planning on holding services unless the roads are closed.


Stay tuned and spread the word. Check our Facebook Fan page for updates (http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Church-of-Christ-at-Hagerstown/86047452244?ref=ts ) or email for updates!

Why Church?

This week's sermon focuses on why do we have church? What is the Church etc.

We look at that we are to be devoted to:

I. The Apostle's Teaching.

II. Fellowship.

III. The Breaking of Bread.

and to

IV. Prayer.

The Cons of Internet Church!

Aaron Saufley
has had a great bunch of blog posts lately on the new trend of Internet Churches.

I think he makes some good points about the Pros and Cons. I like the idea of ministering to the shut-in, and those that might not be able to make church but much like some TV Evangelism I think Internet Church can be used for a copout.

Here are some reasons I have for not using Internet Church.

I. It loses community. Sure, you can build some community online but where's the accountability?

II. It can make us lazy. We can depend on those who do the "Internet Church" to put ona good show, to entertain us, rather than asking How can I serve in my community and be more like Jesus?

III. It loses the fellowship. The connection. (See Number 1).

IV. The discipleship process is lost. Sure you can start the process but discipleship requires time, energy, money and face to face meetings. Living life together.

V. Worship can be lost. People use it as an excuse - So what do you do on Sundays? Oh, I go to "Internet Church" or I can just worship God by watching it on the internet but do they? It can be used as a lame excuse.

VI. When devoted to the Apostle's teaching - teaching is more than just online curriculum. (see #4). It is also edifying, encouraging, exhorting one another. Hard to rebuke and teach, correct, and train in righteousness just online.

VII. Remembering the Lord's Supper. This one can be tricky. How does one proclaim the Lord's death, burial and resurrection by partaking of the emblems without having the emblems?

VIII. It makes people depending on the church leaders. Hence the consumerism of it ... rather than serving and being shepherded.

IX. It helps stewardship be an afterthought. Just click here to pay your tithe rather than being involved (Sure you can use direct deposit and online banking to pay your congregation in your offerings) But stewardship is more than just giving and watching it online - it is also using your time, talents, and treasures for the Kingdom and giving back how God has blessed you.

X. A passing trend? Sure the Internet is here to stay but the future might bring other technology, tools besides the internet .... the key thing is to recognize these things are just tools in and of themselves and are not to replace that of which God has called us to do ... love Him and love others. Having just an online setting to communicate that message can be easily lost. The message is the goal, not the tool being used.

Respect for the Church.

In a recent letter to the editor, a woman stated the disrespect young people had for the flag by not removing their hats during the national anthem.

In her letter, she stated: "Most Americans know that behind this red, white, and blue piece of material that hangs on the wall there is blood and great sacrifice. Old Glory is the symbol of our unity, our power. It is up to the parents and teachers to teach our young people about the men and women who went before this."

An analogy can be drawn from this.

If blood and great sacrifice were given for the flag, how about the Church? Christ is our sacrifice, our unity, our power. Yet in a place of worship, people don't recognize this. The people are the church, yet treat one another with little or no respect at all.

Church leaders, parents, youth leaders must be willing to teach young people about the people of the faith who went before us. Start with the biblical characters, such as the ones cited in the faith chapter in Hebrews 11.

There is a difference between heritage and traditionalism. Heritage is knowing the things of the past and striving for the future. Traditionalism is to be stuck in the past.

Respect is needed. Let's celebrate our heritage as we move on into the future. May in all things we point to Christ.

(some excerpts from an Article I written and edited for the Sharon Herald - Oct. 19, 1996 with a column entitled: From the Pulpit)

Church Leaders Who think They have it all Figured out!

I'm so surprised at the arrogance and pride of Certain Church leaders. Really I am.

In just the last week, I've gotten the following messages (Just from one)


I. You Can Grow Your Church and overcoming the 3 barriers to do it.

II. You've been lied to. Here is a quote: "I'm sick and tired of hearing everyone tell me why right now is such a bad season for the local church." Maybe he should tell that to the churches that I know of because of budget had to let go of several youthworkers I know just this past week. Or had we had to cut $40 000 from our budget or ... I know he is trying to encourage but this is the wrong way to do it. There has to be a step of faith taken along with realistic expectations as well. God gave us brains, and who goes building a tower without first considering the cost? Blind Vision is No vision at all.

