Sometimes ministry is successful and all the kudus go out to those in charge. Not to say that this is a good thing or a bad thing. But I want you to think about something. Numbers are great. Excitement is great. However, is connection working. Throw open your doors and invite people to a party doesn't mean that what needs to be accomplished is accomplished. Ministry opportunity is not all about having a good time, connecting and engaging is of the utmost importance. For a church to be at its best - it has to be game on from before the beginning to after the end. Just like you and I it only takes one misfortune to ruin a perfectly good time - I think we've all experienced those things. Some things cannot be helped but when it's GAME ON - we have to be reaching out and making everyone feel welcome, appreciated, respected and wanted.
A good leader should realize where the week spot or possible problem may arise. That's not saying that a leader has to be everywhere but a leader has to be visible, observant and looking for what needs to be done. Really what a leader needs is a host of Jonathan's who do this. Jonathan's are earned out of trust and relational dues. Ministry can be successful but it's not necessarily our doing. Consider the people come because the Lord sent them. It is at that point we need to be Jesus with skin. Why? Because Jesus was all about people and we should be too.
Monday, November 1, 2010
Sunday, October 31, 2010
Change The World?
Is it possible to change the world? Such a daunting task? Seemingly impossible? Tough questions with easy answers. Yes. Yes. Yes. However a challenge is a challenge. That seems to be where I am in life. Think about it - there are many people who have changed the world. In some cases maybe challenged the world. But the world is in constant change and that is the challenge.
Eric Hoffer said, "The learners will inherit the earth, while the learned find themselves beautifully equipped to deal with a world that no longer exists." Think about that for awhile. Those that continue to learn can make a difference, can change the world. I am in a constant mode of learning. Others spend so much of their time trying to tell you what they know or trying to just get an opportunity for someone to listen to them. I've found I learn more with the two ears I have than speaking what I think I know with the one mouth God gave me.
I think I've found the answer on how to change the world. BE what God intended for you to BE. SEE what GOD wants you to see. Listen to the world around you. DO what God (alone) asks YOU to DO. And last but not least (taking from the famous speech of Winston Churchill) NEVER, NEVER, NEVER, NEVER, NEVER GIVE UP!!! Most people give up just short of their greatness. Most people cave when the hill seems to hard to climb. Most people start fast and quit before the end. With God most things are possible. NO!! With God ALL things are possible. Who will join me? Together - we can and we will make a difference and we will change this world. If WE don't do this, WHO WILL, Someone Else?
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
The Church of America
The Church of America has lost sight of God, because we have started worshipping preference, music, tradition, architecture, politics, platforms, money, people and programs. The Church model that I've read about is far from this!
Jesus' came (Luke 19;10) "To seek and to save what was lost." If Jesus walked into your church would He be pleased with what He sees or condemn us because we are more focused on what we would prefer to hear or see? All the while the world around us is dying.
There are politicians who want us to believer that the government knows what's best for all. They want us to believer that they will take care of us but all they can really do is just re-arrange things. And if it is an election year-then the truth just somehow gets lost in the....campaign. But (Courageous Leadership, Bill Hybels) "They can't change a human heart. They can't heal a wounded soul. They can't turn hatred to love. They can't bring about repentance, forgiveness, reconciliation or peace. They can't get to the core problem."
Do the actions of the government concern people? You bet. I receive forwarded email after email about what so and so is doing now, or what so and so is going to do. Most of what is forwarded are all out lies, half truths and speculation. But pay attention here - "The sky is falling, the sky is falling!" Does anyone ever do anything about it? No. But forward this to everyone you know. In our day we have people teach riot and rebellion in the name of Christ! They would have us believe that the Christian thing to do is to disobey the law, rebel against authority and permit every man to do what is right in his own eyes. My source is not the government. My source is in the Word of God. Philippians 4:19, Psalms 27:1 and Hebrews 12:2. What would happen if we, the CHURCH, were the CHANGE that we so vigorously fight for our elected officials to be? What would happen if the church (members) quit forwarding half truths and lies (because they don't even take the time to find out what they are forwarding) (inadvertently endorsing as truth) and started to "seek and save what was lost?" Forward this to everyone you know.
mike
Jesus' came (Luke 19;10) "To seek and to save what was lost." If Jesus walked into your church would He be pleased with what He sees or condemn us because we are more focused on what we would prefer to hear or see? All the while the world around us is dying.
There are politicians who want us to believer that the government knows what's best for all. They want us to believer that they will take care of us but all they can really do is just re-arrange things. And if it is an election year-then the truth just somehow gets lost in the....campaign. But (Courageous Leadership, Bill Hybels) "They can't change a human heart. They can't heal a wounded soul. They can't turn hatred to love. They can't bring about repentance, forgiveness, reconciliation or peace. They can't get to the core problem."
