Deep Thoughts by Mr. G

Here are my thoughts to the All-Star Game. I. The Draft brings a new twist to it. I liked it. Though the hosts, and the analyzing I could of done without. II. There should of been also an old alumni All-Star Draft ... imagine Team Wayne Versus Team Mario? (They don't have to play but would be interesting to see who those guys draft and do a computer style game with social media people partaking ... just a thought and have them there as well during the SuperSkills Day) II. The Skills competition was great. I got to see some of it. Ovie just is hilarious. III. The Game itself was amusing. High scoring game. (I don't suspect a shutout any time soon) Having Jeff Skinner there was GREAT. I think it helped celebrate what the NHL is all about. Here are some thoughts: I. Be good to celebrate the History of the NHL. II. Have online broadcast as well. Not everyone has Versus. III. Be good to have Sid and Ovie on the same team, wouldn't it? Think it did well in Ra

Here is a profile I've been working on for Hagerstown, Maryland to possible prospective candidates for our next Staff position. (A Work in process) Our Community For the past few decades, families and businesses have been choosing Hagertown, Maryland as their home. Hagertown, Maryland is near what is called the Tri-state area. Maryland, West Virginia, and Pennsylvania. In fact we have people from three different states (MD, PA, WVA) attend our services each week. We are located off the Interstates of I-70 and I-81. We are a bedroom community and only an hour away from major cities like: Baltimore and Washington D.C.. The area’s climate is seasonal. You can get to the Lakes of Deep Creek or go to the beach in Ocean City. We are also near the mid-point of the Appalachian Trial. Today, Hagerstown is a vital residential and commercial center, brimming with national recognition and unique community activities. Helpful Websites: Maryland Visitors Bureau www.visitmaryland.org

So what criteria does one Use to evaluate Vacation Bible School? One of our church leaders, and I went to a VBS seminar. (Basically an informercial for VBS) And here is some of the criteria we used: I. Do we like the Theme? II. Is the theme too simple or too complex for the children we have? III. Is the curriculum itself sound doctrinally? (Or will we have teachers that can make it so?) IV. Are the crafts easy or too costly? (Do we have to buy from them alone?) V. How complex are the Snacks? VI. What about the Music? Is it reproducible or do we have to buy each individual CD for each child? VII. Can the different themes, stations be used on a rotating basis; and can this curriculum be used later on? We had 5 presenters of Group, Standard, Gospel Light Lifeway. and Group again. Here are some of the thoughts we had: I. Group's Pandamania. Seemed like a lot of hype but seemed too simple and costly. Did like the ""Watch for God" bracelet. II. St

The Power Based Life book seemed more like one of those informercials. The author seems to have good intentions. The most interesting thing is about Mike Flynt's bio and how he came to be successful.  Mike uses his own personal story and that of others to help encourage and help others be better in their life. If I was new to the faith, needed some encouragement ...then this book is for you. The author defines what it means to be success by thinking it, having your soul prepared and making sure you are fit. This all sounds good ... but in reality there are just many variables that also interfere with one having a "Power Based" Life.  I can almost picture the author saying you can have the body, success and spirit life you always wanted ... and only for $19.95 plus shipping and handling. If it was me, I'd skip this book and read the Word of God, the Bible ... and start the life change there.

This is a picture of my son's Tickle Me Elmo. I knew sooner or later he would give it up ... just not in this way nor in a way I thought any child would do. I guess kids learn from each other. My son was recently given a gift (DS) from an older child. Well, my son knew a new born baby (Just a month old) that was a foster child. He basically (without being told or anything) said: "Dad, is it ok I give her my Elmo?" I was like "Are you sure?" I am Dad. So this past Sunday ... not known to hardly anyone  a small child received a gift from another that brought tears to my own eyes. Sure, Elmo isn't worth much ...but at one time he was everything to my son. Kind of reminds me of another gift. A gift given to each of us. God's Son ... much more valuable than any Elmo. Jesus the greatest gift given to us. A lesson not only from my own son, elmo, but what God continues to remind me. Be thankful for His Grace.

This Sunday's sermon we look at why Jesus became flesh, conquered death and is our High Priest in Hebrews 2.

One of my more popular blog posts from Three years ago I decided to updated and revise (with the old and new post having proper working links) This was originally written Jan. 25, 2008. I've helped with the Hiring of a Youth Worker . Then how you can as a youthworker can get hired . Even presented the ideas of Why Youth Ministry Ways to Start Strong And even reflected back on What I would do differently And even that of Handling a Forced Exit Currently I've been thinking of 2 upcoming themes (Including this one) on Top 10 Interview Questions and Knowing when to Leave So I always get asked what are some interview questions to ask. Here is a Forum discussion on some questions to ask Basically here are the Top 10 I would ask: 1. What is the Church like? Demographics, style, who trying to reach, history of the church? 2. What is the youth program like? what style - PDYM, Family, etc. 3. What is the Senior Minister like? Style, reference, how

