Shameless plug for my blog!

This might be the first time you have visited my blog.  I know, shameless way to get more traffic but the post would be too long for Facebook.  As you read through the blog, please observe, I break every rule for blog writing.  I am not consistent.  Content is all over the map.  I haven't updated my favorite books or blogs that I have read..... But someday... I will make the major leap to Word Press and leave blogger - I will become a "real blogger". 

GET ON WITH IT

I have been extremely humbled by the kindness, prayers, and concerns given through Facebook and messages over the last couple of weeks. Thank you.  I am so glad that God allowed our paths to cross - my life is richer because of you.  I decided to share the whole experience since several people have inquired for details.,

About a month ago, I noticed I was having trouble seeing out of my right eye.  I have had a blind spot for about 10 years in that eye.  A decade ago, I was told, you must have some pressure in your head but I had zero headaches. 10 Years ago the only pressure I was feeling was two teenage daughters.  A few weeks ago, the blind spot moved and I started getting headaches. 

Eye Doctor Visit: My eye doctor ordered an MRI stat.  Talked to my MD and they referred me to a neurologist.  Diagnosis: Papadilemma and Pseudotumor.  Layman terms: Swelling in the brain caused by a fake tumor normally found in obese women that are pregnant.  Read that again and try not to smile, laugh, or think about who you can tell first.

Neurologist: Confirmed everything that the MD and Radiologist said and didn't seem too worried.  My headaches were tolerable as long as I didn't read or spend too much time in front of the computer.  He scheduled me for a Spinal Tap.  I had that on April 15.  I paid my taxes and had a needle that felt like a giant straw inserted in my spine.   

Since then - the fluid was clear (that is very good). Waiting on the rest of the results but I am confident that it will come back clear.  I am hoping the tap drained enough fluid to be free from the sham of a tumor and headaches.

However, 20% of people that have spinal taps get an extra blessing - the Mother Of All Headaches.  I was chosen.  I tried to tough it out yesterday by trying to be stronger than the pain - I lost.  So today, I have been brought down for the 4th day in a row.  I am pinned and I surrender.  As soon as this spinal headache is over, I think the results of all this will be - take better care of yourself.  Can you believe that?  I told Lisa when all this started, "I bet you this is all going to come back to: exercise and eat right and lessen your stress load, Mr. Livingston." I knew it.  That's the hard part.  That's the embarrassing thing about this whole thing.  I knew what I was suppose to be doing before any of this happened.


Why is that such a hard lesson? Do what you know you are suppose to do.  It's not a sure guarantee of a problem free life but it sure leads to peace at night.  My mom and dad both worked outside of the home and in the summer, mom would leave a list of things for us kids to do before she got home.  We knew if that list wasn't completed and done correctly, we were in trouble. There were two kinds of days for me back then, days that I would knock out the list and play all day.  And there were days that I would play all day and try to knock off the list 20 minutes before she walked in the door.,

It's the law of Pay Now - Play Later vs. Play now - Pay later.  I am reaping some things that I have sown.  Some good things - some not exactly what I wanted.  But it's okay.  Because today is a fresh day to start something new.  Maybe I should write about those things next. 

Prayer of Invocation

Recently I sat down with Pastor Tim Lusitana for lunch and he was sharing with me how thrilling it was to be asked to give the Prayer of Invocation at the Capital Building in Springfield as our Representative opened their session.  As he spoke about the beauty of the Springfield's Capital building and the hospitality that others showed him, I could tell that this was truly an event that he would never forget.

After he prayed, a few comments were made like, "that was amazing", "great prayer", "you nailed it".  I asked him for a copy of the prayer so I could post it on the blog.  I have given several "community" event prayers and sometimes struggle with what exactly to say.  As Tim shared with me his prayer I thought - he did nail it!  Notice how he celebrates, honors, and respects and stays totally away from any issues.

As we come to pray today. May today’s session start with meditation and reverence to clear our hearts and minds to be productive for the State of Illinois. My heart is full of thanksgiving for all of the State Representatives. For their service and love for the State of Illinois and the particular areas they represent.

I pray a blessing on their families. May they find time to grow closer with their spouses even in the midst of a hectic schedule. I pray a blessing on their children. Many here have sons, daughters, grandsons and granddaughters. I ask for protection and prosperity for all of their young ones. Not only have our Representatives sacrificed but their families have also. I just want to honor that here today.

 As leaders may we not be driven by ego but may we be driven by servant hood. Help us all to resist the temptations of giving into selfishness and injustice. May we all wear a banner of team work, forgiveness, inclusion, charity, and love. May we treat today as our last day so it will be the best day for this House of Representatives. In the name of Jesus Amen.

 

 

At the close of this day!

A glimpse into my day...

Spoke with a pastor that is leading his congregation to turn inward so they can effectively turn upward which will naturally lead to an outward expression of mission.  I love strategy!