Do the actions of the government concern people? You bet. I receive forwarded email after email about what so and so is doing now, or what so and so is going to do. Most of what is forwarded are all out lies, half truths and speculation. But pay attention here - "The sky is falling, the sky is falling!" Does anyone ever do anything about it? No. But forward this to everyone you know. In our day we have people teach riot and rebellion in the name of Christ! They would have us believe that the Christian thing to do is to disobey the law, rebel against authority and permit every man to do what is right in his own eyes. My source is not the government. My source is in the Word of God. Philippians 4:19, Psalms 27:1 and Hebrews 12:2. What would happen if we, the CHURCH, were the CHANGE that we so vigorously fight for our elected officials to be? What would happen if the church (members) quit forwarding half truths and lies (because they don't even take the time to find out what they are forwarding) (inadvertently endorsing as truth) and started to "seek and save what was lost?" Forward this to everyone you know.
mike
Monday, October 25, 2010
Commit
Has America lost her Moral Compass? Definitely. And the only one to blame is the Church. Why, you ask? Because the Church of America has lost sight of God. We've started worshipping music, tradition, architecture, politics, money, people, programs and the list goes on and on.
Luke 19:10 says, "For the Son of Man came to seek and save what was lost." Jesus was concerned about one thing, THE LOST. Until we decide to Commit to the Cause of Christ the Church will continue to be ineffective. Granted, I'm talking about the church as a whole. There are individual churches who are really doing ministry and outreach to this lost and dying world. In our day we teach riot and rebellion in Jesus name! They would have us believe the Christian thing to do is disobey the law, rebel against authority and permit every man to do that which is right in his own eyes.
Bill Hybels writes in his book "Courageous Leadership," There is nothing like the church when it's working right. Its beauty is indescribable. Its power is breathtaking. Its potential is unlimited. It comforts the grieving and heals the broken in the context of community. It builds bridges to seekers and offers truth to the confused. It provides resources for those in need and opens its arms to the forgotten, the downtrodden, the disillusioned. It breaks the chains of addiction, frees the oppressed, and offers belonging to the marginalized of this world. Whatever the capacity for human suffering the church has a greater capacity for healing and wholeness."
If we were to truly represent the Savior we worship to everyone that we know, the church could not contain the people that would come to be in the presence of the One who sets the captive free. It's time for the Church of America to Commit. My friend Randy Ayres said, "God did not call us to DO church, He called us to BE the church. To get off the ground and launched into the real purpose of the church we must Commit to God. I'm ready for that, are you?
Monday, September 20, 2010
Weary?
Hebrews 12:2-3 (NIV) says, "Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart."
This is easy to read - hard to do. That is if you are in the fight. I am and the opposition has a tight grip. You've got to realize that working with non-believers can result in a huge tax on your mental capacity. Today, I feel brain dead. You would too after getting a terrible nights sleep because your 'guy' called at 1 in the morning (didn't leave a message) and 4 in the morning and then all the messages I didn't get over the weekend suddenly popped up. Then after spending time all day concentrating and engaging conversation about 2011 - I'm dead to the world tonight. Pray for me please! I am not giving up, I am not giving in - I am seeing this through until someone or something else pulls the plug.
How about you? Is there someone in your world that you're willing to fight the very gates of hell for? There should be. Well, that's not my calling! Really?? Maybe you should rethink it. I am determined to do everything i can in love to fight for the soul of this man and I'm counting on God to help me and whisper into my ear what to do and say. I am walking among the snakes and scorpions of life and it is hard work. Care to join me?
mike
This is easy to read - hard to do. That is if you are in the fight. I am and the opposition has a tight grip. You've got to realize that working with non-believers can result in a huge tax on your mental capacity. Today, I feel brain dead. You would too after getting a terrible nights sleep because your 'guy' called at 1 in the morning (didn't leave a message) and 4 in the morning and then all the messages I didn't get over the weekend suddenly popped up. Then after spending time all day concentrating and engaging conversation about 2011 - I'm dead to the world tonight. Pray for me please! I am not giving up, I am not giving in - I am seeing this through until someone or something else pulls the plug.
How about you? Is there someone in your world that you're willing to fight the very gates of hell for? There should be. Well, that's not my calling! Really?? Maybe you should rethink it. I am determined to do everything i can in love to fight for the soul of this man and I'm counting on God to help me and whisper into my ear what to do and say. I am walking among the snakes and scorpions of life and it is hard work. Care to join me?
mike
Saturday, August 7, 2010
For Real?
