Assimilation Into Your Church

[From Missional Church of God by travjohnson]

Check out the notes from today’s Church Leader Insights’ concerning the Fusion Seminar (on assimilation). Good stuff.

Read more about it here.

Do You Get Visitor Feedback?

Check out this church web site set up for visitor feedback. Each church visitor is sent an e-mail thanking them for their visit and directing them to this site.

http://www.bigcreekvisitor.blogspot.com/

Restoring Honor To The Clergy

[From Pastor Steven Furtick by sf]

I hope that, in my lifetime, God will allow me to be a part of restoring the virtue of honor back to the pastoral ministry. Beyond that: I want to help restore honor to the body of Christ in general. My generation has done a pretty phenomenal job of obliterating the concept of honor and discarding it, regarding it as old fashioned. If you ask me, we've sucked all the honor out of many of our ministries by being a little too cavalier and far too critical for our own good.

As for me, by God’s grace I’ll do my part to model and inspire honor in my generation by:

• Living an honorable life. (Keeping my pants on, keeping my hands off the money, keeping my word, etc. A good place to start, for sure.)
• Speaking honorably of other ministers and ministries. There’s a time and place to evaluate critically.
• Giving honor to other men of God who are a blessing to me. Even to the point of going overboard … I want to honor those God has used in my life. This is Scriptural, and I find it to be deeply gratifying and rewarding.

Who can you show honor to today? Do it.

What is your church polity on voting for pastors?

What is your church polity? Do you vote on the local pastor? What effect does a voting polity have on the congregational group dynamics?

While some groups like the Church of God of Prophecy and Methodist have Bishops making pastoral appointments, others like Baptist vote on the pastor within the local church. Which causes more disruption?

Members of Broadway Baptist Church in Fort Worth voted Sunday to keep Brett Younger as pastor. The vote was 499 in favor of retaining him and 237 against, representing about a two-thirds majority. The historic downtown church has been in public controversy for months, first over whether a members' photo-directory would include gay couples, then over Dr. Younger's leadership.

“We are a church in need of God’s healing,” said a statement released by deacon chair Kathy Madeja after today’s vote. “We will need to listen carefully to each other about the things which have divided us and brought us to this day.”

A members’ group, Friends for the Future of Broadway, called for the vote on Dr. Younger. The group argued that he had been an ineffective leader and had led the moderate church in too liberal a direction theologically.

“We respect the will of the majority and pray for the congregation’s healing, recovery and continued service to the community that befits a 125-year-old church,” said Robert Saul, spokesman for the group, in a statement.

But Mr. Saul’s statement also said that 300 people “have or want to leave” the church because of the past months’ turmoil. Mr. Saul declined comment on whether he would leave.

Dr. Younger asked the church to stick together.

“I hope that we will move forward and be the church together, and that others will come and share church with us,” he said. “Broadway is an amazing congregation that’s willing to talk about difficult issues. This is a church that challenges its members to think and serve.”

The church voted on Feb. 24, as a compromise, to have a directory with group photographs, as opposed to family photos.

More here...

FOR YOUR INPUT: The issue aside… if the vote to keep you was 499 to 237, what would you do? Stay and fight, or call it a day? Would it not be tough to lead when nearly 1/3 of everyone was on record as opposing your leadership.

What's Your Church's Biggest Strength?

[From MMI Weblog by Todd Rhoades]

Leadership and management guru Peter Drucker once said, “Management is doing things right; Leadership is doing the right things.” When I read that recently, I thought that this statement could be very true in today’s American church. Here’s my theory: Could it be that while most churches are "doing things right," a smaller group of churches are "doing the right things?"

The percentage of churches in decline is America is substantial. (I've heard as high as 90%!) It’s my hypothesis that each of these churches (and if you take the conservative church count in the country of 200,000 churches, 90% would be a whopping 180,000 American churches!) have to be "doing things right" to some degree. Doing things right means things like conducting weekend services, maintaining property and facilities, making payroll, and caring for their attenders. In essence, as long as there are still people attending most churches, the churches, by and large, are "doing things right," at least from a management standpoint.

But what about the other 10% of churches in America that are growing and vibrant? Could it be that they have moved beyond "doing things right" to "doing the right things?" Every single one of the growing churches I've seen are very outwardly focused. They reach out and specifically target reaching their communities. They move beyond "management" to dare to try new things; new programs; and new approaches. They are not afraid of change. They are not afraid to confront the culture. They are leaders. And the result is a growing and community-changing church.

FOR YOUR INPUT: What’s your church’s strength? Management or Leadership?

Why Do People Leave Your Church?

