15 Signs That A Church Is In Trouble (Posted from MMI blog)
#1 – When excuses are made about the way things are instead of embracing a willingness to roll up the sleeves and fix the problem.
#2 – When the church becomes content with merely receiving people that come rather than actually going out and finding them…in other words, they lose their passion for evangelism!
#3 – The focus of the church is to build a great church (complete with the pastors picture…and his wife’s…on everything) and not the Kingdom of God.
#4 – The leadership begins to settle for the natural rather than rely on the supernatural.
#5 – The church begins to view success/failure in regards to how they are viewed in the church world rather than whether or not they are actually fulfilling the Great Commission!
#6 – The leaders within the church cease to be coachable.
#7 – There is a loss of a sense of urgency! (Hell is no longer hot, sin is no longer wrong and the cross is no longer important!)
#8 – Scripture isn’t central in every decision that is made!
#9 – The church is reactive rather than proactive.
#10 – The people in the church lose sight of the next generation and refuse to fund ministry simply because they don’t understand “those young people.”
#11 – The goal of the church is to simply maintain the way things are…to NOT rock the boat and/or upset anyone…especially the big givers!
#12 – The church is no longer willing to take steps of faith because “there is just too much to lose.”
#13 – The church simply does not care about the obvious and immediate needs that exist in the community.
#14 – The people learn how to depend on one man to minister to everyone rather than everyone embracing their role in the body, thus allowing the body to care for itself.
#15 – When the leaders/staff refuse to go the extra mile in leading and serving because of how “inconvenient” doing so would be.
This is certainly some good stuff that every church leader ought to look at seriously! Hope we can all learn from it.
Monday, November 9, 2009
Sunday, November 8, 2009
Missional or Mission-minded
This past weekend was awesome! We took a team of 9 people from Bridges of Hope Fellowship to The Summit Church in Knoxville, Tennessee for a mission trip. www.thesummitlive.tv
The Summit is a new church plant that is one year old. They have leased a store building and needed help to pour new life into an old structure. They called it "Extreme Makeover: Church Edition." There were 100 volunteers who descended upon the building to serve the church through all types of construction. It was covered by two different television crews out of Knoxville, WBIR and WVLT. WBIR interviewed me about our involvement in the project and I was happy to obligue.
For our team, this was a first for about 4 of our people. We had the privilege of sowing into the ministry and community of others. I had never pulled wire before, but I have now. My crew (Natalie, Dwight, Cathy & Steven Clayton) pulled metal clad wiring throughout the walls for the entire children's ministry builidng. My knees are certainly feeling it after being on the hard concrete floors for two days. Next time I'll know to take some knee pads. Oh well, you live and learn!
The trip was great for our people. We had great fellowship down there and back. We had church as well as laughed so hard that we literally cried. I can't wait for the next trip.
So, in my opinion, missional is where you actually engage the community in missions hands-on and get outside of the four walls of the church. Whereas, mission-minded is where you talk about missions and give to missions, but never put it into action. I am working hard to model for the people at Bridges of Hope the servant leader model of a pastor. I want to serve along side of our people, not dictate to them how to serve.
Thanks guys for making it a great weekend of service to God and The Summit! I think everyone should go on a mission trip. Your life will never be the same!
The Summit is a new church plant that is one year old. They have leased a store building and needed help to pour new life into an old structure. They called it "Extreme Makeover: Church Edition." There were 100 volunteers who descended upon the building to serve the church through all types of construction. It was covered by two different television crews out of Knoxville, WBIR and WVLT. WBIR interviewed me about our involvement in the project and I was happy to obligue.
For our team, this was a first for about 4 of our people. We had the privilege of sowing into the ministry and community of others. I had never pulled wire before, but I have now. My crew (Natalie, Dwight, Cathy & Steven Clayton) pulled metal clad wiring throughout the walls for the entire children's ministry builidng. My knees are certainly feeling it after being on the hard concrete floors for two days. Next time I'll know to take some knee pads. Oh well, you live and learn!
The trip was great for our people. We had great fellowship down there and back. We had church as well as laughed so hard that we literally cried. I can't wait for the next trip.
So, in my opinion, missional is where you actually engage the community in missions hands-on and get outside of the four walls of the church. Whereas, mission-minded is where you talk about missions and give to missions, but never put it into action. I am working hard to model for the people at Bridges of Hope the servant leader model of a pastor. I want to serve along side of our people, not dictate to them how to serve.
Thanks guys for making it a great weekend of service to God and The Summit! I think everyone should go on a mission trip. Your life will never be the same!
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
People Coming, People Going
People Coming, People Going
(Two Disciplines for Good Leaders)
By Ray W. McCollum
"Jesus answered them, Have not I chosen you twelve,and one of you is a devil ?"