Spoke with another pastor that has been caught in the trap of pleasing people - and it's not going too well.  At the conclusion of the conversation, he was determined to discern the voice of the Father and please Him!  What a break through!

A church member called about a conflict.  The way they want to resolve the conflict is not possible.  Asked lots of questions, prayed over the phone, hung up thinking that I wasn't much help.  Burdened for him and the church tonight.

Went to the mailbox and was waiting on much needed mail.... we are thousands of dollars behind in giving this month... can't figure out why... worried, couldn't sleep last night.  Nothing in the mailbox but laughed and came inside.

Colleague marched into my office and shared with me the story of Jesus and the storm and said, it's just a storm Eric - Jesus is with us.

Heard a Facebook message that I wrote to some old friends was read at a funeral service today and thought about the power of words, written words, my words.  Those happened to bless but what about the one's that have hurt.

Prepared for an Elder's meeting....

Something major clogged the septic lines - that could cost big bucks.  Why when you want to spend money on ministry do you have to put up with ... well you know... the stuff in septic lines.

Ate 2 cookies that were still warm to celebrate Swen's birthday and remembered I was suppose to be fasting with fruits and vegetables.  Sorry God...

And now to go home and maybe paint a ceiling - or maybe just watch continuous episodes of the Law & Order (2009-2012) Not the Sexual Hideous Crimes one but the one that is 30 minutes cops and 30 minutes courtroom.

Nothing went as planned but for some reason there is peace in my storm tonight.  Doesn't make sense, it is like a peace that passes understanding.

Singing Church

Yesterday I posted something on worship.  I thought this blog followed up the my blog well.  It is on "why we sing in worship".

I don't know the writer but I really love his thoughts:

http://michaelkelleyministries.com/2015/02/three-reasons-why-singing-is-essential-in-the-life-of-the-disciple/

Does this matter?

I have lots of discussions about worship. How long should it be? What songs should we sing? Are we contemporary because we use a guitar and drums? What is traditional? What is blended? Does style matter? Shouldn't we focus on God? Shouldn't we focus on new people? Should worship be evangelistic? Is worship for the believer?

This is an article that Bob Whitesel posted last week that has caused disconcertment in me as I have read it over and over... Yet, as a consultant he is watching growing churches and what is working.  While I don't disagree with his findings, how could I, they are his.  Isn't it just another form? 

A few years ago, jokes were made regarding churches that used a plug and play:
Call to Worship
Invocation
Hymn
Scripture & Offering
Offertory
Hymn
Prayer
Special (that wasn't very special)\
Sermon
Response
Benediction

Will we not crack jokes in the future about the new plug and play?

I think the title bothered me the most:  "The best celebration order to grow a church"



Here's what Bob said:
 
 
by Bob Whitesel, 2/4/15.
After almost 30 years consulting, I have noticed that growing churches have a similar and very concise worship order.
Here it is:
10:30 – 10:35, welcome and announcements
10:35 – 10:55, 20 minutes of uninterrupted worship
10:55 – 10:57, pastor comes onto the platform and asks people to pass the offering. There is no prayer, no special music, no bumper, just the offering being passed while the sermon begins. 10:57 – 11:17 sermon with two (maximum) take-away points
11:17 – 11:20 closing prayer
11:20 – 11:40 empty and refilling of the auditorium for another service.
Notes:
> A 50 minute service is the most common length for growing churches. > The hourly times are approximate.
> 10:30 AM on Sunday appears in my observations to be the time when most unchurched people still have available to attend church.
> These times are replicated regardless of what day and/or time the service starts: 8, 8:30, 9:00 AM, 5, 5:30, 6 PM, etc.
But, you get the idea regarding how fast-paced and concise the worship services are in growing churches that I have observed.

Why I Think Coaching Works

 

1.  Let’s define a clear purpose.

So many churches and pastors struggle with defining a clear purpose.  They can tell me what they do: Weekend Services, preach, visit, teach, etc…  They can even tell me how they go about doing what they do.  For the most part, they are very confident in their techniques.  What they struggle articulating is WHY they do what they do, REALLY.

 What is the purpose behind a message?  What is the purpose behind a visit?  What is the purpose behind a meeting?

 There’s a good chance you do what you were told to do or taught to do.  For instance, I took Monday’s off for years because my mentor took Mondays off.  Thursday was my study day because my pastor 40 years ago talked about his Thursday study day.

 Discovering WHY you do something is important. 

 So, WHY do you preach?  Teach, Transform, Help, Encourage…. Once you answer the why then you can adjust ‘what’.

 Now let’s ask this:  Why do you church?

 2.  Who is in your corner?

 I want to know who the pastor has on his team.  Who is supportive?  Who is on the team?  Working with a great team is power.

