I am taking a team to this event today. I am so excited that there are SIX of us going - 2 staff and 4 church members!!
It should be a great day of learning and fun. We should be full of energy and ideas when we get back this evening.
Watch out University!
23 October 2008
20 October 2008
Great Resources on the Cheap
I just found out that the book mentioned here is available for $.95 on iTunes - that's 95 cents! I am downloading it right now and I can't wait to listen to it. (Thanks Ben and Chris!)
Also, I just pre-ordered this book from Amazon - can't wait!
Also, I just pre-ordered this book from Amazon - can't wait!
Sunday Reflections
Yesterday I preached my first stewardship sermon at University UMC. I was up late on Saturday night trying to get it just right because I wanted to make sure that I said the right things so that the people who heard it would be inspired to give.
When I went to bed that night I tossed and turned for quite a while - until I realized that I was not going to get any sleep until I prayed for God to show up in my preaching the following morning. Once I did that I was able to rest.
My morning routine led me to my office to make final preparations for worship where I ended up praying for the people of University UMC instead of myself that morning. I wanted them to hear God's call to be generous with their lives - their whole lives, including their finances.
You can hear what happened here.
Earlier today I was out running an errand for the church and I got back to the church just as a member was getting into her car to leave. I stopped her to ask about something completely unrelated to Sunday morning, but she mentioned that because of what was said on Sunday, she and her husband were going to double what they were planning to give to the church for 2009. Double!
Now I know better than to think that I had anything to do with their response to God's call, but I also know that if I had tried to "soft-sell" stewardship this year, they would not have stepped out in faith like that.
I am truly humbled every time God chooses to use a broken vessel like me to move the kingdom ball down the field just a little more.
God is good!
When I went to bed that night I tossed and turned for quite a while - until I realized that I was not going to get any sleep until I prayed for God to show up in my preaching the following morning. Once I did that I was able to rest.
My morning routine led me to my office to make final preparations for worship where I ended up praying for the people of University UMC instead of myself that morning. I wanted them to hear God's call to be generous with their lives - their whole lives, including their finances.
You can hear what happened here.
Earlier today I was out running an errand for the church and I got back to the church just as a member was getting into her car to leave. I stopped her to ask about something completely unrelated to Sunday morning, but she mentioned that because of what was said on Sunday, she and her husband were going to double what they were planning to give to the church for 2009. Double!
Now I know better than to think that I had anything to do with their response to God's call, but I also know that if I had tried to "soft-sell" stewardship this year, they would not have stepped out in faith like that.
I am truly humbled every time God chooses to use a broken vessel like me to move the kingdom ball down the field just a little more.
God is good!
15 October 2008
That's a Leader of a Different Color!
Craig Groeschel has discovered that there are different kinds of leaders leading organizations. Each of them have skills that make them successful, but each of them have gifts that tend to fall into one of four categories (defined by Craig here).
The first category is relational leaders.
The second category is visionary leaders.
The third category is administrative leaders.
The fourth category is innovative leaders.
Each of these leaders have their strengths and weaknesses (detailed above) that they (and their organizations) must deal with.
What kind of leader is needed in the church?
What kind of leader does University have?
What strengths and weaknesses does that create?
The first category is relational leaders.
The second category is visionary leaders.
The third category is administrative leaders.
The fourth category is innovative leaders.
Each of these leaders have their strengths and weaknesses (detailed above) that they (and their organizations) must deal with.
What kind of leader is needed in the church?
What kind of leader does University have?
What strengths and weaknesses does that create?
14 October 2008
Check These Out
If you're looking for some surf-worthy blogs, check out these posts:
Ben Arment has the right attitude: I want to lead a church not fearing mistakes, but boldly pushing into the future with audacity!
Tim Stevens breaks down Seth Godin's Catalyst talk: I wonder if University is a tribe? I wonder if we are more like a crowd or a tribe?
Mark Batterson adds three more to the list of Bible translations: Which one do you use? How are you going to make that translation a reality?
Ben Arment has the right attitude: I want to lead a church not fearing mistakes, but boldly pushing into the future with audacity!
Tim Stevens breaks down Seth Godin's Catalyst talk: I wonder if University is a tribe? I wonder if we are more like a crowd or a tribe?
Mark Batterson adds three more to the list of Bible translations: Which one do you use? How are you going to make that translation a reality?
What the Church Can Learn From Carpet
In this month’s issue of Fast Company, one of the articles looks at the increased attention that designers are placing on following patterns found in nature – the term for this design process is biomimicry. Biomimicry is “about taking the genius of the natural world and learning something from it,” says Janine Benyus, who coined the term in 1997.
