Today my family and I enjoyed a wonderful time at the "Apple Festival" in Lincoln, AR. It was about an hour away from where we live; and with clear skies and the weather resting at 68, it was perfect.
There's a question I had pop into my head over and over again as we passed the many display tables. Here it is.
"As a Pastor of a church, what would I do here to stand out from the rest of the booths, to be a blessing to people?"
I say this because I saw two, maybe three church booths that were there. They were selling things. One even had a little basketball hoop set up for kids to play.
So if you would, send my your thoughts on what would be a blessing to people in this type of setting while helping to set a positive image for the church and it's members.
I'm asking for "out of the box" suggestions because I do not consider selling items as a way of accomplishing the goal. (My opinion, not saying it's right or wrong; just not my way of thinking)
*Please note, I am not a Pastor of a church-----not yet ;)
Saturday, October 3, 2009
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Spiritual Leadership
"Spiritual leadership is moving people on to God's agenda."
There are some distinctive elements that bring clarity between the difference of a leader and a spiritual leader. While spiritual leadership involves many of the same principles as general leadership, spiritual leadership has certain distinctive qualities that must understood and practiced if spiritual leaders are to be successful.
Traits of a Spiritual Leader
1. Influence: The spiritual leader's task is to move people from where they are to where God wants them to be.
2. Discernment: Spiritual leaders depend on the Holy Spirit.
3. Accountable: Spiritual leaders are accountable to God and operate with acute sense of accountability; and place people around them to exercise transparency.
4. Kingdom Builders: Spiritual leaders work from God's agenda. It's so easy to slip into pursuing our own agenda rather than seeking God's will.
God does not ask leaders to dream big dreams for him or to solve the problems that confront them. He asks leaders to walk with Him so intimately that, when he reveals what is on his agenda, they will immediately adjust their lives to his will and the results will bring glory to God.
These thoughts were taken from the book, "Spiritual Leadership" by Henry & Richard Blackaby
There are some distinctive elements that bring clarity between the difference of a leader and a spiritual leader. While spiritual leadership involves many of the same principles as general leadership, spiritual leadership has certain distinctive qualities that must understood and practiced if spiritual leaders are to be successful.
Traits of a Spiritual Leader
1. Influence: The spiritual leader's task is to move people from where they are to where God wants them to be.
2. Discernment: Spiritual leaders depend on the Holy Spirit.
3. Accountable: Spiritual leaders are accountable to God and operate with acute sense of accountability; and place people around them to exercise transparency.
4. Kingdom Builders: Spiritual leaders work from God's agenda. It's so easy to slip into pursuing our own agenda rather than seeking God's will.
God does not ask leaders to dream big dreams for him or to solve the problems that confront them. He asks leaders to walk with Him so intimately that, when he reveals what is on his agenda, they will immediately adjust their lives to his will and the results will bring glory to God.
These thoughts were taken from the book, "Spiritual Leadership" by Henry & Richard Blackaby
Sunday, September 20, 2009
Props to Brad
So here I am looking at my blog thinking of what to type when my friend, Brad Post, just posted his blog thoughts.
Several weeks ago I wrote about the difference between "membership and partnership"; Brad's post particularly caught my attention because it reflects some great thoughts concerning the heart of honor.
I met Brad online through blogging and got to meet him and his family in person a couple of months ago when they were traveling from Atlanta to Oklahoma. They were kind enough to make a pit stop in Alma, AR so we could connect.
Check him out on Facebook, his blog, or follow him on Twitter.
Below is his post. I hope you enjoy his blog as much as I do.
Welcome VS Honor
I shared this with our Welcome Team this morning from Turning Point Church at our VIP meeting which was inspired from a conversation I had earlier this week with Larry Brey from Elevation Church from a blog he posted. It covers the difference between welcoming someone and honoring them. This would relate to anyone in church, in business and at the house.
There is a huge difference when we welcome someone into our house, church or business and honor them. Welcoming is great and people feel a sense of security but honoring someone is totally different.
The difference in our Welcome Team:
• For our Greeters: is not just handing them a bulletin and saying welcome but if it is their first time and they have children walk them to the children’s check in, talk with them during the process.
• For our Parking Team: it is a difference from just waving at them and actually opening the door with them.
• For our Ushers and Sanctuary Greeters: it is a difference in saying showing them where the coffee is and making it for them or showing them an open seat and actually taking them to it.