Church 3.0 is about the author inferring that the way we've been doing church has been wrong and we need to start over. The author seems to be on the same path as others in the "House Church" "Organic Church" movement. Which isn't a bad thing ... the problem is discounting the multiplication factor being down in churches (Though he says it is addition only - which I'll disagree) The two bigger issues of Cole's book is he says this is upgrades to the future ... the problem is it: 1. Discounts the role of the eldership in such. (Says homes and shared meal though 1 Cor. 11 tends for people to share a meal in their own homes so they not fight over eating the Lord's Table) 2. Discounts the usage of tools such as buildings, procedures etc. can have on the community. I agree that it's all about the presence of Christ, not programs, policies, buildings and budgets .... But let's not discount those tools of which can help lead people to Ch

I just finished reading The Healthy Pastor. It is a MUST HAVE book for any leader. So many quotes and so little time. Such as: "Despite all the demands of twenty-first living, ministers can learn to manage their lives and their time." pg. 127 (Something I'm learning to do and balance) "A common joke among ministers is that the ministry would be a great profession if it wasn't for the people. Of course ministry is all about people." pg. 126 The author is very blunt and honest with the both trials and joys of ministry. He, even, calls out some churches that don't deserve to have a church leader. Calls them "Widow-makers." This book is a practical guide and resource to help those recapture the joy and excitement there is to serving God and His people. I know this book is one I couldn't put down. This next book was a gift book, given to me by a church member. A very short and sweet collection of illustrations that can uplift you. With all

People want to make sense of everything. It is very natural and almost rational. The interesting thing is people want to do the same with God, His Word and basic theological understandings. It really puts God in a box. The whole idea that we can have facts, and feelings and it equal faith is almost silly. There are just some things we don't or won't understand this side of eternity. (Of course this discussion stems from one trying to explain the concept of the Trinity, but thinks Grace makes sense? I'm like "what?") Does it mean we give up on Theology? No. Theology afterall is a life long pursuit of learning, re-learning and seeking after God. Doesn't 1 Corinthians 1:25 say "The foolishness of God is wiser than man's wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than man's strength" Grace doesn't make sense. Hence, one of the amazing things about it. That is why the message of the cross is power to us as vs. 18 of 1 Cor. 1 tells

Our next Sermon Series starts this Sunday. Hebrews. Where it just compares and tells why Jesus is greater than .... Make plans to be here.

So I do a  Sermon Series. People say to have a short series: Usually 4-6 weeks. I do longer. Why? Because of the material I go through. Also the series may relate but each sermon is different and application is different. I try to do mostly Expository Exhaustive series. Why? Because it helps expound on what is going on in scripture and give the context. Here is some of the series I have taught: The Spiritual Disciplines Renewal Plan (On the Church and its Leaders) Stewardship When Polar Bears Attack (Conflict Resolution) 10 Dumbest Things Christians Do. Here is some of the Bible Sermon Series I have done: Be Diligent: Study of Mark. A study in the book of Galatians. The Gospel of John The 12. (Minor Prophets) Wii the Church. A study in 1 Corinthians. My Thought is for each year to go through an Epistle,an OT book, a topical series and a Gospel. This next year I have: Hebrews, Judges and Luke. (As well as a series on Serving) I'm also looking to incorporating so

A little cartoon I have in my office that I thought to share.

It used to be being a tentmaker was a good thing. Several church leaders I've know to sell goods, supplies, cars and insurance. The problem becomes when do you go from seeing the congregation you serve as potential "suckers..." ummm I mean customers to which you exploit. Our job, as church leaders, is first and foremost to preach Christ, and Him crucified. I think we do a disservice otherwise. I think we can justify a lot of different services and say well it promotes Jesus. Thus we get more into the Industry of Christianialization(A word I just made up) of things rather than pointing people to Jesus. There is enough, tidbits, gadgets, and well "Jesus Junk" to make well Jesus want to flip over a table or two. Which brings me to a point: Why is it we expect institutions, people to be Christian when they are clearly not?Things cannot be Christian. Jesus didn't come to be a politician; institution; nor to have us sign petitions and boycott. Jesus came

As I look back to 2010  ...  Here are some Highlights for me: I. Getting to send support to the Dominican. II. Our VBS was a blast. Brought our people together. III. Baptisms never get old. IV. People expecting babies. My "sister" Katie is having her child soon. Congrats to her and Caleb. V. Going to South Dakota on a Missions Trip where I wasn't a leader. Amazing trip - where God did some amazing things. VI. Performing a wedding ceremony for former youth group members from a church over 15yrs ago. What an honor ... and for my family to participate as well. VII. Getting to be mentored and coached by a fellow preacher. VIII.  The honor to do a memorial for Sweet Families honoring their loved ones.  IX. The Chance to preach and be a living sermon. X. My family. With all the kids back in school, and my great wife ... it has been a joy. Here are some goals I have to 2011: I. I Would pray more. A giving, and living and breathing church is a praying chu