The article (“Truly Intelligent Design” by Kate Rockwood) features a series of photographs of natural elements (flowers, woodpeckers, and butterflies) paired with the products that were designed after them (centrifugal pump, ice axe, and a bicycle helmet, respectively). One of the photographs and the caption accompanying it caught my attention for its genius in design and for its application for the church.
Entropy Carpet by Interface designed their floor coverings based on the natural variances found in a wheat field. The product’s designer, David Oakley, states, “It’s only in our synthetic world that we want perfection – one shade, no blemishes. If we can’t match a carpet’s color exactly we call it a defect. Nature doesn’t work that way.” Rockwood goes on to say, “Like fallen leaves, riverbed stones, or a field of wildflowers, each Entropy carpet tile is distinct and varied, yet when laid together, they blend into a cohesive pattern. Because Entropy can use multiple dye lots and be set in any direction, there’s less waste during the production and installation process.”
When I read that caption I immediately thought of the church, specifically our church. We are not perfect. We are not all exactly alike. But that does not mean that we are called “defective” or “worthless.” Indeed, “nature doesn’t work that way.” Much like fields of wheat or fall leaves or the stones surrounding a waterfall, each of us are unique in our giftedness and our abilities. Each of us has something to contribute to the whole of what makes up the people of University UMC. And without each of our individual contributions, the whole is somehow less than it could be (or should be).
Entropy carpet tiles were designed to fit together in multiple ways. They were designed to give freedom to the end user. They were also designed to reflect the beauty of their natural inspiration. The people in the church were designed to fit together in multiple ways. We were designed to produce freedom and creativity as we use God’s gifts. We were also designed to reflect the beauty of our Creator.
Therefore, I pray that we can all see how each one of us brings something special to the church and how each one of us reflects the graciousness of our Creator. As you continue to consider the question, “What percentage of my income is God calling me to give?” I pray that you see how vital we all are to the continued work of Christ in this world. May you see how the variations and nuances of personality and giftedness create a beautiful tapestry that works together as God intended.(photograph by Jonathan Kantor)
The article (“Truly Intelligent Design” by Kate Rockwood) features a series of photographs of natural elements (flowers, woodpeckers, and butterflies) paired with the products that were designed after them (centrifugal pump, ice axe, and a bicycle helmet, respectively). One of the photographs and the caption accompanying it caught my attention for its genius in design and for its application for the church.
Entropy Carpet by Interface designed their floor coverings based on the natural variances found in a wheat field. The product’s designer, David Oakley, states, “It’s only in our synthetic world that we want perfection – one shade, no blemishes. If we can’t match a carpet’s color exactly we call it a defect. Nature doesn’t work that way.” Rockwood goes on to say, “Like fallen leaves, riverbed stones, or a field of wildflowers, each Entropy carpet tile is distinct and varied, yet when laid together, they blend into a cohesive pattern. Because Entropy can use multiple dye lots and be set in any direction, there’s less waste during the production and installation process.”When I read that caption I immediately thought of the church, specifically our church. We are not perfect. We are not all exactly alike. But that does not mean that we are called “defective” or “worthless.” Indeed, “nature doesn’t work that way.” Much like fields of wheat or fall leaves or the stones surrounding a waterfall, each of us are unique in our giftedness and our abilities. Each of us has something to contribute to the whole of what makes up the people of University UMC. And without each of our individual contributions, the whole is somehow less than it could be (or should be).
Entropy carpet tiles were designed to fit together in multiple ways. They were designed to give freedom to the end user. They were also designed to reflect the beauty of their natural inspiration. The people in the church were designed to fit together in multiple ways. We were designed to produce freedom and creativity as we use God’s gifts. We were also designed to reflect the beauty of our Creator.
Therefore, I pray that we can all see how each one of us brings something special to the church and how each one of us reflects the graciousness of our Creator. As you continue to consider the question, “What percentage of my income is God calling me to give?” I pray that you see how vital we all are to the continued work of Christ in this world. May you see how the variations and nuances of personality and giftedness create a beautiful tapestry that works together as God intended.(photograph by Jonathan Kantor)
04 October 2008
Catalyst Backstage
I sure wish I could go to Catalyst this year, but I am choosing to be a responsible dad and husband - so I will be here in WF for Caitlyn's 3rd birthday party that weekend.
