tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-62001385138698352592024-03-13T22:32:44.418-05:00Vince FarrellVince Farrellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03497658842515684369noreply@blogger.comBlogger138125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6200138513869835259.post-20560431778424260392014-08-30T16:01:00.001-05:002014-08-30T16:01:25.928-05:00How to cultivate discontentment towards church in your kids--and leave their faith when they graduateThere are a ton of books out there that deal with the mass exodus when it comes to teens leaving the church. I come to you not as an expert, but as an observer; one who has been a youth pastor of both successful and unsuccessful youth ministries. I come to you as a Senior Pastor of a great church and as an active Children's Pastor of that same church. I come to you as a father of two children both under the age of 13.<br />
<br />
The following are simply things I've learned from experience and what I see that if not checked could, down the road, lead to some unresolved answers.<br />
<br />
The following are suggestions to do or to continue to do to make sure your child becomes a teenager who is disinterested in church and apathetic towards their faith in God.<br />
<br />
Hopefully you'll do the opposite.<br />
<br />
<u>1.) Treat church attendance like a country club function.</u> You know, go when there's a special event or when it seems like the right thing to do. There is no substitute for a real, growing relationship with God through spending time in daily prayer and reading of His Word, then add going to church to worship and strengthen other believers. This helps strengthen your growing relationship with God. Whenever the emphasis is to just attend church, then a casual Christianity mindset takes hold and is much harder to shake off the older one gets.<br />
<br />
<u>2.) Expose your child to high levels of technology.</u> I'm all for technology. I'm young (under 40), so of course I appreciate it. I find myself telling my kids stories like, "when I was your age we had a box we'd wear on our hip that would beep at us to then go find a phone and call that person who needed us--you and your iPhones...mumble...mumble." The church I pastor as well as many other wonderful, healthy churches use technology in every aspect of their ministry. Understand I'm not comparing "overhead projectors" to "Nintendo" here. <br />
<br />
As much as churches try to stay current and provide environments for your child, churches CAN NOT compete with your 7 year old who walks in with their own personal device playing Minecraft or updating their Facebook status before heading to their Bible class. Please note, I am not ranting about the "what" they are doing on there, I'm ranting about at what age they are being exposed. There are literally dozens of articles out there telling about the dangers of early exposure to technology. Here's a link to a simple article that just address the attention issue. <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/dr-jim-taylor/technology-and-kids_b_2232502.html" target="_blank">*How Technology is Changing the Way Kids Focus and Think*</a><br />
<br />
<u>3.) Buy into the hero myth.</u> There is an alarming mindset growing among parents that believe this, "If it's a movie about heroes then it's totally fine for my 7, 9, 11 year old." Remember when PG-13 meant....... ok, sure, you and I are the parents. We ultimately decide what we allow our kids to watch, not some committee of biblical illiterate, unprincipled, godless group who sets the standard for our home. Well?????<br />
If I was to sit with you and outline how many times a particular movie takes God's name in vain, how many times they said s*** or dropped the bomb, told you how many sexual innuendos were made, I believe you'd say something like, "yeah, I think we won't take them to see that just yet." Sadly the problem is many are not researching beyond the preview. <br />
<br />
Hey, I'll be here along with others who will teach teenagers to respect women, to encourage them to wait to have sex until marriage, to teach and help them follow God's ways of doing life. Just know it's hard to get the truth across when they've been feed, over many years, a steady steam of ideology like TMNT: Michelangelo makes note of April O'Neals sex appeal, saying, "She's so hot I can feel my shell tightening."<br />
Why would anyone believe God's way is best when they've had their way for so long and they've been told their way is just fine?<br />
<br />
If you want to get a head start by researching movies ahead of time before spending good money on something check out, <a href="http://pluggedin.com/">pluggedin.com</a><br />
<br />
I wholeheartedly believe God's Word to be true. Proverbs 22:6 " Direct your children onto the right path and when they are older, they will not leave it." It's a wonderful promise that requires a TON of HARD work.<br />
<br />
It's hard to say no when others say yes. It's hard (for some) not to spend hundreds of dollars on the latest tech, it's hard to have daily devotion time with your family.<br />
<br />
It's hard ...if you're not focused on the bigger picture.Vince Farrellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03497658842515684369noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6200138513869835259.post-42831702198198612682014-03-24T11:14:00.000-05:002014-03-24T11:23:30.337-05:00Find the EggI was asked, "As a Pastor, how can you celebrate Easter?" I responded, "Because the Resurrection of Jesus is the single most important event in life. Without it, there is no purpose to what we "believe." They followed up with, "No, I know that, I mean Easter because of where it came from." I was confused at that point so on to Google I go.<br />
<br />
So, I've just read 3 articles of the "origins of Easter" and I'd like to say a few things. <br />
1) Thank you parents for not teaching me all that stuff. I mean, wow, did you guys even know that stuff??? I assume you did after all we were all lost, never went to church, mom and dad did drugs, cussed like sailors and fought like episodes WWF. We were what Christians called, "lost people." It wasn't until I was 8-9 years old that started going to church and my family got saved. But really, we were just out looking for eggs filled with candy!!! Im so glad to know I didn't go through my childhood with such a warped view of Easter. <br />
<br />
2) Thank you to my home church, Harvest Time that instilled in me the virtues of God. They taught me that He is a redeeming God who we also should take on His business and redeem that which is lost. So Easter, to many (like me growing up) don't know the "history of where it came from" and sadly many churches spend more time teaching pagan history than saving grace.<br />
<br />
3) Thank you to other Christians who like me celebrate Easter as what is means to us personally. "The celebration of a Risen Savior."<br />
<br />
4) Thank you to Christians who don't celebrate Easter and don't look down or differently to Christians that do. You guys, like me, have your convictions and rather than spout off hate or words of conflict, you simply understand where each group comes from and let that be enough.<br />
<br />
I've read the origins of Easter and all it's pagan history, but I have to say I'm going to attempt to be like the Apostle Paul, when he said, "<span class="versenum" style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">for in Him we live and move and have our being, as also some of your own poets have said, ‘For we are also His offspring.--Acts 17:28’ </span>He uses current culture. See how he draws them in by saying, "some of your own poets have said" to bring people to the knowledge of a loving, life giving, redeeming God who loves you so much.<br />
<br />
<br />Vince Farrellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03497658842515684369noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6200138513869835259.post-40990085566124261192013-08-25T20:40:00.002-05:002013-08-25T20:40:22.791-05:00Recap from Sunday, Aug. 25thToday at church was great!!! Not only wonderful time together but a lot of little things happened that really just pushed today over the top. For writing and understanding purposes I'll number the big "wins" and letter the huge details under them.<br />
<br />
1.) We had a total of 5 visiting families today!!!<br />
A.) One family returned from last weeks visit. After speaking with several a couple people said, "we heard great things are happening here and wanted to come see."<br />
<br />
2.) All of our ministry teams were in peek shape this morning. The excellence and joy that filled the building today was pure electric.<br />
B.) I noticed a huge level of ownership in ministry today. It wasn't just about filling a need but it was genuine joy in serving the God and others.<br />
<br />
3.) Church was just good fun today! People getting back into the swing of things and wanting to be together.<br />
C.) During the message there were a couple times where one would speak up that just caused the entire place to bust out in laughing. I don't know how you feel about "feedback" during someone preaching, but I love it!<br />
<br />
4.) Today was the Sunday that marks 2 years that we have been pastors of <a href="http://christcommunity.com/" target="_blank">Christ Community Church</a> and it's been amazing to get to be apart of what God is doing. Last week and this week we have been bumping and waving at that "100" person mark and with so many visiting and being plugged in to the church; I'm excited to see that's the potential of 100 plus people loving God and loving others.<br />
D.) Two years ago when I'd invite people to church their response often would be, "where is that church at?" Today we hear people say, "we hear great things about this church."<br />
<br />
<br />
5.) Part 2 of Environments is up, pray you enjoy it as we dive into the whys of what we do.<br />
E.) Click <a href="http://christcommunity.com/media.php?pageID=10" target="_blank">HERE</a> to listen.Vince Farrellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03497658842515684369noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6200138513869835259.post-71229518171208965432013-08-04T15:41:00.002-05:002013-08-04T15:41:28.247-05:00Celebration Sunday at CCC!Today was nothing short of an AMAZING day of the church celebrating at church. I have dreamed of the time when we come to church together and instead of using it as a "refill" gathering (although important) for our gathering to be more of a celebration encounter. Today was that day.<br />