Try this phrase when you see a client, friend or co-worker this week, “It is an honor to see you today.” There is such a greater impact than saying anything else. I used this a few times this Sunday and had a few people look at me like “wow” or they were just looking at me like I was crazy..one of the two.
Several weeks ago I wrote about the difference between "membership and partnership"; Brad's post particularly caught my attention because it reflects some great thoughts concerning the heart of honor.
I met Brad online through blogging and got to meet him and his family in person a couple of months ago when they were traveling from Atlanta to Oklahoma. They were kind enough to make a pit stop in Alma, AR so we could connect.
Check him out on Facebook, his blog, or follow him on Twitter.
Below is his post. I hope you enjoy his blog as much as I do.
Welcome VS Honor
I shared this with our Welcome Team this morning from Turning Point Church at our VIP meeting which was inspired from a conversation I had earlier this week with Larry Brey from Elevation Church from a blog he posted. It covers the difference between welcoming someone and honoring them. This would relate to anyone in church, in business and at the house.
There is a huge difference when we welcome someone into our house, church or business and honor them. Welcoming is great and people feel a sense of security but honoring someone is totally different.
The difference in our Welcome Team:
• For our Greeters: is not just handing them a bulletin and saying welcome but if it is their first time and they have children walk them to the children’s check in, talk with them during the process.
• For our Parking Team: it is a difference from just waving at them and actually opening the door with them.
• For our Ushers and Sanctuary Greeters: it is a difference in saying showing them where the coffee is and making it for them or showing them an open seat and actually taking them to it.
Try this phrase when you see a client, friend or co-worker this week, “It is an honor to see you today.” There is such a greater impact than saying anything else. I used this a few times this Sunday and had a few people look at me like “wow” or they were just looking at me like I was crazy..one of the two.
Friday, September 4, 2009
Is it Voice mail or Voice jail?
It's been well said, "make sure your voice mail doesn't become a jail."
We live in a time where communication is easier than it's ever been. Cell phones, internet, blogs, Skype, video conferencing, text, email, social networks, the list goes on and on.
With so many ways to get in contact with people, it also means so many ways not to hear from people as well.
Phone calls still reign supreme as the best way to communicate; not only because so many methods can be linked to the cell phone, but because it's more personal hearing the persons voice. There's a level of intimacy that goes with connection on the phone.
Make sure your voice mail doesn't become a jail to those trying to get a hold of you.
As leaders we must be sharp on this issue. It doesn't mean we call back the very second we miss a call; but it does mean we don't let responding to peoples messages go days without returning them.
We're all busy. No one argues that.
But you'd be surprised what reputation you can gain by being quick to respond; or lose by keeping someone waiting in "voice jail."
We live in a time where communication is easier than it's ever been. Cell phones, internet, blogs, Skype, video conferencing, text, email, social networks, the list goes on and on.
With so many ways to get in contact with people, it also means so many ways not to hear from people as well.
Phone calls still reign supreme as the best way to communicate; not only because so many methods can be linked to the cell phone, but because it's more personal hearing the persons voice. There's a level of intimacy that goes with connection on the phone.
Make sure your voice mail doesn't become a jail to those trying to get a hold of you.
As leaders we must be sharp on this issue. It doesn't mean we call back the very second we miss a call; but it does mean we don't let responding to peoples messages go days without returning them.
We're all busy. No one argues that.
But you'd be surprised what reputation you can gain by being quick to respond; or lose by keeping someone waiting in "voice jail."
Saturday, August 29, 2009
Membership VS. Partnership
I was at Starbucks with my wife and while we sat and sipped away; I picked up a "Starbucks Gold" card application form. Starbucks has a "membership" program. Pay them a yearly fee and get certain perks. It's nothing new, tons of stores offer this type of program to already paying customers.
Some business, in fact however, won't even let you be a customer without a membership.
Blockbuster video,
Sam's Club,
Anytime Fitness gym are a few I've had in my life
Membership seems to be defined as, "pay a fee and receive benefits from our services."
I dare to say this mentality has spilled over into most churches; after all, every church has a membership.
Membership is referred to when answering the famous "how many" question.
It usually goes something like this: So, how many do you have in the church?" "Well we have about 600 members."
But the actual attendance is around 250.
Membership invites a mental understanding that because "I pay, I should get."
