Supposedly a 18 year old is suppose to make it through college in four years. It was my goal to graduate in four years when I attended Anderson College (now University) because of the debt that both my wife and I were receiving upon graduation. My question is, how can a 18 year old possibly know how to launch a major and stay the course? I suppose it is possible. I started in music, switched to education and ended in ministry, and I knew what I wanted! That change came because I sensed a calling to ministry. That one calling allowed be to set my course and by the grace of God and not great academics, I graduated in four years.
As I consult with churches and talk with leaders I am convinced that one of the main reasons churches are wandering in the desert is that they haven't heard the call. Or as my friend John called it today at lunch 'revelation received'. How can you stay the course when you don't know the direction or when you haven't heard the call?
Once you are convinced of the direction, ministry is not about spinning plates or new programs. It's about living each day on mission. It's not about being driven but showing up where your body is and recognizing the moments for what they are... it is what it is!
I had a pastor ask last night, "how do you get a vision?" I am going to write about that next but would love to hear your comments before I write...
Thursday, March 31, 2011
Saturday, March 26, 2011
5 Reasons a Church Stops Growing
The original thought of this blog came from Ron Edminson's blog. Google Reader allows me to follow several bloggers including a few of our own pastors in IL. My favorite bloggers are people that I didn't know existed 6 months ago. It's fast, easy and gives you more ideas on anything you want than you can imagine.
Most books that I am reading now have come from recommendations from blogs.
Now before you read the 5 Reasons a Church Stops Growing ... I know that God is ultimately in charge of a church's growth. There are times where God is giving a season of rest and preparation for a church for something to come. In some situations, God may have even taken His hand from the church like blowing out a candle...
The book of Acts models for us that God is into church growth! It’s our mission as believers to produce disciples, and our model example of the first century church was a growing church, so outside the God factor, there are usually reasons for stagnation in a church. Because the church is an organization made up of people, these reasons are often similar to those you may find true as to why growth stalls in the life of an organization also.
Here are few possible reasons:
You get comfortable…It’s okay to be comfortable, but when you hang out there too long, it can be dangerous, because you stop trying new things to spur growth and excitement.
You quit dreaming…Dreams inspire, challenge, and grow people and organizations. You’ll never dream bigger than the dreams God has for you or your church.
You stop taking risks…You can’t succeed at anything without a measure of risk. Playing it safe never grows anything. The call of God always involves risk-taking.
You start maintaining…When you fall into the mode of protecting what you have, you’ll be less likely to encourage growth for fear of losing ground.
You fail to walk by faith...Especially for the church…we are a faith-based organization. If you aren’t walking by faith in what you are doing…it’s impossible to please God. (That’s Biblical…look it up!)
Friends, I am working every day to create healthy growing churches in the Church of God in IL. It is an honor to serve you and my Savior this way. I am praying for you.
Most books that I am reading now have come from recommendations from blogs.
Now before you read the 5 Reasons a Church Stops Growing ... I know that God is ultimately in charge of a church's growth. There are times where God is giving a season of rest and preparation for a church for something to come. In some situations, God may have even taken His hand from the church like blowing out a candle...
The book of Acts models for us that God is into church growth! It’s our mission as believers to produce disciples, and our model example of the first century church was a growing church, so outside the God factor, there are usually reasons for stagnation in a church. Because the church is an organization made up of people, these reasons are often similar to those you may find true as to why growth stalls in the life of an organization also.
Here are few possible reasons:
You get comfortable…It’s okay to be comfortable, but when you hang out there too long, it can be dangerous, because you stop trying new things to spur growth and excitement.
You quit dreaming…Dreams inspire, challenge, and grow people and organizations. You’ll never dream bigger than the dreams God has for you or your church.
You stop taking risks…You can’t succeed at anything without a measure of risk. Playing it safe never grows anything. The call of God always involves risk-taking.
You start maintaining…When you fall into the mode of protecting what you have, you’ll be less likely to encourage growth for fear of losing ground.
You fail to walk by faith...Especially for the church…we are a faith-based organization. If you aren’t walking by faith in what you are doing…it’s impossible to please God. (That’s Biblical…look it up!)
Friends, I am working every day to create healthy growing churches in the Church of God in IL. It is an honor to serve you and my Savior this way. I am praying for you.
Friday, March 11, 2011
Urgency - family matters
I woke up yesterday in Decatur, IL ready for my two final days in the office before heading home and working from Shorewood next week. I was looking forward to breakfast with my wife, and lunch, and dinner.... But then then the phone rang.