Not only was the worship anointed and powerful this morning, but God's presence was evident for healing. We prayed for and laid hands on several who need a touch from God.<br />
Our speaker this morning, Chris Childers delivered a timely message as we concluded our "Faith Catalysts" series, you can listen online by clicking, <a href="http://christcommunity.com/media.php?pageID=10" target="_blank">HERE</a><br />
<br />
All week our church has been, well--- being the church. We kicked off Monday by delivering school supplies to our neighbors next door, Millbrooke Elementary.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyvfsz_fOOaUthIj275FgnMDBHlADEnpOgygx6PXzJA4AVxmCzHJs8RzJ0MLufZOKt813-dNn56_NT5GxWA2l1Lxl__qXFT9LbrkESLfojR-0wKRJZjCbgfilkC97U0fJaJp1e_MTipJU/s1600/millbrooke+supplies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyvfsz_fOOaUthIj275FgnMDBHlADEnpOgygx6PXzJA4AVxmCzHJs8RzJ0MLufZOKt813-dNn56_NT5GxWA2l1Lxl__qXFT9LbrkESLfojR-0wKRJZjCbgfilkC97U0fJaJp1e_MTipJU/s320/millbrooke+supplies.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We then continued on Wednesday to provide a fun,safe and meaningful "Wet and Wild Wednesday" to our neighbors with free food, water slides, backpack give-a-ways and just a great time together.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtTKqTcT4nQ1knOrMjpu0HH1HFqkiy_72UUIcr9VNyGWL3zlTeR-vqO2_zVysE0uY-0CU47W8aGMew3mJQRGuDhRggxtqk-B213PTyBoX7oSFhVTp8i_Lo5kGDqn_VpoPt1I32NGK9cHA/s1600/WetandWildCollage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtTKqTcT4nQ1knOrMjpu0HH1HFqkiy_72UUIcr9VNyGWL3zlTeR-vqO2_zVysE0uY-0CU47W8aGMew3mJQRGuDhRggxtqk-B213PTyBoX7oSFhVTp8i_Lo5kGDqn_VpoPt1I32NGK9cHA/s320/WetandWildCollage.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Another monumental thing happened today, before I became Pastor of Christ Community Church they were in a kitchen fundraising program. Over the last two years we have spent our energy and resources focused on our Children's Ministry and building renovations such as parking lot resurfacing, and general updating. However over the last few months we have challenged our people to give towards the installing and renovation for a practical and functional kitchen to meet the needs of the various ministries.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
It's been a long journey and three weeks ago I shared we were $3000 away from getting it all paid for, then last week because of a "God idea" given to one of our members we only needed $1700. Well this week another member stopped in before leaving town to make a donation and as of Friday we only needed $1000!!!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Saturday morning our men's ministry hosted a breakfast and they raised $150 to pay off that $1000 and TODAY the remaining $850. came in!!!!!! Simply amazing what God does when there is unity in His house!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiot3WDtkQ4fhRUr_7BxZATNnf-3QTZKgXclIKq9VSqI-wRiFVsNYcNOGYGvqul2hpdGyLgvtoPFfg2JRhsP8T9YyDT0yfv75HvxCybccUvJ40noFAeoIaKJwjO9faWlJMHrbvfM2lenUQ/s1600/KitchenCollage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiot3WDtkQ4fhRUr_7BxZATNnf-3QTZKgXclIKq9VSqI-wRiFVsNYcNOGYGvqul2hpdGyLgvtoPFfg2JRhsP8T9YyDT0yfv75HvxCybccUvJ40noFAeoIaKJwjO9faWlJMHrbvfM2lenUQ/s320/KitchenCollage.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Love God, love others. christcommunity.com</div>
Vince Farrellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03497658842515684369noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6200138513869835259.post-42620513114873519482013-07-21T15:35:00.001-05:002013-07-21T15:38:32.478-05:00Recap from Sunday July 21stToday was a great day at Christ Community Church. Here are some quick thoughts from the day.<br />
<br />
1) Seems the heat is getting to people. While we had a solid core group there, you could tell the heat is affecting overall energies.<br />
2) Our worship team just gets better and better!!! I'm so impressed with our team and their passion to lead people into the presence of God. Just fantastic!!!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKhMIrm9DLmoWbnwat3MAj7cygTXYYUl7gY-i7RH9kUjAHfTY-3_SX06y4w9hS6RUHjNYSCn9JUlylCuk9w4jKT412WZynjxcVrdFBoDdOBoMmcaEuD3uUv44Ipjq_35jKB2sHoG2SJ-4/s1600/Stage1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKhMIrm9DLmoWbnwat3MAj7cygTXYYUl7gY-i7RH9kUjAHfTY-3_SX06y4w9hS6RUHjNYSCn9JUlylCuk9w4jKT412WZynjxcVrdFBoDdOBoMmcaEuD3uUv44Ipjq_35jKB2sHoG2SJ-4/s320/Stage1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
3) I shared a little about why we do what we do and why we do it that way. We want to be a church culture that has a high level of both invitation and challenge.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS7xZ-mQ28LvVExf4v54-FfnVSTFyTeD5abGuhOzA3ITSzjL_fDYIqmwHR-X_2fWP-Nk-0Ii_2TKaPxnXJWLGiBbPL6yyTXuUxsGyqm1V77UN6-zs8vuckw2Mnne0ZO3DkE6M0avsfLKc/s1600/invitation-challenge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS7xZ-mQ28LvVExf4v54-FfnVSTFyTeD5abGuhOzA3ITSzjL_fDYIqmwHR-X_2fWP-Nk-0Ii_2TKaPxnXJWLGiBbPL6yyTXuUxsGyqm1V77UN6-zs8vuckw2Mnne0ZO3DkE6M0avsfLKc/s320/invitation-challenge.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span id="goog_1350524416"></span><span id="goog_1350524417"></span>4) There is a lot of excitment in the air for our upcoming Community Service event, "Wet and Wild Wednesday. Click <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/177679352406920/" target="_blank">HERE</a> for details.<br />
5) We are coming to the final stretch as we have launched our much awaited kitchen renovation. With new ministry groups such as our men and women's ministries, nursery department; this remodel is a real blessing long awaited for.<br />
6) This morning's message is online, we pray it's a blessing to you just as one lady in service gave a testamony this morning, "I was bound by wrong thinking and after God set me free with new way of thinking I now am able to enjoy the changes in this church and love the people God wants me too." WOW!!! Visit us at <a href="http://christcommunity.com/">christcommunity.com</a> or click <a href="http://christcommunity.com/media.php?pageID=10" target="_blank">HERE</a> for message.Vince Farrellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03497658842515684369noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6200138513869835259.post-8712235202425985912013-07-14T14:26:00.001-05:002013-07-14T14:26:14.783-05:00Sunday Recap July 14thWorship was amazing this morning! Such an awesome time together and there was an anointing for healing in the place today.<br />
<br />
1) I love what God is doing at <a href="http://christcommunity.com/" target="_blank">Christ Community</a>! Was so good to see everyone fill the building with a real love for each other.<br />
2) As with anything that grows, one has to put systems and structure in place and today I got to establish three individuals over various departments at the church. AMAZING people with a heart to serve, very excited for the future!<br />
3) Today I shared the news about the long awaited "kitchen remodel" project that started before I came and that at the end of the month it will be finished!!!<br />
4) Shared updated renovation happening in our nursery department.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL3QEXRCTJXRrbv4MPxO9jXsFgXCedX83hyyiO0Qrxnh9zryAOzVnYjtSKOcid5zjMW6Wypm-5lS7niMyXH5X3_BlNmZZQ4CoRyt2C5VRagvR1bMNBpa-_JrFwAsyQmA4wUI0uv40t4p8/s1600/preschool04.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL3QEXRCTJXRrbv4MPxO9jXsFgXCedX83hyyiO0Qrxnh9zryAOzVnYjtSKOcid5zjMW6Wypm-5lS7niMyXH5X3_BlNmZZQ4CoRyt2C5VRagvR1bMNBpa-_JrFwAsyQmA4wUI0uv40t4p8/s200/preschool04.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDGv_CIIqKcAZH232sZHovA_D1UrS9M-hCMpgqBRILWTp5yYZE-0rR_ub2AmnIKXRRZACMHlM4XNAudgKu7xylvx8_b6RCaOWQXlsL3xuGfUqgfNEv8Ww_LGucpCGUxRIn0agYbRmUUi8/s1600/preschool03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDGv_CIIqKcAZH232sZHovA_D1UrS9M-hCMpgqBRILWTp5yYZE-0rR_ub2AmnIKXRRZACMHlM4XNAudgKu7xylvx8_b6RCaOWQXlsL3xuGfUqgfNEv8Ww_LGucpCGUxRIn0agYbRmUUi8/s200/preschool03.jpg" width="200" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXh3LhV70PbAdgDGSUQbo9P_mZJACGUwk_8xUY3-GNhyphenhyphenLI_RD5Y92YqJfhZ4E783NuIOGeYPFvhFKaI9cEsOhYHgVrh6e5khrUG7i65db7a-DuOgOfNTlQIgWCGbSH35mcWs96owYbczE/s1600/preschool01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="173" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXh3LhV70PbAdgDGSUQbo9P_mZJACGUwk_8xUY3-GNhyphenhyphenLI_RD5Y92YqJfhZ4E783NuIOGeYPFvhFKaI9cEsOhYHgVrh6e5khrUG7i65db7a-DuOgOfNTlQIgWCGbSH35mcWs96owYbczE/s200/preschool01.jpg" width="200" /></a><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2mYFy4nCti_pQixqH_bn2BJ_wZSzmT53qrdMOefm3iLdDqAvRlun3zkWoDosoHE2o_x7utXI5I3fuWcLT6qAfdtB-pdSPrtJM81AefaJmPi3ADXJnC4GIDM5RxMEg0qkh3u3fQ1DXTac/s1600/preschool02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2mYFy4nCti_pQixqH_bn2BJ_wZSzmT53qrdMOefm3iLdDqAvRlun3zkWoDosoHE2o_x7utXI5I3fuWcLT6qAfdtB-pdSPrtJM81AefaJmPi3ADXJnC4GIDM5RxMEg0qkh3u3fQ1DXTac/s320/preschool02.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
5) Hard to imagine that end of August will just be 2 years since we became Pastors of CCC. I'm so honored to be a small part of God's big picture plan.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
6) My wife made roast beef with all the sides and home made blackberry cobbler, so I'm out!!!!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
As a church we need to start building circles rather than rows. Today's Message <a href="http://christcommunity.com/media.php?pageID=10" target="_blank">HERE</a></div>
<br />Vince Farrellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03497658842515684369noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6200138513869835259.post-2184158084968765792013-07-07T14:57:00.002-05:002013-07-07T14:57:29.523-05:00Recap Sunday, July 7thThere are those moments when you stop, pause and thank God for what He has done and is doing. Today was one of those moments. Here are some highlights from service today.<br />
<br />
1) Besides the worship team, there were three people on stage today. The reasons that's a big deal is because I'm all about some Ephesians 4:12--so I love seeing our people take ownership of ministry and challenging others to make it happen.<br />
