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• Let My Marathon Training Help Plan Your Life

  Ron Edmondson

  Ron Edmondson

  1 Sep 2010 | 4:00 am

  I receive dozens of emails from pastors each week. This one caught my attention and I asked permission to use it here.  Hopefully others will benefit from my response and weigh in with their own thoughts. I have changed his name. Ron, I hope all is well with you. I frequent your blogs ever so often via twitter, which I do enjoy. the reason for this email is for some direction. It is my belief that the Lord has called me to be a pastor, however I am presently single. I wanted to find out what are some of the qualities one should look for and how should I go about finding a wife as a future…

• Candid discussion with Chan, Driscoll & Harris

  CatalystSpace | Catablog

  info@catalystspace.com

  1 Sep 2010 | 12:59 pm

  In January of 2008 I had the opportunity to meet with Luis and Kevin Palau during a roadtrip visit to Portland, OR...it was then that I first heard about their "Season of Service" campaign.  Now, two years later Kevin shares about how their collaborative effort with other area leaders is literally changing the landscape of an entire city.  Take a minute and be encouraged by this amazing update from Kevin... Missional Living in PortlandBy Kevin Palau"Two years ago in Portland—one of the least churched cities in the United States—hundreds of churches came together to talk…

• 7 Qualities to Look for in a Pastor’s Wife

  Ron Edmondson

  Ron Edmondson

  2 Sep 2010 | 4:00 am

• Why Sermons? If Jesus came today would he preach?

  Worship Ministry Catalyst

  David Lindner

  16 Aug 2010 | 9:11 pm

  This week we get the awesome privilege of talking with Brent Hodge of brentinworship.com. If you haven’t met him, you should. You can also check him out on twitter. @inworship. (You can also follow me @lindnerphoto.) Brent is a mover and a shaker in the Worship Ministry World. We get to know Brent a little more in this episode and talk about some of the things he does at Table Rock Fellowship and some of the things he just enjoys doing. If you’re a faithful listener to the worship ministry catalyst podcast, we would love to hear from you and we’d also love it if you’d…

• Sketches

  Evotional.com

  Mark Batterson

  1 Sep 2010 | 1:18 pm

  I made an incredibly difficult decision today. One of the toughest decisions I've made in a long time. Over the past month I've met with half a dozen publishers. I'm trying to figure out where to partner with my next book. Here's the challenge: I genuinely loved every publishing team I met with. And every one brings a unique strength to the table.Some decisions are 80/20 decisions and those decisions are easy to make. It's the 51/49 decisions that are agonizing. That's where you need supernatural discernment. That's when you need to hear the still small voice of the Holy Spirit. And then you…

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  The Digital Sanctuary

• Join Me Today for M2Live!

  Cynthia

  17 Aug 2010 | 5:57 am

  M2LIVE is a grassroots effort allowing believers of all backgrounds to share and learn from one another.  As a series of web-based and live hands-on workshops, M2LIVE is designed for church leaders and volunteers interested in enhancing their ministry using the latest in web and social media technology. The M2LIVE webinar showcases insights from many of today’s brightest church web evangelists. While presenters have opportunity to share their message, the format allows ample time for asking questions and interacting with the presenter. Today’s free M2LIVE webinar features a…

• STORY – A Gathering of Ministry Creatives

  Cynthia

  23 Jun 2010 | 2:41 pm

  STORY is a conference I love promoting. And, having spoken at STORY previously, I can attest to the elegant, inspiring, and stellar atmosphere it both creates and provides for the creatives who serve us in taking ministry far beyond the traditional western church walls. This year STORY will be held on September 23-24, 2010 at Park Community Church in downtown Chicago. The purpose is to fuel the church’s artists, writers and producers in communicating the greatest story ever told. You’ll hear from some of the best creative practitioners in both ministry and the marketplace, from…

• UK Presents Christian New Media Awards

  Cynthia

  1 Jun 2010 | 6:14 am

  One of the things I’ve been focused on lately is the self-referencing we Christians do when it comes to the web.  Working with the Center for Church Communication has convinced me that there must be so much we’re missing in terms of global communications. Imagine my surprise when I discovered Steve Fogg who’s a brilliant student of church comm over in Australia. So I’m doing a bit of scouting… and via a tweet by Jason Clark found this.  It’s not necessarily communication (or technology) related, but it does broaden our perspective so we can see beyond US…

• Addition by Adoption Available on Amazon

  Cynthia

  12 May 2010 | 6:56 am

  One of the amazing people I get to work with on a weekly (sometimes, daily!) basis is Kevin Hendricks. Kevin acts as the editorial director at the Center for Church Communication and is a clever and thoughtful writer. As you might know, I’ve struggled with book publishers asking me to promote their books. This happens on a weekly basis and I always send my standard form letter. “Thanks for considering me but I only review books that explore the intersection of faith and technology….” Nevertheless, the books keep coming. Today, I make my only exception for the last…

• SoChurch – Simplifying Church Communications

  Cynthia

  28 Apr 2010 | 6:22 pm

  Creating products that actually serve the church is not easy, especially when it comes to technology.  The interwebs are littered with Christian ghettos, static dead-end websites and social networking tools that promised they were designed to serve the church but somehow really didn’t. Why a product or application fails is hard to say.   Some apps end up as walled gardens, others accidentally fell into broadcast mode, offering no community appeal, and so died off, and still others never got over their clunky user interface issues or high bar fees. Nevertheless, there are those…

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  Church Marketing Sucks

• Web-based Ministry: Investment or Expense?

  Kevin D. Hendricks

  1 Sep 2010 | 3:08 am

  Our good friends over at M2Live just released their August webinar, a conversation with our very own Cynthia Ware, the executive director for our nonprofit parent, the Center for Church Communication. Interviewed in mid-August, Cynthia discusses some participatory media best practices, explores obstacles, remedies to resistance and challenges us to get our Google on! She explores some of these questions: How does your church leadership view the web? Is your church website a communication afterthought or is it treated as the first stop for any visitor who wants to attend your services? Does…

• Summer Bounce-back Poll Results

  Joshua Cody

  31 Aug 2010 | 4:13 am

  For many, if not most, churches, this is a pivotal time of the year. School is starting back, families are returning home from vacation, and momentum is high. But things vary church-to-church, and its always interesting to see how reality matches with hopes and expectations. So we decided to ask you how things were at your church this fall. 34% of you are feeling great. Energy is high, momentum is high, and you’re pursuing your mission with more clarity than ever. You’ve got new folks on board, and things are great. On the flip side of that coin are 29% of our respondents who are…

• The NINES: 6 Questions, $10 Off

  Kevin D. Hendricks

  30 Aug 2010 | 3:09 am

  Last year on Sept. 9, 2009 The NINES conference debuted. It was an entirely online, completely free church leadership conference that featured 75 different speakers talking for nine minutes each. There were plenty of highlights and lessons for church communicators. This year The NINES is back with an even shorter format (six minutes!), some for-a-fee extras and more speakers—including our own Michael Buckingham, CFCC board members Kem Meyer and Phil Cooke, and loads of big names, including Rick Warren, Seth Godin, Michael Hyatt and more. Those for-a-fee extras include a 100-page conference…

• Job and Freelance Board: Web Freelancers and Communication Pros

  Joshua Cody

  27 Aug 2010 | 11:19 am

  From freelancers to video pros, there’s something for everyone on the Job Board and Freelance Board this week. Remember, if you’re a church that has a need, you can post for absolutely free. Want to hire a full-time communications director? Graphic designer? Web developer? Post away on the Job Board. Or do you just need some short-term video help or marketing consulting? Check out the Freelance Board. Here are a few opportunities we’ve posted recently: First Presbyterian Church of Bellevue needs a full-time graphic designer. Become the Creative Video Director at Lake Hills…

• Are We Building Bench-Riding Believers?

  Brian Gaffney

  25 Aug 2010 | 3:04 am

  The last time that I played organized team sports (1991), “riding the bench” was not a coveted position.  This designation, reserved for people who were on the team, but out of the game, was known to bring more ridicule than respect.  The point of going out for the team and participating in subsequent play review, practice, and pre-game ritual was to see “PT,” playing time.  Though it has been nearly 20 years since I last “suited up,” I suspect that this particular aspect of the game has not changed.  Similarly, I do not believe that Jesus ever called, nor intended a call, for…

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  Brad Lomenick

• Interviews Galore

  bradlomenick

  2 Sep 2010 | 6:42 am

  As many of you know, we’ve been doing the Catalyst Podcast for several years, and interviewing all kinds of great leaders from business, the Church, not-for-profit world, best-selling authors, etc. Well, we continue to have the opportunity to sit down with tons of great leaders, even more than we ever imagined. So instead of saving all these interviews for a future episode of the Catalyst Podcast, we’ve decided to start putting them up on the Catalyst website and let you hear them NOW. So check out the new “CONVERSATIONS” section that we’ve created. You’ll…

• We vs. Me, and Us vs. I

  bradlomenick

  31 Aug 2010 | 6:01 pm

  It’s not just you on your team. There’s a team. Besides you. Other incredibly important staff crucial to the success of you accomplishing your mission and vision as an organization. So next time someone says “How have you all accomplished this?…” or “What do you plan to accomplish the rest of this year?….” or “Who is involved in making things happen within your organization?…” “Or talk about the keys to success for you?….” Make sure you start your answer with “WE” or “US” or…

• Are you Overwhelmed?

  bradlomenick

  30 Aug 2010 | 9:34 am

  As leaders, many times we take on way more than we can handle. We intuitively know it’s not healthy or the best solution, but we feel like it’s “our duty.” Anyone with me on this??? We feel the responsibility, so therefore we are willing to roll up our sleeves and take on more. This ends up affecting our families, our own personal life, our team, and organizations. Now don’t get me wrong…. there are seasons for carrying the weight and burning the midnight oil. But if this becomes the “norm,” then it’s not healthy. But many times we still…

• Thoughts on Creating Great Partnerships

  bradlomenick

  27 Aug 2010 | 4:31 pm

  Collaboration is crucial in today’s culture. Great organizations seem to always have a strong ability to partner well. Partnerships are not always easy though. Teaming up with one another can result in true synergy. Or many times can result in ultimate failure. Here are a few thoughts on why creating Great Partnerships is a must for you and your organization: 1. Partnerships allows you to share risk and reward. Creating less downside, and potentially way more upside always make sense. 2. Partnerships create innovation, breakthrough and discovery. Working with others allows for input…

• A Challenge for Worship Leaders

  bradlomenick

  24 Aug 2010 | 5:33 am

  I’ve got to speak up. I’m not on staff at a church. I’m not a worship leader. I’m not a creative arts pastor. None of those things. But I’ve got speak up and ask for a favor. Make a challenge. To those who lead, stand up, speak, sing, make announcements on Sunday mornings. I’ve got a challenge for all my brothers and sisters who are leading millions of folks in congregations around the world…… Please make it ALL worship. Not just the singing. When you say “Now it’s time to worship” or “Let’s stand and worship”…

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  Greg Atkinson

• The Campus Pastor Interviews: Josh Surratt

  Greg Atkinson

  2 Sep 2010 | 4:38 am

  The following is an interview with Josh Surratt of  Seacoast Church from almost two years ago. Here are Josh’s answers: What is your ministry background? What did you do before becoming a Campus Pastor? I came on staff as a student ministries intern while I was still in college. After college, I managed an Outback Steakhouse for a couple of years before coming on staff full time with Seacoast. I was the assistant pastor at our first campus, became a small groups pastor for several years, and then took the role of Campus Pastor at our Long Point Road location in January of 2008. If you…

• 10 Campus Constants at West Ridge Church

  Greg Atkinson

  1 Sep 2010 | 8:09 am

  Today I read the following on Tony Morgan’s blog and thought it was great and relevant to what we’ve been talking about with multi-site here on this blog. Check out what Tony is doing at his church: We’re 11 days away from launching our second campus of West Ridge Church. Our desire to is start four more campuses over the next four years. With that in mind, we wanted to develop a framework to define the constants all of these campuses would share. Indirectly, that also helps clarify where each of the campuses also has freedom. That led our leadership team to a conversation…

• The Campus Pastor Interviews: Howard Frist

  Greg Atkinson

  31 Aug 2010 | 3:15 am

  The following is an interview with NewSpring Greenville campus pastor, Howard Frist, from almost two years ago. Keep in mind, two years ago, these guys were just dipping their toes in multi-site and their first multi-site campus in Greenville was brand new. Now 5 campuses later, these guys are rocking and rolling. Here’s Howard’s answers from the early days of multi-site at NewSpring (I’d love to do a new interview now!): What is your ministry background? What did you do before becoming a Campus Pastor? Before coming on at NewSpring full time, I had the privilege of owning…

• 10 Ways to Improve Your Sermon Archives Right Now

  Greg Atkinson

  30 Aug 2010 | 3:55 am

  The following is a guest blog post from one of my sponsors (on the right): Brad Hill of SiteOrganic. Be sure to click on their ad and check out what they’re doing. Below is the guest blog: Have you ever wondered if Jesus considered the distribution of His words, as much as the words themselves?  I think it’s pretty clear that He did.  During His earthly ministry, He spent time dispensing Truth, exposing falsehood, and demonstrating love.  Along the way, He chose his audience and forum carefully.  Those who saw and heard Him were blessed (John 20:29), but those people, in turn,…

• The Campus Pastor Interviews: Scott Williams

  Greg Atkinson

  27 Aug 2010 | 4:18 am

  The following is and interview with Scott Williams of LifeChurch.tv from October 2008. These are Scott’s answers: What is your ministry background? What did you do before becoming a Campus Pastor? I don’t have any formal “ministry training” besides volunteering within one of the LifeChurch.tv ministry areas. Prior to becoming a Campus Pastor at LifeChurch.tv; I had spent 13 years 6 months and 7 days in the prison system… I was actually a warden in both the Adult and Juvenile Correction Systems.  My other professional experience includes but was not limited to:  Real Estate…

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  churchrelevance.com

• Save 10% on Catalyst This Week

  Kent Shaffer

  30 Aug 2010 | 1:36 am

  Brad Lomenick, director of Catalyst Conference, has extended last week’s special discount of 10% off of the October Atlanta conference through this week (Aug. 30 - Sep. 3) for Church Relevance readers. 10% Discount Code = FOB This year’s Catalyst Atlanta is October 6-8, 2010. Speakers include Seth Godin, Daniel Pink, Craig Groeschel, Scott Harrison, and plenty more. Be sure to register this week to get better rates. I’ll be there this year. Leave a comment if you are going, too! Sponsored by: Deluge Unshakable Unshakable delivers 12 energetic and passionate modern worship…

• Free Coaching with Kent Shaffer

  Kent Shaffer

  20 Aug 2010 | 6:38 pm

  I like helping people reach their goals, so I’ve decided to launch a fun new project. It is free coaching and mentorship from me for one year. I will give you monthly advice, encouragement, and training and maybe even leverage my resources, networks, and platforms to help you reach your goals. Only 1 spot is available. Click to apply. Who is it for? Pastors or entrepreneurs, Churches or startups, Kidmin or marketers, Bloggers or designers, My closest friends or people I’ve never met. It is open to anyone. However, it is not for everyone. My expertise is limited. At the moment, I…

• Expository Sermon Series Graphics

  Kent Shaffer

  13 Aug 2010 | 9:46 am

  Sometimes designing sermon series graphics can be tough. It’s a design niche riddled with puns, goofiness, and bad art, which is problematic for artists on the hunt for design inspiration. What you create is a direct result of your inputs. This is true of everything in life. If you want to be a better designer, surround yourself with the best quality you can find. If you want to worsen or stagnate your skills, surround yourself with subpar work. Designer Jim LePage is creating some inspiring illustrations for each book of the Bible. His sermon series art is complete up through Hosea.

• Toy Story At the Movies - LifeChurch.tv Tulsa Campus

  Kent Shaffer

  22 Jul 2010 | 8:24 am

  Every July, LifeChurch.tv (Edmond, OK) hosts a sermon series called “At the Movies” that uses movie clips to illustrate spiritual truths. And every year LifeChurch.tv sets new attendance records. To add some extra fun to the sermon series, each campus decorates their facility with a movie theme. This year Stillwater’s campus did Field of Dreams and created a baseball diamond in their lobby complete with dirt. However, my favorite theme from this year is the Tulsa campus’ Toy Story theme. Here are some highlights: OUTSIDE Before you even enter the church, you are…

• Free Church Resources by Church on the Move

  Kent Shaffer

  27 Jun 2010 | 1:57 pm

  Like free church resources? Church on the Move (Tulsa, OK) is now offering free creative resources to download from their new site, Seeds. The church resources include artwork, motion graphics, background music, promo videos, opener videos, mini-movies, drama scripts, slides, banners, worship guides, sermon series kits, and more. There’s something for kid’s ministry, student ministry, and plenty for regular worship services, too! Best of all, the production quality is outstanding. Church on the Move has been winning ADDY Awards and producing mainstream quality content for years.

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  Evotional.com

• Difficult Decisions

  Mark Batterson

  1 Sep 2010 | 5:14 pm

  I made an incredibly difficult decision today. One of the toughest decisions I've made in a long time. Over the past month I've met with half a dozen publishers. I'm trying to figure out where to partner with my next book. Here's the challenge: I genuinely loved every publishing team I met with. And every one brings a unique strength to the table.Some decisions are 80/20 decisions and those decisions are easy to make. It's the 51/49 decisions that are agonizing. That's where you need supernatural discernment. That's when you need to hear the still small voice of the Holy Spirit. And then you…

• Sketches

  Mark Batterson

  1 Sep 2010 | 1:18 pm

  We have a new member of our media team, Dylan Byrd, doing some branding for us. He's also a very gifted artist. Love these sketches of our six locations! Can't wait for a sketch of our new building, but we'll have to wait a couple years for that one!

• I'm Back

  Mark Batterson

  1 Sep 2010 | 4:00 am

  My sabbatical is officially over with. So grateful to our team for holding down the fort. The truth is, we don't skip a beat when I'm gone! That is a big time blessing because it means I can get away and not lose an ounce of energy worrying about things.I spent the last day of my sabbatical at the National Cathedral. One of my favorite places in DC. Love praying there. And there is something about the observation gallery that expands my vision for this city. I honestly feel like I need another month to really recalibrate, but I'm grateful for the month I got. I'm not sure I received any new…

• 10th Printing

  Mark Batterson

  29 Aug 2010 | 12:23 pm

  Just got word that In a Pit with a Lion on a Snowy Day is headed to its tenth print run. Thought I'd celebrate with a little end of summer special. If you want a case of 24 books, we'll hook you up with a sweet discount. We'll also give you a discount on Wild Goose Chase and Primal. Why not?Email resources@theaterchurch.com for more info.

• Fearless

  Mark Batterson

  29 Aug 2010 | 12:09 pm

  Such a privilege to have Gary Haugen @ NCC this weekend. Great way to cap off our Fearless series. Gary is the founder and CEO of International Justice Mission. Gary said we need to do less and reflect more. One way they put that into practice at IJM is by starting every day with thirty minutes of silence! And they pay people for that half hour! It creates an atmosphere where you don't just do things, you think about what you're doing! Love that. I think any business or ministry would benefit from a creative implementation of that idea.He shared about one of his colleagues who he called a mad…

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  Sean Michael Lewis

• Why I left the Christian Industry….part 2 // Non-Profits = Non Regulated.

  seanmichaellewis

  29 Aug 2010 | 8:30 pm

  I had a brief stretch working for a few non-profits that I do not care to mention by name. I would like to share my personal experience with working for a Christian Based Non-Profit. First of all, to create a Non-Profit is probably the most difficult part, but once you have the lawyers and money to get going it is an open ballgame. What many people do not know, is the lack of regulation in most non-profits. They are just as much created for profit for those involved, but reap the benefits of tax incentives. *DISCLAIMER* The opinions expressed do not apply for all non-profits, but I would be…

• Why I left the Christian Industry…..part 1

  seanmichaellewis

  18 Aug 2010 | 7:29 pm

  For some of those that know me, and those that do not, I have worked the last 4 years in the Christian Industry. Looking back I can not believe we actually have a Christian Industry because it kind of makes me sick to say those words. For those of you that don’t know the Christian Industry is basically taking Jesus finding every way and anyway to market him for a profit. This ranges from Books, Music, Churches, Software, NonProfits(Stands for Non-Regulated) and millions of ridiculous products. Somehow I was drawn to leave the corporate world that I entered upon graduating college in search…

• “You Give Me Hope” Video

  seanmichaellewis

  30 Mar 2010 | 7:35 pm

  Ryan Kirkland the lead singer of Between the Trees just released a new video for a new movie titled “Letters to God.”  The song is incredible. Check it out below. SML

• The Road Ahead

  seanmichaellewis

  28 Mar 2010 | 8:17 pm

  Recently I have taken some time off to reflect on my personal relationship with the Lord. All in all it has been a great time in my personal walk. My marriage is growing stronger, my personal attitude towards others is changing, and I feel like I am really growing. I look forward to writing over the year, and sharing thoughts, on this thing we call life. I want to engage in conversation that allows people to share thoughts and opinions no matter what your background is. Welcome to the conversation. Look forward to talking with you all. SML New Posts to Start this week

• What keeps you up at night?

  seanmichaellewis

  4 Mar 2010 | 12:59 pm

  Just a simple question. Would love to hear things you are passionate about. What keeps you up at night? It can be anything.

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  djchuang.com

• River of Data is like an Activity Stream like River of News

  djchuang

  26 Aug 2010 | 8:56 pm

  As we’re all trying to figure out how to manage the information flow that comes through various websites, social networks, blogs, video sites, online communities, what have you, there’s a layout that’s becoming more and more common, but I’m not sure what that format is being called. The format is this: display a list of items with the most recent item on top, aka reverse chronological order. Each item is typically listed as a title and excerpt, whether truncated from the body text or specifically crafted as a teaser. An icon or thumbnail photo or avatar or date or…

• blog titles I’ve thought about writing

  djchuang

  12 Aug 2010 | 6:56 am

  In my blog dashboard, I’ve got dozens of blog titles that I’ve queued up in the Drafts folder. Some have sat there for months, a few even years. credit: ganesha_isis Rather than keeping them hidden from public view, I’m going to release them as a sneak preview. No guarantee that all or any of them will be written due to my human limitedness. I’m not a workaholic nor do I have all the time in the world. Perhaps these headlines will inspire you to write a blog post in response. In no particular order, here the list: Towards personal branding or organizational entity is…

• women Asian American Christian ministry leaders

  djchuang

  7 Aug 2010 | 3:04 pm

  Finding voices and faces that can better connect and/or represent both genders in actual diversity of the Christian church can seem elusive, especially in a financially-driven world. One of the currently under-represented grouping is Asian American women who are Christian ministry leaders, be it church or parachurch. Kathy Khang has started a great list of Christian Asian American female leaders. Here’s a copy of that list with a snapshot of what they’ve done and/or how they’re notable [in no particular order]: Jeanette Yep – Pastor of Global and Regional Outreach at…

• Real relationships with real people

  djchuang

  3 Aug 2010 | 7:07 am

  Eric Bryant‘s book gets a reboot as Not Like Me: A Field Guide for Influencing a Diverse World, the book formerly known as Peppermint-Filled Pinatas. The book now has its own website notlikeme.org, sermon series, small group materials, blog tour … This book is an accessible and easy read. It’s filled with real-life stories of how to step out of one’s comfort zone to build real relationships with real people of all kinds: someone of a different ethnicity, a different economic class/ different pay grade, different political persuasion, different lifestyle, different…

• Asian American ministry gathering on 9/21

  djchuang

  30 Jul 2010 | 11:15 am

  This week I received this email from Tom Steers about an event for Southern California ministry leaders (and those that’d travel in for it). The AALC mentioned in email below refers to an “Asian American Leadership Conference.” You don’t have to be Asian American to attend. I’d go just to hear James Choung. When James gave a similar talk during a workshop at Urbana 09, it was standing room only and overflowing; must have had over 500 people there! I had to shoot this video sitting on the floor myself.] THE GATHERING of Asian American church and parachurch leaders…

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  Rhett Smith

• My Advice to Husbands on the Topic of Counseling…GO!

  Rhett Smith

  1 Sep 2010 | 2:00 am

  If your wife EVER…I mean EVER, suggests to you, that you, or that the two of you should seek counseling. GO! “Couples don’t run to therapy at the first sign of trouble. Researchers estimate it often takes 5 to 7 yrs for some to seek help.” Marriage and Family/Sex Therapist David Schnarch I find Schnarch’s comments to be so true. I would estimate that the average couple I work with end up in therapy about 2-3 years after the wife had initially suggested therapy. And it’s often not until the bottom completely falls out that the husband usually agrees to…

• “I don’t really enjoy being a pastor’s wife.” (Not As Uncommon Of A Statement As One May Think)

  Rhett Smith

  24 Aug 2010 | 11:34 am

  “I don’t really enjoy being a pastor’s wife. Joanie” Permission to Speak Freely by Anne Jackson (pp. 16) That “confession” from one of Anne’s readers, early on in her new book really stuck out to me. There has been lots of research on this topic, and even more anecdotal evidence. And as a former full-time pastor, now part-time pastor, pastor’s kid, (and talking to my wife about this topic a lot) I think I know something of this subject and the expectations upon pastor’s spouses. Though there are plenty of men who are spouses to pastors,…

• Men: Put Down the Video Games, Stop Looking at Your Phone, and Turn Off the Computer…It Is Changing You

  Rhett Smith

  16 Aug 2010 | 9:52 am

  The ubiquitous barrage of battery-powered stimuli delivered by phones, computers, and games makes “the chaos of constant connection” an addictive electronic narcotic. As continuous stimulation becomes the new normal, “gaps between moments of heightened stimulation” are disappearing; amusement “has squeezed the boredom out of life.” For the hyperstimulated, “the synaptic mindscape of daily life” becomes all peaks and no valleys. That quote comes from an article by George Will that my dad emailed to me over the weekend, Boredom and the Costs of Constant Connection. If you…

• Setting Boundaries With Technology Can Help You Maintain Your Sense of Self and Identity

  Rhett Smith

  11 Aug 2010 | 2:00 am

  Last week I shared with you some of my thoughts from my talk at the ECHO Conference. In the post, Is Your True Sense of Self And Identity At Risk As You Navigate An Online World I explored more in depth some of the technological hindrances to self and identity in an online world…so today I want to discuss some basic boundaries you can set with the technology in your life that can help you better maintain your sense of self. Boundaries Boundaries are important in all areas of our lives, and they are often not easy things to put into place. Anytime we put a boundary into place with…

• Is Your True Sense Of Self And Identity At Risk As You Navigate An Online World?

  Rhett Smith

  4 Aug 2010 | 2:00 am

  Last week I had the opportunity to speak at the ECHO Conference in Dallas for the first time, and for my topic I decided to address an issue that I have been wrestling with for quite some time — Not Losing Yourself in Social Media. It’s a topic that has been near and dear to my heart as I have continually struggled to maintain my sense of self and identity in an online world. I know that If I’m not careful I can easily get caught up in the online identities that I construct for myself, or that I allow for others to distort/enhance/exaggerate for me. There were lots of…

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  MondayMorningInsight

• ALL Schullers To Take a Temporary 50% Salary Cut

  toddrhoades@gmail.com

  12 Aug 2010 | 5:44 am

  Group Sects and the OC Register is reporting that Crystal Cathedral founder Robert H. Schuller will take a 50% pay cut for the next four pay periods.  So will his wife Avella.  So will current Senior Pastor daughter Sheila Schuller Coleman. But more suprisingly...  so will Robert A. Schuller and his wife, Donna (who left after a family feud in 2008) and Schuller's daughter, Jeanne Schuller Dunn (who lives in Hawaii). No more church payroll checks for the daughter that lives in Hawaii?  Wow, that's radical. Also announced:  Other Cathedral employees, depending on their…

• Say Goodbye to the Untouchable Preachers

  toddrhoades@gmail.com

  12 Aug 2010 | 5:23 am

  J. Lee Grady has an absolutely great piece over at the Chrisma Magazine website.  Charisma is the charismatic slanted ministry magazine, and Grady has recently been calling out factions in his own circles.  In this piece, he makes some great observations that hopefully will continue to, as he puts it, 'shake up the church and remove corruption'... Here's some of what he writes: We were the gullible ones. When they said, "The Lord promises you untold wealth if you will simply give a thousand dollars right now," we went to the phones and put the donations on our credit cards. God…

• Strippers Turn Tables on Church

  toddrhoades@gmail.com

  10 Aug 2010 | 4:49 am

  North of Columbus, OH, there is a battle brewing.  It pits a church against a strip club.  For the last four years, Pastor Bill Dunfee and several from New Beginnings Ministries have been rallying outside of the local strip club.  OK, well... they weren't there to take advantage of the Fox Hole's services, but rather to utilize their bullhorns to talk down the businesses' potential patrons.  They've taken pictures of license plates in the parking lot and posted them on their website. And they've been doing this for the past four years. After a lawsuit against the church…

• Congregations Gone Wild

  toddrhoades@gmail.com

  9 Aug 2010 | 5:03 am

  A United Church of Christ pastor, G. Jeffrew MacDonald, wrote an opinion piece for the New York Times over the weekend that he entitled "Congregations Gone Wild"  Here's part of what he says... THE American clergy is suffering from burnout, several new studies show. And part of the problem, as researchers have observed, is that pastors work too much. Many of them need vacations, it’s true. But there’s a more fundamental problem that no amount of rest and relaxation can help solve: congregational pressure to forsake one’s highest calling. The pastoral vocation is to help…

• Making the Church a Wonderful Place to Work

  toddrhoades@gmail.com

  9 Aug 2010 | 4:38 am

  What if you could create the perfect work atmostphere at your church?  One that made your staff really happy and really successful?  An atmosphere that promoted teamwork, taking risk, and enabling leadership?  What if...? I think much of what your staff thinks about you (personally) and your church (corporately), they'll learn in the first few months.  It's important for the senior leader to set the tone and make a great first impression.  In fact, if you don't get off to a great start in the first few months, the chances of having a well-rounded, long-term staff…

• 

  LifeChurch.tv : swerve

• A Weird Request

  Craig Groeschel

  1 Sep 2010 | 3:50 am

  Thank you for being a part of our Swerve community. I’ve got a personal favor to ask. I’m finishing up a manuscript based on Matthew 7:13-14 “Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.” Jesus calls us to live a different life. If we are living like everyone else, we are probably not following Jesus. We are wrestling with possible titles. I’d love to know which of these you like (or see if you…

• Will You Be There?

  Bobby Gruenewald

  25 Aug 2010 | 9:29 am

  The Catalyst Conference continues to draw thousands of young leaders from around the world each October, offering a unique opportunity to connect and learn from each other as well as thought leaders and innovators from churches, non-profits, and the corporate world. I’m looking forward to Craig’s talk, as well as hearing from speakers like Andy Stanley, Seth Godin, Francis Chan, Beth Moore, Christine Caine, and more. If you’re thinking about going, now is a great time to sign up. The best rates on tickets end this Thursday, August 26, and if you want an even better discount,…

• Free Leadership Conference Comes to You

  Bobby Gruenewald

  18 Aug 2010 | 3:36 am

  We’re pleased to partner once again with Southeastern University and 316 Networks to make the 2010 National Leadership Forum available online for free. Craig will be joining gifted leaders like Andy Stanley, Brian Houston, Bill Hybels, Marcus  Buckingham and more during this two-day conference webcast happening on September 9-10. It’s a great opportunity to gather your team together for learning and inspiration—no travel necessary. Free registration is required and space is filling up quickly, so sign up soon for this unique event and share it with your friends and co-workers!

• The Death of the Five-Year Plan

  Craig Groeschel

  16 Aug 2010 | 3:30 am

  When I started in ministry two decades ago, everyone I knew made five-year plans. While planning is wise and biblical, I’m changing how I plan. Instead of planning for specific buildings, campuses, staff roles, and outreach, I’m planning to be prepared for opportunities that I can’t name today. We are creating margin and planning to respond quickly to ideas that we don’t yet have. Speed, agility, flexibility, and financial margin are far better than a detailed road map. We are in the ready position. Instead of asking God to bless our carefully crafted plans, we’re trying to be…

• Recent Reads

  Craig Groeschel

  4 Aug 2010 | 3:00 am

  This summer, I spent more time reading (or listening) to books than normal. Here’s my recent reading list and thoughts. Sun Stand Still by Steven Furtick: This book is packed with faith-building stories that is a must read. I couldn’t put the book down. It drove me to deep prayer about several things God put on my heart. Getting Things Done by David Allen: This is the second time I read this book. Although it’s overly detailed and could have been half as long with the same content, it was worth rereading to me. (I also had my assistant read it.) How the Mighty Fall by Jim Collins:…

• 

  Jesus Dust

• How (and Why) Spiritual Disciplines Work

  18 Aug 2010 | 9:34 pm

  The kingdom life which Jesus offered is accessible to all, but it is not entered fully without a serious and active intention.   It takes the kind of intention that would lead one to sell all they own to buy a field with a pearl in it.  The disciplines are means by which an individual opens themselves to the transforming grace of God, and they cultivate holy habits of mind and body.[i]  As

• A Conversation about Guidance

  10 Aug 2010 | 6:43 pm

  What do you think God wants me to do? First of all, let me just commend you for asking that question.  It’s evidence that you want to do what God wants you to do. This is 90% of what it takes to hear God. Well, I hope that’s actually true. Do you believe that God knows what will lead you to the abundant life?  Because if that’s in limbo, then it’s really the very fabric of your relationship

• Don't Admire Jesus.

  28 Jul 2010 | 2:12 pm

  This is, in my opinion, one of the best sermons I have heard John Ortberg give in the three years I've been attending and serving Menlo Park Presbyterian Church.  You can read it below or watch it here.  It's a question that so many church-goers need to have thrust upon them: Are you just and admirer of Jesus, or do you want to follow Jesus?  Is Jesus your Lord, or just your homeboy? ____________

• Identity Myth: I am What I Do

  22 Jul 2010 | 3:31 pm

  There are a number of myths about identity.  There's the false connection between identity and commodity.  And there's the idea that having identity requires self-sufficiency.  But neither of these are as destructive as the myth I'm going to address in this post.   It's about the relationship between identity and productivity.  We’re going to debunk the myth that “I am what I do”—this idea that

• John Ortberg Interviews Dallas Willard @ Catalyst

  18 Jul 2010 | 8:41 am

  Dallas Willard changed my understanding of the Christian life and gospel, for the better (and the more biblical).  Watch John Ortberg interview him at the Catalyst West conference where I witnessed the audience gasp and burst into applause at a few of his pearls of wisdom.  He speaks to young leaders about the need to clarify the central message of Jesus.  Is it the announcement of the minimal

• 

  Ministry Vault

• Choosing a Web Designer

  admin

  27 Aug 2010 | 8:46 am

  Who do you trust? Who is the expert? How do you know if a web designer is worth his weight in salt? FULL DISCLOSURE: I am a web designer.  My policy is to give away information and sell a service.  Early in the process with clients, I go through a “discovery” phase – finding out where they stand with their site, then I take them through a teaching phase-  so that the decisions that follow are informed.  This is when I often find that the clients have had a bad run with their last “webmaster” (I use that term lightly).  Hindsight is 20/20 and this is a…

• Is Google Apps Church Management Software?

  admin

  21 Aug 2010 | 1:46 pm

  During the last MinistryVault.com podcast recording (coming soon to an itunes near you), we got into a discussion of the tech that pastors use everyday to be more efficient. We – ok, I – talked at length about All-In-One church management systems versus Google Applications. For those who missed it or want a brief, “ICanHazLinks2ShareW/MyChurchTreasurer” summary, here’s a quick recap of what is out there and how Google measures up. CORE COMPETENCY This post will, admittedly, be an oversimplification.  But in my last job, I managed a contact database at a mega-church with over 60,000…

• Are You Using Online Surveys?

  Patrick Bradley

  17 Aug 2010 | 1:00 pm

  Feedback is critical to leadership and making sound decisions. But most leaders don’t have the time to poll more than a few individuals for their take on an event or new idea.  Keep reading for some great online survey tools! Enter the Online Survey You’ve all taken online surveys before. In a church setting, these surveys can be used for: first-time guest feedback Sunday service feedback from staff & key volunteers polling for community service ideas congregation health survey etc… Free Services If you’re already a Google Docs user, you have this built in. You…

• Episodes 1, 2 & 3 of Our Podcast

  admin

  14 Jul 2010 | 4:02 pm

  Check out our first three episodes of our Ministry Vault podcast. Subscribe Here: http://portablesermons.com/ministryvault Or Here: http://itunes.apple.com/podcast/ministry-vault/id382190586

• Facebook Fan Page Design – Part 2: Create a Micro Site

  admin

  14 Jul 2010 | 9:36 am

  In part 1 of our series, we covered adding the FBML (Facebook Markup Language) application to our Fan Page.  It shows up as a tab and accepts some basic HTML.  One great example of this from Part 1 is here.  Now we will move on to a more advanced technique that allows us to hide and reveal different sections of our page to mimic a micro site – a webpage within a webpage. THE MENU We are using a series of images as our menu buttons.  To keep it simple, we will not use hover and click states – just a simple image as a link.  If you want to use the image I created, feel free. …

• 

  Jesus Hates Papyrus

• Game Changer

  Michael Buckingham

  28 Aug 2010 | 3:40 pm

  It continues to blow my mind, the doors that God opens. It happened again a month or so ago when I received an email from Todd Rhoades asking me to be a part of The Nines conference. I can’t believe I’m on this list, it is “in my weakness He is strong” in action. The theme this year is “Game Changer”. I knew what I was going to talk about, it’s what I’m passionate about. I wanted to talk about the art of church, the art of preaching, my passion to get church leaders focused on HOW we are doing church. As I prayed about it though I realized…

• I bet on the wiener dog.

  Michael Buckingham

  12 Jul 2010 | 8:17 am

  If you don’t subscribe to the MondayMorningMemo, do yourself a favor and subscribe. Great stuff from “The Wizard of Ads”. Today was no different. In it he concludes with this statement: you determine the success of the campaign when you pick what you’re going to promote. I didn’t choose working with the church to be a “success”, I work with the church because God got my attention, grabbed ahold of me and pointed me in that direction. (Think Eli going west in Book of Eli). My job revolves around the “how” of church and preaching. But I believe…

• Help us pick a bible college.

  Michael Buckingham

  25 Jun 2010 | 7:29 pm

  I’m in need of your advise, experience, etc. My son is entering his senior year of high school, that means it’s time to start taking a serious look at colleges. We’re looking at a bible college as he is going to be a pastor. note: we gave him every chance to back out, change his mind, talk him out of it…I see too many that had an emotional experience, confused it with a call and end up falling flat. He’s not just called, he’s designed to be a pastor. He’s grown up in an A/G church so he’s leaning towards an A/G school, but I don’t want to…

• Holy Cow! it’s _______________

  Michael Buckingham

  22 Jun 2010 | 12:00 pm

  Last month Chris Brogan said something in a conference in Chicago, SOBcon. It’s really quite simple, but I’ve not been able to shake it. growth happens when you promote others more than you promote yourself. I knew I had to do something with that thought. I want to be someone that brings joy to others, that doesn’t just find joy in my own success but finds even more out of other people’s amazingness (it’s a word.) So from now on I will be on the lookout for people that make me say Holy Cow! and talk about them, promote them here. I believe it will bring growth in…

• Wanting to be VS doing

  Michael Buckingham

  18 Jun 2010 | 11:32 am

  When I was a kid I wanted to be a fireman when I grew up…or a superhero. But I like my sleep, and not even close to being in shape to fight fires…or villains. Later in life I thought I might want to be a teacher. Then I realized I really just wanted the summers off. I never really thought I’d be a designer. I never really thought of myself as a creative, and certainly not an artist. But that’s what I’ve been doing and that’s what God has created me to be. And I love it. The difference is in the doing. It is easy to want to be something. We want to be great…

• 

  BeDeviant.com

• Lessons From a Car Mechanic

  Justin Wise

  2 Sep 2010 | 6:34 am

  I dropped off our not-so-trusty Vue today at our local mechanic. “I know something’s wrong,” I said. ”We’ll take a look at it,” was the reply. Look, they did. They did so much looking, they needed to look at it overnight. “FREE LOANER!” I celebrated silently to myself. (It’s the little things.) This particular body shop has a deal with a car rental place down the street. I dropped off my keys with the front desk and waited as one of the staff came around the front with a shuttle van to take me to the rental place. I hopped in the shuttle…

• What Your Stereo Can Teach You About Social Media

  Justin Wise

  30 Aug 2010 | 8:47 am

  When stereo sound was first introduced to radio, people had no idea what to do with it. Previously, everything had been broadcast in mono which provided only one channel to push music through. Stereo now provided to separate channels. “How does this work?” When stereo sound was new, producers filled one channel with the instrumental track and the other channel with the vocal track. That’s what made the most sense to them at the time. To this day, if you catch certain tracks while listening to an oldies station, if you isolate the left channel you’ll hear the…

• Who is My Pastor?

  Justin Wise

  28 Aug 2010 | 2:53 pm

  Seth Godin is my pastor because no one cares for their congregation (tribe) more than he does. Anne Lamott is my pastor because she receives grace better than anyone I’ve ever seen. (I’m sure she’s just as adept at giving out grace as well.) Jason Upton is my pastor because he allows me to see God in a way that is not inherent to my spiritual make-up. Cynthia Ware is my pastor because she is constantly striving to seek better ways to communicate God’s word to a waiting and weary world. Mike Housholder is my pastor because I hear him skillfully unpack God’s word…

• 3 Ways to Rejuvenate Your Stale Twitter Account

  Justin Wise

  27 Aug 2010 | 8:33 am

  We’ve all seen them. Maybe you even have one. Or maybe you’re like me and someone else has one that you want. I’m talking about a stale Twitter account. Twitter pages with the last update coming some time between “Don’t taze me bro!” and George W. Bush’s last day in office. What usually happens is that people sign up for Twitter at the suggestion of a friend or colleague (or Ashton Kutcher), update a few times “I’m going to eat a sandwich – LOL!”, fail to get the point of Twitter, and then never touch it again. Nothing’s…

• Expendable People

  Justin Wise

  26 Aug 2010 | 11:45 am

  If you treat people like they are expendable (easily replaceable; dime-a-dozen; nothing special), don’t be surprised when they act expendable. Even at a subconscious level, people know when they’re not valued. This applies at work, at home, in all areas of life. Conversely, if you act expendable, don’t be surprised when you’re treated as such. If you don’t believe you have something unique to bring to the table called Life, why should anyone else? (Seth Godin calls this a “linchpin”.) If you’re in a place where you feel valued and integral to…

• 

  Eric Bryant - Blog

• Peace can protect us…

  Eric Bryant

  2 Sep 2010 | 6:28 am

  Philippians 4:6-7 “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” When have you found peace when it didn’t seem possible?

• The End of the Iraq War (A Lesson for the Church)

  Eric Bryant

  1 Sep 2010 | 10:52 am

  In light of the US troop withdrawal and the end of combat in Iraq, I wanted to re-post lessons learned when we began turning the tide towards progress in 2007 after several really challenging years.  Much still needs to be done, but our troops are serving effectively. A friend of mine I haven’t talked to in about 10 years recently sent me an email from Iraq. After we knew each other in Seattle, he joined the military and now flies blackhawk helicopters. I cannot imagine the courage it takes to serve so faithfully and sacrificially! We are grateful for his service along with the rest of our…

• Perfect Peace…

  Eric Bryant

  1 Sep 2010 | 6:20 am

  Isaiah 26:3 writes to God: “You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you.” What are ways you have found peace through your relationship with God?

• “Little Big Men” Tonight!

  Eric Bryant

  31 Aug 2010 | 10:40 am

  I received the following email from a friend of mine from our days in Seattle. Perry Travis (pictured in the background facing the camera) has been working with teenagers for years, but well before then he was part of the 1982 Little League World Series. Check this out: “Below is information on the Premier Viewing Night of a documentary that Red Line Films and ESPN did on our Kirkland National 1982 LL World Series team. The team will be at a Sports Restaurant holding a silent auction in Seattle to raise money for disadvantaged little leaguers (4pm Sports Restaurant & Bar 140 4th Ave…

• Mixing mercy and fear…

  Eric Bryant

  31 Aug 2010 | 6:22 am

  Jesus’ half-brother wrote in Jude 1:22-23: “Be merciful to those who doubt; snatch others from the fire and save them; to others show mercy, mixed with fear–hating even the clothing stained by corrupted flesh.” How can we show mercy and even rescue people who are making bad choices?

• 

  ThePewView.com

• Elephant In The Church.

