tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-87878264421513517782024-03-13T11:30:43.777-04:00JimEvans.tvTopics and ThoughtsUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger162125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8787826442151351778.post-11838994344373635832012-12-14T13:11:00.003-05:002012-12-16T20:12:24.184-05:00For the time has come . . . <!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 14pt;">In every war there are
strategic opportunities that advance the day of victory. Such an
opportunity is upon us in America at this time. We are</span><span style="font-size: 14pt;"> </span><span style="color: yellow; font-size: 14pt;"><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20peter%204&version=NLT">reminded</a></span><span style="font-size: 14pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 14pt;">that suffering is
a part of life. Our culture is going through a season of suffering, but
for Christians this should be no surprise. It is an opportunity to give
an answer for the</span><span style="color: yellow;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20Peter%203:13-17&version=NLT">hope</a></span><span style="font-size: 14pt;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: 14pt;">that lies within us.
But . . . is the church, as a whole, a community of people of hope? I
would suggest the answer is no.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14pt;">God is concerned about the</span><span style="font-size: 14pt;"> </span><span style="color: yellow;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Rev%202-3&version=NLT"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">condition</span></a></span><span style="font-size: 14pt;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: 14pt;">of his church. As
a matter of fact I am persuaded that we are living in the time that is spoken
about in 1Peter 4:17 where we read, <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt;">"For the
time has come for judgment, and it must begin</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 14pt;">with God’s household (the church).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt;">And if judgment
begins with us,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt;">what terrible
fate awaits those who have never obeyed God’s Good News?"<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 14pt;">(mine)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14pt;">One year ago ReFocused Ministry was founded with the intent to help struggling pastors and churches. In
the past year we have incorporated, received certification, researched and
began to work with pastors and churches. Most churches are not in a
position to pay for our ministry, even though they are in definite need of
help. Over the past year I have been involved in "tent making"
employment to supplement our income while we positioned the ministry to assist
churches. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14pt;">I am now focusing on
recruiting a team to join me in this effort to leverage the opportunity that is
upon us. <i>I am convinced that the greatest opportunity for the advancement
of the gospel in America is the transformation of the existing church.</i> I
realize there are many fronts in the spiritual warfare being waged for the
souls of men and women, but God has called me to this front.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14pt;">I believe that there is an
army of people God is calling to join me on this front. I am recruiting
partners who are burdened about the condition of the existing church in America
and long to see it rise up and be the light of hope and reconciliation God has
designed it to be. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14pt;">I want you to pray about
whether God would have you serve on this front with me. Here is what is
involved in being part of this elite team. I am looking for people:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14pt;">1. who have a God-given
passion for the transformation of the existing church.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14pt;">2. who are committed to
pray for our ministry and for existing churches.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14pt;">3. who will <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=phil%201:3-5&version=NLT">partner</a>
with financial support to enable us to take this ministry to the church.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14pt;">4. who will help us
in reaching pastors and churches by making referrals.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14pt;">This ministry isn't for
everyone, but it may be for you. Contact me at:</span><span style="font-size: 14pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><a href="mailto:jimevans@refocusedministry.com"><span style="color: yellow; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">jimevans@refocusedministry.com</span></a></span><span style="font-size: 14pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 14pt;">and/or go to:</span><span style="font-size: 14pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><a href="http://www.refocusedministry.com/index.php/partner-with-us/"><span style="color: yellow; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">www.refocuedministry.com</span></a></span><span style="font-size: 14pt;"> to learn more about this opportunity</span><span style="font-size: 14pt;">. All donations and gifts are tax deductible. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14pt;">2013 will be a year of
awakening for many churches and a year of harvest for many communities. Will
you be a part of making this happen? Send this to friends that you think
would be a good part of this elite team and who would love to see a ministry to
existing churches. Let's do this!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<!--EndFragment--><br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8787826442151351778.post-83902573006865965252012-11-01T10:17:00.001-04:002012-11-01T10:20:11.338-04:00Voting as a Christian<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<span style="background-color: #4c1130;"><span style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande'; font-size: 14pt;">I am voting early this
year. I will be out of town on election day. I am thankful to be living in a
nation that allows elections. I don't care for the cut-throat commercials and
all the lying and maneuvering, but I do take the responsibility seriously. </span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="background-color: #4c1130;"><span style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: 'Lucida Grande'; font-size: 14pt;">I was challenged by
another post that I read that encouraged Christians to check their biblical
compass before voting. Here is how my compass directs me:</span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #4c1130;"><span style="font-family: "Lucida Grande"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br />
<span style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">I will vote for the most pro-life candidate,
because God hates the shedding of innocent blood (Proverbs 6:17;
24:11,12). </span></span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #4c1130;"><span style="font-family: "Lucida Grande"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br />
I will vote for the most pro-Israel candidate, because God blesses those who
bless Israel and curses those who don't (Genesis 12:3).<br />
<br />
I will vote for the most pro-debt reduction candidate, because the borrower is
servant to the lender (Proverbs 22:7).<br />
<br />
I will vote for the most pro-work candidate because God says if a man does not
work, let him not eat. (2 Thessalonians 3:10)<br />
<br />
I will vote for the most pro-marriage candidate, because God is for marriage as
defined in Genesis 2:24 .<br />
<br />
I will vote for the candidate who most closely believes government's purpose is
to reward the good & punish the evil (Romans 13).<br />
<br />
I will vote based as closely as I can on God's Word (2 Timothy 3:16), knowing
that whoever gets elected, God is the one who puts all men in authority (Daniel
2:21). </span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="background-color: #4c1130; font-family: 'Lucida Grande'; font-size: 14pt;">Christians
need to clear their head of all the junk, promises and political intimidation
and vote like a Christian who ultimately trusts the King of kings, Lord of
lords and President of presidents.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Lucida Grande"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
<!--EndFragment--><br />
<!--EndFragment--><br />
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Jesus
lived life on the edge. By this I
mean that he was sold out to his purpose to such a degree that he stayed
steadfast in struggles, was unmovable when threatened and remained consistent
and compassionate when people turned on him. He allowed us see some of the struggles of life on the
edge when he reveals <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke%2022:42-44&version=NLT" target="_blank">his prayer</a> as he faced his ultimate battle with the
darkness of sin and death.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">I
have always been of the opinion that life on the edge is a great life. My
daughter once said, "Hey, if you're not living on the edge, you're takin'
up way too much room." Gee, I wonder where she learned that concept. I
thought we should look at the benefits of life on the edge and the risks.<br />
<br /><b>
The benefits include:</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">1.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><u>A much better view</u>. You can stand back away from the edge and have
people tell you what they see or you can go up to the edge and see for
yourself.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">2.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><u>A breath-taking atmosphere.</u> I've been to Niagara Falls very often and
hear most of the "oooooo...'s" and "ahhhhhh's!" from edge
of the canyon surrounding the falls. Most of the noise away from the edge is
just about what shop or restaurant people want to go to next.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">3.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><u>A growth in confidence and peace.</u> It seems that the longer you stay on
the edge the less it bothers you.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">4.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><u>Something to tell others about.</u> Living on the edge fills you with
stories to tell those who want to know about the edge but haven't had
opportunity or desire to go to the edge.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><b>The
risks:</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">1.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><u>You cannot waffle while on the edge. </u>Waffling while on the edge
subjects you to a tremendous fall. Walk with Jesus.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">2.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><u>You cannot forget about where you are and become careless.</u> Carelessness
while on the edge subjects you to a tremendous fall. Spend time in the Bible.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">3.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><u>You will bother people while you are living on the edge.</u> People who are
afraid will continually urge you to move away from the edge or write you off
completely as a foolish person. Be gracious to people.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">I
wonder what the others in the boat thought when Peter stepped out on the edge
and walked on water with Jesus. Jonah
went out on <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Jonah%201:9-16&version=NLT" target="_blank">the edge</a> when he submitted himself to being thrown overboard
because he had disobeyed God and his problem was causing a problem for everyone
on the boat. Note the powerful results of his willingness to trust God and live on the edge. Paul lived on edge
and summed it up when he said:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">"More
than that, I count all things to be loss in view of the surpassing value of
knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things,
and count them but rubbish in order that I may gain Christ, and may be found in
Him, not having a righteousness of my own derived from the Law, but that which
is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which comes from God on the basis
of faith, that I may know Him, and the power of His resurrection and the
fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death; in order that I may
attain to the resurrection from the dead. Not that I have already obtained it,
or have already become perfect, but I press on in order that I may lay
hold of that for which also I was laid hold of by Christ Jesus. Brethren, I do
not regard myself as having laid hold of it yet; but one thing I do: forgetting
what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the
goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. Let us
therefore, as many as are perfect, have this attitude; and if in anything you
have a different attitude, God will reveal that also to you; however, let
us keep living by that same standard to which we have attained. Philippians 3:8-16<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">The
edge isn't as dangerous as rumor would have it. It is sometimes uncomfortable, but always inspiring. It is sometimes unpopular, but always
rewarding. It is sometimes
challenging, but always worth the risk.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<!--EndFragment--><br />
<!--EndFragment-->Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8787826442151351778.post-84190258495367918912012-10-17T17:05:00.000-04:002012-10-17T17:05:10.342-04:00Start Changing<br />
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<br />
<span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 14pt;">God
is not a “stop” God. He is a “change” God. <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=ephesians%204:21-32&version=NLT">Ephesians
4</a> reminds us that we don’t change by stopping, but rather by putting
on or starting something different. For instance it says a liar is still
a liar even when he <i>stops</i> lying.
