This past week I had an opportunity to go on a road trip with 40 other "young" pastors from Minnesota. Believe me when I say, "I just qualify". We went to Naperville, Ill. to meet with A/G Supt. Trask. The forum was to discuss the topic of "Young Emerging Pastors". I will not go into the details of what was said and what was accomplished, but I do want to share one thought with you about what I realized.
As I approach the age of 42 next week, I realized now more than ever how much I need young thinking around me. I need to learn from a culture that thinks different than I do in order to minister to them. There is such a passion in their hearts to reach their age group and the way they do that is different than how I would try and reach someone who is 40+. It was a great bus trip with plenty of opportunity for me to learn from younger guys. Hopefully as the really young and the not so young discussed ideas, the young were able to capture the wisdom of those who have gone before them and apply what they can to the methods that are used to reach the next generation.
Friday, October 06, 2006
Monday, October 02, 2006
Rice Campus Update
Yesterday was our grand opening service at Living Hope Rice. We had just over 100 people attending. Eight new families from the Rice area attended for the first time. What a great day of celebrating the birth of a vision. I am so proud of all of our workers. They work together, have great attitudes, are extremely friendly and are working in their giftings and passion. I am especially proud of Pastor Bobby & Jen. They are doing a great job in laying a foundation of what our vision is for Living Hope Rice. It takes a team, and God has blessed me with a great one.
PS
Last time I talked about the shell shock I experienced the first Sunday in Little Falls. With two campuses and about 65 people from LF now at Rice it was different to say the least. I am happy to report that the last two weeks went a lot better. The second week the attendance was back up. We had a number of families that had been awol, all show up. The greatest part of the service was when seven people raised their hand or looked up at me indicating that they wanted to accept Jesus as savior. Wow was I pumped. One of the men has been attending my Life Group.
Yesterday in Little Falls we had another good increase. From what I can tell, the rough numbers for Littel Falls and Rice was around 300. This last year we averaged about 220.
God is passionate about the lost of our area and He is the one who is moving. TO GOD BE THE GLORY!
PS
Last time I talked about the shell shock I experienced the first Sunday in Little Falls. With two campuses and about 65 people from LF now at Rice it was different to say the least. I am happy to report that the last two weeks went a lot better. The second week the attendance was back up. We had a number of families that had been awol, all show up. The greatest part of the service was when seven people raised their hand or looked up at me indicating that they wanted to accept Jesus as savior. Wow was I pumped. One of the men has been attending my Life Group.
Yesterday in Little Falls we had another good increase. From what I can tell, the rough numbers for Littel Falls and Rice was around 300. This last year we averaged about 220.
God is passionate about the lost of our area and He is the one who is moving. TO GOD BE THE GLORY!
Monday, September 18, 2006
Living Hope Rice
If you look at the time span between this blog and my last one, you might be wondering what happened to me. Part of the time I was on a relaxing two week vacation, but most of the time I have been consumed with giving birth. Not literally thank the Lord! This past Sunday, after a couple of years of casting vision and planning, the church that I pastor went to two meeting locations. The last two months has been crunch time. The UPS and Fed Ex guys are dropping off packages almost daily. I think we can add them to our membership list soon. With all of the audio/visual stuff ordered, it's been like Christmas around here.
I am so proud of my staff and the people of Living Hope. They have really stepped it up to make this dream of the Lord's a reality. Our first service in Rice had 68 people attending. This was not an announced service. We are having two "practice" services prior to our grand opening on October 1.
It was very different at our Little Falls Campus on Sunday. I think some people thought, "where is everybody". Although it was down in attendance I was excited. For many years our church has filled to the 80% "stop growing barrier" and we had stopped growing. I believe that with the newly available seats, God is going to be bringing in pre-Christians who will become fully devoted followers of Christ.
Did we make some mistakes? Absolutely. Are we done making mistakes? No way. If we never make a mistake we are probably not doing anything. "Nothing ventured, nothing gained".
