In my devotion time the other day, I listned to the song "Small Enough" by Nichole Nordeman.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_r5u5-Wc-vo
I was reminded of my first year of being a Christian and getting into "this whole God-thing" (in my words back then). It was a facinating and almost paralyzing idea that God knew the number of hairs of my head. Even more, I was changed by the fact that my name was written on His hand - or even more - just that He KNEW me by name. ME!? I didn't understand how He could know my name.
Now it's so much more complex. I'm trying to make sure I live right, and when I dont - I'm trying to make sure I know that He forgives me when I ask for forgiveness and that He loves me regardless. Loving Him seems easy but loving others comes with an entirely different territory. Loving those who do wrong against me, loving those I'd like to do wrong against (yikes, my heart is evil! - maybe some can relate haha; I know I need to change), loving the unlovables...Moving on in maturity in Christ is hard work.
It used to be simple - I'm amazed when God does a miracle of healing of cancer or aids or a stomach ache or provides the exact amount of money I or someone else needed or...but the other day I remembered when I was amazed just because He - the God of everything - knew my name. Be refreshed that He knows you today - let everything else around you pass by for a moment and think of the fullness that comes with knowing these simple truths.
Monday, December 8, 2008
Sunday, October 26, 2008
Break My Legs
Journal Entry from 10/18/08
"Emotions flooded me as I left the movie theater. How could it be that the story on the screen could seem so complete & whole just within a matter of hours? Their lives held so much emotion, action, so much...purpose.
Driving down the road after the movie the only unshakable thought in my mind was, "Jesus, help me change the world." From a movie that had nothing to do with world-changing, mind you.
My heart is set on changing everything yet my feet follow the beat of the mundane, the useless, the worthless things that have so far laft me longing, yearning, and in a rut that keeps plunging deeper with every decision to follow the ordinary.
Maybe I'm writing this because I think it will transform me, but in reality, I will put down my pen, fall asleep, and this feeling will be replaced by something different - and less worthy.
My God,
My transformation seems impossible and surely it's because I've been to this place before...and I've failed miserably in upholding my end of the bargain. Call me stupid, but I heard You entered the flesh of man so You could do my part for me, because I was simply unable. If this is true, then what more is there? A sense of triumph should overtake us, but we're beaten down by the lies of our own minds and we remain with blurred vision while You have already placed glasses in our hands. ?
Jesus, I cry out. Make me a world-changer, a history-maker. If my feet take me in the wrong direction even once more, break my legs that I might be carried by You. I'd rather be disfigured and crawl to You than be able to run in the wrong direction. I'd rather have You and nothing else than possess the world and be found wanting."
It's true: I woke up the next day and my yearning to transform and be transformed was replaced by something less worthy - take hunger for example :-P. How can our desire to know God be rooted deeper than the emotion of a moment?
"Emotions flooded me as I left the movie theater. How could it be that the story on the screen could seem so complete & whole just within a matter of hours? Their lives held so much emotion, action, so much...purpose.
Driving down the road after the movie the only unshakable thought in my mind was, "Jesus, help me change the world." From a movie that had nothing to do with world-changing, mind you.
My heart is set on changing everything yet my feet follow the beat of the mundane, the useless, the worthless things that have so far laft me longing, yearning, and in a rut that keeps plunging deeper with every decision to follow the ordinary.
Maybe I'm writing this because I think it will transform me, but in reality, I will put down my pen, fall asleep, and this feeling will be replaced by something different - and less worthy.
My God,
My transformation seems impossible and surely it's because I've been to this place before...and I've failed miserably in upholding my end of the bargain. Call me stupid, but I heard You entered the flesh of man so You could do my part for me, because I was simply unable. If this is true, then what more is there? A sense of triumph should overtake us, but we're beaten down by the lies of our own minds and we remain with blurred vision while You have already placed glasses in our hands. ?
Jesus, I cry out. Make me a world-changer, a history-maker. If my feet take me in the wrong direction even once more, break my legs that I might be carried by You. I'd rather be disfigured and crawl to You than be able to run in the wrong direction. I'd rather have You and nothing else than possess the world and be found wanting."
It's true: I woke up the next day and my yearning to transform and be transformed was replaced by something less worthy - take hunger for example :-P. How can our desire to know God be rooted deeper than the emotion of a moment?
Friday, October 17, 2008
Jealous Love
As this year has steadily unfolded, I've felt myself draw nearer to Jesus than I have ever been. Of course I have my faults still (as I'm afraid that I may always will), but it all has just been clicking lately and it just feels so good. Recently, however, I was confronted with a feeling in my heart that I haven't experienced in a while: You guessed it, part of the title of the blog, Jealousy.
I do have a fiance and though I'm sure many young women in the world wish they could have him, but I wasn't jealous of them or him - his heart is focused on Jesus and then me, and this I have no doubts over. My friends have also made me feel jealous in previous years if one of them got to hang out with the other and I had to be somewhere and I felt uninvolved. This feeling wasn't about them, though, either.
For the first time in my walk with the Lord I believe that I've felt what it means to have jealous love for someone. I thought of my friends in Africa doing God's work and them being able to see the miracle of salvation and other miracles as well and experience these miracles even in their own lives (see http://www.gtafriccamission.blogspot.com/ ), and I became jealous. I was struck to my seat by this feeling in the beginning of chapel and my mind wandered: Why should I be jealous of God doing work in and through other people? Could I possibly be so dense?
Desperacy. I know this isn't a word, but I'd like to think that it's the ongoing state of being overtaken by and being desperate. I'm truly deperate to know Jesus and all that He is, to see His love flow into me and overflow to others, to see miracles in my life so I can attest to God's goodness and to pray for miracles in others' lives so the miracle can bring glory to God. I want...I need...I'm desperate to know Him. This is not about the things He does, I want to know HIM. [all this is said with tears in my eyes and sincerity of heart]
Think of a best friend that you admire. You might want to be seen with them because you know they're so cool and everyone loves them because of how great they are. Even when you can't be with them when they're working or going to class, you still want to know everything that's going on in their lives because you just enjoy having a relationship with them. In my time of jealous thoughts, I realized I just wanted to be involved with everything that God was doing because I want to be with Him in everything He's doing because He's SO COOL that I want to know more about Him!
Jealous love had overtaken me. I wish I would have lived in that state of love for Him forever, but as quickly as it set in, it passed away. What it would be to live so jealously in love with Him that we spend our days trying to be with Him more so that we could simply get to know Him? Man, do I desire to live this way.
But until then...
Until the world's not worthy.
I do have a fiance and though I'm sure many young women in the world wish they could have him, but I wasn't jealous of them or him - his heart is focused on Jesus and then me, and this I have no doubts over. My friends have also made me feel jealous in previous years if one of them got to hang out with the other and I had to be somewhere and I felt uninvolved. This feeling wasn't about them, though, either.
For the first time in my walk with the Lord I believe that I've felt what it means to have jealous love for someone. I thought of my friends in Africa doing God's work and them being able to see the miracle of salvation and other miracles as well and experience these miracles even in their own lives (see http://www.gtafriccamission.blogspot.com/ ), and I became jealous. I was struck to my seat by this feeling in the beginning of chapel and my mind wandered: Why should I be jealous of God doing work in and through other people? Could I possibly be so dense?
Desperacy. I know this isn't a word, but I'd like to think that it's the ongoing state of being overtaken by and being desperate. I'm truly deperate to know Jesus and all that He is, to see His love flow into me and overflow to others, to see miracles in my life so I can attest to God's goodness and to pray for miracles in others' lives so the miracle can bring glory to God. I want...I need...I'm desperate to know Him. This is not about the things He does, I want to know HIM. [all this is said with tears in my eyes and sincerity of heart]
Think of a best friend that you admire. You might want to be seen with them because you know they're so cool and everyone loves them because of how great they are. Even when you can't be with them when they're working or going to class, you still want to know everything that's going on in their lives because you just enjoy having a relationship with them. In my time of jealous thoughts, I realized I just wanted to be involved with everything that God was doing because I want to be with Him in everything He's doing because He's SO COOL that I want to know more about Him!
Jealous love had overtaken me. I wish I would have lived in that state of love for Him forever, but as quickly as it set in, it passed away. What it would be to live so jealously in love with Him that we spend our days trying to be with Him more so that we could simply get to know Him? Man, do I desire to live this way.
But until then...
Until the world's not worthy.
Monday, October 13, 2008
Problems?
This past Sunday I visitted APC where I did my internship two summers ago. Pastor Andy preached part of the twisted series and this particular message was about "What I think about my problems."
