Guest Speaker - Francis Chan

Since my voice was unable to handle preaching today, we had to go with plan B. "Plan B" has been in place for well over a year now. I thought that there might come a day when I had prepared to be at church and preach but for some reason not be able to follow through, so for just such a time we had Francis Chan waiting in the wings (on DVD of course). Francis had been hanging out in the media booth just waiting his turn to preach. Today his number was called, and I must say he did a great job. If you are interested in seeing the message you can go to www.juststopandthink.com.

Francis Chan spoke at the Catalyst conference back in October of 2007 and we had been given a DVD that he had put together called, "Just Stop and Think". After previewing the video I thought it would be a perfect message for our congregation to see. Interestingly, I had one gentleman after the 10:30 service ask if he could have a copy of the DVD for a couple of friends of his in prison. I gladly gave him the original DVD that I had been given and told him that I would be praying for his buddies. 

As Pastor Pink mentioned in church today, Francis is a major influence in his life and I must say in mine as well. Listening to Francis' sermons, reading the book "Crazy Love", and hearing him speak in person has left a positive mark on me. I routinely have other ministers that I listen to, and Francis is one of them. He has helped shape my view on God, the church, and specifically his view on the church's responsibility to the world around us, has made the biggest impact on my philosophy of ministry. Thanks Francis for being our guest speaker today (even if it was on DVD :-)

Guest Speaker - Francis Chan

Since my voice was unable to handle preaching today, we had to go with plan B. "Plan B" has been in place for well over a year now. I thought that there might come a day when I had prepared to be at church and preach but for some reason not be able to follow through, so for just such a time we had Francis Chan waiting in the wings (on DVD of course). Francis had been hanging out in the media booth just waiting his turn to preach. Today his number was called, and I must say he did a great job. If you are interested in seeing the message you can go to www.juststopandthink.com.

Francis Chan spoke at the Catalyst conference back in October of 2007 and we had been given a DVD that he had put together called, "Just Stop and Think". After previewing the video I thought it would be a perfect message for our congregation to see. Interestingly, I had one gentleman after the 10:30 service ask if he could have a copy of the DVD for a couple of friends of his in prison. I gladly gave him the original DVD that I had been given and told him that I would be praying for his buddies. 

As Pastor Pink mentioned in church today, Francis is a major influence in his life and I must say in mine as well. Listening to Francis' sermons, reading the book "Crazy Love", and hearing him speak in person has left a positive mark on me. I routinely have other ministers that I listen to, and Francis is one of them. He has helped shape my view on God, the church, and specifically his view on the church's responsibility to the world around us, has made the biggest impact on my philosophy of ministry. Thanks Francis for being our guest speaker today (even if it was on DVD :-)

Not $o Bad

Found this quote today and I wanted to pass it along. It is from Rob Moll, over on Christianity Today's blog.

"Recessions, before the Great Depression, were often viewed as good things. Secretary of the Treasury Andrew Mellon, even after the crash of 1929, expressed the common view of the time: “It will purge the rottenness out of the system. High costs of living and high living will come down. People will work harder, live a more moral life. Values will be adjusted, and enterprising people will pick up the wrecks from less competent people... Though the current Treasury Department seems a bit more compassionate, the idea that a recession is good lives on. A Conservative leader in Britain was forced to apologize today for extoling the health virtues of an economic decline. "Recession can be good for us. People tend to smoke less, drink less alcohol, eat less rich food and spend more time at home with their families."

With less money and perhaps no work, people don't generally splurge on cigarettes, booze, and unhealthy food. And, with nothing to do all day, they do hang around the house more."

You can read the full article HERE.

Not $o Bad

Found this quote today and I wanted to pass it along. It is from Rob Moll, over on Christianity Today's blog.

"Recessions, before the Great Depression, were often viewed as good things. Secretary of the Treasury Andrew Mellon, even after the crash of 1929, expressed the common view of the time: “It will purge the rottenness out of the system. High costs of living and high living will come down. People will work harder, live a more moral life. Values will be adjusted, and enterprising people will pick up the wrecks from less competent people... Though the current Treasury Department seems a bit more compassionate, the idea that a recession is good lives on. A Conservative leader in Britain was forced to apologize today for extoling the health virtues of an economic decline. "Recession can be good for us. People tend to smoke less, drink less alcohol, eat less rich food and spend more time at home with their families."

With less money and perhaps no work, people don't generally splurge on cigarettes, booze, and unhealthy food. And, with nothing to do all day, they do hang around the house more."

You can read the full article HERE.

Black Friday

I don't need to tell you; this is disturbing!

Black Friday

I don't need to tell you; this is disturbing!

Happy Thanksgiving

This has been a quiet Thanksgiving for us this year. The original plan was to travel south to the Indianapolis area and have a big meal with my family. Unfortunately, I'm not feeling like doing much of anything. Tammy went to the store and picked up some traditional Thanksgiving day groceries and made a small meal for the 3 of us here. 

I've had lots of folks commenting, texting, and twittering that they are praying for me and wishing us a Happy Thanksgiving. I really appreciate all the kindness shown to me.