I am so proud of my staff and the people of Living Hope. They have really stepped it up to make this dream of the Lord's a reality. Our first service in Rice had 68 people attending. This was not an announced service. We are having two "practice" services prior to our grand opening on October 1.
It was very different at our Little Falls Campus on Sunday. I think some people thought, "where is everybody". Although it was down in attendance I was excited. For many years our church has filled to the 80% "stop growing barrier" and we had stopped growing. I believe that with the newly available seats, God is going to be bringing in pre-Christians who will become fully devoted followers of Christ.
Did we make some mistakes? Absolutely. Are we done making mistakes? No way. If we never make a mistake we are probably not doing anything. "Nothing ventured, nothing gained".
Wednesday, July 19, 2006
Learning from the Minnesota Twins
I really enjoy watching the Minnesota Twins. They are a team with a low payroll, but play their hearts out and never seem to be out of any game.
The Twins have recently encountered several injuries to some key players. This has allowed for some "No Name" players to be promoted from AAA. Nearly every guy that was just called up has immediately added to the team with a key play in the field or a clutch hit.
All of this got me thinking about the system they use to develop players. When a player is placed on the dl, they don't just walk down to the local softball game and grab somebody of the bench to play pro. Professional baseball has various levels where they take time to teach and develop the athletes. There becomes a large pyramid of potential players that dream about making it in the big leagues. When they are ready, the opportunity comes. They know what to do because of the developement program they have been a part of.
I wonder if the church could learn something from baseball. Many churches are guilty when it comes to throwing a warm body into a ministry without giving them proper coaching and time to develop their skills. Sometimes we don't even know if they should be in the outfield or infield. We stick them were we need them and not were their talent lies.
As a "manager" of the church I Pastor, I have some thinking to do, some changes to make, some people to develop!
The Twins have recently encountered several injuries to some key players. This has allowed for some "No Name" players to be promoted from AAA. Nearly every guy that was just called up has immediately added to the team with a key play in the field or a clutch hit.
All of this got me thinking about the system they use to develop players. When a player is placed on the dl, they don't just walk down to the local softball game and grab somebody of the bench to play pro. Professional baseball has various levels where they take time to teach and develop the athletes. There becomes a large pyramid of potential players that dream about making it in the big leagues. When they are ready, the opportunity comes. They know what to do because of the developement program they have been a part of.
I wonder if the church could learn something from baseball. Many churches are guilty when it comes to throwing a warm body into a ministry without giving them proper coaching and time to develop their skills. Sometimes we don't even know if they should be in the outfield or infield. We stick them were we need them and not were their talent lies.
As a "manager" of the church I Pastor, I have some thinking to do, some changes to make, some people to develop!
Monday, June 19, 2006
Father’s
I love this humorous top ten list I came across. It is the Ten most commonly used phrases by dads as they are raising their kids.
10. This is going to hurt you more than it hurts me.(As kid, I’m thinking- then let’s just not do it.)
9. Don’t forget to bring back the change.
8. Get off that before you kill yourself—on second thought, go ahead.
7. I don’t know. Ask your mother.
6. Be quiet. I’m trying to watch the game.
5. Why? Because I said so, that why!
4. Shut up, before I give you something to cry about.
3. Just wait until you have kids
2. You are going. And you’re going to have fun.
1. When I was your age I walked 5 miles to and from schooleveryday-and it was uphill both ways.
A teenager asked his dad for a car and his dad said, “First, get a job, then read a passage out of the Bible every day, and cut your hair.”
After some time the boy again approached his dad and said, “I got a job; I read a passage from the Bible every day. Now, can I get a car?” The dad replied, “But you didn’t cut your hair.” To which the boy replied, “Jesus had long hair.”
The dad replied, “Son, if you read the Bible, you will know that Jesus also did a lot of walking.”
Raising kids can be challenging at times. But it is also one of the greatest privileges a person could ever experience.
How can we make the most of this awesome opportunity?
One of the greatest ways that we teach our children is by example and inspiration. Godliness is often more caught than taught. Our children will embrace the values we live far more than the values we lip.