He is only changed when he <i>starts</i> telling
the truth. Likewise, a thief hasn't changed when he <i>stops</i> stealing. He is changed
when he <i>starts</i> giving.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 14pt;">We
need to stop<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=phil%204:6-7&version=NLT">worrying</a><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>and start worshiping. I love the
way God's people break into worship in the midst of the horrors of the Book of<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Revelation%206:15%20-%20Rev%207:12&version=NLT">Revelation</a>.
It is because they see things differently. Tough things happen to
everyone, but taking time to consider what is happening in the context of God's
faithfulness is what leads to worship. The church should be seen as a
people of worship, not a people of worry.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 14pt;">Some
other stop and start things could be: Stop comparing and start sharing.
Stop saying negative things and start saying positive things. Stop
drinking soda and start drinking water.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 14pt;">Things
don't change because we stop doing something. Change comes when we start
doing what we ought to be doing. What kind of things do you need to stop
and start?<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 14pt;">By
the way, I am committed to stop watching pastors and churches struggle
and to start helping them refocus on God's purposes and power in their lives.
If you want to join me in this effort check out this <a href="http://www.refocusedministry.com/">website</a> and contact me.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<!--EndFragment-->Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8787826442151351778.post-11440478467781696792012-10-16T10:14:00.001-04:002012-10-16T10:14:46.286-04:00Visitors Not Welcome<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<br />
<span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 14pt;">You
and I have all experienced the “get ready for company” environment. Most
of our homes are already presentable and an unannounced drop-in wouldn’t be a
tragedy, but when we know someone is coming we take extra steps to make sure everything
is just right.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 14pt;">Why
is it that we don’t have that same mentality when it comes to our weekend
gatherings at church? I have had the opportunity to be a visitor at many
churches over the past year. In most cases I felt like they didn’t know
or care that I was coming. There were the occasional “greeters” that
shook my hand and gave me a program, but that was about it.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 14pt;">Many
times my wife and I would squeeze down a long narrow hallway, navigating around
people who were talking or waiting, then arrive in the auditorium where people
sat silently facing an empty platform. A few may be holding private
conversations and others would turn to watch us attempt to get a feel for where
we wanted to sit. There we sat until that awkward moment of “turn and greet
someone you don’t know” was used to move the worship team or choir off the
platform. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 14pt;"><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans%2012:9-13&version=NLT">Romans
12:9-13</a><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>encourages us to
practice hospitality. Here are a few things God encourages us to
consider. Don’t pretend to love people . . . really love them. This
means take the time and effort to engage them. We are told to enjoy
honoring others. We are told to not be lazy, but work hard and
enthusiastically in being the Lord’s servant. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 14pt;">Imagine
that the Holy Spirit (God) is inviting . . . calling . . . moving people to
hear from Him, to find an answer to a hurt, to renew their hope or to be with
His people. We are his servants and are in charge of this event He has
ordained. God is all about preparation. He says He is preparing a
place for us. He told his disciples to go and prepare a place for the
Passover. He said the kingdom is like a banquet prepared for many invited
guests. What kind of preparation goes into getting a church ready to
greet guests?<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 14pt;">Many
of the churches I have visited are cluttered and unclean. They prepare
nothing to assist visitors in finding the nursery, a class, a place to sit or
people to interact with. Insider language is used in announcements and
even in the message. The entire environment is not visitor friendly.
There is obviously no anticipation, excitement or preparation for visitors.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 14pt;">Think
about the things you do when you know someone is coming to visit your home. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 14pt;"> 1.
You clean a little extra and are even concerned about smell. (Light a couple
candles.)<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 14pt;"> 2.
You make sure there is room in the driveway for them to park and will even move
your car down the street, if necessary.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 14pt;"> 3.
You watch for them and go out to greet them in the driveway, if possible.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 14pt;"> 4.
You make sure they are comfortable, even if it means that you give up your
favorite chair or bed.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 14pt;"> 5.
You focus on them and engage them in conversation.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 14pt;"> 6.
You honor your guests and make them feel at home by telling them where the
restroom is, if they need it and to help themselves to the refreshments you
have set out for them to snack on.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 14pt;">Why
don’t we practice this kind of hospitality in what we call God’s house?
Maybe we don’t anticipate or value visitors. Maybe we are lazy.
Maybe we are hypocritical and only pretend to love other people. Maybe we
have lost sight of our mission and responsibility to rescue the perishing.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 14pt;">We
are encouraged to always be eager to practice hospitality. God’s people
should be the most hospitable people on the planet. After all, we are the
benefactors of God’s great hospitality as He prepared a Sacrifice for us so
that He could welcome us as His children.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<!--EndFragment--></div>
<!--EndFragment-->Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8787826442151351778.post-41500808912720796882012-10-15T16:48:00.001-04:002012-10-15T16:49:51.356-04:00Leadership and Equipping<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt;">Ephesians
4:11-12</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Charis SIL'; font-size: 14pt;">"Now these are the gifts Christ gave to
the church: the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, and the pastors and
teachers.<b><sup> </sup></b>Their <u>responsibility</u> is to equip God’s
people to do his work and build up the church, the body of Christ."</span><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Some
church leaders act as though they are God’s gift to the church for their own
notoriety and glory. I have heard
pastors defensively say, “This is my vision and no one is taking it from
me.” These men are driven by
passion and vision, but crippled by insecurity and a failure to understand that
their greatest responsibility is to equip an army of people to fulfill the
vision God has placed on their heart for reaching and transforming the world.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">God
has a vision for his church and imparts that vision to pastor/teachers so
that they can lead and train (equip) God’s people (the saints) to do His work
(seek and save the lost . . . Luke 19:10) and build up the Body of Christ. No one owns God’s vision, we are only
stewards of it. That means no one can steal it. Being a steward
involves investment in those God sent you to equip. It involves <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John%2021:17&version=NLT" target="_blank">feeding</a> them, <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2%20Timothy%202:2&version=NLT" target="_blank">shepherding</a> them (leading) and <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2%20Timothy+4:2&version=NLT" target="_blank">encouraging</a>
them.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Five
signs that you might be lopsided in your equipping and leading:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">1. The leadership team is limited to a few
individuals who are to act as insulation between the lead pastor, staff and
other leaders.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">2. There is no platform or tolerance for strategic
ideas from other leaders that challenge the ideas of the lead pastor.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">3. Anger and frustration begin to permeate
the messages from the platform. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">4. There is a high turnover of talented staff who
become frustrated (lack of utilization) and burned out (lack of investment) in
ministry.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">5. Stagnation of growth is blamed on others
and their loss of vision, loyalty or lack of engagement (unequipped) rather
than a failure of leadership.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">God
is building His church and has called pastors to shepherd and equip it. It all rises and falls on <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Hebrews+13:17&version=KJV" target="_blank">leadership</a> and leadership's greatest responsibility is to invest in others (equip).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<!--EndFragment--><br />
<!--EndFragment-->Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8787826442151351778.post-82229468138053142392012-09-18T16:31:00.000-04:002012-09-18T16:31:25.582-04:00Pick a Number . . . Any Number<br />
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: AGaramondPro; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><a href="http://www.unleashbook.com/"><span style="color: blue;">UNLEASH</span></a> is
a new book written by Perry Noble, Lead Pastor of NewSpring Church. I
don't often blog about a particular book, but this book will take you on a
challenging journey that will rock your world and the way you view it.