What would a Thanksgiving post be without a list of things that I'm thankful for; so here is the short list of the most recent things I'm thankful for:

1. Antibiotics

2. Cold medicine that knock you out

3. thankful that I'm not a Detroit Lions fan

4. Kleenex

5. thankful I didn't gain any weight this year for Thanksgiving :)

Happy Thanksgiving

This has been a quiet Thanksgiving for us this year. The original plan was to travel south to the Indianapolis area and have a big meal with my family. Unfortunately, I'm not feeling like doing much of anything. Tammy went to the store and picked up some traditional Thanksgiving day groceries and made a small meal for the 3 of us here. 

I've had lots of folks commenting, texting, and twittering that they are praying for me and wishing us a Happy Thanksgiving. I really appreciate all the kindness shown to me.

What would a Thanksgiving post be without a list of things that I'm thankful for; so here is the short list of the most recent things I'm thankful for:

1. Antibiotics

2. Cold medicine that knock you out

3. thankful that I'm not a Detroit Lions fan

4. Kleenex

5. thankful I didn't gain any weight this year for Thanksgiving :)

From Bad to Worse

Yesterday Tammy received a summons in the mail to appear for jury duty questioning on December 3rd. None of us were looking forward to how inconvenient that would be. This morning in the mail I got the same request, same day, same time. That poses a little problem when you have a stay at home 5 year old and both of the parents are required to be somewhere else. I called the courthouse and asked them how common it was for both a husband and wife to receive a summons for the same jury. Fortunately, it's not common and I was asked which one of us wanted to show up for duty. I was tempted to throw Tammy under the bus, but like any good husband I laid down my life for my wife.

At this rate I won't be alive come December 3rd anyway. I keep getting sicker and sicker; I went to bed last night hopeful that today would be a better day and I would feel normal again. I woke up early this morning feeling worse. I have an appointment with my doctor in just a little bit and I will see what he has to say. This vacation goes from bad to worse.

From Bad to Worse

Yesterday Tammy received a summons in the mail to appear for jury duty questioning on December 3rd. None of us were looking forward to how inconvenient that would be. This morning in the mail I got the same request, same day, same time. That poses a little problem when you have a stay at home 5 year old and both of the parents are required to be somewhere else. I called the courthouse and asked them how common it was for both a husband and wife to receive a summons for the same jury. Fortunately, it's not common and I was asked which one of us wanted to show up for duty. I was tempted to throw Tammy under the bus, but like any good husband I laid down my life for my wife.

At this rate I won't be alive come December 3rd anyway. I keep getting sicker and sicker; I went to bed last night hopeful that today would be a better day and I would feel normal again. I woke up early this morning feeling worse. I have an appointment with my doctor in just a little bit and I will see what he has to say. This vacation goes from bad to worse.

This Vacation Sucketh

I'm supposed to be vacationing right now. Granted, I wanted it to be a "working vacation" where I focused on the Christmas sermon series while sipping lattes, checking emails all the while listening to Christmas music. But so far that is NOT what has happened. This vacation does not make my top ten list. I'll give you the short list:

1. I'm vacationing in Parker City, Indiana.

2. I have the worst cold of my life!

3. I've blown my nose so much I've had a bloody nose 4 times in the past 2 days.

4. I will be preaching this weekend so I continue to work on the sermon.

5. I have a report due, proposal to write, and several people that I need to contact.

6. I am waaaay behind on putting together the Christmas sermon series - so I'm a little stressed.

The only good thing about all of this is the cold medicine that I take that knocks me out and allows me to forget that I'm "vacationing". 

This Vacation Sucketh

I'm supposed to be vacationing right now. Granted, I wanted it to be a "working vacation" where I focused on the Christmas sermon series while sipping lattes, checking emails all the while listening to Christmas music. But so far that is NOT what has happened. This vacation does not make my top ten list. I'll give you the short list:

1. I'm vacationing in Parker City, Indiana.

2. I have the worst cold of my life!

3. I've blown my nose so much I've had a bloody nose 4 times in the past 2 days.

4. I will be preaching this weekend so I continue to work on the sermon.

5. I have a report due, proposal to write, and several people that I need to contact.

6. I am waaaay behind on putting together the Christmas sermon series - so I'm a little stressed.

The only good thing about all of this is the cold medicine that I take that knocks me out and allows me to forget that I'm "vacationing". 

Bringing You Some Cheer

In an effort to bring some Holiday cheer to you, I have performed a little dance for you...

Send your own ElfYourself eCards

Bringing You Some Cheer

In an effort to bring some Holiday cheer to you, I have performed a little dance for you...

Send your own ElfYourself eCards

Bringing You Some Scare

This dance was a nightmare that I had last night. (Warning you may not want to watch this; evil music embedded)

Send your own ElfYourself eCards

Bringing You Some Scare

This dance was a nightmare that I had last night. (Warning you may not want to watch this; evil music embedded)

Send your own ElfYourself eCards

Sunday Recap

• I wasn't too sure if my voice was going to make it through the 8:30 service let alone our 10:30 service due to my cold. 
  
• We recorded the first service to DVD just in case we needed to play it for the 10:30 service.
  
• We are fortunate to have a Media Team can roll with the punches and turn on a dime.
  
• The church seemed packed today in our 10:30 service.
  
• The atmosphere was almost electric (that could have been the buzz in my head from my head cold too though).
  
• It was great having Pastor Pink back leading worship this morning.
  