  Milan Ford

  1 Sep 2010 | 4:08 am

  Ever heard this phrase used before: The Elephant In The Room? I’m sure you have. Around the office water cooler, and perhaps even the dinner table, it’s an old English idiom that many of us use to describe an obvious truth that is either being ignored, or at times, rarely being addressed. As a new admirer [...]

• Hop. Step. Then Jump.

  Milan Ford

  31 Aug 2010 | 3:55 am

  I’ll never forget the last few months of my senior year. After practically being a one-sport man throughout my high school tenure, it was a sad moment to see the basketball season come to an end. Although I was a pretty decent player (First Team All-League / Team MVP), I was closing in on the [...]

• 47 Years.

  Milan Ford

  28 Aug 2010 | 4:31 am

  Today is the 47th anniversary of the historic March on Washington; a gathering that helped give voice and clarity to one of the greatest movements for social change and justice our nation has ever seen. It will never cease to amaze me that King was my age (34) when he delivered this speech on that [...]

• Completely Random.

  Milan Ford

  25 Aug 2010 | 5:03 am

  Spending a great deal of my time today finishing up on three different articles I’ve been asked to write regarding race. Each for a different outlet. Needless to say, today is a day I need to remain focused. So I figured I just list a few of the random thoughts and links I came across on [...]

• Church Leaders.

  Milan Ford

  24 Aug 2010 | 2:36 am

  On last week, the Outreach Media Group launched a brand new website entitled ChurchLeaders.com, an online destination dedicated to ‘resourcing, informing, and connecting a community of church leaders for greater Kingdom impact.’ I’ve been granted with the awesome opportunity to serve as a guest columnist for this new network; one that consists of several high impact [...]

• 

  Bruce Reyes-Chow

• "A symbol of unknown origin" and the great generational divide

  Bruce Reyes-Chow

  2 Sep 2010 | 10:12 am

  When I first wore this shirt, my teen-aged daughter tweeted, "Dad is wearing a shirt with a symbol of unknown origin on it."  Oh those whipper-snappers have no idea of the joy that seeing this "symbol" brought to me what I saw it at Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.  In the basket it went along with a hat for my wife.  A small piece of our childhood captured in silkscreen. I wore this shirt again during an event last week and again, the 20's of the bunch had no idea what this was. Was it some new Trinitarian symbol? Maybe it is a intergalactic symbol from some obscure sci-fi cult…

• Five reasons why I engage in Social Networking

  Bruce Reyes-Chow

  31 Aug 2010 | 9:54 am

  A few weeks ago I cross-posted some thoughts about race over on SFGate.  And while the conversations on my blog and Facebook about the post were not always in total agreement, the tone and posture of the dialogue was civil, hopeful and I believe a driven by yearning to get somewhere together. Well now . . . the lets "get somewhere together" feel was not so present over on the my SFGate post.  Sure, there are many reasons why this could be: no one really knows me personally, race is always a touchy subject and well, lets be honest, many of the folks who take the time to comment in…

• Four videos for reflection on the 47th Anniversary of MLK's "I Have a Dream" speech

  Bruce Reyes-Chow

  28 Aug 2010 | 4:14 pm

  Here are four videos that I think are worth watching in remembrance of and for reflection on this 47th Anniversary the March on Washington and Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s "I Have a Dream" speech.  These are the ones that first came to mind and disappointed that they are all men. Please leave some links to help expand my personal experience and expression of thoughts on race. I HAVE A DREAM, 1983 - Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. [TEXT] A MORE PERFECT UNION, Presidential Candidate Barack Obama, 2008 [TEXT] HOW TO TELL SOMEONE THEY SOUND RACIST, Jay Smooth, 2008 MORNING PAPERS,…

• Why we must keep talking about race

  Bruce Reyes-Chow

  18 Aug 2010 | 12:10 pm

  UPDATE 08.18.10: If you want to wade into ome less than friendly waters, feel free to visit the cross-posting on the SFGate.  Yesterday during lunch I was "privileged" to overhear a conversation between two folks who were sitting at the table next to me.person 1, How was class today? person 2, It sucked.  The Chinese people in my class don't even speak English; they're so retarded. my inside voice, Um, hello, over here! Chinese person sitting RIGHT next to you. Yes, even here in 70% 30% (corrected number, my bad) Asian San Francisco, it happens: people say…

• Another lame non-published writer angsting about writing!

  Bruce Reyes-Chow

  17 Aug 2010 | 9:22 am

  UPDATE 08.17.10: Upon opening up my book doc, realized that it has been SIX months since I have worked on it. Wow. Time flies when you're . . .This might just be the lamest post I have written in a while.   Don't try to look too deeply into my soul as my neurosis is pretty clear.  Basically I am writing this as a way to continue to feed my own anxiety and procrastination about this book thing I have been working on for the past year.  Tuesdays, I have decided, will now be my "writing day."  So here it is, Tuesday, and what am I doing? Sure, I am writing . . . writing about why I am…

• 

  Kindle Prayers

• Deliverance

  2 Sep 2010 | 8:20 am

  Dearist Lord God bless Anne give her the ability to forgive and receive your gifts. So that she can be saved. I care about her even though she hates me and has hardened her heart toward me and I only want the best for her. I would reach out for her in joy if she would reach out for me and have a party to celebrate. It is up to you LORD GOD what shall be, I can only ask your help or I am thrown in the dungeon; even though all I asked for was forgiveness from her. Now the court will say if I go to jail for asking for forgiveness or fined..

• Apua mun muna jäi oven väliin

  2 Sep 2010 | 1:48 am

  sattuu niin helvetisti

• FOLLOW YOUR WILL LORD

  1 Sep 2010 | 2:53 pm

  Lord God please help me do what you want me to do, I lay all of my troubles on you! You know best what I should do ongoing to obtain thy salvation as a gift from you. May Anne be able to do the same thing softning her heart to do what you want her to do for her salvation and striking down the devil in her.

• i'm praying for god to take away this constant rage that lives in me to heal the relationship between my mother and myself and forgive me for saying and doing the things that i did which contributed to our present position help my mother to understand how

  1 Sep 2010 | 6:13 am

  i'm praying for god to heal me of this cnstant anger this constant rage i'm asking god to heal the relationship between my mother and myself and bring peace tomy family i'm sorry for things said and done but god yu knowi cant take it back and alot was said out of hurt and fustration i ask you to cover my application and let it be successful in no other name but jesus name amen

• Our earthly bodies are mostly water, a prayer for our Oceans

  1 Sep 2010 | 3:53 am

  Ocean

• 

  Tony Steward

• Rotating paceline

  21 Aug 2010 | 1:30 pm

  Rotating paceline

• "Religious vitality requires a balancing act between private contemplation and public conversation,..."

  8 Aug 2010 | 6:05 am

  “Religious vitality requires a balancing act between private contemplation and public conversation, and both practices require the establishment of trust. Without trust, there can be no deepening of a personal relationship with God, nor can there be an enrichment of relationships with other people. This is true regardless of whether the connections are made through Facebook or through a congregational small group” - Are social media changing religion? - USATODAY.com

• "Right now, the literary world is better at encouraging this kind of identity. The Internet culture..."

  8 Aug 2010 | 6:04 am

  “Right now, the literary world is better at encouraging this kind of identity. The Internet culture may produce better conversationalists, but the literary culture still produces better students.” - Op-Ed Columnist - The Medium Is the Medium - NYTimes.com

• "In the era of Skype, web conferencing tools and collaboration software conventional wisdom says that..."

  8 Aug 2010 | 6:01 am

  “In the era of Skype, web conferencing tools and collaboration software conventional wisdom says that distributed startup teams can be just as effective as those that are in person. Conventional wisdom is wrong. Or more precisely the people espousing the benefits of distributed startups teams are often distributed and therefore self rationalizing it. Been there.” - Why You Should Never Found A Startup With A Remote Team

• The 22 minute meeting (updated)

  8 Aug 2010 | 6:00 am

  The 22 minute meeting (updated): (Updated: Now with Nicole Steinbok ignite video at bottom) (Updated: Now with Nicole Steinbok ignite video at bottom) (Updated: Now with Nicole Steinbok ignite video at bottom) No one likes meetings and for good reason. In most meetings, most of the time, most people think most of what goes on is a waste of time. So what if you took out all of the stupid, wasteful stuff and left only the useful parts? Enter the 22 minute meeting. This is an idea from Nicole Steinbok, and she presented the idea at Seattle…

• 

  Church Forward

• The Critical Role of First Followers

  Sam Rainer

  25 Aug 2010 | 2:12 pm

  A friend sent me this video today. It’s from Derek Sivers and a speech he gave at the TED Conference earlier this year. The video contains an important leadership lesson: A leader needs the guts to stand alone and look ridiculous. But what he’s doing is so simple, it’s almost instructional. This is key. You must be easy to follow! Now comes the first follower with a crucial role: he publicly shows everyone how to follow. Notice the leader embraces him as an equal, so it’s not about the leader anymore – it’s about them, plural. Notice he’s calling to his…

• One Problem with Modern Church Buildings

  Sam Rainer

  16 Aug 2010 | 1:42 pm

  Our church needs a new building. It’s no secret among our people that the fellowship hall needs to go—it was built in the 1920s originally as a grocery store. It has a well in the basement. And the linoleum on the main floor looks like camouflage. So, our long-range planning committee is meeting and discussing the future of what we build. But before we build, we must understand the philosophy of church buildings. First, the church is not a building. The people who constitute the church, however, typically meet in a building regularly. A new building is one of the most dangerous proposals…

• What to do with Nastygrams

  Sam Rainer

  5 Aug 2010 | 11:10 pm

  Most leaders get them. Every so often someone will send an unwarranted, venomous note, letter, or email. If you’ve ever received one, then you know they rarely come from someone close. Most of the time, they come from people you hardly know. In the church, these malicious messages are usually about irrelevant specifics, not the essentials of discipleship or the direction of a leader’s vision. Most annoyingly, they often come as a surprise from someone who has never expressed any previous disagreements in person. Regardless of how off base such a letter may be, it still represents the…

• What I Learned from Being a Bi-vocational Pastor

  Sam Rainer

  25 Jul 2010 | 3:40 pm

  Today I attended the funeral of a 95 year-old man. He was a bi-vocational minister. He paid the bills by working as an electrician.  But his calling drove him to the tent revivals and churches. Bi-vocational pastors serve outside the spotlight. In my denomination, however, approximately half of all pastors are bi-vocational. They are many, but they get only a fraction of attention given to pastors of larger churches. They receive little recognition, but they are the workhorses of churches that do much of the heavy lifting. Though I now pastor full-time, I served for two years as a…

• Welcoming Maggie Elizabeth Rainer!

  Sam Rainer

  25 Jun 2010 | 5:57 pm

  No words can describe. 7 lbs 9 oz. I love her so much.

• 

  Confessions of a Small Church Pastor

• Lead, Care, Proclaim

  Chuck Warnock

  31 Aug 2010 | 11:56 am

  Years ago, LifeWay’s focus on pastoral ministry was contained in three words — lead, care, proclaim.  Lead included church administration with its committee meetings, planning sessions, and member training.  Care involved pastoral care of the congregation, and the pastor’s training of and relationship with caregivers such as deacons.  Proclaim covered the pastor’s preaching and teaching ministry both at Sunday morning worship, and in smaller group settings such as Wednesday Bible study. To support these tasks, LifeWay (then called The Baptist Sunday School Board)…

• Leading Your Church To Change

  Chuck Warnock

  24 Aug 2010 | 5:09 pm

  “How can I get them to change?”  As a small church pastor, I think I’ve asked myself that question at least once a day in every church I have pastored.  Wanting the churches we pastor to change is part of our DNA.  We see opportunities for improvement, expansion, growth, outreach, and progress, and we think everyone should see things the same way we do. Of course, it doesn’t take long to realize everyone doesn’t see things the way we do, and that our members like things just like they are.  How does a pastor, whose heart beats to the sound of change, lead his congregation to…

• Living Into vs. Talking About

  Chuck Warnock

  18 Aug 2010 | 9:27 am

  Seth Godin asks How long before you run out of talking points? His point is that those who “live into” rather than just “talk about” (my words, not Godin’s) what they espouse are the real deal.  Then he says, Then compare these passionate leaders to a pundit, spin doctor or troll (for just about any cause du jour) being interviewed on TV. After three sentences, they run out of assertions, facts or interesting things to say. There’s a lot to be said for being deep, scientific and informed. There are lots of religious talking points, especially among…

• The annual Beloit Mindset List is out

  Chuck Warnock

  17 Aug 2010 | 2:19 pm

  I look forward to this every year — the annual Beloit College Mindset List.  Created by two of Beloit’s staff, the Mindset List was designed to give Beloit professors clues to their incoming freshmen class.  Professors who thought listening to Kurt Cobain made them cool, might be surprised to learn that Nirvana is now on the Oldies station. To further peg this new digital generation, it’s interesting to note that the Class of 2014 has never written in cursive.  (Actually, I find that hard to believe, but I suppose they might not have written in cursive since they learned…

• How I Spent My Summer

  Chuck Warnock

  15 Aug 2010 | 5:30 pm

  Where did summer go?  I’m sure yours has been busy, too; but, I can’t believe how summer has flown by.  School starts tomorrow here in our community, and we resume our regular Wednesday night schedule at the church starting this Wednesday. June was taken up with Vacation Bible School — getting ready and then the week of VBS itself.  In July, I finished my last course paper for my DMin at Fuller on the subject of forgiveness.  Lots of reading and time in this last paper, but I hope to do my final project on forgiveness, so this was kind of an abbreviated trial run. A…

• 

  Prodigal Magazine

• Was I wrong about dream girls?

  JHalbert

  31 Aug 2010 | 11:53 pm

  A while ago I wrote an article saying that I thought that “dream girls” didn’t exist.  I think about 5 people read it and left some comments, but overall, it was probably just left alone. It was a pretty brutal article, maybe offensive, someone said “cynical and bitter,” but I was really trying to be more funny than I was angry. My lack of writing experience was probably the article’s biggest deterrent to its effectiveness.  That said, sorry if you were the few that read it and were offended and I hurt your sensitive little hearts; I really didn’t…

• Q&A – What is God’s relationship to time?

  admin

  20 May 2010 | 8:46 am

  Answer: We live in a physical world with its four known space-time dimensions of length, width, height (or depth) and time. However, God dwells in a different dimension—the spirit realm—beyond the perception of our physical senses. It’s not that God isn’t real; it’s a matter of His not being limited by the physical laws and dimensions that govern our world (Isaiah 57:15). Knowing that “God is spirit” (John 4:24), what is His relationship to time?In Psalm 90:4, Moses used a simple yet profound analogy in describing the timelessness of God: “For a thousand years in Your sight…

• Michael Catt Interview (Creator of Facing The Giants and Fireproof)

  jvaughan

  10 Apr 2010 | 1:35 pm

  Last week, I got an email from a literary agency asking me if I would be interested in interviewing Michael Catt.  Many of you may not know who he is.  He is the Senior Pastor at Sherwood Baptist Church in Albany, GA and the creator of movies such as Facing The Giants, Fireproof and the newly announced production Courageous that will be hitting the big screen next year.  God has moved in and through his church to be an encouragement to many, so I sat down with him today to discuss his role as a pastor, an author and a movie producer. Pastor: When people hear the name, Michael Catt, they…

• Reign O’er a Kingdom in Ruin

  BMacKinnon

  2 Mar 2010 | 7:18 am

  One nugget of Christian rhetoric I have always had the toughest time understanding is “giving everything to God.”  What was so frustrating about this is that “giving everything to God” sounds like the right thing to do, and here I don’t even know the implications of the statement!  My visceral response is to pack up all my belongings and give them to the church.  Or perhaps to quit my job and say I had given it to God.  The Peace Corps seems to fit the bill for that too, I should enlist (or whatever it is they call it). No.  That isn’t all there is to it.  Luckily, Jesus…

• Killer Resume pt.2

  ssutton

  28 Feb 2010 | 8:18 pm

  OK, folks, last time we got you halfway through your resume, so we need to finish up this week and then move on to the other aspects of the job hunt. Once you’ve gotten your qualifications tweaked, you should list your experience. I prefer the term Career Summary as a header, because it gives the reader the impression you’ve been on course all along, even if it seems you’ve gotten side-tracked from time to time. Don’t worry if some of your jobs haven’t been in your chosen line of work. In this era of downsizing, company reorganizing, corporate bankruptcies, and wage-freezes, most of…

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  Reaching The Online Generation

• Losing the Online Generation

  Paul

  1 Sep 2010 | 6:08 am

  Most of the issues facing churches and ministries these days are not technology issues. They are discipleship issues. Technology is just a spotlight, a magnifying glass, revealing overlooked or hidden problems with discipleship in the Western church and its progeny. If we don’t address the discipleship issues, we will create another generation of predominately shallow and infertile Christians…and we will have a great time playing with out websites and iPads in the process. If you don’t have a plan to make disciples… If you don’t know how what you do fits into a…

• Winter Disciple-Maker’s Course

  Paul

  27 Aug 2010 | 6:02 am

  Hello all!  We’re getting ready for our winter round of classes for people who want to make disciples who, in turn, make disciples.  Here is the info you need to get involved. Class Size: Class size is limited to 12 people. Dates: The class is offered at two different times during the week: Tuesdays at 8:30pm – 10:30 (CDT – Texas Time), Saturdays at 9am – 11am (CDT – Texas Time).  Our first Tuesday class will meet on November 30, 2010.  Our first Saturday class will meet on December 4, 2010.  There will be a total of 10 classes in this course. Pick the Tuesday night OR the…

• Course: Making Disciples That Become Movements

  Paul

  19 May 2010 | 12:48 pm

  Class Size: Class size is limited to 10 people. Dates: This class is offered at two different times during the week: Tuesdays at 8:30pm – 10:30 (CDT – Texas Time), Saturdays at 9am – 11am (CDT – Texas Time).  Our first Tuesday class will meet on June 22, 2010.  Our first Saturday class will meet on June 26, 2010.  There will be a total of 10 classes in this course (roughly 10 weeks). Location: Online (Skype). Cost: Free, with a catch.  When you are accepted into the program, you have to make a $50 deposit.  You will get your $50 deposit back at the end of the last…

• Gowalla, Possibilities and Pet Peeves

  Paul

  22 Mar 2010 | 7:01 am

  Last week I talked about some of the ways Gowalla (and other so-lo media) can be used within the church.  I’ve been messing around with the service enough now to discover some really neat applications and some pet peeves. Remind People to Check-In Put a sticker on the front door.  Put a slide in your announcement loop, if you’re a church.  Whatever you do, remind people to check-in. Follow-up Then follow up with them, like Zach did, after the service.  Take the step to building a relationship outside the walls of your business or church.  If you follow them to a Facebook…

• Gowalla and The Gospel

  Paul

  19 Mar 2010 | 7:30 am

  I’ve been playing around quite a bit with the location-based social networking service called, Gowalla.  From Wikipedia: Gowalla is a primarily mobile web application that allows users to check-in to locations that they visit using their mobile device. This is achieved either through the use of dedicated applications available on Google Android, iPhone, Palm WebOS and BlackBerry, or via m.gowalla.com. There is currently no way of checking-in through the standard website. Check-ins can be pushed via Notifications to iPhones, and by linking accounts, to Twitter and Facebook.

• 

  FredMcKinnon.Com

• What Worship Song Lyrics Really Bother You?

  Fred McKinnon

  2 Sep 2010 | 5:17 am

  Yesterday I blogged about how I changed a lyric in Jonathan Stockstill’s (Deluge) “Open Up the Sky”.  I only changed one word but it was enough to make the song singable in corporate worship for me.  Jonathan even sanctioned the change! Today I’d like to as you … “What worship song lyrics really bother you”? Do me a favor – comment, and then share this link on Facebook, Retweet on Twitter, etc.  Let’s get the community rolling here again! Related posts:Why I Changed the Lyrics to Deluge’s “Open Up the Sky” Worship…

• Why I Changed the Lyrics to Deluge’s “Open Up the Sky”

  Fred McKinnon

  1 Sep 2010 | 12:02 pm

  The song “Open Up The Sky” (iTunes) by Jonathan Stockstill has been around a while now.  I remember one of my best friends and mentors telling me about this song … I dunno … maybe 1-2 years ago.  It was recorded on Deluge’s “Live From Bethany World Prayer Center” and released by Integrity Music. I heard it a few times and was never blown away until I took part in leading it with Joel Klampert, Conner Byrd, Mike Mahoney, and some great friends at a mens’ retreat in New Hampshire earlier this year.  It was during that retreat that the song…

• Praise Him In The Dance

  Fred McKinnon

  31 Aug 2010 | 2:12 pm

  When you say “praise Him in the dance” and think of incorporating “dance” as an act of praise … what comes to mind? How about this?  1300+ people from a church in Budapest Hungary rehearsed this dance and came together and “danced” to celebrate Easter Sunday.  What’s even cooler?  They are organizing the same thing for Easter 2011 … worldwide.  For more info, visit www.uptofaith.com Related posts:Evolution of Dance in FamJam Join TheWorshipCommunity.Com in “Pure Praise” Slow Dance

• Worship Service Recaps from St. Simons Community Church

  Fred McKinnon

  30 Aug 2010 | 4:31 pm

  I’m not sure where to start.  The last few weeks at my home church have been … well, incredible.  We’ve made a conscious effort to slow it down, to hear God, and to allow God to do what He loves to do … change lives and minister to people. It started 3 weeks ago when we prepared for a service where we’d offer people the opportunity to be baptized – right there, right then, no excuses.  We baptized 126 people.  It was amazing. Then we shared testimonies and built faith. Then we prayed for the sick and those in need of healing. Yeah … at that…

• Two New Websites You Should Know About

  Fred McKinnon

  20 Aug 2010 | 1:35 pm

  Hey Gang, In the vein of “Follow Friday” … I’d like to introduce you to a couple of new sites that I’d recommend: www.churchleaders.com – a new site for, well, you guessed it … Church Leaders!  This site is already packed with incredible content and has a slick look and feel.  You never know, you just might find some worship articles from me in there soon! www.patrickeades.com – This is a local guy .. the Executive Director of our local Care Net (aka Crisis Pregnancy Center).  But Patrick is new to blogging, but not new to ministry,…

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  Worship Ministry Catalyst

• Worship Ministry Catalyst Podcast – Episode 0072 – Brent Hodge of brentinworship.com (Part 2 of 2)

  David Lindner

  24 Aug 2010 | 4:42 pm

  If you missed last week’s podcast, where we got to know Brent, you’ll definitely want to check it out! This week, we dive into some of the things Brent and his church are doing, technologically speaking. This is the second part of our interview with with Brent Hodge of brentinworship.com. If you haven’t met him, you should. You can also check him out on twitter. @inworship. (You can also follow me @lindnerphoto – please!) Brent is a mover and a shaker in the Worship Ministry World. We get to know Brent a little more in this episode and talk about some of the things he…

• Worship Ministry Catalyst Podcast – Episode 0071 – Brent Hodge of brentinworship.com (Part 1 of 2)

  David Lindner

  17 Aug 2010 | 8:48 pm

  This week we get the awesome privilege of talking with Brent Hodge of brentinworship.com. If you haven’t met him, you should. You can also check him out on twitter. @inworship. (You can also follow me @lindnerphoto.) Brent is a mover and a shaker in the Worship Ministry World. We get to know Brent a little more in this episode and talk about some of the things he does at Table Rock Fellowship and some of the things he just enjoys doing. If you’re a faithful listener to the worship ministry catalyst podcast, we would love to hear from you and we’d also love it if you’d…

• Why Sermons? If Jesus came today would he preach?

  David Lindner

  16 Aug 2010 | 9:11 pm

  I know that I’m walking a tight-rope with this post, but it’s something I’ve been doing a lot of thinking about (as with worship services in general). (This post is only meant to invoke thought, not bash sermons.) I know the history. I know that Jesus taught. I know that Peter and Paul and others preached. But why sermons? Why the passive listening? Do we actually learn from sermons anymore? Are that many people’s lives being changed through the power of sermons? Or could it be, that they were powerful for a time and that time is coming to an end? Could it be that…

• Worship Ministry Catalyst Podcast – Episode 0070 – Do you need a degree to be a worship leader?

  David Lindner

  9 Aug 2010 | 5:30 pm

  Ever wondered if you need a degree to be able to lead worship? Do you feel that if you had a degree in music, you’d be better prepared to do your job as a worship leader? If you’ve ever wondered about these questions, this episode of the WMC podcast is for you. Take a listen, you might be surprised. If you’re a faithful listener to the worship ministry catalyst podcast, we would love to hear from you and we’d also love it if you’d take the time to share us with your friends and other worship leaders you know. Whether you’re new or have been listening for…

• Building Momentum In a Worship Minsitry during the down months of summer

  David Lindner

  2 Aug 2010 | 5:15 pm

  If you’ve been leading worship for long, you’ve undoubtedly been through a summer lull. I’m definitely there right now. People go on vacation with no consideration, it seems, for your needs as a worship leader. It’s almost as if they have their own lives apart from your worship ministry and that they’d rather be on the beach than playing or singing in your team. The nerve! Well, as I’ve been thinking about our discussion in our most recent episode of the WMC podcast, it seems that part of the issue may be our perception of what summer is. Of course, summer…

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  Christian Web Trends Blog

• Website Tips Video: Add a Google Map to Your Site

  Paul Steinbrueck

  2 Sep 2010 | 7:13 am

  School is in session. As a part of Back to School Month, we are experimenting with something new – Website Tips Videos.  They will be brief video tutorials, showing you how to do something cool with your website that maybe you never realized could be done.  We’ll be publishing a new Website Tips Video every Thursday and Monday this month. Our first Website Tips Video shows you how to add a map from Google Maps to your website.  Check it out! What do you think?  Was it helpful or not?  A useful topic or not? Was it too short?  Too long?  Was it presented in an interesting,…

• Win a $2,500 Website or Year of Search Engine Marketing for Your School

  Paul Steinbrueck

  1 Sep 2010 | 10:13 am

  Today OurChurch.Com is kicking off the School Spirit Contest.  The winning school will get their choice of a custom designed website (valued at $2,500) or a year of OurChurch.Com’s Top School Search Rankings service. Participating is fun and easy for any school.  Just fill out a short entry form describing your school and its spirit.  Include pics and a YouTube video if you like. Then rally your teachers, parents, students, and friends to vote. The school with the most school spirit – a combination of points scored by votes, Twitter tweets, and Facebook likes – by 11:59 PM…

• How to Double Your Facebook Fans in a Month

  Paul Steinbrueck

  1 Sep 2010 | 4:37 am

  Four weeks ago we announced the Facebook Fan Drive for Orphans. The idea: grow our Facebook fans from 600 to 2,000 by the end of the month, and if we reach that goal, donate $500 to Springs of Hope Kenya, a fantastic Christian home for orphans started by our friends Joe and Molly Bail. We blogged about it, tweeted about it, and posted updates to our Facebook page throughout the month.  In the end, the goal proved unattainable.  When the clock struck midnight this morning, we had 1,239 Facebook fans. The addition of 639 fans is just under half the goal, so we’re going to make a donation of…

• Practical Steps to Getting Started in Social Media – Step 2: Listen

  Paul Steinbrueck

  27 Aug 2010 | 2:43 am

  We’re continuing in our series Practical Steps to Getting Started in Social Media.  If you missed em, check out the previous posts in this series… Intro Step 1: Learn Some people learn best by hearing, others by doing.  Both of those methods were covered in Step 1: Learn.  I’ve found one of the best ways to learn is by observing others.  That’s the focus of this step. Once you’ve clicked around your account while reading over some getting started guides, it’s time to start listening to others who are already using the social network you’re getting started in.  There are at…

• Practical Steps to Getting Started in Social Media – Step 1: Learn

  Paul Steinbrueck

  25 Aug 2010 | 7:44 am

  Yesterday, we kicked off a new series called Practical Steps to Getting Started in Social Media.  If you didn’t read the intro post to the series, I recommend you click over and read it first. The first practical step to getting started in social media is to learn the basics of one particular social network.  Let’s break that down into 5 sub-steps: 1a) Pick one network If you’re just getting started in social media, the first step I recommend is to pick one social networking platform.  At this point in time, if you haven’t used any social networking platforms, it probably makes…

• 

  Goodmanson

• The Future Church influenced by Technology

  D. Goodmanson

  9 Aug 2010 | 11:48 am

  Technology is a powerful agent that shapes those who use it in ways that are often unintended. For example, Air Conditioning has been credited with being one of the most culture-altering technologies because people tend to stay inside more- isolated from the community around them. As the Church we can see this unintended technological consequences as well. Consider the printing press, something we celebrate as believers who are now better able to study God’s Word. One of the unintended consequences of the printing press is the growth of individual interpretation over a communal…

• Porterbrook Missional Training launching at Kaleo

  D. Goodmanson

  21 Jul 2010 | 12:44 pm

  The Porterbrook Network is a developing initiative aimed at contributing to a wider church planting movement by equipping individuals and churches to rediscover mission as their DNA through training, and resourcing. Kaleo is launching the program to students in the Southern California area. Porterbrook: San Diego The course is delivered through distance learning with an introductory day and 3 residential weekends throughout the year. It will require about 5 hours study each week. The full course is over two years, comprising a foundation year and advanced year. Students can join either year…

• GCM Collective 2010 Conference Schedule in Austin

  D. Goodmanson

  15 Jul 2010 | 1:33 pm

  The GCM Collective will be hosting their first GCM Conference in Austin, TX this October, bringing together church planters, pastors, and leaders to collaborate on the practice of missional communities. This three-day conference will feature main and breakout sessions under the theme of GOSPEL, COMMUNITY and MISSION. You will get to hear from, meet and interact with leaders who are daily practitioners, living in gospel communities on mission in their cities. This is a unique experience that will present the why, what and how-to of starting, leading and multiplying missional communities.

• Echo Church Media Conference

  D. Goodmanson

  13 Jul 2010 | 11:08 am

  I’ll be returning to the Echo Church Media Conference this year to present. A Look into the Near & Distant Future of Online Ministry – In this session learn what is next on the horizon and how this impacts the local church. This session is designed for strategic leaders regardless of their technological level of understanding. Church Web Stories: Learning from others’ successes and struggles – In this session you will get behind the scene access to the real world results of several church web strategies. We’ll look at the church website, social media…

• Goodmanson.com Reboot

  D. Goodmanson

  12 Jul 2010 | 10:01 pm

  I’ve had the chance to update the blog with a brand new design, upgrade from WordPress 2.x to 3.0 and move from MySQL 4.x to 5.0. While these add to the reboot, more importantly I plan to write a new set of blog posts exploring a few ideas from a review of Friendship at the Margins, some thoughts on dialogical preaching, GCM (gospel, community, mission) updates as well as research and discovery we’ve been doing on church website strategies. Thanks for you patience with my lack of postings, here’s to a solid second half of 2010 of writing…

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  Emergent Village

• 2010 Emergent Village Theological Conversation Synchroblog [1]

  Amy Moffitt

  29 Aug 2010 | 7:11 pm

  “Creating Liberated Spaces in a Post-Colonial World” During the week of August 30 through September 3, a group of people from a variety of perspectives will blog on the topic for this year’s Emergent Village Theological Conversation: “Creating Liberated Spaces in a Post-Colonial World”. The bloggers have been given the topic and asked to give their honest reaction. Bloggers include: – Jonathan Brink at jonathanbrink.com/blog – Annie Bullock at Marginal Theology marginaltheology.wordpress.com – Julie Clawson at onehandclapping julieclawson.com – Nelson Costa (in Portuguese…

• Reflections on God, Nine Months After Cara's Birth and Death [11]

  Amy Moffitt

  21 Aug 2010 | 12:05 pm

  By Laryn Kragt Bakker To say that our world has been altered since our daughter Caritas died nine months ago would be an understatement. I see that in physical details like our two-year old continuing to reenact with dolls a baby in her tummy who is “so sick” and ends up dying, but also in my daily thoughts and feelings and in the way I view God and the world around us. In a strange way, I ended up with more questions but my faith feels stronger on a fundamental level. A friend of mine coined the phrase “faith-infused agnostic” and that term has grown on me. It reminds me of Meister…

• Strange Awakenings: A Call to Faithful Vocation

  Amy Moffitt

  21 Aug 2010 | 11:59 am

  by Mihee Kim-Kort Moments of irony hit me hard…I think it’s because I subconsciously hold up my worldview like a blanket wrapped around me, these expectations and preconceived notions woven together tightly in my brain, so when something outside of my usual assumptions happens to me, it knocks me out cold and stays with me for awhile. I grew up in a traditional Presbyterian home…culturally Korean on the inside, culturally attempting-to-be-American (whatever that means) on the outside. But, no doubt there was an undeniable hierarchy in the house, as well as at our church home. My father…

• Women and Men As Corn: Campesino Gathering in Nicaragua

  Amy Moffitt

  21 Aug 2010 | 11:35 am

  by Natanael Disla In October of 2008, I was sent to Nicaragua by the Dominican Republic Baptist Seminary (where I study) to participate in a campesino gathering organized by the Latin American and Caribbean Community of Ecumenical Theological Education (CETELA). The purpose of these campesino gatherings is to visit environmental projects and take the principles back home. Corn is the main ingredient of the Mesoamerican diet. It is said that women and men came from corn seeds, growing straight out of the earth. Therefore, it is important to take care of the soil that produces corn, wheat, and…

• A Time To Reconstruct [95]

  Amy Moffitt

  18 Jul 2010 | 7:10 am

  by Jonathan Brink Over the last decade, many of us who have participated in what some call “the conversation” have been engaging a deconstruction process of our faith. In many ways this leaving was liberation from an old story. The traditional way of seeing the story in the Gospel just didn’t work anymore. The conversation became a place to share our fears, our stories, and our liberation. One of the real, valid criticisms of this process is that much of the conversation was a deconstruction process. In other words, we were tearing down an old story but nothing new was offered to take…

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  Ron Edmondson

• 7 Qualities to Look for in a Pastor’s Wife

  Ron Edmondson

  2 Sep 2010 | 4:00 am

  I receive dozens of emails from pastors each week. This one caught my attention and I asked permission to use it here.  Hopefully others will benefit from my response and weigh in with their own thoughts. I have changed his name. Ron, I hope all is well with you. I frequent your blogs ever so often via twitter, which I do enjoy. the reason for this email is for some direction. It is my belief that the Lord has called me to be a pastor, however I am presently single. I wanted to find out what are some of the qualities one should look for and how should I go about finding a wife as a future…

• Let My Marathon Training Help Plan Your Life

  Ron Edmondson

  1 Sep 2010 | 4:00 am

  Are you feeling stressed? Overwhelmed? Over-worked? Like you can never complete everything you are supposed to complete? Do projects never seem to be as good as you want them to be? Here’s an illustration I hope will help. I’m training for a marathon. I didn’t start with a 10 mile run. Actually, I’m a consistent runner and try to stay in good enough shape to run a half marathon anytime I choose to run one, but when I started marathon training, the first day out I only ran 3 miles. Why? Because I’m running a marathon, not a sprint. Take a look at my first few weeks of…

• Increasing Creativity and Innovation on a Tight Budget

  Ron Edmondson

  31 Aug 2010 | 6:00 am

  Here’s a way to discipline yourself to increase creativity on your team or in your organization…especially during times when money is tight. When you are ready to make a purchase, ask yourself this question: If you didn’t have the money, and it was a need you had to address, what would you do? Recently we had this scenario. I was asked to consider a non-budgeted purchase. I delayed in answering the question, somewhat for this reason and some because I got distracted from answering the question. (The thought, however, was that my delay was intentional.) A few weeks later, I…

• Introverts in the Church Giveaway Today

  Ron Edmondson

  31 Aug 2010 | 4:00 am

  Winners announced: @alyssaglick @bradshim @heartcures @kennyinnes Send me your address and I’ll get you a book. Thanks for reading! Last week I wrote about living with introversion in the ministry.  You can read 7 Pitfalls of Being an Introverted Pastor and 7 Ways I Work with Introversion to Protect My Ministry Each of these posts, and every post I ever do about introversion, creates interest from those who share this part of my personality.  I had several people at church this week comment on the posts.  Apparently, this is an issue worth talking about more! In an effort to help…

• 7 Ways I Protect My Family Life in Ministry

  Ron Edmondson

  30 Aug 2010 | 4:15 am

  If a pastor is not careful, the weight of everyone else’s problems will take precedence over the issues and concerns of his immediate family. I see it frequently among pastors I encounter. There have been seasons of my ministry where this is the case, especially on abnormally stressful days. I decided years ago when I was a small business owner, serving in an elected office and on dozens of non-profit boards that my busyness would never detract from my family life on a long-term basis. Here are 7 ways I attempt to protect my family from the stress of ministry: Down time. Saturdays for…

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  CONNECT

• Catalyst Atlanta

  Dawn Nicole Baldwin

  25 Aug 2010 | 9:46 am

  Catalyst 09 BackstageOriginally uploaded by The Catalyst MovementIt's that time of year again... and easily my favorite event of the year. Catalyst Conference--happening October 6-8, 2010 in Atlanta, where 13,000 young leaders will converge for the leadership experience of the year, including high-octane speakers, powerful worship, innovative programming, and an experience unlike any other.Hear from leadership authorities including Andy Stanley, Seth Godin, TD Jakes, Craig Groeschel, Francis Chan, Beth Moore, Perry Noble, and Christine Caine, along with several innovative thinkers and…

• ECHO Conference

  Dawn Nicole Baldwin

  29 Jul 2010 | 11:43 pm

    Thanks again to everyone who came to the session today at the ECHO conference! As promised, here's a quick recap of some of the key points we discussed as well as a few take-home resources. Enjoy! Download DawnNicoleBaldwin_Echo notes

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  Ed Stetzer

• Thursday Is for Thinkers: Jack Lumanog, Transformational Small Churches, & Bivo Ministry

  2 Sep 2010 | 7:35 am

  Thanks to Dan Cruver for his post last week on Small Churches and Adoption. Next week, Artie Davis from Cornerstone Community Church (Orangeburg, SC) and the Comb Network. Today's post comes from Jack Lumanog, as a part of our series focusing on Transformational Small Churches. Jack is pastor of Christ the King Anglican Church in Lansing, MI. He serves in the Anglican Mission in the Americas as the Clergy Formation Advisor overseeing candidates in the process of ordination for the Heart of North America Region. His website is here. Jack is writing today about an issue that many pastors of…

• Kevin Ezell Nominated as President of North American Mission Board: A Great Leader with a Heart for and Track Record in Church Planting

  1 Sep 2010 | 10:33 am

  There has been some exciting news and discussion in my denomination, the Southern Baptist Convention. It was released yesterday that Kevin Ezell has been nominated as the next president of the North American Mission Board for the SBC. I usually post my SBC commentary at our SEBTS blog, Between the Times since I know that many of my readers are not SBC. But, when the largest protestant denomination has a candidate for the largest North American focused mission agency, it is worth your attention, inside or outside of my denominational family. I first met Kevin Ezell on an airplane more than ten…

• Transformational Small Churches: Guest Post from Christian Phuoc-lanh Phan

  31 Aug 2010 | 7:49 pm

  We are just one week away from the all-day webcast of The Exchange on September 7, focusing on Transformational Small Churches. I have been happy to feature several posts from myself and guest bloggers in the past few weeks on this subject, and this week will be largely devoted to the topic as we lead up to the big day. Today's guest blogger is Dr. Christian Phuoc-lanh Phan, Lead Pastor of Agape Baptist Church in Renton, WA. Christian is also the author of "Vietnamese Americans: Understanding Vietnamese People In The United States 1975-2010" by Xulon Press. Small Churches Can Do Great Things…

• And the Winner Is . . .

  31 Aug 2010 | 2:56 pm

  Well, the votes seem to be in, and the favorites are numbers six and nine. There were so many great choices, but those received the most votes. I have decided that instead of having a winner and a runner-up, I will find opportunity to use both of them. Both will be contacted soon to receive copies of Comeback Churches and Transformational Church. Number six was contributed by Les Lanphere of http://crosschurch.net. He designed and blogs at http://regenerated.us and his personal site is http://killerrobotninja.com. Number nine was contributed by Christopher Wurpts. Thanks for your help,…

• Small Church Week Graphic

  31 Aug 2010 | 11:31 am

  In just the last two hours there has been great response to my request for a graphic for this week's focus on Transformational Small Churches. We can only choose one, but here are some of my favorites. I thought I would put them out and see what people thought. Look them over and vote for your favorite. CHOICE ONE: CHOICE TWO: CHOICE THREE: CHOICE FOUR: CHOICE FIVE: CHOICE SIX: CHOICE SEVEN: CHOICE EIGHT: CHOICE NINE: CHOICE TEN: CHOICE ELEVEN: CHOICE TWELVE: CHOICE THIRTEEN: CHOICE FOURTEEN: CHOICE FIFTEEN: CHOICE SIXTEEN:

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  daveferguson.org

• Creating Apostolic Environments - Forge Conference

  Dave Ferguson

  12 Aug 2010 | 8:12 am

  Dave Ferguson “Apostolic Environments” from Mark Wesley on Vimeo.

• You Need A Break!

  Dave Ferguson

  10 Aug 2010 | 8:03 pm

  We got back from our family vacation last week which included a trip to Minneapolis for a college visit, several relaxing days in Door County, Wisconsin and then a couple fun days at a water park in Wisconsin Dells.  The pic to your left is one of the kids at a local pizza place called, The Moose Jaw. (You'd have to be there.)  While it was nothing exotic it was a great family time and a good get away for all of us.I have always thought vacations are important, but thanks to an article sent to me by Brian Moll that appeared in the New York Times titled, Taking A Break From The Lord's Work…

• Jim Collins - 5 Stages of Decline

  Dave Ferguson

  9 Aug 2010 | 8:49 pm

  The second session of the Willow Creek Global Leadership Summit featured best-selling author Jim Collins.  Both Built to Last and Good to Great have been important books in the leadership and management genre.  They have introduced language like: "Level 5 Leader", BHAG (Big Hairy Audacious Goal), "Right people in the right seats on the bus", and more. However, in this talk Collins content came from his latest book, How The Mighty Have Fallen. In this session he laid out a very strong warning to leaders in the for-profit and not-for profit world by identifying the "5 Stage of Decline":STAGE…

• Bill Hybels on Leadership Fundamentals

  Dave Ferguson

  9 Aug 2010 | 8:28 pm

  In the opening session of the 2010 Willow Creek Global Leadership Summit, Bill Hybels went back to the basics and asked:  "What do leaders do?"  "What are the fundamentals of leadership?"  Rather than delve into new leadership territory, Hybels decided to go back to the drawing board of leadership and give us some new insights on the basics of leadership. Hybels, who is a brilliant student of leadership went on to give the following four answers to those questions:1. Leaders Move People From Here To There.This is not just about the vision-thing.  I used to think the first step for any…

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  tonymorganlive.com

• Your 10 Favorite Posts from Last Month

  tony

  2 Sep 2010 | 6:00 am

  No vacations around here during August. Still lots of action. Here are the posts that generated the most traffic in order of popularity: Ladies, How to Welcome a Man Home 5 Questions to Clarify Vision Leadership Summit Notes 3 Cultural Trends Impacting Church Leadership Leadership Summit | Bill Hybels Leadership Summit | T.D. Jakes Succession Planning At the Movies Leadership Summit | Jim Collins Get more people to do it. Didn’t find what you were looking for? Let me know what topics you’d like me to hit in the coming weeks. More Fun on TonyMorganLive.com:Blogging QuestionsBono on…

• 10 Campus Constants at West Ridge Church

  tony

  1 Sep 2010 | 6:00 am

  We’re 11 days away from launching our second campus of West Ridge Church. Our desire to is start four more campuses over the next four years. With that in mind, we wanted to develop a framework to define the constants all of these campuses would share. Indirectly, that also helps clarify where each of the campuses also has freedom. That led our leadership team to a conversation where we discussed how West Ridge would become one church in multiple locations. Borrowing from a similar resource from Community Christian Church in Chicago, we landed on these campus constants. Every campus of…

• Church Planter’s Survey

  tony

  31 Aug 2010 | 11:28 am

  Are you leading a church plant that is 0 – 5 years old? Then this post is for you. The leaders of the 2011 Exponential Conference are looking to identify the biggest concerns and challenges facing young church plants. In order to do so, they’ve created a live survey. Just hit the link and select a few of the burning questions that are facing you and your ministry. It will only take you a few minutes. The Exponential Conference takes place April 26-29 in Orlando, Florida. This conference will challenge and encourage your vision for ministry at every level. Take the survey, then…

• Live in the UK

  tony

  31 Aug 2010 | 5:04 am

  I’m so excited to share this opportunity with you! On November 11, I’ll be speaking at the Milton Keynes Christian Centre in London, England. I cannot wait to encourage church leaders and pastors on a different continent. The conference will be focused on leading through your church’s mission, purpose, and values, rather than leading in reaction to problems and difficulties that arise in ministry. Aside from two speaking sessions, I’ll be conducting a Q & A time with the attendees. While I’m at the conference, I’ve also set aside time to connect with…

• Former Mobster on New Mission

  tony

  30 Aug 2010 | 8:31 am

  Michael Franzese grew up as the son of the notorious Underboss of New York’s violent and feared Colombo crime family.  It was a life filled with power, luxury,and violence until he decided to walk away. Now, the former “Prince of the Mafia” is a man changed by the saving power of Christ. Michael’s compelling testimony comes from a deep passion to inspire others to make positive changes in their lives against intimidating odds. I’ll admit, I was a little nervous interviewing former mobster, and I had a few mob questions I wanted answered. Michael is truly an amazing man and a…

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  CatalystSpace | Catablog

• Missional Living in Portland

  info@catalystspace.com

  2 Sep 2010 | 7:17 am

  In January of 2008 I had the opportunity to meet with Luis and Kevin Palau during a roadtrip visit to Portland, OR...it was then that I first heard about their "Season of Service" campaign.  Now, two years later Kevin shares about how their collaborative effort with other area leaders is literally changing the landscape of an entire city.  Take a minute and be encouraged by this amazing update from Kevin... Missional Living in PortlandBy Kevin Palau"Two years ago in Portland—one of the least churched cities in the United States—hundreds of churches came together to talk…

• Candid discussion with Chan, Driscoll & Harris

  info@catalystspace.com

  1 Sep 2010 | 12:59 pm

  Enjoy a surprisingly candid & authentic conversation with Mark Driscoll, Francis Chan & Joshua Harris on ministry & mostly what Francis is doing next & why. 15 minutes.