My uncle who lives in AZ had a few hours to live and I needed to go be with my aunt. My brother and cousins have been changing turns during the illness. However, by this time we were literally handing off assignments so my aunt would not be alone. They are 94 and have never had children. We have been their kids!
My point- it's amazing how urgency can change plans to a busy and well ordered life. That's the life of every pastor... The day is planned for sermon writing and someone calls for counseling. You plan to run to the hospital and take the afternoon off but you end up visiting with the family for the afternoon. You are crunching for a meeting and your youth pastor needs coaching at Starbucks.
Here is what I love about pastors - you see these interruptions as holy interruptions and trust that God will take our well developed plans and make it okay!
God bless you and may your holy interruptions this day be blessed.
I have to go board the plane with my holy interruption.
Love ya!
My uncle who lives in AZ had a few hours to live and I needed to go be with my aunt. My brother and cousins have been changing turns during the illness. However, by this time we were literally handing off assignments so my aunt would not be alone. They are 94 and have never had children. We have been their kids!
My point- it's amazing how urgency can change plans to a busy and well ordered life. That's the life of every pastor... The day is planned for sermon writing and someone calls for counseling. You plan to run to the hospital and take the afternoon off but you end up visiting with the family for the afternoon. You are crunching for a meeting and your youth pastor needs coaching at Starbucks.
Here is what I love about pastors - you see these interruptions as holy interruptions and trust that God will take our well developed plans and make it okay!
God bless you and may your holy interruptions this day be blessed.
I have to go board the plane with my holy interruption.
Love ya!
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Oh What A Ride
*taken from newsletter article from Rock Springs Church of God in Decatur, IL
Don't know if you like amusement parks? If you do maybe you have said something like, "Oh what a ride!" I know I have said that many times I had a thrill on a rollercaoster. I have that same feeling pastoring Rock Springs Church of God. Let me just say it after serving the last 7 months as your pastor, "Oh what a ride"
It has been the thrill of my life to preach, teach, visit, evangelize, disciple and love the people. Thanks so much for getting on the ride with me and experiencing the thrill together.
The theme of our church is, "Becoming all things to all people". It is a challenge to serve. It is a challenge to get beyond our prejudices. It excites me so much to see you catch the vision. We witnessed this by you serving Enterprise Elementary through your giving of food baskets, warm clothes and volunteering each week. I get positive reports on how we have been affecting student's lifes. The eighty Christmas Shoe Boxes that were donated show your love for children abroad and I just want to thank you for your commitment to missions. So proud to see you serve, in whatever capacity that you serve.
We have seen our children's ministry and youth ministry grow. What amazing leaders that have been sent to invest in our most prized possession, our children. For without them both the leaders and the students, we would not see the vision of Rock Springs carried through generation after generation. Im so excited to see what God has in store for them.
Rock Springs continues to grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. For without Him, none of what I wrote about would be possible. It is only by His strength, spirit and power that we exist. I am glad to just be on His team.
*taken from Pastor Tim Lusitana's article
THE FEW MORE DETAILS YOU NEED TO KNOW
Before I tell you the rest of the story I want you to notice how many times Pastor Tim encourages the volunteers with great words like, "Im proud of you." As I reflect back over 25 years I wish I would have said that more... Just a thought now for the rest of the story.
Rock Springs had less than 20 people in July 2010. They didn't know what to do until someone connected them with Pastor Tim. Pastor Tim was just starting the search for a pastoral position and went to talk with Rock Springs. He had been a youth pastor at Rock Springs several years earlier. He agreed to candidate if they would agree to change... to embrace his vision for a missional church... to let go of a few sacred cows... to be open to new things...
Desperate people do desperate things and they said "Yes!"
Now let me say to them - Im proud of you!
He and his dear wife Adrian started the ministry at Rock Springs on all cylinders. God has sent experienced youth leaders, a dynamic children's pastor, a great worship team to lead with them. It's hard to count the new conversions and baptisms. For the last three weeks the church has had over 135 people in attendance. They are out of parking and are praying about starting their first capital fund campaign for future ministry projects.
I believe we have only seen the beginning of what God is going to do with Rock Springs and the leadership team over the next 10 years.
Oh what a ride! And Tim - Im proud of you too!
Don't know if you like amusement parks? If you do maybe you have said something like, "Oh what a ride!" I know I have said that many times I had a thrill on a rollercaoster. I have that same feeling pastoring Rock Springs Church of God. Let me just say it after serving the last 7 months as your pastor, "Oh what a ride"
It has been the thrill of my life to preach, teach, visit, evangelize, disciple and love the people. Thanks so much for getting on the ride with me and experiencing the thrill together.