The sermon began with the pastor's personal experience in trusting God blindly for a missions trip. He went to Haiti with an idea in mind but no contacts in the village and only a word from God through a friend that he would meet a man of peace there. He met that man of peace - the only person he met all week in ministry that spoke english and was able to minister to many churches in the area. This man also had a word from God through a friend about visitors coming and staying with him for a short time. An amazing story of God's faithfulness.
The sermon's main point was "Problems are oppurtunities for God to prove His Power." I'd like to believe that my mindset was completely changed as soon as I heard the message, but I believe that it triggered the beginning of what will become a long process. I would love to live in the fact that EVERY problem I face is an oppurtunity for God to prove His power - May my beautiful Jesus continue to tranform my heart so that one day I can truly be blessed in my problems for the sake of seeing Him glorified.
Another key point that God peirced my heart with was the pastor's words at the end, "I long to see my impossibilities bow at the name of Jesus Christ." These words still bring tears to my eyes and desperacy into my heart as those words alone sets fire and burns up my hay-filled mind. I want these key points to penetrate my soul so deeply that I come out transformed.
I will continue to pray for my Jesus to change me in exactly this way as often as I remember. Jesus, would you change me to be more like You. Help me realize that every problem that I have is not a reason for me to complain more or have someone pity me but it's for You to be able to prove Your goodness, faithfulness, love...and power in and through my life. Would You, Jesus, by Your blood, transform me daily so I can be more like You. One day I will see You face-to-face and I'll be like You, but I want to get as close to being like You as possible on this side of eternity. Until that day, Lord...
Until the world's not worthy.
Nicole
The sermon began with the pastor's personal experience in trusting God blindly for a missions trip. He went to Haiti with an idea in mind but no contacts in the village and only a word from God through a friend that he would meet a man of peace there. He met that man of peace - the only person he met all week in ministry that spoke english and was able to minister to many churches in the area. This man also had a word from God through a friend about visitors coming and staying with him for a short time. An amazing story of God's faithfulness.
The sermon's main point was "Problems are oppurtunities for God to prove His Power." I'd like to believe that my mindset was completely changed as soon as I heard the message, but I believe that it triggered the beginning of what will become a long process. I would love to live in the fact that EVERY problem I face is an oppurtunity for God to prove His power - May my beautiful Jesus continue to tranform my heart so that one day I can truly be blessed in my problems for the sake of seeing Him glorified.
Another key point that God peirced my heart with was the pastor's words at the end, "I long to see my impossibilities bow at the name of Jesus Christ." These words still bring tears to my eyes and desperacy into my heart as those words alone sets fire and burns up my hay-filled mind. I want these key points to penetrate my soul so deeply that I come out transformed.
I will continue to pray for my Jesus to change me in exactly this way as often as I remember. Jesus, would you change me to be more like You. Help me realize that every problem that I have is not a reason for me to complain more or have someone pity me but it's for You to be able to prove Your goodness, faithfulness, love...and power in and through my life. Would You, Jesus, by Your blood, transform me daily so I can be more like You. One day I will see You face-to-face and I'll be like You, but I want to get as close to being like You as possible on this side of eternity. Until that day, Lord...
Until the world's not worthy.
Nicole
Friday, October 10, 2008
Living in Community
The beauty of community:
Alan Hirsch suggests the idea of 3rd place ministries. This involves discipling people and being in community with people who share common interests (such as coffee shops, jazz clubs, skiing, hiking, bowling, book clubs) and meet there on their free time. How can we partner and fellowship with those we feel we should be discipling? Meet on common ground - do what you like to do. Foreign concep, I know. I hate to say this, and I may get stoned, but church as an instituation just isn't working for us. It's time to branch out. It's time to follow Jesus where our generation can best find Him, and maybe that's not ... inchurchasweknowit...........(pretend I didn't say that).
I'm blessed to know that one day we will all see eye-to-eye and live in perfect unity, but until then...
-Until the world's not worthy.
Nicole
- Prayer support in times of need
- Friends to huddle around you in great faith for your situation
- People who weep with you as you weep and mourn with you as you mourn and laugh with you as you laugh
- Discipleship with full effectiveness
- Seeing the love of Christ through peers
- Provision, generosity, and power
- Generational blessings
- Effective discipline, when necessary
Alan Hirsch suggests the idea of 3rd place ministries. This involves discipling people and being in community with people who share common interests (such as coffee shops, jazz clubs, skiing, hiking, bowling, book clubs) and meet there on their free time. How can we partner and fellowship with those we feel we should be discipling? Meet on common ground - do what you like to do. Foreign concep, I know. I hate to say this, and I may get stoned, but church as an instituation just isn't working for us. It's time to branch out. It's time to follow Jesus where our generation can best find Him, and maybe that's not ... inchurchasweknowit...........(pretend I didn't say that).
I'm blessed to know that one day we will all see eye-to-eye and live in perfect unity, but until then...
-Until the world's not worthy.
Nicole
Friday, October 3, 2008
Intrinsically Selfish
Yes I, Nicole Kammetler, am selfish. My suitemate, Jen, and I have been having weekly prayer times together and this week we decided to try a project: Reach out to someone that you know looks up to you in some way and you just haven't invested any time into them. Easy enough, right? Maybe for you, but I'm intrinsically selfish.
We gave ourselves about a week to accomplish this goal. You may think, "wow, that's a lot of time to take a couple hours to spend with someone you normally don't hang out with." We thought that too. In fact, I had planned on meeting with my "project" or more appropriately, "the person I know I should be spending time with occasionally and yet have never 'had the time' to do so." I could do this.
I walked right passed her on the day I planned to have lunch with her, talking with one of my friends as she looked to me. Literally. My "project" followed me. Literally. Ignoring her in such a way, I realized my actions were rude, and maybe even selfish. Not me, surely not I. I'm so generous with monetary gifts and serving others and helping people in their desperate times of need. Yet I let this person ask me questions and follow me around as I continued to resume conversation with one of my friends who I spend time with daily. And then I ignored my plans and ate with the friends who I eat with frequently. Upon coming back to my room - I felt satisfied that I did what I wanted. Then it hit me that I didn't do what mattered to eternity at that moment; I followed temporal desires that will probably be burned up when I stand before the Judgment seat of God.
My suitemate wasn't able to complete her task either. Why is this? Were we too busy? I assure you that I have a busy schedule, but it wasn't that. Were we too shy? Nope, this is definitely not it. Was there no opportunity? My opportunity tracked me down and followed me - how much more of an open door did I need?
I'm sorry to burst everyone's bubble, but it's better for us all if I get this out there. I am intrinsically selfish. Though I spend time doing my own thing every single day, it was too hard for me to sacrifice one conversation and one meal in order to pour into someone who looks up to me. Sacrifice in other cultures means giving your life to become a martyr or suffering for the cause of Christ. As a westerner, I wish I could embrace this mindset, but I still think of fasting one meal as sacrifice, or driving someone to the store as a sacrifice, or eating with someone who is not my first choice to eat with as an actual sacrifice. Absolutely ridiculous.
Jesus paid the ultimate sacrifice for me by dying for me, knowing that I have the choice to turn from Him or following Him regardless of His sacrifice. It very well may have been wasted, but He died for me anyway. Yet I walk through life as if not watching a certain movie is a sacrifice for His kingdom. I am foolish. In His presence I can only cry, "woe is me, I am undone."
It is my desire within the next couple weeks to give of my time through sacrifice and beg God to change this cold heart of mine that I may be able to walk according to the faith that I profess.
Forgive me Lord, for being selfish and harming others' well beings in the process by not investing in them. Please change me now so that I have may store up treasures in Heaven that aren't burned up because my motives were wrong. Change me so that I may one day stand before You as one who has overcome. But until that day, Lord...
Until the world's not worthy. - Hebrews 11
We gave ourselves about a week to accomplish this goal. You may think, "wow, that's a lot of time to take a couple hours to spend with someone you normally don't hang out with." We thought that too. In fact, I had planned on meeting with my "project" or more appropriately, "the person I know I should be spending time with occasionally and yet have never 'had the time' to do so." I could do this.
I walked right passed her on the day I planned to have lunch with her, talking with one of my friends as she looked to me. Literally. My "project" followed me. Literally. Ignoring her in such a way, I realized my actions were rude, and maybe even selfish. Not me, surely not I. I'm so generous with monetary gifts and serving others and helping people in their desperate times of need. Yet I let this person ask me questions and follow me around as I continued to resume conversation with one of my friends who I spend time with daily. And then I ignored my plans and ate with the friends who I eat with frequently. Upon coming back to my room - I felt satisfied that I did what I wanted. Then it hit me that I didn't do what mattered to eternity at that moment; I followed temporal desires that will probably be burned up when I stand before the Judgment seat of God.