• My dad took today off from his pulpit, and both of my parents joined us for worship since it was my mother's birthday.
  
• Best of all; we had several people respond to make Christ their Savior this morning, which always pumps me up!
  

Sunday Recap

• I wasn't too sure if my voice was going to make it through the 8:30 service let alone our 10:30 service due to my cold. 
  
• We recorded the first service to DVD just in case we needed to play it for the 10:30 service.
  
• We are fortunate to have a Media Team can roll with the punches and turn on a dime.
  
• The church seemed packed today in our 10:30 service.
  
• The atmosphere was almost electric (that could have been the buzz in my head from my head cold too though).
  
• It was great having Pastor Pink back leading worship this morning.
  
• My dad took today off from his pulpit, and both of my parents joined us for worship since it was my mother's birthday.
  
• Best of all; we had several people respond to make Christ their Savior this morning, which always pumps me up!
  

Tomorrow's Message

In tomorrow's message, among other things, I will be speaking about the fact that God IS love. (See 1 John 4) When we say that, "God is love." hopefully we remember that this is just one of His many attributes. Let me throw out just some of God's attributes...

Wise

Infinite

Sovereign

Holy

Omni- scient (all knowing), present (everywhere), potent (all powerful)

Self-sufficient

Just

Merciful

Eternal

Righteous...

Tomorrow's Message

In tomorrow's message, among other things, I will be speaking about the fact that God IS love. (See 1 John 4) When we say that, "God is love." hopefully we remember that this is just one of His many attributes. Let me throw out just some of God's attributes...

Wise

Infinite

Sovereign

Holy

Omni- scient (all knowing), present (everywhere), potent (all powerful)

Self-sufficient

Just

Merciful

Eternal

Righteous...

Ummm

I don't even know where to begin commenting on this clip...

Ummm

I don't even know where to begin commenting on this clip...

Proactive Vision

Are you interested in having a thriving growing relationship with God? How about an awesome family and incredible relationships with others? Or maybe you would like to be financially strong, debt free, and able to give generously? How about physically, maybe you would like to be in great shape. None of these things will happen on accident. Great marriages don’t just happen. Becoming financially strong doesn’t just occur. Unless you eat right and exercise you won’t be getting in shape, at least not a good shape. :-) 

Proverbs 29:18, "Where there is no vision the people perish"

When you have no vision for your family, half of the families end in divorce. Where there is no vision to live debt free then you will be swallowed up in debt. Where there is no vision for your physical life you find yourself out of shape and unhealthy.

For most people their goal is simply to survive. Their whole plan is just to get by, just pay the bills, just stay married, etc., but when you have no vision you don't just get by, you don't even just survive - you perish.

Whatever life you are dreaming of living doesn't happen by accident. What proactive steps do you need to take in order to either #1 get a vision for your future, or #2 begin working toward the vision God has laid on your heart?

Proactive Vision

Are you interested in having a thriving growing relationship with God? How about an awesome family and incredible relationships with others? Or maybe you would like to be financially strong, debt free, and able to give generously? How about physically, maybe you would like to be in great shape. None of these things will happen on accident. Great marriages don’t just happen. Becoming financially strong doesn’t just occur. Unless you eat right and exercise you won’t be getting in shape, at least not a good shape. :-) 

Proverbs 29:18, "Where there is no vision the people perish"

When you have no vision for your family, half of the families end in divorce. Where there is no vision to live debt free then you will be swallowed up in debt. Where there is no vision for your physical life you find yourself out of shape and unhealthy.

For most people their goal is simply to survive. Their whole plan is just to get by, just pay the bills, just stay married, etc., but when you have no vision you don't just get by, you don't even just survive - you perish.

Whatever life you are dreaming of living doesn't happen by accident. What proactive steps do you need to take in order to either #1 get a vision for your future, or #2 begin working toward the vision God has laid on your heart?

Big Prayer

Last Sunday the title of the message was, "Why didn't God answer my prayer?". I concluded the message by asking, "If God would answer one prayer, any prayer that you prayed, what would it be? In other words, what's the biggie in your life?"

Anyone want to reveal their big prayer? I'm sure there would be a number of us that would be happy to pray with you for it.

Big Prayer

Last Sunday the title of the message was, "Why didn't God answer my prayer?". I concluded the message by asking, "If God would answer one prayer, any prayer that you prayed, what would it be? In other words, what's the biggie in your life?"

Anyone want to reveal their big prayer? I'm sure there would be a number of us that would be happy to pray with you for it.

Ameriquest Add

Things aren't always what they seem...

Ameriquest Add--Hospital from Ryan Schaefer on Vimeo.

HT: Ryan Schaefer

Ameriquest Add

Things aren't always what they seem...

Ameriquest Add--Hospital from Ryan Schaefer on Vimeo.

HT: Ryan Schaefer

The Fight

I've taken the liberty of nicknaming these two fighters. In the white trunks we have the 'wizard of worry'... the 'sultan of stress'... the 'tyrant of trials'! In the black trunks we have the 'wonderful words of God', the 'peace from His presence', the 'security of salvation'... Let's get it on...

BAM!

The Fight

I've taken the liberty of nicknaming these two fighters. In the white trunks we have the 'wizard of worry'... the 'sultan of stress'... the 'tyrant of trials'! In the black trunks we have the 'wonderful words of God', the 'peace from His presence', the 'security of salvation'... Let's get it on...