I say all this not to poke fun or degrade churches.
I say all this to encourage a change in our view of church attendees.
I'm not interested in doing things because that's how we always did them. So I throw out this simple thought.
Instead of offering "Church Membership" how about "Church Partnership"
Partnership says, "no matter the cost, I'm committed to the vision of this organization."
Partnership goes way beyond dropping your dues into a plate or clocking in your time at the front door.
Partnership is an understanding that it's not about me and it's not about you; it's about them. Those who don't know Christ.
Now if you're reading this and say, "hey, Vince! What you said about partnership is the exact same thing we have as our membership at church."
Great! I say. But remember that's not what our culture and people in our church understand for the most part.
Think about creating a "Church Partnership" mentality in your ministry and watch what happens.
Some business, in fact however, won't even let you be a customer without a membership.
Blockbuster video,
Sam's Club,
Anytime Fitness gym are a few I've had in my life
Membership seems to be defined as, "pay a fee and receive benefits from our services."
I dare to say this mentality has spilled over into most churches; after all, every church has a membership.
Membership is referred to when answering the famous "how many" question.
It usually goes something like this: So, how many do you have in the church?" "Well we have about 600 members."
But the actual attendance is around 250.
Membership invites a mental understanding that because "I pay, I should get."
I say all this not to poke fun or degrade churches.
I say all this to encourage a change in our view of church attendees.
I'm not interested in doing things because that's how we always did them. So I throw out this simple thought.
Instead of offering "Church Membership" how about "Church Partnership"
Partnership says, "no matter the cost, I'm committed to the vision of this organization."
Partnership goes way beyond dropping your dues into a plate or clocking in your time at the front door.
Partnership is an understanding that it's not about me and it's not about you; it's about them. Those who don't know Christ.
Now if you're reading this and say, "hey, Vince! What you said about partnership is the exact same thing we have as our membership at church."
Great! I say. But remember that's not what our culture and people in our church understand for the most part.
Think about creating a "Church Partnership" mentality in your ministry and watch what happens.
Thursday, August 13, 2009
Thoughts from the Week
I just got back from the Indiana area where I spent a great week in ministry.
Friday I spent some one on one time with leaders from XENOX Industries and taught some sessions on youth leadership. Saturday night I spoke to the entire youth ministry and had an awesome time in the presence of God.
Sunday morning was an experience in it's self. It was one of those moments in time when God gives a direct word and confirms it in different ways.
I particular enjoyed my time with Pastor Gibson. There was an instant connection I felt in my spirit with him and the members of Charity Tabernacle.
I could feel months worth of "crud" flake off and a new brokenness as I ministered Sunday morning.
This trip was more than just getting to minister, but it was a week getting to connect with Pastors and pick their brain concerning pastoring.
As I sift through the feelings, information and desires in my heart; I know one thing is a must---
get input from others!
At this point in my life, I don't know if I'm to start a new work, or take over an existing work....but I do know this; it will be pastoring. So, I continue my journey.
Here are some thoughts that I picked up from a couple of pastors, as well as my own thoughts, while traveling last week. Thank you pastors David Gibson and Dehner Maurer for your time.
"I don't ever believe it's God's will to start a church by proselyting other church members."--Vince
"Whatever you do; there will always be a price to pay." --Pastor David Gibson
"The best staff is the one you enjoy doing life together with."--Pastor Dehner Maurer
"Commitment and vision is key, and commitment to the vision is a must"--Vince
"When I think of churches doing plays, I often think, who left it up to the church to handle the entertainment department?!?"--Pastor David Gibson
"You can talk about being a multi-culture church, but if you are----it will show up first in your congregation, be evident in your leadership teams, and in plain sight on your staff." --Dehner Maurer
Friday I spent some one on one time with leaders from XENOX Industries and taught some sessions on youth leadership. Saturday night I spoke to the entire youth ministry and had an awesome time in the presence of God.
Sunday morning was an experience in it's self. It was one of those moments in time when God gives a direct word and confirms it in different ways.
I particular enjoyed my time with Pastor Gibson. There was an instant connection I felt in my spirit with him and the members of Charity Tabernacle.
I could feel months worth of "crud" flake off and a new brokenness as I ministered Sunday morning.
This trip was more than just getting to minister, but it was a week getting to connect with Pastors and pick their brain concerning pastoring.