I read the story of a farmer who had toiled over a bumper crop of grain - a badly needed crop that was going to pay off many creditors and secure the family for another year. But just a few days before it was due to be harvested a freak wind and hail storm ravaged the property, and the harvest was lost. The man stood with his little boy looking over the fields of destroyed grain. The boy expected to hear his father cursing in despair. But instead his Dad began to softly sing: “Rock of Ages cleft for me, let me hide myself in Thee.” Years later that boy, grown into manhood, said: “That was the greatest sermon I ever heard!”
God has a plan for every child. It is every parent’s privilege to help their kids discover God’s will for their lives and inspire them to pursue it successfully. Our example and inspiring words can go a long way toward that objective.
10. This is going to hurt you more than it hurts me.(As kid, I’m thinking- then let’s just not do it.)
9. Don’t forget to bring back the change.
8. Get off that before you kill yourself—on second thought, go ahead.
7. I don’t know. Ask your mother.
6. Be quiet. I’m trying to watch the game.
5. Why? Because I said so, that why!
4. Shut up, before I give you something to cry about.
3. Just wait until you have kids
2. You are going. And you’re going to have fun.
1. When I was your age I walked 5 miles to and from schooleveryday-and it was uphill both ways.
A teenager asked his dad for a car and his dad said, “First, get a job, then read a passage out of the Bible every day, and cut your hair.”
After some time the boy again approached his dad and said, “I got a job; I read a passage from the Bible every day. Now, can I get a car?” The dad replied, “But you didn’t cut your hair.” To which the boy replied, “Jesus had long hair.”
The dad replied, “Son, if you read the Bible, you will know that Jesus also did a lot of walking.”
Raising kids can be challenging at times. But it is also one of the greatest privileges a person could ever experience.
How can we make the most of this awesome opportunity?
One of the greatest ways that we teach our children is by example and inspiration. Godliness is often more caught than taught. Our children will embrace the values we live far more than the values we lip.
I read the story of a farmer who had toiled over a bumper crop of grain - a badly needed crop that was going to pay off many creditors and secure the family for another year. But just a few days before it was due to be harvested a freak wind and hail storm ravaged the property, and the harvest was lost. The man stood with his little boy looking over the fields of destroyed grain. The boy expected to hear his father cursing in despair. But instead his Dad began to softly sing: “Rock of Ages cleft for me, let me hide myself in Thee.” Years later that boy, grown into manhood, said: “That was the greatest sermon I ever heard!”
God has a plan for every child. It is every parent’s privilege to help their kids discover God’s will for their lives and inspire them to pursue it successfully. Our example and inspiring words can go a long way toward that objective.
Thursday, June 08, 2006
Garage Sales
Today my family is having a garage sale. WOW, Is that a lot of work.
We have spent the last couple of weeks going through every room, looking for the items that no longer fit (quit laughing), are played with (Remember Woody from Toy Story), or used. It is amazing the amount of things that you accumulate. These things that we just can't live without are now sitting on a table with a .25 cent sticker on them.
I have found that having a garage sale can be a very emotional time. There are many items that bring me back to a specific moment in my life. My first set of golf clubs, the bike that all of my kids learn to ride on, the stereo equipment that I just had to have, my ski equipment that brought years of exciting mogel runs and black diamond hills. With every thing that sells, there is a part of my past that I am reliving. A part of my life that I sometimes wish I could have back.
I also find that in having a garage sale, I realize that most of us in our society have too much stuff. The Bible is so true with it's statement that we should learn to be content with what we have. Do you and I buy things out of boardem, greed, want. There are so many things that I could have lived without. How much more could I have given to the Lord.
With all that in mind, I hope when it comes to the end of the day that there is nothing left! WOW would that make my day.
Happy Garage Saling!
We have spent the last couple of weeks going through every room, looking for the items that no longer fit (quit laughing), are played with (Remember Woody from Toy Story), or used. It is amazing the amount of things that you accumulate. These things that we just can't live without are now sitting on a table with a .25 cent sticker on them.