BAM!

The Sticks Conference - Breakout Session

One of the breakout sessions that I attended at The Sticks Conference last week was Dwight Mason's "Transitioning a Small-Town Church". I thought I'd record those notes here so that I have them if I ever need to refer back to them.

I was very impressed with Dwight and the leadership skills I gleaned from my short time listening to him. As I've attempted to transition FFC over the past 7 years I'm glad to see that I was already accomplishing several of these points but realize I need to intentionally work on so many more of these areas...

1. Cultivate a strong vision

2. Deliberately build morale (encourage people)

3. Consistently, sincerely affirm the congregation

4. Build a good name in the community

5. Concentrate on the strength of your community

6. Highlight ministries regularly and make heroes of the minsters leading them

7. Plan your people investment well (equip people)

8. Emphasize excellence within your capabilities

9. Plan "big days" within the church calendar (build momentum)

10. Get organized

11. Let leaders lead

12. Making disciples is our primary responsibility

13. Focus outward

14. Be willing to lose a little to win big (choose your battles wisely)

15. Continually look forward

Other takeaways: 

Don't set goals that are dependent on others, set goals for yourself; set dreams dependent on others.

As a pastor be sure to walk slowly through the crowd; it shows that you care.

Address the straw men.

Prioritize people.

Establish prayer as a foundation.

Admit to wrong decisions quickly.

The Sticks Conference - Breakout Session

One of the breakout sessions that I attended at The Sticks Conference last week was Dwight Mason's "Transitioning a Small-Town Church". I thought I'd record those notes here so that I have them if I ever need to refer back to them.

I was very impressed with Dwight and the leadership skills I gleaned from my short time listening to him. As I've attempted to transition FFC over the past 7 years I'm glad to see that I was already accomplishing several of these points but realize I need to intentionally work on so many more of these areas...

1. Cultivate a strong vision

2. Deliberately build morale (encourage people)

3. Consistently, sincerely affirm the congregation

4. Build a good name in the community

5. Concentrate on the strength of your community

6. Highlight ministries regularly and make heroes of the minsters leading them

7. Plan your people investment well (equip people)

8. Emphasize excellence within your capabilities

9. Plan "big days" within the church calendar (build momentum)

10. Get organized

11. Let leaders lead

12. Making disciples is our primary responsibility

13. Focus outward

14. Be willing to lose a little to win big (choose your battles wisely)

15. Continually look forward

Other takeaways: 

Don't set goals that are dependent on others, set goals for yourself; set dreams dependent on others.

As a pastor be sure to walk slowly through the crowd; it shows that you care.

Address the straw men.

Prioritize people.

Establish prayer as a foundation.

Admit to wrong decisions quickly.

Quick Update

Many of you have been praying for my nephew, Tegan. He had brain surgery this last week at Riley Hospital for Children in Indianapolis. I just got a message from my sister that he has been released from the hospital and is back home. She is having problems with her internet connection but wanted to make sure that I passed along the good news to everyone. Our family thanks you for your prayers and encouraging words.

Quick Update

Many of you have been praying for my nephew, Tegan. He had brain surgery this last week at Riley Hospital for Children in Indianapolis. I just got a message from my sister that he has been released from the hospital and is back home. She is having problems with her internet connection but wanted to make sure that I passed along the good news to everyone. Our family thanks you for your prayers and encouraging words.

The Crazy Ones Change The World

You know it!

The Crazy Ones Change The World

You know it!

Why I Love Twitter

Friday we were in the hospital for Tegan's brain surgery and I sent out a simple Twitter to let my peeps know where I was, and what followed was some Twitter prayer-chain love...

Thank you Charles, Jeff, Derek, and others for all your prayers. Tegan is doing well, and our family is blessed to have so many caring brothers and sister's in Christ surrounding us. 

Why I Love Twitter

Friday we were in the hospital for Tegan's brain surgery and I sent out a simple Twitter to let my peeps know where I was, and what followed was some Twitter prayer-chain love...

Thank you Charles, Jeff, Derek, and others for all your prayers. Tegan is doing well, and our family is blessed to have so many caring brothers and sister's in Christ surrounding us. 

The Faithfulness Of God

I want to share with you this post from Casey Vincent's blog. I love hearing about how God is blessing folks as they take steps of faith. Thanks Casey for sharing this...

"Ok so I am sure that we are not the only ones who have ever struggled with faith! It seems like forever ago, but it's only been about a year and a half ago since Eric and I started tithing. Before we started tithing, there were always excuses. We didn't know how we could afford it, we were selfish and wanted the money for us, etc. We talked with PK about it and he said that if after 3 months God had not been faithful and we weren't seeing results, the church would give us our money back. We thought well that's a crazy idea but ok PK we trust you, (still not trusting God at that point) we are in. So Eric and I began tithing. Well long story short, we never asked PK for our money back,funny thing, and God was faithful. After we started tithing Eric got a 2 dollar an hour raise at work. That was more than 10% of his current pay! So that money that we didn't know where it would come from....well there it was plus some. God is good.