Here are the top ten reasons LifeWay Research found why people switch churches:

1. The church was not helping me to develop spiritually. (28%)
2. I did not feel engaged or involved in meaningful church work (20%)
3. Church members were judgmental of others (18%)
4. Pastor was not a good preacher (16%)
5. Too many changes (16%)
6. Members seemed hypocritical (15%)
7. Church didn’t seem to be a place where God was at work (14%)
8. Church was run by a clique that discouraged involvement (14%)
9. Pastor was judgmental of others (14%)
10. Pastor seemed hypocritical (13%)

SOURCE: The Biblical Recorder… Read more here.

What Should Pastors Give Attention To?

[From Pastor Steven Furtick]

Ephesians 4:1 begs me to “live a life worthy of the calling I have received.”As a pastor, I certainly realize the non-negotiable need for me to be pure, seek God, love my wife, stay off drugs … you know, the biggies.

But there are many less obvious demands that I believe come with the territory of pastoral ministry. If I’m going to represent Jesus and be the ambassador of God, everything about me matters. Everything.

Here are a few things that I started giving attention to after becoming a pastor that I didn’t monitor nearly as much before:

• My health. I feel like my credibility would be severely damaged if I had a big bulging pulpit bumper (belly). I have a metabolism that would render me quite fat and sloppy looking if I ate whatever I wanted and never worked out. So I usually eat pretty well, and I work out as regularly as possible. Don’t get me wrong, I’m far from a health nut. I’ll probably have a hot dog tonight, matter of fact. And I drink way too much caffeine. But I keep it in check.
• My dress. I think a minister of the Gospel should dress well relative to the culture he’s trying to reach. This means different things in different places to different people. I don’t intend to turn this into a discourse on whether it’s ethical for a preacher to buy a $2000 suit and wear a Rolex. I’m not really talking about price at all. I’m talking about maintaining a neat, current, appropriate, fashionable personal appearance. In other words, everyone can iron. We represent the most meaningful message known to man. We should look like able messengers.
• My hugs. I know it sounds gay, but roll with it. As I become more and more detached from those who serve with me at Elevation Church, I find myself becoming increasingly touchy and huggy. (Spell check is telling me huggy isn’t a word. Spell check is wrong.) I rarely walk by one of our volunteers or staff members without giving them a hug. Because what may take 4 seconds out of my day could literally make their day. As a pastor, I need to realize the value of a simple thank you or acknowledgement of the people in my life. Sometimes it makes all the difference, even when I don’t recognize it.
• My car. I keep it clean. It’s hard to set an example of a well ordered life with French Fries and Diet Coke cans piled up on the floorboard.

What little things could you begin tweaking today to make you a more accurate and credible representative of Jesus Christ?

Ecumenical Advocacy Days Conference Begins

[By Ethan Cole - Christian Post Reporter]

More than 1,000 Christian leaders gathered Friday for the 2008 Ecumenical Advocacy Days Conference to discuss and advocate for a wide range of U.S. policy issues outside of Washington, D.C.

The sixth annual conference, Mar. 7-10, brings together leaders from the ecumenical Christian community to learn, discuss and then mobilize the Christian voice to be a witness for justice and peace in regards to U.S. domestic and international policies. Attendees will hail from around the world including from Latin America, Africa and Asia.

Participants will explore new ideas on how U.S. policies can be transformed to embrace more just, peaceful and effective actions at home and abroad to improve security for the United States, its neighbors and around the world.

“As people of faith and hope, we believe our nation is entering – and must enter – an era of renewal and re-creation,” says a statement on the Ecumenical Advocacy Days Web site.

"It is time to move beyond the misdirected strategies of the past few years and envision a new pathway to true human security – one which seeks not only the absence of tension, but the presence of justice.”

This year’s moral statement is “Claiming a Vision of True Security,” with the main Scripture reference taken from Psalms 20:7: “Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God.”

Organizers explain that Psalms 20:7, in today’s language, could read as: Some trust in violence and take pride in technologies of war, and some in military power, but our trust is in the unfailing love and faithfulness of our saving God.

"As people of faith and conscience, we envision a world where security is not measured by military power, closed borders or corporate profits, but by the capacity to achieve the common global good and share the resources which sustain communities,” event organizers wrote on its Web site.

“In such a world all children are treasured as sacred gifts and our elderly are regarded for their experience and wisdom,” they continued. “Each woman, man and child is safe from violence and has the resources for a life of dignity and sufficiency. Such a world looks to secure a safe and productive future for generations yet to come.”

Conference plenary speakers include the Rev. Dr. Mark Lomax of the Interdenominational Theological Center in Atlanta, Ga.; Dr. Lisa Schirch, professor of peacebuilding at Eastern Mennonite University; and Archbishop Vicken Aykazian of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern).