John 6:70 KJV
Whether you're leading a company, a sales team or a local church, you have to realize there are always people coming and people going. Very few things are permanent. So how do we build teams that make it for the long haul?The pressures of leadership sometime leave us feeling lonely and in urgent need of more help. A common mistake we make in those situations is to hire (or promote) the wrong people. And the second blunder usually follows, keeping the wrong people once we know we've made a mistake.In his book "Good To Great", author Jim Collins gives us two corollaries we need to remember.
Rule #1 "When in doubt, don't hire...Keep looking."
Making sales quotas was a harsh reality in my years in sales management leadership. I often found myself in desperate need of additional sales help, and in the pressure situations, hired the wrong people. I can't tell you how many hundreds of hours I wasted training, coaching and encouraging people I hired in haste, knowing deep down in my gut they probably wouldn't make it.You would think I'd learned my lesson by the time I went into the ministry at age 43. Wrong. The biggest mistakes I made in my early years as a Pastor involved hiring and promoting the wrong people. Oh, the price I've paid to be able to write this Leader Letter! When in doubt, don't hire. When in doubt, don't promote. It takes a lot of discipline to wait, to keep looking, until the right person comes along. And they will. Until then, we're better off doing nothing.
Rule #2 When you know you need to make a people change, act!
The right people will come. The wrong people need to go. This doesn't mean, as Pastors, that we necessarily cease fellowship. (That's usually up to the party that's "going"). But we simply have to deal with situations in which we know that we've got the wrong person in the wrong job. Jim Collins points out that when we fail to "act" on the people change we need to make, two negative things happen: (1) The situation usually gets worse and becomes harder to address. (2) The "right" people wonder what's taking you so long to let go of the "wrong" people.The "coming" and "going" of people is a fact of life. A good rule is to be "slow" in hiring or promoting the people who are "coming" and be "fast" to act decisively once you know you've got people on staff who need to be "going". Jesus chose His twelve apostles very carefully, and never failed to hold the standard high for those who wanted to stick around. When it comes to fellowship, it's "whosoever will"; when it comes to staff situations, it has to be our call!
(Two Disciplines for Good Leaders)
By Ray W. McCollum
"Jesus answered them, Have not I chosen you twelve,and one of you is a devil ?"
John 6:70 KJV
Whether you're leading a company, a sales team or a local church, you have to realize there are always people coming and people going. Very few things are permanent. So how do we build teams that make it for the long haul?The pressures of leadership sometime leave us feeling lonely and in urgent need of more help. A common mistake we make in those situations is to hire (or promote) the wrong people. And the second blunder usually follows, keeping the wrong people once we know we've made a mistake.In his book "Good To Great", author Jim Collins gives us two corollaries we need to remember.
Rule #1 "When in doubt, don't hire...Keep looking."
Making sales quotas was a harsh reality in my years in sales management leadership. I often found myself in desperate need of additional sales help, and in the pressure situations, hired the wrong people. I can't tell you how many hundreds of hours I wasted training, coaching and encouraging people I hired in haste, knowing deep down in my gut they probably wouldn't make it.You would think I'd learned my lesson by the time I went into the ministry at age 43. Wrong. The biggest mistakes I made in my early years as a Pastor involved hiring and promoting the wrong people. Oh, the price I've paid to be able to write this Leader Letter! When in doubt, don't hire. When in doubt, don't promote. It takes a lot of discipline to wait, to keep looking, until the right person comes along. And they will. Until then, we're better off doing nothing.
Rule #2 When you know you need to make a people change, act!
The right people will come. The wrong people need to go. This doesn't mean, as Pastors, that we necessarily cease fellowship. (That's usually up to the party that's "going"). But we simply have to deal with situations in which we know that we've got the wrong person in the wrong job. Jim Collins points out that when we fail to "act" on the people change we need to make, two negative things happen: (1) The situation usually gets worse and becomes harder to address. (2) The "right" people wonder what's taking you so long to let go of the "wrong" people.The "coming" and "going" of people is a fact of life. A good rule is to be "slow" in hiring or promoting the people who are "coming" and be "fast" to act decisively once you know you've got people on staff who need to be "going". Jesus chose His twelve apostles very carefully, and never failed to hold the standard high for those who wanted to stick around. When it comes to fellowship, it's "whosoever will"; when it comes to staff situations, it has to be our call!
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Update on my health
These last five and a half weeks have been really difficult for me and my family to go through. You have to understand me. The worst pain I have ever really dealt with is allergies, so for me to have really bad lower abdominal and lower back pain constantly without stopping, it's major.
I started out with my family doctor and went through bloodwork, CT Scans, and plenty of other run arounds. And still no answers.
About 3 weeks ago, I went to the Cookeville ER and had another CT Scan, bloodwork, crazy juice :), and they sent me home with medication.
Over the past week and a half, the pain has intensified to even greater levels. I am to the point of being frustrated and ready to get answers from doctors at gun point. ;>) Just kidding.
All this time, I have still tried to continue working and taking care of my regular responsibilities. It hasn't been easy, but I press on.