The following insert is just a sample of the way Perry encourages the
reader to re-evaluate the way he or she thinks.</span><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="font-family: AGaramondPro; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">"Choose a number in your head—any
number you want. Go!</span></i><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="font-family: AGaramondPro; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">What number did you pick? Nearly every
time I do this experiment with people, they tell me a number in the ball- park
of one to one hundred.</span></i><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="font-family: AGaramondPro; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">But why?</span></i><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="font-family: AGaramondPro; font-size: 14pt;">Why would we pick a number
between one and one hundred when we have the option of choosing any number in
the world? Why would we not pick 1,284,383?</span></i><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="font-family: AGaramondPro; font-size: 14pt;">For many of us, it’s a
simple and sad answer: we’ve been programmed to focus on the small and the
manageable. We do the same thing with spiritual matters. We focus on what’s
normal when God has promised He is “able to do immeasurably more than all we
ask or imagine” (Ephesians 3:20, niv).</span></i><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="font-family: AGaramondPro; font-size: 14pt;">We all want our lives to
count, to matter—and the good news is that God wants that for each one of us as
well. The beginning of unleashing the life God wants for us is understanding
that there is so much more in store for us than what we are currently
experiencing."</span></i><span style="font-family: AGaramondPro; font-size: 14pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: AGaramondPro; font-size: 14pt;"> Perry Noble, UNLEASH</span><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: AGaramondPro; font-size: 14pt;">This
book will challenge what you assume is biblical, like, "God won't give you
more than you can handle." As it's title suggests, we are all
bound by thoughts and junk that hinder us from experiencing the free and
abundant life God created us to experience. (<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=john%2010:10&version=NLT" target="_blank">John 10:10</a>)</span><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: AGaramondPro; font-size: 14pt;">My
recommendation . . . get <a href="http://www.unleashbook.com/" target="_blank">UNLEASH</a></span><span style="font-family: AGaramondPro; font-size: 14pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: AGaramondPro; font-size: 14pt;">. . . study it with some friends . . . wrestle with its
thoughts . . . live life unleashed and help unleash others. God didn't
set us free from prison so we could go through life dragging a ball and chain. </span><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'AGaramondPro'; font-size: 11.000000pt;"><br /></span>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8787826442151351778.post-51622062124275023142012-09-14T11:52:00.000-04:002012-09-14T11:52:20.090-04:00Organizational Health Trumps Everything Else<div style="text-align: -webkit-left;">
I've always appreciated the insights of Patrick Lencioni as he has gone beyond finance, strategy and MBA analysis of organizations. He has focused on the environmental issues that hinder productivity and negatively affect those who engage with the organization. I am in 100% agreement with his conclusion that organizational health trumps vision, strategy, finance and talent. This is especially relevant when you are working with an organization that is defined by God as a Body.</div>
<div style="text-align: -webkit-left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: -webkit-left;">
Imagine being a smart, talented, rich person who is continually sick and plagued with chronic disabilities that must be overcome. Compare that person with the less intelligent, less talented, less financially blessed person who is healthy, motivated and rarely experiences "sick days." Who has the advantage? </div>
<div style="text-align: -webkit-left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: -webkit-left;">
Here is a paragraph that caught my attention from Lencioni's most recent book, <i>The Advantage - Why Organizational Health Trumps Everything Else in Business."</i></div>
<div style="text-align: -webkit-left;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div style="text-align: -webkit-left;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"></span></div>
<div style="font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">
"Becoming a healthy organization takes a little time. Unfortunately, many of the leaders I’ve worked with suffer from a chronic case of adrenaline addiction, seemingly hooked on the daily rush of activity and firefighting within their organizations. It’s as though they’re afraid to slow down and deal with issues that are critical but don’t seem particularly urgent. As simple as this may seem, it remains a serious obstacle for many dysfunctional organizations led by executives who don’t understand that old race-car drivers’ axiom: you have to slow down in order to go fast." <span style="font-size: x-small;"> Patrick Lencioni - The Advantage</span> </div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: small;"><br /></span></span>
<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans%2012&version=NLT" target="_blank">Romans 12</a> gives us a description of a healthy body. In fact, paying attention to the relational health of the church is even classified as a warning in verses <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=rom%2012:3-5&version=NLT" target="_blank">3 through 5</a>. In our zeal to do God's work we often neglect to be God's Body. God wants us to <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matt%205:13-16&version=NLT" target="_blank">be light and salt </a> and <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John%2013:34-35&version=NLT" target="_blank">to be known by our love for one another.</a> He will do great things through His church when it becomes healthy.<br />
<br />
Vision, productivity and financial stability are the natural by-products of a healthy organizational environment. Dysfunction, financial chaos, employee turnover and declining performance are the by-products of neglecting organizational health. <br />
<br />
Check out <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Acts%202:42-47&version=NLT" target="_blank">Acts 2</a>. Devotion to God's Word . . . Devotion to each other . . . Devotion to prayer . . . Generosity toward each other . . . Praising . . . Positively impacting those outside the church. How does this description of a healthy church match up with what is happening in your church? <br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.refocusedministry.com/" target="_blank">ReFocused Ministry</a> has a great assessment tool and <a href="http://www.refocusedministry.com/index.php/other-coaching-ministries/" target="_blank">consulting strategy</a> to help restore organizational health to your church. We also offer personal coaching, one-day realignment conferences and team building workshops. Contact us, we would love to help you refocus.<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8787826442151351778.post-75623832995274378112012-09-12T14:17:00.000-04:002012-09-12T14:17:41.861-04:00Are You Ready? . . . Really, Are You Ready?I'm preparing for a consult with a church in New Jersey this week. In the pauses between projects I have been praying for this church and reflecting on the number of pastors and people I have encountered over the past several months who have acknowledged that their church or their personal life is stalled, stuck or even going backwards. <br />
<br />
It is pretty common for people to say the existing church is not the transformational element in the culture that we read about in the Scriptures, yet little or nothing is done to address the problem.<br />
<br />
"We're just not ready yet." has been the response I have heard from pastors as we discuss the potential of refocusing their church on God's plan and mission. Individuals will admit their problems and even know what needs to happen, but they will respond with the same reality, "I'm just not ready yet." Not ready to see God work? Not ready to address or give up some sinful behavior? Not ready to experience freedom and victory? Not ready . . . ?<br />
<br />
I'm excited for those who not only acknowledge that God wants to do more than is currently happening, but are ready to address the issues and allow the Lord to show them <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=jer%2033:3&version=NASB" target="_blank">great and mighty</a> things about their future.<br />
<br />
The question of the day: Are you ready? It's been a battle since the beginning . . . don't be like the <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20Corinthians+3:1-3&version=NLT" target="_blank">Corinthians</a>. God is always ready to bless His children and glorify His name. What keeps you from addressing what you know is holding you or your church back.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8787826442151351778.post-44649364762899027822012-08-06T19:08:00.000-04:002012-08-06T19:12:48.567-04:00Transforming Churches<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
I am convinced that the greatest opportunity for the
advancement of the Gospel in America is the transformation of the existing
church. In most cases, we don’t
need another church anymore than Myrtle Beach needs another golf course.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Today I played golf on a golf course that was all but closed
just a couple months ago. Its
greens had weeds growing on them and the fairways were hard and
unfriendly. It came from neglect
and a focus on the bottom line instead of the original purpose. This resulted in fewer golfers, which
depleted revenue. Management
blamed the employees and the employees felt management had let them down. The owners struggled to stay open, but
without a major transformation they were doomed to continue to struggle and
ultimately close their doors.