The conference will hold a Town Hall forum Sunday evening and presidential candidates have been invited to participate in discussions on economic security, health care, the global impact of climate change and U.S. military presence abroad.

On Monday, the gathering will cap off with a visit to Capitol Hill where participants will lobby their congressional representatives on the new visions for national and global security as decided by the conference.

“Accordingly, in a truly secure world, the earth and all its people will receive the respect they are due as God’s creation and bearers of the divine image,” organizers envisioned.

Ecumenical Advocacy Days for Global Peace with Justice began in 2003 with some 400 religious advocates, and grew to more than 1,000 leaders in 2007.

International Assembly Update

[From Bishop E. C. McKinley]

In just a few short months, delegates from around the world will gather at the Sommet Center in the heart of downtown Nashville, Tennessee for "Awake!" the 2008 International Assembly of the Church of God of Prophecy.

This year's Assembly promises to be an unforgettable experience, as delegates will enjoy a number of new components to the Assembly activity schedule.

The programming for this year's meeting continues to take shape as general session presenters and speakers are confirmed, and special events are scheduled.

Each morning, Tuesday through Saturday, delegates will be invited to participate in a unique prayer and worship experience, led by anointed prayer minister Kay Horner of Cleveland, TN and bi-lingual worship team ensemble from the state of California. This special time of prayer and praise will help delegates focus their hearts and minds on the activities and needs of the day.

On Thursday and Friday mornings, delegates will participate in "Leadership Awakening" sessions, especially designed to encourage, inspire, and equip church leadership for ministry. Dr. Doug Stringer, founder and president of Turning Point Ministries International, will be sharing during each morning's session. Doug's passion for mobilizing churches to influence their communities has led his ministry to the development of a network of organizations impacting communities through unified grassroots efforts, a ministry that has spread to influence communities around the globe.

On Friday evening, Dr. Jerry Macklin will share an anointed message as delegates gather to celebrate 100 Years of Pentecostal Power. Bishop Macklin is Senior Pastor of the Glad Tidings Church of God in Christ (Hayword, California), a church of influence, with more than 50 active ministries impacting hundreds of lives each week. In addition to his duties as pastor, Bishop Macklin also serves as Chairman of the Pentecostal Charismatic Churches of North America (PCCNA), and in November 2007, Bishop Macklin was appointed to serve as 2nd Assistant Presiding Bishop for the Church of God in Christ, Inc.

Bishop Randall E. Howard, General Overseer, said of this year's guest speakers, "I am thrilled that Dr. Stringer and Bishop Macklin have agreed to minister at this year's Assembly. I have known each of these gentlemen for some time now and have been impressed and blessed to see how God is using both of them to help His people move into new arenas of ministry and outreach. I know delegates will receive this same blessing as they experience their teaching and ministry. I believe that God will use both of these presentations to awaken our leadership to ministry opportunities and inspire them to go forward into their ministries with great passion and power."

Worship is always in important component of each Assembly. The world-famous Bahamas Brass Band will once again delight Assembly delegates throughout the week with their exuberant musical selections. In addition to the Brass Band, this year's General Session worship will be lead by the powerful, excellent ministry of the Bahamas National Praise Team. Additional information will be forthcoming in future web postings and through Connections, the e-newsletter of the Church of God of Prophecy International Offices. Additionally, a complete schedule of events (regularly updated) may be viewed by clicking here.

2008 Bahamas National Convention on the Web

[From Michael Swann]

Please see link below for live Streaming of the 2008 Bahamas COGOP National Convention which commences on Sunday, March 9th.

A pdf copy of the program can be downloaded from "Downloadable Documents" in the right column of this Blog.

Audio streaming only during the Day Sessions ~ Both audio/video available in the Evenings only.
Website Link: http://www.cogopbahamas.org/

Parents Encouraged To Keep Students Home On "Day of Silence"

[By Allie Martin - OneNewsNow]

A coalition of pro-family groups is calling on parents to keep their children home from school one day next month if their school observes a homosexual-sponsored initiative.

On April 25, more than 4,000 schools nationwide will observe the "Day of Silence," an initiative sponsored by the Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network (GLSEN), an activist homosexual group. The event encourages students to remain quiet throughout the day in order to bring attention to the homosexual lifestyle.

The American Family Association (AFA), along with other family-oriented groups, is urging parents to keep their kids home from school that day -- if the school observes the project. Buddy Smith with the AFA says concerned parents can go online and see if their child's school is observing the Day of Silence. "The first step would be to go to AFA.net, click on the Day of Silence action alert ... [to] see if your child's school is indeed listed," he explains. "And if they are, then we have a suggested letter that you can send to the school ... requesting that they stop this nonsense." If that does not work, Smith says parents should consider keeping their children home from school April 25, or whichever day the Day of Silence is observed.