“Give a great idea to a mediocre team and they will mess it up.  But give a mediocre idea to a great team, and they will pull it off or make it better,” writes Ed Catmull, the President of Pixar.

Have you ever written a sermon with a team?  Planned an event with a team?  I am not talking about a committee but high powered individuals that are passionate about walking with you.  There’s nothing like it. 

I have worked with people that have drained the life out of me and I have worked with others that bring the best out in me – who do you think I would rather work with?

3.  Goals Vs Plans.

When I first started in ministry 30 years ago it was all about setting goals but then no time given to implementing a plan.  Then the pendulum shifted to plans and goals were not talked about.  I think both are important.

Goals are worth anything without a plan?

Do you want to be a better preacher?  What’s the plan?

Do you want your church to grow 20% this year?  What’s the plan?

Do you want your church to become a praying church?  What’s the plan?

Want to be a better husband?  What’s your plan?

Set goals then work the plan.

This is what a coach can help with.  As I work with pastors and church leaders, I am constantly talking about these three areas – What is your purpose?  Who can help you?  What's the plan?

I would love to help your church or your pastor with this?  Let me know how I could serve you?

eric@ilcog.org

Finding Our Biblical Story

 

This is an exercise that I have used with several churches.   The process helps to define how God is shaping their vision.  The experience is rewarding and helpful as you consider your Future Story (vision). It's hard to know to define where you are going until you know where you currently are located!

Purpose:  To discern how God is at work in our congregation by tapping into a biblical story and using it as a frame of reference.

Key Verse:  Jeremiah 33:3

 

Bible Study:

Study Romans 15:1-6. What are some biblical stories that God has used in your own life to provide endurance and encouragement? Why is this story so powerful in shaping our attitudes and actions? What are the benefits for our congregation in connecting to a biblical story?

Key Questions:

Which biblical story best describes our current reality and the challenges before us?

Rationale:

The biblical story helps us to see ourselves in light of the Scriptures. It provides a means of interpreting how the Spirit is moving in this current season of life and ministry together. The story helps us to see ourselves in light of God’s larger plan throughout history. Through the story, God gives us endurance, encouragement, and understanding.

Ministry Description:

·       Invite individuals to participate in this process.  Members should have good biblical knowledge.

·       Implement the process.

·       Report back to the leadership after the story is discerned.

·       Get the word out to the rest of the congregation.

Creating the Experience:

·       Select a two- to three- hour block of time.

·       Invite twenty people to participate.

o   Use the following criteria for invitations:

o   Spiritually mature in discerning

o   Workable knowledge of the Scripture

o   Good understanding of the church’s history

o   Team player

o   Key influencers

 

Sample Agenda:

·       Welcome/introductions/refreshments

·       Cast the vision for finding our biblical story.

o   Refer to the Scriptures above.

o   Share an example from your own life.

o   Ask others to reflect on the their own experience when a biblical story really influenced their attitudes and actions.

·       Give an example for the church.

o   One church discerned that the story of Mary and Martha was appropriate for them. The church was embroiled in conflict. Half the church was full of “Marys” and the other half was full of “Marthas.” People began to see themselves and their situation in light of this story. God used the power of the living word to bring understanding, forgiveness, and healing.

·       Pray for wisdom and guidance.

·       Give directions:

o   Explain that you will each take forty-five minutes to be alone with God and to search the scriptures.

o   During that time, consider which biblical story best represents where we are as a church right now and how the Spirit is moving among us. Or, which biblical story best represents right now and how the Spirit is moving among us. Or, which biblical story best represents our current reality and the challenges before us? Write this framing question (or a similar one) on a flip chart.

·       Dismiss the group for forty-five minutes.

·       Take a ten- or fifteen-minute break, then return to the large group.

·       Each person then has five minutes to share which story they sensed God leading them to.

o   Explain why this is a significant story for the church right now.

o   Assign a timekeeper so the meeting does not stall.

·       Do not allow others to comment on each story. The focus at this time is to hear from each other, not to place value judgments on anything yet. The value judgment happens during the discernment process, which you will see below includes time for prayer and for the Holy Spirit to guide the group to a consensus.

o   Move through the process, person by person.

·       Record responses on the flip chart.

·       After each person has shared, pray again, asking God to lead the group to the story that seems the best story for your church right now.

·       Come to a consensus about the one story.

·       Do not vote. Simply discern as a group where God is leading.

·       Pray again, thanking God for leading the group in discernment process.

·       At the close of the meeting, ask people to keep the story confidential until it can be shared with leadership.

·       Share the story with the  leadership for confirmation.

·       Creatively communicate the story to the congregation at large.

·       Keep in mind that this story is relevant to the church’s current season of life and ministry. In a year or two, repeat the process to stay nimble and responsive to the Holy Spirit. (Isaiah 43:18-19).