2) We had a great group there today despite it being a "holiday week." As I was thanking God for today and thinking about the 75 singles, parents, children, grandparents there today; I thought, <i>"wow, a year ago 75 was a high number for us and today it's a low number."</i><br />
3) I cast vision for a fun end of the month--right before school starts neighborhood service project called, <a href="http://christcommunity.com/#/dont-miss-this" target="_blank">Wet and Wild Wednesday</a>.<br />
4) Friends bringing friends is an awesome sight to see. It never gets old!<br />
5) So proud of our ladies and men's ministries as they have worked so hard in providing school supplies for our neighbors next door. If you feel impressed to help, click here>>><a href="http://www.gofundme.com/37xyfs" target="_blank"> Support Millbrooke</a><br />
6) I announced today that this week we will start demolition for our new kitchen remodel project.<br />
<br />
Exciting things happening here at C.C.C! Who says you've got to slow down in the summer???<br />
<br />
We'd love to have you join what God is doing in us and though us, check us out at <a href="http://christcommunity.com/">christcommunity.com</a><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHEMV0k_z78lZXCvxhtn84Au6bFm8IW07TRJyakBhK1uXAbUzKkSfdg4cW9wQM4a4T2JXGjoO68jZyrZZtY0Uy4-iL9zVpCNMOHx10tAiidcIrEprlbpkZeDx0FKzTyPXA8x5yB0G4KMY/s1600/BballTournamentFlyer.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHEMV0k_z78lZXCvxhtn84Au6bFm8IW07TRJyakBhK1uXAbUzKkSfdg4cW9wQM4a4T2JXGjoO68jZyrZZtY0Uy4-iL9zVpCNMOHx10tAiidcIrEprlbpkZeDx0FKzTyPXA8x5yB0G4KMY/s320/BballTournamentFlyer.JPG" width="207" /></a></div>
<br />Vince Farrellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03497658842515684369noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6200138513869835259.post-65970637665779659782013-06-30T15:08:00.003-05:002013-06-30T15:08:53.234-05:00Recap from Sunday, June 30thTo put this morning in the words of one of our church partners, <h5 class="uiStreamMessage userContentWrapper" data-ft="{"type":1,"tn":"K"}" style="background-color: white; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px 0px 5px; padding: 0px 20px 0px 15px; word-break: break-word; word-wrap: break-word;">
<span class="messageBody" style="color: #333333; font-size: 13px; line-height: 1.38;">"What a great service this morning, followed by an AWESOME fellowship meal. If you missed it, you REALLY missed it!..."</span></h5>
<br /><div>
It's really is awesome to see each week what God is doing. Honestly, I knew with everyone who told me they'd be out this week that numerically we'd be low. Even for our fellowship meal after service I only set about 60 chairs out. Boy, was I wrong. Here's a quick recap:</div>
<div>
1) I expected a low crowd, due to holiday week but even with a dozen of our people out we still had 80 people!!! </div>
<div>
2) Every Sunday that has a fifth week we keep all the kids in adult service and have a fellowship meal afterwards. We call it "Family Sunday" and today I think was the best one we've ever had.</div>
<div>
3) Two years ago there were 4 children in the church, today there were 32. Talk about alive atmosphere. Kids also take up the offering on Family Sunday and wow, these kids are awesome.</div>
<div>
4) Kicked off a message series inspired by one of my favorite Pastors, Andy Stanley, as we dive into looking at things God uses to build our faith.</div>
<div>
5) Our ladies are really bringin' it with our <a href="http://www.gofundme.com/37xyfs" target="_blank">Millbrooke Elementary outreach</a>. As of now we have raised about $800 to provided school supplies for our neighbors.</div>
<div>
6) We did something totally different in worship and the team did an amazing job, I really thing we "moved the ball forward" in teaching worship is not about style. Such an amazing Spirit of God this morning during service.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
Vince Farrellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03497658842515684369noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6200138513869835259.post-70199193118314904682013-06-23T16:23:00.004-05:002013-06-23T16:23:52.941-05:00Sunday, June 23rd<b><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Reflections from Sunday</span></b><br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
1.) Good friend of mine, <a href="http://countdown.hopeculture.tv/">Craig Johnson</a>, spoke an amazing message on the topic and what it means to <a href="http://christcommunity.com/media.php?pageID=10">#fail.</a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
2.) We welcomed two families into our church; we call it partnership rather than membership. Members have rights, partners have responsibilities. I'm in such awe of the people God is bringing to Christ Community who want to run with our simple approach, "love God, love others."</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
3.) Along with Craig, another good friend, <a href="http://joeyberrios.org/">Joey Berrios</a>, came and spoke to our teens. It was awesome to see a dozen young people hear the hope of Jesus and the plan He has for their lives.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
4.) Despite the summer we are continuing to have people visit, come and come again! </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
5.) We prayed for and blessed our teenagers going to youth camp this week, excited to join them.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
6.) We've been without a drummer on our worship team for quite some time and within a matter of a few days we now have two that we can rotate between. Today's worship was full and anointed. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
7.) Church is fun again! I think most churches can over time get stuck or lose it's ability to just.....just have fun. I see all throughout scripture that Heave and salvation is paralleled to feast and parties and celebrations. But somehow we tend to think only after we die. Not me! If it's not fun then I want out. Christ Community is fun, filled with great loving people with more fun people coming every week.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Click on Image to Hear What Others are Saying</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ro3rYrwTsvM&feature=c4-overview&list=UUeLrVFpKQw7NLFFiLYaGHxA" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq2ukxOW2M8sF_4y_sXAoSneNZIo78RIjPfofy4UggFAydbQflFvp3tXwJO9NI-IJTJZgZsz6dAgRyPq3f5rsZNm1hNtOxDSEui1qQAvmyBD1SRLy1jqLjSq9LDPXJRah3uRfqN0OwBCY/s320/Ilovemychurchgraphic.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
Vince Farrellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03497658842515684369noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6200138513869835259.post-43688591062044054412013-03-29T23:46:00.000-05:002013-03-29T23:46:17.147-05:00You're Not Going to Eat That....Are You???<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwJPce1Agvq4J14KVbJiIy-mz7ys59oS_YeLlirfB4XxivEWo0o4efnzGPNfs_jxcnU-C04XEtMbKSj1C9NCbgSM_BXC2cVZ6_XXJoEmkNWHRq-4ulWhoj3rLINrgip-Ol-Mcj_2gOrfA/s1600/Get_Your_Tail.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="217" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwJPce1Agvq4J14KVbJiIy-mz7ys59oS_YeLlirfB4XxivEWo0o4efnzGPNfs_jxcnU-C04XEtMbKSj1C9NCbgSM_BXC2cVZ6_XXJoEmkNWHRq-4ulWhoj3rLINrgip-Ol-Mcj_2gOrfA/s320/Get_Your_Tail.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
I've often wondered, "which is more offensive: a chocolate bunny at Easter or a chocolate cross at Easter?" Because I know Easter is not about a bunny, or eggs or all the stuff inside them it's easy for me to have fun with those things while celebrating the REAL reason for Easter. <br />
A cross, however has special meaning to the Christian faith, it's the symbol of what our savior died on, we're told to "take up our cross" so I'd think it's not to be taken lightly or made into a causal everyday goody.<br />
<br />
Don't get me wrong, I like chocolate and will eat it in pretty much any shape or form. I don't believe on is "sinning" because they eat a chocolate cross anymore than a Christian hiding eggs or buying a chocolate bunny on Easter.<br />
<br />
<br />
The truth be told, I really think the bigger issue is deciding between dark chocolate or milk chocolate.<br />
<br />
Happy Resurrection Sunday!Vince Farrellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03497658842515684369noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6200138513869835259.post-32862774740950718382012-08-27T17:55:00.000-05:002012-08-27T17:55:39.334-05:00Hero Honor Night and How To<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinRs0DdR66UkSsRL03aL0Mhyphenhyphenps98HFNIp5LxuIq_KtCPK_9V5YDPQAeuLJxfM2TxZdmW0CK_kx1qIoY6YgVjv2bVyZEqHY8O1oUojWACyb2RRYcxtKzRheW4pdjMo6klMkUdqDvjMxH0c/s1600/608.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinRs0DdR66UkSsRL03aL0Mhyphenhyphenps98HFNIp5LxuIq_KtCPK_9V5YDPQAeuLJxfM2TxZdmW0CK_kx1qIoY6YgVjv2bVyZEqHY8O1oUojWACyb2RRYcxtKzRheW4pdjMo6klMkUdqDvjMxH0c/s320/608.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