Today, still in great pain, decided to go back to the Cookeville ER and get some answers. I figured if they see you and don't hear from you, they think you have gotten better. But, if you keep coming back, then they know you mean business and can't keep doing the same thing over again.
Well, my nurse, Ashley did a great job of taking care of me. She was gentle and got me whatever I needed. They did urine tests, bloodwork, lots of x-rays, a fast IV drip, and some medication. After the doctor examined me and checked my tests, she concluded that I have a severe case of IBS (irrital bowel syndrome) from being under lots of stress and needed to be referred to a Gastroenterologist first thing in the morning. She said that sometimes the pain can be so great that they might have to hospitalize the person. So, with a prescription and some directions in hand, I left the ER to come home and rest. I'm supposed to call Dr. Bremer, setup an appointment and the ball is rolling toward more answers.
Thank you to all of the wonderful people who have prayed for me over the last 5 and half weeks. Your prayers have been strength to me and my family. I ask that you continue to pray for us as we press forward and find out what the future holds for me healthwise, HEALING!!!!
What do I miss most? I really hate that I missed the 3rd night of the awesome VBS taking place at Bridges of Hope Fellowship this week. Oh well, I'll be there tomorrow night for sure, unless something else happens.
I started out with my family doctor and went through bloodwork, CT Scans, and plenty of other run arounds. And still no answers.
About 3 weeks ago, I went to the Cookeville ER and had another CT Scan, bloodwork, crazy juice :), and they sent me home with medication.
Over the past week and a half, the pain has intensified to even greater levels. I am to the point of being frustrated and ready to get answers from doctors at gun point. ;>) Just kidding.
All this time, I have still tried to continue working and taking care of my regular responsibilities. It hasn't been easy, but I press on.
Today, still in great pain, decided to go back to the Cookeville ER and get some answers. I figured if they see you and don't hear from you, they think you have gotten better. But, if you keep coming back, then they know you mean business and can't keep doing the same thing over again.
Well, my nurse, Ashley did a great job of taking care of me. She was gentle and got me whatever I needed. They did urine tests, bloodwork, lots of x-rays, a fast IV drip, and some medication. After the doctor examined me and checked my tests, she concluded that I have a severe case of IBS (irrital bowel syndrome) from being under lots of stress and needed to be referred to a Gastroenterologist first thing in the morning. She said that sometimes the pain can be so great that they might have to hospitalize the person. So, with a prescription and some directions in hand, I left the ER to come home and rest. I'm supposed to call Dr. Bremer, setup an appointment and the ball is rolling toward more answers.
Thank you to all of the wonderful people who have prayed for me over the last 5 and half weeks. Your prayers have been strength to me and my family. I ask that you continue to pray for us as we press forward and find out what the future holds for me healthwise, HEALING!!!!
What do I miss most? I really hate that I missed the 3rd night of the awesome VBS taking place at Bridges of Hope Fellowship this week. Oh well, I'll be there tomorrow night for sure, unless something else happens.
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
God's Wink
Sometimes, we all need a little (or big) wink from God to let us know that He is there and cares. I mean, we don't have to have it, but it sure does provide a boost of encouragment.
This past weekend was full of them. I spent Friday and Saturday in Athens, Tennessee doing a wedding rehearsal and wedding for my cousin, Sean Collins. He married a sweet and beautiful girl, Crystal Hicks. Okay, so I'll admit, she is way out of his league in looks. LOL! Afterwards, we grabbed Dwight from his grandparents and headed to Chattanooga where we met our good friends, Derek and Kristin Coverly and their girls. It was a great surprise to see Kristin's mom, Deanna, too. We had a great time of food and fellowship before getting on the road to head back to McMinnville.
Sunday, the service was great. The Appalachian Mission Team shared their stories and we worshipped the Lord in an awesome way. I preached on "Breaking Selfishness" and challenged our people to live selfless lives for Christ. During the service we had several exciting announcements:
1. The offer of a FREE building from another church. We would have to move it to our land and have it setup. The Leadership Team would meet and discuss the logistics and so forth. The congregation cheered with excitement.
2. Then, I announced that a man in our community approached me and wanted to make a $1000 matching gift to help us during these tough economic times. We have until August 19th to raise $1000 above and beyond our tithes and offerings. Praise God!
After church our family went to lunch with The Claytons at Fiesta Ranchera. Mexican is always good, especially when you can take a nap afterwards. LOL!
Sunday night, The Claytons joined us for worship at Gum Springs Baptist Church in Walling. Pastor Brent preached from James 5 on "Does God still heal today?" It was a great message and right on Biblically. We stayed around after the service and enjoyed an ice cream social that the ladies provided from their Women's Ministry. Nothing like a good fattening snack! It was delicious.
So, needless to say, God winked in our direction several times over the weekend. Thanks God for always letting us know that you are right there.
