It seems like I am spending more time directing this blog to other people’s thoughts than I am my own. Something that I am learning over and over again is that creativity comes in waves, and while you are in the lull, you’ve got to keep on learning and seeking ideas that might spark something in you. And that’s why I post links and thoughts from other pastors and leaders that are challenging the way I am thinking. It’s healthy.I’ve also learned that the times of the greatest stress are also the times of the lowest creativity for me. But that is when i need to keep learning the most. So I won’t always post other people’s thoughts but it’s part of how I keep my brain working.I will say this. I have been working through Confessions of A Caffeinated Christian. This is a great book, kind of inline with Messy Spirituality. Check either of those two out.
10 things for ministers
28 NovThis is from Perry.
#1 – Do Not Neglect Your Personal Time With GodI have learned that I can either do ministry from memory or ministry from the overflow of what God is doing in me–the latter is ALWAYS the most fruitful.#2 – People Will Hurt You–Love Them AnywayOne of the biggest temptations in life and ministry is to become bitter and angry at people who hurt you and then allowing those relationships to drive wedges into future relationships. LOVE PEOPLE–Jesus did. It’s not easy…but we’re called to do this.#3 – Don’t Be Afraid To Make MistakesOne of the biggest things that holds God’s kingdom back is His people, empowered by His Spirit, who are afraid to fail! I would rather make a mistake trying than make THE mistake mentioned in James 4:17.#4 – Remember WHO You Are ServingOne day I will stand before Jesus…our goal in life should be to please HIM in all things…career, relationships, finances, parenting…#5 – Think BigDon’t limit God–Ephesians 3:20 is SO TRUE! Why do we make nickel and dime plans when God OWNS THE FLIPPIN’ UNIVERSE?!?!?#6 – Don’t Let Yourself Get Into A RutOne of the biggest weapons the enemy uses is the one of familiarity…and in giving into this enemy we begin to desire to just…be…comfortable. We have PLENTY of time to be comfortable in heaven…while we are on the earth we must allow God to disturb us so that He can use us to disturb others.#7 – Never Stop LearningAlways ask questions–from everyone. I seek advice from pastors who have churches larger than NewSpring…and also those who have churches smaller. If I ever get to be so prideful and arrogant & begin to think I can’t learn from others–I am convinced that God will kick my rear end!#8 – Be RealThe “pastoral/Christian” image is played out…people are sick and tired of the man in the pulpit pretending that his poo doesn’t stink! (Expect for those obsessed with their own image!) Christians are KNOWN for being able to fake it through life because we’ve believed the lie that once we become Christians we NEVER have problems anymore!!! Don’t fall into that! (More on that Sunday at NewSpring.)#9 – Take About Real IssuesMost people attending our churches do not care about the measurements of the Temple–but they do want to know how they can hold a marriage together, how they can keep from going under financially and how to raise good kids.#10 – Surround Yourself With “Yes” Men and Women!Yep–surround yourself with people who say, “yes, Lord–whatever you want” and then they will passionately pursue HIS direction. If you have people around you that are scared of you then your leadership/life IS IN DANGER.
Spiritual-Esteem
28 NovCraig has a great series going over at the Swerve Blog. here are some highlights.
“You are successful because of who you are in Christ. You please God by obeying him, not performing up to your personal expectations.”
“You are not what you did, what you do, or what you are going to do. You are who Christ says you are.”
Off Road Disciplines – Review
27 Nov
Earl Creps is arguably one of the most compelling voices on the emerging church and leadership that I have hear in a long time. Hearing him speak is engaging and sparks a lot of thinking. The same can be said about Off-Road Disciplines. There are many things that made me think and want to read more about. But I think this book is not directed at my age group as much as towards older leaders in Evangelical circles. This book is more of a primer for how Boomers can relate and understand Busters, or Gen-X or whatever you want to call it. All in all it’s a worthwhile read and it’s a great place to start for a leader who is trying to understand why the church around them is changing and it seems like there is nothing they can do about it.
Encouragement From Around the World
16 NovSo i just checked my email today and I say a note from a name I didn’t recongize but it was an encouragement letter from a youth pastor in Kenya. He said he found my website and he was encouraged. Wow, I have gotten all kinds of bogus scam email from africa so I’m a little wary to respond, but if that was a genuine note then let me say thanks. i’m glad that I can be an encouragement and you have no idea how encouraging those kinds of notes are.
the world is getting smaller and smaller and whatever I can do to help my neighbor in Lynnwood, or my neighbor in Kenya I should do. Just a thought.
Explaining the Interwebs
15 NovSomedays I feel like Dilbert when I try to explain the internet to people.
Good times. I wish there were better names for things.
Good Thoughts from Osenga
13 NovGood thoughts on Christians, Politics, evangelism, grace, love, and the church. you should read it when you have time, it’s a bit long.
Greek Helps
13 NovI was turned on to this from Jonathan Herron’s Blog
Re:Greek is a biblical Greek Tool that is free and brought to us out of Re:Surgence and Mars Hill. Pretty Stinking sweet, clean and simple interface. If you are a pastor and you want a easy to use tool for Greek Study this is a great way to go.
now we Just need Re:Hebrew So get to work on that!
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