My suitemate wasn't able to complete her task either. Why is this? Were we too busy? I assure you that I have a busy schedule, but it wasn't that. Were we too shy? Nope, this is definitely not it. Was there no opportunity? My opportunity tracked me down and followed me - how much more of an open door did I need?
I'm sorry to burst everyone's bubble, but it's better for us all if I get this out there. I am intrinsically selfish. Though I spend time doing my own thing every single day, it was too hard for me to sacrifice one conversation and one meal in order to pour into someone who looks up to me. Sacrifice in other cultures means giving your life to become a martyr or suffering for the cause of Christ. As a westerner, I wish I could embrace this mindset, but I still think of fasting one meal as sacrifice, or driving someone to the store as a sacrifice, or eating with someone who is not my first choice to eat with as an actual sacrifice. Absolutely ridiculous.
Jesus paid the ultimate sacrifice for me by dying for me, knowing that I have the choice to turn from Him or following Him regardless of His sacrifice. It very well may have been wasted, but He died for me anyway. Yet I walk through life as if not watching a certain movie is a sacrifice for His kingdom. I am foolish. In His presence I can only cry, "woe is me, I am undone."
It is my desire within the next couple weeks to give of my time through sacrifice and beg God to change this cold heart of mine that I may be able to walk according to the faith that I profess.
Forgive me Lord, for being selfish and harming others' well beings in the process by not investing in them. Please change me now so that I have may store up treasures in Heaven that aren't burned up because my motives were wrong. Change me so that I may one day stand before You as one who has overcome. But until that day, Lord...
Until the world's not worthy. - Hebrews 11
Sunday, September 21, 2008
Life becomes Perseverance
I've always taken time to express my thankfulness to God for the good things in life. I find myself thanking Him for my arms and legs some mornings, my paycheck on other days, that I have a car, for good friends, and of course for His love and sacrifice for me. The good days are always so wonderful, but I've found that it's so much more gratifying to love Him through my struggles than when everything is going right.
I recently wrote a song entitled, "I Don't Believe Today," which sounds fairly cynical at first. Actually, it's pretty cynical throughout the entire song except the bridge and pivotting point of the song. Easy lyrics: "I'm sorry I don't believe today, but You reign even in my pain. I'm sorry I don't believe today but if I wake up tomorrow and everything's just the same, You're still the name above all names." This simple truth has helped me make it through and persevere and actually enjoy the hard times.
What about God's faithfulness to deliver us in times of trouble, though? I most definitely trust in God's deliverance, but I can't wait for Him to save me from every pain, heartache, flat tire, and so on, in order to praise Him and enjoy Him though my world falls around me. On a good day, I can jump up and down, dance down the sidewalk, and smile at everyone I pass. On a bad day, I can get on my knees and cry and feel His love infiltrate the cracks in and brokenness of my heart. On a good day, things are good. On a bad day, I have the pleasure of knowing that He stands with me and doesn't just desire for me to pass a fake smile on to Him. There's so much joy in being down and having the One who has it all sit with you in the trenches rather than staying only with those who sing lofty praises to Him.
So now I see that life becomes a race of perseverance. There will be times of sufferening that I cannot comprehend nor understand God's plans and purposes that He "...is not obligated to reveal to us." I'd love to be loved by Him during my darkest nights and I long for the day that will last forever - where all our tears will be whiped from our eyes and there will be no darkness. But until then...
Be blessed,
Nicole
Until the world's not worthy. - Hebrews 11
I recently wrote a song entitled, "I Don't Believe Today," which sounds fairly cynical at first. Actually, it's pretty cynical throughout the entire song except the bridge and pivotting point of the song. Easy lyrics: "I'm sorry I don't believe today, but You reign even in my pain. I'm sorry I don't believe today but if I wake up tomorrow and everything's just the same, You're still the name above all names." This simple truth has helped me make it through and persevere and actually enjoy the hard times.
What about God's faithfulness to deliver us in times of trouble, though? I most definitely trust in God's deliverance, but I can't wait for Him to save me from every pain, heartache, flat tire, and so on, in order to praise Him and enjoy Him though my world falls around me. On a good day, I can jump up and down, dance down the sidewalk, and smile at everyone I pass. On a bad day, I can get on my knees and cry and feel His love infiltrate the cracks in and brokenness of my heart. On a good day, things are good. On a bad day, I have the pleasure of knowing that He stands with me and doesn't just desire for me to pass a fake smile on to Him. There's so much joy in being down and having the One who has it all sit with you in the trenches rather than staying only with those who sing lofty praises to Him.
So now I see that life becomes a race of perseverance. There will be times of sufferening that I cannot comprehend nor understand God's plans and purposes that He "...is not obligated to reveal to us." I'd love to be loved by Him during my darkest nights and I long for the day that will last forever - where all our tears will be whiped from our eyes and there will be no darkness. But until then...
Be blessed,
Nicole
Until the world's not worthy. - Hebrews 11
Thursday, June 26, 2008
God's Not Mean
Last night at youth group I spoke on the fact that God's not mean. The young people grasped this and seemed to want to hear about the truth from God's Word after we had a talent show with people dancing and singing. Here's some of the points we had:
- Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you
- He causes the sun to rise on the good and the evil and the rain to come down on the righteous and unrighteous
- He will provide and care for us regardless of whether we are close to Him or far away
- We should but just like Him
A couple of the first-timers gave their hearts to the Lord and and numerous teens decided they wanted to be more like God and stop holding grudges against people who hate them. If I was in their seat, I would have been raising my hand as well. Why is it so prevelant in my nature to want justice instead of desiring for the wrongdoer to be forgiven? So, the youth and I have a lot of areas we need to grow in. It seems like we're still stuck one of the first two commandments Christianity 101 teaches us: Love your neighbor as yourself.
Anyhow, I'm going on vacation in 23 days and I will enjoy every last second of it when it comes. Lord, teach me to love. Amen.
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
Life in Abundance
- Knowing I'm loved by God
- Loving Him back
- Having an intimate connection with God while I'm studying His Word and praying with Him
- Enjoying the company of others
- Pouring into other's lives
- Having people in my life whom I love and who love me
- Being in a relationship with a man of God who puts God before me and me before himself
- Having happiness that's deeper than circumstances
- Being supported financially for doing what I've dreamed of since I gave my heart to the Lord.
- Realizing that I'm blessed, and being able to be truly grateful
Thank You, Lord Jesus, for Your goodness to me. :-)
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
Coming Back
Last night Paul and I listened to the sermon "The New Covenant" by Pastor Jeff Leake. I was blessed as I heard the different types of covenants that were made in Jewish tradition. The two that stuck out to me were that the two people making a covenant had a meal together, and if they were really close, they fed the meal to each other. If I'm not mistaken, this was to symbolize that all they had was the other person's, even the person himself. The next covenant that I enjoyed learning about was when two people made a covenant with one another, they would exchange robes. This was also to symbolize that what the one person had, they were willing to give to the other.
So what? Who cares? I do. The Bible says that Jesus clothes us in robes of righteousness and that Jesus became sin for us. Also, Jesus had communion with His disciples and we even have communion with Christ as He has a meal with us and feeds us and essentially is saying, "I am unwaveringly devoted to you, all I have is yours."
While reading Nehemiah 8-9 this morning, I was reminded of the many failures of the Israelites and how faithful God was to them. The prayer in chapter 9 ends with the people stating that they're oppressed and they need deliverance once more. How great do these two messages work together! Though it's clear that we cannot fix ourselves and we mess up continuously, Jesus became a human to do our part for us and put Himself in us in order to say it's no longer by our efforts.
Amen. I meditated on this all today. Jesus, I'm hungry to know You more, reveal Yourself to me.
So what? Who cares? I do. The Bible says that Jesus clothes us in robes of righteousness and that Jesus became sin for us. Also, Jesus had communion with His disciples and we even have communion with Christ as He has a meal with us and feeds us and essentially is saying, "I am unwaveringly devoted to you, all I have is yours."
While reading Nehemiah 8-9 this morning, I was reminded of the many failures of the Israelites and how faithful God was to them. The prayer in chapter 9 ends with the people stating that they're oppressed and they need deliverance once more. How great do these two messages work together! Though it's clear that we cannot fix ourselves and we mess up continuously, Jesus became a human to do our part for us and put Himself in us in order to say it's no longer by our efforts.