Today (Monday), I slept in a little and relaxed. Got to the church around lunch time and worked up until time for dinner at 5 p.m. We check out Dairy Queen with Cathy and Steven Clayton before heading back for an awesome meeting with our Leadership Team at Bridges of Hope. It's been a long afternoon! Guess I better sign off and get ready for another busy day tomorrow.
Keep on looking for those God winks. They are there when you least expect them!
This past weekend was full of them. I spent Friday and Saturday in Athens, Tennessee doing a wedding rehearsal and wedding for my cousin, Sean Collins. He married a sweet and beautiful girl, Crystal Hicks. Okay, so I'll admit, she is way out of his league in looks. LOL! Afterwards, we grabbed Dwight from his grandparents and headed to Chattanooga where we met our good friends, Derek and Kristin Coverly and their girls. It was a great surprise to see Kristin's mom, Deanna, too. We had a great time of food and fellowship before getting on the road to head back to McMinnville.
Sunday, the service was great. The Appalachian Mission Team shared their stories and we worshipped the Lord in an awesome way. I preached on "Breaking Selfishness" and challenged our people to live selfless lives for Christ. During the service we had several exciting announcements:
1. The offer of a FREE building from another church. We would have to move it to our land and have it setup. The Leadership Team would meet and discuss the logistics and so forth. The congregation cheered with excitement.
2. Then, I announced that a man in our community approached me and wanted to make a $1000 matching gift to help us during these tough economic times. We have until August 19th to raise $1000 above and beyond our tithes and offerings. Praise God!
After church our family went to lunch with The Claytons at Fiesta Ranchera. Mexican is always good, especially when you can take a nap afterwards. LOL!
Sunday night, The Claytons joined us for worship at Gum Springs Baptist Church in Walling. Pastor Brent preached from James 5 on "Does God still heal today?" It was a great message and right on Biblically. We stayed around after the service and enjoyed an ice cream social that the ladies provided from their Women's Ministry. Nothing like a good fattening snack! It was delicious.
So, needless to say, God winked in our direction several times over the weekend. Thanks God for always letting us know that you are right there.
Today (Monday), I slept in a little and relaxed. Got to the church around lunch time and worked up until time for dinner at 5 p.m. We check out Dairy Queen with Cathy and Steven Clayton before heading back for an awesome meeting with our Leadership Team at Bridges of Hope. It's been a long afternoon! Guess I better sign off and get ready for another busy day tomorrow.
Keep on looking for those God winks. They are there when you least expect them!
Friday, July 17, 2009
Starting the weekend
Where has this week gone to anyway? It seems like it was just Monday yesterday.
Today I am getting ready to make my way to Athens, Tennessee for the wedding rehearsal tonight of my cousin, Sean, and his soon-to-be wife, Crystal. They are getting married out in an open field. Bet it's going to be hot! I'll be officiating their wedding on Saturday at 4:30 p.m. (EST). Afterwards, we'll pick Dwight up and head back to McMinnville to get rested up for Sunday's awesome worship celebration.
I plan on taking the other time I'm there to visit the grave of my grandparents, drive by the old home place, visit with friends and family, and just plain relax, if that's at all possible.
I am also looking forward to seeing Megan again. She is the front desk clerk at Comfort Inn in Athens. On our last visit, I stood and talked with her for a long time. She moved there from Detroit, Michigan to be close to her family. She has recently had a baby and her and her boyfriend are looking for a church home. She is in her early 30's, I would guess. The problem is the same as many other people. She is sick and tired of the cold and lifeless traditional church. She is looking for a pastor who is REAL and transparent with his people. She laughed and said, "Too bad I don't live in McMinnville." However, I did recommend her to a church in Athens where a good friend of mine pastors, Christ Community Church. This sounds exactly what she's looking for in a church. Please keep her, her boyfriend, and their baby in your prayers. They need a touch from God.
Well, the mission team arrived home safely last night around 10 p.m. They were so excited and ready to go back next year. They will be sharing in the service this Sunday at Bridges of Hope.
Gotta go! The highway is calling.
Today I am getting ready to make my way to Athens, Tennessee for the wedding rehearsal tonight of my cousin, Sean, and his soon-to-be wife, Crystal. They are getting married out in an open field. Bet it's going to be hot! I'll be officiating their wedding on Saturday at 4:30 p.m. (EST). Afterwards, we'll pick Dwight up and head back to McMinnville to get rested up for Sunday's awesome worship celebration.
I plan on taking the other time I'm there to visit the grave of my grandparents, drive by the old home place, visit with friends and family, and just plain relax, if that's at all possible.
I am also looking forward to seeing Megan again. She is the front desk clerk at Comfort Inn in Athens. On our last visit, I stood and talked with her for a long time. She moved there from Detroit, Michigan to be close to her family. She has recently had a baby and her and her boyfriend are looking for a church home. She is in her early 30's, I would guess. The problem is the same as many other people. She is sick and tired of the cold and lifeless traditional church. She is looking for a pastor who is REAL and transparent with his people. She laughed and said, "Too bad I don't live in McMinnville." However, I did recommend her to a church in Athens where a good friend of mine pastors, Christ Community Church. This sounds exactly what she's looking for in a church. Please keep her, her boyfriend, and their baby in your prayers. They need a touch from God.
