My most embarrassing Halloween costume was when I was around four or five and my mother dressed me in my yellow footy pajamas, stuck some cotton on my rump, crafted some bunny ears, and painted whiskers on my face. I guess when you are a five year old boy you can pull off the cute little yellow bunny look ... barely.
My most embarrassing Halloween costume was when I was around four or five and my mother dressed me in my yellow footy pajamas, stuck some cotton on my rump, crafted some bunny ears, and painted whiskers on my face. I guess when you are a five year old boy you can pull off the cute little yellow bunny look ... barely.
For the past few months several of my dreams have been coming true... or close to coming true. Unfortunately, by dreams have not been all that stellar. Let me give you a couple of examples.
For the past few months several of my dreams have been coming true... or close to coming true. Unfortunately, by dreams have not been all that stellar. Let me give you a couple of examples.
HT: Carlos Whittaker
HT: Carlos Whittaker
Be sure to stop by Mandy Briggs new blog and welcome her to the blogging community. You can see her blog HERE.
Be sure to stop by Mandy Briggs new blog and welcome her to the blogging community. You can see her blog HERE.
How good is your idea? How important is your cause? Important enough that you’ve given up another life to lead this life. You’ve given up another job, another steady paycheck, another bigger paycheck to do this all day long, every day, for years if not for decades, to make a change in the world and to right a wrong."...
"Convincing the most powerful, resource-rich people you know that allocating some of their capital to the issues you’re addressing matters.
You’re devoting your life, your spirit, your energy, your faith into making the vision you have of a better future into a reality.
So why are you so scared to ask people for money? Why do you feel afraid to say: “This problem is so important and so urgent that it is worth your time and your money to fix it. I’m devoting my whole life to fixing this problem. I’m asking you to devote some of your resources to my life’s work too.” ...
"If your ideas and programs and people and vision are so great, shouldn’t people be willing to reach into their pockets and fund them? If it’s worth spending your life doing this work, shouldn’t you or someone in your organization be able to convince someone else that the work is worth supporting?"...
"I’d rather be an evangelist, a storyteller, an educator, a translator, a table-pounder, a guy on his soap box, a woman with a megaphone, a candidate for change. I want to talk to as many people as I can about my ideas – whether in person or in newsletters or on Facebook or Twitter or in the Economist or at the TED conference or at Davos – and capture their imagination about the change I hope to see in the world.
Don’t you?"
Great stuff! This is why I can stand in front of our congregation and challenge us to step up financially for the cause of the Gospel. It is because I literally believe that Jesus Christ is the answer to your problems and the problems of this world. Getting that message out locally and globally takes resources. I will do my part to tell the story, cast the vision, and lobby for transformational change. And we as a congregation will do our part to keep allocating our riches in the direction of the greatest change imaginable... the transformation of one life at a time through the power of Jesus Christ.
How good is your idea? How important is your cause? Important enough that you’ve given up another life to lead this life. You’ve given up another job, another steady paycheck, another bigger paycheck to do this all day long, every day, for years if not for decades, to make a change in the world and to right a wrong."...
"Convincing the most powerful, resource-rich people you know that allocating some of their capital to the issues you’re addressing matters.
You’re devoting your life, your spirit, your energy, your faith into making the vision you have of a better future into a reality.
So why are you so scared to ask people for money? Why do you feel afraid to say: “This problem is so important and so urgent that it is worth your time and your money to fix it. I’m devoting my whole life to fixing this problem. I’m asking you to devote some of your resources to my life’s work too.” ...
"If your ideas and programs and people and vision are so great, shouldn’t people be willing to reach into their pockets and fund them? If it’s worth spending your life doing this work, shouldn’t you or someone in your organization be able to convince someone else that the work is worth supporting?"...
"I’d rather be an evangelist, a storyteller, an educator, a translator, a table-pounder, a guy on his soap box, a woman with a megaphone, a candidate for change. I want to talk to as many people as I can about my ideas – whether in person or in newsletters or on Facebook or Twitter or in the Economist or at the TED conference or at Davos – and capture their imagination about the change I hope to see in the world.
Don’t you?"
Great stuff! This is why I can stand in front of our congregation and challenge us to step up financially for the cause of the Gospel. It is because I literally believe that Jesus Christ is the answer to your problems and the problems of this world. Getting that message out locally and globally takes resources. I will do my part to tell the story, cast the vision, and lobby for transformational change. And we as a congregation will do our part to keep allocating our riches in the direction of the greatest change imaginable... the transformation of one life at a time through the power of Jesus Christ.