• Book Giveaway: Your Secret Name

  info@catalystspace.com

  1 Sep 2010 | 6:48 am

  Today we are giving away the new book from Kary Oberbrunner, Your Secret Name: Discovering Who God Created You to Be. We all have one–a Secret Name that is. The Bible tells us so. Yet few of us know ours. Many of us are stuck, caught up in the 'Name Game.' Using the story of the biblical patriarch Jacob as a backdrop, author Kary Oberbrunner calls us to stop accepting the world’s labels and start wrestling with God to discover our true identity. Jacob spent years living out the meaning of his earthly name: 'deceiver.' Caught up in pretending to be someone he wasn’t, he was…

• Catalyst Prayer Journal: Elected Officials

  info@catalystspace.com

  31 Aug 2010 | 12:46 pm

  "I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone—for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness." 1 Tim 2:1-2 This week in the Catalyst Prayer Journal we are praying for our government leaders. We pray that God would give them the grace to rule wisely & justly, that they would repent of whatever wrong they have done and that He would draw them to himself - that they would know God, submit to Him and rule accordingly. Here's who to pray for: Your MayorYour GovernorThe…

• Permission to Speak Freely - Free Excerpt #6

  info@catalystspace.com

  30 Aug 2010 | 8:59 pm

  Our friend Anne Jackson's second book, Permission to Speak Freely - Essays and Art on Fear, Confession and Grace releases today! She's giving us a little taste of the book by sharing seven excerpts on seven different blogs, this is the sixth. To read the rest of the essays, check out the links at the end.Anne is also giving away a copy of her book to two commenters, chosen at random, on Friday. So check out the question at the end and leave a comment to be entered to win!You can pick up a copy of the book here. Essay #6 - Ghosts of Churches Past The confession about the porn and the men and…

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  FlowerDust.net | Anne Jackson

• Another Book Release Day Surprise – Get Permission to Speak Freely on Audio for $2.98!

  Anne Jackson

  31 Aug 2010 | 10:18 am

  A few months ago, I sat in a little room for two days and read my book into a microphone that was essentially bigger than my face. I kept saying words incorrectly. Easy words. Like “rediscover” and “understand.” My voice started getting rough and I thought I began to sound like a man. The producer assured me I didn’t. But you can decide for yourself. My book (read by yours truly, in quite possibly a manly voice), is released through ChristianAudio.com and today through Friday (at noon Pacific Time), you can download it – yes – the entire audio book…

• Permission to Speak Freely – Free Excerpt #7

  Anne Jackson

  30 Aug 2010 | 8:10 pm

  So, you’ve made it to the end. But it’s not really the end. You’ve just read six essays of my new book Permission to Speak Freely: Essays and Art on Fear, Confession and Grace. This is the final one…for today anyway. There are still 22 essays you haven’t read, plus all the art and poetry and other things that have been compiled into this lovely four-color book. But fear not, you can pick up a copy of the book here. Or if you’d like an autographed copy, or a T-shirt, you can click here. Or you can leave a comment below and tell me how you landed here (whose…

• A Tough Confession to Make

  Anne Jackson

  30 Aug 2010 | 12:47 pm

  A couple of weeks ago, I was on a retreat with a handful of people who earn their living from the platform. That platform could be writing, public speaking, or doing music professionally. At one point early in the retreat, somebody said something along the lines of, “Self-promotion is the opposite of the character of Jesus.” Given I had just written about my hesitation on how to market and promote a book, this statement made my stomach churn. The group shared some thoughts on that – the difficulty of realizing the complete truth of that statement (I mean, how many times in…

• Merton Mondays #8 – Love is Our Measure

  Anne Jackson

  29 Aug 2010 | 9:59 pm

  The measure of our identity, of our being (the two are the same), is the amount of our love for God. The more we love earthly things – reputation, importance, pleasure, easy and success – the less we love God. Our identity is dissipated among things that have no value, and we are drowned and die in trying to live in the material things we would like to possess, or in the projects we would like to complete to objectify the work of our own wills. Then, we we come to die, we find we have squandered all our love (that is, our being) on things of nothingness, and that we are nothing,…

• Three Seconds to Vote on My Shirt!

  Anne Jackson

  25 Aug 2010 | 2:58 pm

  Can you take 3 seconds to leave a comment and vote on which shirt you’d buy (if any?) of the five options below? If you can leave your gender and age, that would be super helpful. Any other commentary is optional but would come in handy if you have, say, thirty seconds to spare. Feel free to share too, if you like “Shirt C” but would like it better in grey. And how much you would pay for a shirt like this…you guys are my heroes. Thanks! In keeping with the theme of my book, I present to you… Special thanks to Our Shirts Don’t Suck for the design and…

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  Ragamuffin Soul

• Your Affair Can Only Teach Me So Much

  loswhit

  2 Sep 2010 | 7:55 am

  There is lots of talk about affairs and marriages restored online lately. Either A. More Christians are having affairs or B. More Christians are talking about their affairs. I’m picking B. I think it is great to read these stories and learn from those mistakes. I also think most people read them for the same benefit one watches Jersey Shore or Real Hose Wives of Nova Scotia… Pure train wreck drama. Now the great things about my friends and their stories is that there is a story of redemption in the end. In some way shape or form. Lot’s of people are helped by our problems…

• What Would Jesus Say About…

  loswhit

  1 Sep 2010 | 8:11 am

  If Jesus walked into your church this Sunday morning… I know, you think He is already there, we all do… What would Jesus tell you He DID NOT LOVE about what was happening? What would Jesus tell you He LOVED about what was happening? Los PS.  It’s ok church staffers, you can be anonymous…

• What Songs Are Working In Your Churches RIGHT NOW?

  loswhit

  31 Aug 2010 | 8:00 am

  So as I am helping craft the worship experiences at Catalyst with Brad and team, I think it’s important that we include songs in the worship sets that are currently connecting with your churches… What songs are the songs that your people sing the loudest to? What songs are connecting right now? Not your favorite song…but THEIR favorite songs… Talk to me… Los

• Permission to Speak Freely – Free Excerpt #3

  loswhit

  30 Aug 2010 | 8:59 pm

  She’s been around the ragamuffinsoul.com community for years. My friend Anne Jackson’s second book, Permission to Speak Freely – Essays and Art on Fear, Confession and Grace releases today. I’ve asked her to share one of the essays from her book with you. Anne decided to share seven essays on seven different blogs, this being the third. For the rest of the essays, check out the links at the end. Anne is also giving away a copy of her book to two ragamuffin readers, chosen at random, on Friday. So answer the question at the end and leave a comment to be entered…

• Ragamuffin Revival Prayer Meeting Rescheduled

  loswhit

  30 Aug 2010 | 2:27 pm

  My new house does not have internet yet. It would be difficult tonight. Rescheduled for Wednesday… Same time. Until Ten… How can we pray for you? Los

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  Pomomusings

• Early Bird Deadline for NYWC San Diego!

  Adam Walker Cleaveland

  31 Aug 2010 | 8:24 am

  Today is the early bird deadline for the National Youth Workers Convention in San Diego. It’s been a couple years since I’ve been able to be one, but whenever I used to go – they were amazing events that were fun, forming and a great time to be ministered to by tons of other people who are passionate about youth work. If you’re able to go – you should definitely take advantage of this Early Bird Deadline – to register – just go here. Don’t be a naysayer… Related posts:Sign up for NYWC Today and Get a Free Book! NYWC – 6 Years Later

• Blogging on DazedDad.com

  Adam Walker Cleaveland

  28 Aug 2010 | 11:26 am

  They say you should only blog about what you’re passionate about, or what’s consuming your mind. Well, if my daily blogging on DazedDad.com is any indication, apparently I am thinking quite a lot about being a dad, and not as much about design, ministry and theology. Now, obviously since I’m a full-time youth minister, theologian and part-time web designer, we know I’m still thinking about these things, but the immediacy of looking forward to parenthood seems to be surpassing these other things right now. Obviously Pomomusings isn’t going anywhere, and maybe my…

• TWINS. And no, I am not joking.

  Adam Walker Cleaveland

  22 Aug 2010 | 11:36 am

  Readers of Pomomusings – it’s true. Sarah and I are pregnant. And if that wasn’t exciting enough, as you can see in the ultrasound above, we’re pregnant with TWINS. It’s pretty unbelievable. You can read more about it on my new website, Dazed Dad. I may post occasionally here on Pomomusings about our journey toward being parents (our due date is March 20), but most of my thoughts, posts, pictures, etc., will be posted on Dazed Dad. You can subscribe to the RSS feed here. Related posts:Subscribe to Pomomusings Subscribe to AdamWC.me Posterous today

• Special Book Offer from Andy Root

  Adam Walker Cleaveland

  28 Jul 2010 | 9:00 am

  The following message comes to you from Andy Root – author of Revisiting Relational Youth Ministry, Relationships Unfiltered, and…well, too many books to mention here. He has a message for all of you in the youth ministry field and I wanted him to get a chance to share it with you all here at Pomomusings. So, here is the message from Andy… Hello Youth Ministry friends, I’m sorry to interrupt your regularly scheduled blog reading, but I have broken transmission to offer you an opportunity. I wanted to get before you the chance to get a free copy of my book Relationships…

• Future of Mainline Protestantism

  Adam Walker Cleaveland

  26 Jul 2010 | 9:00 am

  Patheos is running a “Future of Religion“ series this summer that includes essays by people of a wide range of diverse faith traditions. I’m honored to have been asked to write an article for the “Future of Mainline Protestantism” section of this series. Here is the full list of contributors writing about the future of the mainline church: Sam Alexander, Jim Burklo, Rev. Jerry. D. Campbell, Philip Clayton, Adam Walker Cleaveland, Monica A. Coleman, James Calvin Davis, Kenda Creasy Dean, Bruce G. Epperly, Greg Garrett, Anne Howard, James J. Kang, J.

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  Tall Skinny Kiwi

• A smooch and a free massage for our sponsors

  Andrew

  1 Sep 2010 | 11:00 pm

  So I woke up this morning to see someone on Twitter raising funds for Those Joneses and then I realized  . .  What the heck??? . .  Thats OUR family!!!!! What a surprise!!!And not only that, but the website was offering smooches and free massages and a week's vacation in Austin or Port Townsend. I thought it was hilarious and I read it out loud to my wife and kids and they laughed like crazy. But I still couldn't see who had put up this website and who was trying to raise money for our USA trip. But then on the very bottom I saw the two guerrilla fundraisers - Whitney…

• We are coming to USA: Need your help!

  Andrew

  1 Sep 2010 | 2:09 am

  Big news! Our family is returning to USA for a coast to coast tour, starting late September in New York and going down, then westward through Texas, up to Oregon and down the West Coast.Why now? Well, it is kinda sudden, isn't it?  One of the biggest reasons is because we were denied a visa extension in UK and our time on the European mainland is limited to 3 months - which is over in a few weeks. We were hoping to drive over to India but the time is not right, esp. with the roads being washed out in Pakistan. So we will go back to USA for a bit.Also, we need to reestablish our kid's…

• How Many People Attended the 'Restoring Honor' Rally?

  Andrew

  31 Aug 2010 | 9:44 pm

  Thousands of people gathering around a large vertical object to discuss plans of posterity. NO, I am not talking about the Tower of Babel. I'm talking about Glenn Beck's  Restoring Honor rally at Washington DC last weekend.The event was described as a "church picnic with a buzz" and the "Waterworld of white self-pity". The attendance figures are disputed but Newser website has a few estimates, ranging from 78,000 to 650,000. The latter suggested as the high end by Glenn Beck himself.Why are church people, even Mormon church people, so infatuated with numbers? And why do churches say they…

• The People Formerly Known as the Congregation

  Andrew

  31 Aug 2010 | 9:03 pm

  A 2007 blog post from Bill Kinnon impacts one homeschooling mother who brings it back to life for the St Louis Post-Dispatch in a post entitled Giving Thanks for the Emerging Church. This quote from Bill's post, called The People Formerly Known as The Congregation, struck me as being powerful."We grew weary from your Edifice Complex pathologies – building projects more important than the people in your neighbourhood…or in your pews. It wasn’t God telling you to “enlarge the place of your tent” – it was your ego. And, by the way, a multi-million dollar, state of the art building is…

• The Theology of Dr Seuss

  Andrew

  31 Aug 2010 | 5:20 am

  A blog post on The Sneetches made me think of Dr Seuss's books and the theology behind it. I left this comment on the blog:"I love Dr Seuss. The first sermon I ever preached at one of the churches I pastored [North Beach Baptist Church, Perth, West Australia] started with a reading from Green Eggs and Ham - it talked about the ability to try new things. Much theology in the Sneetches also, of course."Oh yeah and I spelled Seuss wrong in the title but have corrected it. Sorry.

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  Dan Kimball: Vintage Faith

• Catalyst is not a "conference" - it is about lives changing

  DanKimball

  24 Aug 2010 | 4:20 pm

  I just got back from a vacation break at the beautiful Donner Lake and a week of study and speaking at Zephyr Point Conference Center. Was studying the book of Jonah while there as we are teaching it through in...

• Psalm 27 - Fear and Anxiety - Lake Tahoe at Zephyr Point

  DanKimball

  8 Aug 2010 | 1:04 pm

  It's funny as a teacher you are in the Bible and learning and communicating Scripture to people. But we can never forget that we aren't simply learning to teach Scripture. But learning for the Scriptures to transform ourselves and direct...

• Origins - Day 2: the gathering at Club Nokia

  DanKimball

  26 Jul 2010 | 8:42 pm

  Day 2 of our first event happened in Club Nokia in downtown Los Angeles. Please note that Day 2 fits in the context of what happened on Day 1 which I blogged about here and the banquet for the homeless...

• Origins - Los Angeles Day 1.....launched with a banquet with the homeless

  DanKimball

  23 Jul 2010 | 10:47 pm

  Today started the inaugural first Origins gathering... It first began with the team meeting up at "McManus Studios" which is Erwin's new base for his film and fashion projects. Erwin is an incredibly inspiring person to be around and I...

• Origins first event this Saturday in Los Angeles - I don't feel alone anymore

  DanKimball

  21 Jul 2010 | 10:13 pm

  We are holding our very first Origins event this Saturday, July 24 in Los Angeles right downtown in the Nokia Club night club. There is also a day of activism learning and serving on Friday, July 23. There is so...

• 

  www.markdroberts.com

• Loving Like Jesus . . . Easier Said Than Done

  Mark D. Roberts

  2 Sep 2010 | 7:41 am

  Loving Like Jesus . . . Easier Said Than Done Thursday’s blog post at Beliefnet. ShareThis

• What Love Is All About: Realism Beyond Romance

  Mark D. Roberts

  30 Aug 2010 | 5:27 am

  What Love Is All About: Realism Beyond Romance Monday’s blog post at Beliefnet. ShareThis

• Sunday Inspiration from The High Calling: Why Do We Praise the Lord?

  Mark D. Roberts

  29 Aug 2010 | 8:11 am

  Sunday Inspiration from <em>The High Calling</em>: Why Do We Praise the Lord? Sunday’s blog post at Beliefnet ShareThis

• Déjà vu!

  Mark D. Roberts

  28 Aug 2010 | 7:47 am

  Déjà vu! Saturday’s blog post at Beliefnet ShareThis

• How NOT to Solve Conflicts Among Christians, Part 2

  Mark D. Roberts

  27 Aug 2010 | 5:10 am

  How NOT to Solve Conflicts Among Christians, Part 2 - Mark D. Roberts Friday’s blog post on Beliefnet ShareThis

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  WithoutWax.tv by Pete Wilson

• What Inspires You?

  Pete Wilson

  2 Sep 2010 | 5:29 am

  So I’ve been on a message planning trip for the past 24 hours with a few pastor buddies. Few things inspire me like an incredible view… so here’s what I’ve been looking at from the patio… Not bad huh? If I can’t write a good message series here then it’s just not going to happen. So here’s the “Thursday Is For Thinking” question: What inspires you? Music? Beach? Art? Running Water? Exercise? We want to know. Go!

• Church Planters!!

  Pete Wilson

  1 Sep 2010 | 5:20 pm

  Hey Church planters! You’re going to want to get this book. Darrin Patrick serves as lead pastor of The Journey in Saint Louis, Missouri, which he founded in 2002. Love this church and what God is doing through them. You can order the book HERE

• Ambitious Expectations

  Pete Wilson

  1 Sep 2010 | 4:06 am

  We’ve talked about this before here at Without Wax but I’m bringing it back because I’m still struggling with this one.  Gage came home yesterday after school claiming that after 7 days of kindergarten he can now read. Is it just me or does it seem parents these days put more pressure on kids than ever before? We push them to walk by age 1. We encourage them to read by 5. We desire they excel at a sport by age 9. We calculate grade point averages and start talking about scholarships by 6th grade. We want them to not only master the English language but learn a few others…

• Leading and Loving It

  Pete Wilson

  31 Aug 2010 | 5:32 am

  I’m so proud of my wife. She’s part of a group of pastors’ wives who have started an amazing ministry called Leading and Loving It. If you’re a woman in ministry or even more specifically married to someone in ministry you need to check out this incredible resource. This fall they’ll introduce their first virtual conference for pastors’ wives and women in ministry. I could not be more excited for them. It will be a great opportunity to be encouraged and challenged from the comfort of your own couch with your computer. No traveling. No childcare. No cost. Starting…

• Permission to Speak Freely – Free Excerpt #4

  Pete Wilson

  31 Aug 2010 | 1:00 am

  Anne Jackson’s second book, Permission to Speak Freely – Essays and Art on Fear, Confession and Grace releases today. Anne decided to share seven essays of which one of them is below. To read the rest of the essays, check out the links at the end. Anne is also giving away a copy of her book to two commenters, chosenat random, on Friday. So check out the question at the end and leave a comment to be entered to win. You can pick up a copy of the book here. Essay #4 – Finding Love (In All the Wrong Places) by Anne Jackson Most teenagers believe they’re more mature than they…

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  Perry Noble | Leadership, Vision & CreativityPerry Noble | Leadership, Vision & Creativity

• Changes A Growing Ministry Have Brought About In Me – Part Three

  perry

  2 Sep 2010 | 4:14 am

  Last post on this subject… #6 – I Have Become More Appreciative And Thankful For Lucretia and Charisse (my wife and daughter.) The pastors wife is hands down THE most under-appreciated role in the church.  There are not many people on the planet that can identify with them and the ups and downs that they experience. Lucretia has been right by my side since we planted NewSpring.  She has been my encourager, my confidant and has even rebuked me on an occasion or two! She’s seen me at my best…and she’s seen me at my worse…and she STILL loves me and wants…

• Changes A Growing Ministry Have Brought About In Me – Part Two

  perry

  1 Sep 2010 | 4:52 am

  Continuing from yesterday’s post… #4 – I Have Become More Dependent On The People Whom God Has Surrounded Me With. When we first began NewSpring Church I had the mentality that “if I want something to be done right then I must do it myself.”  It took me years to discover (the hard way) that that thought was driven by insecurity, pride and a desire to control everything. I used to know everything about every ministry that was happening here at NewSpring Church…and today I find myself saying when asked about a particular ministry, “I don’t…

• Changes A Growing Ministry Has Brought About In Me – Part One

  perry

  31 Aug 2010 | 4:05 am

  What The Church Growing Has Done To Me…Changes It Has Made In Me? Made me more aware of the cross and the grace that was given to me.  (I was who I am trying to reach!) Made me more aware of HIS power and ability.  (I know who I am…790) Made me more desperate for Scripture – BEST book on how to do church. Made me more reliant on the people around me – I can’t do all of this myself. Made me more dependent on His Spirit (when r u going to trust the anointing?) Made me more appreciative of my wife and daughter.  (No one know what they go through.) Made me more…

• Ten Things I Want NewSpring Church To Know

  perry

  30 Aug 2010 | 7:30 am

  As I sit and think about what happened at our church yesterday I am in awe of the God that we serve…that He would allow our church to have such a small part in what He’s been doing for over 2,000 years…reconciling the world to Himself through Christ!  (See II Corinthians 5:17-21) I wanted to say several things to each one of you… #1 – Thank you to everyone who invited someone to church yesterday!  I am SO proud of you guys…every time we issue a challenge to invite people to a church service you guys step up and BLOW IT OUT OF THE WATER!  We saw over 500…

• Sunday Night Reflections…

  perry

  29 Aug 2010 | 5:56 pm

  Best. Day. Ever!  I literally don’t know where to begin…so here goes (today literally cannot be explained…it really was the best day in the history of NewSpring Church!) Today we saw 516 people surrender their lives to Christ at NewSpring.  THAT NEVER GETS OLD!!!!!!! We shattered a non-holiday attendance record with over 14,100 people in church today!  (EVERY campus set an attendance record!) Anderson campus literally ran out of parking spaces at 11:15. (The 6:00 service in Anderson was the most electric/anointed environment I’ve EVER been in–EVER!) Columbia…

• 

  MoreThanDodgeball.com

• CONTEST: Win Two Registrations to the Simply Youth Ministry Conference 2011

  Josh

  2 Sep 2010 | 10:10 am

  So the official website just went live for the 2011 Simply Youth Ministry Conference. It lists amazing speakers and great workshops, along with plenty of other reasons to plunk down your hard-earned money (or youth ministry budget if you’re lucky enough to have one) to register and attend. But I might have a way for you to skip out on the whole “paying for it” part. I’m giving away 2 registrations to the Simply Youth Ministry Conference in Chicago March 4-7, 2011. All you have to do is leave a comment with one thing you love (or would love) about attending a conference…

• Successful Youth Ministry Summer Calendar

  Josh

  2 Sep 2010 | 8:37 am

  This summer we took some risks and planned a summer calendar for our high school youth group that looked pretty different than years past. I think for the most part it paid off – here are some of the new ideas (for us) and the results: Summer camp moved to the beginning of the summer This was the biggest game-changer for us – for years we’ve let camp be the “end of summer event” that catapulted us into Fall Kickoff and the new school year. I blogged about the Benefits of Early Summer Camp, not in an effort to justify the move but to make sure we took advantage of…

• Evaluating Your Summer Youth Ministry

  Josh

  1 Sep 2010 | 3:37 pm

  Noticed that Doug and Matt’s YM Daily yesterday had some great thoughts about looking back and taking time to debrief, evaluate and celebrate the past season. They had some great questions to think about (which I think I’ll answer in a future blog post) that would be good to think about this week as you enter the new school year. …| What happened during the summer that was great? What do we want to be sure to repeat in the future? …| Where did God show up? What victories could we celebrate? …| Where was I surprised? What last minute “audible” or…

• Simply Youth Ministry 2011 Conference Promo Video

  Josh

  1 Sep 2010 | 1:05 pm

  The official site of SYMC 2011 is live – SO excited to be there with so many of you, too! Killer speakers, great full-day and half-day concentrated learning tracks, total access to speakers, teachers and authors, a live Simply Youth Ministry Podcast and so much more. Be there! JG

• The Power of Story – Life Groups Testimony

  Josh

  31 Aug 2010 | 10:54 pm

  A fantastic testimony shared during the Life Groups weekend of the LAUNCH series. Parker finished his story live on stage – talking about God changing his heart and encouraging students to join small group as well. JG

• 

  History in the Making

• Wednesday Morning Run-Down

  Ben Arment

  1 Sep 2010 | 5:19 am

  Just spent two days in Baltimore with Tally Wilgis and some incredible leaders planning a citywide initiative. Unprecedented collaboration among churches. If you didn't catch the Emmy Awards opener with Jimmy Fallon and the cast of Glee, it's worth a Google. He proved pretty much anyone can write a Glee episode. "Professional wrestling is the longest running drama on TV because people love a good story about primal fear." ~ paraphrasing of Blake Snyder in his book Save the Cat My friend Vince Antonnuci is hosting a church planting lab in Las Vegas on Oct 18-20 called Vault.

• I Used to Love Football

  Ben Arment

  31 Aug 2010 | 1:26 pm

  I love football season.I should say... used to love it.But one year, I replaced every game I would have watched with time spent on a writing project... and I haven't returned to football ever since. Every fall, I begin a new project that takes the place of my old favorite sport.Think about it... a soft, comfortable recliner with a bag of chips by your side... or a dream brought to life.A big pot belly that your wife lovingly doesn't discuss and atrophied leg muscles... or your dream brought to life.Rooting for a team that has no idea who you are and certainly doesn't want you…

• 15 Seats Opened at STORY

  Ben Arment

  31 Aug 2010 | 4:58 am

  We've just opened 15 available seats to STORY. This is your last chance to get tickets if you haven't already. They'll go quickly, I'm sure. The event sold out 2 months beforehand. Grab one of the last available seats HERE.

• The Advantage of Princes

  Ben Arment

  30 Aug 2010 | 5:30 am

  Every Monday, I send an private e-mail to my Dream Year participants. In celebration of the Dream Year website and short film premiering later this week, I'm sharing today's article with you...You may have thought you were dreaming big, but you're only dreaming as big as your experience will let you. The past has conditioned you for the size of your idea. Everything you’ve experienced in life has amounted to the scope and the scale of your dream. If you’re intimidated, scared or frightened, it’s because you’ve never done anything like this before. You haven’t been…

• Sister Act

  Ben Arment

  29 Aug 2010 | 5:30 pm

  It doesn't take long to figure out how proud I am of my little sister Heather. She's a video designer for World Vision in Seattle by day, but a gangsta by night. Check out this video she conceived, shot, and edited for the Amazon Kindle.

• 

  eugene cho

• glenn beck is bringing honor back?

  Eugene Cho

  2 Sep 2010 | 12:01 am

  I’ve received numerous emails from folks asking for my thoughts about the whole Glenn Beck “Restoring Honor” rally. I’ve written in the past about Glenn Beck and the whole “social justice” brouhaha and as I return from vacation, I’m in no mood for a slew of intense comments and emails. So, never mind me: What [...]

• let’s not forget pakistan…

  Eugene Cho

  27 Aug 2010 | 10:55 pm

  I’m really having a restful vacation with my family right now but felt this was too important and took a few hours today to help the ODW team in Seattle launch the Pakistan Flood Relief Fund. Like many others, I’ve completely underestimated the severity of the flooding situation: On July 21st, Pakistan began experiencing extreme [...]

• i’m off to fish and chop down trees

  Eugene Cho

  22 Aug 2010 | 4:12 pm

  This blogpost is an official warning to fishes. I’m coming after you. Eugene Cho – an aspiring professional fisherman – is going on vacation and is coming to catch you. That’s right folks. I officially begin my vacation today and will be out and about for the next two weeks. It’s been a long, hard, [...]

• sexism? stereotypes? guilty as charged.

  Eugene Cho

  20 Aug 2010 | 12:01 am

  As most of my readers know, I wrote as post regarding Ann Rice’s simple but dramatic departure from organized Christianity entitled, “Why I’m Not Quitting Christianity.” I was encouraged by how it was generally received. It was crossed posted on numerous places including Huffington Post. But shortly afterwards, I asked for some honest and gentle [...]

• the best part of wanting to change the world

  Eugene Cho

  19 Aug 2010 | 12:15 am

  I’m thankful that God rarely answers our constant requests of wanting to know the future. Why? Because if we knew, we’d never move forward. We’d be tempted to do what Jonah did: He ran the other way. I can tell you right now that if I knew what the past year or the past 10 [...]

• 

  9Marks Blog: Building Healthy Churches

• Our Poor & Gospel Cooperation

  Andrew Sherwood

  1 Sep 2010 | 2:27 pm

  This is a guest post by Mike Law, which is part of a larger series (featured here on the 9Marks blog) called "Applying God's Word to the Whole Congregation". One of the things I hope is helpful in this series is seeing how even though book of the Bible repeat themes, there is always new application to glean for our congregations. Sermon Text:  Galatians 2:1-10 (Application from 2:10) Only, they asked us to remember the poor, the very thing I was eager to do Paul and the Jerusalem Apostles part ways united in the same message and having a concern for the welfare of one…

• Reaching Mormons and Muslims

  Andrew Sherwood

  1 Sep 2010 | 6:53 am

  This is a guest post by pastor Tim Cantrell. Tim is the Pastor-teacher of Antioch Bible Church in Johannesburg, South Africa.  www.antiochbiblechurch.org.za I've just returned from a wonderful time back in the USA with family and friends and partner churches, all of whom become only dearer to us the longer we serve Christ here in South Africa where he's called us.  But one surprise on this trip was the chance, during a four hour layover in Salt Lake City, to tour the Mormon Temple compliments of a free shuttle service to and from the airport, obviously as a part of the LDS…

• Vacation Reading 2010

  Mark Dever

  30 Aug 2010 | 11:19 am

    Every summer on vacation, I try to read a variety of things.  Here is a thumbnail on each of the books from this past week in South Carolina:   Arnold Toynbee's 1957 Christianity Among the Religions of the World. Basically, he calls for Christianity to stop being uniquely and specifically Christian in its beliefs in order to get along with the other "higher" religions. Bad idea.   Read chapters from DeYoung & Gilbert's forthcoming book (??!!)--superb!   Stephen Gonzales on The Regulative Principle & Drama in Worship.  He says…

• Good News & the Congregation

  Andrew Sherwood

  30 Aug 2010 | 6:37 am

  This is the third part in a series of guest blog posts by Mike Law on Applying God's Word to the Whole Congregation. Mike Law Jr. is the Senior Pastor of Grace Baptist Church of Arlington in Arlington, VA.  He is husband to his dear wife, Lisa, and father to three wonderful children.  Mike was called to serve as the first Senior Pastor of Grace Baptist Church of Arlington in July of 2009 after having served on staff at Capitol Hill Baptist Church as a Pastoral Assistant and intern. Hopefully by now you’ve been able to see how to draw congregational application out of a…

• Faithful Teaching: A Congregational Responsibility

  Andrew Sherwood

  27 Aug 2010 | 10:42 am

  This is the second part of a guest blog post by Mike Law Jr. Mike Law Jr. is the Senior Pastor of Grace Baptist Church of Arlington in Arlington, VA.  He is husband to his dear wife, Lisa, and father to three wonderful children.  Mike was called to serve as the first Senior Pastor of Grace Baptist Church of Arlington in July of 2009 after having served on staff at Capitol Hill Baptist Church as a Pastoral Assistant and intern. As I mentioned in my last post, I try to apply God’s Word to various portions of my congregation (spouses, children, employees, employers, singles,…

• 

  Human3rror

• New iPhone Background

  John

  2 Sep 2010 | 7:42 am

  It’s so awesome looking! Want a copy of this wicked background? Get it here.

• September 2010 Desktop Backgrounds

  John

  1 Sep 2010 | 6:28 pm

  That’s what I’m rocking this month. Thanks again SM. What are you sportin’? On a sidenote, August seemed to be very slow for me – took forever to be get done with. Just me?

• Cutest Chun Li EVER

  John

  31 Aug 2010 | 7:14 pm

• Mastering a Tape Measure

  John

  31 Aug 2010 | 3:16 pm

  I wonder how long this took to master.

• Elmo

  John

  30 Aug 2010 | 8:05 pm

  Elmo still freaks me out… but kids seem to love him. Consider me confused.

• 

  Life on Life

• The Best Content on the Web!

  1 Sep 2010 | 4:44 pm

  One of the things that led me to accept an editor's role at ChurchLeaders.com was the fact that I knew I would be able to help resource leaders and point them to the best content on the web.The problem is that I'm not capable of finding everything that is worthy of placement on our site... and that is where YOU come in.I would like your help in finding great content. If you run across a blog post, video, news article or how-to post that you feel might benefit other youth workers would you please send them my way? If we use what you send us we'll be sure to give you credit.If you haven't…

• Manic Monday Minute

  30 Aug 2010 | 11:52 pm

  Manic Monday Minute is a serious mind-dump that will probably take you one minute to read. Here are some thoughts going through my head right now...This is the Manic Monday Minute...Spoke in Southwest Virginia this past weekend.It was a short stint in the mountains but a good one.I met a young man who was booked to sing in the weekend services. I thought his voice was a dead-ringer for Josh Groban. I asked him to sing "You Raise Me Up..." He nailed it!Our family has been celebrating the end of my mother's cancer treatments. However, mom has been battling an infection over the last week.

• Best 6-Year-Old Storyteller Ever!

  24 Aug 2010 | 12:11 pm

  Mary Margaret is only 6 years old... and tells the story of Jonah. This video has only been viewed about 750 times online but its about to explode! I may just book her for my next event... what you think?RSS Subscribers: there is video [here]via @LeslieNease

• Manic Monday Minute

  23 Aug 2010 | 7:30 pm

  Manic Monday Minute is a serious mind-dump that will probably take you one minute to read. Here are some thoughts going through my head right now...Welcome back to the Manic Monday Minute...Had a VERY busy weekend. Our church had a three-day event for our community.I spoke in the weekend services. Spoke on the the faith of Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego. Loved putting together that message.We had a TON of first time guests in our services this weekend.Getting settled into my new role this week at ChurchLeaders.com.Have you checked out the site yet?Someone else told me that they…

• I'm Joining the Team @ ChurchLeaders.com

  20 Aug 2010 | 7:30 am

  It's official.I've been asked to join the amazing team at ChurchLeaders.com.Just days ago I told you about the new site for church leaders, and after several weeks of conversations & prayer with the management team I've been hired as the very first channel editor.My role at ChurchLeaders.com will be giving oversight to the Youth Ministry channel and I'll be working along with the amazing senior editorial team to help deliver the best content on the web to you. I am deeply honored (and humbled) and couldn't be happier about this new opportunity.My passion for helping resource &…

• 

  The bob.blog feed!

• Cuba Gooding Jr: At First I Was Like...

  bobhyatt

  20 Aug 2010 | 7:49 am

  Sorry, Cuba... You inspired me.  

• Toward a Theology of Sex, Pt 2

  bobhyatt

  9 Aug 2010 | 2:06 pm

  Towards a Theology of Sex, pt 2. This is taken from a two part sermon series we did a couple of years ago and owes much to Ben Patterson. I'll post more this week on why I'm posting this now, what I hope Evergreen people and others here and what I hope nobody hears...   Summary: When sex takes the form of a search for something, “are you the one? Will you give me what I need?” the search for love and unconditional acceptance, or even just the search for release, it breaks us even further. But when sex comes as an expression of something that’s been found, as a living…

• Yet more sense on the gay marriage issue...

  bobhyatt

  9 Aug 2010 | 1:15 pm

  I posted last week something from the archives re my views on issues of marriage and the State, specifically as regards the current tug of war over definitions of marriage, Prop 8 and all the rest. Here's someone (with no religious POV, as far as I know) who agrees with me- the only way out of this cultural quagmire is to get the State out of the "marriage" business altogether.   "While I don’t think that this is an easy path to adopt, it’s going to be the eventual solution.  Not only does it take government out of people’s private lives, it also means an…

• Emerging Church Blast From The Past!

  bobhyatt

  9 Aug 2010 | 12:04 pm

  About three years ago I got into it with the Team Pyro guys a bit. Here was my take on things. Boy, I was mad :)   So how's this... Okay Frank... tell me how I'm doing here...  

• The Theology of Sex, Part One

  bobhyatt

  6 Aug 2010 | 10:56 am

  "One of evangelicalism’s biggest problems is we have no compelling sexual vision which makes sense of celibacy as a fulfilling calling. We have little or no sexual ethic except the glorified desire of Hollywood lopped onto heterosexual monogamous marriage. We have no theology of desire formation. It is “lust,” and enjoy it, only while married to one person. We have no concept of the “ordering of desire.” This is why our witness is so vapid among the sexual brokenness of our day." - David Fitch I think Fitch may be onto something here, though I will say that this is rapidly…

• 

  TheWorshipCommunity.Com - Worship Leader Resources, Articles, Forums

• Should Worship Be Fun?

  Russ Hutto

  1 Sep 2010 | 6:03 am

  Note: There is a poll embedded within this post, please visit the site to participate in this post's poll. Reposted with permission from WorshipMatters.com More than once I’ve heard Christians claim that worship should be fun, or act like they had a responsibility to prove that Christians knew how to “party” in church. I’ve always been uncomfortable with that connection, so I started thinking about the place of “fun” in worship, if one even exists. I’d like to address this question by answering it as I posed it, and then considering two other ways it might be phrased. Should…

• Seminars 4 Worship & Integrity Live Webcast – Audio

  Russ Hutto

  31 Aug 2010 | 7:49 am

  Join two of the industries top Audio experts, David McCauley & Doug Gould, LIVE Tues, August 31 at 9pm EDT / 6pm PDT on http://www.livestream.com/integritylive! Tune in for FREE as these two will provide insight on Audio production, explain what they’re Seminars4Worship classes will cover, and answer any questions you might have! So be sure to submit any questions below! Bios: …As part of the Audio Ethics team, David McCauley is based out of the Northeastern region but is involved in projects worldwide. David says, “Broadcast, projection, audio and lighting, are my main…

• The Elephant In The Room – Should Worship Leaders Be Paid?

  Guest Contributor

  30 Aug 2010 | 7:00 am

  Re-posted with permission from Brenton Brown. I’m sure it hasn’t escaped your notice that there’s definitely an awkward incongruity with the genre of music we call ‘worship’. My job as a worship leader, my primary purpose – really the only purpose – is to lift the name of Jesus above every other name and to help others do the same. To lift His name above all the other names and words and tasks and things and people that clamor for our attention in this world. As worship leaders this is our task. We are to simply lead others and indeed even our own souls in the worship of…

• Sunday Setlists #110 – August 29, 2010

  Russ Hutto

  29 Aug 2010 | 9:01 am

  Thank you so much for sharing your Sunday experiences with us! Share your worship confessionals, recaps, and setlists for the week of: Sunday, August 29, 2010 Welcome to the 110th consecutive week of “Sunday Setlists”. The purpose of “Sunday Setlists” is to share a recap of your worship services. What songs did you use, what arrangements? What worked really well and what didn’t work as well as you’d like? What issues did you have preparing? What is the sermon series? How about creative elements used in the service? You don’t have to be the pastor or…

• How to Find Great Worship Songs

  Nick Alexander

  27 Aug 2010 | 8:08 am

  I am always looking for great songs. Oftentimes I am invited to play for an event, I try to find particular songs that speak to the theme of that event.  When I play for liturgies, I try to find exceptional, congregational-friendly songs that coincide with the readings, the seasons, and the antiphon texts.  When I play for a worship event, I try to find the recent songs that are fitting for those in attendance.  Even when I look for songs to adorn my own MP3 player, I now search for songs based on specific themes that compliment those characteristics that I wish to embody: growing in…

• 

  TechnoPraxis™

• Telling Stories – The Equipment Curve

  5 Aug 2010 | 12:45 pm

  Ben Arment points out a very interesting dichotomy today, noting the fact that using video to tell stories requires two very different sets of gifts and skills.  He calls it “The Equipment Curve.” “Right now, it's the cinematographers and editors who are creating projects. But they aren't necessarily the best storytellers. They simply know how to use the tools.” A very key point here!   There are two very separate skill sets involved in using video to tell stories.  I can point a camera, and generally find my way around a non-linear editing system.  I am NOT…

• Ebay’s Response – No 700 mHz Here!

  12 Jul 2010 | 5:27 pm

  Heard back from Ebay regarding the 700 mHz mics being auctioned.  It took them 24 hours, which is not great, but OK.  The response is, however, surprising to me. “Thank you for writing in regard to wireless microphones that operate in the 700MHz band which are prohibited on eBay. We conduct searches for wireless microphones that operate in the 700MHz band throughout the day, though if you have located specific auctions you would like us to review, please respond to this email with the item numbers.” I have reported a few dozen auctions over the past few weeks… and NONE have…

• Is Ebay Listening?

  11 Jul 2010 | 12:44 pm

  Over the past month, I’ve seen an ever increasing number of 700 mHZ wireless microphone systems up for sale on Ebay.  Few of them point out the fact that they are illegal to operate in the United States.  I have talked with two churches recently who thought they were getting a great deal on wireless.  In one case I was able to catch them before they bid on the worthless gear.  For the other, it was too late.  They had already made the purchase and were pretty much stuck.  Today, I sent Ebay an email asking them to clarify their position on the sale of illegal…

• Simplify

  14 Jun 2010 | 11:33 am

  I have done a lot in terms of ‘going simple’ in the past couple of years.  I’ve significantly pared down list of causes, events and things I’m involved in.  To be honest, making this change was reactive on my part, and in that way, it may not have been entirely healthy.  I was running away from a time of life that far, far to complex.  What I really wanted was to stick my fingers in my ears and holler ‘la la la la la’ just to block out the chaos. I think I’ve moved back to a more healthy place today.  Still, I struggle sometimes with trying to push to…

• Mission Minded. Really?

  16 Apr 2010 | 11:00 am

  My friend Anne Jackson over at Flowerdust pointed to a post from Adam yesterday that I think really calls out churches on whether or not they are truly missional.  It’s focused on how a church community interacts with it’s own local community.  See what your think. If you have a building, offer a public bathroom and shower that’s open to whomever needs it during your office hours. Ask every attendee to get in the habit of bringing a canned food item to church every week. Then start a food pantry that’s open a couple days a week for people to drop in. Buy things for the…

• 

  partoftheglue.com

• Shooting underwater events

  radiantfirst

  13 Aug 2010 | 9:16 am

  This summer we had several events that were water or underwater related.  We went to the beach, schlitterbahn, had pool parties and most recently created some water/mud activities at our youth camp.  For these events I could not afford to spend $3,000 on an underwater case for our camera so we decided to buy the kodak playsport.  This little camera shoots in 1080i and 60p in case you want that slow motion into the water shot.  In my opinion this camera is better than the flip and dual purpose because you don’t have to use it in the water but when you do its perfect. Tweet This Post

• Creating a video sharing site for your ministry

  radiantfirst

  19 Jul 2010 | 5:53 pm

  Recently I have been doing some web-desiging and was trying to figure out a way to showcase the hundreds of videos we currently have that are on youtube, vimeo and blip for our student ministry.  Currently we keep our quality vids on vimeo, everything else on youtube and sermons on blip. After doing some research I discovered that the cheapest solution was going to cost anywhere from $200 to $250 a month to host a video sharing site where I could aggregate all of our videos.  All that to say that solution was too expensive so I continued to look for a free solution and found miro…

• Creating a student ministry website with wordpress

  radiantfirst

  9 Jul 2010 | 3:44 pm

  I have been working on creating a new student ministry website for several months now and finally launched it.  www.lyf.net is the site.  This was the most fun designing a site I have ever had.  The site is easy to navigate, has great content and very easy to update.  What was the trick you might ask….wordpress. Here are a couple of things I did in designing the site. 1. Bought Headway themes as the primary theme for wordpress.  Best investment our ministry has ever made when it comes to web design. Headway themes allowed us the ability to design the site very easily without having…

• Using last year’s footage for this year’s promo

  radiantfirst

  18 May 2010 | 6:25 pm

  I know this may sound common sense but promotional videos for camps and trips don’t have to be complicated. Coming up with an edgy commercial can be fun, however sometimes just showing what the event was like is often enough.  In the below promotional video we shot our youth pastor talk about the local project and then took footage from the past two years at the event we are promoting. We store footage of practically every event we do on a server and then access it for various videos we do during the year. Using footage from last year is definitely a great way to promote this…

• Planning ahead

  radiantfirst

  17 May 2010 | 6:48 pm

  If there is anything I have learned that has helped me to execute well…. it is the value of planning ahead.  Occasionally I can wing it and come up with a great series or video in less than  a week, but more times than not the best ideas take time to marinate and time to discuss in boring meetings.  Its easy to focus on what is due this week and much more difficult to focus on a series or project that is 3 months away.  One of the things I love about action method is that I can break up various tasks I have.  Tasks that are due immediately, on-going projects and the favorite…

• 

  Branded With Love

• Bieber Meets Metal

  Jason

  18 Aug 2010 | 9:00 am

  If Justin Bieber had a band that played like this, I just might listen. Who am I kidding… I would never listen. But, take out his vocals, and this track is legit. The guy who does these has made a ton more from KISS and Metallica to Taylor Swift and Jonas Brothers. Check out more of his stuff here. Jason *over and out*

• Forefront Podcast: World Changers, Week #1

  Jason

  18 Aug 2010 | 7:07 am

  This Week: World Changers Theme: Are you asking God to do the big things? Do you have faith enough to ask Him to make the sun stand still? You can listen on our website via your computer or mobile device. Click here for the RSS feed, or… Click here to view the podcast via iTunes

• Forefront Mexico Missions Trip 2010

  Jason

  17 Aug 2010 | 8:21 pm

  So proud of our High School Students. You guys are definitely living what it means to Love God and Love People. Missed this video on Sunday? Check out their 2010 trip below… Mexico 2010 (Forefront Church) from James Davis on Vimeo. Jason *over and out*

• McDisaster

  Jason

  10 Aug 2010 | 9:42 am

  I have never wanted nuggets this bad. Never. Well… yup, never. Check out the video below (no sound, so make up the crazy dialogue in your head) and the full story here. (video embedded) Jason *over and out*

• Clever

  Jason

  29 Jul 2010 | 5:35 am

  Sometimes a creative spark hits and- this is the result. God made His people creative and imaginative. What was the last thing you dreamed/created? Jason *over and out

• 

  The bob.blog feed!