The theme of our church is, "Becoming all things to all people". It is a challenge to serve. It is a challenge to get beyond our prejudices. It excites me so much to see you catch the vision. We witnessed this by you serving Enterprise Elementary through your giving of food baskets, warm clothes and volunteering each week. I get positive reports on how we have been affecting student's lifes. The eighty Christmas Shoe Boxes that were donated show your love for children abroad and I just want to thank you for your commitment to missions. So proud to see you serve, in whatever capacity that you serve.
We have seen our children's ministry and youth ministry grow. What amazing leaders that have been sent to invest in our most prized possession, our children. For without them both the leaders and the students, we would not see the vision of Rock Springs carried through generation after generation. Im so excited to see what God has in store for them.
Rock Springs continues to grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. For without Him, none of what I wrote about would be possible. It is only by His strength, spirit and power that we exist. I am glad to just be on His team.
*taken from Pastor Tim Lusitana's article
THE FEW MORE DETAILS YOU NEED TO KNOW
Before I tell you the rest of the story I want you to notice how many times Pastor Tim encourages the volunteers with great words like, "Im proud of you." As I reflect back over 25 years I wish I would have said that more... Just a thought now for the rest of the story.
Rock Springs had less than 20 people in July 2010. They didn't know what to do until someone connected them with Pastor Tim. Pastor Tim was just starting the search for a pastoral position and went to talk with Rock Springs. He had been a youth pastor at Rock Springs several years earlier. He agreed to candidate if they would agree to change... to embrace his vision for a missional church... to let go of a few sacred cows... to be open to new things...
Desperate people do desperate things and they said "Yes!"
Now let me say to them - Im proud of you!
He and his dear wife Adrian started the ministry at Rock Springs on all cylinders. God has sent experienced youth leaders, a dynamic children's pastor, a great worship team to lead with them. It's hard to count the new conversions and baptisms. For the last three weeks the church has had over 135 people in attendance. They are out of parking and are praying about starting their first capital fund campaign for future ministry projects.
I believe we have only seen the beginning of what God is going to do with Rock Springs and the leadership team over the next 10 years.
Oh what a ride! And Tim - Im proud of you too!
The Power of Two Words
Lincoln Avenue Church of God
Dixon, IL
On February 20, 2011, Lincoln Avenue Church of God installed Mike and Carrie Worrell as their new pastor. Prior to the Worrell's coming the congregation had suffered tremendous losses and were questioning if they would survive a few more years. The energy level was about a 5%. They were concerned over survival, paying their bills, boring worship, no vision.
Mike, who grew up in the church was home for a visit and was asked to preach. The few members called everyone they knew to announce that Mike was home and he agreed to preach and his wife was going to sing and lead worship. They started calling the service a homecoming.
The place was full. For one Sunday, the few members of Lincoln Ave Church of God thought, what if this could happen every Sunday. They asked Mike if he and Carried would be interested in coming home to Dixon to pastor. Mike said "no". He was pastoring a growing church in Southeast MO and his wife Carrie was full time worship leader on staff as well. The church in MO had grown significantly under their ministry and they were excited. The people at Lincoln Ave. kept praying.
When the Worrells returned to MO, they couldn't leave the experience in Dixon behind. They started praying and felt like God was telling them to go to Dixon. They called the few people in Dixon and said they felt like God was telling them to come home. The people in Dixon said, "we knew He would!"
The Worrells left a nice home, two full time jobs, and uprooted their three beautiful daughters and moved to Dixon after Christmas. They moved into a parsonage that needed significant upgrades. Both he and Carried have found full time jobs. The kids are in a new school.
As if you are not moved yet - the story gets better.
The last time I was in Dixon with 12 people I could see no hope! A few days ago I preached the installation service for Mike and Carrie. I am telling you the place is full of energy. Young people are singing in a worship team, they had an ensemble sing that was spectacular, the laughter and excitement is contagious, a children and youth ministry has been started. There were a minimum of 90 people in attendance maybe even 100. The fellowship hall was so full after the service people had to walk sideways through the aisle. I cannot express in words what I felt as I spoke with people on Sunday - brand new christians, people that have returned to home, seekers... it was thrilling.
The church is meeting next week to already revisit Pastor Mike's salary. Much needed work on the facility is being done. When you plan a budget with 12 people giving and in 8 weeks grow to 80 people you have a few extra dollars to do ministry.