Those that know me know that I don't talk very often about politics. As a pastor I have to be very careful (publicly) not to endorse a candidate. I'm also very cautious outside of the pulpit as well, I have never even put a campaign sign in my lawn. Other than reposting a portion of the debate the other night, I've kept pretty silent about the election, but tonight I break that silence.
Those that know me know that I don't talk very often about politics. As a pastor I have to be very careful (publicly) not to endorse a candidate. I'm also very cautious outside of the pulpit as well, I have never even put a campaign sign in my lawn. Other than reposting a portion of the debate the other night, I've kept pretty silent about the election, but tonight I break that silence.
Did you know that the U.S. government is planning to track homeless people by implanting them with RFID chips? Or that Obama refuses to put is hand over his heart during the national anthem because he views the American flag as a symbol of oppression? And that the FCC wants to shut down all Christian programming? Yeah, it's got to be true I've received emails about it. Everyone knows that any email sent to you is true... right?
Did you know that the U.S. government is planning to track homeless people by implanting them with RFID chips? Or that Obama refuses to put is hand over his heart during the national anthem because he views the American flag as a symbol of oppression? And that the FCC wants to shut down all Christian programming? Yeah, it's got to be true I've received emails about it. Everyone knows that any email sent to you is true... right?
In my last post I gave you a glimpse into a journal entry during a difficult time in my life. I thought I'd post just one more entry, this one from the next day, June 15, 2006.
In my last post I gave you a glimpse into a journal entry during a difficult time in my life. I thought I'd post just one more entry, this one from the next day, June 15, 2006.
Back in June of 2006 I was the only full-time pastor on staff of our church of 400+. At the time there was a part time secretary, a bookkeeper, and a 1/4 time Senior Adult Pastor. It was a very challenging and stressful season of ministry for me. This morning I ran across a journal I was writing at the time to try to help me keep my sanity. Here is a peak into June 14, 2006...
Back in June of 2006 I was the only full-time pastor on staff of our church of 400+. At the time there was a part time secretary, a bookkeeper, and a 1/4 time Senior Adult Pastor. It was a very challenging and stressful season of ministry for me. This morning I ran across a journal I was writing at the time to try to help me keep my sanity. Here is a peak into June 14, 2006...
(WARNING…you will probably only like this post if you are a pastor or a staff member of a church!)
What They Say: “I’m looking for a church that preaches the Word!”
What They Mean: “I’m looking for a church that preaches MY view of the Word. I think the BLANK translation should be used…I think BLANK should be talked about a lot while BLANK should be ignored. And if you ever stop preaching my view of the Word I will leave and tell others that you don’t preach the Word!”
What They Say: “Lot’s of people have been coming to me and saying they don’t like is…”
What They Mean: “I basically only have three friends…and all of them think exactly like me. The other night we were enjoying a time of self righteousness because, after all, we are right about everything…and were also slandering you (in the form of prayer requests) and thought it would be wise to approach you with our pet peeve. We’ve actually talked to no one else about this but said “lots” because we wanted to validate our dysfunction.”
What They Say: “I’m leaving the church.”
What They Mean: “Beg me to stay. If you will just ask me I will share with you several ways you can compromise God’s vision that He’s given you, thus becoming nothing more than a people pleasing pastor who is more interested in popularity than obedience. If you don’t bow to my demands I will remind you that I tithe and that the church needs my money, reducing you to a mere preaching whore…one who is paid for a service for the pleasure of another person.”
What They Say: “I want a church that is more focused on discipleship.”
What They Mean: “I want a church where everyone knows me and how important I am! I don’t want to reach people who are different from me, be it economic class or race or even musical preference. I already know WAY more than I do…but I somehow equate spirituality with knowledge rather than application and I rather enjoy feeling intellectually superior to those who don’t know as much as me.”
What They Say: “Don’t take this personally…but…”
What They Mean: “I am about to lower the BOOM on you…but you can’t get angry because I told you not to take it personally. Even though you have dedicated your life to this and pretty much invest every ounce of energy you have to this cause…and I think about it once or twice a week…you need to receive my attacks, even when they are personal…and you cannot retaliate because, remember, it’s not personal.”
OKAY, that was fun! I typed it all with a smile. Trust me…I’m not mad or frustrated with anyone…I just thought a pastor or two MIGHT get a smile out of this. :-)
original post HERE
(WARNING…you will probably only like this post if you are a pastor or a staff member of a church!)
What They Say: “I’m looking for a church that preaches the Word!”
What They Mean: “I’m looking for a church that preaches MY view of the Word. I think the BLANK translation should be used…I think BLANK should be talked about a lot while BLANK should be ignored. And if you ever stop preaching my view of the Word I will leave and tell others that you don’t preach the Word!”