• Cuba Gooding Jr: At First I Was Like...

  bobhyatt

  20 Aug 2010 | 7:49 am

  Sorry, Cuba... You inspired me.  

• Toward a Theology of Sex, Pt 2

  bobhyatt

  9 Aug 2010 | 2:06 pm

  Towards a Theology of Sex, pt 2. This is taken from a two part sermon series we did a couple of years ago and owes much to Ben Patterson. I'll post more this week on why I'm posting this now, what I hope Evergreen people and others here and what I hope nobody hears...   Summary: When sex takes the form of a search for something, “are you the one? Will you give me what I need?” the search for love and unconditional acceptance, or even just the search for release, it breaks us even further. But when sex comes as an expression of something that’s been found, as a living…

• Yet more sense on the gay marriage issue...

  bobhyatt

  9 Aug 2010 | 1:15 pm

  I posted last week something from the archives re my views on issues of marriage and the State, specifically as regards the current tug of war over definitions of marriage, Prop 8 and all the rest. Here's someone (with no religious POV, as far as I know) who agrees with me- the only way out of this cultural quagmire is to get the State out of the "marriage" business altogether.   "While I don’t think that this is an easy path to adopt, it’s going to be the eventual solution.  Not only does it take government out of people’s private lives, it also means an…

• Emerging Church Blast From The Past!

  bobhyatt

  9 Aug 2010 | 12:04 pm

  About three years ago I got into it with the Team Pyro guys a bit. Here was my take on things. Boy, I was mad :)   So how's this... Okay Frank... tell me how I'm doing here...  

• The Theology of Sex, Part One

  bobhyatt

  6 Aug 2010 | 10:56 am

  "One of evangelicalism’s biggest problems is we have no compelling sexual vision which makes sense of celibacy as a fulfilling calling. We have little or no sexual ethic except the glorified desire of Hollywood lopped onto heterosexual monogamous marriage. We have no theology of desire formation. It is “lust,” and enjoy it, only while married to one person. We have no concept of the “ordering of desire.” This is why our witness is so vapid among the sexual brokenness of our day." - David Fitch I think Fitch may be onto something here, though I will say that this is rapidly…

• 

  Levite Chronicles

• growing up

  Jon Swanson

  23 Aug 2010 | 10:30 pm

  Fifty-four years ago, they were the anxious ones. Anxious to get on with life. Anxious to change the word. Anxious to be the newlyweds. Fifty-four years ago today, Arnold Swanson and Ardis Larson got married. This summer they watched their oldest grandchild get married, anxious to get on with his life, anxious to change the world. This week, they watch one granddaughter go back for a second year of college and two others start high school. They watch their youngest grandson act more grown up than all the rest of us. And I think they are still a little anxious, wishing they could do more,…

• On learning learning guitar

  Jon Swanson

  22 Aug 2010 | 10:57 am

  Hope heads back to school this week. She’s taking my guitar with her. I bought it in the early 70s. At the time, I played regularly (rhythm, for those who wonder). It’s a Penco, unknown now, nice then.  During the past 25 years, I’ve played occasionally for church-related events. Early this summer, Hope said that she wanted to learn to play guitar and that she wanted me to teach her. I had a friend replace the rusty five-year-old strings. And I showed Hope some basic chords. I had her find them. I played them for her. I explained barre chords. I talked about practicing,…

• figuring out how

  Jon Swanson

  16 Aug 2010 | 2:07 pm

  Last week I talked about how much video and photo information I have to process. There are lots of things that can be done, from delegating to not saying yes in the first place, to doing a better job of planning the production in the first place. (Jim Long is going to be helpful with some of these pieces in his upcoming webinar. Head to vergenewmedia for more information). One of the paralyzing things for me is that I have different things I want to do with the images (website, youtube, videos for church services, video loops for kiosks) and I use four different cameras and I work on three…

• Processing

  Jon Swanson

  12 Aug 2010 | 6:27 pm

  I’ve been gathering visuals recently. Yesterday, I shot video of a ribboncutting for a new store. Using three videocameras, a DSLR, and my phone, I captured our Community Carnival at church last night. I’ve got vacation video that’s unedited. I’ve got photographs of several summer events around church that haven’t been edited or shown. Capturing data isn’t hard anymore, not as hard as it was for my dad with his Super8 movie camera. He got 3 minutes at a time. And that was it. Someone else took care of the processing. Right now, I’m the one that has to…

• for some things, you are the only one

  Jon Swanson

  6 Aug 2010 | 5:27 am

  I’m editing. I’ve been writing for 18 months over at 300wordsaday.com and have, in that time, generated a lot of words. So I’m taking the first year of writing about the book of Matthew and pulling it together into some sort of a book. I say “some sort” because I’m not sure how it will turn out. But as I sat on the sofa a few minutes ago, pen in hand, reading slowly through the beginning of the 66,000 words, I realized that if I don’t do that editing, phrase by phrase, through the document, it will be no sort of book. My friend Chris, who regularly…

• 

  LeadingSmart

• A Book Worth Reading

  Tim Stevens

  30 Aug 2010 | 4:16 am

  Last January we decided to put the Innovate Conference on the shelf for a year–and instead launch a conference called AND this fall. Then in February I heard about a book coming out by the same name–AND: The Gathered and Scattered Church. A month later I met Hugh Halter–one of the authors of the AND book. He’s a tough-looking dude and I thought he might tear me apart for stealing his book name to launch a conference. But he bought my story that I didn’t know about his book and was full of grace and offered to help us. A couple days ago…I pulled out my copy…

• “Mine” by Taylor Swift

  Tim Stevens

  28 Aug 2010 | 7:48 am

  Just watched the music video for Taylor Swift’s new single “Mine.” Great song. Great message. Oh, and here is a little background secret about the video–Pete Wilson (a friend who is a pastor in Nashville) and his entire family are actors in the video. Fun times!

• Life Happens–One Conversation at a Time

  Tim Stevens

  25 Aug 2010 | 4:57 am

  I’m doing life with these men…and last night we had four hours of amazing conversation in an alley restaurant in San Francisco. Over the past six months, there have been dozens of such conversations with Mark and Rob and other Granger leaders. Sometimes short, sometimes long, sometimes emotional, sometimes very factual. But all of them pivotal. I can’t describe the level of anticipation I’m feeling (and remember–I’m Mr. calm, cool and collected). All of these recent conversations are building toward some amazing and earth-shaking initiatives that will…

• Why is Failure so Sexy?

  Tim Stevens

  17 Aug 2010 | 3:27 am

  It seems like every week or so I hear about someone who failed–recovered–and then wrote a book about it. Perhaps their marriage failed. Or they went through a phase as an addict. Or they lost their family because of bad choices. And so they write a book because of the insights they gained along the way. I understand why those books sell. As fallen humans, we identify with other people who talk about their failures in such stark terms. We figure the author has some insight into the human condition–and perhaps we can learn enough to keep ourselves from falling in the same…

• The Pain of Growth

  Tim Stevens

  9 Aug 2010 | 8:57 am

  Last week I was asked, “If our church is going to double in the next two years (from 500 to 1000), what will it take?” Here is what I shared… Some of you won’t have as much access to the senior leader. This has to be okay with you. Ask: Are you more committed to maintaining the tight-knit staff size and your proximity to the pastor? Or are you more committed to the church growing? Some of you are doing okay as a leader in a church of 500, but that’s not going to cut it at 1,000. You need to be willing to step aside into another role. Ask: Are you more committed…

• 

  Rich Kirkpatrick's Weblog

• Leadership in Ministry: Passing on to others, Removing Barriers

  Rich Kirkpatrick

  2 Sep 2010 | 9:48 am

  Leadership is not always about making things happen. Sometimes its getting yourself or obstructions out of the way of what already is happening. Leadership is also about investing in people to reproduce ministry, not just get things done. Here is a 60 second or so video with more thoughts on this… So, do you agree with the idea that leadership is passing on and removing things rather than keeping and creating on our own?

• When God Dreams: Next Generation Leaders Conference in Redding, CA

  Rich Kirkpatrick

  1 Sep 2010 | 3:51 pm

  On October 21-22 Redding, California young leaders converge for a uniquely grass roots-driven conference: When God Dreams.“When God Dreams is a conference for leaders, pastors, church planters and visionaries who are serious about living God’s dreams with courage.” I spent several years ministering in Redding and have watched Nathan Edwardson, pastor of The Stirring, passionately reach and grow people with creative vision and humility. He is one of the speakers for this conference which also includes Jesus Culture leader Banning Liebscher and Jason Ostrander, the National…

• Video: 3 year old shares the “Gospel Fuzzies”

  Rich Kirkpatrick

  31 Aug 2010 | 12:41 am

  My son was three years old when this video was shot. His preschool Sunday school class taught him how to tell others how to follow Jesus. It’s amazing how much a child can understand when it comes to spiritual matters. Many kids will be eternally grateful for having people teach them this well. Thanks to all of you who serve in your local church with kids! The investment in kids is the best investment you can make.

• My favorite spot to think is a waterfall hike…what’s yours?

  Rich Kirkpatrick

  30 Aug 2010 | 11:44 pm

  One of my favorite thinking spots is this waterfall hike I used to frequent near Redding, CA. The mile straight uphill was always worth the climb to the cool falls and stream. Contemplation is important, indeed. I am still looking for a new thinking spot since this photo was taken so maybe you can help me out with some ideas. What’s your favorite place to go to think?

• Worship Recap & Set List: August 29, 2010 #sundaysetlists

  Rich Kirkpatrick

  29 Aug 2010 | 8:02 pm

  Recap: I had the chance to visit two local churches in the Temecula-Murrieta Valley this weekend. The Lamb’s Fellowship and Rancho Community Church are two ministries that are growing and reaching families and individuals at an increasing rate. Having met some of the leaders over the years, it was truly a blessing to see the unique contributions expressed in a worship setting. At The Lamb’s Fellowship’s Saturday evening service, Pastor John Hansen gave a message about Jesus being our true hero in a series “Unlikely Heroes”. I enjoyed hearing his passion in his…

• 

  Ministry Best Practices

• How to Raise the Profile of Your Church

  Bill Reichart

  15 Aug 2010 | 7:48 am

  If you're new here, you may want to subscribe to my RSS feed. Thanks for visiting! It is a struggle of every church and ministry - how the community perceives you.  When the community thinks of your church, what comes to mind?  If your church were to disappear tomorrow, would the community notice?  To often the church is perceived as out of touch, irreverent, condemning and merely fighting the culture wars.  But wouldn't you want the church to be known for what it was meant to be known for? - a place of grace, love, care and compassion.  A place were people with their…

• Don't Monkey Around With Your Email Communication! (Actually Do!)

  Bill Reichart

  11 Aug 2010 | 8:03 pm

  If you're new here, you may want to subscribe to my RSS feed. Thanks for visiting! A couple of weeks ago I was helping to teach a Social Media and Ministry workshop, and during our discussion of email marketing and communication, someone suggested MailChimp.  Up to then, I had been using another email marketing service and hadn't given MailChimp much thought.  But then a couple of days later I was talking to someone I respect in the IT space and he was raving about MailChimp - needless to say my curiosity was peaked, and I had to give it a try.  I am sold! Here are a…

• Don't Fear Failure

  Bill Reichart

  5 Aug 2010 | 5:24 am

  If you're new here, you may want to subscribe to my RSS feed. Thanks for visiting! The CEO of Google just recently announce that one of their latest innovations, Google Wave, has been a failure.  This post does not intend to discuss the merits or shortcomings of Google's ambitious attempt to change email as we knew it, but rather I think Google response to the situation is a good platform to talk about FAILURE. Here are a couple of quotes from the article about Google's latest announcement. "Our policy is we try things," the Google CEO said, hours after the company announced it was…

• 40 Simple Ways to Invite People to Church

  Bill Reichart

  4 Aug 2010 | 7:35 am

  If you're new here, you may want to subscribe to my RSS feed. Thanks for visiting! Mike Lukaszewski at Oak Leaf Church posted a list of 40 Ways You Can Invite People to Church. Here is a sample of that list, but go HERE to read the entire list. Grill out for the employees of a company or business. Set up our party trailer, which comes with a grill, moonwalk, helium tank and balloons, video games, chairs, etc. at any community events. Dress up like a Star Wars character wherever there are people and take pictures with kids and families. Give them a special invite card with the location they…

• Ministries of Mercy

  Bill Reichart

  3 Aug 2010 | 8:04 am

  If you're new here, you may want to subscribe to my RSS feed. Thanks for visiting! This is Tim Keller's first book that I ever read, while in seminary at RTS.  And for a while it was the only book Keller had written before he become such a prolific author.  But I think this a wonderful book for your deacons, Stephen ministers, small group leaders or anyone in the leadership of your church to read or to listen to. ChristianAudio.com is offering Tim Keller’s book Ministries of Mercy: The Call of the Jericho Road as the free audio download for August. Click HERE to take advantage of…

• 

  Shaun In The City

• Stop Calling Him a Muslim and Saying He’s Not a Citizen and Call Him a Nigger

  Shaun

  1 Sep 2010 | 8:11 am

  Over a year ago, I made a public pledge to stay out of politics on this blog- with the exception of standing against racism or discrimination.  Generally speaking, I have kept that pledge and haven’t regretted it one bit. However, I refuse to bite my tongue on this issue - particularly since a good percentage of my blog readers, Twitter followers, and Facebook friends either believe (or are very close to many people that believe) that President Obama is a Muslim or deny his American citizenship. President Obama is an American born Christian. Period. He has always been an American…

• What type of phone do you use? Why?

  Shaun

  31 Aug 2010 | 9:19 am

  iPhone? Blackberry? Android? Misc? Does it have internet access? A full keyboard? Why?

• Outlive Your Life (by Max Lucado) Video featuring Me

  Shaun

  28 Aug 2010 | 4:04 pm

  I love Max Lucado! He and his daughter have an awesome new DVD training set out called Outlive Your Life: You Were Made to Make a Difference!  The book is the bomb and the DVD set is so powerful as it profiles all kinds of folk using what they have to change the world! We are buying it for the teens @ Courageous Church.  The awesome crew @ BlueFish TV produced it and it tells a ton of great stories – including some of mine.  Here’s a snippet:

• 5 Life Lessons I Learned Climbing Mt. Baker

  Shaun

  28 Aug 2010 | 9:36 am

  (5 Best Memories here & 5 Worst Memories here) 5. Teams can accomplish what individuals cannot. I absolutely could not have made it on my Mt. Baker climb without my guides and my team.  In life, we often dream of what we can do as individuals, but the truth is, we are better and can go higher in life when we can share the load and keep each other encouraged!  I kind of already knew this, but I NEVER saw it like I saw it on the mountain. A good team is  better than a great person – the risks are less, the conversation is better, the work load is shared. 4. Risks are fine, but…

• 5 Worst Memories from Climbing Mt. Baker

  Shaun

  28 Aug 2010 | 8:55 am

  (See my 5 best memories here) 5. It was brutal on my body. I fell many times and came back pretty beat up – spending my final night in the hospital. I was actually there for a mountaineering school and it was the educational activities that beat me up so bad – like purposely falling down the mountain 12 times so that we could learn the self-arrest technique. Speaking of that…read # 4. 4. Self-arrest training. When you fall down a mountain, you will pretty much die unless you know how to perform self arrest.  This is where, when falling, you jam an ax and your snow boots…

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  Christian Personal Finance

• Salesperson? How Honesty Improves Your Sales!

  John Frainee

  2 Sep 2010 | 8:00 am

  If you are a salesperson, no doubt you’re constantly looking for new strategies. You’ve tried everything: giving a “special” offer, having a positive attitude and demeanor, or throwing in something for free. But here’s something you don’t always see on that sales floor: honesty! Whether you are a salesperson in a retail environment, or are starting your own business online, I’m confident that these principles can be applied. Your income is sure to skyrocket when you make honesty the best tool in your sales strategy. Pros, But Where Are The Cons? Many…

• Good Debt or Bad Debt | The Crayola Approach

  Craig Ford

  1 Sep 2010 | 8:00 am

  I recently bought a pack of 64 crayons for my daughter.  I had no idea there were so many colors.  Back in my day, the world of colors consisted only of a handful of primary colors. But with the help of Crayola, my eyes have been opened to a new world of color. It actually can be quite overwhelming deciding if you want to color Barbie in brick red, red violet, wild strawberry, or plain old red.  This unsuspecting dad once had the audacity to call a crayon purple when in fact it was orchid colored. However, Crayola taught me a very important lesson about debt. Debt discussions are very…

• Tips On How To Get Along With Your Boss

  Jason Price

  31 Aug 2010 | 7:37 am

  There is nothing worse than working for a boss that you don’t get along with and when there is a lack of mutual respect in the relationship.  Most people spend 40 hours or more a week at work which is significant.  For some, this 40 hours can be gruelling because everything their boss says or does rubs them the wrong way. For those who have been in the working world for a while now you’ve probably experienced one of these frustrating situations.  No matter what you did, or how hard you worked, your boss never saw favorably of you.  Or, maybe you just didn’t get along. …

• Key Performance Indicators For Your Finances

  Jason Price

  30 Aug 2010 | 7:53 am

  Obviously driving a car carries a big responsibility.  You have to follow the law which protects you and others.  You also have to ensure your car is operating effectively and will take you to your destination.  Otherwise, a break down on the highway can put you in a dangerous situation. How do you know if you’re obeying the law and your car is operating effectively?  You use indicators such as your miles per hour, gas gage, oil level, temperature and so on.  Some cars today even have an electronic compass to help guide your way. Whether you’re driving a car, or you are the CEO of a…

• 4 Money Principles Talked About In The Bible

  Guest

  29 Aug 2010 | 8:31 am

  The following guest post was written by Mark who regularly writes for BuyLikeBuffett.com The world would be a much better place if everyone applied biblical principles to their everyday lives. The Bible teaches foundational principles that help develop holistic individuals. You can improve your spiritual, mental, physical, and emotional life by living by the Bible’s time tested truths. Did you know that the Bible also has great advice that you can apply to your money matters? There are over 800 scriptures that address the topic of money (here are 250 of them). From getting out of debt to…

• 

  JakeBouma.com

• Kenda Creasy Dean on teenage faith formation

  Jake

  10 Aug 2010 | 9:16 am

  Kenda Creasy Dean has a new article in The Christian Century titled Faith, nice and easy: The almost-Christian formation of teens. “Young people will not develop consequential faith simply by being absorbed into a so-called Christian culture as an alternative to the culture at large; churches are quite capable of developing deformative cultures of their own, while washing down the gospel with large gulps of rationalization. Consequential faith is the result of doing ministry, and not simply being ministered to.” The article is a distillation of her new book Almost Christian: What…

• Sidney Morgenbesser

  Jake

  7 Aug 2010 | 1:27 pm

  This is the best article on an unknown philosopher you’ll read all weekend. I’m almost tempted to quote the whole thing, but I’ll refrain. “In the academic world, custom dictates that you may be considered a legend if there is more than one well-known anecdote about you. Morgenbesser, with his Borscht Belt humor and preternaturally agile mind, was the subject of dozens. In the absence of a written record of his wisdom, this was how people related to him: by knowing the stories and wanting to know more. The most widely circulated tale — in many renditions it is…

• Get your free copy of Andy Root’s “Relationships Unfiltered”

  Jake

  26 Jul 2010 | 8:20 am

  A quick message from Andrew Root: Hello Youth Ministry friends, I’m sorry to interrupt your regularly scheduled blog reading, but I have broken transmission to offer you an opportunity. I wanted to get before you the chance to get a free copy of my book Relationships Unfiltered. As the new school year approaches and you think about volunteer leader meetings and trainings I would like to suggest you take a look at Relationships Unfiltered. It’s written just for this setting with discussion questions and chapters filled with illustrations and stories–but also promises to get…

• On distraction

  Jake

  8 Jun 2010 | 2:55 pm

  On Distraction is a short, cogent article by Alain de Botton. “We are continuously challenged to discover new works of culture—and, in the process, we don’t allow any one of them to assume a weight in our minds. We leave a movie theater vowing to reconsider our lives in the light of a film’s values. Yet by the following evening, our experience is well on the way to dissolution, like so much of what once impressed us: the ruins of Ephesus, the view from Mount Sinai, the feelings after finishing Tolstoy’s Death of Ivan Ilyich.” Related: The Age of the Informavore

• Reading Caputo, thinking LOST

  Jake

  24 May 2010 | 9:19 am

  I found it nearly impossible to read John Caputo’s latest article in Tikkun Magazine without connecting it to LOST. “God does not bring closure but a gap. A God of the gaps is not the gap God fills, but the gap God opens. The name of God makes the present a space troubled by an immemorial past and an unforeseeable future.” HT: Tony Jones and Blake Huggins

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  Generate Life Blog

• Love Chick-Fil-A

  Ronny

  2 Sep 2010 | 10:18 am

  I personally LOVE Chick-fil-a! Maybe its because they were founded on Christian, biblical principles, or maybe its because they do so much for the surrounding communities, or maybe its just because the food is so stinkin’ good! Either way, we are blessed to have a great partnership with the Chick-Fil-A in South Corona at the Crossings, and Shawn York loves what Generate stands for and has been willing to help with our upcoming album. So if you’re in the area, stop by the Chick-Fil-A at the Crossings, grab a bite to eat, and let them know you are from Generate and 20% of the…

• Tonight

  Ronny

  1 Sep 2010 | 8:31 am

  I know I missed a blog yesterday so I apologize for not keeping you in the loop. However, tonight we have some pretty cool things planned: 1) From your responses on Facebook, it looks like “Yahweh” was the song you all requested. 2) Our friends at 90.1 Air 1 will be hanging out with us handing out prizes and merchandise, so don’t miss it! 3) We have two incredible videos for you, one during worship that will absolutely blow your mind! Excited to see you all tonight at 7:30!

• Creation Story

  Ronny

  30 Aug 2010 | 1:32 pm

  This week we wrap up our “Is God Green” series with a look at the creation story and how we fit into what God has been doing for millennia. Ephesians 2:10 says that God has created you with a purpose and that purpose is forever marked for good; however, it does require effort on our part.  Paul ends that verse with, “we should walk in them,” which clearly calls each and every one of us to physically play an active role in what happens in our lives. Action and effort are not opposed to God’s grace, they are opposed to earning it, which we can never do! You are…

• Just In Case You Missed It…

  Ronny

  26 Aug 2010 | 12:20 pm

  Here’s what you missed last night!

• Cant Sleep??

  Ronny

  25 Aug 2010 | 10:02 am

  Recent studies have shown that lack of sleep has quickly risen to the top of the list of health concerns amongst physicians, even over obesity. When you think about the plethora of energy drinks and caffeine related products on the market today, you can’t help but ask: is there really a problem? Solomon, in Proverbs 3:24, says that sleep is actually a gift from God when we are in the right relationship with Him.  When you think about current workloads, overloaded school schedules and extracurricular activities, it’s no wonder why God instituted a sabbath. To sleep peacefully and…

• 

  brent(inWorship)

• Today, I celebrate 19 years. With my best friend. Tammy I adore...

  18 Aug 2010 | 8:35 am

  Today, I celebrate 19 years. With my best friend. Tammy I adore you. I have so much respect for you. And I am proud of who you are beyond any words. Tammy, happy anniversary, I love you!

• So, I decided to jailbreak my iPhone 4...

  4 Aug 2010 | 9:44 am

  In the past I had jailbroken my iPhone to allow me to access features that were not available yet. Things like taking video and wallpapers and even tethering back in the day(I dont do this anymore…see final thoughts). As the iPhone has improved, I found less and less reason to jailbreak and I was not going to jailbreak my iPhone 4 at all. But , I still had one thing missing. Google Voice. So, last night I jailbroke my iPhone 4. As of this week, there is one resource for jailbreaking an iPhone 4… jailbreakme.com They are getting a lot of publicity, for two reasons. First, is that they are…

• Audrey Assad | "Everything Is Yours"

  14 Jul 2010 | 10:38 am

  I picked up the new Audrey Assad album yesterday. Its good. When I listen to music, I tend to critique. I tend to pick a part lyrics, chord structure and most of all production/performance. Its easy to do. Most music today is thrown together or rehashed production from another album. I love to listen to music that makes me think less about the production and more about the heart. I love it when the elements disappears and I just “hear” it. Audrey’s songs do this. In light of so many hurts right now (In friends and family), I was struck by one song immediately. “Everything Is Yours”…

• WorshipRises EP - Releases July 13th!

  9 Jul 2010 | 10:15 am

  Im excited for my buddy Chris Vacher. This last year, he has led a group of songwriters/worship leaders/pastors. The outcome is “Worship Rises” Head over to Chris’s blog and read all about it!

• I watched this today. I dont normally watch America’s Got...

  27 Jun 2010 | 9:07 pm

  I watched this today. I dont normally watch America’s Got Talent. It kind of bugs me. But that’s not the point. I saw this today. I was in tears watching this. A moving story and a moving display…

• 

  Collide Magazine | Blog

• Sound Off: Christian Celebrities

  Scott McClellan

  2 Sep 2010 | 9:29 am

  I’m working on an essay and I want to hear from you. The surest sign that someone is a Christian celebrity is _______. Christian celebrities are helpful because _______. Christian celebrities are harmful because _______. Go ahead. Hit me with it.

• Hammer Time

  Scott McClellan

  31 Aug 2010 | 9:24 am

  You know what that picture above is — it’s a hammer. But if I asked you what a hammer is used for, what would say? Despite its stark simplicity, a hammer is quite a remarkable tool. As I see it, a hammer has two purposes: building and tearing down. Construction and destruction, if you will. I’m struck by the versatility of a hammer — the same tool can play an important part in the establishment and demolition of a home. Lately, these hammer-centric thoughts have dominated my little brain. I haven’t been able to shake them. Not because I think I missed my calling…

• Reminder: Show Us Your Spaces

  Scott McClellan

  30 Aug 2010 | 7:56 am

  I’ve blogged about this before, but I’m blogging about it again. As we were rearranging and cleaning out our offices not long ago, we found ourselves thinking a lot about environments. Specifically, we began wondering about your environments—where you work and where you worship. Our guess is that some of you have creative and cool work environments—offices, studios, production booths, conference rooms—and we want to see them. We believe creative environments are conducive to creative work, so we’d love to see where you do your creative work, and then we’d like to share…

• Videos Of The Week – 8.27.10

  Scott McClellan

  27 Aug 2010 | 7:20 am

  As you mill about the Internet today, here’s another batch of handpicked videos for your viewing pleasure. First up, an amazing short film called, “Pixels.” PIXELS by PATRICK JEAN.Uploaded by onemoreprod. – Discover more animation and arts videos. Now it’s L.A.’s turn for a little video love (HT: churchmediadesign.tv). This video features great visuals and great jazz (HT: Scott Hodge). On the tech side of things, let some smart Google employees teach you about their Realtime search. And finally, check out this video from Centerline New Media, “God…

• Calvin And The State Of The Times

  Scott McClellan

  25 Aug 2010 | 6:49 am

  A friend of mine, the inimitable Justin Schneider, recently shared a quote from John Calvin on his blog and I thought it was perfectly applicable in the ongoing COLLIDE conversation. Here’s Calvin talking about the changing form of worship in Institutes of the Christian Religion: I mean that the Lord has in his sacred oracles faithfully embraced and clearly expressed both the whole sum of true righteousness, and all aspects of the worship of his majesty, and whatever was necessary to salvation; therefore, in these the Master alone is to be heard. But because he did not will in outward…

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  Kingdom Ministry on the Net

• IRS Offers One-Time Special Filing Relief Program for Small Charities, Ministries, and Churches

  9 Aug 2010 | 7:36 am

  IRS Offers One-Time Special Filing Relief Program for Small Charities; Oct. 15 Due Date to Preserve Tax-Exempt Status July...

• Internet Ministry: Internet Church Marketing

  9 Aug 2010 | 3:54 am

  By: Jason Evans (http://www.articlekingpro.com/profile/Jason-Evans/40936)The typical use of christian church marketing has been that of door to door marketing and...

• Christian Technology: Rentmychurch.com New Marketing Resource for Churches

  28 Apr 2010 | 11:49 am

  Christian Technology: Rentmychurch.com New Marketing Resource for ChurchesDALLAS, April 28 /Christian Newswire/ -- RentMyChurch.com , Inc. announces the launch of...

• Christian Leadership: The 5 Deadly Sins of Worship Services

  28 Apr 2010 | 8:10 am

  The 5 Deadly Sins of Worship Services by Doug Lawrence Have every member of your platform...

• Christian Living: Deceptive 'Rapture' Doctrine Dupes Millions

  26 Apr 2010 | 7:14 am

  Deceptive 'Rapture' Doctrine Dupes Millions MEDIA ADVISORY, April 26 /Christian Newswire/ -- Millions of Christians contemplating...

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  Small Group Help Blog

• Leadership Isolation

  21 Aug 2010 | 2:00 pm

  Sometimes group leaders can forget they need accountability and deep personal relationships.  My friend Jon recently posted  about this on his website:A few weeks ago, I found myself in quite a tough spot. Many things around me seemed to be collapsing in on me, and I felt all alone. This seems kind of strange for a guy who has tooted the "GroupLife horn" for so long, but it's true. At a time when I needed a shoulder to lean on the most, I was generally i [...]

• Small Groups Digizine

  8 Aug 2010 | 2:00 pm

  Christianity Today and SmallGroups.com are offering a new free tool to help small group leaders with ideas, resources, and leadership insights. Their goal through this digizine (digital magazine) is to equip and support small group leaders while offering extra encouragement to those pass [...]

• New From Barna - Who is active in group expressions of faith?

  8 Jul 2010 | 2:00 pm

  A new Barna study takes a close look at the active profile of those that participate in small groups, Sunday school and house churches and other church activities. The recent study pulled together nine interesting insights:

• How does your group handle summer?

  16 May 2010 | 2:00 pm

  I have always found summer to be an interesting component of group life. Some of our groups experience a dip in attendance while others continue to thrive. I have heard all sorts of advice from other small group pastors and breakout sessions at conferences but I am of the opinion that the group leader can make the best decision for his or her group.They know their summer schedules, vacation times, children's activities, church events, etc. I've always been a part of church [...]

• What's Next For My Small Group?

  2 Mar 2010 | 1:00 pm

  Whether your group has been together a long time or just a few months it can be challenging for a leader to decide what to do next with their small group.  This article can help you gain some perspective by guiding you through some key questions to evaluate your small group. When trying to figure out where to take your smallgroup (bible study or whatever you want to call it) one of the best things you can do is figure out where you are. There are four major relationship areas to c [...]

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  Solar Crash... Where heaven and earth collide.

• If you need to call it ‘Christian’, it probably isn’t.

  Lon

  1 Sep 2010 | 8:30 am

  I’m not against labels. In a increasingly complex world we need systems and categories to organize life. But who exactly does the Christian prefix help? Does it help Christians make decisions to become more like Jesus? ‘Oh it’s Christian, then it must be okay’ Or does it cause them to outsource their own ability to discern? Does it help anyone foreign to Jesus come to know him more? Or does it only distance people further? The first followers of Jesus were called Christians. Except this wasn’t a self-appointed title; it was a description given to them by others.

• Sacred in the ordinary

  Lon

  30 Aug 2010 | 8:45 am

  Most of us live fairly ordinary lives. I have no doubt all of us can do unique and dazzling work for at least five-minutes a day, and maybe you’re a star and can keep the show running a little bit longer, but what about all the time between your spectacular feats? Here is how Jesus lived: Jesus woke up. Jesus went to the bathroom. Jesus ate breakfast. Walked to the shop. Opened the shop. Took and fulfilled work orders. Cleaned and closed the shop. Walked home. Cleaned and fed the animals. Washed. Ate dinner. Talked to the neighbors. Went to bed. The next morning: Jesus woke up Jesus…

• Not Like Me

  Lon

  5 Aug 2010 | 1:53 pm

  Not Like Me: A Field Guide for Influencing a Diverse World helps people of faith effectively love, serve, and reach people overlooked by the church. Not Like Me includes a brief article after each chapter with practical ways to apply the principles presented in that chapter. The contributors include:  Ed Stetzer, Amena Brown, Margaret Feinberg, Kevin Harney, Dr. Gerardo Marti, Kim Martinez, Lon Wong, Mark DeYmaz, Princess Zulu, Dan Kimball, and Erwin McManus (Foreword). Wait.  Did you catch that?  The 7th name in.  That’s me! From what I can tell, I’m the only one…

• The Art of Choosing

  Lon

  2 Aug 2010 | 6:30 am

  Another fascinating talk out of TED – Sheena Iyengar shares about her research on how we make choices. I had a fascinating discussion today with a Caucasian family that’s spend the last decade in Japan. The never-ending bootcamp form of child development and education in Asia seems like torture to my Asian-yet-overly-western-shaped mind. How do children live with such stifling routines there? Where’s the fun? What about open-ended creativity? Iyengar sheds light on the potential for beauty and happiness without being inundated with the choices and ‘freedoms’ I…

• Updates

  Lon

  17 Jul 2010 | 4:45 am

  A few updates here since I’ve been relatively quiet the last while. Even though I’ve written in the past about the dangers of parenting, the last few months have really been all about family. Gem, our newborn, is more precious than I could’ve imagined and doing quite well. Stellar has been exploding with life, questions, and the unavoidable daily tantrums. My wife and I have sold our place and moved back in with my end of the family. Living with my folks again of course has it’s blessings and challenges as well. And that’s the bulk of it. We spend our days with…

• 

  Behind Worship

• Good to Great: Onscreen Lyrics and Notes Part II

  This article was originally published on The Worship Community In Part 1 of this article we explored Contrast, Alignment, and Font Choice. You can start there and catch up. The Purpose of Backgrounds = Enhance ? Distract The whole purpose of backgrounds - loops or still graphics - is to add visual interest to the screens ...

• ProPresenter Overview II

  In ProPresenter Overview 1 we referenced some great features of ProPresenter. Here are a few more tools ProPresenter will offer you: Full HD support and beyond ProPresenter fully supports any resolution right out of the box. At no additional cost, you can playback Standard-Def, all forms of High-Def, as well as ultra-wide resolutions for ...

• ProPresenter Overview I

  This information comes from ProPresenter's website. What is ProPresenter? ProPresenter has been the preferred lyric presentation system for churches and ministries around the world for years. Now with a fresh new look and incredible new video engine, ProPresenter has never been easier or more spectacular. ProPresenter 3 has been completely re-written from ...

• Introduction to Music Loops in Worship

  This article was originally published on The Worship Community. If you are part of the growing community of worship leaders, there is a good chance that you are at least mildly acquainted with loops. Loops have, to varying degrees, become an important tool to many modern worship leaders. From simple drum loops ...

• Good to Great: Onscreen Lyrics and Notes Part I

  This article was originally published on The Worship Community Open your software of choice. Add the lyrics. Play. So is the preparation of the typical church using lyrics presentation software. It works. The lyrics are on screen and God is sung to and about. But what if a few simple treatments could ...

• 

  My World

• Saturday @ Revolution: Fight for Righteousness

  Josh

  2 Sep 2010 | 9:15 am

  The last few weeks at Revolution have just been amazing. Since this time last year, we have more than doubled as a church and this past Saturday, we had our highest attendance ever. At the end of summer. Love seeing what God is doing and being a part of it. I want to really challenge you and encourage you to continue coming on Saturday night’s praying for the night, expecting God to show up and move and do something in the lives of those there. Saturday, we are continuing our series Ultimate Fighter. Here’s what we’ll be talking about:  Have you ever found yourself…

• Top Posts for August 2010

  Josh

  1 Sep 2010 | 2:16 pm

  In case you missed them, here are the top posts for August 2010: 10 Characteristics of a Growing Church Life Lessons: Don’t Dance in the Street The Most Important Thing Parents Do Saturday Night Mind Dump… (8/7/10) How a Staff Supports a Lead Pastor Saturday Night Mind Dump… (8/28/10) You Become What You Think About Ava is 5 Be Clear I Actually Hear the Bible at my Church Filed under: church, family, kids, leadership, letters to my kids, mind dump, pastor, photo, top posts, video

• Leaders Grow

  Josh

  1 Sep 2010 | 10:13 am

  In every leadership book or at every leadership conference you hear the mantra, “Leaders are readers” or “Growing leaders grow churches” or something to that affect. In his book The E-Myth Revisited, Michael Gerber puts it another way, “The job of the leader is to know more than you do.” I meet a lot of pastors who unknowingly are not allowing their churches to reach their full potential because they are not reaching their full potential. For a lead pastor, eventually, your church will look like you. Good or bad. Two years into Revolution, I can tell you…

• Pictures of a Follower of Jesus: Farmer

  Josh

  1 Sep 2010 | 6:08 am

  Saturday was part 2 of our Ultimate Fighter series. In 2 Timothy 2, Paul gives 3 pictures of what a follower of Jesus is to be like. The first is a soldier. The second is an athlete. And the third is a farmer. While the other two images can sound glorious and exciting, while this one is rather ordinary and mundane. A farmer works long, hard hours. Many of them in the heat or rain, through drought, snow, whenever it is necessary. The farmer though has his eyes on the prize, the harvest. It is all about the harvest. To be a farmer though, is to do many seemingly thankless, insignificant…

• Overcome

  Josh

  31 Aug 2010 | 3:41 pm

  We are wanting to shoot some videos for a worship element at Revolution and we need your help. We are looking for people to share something they have overcome through the power of God. Answer this question, “I have overcome ____________ through the power of God.” If something comes to mind (and that is all you will be saying on the video, so you don’t need to share any details), let Paul know by sending him an email at paul.ingram@tucsonrevolution.com because we want to shoot them after church this week. We want to celebrate how God has brought freedom to the lives of those…

• 

  Mister Nifty

• Warning: Beware of Google Images!

  Brian Fegter

  30 Aug 2010 | 8:58 pm

  You know you’ve done it before. You searched Google images until you found a cool photo, yanked it off of somebody’s website and then you slapped that dude right on your website. The problem is, it was on a website that had paid for a license to use it, and now you have it sans the required license. Beware, because you are in danger of harassment and possibly a lawsuit against your organization. Last week I had a client contact me regarding an issue with a large stock photography house. Apparently, several years ago their secretary had downloaded a couple of images that looked…

• Free Illustrator Alternative

  Brian Fegter

  11 Aug 2010 | 12:03 pm

  If you don’t have Adobe Illustrator, and you’ve tried opening a .AI file, you know what a hassle this can be. Certainly, you can open it up in Photoshop, but it will convert your resizeable vector file (lines and fills) to a rasterized image (pixels and dots). Since most churches don’t have a person on staff who knows how to use a vector program like Illustrator, they don’t have anything capable installed on their computers. Also, Illustrator costs hundreds of dollars and is not worth the cost to be used a few times a year in most cases. And now, after reading this…

• Church Marketing?

  Brian Fegter

  7 Aug 2010 | 8:45 pm

  I just read this fantastic article about “church marketing” by Brent McCraken. This is a must read for every pastor, staff and creative working for a church. View The Article (via @kjhouk)

• Free Web Interface Icons and Styles

  Brian Fegter

  6 Aug 2010 | 6:25 pm

  If you’re looking for some great looking free icons for your web design, Webalys has released a pretty awesome icon and style set. Also included in the package is a massive library of web elements you can drop into your design. This kit is worth a pretty penny, but they have been so kind to give it away for free to the public. Here are some previews: Download the User Interface Design Framework

• A Kingdom Lesson From Google

  Brian Fegter

  29 Jul 2010 | 9:01 am

  Google is everywhere. It is plausible that almost every website you visit will be attached to Google somehow visibly or invisibly. Its footprint on how we communicate is simply massive and mind-boggling. Check out this video which better illustrates the point. Click here to view the embedded video. Whether we like it or not, Google is everywhere. Every click leads to another Google application, widget, or urchin. They have figured out how to permeate every part of the Internet with their message and method. There are no boundaries. They aim to index and control how content is served and…

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  TheResurgence

• Film & Theology 101

  James Harleman

  2 Sep 2010 | 10:00 am

  Click through to the Resurgence if you can't see the video. A lot of people ask "why" we do Film & Theology and "how" we approach it, and I hope to address the basic questions - and objections - in this 10-part instructional series. It's my hope that it won't just lead to edification and personal transformation, but ultimately replication leading to more glorification of the God we love and live for. For more on film & theology, engaging culture and redefining entertainment, go to cinemagogue.com. "101" establishes the basic premise essential to this engagement: that the one true God…

• The Blueprint for Trust: Stop Pretending

  Dave Dorr

  2 Sep 2010 | 12:00 am

  People Don't Trust the Church Anymore Organized religion's trust levels are only a few percentage points higher than that of our politicians—and that is a grave problem for the church. The majority of Americans, over three quarters of them, view organized religion with the same suspicion they do politicians, who are often associated with incredible self-interest and pettiness. People View the Church as a Dead Organization This low view of organized religion has not led to an outbreak of atheism. Spiritual things are still a hot topic in many people's lives and still have incredible…

• This video should be seen by every man—the launch of the book called 'Church Planter'

  Mike Anderson

  31 Aug 2010 | 11:58 pm

  It's not often that we create something that we think every man needs to watch. This video is one of those you must see. We made it to announce the new book, Church Planter, and we think every reader of the Resurgence should read it ASAP. Watch the video: Darrin Patrick, vice president of the Acts 29 network and a veteran church planter himself is one of the most qualified men on the planet to write this book. It is written for Church Planters, but will challenge any man (really any person) to follow Christ with everything he's got. This book is a call for God's men to rise to their calling…

• Why Gender & Sexuality Matter

  Gregg Allison

  31 Aug 2010 | 2:00 pm

  The Theology of the Body: Click | View Series Your Gender Matters As embodied creatures, human beings are either male or female (Gen. 1:26-27); indeed, gender is a fundamental reality of human existence. God does not create a generic human being and then add on gender; rather, he creates a human being either as a male person or as a female person. Human genderedness means that a man is conscious of and knows himself as a man, he relates to other human beings as a man, and as a man he relates to God. Similarly, it means that a woman is conscious of and knows herself as a woman, she relates to…

• Justification By Attendance

  Dustin Neeley

  31 Aug 2010 | 12:00 am

  Justification by X: Click | View Series Church Math As kids, I bet most of us reading this post probably hated math—all the subtracting, borrowing, and dividing. These are all words that make pastors nervous. No wonder teachers called them "problems." But as we aged and began ministry, something miraculous happened and we suddenly fell in love with numbers. In fact, we learned the whole new subject called "church math," like baptisms, budgets, and Sunday service attendance. The number of things to count became almost endless and almost fun—that is, as long as the numbers were up. But if…

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  Kem Meyer on Less Clutter & Noise

• How telling the truth can advance your cause save the world

  Kem Meyer

  30 Aug 2010 | 10:29 am

  There’s a few simple truths people have trouble with when it comes to selling their dreams(personal or corporate): Branding is bonding. You can’t bond without trust. You can’t build trust without telling the same story It’s hard to tell the same story without telling the truth. Conventional practices lead with the mechanics of marketing—the advertising, design or strategy deliverables. Those efforts are upside down. All of those practices should support the essence of your core—they don’t define the core. When people—or companies or causes—try to manufacture a brand from the…

• More than 100 speakers, one-day, 6-minutes each, free

  Kem Meyer

  27 Aug 2010 | 7:01 am

  I’m genuinely looking forward to The Nines Conference in less than two weeks. Talk about the gift of inspiration, practical advice and encouragement—this year’s theme is GAME CHANGERS. Every speaker had the same task: take no more than 6 minutes to talk about the game changers in your life and ministry. In other words, what were the changes, mindsets or directions that made the biggest difference (personally or corporately)?   Here’s a preview of a few of the game changers I already know about that will be shared at the event: Mark Beeson: Critics in your life? Don’t let anger be…

• Reduce the static to engage with others

  Kem Meyer

  26 Aug 2010 | 7:00 am

  I talk about it all the time. Sometimes the picture we draw (with words, actions or images) isn’t telling the story we think it is. You’ll never know how you’re coming across to others if you don’t draw on the wisdom of people with diverse perspectives.  When I left my marketplace job in 2002 to join the staff team at Granger, I had a wealth of experience, tools and tricks at my disposal. But, even with all the right skills, education and knowledge, I couldn’t gain traction. My ministry and my communication effectiveness was in serious stall mode. Sure, I got some stand alone…

• Are you sensational self-promoter or selfless maximizer?