I have found that having a garage sale can be a very emotional time. There are many items that bring me back to a specific moment in my life. My first set of golf clubs, the bike that all of my kids learn to ride on, the stereo equipment that I just had to have, my ski equipment that brought years of exciting mogel runs and black diamond hills. With every thing that sells, there is a part of my past that I am reliving. A part of my life that I sometimes wish I could have back.
I also find that in having a garage sale, I realize that most of us in our society have too much stuff. The Bible is so true with it's statement that we should learn to be content with what we have. Do you and I buy things out of boardem, greed, want. There are so many things that I could have lived without. How much more could I have given to the Lord.
With all that in mind, I hope when it comes to the end of the day that there is nothing left! WOW would that make my day.
Happy Garage Saling!
The Helper
Last Sunday my sermon in church was about the Holy Spirit; More specifically how the Holy Spirit is there to help us in life. I always start my day by asking the Holy Spirit to lead and guide my steps and my conversation.
Here is a perfect example of how He works in my life. Last week I received an email regarding a pastors wife in Minnesota that was having surgery on her spinal cord. The surgery took place last week at the University of Minnesota Fairview Hospital. On Monday I went to visit a member of my church at this hospital. Unfortunately I forgot about visiting this pastor and his wife. (My memory isn't quite as good as it use to be) After I left Sam's* room, I went to the Men's room to wash my hands. As I was standing at the automatic hand dryer, in walks this Pastor. I was so suprised! We had a great conversation and I learned that his wife was getting out of the hospital that day. Friends, that was a divine appointment by the Holy Spirit.
As I walked outside the hospital to leave, I saw a very familiar looking couple walking in. My brain went into quick overdrive and then it occured to me who it was. This couple are Pastor's in Minnesota. I said "Hi", and asked them what they were doing there. He said, "We came to visit Joe*".
I knew Joe well, but didn't realize that he was in this hospital. Joe has gone through a major physical battle over the last several years. He is a pastor of a new church plant in Minnesota, about 25 minutes from me.
I turned around and went with this couple to visit and pray with Joe.
As I left the hospital that day, I was so amazed and appreciative for the work of the Holy Spirit in my life. He was guiding my every step.
The Holy Spirit is your partner, called along side you to help you in every area of your life.
Jesus said to His disciples, “I tell you the truth, it is to your advantage that I go away; for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you; but if I go, I will send Him to you.” John 16:7
* Names changed for privacy.
Here is a perfect example of how He works in my life. Last week I received an email regarding a pastors wife in Minnesota that was having surgery on her spinal cord. The surgery took place last week at the University of Minnesota Fairview Hospital. On Monday I went to visit a member of my church at this hospital. Unfortunately I forgot about visiting this pastor and his wife. (My memory isn't quite as good as it use to be) After I left Sam's* room, I went to the Men's room to wash my hands. As I was standing at the automatic hand dryer, in walks this Pastor. I was so suprised! We had a great conversation and I learned that his wife was getting out of the hospital that day. Friends, that was a divine appointment by the Holy Spirit.
As I walked outside the hospital to leave, I saw a very familiar looking couple walking in. My brain went into quick overdrive and then it occured to me who it was. This couple are Pastor's in Minnesota. I said "Hi", and asked them what they were doing there. He said, "We came to visit Joe*".
I knew Joe well, but didn't realize that he was in this hospital. Joe has gone through a major physical battle over the last several years. He is a pastor of a new church plant in Minnesota, about 25 minutes from me.
I turned around and went with this couple to visit and pray with Joe.
As I left the hospital that day, I was so amazed and appreciative for the work of the Holy Spirit in my life. He was guiding my every step.
The Holy Spirit is your partner, called along side you to help you in every area of your life.
Jesus said to His disciples, “I tell you the truth, it is to your advantage that I go away; for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you; but if I go, I will send Him to you.” John 16:7
* Names changed for privacy.
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