What They Say: “Lot’s of people have been coming to me and saying they don’t like is…”
What They Mean: “I basically only have three friends…and all of them think exactly like me. The other night we were enjoying a time of self righteousness because, after all, we are right about everything…and were also slandering you (in the form of prayer requests) and thought it would be wise to approach you with our pet peeve. We’ve actually talked to no one else about this but said “lots” because we wanted to validate our dysfunction.”
What They Say: “I’m leaving the church.”
What They Mean: “Beg me to stay. If you will just ask me I will share with you several ways you can compromise God’s vision that He’s given you, thus becoming nothing more than a people pleasing pastor who is more interested in popularity than obedience. If you don’t bow to my demands I will remind you that I tithe and that the church needs my money, reducing you to a mere preaching whore…one who is paid for a service for the pleasure of another person.”
What They Say: “I want a church that is more focused on discipleship.”
What They Mean: “I want a church where everyone knows me and how important I am! I don’t want to reach people who are different from me, be it economic class or race or even musical preference. I already know WAY more than I do…but I somehow equate spirituality with knowledge rather than application and I rather enjoy feeling intellectually superior to those who don’t know as much as me.”
What They Say: “Don’t take this personally…but…”
What They Mean: “I am about to lower the BOOM on you…but you can’t get angry because I told you not to take it personally. Even though you have dedicated your life to this and pretty much invest every ounce of energy you have to this cause…and I think about it once or twice a week…you need to receive my attacks, even when they are personal…and you cannot retaliate because, remember, it’s not personal.”
OKAY, that was fun! I typed it all with a smile. Trust me…I’m not mad or frustrated with anyone…I just thought a pastor or two MIGHT get a smile out of this. :-)
original post HERE
What would Columbus Day be without an update from our annual Sorensen Columbus Day festivities? Last year I shared the details of this very moving and emotional national holiday? I thought I would update those new to changeisgood4u.com of our little tradition...
What would Columbus Day be without an update from our annual Sorensen Columbus Day festivities? Last year I shared the details of this very moving and emotional national holiday? I thought I would update those new to changeisgood4u.com of our little tradition...
I think it is important that I continue to learn as a leader; being open to blind spots in my leadership and intentionally seeking out new information. This morning I was reading Andy Stanley's, "Visioneering" and he was writing about the difference between a plan and a vision. Andy wrote this, "It is easy to lose sight of the vision when your plans don't work out. Failed plans always have a backlash of negative emotion... In most cases those who are watching from the outside will find it impossible to distinguish between the plan and the vision. they see them as one and the same. The death of one is the death of the other... For that reason, when a plan fails, the vision must be recast." p. 157
I think it is important that I continue to learn as a leader; being open to blind spots in my leadership and intentionally seeking out new information. This morning I was reading Andy Stanley's, "Visioneering" and he was writing about the difference between a plan and a vision. Andy wrote this, "It is easy to lose sight of the vision when your plans don't work out. Failed plans always have a backlash of negative emotion... In most cases those who are watching from the outside will find it impossible to distinguish between the plan and the vision. they see them as one and the same. The death of one is the death of the other... For that reason, when a plan fails, the vision must be recast." p. 157
I’m writing this blog post from the comfort of my “local” Starbucks. Sitting here I thought about what a difference 10 years of learning has done for me. There was a time when I first entered the ministry that I felt bad if people saw me between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. not in the office or sitting in some elderly person’s home visiting with them. I thought they might think I wasn’t working and I pushed myself to constantly work. The result was a lack of margin in my time and more stress built up within me. Fortunately, I don’t let people’s thoughts or opinions control my life as much anymore. I’ve learned that the pastorate is not a 9-5, 5 days a week, kind of job; I have to find margin where I can get it. If I over extend myself and I have no margin then when a need/crisis occurs my stress level reaches an unhealthy level. When I have margin in my time it allows me to respond to ministry needs/crisis when they occur in a healthy manner.
Those not in professional ministry need to find margin where they can get it as well. If we have no space in our time, then when the opportunity to minister to others comes along or when a crisis occurs we don’t have the emotional ability to respond properly. How about carving some time out and giving yourself some margin? Read a few less blogs today, watch one less TV show each night this week, watch one less sporting event, say “no” to requests for your time that don’t bring you joy and bless others, etc. When you give yourself margin you will find that you are much more productive at what God has called you to do and more able to respond to the needs of others around you.