  Kem Meyer

  25 Aug 2010 | 8:05 am

  I’ve been reading through Making Ideas Happen with my lead team the past few weeks. It’s generating some good dialogue and reinforcing practices we value. The book goes against conventional wisdom and advocates "self-promotion" to stimulate better teamwork. Before you get hung up on the phrase, consider the motives. Is it for personal gain or personal effectiveness? Is it about advancing your career or enhancing a team? Is it about getting your task done or accomplishing a group objective? I agree that one of the best contributions you can make to a team is to take it upon yourself to…

• Dont let discouragement pile up. Guard your heart

  Kem Meyer

  24 Aug 2010 | 7:06 am

  For the past few weeks, I’ve been feeling an extra dose of discouragement. There’s nothing dramatic going down, no crisis or cause for alarm. It was just a convergence of real life happening all around me—people I love with broken hearts, minds, bodies, relationships and lives. It started to pile up and, in my gloom, I inadvertently started to focus on the circumstances and felt very alone. Then, one day last week, I saw something on my morning walk that flipped the switch back to a productive place. A lone flower, brightly blooming among dirt, gravel and weeds. I felt like it was…

• 

  Frankly Speaking

• Waitresses Watch

  25 Aug 2010 | 8:22 am

  Something I re-read today reminded me of the impact that Christians have, and the potential for positive impact they can have. Bill Hybels, in his book, Just Walk Across the Room, writes:Recently, I received a five-page letter from an area waitress who is part of Willow Creek. Before becoming a Christian, I learned, she waited tables at a restaurant where many of us would eat after weekend

• No good deed . . .

  10 Aug 2010 | 7:01 pm

  I was out of town camping. My Administrative Assistant, Melissa, took the call. Twenty-five minutes later she put the phone down exhausted from the tirade she had just endured.Apparently, "needy" is a racial slur. At least that is what the caller told Melissa.Our church is collecting school supplies to give to neighborhood children that are in need of them. That's why Terry, our designated

• 28 Jun 2010 | 8:22 am

  28 Jun 2010 | 8:22 am

  Last year, about this time, I wrote about my trip to the Secretary of State. It was a long day, that one.It seems only fair then, to give some credit where credit is due.This morning I stopped by the downtown branch of the Secretary of State to transfer the plate from my son's truck to my wife's car. My wife drives a 1998 Mercury station wagon with 160,000-ish miles on it. The car is valued at

• Things are not as they should be

  16 Jun 2010 | 8:49 am

  "When a plane flies into a building killing thousands, we know that's not right."When a four-year-old dies from a brain tumor or a mother of three dies slowly of breast cancer, we know that's not right. . . ."Whether we believe in God or not, most of us know intuitively that there are certain things that shouldn't happen in the world. It's that intuition that makes us want to ask why in the

• Let the church be the church

  10 May 2010 | 7:57 pm

  When senior citizens at a retirement center near Savannah, Georgia were told they could no longer have a communal prayer at mealtime they were, understandably, upset. So was their mayor and their families. After all, this generation has been praying before eating since they first learned, "God is great; God is good; Let us thank Him for our food." Some of them were praying for their daily

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  SITE_TITLE News

• Make Your Group Grow, part 5

  27 Aug 2010 | 10:00 pm

  Read all the research in my new book, Make Your Group Growwww.joshhunt.com 

• 9 Crumbling Evangelical Worship Habits

  26 Aug 2010 | 10:00 pm

  What seems to be replacing them?

• Is It Better to Be Loved or Feared? Three Lessons from Machiavelli for Church Leaders

  25 Aug 2010 | 10:00 pm

  Do you want to be loved as a leader? Machiavelli said it was better to be feared than loved. Even for church leaders, there's something in what he said.

• Flagship Stores Provide Customers with a Unique Opportunity

  25 Aug 2010 | 10:00 pm

  Flagship stores are able to catch the customer's eye more quickly and provide a exciting way to display all the retailers' products and serivces without having to deal with limited space. For a flagship store to be successful, it should: Drive traffic Create product awareness Provide an enhanced customer experience Increase sales

• A new look at Nehemiah's wall

  23 Aug 2010 | 10:00 pm

  The ancient story of wall-building teaches three fresh principles about protecting core and culture.

• 

  Church Crunch

• Dushare: Simple Peer to Peer (p2p) File Sharing

  Jared Erickson

  2 Sep 2010 | 8:49 am

  Sorry, but this is not the next Napster.. But beats sending files over skype or iChat! Dushare allows you to quickly and easily create a link from a file, and instead of uploading it onto their servers it connects you and the person you are sharing the file with for speedy delivery! It even allowing you to chat with the person at that time: Dushare claims to not be able to see your files or chat between you and the person you are sharing with, as well your files are safe and sound with 128-bit encryption. So next time you finished rendering that 500mb intro video, or working on those sermon…

• Open Thread: Video in Emails?

  John Saddington

  2 Sep 2010 | 8:47 am

  I received a neat video in an email from @TimAbare and I actually found it to be engaging and worthwhile. It was short (less than 2 minutes) and was very “to the point”. Thoughts? With video capture and send capabilities on mobile devices now this is easier than ever. We are powered by Media Temple.Want to Advertise Here? Contact Us!

• Web Analytics: Real Time & Live Tracking

  John Saddington

  2 Sep 2010 | 8:10 am

  The temporary landing page for a new real time and live tracking analytics service, ChurchAnalytics, is now up! We’ve got a month of BETA testing going on right now and we’ll be launching it officially next month. I couldn’t be more excited! Make sure you view it in Chrome or Safari for a neat little color-changing effect! Here you can see part of the real time tracking dashboard that’s been created: Sweet! We are powered by Media Temple.Want to Advertise Here? Contact Us!

• Don’t Get Comfortable, Stay Curious About Technology

  Graham Brenna

  2 Sep 2010 | 7:57 am

  I’ve been thinking a lot about comfort and curiosity, especially when I had a situation recently where someone said to me that they didn’t have computers when they were in college. So how could I expect them to understand something like file management?! I must admit that I got a little frustrated with this individual. You see, just because there were computers in every room at the college I attended, doesn’t mean they were teaching me the basics there. I learned the basics on my own because… well… they are the basics. Too Comfortable Reflecting on this more I…

• EPIC Game Over Wedding Cake

  John Saddington

  31 Aug 2010 | 9:01 pm

  Give up the good for the great, right? *sigh* We are powered by Media Temple.Want to Advertise Here? Contact Us!

• 

  The Necessary Things

• Beginner Blog Sharing Mistakes You Can Easily Avoid

  Brian Barela

  30 Aug 2010 | 6:54 am

  If you recently started sharing blog posts and pages on Facebook and Twitter here are some things you will need to know… CHANGE YOUR PERMALINKS! (WordPress users) Permalinks are the permanent urls to your posts and pages that you create. If you do not change the settings they will follow this structure: The end of this link is not conducive to sharing for two reasons: 1-It’s not descriptive, meaning it does not provide any insight into what the post is about. 2-It looks too techy–if you are sharing something like this on Facebook, and many of those whom you want to read this…

• Don’t Go Chasing Waterfalls…When Leading Change

  Brian Barela

  26 Aug 2010 | 7:40 pm

  When seeking to lead significant change the focus has to be on what’s most required/needed by those on the field. This is an illustration of the Waterfall Model that applies to software development. It’s a great example of what NOT to do when leading change because the requirements are set before the product has been used or tested by the intended audience of the product. It’s a method that does not integrate or allow the feedback or needs of the audience/users until AFTER the product is complete. Many ministry leaders make the same mistake–they have good intentions to…

• Personal Development from 3000 Feet

  Brian Barela

  25 Aug 2010 | 5:12 pm

  Personal Development that’s provided by your ministry or organization offers the least resistance but often short circuits what’s actually needed to become more effective as a ministry leader. a simple chart: On the Y-axis is developmental experiences, which I define as experiences that increase both your skill and capacity in some leadership related area–giving speeches to large groups of people, working through conflict with someone, training another person are a few examples. On the X-axis is developmental information, which over time when applied correctly and…

• Facebook Places and Your Ministry

  Brian Barela

  23 Aug 2010 | 5:27 am

  Don’t miss the opportunity to claim your ministry place on facebook! It’s one more way that new people can find and explore your ministry online! Here’s how: You’ll need someone with a smart phone (Android or iPhone easiest) Have that person go to the place where your ministry MEETS (not the place where your staff work if they are two different places). On the facebook app they will need to add your place If your fan page is categorized as a business then you can connect your place to your page (Inside Facebook just wrote a post on how to do this. click here to go read…

• iPhone + Mac + Task Manager = Things

  Brian Barela

  19 Aug 2010 | 8:06 pm

  If you click on any of these links I will earn ZERO dollars. The only incentive is to share a resource that I love and has made me exponentially more effective. This is a snapshot of my workflow with task completion as the goal. Inputs are the main areas where tasks are generated and outputs are the main areas where tasks are completed: Inputs/Task Generators (in order of magnitude): 1. Email 2. Meetings 3. Phone Calls 4. Text Messages Task Capturer: Things Outputs/Task Completers (in order of magnitude): 1. Email 2. Phone Calls 3. Meetings 4. Text Messages (rarely complete a task) Forever I…

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  Zak White

• Spread the LOVE

  Zak White

  1 Sep 2010 | 10:57 am

  At Revolution, we are all about leveraging technology to strategically communicate the Gospel of Jesus Christ. That’s why we’ve got a new feature on the Revolution Church website! If you are a Facebook user, be sure to click the new LIKE button on our website regularly. If you use twitter, you can hit the tweet button. It only takes a second to click these buttons and when you do, you get to easily share what God is doing at Revolution Church with your digital friends! Here is an image to make it easy for ya!

• Time to Pulverize

  Zak White

  1 Sep 2010 | 6:54 am

  Our new message series that we will be kicking off on September 12th is called BREAK OUT. Its all about the old habits, addictions and bad patterns in our lives that trap us, drag us down and keep us from living the life that God intended. I believe this series will help people shake loose the chains of apathy and find purpose in life. We are going to see some stuff junk in our lives get PULVERIZED at Revolution Church! We are going to be talking about addiction to pornography, substance abuse and battling depression. Revolution, you know people that desperately NEED THIS. You just…

• Start a Revolution!

  Zak White

  30 Aug 2010 | 1:26 pm

  Love God. Love People. Start a Revolution. That’s what its ALL ABOUT at Revolution Church. Starting a spiritual Revolution in one life at a time. It takes our entire Battleship working together to see the mission accomplished. To every greeter, parking team member, cafe helper, and usher, THANK YOU. You are doing it! To every person serving in Kingdom Safari or Revolution Kids, THANK YOU. You are doing it! To every band member, media team tech, data team member and office helper, THANK YOU. You are doing it! I can’t believe I get to serve on this valiant ship with each of you. It…

• Sunday 3 Service MIND Dump

  Zak White

  29 Aug 2010 | 4:46 pm

  We saw a new attendance record set today at Revolution! God is doing INCREDIBLE things right now at our church! He just keeps blowing my mind!!! At Revolution, we believe that church should be a place where it is ok to not be ok. That’s one reason people are coming and lives are being changed! Revolution Church is a BATTLESHIP, not a cruise ship. If you missed the first message in our new series today, listen to the message here. If we are going to build Battleships in our world today, we have got to stop swimming in the sea of me. The sea of me is some nasty water! We’ve also got…

• A Battleship with New Times

  Zak White

  28 Aug 2010 | 8:46 am

  Our new times start tomorrow! Just wanted to remind everyone that Revolution now meets on Sundays at: 8:30am 10:00am 11:30am Invite your friends, family, co-workers and neighbors! You can go here to send them a cool Evite now. Also tomorrow, we will be starting our new series, BATTLESHIP. Revolution Church is a place where the people say: “I love this church, because we have great people on a great mission to show forth a GREAT SAVIOR’S LOVE to a world that urgently needs Him!” Instead of asking ourselves, “Do I like this?” we ask “Will this further our mission, and help…

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  Creative Worship Tour

• A Peace of the Body

  Eric D. Herron

  I was sitting at my table, eating my breakfast cereal and minding my own business when WHAM! An overwhelming peace came over me. I don't think it was from God - it wasn't that good - and yet the calm that I experienced was tangible. And, the usual tachycardia I experience while eating breakfast cereal was absent.
 It wasn't until I looked up from my bowl of milk and flakes that I noticed the artful box from which I had poured my cereal. It read: "Peace Cereal: Organic Apple Cinnamon - Low Fat Crisp, Organic Apple Bits, Corn Flakes, & Oat Clusters." Down along the bottom, it read: "10%…

• Get Your Taxonomy On

  Eric D. Herron

  Taxonomy is helpful. It should never be confused with Taxidermy. While the latter concerns stuffing and mounting the skins of wild animals, Taxonomy is concerned with the scientific classification of things. And we humans are enamored with the practice of classification. Most of us are familiar with biological taxonomy, which scientifically classifies every living creature on our planet. Aristotle initiated this ancient form of taxonomy and it was modernized by the 18th century Swede, Carl Linnaeus. As any junior-high student knows, the “species, genus, family, order, class, phylum,…

• Practicing Life as an Artist-Priest :: Phase II

  Jodi-Renee Adams

  "We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit." / Aristotle This is one of my favorite, favorite quotes. I have it on a "sticky" on my mac desktop and scrawled in the front of my idea book. I keep it constantly in front of me (even though the handwritten font is branded on my memory) because of the simple, heavy truth of this statement...especially when we make one little switch: change out excellence for creativity. No offense intended to the immortal soul of the great Aristotle, but here it is: We are what we repeatedly do. Creativity, then, is not an act, but…

• Curating Visuals in New Zealand

  stephen proctor

  I recently returned from spending two week in New Zealand, hanging out with the one and only Mark Pierson! Every Monday night, Mark Pierson curates a worship gathering called "Transient". It's unlike any worship event you've probably been to. There's no stage, no band, no "front". It's not meant for a large crowd but designed and hand-crafted for just a few. You won't hear any well-known worship songs, in fact, you probably won't sing at all. There's no real start time, however, you are greeted with a "reflective space" that lasts for a half hour or so. When the mood feels "right", the…

• Forming Pachyderms

  Eric D. Herron

  I am reading a book about change. The book, Switch: How to Change Things When Change is Hard, is all about the technique and finesse involved in moving things in a certain direction. “Things” might be a start-up company or large established corporation. “Things” might also be a medical board, elementary school class, or a spouse. Drawing from University of Virginia psychologist Jonathan Haidt, the authors of Switch claim that when it comes to people, “... our emotional side is an Elephant and our rational side is its Rider. Perched atop the Elephant, the Rider holds the reins and…

• 

  Business as Mission Network

• "Wealthy help humanity more as businessmen and women then as philanthropists"

  31 Aug 2010 | 5:11 am

  One of our readers forwarded an article from Kimberley Dennis of the Wall Street Journal. In it she raises great questions about the hype surrounding the "Giving Pledge" from Buffett and Gates. It is a great reminder that aid is only a temporary solution. Self sustaining business will always be needed for long lasting change. Here's some quotes that stand out: "Bill Gates and Warren Buffett

• Top 10 Things to know about Microfinance

  26 Aug 2010 | 6:00 am

  Read the Full Article by James Allman-Gulino, KF11 Uganda on the Kiva Chronicles Website - For the regular visitors to the Kiva Fellows blog, I’m sure you have a good idea of how microfinance works and how Kiva fits in to the bigger picture.  However, newer visitors may be less familiar with some of the basic characteristics of the field.  With that in mind, I’ve created a “top 10” list of (

• What is the purpose of your work?

  25 Aug 2010 | 2:53 am

  Bradley Moore - One Sunday morning a couple of years ago, my church announced a new program discussing “Faith in the Workplace.” Although I had never thought much about this subject, I was intrigued and decided to check it out, along with many other career-oriented congregants. My church is located in a bucolic, historically-preserved town that happens to be a stone’s throw from the

• Success to Significance? Not A Message for Future Generations

  23 Aug 2010 | 5:49 am

  Bob Buford's book Halftime was a defining book that helped many refocus on the important priorities of life. It helped us realize there was something more to riding off into the sunset with an endless pursuit of a distorted American Dream of more stuff and more me.  Talk to a young 20 or 30 something today that has read the book and you may hear summaries that say "I don't want to get there"

• OPEN Network Announces 2 Meetings in Dubai and Istanbul

  19 Aug 2010 | 5:48 am

  Announcement from our friends at the OPEN Network - This is a reminder that there will be 2 OPEN Huddles this October. Istanbul on October 21-24, 2010 and Dubai October 27-30, 2010. Those you know living and working in the 10/40 Window may now register by writing Laura at Laura@OPENNetworkers.net  or get more info at www.OPENNetworkers.net Registrations for the Istanbul Huddle will be closed

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  ChurchBeauty

• Legacy Milestones

  Sean Alsobrooks

  20 Aug 2010 | 10:43 am

• Riveroaks

  Sean Alsobrooks

  20 Aug 2010 | 10:39 am

• Bloom

  Sean Alsobrooks

  13 Jul 2010 | 1:06 pm

• Kingsland Baptist Church

  Sean Alsobrooks

  20 May 2010 | 9:10 am

• Christian Tabernacle

  Sean Alsobrooks

  4 May 2010 | 8:06 pm

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  Revitalize Your Church

• Something They'll Never Forget

  Mark O. Wilson

  2 Sep 2010 | 7:58 am

  "People will forget what you said. People will forget what you did. But, people will never forget how you made them feel."-- Maya Angelou

• The Best Gift Ever

  Mark O. Wilson

  2 Sep 2010 | 4:00 am

  "The best gift I can give to the people in my life is to find a way to live with deep contentment, confidence, and joy in my daily experience of life with God."John Ortberg

• Letting Go

  Mark O. Wilson

  1 Sep 2010 | 4:00 am

  The quest to control circumstances and other people always leads unhappiness. We cannot control others, but we can control ourselves. We cannot control outcomes, but we can control our responses. Let go is to let God.Recently, a friend shared this beautiful piece, penned by an anonymous author. I think it sums up the idea beautifully:To let go does not mean to stop caring, it means I can't do it for someone else.To let go is not to cut myself off,it's the realization I can't control another.To let go is not to enable,but allow learning from natural consequences.To let go is to admit…

• Getting to Church

  Mark O. Wilson

  31 Aug 2010 | 4:01 am

  Most people come to church by means the church does not allow, else there would be no need their getting to her at all. . . the operation of the church is entirely set up for the sinner, which creates much misunderstanding among the smug.-- Flannery O'Conner

• A Good Education

  Mark O. Wilson

  31 Aug 2010 | 4:00 am

  "Education is that period of time between cocksure ignorance and thoughtful uncertainty."

• 

  Challies Dot Com

• Reading Biographies Together - Spurgeon (VIII)

  Tim

  2 Sep 2010 | 5:54 am

  Today we come to our final reading on the life of Spurgeon. This book has been a quick read, but an enjoyable one, I think.This week’s chapters focused on the final days of Spurgeon’s life. Much of the content consisted in tributes to the man penned after his death. This is a good way of learning about his impact on those who were closest to him and those he served the most. Perhaps the best of these tributes comes from Archibald Brown, a pastor who led the graveside service during which Spurgeon was laid to rest. Here is how he memorialized his friend. It is worth reading…

• A La Carte (9/2)

  Tim

  2 Sep 2010 | 4:47 am

  It was interesting to watch the big Apple event yesterday (where they unveiled new iPods, a new AppleTV and a new iTunes). It seemed to me that if you didn’t know the context of the event, it would be very difficult to distinguish it from religion. Steve Jobs has done an amazing job of building a brand that inspires religious fervor. It’s a little bit creepy, to be honest. And this coming from a guy who is typing these words on an iMac…East Toronto Church Plant - My church is in the midst of planting a new one. In this post Julian describes what he is up to and looks to…

• Saving Leonardo

  Tim

  1 Sep 2010 | 8:40 am

  Yesterday I finished up Nancy Pearcey’s new book Saving Leonardo. Nancy doesn’t write a lot of books, but when she does, they are worth reading. She’s a unique thinker and one who puts into words what for so many of us are just ideas flitting around the edges of our minds. This new book is just like that.When I finished it up I began to write a review but found that I was having trouble distilling my thoughts. I did something I try not to do, at least until I’ve finished writing my own review—I went looking for what others are saying about it. As I did so, I…

• Humble Beginnings

  Tim

  1 Sep 2010 | 5:51 am

  Download the audio file.I know that there are far more who read this web site than listen to the podcasts. Well and good. But today I want to encourage you to listen in to this one; it’s just 20 minutes or so but along the way our guest shares some things that I’m convinced will be a blessing to you.In this week’s podcast we speak to a man who helped begin an amazing ministry. Jeff Anderson, working through International Bible Conference, helps train pastors from around the world. From very humble beginnings this organization has grown to the point where they are…

• A La Carte (9/1)

  Tim

  1 Sep 2010 | 4:37 am

  Happy September, blog readers. If anyone can explain to me how it got to be September so quickly, I’d love to hear an explanation. We’re six days away from my kids heading back to school (including my youngest who begins this year!). And it seems like it was just yesterday that the last school year wrapped up. Tempus fugit and all of that.Switchfoot iTunes Sessions - Here’s one for the Switchfoot fans.Her Part in Haiti - It was neat to see this article in our local newspaper. LeeAnn is a neighbor of ours and someone we used to go to church with. For the past year…

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  The Resurgence

• Film & Theology 101

  James Harleman

  2 Sep 2010 | 10:00 am

  Click through to the Resurgence if you can't see the video. A lot of people ask "why" we do Film & Theology and "how" we approach it, and I hope to address the basic questions - and objections - in this 10-part instructional series. It's my hope that it won't just lead to edification and personal transformation, but ultimately replication leading to more glorification of the God we love and live for. For more on film & theology, engaging culture and redefining entertainment, go to cinemagogue.com. "101" establishes the basic premise essential to this engagement: that the one true God…

• The Blueprint for Trust: Stop Pretending

  Dave Dorr

  2 Sep 2010 | 12:00 am

  People Don't Trust the Church Anymore Organized religion's trust levels are only a few percentage points higher than that of our politicians—and that is a grave problem for the church. The majority of Americans, over three quarters of them, view organized religion with the same suspicion they do politicians, who are often associated with incredible self-interest and pettiness. People View the Church as a Dead Organization This low view of organized religion has not led to an outbreak of atheism. Spiritual things are still a hot topic in many people's lives and still have incredible…

• This video should be seen by every man—the launch of the book called 'Church Planter'

  Mike Anderson

  31 Aug 2010 | 11:58 pm

  It's not often that we create something that we think every man needs to watch. This video is one of those you must see. We made it to announce the new book, Church Planter, and we think every reader of the Resurgence should read it ASAP. Watch the video: Darrin Patrick, vice president of the Acts 29 network and a veteran church planter himself is one of the most qualified men on the planet to write this book. It is written for Church Planters, but will challenge any man (really any person) to follow Christ with everything he's got. This book is a call for God's men to rise to their calling…

• Why Gender & Sexuality Matter

  Gregg Allison

  31 Aug 2010 | 2:00 pm

  The Theology of the Body: Click | View Series Your Gender Matters As embodied creatures, human beings are either male or female (Gen. 1:26-27); indeed, gender is a fundamental reality of human existence. God does not create a generic human being and then add on gender; rather, he creates a human being either as a male person or as a female person. Human genderedness means that a man is conscious of and knows himself as a man, he relates to other human beings as a man, and as a man he relates to God. Similarly, it means that a woman is conscious of and knows herself as a woman, she relates to…

• Justification By Attendance

  Dustin Neeley

  31 Aug 2010 | 12:00 am

  Justification by X: Click | View Series Church Math As kids, I bet most of us reading this post probably hated math—all the subtracting, borrowing, and dividing. These are all words that make pastors nervous. No wonder teachers called them "problems." But as we aged and began ministry, something miraculous happened and we suddenly fell in love with numbers. In fact, we learned the whole new subject called "church math," like baptisms, budgets, and Sunday service attendance. The number of things to count became almost endless and almost fun—that is, as long as the numbers were up. But if…

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  Desiring God Blog

• Let Him Deny Himself

  2 Sep 2010 | 2:45 pm

  (Author: Jon Bloom) The Christian life is a journey to the greatest joy that exists. But "the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few" (Matthew 7:14). Why is that? Because, paradoxically, in order to pursue our greatest joy, we must deny ourselves. It was a moment of euphoria for the disciples. Jesus was the Christ. Peter had confessed it and Jesus had confirmed it. The long-awaited arrival of Israel's Messiah had come! And the Twelve were at the center of it! Then oddly, Jesus immediately started talking about being murdered by his enemies. And he said some…

• Meet Seven of Our National Conference Sponsors

  2 Sep 2010 | 4:30 am

  (Author: Tyler Kenney)This year's Desiring God National Conference could not be what we're praying and planning for without the generous help of our partner ministries. We are happy to highlight 7 of them for you here. To Every Tribe Ministries To Every Tribe exists to spread a passion for the supremacy of God among unreached peoples throughout the earth. To Every Tribe intends to purposefully glorify God by planting national led, self-sustaining, self-reproducing, evangelical Christian churches in the interior regions of Papua New Guinea and Mexico initially, and then to other unreached…

• The Horizontal Dimension of Personal Breakthroughs

  1 Sep 2010 | 4:30 am

  (Author: Tyler Kenney)This is the third and final video John Piper made before his leave. It is about experiencing spiritual breakthroughs through the gifts of other believers. (See the first one on justification and the second one on loving others.) It ends with some implications for how we do small groups. Scroll down to read an edited transcript of the video. The following is an edited transcript of the video. I've been thinking a lot recently about relationships and about the way you being gifted one way and me being gifted another way relates to answers in prayer, or non-answers in…

• Media from Our Interview with Tullian Tchividjian

  31 Aug 2010 | 7:45 pm

  (Author: Tyler Kenney)Below is the video from last Wednesday's DG LIVE broadcast with Tullian Tchividjian. You can also download the audio. Scroll down to whet your appetite with some of the juicier quotes we captured during the broadcast. "Flight from God always leads downward and never culminates in vivacious life." "The story of Jonah is the story of all of our lives . . . That's why the message of the gospel is so crucial even after we're saved." "The greatest hindrance to gospel advancement is not idols outside the church but those inside." "Don't ever create division in your church,…

• Register for THINK Before Thursday

  31 Aug 2010 | 3:15 pm

  (Author: Tyler Kenney) Register for our National Conference before midnight tomorrow night and save $15. On September 2nd the price goes from $160 to $175. There are only about 500 seats left, so sign up while there's still room! Register now.

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  MondayMorningInsight

• ALL Schullers To Take a Temporary 50% Salary Cut

  toddrhoades@gmail.com

  12 Aug 2010 | 5:44 am

  Group Sects and the OC Register is reporting that Crystal Cathedral founder Robert H. Schuller will take a 50% pay cut for the next four pay periods.  So will his wife Avella.  So will current Senior Pastor daughter Sheila Schuller Coleman. But more suprisingly...  so will Robert A. Schuller and his wife, Donna (who left after a family feud in 2008) and Schuller's daughter, Jeanne Schuller Dunn (who lives in Hawaii). No more church payroll checks for the daughter that lives in Hawaii?  Wow, that's radical. Also announced:  Other Cathedral employees, depending on their…

• Say Goodbye to the Untouchable Preachers

  toddrhoades@gmail.com

  12 Aug 2010 | 5:23 am

  J. Lee Grady has an absolutely great piece over at the Chrisma Magazine website.  Charisma is the charismatic slanted ministry magazine, and Grady has recently been calling out factions in his own circles.  In this piece, he makes some great observations that hopefully will continue to, as he puts it, 'shake up the church and remove corruption'... Here's some of what he writes: We were the gullible ones. When they said, "The Lord promises you untold wealth if you will simply give a thousand dollars right now," we went to the phones and put the donations on our credit cards. God…

• Strippers Turn Tables on Church

  toddrhoades@gmail.com

  10 Aug 2010 | 4:49 am

  North of Columbus, OH, there is a battle brewing.  It pits a church against a strip club.  For the last four years, Pastor Bill Dunfee and several from New Beginnings Ministries have been rallying outside of the local strip club.  OK, well... they weren't there to take advantage of the Fox Hole's services, but rather to utilize their bullhorns to talk down the businesses' potential patrons.  They've taken pictures of license plates in the parking lot and posted them on their website. And they've been doing this for the past four years. After a lawsuit against the church…

• Congregations Gone Wild

  toddrhoades@gmail.com

  9 Aug 2010 | 5:03 am

  A United Church of Christ pastor, G. Jeffrew MacDonald, wrote an opinion piece for the New York Times over the weekend that he entitled "Congregations Gone Wild"  Here's part of what he says... THE American clergy is suffering from burnout, several new studies show. And part of the problem, as researchers have observed, is that pastors work too much. Many of them need vacations, it’s true. But there’s a more fundamental problem that no amount of rest and relaxation can help solve: congregational pressure to forsake one’s highest calling. The pastoral vocation is to help…

• Making the Church a Wonderful Place to Work

  toddrhoades@gmail.com

  9 Aug 2010 | 4:38 am

  What if you could create the perfect work atmostphere at your church?  One that made your staff really happy and really successful?  An atmosphere that promoted teamwork, taking risk, and enabling leadership?  What if...? I think much of what your staff thinks about you (personally) and your church (corporately), they'll learn in the first few months.  It's important for the senior leader to set the tone and make a great first impression.  In fact, if you don't get off to a great start in the first few months, the chances of having a well-rounded, long-term staff…

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  Pastor Steven Furtick

• The sermon ships every Sunday

  paulcunningham

  2 Sep 2010 | 3:58 am

  There’s a well-known quote in the marketing and business world from Steve Jobs about the importance of getting your ideas out the door. Real artists ship. Jobs isn’t just speaking of people who paint, draw, sculpt, or make music. It’s anyone who has the responsibility for creating anything. Products. Services. Reports. Even sermons. Real artists don’t delay their creation’s release in an attempt to make it perfect. They put in the work and get it as close as they can, and then release it. The most significant ideas in the world are the ones that have been shipped. Not the ones that…

• Bonus Tracks – The Nines

  sstafford

  1 Sep 2010 | 2:00 am

  Next Thursday, Leadership Network is hosting a phenomenal conference called The Nines. For nine straight hours you’re going to get to learn from over 100 of the top church and business leaders as they share the biggest game changers they’ve ever experienced. And the best part is that it’s free, so you don’t have to pay anything. And completely online, so you don’t have to go anywhere. When I was asked to be a part of this event, I had a little difficulty choosing which game changer to land on. Just four years in, I’ve experienced a lot of moments and ideas that have shifted…

• Calling out greatness

  paulcunningham

  31 Aug 2010 | 3:36 am

  A few weeks ago I tweeted a challenge to leaders that received a lot of positive feedback: Leaders: Don’t apologize for expecting excellence. God deserves it, and people are capable of it. Call it out. The impetus for it came from my observation that some leaders are afraid or embarrassed to expect excellence as a normal product from the people they lead. Usually it’s because they don’t want to appear to be demanding or demeaning. Apparently it’s an affront to expect a lot out of a person. But it’s actually just the opposite. It honors them. The highest compliment you can give…

• The stories behind the numbers

  paulcunningham

  30 Aug 2010 | 4:31 am

  This past weekend we saw one of the most powerful moves of God at Elevation yet. 581 people saved in just two days. We celebrate and stand in awe of a massive outpouring of God’s power and salvation. But 581 is more than just a big number for us. What makes that number really incredible is that behind it are 581 names. And behind every name there’s a story of a person whose life was redeemed and changed forever. A foreign exchange student from France who happened to come and was saved. Six students who found life together after a couple of their friends invited them to church. A…

• The Invitation

  paulcunningham

  26 Aug 2010 | 4:59 am

  Last weekend at Elevation I strongly urged our people to invite people who are close to them but far from God to church this coming weekend. We believe very strongly in the power of a simple invite to church. We’ve seen thousands of people place their faith in Christ through our weekend worship experiences. And the reason most of those people came was because someone invited them. So I wanted to issue one final challenge to our Elevators: don’t come alone this weekend. God has been setting the stage for an incredible finish to the Invitation. And all you have to do is say a simple…

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  adrianwarnock.com

• Terry Virgo’s book reviews from Brighton

  adrian.warnock@gmail.com (Adrian Warnock)

  2 Sep 2010 | 9:18 am

  Having spoken just yesterday about the fine line between self-promotion and hiding one’s light under a bushel, it might surprise you that I would share a video at the begining of this post in which  Terry Virgo (who incidentally has recently joined Facebook) begins his slot recommending books at the Brighton conference by commending mine. There are a number of reasons why I feel very comfortable doing this, however.Firstly, and perhaps most importantly, Terry’s book review segments have been a major part of my conference life for three decades. No one who has ever heard him…

• 10 Things I learnt on my summer “break”

  adrian.warnock@gmail.com (Adrian Warnock)

  31 Aug 2010 | 4:20 pm

  Following just over a month of this self-imposed near-total break from my online life (obviously not including my paid work!) what have I discovered?Wordpress’s auto-publish feature is bullet-proof and a real giftYou hardly missed me as a result of 1. and my kind guest bloggers. Indeed, traffic remained pretty high considering it was August.Phil Moore is better than I am at explaining why digital fasts are so important.A week is definitely not long enough It took me much longer before I even began to experience digital withdrawal symptoms.It really is hard to stay away from the…

• Get Uncomfortable! Guest post by Ami Loizides Pruett

  adrian.warnock@gmail.com (Adrian Warnock)

  30 Aug 2010 | 1:52 pm

  Today’s is the second guest post from Ami Loizides Pruett of this summer season. Do follow her blog for more of this engaging material.This past weekend for me was spent in the hospital (nothing serious!) and the night I got out I found myself praying and kind of apologising to God for not having spent time with Him. My prayers came to a standstill as my mind churned and I thought back to the drama and fears of the last few days…hold on a second! I realised that a) there’s grace and God totally understood that I was really ill and b) whenever I was about to undergo another…

• Twitter Weekly Archive Post for 2010-08-29

  adrian.warnock@gmail.com (Adrian Warnock)

  29 Aug 2010 | 3:40 pm

  Abby Enck, Age 8: Social Entrepreneur: This post is from Brett and Alex Harris, those dynamos who keep reminding k… http://bit.ly/abbKZb #

• Giving thanks for our food – Guest post by Andrew Fountain

  adrian.warnock@gmail.com (Adrian Warnock)

  28 Aug 2010 | 10:18 am

  This post comes from my friend Andrew Fountain, pastor of New Life Church Toronto:Some of us were brought up in a legalistic environment where it was a fearful sin to eat food without first “saying grace”. I remember hearing of one woman who wanted to know how much food she there needed to be for her to have to give thanks. She was told that no grace was required for a cookie, but a coffee and doughnut required it.Those of us who have come to enjoy God’s grace and understand that we are no-longer living under an Old-Testament legal system sometimes react in the opposite direction. We…

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  Reformissionary

• Music Monday 8.30.10

  Steve McCoy

  30 Aug 2010 | 9:45 am

  MUST VIEW: Arcade Fire interactive video for "We Used To Wait." So cool. $5 August Albums: My Favs including Mumford & Sons, The Black Keys, John Coltrane, Classical music & tons more | All 1,000+ at Amazon (sale ends tomorrow!) Daytrotter: Lost In The Trees | Surfer Blood  Streaming Free: Junip: Fields (Jose Gonzalez) | Justin Townes Earle: Harlem River Blues | The Thermals: Personal Life | The Weepies: Be My Thrill Sarah Jaffe is my new, favorite discovery (found her via Filmspotting podcast). Here's the amazing song "Clementine." Jaffe's…

• GCM Conference - Austin in October

  Steve McCoy

  26 Aug 2010 | 10:59 am

  Austin has more to offer than good music. The GCM Collective Conference is coming October 28-30. You need to be there. If you are unfamiliar, GCM stands for "Gospel Community Mission." From the website...The GCM Collective exists to promote, create and equip Gospel Communities on Mission. A gospel community is a group of believers that lives out the mission of God together as family, in a specific area to a particular people group, by declaring and demonstrating the gospel in tangible forms.  Regular people, living ordinary lives, with great gospel intentionality. GCM…

• Music Monday 8.23.10

  Steve McCoy

  23 Aug 2010 | 6:09 pm

  BREAKINGSufjan Stevens released a new EP and took everyone by surprise. All Delighted People is only $5 for 8 songs and it's epic. And all the people are truly delighted. Review: If you missed it, check my review of Matthew Smith: Watch The Rising Day. Check out Brent Thomas' review of Doug Burr: O Ye Devastatorbuy it."Soaring strings and wistful pedal steel frame the questions of life and the struggles life and faith." Streaming Free: S. Carey: All We Grow (Bon Iver drummer) | Philip Selway: Familial (Radiohead drummer) | Ra Ra Riot: The Orchard | Dead…

• Music Review - Matthew Smith: Watch The Rising Day

  Steve McCoy

  20 Aug 2010 | 10:32 am

  I first heard of Matthew Smith (Facebook and Twitter) as one voice in the Indelible Grace group of artists. His songs quickly became some of our favorites. There's something confident & encouraging in his voice. I got the pleasure of serving alongside him when Michael Spencer (iMonk) invited me to speak and Matthew to sing at his school in Kentucky a few years back. Matthew asked me to review his new album, Watch The Rising Day, and it was an easy "yes."  Most of the album is Matthew reworking hymns long forgotten. And they are wonderful. He also includes his acoustic…

• First Day of School 2006-2010

  Steve McCoy

  19 Aug 2010 | 3:52 pm

  2010 2009 2008 2007 2006

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  Worship Matters

• The Gospel Song - An Animation

  Bob Kauflin

  24 Aug 2010 | 6:55 am

  Not too long ago I came across the work of Chris Powers, who put together an animated video of one of our songs, The Prodigal. I was moved by the way he used simple animation to illustrate the song in a powerful way. Recently Chris told me he had animated another one of our songs, The Gospel Song. Here are the lyrics: Holy God in love became Perfect man to bear my blame On the cross he took my sin By his death I live again. In the video, Chris also added a portion of a message by John Piper where he pleads with unbelievers to trust in the finished work of Christ for their sins. The Gospel…

• Invisible Gorillas and Humility

  Bob Kauflin

  11 Aug 2010 | 8:32 am

  I just finished reading The Invisible Gorilla: And Other Ways Our Intuitions Deceive Us, by Christopher Chablis and Daniel Simons. No, it’s not a Christian book, nor is it a book for people responsible for leading congregational worship (the target audience of my blog). But I think it’s relevant to both. The book was named for the video above. If you haven’t watched it, you should now. The authors describe the purpose of their book in the introduction: The Invisible Gorilla is a book about six everyday illusions that profoundly influence our lives: the illusions of…

• How Does a Worship Leader Cue the Congregation?

  Bob Kauflin

  6 Aug 2010 | 8:45 am

  A while back I received an email from Paul asking: One of the central roles of a worship band is to help the congregation to sing. Do you have advice on how a worship band can best cue the congregation? What kinds of things could I tell my instrumentalists and singers to do to help the people come in on the first words of a song or verse? How would you in general encourage congregational singing? Paul’s question highlights one of the differences between leading a group of people to praise God from their hearts and simply playing and singing music for them. While people can certainly…

• New Matthew Smith CD - Watch the Rising Day

  Bob Kauflin

  30 Jul 2010 | 8:22 am

  Recently I’ve been listening to Matthew Smith’s new CD Watch the Rising Day. Matthew has been contributing to the contemporary hymn-based music of Indelible Grace for years, but has also produced a few of his own albums. He asked me to preview his new CD which I was more than happy to do. Like Indelible Grace, all the songs on Watch the Rising Day are drawn from hymn texts, although not ones you’d necessarily be familiar with. As I’ve read through a few words-only hymnals I’ve been amazed at the wealth that still remains to be explored in old hymn lyrics.

• Ryan Ferguson Recites Psalm 25

  Bob Kauflin

  28 Jul 2010 | 9:29 am

  As a follow up to what I posted on Monday, here’s an example of focusing on the content without ignoring the container. This is a video from the WorshipGod08 conference, where Ryan Ferguson is reciting Psalm 25, using the English Standard Version (ESV) translation.  It’s about 4 minutes and very moving. If you want to see more, you can watch Ryan’s interpretations of  Psalm 145, Psalm 22, and Hebrews 9 and 10. If you’re interested, you can contact Ryan at ryanf@nhcconline.com. What would happen if we always heard/read/thought about Scripture with this kind of…

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  Church Matters: The 9Marks Blog

• Our Poor & Gospel Cooperation

  Andrew Sherwood

  1 Sep 2010 | 2:27 pm

  This is a guest post by Mike Law, which is part of a larger series (featured here on the 9Marks blog) called "Applying God's Word to the Whole Congregation". One of the things I hope is helpful in this series is seeing how even though book of the Bible repeat themes, there is always new application to glean for our congregations. Sermon Text:  Galatians 2:1-10 (Application from 2:10) Only, they asked us to remember the poor, the very thing I was eager to do Paul and the Jerusalem Apostles part ways united in the same message and having a concern for the welfare of one…

• Reaching Mormons and Muslims

  Andrew Sherwood

  1 Sep 2010 | 6:53 am

  This is a guest post by pastor Tim Cantrell. Tim is the Pastor-teacher of Antioch Bible Church in Johannesburg, South Africa.  www.antiochbiblechurch.org.za I've just returned from a wonderful time back in the USA with family and friends and partner churches, all of whom become only dearer to us the longer we serve Christ here in South Africa where he's called us.  But one surprise on this trip was the chance, during a four hour layover in Salt Lake City, to tour the Mormon Temple compliments of a free shuttle service to and from the airport, obviously as a part of the LDS…

• Vacation Reading 2010

  Mark Dever

  30 Aug 2010 | 11:19 am

    Every summer on vacation, I try to read a variety of things.  Here is a thumbnail on each of the books from this past week in South Carolina:   Arnold Toynbee's 1957 Christianity Among the Religions of the World. Basically, he calls for Christianity to stop being uniquely and specifically Christian in its beliefs in order to get along with the other "higher" religions. Bad idea.   Read chapters from DeYoung & Gilbert's forthcoming book (??!!)--superb!   Stephen Gonzales on The Regulative Principle & Drama in Worship.  He says…

• Good News & the Congregation

  Andrew Sherwood

  30 Aug 2010 | 6:37 am

  This is the third part in a series of guest blog posts by Mike Law on Applying God's Word to the Whole Congregation. Mike Law Jr. is the Senior Pastor of Grace Baptist Church of Arlington in Arlington, VA.  He is husband to his dear wife, Lisa, and father to three wonderful children.  Mike was called to serve as the first Senior Pastor of Grace Baptist Church of Arlington in July of 2009 after having served on staff at Capitol Hill Baptist Church as a Pastoral Assistant and intern. Hopefully by now you’ve been able to see how to draw congregational application out of a…

• Faithful Teaching: A Congregational Responsibility

  Andrew Sherwood

  27 Aug 2010 | 10:42 am

  This is the second part of a guest blog post by Mike Law Jr. Mike Law Jr. is the Senior Pastor of Grace Baptist Church of Arlington in Arlington, VA.  He is husband to his dear wife, Lisa, and father to three wonderful children.  Mike was called to serve as the first Senior Pastor of Grace Baptist Church of Arlington in July of 2009 after having served on staff at Capitol Hill Baptist Church as a Pastoral Assistant and intern. As I mentioned in my last post, I try to apply God’s Word to various portions of my congregation (spouses, children, employees, employers, singles,…

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  Deep Thoughts by Gman

• Top Ten Things for Emergency Purposes in Ministry

  2 Sep 2010 | 6:57 am

  10. Batteries: Extra batteries for that remote, clicker, wireless microphone. Invest in a recharger as well. 9. Flash drive or backup plan for your computer. Backup all your files. Daily. Do it. Invest in a flash drive to never lose those pictures, files etc. 8. AAA. It is not if your vehicle or the Church van breaks down but when. Roadside assistance and towing comes in handy. 7. First Aid kit. Always have one nearby. Cuts, bruises, and blood aren’t easy to deal with without one. 6. Back-up lessons, sermons. What happens when the teacher is late or is sick at the last minute? Have an…

• Three things needed for a Quiet Time

  31 Aug 2010 | 9:50 pm

  I. You need a purpose. The purpose is to spend more time knowing God and communicating with Him. II. You’ll need a place. Pick a place where there will be few distractions. Where there is lots of light for reading, reflecting, and writing your thoughts done. A quiet peaceful place so you can concentrate. III. You’ll need a plan. Pick a Bible reading plan that fits you. If you want to read the Bible in a year – go ahead. Maybe pick out a 30 day plan. There are lots of websites, and books out there to help with your devotional time. The Big thing is to do it. I usually suggest starting…

• Hagerstown, MD God of this City

  31 Aug 2010 | 8:55 am

  http://feeds.feedburner.com/blogspot/ZioO

• How to Recruit Volunteers.