I lift up Christ! I write this to remind you - Jesus did this! Jesus gave the hope to Lincoln Ave Church of God. Jesus spoke to Mike and Carrie. Jesus touched their daughters to make them okay with the move. Jesus is moving in the hearts of new people at Lincoln Ave. And Jesus will continue to move in the city of Dixon for his glory. All Jesus needs is for you to believe and stay open to His movement.
Oh the power of two words, "Yes Jesus!"
Dixon, IL
On February 20, 2011, Lincoln Avenue Church of God installed Mike and Carrie Worrell as their new pastor. Prior to the Worrell's coming the congregation had suffered tremendous losses and were questioning if they would survive a few more years. The energy level was about a 5%. They were concerned over survival, paying their bills, boring worship, no vision.
Mike, who grew up in the church was home for a visit and was asked to preach. The few members called everyone they knew to announce that Mike was home and he agreed to preach and his wife was going to sing and lead worship. They started calling the service a homecoming.
The place was full. For one Sunday, the few members of Lincoln Ave Church of God thought, what if this could happen every Sunday. They asked Mike if he and Carried would be interested in coming home to Dixon to pastor. Mike said "no". He was pastoring a growing church in Southeast MO and his wife Carrie was full time worship leader on staff as well. The church in MO had grown significantly under their ministry and they were excited. The people at Lincoln Ave. kept praying.
When the Worrells returned to MO, they couldn't leave the experience in Dixon behind. They started praying and felt like God was telling them to go to Dixon. They called the few people in Dixon and said they felt like God was telling them to come home. The people in Dixon said, "we knew He would!"
The Worrells left a nice home, two full time jobs, and uprooted their three beautiful daughters and moved to Dixon after Christmas. They moved into a parsonage that needed significant upgrades. Both he and Carried have found full time jobs. The kids are in a new school.
As if you are not moved yet - the story gets better.
The last time I was in Dixon with 12 people I could see no hope! A few days ago I preached the installation service for Mike and Carrie. I am telling you the place is full of energy. Young people are singing in a worship team, they had an ensemble sing that was spectacular, the laughter and excitement is contagious, a children and youth ministry has been started. There were a minimum of 90 people in attendance maybe even 100. The fellowship hall was so full after the service people had to walk sideways through the aisle. I cannot express in words what I felt as I spoke with people on Sunday - brand new christians, people that have returned to home, seekers... it was thrilling.
The church is meeting next week to already revisit Pastor Mike's salary. Much needed work on the facility is being done. When you plan a budget with 12 people giving and in 8 weeks grow to 80 people you have a few extra dollars to do ministry.
I lift up Christ! I write this to remind you - Jesus did this! Jesus gave the hope to Lincoln Ave Church of God. Jesus spoke to Mike and Carrie. Jesus touched their daughters to make them okay with the move. Jesus is moving in the hearts of new people at Lincoln Ave. And Jesus will continue to move in the city of Dixon for his glory. All Jesus needs is for you to believe and stay open to His movement.
Oh the power of two words, "Yes Jesus!"
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
The Quest of Serving in Your Sweet Spot
I believe that God created each of us with a perfect place to fit. I just finished writing an article for Illinois’ LINK and I mention the ‘sweet spot’. I think the sweet spot exists within every person. I think God shaped us to have a perfect spot to serve. I’m not getting all Joel Olsteen on you. We still go through tough times. We still work hard. We still seek God’s will.
Yesterday I finished an Assessment on me as a pastor/leader. The findings were painful to hear but certainly were a direct hit. Ben Franklin said, “there are three things extremely hard: steel, a diamond, and to know one’s self.” Getting to know yourself better allows you to understand where the sweet spot is. What are the things in your life that you can become so involved with that nothing else matters and you would do it for free? You are getting close to your sweet spot?
When I am not in my sweet spot, I work harder that I should and get less results. I begin to worry about things that I can’t control. I am easily distracted by all the things that I could be doing. I try to convince myself that watching television is “being in the world but not of the world.”
When I am in my sweet spot, results flow from my work. I have a dramatic sense that what I did mattered today. I have a real joy in my service.
Where is your sweet spot? Is it study, helping someone, giving to a need, writing an article, preaching, teaching, leading others...?
Will Macini says that if you aren’t serving in your sweet spot, you will work in your sweat spot. He uses words like Lack of vision, exhaustion, monotony, distractions, and jealousy. I’ve been there and don’t want to go back. The more I can discover who I am, the better I can find my sweet spot. I’m on the quest. You wanna join me?
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