So a couple of weeks ago we had our building to bless campaign 1 year anniversary at church. Eric and I had not participated in the campaign for the first year for the same excuses that we used when we were not tithing. So when the pledge cards came out this time I told Eric that I felt like we should contribute. Again, he was really on the fence not knowing where the extra money would come from since I am not working and our income is limited. We continued to talk about it and I said, but we couldn't we just do a certain amount of money? Again he was still hesitant but we finally agreed on an amount still not knowing where that money would come from, but knowing it would come from somewhere. 

Well fast forward to today. I got home from clinicals and checked the mail as usual. The first thing I opened was from Ivy Tech. I was dreading that it was a bill or something not good (although I had no reason to think either of those things!) Oh the life of a worrier! Anyways, so I open the piece of mail expecting the worst only to find out that I received a nursing scholarship that will cover my tuition for this semester and next!! I was so excited and overwhelmed by God's greatness! I called Eric to share the news. 

Then while talking to Eric I continued to open up the rest of the mail to find out that Eric had received a check from his uncle for helping him with computer problems. Again, nothing we were expecting but something we greatly appreciated. We were just overwhelmed with joy about the unexpected funds we received today! 

I post this to share you with you that are God is awesome! We have struggled at times with being faithful but God always affirms our faithful decisions! Isn't that awesome? It makes me wonder why it is so hard to be 100% faithful and just let God be in control?!"

The Faithfulness Of God

I want to share with you this post from Casey Vincent's blog. I love hearing about how God is blessing folks as they take steps of faith. Thanks Casey for sharing this...

"Ok so I am sure that we are not the only ones who have ever struggled with faith! It seems like forever ago, but it's only been about a year and a half ago since Eric and I started tithing. Before we started tithing, there were always excuses. We didn't know how we could afford it, we were selfish and wanted the money for us, etc. We talked with PK about it and he said that if after 3 months God had not been faithful and we weren't seeing results, the church would give us our money back. We thought well that's a crazy idea but ok PK we trust you, (still not trusting God at that point) we are in. So Eric and I began tithing. Well long story short, we never asked PK for our money back,funny thing, and God was faithful. After we started tithing Eric got a 2 dollar an hour raise at work. That was more than 10% of his current pay! So that money that we didn't know where it would come from....well there it was plus some. God is good.

So a couple of weeks ago we had our building to bless campaign 1 year anniversary at church. Eric and I had not participated in the campaign for the first year for the same excuses that we used when we were not tithing. So when the pledge cards came out this time I told Eric that I felt like we should contribute. Again, he was really on the fence not knowing where the extra money would come from since I am not working and our income is limited. We continued to talk about it and I said, but we couldn't we just do a certain amount of money? Again he was still hesitant but we finally agreed on an amount still not knowing where that money would come from, but knowing it would come from somewhere. 

Well fast forward to today. I got home from clinicals and checked the mail as usual. The first thing I opened was from Ivy Tech. I was dreading that it was a bill or something not good (although I had no reason to think either of those things!) Oh the life of a worrier! Anyways, so I open the piece of mail expecting the worst only to find out that I received a nursing scholarship that will cover my tuition for this semester and next!! I was so excited and overwhelmed by God's greatness! I called Eric to share the news. 

Then while talking to Eric I continued to open up the rest of the mail to find out that Eric had received a check from his uncle for helping him with computer problems. Again, nothing we were expecting but something we greatly appreciated. We were just overwhelmed with joy about the unexpected funds we received today! 

I post this to share you with you that are God is awesome! We have struggled at times with being faithful but God always affirms our faithful decisions! Isn't that awesome? It makes me wonder why it is so hard to be 100% faithful and just let God be in control?!"

To-Do List, To-Done

As you can see I had the joy of checking off every line on my To-Do list today. I even scratched a few more things on the side of my post-it. (*side note* aren't post-it notes like the best invention ever... next to penicillin and toothpaste of course) I also made a slight change to the phone calls, I turned them all into text messages. 

To-Do List, To-Done

As you can see I had the joy of checking off every line on my To-Do list today. I even scratched a few more things on the side of my post-it. (*side note* aren't post-it notes like the best invention ever... next to penicillin and toothpaste of course) I also made a slight change to the phone calls, I turned them all into text messages. 

To-Do List

I'm a list guy; I get a thrill putting a little mark next to each item. Here's this morning's To-Do list. How pathetic am I that I had "Twitter" on my To-Do list? What is the world coming to? ;-)

To-Do List

I'm a list guy; I get a thrill putting a little mark next to each item. Here's this morning's To-Do list. How pathetic am I that I had "Twitter" on my To-Do list? What is the world coming to? ;-)

The Sticks Conference - Dwight Mason

Are you comfortable leading?

Leadership is all about relationships and if you can’t lead your family you won’t be able to lead anyone else.

You have to lead people differently because every person is different.

We impress people from far away but we impact people from up close.

Show people how to get it right after you have gotten it wrong.

Most problems can be traced to a problem of competent leadership.

We blame people instead of taking responsibility.

We have a leadership shortage. We teach what we know, but we reproduce what we are.

Jesus said, “Follow me.” Paul said, “Follow me as I follow Christ.” 

Your church will take on your personality. We should never expect from others what we are not willing to do.

If you can’t say, “Follow me” then we have a problem. We need to be able to say to our congregation, “Follow my example”, “Follow my values”. “Forgive as I forgive”,

You need to spend %50 of your time working on you. 25% working on leading up. 20% leading horizontal, and 5% of your time leading down.