Since I can't go, I will be following the happenings on Catalyst backstage (see widget in right-hand sidebar) and seeing how my new friend Anne Jackson is getting along during the highly anticipated 3 day event.
If you want to follow the Catalyst adventure, just click the link and join the fun!
Since I can't go, I will be following the happenings on Catalyst backstage (see widget in right-hand sidebar) and seeing how my new friend Anne Jackson is getting along during the highly anticipated 3 day event.
If you want to follow the Catalyst adventure, just click the link and join the fun!
01 October 2008
Asking the Wrong Question
Over the past few weeks I have really been struggling with being content at the rate of change happening around University. I have beat myself up over the fact that attendance is up, positive energy is up, attitudes are up, but giving is still lagging behind.
Over the course of these past weeks I have had several conversations where I bounced my frustration and/or confusion off of colleagues. Each time a helpful image rose up from that conversation. The first was the image of a crock pot. The second was the image of an aircraft carrier. Those images helped me to see that change - whether cooked food or turning several thousand tons of steel - takes a long time. I think I will reflect more on both of those images in some later posts.
Then today I was reading Brian McLaren's book, A New Kind of Christian, and he had this to say in the introduction:
When I came to I realized that in order for me to maintain my sanity in leading this church revitalization effort, I need to start asking the right questions - questions that will help the church move the ball down the field, questions that will keep the congregation motivated when things move slowly, questions that will help us mark the progress we are making instead of wallowing in the fact that we aren't "there" yet.
Are we making progress?
Over the course of these past weeks I have had several conversations where I bounced my frustration and/or confusion off of colleagues. Each time a helpful image rose up from that conversation. The first was the image of a crock pot. The second was the image of an aircraft carrier. Those images helped me to see that change - whether cooked food or turning several thousand tons of steel - takes a long time. I think I will reflect more on both of those images in some later posts.
Then today I was reading Brian McLaren's book, A New Kind of Christian, and he had this to say in the introduction:
When you're on a really long voyage, you have to get beyond asking, "Are we there yet?" and instead start asking, "Are we making progress?" ... The fact is, whatever a new kind of Christian will be, no one is one yet. At this point, we're more like caterpillars cocooning than butterflies in flight. But every transformation has to start somewhere. The sooner we start, the better. (xviii, emphasis mine)Needless to say, I had an epiphany of sorts. I realized that I have been asking the wrong question of my congregation. I have been making them answer, "Are we there yet?" when I should have been helping them answer, "Are we making progress?" I literally sat stunned for a few moments before reading on.
When I came to I realized that in order for me to maintain my sanity in leading this church revitalization effort, I need to start asking the right questions - questions that will help the church move the ball down the field, questions that will keep the congregation motivated when things move slowly, questions that will help us mark the progress we are making instead of wallowing in the fact that we aren't "there" yet.
Are we making progress?
16 September 2008
Church Revitalization Effort - Part 2
Sorry for my absence from this line of dialogue recently. I hope to get out the rest of my thoughts on this subject over the next two weeks - so bear with me!
I talked about the weekend worship service as the first priority in a church revitalization effort before, so now I want to move on to the second piece of the puzzle - adult small groups.
There is no doubt in my mind that the weekend provides the largest "funnel" for people to get introduced to the church, but if there is nothing that the church is offering past that first "funnel," then guests and visitors who are here to check out the church will quickly exit out the door they entered because there is nothing keeping them there.
That is where adult small groups come into play. These groups of 10-12 people should be designed around several different approaches to formation. However, each approach must be intentional in nature for them to succeed.
The first approach is affinity. Find people within the worshiping community that have similar interests - like camping or quilting or reading. Gather those people together under the direction of a trained small group leader and let them use their affinity to draw them into deeper relationships with one another and with Christ.
The second approach is location. Group people together who live within the same neighborhood or on the same side of town. Gather these folks together - again, under the leadership of a trained small group facilitator - and have them begin to live life deeply with one another.
A third approach involves service. I truly believe that an usher team can function as a small group if given appropriate directions. I also believe this can work with Sunday School teachers, money counters, and communion set-up folks. If an element of study and prayer is added to their weekly routine and responsibility, then any service group within the church can function as a small group without too much hassle.
A final approach involves study. I know that many Bible studies are touted to be "short-term" commitments, but even a study that only meets for 4-6 weeks can still function as a small group during that time. This is true because when a group of people make a decision to meet together, study a particular topic or biblical book, and pray for one another, you have the makings for a great small group experience. This even holds true for longer studies like Disciple Bible Study - which asks for a 9 month commitment. I believe that this also holds true for Sunday School classes because what should those long-term learning environments do for your soul, but grow it in the context of deep and meaningful relationships.