Amen. I meditated on this all today. Jesus, I'm hungry to know You more, reveal Yourself to me.
Monday, May 19, 2008
Some Summer Fun
What can I say? I'm being blessed left and right this summer! At my home church, I have the oppurtunity to be the Worship Pastor and Youth interim. I have been challenged as a worship leader, for sure, but being a youth leader brings many new challenges that should have been expected, but I never thought about.
- It's hard to keep the attention of teenagers! Being in college for three years has far removed me from the days of having to gain attention from people.
- It's impossible to have any one-on-one talks with people when you're setting everything up and running things. Kind of depressing. :-)
- Worship in youth group needs to be explained and illustrated. A lot of teaching needs to go on in the middle of a worship service in order to help the teens understand what worship actually is.
- Small groups are different in that our leadership team can't just assume that the teens know how to pray with eachother. In fact, we have to assume that they might not know.
- When one person is sick who drives the vans to help pick up the teens, there could be up to fifteen kids that can't come to youth that night. It's sad.
Those are just some of the areas that I'm being challenged in this summer. On an even brighter note!, I'm starting guitar lessons today. WHOO! Thank you, Lord, for another day and another opportunity to come to know You more.
Be blessed!
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
Todd Bube
Todd started out at Glad Tidings as a part-time youth pastor, then moved to full-time while he was still helping out in the children's ministry. Later, he decided that he was being stretched too thin to be able to serve in both capacities and then he chose to work with children. He is now the children's full-time (paid) pastor.
This VBS is interesting to me. There seems to be a more general set of activities that other VBSs that I've seen. This seems like it would be harder to keep children involved or keep their attention. At the church that I interned at this summer had several different camps (almost like a summer camp) that kids could be involved in throughout the week of VBS. These consisted of Basketball (7 camps), Arts and Crafts, Cheerleading, Cooking, Nursery, etc. Then the kids would get together for the main services and I think I like this idea rather than the idea of general activities for everyone.
This ministry has decided to empower parents in order to help them disciple their own children. As a part of the children's ministry, Glad Tidings has a Family Fusion Event in order to get the parents involved and interact with their children. I think this is a really great idea and I also liek the letter that the ministry sends out to parents each month (I believe). I was in the youth ministry as a teen for six years and my parents got maybe three or four letters, tops, from my youth leaders about what was going on on Wednesday nights.
In order to have a successful ministry (for any ministry), you should have a group of teams that have a heart for the ministry that you lead. This will help out when the needs get larger. Also, treat people like they're people, not things to help your ministry succeed more. Care about them.
"Whatever you do, do it well, do it excellent. People will look at what you're doing and will know it's half-baked if it is." Amen.
This VBS is interesting to me. There seems to be a more general set of activities that other VBSs that I've seen. This seems like it would be harder to keep children involved or keep their attention. At the church that I interned at this summer had several different camps (almost like a summer camp) that kids could be involved in throughout the week of VBS. These consisted of Basketball (7 camps), Arts and Crafts, Cheerleading, Cooking, Nursery, etc. Then the kids would get together for the main services and I think I like this idea rather than the idea of general activities for everyone.
This ministry has decided to empower parents in order to help them disciple their own children. As a part of the children's ministry, Glad Tidings has a Family Fusion Event in order to get the parents involved and interact with their children. I think this is a really great idea and I also liek the letter that the ministry sends out to parents each month (I believe). I was in the youth ministry as a teen for six years and my parents got maybe three or four letters, tops, from my youth leaders about what was going on on Wednesday nights.
In order to have a successful ministry (for any ministry), you should have a group of teams that have a heart for the ministry that you lead. This will help out when the needs get larger. Also, treat people like they're people, not things to help your ministry succeed more. Care about them.
"Whatever you do, do it well, do it excellent. People will look at what you're doing and will know it's half-baked if it is." Amen.
Sunday, April 20, 2008
New Believer # 3.
1. Tell me about your journey to faith in Christ?
I had a good friend of mine who told me some stuff. I've always believed in Jesus, I was catholic by decent and I also went to catholic grade school and high school. Eventually the Holy Spirit hit me in the head and ever since then I can't explain it. It's just that I was so wrapped up in the spirit I knew I was born again and I realized I that I had a real relationship with the Jesus.
2. What helped you the most to step over the line and make the commitment?
I Guess it was my supernatural experience and after seeking Him I knew its real.
3. What has been the best part of becoming a Christ follower for you?
Now that I'm in a follower the best things are the fellowship and also being able to preach to my family and seeing them get saved too.
4. What has been the most challenging part of following Christ?
Lots of things, old habits, giving up old ways. Trying to not yeild to temptation and doing things the way Jesus would do them.
5. What do you think is helping you grow the most in your faith?
Going to a church regularly and being in a Christian household. My immediate family is now Christian.
6. What advice do you have for me in helping others like you to grow in their faith?
Positive influences and fellowship with other Christians. Chances are you'll be better of with Christians rather than drug addicts, thats extreme but its better to be with Christians.
7. What's your deepest desire when it comes to your relationship with Jesus?
Trying to please Him and do the things He wants me to do and stay away from the things that displease Him.
I had a good friend of mine who told me some stuff. I've always believed in Jesus, I was catholic by decent and I also went to catholic grade school and high school. Eventually the Holy Spirit hit me in the head and ever since then I can't explain it. It's just that I was so wrapped up in the spirit I knew I was born again and I realized I that I had a real relationship with the Jesus.
2. What helped you the most to step over the line and make the commitment?
I Guess it was my supernatural experience and after seeking Him I knew its real.
3. What has been the best part of becoming a Christ follower for you?
Now that I'm in a follower the best things are the fellowship and also being able to preach to my family and seeing them get saved too.
4. What has been the most challenging part of following Christ?
Lots of things, old habits, giving up old ways. Trying to not yeild to temptation and doing things the way Jesus would do them.
5. What do you think is helping you grow the most in your faith?
Going to a church regularly and being in a Christian household. My immediate family is now Christian.
6. What advice do you have for me in helping others like you to grow in their faith?
Positive influences and fellowship with other Christians. Chances are you'll be better of with Christians rather than drug addicts, thats extreme but its better to be with Christians.
7. What's your deepest desire when it comes to your relationship with Jesus?
Trying to please Him and do the things He wants me to do and stay away from the things that displease Him.
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
Brian Knorr
Brian Knorr planted a church in the poconos and mountaintop. One of the main attractions that the church usese to get the kids involved is speed stacking. This is a game where the contestant thakes a stack of 12 cups (I think), stacks it up and then unstacks them.
This type of game is effective normally for students who are from 2nd to 4th grade but would not be effective for teenages most likely. In order to help out with speed, the people sometimes use weighted cups in order to help them with speed. Families love that there is a sport and a coach but the coach actually simply cares about the student rather than yells at them.
Brian says that the people who come into their church who are not Christians enjoy the church and have no problem with it. However, Christians who come to the church may have problems with the way they do things. Brian also relayed how hard it is for churches to get into a school to hold services. He said that if it wasn't for the janitor, the church would not have survived for as long as it did in the church. Tom Rees said that the two people to have on your side at a church is the janitor and the church secretary. www.moutaintopfamilycenter.com
The Forgotten Ways by Allen Hersch
"If we have to offend someone, I would much rather offend the Christians than the non-Christians. The non-Christians will turn and walk out the door if we offend them but the Christians should be mature enough to deal with it." - Bill Knorr. I AGREE!
This type of game is effective normally for students who are from 2nd to 4th grade but would not be effective for teenages most likely. In order to help out with speed, the people sometimes use weighted cups in order to help them with speed. Families love that there is a sport and a coach but the coach actually simply cares about the student rather than yells at them.
Brian says that the people who come into their church who are not Christians enjoy the church and have no problem with it. However, Christians who come to the church may have problems with the way they do things. Brian also relayed how hard it is for churches to get into a school to hold services. He said that if it wasn't for the janitor, the church would not have survived for as long as it did in the church. Tom Rees said that the two people to have on your side at a church is the janitor and the church secretary. www.moutaintopfamilycenter.com
The Forgotten Ways by Allen Hersch
"If we have to offend someone, I would much rather offend the Christians than the non-Christians. The non-Christians will turn and walk out the door if we offend them but the Christians should be mature enough to deal with it." - Bill Knorr. I AGREE!
Tuesday, April 8, 2008
Bill Ellis
To get people to come to church, Bill and his wife started knocking on doors and inviting them to church. This and advertising in the Penny Saver were uneffective methods, but when Bill's wife started making friends at her children's school, that was a better way to get word of mouth out.