Well, the mission team arrived home safely last night around 10 p.m. They were so excited and ready to go back next year. They will be sharing in the service this Sunday at Bridges of Hope.
Gotta go! The highway is calling.
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
It's Reaping Time!
I am so excited after the day I've had. My only problem is, I can't share everything that I've found out today. That's the pits!
My day began with a time of prayer and relaxing this morning before picking up Brent, a great pastor friend of mine, in Walling to head to Sparta and meet Duane, another great pastor friend of mine, for a fabulous lunch at El Tapitio. I ordered the taco salad chicken fajitas and it was delicious, as always. We laughed, shared, and prayed for each other around the table. Nothing like good friends with whom you can be totally transparent.
After lunch, Brent and I headed back to his church for a time of fellowship and prayer at the altar. Sweet times!
Then, I found out today that the Lord may be giving our church (Bridges of Hope Fellowship) a building to put on the back of our land on Hwy. 56 for FREE. Wouldn't that be awesome? We could use it for worship, offices, children, youth, etc. until we get our new facility built next year. Then we would use it as a youth facility and possibly some community support groups or an apartment for visiting pastors, teams, etc. We would probably have to pay to have it moved and then to renovate it to our needs. If God can provide the building, the other is a piece of cake. Let's give God praise in advance people!!!!!
Also, I received another piece of news that will assist our church during these tough economic times for everyone. I'll be sharing this great news this Sunday, so don't miss it! Hint: $$$$
This afternoon, David Clayton, Natalie, and I made a quick trip to Murfreesboro to pick up a few more pieces for the sound system. It's almost ready for the weekend! Afterwards, we stopped by my new favorite barbque place, Bar-B-Cuties. Delicious!!! We'll be back cutie!
Finally, I have just settled down to relax a bit before bed. Thinking about our mission team in Appalachia that will return home late Thursday night. Praying for their safety, protection, and blessing.
Final thought: I keep seeing this saying around every corner lately, "God never guides where His grace doesn't provide." How true that is. Sometimes it seems that God has forgotten all about us, when in fact, He is only preparing us and our faith for what is to come in our journey of life. Praise God that He is always faithful!!!
My day began with a time of prayer and relaxing this morning before picking up Brent, a great pastor friend of mine, in Walling to head to Sparta and meet Duane, another great pastor friend of mine, for a fabulous lunch at El Tapitio. I ordered the taco salad chicken fajitas and it was delicious, as always. We laughed, shared, and prayed for each other around the table. Nothing like good friends with whom you can be totally transparent.
After lunch, Brent and I headed back to his church for a time of fellowship and prayer at the altar. Sweet times!
Then, I found out today that the Lord may be giving our church (Bridges of Hope Fellowship) a building to put on the back of our land on Hwy. 56 for FREE. Wouldn't that be awesome? We could use it for worship, offices, children, youth, etc. until we get our new facility built next year. Then we would use it as a youth facility and possibly some community support groups or an apartment for visiting pastors, teams, etc. We would probably have to pay to have it moved and then to renovate it to our needs. If God can provide the building, the other is a piece of cake. Let's give God praise in advance people!!!!!
Also, I received another piece of news that will assist our church during these tough economic times for everyone. I'll be sharing this great news this Sunday, so don't miss it! Hint: $$$$
This afternoon, David Clayton, Natalie, and I made a quick trip to Murfreesboro to pick up a few more pieces for the sound system. It's almost ready for the weekend! Afterwards, we stopped by my new favorite barbque place, Bar-B-Cuties. Delicious!!! We'll be back cutie!
Finally, I have just settled down to relax a bit before bed. Thinking about our mission team in Appalachia that will return home late Thursday night. Praying for their safety, protection, and blessing.
Final thought: I keep seeing this saying around every corner lately, "God never guides where His grace doesn't provide." How true that is. Sometimes it seems that God has forgotten all about us, when in fact, He is only preparing us and our faith for what is to come in our journey of life. Praise God that He is always faithful!!!
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
The Send Off and Beyond
Sunday was an awesome day at Bridges of Hope Fellowship! We worshipped God in song and then commissioned our first overnight mission team. It was great! There are seven people (adults, teens, and kids) who are serving in the Appalachian region doing home repairs, Bible clubs, and food and clothing ministry. When I asked them to come and stand at the front for us to pray over them, one was missing. It turned out to be one of our youth who was serving her turn in the nursery. WOW! What a testimony that are teens are willing to do whatever God asks them to do. After the message, we experienced communion together as a church body. Awesome!