Using these approaches - and any other successful methods out there - can begin to turn the culture of the church from a church with small groups to a church of small groups. And that is the key to long-term sustainability. If the leadership of the church (and thus the rest of the congregation) sees small groups as "one more thing the church does" then the church will never truly reach its redemptive potential for the kingdom of God.
How can University UMC begin to implement adult small groups into the life of the church? Who is ready to champion the efforts to do so?
I talked about the weekend worship service as the first priority in a church revitalization effort before, so now I want to move on to the second piece of the puzzle - adult small groups.
There is no doubt in my mind that the weekend provides the largest "funnel" for people to get introduced to the church, but if there is nothing that the church is offering past that first "funnel," then guests and visitors who are here to check out the church will quickly exit out the door they entered because there is nothing keeping them there.
That is where adult small groups come into play. These groups of 10-12 people should be designed around several different approaches to formation. However, each approach must be intentional in nature for them to succeed.
The first approach is affinity. Find people within the worshiping community that have similar interests - like camping or quilting or reading. Gather those people together under the direction of a trained small group leader and let them use their affinity to draw them into deeper relationships with one another and with Christ.
The second approach is location. Group people together who live within the same neighborhood or on the same side of town. Gather these folks together - again, under the leadership of a trained small group facilitator - and have them begin to live life deeply with one another.
A third approach involves service. I truly believe that an usher team can function as a small group if given appropriate directions. I also believe this can work with Sunday School teachers, money counters, and communion set-up folks. If an element of study and prayer is added to their weekly routine and responsibility, then any service group within the church can function as a small group without too much hassle.
A final approach involves study. I know that many Bible studies are touted to be "short-term" commitments, but even a study that only meets for 4-6 weeks can still function as a small group during that time. This is true because when a group of people make a decision to meet together, study a particular topic or biblical book, and pray for one another, you have the makings for a great small group experience. This even holds true for longer studies like Disciple Bible Study - which asks for a 9 month commitment. I believe that this also holds true for Sunday School classes because what should those long-term learning environments do for your soul, but grow it in the context of deep and meaningful relationships.
Using these approaches - and any other successful methods out there - can begin to turn the culture of the church from a church with small groups to a church of small groups. And that is the key to long-term sustainability. If the leadership of the church (and thus the rest of the congregation) sees small groups as "one more thing the church does" then the church will never truly reach its redemptive potential for the kingdom of God.
How can University UMC begin to implement adult small groups into the life of the church? Who is ready to champion the efforts to do so?
15 September 2008
Thinking About My First Time (at Rotary)
Recently I attended my first Rotary lunch with my buddy AndyK. As I sat in the meeting eating lunch at a familiar restaurant, I began to notice that my experience in that particular moment was eerily similar to a non-Christians' first experience in a church. So I jotted a few of them down and thought I would share them with you.
- I went with an old (no reflection on his age), trusted friend - AndyK
- We sang a familiar song
- I was not sure when to sit or stand
- I was introduced to new acquaintances - Mike and Ron
- I listened to a speaker who talked about a topic that was relevant to the daily lives of the listeners (and me too!)
- I found out what the membership requirements are
Attending that Rotary lunch helped me to have a greater understanding for what unchurched people go thru when they come to church for the first time. The feelings of uneasiness, nervousness, asking questions of relevance, etc.
I have a better feel for what new people feel when they venture onto our campus - and now may be better equipped to give them what they need and meet them where they are.
This experience was greatly helpful because I grew up in the church. I know nothing else other than church. So for me to have an uncomfortable experience similar to someone who might come into my church is a great asset for me to have. Thanks AndyK!
03 September 2008
Caitlyn Starts Preschool
Caitlyn started preschool yesterday, so Deb and I took some pictures to commemorate the event. She looked so small with her new backpack on, but she also looked so grown up. She has come a long way since her entry into the world.
I am now going to find place to cry. Excuse me please.
I am now going to find place to cry.
My Ruining
I am ruined for church as usual.
I can not stand Christians who just want to repeat the past instead of creating the future.
I am ruined.
I want no part of comfortable, complacent church.
I want no part of stoic, musty, stale church where comfort is king and eyes are fixed on the past.
I am ruined.
What ruins you?
I can not stand Christians who just want to repeat the past instead of creating the future.
I am ruined.
I want no part of comfortable, complacent church.
I want no part of stoic, musty, stale church where comfort is king and eyes are fixed on the past.