Their reputation had gotten so bad that we had to almost drag two of our
foursome there because they didn’t believe the course could be good.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
New management came in a couple months ago and refocused on
the purpose for the existence of the course. It was there to create an environment for golfers to enjoy
and participate in a sport they had chosen to play. It wasn’t about the money or the notoriety. Those were both the byproducts of a
great vision (purpose) and environment.
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The new management company evaluated everything from the
focal point of the course’s purpose.
Fairways were irrigated, aerated and re-seeded. They chose to re-sod the greens because
it would take too long to nurse the existing greens back to health. They lowered their price per round to
encourage people to come and try a course that had a reputation of being a
waste of money. </div>
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<br /></div>
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This course is now the talk of the town. The management company is forecasting
even more improvements and is seeing the original vision of establishing a
successful golf course that advances the sport of golf become a reality. There are many factors that led to the
course declining and nearly closing, but drifting from the core purpose of the
course and the importance of serving golfers was key.</div>
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<br /></div>
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I know the church is different from a golf course, but
vision drift and a failure to maintain a serving environment will erode a
church. The drift is subtle and
often the attempts to fix it are frustrating and futile. Most churches today have fallen into
ritual and routine. New programs
are tried, styles of worship are tweaked and facilities are updated with little
or no effect. </div>
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<br /></div>
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In fact, statistical data shows that most existing churches
are either stagnant or declining.
Here’s a reality check reported by Drew Goodmanson at<b> </b>www.goodmanson.com:<b><o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span>In
America, 3500 – 4000 churches
close their doors each year</div>
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<span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span>Half of
all churches last year <u>did not add one new member through conversion growth</u><u><o:p></o:p></u></div>
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<br /></div>
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I recently read a statement that seems to sum up the
problem: “Our dilemma is that we love change and we hate it at the same
time. What we really want is for
things to stay the same, but get better.”
</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Ed Stetzer and Thom Rainer, from Lifeway Resources, took a
very strong look at why some churches seem to be transforming lives and
communities while others are struggling to grow. They found that there are seven elements that are common in
all transformational churches.
These same elements can be seen in the church at Antioch. The results of their study of over 7,000
churches and hundreds of onsite interviews can be found in the book, <u><a href="http://www.refocusedministry.com/index.php/consulting-details/" target="_blank">TheTransformational Church</a></u>.
Lifeway has also created an assessment that allows a church to evaluate
how it aligns with each of these seven areas. It’s an opportunity for reestablishing God’s purpose and plan for His Church.</div>
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<br /></div>
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Pastors are burning out and leaving the ministry at an
alarming rate. Many churches only
have ten to twenty years remaining until the current attendees pass away or
become too old to carry on. The
answer is deeper than dress codes, music and technology. The answer is found in refocusing on
why the church exists. The church
is a lighthouse, a transformational element on the earth. The church is God’s means of sharing
His grace, presenting His gospel and advancing His kingdom. </div>
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<br /></div>
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The good news is that many churches are at a critical point
that allows them to address hard issues.
Churches all across America are refocusing on God’s purpose and becoming
the transformational agents God intended them to be when He commissioned them
to go into all the world and proclaim the disciple making gospel. </div>
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<br /></div>
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If your church is ready to refocus, give me a call. Check us out at <a href="http://www.refocusedministry.com/">www.refocusedministry.com</a>. What do you think about the condition of the church in America. I'd love to hear from you.</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8787826442151351778.post-54328630341410888262012-06-05T09:35:00.000-04:002012-06-05T09:35:50.013-04:00Small Groups . . . Really!<br />
You've heard it . . . People,<br />
People who need people,<br />
Are the luckiest people in the world<br />
We're children, needing other children<br />
And yet letting a grown-up pride<br />
Hide all the need inside<br />
Acting more like children than children (<span style="color: #474747; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 15px; text-align: left;">Songwriters: BAINBRIDGE, ADAM)</span><br />
<br />
The <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ecclesiastes%204:7-12&version=NLT" target="_blank">Bible</a> declares the same truth.<br />
<br />
We hear a lot about small groups in churches, but they are often bible studies, discipleship groups or "part of the church program". We organize them, manage them and complicate them. Small groups should be the expression of a God-given reality that people need people, nothing more and nothing less.<br />
<br />
No one had to organize small groups for the <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=acts%202:44-47&version=NLT" target="_blank">early church</a>. Hanging together in church, in their homes and demonstrating a real love for one another came natural.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.thomrainer.com/2012/06/the-five-myths-about-smaller-communities.php" target="_blank">Thom Rainer </a>discloses five myths about small groups that are worthy of consideration.<br />
<br />
The real question is . . . who are you doing life with? What does your herd look like?<br />
<br />
I don't know about you, but I battle with this reality. I have to be intentional about being with people . . . I'm a man. I have discovered that the worst thing I can do is to try to do life alone. Maybe it's my "grown-up pride" or maybe I've complicated the whole thing, but I know I have to be more intentional about identifying people I can hang with . . . people I can mentor and people who can mentor me.<br />
<br />
What do you think?<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8787826442151351778.post-5693946497819469342012-05-03T08:42:00.000-04:002012-05-03T10:32:11.064-04:00Getting Back on Mission<span style="background-color: #660000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">In Luke 19:10, <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke%2019:1-10&version=NLT" target="_blank">Jesus</a> explained why He called a rich man out of a tree and had dinner with him. It was his mission. He came to seek and to save those who are lost. <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matt%209:35-38&version=NLT" target="_blank">Matthew</a> tells us that as Jesus went about doing church stuff (teaching, meeting people's needs, etc) He was never distracted from his mission. <span class="text Matt-9-36" id="en-NLT-23392" style="font-size: 16px;">When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them because they were confused and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.</span><span class="text Matt-9-37" id="en-NLT-23393" style="font-size: 16px;"><sup class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;"> </sup>He said to his disciples, <span class="woj">“The harvest is great, but the workers are few.</span></span><span class="text Matt-9-38" id="en-NLT-23394" style="font-size: 16px;"><sup class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;"> </sup><span class="woj">So pray to the Lord who is in charge of the harvest; ask him to send more workers into his fields.”</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="text Matt-9-38" style="font-size: 16px;"><span class="woj" style="background-color: #660000;"><br /></span></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: #660000;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="text Matt-9-38" style="font-size: 16px;"><span class="woj"><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=john%2017&version=NLT" target="_blank">John</a> remembers that </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">Jesus prayed a powerful prayer to his Father asking for protection and care for Christians. In the middle of that prayer He said, "</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="text John-17-18" id="en-NLT-26743" style="font-size: 16px;"><span class="woj">Just as you sent me into the world, I am sending them into the world." We, those who are Christians, have the same mission as Jesus. </span></span><span style="font-size: 16px;"> </span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="text Matt-9-38" style="font-size: 16px;"><span class="woj" style="background-color: #660000;"><br /></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="text Matt-9-38" style="font-size: 16px;"><span class="woj" style="background-color: #660000;">It is easy to become distracted from what is important because of what seems to be urgent. It is easy to make activity so routine that we focus on programs, schedules and tasks and forget the mission. The mission is the "why" we do "what" we do. </span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="text Matt-9-38" style="font-size: 16px;"><span class="woj" style="background-color: #660000;"><br /></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="text Matt-9-38" style="font-size: 16px;"><span class="woj" style="background-color: #660000;">How can we refocus on our God-given mission? First, everything that takes place in the church needs to be tested with an alignment question: "How will this help lost people come to Christ?" Even the outcome of a marriage seminar ought to be to help reach people struggling with marriage to understand God's love for them and His design for them and their marriage. <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=eph%205:31-33&version=NLT" target="_blank">Marriage</a> is an evangelistic tool to show what a divine union looks like.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="text Matt-9-38" style="font-size: 16px;"><span class="woj" style="background-color: #660000;"><br /></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="text Matt-9-38" style="font-size: 16px;"><span class="woj" style="background-color: #660000;">Another great way to help the church get back on mission is to engage in a church-wide <a href="http://www.refocusedministry.com/index.php/consulting-details/" target="_blank">Transformational Church Assessment and Discovery</a>. Make 2012 the year your church got back on track with the most exciting mission the world has ever experienced. </span></span></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8787826442151351778.post-15791856311354410622012-04-18T20:03:00.001-04:002012-04-18T20:04:21.264-04:00Seven Traits of Breakout Churches<br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, Geneva, Tahoma, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #999999; font-size: large;">I want to share this article by Thom Rainer, President and CEO of LifeWay Christian Resources: </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, Geneva, Tahoma, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #999999; font-size: large;">I have been a student of American churches for thirty years. That statement really means two things: I’m old, and I’m a slow learner.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #999999; font-size: large;">In those thirty years, one of my most fascinating learning ventures has been the discovery of breakout churches. Simply defined, a breakout church is a congregation that has experienced at least five years of decline followed by at least five years of growth. While numerical growth is not the inerrant barometer for church health, we researchers must use numerical gauges for much of our objective data.</span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #999999; font-size: large;">The Common Factor</span></b></div>