At our church we had a special night to honor all of our Children/Nursery workers. We had a great time as we grilled out, played games and just had fun. Our theme for the party was "Heroes" because our workers truly are that, our heroes. One of the nights activities consisted of nominating others who did an outstanding job. The winners of each of the four categories received a personal trophy and $10 gift card to Chic-fil-A.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLWmbD0eQX7w51FL2db6EODQeRaz6FWYTr_YUawBi5_SmY9t7Jb62UYxVlaj4qp5H_XLnI95LkuSPZ0FdShEn5LWQ5DmVOHsExiPZ5CW8gYKpP-NqMnHhb_S4zXX0Fzf8Zg-m_StJkPCo/s1600/597.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLWmbD0eQX7w51FL2db6EODQeRaz6FWYTr_YUawBi5_SmY9t7Jb62UYxVlaj4qp5H_XLnI95LkuSPZ0FdShEn5LWQ5DmVOHsExiPZ5CW8gYKpP-NqMnHhb_S4zXX0Fzf8Zg-m_StJkPCo/s320/597.JPG" width="320" /></a>Many have asked that I give some "how to" on the awards, and as you'll see these were made from common household items, some paint and a little imagination.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFXudvhFmel-3tHqHQQnfYh5DEYxX7_gNj0ASI10vsWnV9PRo-pPWU2HjGiY2T9xNzd8jJpkN-EhPBLeyb9gLYpyY6BBBFFk2J_X-gDVOktt0BT5-orgzAP8hVXEEJhgQTXJVE6vWrGTM/s1600/599.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFXudvhFmel-3tHqHQQnfYh5DEYxX7_gNj0ASI10vsWnV9PRo-pPWU2HjGiY2T9xNzd8jJpkN-EhPBLeyb9gLYpyY6BBBFFk2J_X-gDVOktt0BT5-orgzAP8hVXEEJhgQTXJVE6vWrGTM/s200/599.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cake for Everyone!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiup-EswYBxnAZVBZwOrIjewbnLJB2NTqw6R0DMledJoKGvsTr7b9SHN5yv_odvdD3Tlmx053cuHzi5oGHJ0VaseQX92sIfUDQk2o58bKYHdgfkmlKl4nDQh1Moqws4-rGI9-L2WvZ9p0E/s1600/581.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiup-EswYBxnAZVBZwOrIjewbnLJB2NTqw6R0DMledJoKGvsTr7b9SHN5yv_odvdD3Tlmx053cuHzi5oGHJ0VaseQX92sIfUDQk2o58bKYHdgfkmlKl4nDQh1Moqws4-rGI9-L2WvZ9p0E/s320/581.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kids Dressed up for Fun!!! So did some adults.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggah6JQlMUdkj-L4-1o3I90qprTTVCRjXCX2Lfh58x-cjt-US1BkRGCQWn_2R0BwY8A7Dvlp8KJReMpRvDzdl_beqcFlYG9hjJ_SXScHvM_bSO-NAhrbOfW2PIrZ1uKW8YfUjoadPOEQ0/s1600/589.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggah6JQlMUdkj-L4-1o3I90qprTTVCRjXCX2Lfh58x-cjt-US1BkRGCQWn_2R0BwY8A7Dvlp8KJReMpRvDzdl_beqcFlYG9hjJ_SXScHvM_bSO-NAhrbOfW2PIrZ1uKW8YfUjoadPOEQ0/s320/589.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> "Hammer of Thor" Award given to the Children Coaches who are the best at keeping the peace,John and Sylvia West. The handle is the bottom of a yard light, and the main hammer part is simply foam board, some hot glue and gold spray paint resting on a "take home" container.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtvnOgjgKBmIe38uIvIIV4qTMwcKm_ZBsmOJthoqZ3AyzSLGaR4HryXXbYv7NIUmKcpDmZdmjD-GzkKQiWWm7nI1gFfIHRQ1yumBECEG_ZX4Y0YjPJzjM-lu-J5On5Mc0MkQJ3DVUujNA/s1600/590.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtvnOgjgKBmIe38uIvIIV4qTMwcKm_ZBsmOJthoqZ3AyzSLGaR4HryXXbYv7NIUmKcpDmZdmjD-GzkKQiWWm7nI1gFfIHRQ1yumBECEG_ZX4Y0YjPJzjM-lu-J5On5Mc0MkQJ3DVUujNA/s320/590.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The "Wonderous Job" award went to Stephanie Kellett. These Wonder Woman wristbands represent the wonderful job performed each week in the nursery. A wet wipe contain cut in half and painted rest beautifully on a class base.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjukyivqI5VL09FJP-87DXWpXvNKl2IG181TToI3C3cWqbm8hXdd9REbA7r4jHfcacP97NcSfJDp_6ux37dRLd_YfVs_AKUQk0q_zv8aC_TNK3Wbp6kYMXqxUhCYDg-ZaE4H_j06X8RqfQ/s1600/593.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjukyivqI5VL09FJP-87DXWpXvNKl2IG181TToI3C3cWqbm8hXdd9REbA7r4jHfcacP97NcSfJDp_6ux37dRLd_YfVs_AKUQk0q_zv8aC_TNK3Wbp6kYMXqxUhCYDg-ZaE4H_j06X8RqfQ/s320/593.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The "Super Supporter" award was given to, Dottie Gernon. Superman's underwear is kept safe and secure in this "Kryptonite" jar.<br />
<br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicr3fumwl56Bt3vF2JOSyJtc77Jp2puA_kSFUg_iV9NG3yZnTZlUiT3hzy8U1EspW01JrUhcRSwXeGpuD76A45o1gy_GQy_JzYYbApjgJfu6glQZE36-HYF9NDQI3K1qisYoYrwt0-wQM/s1600/592.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicr3fumwl56Bt3vF2JOSyJtc77Jp2puA_kSFUg_iV9NG3yZnTZlUiT3hzy8U1EspW01JrUhcRSwXeGpuD76A45o1gy_GQy_JzYYbApjgJfu6glQZE36-HYF9NDQI3K1qisYoYrwt0-wQM/s320/592.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Iron Man" trophy was awarded to, Yolanda Palmer. She is a huge encourager, and what better way to show the "iron sharpens iron" understanding than with Iron Man himself plated in gold.....spraypaint.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYuRoqED0KJ9w4bpW4m4Rv0oafJX_633n0G6N2CKBONDRzpp25f58DkDD-MFQZSysjv6vv21TVay6yhGdrqAfNHhVi4capEaZO19YGsEIxzmI7ZSH7ETk3zI4vgc1DIO4s3MAcGnYtLH8/s1600/003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYuRoqED0KJ9w4bpW4m4Rv0oafJX_633n0G6N2CKBONDRzpp25f58DkDD-MFQZSysjv6vv21TVay6yhGdrqAfNHhVi4capEaZO19YGsEIxzmI7ZSH7ETk3zI4vgc1DIO4s3MAcGnYtLH8/s200/003.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Using a non-working yard lamp, I simply painted it gold.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijPuNLwT82ucUrgdLOcpCV_O1-AReWSf1vIc2ewwoooSINWu4pJ-O2-VDBwL67Unik5oSuUAaqG9CFd-Oi42c5wPqntyvc_Yi_nzYqqCqmgUl4Ph_ViRHBAvqRZFEWYLr-brV91tr3qbw/s1600/005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijPuNLwT82ucUrgdLOcpCV_O1-AReWSf1vIc2ewwoooSINWu4pJ-O2-VDBwL67Unik5oSuUAaqG9CFd-Oi42c5wPqntyvc_Yi_nzYqqCqmgUl4Ph_ViRHBAvqRZFEWYLr-brV91tr3qbw/s200/005.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Iron Man toy to top and perfect-O!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://christcommunity.com/">christcommunity.com</a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Vince Farrellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03497658842515684369noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6200138513869835259.post-43391025117406465712012-08-23T00:33:00.000-05:002012-08-23T00:33:48.660-05:00Word of God SpeaksHave you ever heard the voice of God? I'll be honest, I have never heard an audible, out loud, from the Heavens, burning bush voice. But I know God has indeed spoken to me.<br />
<br />
I hear people say, "God spoke to me" and just naturally assume they heard God as if I was talking to them.<br />
<br />
There have been more than a few times in my life where I have either had a dream, or a vision (which I would usually chalk up as an overactive imagination) and that very thing come to be true. I remember several years ago when I was a youth pastor and the senior pastor was on a trip, I didn't know he had asked his wife to speak for him on Wednesday night service, but I woke up Wednesday morning with the faint remembrance of dreaming to be ready to speak to the church for Wednesday night service. Going in the office doing my regular duties the Pastor's wife came in and looked distraught, I asked if everything was okay and she proceeded to tell me she didn't want to speak that night and didn't know what to do. I shared with her my "dream" and that night was able to ease her mind and speak to the church what I had prepared because of God's "unction." There have been many times this has happened to me, sometimes at night while sleeping other times during the day in front of my open eyes in technicolor.<br />
<br />
About a month ago I had one of those "God speaks" moments. <br />
<br />
Over the last few weeks I've felt like my life has been one single focus of placing pieces of a jigsaw puzzle together. Honestly, some of it has been exciting, like when you're working a puzzle and find that piece that completes the border so you can then start on the middle. I look back at some of the messages I've shared and clearly see God's hand and what He orchestrated months later as more pieces come together.<br />
<br />
While I've not heard God's voice like I think Moses did, "Moses! Moses! Take off your sandals for you are standing on Holy ground." I do hear God speak, He confirms it in many ways.<br />
<br />
As I type this I know I'm being very vague but I hope it helps someone out there to know, there is a God who loves you and if you'll listen He does speak. For me, one day when the dust settles and all the pieces come in full connection to each other I'll be able to bring my children to this post and say, "remember when that thing happened and all that stuff happened that you thought or others thought didn't make sense? Look I posted this long before those things happened because God was already at work, God already had given me courage to do what needed to be done, God already confirmed, God spoke and took care of things long before we ever even thought what should we do." And my children and others will be able to look at the faithfulness of God even in the times they can't hear him speak.<br />
<br />Vince Farrellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03497658842515684369noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6200138513869835259.post-73948952829421796142012-05-07T16:49:00.000-05:002012-05-07T22:56:30.354-05:00CommunityAs I look and notice that I haven't posted since last December a slew of thoughts flood my mind. So much I could write about. So many life lessons, moments in church transitioning, ups and downs in leading people. Where to start? How to keep it simple?<br />
<br />
Let me begin with one of my passions: <i><b>involvement in community</b></i>. I think too many Christians are missing a bigger picture when it comes to community. We have two mainstream extremes: one that says, "it's all about church" and the other that says, "it's all about being <i>out</i> of corporate church." How I wish we could see the "both" and "more" in this issue instead of focusing on the "either/or" mindset.<br />
<br />
If you know anything about me then you know most of my ministry training came from Taco Bell. Yep, restaurant management! Development of systems, training, labor structure, food cost, scheduling, hiring, firing, customer satisfaction, community involvement and on and on. My store was the first to introduce a "Police Office" in the store. An idea to provide a off-site location for cops to stop in and do work in-between calls. My store was also ranked 153 in the company. Granted we were not in the top 100, but 153 out of 1500 worldwide, is not bad.<br />
<br />
The reason I bring this up is when I go into a restaurant, I look for the signs. A trained eye will tell you a lot about a place before you take a bite. One time when I was a youth pastor I was traveling with three college students and we stopped at a Taco Bell for lunch. I'm looking around at the place and ask them, "how long do you think this store has been open?" (It was clearly a new store but some things were jumping out at me.) They all said between two and three years old, I guessed 6 months. We asked the manager on duty and he informed us next week will be their 6th month next week.<br />
<br />
When we moved to Hopkinsville one of the fast food places caught my attention. Always friendly service, fast and good food and clean! One day after eating there I asked to talk to the general manager. I told her how impressed I was with her store and commended her for her hard work. I told her I was a new pastor in town but just wanted her to know her hard work doesn't go unnoticed. She started crying and gave me a hug. That was the start of our friendship and, I'll be honest, I really wanted to see her and her family start coming to our church. So, faithfully I'd go and eat and invite her to our service or special event. One day driving over for lunch I felt God just gently say to me, "don't worry about her coming to church, just be there for the sake of friendship." <br />
<br />