If you are going to say “Follow me, as I follow Christ”

1. You need to have been called. You need a call greater than your critics.
2. You need character. Personal identity and emotional security. Struggling with character falls into three areas: Significance, Acceptance, Security

Significance leads to performance now you have the fear of failure. Acceptance leads to pleasing which leads to the fear of rejection.  Security leads to control and the fear is uncertainty. When this is the leaders DNA then we don’t lead very well. We are not valued by what we do but Whose we are. Emotional health. When people get born again we want people to get knowledge and then after we give knowledge we want people to serve and then they hit a wall. We can break through the wall which is painful or we can go back to more knowledge and more serving. When you break through the wall you find authenticity, transparency, and vulnerability.

Jesus had: nothing to prove - nothing to lose - and nothing to hide.

3. Clarity. Be clear about who God is, about who you are, about your purpose.
4. Courage. Courage to start again, courage to fail, to confront. Lack of courage finds its roots in a lack of character. Isa. 41:10

The Sticks Conference - Dwight Mason

Are you comfortable leading?

Leadership is all about relationships and if you can’t lead your family you won’t be able to lead anyone else.

You have to lead people differently because every person is different.

We impress people from far away but we impact people from up close.

Show people how to get it right after you have gotten it wrong.

Most problems can be traced to a problem of competent leadership.

We blame people instead of taking responsibility.

We have a leadership shortage. We teach what we know, but we reproduce what we are.

Jesus said, “Follow me.” Paul said, “Follow me as I follow Christ.” 

Your church will take on your personality. We should never expect from others what we are not willing to do.

If you can’t say, “Follow me” then we have a problem. We need to be able to say to our congregation, “Follow my example”, “Follow my values”. “Forgive as I forgive”,

You need to spend %50 of your time working on you. 25% working on leading up. 20% leading horizontal, and 5% of your time leading down.

If you are going to say “Follow me, as I follow Christ”

1. You need to have been called. You need a call greater than your critics.
2. You need character. Personal identity and emotional security. Struggling with character falls into three areas: Significance, Acceptance, Security

Significance leads to performance now you have the fear of failure. Acceptance leads to pleasing which leads to the fear of rejection.  Security leads to control and the fear is uncertainty. When this is the leaders DNA then we don’t lead very well. We are not valued by what we do but Whose we are. Emotional health. When people get born again we want people to get knowledge and then after we give knowledge we want people to serve and then they hit a wall. We can break through the wall which is painful or we can go back to more knowledge and more serving. When you break through the wall you find authenticity, transparency, and vulnerability.

Jesus had: nothing to prove - nothing to lose - and nothing to hide.

3. Clarity. Be clear about who God is, about who you are, about your purpose.
4. Courage. Courage to start again, courage to fail, to confront. Lack of courage finds its roots in a lack of character. Isa. 41:10

The Sticks Conference - Shannon O'Dell

The greatest opportunity for spreading the gospel is in rural America.

God works in obscurity. I don’t want to grow a congregation, I want to grow congregants. Then the congregation shows up.

Working in rural America is not sexy and glamorous but it is contagious. We have our work cut out for us. You have to figure out if you are really called to the sticks.

If you are called to rural America you better get some tough skin because it is tough.

Galatians 2:1-6

If you have no dream or revelation for your place you are missing out. In rural America they need a vision.

Rural churches are enslaved to the seemed to be leaders because they are afraid that they will offend somebody.

Is your organization thriving or surviving. Until you step out in obedient leadership you won’t make a difference in your community.

We have made the large church glamorous.

We have the God of the universe living within us and we don’t even believe it.

“We had a lady who had a problem that the coffee pot said, “Bunn”, she read Left Behind and she didn’t have a problem with that.”

Whatever God is calling you to do – Go Big. When it happens in obscurity is only God.

We are crippled by the seemed to be leaders in our churches.

Six most difficult decisions of a rural pastor desiring to go to the next level.

1. Your church composition. Your church structure. You have to have a system that will allow you to go to the next level. If you want a healthy church you need a healthy system. Acts 6 there was no one leading the church except for the called leader. The pastor is the shepherd not the dictator. People that think they are called are not giving the lfie for the church. Staff are the elders. You have to get accurate structure.
2. Fire and replace volunteers and staff that are not cutting it.
3. Protecting your family.
4. Ask yourself if you are truly called to it. Make certain that you are called. If you are not called to rural America you are always going to dream about the other church.
5. Dedicate yourself to a red hot marriage. If your marriage is not red hot than your salvation is not red hot. Get out of the ministry if you don’t have a red hot marriage.
6. Must be willing to be hated.
All things are possible with God. Ask and you will receive. You will do even greater thing than these.

The Sticks Conference - Shannon O'Dell

The greatest opportunity for spreading the gospel is in rural America.

God works in obscurity. I don’t want to grow a congregation, I want to grow congregants. Then the congregation shows up.

Working in rural America is not sexy and glamorous but it is contagious. We have our work cut out for us. You have to figure out if you are really called to the sticks.

If you are called to rural America you better get some tough skin because it is tough.

Galatians 2:1-6

If you have no dream or revelation for your place you are missing out. In rural America they need a vision.