III. Then there is this one: "You know the type...always waiting until the last minute to plan their worship service." (I agree but then he tries to sell his Transforming Workshop)

IV. "Everybody needs a Coach" - you should sign up - Coach Mega Ego.

Now it gets ridiculous. That is why This blog post
hits home.

It isn't about the Gimmicks. It isn't about having it all figured out. I want to know the guys that are successful, but are struggling at it as well. They are authentic and say I am still pursuing God. We're growing not because of any one thing but because we're pursuing God. Are there some things we can learn from sure?

Are there some things we can stay away from? YUP ... Pride being one of them. I personally don't know the guy who sends me all these posts and emails but do know they are communicating the wrong message.

If I'm one person who thinks "They have it all figured out" I wonder why there are so many other church leaders wanting the latest gimmick, or wanting to have it all figured out rather than relying on God to give the Increase?

Top 10 Things You Need to Know in Ministry that aren't taught!

I'm learning more and more that ministry is about learning from the school of hard knocks rather than what you get in Seminary or Bible College/ Christian University.

I. Conflict Resolution. There will be conflict. I'm thankful for the exposure I had with Peacemaker Ministries and the training. Great resource by Ken Sande.

II. Financial Management. Not just personal but church budgets. With thousands and thousands of dollars coming in ... it is good to know the variety line items and how to allocate wisely and be a manager of the money God has entrusted. It isn't an easy task to work with a non-profit organization and keep all the budget items straight.

III. Mentoring. I wish as I began ministry there was more mentors for those in ministry. Have an ongoing mentorship peer to peer. This is what I think the Fusion Groups from VEF are turning into. wish I had them earlier in my ministry and every preacher/ youth minister would have one.

IV. Counseling resources. As to a database what Christian counsellors are out there, refer, and what ones can ministers use too and what resources they can have in case of hurt, burnout etc. Invaluable. I'm just learning of some now - after 15 yrs.

V. Better Time Management. It is all about balance. Something I don't do well. Either I'm very busy or I've seen alot the opposite direction. I want to balance my time with family. I try to continually take blocks of time off and my Day off. I wasn't good at this when I first started in ministry.

VI. Resources for my Soul. Sure Bible college/ Seminary help give you some tools for the personal journey but putting them into practice. I'm finding more joy in the Spiritual disciplines. Reading God's Word - not just for a lesson but for myself. It has taken some time to get there and I'm still getting there.

VI. Job Descriptions. Knowing the variety of jobs and resources and policies to do them. There are a variety of expectations and job descriptions from minister to leader to secretary to youth worker. I think a lot of headaches can be avoided if expectations and qualifications written out and know what is expected.

VII. Policy and Procedures. Sure this varies from church to church but there needs to be some policies thought out on Child Safety, to Emergency evacuation to a handbook on church polity etc. I think the better organization and the more administration - and tools can be helpful.

VIII. Administration and Leadership. There is a lot behind the scenes of a church that needs more leaders and better leaders. It usually starts from the staff. The elders are usually volunteers who have shepherds' hearts and can lead, but also look for direction as well.

IX. Facility Management. Insurance, Utilities, Gas lines, cleaning up rooms, buying goods, Worship supplies, Sound systems, computer equipment, vans, etc. These things aren't taught. There isn't a week go by that we don't re- arrange something for storage, more room for students, supplies etc. A lot of this is learned the hard way. Like what to do if you have a break in? what do do if an accusation arises? How to improve your facility? do you have the right tools? should we add or not add? Capital Campaign funds etc.

X. It is all about Jesus. Sometimes I think we forget that. I know it has been some time since I've been to Bible College - but more and more I see some guys excited about planting new churches, or wanting to be the next Mega Super star ...rather than just be who God created them to be and give the credit to Jesus.

Some Resources:

Applying for Your First Church - David A. Enyart

Making Sense of the Ministry - Wiersbe

10 Things Every Minister needs to know - Ronnie Floyd


Things They don't Teach you at Bible College
But you really really need to know about YM - Todd Clark

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

what the Bible Says to the Minister.

Time Lapse Building a Backyard Ice Rink