As I sift through the feelings, information and desires in my heart; I know one thing is a must---
get input from others!
At this point in my life, I don't know if I'm to start a new work, or take over an existing work....but I do know this; it will be pastoring. So, I continue my journey.
Here are some thoughts that I picked up from a couple of pastors, as well as my own thoughts, while traveling last week. Thank you pastors David Gibson and Dehner Maurer for your time.
"I don't ever believe it's God's will to start a church by proselyting other church members."--Vince
"Whatever you do; there will always be a price to pay." --Pastor David Gibson
"The best staff is the one you enjoy doing life together with."--Pastor Dehner Maurer
"Commitment and vision is key, and commitment to the vision is a must"--Vince
"When I think of churches doing plays, I often think, who left it up to the church to handle the entertainment department?!?"--Pastor David Gibson
"You can talk about being a multi-culture church, but if you are----it will show up first in your congregation, be evident in your leadership teams, and in plain sight on your staff." --Dehner Maurer
Friday, July 31, 2009
Connecting the Dots
My son, who just turned four, loves the activity--connect the dots.
When he was younger the game was simple, with only ten dots for him to draw a line to one another to connect.
Now he's on the pages that have up to thirty dots for him to draw a line to connect.
And because he is our son, he has a double dose of "perfectionism." He get's real upset when he realizes that he went the wrong way and connected the wrong dot.
But you should see him when he connects them all properly.
He comes running to me to show off his work of art.
That's awesome! As I take the wonderful picture from his hands to admire.
He beams with pride.
Our life should be a beautiful picture that we can run to God with and say, "look Dad!"
The devil knows this; it's why he tries so many times to get us to miss the dot moment.
What is a dot?
A dot, for us, is a moment in life when you or I have to make a choice or decision.
We choose wisely---a successful connection of the dot to another in our lives.
We choose poorly---we can get off track, make a bad testimony for ourselves; even do some serious damage to our lives, and more than likely we have to go back and retake that "dot moment"---because our heavenly Father loves us that much, He lets us "re-draw."
2 Peter 1:5-9 (NKJV)
But also for this very reason, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue, to virtue knowledge, 6 to knowledge self-control, to self-control perseverance, to perseverance godliness, 7 to godliness brotherly kindness, and to brotherly kindness love. 8 For if these things are yours and abound, you will be neither barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9 For he who lacks these things is shortsighted, even to blindness, and has forgotten that he was cleansed from his old sins.
Before I share what I believe are some great "connecting the dot" helpers, please note that the end of verse 9 echoes what is mentioned in the beginning of verse 5.
In a nutshell it tells us, "if you have been saved by grace because of Jesus Christ, then you should be growing in your faith. The elements that are listed, pay attention to and use them in partnership with the power of the Holy Spirit, already in work in you."
Here are three quick thoughts from this scripture that I believe will help us, "add to our faith" and successfully connect the dots in our Christian walk.
1. Practical Biblical Teaching: "But also for this very reason, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue, to virtue knowledge... " We need to be diligent to learn the Word of God. But not just so we can be a spiritual "know it all." But because it's a key to growing our faith. It's a compass to give direction when we're "on the dot" and need to know which way to go. Biblical knowledge works hand in hand with the Holy Spirit to help us make the proper decision.
2. Private Disciplines: "to knowledge self-control, to self-control perseverance," This is not my strongest area. However, I've noticed when I give special attention to the "things I don't want to do--but do them anyway" then it becomes easier and easier for me to do them and for me to do a better job at connecting the dots. There seems to be less mess and more beauty.
3. Providential Relationships: "to godliness brotherly kindness, and to brotherly kindness love. Upon doing some study into this verse, there seems to be some distinction between just "brotherly kindness" and "brother kindness love." In short, the latter is what Christ said the "second greatest commandment is like the first." This is the real rubber meets the road Christian living, but before you can get there you first have to have practiced a lifestyle of showing some "brotherly kindness" to those of like faith.
If you have siblings then you know the fighting is. It's probably why it hurts so much when it happens in the Church. But the point here is that you and I need fellow brothers and sisters that we love enough to be real, honest, loving, truthful, respectful, and compassionate towards; especially if we're to take that love to a word that does not know Him. Providential relationship is one that will always bring you closer to Christ; helps you connect the next dot, even if it hurts. Which means not every Christian friendship will be on that level, and that's okay, but you and I need the people in our life that know how to live "brotherly kindness."