The send off, however, was difficult for me. I guess it was because me and my family were supposed to go on this trip with them. As the doors closed and we said our final goodbyes, I fought back the tears. As I watched them pull away, headed for Jefferson City, Tennessee, I lost it. I was so proud to see our church family continue the journey that I began. David Cook is leading our team in this endeavor. I now only wish that more of our people would catch the desire to GO serve on mission with God. I have been receiving text messages, pics, and reports from Charles Clayton about the progress of the trip. They are doing a great job of sharing the love and gospel of Christ with others in need. I am proud of you guys and gals!
Since they've been gone, David Clayton and I have worked hard ourselves at the church. We rented a scissorlift and 18 ft. ladder and moved the sound system from the stage to the back of the sanctuary. What a job! We did it. It looks great and we can't wait to use the new sound booth for this Sunday. My son, Dwight, will take over running the projection and Steven Clayton will step into the sound engineer role. Yes, they will both need some training and equipping! They have to start somewhere. As a matter of fact, all of our youth serve in one or more areas in our church. I'm proud of that!
Tonight, Natalie and I sat down to watch the first 2 hours of the second "Anne of Green Gables" movie. I love it. I guess we'll finish the night by reading some more in the book "Sticky Church." It's a must read for any church leader.
Tomorrow is another very busy day. Until then, be blessed!
The send off, however, was difficult for me. I guess it was because me and my family were supposed to go on this trip with them. As the doors closed and we said our final goodbyes, I fought back the tears. As I watched them pull away, headed for Jefferson City, Tennessee, I lost it. I was so proud to see our church family continue the journey that I began. David Cook is leading our team in this endeavor. I now only wish that more of our people would catch the desire to GO serve on mission with God. I have been receiving text messages, pics, and reports from Charles Clayton about the progress of the trip. They are doing a great job of sharing the love and gospel of Christ with others in need. I am proud of you guys and gals!
Since they've been gone, David Clayton and I have worked hard ourselves at the church. We rented a scissorlift and 18 ft. ladder and moved the sound system from the stage to the back of the sanctuary. What a job! We did it. It looks great and we can't wait to use the new sound booth for this Sunday. My son, Dwight, will take over running the projection and Steven Clayton will step into the sound engineer role. Yes, they will both need some training and equipping! They have to start somewhere. As a matter of fact, all of our youth serve in one or more areas in our church. I'm proud of that!
Tonight, Natalie and I sat down to watch the first 2 hours of the second "Anne of Green Gables" movie. I love it. I guess we'll finish the night by reading some more in the book "Sticky Church." It's a must read for any church leader.
Tomorrow is another very busy day. Until then, be blessed!
Sunday, June 28, 2009
My Weird Weekend
It has been a really weird weekend. One that I really don't care to relive.
Over the weekend, I have continued to be in constant pain. Then on Saturday, I couldn't take anymore. So, I headed to the Cookeville ER for what I hoped was going to be a time for answers and some relief. After all of the tests, ctscans, and peeing in a cup, I still know nothing more. However, they did give me a good, really good, dose of phenegrin and demerol that put my lights out and consequently eased my pain for several hours. I came home and went straight to bed and slept until 12:30 p.m. today. And I wouldn't have woken up then if it hadn't been for the pain in my lower back.
Then Natalie came home and shared with me about the days events at Bridges of Hope Fellowship. I was excited for what God had done in the hearts of the people and was continuing to do in the lives of our men.
I want to say a special thanks to my wonderful wife, Natalie, for going and providing her best musical efforts to lead the people in worship. Also, to David Clayton and David Cook for stepping up to the plate to keep the service flowing and for bringing the message of God's Word. I have had several reports of the way God's spirit moved in the service. It just goes to show that God really doesn't need me at all. What He really needs and desires is for all of His children to be open and willing at any given moment to step up and be used by Him. Thanks guys for your willingness!
As for me, I'll continue to lay around the house and see if I can get rid of this pain I'm in and spend some quality time with God and Natalie. After all, we need to read a few more chapters in the book "Sticky Church." Can't wait to see what all God wants to teach me through other people's experiences.
Thanks again for all those who have been praying for me. I know that God will answer as He sees fit.
Pastor D
Jeremiah 29:11
Over the weekend, I have continued to be in constant pain. Then on Saturday, I couldn't take anymore. So, I headed to the Cookeville ER for what I hoped was going to be a time for answers and some relief. After all of the tests, ctscans, and peeing in a cup, I still know nothing more. However, they did give me a good, really good, dose of phenegrin and demerol that put my lights out and consequently eased my pain for several hours. I came home and went straight to bed and slept until 12:30 p.m. today. And I wouldn't have woken up then if it hadn't been for the pain in my lower back.
Then Natalie came home and shared with me about the days events at Bridges of Hope Fellowship. I was excited for what God had done in the hearts of the people and was continuing to do in the lives of our men.