I’m writing this blog post from the comfort of my “local” Starbucks. Sitting here I thought about what a difference 10 years of learning has done for me. There was a time when I first entered the ministry that I felt bad if people saw me between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. not in the office or sitting in some elderly person’s home visiting with them. I thought they might think I wasn’t working and I pushed myself to constantly work. The result was a lack of margin in my time and more stress built up within me. Fortunately, I don’t let people’s thoughts or opinions control my life as much anymore. I’ve learned that the pastorate is not a 9-5, 5 days a week, kind of job; I have to find margin where I can get it. If I over extend myself and I have no margin then when a need/crisis occurs my stress level reaches an unhealthy level. When I have margin in my time it allows me to respond to ministry needs/crisis when they occur in a healthy manner.
Those not in professional ministry need to find margin where they can get it as well. If we have no space in our time, then when the opportunity to minister to others comes along or when a crisis occurs we don’t have the emotional ability to respond properly. How about carving some time out and giving yourself some margin? Read a few less blogs today, watch one less TV show each night this week, watch one less sporting event, say “no” to requests for your time that don’t bring you joy and bless others, etc. When you give yourself margin you will find that you are much more productive at what God has called you to do and more able to respond to the needs of others around you.
One of the 2-3 year old rooms with a fresh coat of paint...
Hallway that runs along the parking lot with some paint on the walls...
Hallway leading to what will be the check-in kiosk for the nursery - kindergarten rooms.
We are getting much closer! Our "Building to Bless... Another Generation" one year anniversary will be on October 26th. It's hard to believe we launched this dream a year ago now.
One of the 2-3 year old rooms with a fresh coat of paint...
Hallway that runs along the parking lot with some paint on the walls...
Hallway leading to what will be the check-in kiosk for the nursery - kindergarten rooms.
We are getting much closer! Our "Building to Bless... Another Generation" one year anniversary will be on October 26th. It's hard to believe we launched this dream a year ago now.
Today I had the privilege of telling my congregation that they are all rich. I don't think they believed me at first so I had to spell it out a little bit. The median income for families in Randolph County, Indiana in 2004 was $37,877. That makes us the top 3.8% richest people in the world! Believe it or not, I live around a lot of people that are among the richest in the world. Anyone who makes over $47,500 is in the top 1% of the wealthiest people alive.
3.8 billion people in this world live on less than $2 per day. Less than 3% of the world population owns a car. Very few can afford someone to cook and serve them meals (restaurants). We are the abnormality here in the west. We are blessed with more than we need - we are rich!
I've blogged about this before. We are blessed in this nation and we miss it so often because we don't FEEL rich, because we know some folks who have more than us. We think that if we could just get MORE than we would feel rich. However, when we do get more we find that there is someone who still has more than us so we don't feel rich.
Putting our wealth in perspective as compared to the rest of the world helps me not to stress over something like the "financial crisis" that America finds itself in. Matthew 6:19-34 is a great reminder not to sweat it too.
Today I had the privilege of telling my congregation that they are all rich. I don't think they believed me at first so I had to spell it out a little bit. The median income for families in Randolph County, Indiana in 2004 was $37,877. That makes us the top 3.8% richest people in the world! Believe it or not, I live around a lot of people that are among the richest in the world. Anyone who makes over $47,500 is in the top 1% of the wealthiest people alive.
3.8 billion people in this world live on less than $2 per day. Less than 3% of the world population owns a car. Very few can afford someone to cook and serve them meals (restaurants). We are the abnormality here in the west. We are blessed with more than we need - we are rich!
I've blogged about this before. We are blessed in this nation and we miss it so often because we don't FEEL rich, because we know some folks who have more than us. We think that if we could just get MORE than we would feel rich. However, when we do get more we find that there is someone who still has more than us so we don't feel rich.
Putting our wealth in perspective as compared to the rest of the world helps me not to stress over something like the "financial crisis" that America finds itself in. Matthew 6:19-34 is a great reminder not to sweat it too.
We didn't win the Chili Cook-Off today but we had a good time talking with folks and tasting lots and lots of chili. Here is a quick little video I threw together...
We didn't win the Chili Cook-Off today but we had a good time talking with folks and tasting lots and lots of chili. Here is a quick little video I threw together...
Interested in tasting some of Tammy's homemade chili? Tomorrow (Saturday Oct. 4), beginning at 11:30 AM, in the streets of Historic Farmland USA we will be competing in the "Chili Cook-Off". The FFC pastors are officially entering this contest and several of the pastors will be there to greet you and dish up some yummy chili. (I may be biased, but I think Tammy makes great chili.) We would love to see you downtown tomorrow.