So, I laid-off the invites. Instead, I just focus on being a friend. There have been the occasional "counselling session" where she has needed advice on some issues and faith and I've been happy to help. Just a few weeks ago one of the assistant managers began attending our church and it's been cool to see God work in all of our lives.<br />
<br />
Today, I received a devastating phone call from a church member informing me of the news that just came out. An employee from that restaurant was found murdered and the man that did it was found dead in his car. I rushed to the store just as my manager friend called to ask if I could come by. As I walk in I saw the manager and her assistant (the one who just started attending the church) crying with other employees over the horrific news and loss of their friend and fellow manager. I spent the next 30 minutes just listening to their hearts and letting them know I'll do whatever I can. I talked to a few employees having a hard time then was asked if I'd pray for them. I said I would. She then calls all the employees from the back to come up front and for five minutes in the lobby of the store, with customers in the background, I was able to lead them in prayer for peace and understanding and share with them that this was not God's plan. Each employee, many I'd never seen before, thanked me and either hugged me or shook my hand with appreciation.<br />
<br />
What you don't know this happened because of a couple of factors working together. One: being connected to people outside myself--the church member who called me. I wouldn't have known about the situation if I were not plugged in to a local body of believers who live and work in the same town I'm trying to pastor. This is one reason why not withdrawing from a bigger group than just you and your family is so important. And two: seeing the bigger picture when it comes to community. If all we tried to do was to get people to come to "our church" then we could miss building a relationship outside the walls of the church.<br />
<br />
It's all about the AND. Doing life inside a large church community AND inside a small group.<br />
Hi, I'm Vince Farrell and I'm the pastor of a church. I never thought I'd be welcomed as a pastor of a restaurant, too.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Vince Farrellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03497658842515684369noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6200138513869835259.post-49368947011934838592011-12-11T14:07:00.000-06:002011-12-11T14:07:01.382-06:00Christmas At HomeThis year we are hosting a portable worship experience at Christ Community Church in Hopkinsville, KY.<br />
<br />
We have moved our Sunday Dec 25th service to Friday Dec. 23rd at 6:30<br />
<br />
Below is a short video that has some additional details. We are located at 425 Millbrooke Drive and would love to have you and your family join us this holiday season.<br />
www.christcommunity.com<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/2sJ3KILnXQA" width="560"></iframe>Vince Farrellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03497658842515684369noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6200138513869835259.post-45059117968360564422011-12-09T11:54:00.002-06:002011-12-09T11:54:47.195-06:00From Family Talk: James Dobson<object classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" height="316" id="null" width="565"> <param value="true" name="allowfullscreen"/> <param value="always" name="allowscriptaccess"/> <param value="high" name="quality"/> <param value="true" name="cachebusting"/> <param value="#000000" name="bgcolor"/> <param name="movie" value="https://www.seekfirstmedia.com/phpages/wp-content/themes/eVid/flash/flowplayer/flowplayer.commercial-3.2.7.swf" /> <param value="config=%7B%22playlist%22%3A%5B%7B%22autoPlay%22%3Afalse%2C%22url%22%3A%22http%3A//dl.dropbox.com/u/13481305/christmas_epicfamilytalksfm.mp4%22%2C%22autoBuffering%22%3Atrue%2C%22scaling%22%3A%22orig%22%7D%5D%2C%22canvas%22%3A%7B%22borderRadius%22%3A%220%22%2C%22border%22%3A%220px%22%2C%22backgroundGradient%22%3A%22none%22%2C%22background%22%3A%22%23000000%22%2C%22backgroundColor%22%3A%22transparent%22%7D%2C%22key%22%3A%22%23%249d6dc69a7b62c05b124%22%2C%22plugins%22%3A%7B%22viral%22%3A%7B%22url%22%3A%22https%3A//www.seekfirstmedia.com/phpages/wp-content/themes/eVid/flash/flowplayer/flowplayer.viralvideos-3.2.5.swf%22%2C%22share%22%3A%7B%22description%22%3A%22Family%20Talk%22%2C%22shareUrl%22%3A%22http%3A//www.seekfirstmedia.com/Videos/family-talk/%22%7D%7D%2C%22controls%22%3A%7B%22fullscreen%22%3Afalse%2C%22url%22%3A%22https%3A//www.seekfirstmedia.com/phpages/wp-content/themes/eVid/flash/flowplayer/flowplayer.controls-3.2.5.swf%22%2C%22tooltips%22%3A%7B%22fullscreen%22%3A%22Enter%20Fullscreen%20mode%22%2C%22buttons%22%3Atrue%7D%7D%7D%2C%22clip%22%3A%7B%22autoPlay%22%3Afalse%2C%22url%22%3A%22http%3A//dl.dropbox.com/u/13481305/christmas_epicfamilytalksfm.mp4%22%2C%22autoBuffering%22%3Atrue%2C%22scaling%22%3A%22orig%22%7D%2C%22logo%22%3A%7B%22opacity%22%3A0%7D%7D" name="flashvars"/> <embed src="https://www.seekfirstmedia.com/phpages/wp-content/themes/eVid/flash/flowplayer/flowplayer.commercial-3.2.7.swf" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="565" height="316" allowfullscreen="true" allowscriptaccess="always" cachebusting="true" flashvars="config=%7B%22playlist%22%3A%5B%7B%22autoPlay%22%3Afalse%2C%22url%22%3A%22http%3A//dl.dropbox.com/u/13481305/christmas_epicfamilytalksfm.mp4%22%2C%22autoBuffering%22%3Atrue%2C%22scaling%22%3A%22orig%22%7D%5D%2C%22canvas%22%3A%7B%22borderRadius%22%3A%220%22%2C%22border%22%3A%220px%22%2C%22backgroundGradient%22%3A%22none%22%2C%22background%22%3A%22%23000000%22%2C%22backgroundColor%22%3A%22transparent%22%7D%2C%22key%22%3A%22%23%249d6dc69a7b62c05b124%22%2C%22plugins%22%3A%7B%22viral%22%3A%7B%22url%22%3A%22https%3A//www.seekfirstmedia.com/phpages/wp-content/themes/eVid/flash/flowplayer/flowplayer.viralvideos-3.2.5.swf%22%2C%22share%22%3A%7B%22description%22%3A%22Family%20Talk%22%2C%22shareUrl%22%3A%22http%3A//www.seekfirstmedia.com/Videos/family-talk/%22%7D%7D%2C%22controls%22%3A%7B%22fullscreen%22%3Afalse%2C%22url%22%3A%22https%3A//www.seekfirstmedia.com/phpages/wp-content/themes/eVid/flash/flowplayer/flowplayer.controls-3.2.5.swf%22%2C%22tooltips%22%3A%7B%22fullscreen%22%3A%22Enter%20Fullscreen%20mode%22%2C%22buttons%22%3Atrue%7D%7D%7D%2C%22clip%22%3A%7B%22autoPlay%22%3Afalse%2C%22url%22%3A%22http%3A//dl.dropbox.com/u/13481305/christmas_epicfamilytalksfm.mp4%22%2C%22autoBuffering%22%3Atrue%2C%22scaling%22%3A%22orig%22%7D%2C%22logo%22%3A%7B%22opacity%22%3A0%7D%7D" bgcolor="#000000" quality="true"> </embed></p><p></object>Vince Farrellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03497658842515684369noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6200138513869835259.post-89485789765485957192011-07-11T10:14:00.000-05:002011-07-11T10:14:07.520-05:00Asking The Wrong QuestionAs I pray and search for creative ways to infuse vision into the church, I've done a lot of research on the question, "what is the church?"<br />
<br />
I think that is a good question.<br />
<br />
If you go on youtube or blogs or any social network you can find quite a bit of different views to the question, what is the church? Everything from: street interviews with public opinion, pastors explanation, creative animations of explanation and so on.<br />
There are a lot of thoughts around this topic. Rightfully so, I mean both sides of the issue have plenty of scripture to back up their views, so much so, that it can quickly become a debate.<br />
<br />
And that's where a good question quickly becomes bad.<br />
<br />
It's bad to create division, strife, debate over what the church is, who the church is for, what the church should look like, and who it's not for. (like I said, a lot of views out there)<br />
Perhaps we have these strong feelings about church because on one side non-believers (as well as some believers) have a very negative view of the church. Then on the other side there are very strong and positive views of the church. Thus the debate.<br />
See if you ask most people, "what is the church?' They will respond correctly, "it's the people who follow Christ." True? Then if you point at a building and ask, "what is that?" They will answer, "a church."<br />
Very confusing eh? The church is the people not the building, yet we meet in a building and call it a church. Back and forth we go! (sorry, forgive me for being factitious....but I think you see what I'm getting at.) <i>Which by the way let me add. I believe Christians should faithfully gather together in large venues as the church in a church. ;)</i><br />
<br />
So, here is my thought. Maybe we have all these different feelings about the church because we've spent so much time asking the wrong question. Perhaps instead of asking "what is the church?" we should ask "what is our life about?"<br />
<br />
Did you get that? As believers (who are the church) when we come together in a church (place where we gather) we should ask the question, "what are our lives all about?<br />
The answer?<br />
<br />
Life is about God and His Kingdom.<br />
<br />
If we truly understood that concept then we lose the tags of a church being seeker sensitive, traditional, transformational, emergent, modern, and countless others. We would not argue about the programs, strategies, and order of service line up. We would not leave the church because of personal preference dislikes or offense and hurt. Instead we'd exercise the very things that makes <i>us</i> a church without spot or wrinkle, things like unity, love, long-suffering, patience, kindness, perseverance and so on.<br />
<br />
When I read what Christ says the Kingdom of God is like, then I see what God is like. When I pay attention to what God is like, I learn what He likes. <br />
The church is us and in that we tend to bring a very <i>US </i>mindset in how we think it should be done. But if we live with a mindset that we are about His Kingdom then church will be different because we will be different.<br />
<br />
It's not about asking "what is the church?" It's about asking "what is His Kingdom all about?"Vince Farrellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03497658842515684369noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6200138513869835259.post-76804536764806334282011-07-01T18:52:00.000-05:002011-07-01T18:52:33.605-05:00Christ Community Church Vision<iframe frameborder="0" height="300" src="http://player.vimeo.com/video/24498794?title=0&byline=0&portrait=0" width="400"></iframe><br />