Rural churches are enslaved to the seemed to be leaders because they are afraid that they will offend somebody.

Is your organization thriving or surviving. Until you step out in obedient leadership you won’t make a difference in your community.

We have made the large church glamorous.

We have the God of the universe living within us and we don’t even believe it.

“We had a lady who had a problem that the coffee pot said, “Bunn”, she read Left Behind and she didn’t have a problem with that.”

Whatever God is calling you to do – Go Big. When it happens in obscurity is only God.

We are crippled by the seemed to be leaders in our churches.

Six most difficult decisions of a rural pastor desiring to go to the next level.

1. Your church composition. Your church structure. You have to have a system that will allow you to go to the next level. If you want a healthy church you need a healthy system. Acts 6 there was no one leading the church except for the called leader. The pastor is the shepherd not the dictator. People that think they are called are not giving the lfie for the church. Staff are the elders. You have to get accurate structure.
2. Fire and replace volunteers and staff that are not cutting it.
3. Protecting your family.
4. Ask yourself if you are truly called to it. Make certain that you are called. If you are not called to rural America you are always going to dream about the other church.
5. Dedicate yourself to a red hot marriage. If your marriage is not red hot than your salvation is not red hot. Get out of the ministry if you don’t have a red hot marriage.
6. Must be willing to be hated.
All things are possible with God. Ask and you will receive. You will do even greater thing than these.

The Sticks Conference - Tim Stevens

Notes from Tim Stevens talk this morning...

We are all working through the same stuff regardless of church size.

What are some practical contributors to growth?

1.       Keep changing stuff up. Change is hard but it can be good. Change attracts new people. Change gets people talking, communicates that we are not done growing.  Change focuses people outwardly. Some change is expensive and some change is simple. Change makes a difference in growth.

2.      Tackle alignment issues. People out of alignment with your mission/vision/methods will take you in a direction that you don’t want to go. This is the person who is never or rarely satisfied. They inject don’t about what is going on at the church.

3.       Make it easy for people to serve. The goal in our churches is life transformation through the grace of Jesus Christ. The best way to see life change is through relationships. Serving next to other believers impacts us and changes lives. Small groups, Bible studies, work but at Granger 80% of those who serve connect with the church.

A.      Can someone who is not a Christian serve in your church? Non Christians won’t come to a church where there is nothing for them… the preaching isn’t for them, there is no way to serve, etc. When there is no way to serve then they won’t create relationships and they won’t stick. John 6:70-71 example of Jesus choosing Judas to serve on His team.

B.      Is it easy for someone to begin serving at your church? Intentionally create some programs for first time volunteers.

4.       Say “thanks” as often as you can.

5.      Stick with it. People that don’t give up. People will leave your church sometimes, call you names, stomp on your dreams, kick you when you are down, and suck the life out of you. As ministry pressure increases you will be tempted to throw in the towel. You will want to compromise. You will hear about the growth of other churches and it all makes you want to give up sometimes. We’ve all faced times that we want to give up. Just staying and pushing though the troubles is the right thing. Don’t give up and do the next right thing. 

The Sticks Conference - Tim Stevens

Notes from Tim Stevens talk this morning...

We are all working through the same stuff regardless of church size.

What are some practical contributors to growth?

1.       Keep changing stuff up. Change is hard but it can be good. Change attracts new people. Change gets people talking, communicates that we are not done growing.  Change focuses people outwardly. Some change is expensive and some change is simple. Change makes a difference in growth.

2.      Tackle alignment issues. People out of alignment with your mission/vision/methods will take you in a direction that you don’t want to go. This is the person who is never or rarely satisfied. They inject don’t about what is going on at the church.

3.       Make it easy for people to serve. The goal in our churches is life transformation through the grace of Jesus Christ. The best way to see life change is through relationships. Serving next to other believers impacts us and changes lives. Small groups, Bible studies, work but at Granger 80% of those who serve connect with the church.

A.      Can someone who is not a Christian serve in your church? Non Christians won’t come to a church where there is nothing for them… the preaching isn’t for them, there is no way to serve, etc. When there is no way to serve then they won’t create relationships and they won’t stick. John 6:70-71 example of Jesus choosing Judas to serve on His team.

B.      Is it easy for someone to begin serving at your church? Intentionally create some programs for first time volunteers.

4.       Say “thanks” as often as you can.

5.      Stick with it. People that don’t give up. People will leave your church sometimes, call you names, stomp on your dreams, kick you when you are down, and suck the life out of you. As ministry pressure increases you will be tempted to throw in the towel. You will want to compromise. You will hear about the growth of other churches and it all makes you want to give up sometimes. We’ve all faced times that we want to give up. Just staying and pushing though the troubles is the right thing. Don’t give up and do the next right thing. 

The Sticks Conference

Day 1 of The Sticks Conference is now complete. We enjoyed hearing from Mark Batterson, Barry Worcester, and Charles Hill. The folks at New Hope Community Church are very friendly and hospitable and have done a great job rolling out the red carpet for all of us. 

I failed to take notes on my computer during the sessions yesterday. If you would like a recap of what the speakers shared with us a good source is Tim Stevens LeadingSmart. I'm looking forward to Tim's talk tomorrow as well as Dwight Mason and Shannon O'Dell. I'm anxious to hear Shannon talk tomorrow; this guy is doing some amazing stuff down in Arkansas.