Part of the church's success had to do with location. The church grew 100 people when they moved to Oakmont. http://www.riversideconnect.com/ In order to be missionaries to our home land, we should learn how to integrate with our culture and have a go and be mentality rather than a come and see mentality.
Bill's church has approximately two routes in which they deliver meals to 20 people. I think that this is a great idea - it's almost as if the church is providing for part of the family, which is what it should be. This is more than once a year, but it's continual and support will not stop unless (i'm sure) they ask for it to.
There are two ways of understanding what the church is. Those include the functional view and the incarnational view (God's place or God and His people). Our challenge is to help people who go to church turn into people who see themselves as the church in order to put God on display to the world.
Consumerism and discipleship are at odds with each other. Weakest area in David Crosby Jr.'s church was discipleship and his church was the attractional church. Jesus didn't ask us simply to believe in Him, He asked us also to follow Him. The Gospel is more than just getting to Heaven...Amen.
Just a note: For some reason, I wasn't as captivated this week. It was very hard for me to pay attention and I'm not sure why - I have been getting enough sleep, so I don't know. I liked that there was a simple golf series clip that was shown. I personally think that movies like that may be a step backward simply because of their content BUT the video wasn't geared simply to me, so I think it was a good idea.
Books: The Simple Way, Jesus for President, Myth of a Christian Nation
Part of the church's success had to do with location. The church grew 100 people when they moved to Oakmont. http://www.riversideconnect.com/ In order to be missionaries to our home land, we should learn how to integrate with our culture and have a go and be mentality rather than a come and see mentality.
Bill's church has approximately two routes in which they deliver meals to 20 people. I think that this is a great idea - it's almost as if the church is providing for part of the family, which is what it should be. This is more than once a year, but it's continual and support will not stop unless (i'm sure) they ask for it to.
There are two ways of understanding what the church is. Those include the functional view and the incarnational view (God's place or God and His people). Our challenge is to help people who go to church turn into people who see themselves as the church in order to put God on display to the world.
Consumerism and discipleship are at odds with each other. Weakest area in David Crosby Jr.'s church was discipleship and his church was the attractional church. Jesus didn't ask us simply to believe in Him, He asked us also to follow Him. The Gospel is more than just getting to Heaven...Amen.
Just a note: For some reason, I wasn't as captivated this week. It was very hard for me to pay attention and I'm not sure why - I have been getting enough sleep, so I don't know. I liked that there was a simple golf series clip that was shown. I personally think that movies like that may be a step backward simply because of their content BUT the video wasn't geared simply to me, so I think it was a good idea.
Books: The Simple Way, Jesus for President, Myth of a Christian Nation
Saturday, April 5, 2008
Unchurched Friend #3
This is a friend of one of my friends who was once a Christian and no longer is. They are obviously aware of the truth of God, are embittered by the schemes of hypocritical Christians and those who say they love but don't truly.
1. What do you think is the greatest need in your area?
Discovering myself.
2. Are you actively attending any church?
Nope.
3. What are a few issues or topics that impact/interest you?
Right now, nothing.
4. Why do you think most people don't attend church?
The thought of a "forced" choice saying to change their ways or suffer hell.
5. If you were to look for a church to attend, what kind of things would you look for?
If i was, on fire christians, respectable ppl, sure nobody is perfect but ppl who try leave a bigger impression then ppl that don't.
6. What advice can you give to pastors who really want to be helpful to people?
Kindness to everyone, not afraid to speak the truth.
7. What is your longterm goal for your life?I have no goals right now, i'm not sure what i wanna be or do, all i know is god exists and i'm not worshiping him. Living every moment knowing if you died you'd go to hell sucks so i try not to think about it.
1. What do you think is the greatest need in your area?
Discovering myself.
2. Are you actively attending any church?
Nope.
3. What are a few issues or topics that impact/interest you?
Right now, nothing.
4. Why do you think most people don't attend church?
The thought of a "forced" choice saying to change their ways or suffer hell.
5. If you were to look for a church to attend, what kind of things would you look for?
If i was, on fire christians, respectable ppl, sure nobody is perfect but ppl who try leave a bigger impression then ppl that don't.
6. What advice can you give to pastors who really want to be helpful to people?
Kindness to everyone, not afraid to speak the truth.
7. What is your longterm goal for your life?I have no goals right now, i'm not sure what i wanna be or do, all i know is god exists and i'm not worshiping him. Living every moment knowing if you died you'd go to hell sucks so i try not to think about it.
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
David Kennard
Books they're reading:
- Contrarian's guide to knowing God
- Going all the way
- Unchristian
- Launch
- Fusion
- Simple Church
- Dark Side of Leadership
- Become a Better You
- Renovation of the Heart
- A Work of Heart
- Making Vision Stick
- What a Difference a Daddy makes
- Improving Communication in your marriage without talking about it
- Simply Christian
- The Missional Code
- Chase the Lion
- Why Men Hate going to church
- Dog training, fly fishing, and Sharing Christ in the 21st Century (Ted Haggard)
- Go fish series by Andy Stanley
- Creative Leadership (Bill Hybels)
The services at this church are approximately an hour and ten minutes long. David, according to Tom Rees, is the small group guru. I definitely enjoyed this group's welcome - they came and introduced themselves to us like they cared about getting to know us. There have been many speakers that say we need to get to know people and care about people but they don't care to get to know us as a class - and we're people. :-)
David said certain no-no's would be pressuring guests to give. In order to gain people in their small groups that are seeking, Riverside has announced the small group through the newspaper called free market small groups. David says that the equation for discipleship should be
D = R + I
Discipleship = Relationship + Intentionality
Three things you look for when hiring staff is Competency, Character, Chemistry. If you don't have a small group ministry in your church, where do you start?
- Leader must be supportive
- Small group leaders care for a person in the group that may be in the hospital, sick, just had a baby, etc.
- Let people know that as a believer, they are part of the priesthood.
- Teach people through scripture that small groups are important (Eph. 4)
- The Sunday schools are done through semesters (fall and spring)
Christianity:
- Dream
- Develop
- Discover
- Dedicate
- Devote
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
Nick Poole
nickpoolenow.comNick Poole is on staff at Allison Park Church and is the head of the Multi-church movement and the pastor of church planting movement. Allison Park is the mother church of 7 church plants and also pours support and leadership guidance to 7 other churches in the area. Nick currently preaches every third Sunday at one of the church plants and helps the youth leader and also heads the staff meetings weekly.
Allison Park is planning on planting a church each year for as long as possible. The newest church was just launched this Sunday and meets in a boxing gym. They plan on doing 3 preview services in the future in order to build momentum. It is a good idea to have a good worship leader at a church and to find one early on. One thing to realize is that the people who are coming from the mother church will go to the church plant usually for only a season but then goes back to the mother church.
When interviewing for a church you should ask what the church's vision is in the future. You don't want to get on board for a church that is simply maintaining. Also, see what type of leadership the church will give - make a hypothetical situation in order to hear what they would do in a particular instance.
I'm amazed at Allison Park Church and the huge vision that it has. I was an intern there this past summer and was able to see many of the ministries and actually be a part of them. They are constantly moving to a next level and are continually learning from mistakes and trying to do something that works. They are focused on Jesus and His leading.
New Believer
Mike
1. Tell me about your journey to faith in Christ?
I first I joined Global Cafe which is the event for international students and organized by some churches and they have bible studies. I was attracted by their teaching and by the bible. So they encouraged me to read the bible and that was the start of my journey. All of these things were very important in getting to know God.
2. What helped you the most to step over the line and make the commitment?
Being involved with an Asian outreach ministry who encouraged me, talked to me, answered my questions and clearing the obstacles out of the way in my faith to Christ.
3. What has been the best part of becoming a Christ follower for you?
I have less control of my own life, which means less anxiety and I have assurance in my day to day life position. I don't need to worry if I do the right thing, I know I always have the chance to correct my errors as long as I have faith in him and also I have more assurance.
4. What has been the most challenging part of following Christ?
Making decisions, I was hesitant to make some recent decisions and I made the wrong decision but God shut that door and opened the right one for me. I have a great counselor which is the bible and the Holy Spirit so I'm happy to know that He helps me.
5. What do you think is helping you grow the most in your faith?
I think fellowship with other Christians is the most important thing and also reading the Bible.
6. What advice do you have for me in helping others like you to grow in their faith?
I think spending time is really important also being patient and continuing to talk to people who aren't ready to accept Christianity. Don't push them too much before they're not ready. First be friends and hang out with them. Then they will open up their heart and their lives to you much easier. Always have a good attitude in the way you treat people.