  31 Aug 2010 | 6:49 am

  As our church is looking to re-focus on our own children’s ministry. Here is some suggestions for volunteers. I. Enlist volunteers. See who is available. You don’t want just a warm body, but you do need people. So what are the qualifications? Here are some we use: A. Been a Christian for over 1 year. B. Been part of our church body for a year. C. Love God. D. Love children. E. If teaching must have ability to teach. (Sometimes we put people in a teaching role that is in the wrong seat on the wrong bus and has a spiritual gift to be used elsewhere) II. Encourage Volunteers. Celebrate what…

• Top Ten Stupid Mistakes I’ve made in Youth Ministry

  31 Aug 2010 | 6:43 am

  Inspired by Marko's post Here are some I've made. 10. Church van. Speeding, minor dents … just doesn’t do justice to tell your leaders – the van is broken. There was one time I didn’t check the tires and we had a blowout while coming home from King’s Dominion. Safety is the key to the van. My last ministry – I made sure to have the van prepared before leaving on a trip. Getting the van stuck in a ditch wasn't fun either. 9. Poor Communication. I really think when I first got into youth ministry – I knew it all. I didn’t use the parents, or meet with them enough. Sometimes if I…

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  Church IT RoundTable

• Church Techies Biggest Loser #6 Signup

  Jason Powell

  That’s right! It’s time for installment #6 of our Church Techies Biggest Loser contest!  Here are our guidelines/rules based off our prior BL1 , BL2 , BL3 , BL4 and BL5 contests. Would you believe to date participants have lost a combined weight of over 1600 pounds!  Wow! Eligibility Any church IT, Web, AV, Tech/Production Arts staff (full, part-time, or volunteer role).  Church ChMS peeps and other Church tech consultants are encouraged to join as well. Don't fit the above roles, but want to join too? Shoot me an email and we can discuss. Reduced price from $25 down to $15 to register…

• SOHO Backup, Part 7 - Dedupe?

  TonyDye

  Continuing on ideas for the "Perfect" SOHO Backup System.Previously:1. Local Backup2. 3-2-1 Rule3. Off-Site doesn't have to be instant4. Reporting 5. Backup Set Selection6. Cloud Resources7. Delete and Overwrite Protection8. ArchivingToday:9. Dedupe?Dedupe probably means different things, and I want to address at least two of them.First, saving space on the backup media.This is probably the most common form of dedupe, and in it's simplest form, it means not backing up the same file twice. If the backup system can detect that the same file exists more than once, it only backs it up once and…

• Monday Morning Photos of a Sunrise Surprise

  Scott Fillmer

  This morning just when I opened my eyes this is what I saw above. My face just happens to face east right out a window, and this morning these low clouds turned into a beautiful sunrise. The colors fade so quickly but the brilliance produced in a matter of five minutes is just amazing. As I write this there are virtually no colors in the sky and the sun has retreated behind the thick clouds but what a great surprise to wake up and see the colors of a sunrise. I was only able to take a few shots and by the time I got over to the pond (last photo) the colors were already just about gone, (time…

• Twitter updates for the week of 2010-08-30

  Watermark Geeks

  Dear kidzbop, what part of "10 year old kids singing sexy lyrics about shaking things they haven't even developed yet" isn't creepy to you? # You know you live in a house of girls when this is the only option. http://twitpic.com/2jficv # Impromptu serving in childrens ministry means you wear this sweet shirt. As seen in Vogue and GQ. http://twitpic.com/2jdbuh # @benjordan dang… in reply to benjordan # @clintmiller Or it could just be because they are Promise Arrays and like to fail for fun. =) in reply to clintmiller # 72 degrees this a.m. in Dallas……

• Portsmouth Air show [Flickr]

  Tim Golden

  Golden ~Eye~ posted a photo: Portsmouht ( Boston ) Air show at Pease AFB in Newington, NH

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  Markartrip.com

• MIXTAPE WEEK 1 MIND DUMP

  markartrip

  1 Sep 2010 | 9:07 pm

  This blog has been pretty silent over the summer, but never fear I am back. With the school year comes activity and with activity comes my writing. Time for an oldie but a goodie a little Wednesday night mind dump. I can’t go to sleep until I do it, so please bear with me. It was the first HSM Wednesday of the school year. We are doing a series called mixtape. When you make a mix for someone you put all the stuff you want them to hear. We are talking about worship, grow, serve, and outreach. Tonight we tackled John 4 with the big idea “true worship is in spirit and in truth”. Some ups…

• SABBATH, VACATION, REST AND BALANCE IN MINISTRY

  markartrip

  15 Aug 2010 | 8:53 pm

  I recently had a conversation with a friend who is just plain tired from life and ministry. It got me thinking about the necessity of rest in the form of a regular Sabbath as well as down time and time away. God set the example for this and we shouldn’t take it lightly. The danger in ministry is that your social life and job are so blurred, that you don’t know what is a cookout with friends from small group and what is work. I don’t have this tension solved or life figured out, but I thought I would share some thoughts and things people have invested in me. None of these are original…

• MOMENTUM PARODY SONG #4 – MAYBE (JUSTIN BIEBER)

  markartrip

  15 Jul 2010 | 10:34 pm

• MOMENTUM PARODY SONG #3 – REST I NEVER HAD

  markartrip

  15 Jul 2010 | 8:47 am

  SPECIAL THANKS TO MATT VOSBERG FOR SHOOTING ALL THE FOOTAGE AND DUSTIN GODSHALL FOR SELLING HIS SOUL AND DOING ALL THE EDITING.

• MOMENTUM PARODY SONG #2 – NOTHING TO DO

  markartrip

  14 Jul 2010 | 10:11 am

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  Gabe Taviano | Technology meets Eternity

• Behold, the new iPod?

  Gabe Taviano

  1 Sep 2010 | 7:33 pm

  Jumping back into blogging after being away for two month (although the 1PhotoPerDay.com experiment hasn’t missed a day!). And I need to prepare for the 10 week-long RADICAL read-along (book by David Platt) that 100′s of friends are joining over on my wife’s blog (details here / Facebook page here). You still have a few days to pick up the book and join us. If you can’t afford the book, let Marla know. Back to the title of the blog. I noticed a blog post from a large news network this evening that screamed “Behold, the new iPod”. Behold? Like stop in your…

• First trip outside of the country

  Gabe Taviano

  7 Jul 2010 | 8:50 am

  We’re hours away from getting on a plane here in Columbus, and excited to see what God already has in store. We’ll be stopping through Dallas, San Francisco and Taipei before landing in Phnom Penh, Cambodia (28 hours and 10,269 miles after leaving Columbus)! All of this would be impossible without the prayer and financial support of many friends and family members. We were supported as a “missionary family” to work for 1-2 years for a church camp here in Ohio. That support helped me start out as a self-employed web designer over 4 years ago. I’ve now taken a…

• C.S. Lewis on desire

  Gabe Taviano

  16 Jun 2010 | 9:14 pm

  I’ve been surrounded lately by stories. Real stories from real lives. Real lives that are struggling with chasing after wrong desires. God’s been opening our eyes to stories of sex trafficking, stories of immorality, stories of objects in the world being sought after first. And so on, and so on. You and I have stories like these, there’s no getting around that. Life really is a story. The way we live it mirrors how we tell our stories. If we know God, there are certain laws and truths that He’s given us to help us build our story. Somehow we start narrating the story /…

• When I get older, I will be stronger

  Gabe Taviano

  14 Jun 2010 | 5:54 pm

  Too much going on at the moment to share thoughts. Been watching the World Cup with the girls, rooting for the USA of course! They’re ready to get another season started I think. Our 4 year-old has us playing Wavin’ Flag by K’Naan in the van quite a bit. She has the lyrics (from the second video below) memorized, LOL. The first video is a sweet remix for the World Cup that he did with Coca-Cola. Enjoy!!! Click here to view the embedded video. Click here to view the embedded video.

• My cousin Luke

  Gabe Taviano

  7 Jun 2010 | 6:57 am

  It really is amazing to think about the different talents / abilities God’s given us. After seeing this video interview posted by the Lima News with my cousin Luke, I thought I’d share it here. If I were one of the horses, I wouldn’t mess with Luke. Maybe someday I can go hang out with him while he’s working and snap some neat photos – without being “swiped” of course! Do some of your family members do work that falls outside of your abilities?

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  Marketing Integrity

• Good Intentions

  David Tonen

  1 Sep 2010 | 4:57 am

  If you are like me (and you are), you have many personal good intentions that never translate into actionable realities. Churches have the same problem.  Church leaders have many good strategic intentions but they often never get implemented either.  Today I wrote a post for Media Salt titled Good Intentions. You know, it is not too late for me, for you, or for your church.  Now is the time to turn the good intentions into great implementations! Read the entire article here to learn how…

• Google’s New Power: Realtime Search

  David Tonen

  27 Aug 2010 | 7:00 am

• Does Your Church Target?

  David Tonen

  18 Aug 2010 | 6:55 pm

  Today I wrote another post for MediaSalt.com called Who Are The People In Your Neighbourhood? In this post I would like church leaders to consider who their target market is.  I belive that a responsible church will identify a target demographic(s) and strategically plan their programs, outreach, and communication in a focused and effective way to the identified target(s). Please take a few minutes to consider this strategy and please share your thoughts!  You can read the entire article here…

• Tweet Button Released

  David Tonen

  15 Aug 2010 | 6:53 pm

  Twitter has now released a new “Tweet Button” which will quickly become a standard “must-have” for websites going forward.  Here is how the button works:

• Recalibration

  David Tonen

  6 Aug 2010 | 6:49 pm

  I have a huge respect for pastors.  These men and women have the most challenging leadership role on the planet.  They are people of deep faith and conviction.  They give their lives to passionately serve God, to teach, to love, and to make growing students of Jesus. For the past two days close to 40,000 pastors and their teams of marketplace leaders have gathered across North America to learn new leadership techniques, to be refreshed, and to be re-calibrated.  I love The Global Leadership Summit.  For the past eight years this has been a cemented event in my yearly calendar. We…

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  Elemental Children's Ministry

• Up In The Air

  henryjz

  7 Aug 2010 | 9:32 am

  (photo originally uploaded to Flickr by Dave Keeshan) I’m so sorry that I have been so lax in blogging lately. I thought I’d be able to keep up with blogging while we’ve been in our transition time, but I’m realizing that I have a lot less time than I realize! We are still trying to find a place to live. While I appreciate the graciousness of my parents and my in-laws over the past month, we really need our own place. Would you please pray for us. We are looking for a place that is close to where my wife works, which is in Santa Clara, CA. We’ve been looking in…

• Revisiting Orange 2010

  henryjz

  27 Jul 2010 | 6:29 am

  It’s been three months since Orange 2010. For those of you who attended, you know that it was an amazing time. We learned a lot, were refreshed and left challenged. The thing about conferences, though, is that many times we leave pumped up ready to revolutionize how we do ministry in our contexts only to find that we get caught up in the humdrum of every day ministry putting to the back burner those things that we were challenged by. I’ve been re-listening to the main sessions from Orange 2010 recently being challenged once again about how I think about ministry as well as hearing…

• Get the Lowdown on Origins 2010

  henryjz

  26 Jul 2010 | 10:41 pm

  Here is a list of bloggers that I know of who attended Origins 2010: Renee Johnson at Devotional Diva Jesse Giglio at Love Is Social Jordan Watson at Freestyle Julia Kate at Tither of Innovation Dawn Carter at Chronicles of Dawnia Check these bloggers out for their experiences and thoughts about Origins 2010. If you know of anyone else who has blogged about Origins 2010, let me know in the comments.

• Origins Event Speaker Highlight: Tara Russell

  henryjz

  23 Jul 2010 | 12:18 am

  One of the speakers who will be a part of the The Origins Event this weekend is Tara Russell. Tara is the co-founder & CEO of The Momentum Group + Common Ground, social + entrepreneurial ventures that provide job-training and job-creation for disadvantaged and at-risk international community members. Tara is a visionary, an entrepreneur, a wife, a mother to kids who inspire her daily, and passionately committed to empowering those with the least through innovative business and training. (taken from the Origins Event speakers page) I had the privilege of interviewing Tara via email, and…

• Excited About Following The Origins Event

  henryjz

  22 Jul 2010 | 6:22 pm

  After officially launching a little over a year ago, The Origins Project is having its inaugural event on July 24, 2010 at the Nokia Center in Los Angeles. I am excited about following the event via blogs and twitter. I’ve been following The Origins Project since I started reading on Dan Kimball’s, Eric Bryant’s and Scot McKnight’s blogs about conversations that were thinking of considering a “Third Way” of doing Christianity. When The Origins Project was announced and the official site was up, I immediately signed on. Why am I so pumped about The Origins…

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  JoNathan Fietzer

• Just Listen …

  Nate

  1 Sep 2010 | 6:42 pm

  On the 17th of August I got a tweet that has been going through my mind over and over again. The tweet was sent from a friend of mine in Milwaukee under the Twitter name of @samuraijr. He tweeted “Just reflecting on how I am in SUCH a better place than I used 2 be 5 yrs ago. Wow… there was a time… Gods mercy and grace endures 4ever“. It’s things like that that really get the gears in my head turning. I have been evaluating (judging if you will) the changes I have made in my life over the last five to ten years. I will tell you this, I am nothing like the person I…

• The New Chicken Song …

  Nate

  15 Aug 2010 | 12:03 am

  I stumbled upon this via a friends Facebook page and busted up! Had to share it with you all!! Enjoy and Share via Twitter or Facebook!

• Global Leadership Summit

  Nate

  7 Aug 2010 | 9:15 am

  This past Thursday and Friday I had the awesome opportunity to attend the Global Leadership Summit with hundreds of thousands of leaders from around the world. Over the course of the two day summit leaders we were blessed to hear many awesome speakers including TD Jakes, Jack Welch, Andy Stanley, Jeff Manion and many others. Below are just a few of the awesome things spoken at the conference. “Team member should complete you, not compete with you.” — T.D. Jakes “Good teams complete you, they do not compete with you. Surround yourself with people who are good at what…

• Its time to talk about the L word

  Nate

  26 Jul 2010 | 8:11 pm

  A friend of mine posted this on Facebook and I thought it was on point. Check it out.

• Today I turn 30 BUT …

  Nate

  16 Jul 2010 | 5:18 am

  Today I turn 30 …. but as Danny says … My Best Days Are Ahead Of Me. Blowing out the candles on another birthday cake Old enough to look back and laugh at my mistakes Young enough to look at the future and like what I see My best days are ahead of me Life hasn’t always been a party but mostly it’s been good There’s only one or two things that I’d change if I could I dont get lost in the past or get stuck in some sad memory yah My best days are ahead of me Age ain’t nothing but a number Sometimes I have to wonder What does it really mean But heeeey im…

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  Thinking Out Loud

• Taking it to the Streets

  paulthinkingoutloud

  2 Sep 2010 | 7:43 am

  This is actually the third time this particular post has appeared here.   I never get tired of the quotation that forms the centerpiece of this… … Several years ago, a long-time customer came into our bookstore and brought with her a new purpose and a new motto for our business, “marketplace ministry.” It was a fresh vision and a reminder that we should try to be more present in the public square, in civic life, and less dependent on churches which so often let us down. The phrase “marketplace ministry” also reminded me of this quotation: “I simply argue that the cross…

• Wednesday Link List

  paulthinkingoutloud

  1 Sep 2010 | 3:11 am

  The August Bank Holiday brought U.K. Christians to Cheltenham for the annual Greenbelt Festival Welcome to September!   Here’s where the three w’s took us this week: CNN has an interesting piece about Kenda Creasy Dean, author of Almost Christian, a book about ‘professing’ teen Christians whose faith the author views as “mutant Christianity.”   Read more. David Fitch looks at the “ritualized” activity we call “going to church;” and thinks the “going” should be more connected to everyday life.   More at Reclaiming…

• Church Fall Season Kickoff

  paulthinkingoutloud

  31 Aug 2010 | 5:30 am

  As another season of ministry begins in many of our local churches, I want to repeat a piece I ran here in April ’09; which is actually a pre-Easter article that Pete Wilson wrote which I’ve adapted into a non-seasonal piece.    It seems fitting to remind ourselves of these priorities as the heat of summer gives way to regrouping our forces with a fresh intensity… Like many of you I’m up to my eyeballs in the details and logistics …  I’m distracted, maybe a little stressed and certainly carrying all kind of concerns. But I just want to issue this challenge to all…

• Christians are Judged by the Highest Standard

  paulthinkingoutloud

  30 Aug 2010 | 8:58 am

  I’m sorry.   Maybe I should have named this blog Ranting Out Loud. But telling Mark’s story yesterday reminded me of Sherry’s story and I find I can’t not record it here online for someone to learn from.   Of course names have been changed. East Grove Neighborhood Church was serious about church growth.   The new building was the pride and joy of everyone but especially Ron and Yvonne.   Ron was on every committee and every board.    Ron’s contracting company had worked hard to bring the new state-of-the-art auditorium project to completion on time, and…

• Sunday Seriousness

  paulthinkingoutloud

  29 Aug 2010 | 1:05 pm

  This morning we visited the Pentecostal church in our community.  The week before it was a Catholic church.   Two weeks ago we attended the Christian Reformed Church. We know people in all these churches.   I could walk up and down each aisle and probably get about half the names right in most of our area churches, including the much larger Baptist church.    Part of it is that through my vocation, I get to interact with the larger Body of Christ.   So I feel that these people are family; I never really feel like a visitor. But this morning I realized that in truth, these people are…

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  Live A Revolution... Every Day

• Day Off Photos of Kids

  Todd Ruth

  24 Aug 2010 | 6:05 am

  Spending some time off with the kids!

• I Hate Thomas the Train

  Todd Ruth

  12 Aug 2010 | 7:59 am

  Ok. Hate maybe a strong word. And... who could really hate Thomas the Train. After all, he's a cute train. Fine. Maybe I don't really hate Thomas. But, I'm not a fan of his message... "I think I can. I think I can. I think I ca..." The message, "If you put your mind to it you can do anything" sucks. Right now, I'm putting my mind into being a 2nd baseman for the Chicago Cubs. But it ain't gonna happen, no matter how hard I try. The, "I think I can" method just won't work here.  There's another place where it won't work either... my spiritual life. I try to be patient. I try to be loving.

• One of My Favorite Pics of the Summer / The Small Moments

  Todd Ruth

  9 Aug 2010 | 12:25 pm

  Each shot is a moment in time. Sounds cliche. But it's true. And this is one of my favorites of the summer.It's not a water park. Or big summer get-a-way to Myrtle Beach.It's just a small pool that the g-parents have.Sometimes you just have to pause and live in the small moments.

• Give It Away

  Todd Ruth

  4 Aug 2010 | 11:56 am

  Here's a few things I need to give away... The need to always be right The feelings of anger at myself The need to be in control The feelings of inadequacy The feelings of bitterness towards people who hurt people I love The need to be liked The need to appear to have it all together The need to look religious The fear of what other think about me The fear of failing What about you? What are some things you need to give away... 1 Peter 5:7 - Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you. John 14:26 - The Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will…

• The Lord's Prayer According to Todd

  Todd Ruth

  29 Jul 2010 | 12:39 pm

    Our father, who I know you are in heaven but it’s so easy forget about you because, you know, out-of-sight out-of-mind, Your name is holy, but I take that for granted because you’re God, you’re name is suppose to be holy, I really want your kingdom to come and your will be done, if it matches up to my plans. After all, I’ve got a ton to do and goals… so I’m really hoping that you can help me out. Give me my daily bread… and by daily bread I mean a car that runs good, money to buy the next iPhone, money to have a great vacation… you know, please meet our needs and then some.

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  Children's Ministry Blog

• Social Media Report Card for Kidmin Publishers

  Tony Kummer

  2 Sep 2010 | 7:44 am

  We’re living in an exciting times. Some people are even calling it the Communication Revolution. To be sure, technology is adding new ways for all of us to exchange ideas. This has been a big win for people like us in kids ministry. For the first time we have immediate access to the companies that produce our curriculum. We can give instant feedback and they can quickly make adjustments. Churches can easily share ideas with other churches using the same products. Publishers can even invite end users into the development loop. Extra Credit: I offered this for the first marketing/social…

• Kids Bible Lesson: Jonah Gets Mad at God’s Mercy

  Kelly Henderson

  2 Sep 2010 | 5:22 am

  This lesson is based on Jonah’s response to God’s mercy to the Ninevites from Jonah 4.  Jonah had experienced God’s mercy and was given a second chance in his life.  Jonah was unmerciful in his response to God’s compassion and mercy to the repentant Ninevites.  The lesson uses Matthew 18:21-35 to bring in a New Testament Scripture as a parallel passage to teach the truth that God has shown sinners great mercy and believers should respond to those who have offended them with the same kind of mercy.  The lesson can be used for Children’s Church and can be simplified for younger…

• Worry and Trust Don’t Mix: An Object Lesson

  Amy Brown

  2 Sep 2010 | 5:13 am

  This is an object lesson to demonstrate how our hearts cannot be fully trusting the Lord and be full of worry at the same time.  At the close of this article you will find a list of Bible passages which could be the focus of the lesson to be taught alongside this object lesson. Materials needed: Cooking Oil Water 3 clear containers (2 smaller and 1 larger) Food Coloring Tape Sharpie marker Tip: The size of the containers and the amount of liquids is up to you.  If presenting in front of a large group of children, it would be best to use large containers and a large amount of liquid to make…

• Bulletin Insert: 10 Reasons To Bring Your Child To Sunday School

  Tony Kummer

  1 Sep 2010 | 11:57 am

  What follows is a bulletin insert I created for my church. I wanted to write out some benefits of Sunday School attendance as an encouragement for families. I kept the list simple so it would print on a half sheet of paper. Directions: Simply click on the preview image to download this file as a printer friendly PDF. I’ve also upload it as a Word document if you would like to tweak it for your own church. Here is are alternate Black & White versions (PDF – Word). Here is the full text of the flyer. I’ve love to hear your feedback, just leave a comment below. While…

• Our Best Posts from August 2010

  Tony Kummer

  1 Sep 2010 | 7:11 am

  A few weeks ago, I added a monthly digest option for newsletter readers. It was a way to give people a little more choice in how they receive our free content. This post is the collection of articles I’ll be sending them. I’ve tried to pick the very best articles from the last month.  I’m looking at Facebook links, comment counts, and a few other statistics. Top Lesson Plans Kids Bible Lesson about Work (Labor Day) – A special lesson plan I wrote for labor day at my church. Of course, the value of work is a biblical truth you can teach anytime. Preschool Bible…

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  beyond the noise

• Complaining about Worship Songs

  Matthew Starner

  1 Sep 2010 | 9:40 am

  I’m going to come right out and admit that as great and thought-provoking as this article is, I did not write it. I actually stumbled upon it via a friend’s twitter link and it was just too good not to pass along and share. Make sure you click on the links or you may not get it.  What follows is from “Rant about Worship Songs” by Jeremy Pierce Here are some of the things I really hate in a worship song. 1. Too simplistic, banal, lacking in-depth, shallow, doctrineless: Consider that one that just talks about unity among brothers that only mentions God in passing at…

• Sunday Setlist – August 29, 2010

  Matthew Starner

  30 Aug 2010 | 6:03 am

  Sunday, August 29, 2010 at Journey The Worship Service: Awesome is the Lord, by Chris Tomlin Glory to God Forever, by Steve Fee Baptism Holy is the Lord, by Chris Tomlin Message Bless the Lord, by Jeff Deyo Offering and Prayers Sing to the King, by Billy James Foote This blog is part of the Sunday Setlists Blog Carnival at TheWorshipCommunity.com. Stop by and see what other churches did today! Were you at Journey today? Share your comments below! Related posts:Sunday Setlist – February 14, 2010 Sunday, February 14 at Journey All Because of Jesus by... Sunday Setlist – October 11,…

• Bonus Tracks: Giving When You Have No Money

  Matthew Starner

  24 Aug 2010 | 7:39 am

  Last Sunday at Journey we talked about the importance of giving. It’s one of those things that every church has to talk about but no one likes to talk about. Money is one of those touchy subjects in people’s lives because no one wants to be told how they should be using their resources or that they need to change their spending habits. Often, churches start these sort of messages and sermons off with an apology: “If you’re checking us out for the first time, please come back next week – we’re only talking about money this one Sunday.” But why is…

• Sunday Setlist: August 22, 2010

  Matthew Starner

  22 Aug 2010 | 11:24 am

  This week at Journey, we covered a topic that no one really likes talking about: money. Specifically, our responsibility to use the gifts God has given to each one of us to support the work of the church. One of the things that always strikes me whenever we do a service around any topic relating to committment, giving, serving, etc, is that there’s always someone who will say something to the effect of: “Way to give it to them!/They needed to hear that!” [insert face-palm here] Apparently everyone elsehas a need to hear it, but human nature says it’s not us.  Today,…

• A little about me

  Matthew Starner

  19 Aug 2010 | 9:41 am

  I came across this list on another blog interviewing a worship leader and the questions got me thinking about myself. I thought perhaps, that some of you might be interested in learning a little more about me, so I’ll share my answers to the questions below. 1.When and how did you know you were called to ministry? When I was really young, my Great Grandmother taught me how to play the organ on her spinet. I used to love to sit there and bang on the keys and play with the different sounds and I distinctly remember one service when I was probably first or second grade – the service…

• 

  ShaneCraven.com

• Encourage Yourself Today

  shanecraven

  2 Sep 2010 | 6:26 am

  Paul said, “Train yourself to be Godly.”  We have to train and re-train our own minds to think right.  Nobody else can do this for you.  As you do this, your wiring begins to be re-done in your brain, and life becomes all you had hoped it could be…….remember, heaven is awaiting.  Prepare now, to spend your forever there.  Try these few phrases over and over today: I can do it. I have all the energy I need to do everything I want to do. I know there is a solution. I am blessed. I am forgiven. I am loved by my God who created me. Remember, Isaiah said, “I will…

• Every Man Needs to Hear This

  shanecraven

  28 Aug 2010 | 7:19 am

  Go to: http://www.northpoint.org/messages and scroll through until you get to “The Man I Want to Be.”  Listen or watch Sean Seay bring a great message for men.  Here are the highlights…….. Life seems to be getting in the way of my dreams. Every man wants to be a hero to someone. Every man really wants to be the man God wants them to be. Every man really wants to be what his woman needs him to be. It’s in every man’s heart to be the man his children need him to be. These things are never going away, because God put them there. You (Ladies) need to know…

• New Worship Environment for Origin- YMCA Gymnasium

  shanecraven

  24 Aug 2010 | 5:46 am

  Filed under: Worship

• Baptism @ Origin……the journey continues!

  shanecraven

  18 Aug 2010 | 6:29 pm

  Filed under: Baptism

• Student Leadership 101

  shanecraven

  4 Aug 2010 | 12:03 pm

  Our oldest daughter with Dr. Jay Strack Filed under: Leadership

• 

  Jeff Ferguson

• Media Poll

  Jeff

  1 Sep 2010 | 7:54 am

  There are a variety of opinions regarding the consumption of media and it is something I think we need to talk about more often. We are bombarded everyday with thousands of media messages that shape how we think and live.  Facebook, email, and texting are a few things that have made media consumption easier and have created new problems that we have never seen before. However, this morning I do not want to do all of the talking on this issue.  I simply want to throw a question out there to see what you think. Here is the question.  ”Is it an invasion of privacy for parents to look at…

• What Do Others Think When They Look At Our Table?

  Jeff

  31 Aug 2010 | 7:44 am

  This is a question that my wife and I have asked ourselves on occasion.  Last night was one of those occasions.  Upon looking around the restaurant Rochelle commented that there are a lot of people who do not seem happy.  As I looked around the room I saw what she was talking about.  You know what I mean…they come in and sit down, look at the menu, and order their food all the while barely looking or talking to one another.  The unhappiness and loneliness is so visible you can almost touch it.  This is when my wife said, “What do you think people see when they look over at…

• From The First Row: Hidden In Plain Sight

  Jeff

  29 Aug 2010 | 8:50 am

  Today is the start of a new series we are doing called, “Hidden In Plain Sight.”  We are going to take an in depth look at the parables of Jesus. What stood out to me as Pastor Barry was reading Matthew 13:10-15 is this… “To those who are open to my teaching, more understanding will be given…but to those who are not listening, even what they have will be taken away from them.” Matthew 13:12 NLT I think this principle of being given more and getting what you have taken away is something to pay attention to throughout the parables of Jesus. There are two…

• Your Caption Here…

  Jeff

  27 Aug 2010 | 7:11 am

  Alright…here we go!  It has been pretty serious around here lately.  Don’t get me wrong…that is not a bad thing.  However, I wanted to lighten the mood this Friday morning.  It is true that a picture says a thousand words.  Add a few of yours to the picture below. Related posts:Caption Please Caption

• The Three Signs of a Miserable Job

  Jeff

  25 Aug 2010 | 8:51 pm

  There are many books that I have read that I would consider must reads, but I have not written about them.  I am going to take one day every week for the next couple of months and write about books that I would consider too good to pass up.  Here is one of them. “Three Signs of a Miserable Job” written by Patrick Lencioni is an excellent book for everybody! Whether you are an employee, a manager, or even the owner of a company this book is for you.  Early on in the book Lencioni gets right to the point. “Scores of people suffer–really suffer–every day as they…

• 

  man.of.depravity

• Mentoring // John Sowers

  Tyler

  2 Sep 2010 | 5:35 am

  This post is a part of the Dancing Jesus: Mentoring in the Church blog series that will be ongoing through the month of September. You can read about the series and view the schedule here. You can subscribe to all of the posts here. To face death and life alone Haunted by the face that was once one of our own. Now, a disembodied cry hangs stranded— Afloat on the howling wind, No anchor to plant us amidst our growing strife, No touch to give us feeling, No breath to give us life. Dad and I kept in touch a couple of times a year. I continued taking my obligatory visits to Austin every summer.

• Mentoring // Kyle Reed

  Tyler

  1 Sep 2010 | 5:30 am

  This post is a part of the Dancing Jesus: Mentoring in the Church blog series that will be ongoing through the month of September. You can read about the series and view the schedule here. You can subscribe to all of the posts here. Dwarfs, Giants and Mentors Will Ferrell knows something about mentoring. In one of his more classic movies, Kicking and Screaming, Ferrell plays Phil Weston, a vitamin shop owner turned coach of his sons youth soccer team. Phil takes over a hapless team that not only struggles to win a game but to even score a goal. In his first practice with the team,…

• Management Vs. Leadership

  Tyler

  31 Aug 2010 | 5:25 am

  I’ve spent a lot of time this summer processing the concepts of management and leadership and how they are often assumed to be the same thing, yet I’ve learned them to be two extremely different things. Last week at Catalyst Andy Stanley said: Managers manage to sameness, leaders lead to change. One of my favorite quotes on management and leadership is: Management is controlling complexities, leadership pushes towards innovation and change. I’ve noticed a shift in church culture that has put a much greater emphasis on leadership. In reality, any organization needs both great…

• Fortuitous Bouncing

  Tyler

  29 Aug 2010 | 5:25 am

  I got home at 2am on Saturday morning from Seattle, so this post is going up on Sunday because I didn’t want to write at 2am. Surprising right? I have only missed one week in the last 2 years, so a day late seemed better than skipping. Rose and I have had a wonderful August, as we’ve been able to get away for a few short trips. I made a small photo album on Facebook from some of our summer if you want to see. The mentoring series starts on Wednesday, can’t wait! Blogs Twitter usage guide for Christians. I kind of dig this idea of the “Epic Fail Pastors…

• The Pain of Being a Great Pastor

  Tyler

  27 Aug 2010 | 5:22 am

  Yesterday I had the chance to go to Catalyst One Day in Seattle. Catalyst is well-known for putting on great events and this was no exception. I especially enjoyed the format of everything fitting into one day. My previous conference experiences had always been around at least two days, and anything longer than a day and a half always felt like information overload to me. The format allows the two speakers (Andy Stanley and Craig Groeschel) to focus on one topic and discuss it in depth. Usually when I blog about conferences I just include my favorite quotes but I thought I’d talk about…

• 

  Bubbasmith.net

• Costa Rica Update #2

  It’s early Saturday morning here. We only have 3 more days here. I’m going to miss this place! It seems like we’ve been here for a month! Vacation Day – Our vacation day was awesome! We went on a Crocodile Safari! It was ridiculous! We saw huge gators (some up to 18 feet long) getting fed [...] Related posts:Costa Rica Update Hey Everyone! It’s 5 a.m., Thursday morning in Costa Rica.... Off to Costa Rica! Hey Everyone, Today we took a team of 16 students... Summer of Service 2010 Tribute Every summer we have a Summer of Service program where... Related posts…

• Costa Rica Update

  Hey Everyone! It’s 5 a.m., Thursday morning in Costa Rica. Today is our vacation day! We’re going to a crocodile farm followed by going to the beach and a few other surprises. It’s been an unbelievable trip so far! Our typical daily agenda looks like this: 8 a.m. – Breakfast 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. – Work with Lunch 6 [...] Related posts:Off to Costa Rica! Hey Everyone, Today we took a team of 16 students... Reaping Squat? 9 You hoped for rich harvests, but they were poor.... Social Media Could Ruin Your Life 17 And whatever you do or say, do it as... Related…

• Off to Costa Rica!

  Hey Everyone, Today we took a team of 16 students and 5 leaders to Costa Rica for a missions trip. We’ll be back on the 31st of August. We’ve partnered with 6:8 Ministries for this trip. This is our second year going down there! I was not on the trip last year, so I have [...] Related posts:Off to New Mexico – Blogging Break I’m heading off to New Mexico for a week! I... Off to Bar Harbor, Maine! Finally! Vacation is here! I’ll be spending the next week... Off to Atlanta! I am so excited! I’m leaving today for Atlanta for... Related posts brought to you by…

• Taken Hostage

  This is a video that was made by the “terrorists” that stole our small groups mascot, Puff. Creative. Related posts:“Only God” Intro Video We kicked off a new series at Rev this past... Special Olympics Outreach Recap Last month we took students on our Outreach team at... Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin. Related posts:“Only God” Intro Video We kicked off a new series at Rev this past... Special Olympics Outreach Recap Last month we took students on our Outreach team at... Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related…

• Summer of Service 2010 Tribute

  Every summer we have a Summer of Service program where 15-20 students come in an intern for a summer at Rev. This is one of my favorite things in the entire world! Our team and I get to spend a ton of time with these guys over the summer and we really do become a [...] Related posts:Unleash Recap (Part 2) – The Practical I want to focus on the practical things I learned... How to Revolutionize Your School 7And the word of God increased; and the number... You Never Know On Friday I got to go back to my high... Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.

• 

  KidTech Blog

• Lessons from Bob the Builder

  31 Aug 2010 | 9:00 pm

  I'm sure you've seen or heard of Bob the Builder. It has been on television for the past eleven years and it reaches children in 240 territories and 45 different languages! Author Daniel Pink uses Bob the Builder's signature question, "Can we fix it," to illustrate the difference between positivity and doubt. According to Pink's research: In a nifty set of experiments, three social scientists explored the differences between what they call "declarative" self-talk (I will fix it!) and "interrogative" self-talk (Can I fix it?). They began by presenting a group of participants with some anagrams…

• Kids on the Future of Tech

  25 Aug 2010 | 9:00 pm

  Latitude in conjunction with ReadWriteWeb has released research on what children want from their technology. It's a fascinating look at the future from a child's perspective.

• More Light Painting Resources

  22 Aug 2010 | 9:00 pm

  I came across another amazing resource with loads of in-depth tutorials on how to paint with light. Check it out.

• What are you doing with your spare time?

  18 Aug 2010 | 9:00 pm

  I've been reading Clay Shirky's new book Cognitive Surplus. The book is challenging my thinking on the impact of social networking and all things digital on society. In the book, Shirky notes that people in the United States spend 200 billion hours a year watching TV and it took only 100 million hours to create Wikipedia. What does that really look like?

• How to paint with light

  16 Aug 2010 | 9:00 pm

  I've been researching light painting ever since I saw the effect on a series of Sprint commercials. It's a fantastic effect that requires a lot of time and planning, but the end result would look amazing! Take a look at some of the tutorial links on how to create the tools to paint with light and paint with gusto!

• 

  STEVANSHEETS.COM

• Sunday Review | 2010.08.29

  Stevan

  30 Aug 2010 | 5:46 pm

  I preached the third message in our current series, “Holy & Human” this week. This week’s message was entitled, “Conquering Fear” and reminded us that although there are many books on the subject of ridding our lives of all fear, that is not a part of God’s plan. We have been designed with fear – and some fear keeps us safe. It’s when fear overtakes us and becomes an idol in our life that we find trouble. This week we had my cousin, Brock and his family visiting us from the Washington, DC area. Jess and I enjoyed singing FFH’s…

• Sunday Review | 2010.08.22

  Stevan

  22 Aug 2010 | 6:09 pm

  This morning I preached the second message in the series, “Holy & Human” entitled, “Overwhelmed but Unmoved” which reminded us to respond to overwhelming situations by acknowledging our limitations, accomplishing something, and thinking about “such things” (remembering our focus). Of course on the Sunday I preach about how we should respond to being overwhelmed I was quite overwhelmed. From technology issues to music issues, it was a challenge to work through the issues of the day and focus solely on worship and the Word but the Lord prevailed and I…

• New Church Website

  Stevan

  21 Aug 2010 | 8:23 pm

  I’ve been working some late-nights over the last few days on our new church website. I am thankful for help from one of my tech-friendly and knowledgeable church guys, Tom, who has put the same – if not more – hours into making it happen! The site is built on the Joomla CMS (content management system). I am very proud of what we’ve come up with and where the site is headed in the future days and weeks. Check out the full site at http://www.firstwesleyanship.org

• The Pillow Pet Fiasco

  Stevan

  21 Aug 2010 | 11:42 am

  The Sheets family (namely, Ella) recently acquired a Pillow Pet (style: Lady Bug). This was a significant purchase in our household and most of the ordeal was captured by various video-recording devices for archive-sake. Enjoy: AUGUST 15, 8:13PM | “Frustrated” AUGUST 15, 8:17PM | “Pillow Pets Jingle” AUGUST 15, 8:36PM | “Commercial Quoting” AUGUST 15, 8:42PM | “Counting her pennies” AUGUST 21, 9AM | “Pillow Pet Arrives & Is Unboxed”

• BOOK: Funded and Free

  Stevan

  18 Aug 2010 | 10:22 am

  A new book that just released TODAY has a lot of pastors and ministries talking. It’s called “Funded and Free” and was written by Casey Graham and Joseph Sangl. It’s available for purchase on their site here or from Amazon here. I haven’t yet read it, but am looking forward to doing just that! Church finances seems to be THE ‘hot topic’ in ministry circles today as I’m sure it’s been an area of discussion since the New Testament era, too. I have heard numerous “stewardship” messages in my 30+ years in church and am excited to…

• 

  Church For Family

• Mark Your Steps, Part 10 – No Surprises

  Pastor Paul

  1 Sep 2010 | 1:15 pm

  The cross was no surprise. From before the beginning Jesus Christ knew that the cross was His ultimate purpose to redeem mankind from sin and separation from God. On four different occasions Jesus explicitly detailed what was coming to His closest followers and on each occasion they just didn’t quite get it. They were seeing [...]

• Mark Your Steps Pt 9: Now & Later

  Pastor Paul

  23 Aug 2010 | 6:12 am

  When we were kids, Now and Later’s were candies we could buy for a penny. Today NOW and LATER are what we worry about the most. In this talk Pastor Paul shares with us Jesus’ teachings on Now and Later. You can download your Summer Road Trip “Map” here and read along with us through the [...]

• Mark Your Steps, Part 8: Questions

  Pastor Paul

  19 Aug 2010 | 7:09 pm

  Got questions? Most of us do. We question life, we question God. There’s a twist in most of our questions though – when we begin to question God what we are often doing is exposing God’s questions to us! In this talk Missionary Ron Shevland (http://i-training.info/) shares with us four powerful questions. You can download your [...]

• Mark Your Steps Part 7: Temple Temptations

  Pastor Paul

  10 Aug 2010 | 9:53 am

  Everyone faces temptations, but for those of us who choose to Mark Our Steps after Jesus Christ there are unique temptations. In this talk Pastor Galo Galvez shares six temptations found in just one chapter of Mark’s Good News Story. How many are you facing? You can download your Summer Road Trip “Map” here and [...]

• Mark Your Steps Part 6: How Good Is Good Enough

  Pastor Paul

  2 Aug 2010 | 8:24 am

  We make decisions every day as to what is good and what is good enough. The danger comes when we begin to see ourselves as good enough by our own standards. In this talk we discover where good really comes from and how to be more than just good enough. You can download your Summer [...]