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<span style="color: #999999; font-size: large;">As my research team began sorting and analyzing the data of some 50,000 churches, we found a common factor in many of the breakout churches: the breakout took place when the church got a new pastor. While that finding is helpful from a research perspective, it’s not very helpful to many churches. And it’s certainly not helpful to the pastors of struggling churches.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #999999; font-size: large;"><i style="font-weight: bold;">So our research took a new twist. We only looked at churches that experienced breakoutswithout changing pastors. I was encouraged by our findings. </i>(emphasis mine)</span></div>
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<span style="color: #999999; font-size: large;"><b>The Seven Traits </b> . . . click <a href="http://www.thomrainer.com/2012/04/seven-common-traits-of-breakout-churches.php" target="_blank">here</a> for the rest of the article by Thom Rainer.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #999999; font-size: large;">P.S.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #999999; font-size: large;">I have recently been trained at LifeWay headquarters as a Transformational Church Consultant which is based upon this research and a study of the church at Antioch (the apostle Paul's home church). I believe that existing churches are about to breakout as never before. God is stirring His church. It is beginning with His pastors and is spreading through His church. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #999999; font-size: large;">The stories about breakout churches could very well be the story yet to be told of your church. I would count it a privilege to encourage, assess, guide, consult and coach your church through the process. This is the reason <a href="http://www.refocusedministry.com/" target="_blank">ReFocused Ministry</a> exists. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #999999; font-size: large;">Are you ready to get off the carousel of churchianity and breakout and become the exciting transformational agent God has designed His church to be? The transformation of the existing church is the single greatest opportunity for the advancement of the Gospel in America today.</span></div>
</div>
</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8787826442151351778.post-52961806480962291302012-04-17T12:53:00.000-04:002012-04-17T12:55:55.323-04:00Listening to Comprehend<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">I was recently challenged by Amgen CEO, <a href="http://www.mckinseyquarterly.com/home.aspx" target="_blank">Kevin Sharer</a> to be a
better listener. I really needed
what he had to say. Listening does
not come easily to a type-A personality like me.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">Good listeners listen to comprehend . . . not to correct . .
. not to contradict . . . not to park until your chance to talk. We often make assumptions about where
the speaker is going and what he or she “might be trying to say.” We then jump ahead and begin to draw
conclusions before the speaker has concluded. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">After you understand what has been said (which may include
some clarifying questions), there is ample time to agree, disagree, question,
criticize or disregard. Our
listening bandwidth increases greatly as we focus on comprehension. If we believe that every communication
has a takeaway, we are more likely to find that takeaway if we are focused on
comprehending what is being said.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">Listening to comprehend does several things. First, it shows high respect for the
person talking. Secondly, it
quiets all the distractions that normally occur when we are focused on guarding
our opinion or getting our point across.
Finally, it allows for a safe environment for the exchange of ideas and enhances
the power of synergy. Synergy is
defined as two or more things functioning together to produce a result not
independently obtainable. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">In this day of information overload, bottom-line agendas and
short attention spans, listening is becoming a lost art. I have made becoming a good listener a
goal. For me it is not an easy
goal, but it is an important goal.
What do you think?</span></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8787826442151351778.post-2849780582711651122012-03-30T17:17:00.000-04:002012-03-30T17:17:51.959-04:00Responding Appropriately<span style="background-color: #666666;"><br /></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #666666; font-size: large;"><span class="text2chr-32-24"><span style="font-family: 'Charis SIL';">Things haven’t changed much in the history of man and his relationship with God. We seek God when we need Him and act as though we don’t need Him when things appear to be going well. I read about a guy who reminded me of this reality and God's mercy.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #666666; font-size: large;"><span class="text2chr-32-24"><b><sup><span style="font-family: 'Charis SIL';"> "</span></sup></b></span><span class="text2chr-32-24"><span style="font-family: 'Charis SIL';">About that time Hezekiah became deathly ill. (or maybe a ministry is dying) He prayed to the</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="font-family: 'Charis SIL';"> </span></span><span class="small-caps"><span style="font-family: 'Charis SIL'; font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span></span><span class="text2chr-32-24"><span style="font-family: 'Charis SIL';">, who healed him and gave him a miraculous sign. </span></span><span class="text2chr-32-25"><b><sup><span style="font-family: 'Charis SIL';"> </span></sup></b></span><span class="text2chr-32-25"><span style="font-family: 'Charis SIL';">But Hezekiah (sometimes we pastors) did not respond appropriately to the kindness shown him, and he became proud. (Really?) So the</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="font-family: 'Charis SIL';"> </span></span><span class="small-caps"><span style="font-family: 'Charis SIL'; font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span></span><span class="text2chr-32-25"><span style="font-family: 'Charis SIL';">’s anger came against him and against Judah and Jerusalem (sometimes the church). </span></span><span class="text2chr-32-26"><b><sup><span style="font-family: 'Charis SIL';"> </span></sup></b></span><span class="text2chr-32-26"><span style="font-family: 'Charis SIL';">Then Hezekiah humbled himself and repented of his pride, as did the people of Jerusalem. (read the church) So the</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="font-family: 'Charis SIL';"> </span></span><span class="small-caps"><span style="font-family: 'Charis SIL'; font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span></span><span class="text2chr-32-26"><span style="font-family: 'Charis SIL';">’s anger did not fall on them during Hezekiah’s lifetime. (repentance for taking credit for God’s blessing)</span></span><span style="font-family: 'Charis SIL';"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #666666; font-size: large;"><span class="text2chr-32-27"><span style="font-family: 'Charis SIL';">Hezekiah was very wealthy and highly honored. . . . </span></span><span class="text2chr-32-29"><span style="font-family: 'Charis SIL';">He built many towns and (multiple campuses) and acquired vast flocks and herds, for God had given him great wealth.</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="font-family: 'Charis SIL';"> </span></span><span class="text2chr-32-30"><b><span style="font-family: 'Charis SIL';">. . . </span></b></span><span class="text2chr-32-30"><span style="font-family: 'Charis SIL';"> And so he succeeded in everything he did.</span></span><span style="font-family: 'Charis SIL';"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span class="text2chr-32-31"><span style="background-color: #666666; font-family: 'Charis SIL'; font-size: large;">However, when ambassadors arrived from Babylon (media, magazines, publishers) to ask about the remarkable events that had taken place in the land, God withdrew from Hezekiah in order to test him and to see what was really in his heart." (God has a right to humble us sometimes.) <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2%20Chronicles%2032:24-31&version=NLT" target="_blank">2Chronicles 32:24-31</a> (additions mine)<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span class="text2chr-32-31"><span style="background-color: #666666; font-family: 'Charis SIL'; font-size: large;">God is more concerned about our hearts than He is about our stuff. Remarkable stuff comes from a remarkable God working through ordinary people who trust the Lord and “respond appropriately to the kindness shown them.” <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #666666; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<span class="text2chr-32-31"><span style="font-family: 'Charis SIL';"><span style="background-color: #666666; font-size: large;">Pastor, do you need to refocus on God’s work in your life or in your church? We are here to help at <a href="http://www.refocusedministry.com/" target="_blank">ReFocused Ministry</a>.</span></span></span></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8787826442151351778.post-65517761415117569782012-03-22T12:05:00.000-04:002012-03-28T15:11:20.146-04:00Monument or Movement?<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">Churchianity or Christianity . . . Church services or
Christian servants . . . Monument or Movement . . . a Place or a People . . .