7. What's your deepest desire when it comes to your relationship with Jesus?
I want Him to come into my heart deeper and give me a stronger faith. Also if He could reveal himself to me in an overwhelming way so that I could have more in Him.
1. Tell me about your journey to faith in Christ?
I first I joined Global Cafe which is the event for international students and organized by some churches and they have bible studies. I was attracted by their teaching and by the bible. So they encouraged me to read the bible and that was the start of my journey. All of these things were very important in getting to know God.
2. What helped you the most to step over the line and make the commitment?
Being involved with an Asian outreach ministry who encouraged me, talked to me, answered my questions and clearing the obstacles out of the way in my faith to Christ.
3. What has been the best part of becoming a Christ follower for you?
I have less control of my own life, which means less anxiety and I have assurance in my day to day life position. I don't need to worry if I do the right thing, I know I always have the chance to correct my errors as long as I have faith in him and also I have more assurance.
4. What has been the most challenging part of following Christ?
Making decisions, I was hesitant to make some recent decisions and I made the wrong decision but God shut that door and opened the right one for me. I have a great counselor which is the bible and the Holy Spirit so I'm happy to know that He helps me.
5. What do you think is helping you grow the most in your faith?
I think fellowship with other Christians is the most important thing and also reading the Bible.
6. What advice do you have for me in helping others like you to grow in their faith?
I think spending time is really important also being patient and continuing to talk to people who aren't ready to accept Christianity. Don't push them too much before they're not ready. First be friends and hang out with them. Then they will open up their heart and their lives to you much easier. Always have a good attitude in the way you treat people.
7. What's your deepest desire when it comes to your relationship with Jesus?
I want Him to come into my heart deeper and give me a stronger faith. Also if He could reveal himself to me in an overwhelming way so that I could have more in Him.
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
Grace Through Faith?
Grace through Faith
Is it all our step of faith and so our salvation is based soley on what we do with the grace we are offered?
Grace - God's grace is given universally to everyone. The only people who are not saved are those who continue to fight against this grace. Thus, it's not a matter of "God has done everything and we simply have to take the next step," but a matter of "He has done everything and in order to accept it we simply need to stop fighting." It's not a pro-active step, but it's "stop resisting" (The only unforgivable sin is resisting the Holy Spirit until the day you die)
If it is by Grace through faith and faith is a gift from God and God only gives that gift to those whom He has chosen, what about James' writing on faith without deeds is dead? Why would God give the gift of faith to those whome He has chosen if He knew full well that they may not do the deeds and kill the faith. If God can know that they'll have a "live" faith, than how can He not know that they will also believe in Him and thus give them the gift of faith under those circumstances?
My thoughts.
Is it all our step of faith and so our salvation is based soley on what we do with the grace we are offered?
Grace - God's grace is given universally to everyone. The only people who are not saved are those who continue to fight against this grace. Thus, it's not a matter of "God has done everything and we simply have to take the next step," but a matter of "He has done everything and in order to accept it we simply need to stop fighting." It's not a pro-active step, but it's "stop resisting" (The only unforgivable sin is resisting the Holy Spirit until the day you die)
If it is by Grace through faith and faith is a gift from God and God only gives that gift to those whom He has chosen, what about James' writing on faith without deeds is dead? Why would God give the gift of faith to those whome He has chosen if He knew full well that they may not do the deeds and kill the faith. If God can know that they'll have a "live" faith, than how can He not know that they will also believe in Him and thus give them the gift of faith under those circumstances?
My thoughts.
Courtney Bancroft
UnchristianCourtney is the campus missionary to Temple University. She and people that she ministered with in D.C. did the Gospel according to the Simpsons which attracted people's attention. It seems to be that the more attention the program can get, the better. It creates more discussion among the students.
She then visited Villanova which is a private school and tried to gain fundraising from pastors in the area. They were hard on her and her team, discouraging, and she had a hard time getting ahold of pastors. "I can take attacks from the enemy, it's hard for me to take attacks from leaders in the kingdom of God." - Tom Rees.
Part of the reason that Courtney believes she had a hard time was because her name's not known, chi alpha is not know, and pastors get many calls from missionaries asking for funding. "It's easier to give to a land you will probably never see than to talk to your neighbor."
She started ministry at Temple by getting a handful of students from AG churches in the area. She needed 10 students to be able to start the ministry but she only had four initially. Now she has about four Christians at Chi Alpha ministry and about four non-Christians and they host parties and events and she meets with a few of the non-Christians bi-weekly in order to talk about matters of the faith. Courtney had several trials and it seems like nothing but hardships in order to get this ministry going.
Some of the most difficult lessons that Coutrney has learned is that she's a lot worse at ministry than she thought. She had a lot more hesitancy when listening to Jesus' call than she had expected when it came to going to Temple, raising money, and growing in organization.
The top three things that the girls on campus deal with and struggle with are knowing what they want to do with their lives, figuring out what they actually believe, and sex. She suggests for pastors to have people who go to the college to help that pastor get on campus or resource the student to do a Bible study on the campus. Feed the students and hang out there.
Finally, Courtney feels that it has been best for her to simply develop relationships with the students in order to relate Christ to them later when they are interested.
Monday, March 10, 2008
Unchurched Friend #2
1. What do you think is the greatest need in your area?
More activity based church functions that might draw in different types of people.
2. Are you actively attending any church?
No
3. What are a few issues or topics that impact/interest you?
Drug and alcohol prevention programs, peer pressure as well.
4. Why do you think most people don't attend church?
I would say because most people think they have more interesting and better things to do. Not because its not good to go, but most people probably think that of they are all around decent people they are making the big man happy and going to heaven... Most people probably don't feel a need to go, and just would rather be doing something else on their off time.
5. If you were to look for a church to attend, what kind of things would you look for?
I would look for one with a good youth program because getting kids involved young is a good start for them, I would also look for one with a church that is active in activities and outings.
6. What advice can you give to pastors who really want to be helpful to people?
I would say try to relate the good word in real life situations or examples... I feel the more I can relate to a story the more I can believe in it and makes me understand it.
7. What is your longterm goal for your life?
Be a succesful person that was able to help people out whenever possible and have a family that thinks I've done a good job at supporting them and being a good dad.
More activity based church functions that might draw in different types of people.
2. Are you actively attending any church?
No
3. What are a few issues or topics that impact/interest you?
Drug and alcohol prevention programs, peer pressure as well.
4. Why do you think most people don't attend church?
I would say because most people think they have more interesting and better things to do. Not because its not good to go, but most people probably think that of they are all around decent people they are making the big man happy and going to heaven... Most people probably don't feel a need to go, and just would rather be doing something else on their off time.
5. If you were to look for a church to attend, what kind of things would you look for?
I would look for one with a good youth program because getting kids involved young is a good start for them, I would also look for one with a church that is active in activities and outings.
6. What advice can you give to pastors who really want to be helpful to people?
I would say try to relate the good word in real life situations or examples... I feel the more I can relate to a story the more I can believe in it and makes me understand it.
7. What is your longterm goal for your life?
Be a succesful person that was able to help people out whenever possible and have a family that thinks I've done a good job at supporting them and being a good dad.
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
Courtney Lien
INTRO to CLASS: Most influential person in regard to my faith: There was not a person who is older than me who influenced me in regard to my faith, however, one of my friends (who grew up in a very Godly and devoted home) had discussions with me, prayed with me, and became my best friend.
Courtney was hired initially at Glad Tidings as an Administrative Assistant. She did a partially dual role by working as a secretary and doing pastoral care things as well. Courtney was hired as a pastor at Glad Tidings at the age of 24.
Real Life youth ministry: Aaron Holt (Student ministries head), Varsity, Junior Varsity, and someone is in charge of fundraising events. Courtney says that she did have to watch what she said and did because of the way people watched her. I like that she said this because it's not necessarily true that her character wasn't right but other people have different convictions or even scrupals than she may.
Because Courtney is young, mostly because she is in ministry, there are a lot of holiness issues when it comes to music and dealing with the teenagers. Glad Tidings greatly uses the idea of small groups in their youth group (there are 200 teens). They don't do so much large-sized evangelism as they used to because the kids weren't being discipled throughout the year.
I like that Real Life ministry decided to conduct a survey of the students who attend Real Life. This shows that they're not just assuming that what they're doing is working, they're expecting that they need to change a few things. Make sure that any goals you set for your leaders are measurable goals. With their small groups, there is a leader and a small group assistant leader. Once the group is too big, the assistant leader (who has been training under the head leader), then heads up the new team.