[The American Family Association is the parent organization of the American Family News Network, which operates OneNewsNow.com.]

What Church Leaders Can Learn From Brett Favre

[From MMI Weblog by Todd Rhoades]

1. He Showed up to Play Every Sunday. Regardless of what was happening in his life (i.e. his father’s death and his wife’s cancer), he still found a way to get to the game on time.
2. He Played Through the Hurts. I’ve watched clobbered, hammered, hamstrung, smashed, and boggled. Yet, Brett kept getting back on his feet again. Remember the year when he played half a season with a broken thumb? Somehow, the desire for victory was far greater than the physical pain.
3. He Took Risks and Made Plenty of Mistakes. Not only does he hold the career touchdown record, he holds the interception record as well. You can’t win big by playing it safe. Consider the turtle, who makes no progress until he sticks his neck out. Brett stuck his neck out all the time. On countless occasions, I’ve seen him do something crazy, and yelled, “NO!! NO!! DON’T DO THAT!!” But then, it’s the crazy passes, completed as touchdowns which will go down in history as the greatest and most memorable.
4. After He Blew It, He Shook it Off. Nothing could rattle his confidence. On the next set of downs after an interception, he’d throw deep (and crazy) again. Favre didn’t allow failure to be final and always believed that setbacks are supposed to be followed by come-backs. He never blamed others for his mistakes, and always took responsibility for losses on the field.
5. He Inspired the Team. Brett always had a good word of encouragement for the younger guys around him. I remember when Ryan Longwell, as a rookie kicker, muffed an easy field goal against the Eagles, and lost the game. The crowd booed. Favre went over to his dejected teammate and said, “Hey, don’t worry about it. It’s not your fault. We lost this thing together.”

Mark has a couple other observations that you’ll want to read here...

A New Celebrate Recovery Website

The new and improved Celebrate Recovery website has just been launched. If you haven't gone to http://www.celebraterecovery.com/ for a while, check it out to see what's new.

They have implemented a new way to find local CR's with our new "Find a Group" page. I think this makes it lots easier to locate groups.

What do you think?

Are You Going Through A Storm?

A pastor had been on a long flight between church conferences. The first warning of the approaching problems came when the sign on the airplane flashed on: "Fasten Your SeatBelts."

Then, after a while, a calm voice said, "We shall not be serving the beverages at this time as we are expecting a little turbulence. Please be sure your seat belt is fastened."

As the pastor looked around the aircraft, it became obvious that many of the passengers were becoming apprehensive.

Later, the voice on the intercom said, "We are so sorry that we are unable to serve the meal at this time. The turbulence is still ahead of us."

And then the storm broke ... The ominous cracks of thunder could be heard even above the roar of the engines. Lightning lit up the darkening skies, and within moments that great plane was like a cork tossed around on a celestial ocean. One moment the airplane was lifted on terrific currents of air; the next, it dropped as it were about to crash.

The pastor confessed that he shared the discomfort and fear of those around him. He said, "As I looked around the plane, I could see that nearly all the passengers were upset and alarmed. Some were praying. The future seemed ominous and many were wondering if they would make it through the storm.

"Then, I suddenly saw a little girl. Apparently the storm meant nothing to her. She had tucked her feet beneath her as she sat on her seat; she was reading a book and everything within her small world was calm and orderly.

"Sometimes she closed her eyes, then she would read again; then she would straighten her legs, but worry and fear were not in her world. When the plane was being buffeted by the terrible storm, when it lurched this way and that, as it rose and fell with frightening severity, when all the adults were scared half to death, that marvelous child was completely composed and unafraid." The minister could hardly believe his eyes.

It was not surprising therefore, that when the plane finally reached its destination and all the passengers were hurrying to disembark, our pastor lingered to speak to the girl whom he had watched for such a long time.

Having commented about the storm and the behavior of the plane, he asked why she had not been afraid.

The child replied, "Cause my Daddy's the pilot, and he's taking me home."

There are many kinds of storms that buffet us. Physical, mental, financial, domestic, and many other storms can easily and quickly darken our skies and throw o ur plane into apparently uncontrollable movement. We have all known such times, and let us be honest and confess, it is much easier to be at rest when our feet are on the ground than when we are being tossed about a darkened sky.

Let us remember: Our Father is the Pilot. He is in control and taking us home. Don't worry!

Today's Challenge

Stretch your faith. Pray for something that feels "too hard."