Attendance or Advancement . . . Existing or Expanding . . . Protecting or
Proclaiming . . . Functioning or Fishing . . . Resting
or Risking . . . Satisfied or Striving . . . Sulking or Strategizing . . .
Retreating or Refocusing?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">Sometimes it is important to ponder on what the Church is
and what it isn’t.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">The Church, aka the body of Christ on the planet, is a
life-proclaiming movement of God.
It is the bearer of God’s message of reconciliation. It is the example of redemptive life
and love. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">It is a group of people who have been:</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
</div>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans+8:29-31&version=NLT">called out of the world</a> (no longer slaves to the
stuff and sin of those without Christ)</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large; text-indent: -0.25in;"><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=eph%202:1-10&version=NLT">given new life </a>(eye-opening, life-changing,
spirit-filled/controlled/coached)</span></li>
<li><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20cor%2012:12-30&version=NLT"><span style="font-size: large;"> connected with gifts and functions just like our physical bodies</span></a></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large; text-indent: -0.25in;"><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2%20cor%205:11-21&version=NLT">given a global responsibility to be God’sambassadors</a></span></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">The Church is not a building or meeting place. It is not an organization (although
bodies do have order). It is not a
private club of righteous people.
(Read about the Pharisees and other religious sorts.) It is not the way to get to
heaven. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">Movements drift into Fraternities . . . Fraternities become
Monuments . . . Monuments become obsolete. The “drift” is where the battle must be won. The lifespan of any movement is six to
ten years unless there is an intentional refocusing of the original vision and
purpose.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">Most of the time it takes outside eyes to see the inside
issues. <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20Corinthians%204:17&version=NLT">Paul coached churches</a> to
help them stay on track and sent other men to do the same. In the <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=rev%202-3&version=NLT">Book of Revelation</a> we read of seven
coaches (messengers) who were sent to seven churches to help them refocus. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">How about your church?
I’d love to help you address the drift and refocus on God’s plans,
purpose and power. Don't be so independent that you become inbred. Check us out at
<a href="http://www.refocusedministry.com/">www.refocusedministry.com</a> and
give me a call.</span></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8787826442151351778.post-60238436903895859602012-03-20T12:27:00.000-04:002012-03-20T12:28:42.476-04:00Change is a Top/Down Issue<div class="MsoNormal">
Almost everyone would agree that the average church in
America is in need of change. But, there would be major disagreement on “what”
needs to change. On average, it
appears that many feel the need to change pastors about every three to five years. (And some pastors feel they need to change churches.) Some have decided that they need to
change music style or become more “contemporary” in their gathered
services. Some have decided to
change locations, change their name or change denominational affiliation. But, in reality, not much has really changed over the past two decades.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I’d like to boil it down to one key problem that is
hindering the church in America from being the active, kingdom-advancing, light-producing, life-changing, hell-robbing body of believers it was designed to
be. As John Maxwell has pointed
out, “Everything rises and falls on leadership.” </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Many church leaders would agree that missions is important
to the church, but few leaders embrace mission as the total purpose of the
church (read “<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=eph%204:11-13&version=NLT">the work of the ministry</a>”). Many churches, because of their leadership, are inward
focused, trying to grow, trying to be better, trying to please the membership. Thriving churches, because of their leadership, are outward
focused, striving to reach their community and the world, pushing to get the
gospel to as many people as possible, willing to “<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Acts%2020:18-21&version=NLT">do whatever it takes</a>” to
advance the kingdom of God.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It reminds me of the story of the chicken and the pig and their
contribution to the bacon and egg breakfast. The chicken contributed to the breakfast (We have a missions
program.), but the pig gave his all to the breakfast. (We are “all in” and on
mission.) </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Being “all in” means sacrifice and commitment. It is risky and controversial. It stretches church finances,
challenges church programs, elevates kingdom priorities above personal preferences and takes conviction and courage. It is hard work and offends some
religious types, but it sure beats laying an egg. It all begins with the leader’s perspective of his
responsibility to the Lord concerning <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John%2020:19-21&version=NLT">his call to lead the church</a>. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
All other changes that may take place come as a result of
pursuing God's purpose for the church. ReFocused Ministry is here to help pastors and their churches
refocus on God’s purpose and experience the power of God’s pleasure. Contact us.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8787826442151351778.post-2241422001764558442012-03-05T11:58:00.003-05:002012-03-22T17:01:22.870-04:00Conformity . . . The Real Battle<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=romans%2012:1-2&version=NLT">Romans 12:1-2</a> reminds us that God does not want us to be like the world (people who do not know God) but rather He wants us to be transformed so that we can engage in His good and perfect will for our lives. We are all about not looking like lost people, but I believe there is a deeper challenge to this command.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The word conformed (<span class="greek" style="background-color: white; color: #333333;">suschmatizw</span>) means that we are not to "blend in" or be "schemed in" with the world. The word transformed (<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;">metamorpow) means to be changed from the inside out. We get our word metamorphosis from this Greek word. It is what happens when a caterpillar is turned into a butterfly. Conformity focuses on external appearance ... like the <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+23:25-27&version=NLT">Pharisees.</a> </span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Transformation focuses on an internal, authentic change of mind and heart that shows up in an outward expression or appearance.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Conformity is a human tendency. Rebellious teens "do their own thing" and conform to the latest trend and look. Churches focus on not conforming to the world while they conform to the latest church trends and looks. Why? Because transformation is uncomfortable. First, because it is not immediately apparent on the outside and therefore requires patience and trust. Secondly, because it is not something we can control or make happen. And finally, because it often results in being different than the surrounding culture which makes us the subject of criticism, judgement and attack.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I am the active agent in conformity. God is the active agent in transformation. I try to conform to what I want to be. God wants to transform me into what <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=eph%202:10&version=NLT">He wants me to be</a>.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Jesus was a transformational agent in a religious environment. He knew the prostitute could be transformed by God's grace and power even though she didn't have it within herself to conform to the world's standards. He also knew that conformity, even to high religious standards, traditions and practices, was not real . . . not authentic . . . and did not make anyone right with God. </span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So . . . here's the BIG QUESTION: Are you trying to fit into the Christian world or are you allowing God to <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2%20Corinthians%203:16-18&version=NIV">transform you into His image?</a> BTW . . . The same question can be asked of church leaders: Are you trying to fit into the Church world or are you allowing God to transform His church into a living change agent <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2%20Corinthians%205:18-21&version=NLT">as His ambassador to a lost world</a>.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We, as human beings, are such conformists. We need to focus on God's work in our life . . . our church. Trust Him . . . seek His counsel in His Word . . . obey His leading . . . discover His good and perfect will for your life and for His church. Comments welcome.</span></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8787826442151351778.post-76414735934974218902012-02-29T10:08:00.000-05:002012-03-22T17:01:47.229-04:00Thoughts on Coaching 1<br />
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Charis SIL'; font-size: 13pt;">I’ve been thinking a lot about coaching lately and decided to
study the coaching style of Paul, the apostle. I’m going to blog about some of what I discover because I
believe coaching is a missing element in many churches today. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Charis SIL'; font-size: 13pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt;">
<i><span style="font-family: 'Charis SIL'; font-size: 13pt;">I am writing to Timothy, my true
son in the faith. May God the
Father and Christ Jesus our Lord give you grace, mercy, and peace. 1 Tim 1:2<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt;">
<i><span style="font-family: 'Charis SIL'; font-size: 13pt;"><br /></span></i></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Charis SIL'; font-size: 13pt;">Some things I note here:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Charis SIL'; font-size: 13pt;">1. God chose to use coaching letters as part of his living word to
us. Coaching is important to God.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Charis SIL'; font-size: 13pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Charis SIL'; font-size: 13pt;">2. Paul had a
spiritual relationship to Timothy.