Glad Tidings used to head up Invasion, but now they go on missions trips instead and focus their efforts on them. I like that this ministry tries to emphasize the fact that they're family. Also, Courtney said that you have to guard your time off. I can relate to this because I was an intern this summer and though I was given time off, I often didn't take it so that I could get more work done and be more creative with different things.
Courtney was hired initially at Glad Tidings as an Administrative Assistant. She did a partially dual role by working as a secretary and doing pastoral care things as well. Courtney was hired as a pastor at Glad Tidings at the age of 24.
Real Life youth ministry: Aaron Holt (Student ministries head), Varsity, Junior Varsity, and someone is in charge of fundraising events. Courtney says that she did have to watch what she said and did because of the way people watched her. I like that she said this because it's not necessarily true that her character wasn't right but other people have different convictions or even scrupals than she may.
Because Courtney is young, mostly because she is in ministry, there are a lot of holiness issues when it comes to music and dealing with the teenagers. Glad Tidings greatly uses the idea of small groups in their youth group (there are 200 teens). They don't do so much large-sized evangelism as they used to because the kids weren't being discipled throughout the year.
I like that Real Life ministry decided to conduct a survey of the students who attend Real Life. This shows that they're not just assuming that what they're doing is working, they're expecting that they need to change a few things. Make sure that any goals you set for your leaders are measurable goals. With their small groups, there is a leader and a small group assistant leader. Once the group is too big, the assistant leader (who has been training under the head leader), then heads up the new team.
Glad Tidings used to head up Invasion, but now they go on missions trips instead and focus their efforts on them. I like that this ministry tries to emphasize the fact that they're family. Also, Courtney said that you have to guard your time off. I can relate to this because I was an intern this summer and though I was given time off, I often didn't take it so that I could get more work done and be more creative with different things.
Tuesday, February 5, 2008
Host
Here is Rick Warren's latest thoughts on Cell Group, Small Group, home group ministry. He believes that the leaders of this group should be called hosts using the following acronym:
Have a heart for people
Open up your home, business place, etc.
Serve coffee
Turn on a DVD player
Have a heart for people
Open up your home, business place, etc.
Serve coffee
Turn on a DVD player
- Many people shy away from the word leader. It's scary, intimidating, and makes people run away from such an impossible task.
- Willingness to be hospitable comes much more quickly than willingness to be accountable for other's growth.
- It's not hard to find people who have a heart for others, are willing to open their home, and are capable of serving coffee.
- Turn on a DVD player? This is so that the HOST can play an already recorded Bible study to relate to the people at his/her group and give life experiences.
This seems like a fairly easy way to get people to help out with small groups and helping each other grow. If I had a church, I'd try it...
Dan Miller
Dan is passionate about God and his relationship with Him, his wife, and others. He believes that 
in order to expand the Kingdom of God, we need to be loving people, helping the community. In the beginning of his pastoring career at Back Mountain, there were fifteen people at his church (viable, reliable, and credible source of help for the community). You must earn the right to speak in a person's life.
When starting at the Senior Pastor position in his new church, he introduced some of the members from the fifteen that were there to different churches in order to not have to fight with people who have different styles of ministry.
Back Mountain church has The Rock Recreation center which has upwards basketball, soccer, flag football, cheerleading, etc. The teams do devotions, memory verses, don't yell at each other, and follow Christian Morals. Dan is a firm believer in looking at the demographics of your area in order to reach the people in your area and truly give to the community.
Dan wants to build a dinner theater, comedy night, cafe, daycare, school, and a 1,000 person seating sanctuary. Also, Dan is extremely visionary. I thought it was interesting that this was mentioned because I tend to be a visionary with the people that I work with. When others are trying to be visionaries, I bring them down to earth because I have no idea how to actualize the plan; however, I enjoy being a visionary myself and having nuts and bolts people to help me.
Pastor Dan asks people who are proposed to be on staff if they're called to ministry and how they're going to win people into the kingdom of God. If they hesitate on whether or not they're called and if they don't have a strategy, they're not fit for the job. Also, Dan wants the staff to be discipled by someone other than himself in a mentoring network. He wants his pastors to run with their ideas and not just have him hold their hands for two years.
I like that most of what Pastor Dan is doing costs a lot of money. I don't have any money. I definitely don't have millions of dollars to build the type of stuff Pastor dan is doing, nor do I have millions of dollars to do what I want to do...in fact, I know that Pastor dan didn't have millions of dollars either. Hmm. I think I'm beginning to trust God more with finances in a different way. I've always known that God will provide for me, but I never realized that God could provide for my dream.
in order to expand the Kingdom of God, we need to be loving people, helping the community. In the beginning of his pastoring career at Back Mountain, there were fifteen people at his church (viable, reliable, and credible source of help for the community). You must earn the right to speak in a person's life.When starting at the Senior Pastor position in his new church, he introduced some of the members from the fifteen that were there to different churches in order to not have to fight with people who have different styles of ministry.
Back Mountain church has The Rock Recreation center which has upwards basketball, soccer, flag football, cheerleading, etc. The teams do devotions, memory verses, don't yell at each other, and follow Christian Morals. Dan is a firm believer in looking at the demographics of your area in order to reach the people in your area and truly give to the community.
Dan wants to build a dinner theater, comedy night, cafe, daycare, school, and a 1,000 person seating sanctuary. Also, Dan is extremely visionary. I thought it was interesting that this was mentioned because I tend to be a visionary with the people that I work with. When others are trying to be visionaries, I bring them down to earth because I have no idea how to actualize the plan; however, I enjoy being a visionary myself and having nuts and bolts people to help me.
Pastor Dan asks people who are proposed to be on staff if they're called to ministry and how they're going to win people into the kingdom of God. If they hesitate on whether or not they're called and if they don't have a strategy, they're not fit for the job. Also, Dan wants the staff to be discipled by someone other than himself in a mentoring network. He wants his pastors to run with their ideas and not just have him hold their hands for two years.
I like that most of what Pastor Dan is doing costs a lot of money. I don't have any money. I definitely don't have millions of dollars to build the type of stuff Pastor dan is doing, nor do I have millions of dollars to do what I want to do...in fact, I know that Pastor dan didn't have millions of dollars either. Hmm. I think I'm beginning to trust God more with finances in a different way. I've always known that God will provide for me, but I never realized that God could provide for my dream.
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
Gerry Stoltzfoos
Gerry is the Pastor of Freedom Valley Worship center http://www.freedomvalley.org/. This church wants to reach lost people and specifically people who have been burnt by the church. The ministries that they have are rebuilder's marriage ministry, youth ministry, men's ministry, Gettysburgh Master's Commission, and a therapeutic riding ministry. He was also on abc news for comparitive study during speaking in tongues.
They also have a counseling ministry and a cowboy church every fourth Sunday brings in numerous visitors (This past sunday was 89 visitors). His church holds a concert event called Bombshelter. Local garage bands come in and draw in local people from the area. There are normally 3 Christian bands and 1 heathen band (haha). Freedom Valley Worship Center also started a coffee house on thursday and Friday night.
I think that this is an intense and very out-of-the-box type ministry. What Gerry seems to do is make rules for the church rather than having a desire to do something and not doing it because church says you can't. He considers his ministry part of the church that makes the rules.
One of the cutting edge things that Gerry's church has done was to buy a tattoo parlor in order to reach teenagers. He said that the few times that he went to the parlor it was packed out and he couldn't even see the speaker because of the 40 or 50 teenages in the place.
Several pastors discouraged Gerry in his attempts to plant the church that he wanted to reach people in his area. His first week of the church being open, 42 people were there, the next week there were 19, then 17, then 12. Church was in the ballroom of a Holiday Inn, then it moved to the YWCA (pro-abortion clinic), then a cafeteria, and finally they went to an old drug-dealer's house.
Gerry came from an Amish background and felt comfortable in the Pentecostal square only when two people took a couple hours to ask him about his life. He largely focuses his ministry on loving others because of the example of love he saw.
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
Jason Lamers
Jason grew up in a Christian home, made a decision to follow Christ when he was 7 years old, felt the call of an evangelist in his life at the age of 13 which was also when he was baptised in the Holy Spirit.
Jason went to North Central Bible College after meeting Dr. Meyer who was then the president at the college. He majored in Pastoral Ministry and is now largely involved in youth ministry. He graduated and didn't have a job yet but preached and applied at different churches until he got a job a couple months later.