<a href="http://vimeo.com/24498794">Christ Community Church DNA</a> from <a href="http://vimeo.com/user1620846">Vince Farrell</a> on <a href="http://vimeo.com/">Vimeo</a>.Vince Farrellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03497658842515684369noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6200138513869835259.post-88261089927100160042011-06-26T16:54:00.004-05:002011-06-26T17:45:00.482-05:00Release of the Sling ShotIn August of 08 I started traveling full-time ministering and encouraging churches, stateside and abroad. This new start in ministry came because of some other new beginning's end.<br />
<br />
I've known our end result would be to Pastor a church and during these last three years I've felt very much like a rock in a sling shot. I see the target, but no matter how much I aim to hit it, it would appear instead of moving forward I'm being pulled back, pulled back, and pulled back.<br />
<br />
See during this time of traveling and speaking, I've also been doing quite a bit of learning; gleaning from pastors who've been in ministry and have been around the block. I've attended church-planting meetings and conferences to try to learn and grow as much as I can. What I've learned has helped me develop and formulate some ideas concerning church planting and church revitalization. I've posted previously on here about those thoughts. <br />
<br />
As I've traveled I've discovered my passion is to see the church grow and excel in what God has called it to do. I find myself coming alive when getting to speak to leadership about church growth principles and strategies, all the while I've explored every possible door when it comes to pastoring. Please understand when I say every door, I mean <i>every door</i>! I won't go into every detail, but I will add this.....while exploring every door that has appeared to open I have not felt it was ever an option to "go and do my own thing." I have a high conviction when it comes to authority and have listened and taken the advice of those over me even to the point when it's caused heartache. In fact, that's the true test to see if one is in submission---submitting when you disagree. (okay, off my soapbox)<br />
<br />
<br />
Back at the first of February we were contacted by an pastor in KY who was wanting to retire toward the end of the year and he wanted to transition the church to a young minister. He's an old friend of my wife's dad's and had contacted him, which Dale in turn put him in touch with me. At the time we were in the midst of a (long) process with a church in Joplin (one of the many doors I mentioned above) and told the pastor that we felt like we should see that process through, but expressed our desire to come and speak for the church in KY and meet the leadership. So we scheduled a date in April and at the same time the church in Joplin didn't work out. (Keep in mind, this was BEFORE any tornado touched-down in Joplin....something to think about!).<br />
<br />
The KY pastor had said that he would like to retire at the end of the year, with the transition happening right around then as well. We confirmed those date before renting this current house, because we had to sign a 1-year lease on it and didn't want to lose a lot of money.<br />
<br />
So we went on Palm Sunday to Hopkinsville, KY. It's a small church. They went through a rough time about 11-12 years ago and this current pastor has been there for 11 years now and has really focused on healing up the people. And he's done a wonderful job of that, he's a very good man! They have a wonderful, debt-free facility located in a great neighborhood right beside an elementary school. Hopkinsville is just 20 minutes from Clarksville, TN where Fort Campbell is also. So you can see there are many great out-reach and ministry opportunities there.<br />
<br />
That Palm Sunday weekend we met with their elders and wives and the pastor and his wife to just get to know each other a bit and let them ask us some questions and we asked them some as well. It was a great meeting and neither of us saw any red flags. That Sunday morning service went very well and the people were very welcoming.<br />
<br />
Oh~and did I mention that the pastor would actually like to retire at the end of August?! So that meant we needed to talk with our landlords about our contract and just let them know that we may be moving soon. Well, what happened was nothing short of a miracle! We'd had a lawyer friend look at our contract to see if there were any loop holes, but he said there were none and we would just be at their mercy, meaning we may still owe them all the rent from the time we move until our contract is up at the end of next March. Which wasn't good news. But when we talked with the owner, she was totally understanding. It turns out her dad had also been in ministry and she understood the need to move quickly sometimes and they completely released us from our contract, just asking that we give them a 30-day notice and allow them to show the house should they put it back on the market while we're still in it. Talk about relief! To be released from that contract was SUCH a blessing! This is where I truly believe God is taking care of things behind the scenes. <br />
After that I began to talk regularly on the phone with the pastor, who is just incredibly excited and really believes we are the young couple to transition the church.<br />
<br />
The first weekend in June I went back and met with the elders and deacon and wives and also the pastor and his wife again for some more getting-to-know-each-other type talk. I spoke on Sunday morning and then that evening the church held a special Q&A session with me. Lora wasn't able to go that weekend, but it went very well and I came away very excited. All that to say....<br />
<br />
WE JUST HEARD FROM THE PASTOR AFTER LUNCH TODAY THAT IT HAS BEEN <br />
CONFIRMED! WE ARE GOING TO BE THE NEXT PASTORS OFCHRIST COMMUNITY CHURCH IN HOPKINSVILLE, KY!!<br />
<br />
Also last week we made a quick overnight trip to Hopkinsville to look at homes. There is a young realtor in the church who is helping us. We did find one that we REALLY like and we went ahead (in faith!) and made an offer on it this weekend. We shot a bit low, but hoped to negotiate a good price. Well, we just got their counter offer back this past hour and it right at the amount we were willing to go up to! So we are accepting their counter offer~can't wait to be homeowners again!!<br />
<br />
And that's the<b> <span style="font-size: large;">Big News</span></b>! After feeling like a rock in a sling being pulled back, we are now being released!!!Vince Farrellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03497658842515684369noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6200138513869835259.post-62014529469510048622011-05-30T21:11:00.001-05:002011-05-31T07:34:14.131-05:00The Communications of JesusTechnology is great, especially when it works. One of the great things we have at our disposal is the ability to pass information from books, sermons, or quotes to hundreds; if not thousands of people in an instant.<br />
One subject I've noticed that can cause quite a stir in the Twitter, Facebook and Blogger circuit is when postings are made about the church. <br />
Honestly, to me the subject of The Church can be one of the most confusing topics out there. I've heard pastors spend 30 minutes in their message talking about how the church is not a building but a people united for Jesus then spend the other 30 minutes encouraging people to be faithful to the building. (haha)<br />
<br />
Let me say, I LOVE the Church and it's certainly a topic that can push my buttons. I've grown up in church, I've been hurt by the church, I've been loved by the church, I've attended church planting meetings and met with countless pastors on the subject of "The Church." With that said, allow me to set a little bit of context; I know it's human nature to quickly run to either side of the ditch when it comes to any subject. Righteousness and grace, legalism and freedom, Jesus and church, rebellion and religious and so on. But what we need to remember, regardless of what side of the ditch we end up on concerning an issue... it's still a ditch.<br />
When it comes to statements like, "I love Jesus just not the church" or "Jesus would spend more time chasing after the one rather than the other ninety-nine" or even "Jesus wouldn't be in the church today" is my concern to what audience in which these statements are made. The truth is some people hear these statements and lock on to them as the "gospel" when they are nothing more than simple statements made to "relate" or "sympathize" with a generation who doesn't understand the church. <span class="messageBody">Pastor Timothy Keller said it best in his book, The Prodigal God, "The concept of one loving Jesus but not liking the church is just another way to to hide in self deception"</span><br />
<br />
<span class="messageBody">Perhaps if we understood <i>how</i> Jesus communicated, then we'd be more mindful of <i>what</i> we communicate. Here are five levels of communication we see Jesus use.</span><br />
<span class="messageBody"><b>1.) The Multitudes:</b> Jesus taught them in story form and never explained His messages to them. He knew the multitudes had come for one primary reason: to find answers for their personal needs. Jesus didn't give assignments to the multitudes. Jesus didn't try to disciple the multitudes. Jesus didn't try to develop personal relationships with the multitudes. Jesus simply challenged the masses to make greater spiritual commitments.</span><br />
<span class="messageBody"><b>2.) The 70 Associates:</b> Jesus chose seventy to go before Him announcing His arrival. Jesus didn't attempt to disciple the seventy, he gave them personal assignments but did not enter into personal relationships with them. We don't know any of their names, just their number.</span><br />
<span class="messageBody"><b>3.) The 12 Disciples:</b> Jesus chose these twelve men personally; each of them is named and identified. We know more about them than we know about the multitudes or the seventy. This is where Jesus spent the majority of His ministry. Their learning session were in natural environments. They walked, talked, ate together, they asked Jesus questions and He responded. He explained His stories to them in detail.</span><br />