We need to prioritize spiritual relationships. Who are you engaged with spiritually?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Charis SIL'; font-size: 13pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Charis SIL'; font-size: 13pt;">3. Paul wanted
Timothy to know the grace he had learned about. (<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20Corinthians%2012:9&version=NLT" target="_blank">1 Corinthians 12:9</a>)
Coaches help people build their dependency on God, not on the
coach. Who is coaching you? Who are you coaching? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Charis SIL'; font-size: 13pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Charis SIL'; font-size: 13pt;">4. Paul wanted
Timothy to understand mercy. He
wanted him to know that God forgives and that he should be merciful . . . on
himself and others. (<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew%205:7&version=NLT" target="_blank">Matthew5:7</a>) How important is mercy in
your life?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Charis SIL'; font-size: 13pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Charis SIL'; font-size: 13pt;">5. Paul wanted
Timothy to experience peace. Paul
knew that something rules or dominates our hearts. He wanted peace to rule in Timothy’s heart even when chaos
was happening around him. (<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Colossians%203:14-16&version=NLT" target="_blank">Colossians 3:14-16</a>) What rules in your heart?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Charis SIL'; font-size: 13pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Charis SIL'; font-size: 13pt;">Good coaches are givers.
They see potential in people and want to give them all they need to
reach that potential. It begins with a desire to give people the good news of
the life they can have through Christ.
Are you a giver or a getter?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Charis SIL'; font-size: 13pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Charis SIL'; font-size: 13pt;">God wants us to coach one another . . . Christianity is more than
just a weekend experience.
(<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Hebrews%2010:23-25&version=NLT" target="_blank">Hebrews 10:23-25</a>) What do you think?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt;">
<br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8787826442151351778.post-3382235642162004652012-02-28T09:19:00.000-05:002012-03-22T17:02:06.180-04:00Put Your Foot Down<br />
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Charis SIL'; font-size: 13pt;">God has a <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew%2016:15-18&version=NLT" target="_blank">purpose</a> and <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Jeremiah%2029:10-11&version=NLT" target="_blank">plan</a> for His church. When we trust God and engage the enemies that await us, we will experience God’s power and protection. </span></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Charis SIL'; font-size: 13pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Charis SIL'; font-size: 13pt;">But many have seen and heard of the power of the enemies who own the land God wants us to inhabit. There are five kings that want to
maintain control over what God has declared for His church: the Church Boss, Financial
Challenges, Control Issues, Confrontation and Change. These five kings intimidate God's people and hinder the advancement of His Name and His Kingdom.</span></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Charis SIL'; font-size: 13pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Charis SIL'; font-size: 13pt;">There were five kings that swore Israel
would not fulfill God’s plan for them.
Here is what happened when the people, read leaders, decided to follow
God rather than fear man: <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Charis SIL'; font-size: 13pt;"><i>When they brought them (the five kings) out, Joshua told the
commanders of his army, “Come and put your feet on the kings’ necks.” And they
did as they were told.<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>“Don’t
ever be afraid or discouraged,” Joshua told his men. “Be strong and courageous,
for the LORD is going to do this to all of your enemies.” Joshua 10:24,25</i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Charis SIL'; font-size: 13pt;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Charis SIL'; font-size: 13pt;">Most pastors and church leaders know what God’s purpose and plan
is for the church, but they live in the wilderness of fear rather than trust
the Lord to be with them as they lead His people into their destiny. The church in America has been in the
wilderness long enough. It is time
to be strong and courageous.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Charis SIL'; font-size: 13pt;">Let’s talk.
<a href="http://www.refocusedministry.com/">www.refocusedministry.com</a><o:p></o:p></span></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8787826442151351778.post-57305201296566787242012-02-23T11:28:00.003-05:002012-03-22T17:02:21.374-04:00Choosing to have a Smaller Impact<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>“Church size affects nearly every aspect of a church;
bigger churches are not simply larger versions of smaller churches, but rather
very different organizations.” </i>Mark
Driscoll</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Bigger churches are
focused on evangelism and continually change and restructure to encourage and
accommodate growth. <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=acts%202:41-47&version=NLT" target="_blank">(Acts2:41-47)</a> God has given me a heart
for existing churches and called me to be a missionary to the existing church,
but it is not merely for the sake of the church . . . it is because I desire for
the gospel to have a larger impact in the American culture.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://www.tonymorganlive.com/" target="_blank">Tony Morgan</a>
recently shared seven reasons churches <i>choose </i>to stay small and thus
have a smaller gospel (kingdom) impact.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<ol start="1" style="margin-top: 0in;" type="1">
<li class="MsoNormal">Churches
get pulled in many different directions and lack a <b><i>unified
purpose</i></b>, even though the Bible reminds us “There should be no
division in the body.”</li>
<li class="MsoNormal">Churches
hold on to their <b><i>structure</i></b>, even though
Scripture tells us “New wine calls for new wineskins.”</li>
<li class="MsoNormal">Churches
don’t define and <b><i>implement</i></b> <b><i>strategies</i></b> to
accomplish God’s vision, even though the Proverbs tell us “Good planning
and hard work lead to prosperity.”</li>
<li class="MsoNormal">Churches
don’t embrace <b><i>new</i></b> <b><i>leadership</i></b>, even
though God’s Word instructs us to find capable people and “Appoint them as
leaders over groups of one thousand, one hundred, fifty, and ten.”</li>
<li class="MsoNormal">Churches
fail to <b><i>establish</i></b> <b><i>systems</i></b>, even though we know
“God is not a God of disorder.”</li>
<li class="MsoNormal">Churches
don’t <b><i>prepare financially</i></b> for the future, even though Jesus
told us to “First sit down and estimate the cost.”</li>
<li class="MsoNormal">Churches
don’t welcome <b><i>counsel</i></b> from people with
experience, even though we’re reminded “Fools think their own way is
right, but the wise listen to others.”</li>
</ol>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I could go on and on, but I think you get my point. We can’t
become the church God intends for us to be if we’re unwilling to become the
church God intends for us to be.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
ReFocused Ministry exists to help pastors and churches
refresh, refocus and realign with the God-glorifying, life-giving, world-changing, hell-robbing role God has
designed for His church. Check us
out <a href="http://www.refocusedministry.com/" target="_blank">here</a>.</div>
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<br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8787826442151351778.post-86428214189500612662012-02-19T21:24:00.000-05:002012-03-22T17:02:38.205-04:00Quit Tweaking<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 19px;"><i><b>Tweak</b>- to touch something up, fiddle with the finishing touches or make tiny little changes. </i></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 19px;"><i><br /></i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Many times when things aren't going right we go about tweaking systems and environments. Truth is, tweaking doesn't change anything. It can only improve what is already working. Churches continue to tweak things because real change is challenging, controversial and requires a clear vision, strong leadership and sacrificial buy-in. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Although there were some good things happening at the church at Ephesus, God didn't ask them to tweak a few things. He said they needed to do a 180 (repent) and get back on course. They needed to re-evaluate everything they were doing. <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=rev%202:1-7&version=NLT" target="_blank">(Rev 2:1-7)</a> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Changing the music, decor, dress code or front door greeters will not produce real, fruit-bearing change. To experience real change takes a </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">commitment to realigning core strategy with God's purpose for the church and a willingness to challenge anything and everything to facilitate that alignment. This includes core programs, long held traditions and possibly even the name of the church. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We are <u>not</u> called to perpetuate an organization (the church, inc.) or protect nostalgic traditions. We are <u>not</u> called to engage in a church-centered religious system, which is mere churchianity. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We are called to present the life-giving gospel to as many people as possible and train Christians to do the same. We are called to be fully engaged in a Christ-centered evangelistic system called Christianity.
The message never changes, but methodology and strategy change continually. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Quit trying to tweak things. Be passionate about what God wants to do through His church and embrace kingdom-building change. <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=matt%206:33&version=NLT" target="_blank">(Matt 6:33)</a> What do you think? Comment here and/or contact me at <a href="http://www.refocusedministry.com/">www.refocusedministry.com</a>. </span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8787826442151351778.post-42937191243584151222012-02-14T13:45:00.000-05:002012-03-22T17:02:55.207-04:00Living in Harmony<br />
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Harmony is the opposite of unison. It appears to me that the church world has mistaken unison
for unity, but Christianity produces unity through harmony. Harmony is a combination of different
sounds that blend together to create beautiful, moving music. </div>
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The message to the church at Corinth begins with this
challenge and then spends the remaining chapters dealing with the fruits of
disharmony and selfishness.