• 

  Synaptic Light

• Canon 4K

  Phillip Gibb

  2 Sep 2010 | 12:27 am

  Just days ago Canon displayed a Concept 4K camera. There will be many changes when it is released – I wonder when but it is very interesting that Canon is entering this High Definition Market. Canon is probably leveraging the increased interest in HD-SLR Cameras (Video capable DSLRs). Currently their is nothing between the current crop of HD-SLRs and a fully fledged 4K camera – well, not until RED Scarlet comes to market. However, there are questions: What price will this come in at? $5000? or more? What codec will be used? What bit rate? What sacrifices are being made to get a 4K…

• 10 Top Posts: August 2010

  Phillip Gibb

  1 Sep 2010 | 2:59 am

  At the start of every month I take a look at the most popular posts of the previous month. 99.9% of posts are filmmaking related. August 2010 was an amazing month – I topped over 1000 views on two separate occasions because of my Demolition video. Numbers aside, it was an awesome experience and a cool video; check it out below and let me know what you think. Otherwise there is a leaning towards HDSLR posts as I prepare to sell my Panasonic so I can buy a Canon 550D and a new computer. (it will be a sad day when I sell my camera – it has served very well) So here we go ……

• Final Cut Pro and HDSLR Canon EOS Plugin Workflow

  Phillip Gibb

  30 Aug 2010 | 11:43 am

  A two part tutorial detailing how you can use the Canon plug together with Final Cut Pro’s log and transfer to inject the content off the SD card in a similar way to a tape based work flow. The two videos are related to the Canon 7D, but it is applicable to any of Canon HDSLRs. This is quite important to me because I currently make use of a tape based workflow with Final Cut Pro and want to make the shift to DSLRs – in particular: either the Canon 550D or the 60D. Related posts:Canon 4K Pimping Workflow Junkies 2010 FCPUG SuperMag Issue No. 4: 315 Pages of Awesomeness Related…

• New Mexico International Film Festival

  Phillip Gibb

  28 Aug 2010 | 7:22 am

  Here is an interesting Film Festival. Instead of just offering a once off prize, the New Mexico International Film Festival will be giving Filmmakers who have been officially selected some awesome prizes. Well, more like Compensation, Opportunity and Rights. Once selected, filmmakers will be compensated: FILMMAKER COMPENSATION, RULES & REGULATIONS COMPENSATION PACKAGES: Official Selections of the New Mexico International Film Festival are compensated for exhibition. Short Films (Documentary & Narrative) shall receive: 1.) $200.00 towards travel expenses. 2.) (1) hotel room for the…

• The Silerado Dream Machine

  Phillip Gibb

  27 Aug 2010 | 3:06 am

  I do not know about you, but I can’t help myself when it comes to role playing the purchaser. If you have heard about or played Role Playing games – half the fun is creating your character on a character sheet. The purchaser in this fantasy world is someone who pretends that he/she has a certain amount of money and then goes to a store – choosing items that can be purchased (but not actually buying anything). This I did on the  Silverado online store for their new RED Rocket Lab. For obvious reasons I went straight through to the store after a go an email about this. Also…

• 

  Small Town Youth Pastor

• 1 Thing Interview With Josh Griffin

  Jeremy Zach

  25 Aug 2010 | 3:22 pm

  Josh is the high school pastor at Saddleback Church with 15+ years in the student ministry trenches. He’s also a rabid Star Wars fan that has attended Comic-Con a few times too many. Website:  www.morethandodgeball.com Josh Griffin what is the one thing you want the youth pastor population to know? Be a servant. Think of yourself as below everyone else … because that’s how they see you anyhow. You will never go wrong when you put others ahead of you. Clean the rain gutters. Flip the pancakes. Wipe down the counters. Fill up the van. Be the first to arrive and the last to leave. Have…

• Film and Theology: Flipped

  Jeremy Zach

  23 Aug 2010 | 7:46 am

  Flipped is about two eighth graders who start to have feelings for each other despite being total opposites. The movie is based on the novel “Flipped” by Wendelin Van Draanen.  Flipped demonstrates how Juli and Bryce pursue “awkward” teenage love and explore how it works.  It is a must see for those that work with youth. As a youth worker, I would highly recommend not only seeing Flipped, but use clips and scenes to teach to your youth group. To download Flipped movie clips and youth study guide questions please click below: Movie Clips Youth Study Guide ***  please…

• 1 Thing Interview With Brad Griffin

  Jeremy Zach

  16 Aug 2010 | 8:17 am

  Brad Griffin is the Associate Director of the Fuller Youth Institute, where he gets to develop research-based training for youth workers. A native Kentuckian, Brad now lives in Pasadena with his wife Missy and their three children and volunteers in student and worship ministries at NewSong Church. Brad Griffin what is the one thing you want the youth pastor population to know? Don’t substitute ministry for your own life with God. At the same time, don’t assume that ministry and your spiritual life are two different things. We’ve created unhealthy fragmentation in both directions on this…

• 1 Thing Interview With Jake Bouma

  Jeremy Zach

  10 Aug 2010 | 8:15 pm

  Jake Bouma is the Director of Youth Ministries at St. Mark Lutheran Church in West Des Moines, IA. He’s beginning his Master’s studies at Luther Seminary this fall, and when he’s not drinking coffee, he’s either A) sleeping or B) making another pot of coffee. He named his cat Dietrich after a dead theologian. Jake Bouma what is one thing you want the youth pastor population to know? A: Pay attention, habitually. In youth ministry, it’s a given that there will come a time when your students cease to be your students. You may have an ongoing relationship with them…

• 1 Thing Interview With Allison Murray

  Jeremy Zach

  5 Aug 2010 | 10:27 am

  Allison has been the High School Discipleship Pastor for the high school ministry at Savannah Christian Church in Savannah, GA for the last 2 years. She graduated from Milligan College in 2006 with a degree in adolescent psychology and followed that up with a 2 year internship with the high school ministry at Saddleback Church. She loves twitter, her dog Cali, watching sports center, and hanging with friends and students. She loves Jesus and is devoting her life to seeing teenagers come to know Him. Website: www.sccelement.com Twitter:  allisonmurray Allison Murray what is one thing you want…

• 

  Lakeshore City Church

• Bless Me Lord and I Promise To…

  sarah

  2 Sep 2010 | 10:27 am

  Have you ever hit the bottom financially? If you’re like me, you probably prayed the prayer… Lord, please help me and when you do……….. I don’t know the remainder of your prayer. However, would it shock you that God remembers what you said in that hour of despair? Have you followed through with your promises to God? Years ago a mentor friend of mine taught me the biblical principles of giving to God the first fruits. Now this is a highly contested subject… money always is! But did you ever notice the ones arguing are usually the ones that don’t give?

• The Pursuit of Happiness?

  Scott

  1 Sep 2010 | 12:22 pm

  Church, I am encouraged in the word of God each time I see the word Joy, aren’t you? Well, now you might saying to yourself, “Well, duh., that’s a no brainer”. I would absolutely agree with you. The brain has nothing to do with. It is absolutely an issue of the heart. See, the world has morphed our hearts to think that if we do this and this and this, then we can have happiness; even live ‘happily ever after’. It makes me think about when Israel ‘told’ Aaron to “Up, make us gods who shall go before us…” (Exodus 32:1). These…

• That’s My King!

  sarah

  27 Aug 2010 | 2:56 pm

  This week at LS the text is out of Luke 8. What’s amazing about this passage of Scripture is Jesus was asked to perform a miracle by way of healing a young girl. As Jesus was en route to the girl it was discovered the girl had died. When they shared the news with Jesus He said, “Don’t be afraid. Trust Me she will be all right.” To this the response was laughter. I can just see the faces of the people and hear the words “You fool! What are you stupid? She’s dead!” I mean that’s how the world is right? The world sees things so differently than God. The…

• Seeking Jesus

  sarah

  26 Aug 2010 | 10:09 am

  Have you ever asked God to do something really big in your life? Most of us have and most of us have seen God answer prayers. It’s an awesome feeling to see God lavish His goodness on us in the form of answered prayer. Luke 17 teaches us that Jesus healed 10 men of leprosy. These men literally begged the Lord to heal them, “Jesus, Master, have mercy on us!” Jesus did have mercy on them and healed each of them right there on the spot. How cool is that… God was like, you’re healed! Here is what sticks out – only 1 came back and thanked the Lord for what He had just…

• C’mon Lord! Another Trial?!

  sarah

  23 Aug 2010 | 8:16 pm

  You expect them. You don’t always see them coming, but you know they’re there. I’m not talking about children, I’m talking about trials. We’ve all asked the same questions to a Holy God who knows what’s best for us. Why God? What did I do? How can this happen? Everything was fine, but why now? “My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.” James 1:2-4 We may never have all the answers.

• 

  Kevin Campbell

• Owner or Member?

  31 Aug 2010 | 11:15 am

  On Sunday, we mentioned that our focus is for everyone in our church to see themselves as owners not members. Here are some of the differences that were mentioned: Owners take responsibility but members claim their "rights." Owners say "we will do whatever it takes" but members just want the t-shirt. Owners focus on service (Mark 10:45), but members say "serve us." Owners show up to church with a fork ready to devour the Word.  Members show up with a bib screaming "feed us." Owners find solutions where as members find problems. Owners are contributors where as members are consumers. At…

• Sunday Reflections

  30 Aug 2010 | 11:38 am

  Here are some thoughts from Sunday at Elevate: It was the last week of our Crank It Up series and we did a message called WE is louder than me. Christ came for everyone! (John 3:16)  It really is amazing when you think about it.  He came for you, people like you, and people nothing like you.   We had someone receive Christ during the service!  That is awesome. People are not an object to be used but someone to be loved. No one is so bad they can't have the Savior nor so good they don't need a Savior. We all are in desperate need of grace from a Savior who loves us and…

• Random Friday

  27 Aug 2010 | 12:27 pm

  Here are some random Friday thoughts: We finish out our Crank It Up series this Sunday and it will be our last Sunday at the Coast Volleyball Facility.  Join us as we celebrate what God has done there and what He is about to do next as we move to Torrey Pines High School. Our first Sunday at Torrey Pines High School will be Sunday, September 5th.  Mark it down and join us as we move into this next step in the life of our church! We were able to purchase several Portable Church cases this week that will eventually save our volunteers a lot of time and make set up easier.  …

• Random Friday

  20 Aug 2010 | 9:53 am

  Here are some random Friday thoughts: It is week four of our Crank It Up series this Sunday.  The message is called Max Out The Volume! Get ready to amplify your faith. If you missed last week's message, you really need to listen to it when you get a chance.  It really expresses what we are all about this Fall: Whatever It Takes! We prayed over and mailed the check to cover our first month (September) at Torrey Pines High School.  It is really awesome how God is working it all out.  Keep praying! 1 Corinthians 9:22: "I have become all things to all men so that by all…

• Sunday Reflections

  16 Aug 2010 | 10:10 am

  Here are some thoughts from Sunday: It was week three in our Crank It Up series and we talked about what it means to be a disciple of Jesus. A disciple of Jesus is willing to say anytime, go anywhere, do anything, and at any cost. The bottom line is do you have a whatever it takes attitude. God's optimal desire for us not insulation in a spiritual bubble where we risk nothing, sacrifice nothing, and lose nothing. Read Luke 9:23-26.   "People really good at making excuses are rarely good at anything else." - B. Franklin "Some day" is a disease that will take your life from you.  You…

• 

  danrichardson.org

• Remembering Skatin 2010

  pastadano

  22 Aug 2010 | 6:35 am

  I remember last year when everyone came back from our inaugural skatin trip and how emotional they were. I also remember feeling a tad bit jealous that I didn’t get to experience everything they did. This year I did, well, at least half of it. I thought the dirt road would never end! But it did and I learned to love it. To say that I had culture shock coming back home would be an understatement. Like night and day! When we showed up at the campsite I thought “This is it? This is what everyone was going off about?!” But after a few hours I understood. It’s more than the…

• The ugly truth

  pastadano

  14 Jul 2010 | 9:16 pm

  Version:1.0 StartHTML:0000000167 EndHTML:0000002658 StartFragment:0000000454 EndFragment:0000002642 The further along TXC gets, the more I realize that I don’t know very much about where we’re headed. Let me explain. When we started I had crazy dreams.  1,000 people in 5 years.  Multiple campuses. Multiple church plants. Multiple everything.  But for some reason I could care less about any of that stuff anymore. I hate to admit it but I think there was a lot of ego mixed in with those dreams.  I said they were God’s dreams but I really think it was more about what other…

• Random Stuff Needed

  pastadano

  21 Jun 2010 | 9:09 am

  Alrighty!  The time has come where I really need to collect various different items for a reason that will remain undisclosed at this time.  Rest assured, you will get your stuff back.  If you have this stuff and are will to lend it to me, I will need it for about 6 weeks. Here we go: 1. Kiddie pool.  If you need to use this during the week, that’s fine. 2. Mannequin/Dummy.  Doesn’t need to be a mannequin even though that would work best. 3. Large fake fish.  Maybe you only have a couple small ones.  Those will do. If you have those, please let me know!

• Primal Update

  pastadano

  28 May 2010 | 3:09 pm

  (Again, ladies please pass this info onto the guys in your life that are planning on attending!) Primal is almost here!  Are you ready to get your meat sweats on?! In regards to paintball, here’s the scoop.  The weather is being really erratic and unpredictable and because of that, we are still at it’s mercy. If it rains tonight or tomorrow morning, paintball will be canceled and we will start @ 3pm instead of 1pm. I know that’s not ideal and some of you will feel like we’re wussing out but it has to do with a couple of factors: 1. The paintball field turns into a…

• Primal Update!

  pastadano

  26 May 2010 | 2:21 pm

  LADIES, PLEASE PASS THIS ON TO YOUR MEN! Okay, so it’s not really an update.  It’s more of a Plan B, just in case it’s raining. If it’s raining, there will be no paintball and the time will change to 3pm instead of 1pm.  Same place. I will let you know on Friday what the verdict is.

• 

  Worlds of Wow Photoblog

• How Successful Churches are Leveraging Digital Giving

  30 Aug 2010 | 10:35 am

  Check out this free webinar by our friends at Fellowship Technology: Free webinar on “How Successful Churches are Leveraging Digital Giving”!Fellowship Technologies will host its next webinar on September 2, 2010 at 12:00 PM (CDT) about digital giving trends and success stories for churches.The webinar is free, but registration is required. To register, go to http://budurl.com/DigitalGiving. This hour-long webinar includes insight from Casey Graham, financial guru of The Change Group, and Dave Moore, the Director of Finance for Granger Community Church about digital giving, healthy family…

• Destiny Worship Center in Miramar Beach, FL

  5 Aug 2010 | 11:54 am

  Thanks to Wayne and his team at Destiny Worship Center in allowing us to partner with them to transform their space with a cool theme and play install.Here's the first set of pictures of the modular play unit, looks really fun!Coming soon, pictures of the theme install! Stay tuned...

• Celebration Church

  27 Jul 2010 | 7:42 am

  Look at the fun colors on this new play attraction in Metairie, LA at Celebration Church. We pray this will be a huge ministry tool for the church in reaching families!

• White's Ferry Church of Christ

  21 Jul 2010 | 2:44 pm

  Here are some really fun pics of our install at White's Ferry Church of Christ in West Monroe, LA. Love, love, love the castle theme!Chrys and LinDee were fabulous to work with and if you're ever in the area drop in and say hi. Also be sure to check out their renovated Student Ministry building.

• Children's Ministry Expo

  21 Jul 2010 | 6:53 am

  Lisha and I had a great time hanging out at the Children's Ministry Expo (CMX) last week in Lexington, KY. It was packed with children's ministry resource providers and workshop speakers. We're signed up for next year and you should plan to attend!We also made some great new friends! Carr and Company were across the aisle from us and we enjoyed every chance we got to chat with the whole crew. If your church or school are in need of furnishings, this is the company to call.

• 

  Digital Evangelism Issues

• Arcade Fire video addresses pain, hope and healing

  admin

  1 Sep 2010 | 1:49 pm

  Remarkable video from Chris Milk (who has previously worked on the Johnny Cash Project) and friends at Google who have produced an experimental HTML5 multi-screen video called The Wilderness Downtown, based on Arcade Fire’s new song We Used To Wait: It is optimized for the Chrome browser, but works in any modern browser that can handle HTML5. There are several screens running concurrently. Some take personalised Google Streetview and Google Earth shots, based on the user’s entry for the address they grew up at. The Streetview clips are based on the revolving pan-shots from their…

• What’s the future of evangelicalism?

  admin

  31 Aug 2010 | 1:22 am

  A range of key evangelical leaders and thinkers contribute articles here on the future of evangelicalism. For instance, Ed Stetzer comments on his own article about Issues Evangelicals Must Face. There’s also the whole vexed question of whether/how church can be done online. Interesting post from Steve Fogg on how an outsider blogger reacted to online LiveChurch. To get a sense of some of the issues involved in this question, read SIM Church by Doug Estes. Share this on your Facebook page or please click ‘Like’ button below…

• Using mainstream secular films as a starting point

  admin

  25 Aug 2010 | 1:00 am

  Secular movies are a powerful starting point for sharing the good news. Michael Kosmas is a pastor in London, who uses a monthly film discussion club for outsiders to come, watch a significant film, and then discuss spiritual themes within it. LiveChurch run a fun outreach called At the Movies, which even includes decorating the church meeting area as, say, Willy Wonka’s Chocolate Factory, or the Bat Cave. Such an approach would be hugely strategic for India, where Bollywood movies are a hugely important part of the culture. This could be either in face-to-face meetings as described…

• Conferences – some even free!

  admin

  23 Aug 2010 | 1:08 am

  Back again this year, The Nines is the one-day virtual conference help on 9 September. Each speaker has nine minutes to deliver a video message. It’s free, or you can opt for some pay-for extras. Sessions will also be viewable later. Read more. The 2-day Forum 2010 Webcast is also free, but will not be archived. Internet Ministry Conference in Grand Rapids is set for October. Check this and other events including London and Dominican Republic here. Share this on your Facebook page or please click ‘Like’ button below…

• Facebook survey

  admin

  20 Aug 2010 | 1:37 am

  Check the amazing development of Facebook on this graphic presentation of history and timeline. OurChurch.com would like you to complete a short survey about church use of Facebook. It’s purpose is to understand how to help churches use Facebook appropriately, and research like this is vital. Please complete it, whatever your level of experience with Facebook. Share this on your Facebook page or please click ‘Like’ button below…

• 

  brad lomenick :: on the journey

• Interviews Galore

  bradlomenick

  2 Sep 2010 | 6:42 am

  As many of you know, we’ve been doing the Catalyst Podcast for several years, and interviewing all kinds of great leaders from business, the Church, not-for-profit world, best-selling authors, etc. Well, we continue to have the opportunity to sit down with tons of great leaders, even more than we ever imagined. So instead of saving all these interviews for a future episode of the Catalyst Podcast, we’ve decided to start putting them up on the Catalyst website and let you hear them NOW. So check out the new “CONVERSATIONS” section that we’ve created. You’ll…

• We vs. Me, and Us vs. I

  bradlomenick

  31 Aug 2010 | 6:01 pm

  It’s not just you on your team. There’s a team. Besides you. Other incredibly important staff crucial to the success of you accomplishing your mission and vision as an organization. So next time someone says “How have you all accomplished this?…” or “What do you plan to accomplish the rest of this year?….” or “Who is involved in making things happen within your organization?…” “Or talk about the keys to success for you?….” Make sure you start your answer with “WE” or “US” or…

• Are you Overwhelmed?

  bradlomenick

  30 Aug 2010 | 9:34 am

  As leaders, many times we take on way more than we can handle. We intuitively know it’s not healthy or the best solution, but we feel like it’s “our duty.” Anyone with me on this??? We feel the responsibility, so therefore we are willing to roll up our sleeves and take on more. This ends up affecting our families, our own personal life, our team, and organizations. Now don’t get me wrong…. there are seasons for carrying the weight and burning the midnight oil. But if this becomes the “norm,” then it’s not healthy. But many times we still…

• Thoughts on Creating Great Partnerships

  bradlomenick

  27 Aug 2010 | 4:31 pm

  Collaboration is crucial in today’s culture. Great organizations seem to always have a strong ability to partner well. Partnerships are not always easy though. Teaming up with one another can result in true synergy. Or many times can result in ultimate failure. Here are a few thoughts on why creating Great Partnerships is a must for you and your organization: 1. Partnerships allows you to share risk and reward. Creating less downside, and potentially way more upside always make sense. 2. Partnerships create innovation, breakthrough and discovery. Working with others allows for input…

• A Challenge for Worship Leaders

  bradlomenick

  24 Aug 2010 | 5:33 am

  I’ve got to speak up. I’m not on staff at a church. I’m not a worship leader. I’m not a creative arts pastor. None of those things. But I’ve got speak up and ask for a favor. Make a challenge. To those who lead, stand up, speak, sing, make announcements on Sunday mornings. I’ve got a challenge for all my brothers and sisters who are leading millions of folks in congregations around the world…… Please make it ALL worship. Not just the singing. When you say “Now it’s time to worship” or “Let’s stand and worship”…

• 

  Scribblage

• Six Things I’d Like to Happen @ My Funeral

  Mark Kim

  30 Aug 2010 | 3:27 pm

  It's a morbid thought, but we're all going to die.  That's a fact.  So why not plan for your death? I've heard people argue over which philosophy is better:  To live well or to die well.  I don't think this is an either/or issue but a both/and one.  I fully intend on living well, living [...]

• Is There a Right Way to Pray? (Part 3)

  Mark Kim

  23 Aug 2010 | 7:10 pm

  I don't know how many parts this is going to take, but again, just unscripted and thoughts I am just scribbling down as I go. I was listening to a podcast by Andy Stanley this morning while on a treadmill and he talked about the routine use of prayer that we use as an antidote [...]

• Is There a Right Way to Pray (Part 2)

  Mark Kim

  16 Aug 2010 | 4:46 pm

  I've cut short on some thoughts and posts on other occasions--after all, this blog is just about my unscripted thoughts and scribbles--but this topic keeps coming up maybe because I'm praying in front of people.  Is there a right way to pray? The simple answer--no. But, there are things that we do in prayer that [...]

• Is there a Right Way to Pray? (Part 1)

  Mark Kim

  9 Aug 2010 | 3:52 pm

  Is there a right way to pray? First, before I say anything, I will be the first person to admit that I am accountable to my own criticism.  Secondly, if you can understand in the sense of evaluation for the purposes of improvement or growth, I believe what I am about to describe will be [...]

• Thursday Threes (8/5/10)

  Mark Kim

  5 Aug 2010 | 11:59 am

  I haven't been much of a blogger this summer, but this season happens to be the busiest for most people who are in youth or children's ministry.  I've tried to make it less so over the years, but the school calendar seems to dictate a lot of what we do in ministry, and I don't [...]

• 

  Beyond the Noise

• Complaining about Worship Songs

  Matthew Starner

  1 Sep 2010 | 9:40 am

  I’m going to come right out and admit that as great and thought-provoking as this article is, I did not write it. I actually stumbled upon it via a friend’s twitter link and it was just too good not to pass along and share. Make sure you click on the links or you may not get it.  What follows is from “Rant about Worship Songs” by Jeremy Pierce Here are some of the things I really hate in a worship song. 1. Too simplistic, banal, lacking in-depth, shallow, doctrineless: Consider that one that just talks about unity among brothers that only mentions God in passing at…

• Sunday Setlist – August 29, 2010

  Matthew Starner

  30 Aug 2010 | 6:03 am

  Sunday, August 29, 2010 at Journey The Worship Service: Awesome is the Lord, by Chris Tomlin Glory to God Forever, by Steve Fee Baptism Holy is the Lord, by Chris Tomlin Message Bless the Lord, by Jeff Deyo Offering and Prayers Sing to the King, by Billy James Foote This blog is part of the Sunday Setlists Blog Carnival at TheWorshipCommunity.com. Stop by and see what other churches did today! Were you at Journey today? Share your comments below! Related posts:Sunday Setlist – February 14, 2010 Sunday, February 14 at Journey All Because of Jesus by... Sunday Setlist – October 11,…

• Bonus Tracks: Giving When You Have No Money

  Matthew Starner

  24 Aug 2010 | 7:39 am

  Last Sunday at Journey we talked about the importance of giving. It’s one of those things that every church has to talk about but no one likes to talk about. Money is one of those touchy subjects in people’s lives because no one wants to be told how they should be using their resources or that they need to change their spending habits. Often, churches start these sort of messages and sermons off with an apology: “If you’re checking us out for the first time, please come back next week – we’re only talking about money this one Sunday.” But why is…

• Sunday Setlist: August 22, 2010

  Matthew Starner

  22 Aug 2010 | 11:24 am

  This week at Journey, we covered a topic that no one really likes talking about: money. Specifically, our responsibility to use the gifts God has given to each one of us to support the work of the church. One of the things that always strikes me whenever we do a service around any topic relating to committment, giving, serving, etc, is that there’s always someone who will say something to the effect of: “Way to give it to them!/They needed to hear that!” [insert face-palm here] Apparently everyone elsehas a need to hear it, but human nature says it’s not us.  Today,…

• A little about me

  Matthew Starner

  19 Aug 2010 | 9:41 am

  I came across this list on another blog interviewing a worship leader and the questions got me thinking about myself. I thought perhaps, that some of you might be interested in learning a little more about me, so I’ll share my answers to the questions below. 1.When and how did you know you were called to ministry? When I was really young, my Great Grandmother taught me how to play the organ on her spinet. I used to love to sit there and bang on the keys and play with the different sounds and I distinctly remember one service when I was probably first or second grade – the service…

• 

  Your Ministry Matters

• Pilgrimage With Purpose - (a note from the desert...)

  Ted Brancheau

  14 Aug 2010 | 1:00 pm

  After a couple weeks into this time of separation, I believe the word is, "He has stilled and quieted my soul".  It's hard not to look to the "end" of this time, but I have come to see, (or at least have begun to see), as the Psalmist in chapter 31 said, "My Times Are In His Hands".  That's tough for a guy who starts reading a book by looking at the last page! 2 Cor 4:8-118    We are hard pressed on every side, yet not crushed; we are perplexed, but not in despair;9    persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed--10   …

• Effective Immediately... Medical Sabbatical.

  Ted Brancheau

  28 Jul 2010 | 6:30 pm

  Please take a few minutes to read about some important changes for Vicki and I.  Effective immediately I will be going on a 6-12 month medical sabbatical.  (Don’t let the word medical scare you too much.)  I’m not dying, but according to 3 doctors I’m not superman, who’d have thought?  The Doctors have deemed it necessary that I take some time to heal.  They want me to leave my post as “Senior Pastor” during that time.  For the next 6-8 weeks we’ll be gone from the State of Iowa, seeking the Lord, resting, and healing.  After that…

• "Your Ministry Matters" - PHILIPPINE SEMINAR REVIEW

  Ted Brancheau

  12 Jun 2010 | 9:13 am

  PASTOR MELKY STANDING NEST TO ME. (2nd from right) Hello Pastor Ted! Kamusta? It was indeed a great privilege to be imparted by your end time teaching for an end time harvest on the “Ministry of Helpers.” Thank you very much for taking your time for us, building us unto greater usefulness for God’s glory and kingdom. Our church is not yet that big but EVERYONE now is excited to do anything for the Lord specially that now almost all of them understood that every ministry matters. For me personally, I have been touched in the area allowing my liver or lungs to function (SEMINAR EXAMPLE)…

• YMM Book Review - By Bob Moody, Pastor and Author

  Ted Brancheau

  27 May 2010 | 9:08 am

  "Your Ministry Matters"really matters! Many books are written about different aspects of ministry.  Almost all of them deal with leadership rather than ministry. The subtitle of this book; “From the Parking Lot to the Pulpit” says it all.  Ted Brancheau explains in a very understandable way the promise of God’s direction and anointing for all servant ministry. This book will encourage new believers, energize tired believers and help pastors put it all together. Bob Moody, Pastor and Author  Pastor of Joy Fellowship in Indian River, MI.

• We Need One Another!

  Ted Brancheau

  25 May 2010 | 1:07 pm

  Each of us should be men and women under authority.  In Matthew 8, Jesus commended the centurion for his understanding of this truth.  For one to have authority, one must be under authority.  In other words, you can’t be a leader unless you’re a follower.  You may say, “I don’t want to be a leader”!  Sorry, as a believer, it’s part of the job description.  We already covered this!  If you’re a part of the body of Christ on the earth today, you’re a part of the disciple-making process.  As a believer, you are a disciple, which…

• 

  GlocalNet

• The Necessity of ONE CONVERSATION in a Globalized World

  Bob Roberts Jr.

  2 Sep 2010 | 7:41 am

  I just returned from DC hanging out with some of my friends: Christians, Buddist, Agnostics, Muslims, Jews, Politicians, Communists, Capitalitst, Government workers, faith leaders, and “Blues Alley” the best little church in DC on M Street in Georgetown!  I have some young friends who’ve been after me to take them around so we did a quick trip together and had a blast.  I used to think “Multi-Faith” was one the leading characteristics of Faith in the 21st century - I’m coming to think it’s not just a trait but the platform on which we will…

• I GET MORE EXCITED ABOUT OUR “1ST GLOBALS” EVERYDAY!

  Bob Roberts Jr.

  25 Aug 2010 | 6:07 am

  In the past two weeks I’ve been with college students, church planters, Hmong people, and some business leaders that are all what was called the “millennial” generation but that Zogby is now calling our “1st globals.”  I’m excited in what I see.  I genuinely believe that God is up to something in this emerging generation like none I’ve ever seen.  In American culture I started out as a boy in what I would call the “institutional” generation only to hit the tail end of the “me” or “boomer”…

• When God Allows People to be Dispersed.  .  .  .  .  .

  Bob Roberts Jr.

  20 Aug 2010 | 4:51 am

  I leave in a few hours to speak to several thousand Hmong Christians in the U.S.  I’m really excited about it.  One of our pastors, Daniel Yang, is Hmong.  He was with us in Vietnam for the first time - and in ethnic Hmong areas – for the first time in his life, a couple of weeks ago, and it was so much fun.  I speak to different ethnic groups and gatherings and one of my biggest challenges is to help them recognize that no group will have the impact in the world like non-anglo Americans.  They come from the wealth, resources, and connectedness of the west, yet…

• Mentoring Those Behind You

  Bob Roberts Jr.

  19 Aug 2010 | 5:44 am

  Verse:  Jeremiah 15:6 ” . . . . you keep going backward . . . . ”  Right now our country is going backwards - we all feel it.  I’m not sure it would matter who the President was or what party was in the White House.  Right now the church in America is lost - books are written about it, solutions are proposed, models are endorsed and driven - even without proof.  Desperation can make a thirsty man drink dirty water just to survive.  Be it the church or government or even a family, for that matter, when something is wrong, the focus is on,…

• Church Planting Module at NorthWood at Jewish Synagogue!

  Bob Roberts Jr.

  18 Aug 2010 | 3:57 am

  Yesterday over 20 church planters gathered for our second cohort of NorthWood church planters this year.  NorthWood may well “help” plant over 30 churches this year.  First we planted 1 a year, then 2, then 5, then 8, then 10, now 30 - I dream of 100!!!  I say help because we don’t do it all - the biggest sacrifice always comes on the part of the planter.  We sponsor, which means we assess, coach, train, mentor, connect glocally, impart our values and strategies, and give a little change to the guys.  The past two years has grown so much we’ve had to get a lot…

• 

  Life is Ministry

• Life in Salem.

  22 Aug 2010 | 3:08 pm

  Wow! Things here have been chugging along at a fast pace and I wanted to share some of the highlights with you, before so much happens that I can't. So, here goes: Crater Lake: Two days after we arrived in Salem we met up with our good friends Ric and Jannie Halloman and their daughter Fiona. Before they knew we were moving out west they had already made plans to visit Crater Lake, OR. When they

• We have arrived in Salem, OR

  22 Jun 2010 | 11:19 am

  Two weeks ago, we put all of our worldly possessions in this Pod and watched it drive away as we prepared for our move from Hoffman Estates, IL to Salem, OR. We spent our final weekend in Chicagoland at our church's annual retreat. It was a huge blessing to be with everyone one final time, but saying goodbye was neither easy or fun. We spent our last night in the area with our dear

• Tim Keller: Creativity and Entrepreneurship

  12 May 2010 | 1:31 pm

  Tim Keller "Creation & Creativity" Clip from Redeemer Video on Vimeo. In this Vimeo Video on the Redeemer Video Page Tim Keller talks about how creativity is a reflection of God. Ex nihilo- bring something out of nothing!

• Opportunity is Knocking

  21 Apr 2010 | 8:57 am

  This weekend Harvest Community Church will be highlighting Compassion International and its work around the world. Seize the opportunity to get involved!

• One Christian's Response to Adam Savage

  20 Apr 2010 | 11:47 am

  Adam Savage is one of the hosts to the Discovery Channel show Mythbusters. I am a huge fan of the show and watch every episode that I can and I also follow Adam's twitter feed. I love how the Mythbusters take things that we assume to be one way or the other and put them to the test to see if indeed our assumptions are correct. I love how they seek the truth and attempt to avoid letting their own

• 

  Team RCIA

• What are the requirements in the RCIA for a Lutheran becoming Catholic?

  Nick

  31 Aug 2010 | 8:42 am

  What would be the requirements for one of our inquirers to become a Catholic? Would she have to go through the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA)? She was baptized, received first Communion, and was confirmed as a Lutheran. She is married to a Catholic, and she was married by a Catholic priest. She has been attending Mass for 20 years with her husband, and has raised their two sons in Catholic faith. In her case, the requirements would be very minimal. She would not be a candidate for the RCIA. The National Statutes for the Catechumenate (an appendix to the Rite of Christian…

• Minor rites of the RCIA

  Nick

  17 Aug 2010 | 9:12 am

  This weekend, I’ll be leading an institute in the Los Angeles archdiocese that focuses on the cathechumenate period (sponsored by the North American Forum on the Catechumenate). One of my presentations is on the minor rites that might be celebrated during that time. Lately, I’ve been using an online service, Prezi.com, to create my presentations. It’s much more fun than PowerPoint. See what you think, and offer your comments! Rites belonging to the catechumenate on Prezi

• RCIA resource interview

  Nick

  16 Aug 2010 | 2:25 pm

    The publishers of my book, The Way of Faith, interviewed me about it and posted it as a podcast. It lasts about nine minutes. See what you think!

• RCIA for children is a family affair

  Nick

  14 Aug 2010 | 6:26 pm

  120 members of RCIA teams from northern California have just wrapped up a two-day institute (sponsored by the North American Forum on the Catechumenate and the dioceses of San Jose and Monterey). The institute focused on how to adapt the RCIA for children. Talking with some of the participants reminded me of something I wrote about in The Way of Faith. It seems to me that many RCIA teams worry far too much about the children and not nearly enough about the parents. What I wrote in my book is this: I truly believe that when it comes to adapting the rite for children, the biggest adaptation we…

• End of summer “greet-off” challenge

  Nick

  13 Aug 2010 | 8:46 am

  Most initiation ministers don’t think of the greeters for Sunday liturgy as being on the RCIA team. Perhaps we should. Let me tell you about my experience as an “inquirer” this summer. Because of my travel schedule, I was in a different parish almost every Sunday in July and August. No one said hello to me, with one exception. The exception was a parish that had greeters at the door. I walked up to a greeter and greeted her! She returned my “hello.” Otherwise, the score was zero greetings. Even “hospitable” parishes aren’t very This is common in Catholic churches. I experience…

• 

  Life Here and There

• The Natures: A Bushel of Really Cool Music!

  Brandon

  29 Aug 2010 | 6:48 am

  This weekend, The Natures performed at Saddleback. Pastor Rick preached on The Word of Forgiveness, a sermon he intended to preach as part of his “Seven Words from the Cross” series leading up to Easter, but was unable to do so then. It was a message of forgiveness from the guilt of sin. The Natures sang their song Come On and Celebrate which includes the lyric “Jesus done washed my sins away.” Don’t judge the music by the grammar – their style is modern folk, earthy, and energetic. They brought the message of the cross to life in a great way. I gather,…

• The Internal Battles of Even the Best Pastors

  Brandon

  27 Aug 2010 | 12:34 pm

  Truth: Your Pastor is weak. He’s flesh. He’s human, frail, and doesn’t always have it all together. He may be faithful to God and thereby filled with the Holy Spirit, but there’s always a secret side to him. He will probably never mention it in a sermon or a Deacon’s meeting. Chances are, he won’t even tell his wife, but he endures battles. I’ve been a Pastor for thirteen years, and I’ve fought these battles for all of that time. I just want to advocate for your Pastor today to tell you a few things you probably weren’t aware of. Your…

• Unleash Ministries: A Great Church Helping Church Leaders

  Brandon

  26 Aug 2010 | 11:11 am

  When I find a great resource for Pastors and church leaders, I love to pass it along. Perry Noble and Newspring Church have just tossed up a pretty awesome little site devoted to connecting with leaders and providing resources. Go check out Unleash Ministries. I think you'd also love these stories:Being A Creative LeaderPerry Noble Makes Me ThinkCheck out the Pastors.com SideblogRefuel with Innovate Church! Conference ArchivesPray for Us As Everything Changes________ Unleash Ministries: A Great Church Helping Church Leaders is a post from: Brandon A. Cox. © 2010. Share it freely, but…

• Radical Revival Logo

  Brandon

  26 Aug 2010 | 7:10 am

  I just had the privilege of completing a new logo design for the upcoming “Radical Revival” at First Baptist Church in Garfield, Arkansas. I felt that just the two letters “re” have a lot of meaning, so I used the flame to separate them from the rest of the word and made them “red hot” in the flame with the next “v” warmer as well. The idea is that in order to be “on fire” with a renewed passion for God, we need to draw closer to the flame (a picture throughout Scripture of the Holy Spirit). I think you'd also love these…

• Lessons On Community from Huntington Beach

  Brandon

  23 Aug 2010 | 8:07 am

  Huntington Beach represents authentic southern California beach culture. You’ve got bodybuilders working out on the sand, skateboards and bikes covering the boardwalk, and street performers driving nails up their noses for tip money. My family and I visited there yesterday with the Krumm’s, friends of ours here in Orange County. It was a fascinating taste of local culture for us and in the midst of that experience, I observed some of the markings of genuine community. Note the picture… When we started to head up onto the pier, this crowd was starting to gather on a sort of…

• 

  Build the Church

• Build the Church 414 - Retroactive Records Mix

  24 Aug 2010 | 1:08 pm

  Ok, it really is time to blow the speakers. Today on Build the Church we feature the hard driving sounds from the stable of Retroactive Records. Today hear the hard rock and metal sounds of Bride, Deliverance, Grave Robber, Main Line Riders and Ultimatum.Enjoy the podcast, you have Build the Church's permission to blow a speaker :) MP3 File - Click Here to Download Podcast

• 24 Aug 2010 | 1:08 pm

  24 Aug 2010 | 1:08 pm

  Find all the Retroactive Records artists by going here!Buy Bride's album "Skin for Skin" by clicking here.Find Bride in myspace by going here.Buy Deliverance's album "As Above - So Below" by clicking here.Find Deliverance in myspace by going here.Buy Grave Robber's album "Be Afraid" by clicking here.Find Grave Robber in myspace by going here.Buy Main Line Riders' album by clicking here.Find Main Line Riders in myspace by going here.Buy Ultimatum's album "Into the Pit" by clicking here.Find Ultimatum in myspace by going here.GREAT DISCOUNTS FOR BUILD THE CHURCH LISTENERS! Get 10% off any order…

• Proposed Panel for SXSW 2011 - Mobilized to Feed the World:A True Story

  18 Aug 2010 | 3:54 pm

  This year we (Lloyd Zeigler and myself) have submitted a very special panel proposal to South by Southwest 2011 (SXSW 2011) for consideration to present at the Interaction portion of the conference. In this panel we will tell the story a group of college age kids from around the US that have joined together with one of the world's most respected humanitarian organizations, Food for the Hungry, to make a real difference. For a more detailed description of the presentation, please see below.Your vote to have this panel at one of the world's largest conferences is critical. Voting from the…

• Build the Church 413 VideoCast - Avalanche

  13 Aug 2010 | 11:01 am

  The response was so good for the Manafest podcast we did about a week ago, I reached out to the Manafest team and asked if I could post one of the videos from his new album "The Chase." And they said yes! Thanks Sarah for the links and your help.Avalanche Click here and go to Manafest's website.Find Manafest in MySpace by clicking here.Be friends with Manafest in Facebook by going here.Get Manafest's music at ReverbNation right here.Follow Manafest on Twitter by clicking here.Find all the music and merc by Manafest here.GREAT DISCOUNTS FOR BUILD THE CHURCH LISTENERS! Get 10% off any order at…

• Build the Church 412 - Manafest

  28 Jul 2010 | 3:10 pm

  Today we have an extra special podcast for all Build the Church listeners, today we feature the music of Juno nominee Manafest and songs from his brand new album "The Chase." This is definitely a show you do not want to miss.Enjoy today's Build the Church. MP3 File - Click Here to Download Podcast

• 

  Mike Gothard

• Hurricane Earl…never a dull moment

  mikegothard

  2 Sep 2010 | 6:30 am

• Wisdom for September 1, 2010

  mikegothard

  1 Sep 2010 | 4:33 am

  “If you want to make a song more hummy, add a few tiddely poms.” - Winnie the Pooh

• Eighteen years and a tree

  mikegothard

  31 Aug 2010 | 4:33 am

  Today while running I was ambushed. Waylaid, it came out of nowhere with zero warning; didn’t even see it coming. As I wrote a couple of weeks ago, we recently dropped our son off at college for his freshman year. My friends all ask, “How’s it going?” To which I lie, “I’m sure it will get easier.” I’m constantly reminded of what Elizabeth Stone wrote, “Making the decision to have a child is momentous. It is to decide forever to have your heart go walking around outside your body.” So this evening after a too long day at the office, I grabbed my running gear and started…

• Chewbacca

  mikegothard

  30 Aug 2010 | 8:19 am

• Hello, my name is Jesus

  mikegothard

  29 Aug 2010 | 5:55 am

• 

  Biblical Preaching

• Does It Make Sense?

  Peter Mead

  1 Sep 2010 | 11:43 pm

  It seems obvious, but it needs to be said.  When we speak we need to make sure we make sense.  There are various reasons why we may not make sense to our listeners.  Here are a few to be aware of: 1. Obscure Language - If you obfuscate using technical, rare or archaic vocabulary, then you will lose folks.  They will probably still compliment you on your “deep” message, but be alert enough to spot the implication of that encouraging feedback! 2. Unknown Illustrations - Yourillustration from the world of online war games, submarine technology, chinese martial arts, Finnish…

• Preaching and Training

  Peter Mead

  31 Aug 2010 | 8:29 am

  I am a huge advocate for biblical preaching.  But I don’t think preaching covers all the bases as far as training and equipping is concerned.  It would be naive to think that a sermon or two every week for decades will equip a church As leaders of churches we need to think carefully about the place of small groups, of seminars, of training sessions, of mentoring . . . and somehow figure out how to do that without overcrowding the weekly schedule. Think too of subjects that probably won’t, or won’t easily get addressed, in normal preaching.  How does the big story of the…

• Points of Pride

  Peter Mead

  30 Aug 2010 | 12:30 am

  I suspect that if we’re honest, we’d all admit that preaching leads to numerous battles with pride.  Perhaps not every time, perhaps not in the same way as each other, but there is an inherent danger that points of pride will peek through when we preach.  Much of this may be an internal battle unseen by others except the Lord.  But sometimes in our preaching we do things that can reveal, or be perceived to be, pride peeking through.  A few examples: 1. References to “scholastic matters” – You know what I mean, the extra reference to a dispute among…

• Sad Separations

  Peter Mead

  26 Aug 2010 | 10:43 pm

  Here are three separations often occurring in pulpits that are sad, to say the least: The separation of leadership and preaching – I’ve mentioned this before, probably after reading Michael Quicke’s 360-Degree Leadership.  In some churches, especially those that have to, or choose to, rely on visiting speakers, there is an unfortunate separation of preaching from leadership.  The result tends to be preaching that is informative, perhaps even impressive, but not truly pastoral. The separation of theology and application – It’s sad to see a situation where the…

• Where Does Christ Fit?

  Peter Mead

  25 Aug 2010 | 11:27 pm

  When you are preaching the Old Testament, there should always be a radar bleeping in your heart regarding where Christ fits into the message.  Some will suggest that every message must be entirely and purely about Christ, whatever the text was originally intended to convey.  I feel this approach can bring our view of the inspiration of Scripture into disrepute. Not every Old Testament passage is just about Christ. I know that Jesus took two disciples on a tour of the Old Testament on the road to Emmaus, but I’d also like to point out that that road is only 7 miles long!  We need to…

• 

  Biblical Preaching

• Does It Make Sense?

  Peter Mead

  1 Sep 2010 | 11:43 pm

  It seems obvious, but it needs to be said.  When we speak we need to make sure we make sense.  There are various reasons why we may not make sense to our listeners.  Here are a few to be aware of: 1. Obscure Language - If you obfuscate using technical, rare or archaic vocabulary, then you will lose folks.  They will probably still compliment you on your “deep” message, but be alert enough to spot the implication of that encouraging feedback! 2. Unknown Illustrations - Yourillustration from the world of online war games, submarine technology, chinese martial arts, Finnish…

• Preaching and Training

  Peter Mead

  31 Aug 2010 | 8:29 am

  I am a huge advocate for biblical preaching.  But I don’t think preaching covers all the bases as far as training and equipping is concerned.  It would be naive to think that a sermon or two every week for decades will equip a church As leaders of churches we need to think carefully about the place of small groups, of seminars, of training sessions, of mentoring . . . and somehow figure out how to do that without overcrowding the weekly schedule. Think too of subjects that probably won’t, or won’t easily get addressed, in normal preaching.  How does the big story of the…

• Points of Pride

  Peter Mead

  30 Aug 2010 | 12:30 am

  I suspect that if we’re honest, we’d all admit that preaching leads to numerous battles with pride.  Perhaps not every time, perhaps not in the same way as each other, but there is an inherent danger that points of pride will peek through when we preach.  Much of this may be an internal battle unseen by others except the Lord.  But sometimes in our preaching we do things that can reveal, or be perceived to be, pride peeking through.  A few examples: 1. References to “scholastic matters” – You know what I mean, the extra reference to a dispute among…

• Sad Separations

  Peter Mead

  26 Aug 2010 | 10:43 pm

  Here are three separations often occurring in pulpits that are sad, to say the least: The separation of leadership and preaching – I’ve mentioned this before, probably after reading Michael Quicke’s 360-Degree Leadership.  In some churches, especially those that have to, or choose to, rely on visiting speakers, there is an unfortunate separation of preaching from leadership.  The result tends to be preaching that is informative, perhaps even impressive, but not truly pastoral. The separation of theology and application – It’s sad to see a situation where the…

• Where Does Christ Fit?