<span class="messageBody"><b>4.) The Inner Circle:</b> This was Jesus' core group; Peter, James and John were the three that knew Him best and were closest to Him. These men received His special assignments. These were the friends Jesus took with Him when He went to raise the dead. They saw His glory on the Mount of Transfiguration. They saw His sorrow in the Garden of Gethsemane. </span><br />
<span class="messageBody"><b>5.) The Beloved:</b> Of all Jesus' disciples, only one could say he was the disciple "whom Jesus loved." John was the only one we know who laid his head on Jesus' chest. Jesus gave John the responsibility of caring for His aging mother. </span><br />
<span class="messageBody"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="messageBody">Again let me keep these statements in context to the subject of communication (not salvation or any other subject.) As I travel I and speak in different churches, I have to be sure to know the audience. Too often we treat the multitudes as if they are the twelve or the inner circle.</span><br />
<span class="messageBody">I know I too need to be mindful of who is reading my post on Facebook and encourage all of us as The Church to build one another up in love and remember some things may not need to be repeated, re-posted or re-tweeted because it may cause more harm than good.</span><br />
<span class="messageBody">In love and unity!</span><br />
<span class="messageBody"> </span>Vince Farrellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03497658842515684369noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6200138513869835259.post-37701970182362441762011-05-08T21:07:00.000-05:002011-05-08T21:07:53.077-05:00Growth Changes EverythingA young couple are expecting their first child. Already in their seventh month they explain to a group of friends how excited they are that things have been going smoothly; regular check ups, eating healthy, plenty of rest. They are ready.<br />
One of their friends asks them what color did they paint the baby's room. Another asks what bed did they get. Another couple asked if they will be needing additional diapers and things since they were courious why there has been no baby shower, at least not one they were invited to.<br />
The young couple looked at everyone and them each other as if to say, "what are you talking about?"<br />
<br />
<i>"We haven't done any of those things!"</i> The husband exclaims. Shocked the group of friends start shooting off a check list of questions: <i>"Have you baby-proofed your house?" "Car seats?" "Do you have a crib?" "Are you going to nurse or use formula?"</i> <br />
The questions just kept coming. To every one's shock the young couple just looked at everyone and said, <i>"We've been just so excited about the new growth to our family that we thought the baby would be fine just to be a part of who we are. We had no idea we'd have to make so many changes for just one addition."</i><br />
<br />
The above story is made up and crazy to say the least. I don't know of anyone who has ever been expecting a baby to not do some things ahead of time to get ready for the new addition. <br />
As crazy as the above scene sounds, would you believe this is all too common outlook when it comes to church growth? <br />
<br />
There are three common types of thoughts when it comes to growing a church. The first is called, "The Revivalist" style. This method believes, "all we need is a good revival and the church will grow." While that certainly is a good thought, unfortunately it's not only grossly unbiblical, it's just not true. The second is called "The Programmatic" style. This thought process follows the belief, "if we can get the right programs and events and ministries in place then the church will grow." Again, this is a good thought and when done does produce a level of growth; however if that's all that's done then growth will halt and level off quickly.<br />
The third is called, "The Natural" style. This group comes to the table with the same understanding as the previous two, which is, "God provides the growth, He is in charge" but before the "naturalist" start on any program or ministry they first ask the question, "what do we need to get rid of that is hindering us from growing?"<br />
Now that is one painfully honest question to ask. Because lets be honest, most things at the church are there because we like them. We may have even been the ones to make them or invent them or even "birth" them. But the truth is every level of growth your church or organization goes through will bring new changes. Much like a family with five children will look, act, operate differently than a family with two children, why?<br />
Growth changes everything.<br />
Don't fall victim to getting so focused for new growth that you don't first answer the tough questions, how will be handle and take care of these new additions? Are there systems in place to help outsiders become insiders?<br />
Are there things in our church, even good things, that are unknowingly prohibiting us from growing?Vince Farrellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03497658842515684369noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6200138513869835259.post-91055865923415648942011-04-21T12:22:00.001-05:002011-04-21T12:22:39.259-05:00Objects In Mirror Are Closer Than They Appear<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:WordDocument> <w:View>Normal</w:View> <w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:TrackMoves/> <w:TrackFormatting/> <w:PunctuationKerning/> <w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/> <w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:DoNotPromoteQF/> <w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther> <w:LidThemeAsian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian> <w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript> <w:Compatibility> <w:BreakWrappedTables/> <w:SnapToGridInCell/> <w:WrapTextWithPunct/> <w:UseAsianBreakRules/> <w:DontGrowAutofit/> <w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/> <w:DontVertAlignCellWithSp/> <w:DontBreakConstrainedForcedTables/> <w:DontVertAlignInTxbx/> <w:Word11KerningPairs/> <w:CachedColBalance/> <w:UseFELayout/> </w:Compatibility> <w:DoNotOptimizeForBrowser/> <m:mathPr> <m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/> <m:brkBin m:val="before"/> <m:brkBinSub m:val="--> <m:smallfrac m:val="off"> <m:dispdef> <m:lmargin m:val="0"> <m:rmargin m:val="0"> <m:defjc m:val="centerGroup"> <m:wrapindent m:val="1440"> <m:intlim m:val="subSup"> <m:narylim m:val="undOvr"> </m:narylim></m:intlim> </m:wrapindent><!--[endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
DefSemiHidden="true" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="267"> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 7"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 8"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 9"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="59" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Table Grid"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Placeholder Text"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Revision"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="List Paragraph"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Quote"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Emphasis"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Emphasis"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Reference"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Reference"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" Name="Bibliography"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/> </w:LatentStyles> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]> <style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-qformat:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin-top:0in;
mso-para-margin-right:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:10.0pt;
mso-para-margin-left:0in;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:11.0pt;
font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";
mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;}
</style> <![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <o:shapedefaults v:ext="edit" spidmax="1026"/> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <o:shapelayout v:ext="edit"> <o:idmap v:ext="edit" data="1"/> </o:shapelayout></xml><![endif]--> </m:defjc></m:rmargin></m:lmargin></m:dispdef></m:smallfrac><br />
<div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Several years ago I heard a message where the speaker was explaining vision like that of a windshield of a car.<span> </span>He said, “you should always be looking ahead and not worry about the past; it’s like driving a car, you have a huge windshield in front of you and a small rear view mirror to glance at.”</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">While I certainly understood what he was saying, I’ll never forget thinking, “yeah but there are also two side mirrors.”</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">While driving home from another fruitful trip where I met with church leadership and discussed vision, I noticed those words I’ve seen a million times on the mirror, “objects in mirror are closer than they appear” and had a bit of revelation concerning vision on what I’ll call “the three mirrors” when it comes to looking ahead at the road in front of you.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Mirror one is called, “Others.”<span> </span>When moving forward it’s important to keep others in mind.<span> </span>There are some that need to be looked at with the understanding that they probably won’t make it with you the next leg of the journey and some that will need help getting to where you want to take them.<span> </span>Others is a huge aspect to keep in mind because it’s been best said, “if you think you’re leading and look behind you to see others aren’t following then you’re just taking a walk.”<span> </span>Be mindful to make sure others are following as well as what others are refusing to follow.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Mirror two is called, “You.”<span> </span>Whenever I look in my rearview mirror to see what’s behind me I also catch a glimpse of myself.<span> </span><span> </span>I think it’s the unspoken truth we must continue to focus on and develop our character as we are leading others into the future of where God is directing.<span> </span>I’ve see too many times leaders become not worth following because their integrity eroded over the course of time while trying to save the world.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Mirror three is called, “History.”<span> </span>How my tenth grade history teacher would proclaim, “you need to know your history because it has a way of repeating itself!”<span> </span>I certainly don’t believe a bad history means a bad future, no, God is bigger than that.<span> </span>However, knowing the history of a group or organization will give understanding why some ideas are tough to get through to people and why others won’t buy in to your vision.<span> </span>Knowing the history is very important, so ask questions.<span> </span>Asking tough questions now will help avoid tough times later.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Hope this makes sense and you’re encouraged to continue to lead where you’re at!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Blessings!!!</span></div>Vince Farrellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03497658842515684369noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6200138513869835259.post-13716153342764497872011-02-09T10:37:00.000-06:002011-02-09T10:37:19.900-06:00How It Looks Is Not The IssueWhen it comes to change, that's one area we all have a hard time coping with. No matter how much we say we like change, the truth is, when change affects us then we don't like it.<br />