Without this underlying foundation, all attempts at addressing issues
and problems become futile. </div>
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God describes “living in harmony” as being of one mind,
united in thought and purpose.
These three foundations allow the church to stay on course during the
storms of life and the challenges of opposing voices. (see <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20Cor%201:10&version=NLT" target="_blank">1 Corinthians 1:10</a>)</div>
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<b>One mind</b> . . . <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Philippians%202:1-8&version=NLT" target="_blank">Philippians 2:1-8</a> describes the attitude or mindset we need to have in order to harmonize our diversity into the beautiful
music God designed the church to make.
We are to be unselfish (not seeking a solo part) and be humble (acknowledging the value of the other instruments in the orchestra). Jesus was entitled to everything because He was God, but He
surrendered everything in order to do what He was sent to do. His mind, motive and heart-of-hearts was
not to manipulate life for His own comfort or advantage, but to surrender His
life to God’s purpose and the advantage of others. What is
your motive for doing what you do?</div>
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<b>United in thought</b> . . . <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Philippians%204:4-9&version=NLT" target="_blank">Philippians 4:4-9</a> challenges us to be intentional in what we think about. There is plenty of negative
stuff, uncertain stuff and potential peril to dwell on or worry about. The marketplace, including the news
media, feeds on this tendency to see the glass half empty. God says to vent to Him (read pray) and be thankful
He is on our side. Fix your
thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and
admirable. “Fix” means to consider,
count on and focus on. It means to
buy into God’s view of things rather than the world’s view.</div>
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<b>United in purpose</b> . . . <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Philippians%203:7-14%20&version=NLT" target="_blank">Philippians 3:7-14 </a>describes how we
are to set all things aside in the pursuit of Christ and the journey He has
planned for us. Christ had one
purpose. (see <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke%2019:10&version=NLT" target="_blank">Luke 19:10</a>) He
empowered us for one purpose. (see <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Acts%201:8&version=NLT" target="_blank">Acts 1:8</a>) And He gave the church one
assignment. (see <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew%2028:18-20&version=NLT" target="_blank">Matthew 28:18-20</a>) All the other benefits of being born again are to be attractions to that one purpose.</div>
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The church is a collection of diverse people who are humbly
laying aside their personal preferences and focusing on God’s powerful,
positive work in a fallen world in order to present the good news of the
life-giving, life-changing opportunity found in Christ.</div>
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First Corinthians chapter one ends with <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20cor%201:30-31&version=NLT" target="_blank">these words</a>: “God has united you with Christ Jesus.
For our benefit God made him to be wisdom itself. Christ made us right with
God; he made us pure and holy, and he freed us from sin. Therefore,
as the Scriptures say, “If you want to boast, boast only about the LORD.”</div>
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This may very well determine the difference between Churchianity
(unison) and Christianity (harmony). May the world be attracted to Christ through the harmony He
creates in His church. What kind of music is your church making? We get more concerned about the style of music on the platform than the kind of music we are making as a church body. That's a subject for another blog.</div>
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<br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8787826442151351778.post-62650696047490685332012-02-08T06:38:00.001-05:002012-03-22T17:03:12.718-04:00Ask the Right Question<br />
<div style="background: white; line-height: 17.6pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11pt;">I had the privilege of serving at Barefoot Church in North
Myrtle Beach, South Carolina where we averaged about 300 baptisms each
year. The church grew to over 2000
people in a little over five years.
Myrtle Beach is a popular vacation area for pastors (hear golf) and I
had opportunity to talk to a lot of pastors who visited our church because they
wanted to see their church reaching more people. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background: white; line-height: 17.6pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11pt;"> They
all had a similar question: “What are you doing that is reaching all these
people?” My response was always, “You are asking the wrong question.” If most churches did what we did it
where they live it would be really weird.
The right question would be, “Why do you do what you do?” We do what we do because we want to
reach people who avoid the church or the gospel because they have had a bad
experience in church or have heard negative stuff about the gospel. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background: white; line-height: 17.6pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11pt;"> Because
of this strong “why,” our "what" becomes creative and intentional. We will do anything short of sin to get
the gospel to people and people to the gospel. We don’t do stuff to be cool or because “everyone is doing
it”. We do what we do because it
produces the outcome of why we exist.
Too many churches are counting nickels and numbers and trying to find
gimmicks to increase both. It’s
impossible to keep up with that kind of strategy.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background: white; line-height: 17.6pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11pt;"> The
question is: “Why does your church exist?” The next question is: “What can you do to accomplish why you
exist?” The focus is on the vision
(why). The measurement is the
outcome (saved lives). The
ever-changing, creative, intentional methodology functions between these two
realities. If what you are doing
is not producing why you exist . . . you must change what you are doing. No exceptions.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background: white; line-height: 17.6pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11pt;"> Don’t
worry about what others are doing.
Focus on what you are doing.
Why are you doing it? What
is the outcome? Keep doing what
you are doing and you will keep getting the same outcome. Own the outcome . . . go back to the
“WHY” . . . and prayerfully, creatively figure out the "what". Then . . . surround yourself with a
team and figure out how you are going to do what you have to do to accomplish the
unique mission God has given your church.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background: white; line-height: 17.6pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11pt;"> Ready
to begin? Contact us at: <a href="http://www.refocusedministry.com/">www.refocusedministry.com</a> </span><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8787826442151351778.post-52211355216891205692012-02-06T12:27:00.000-05:002012-03-22T17:03:34.999-04:00The Potential Found in Existing Churches<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> We
need to start a discussion about the state of the existing church in
America. I am not suggesting that
we start ragging on churches or playing the comparison game. I am not into pointing out a negative
reality to demonstrate that I am not a part of that reality and I am certainly
not professing to have all the answers.
I do have a heavy heart and urgent concern when I read statistics, talk
to struggling pastors and visit stagnant churches. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> According
to George Barna , <span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial;">3500 – 4000 churches close their doors each year and</span> <i><u><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial;">half of all churches last year did
not add <b>one</b> new member through
conversion growth</span></u></i><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial;">. </span>(Twentysomethings
Struggle to Find Their Place in Christian Churches) </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 17.6pt;">Statistics
from The Condition of the Church in America, complied by Andy
McAdams state that:</span></div>
<div style="background: white; line-height: 17.6pt; margin-left: 1.0in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> Only 15% of churches in the United States are growing
and just 2.2% of those are growing by conversion growth (as opposed to
competitive growth from other churches)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> A
good argument can be made for re-planting or refocusing existing churches in
order to advance the gospel in America.
Here are just a few advantages existing churches have:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial;">Most existing churches own their facilities<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">2.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial;">Existing churches have a core of people already
gathered together<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">3.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial;">Existing churches have their 501c3 status and
all the organizational red tape done<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="background: white; line-height: 17.6pt;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> Why
is it so hard to see existing churches restored to their biblical purpose and
vision? I have several
suggestions:</span><br />
<div style="text-indent: 0px;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 17.6pt; text-indent: -0.25in;"> 1. There is a group of people who have claimed the church
as their own and have lost all understanding of the nature of the Church and
Christ’s headship and purposes for it.</span></div>
<div style="text-indent: 0px;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 17.6pt; text-indent: -0.25in;"> 2. It is often hard for those involved in an organization to
understand how they got to where they are and how to get to where they know
they ought to be.</span></div>
<div style="text-indent: 0px;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 17.6pt; text-indent: -0.25in;"> 3. The thought of change evokes fear, which leads to
resistance, threats and negative forecasts. (and sometimes costs the pastor his job)</span></div>
<div style="text-indent: 0px;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 17.6pt; text-indent: -0.25in;"> 4. There is a spiritual battle and the gates of hell are
set against the church.</span></div>
<div style="text-indent: 0px;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 17.6pt; text-indent: -0.25in;"> 5. The evil twins of Pride and Denial refuse to take the
radical steps necessary to address the problem and recruit outside help.</span></div>
</div>
<div style="background: white; line-height: 17.6pt;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> I
see a bright future for many existing churches in America as they refocus,
restructure and renew their biblical vision and purpose. ReFocused Ministry exists to advance
the gospel by helping pastors and churches refocus on their vision and
purpose. Contact us if we can be
of assistance to your church.</span><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0