Oh, by the way, I keep running into folks from Iowa. Met a great pastor from Ottumwa this afternoon. Interestingly enough, Tammy lived just 20 miles down the road from there in a little town called Albia. 

I will try to do better at updates tomorrow.

The Sticks Conference

Day 1 of The Sticks Conference is now complete. We enjoyed hearing from Mark Batterson, Barry Worcester, and Charles Hill. The folks at New Hope Community Church are very friendly and hospitable and have done a great job rolling out the red carpet for all of us. 

I failed to take notes on my computer during the sessions yesterday. If you would like a recap of what the speakers shared with us a good source is Tim Stevens LeadingSmart. I'm looking forward to Tim's talk tomorrow as well as Dwight Mason and Shannon O'Dell. I'm anxious to hear Shannon talk tomorrow; this guy is doing some amazing stuff down in Arkansas.

Oh, by the way, I keep running into folks from Iowa. Met a great pastor from Ottumwa this afternoon. Interestingly enough, Tammy lived just 20 miles down the road from there in a little town called Albia. 

I will try to do better at updates tomorrow.

The Sticks Conference

I have a limited amount of time here before I need to make it to my first breakout session. 

We really are in the Sticks out here in Loudenville, OH. (they weren't kidding). The church is very hospitable and I am bumping into lots of folks from Iowa. I even met a group from a church in Iowa that my Uncle and Aunt attend... small stick world. 

I've gotta run... I'm heading to a Senior Pastor Q&A session. Later peeps!

The Sticks Conference

I have a limited amount of time here before I need to make it to my first breakout session. 

We really are in the Sticks out here in Loudenville, OH. (they weren't kidding). The church is very hospitable and I am bumping into lots of folks from Iowa. I even met a group from a church in Iowa that my Uncle and Aunt attend... small stick world. 

I've gotta run... I'm heading to a Senior Pastor Q&A session. Later peeps!

The Sticks Conference

We've arrived safely at our hotel in Ashland, Ohio, I'm sharing the hotel room with Jeff Pfohl and Derek Chalfant. Tomorrow morning registration for The Sticks begins at 8:00 A.M in the metropolis of Loudonville, OH. Our host church is New Hope Community Church with pastor, Charles Hill. 

I hope to post some updates as the day moves along. Until then... peace out homies.

The Sticks Conference

We've arrived safely at our hotel in Ashland, Ohio, I'm sharing the hotel room with Jeff Pfohl and Derek Chalfant. Tomorrow morning registration for The Sticks begins at 8:00 A.M in the metropolis of Loudonville, OH. Our host church is New Hope Community Church with pastor, Charles Hill. 

I hope to post some updates as the day moves along. Until then... peace out homies.

Hodge Podge

Here's a hodge podge of stuff that could be several different posts but I don't have to write several posts so I threw them all in this one. 

I just landed back at home long enough to touch down and then take off again tomorrow for The Sticks conference. I've been looking forward to this conference for a while now. It is a gathering for pastors that are in small to mid-sized towns. Pastoring in Farmland, IN. population 1,400 puts us smack dab in that category. I'm looking forward to connecting with some other pastors and asking some specific questions regarding their church structures, systems, and other organizational questions. 

I will be traveling tomorrow with Derek Chalfant, Debi Howell, and Jeff Pfohl. You should pray for them because I'm feeling a little mischievous. I hope to have updates via Twitter and blog posts stay tuned for all the laughs and hijinks. 

By the way, the revival services went well this weekend and it was great hanging out with my family down in the Indianapolis area. Thanks for your prayers and encouragement. 

Congratulations to Pastor Tonya and Pastor James on the birth of Will! Be sure to swing by their blogs and welcome this brand new Pinkerton into the family. 

Hodge Podge

Here's a hodge podge of stuff that could be several different posts but I don't have to write several posts so I threw them all in this one. 

I just landed back at home long enough to touch down and then take off again tomorrow for The Sticks conference. I've been looking forward to this conference for a while now. It is a gathering for pastors that are in small to mid-sized towns. Pastoring in Farmland, IN. population 1,400 puts us smack dab in that category. I'm looking forward to connecting with some other pastors and asking some specific questions regarding their church structures, systems, and other organizational questions. 

I will be traveling tomorrow with Derek Chalfant, Debi Howell, and Jeff Pfohl. You should pray for them because I'm feeling a little mischievous. I hope to have updates via Twitter and blog posts stay tuned for all the laughs and hijinks. 

By the way, the revival services went well this weekend and it was great hanging out with my family down in the Indianapolis area. Thanks for your prayers and encouragement. 

Congratulations to Pastor Tonya and Pastor James on the birth of Will! Be sure to swing by their blogs and welcome this brand new Pinkerton into the family. 

The Passionate Life

Somewhere along the way the movement of Jesus Christ became passion-less. We created a religion using the name of Jesus and convinced ourselves that God’s optimal desire for our lives was to insulate ourselves in a spiritual bubble where we risk nothing, sacrifice nothing, lose nothing, worry about nothing, give nothing... God’s ultimate end for us is to live a life to the fullest, embracing the risk and passionately loving Him and the world that He loves. Live or die, succeed or fail, passionately pursuing dreams and visions for His glory.