I have been searching for cirricullum for New Believers. Oh, yes, I've found a few things. For example - a four week study, six steps to starting. Really? Are you kidding?? No wonder we wonder why New Believers get lost in the mix, drop out and often are never heard from again. So, I begin to write. It's not rocket science but it is a science to think from a non Believer's perspective. We certainly can't expect them to learn Christianese by the following Sunday. So the journey begins with working on my writing skills. This will be quite an adventure.
mike
mike
Thursday, July 8, 2010
Too Familiar:
"Lessons from the First Church"
Acts 2:42-47 (NIV) They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Everyone was filled with awe, and many wonders and miraculous signs were done by the apostles. All the believers were together and had everything in common. Selling their possessions and goods, they gave to anyone as he had need. Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.
Imagine for a moment you are living the story of the first church. The Too Familiar - has become overtaken with something new and different. So does that make it wrong that the right has been introduced? LOL. That's right, the church (Temple) as the early disciples knew was a pins and needles place. Don't you dare think about anything but the law! Now grace is introduced (which was there the whole time) and a movement is born or better yet the church God intended to be - was born. The first church devoted themselves to the apostle's teaching, fellowship, breaking bread and prayer.
When was the last time you witnessed a miracle? Look around people - Woodlake Church is a miracle unfolding. What was once half dead has healed and gaining strength (momentum) - day after day. They (the first church) sold their possessions and goods and they pooled their resources and gave as needed to the needs of the people. They met everyday - not just Sunday - but everyday. They did small groups in homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts. Everyday was a celebration!!!
So how can we apply the example of the First Church? The social barriers must be broken in which we as Americans live our lives. They sold everything - they were sold out to Jesus. So, do we go out and sell it all and move into the church? No! But we do sell Our Preference (letting go of tradition and stagnation; giving up what makes us comfortable) so that others can be reached, Our Pride (coming across the fence) and touching the lives of our neighbor; regardless of their social status, Our Investments in Ourselves to Investing in Others. With email and facebook and twitter and text messaging - the ability to stay connected day after day affords constant contact and communication. And technology is still emerging. When you pool your resources and organization then no one is left out.
Instead of working solo (or independent within the confines of the church)- we find crossover and unity with all ministries of the church and no one lacks for resources because together we see the need and fill the gap. There are no ministries within the church greater or less - but everything is united toward one cause - the Cause of Christ and Lives Changed. The church then begins to grow the way God intended. Too familiar becomes a thing of the past because everyday is new and exciting because people who need a Savior are finding acceptance and grace. Then a point is reached where you've run 120 people (gathered together in unity and prayer in an upper room) and suddenly you explode to 3000 overnight. So are the numbers important? They were important enough to be included in the scriptures, but more importantly the impact that can realized when things are done right.
mike
Acts 2:42-47 (NIV) They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Everyone was filled with awe, and many wonders and miraculous signs were done by the apostles. All the believers were together and had everything in common. Selling their possessions and goods, they gave to anyone as he had need. Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.
Imagine for a moment you are living the story of the first church. The Too Familiar - has become overtaken with something new and different. So does that make it wrong that the right has been introduced? LOL. That's right, the church (Temple) as the early disciples knew was a pins and needles place. Don't you dare think about anything but the law! Now grace is introduced (which was there the whole time) and a movement is born or better yet the church God intended to be - was born. The first church devoted themselves to the apostle's teaching, fellowship, breaking bread and prayer.
When was the last time you witnessed a miracle? Look around people - Woodlake Church is a miracle unfolding. What was once half dead has healed and gaining strength (momentum) - day after day. They (the first church) sold their possessions and goods and they pooled their resources and gave as needed to the needs of the people. They met everyday - not just Sunday - but everyday. They did small groups in homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts. Everyday was a celebration!!!
So how can we apply the example of the First Church? The social barriers must be broken in which we as Americans live our lives. They sold everything - they were sold out to Jesus. So, do we go out and sell it all and move into the church? No! But we do sell Our Preference (letting go of tradition and stagnation; giving up what makes us comfortable) so that others can be reached, Our Pride (coming across the fence) and touching the lives of our neighbor; regardless of their social status, Our Investments in Ourselves to Investing in Others. With email and facebook and twitter and text messaging - the ability to stay connected day after day affords constant contact and communication. And technology is still emerging. When you pool your resources and organization then no one is left out.
Instead of working solo (or independent within the confines of the church)- we find crossover and unity with all ministries of the church and no one lacks for resources because together we see the need and fill the gap. There are no ministries within the church greater or less - but everything is united toward one cause - the Cause of Christ and Lives Changed. The church then begins to grow the way God intended. Too familiar becomes a thing of the past because everyday is new and exciting because people who need a Savior are finding acceptance and grace. Then a point is reached where you've run 120 people (gathered together in unity and prayer in an upper room) and suddenly you explode to 3000 overnight. So are the numbers important? They were important enough to be included in the scriptures, but more importantly the impact that can realized when things are done right.
mike
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