Hope you enjoyed these thoughts and hope they help you when you find yourself on a dot and needing direction to make the next line a successful one. If you have any Biblical revelation on this subject, drop me a line, I'd love to here it.
I'm sharing this message in a couple of weeks to a wonderful youth ministry called, Ignited. God is doing amazing things in the church. Their youth are running around five hundred in weekly attendance and is filled with young men and women who love God and are making difference in their town.
Make beautiful pictures, connect the dots.
When he was younger the game was simple, with only ten dots for him to draw a line to one another to connect.
Now he's on the pages that have up to thirty dots for him to draw a line to connect.
And because he is our son, he has a double dose of "perfectionism." He get's real upset when he realizes that he went the wrong way and connected the wrong dot.
But you should see him when he connects them all properly.
He comes running to me to show off his work of art.
That's awesome! As I take the wonderful picture from his hands to admire.
He beams with pride.
Our life should be a beautiful picture that we can run to God with and say, "look Dad!"
The devil knows this; it's why he tries so many times to get us to miss the dot moment.
What is a dot?
A dot, for us, is a moment in life when you or I have to make a choice or decision.
We choose wisely---a successful connection of the dot to another in our lives.
We choose poorly---we can get off track, make a bad testimony for ourselves; even do some serious damage to our lives, and more than likely we have to go back and retake that "dot moment"---because our heavenly Father loves us that much, He lets us "re-draw."
2 Peter 1:5-9 (NKJV)
But also for this very reason, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue, to virtue knowledge, 6 to knowledge self-control, to self-control perseverance, to perseverance godliness, 7 to godliness brotherly kindness, and to brotherly kindness love. 8 For if these things are yours and abound, you will be neither barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9 For he who lacks these things is shortsighted, even to blindness, and has forgotten that he was cleansed from his old sins.
Before I share what I believe are some great "connecting the dot" helpers, please note that the end of verse 9 echoes what is mentioned in the beginning of verse 5.
In a nutshell it tells us, "if you have been saved by grace because of Jesus Christ, then you should be growing in your faith. The elements that are listed, pay attention to and use them in partnership with the power of the Holy Spirit, already in work in you."
Here are three quick thoughts from this scripture that I believe will help us, "add to our faith" and successfully connect the dots in our Christian walk.
1. Practical Biblical Teaching: "But also for this very reason, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue, to virtue knowledge... " We need to be diligent to learn the Word of God. But not just so we can be a spiritual "know it all." But because it's a key to growing our faith. It's a compass to give direction when we're "on the dot" and need to know which way to go. Biblical knowledge works hand in hand with the Holy Spirit to help us make the proper decision.
2. Private Disciplines: "to knowledge self-control, to self-control perseverance," This is not my strongest area. However, I've noticed when I give special attention to the "things I don't want to do--but do them anyway" then it becomes easier and easier for me to do them and for me to do a better job at connecting the dots. There seems to be less mess and more beauty.
3. Providential Relationships: "to godliness brotherly kindness, and to brotherly kindness love. Upon doing some study into this verse, there seems to be some distinction between just "brotherly kindness" and "brother kindness love." In short, the latter is what Christ said the "second greatest commandment is like the first." This is the real rubber meets the road Christian living, but before you can get there you first have to have practiced a lifestyle of showing some "brotherly kindness" to those of like faith.
If you have siblings then you know the fighting is. It's probably why it hurts so much when it happens in the Church. But the point here is that you and I need fellow brothers and sisters that we love enough to be real, honest, loving, truthful, respectful, and compassionate towards; especially if we're to take that love to a word that does not know Him. Providential relationship is one that will always bring you closer to Christ; helps you connect the next dot, even if it hurts. Which means not every Christian friendship will be on that level, and that's okay, but you and I need the people in our life that know how to live "brotherly kindness."
Hope you enjoyed these thoughts and hope they help you when you find yourself on a dot and needing direction to make the next line a successful one. If you have any Biblical revelation on this subject, drop me a line, I'd love to here it.
I'm sharing this message in a couple of weeks to a wonderful youth ministry called, Ignited. God is doing amazing things in the church. Their youth are running around five hundred in weekly attendance and is filled with young men and women who love God and are making difference in their town.
Make beautiful pictures, connect the dots.
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