  Peter Mead

  25 Aug 2010 | 11:27 pm

  When you are preaching the Old Testament, there should always be a radar bleeping in your heart regarding where Christ fits into the message.  Some will suggest that every message must be entirely and purely about Christ, whatever the text was originally intended to convey.  I feel this approach can bring our view of the inspiration of Scripture into disrepute. Not every Old Testament passage is just about Christ. I know that Jesus took two disciples on a tour of the Old Testament on the road to Emmaus, but I’d also like to point out that that road is only 7 miles long!  We need to…

• 

  Unity Church Marketing

• Thinking That SXSW Doesn’t Pertain To Your Church Marketing Efforts?

  Are you thinking that the only thing that can be gained by going to SXSW (South by Southwest event held annually in Austin, TX) is great music, software kickoffs and a party atmosphere?  Last year, Tony Steward with LifeChurch TV was among others who made a splash in regards to events that are church related. [...]

• Having Fun With Your Marketing!

  I have written before about my friend Carra Riley who authored the Cosmic Cow Pie book.  In it, one of her axioms for moving through the universe is…”you get it or you don’t”. Sometimes we take ourselves way too seriously with our marketing efforts.  The result of which is that we take some of the [...]

• Does Your Church Marketing Efforts Seem Impossible to Overcome?

  I was on the phone recently with a church leader and they indicated how hard it is to get momentum on a marketing project at their church. Things that you would think would be easy have been a real challenge they told me. I can relate to that very easily when I have spoke to [...]

• Where Does Church And Social Media Meet in 2010?

  Are you a church that is wondering how to position yourself for success in 2010? As we come in the hew year, I thought we could review some ideas as well as questions that have come about. What marketing advice can help churches stand out in this economy? Ultimately, you have to keep adding value [...]

• Church Marketing – Taglines & Your Brand

  A tagline is the first articulation of your church brand!  A good tagline is the single-most powerful and efficient articulation of your brand that your church can have. Taglines are a clear and easy demonstration of your church values when you need to get your brand in front of people and connect with them in [...]

• 

  samluce.com

• Lessons for the long haul: Calling

  Sam Luce

  2 Sep 2010 | 7:06 am

  For me the hands down number one thing you need to make it for the long haul in children’s ministry is an overwhelming sense of calling. I have talked to many people in ministry who have lasted over the long haul nearly all of them can point to a specific sense of calling, an event where they felt God was leading them to do what they are currently doing. Many times I have felt like quitting. The thing that keeps me every time is knowing that when I was 12 years old God spoke to me in such a profound way calling me to do what I currently do that I can’t shake it. I know that I know…

• Lessons for the long haul

  Sam Luce

  1 Sep 2010 | 3:28 pm

  I want to start a new blog series talking about lessons I have learned and am still learning about how to last in kids ministry. I haven’t been around as long as some have but I have been around long enough to see many people come and go in kids ministry. Ministry in general can be very hard at times, I know I have felt like quitting many, many times before. I want to discuss what are the things you need to remember if you want to make it in kids ministry. It should be the goal of every kids pastor to train a generation behind them the value of ministering to the youngest among us. If…

• Free Bible Lesson: 1 & 2 Kings

  Sam Luce

  1 Sep 2010 | 6:00 am

  1 & 2 Kings – Book of sowing and reaping Key Point –What you do to others will be done to you. Memory Verse – Job 4:8 “…only those who plant seeds of seeds of evil harvest trouble.” Skit – 2 people sows seeds one sows a bad seed gets bad tasting fruit the other sows good fruit and gets good tasting fruit – One person comes out pretending to toss seeds around saying things like “I am going to do what I want”, “I am going to watch that TV show my parents don’t want me to” ect… He is planting bad seeds. Another planter comes out pretending to toss seeds he is…

• A word from our sponsors: Ministry-to-Children.com

  Sam Luce

  31 Aug 2010 | 6:14 am

  Ministry To Children is a fantastic resource for anyone associated in any form whatsoever with Children’s Ministry. They have a huge variety of resources for anyone from a stay at home mom to a full-time kids worker. A few months ago I met Tony Kummer he is a great guy, what I love most about Tony is that he uses his influence in the #kidmin community to push others to the forefront. He and his group of writers at MTC do an amazing job of creating quality FREE content. He has lessons, object lesson and he is specifically advertising coloring pages on my site. I don’t care what…

• Hide and go seek and letting go.

  Sam Luce

  30 Aug 2010 | 5:40 am

  I may not be a doctor of anything but I have a theory. I have been reluctant to throw this out there but now after we have had our third kid I am fairly certain that it’s a fact. The amount of time you spend playing peek-a-boo translates into your child’s ability to be ok with you dropping them off in the care of others. Because even though they can’t see you they know that you always come back. We tell our kids we will come back but young kids deal in concrete not abstract thought so if you can show them that you will be back by hiding your face then popping out again you…

• 

  Godvertiser.com

• After You’ve Taken Off On a Spiritual High, Will You Land? Or Will You Crash & Burn?

  godvertiser

  1 Sep 2010 | 5:34 pm

  Today I spent some time at a local airport that mainly serves small private planes. There’s a flight school that gives instruction in a hanger right there off the runway. New pilots are commissioned after going through training that teaches the basics and live in-the-air lessons. As I head out to a weekend retreat this week, I share some of the reflections about the spiritual highs that we may experience after an amazing Christian conference, church retreat or even after hearing a famous preacher’s semonic mastery in the pulpit. But there’s one crticial lesson of flying high…

• Free Logos Bible Study Software Giveaway

  godvertiser

  26 Aug 2010 | 8:22 am

  When studying the Word, we’ve come a long way even in the last decade or so as a part of the Google generation. Information is at our fingertips. The Bible is no different it seems. Logos is one of the major bible study software platforms out there for pastors, seminarians and others that want to dig deep and utilize all the resources available to study a passage or Biblical topic. While the Logos Bible Study software package ain’t free, this offer is! Check out this video below for what Logos Bible Study sent me to give away to our readers here at Godvertiser.com. All you have to…

• Culture Change On The Basketball Court Of A 6 Year Old

  godvertiser

  26 Aug 2010 | 8:12 am

  Today on the drive to basketball camp, my son started sharing with me some of the stories from yesterday on the court. Since he’s so young and not as many kids his age are enrolled in sports camps at this point, he’s mixed in at the lower end of the age range with some other boys as much as 2-3 years olds than him. A 3-year gap in age makes a difference when you’re that young — in development, maturity and size. The amazing part was the life lesson that he managed to teach me in the 15 minute drive using just one incident that happened yesterday at camp. It just struck…

• Getting Unstuck From Ministry Muddle

  godvertiser

  23 Aug 2010 | 5:52 pm

  For many churches, the calendar is driven by the academic year because the ministry has many families with kids involved.  And if that’s the case, we’re right at the point where you’ll be rewind the clock and “start over” with your ministry programming this fall. Aside from the Sunday School and youth ministries, the other parts of the church might also be preparing for a new small group season or new lay leadership team installations, or new . . . It might all be “new” but at the same time, it can quickly become “old” and…

• Church 0.1 Living In A 1.0 World

  godvertiser

  19 Aug 2010 | 5:59 pm

  Is there anyone out there that doesn’t take a jab at the Church with a capital “C” regarding technology of the day? We are living in a 2.0 world and the Church always seems to be struggling just to stay awake and alive in a 1.0 world mode, right? Well, this is not just a recent phenomena apparently. That’s right, back in the day, and I mean back in the olden times, the early church had trouble with adopting new technologies too! Thankfully, the help desk was around back then too though. Take a look yourself at the video below documenting the upgrade experience from…

• 

  Children's Ministry Online

• Innovative use of technology for a conference

  Kenny

  31 Aug 2010 | 11:45 am

  As I posted earlier today, we held an annual Church Leadership Weekend at our church. For the last several years, we simply gather 400-500 of our leadership core in the auditorium for vision, worship and prayer. However, someone had the brilliant idea to try something really creative. Rather than assemble the masses at the church on Friday evening for dinner and opening sessions, we decided to distribute the meetings around the city. Close to 30 leaders opened up their homes to host the opening session in their houses. People came to houses where they had relationship already or some people…

• Creative way to get touch screens without buying touch screens

  Kenny

  31 Aug 2010 | 10:20 am

  So I’m excited about this little piece of technology. We currently use Fellowship One for check-in, but we’re only using it as assisted check-in. I want to move toward self check-in stations, but I only have one touch screen. I know that you don’t have to use touch screens, but let’s face it, it’s a better experience. I know that there may be others in a similar situation. You have a lot of monitors already, but you want to move to touch screens. Touch screens cost $500 each (let me know if you know of a better deal) and that’s cost prohibitive for most…

• Your Sunday morning playlist: Welcome Music

  Kenny

  31 Aug 2010 | 8:32 am

  Music is a powerful tool. It has a powerful affect on environment. I remember walking through UpStreet Kids at North Point Church for the first time a few years ago on a Sunday morning and they had High School Musical booming loud through the hallways. Upstreet had a great decor, but the music literally put a little extra bounce in my step. Amazing how it affected me. So, what music are you playing in your environments as the kids are coming in? Do you play music in your lobbies or hallways? If so, what is on your playlist?

• Leadership Weekend Review

  Kenny

  31 Aug 2010 | 7:15 am

  This weekend was Gateway’s annual Leadership Weekend. Every year it’s a Friday night and most of the day Saturday event where the core of the church comes to worship together, pray, be challenged and hear the vision for the upcoming year and engage in how God is leading us. This was my third such event at Gateway, and it was absolutely phenomenal. This year we laid out some pretty major challenges for the leaders of Gateway. The staff has been in an organizational restructuring for the last 6 months and the full plan of why we restructured and what the new structure is setting us…

• I need help with a report

  Kenny

  30 Aug 2010 | 12:55 pm

  Okay, I’m crowdsourcing a problem I’ve run into. I found the PERFECT volunteer report for Fellowship One. We check all of our volunteers in every Sunday. We keep up with our volunteers as well. If one drops out, we make their ministry assignment inactive. This way, I can run a report and pull up the names of only those who are active. Likewise, I can pull the same report of those who are inactive to see who isn’t serving anymore. As PERFECT as this report is, it’s got one little problem. Actually, it’s big enough to make it report frustrating. I’ve sent in…

• 

  Jake Pelfrey - Failing Consistently

• Taking the Garbage Out

  The other day I was listening to Air One on the radio and heard the song Garbage In by Tal & Acacia. It was a pretty sweet jam, but what really got me thinking were these lyrics.  "Garbage in, Garbage out. What Goes in is found out. All can see what ...

• A Great Week!

  This week has been a tremendous week, possibly the best week of 2009! Sunday we heard the great news that my dad is now the new pastor of Belleview Baptist Church in Belleview Kentucky! It was so fun attending an anonymous question and answer meeting as my dad answered a ...

• How Can You Not Like this Guy!

  I have been able to accomplish a ton of work these last couple of days. It is a great feeling, that my days off from the grind, have not been wasted. Most of the motivation is due to the sweet sounds of Phil Wickham.  How can you not like this ...

• The Age of Innocence

  The Age of Innocence is a novel written by Edith Wharton.  It is a story of an upper-class couple who is about to get married, when a scandalous woman enters their life and threatens to steal their joy and innocence.  Newland, The man who is excited about his upcoming marriage ...

• 5 Things I am Digging Right Now!

  Yes, it is that time for me to share the five things that I am digging right now! It is always fun to sit back and count the many blessings in life. I found out that most of the time, it is the small things in life that bring the ...

• 

  daveingland.com

• The paralyzing sting of failure

  daveingland

  23 Aug 2010 | 5:40 am

  Having failed at my first experience as a church planter, I feel like I am sort of handicapped. I’m feeling a bit paralyzed and it is such a foreign feeling for me. My mind is full of ideas and my feet feel ready for action, but something within me puts the brakes on things even before I get moving. In the past, some of the ideas I have would have been enough to force me to jump to my feet and take off running as fast as I could toward the finish line. Now, having gone through failure and never wanting to experience that again, I feel remiss at times because I won’t move forward…

• It’s never enough

  daveingland

  17 Aug 2010 | 5:33 am

  No matter what we do, the reality is that it’s never enough. We will always come up short somewhere. Things can always take an unexpected turn for the worst. As a former atheist, I bore the burden of everything on my own. The goal was always to be the best. There was no one who remembered those that came in second or finished last. I lived in that world for almost 38 years. I was always trying to outdo even my own self. When I first came to comprehend the reality and awe of the voice of God, I was not at some low point. I had accomplished much and had the respect of many. Money talked…

• Love Letter: I never imagined I’d be writing this

  daveingland

  12 Aug 2010 | 5:24 am

  Dear Father God, You fooled me. You surrounded me with people that believed with every ounce of breath they had in them that you were not real. You were fiction and the Bible was a fairy tale. Your son was born from a virgin, which I knew from biology class was impossible. You gave me to be adopted by parents that spoke negatively about Christians and the church. You let them teach me that being a good person was important and that I could be the best at anything if I tried hard enough. When I became an adult, you led me to become engaged to marry someone that told me that if I just called…

• Love Letter: I owe so much to you!

  daveingland

  11 Aug 2010 | 5:51 am

  Dear Friends, I’ve said it many times, in many ways, but you have my unwavering love for eternity. You were there when I needed you, and even when I didn’t you made your presence known. You cared for me deeply and never judged me. You were compassion and strength when I needed it most. Some of you share my faith, and some of you do not, but in the end all of you remind me of what it’s like to know Christ. You lift me up when I am down, you help me through when I can barely stand, you cause me to want to be more like you. I do not deserve you. I do not know what you see in…

• Love Letter: Dear John

  daveingland

  10 Aug 2010 | 5:28 am

  Dear John (or Charity: Water or Doctors Without Borders or Compassion International, etc.), My heart goes out to you. When I hear the stories of those people you aid I want to applaud you. I want to partner with you. I want to support you financially. However, I have just come to realize that right now, it’s best if we don’t try to get too close. Please understand, it’s not you, it’s me. You see, I’ve just come to the realization today that as much as I thought I loved you, I really do not. My lips speak words of passion and I shout about you from the rooftops,…

• 

  JOSHRHONE [DOT] COM

• [de/re] constructing

  joshrhone

  2 Sep 2010 | 7:45 am

  In December of 2004, as a newlywed and recent college graduate, I felt like the world and its mysteries belonged to me. Having spent years studying such things as Greek; biblical, historical, and systematic theology; and philosophy I naively assumed that I had things all figured out. The following spring I would accept a call [...]

• Vibram Five Finger Shoes: A Review

  joshrhone

  30 Aug 2010 | 7:15 am

  When I resumed running on August 24th, 2009, after a rather long hiatus, I did so as an informed individual. I researched running programs, techniques, and gear. Amid my research I came across an article on the Vibram Five Finger shoes. The article noted that running with Vibram’s Five Finger shoes was like running barefooted. [...]

• survival of the fittest: Os Guinness on the relationship between truth and power

  joshrhone

  27 Aug 2010 | 7:30 am

  Last night I was reading A Place for Truth: Highlights from the Veritas Forum. One of the pieces that I read was entitled “A Time for Truth” and was contributed by Os Guinness. In the essay he claims that “without truth there is only manipulation.” [1] Initially, I was both intrigued and repulsed by this [...]

• Thy Kingdom Connected

  joshrhone

  17 Aug 2010 | 7:50 am

  “Walking in the way of Christ is inherently relational. To follow Christ is to link up with God through the power and presence of the Holy Spirit, and to link up with the ever-becoming people of God, the city on the hill.” ~Dwight Friesen Posted via email from joshrhone’s posterous Related Posts:ConvictionThe prophetic taskGod’s Departure

• Wirefly.com

  joshrhone

  4 Aug 2010 | 8:09 am

  In a recent post, I mentioned that I had upgraded from my iPhone 3G to a Samsung Captivate. In that post I also mentioned that my experience with the Captivate had left me wanting more, so I returned the Captivate and have since returned to the land of Apple and my iPhone 3G. What I [...]

• 

  Linknami Blog

• Free Content For Your Blog Or Website With Guest Posts

  admin

  2 Sep 2010 | 9:17 am

  Ask any webmaster: What is the most crucial aspect of any website? You will get only one answer: Content. Websites may work error-free and can look attractive but what really matters in the end on any website is quality content. Content is what generates backlinks, hits and ultimatively sales. Traffic to a website can be increased by improving the content quality. Linknami is a web service that provides unique content for your blog or website at zero cost. Yes, you heard me right – free content. All articles are submitted by experienced authors as well as new writers. Guest blogging is the…

• 23 Quick Website SEO Tips To Outrank Your Competitors

  admin

  1 Sep 2010 | 8:22 am

  Let me share with you some simple SEO tips that can help you outrank your competitors who do not apply those techniques in various search engines: 1) Your page titles must optimized for the keyword you are targeting in your content. At times, a single word can make a lot of difference to the rank of your page. Add also semantically related words into the title if possible. 2) Try and make use of correct anchor text for internal and external links. Avoid using ‘click here’. Instead use ‘Simple Tips for SEO’. If you are using image links, make sure you utilize the alt tag like…

• SEO Competitor Analysis Simple And Effective

  admin

  19 Aug 2010 | 7:59 am

  If you are an internet marketer and engaged in various marketing campaigns for your websites, products or services, you are often busy researching the most effective keywords that send you targeted visitors. In order to rank your pages high in search engine results, its is important that you monitor the SEO methods your competitors are using to achieve their rankings. You can follow the guidelines below to do this successfully. The question is: Where to start? Focus on your most important keywords first. You are looking for your website and pages to appear in top positions of search engine…

• Link Building Strategies That Increase Website Traffic

  admin

  9 Aug 2010 | 6:46 am

  For search engine optimization and to get targeted traffic to your site, you need to build links to your site because links are a part of the search engine algorithm that helps search engines decide which pages to show in search results. This process is usually very time consuming. You can learn here about the importance of link building and some tips on how to start building links to your website with a low marketing budget. When users visit other sites, they are directed to your website through links from usually relevant pages. Ideally, the link should have relevance to your website and…

• Essential Blog Post Writing Tips That Increase Traffic

  admin

  6 Aug 2010 | 8:07 am

  Traffic to a website usually depends on the quality of the content on this website. And to get display quality content you have to publish your best articles on the site or blog. A lot of times, bloggers post hot topics written with great expertise, yet they fail to generate any attention and ultimatively traffic. This is because the writer fails to write quality posts. Let me share with you some helpful tips to write fine posts that will increase targeted traffic to your blog: 1. As long as you do not have a sufficient amount of traffic, try to concentrate on topics involving your main theme…

• 

  RELEVANT Magazine

• The Gospel According to Hipsters

  26 Aug 2010 | 7:00 am

  Can "cool" and Christianity coexist? Hipsterdom is a significant cultural phenomenon with implications for all sorts of things. “Hipster” is just the latest, most consolidated iteration of the notion of being cool/elite/fashionable. As such, it serves as a convenient entry point for a crucial discussion of what all of this means for Christianity, which to outside observers probably seems about as far from “cool/hipster” as possible. What does it mean that “hipster Christianity” exists? Should we be alarmed and unnerved by the marriage of seemingly competing aims:…

• The Danger of Being the Same

  15 Jul 2010 | 6:55 am

  Why being different helps the Body of Christ. Growing up, I thought the end goal of life was a homogeneity of belief in the people around me. I expected everyone to draw the same conclusions from the things they heard, read or saw as I did. But, recently, I’ve come to believe that diversityis a beautiful thing because it helps us see God more clearly. Now, before I go further, let me say there is a limitation to the liberality with which we can apply this principle of diversity of opinion. I do believe there has to be a strong foundation of biblical understanding and maturity in an…

• When Christians Get It Wrong

  21 Jun 2010 | 7:11 am

  How to repair the damage done by Christians acting unChristianly. When I ask non-Christians what they think Jesus stood for, most say, "Love." And they are correct; this is one of the defining elements of Jesus' teaching. He told His followers that God's will for humanity could be summarized with two commands: love God and love your neighbor. He went to on to say that our neighbor is anyone who needs our help. The love we are to show is not a feeling but a way of acting—a love of kindness and compassion and a desire to bless and seek good for others. Jesus told His disciples they…

• The Trademarked God

  9 Jun 2010 | 10:00 pm

  Sometimes we all wonder why God does or doesn’t do certain things. Why doesn’t He stop this earthquake or thwart that terrorist attack? Or perhaps even more important to some people, why hasn’t the Big Man Up There let the Cubs win a World Series in more than a hundred years? But to add a question: Why hasn’t God trademarked His name yet? Think about it. Since intelligent design/creationists are always going on about Him being a perfect architect when He made the world, you would think this designer would at least have the common sense to put together a half-decent public relations…

• Butchering the Bible out of Context

  8 Jun 2010 | 10:00 pm

  Why taking verses out of context is one of the most dangerous things we can do. Though the Bible in its original form is inerrant, our interpretation of it is not. Being in a position of trying to understand God's word is an intense place to stand. How we think about the Bible affects how we think about it applying to our lives. Though all of us carry that responsibility differently, the weight of seeking to translate the message and the meaning of the story of God requires a sober assessment of what we’re actually reading. And especially how we apply it to our lives. The truth is, I could…

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  Your Church Blog

• ChurchSafety.com’s Top 10 Training Resources

  31 Aug 2010 | 7:00 am

  What other church leaders are reading and using to keep their congregations safe.

• The Your Church Blog's Top 10 Posts from Its First Year

  26 Aug 2010 | 7:00 am

  The topics that most interested readers like you during the past year.

• People You Don't Want in Your Ministry

  24 Aug 2010 | 7:00 am

  How pedophiles exploit churches--and what to do about it.

• A Fast (and Free) Way to Assess a Church's Health

  19 Aug 2010 | 7:00 am

  Discerning a church's spiritual vitality beyond "nickels and noses."

• Bothered by the Business of Church

  17 Aug 2010 | 7:00 am

• 

  Branded With Love

• Bieber Meets Metal

  Jason

  18 Aug 2010 | 9:00 am

  If Justin Bieber had a band that played like this, I just might listen. Who am I kidding… I would never listen. But, take out his vocals, and this track is legit. The guy who does these has made a ton more from KISS and Metallica to Taylor Swift and Jonas Brothers. Check out more of his stuff here. Jason *over and out*

• Forefront Podcast: World Changers, Week #1

  Jason

  18 Aug 2010 | 7:07 am

  This Week: World Changers Theme: Are you asking God to do the big things? Do you have faith enough to ask Him to make the sun stand still? You can listen on our website via your computer or mobile device. Click here for the RSS feed, or… Click here to view the podcast via iTunes

• Forefront Mexico Missions Trip 2010

  Jason

  17 Aug 2010 | 8:21 pm

  So proud of our High School Students. You guys are definitely living what it means to Love God and Love People. Missed this video on Sunday? Check out their 2010 trip below… Mexico 2010 (Forefront Church) from James Davis on Vimeo. Jason *over and out*

• McDisaster

  Jason

  10 Aug 2010 | 9:42 am

  I have never wanted nuggets this bad. Never. Well… yup, never. Check out the video below (no sound, so make up the crazy dialogue in your head) and the full story here. (video embedded) Jason *over and out*

• Clever

  Jason

  29 Jul 2010 | 5:35 am

  Sometimes a creative spark hits and- this is the result. God made His people creative and imaginative. What was the last thing you dreamed/created? Jason *over and out

• 

  David Kenney

• Jesus Died For This?

  mojoturbo

  2 Sep 2010 | 12:36 am

  Becky Garrison’s latest book Jesus Died for This? Is a Satirist’s look at that part of the world that claims to be Christ’s followers. Chapter by chapter, Garrison takes her readers through several places in the world and some key events of her life, all the while narrating her journey through her witty and sometimes [...]

• I am preaching this Sunday the 5th

  mojoturbo

  31 Aug 2010 | 1:44 pm

  photo credit: a4gpa - The Other Side - Someone tells you a story and you think you have all the facts, but then someone else with a raised hand says, “now, let me tell you the other side” and a whole new picture begins to form in your head. Jesus comes along and says, “try [...]

• The Simplest Answer

  mojoturbo

  26 Aug 2010 | 5:59 pm

  photo credit: orphanjones I have been a retail manager maybe 3 or 4 times for different companies. And in each one of those times it was never because a supervisor of mine took me aside and said, “Son, I like your moxy, I think you would be just dandy for our junior leadership program.” Not [...]

• Ask Anything

  mojoturbo

  22 Aug 2010 | 1:50 pm

  photo credit: antwerpenR It seems when you ask a group of people of any age for their spiritual questions, the ones that roll in are the same ones you always hear. Why is there evil in the world? What is God’s Will for my life? What is Heaven like? Is Jesus coming back soon? Can [...]

• Plan B by Pete Wilson

  mojoturbo

  13 Aug 2010 | 10:58 am

  I recently got Pete Wilson‘s book in my Neue resource box, which if you are in ministry right now – and you don’t subscribe to this invaluable box of fun – you are missing out. This is something I look forward to each time. So I decided to read this book strictly because I felt [...]

• 

  (re)made

• Dream Place

  Adam Smith

  1 Sep 2010 | 8:06 pm

  My dream place to vacation is ____________. My dream place to live is ____________. No limitations here. Go.

• college football

  Adam Smith

  31 Aug 2010 | 10:52 pm

  Yes, it’s that time again, folks. It’s the best time of the year in my opinion. My team is of course the Auburn Tigers. This is because I grew up in Alabama. If you know anything about growing up in Alabama, you know that you either go Crimson Tide or War Eagle. So, here we go with the trash talk. Who’s your team and why?

• them tunes

  Adam Smith

  30 Aug 2010 | 10:42 pm

  If you remember my music post from last year, I recommended NeedtoBreathe’s last album, “The Outsiders”. Well, a lot of great music has come out since then. My favorite album right now is “Sigh No More” from Mumford & Sons, but I need about seventeen more albums to listen to. What new or old music would you recommend?

• priorities

  Adam Smith

  29 Aug 2010 | 2:47 pm

  I tweeted the other day that it took me way too long to find out what the really important stuff in life is. And I mean every word of that. It took me six years of marriage to figure this one out. I said God was first, but he really wasn’t. I said Jasmine was second, but she really wasn’t. Just because you say how you feel or say what you care about doesn’t mean that you actually feel that way. Your actions say a lot for sure. How much time you spend with that person or consumed in that activity also says a lot about your priorities, too. I’m not saying all of this…

• videos

  Adam Smith

  24 Aug 2010 | 8:47 pm

  Here are some videos I’ve seen in the past week that I keep thinking about. This one is weird, sort of funny… And this one made me think… Moments from Everynone on Vimeo. Enjoy. Got anything to share?

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  Paul Clark

• Millennials on staff: giving feedback

  admin

  18 Aug 2010 | 10:00 pm

  I’m reading Daniel Goleman’s book, “Working with Emotional Intelligence.” Emotional Intelligence (EI) is a concept I believe has huge validity and value in understanding. Particularly in the church organization. If you’re not familiar with it, Google it and you’ll find more than you really wanted to know. EI is becoming mainstream. If I were ever to do another graduate degree, I’d do my thesis on EI. It’s that interesting to me. One Goleman comment caught my attention. It deals with working among the younger generation. I guess we’re…

• ‘Transparency’ and a culture of candor

  admin

  16 Aug 2010 | 4:30 am

  As I mentioned on Twitter while on vacation last week, I was reading a book by Warren Bennis, et al titled, “Transparency- How Leaders Create a Culture of Candor.” It was a great read. It was brief, to the point and full of anecdotal stories from business and government. It painted a clear picture of the benefits of candor and transparency in an organization. It also illustrated the many problems that can arise from organizations unwilling to allow candor. In my career, I’ve seen first-hand the nightmares that occur when leaders are unwilling to allow truth to be spoken to…

• Budgeting Best Practices

  admin

  12 Aug 2010 | 2:14 pm

  A couple of years ago I presented a seminar for Church Executive Magazine’s Pastor Power Conference in Dallas. I thought since the budget cycle is about to begin for many of us using a January 1 fiscal year, I might throw those slides out here in case someone might find them helpful.  Sort of a crash course on budgeting basics. Perhaps more helpful for small to mid-size churches or Finance Boards, or newer administrators. Take a look and use them if you’d like budgeting_best_practices Happy budgeting!

• Church Giving – Rules Have Changed

  admin

  9 Aug 2010 | 3:29 am

  I don’t know if you are like me, but I get so many magazines that I often pile them in a corner of my home office and when I get time, I dig into them. The stack was getting pretty tall. Heading to Florida for a week with two of my sons, I decided to grab a bunch and use them for beach reading. Ben Stroup’s article about church giving in the Spring 2010 NACBA Ledger (I’m not that far behind) was a good read. The issue that piqued my interest the most was the section regarding critical shifts in the way the person in the pew views money and stewardship. According to Stroup,…

• 10 things I learned at NACBA

  admin

  30 Jul 2010 | 3:27 pm

  Had a great week at NACBA last week.  The highlight was the Metro Group round-tables led by Glenn Wood from Seacoast Church. He did a great job facilitating the group of church operations managers in discussing a laundry list of issues. The dialogue was great and the collective experience around that table made the price of the conference worth every penny.  Below are some of the things I learned, observed or need to explore: The difficulty of dealing with “bad fit” staff is universal. Attendees in my workshops ranged from small churches to megachurches. They all resonated with the…

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  SERVING STRONG

• Clergy Burnout or NOT Clergy Burnout

  Scott Couchenour

  2 Sep 2010 | 3:00 am

  This post is an open forum. Your thoughts are strongly encouraged: ______________________ Tom Nees, consultant and coach who has served as director of the Nazarene Compassion Ministries, USA/Canada, has written an interesting article on the topic of clergy burnout. Here is an excerpt to give context: "The plight of stressed-out pastors has attracted a great deal of attention since The New York Times front-page report, 'Taking a Break from the Lord’s Work,' by Paul Vitello and an op-ed response, 'Congregations Gone Wild,' by Jeffrey MacDonald. The Huffington Post followed with 'Soul Care…

• Harness The Wind

  Scott Couchenour

  1 Sep 2010 | 3:00 am

  Wind. It's useless until harnessed. Windmills harness the power of wind. But take a closer look at what's really going on between the wind and the windmill's blades: friction tension. Some of the best spiritual growth on my journey has been the result of some knock-down, drag-out friction between God and me. I mean to tell you, the genuine fights. Can you relate? So I'm thinking, friction tension isn't all that bad, really. Oh, it's mighty unpleasant at the time. But after a while I get tired from all my moaning and complaining. I drop to my knees.... what a minute! I drop to my knees...

• Don't Stop Growing (vol 10)

  Scott Couchenour

  31 Aug 2010 | 3:00 am

  The Google Reader grabbed some posts from the last day or so on HOW TO BE as a ministry leader. Read them at your leisure. Remember, your DO is only as strong as your BE ___________________________ Traffic Jams Suck! by JA Cook "... traffic jams. They are so against my fast-paced personality. When I get in the car…I have a specific destination in mind. I know how long it should take to get to that destination. The last thing I want to do ..." 7 Ways I Protect My Family Life In Ministry by Ron Edmondson "...If a pastor is not careful, the weight of everyone else’s problems will take…

• Aging Gracefully

  Scott Couchenour

  30 Aug 2010 | 3:00 am

  One thing we know for sure: we are going to age. Aging gracefully takes talent. And Julie Andrews has talent. Once when the AARP was putting on a benefit at the Radio City Music Hall in New York, Ms. Andrews appeared and sang a remake of the song, "My Favorite Things" from the popular movie, "The Sound Of Music." She changed the words to reflect how things change over time. Here are the lyrics (read them as you think of the original song tune): "My Favorite Things" Maalox and nose drops and needles for knitting, Walkers and handrails and new dental fittings, Bundles of magazines tied up in…

• Effective Leaders Do This

  Scott Couchenour

  27 Aug 2010 | 3:00 am

  Some of the things about effective leaders (in my humble opinion): Effective leaders listen as if their life depended on it. Effective leaders practice genuine humility on a daily basis. Effective leaders keep their eye on the back of Jesus' robe at all times. Effective leaders use process but develop people. Effective leaders know what they can and can't do. Effective leaders engage regularly in what Stephen Covey calls "Quadrant 2" Effective leaders exercise regularly. Effective leaders spend money wisely (personally and organizationally) Effective leaders have an exit strategy (they look…

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  Hal's Blog

• Celebrate?

  1 Sep 2010 | 4:43 am

  The Lord’s Supper and Baptism are the two ordinances Jesus prescribed for the New Testament Church. An ordinance does not give you extra grace or standing with God. Rather, they are practices that Jesus instituted, the Apostles taught and the early church practiced. Both ordinances point to the cross. This weekend we will celebrate the Lord’s Supper (Communion). Here are some passages I want you to read about this practice:Luke 22:7-271 Corinthians 11:17-34So what is the Lord’s Supper?A celebration of all Jesus accomplished on the cross? Yes!A memorial for us to remember the price that…

• A Great Weekend!

  30 Aug 2010 | 4:51 am

  This was our last weekend of OZ (the picture above was designed by a couple of our troubled students, they posted it on my Facebook wall- S/S)! I was really pumped to see so many first time guests- way to bring your friends CATB! I met a newbie to CATB on the way in with 6 friends in tow. They said- “It’s the last week of OZ and I wanted my friends to see it”. So before I get into my bullet points from the weekend, here is the 2 minute OZ interruption from this weekend. You gotta admit he sounds more like Dorothy!Quick hits from the weekend:I think we need to call the sidewalk up to the…

• No You Cannot! But Maybe...

  25 Aug 2010 | 4:59 am

  No church can create community! Agree or Disagree? I totally agree. That may surprise you since Church at the Bay really pushes the idea that we all need to have a group of people who we know and they know us. Instead of forcing community and connection- we create environments that are catalytic to community. I know some people feel that life is between them and Jesus. The problem is half of the Great Commandment requires community. And, there are dozens of “one another” commands in the new Testament that are impossible to obey unless we are in community. Commands like:Love one…

• Monday Morning Quarterback

  23 Aug 2010 | 5:35 am

  The month of August is always interesting. Many families are getting in their last shots at vacation and preparing for school to start. It’s about 50/50 with the kids readiness for school- some look forward others hate it. But, with parents it’s almost a unanimous sign of relief and a chance to get back on schedule. It is also a time when many new people check out Church at the Bay. I was excited for several things this weekend:Several people introduced me to friends they brought with them! Yes!!! That is the plan. We want to partner with you to help your friends take their next steps…

• Check Your Brain at the Door Please...

  18 Aug 2010 | 2:36 am

  This past Sunday we kicked off our OZ series. I asked this question over and over- “What is in your blank”? What is it that gets the priority in time, money and energy in your life? I am not say we need to be so heavenly minded we are no earthy good. I understand everyone has “life” happening and bills to pay. I am asking what is the filter for your decision making process? If we video taped your life today and then watched it with you, what would we say is in your blank? Our series verse isLuke 10:25-28..... 25 One day an expert in religious law stood up to test Jesus by asking him…

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  Media for Ministry -- Ministry Training

• Facebook Tip: Adding Apps to Your Fan Page

  sam

  2 Sep 2010 | 3:56 am

    Campus Crusade for Christ is developing apps to help you engage in ministry within Facebook. Some of these apps give you, and anyone visiting your fan page, access to all of the features and functions from another website, like Starting With God. By bringing this content to your profile and fan pages, your friends can now engage in the Gospel along side you without needing to leave their Facebook ecosystem. In this video, we’ll show you where to find our apps, install them, and how to place a tab in your navigation bar on your fan and profile pages for all to see.    

• Google Calendar Tip: Plan An Event More Effectively

  sam

  26 Aug 2010 | 3:01 am

  A Google calendar is a great tool for any Christian ministry. You can easily grant your entire team access to a shared central calendar to help with planning and updating events. And this same calendar can also be used to keep everyone in your ministry up to date on upcoming events. Check out this video for a quick tip on how you can use a Google calendar to plan ministry events more effectively.

• Add The Starting With God App To Your Facebook Profile

  sam

  20 Aug 2010 | 9:27 am

  Keynote New Media Labs and Campus Crusade for Christ has developed the Starting With God app for Facebook. Starting With God is a great site for anyone wanting to grow in their faith. And now you’ll be able to add all of the resources on SWG to your Facebook profile as a way to minister to your friends. Check out this video to learn how to add the app to your profile page.

• Facebook Social Plugins Pt. 4: The Like Box

  sam

  26 Jul 2010 | 3:26 am

  In the previous 3 parts of our series on the Facebook (FB) social plugins, we’ve shown you How to prep your Thesis themed WordPress site so that you can use all of the social plugins   How to install the Like Button on your blog   How to install Comment Boxes In this last tutorial, we’ll show you how to install the Like Box, which is like a small window to your FB Page. It shows visitors to your blog a quick snapshot of the activity on your FB page, and which of their friends are already fans of it. The best part is that if they’re not already a fan of your FB…

• Facebook Social Plugins Pt 3: Install and Customize the Comment Box

  sam

  19 Jul 2010 | 3:49 am

  If you’ve been following our series on the Facebook Social Plugins, then your WordPress site should be rocking the Like Button. Check out part 1 and part 2 of this series if you’re just now joining us. In this post, we’ll be showing you how to install the comment box. With the Facebook (FB) comment box, visitors to your site have the option of clicking the Like Button, and leaving a comment on your blog that will also be re-posted in their newsfeed. This is a great way to promote conversation and engagement on your blog. For this tutorial, we’re assuming that…

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  ChurchTechToday.com

• Getting Disciple Making Right – Free E-Book

  Lauren

  2 Sep 2010 | 1:27 am

  How do you manage your ministry? Do you ask people how they feel, take a deep look inside yourself and check in with your “intuition?” Well, this is a discussion that is gaining relevance in the day-to-day lives of pastors, ministry leaders, and volunteers all over the world. How do we measure the success of ministry? [...]

• Mobile Phones Increase Evangelism Potential

  Lauren

  30 Aug 2010 | 11:17 am

  In case you weren’t aware, the numbers of people who access the internet from their mobile phones is skyrocketing on a daily basis. Mobile phones users now total well over 3 billion, while 2 billion access the Web regularly. With nearly 7 billion people on earth, it’s pretty amazing that almost half have mobile phones and [...]

• ChurchLeaders.com Launches

  Lauren

  27 Aug 2010 | 1:35 pm

  I’m really excited to share with you (in case you missed it a few days ago) that ChurchLeaders.com has officially launched! I was contacted by the site’s editor about six months ago regarding the site including my blog posts. I was thrilled and am very grateful to be a part of this project. More than 200 [...]

• Software Saga Continues

  Lauren

  26 Aug 2010 | 1:46 pm

  The saga of my computer issues goes on. Today, still trying to recover from being without my main laptop for all of last week (and working from my kids’ incredibly lethargic computer), I’ve been slowly but steadily installing software that I use on a daily basis. The Fry’s computer tech had to wipe my new hard drive clean, [...]

• IT Outsourcing for Church Technology Development

  Lauren

  24 Aug 2010 | 8:49 am

  Several months ago, I had the pleasure of getting to know a new group of folks at EC Group International, a technology firm that specializes in offshore IT outsourcing. While this type of work is commonplace in the secular technology market, from my experience in the Church technology market, I can tell you that not [...]

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  Neue | Ideas Shaping the Future of the Church

• Question of the Week

  31 Aug 2010 | 5:00 pm

  Each week, Neue asks a question that is meant to challenge, inspire and encourage today's ministry leaders. Feel free to respond and discuss in the comment section. This week, we want to know: How well do men and women collaborate within your ministry? Are the roles shared and respected equally? 

• Brad Lomenick (part 1)

  31 Aug 2010 | 7:29 am

  We talk to Brad Lomenick, Executive Director of Catalyst, about this year's upcoming conference. It's a struggle for ministry and leadership conferences to find ways to both inspire and engage their attendees. But if anybody knows how to put on an event that is both entertaining and poignant, it’s Lomenick. In this interview, he shares his tips for creating opportunities for conversation and community at mass conferences, and how to get lifelong results from a two-day experience. Plus, Neue announces an exciting Catalyst contest! Click to listen now or subscribe at iTunes.

• The Strength of Small

  30 Aug 2010 | 5:00 pm

  YEARS AGO, WHEN my daughter Elisabeth was little, I was cleaning out a car before trading it in. As I checked under the driver’s seat for any leftover treasure, I noticed a music tape nestled deep underneath. I got on my knees and started reaching for the tape. To my chagrin, I only touched the edge of it, pushing it further under the low-sitting bucket seat. Undaunted, I pushed my arm deeper into that tiny space. Instead of reaching the prize, my arm was only scratched up further as it tried to traverse the space. Elisabeth watched me struggle for a minute before she started pulling on my…

• Enter to Win 2 Tickets to Catalyst!

  30 Aug 2010 | 12:59 pm

  We are giving away 2 tickets to Catalyst, October 6-8 in Atlanta, GA! ENTER TO WIN BY FOLLOWING THESE STEPS: 1. TWEET THIS Just entered to win 2 tickets to the @CatalystLeader Conference from @Neuemag. http://bit.ly/cZOoKi 2. COMMENT BELOW Comment below and tell us why you should win. Remember to include your Twitter handle. 3. ENTER THE CONTEST BEFORE SEPTEMBER 2 at 5PM EST We will choose 2 random winners and announce them on the next Neue podcast, September 7!

• Question of the Week

  24 Aug 2010 | 5:00 pm

  Each week, Neue asks a question that is meant to challenge, inspire and encourage today's ministry leaders. Feel free to respond and discuss in the comment section. This week, we want to know: Do you learn most from books, speakers, personal experience or some other source? 

• 

  mattofact.com

• Arrive Ready – School is in session

  Mattofact

  20 Aug 2010 | 8:51 am

  School is back in session and the school-swayed marketing campaigns are running in full force. this co-brand push from Nike and Foot Locker gives kids a new look at educators… and educators that are tough. I think the campaign managers understand that kids want to have structure, kids want to be excellent, kids don’t mind hard work, and kids understand the importance of winning. I don’t mean winning at  a pick-up game of whatever… but winning at life. My favorite line comes after a sniff…”has someone been eating humus?”. Hilarious, but well mixed…

• Something Good Must Die

  Mattofact

  10 Aug 2010 | 10:08 pm

  Depression is not a matter to take lightly. I am listing here a quote from one of my favorite authors again, Nietzsche, from the book Daybreak, Book 1 #.   What if we sacrificed something instead of just looking at what bad must be eliminated. We don’t like to think about this. This is the paradox of Christ, life in death. Remember the context here. Nietzsche is picking apart Christian morality. Still, it’s true, sacrifice requires the death of something good – not just a simple putting off of it. ” Cure for the depressed – Paul himself was of the opinion…

• Death In His Grave

  Mattofact

  8 Aug 2010 | 1:30 pm

  Nothing better to follow the quote in my last past post than this song. John Mark McMillan is one of my favorite artists. Check out this video from someone who is writing music and lyrics giving the church a new voice to worship with. I love how the video is recorded. Pump it up and whether it to this video or in your church or the privacy of your own car… sing a worship song at the top of your lungs. Let’r rip. This song is a good one to try if you don’t know what you would start with. “On Friday a thief, on Sunday a King”…. I need that kind of grace.

• At the deathbed of Christianity

  Mattofact

  5 Aug 2010 | 10:52 pm

  Quote from one of my favorite authors: “At the deathbed of Christianity - Really active people are now inwardly without Christianity, and the more moderate and reflective people of the intellectual middle class now possess only an adapted, that is to say marvellously simplified Christianity. A god who in his love arranges everything in a manner that will in the end be best for us; a god who gives to us and takes from us our virtue and our happiness, so that as a whole all is meet and feet and there is no reason for us to take life sadly, let alone to exclaim against it; in short,…

• 3 Commitments – Mine and God’s

  Mattofact

  2 Aug 2010 | 2:32 pm

  About  three weeks ago my pastor asked me what I felt like the 3 most important things I am committed to  in my life.  Commitments can feel like juggling some times, trying to keep all the important things going without dropping something that matters.  I wrote these three things down on a card that day: 1. Wife   2. Son   3. Job I think what I was getting at with the third one, was the work I set out to do, being honorable with the time I spend during the day.  While Pastor Todd did not discount any commitments to family or loved ones he spelled out the three things that God…

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