I want to say a special thanks to my wonderful wife, Natalie, for going and providing her best musical efforts to lead the people in worship. Also, to David Clayton and David Cook for stepping up to the plate to keep the service flowing and for bringing the message of God's Word. I have had several reports of the way God's spirit moved in the service. It just goes to show that God really doesn't need me at all. What He really needs and desires is for all of His children to be open and willing at any given moment to step up and be used by Him. Thanks guys for your willingness!
As for me, I'll continue to lay around the house and see if I can get rid of this pain I'm in and spend some quality time with God and Natalie. After all, we need to read a few more chapters in the book "Sticky Church." Can't wait to see what all God wants to teach me through other people's experiences.
Thanks again for all those who have been praying for me. I know that God will answer as He sees fit.
Pastor D
Jeremiah 29:11
Friday, June 26, 2009
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Facebook Home: "Pastors don't owe everyone in their church a close relationship. they owe them a close relationship with God and their family." Mark Batterson
Wow! A great statement. Its is impossible for the pastor to have a very close relationship with everyone in the church, especially as the church grows larger and larger. We can only teach them how to have a close relationship with God and their family.
However, why is it that church members think they have to have a huge chunk of their pastor's time? I think this comes out of selfishness. And selfishness creates disunity and quarrels among the body of Christ. We should avoid this type of attitude and behavior at all cost.
Be sure to join us this weekend as I'll be talking about selfishness and how it stinks in our relationships and in the church. Don't miss the awesome videos that I chosen to help us illustrate this topic. They are so funny! Hope to see you there at 11 a.m. at Bridges of Hope Fellowship. www.gethope.info
Wow! A great statement. Its is impossible for the pastor to have a very close relationship with everyone in the church, especially as the church grows larger and larger. We can only teach them how to have a close relationship with God and their family.
However, why is it that church members think they have to have a huge chunk of their pastor's time? I think this comes out of selfishness. And selfishness creates disunity and quarrels among the body of Christ. We should avoid this type of attitude and behavior at all cost.
Be sure to join us this weekend as I'll be talking about selfishness and how it stinks in our relationships and in the church. Don't miss the awesome videos that I chosen to help us illustrate this topic. They are so funny! Hope to see you there at 11 a.m. at Bridges of Hope Fellowship. www.gethope.info
The Pains of Life
Today has been a painful day for me in many ways. It started out when I woke up this morning in great pain. I have been hurting in my right abdomenal area and now in my lower back. What next? Physically, I think my body has just about taken all of the stress that it can take and is starting to let me know about it. So, it was a slow and difficult morning.
I've also experienced pains in our church family today that are difficult to shake in some ways. I have trouble grasping the fact that that people will come and people will go. However, it is difficult to let them go when you've been ministering to them for the past three to four years, been at the hospital with them, preached their families funerals, cried with them, and laughed with them. Not to mention the many times that you have prayed with and for them. It's just plain hard.
So, I begin to ask God why and what He wants me to learn from all of this. He simply led me to John 15:2 where Jesus talks about pruning the grapevine. The pruning includes two different types:
1. Seperation - of those who claim to be Christ followers, but whose lives have never resembled the life of Christ or they have turned their backs on Christ and have become a stumbling block to God's people or His Church. They will be cut off as dead and burnt.
2. Cutting Back - this is for those Christ followers who are producing fruit, but have stalled in their production for a while. Christ simply cuts things out of our lives so that we will produce more fruit for Him.
I remember as a child going to my grandparents' home in Athens. My mamaw Faye had a beautiful and huge rose bush beside the house. Every now and then, she would go out and prune that rose bush. When she did, I thought it looked horrible and was ready to be done away with. Then she explained that she was cutting off the dead stems so that the bush could begin to flourish again. Shortly thereafter, the rose bush was more beautiful than I had ever seen it before.
God does this same process in the lives of believers who are truly His. It's a painful process at the time, but allows us to flourish for Him in time. The same is true for the church.
I now believe that this is exactly what is happening in our church. He is removing those who have stopped producing fruit in order for the church to flourish again for His glory. We just have to be patient while He does the pruning in our lives and church. Beautiful days are ahead!
On a praise note:
Natalie and I visited with Ms. Wilma Blair tonight at Stones River Hospital in Woodbury. She is doing well after the surgery, just a little groggy. Okay, alot groggy! LOL! And we spoke with Mrs. Joann Turner and Aubrey is doing well. He has been talking, sitting on the side of the bed, and begging for something to eat. That's all in response to God's people praying. Keep it up! It's working.
To close the night out, Natalie and I are reading "Sticky Church" by Larry Osborne. WOW! What a great and challenging read! I love reading books that challenge my thinking and strategy of fulfilling our mission.
That's it for tonight. Tomorrow is another day.
P.S. - Don't forget about the Trash to Treasure Yard Sale for Missions at Bridges of Hope Fellowship this Friday and Saturday. It is from 6 a.m. to 3 p.m. both days. The church is located at 220 Snow Hollow Lane in McMinnville. All funds raised will go to support our Appalachian Mission trip in July. Also, if you have anything you'd like to donate to the sale, call the church office at 931-815-8870 or Jennifer Cook at 931-934-3663.