<br />
King David wanted to build God a Temple. God said David couldn't but would allow his son, Solomon, to do so. So David made all the preparations and plans for the place where people would gather to worship God.<br />
<br />
Years later, Solomon, constructs the Temple. It was awesome to say the least, but it was different from previous ways "church" was done.<br />
<br />
Up to that point, the only "church" they had experienced was the portable tent design given by God to Moses for the original tabernacle, however it was clear that Solomon's temple was approved by the Lord. The Lord Himself had given David the new plans, and David passed these plans on to Solomon. (1 Chronicles 28:11-19) <br />
<br />
How much more must we remember that it's not what the church does and doesn't look like; lots of lights, smoke, coffee, loud music, organ, candles, video projector or hymnals is not the issue. The main question should always be, "Is God's presence there?"<br />
<br />
Where His presence is, there is fullness of joy;* joy even with the changes. <br />
<br />
<br />
*Psalms 16:11Vince Farrellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03497658842515684369noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6200138513869835259.post-32142803364375620642011-02-01T12:35:00.002-06:002011-02-01T12:55:10.084-06:00Momentum<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjedYGCMcyElIIgAVLYe4A8uO7617uyZih0vEUA4MvWmsHaVnNMwXxW1pTBp5b1bYgO6ohIGboPRDH15GDf3VkdPNgjfSrO60xOsgOnCQtjYqrCbUlsGQcHc5WWXTuV71TfNVWVifXmDg/s1600/Momentum.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjedYGCMcyElIIgAVLYe4A8uO7617uyZih0vEUA4MvWmsHaVnNMwXxW1pTBp5b1bYgO6ohIGboPRDH15GDf3VkdPNgjfSrO60xOsgOnCQtjYqrCbUlsGQcHc5WWXTuV71TfNVWVifXmDg/s320/Momentum.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Momentum is that wonderful, mysterious and mystical thing that everyone wants on their side, yet doesn't really know how to produce or harness it.<br />
We know it when we see it; we know when we've lost it, but how do you get it? <br />
Allow me to submit to you what I call, "the law of momentum" it goes:<br />
<br />
<b>"Doing new things creates momentum but those things you did will never sustain momentum." </b><br />
<br />
<br />
Whenever a group, church or business does new things it causes the wheels of momentum to start moving. However there are other factors in place currently that either cause that momentum to slow or even stop. They are: the leader, the system and the programs; and while we don't want to admit it, when momentum is slowing we must look at all the factors currently in place to see which one needs adjusting.<br />
<br />
The most common to replace is the leader, because after all he or she is the most visible and easiest to "blame" when momentum is lost. Sometimes yes, a new leaders is needed BUT while you can put a "new" leader in place and see an improvement happen; the real issue is reviled once the "newness" has worn off. It's simple, if things go back to the way they were or the same problems surface even after new leader, after new leader, then it's not a leader problem it's a system problem.<br />
<br />
The hardest to address is losing momentum because of a program issue. Because we all become attached to "things" that we love or grew up on or created ourselves!<br />
Remember what created momentum won't sustain it. This is why the McRib shows up and then disappears often. I believe the corporate world understands this much better than the church world.<br />
We tend to tie a "bible verse and theology" to why we do everything we do in the church. Don't crucify me. We should have Biblical convictions for doing the work. But know when you do that to every program and department you have just set up that program to become the very golden calf that one day you will have to tear down.<br />
Simply doing the same thing over and over for many years is not the goal. It's not new. In fact it's the very thing that is causing the loss of momentum. It's why many times the wheel is spinning but all it's doing is creating a rut.<br />
<br />
Knowing the difference between tweaking a current system and program or letting it die and creating something new is the start to understanding and creating momentum in your organization. <br />
<br />
As we watch the events unfold in Egypt and it's leadership, part of me can't help to ask the question, "Do some of our churches have more in common with the Egypt situation than we are willing to admit?"<br />
<br />
Go and do new things in your churches! Be willing to change the programs, the systems and if need be the leader. Move forward with message! Create momentum!!!Vince Farrellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03497658842515684369noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6200138513869835259.post-61857627514193651732011-01-31T10:27:00.000-06:002011-01-31T10:27:26.591-06:00Seven Specific Prayer Points for Egypt<div class="mbl notesBlogText clearfix"><div>Due to the current turmoil in Egypt out trip has been canceled and will be rescheduled once we see things have settled down. Our missionary contact and good friend, Dr. Sameh Sadik, sent this message. Please pray for him and these areas he outlines. Thank you.<br />
<br />
<br />
Tonight: Looting has been reduced tremendously, safety is being restored into Cairo and throughout the country. I would like to request pray for 7 specific Prayer points:<br />
<ol><li>The most urgent need for prayer is Food Supplies due to the curfew that is now 18 hours per day. As you have seen, the protesters defy the curfew but most of the people in the country, and especially the Farmers and Food distributors and manufacturers have not been able to transport the needed supplies for the population. Many foods are being rationed especially Bread. Pray that the Food supply will be sufficient for the needs of the people.</li>
<li>Tomorrow the Police force will be reactivated & Pray that the Escaped Prisoners will be recaptured, thus reducing the amount of Criminals in the streets.</li>
<li>Pray for a peaceful end of the demonstrations </li>
<li>Pray Internet Communication can be restored</li>
<li>Pray for Wisdom to those in authority to take decisions that would consider the well being of the people in Egypt over their own benefits. </li>
<li>Pray for a Peaceful end of the demonstrations will expedite bringing normality </li>
<li>Pray the Church to show the Hope of Jesus Christ throughout this Crisis. </li>
</ol></div></div>Vince Farrellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03497658842515684369noreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6200138513869835259.post-74987115686829529012010-12-18T21:40:00.001-06:002010-12-18T21:40:46.054-06:00Top 3 Signs You May Be Missing the Christmas Spirit<div class="mbl notesBlogText clearfix"><div>#3: You begin a Facebook status post with the phrase, "Come on People..." or "Hey People..." when wanting to make a point. It has the same ring as when the Prodigal's brother said to his dad, "this son of yours." It makes the relationships of life seem so distant and finger pointing.<br />
<br />
#2: You get all bent out of shape when someone writes "X-Mas" instead of Christmas. While I too am an advocate for keeping Christ in Christmas, the fact remains that the original term X-Mas was created with just as much spiritual significance than the original phrase Merry Christmas. In fact, do a study on the letter X in Greek to find out how silly you've been making war out of a non-war issue. By the way if it was an issue worth getting upset about, then shouldn't we be all excited and "victorious" when we drive down the road and see a yellow sign with the words "PED X-ING?" Don't we interpret that as "Pedestrian Crossing?" Hey! The word "cross" in a secular sign!!!<br />
<br />
#1: You can't stand to hear someone say "Happy Holidays" instead of "Merry Christmas." There are a lot of ways to say, "hello", "I love you" and "no thank you." Same goes for wishing someone joy during this season. I've never heard someone use the term Happy Holidays to blatantly slam someones faith in Christ or to shun that person. (not that it doesn't happen) It's just we live in a society where 83% don't go to a church and/or don't have a Christian background. So to most, saying Happy Holiday is as natural as saying Happy Birthday. I'm reminded of the words, "they will know we are Christians by our love." There are Biblical convictions and personal values. Don't die on the mountain of personal values and lose the opportunity to one day talk about Biblical convictions to someone.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">P.S There is another, it's called "You write me several paragraphs on explaining why you do any of the above mentioned and why I'm wrong." Which in term just proves my point.</span> </div></div>Vince Farrellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03497658842515684369noreply@blogger.com0