Jason's philosophy and style for youth ministry seems to be innovative and relevant but his main focus seems to be on relationship. This was the way that they were capable of discipling the youth on a one to one basis (in small groups, at their home, and etc.)
I thought it was interesting that one of the open doors to the high school was a death of a teenager in the area (not a person in the youth group), and then another student died and Jason left a message to let them know he was praying for them. He then helped with grief counseling for the students in the high school that needed counseling. Jason was able to speak at another student's funeral and became a grief counselor for the school that he was near until he left that area.
I like that the Youth Alive strategy is not to make sure that they can get into the school and that's the only way the school can be influenced. I really enjoy the fact that Youth Alive empowers students on their high school campuses in order for those students to be missionaries and have a ministry to reach others. Also, I like that Jason said they still believe in prayer (it's hard to find a Christian that still believes in prayer nowadays ...)
There is a 50% salvation rate to seven project - Jason knows that not each person starts going to church but the campus missionaries are prepared to do follow-up ministry with each student. Seven project is to come alongside the local church to give them teenagers to disciple.
Jason seems to be excited about the ministry he's involved with. He also seems to Major in the majors and enjoy what he's doing.
Tuesday, January 15, 2008
Brian Bolt
Started testimony in military (took military as an option instead of jail time). Jumped people across the border and then started transporting drugs across the border. Brian got shot point-blank in the head with a 22. In the hospital for 75 days without being able to eat speak or swallow.
Brian got saved and discipled through Victory Outreach, a men's home. After 13 months there, Brian went to Gettysburgh Master's Commision for 3 years. Joined with Bob Costello and worked with him for some time.
Soon after, Brian was brought on staff by Pastor Jeff Leake of Allison Park Church. *I like when Brian said that he was tired of the office and needed to get out of there.* The program at Pittsburgh City Outreach is six months and then for six months they stay at the home and pay rent.
People they minister to suck the life out of them - Brian said that we have to set up boundaries with the people that he ministers to. They need to find time to get away because people on the streets consider them to be the pastors.
His ministry is largely supported by Allison Park Church's Network of Hope. They train others, provide for church plants, counseling, food banks, and money issues.
Brian got saved and discipled through Victory Outreach, a men's home. After 13 months there, Brian went to Gettysburgh Master's Commision for 3 years. Joined with Bob Costello and worked with him for some time.
Soon after, Brian was brought on staff by Pastor Jeff Leake of Allison Park Church. *I like when Brian said that he was tired of the office and needed to get out of there.* The program at Pittsburgh City Outreach is six months and then for six months they stay at the home and pay rent.
People they minister to suck the life out of them - Brian said that we have to set up boundaries with the people that he ministers to. They need to find time to get away because people on the streets consider them to be the pastors.
His ministry is largely supported by Allison Park Church's Network of Hope. They train others, provide for church plants, counseling, food banks, and money issues.
Monday, January 14, 2008
Unchurched Friend
This is an interview with a friend that I lead to the Lord this past summer who hasn't yet committed to going to church because of work schedules. I enjoyed her openness and especially the answer to number six. I think I agree with unchurched people sometimes more than the churched ones :-).
1. What do you think is the greatest need in your area?
More open-mindedness
2. Are you actively attending any church?
Not at the moment, but hopefully soon.
3. What are a few issues or topics that impact/interest you?
Global warming/the end of the world (whenever that may be)
4. Why do you think most people don’t attend church?
I think today most people have the mindset that they don't need to go to church in order to practice their religion or religion just isn't as important to people now than it was years ago.
5. If you were to look for a church to attend, what kind of things would you look for?
I would look for a welcoming atmosphere. A place that would except me for the way i look, the mistakes i've made, and the way I act without judging me. A place that when I walk in I don't have the feeling that people are just staring me down.
6. What advice can you give to pastors who really want to be helpful to people?
Listen. Don't jump to conclusions right away rather try and understand where the person is coming from.
7. What is your longterm goal for your life?
Raise my daughter (possibly other children down the road) the best that I can. I'm not just saying this because this seems to be a survey on churches/ religion, but I really do want to bring my children up around God just because my parents didn't and at this point in my life I wish they had because I see how important it is.
1. What do you think is the greatest need in your area?
More open-mindedness
2. Are you actively attending any church?
Not at the moment, but hopefully soon.
3. What are a few issues or topics that impact/interest you?
Global warming/the end of the world (whenever that may be)
4. Why do you think most people don’t attend church?
I think today most people have the mindset that they don't need to go to church in order to practice their religion or religion just isn't as important to people now than it was years ago.
5. If you were to look for a church to attend, what kind of things would you look for?
I would look for a welcoming atmosphere. A place that would except me for the way i look, the mistakes i've made, and the way I act without judging me. A place that when I walk in I don't have the feeling that people are just staring me down.
6. What advice can you give to pastors who really want to be helpful to people?
Listen. Don't jump to conclusions right away rather try and understand where the person is coming from.
7. What is your longterm goal for your life?
Raise my daughter (possibly other children down the road) the best that I can. I'm not just saying this because this seems to be a survey on churches/ religion, but I really do want to bring my children up around God just because my parents didn't and at this point in my life I wish they had because I see how important it is.
Sunday, January 13, 2008
New believer #1
The person who was interviewed is a new convert and is from a different country. They spoke in broken English mostly but I was encouraged by how quickly whole-hearted devotion seem to come to him. He is sold out for the Lord.
1.Tell me about your journey to faith in Christ?In my life I always knew that there was someone in the sky that looked down at us. I believed that there was a God but I never lived for Him. I used to be addicted to drugs such as marijuana and I used them constantly. Alcohol was normal and on occasion I would even do ecstasy. I met some Christians through the organization Christ is the Answer mission organization. They started to tell me about Jesus and I came to accept him as my savior. When I did this I cried for a week straight because of the joy that I had from being saved.
2. What helped you the most to step over the line and make the commitment?For me the Holy Spirit really touched me as I sought God in my own prayer time. I also experienced this when I had Christians praying for me.
3. What has been the best part of becoming a Christ follower for you?Since coming to Christ I have been set free from drugs and alcohol. I have such a huge amount of joy in my life. Before I became a Christians I did bad things and really dangerous things. But once I came to know Jesus I had no more fear and felt completelysecure, it was truly amazing.
4. What has been the most challenging part of following Christ?Having issues with temptation for girls and smoking marijuana.
5. What do you think is helping you grow the most in your faith?Seeing the examples of the Christians around me was the most important thing to help my faith grow.
6. What advice do you have for me in helping others like you to grow in their faith?Put in their mind, God's love and show them the brotherly love as Christians. Also pray ourselves for them and tell them to pray for themselves. They have to understand when they follow God they will be saved in this life but especially in the next life.
7. What's your deepest desire when it comes to your relationship with Jesus? I found out that my mother had a tumor two weeks before I got saved. She is still going through treatment now but my deepest desire is to see her fully healed. So far her treatment is going perfect and this is a great blessing to me.
1.Tell me about your journey to faith in Christ?In my life I always knew that there was someone in the sky that looked down at us. I believed that there was a God but I never lived for Him. I used to be addicted to drugs such as marijuana and I used them constantly. Alcohol was normal and on occasion I would even do ecstasy. I met some Christians through the organization Christ is the Answer mission organization. They started to tell me about Jesus and I came to accept him as my savior. When I did this I cried for a week straight because of the joy that I had from being saved.
2. What helped you the most to step over the line and make the commitment?For me the Holy Spirit really touched me as I sought God in my own prayer time. I also experienced this when I had Christians praying for me.
3. What has been the best part of becoming a Christ follower for you?Since coming to Christ I have been set free from drugs and alcohol. I have such a huge amount of joy in my life. Before I became a Christians I did bad things and really dangerous things. But once I came to know Jesus I had no more fear and felt completelysecure, it was truly amazing.
4. What has been the most challenging part of following Christ?Having issues with temptation for girls and smoking marijuana.
5. What do you think is helping you grow the most in your faith?Seeing the examples of the Christians around me was the most important thing to help my faith grow.
6. What advice do you have for me in helping others like you to grow in their faith?Put in their mind, God's love and show them the brotherly love as Christians. Also pray ourselves for them and tell them to pray for themselves. They have to understand when they follow God they will be saved in this life but especially in the next life.
7. What's your deepest desire when it comes to your relationship with Jesus? I found out that my mother had a tumor two weeks before I got saved. She is still going through treatment now but my deepest desire is to see her fully healed. So far her treatment is going perfect and this is a great blessing to me.
Tuesday, January 8, 2008
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)