I've also experienced pains in our church family today that are difficult to shake in some ways. I have trouble grasping the fact that that people will come and people will go. However, it is difficult to let them go when you've been ministering to them for the past three to four years, been at the hospital with them, preached their families funerals, cried with them, and laughed with them. Not to mention the many times that you have prayed with and for them. It's just plain hard.
So, I begin to ask God why and what He wants me to learn from all of this. He simply led me to John 15:2 where Jesus talks about pruning the grapevine. The pruning includes two different types:
1. Seperation - of those who claim to be Christ followers, but whose lives have never resembled the life of Christ or they have turned their backs on Christ and have become a stumbling block to God's people or His Church. They will be cut off as dead and burnt.
2. Cutting Back - this is for those Christ followers who are producing fruit, but have stalled in their production for a while. Christ simply cuts things out of our lives so that we will produce more fruit for Him.
I remember as a child going to my grandparents' home in Athens. My mamaw Faye had a beautiful and huge rose bush beside the house. Every now and then, she would go out and prune that rose bush. When she did, I thought it looked horrible and was ready to be done away with. Then she explained that she was cutting off the dead stems so that the bush could begin to flourish again. Shortly thereafter, the rose bush was more beautiful than I had ever seen it before.
God does this same process in the lives of believers who are truly His. It's a painful process at the time, but allows us to flourish for Him in time. The same is true for the church.
I now believe that this is exactly what is happening in our church. He is removing those who have stopped producing fruit in order for the church to flourish again for His glory. We just have to be patient while He does the pruning in our lives and church. Beautiful days are ahead!
On a praise note:
Natalie and I visited with Ms. Wilma Blair tonight at Stones River Hospital in Woodbury. She is doing well after the surgery, just a little groggy. Okay, alot groggy! LOL! And we spoke with Mrs. Joann Turner and Aubrey is doing well. He has been talking, sitting on the side of the bed, and begging for something to eat. That's all in response to God's people praying. Keep it up! It's working.
To close the night out, Natalie and I are reading "Sticky Church" by Larry Osborne. WOW! What a great and challenging read! I love reading books that challenge my thinking and strategy of fulfilling our mission.
That's it for tonight. Tomorrow is another day.
P.S. - Don't forget about the Trash to Treasure Yard Sale for Missions at Bridges of Hope Fellowship this Friday and Saturday. It is from 6 a.m. to 3 p.m. both days. The church is located at 220 Snow Hollow Lane in McMinnville. All funds raised will go to support our Appalachian Mission trip in July. Also, if you have anything you'd like to donate to the sale, call the church office at 931-815-8870 or Jennifer Cook at 931-934-3663.
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Welcome to my world!
Thanks for taking the time out of your busy schedule to find out the scoop or be nosey, whichever the case may be. Regardless, I'm glad you're here!
For several weeks, I've been contemplating on starting a blog and trying to figure out which blog site to go with. After taking the advice of some Facebook friends, here I am.
The purpose of this blog is to help YOU get to know ME. In short, I want to present who I really am, REAL. I'll be sharing different things about my day, devotional and inspirational thoughts, leadership principles, church growth principles, church planting stuff, and casting vision for the future. And, of course, there will probably be a few simple and meager ramblings about whatever is on my mind at the time.
I have never tried to fit into anyone's mold. I am just simply me. It's been said that you either love me or you love to hate me. You will choose your view. I hope you'll love me, but, that's still yet to be decided. LOL!
Regardless, my heart is to love others the way that Christ Jesus has loved me and given Himself for me. Therefore, my one and only goal is to die and go to heaven, and take as many people with me as I possibly can. I believe that is the only thing in life worth striving for.
I do hope that you will follow me and subscribe to receive my regular posts and updates.
Thanks again for stopping by!
Pastor D
Jeremiah 29:11
For several weeks, I've been contemplating on starting a blog and trying to figure out which blog site to go with. After taking the advice of some Facebook friends, here I am.
The purpose of this blog is to help YOU get to know ME. In short, I want to present who I really am, REAL. I'll be sharing different things about my day, devotional and inspirational thoughts, leadership principles, church growth principles, church planting stuff, and casting vision for the future. And, of course, there will probably be a few simple and meager ramblings about whatever is on my mind at the time.
I have never tried to fit into anyone's mold. I am just simply me. It's been said that you either love me or you love to hate me. You will choose your view. I hope you'll love me, but, that's still yet to be decided. LOL!
Regardless, my heart is to love others the way that Christ Jesus has loved me and given Himself for me. Therefore, my one and only goal is to die and go to heaven, and take as many people with me as I possibly can. I believe that is the only thing in life worth striving for.
I do hope that you will follow me and subscribe to receive my regular posts and updates.
Thanks again for stopping by!
Pastor D
Jeremiah 29:11
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