I am ruined.
What ruins you?
25 August 2008
Reflections on a "Well-Oiled Machine"
Scores of people receiving much needed hydration…hundreds of tired faces beaming with excitement at the prospect of a chocolate-chip cookie…exhausted bodies flopping onto pop-up cots to rest in the breeze of giant fans. Scenes from last weekend’s Hotter’N Hell 100 or a picture of the church functioning as Christ has called us?
As I watched the 60+ volunteers at Rest Stop #9 move with the precision of a single purpose I wondered how big the smile on God’s face would be if the Church could embrace that philosophy of ministry – do whatever it takes to bring people who are far from God into a relationship with him.
On Sunday I mentioned that Rest Stop #9 received two separate “Let’s hear it for the volunteers!” from the riders during our busiest time of the day, with one being followed up by a round of applause from the weary travelers! We were not out there to receive thanks or praise for giving of our time – we were there to help those riders meet the goal they set out to accomplish. We were there to help them along in their journey. We only wanted to give them what they needed so that they could get back on their bike and pedal for another 18 miles.
How does the Church help people finish their race? How can the Church be better supplied for the points in between the beginning and the end of the race? Do we have the supplies necessary to get people from mile 82 to the finish line?
What can we learn from this phenomenal community-wide event? How can we apply the principles employed to keep bikers hydrated and ready to race to moving people across the line of faith and then on to be fully devoted followers of Christ?
Thoughts? Comments?
As I watched the 60+ volunteers at Rest Stop #9 move with the precision of a single purpose I wondered how big the smile on God’s face would be if the Church could embrace that philosophy of ministry – do whatever it takes to bring people who are far from God into a relationship with him.
On Sunday I mentioned that Rest Stop #9 received two separate “Let’s hear it for the volunteers!” from the riders during our busiest time of the day, with one being followed up by a round of applause from the weary travelers! We were not out there to receive thanks or praise for giving of our time – we were there to help those riders meet the goal they set out to accomplish. We were there to help them along in their journey. We only wanted to give them what they needed so that they could get back on their bike and pedal for another 18 miles.
How does the Church help people finish their race? How can the Church be better supplied for the points in between the beginning and the end of the race? Do we have the supplies necessary to get people from mile 82 to the finish line?
What can we learn from this phenomenal community-wide event? How can we apply the principles employed to keep bikers hydrated and ready to race to moving people across the line of faith and then on to be fully devoted followers of Christ?
Thoughts? Comments?
23 August 2008
What a Day!
I had a great time today working at Rest Stop #9 during the Hotter'N Hell 100. I think I learned a few things about being a more effective church by taking a step back and watching what was really going on today. More on that this week!
Thanks to Kyle, Sam, Heather, Jan, Katherine, Henry, Peggy, Bryle, JoAnn, Warren, Pam, Leslie, and Stephanie!!
Thanks to Kyle, Sam, Heather, Jan, Katherine, Henry, Peggy, Bryle, JoAnn, Warren, Pam, Leslie, and Stephanie!!
21 August 2008
My Bible Journey
For the past few years I have been using a Bible-reading system to help me read thru the Bible each year. Sometimes I have been more sporadic than consistent, but as I enter into the next season of ministry here at University, I know I need to lead with my heart and soul buried deep in scripture.
This morning I was reading and reflecting on several passages and I wanted to share a few that just leaped off the page for me.
Jeremiah 21.2, perhaps God will work wonders here too!
Jeremiah 21.8-9, make a choice
Jeremiah 24.7, I want a heart like this
Jeremiah 27.11, seems counter-intuitive, but who am I to question God
Psalm 118.6, AMEN!
Psalm 118.22-23, Jesus is very much a part of the Old Testament
Psalm 118.28, Yes, Lord!
1 John 2.2, Jesus is our atoning sacrifice and our advocate
1 John 2.3-6, words to memorize and live by
1 John 2.9-11, are you mad at someone right now?
1 John 2.17, The world passes away, but those who do God's will live forever - I want to be part of that!
This morning I was reading and reflecting on several passages and I wanted to share a few that just leaped off the page for me.
Jeremiah 21.2, perhaps God will work wonders here too!
Jeremiah 21.8-9, make a choice
Jeremiah 24.7, I want a heart like this
Jeremiah 27.11, seems counter-intuitive, but who am I to question God
Psalm 118.6, AMEN!
Psalm 118.22-23, Jesus is very much a part of the Old Testament
Psalm 118.28, Yes, Lord!
1 John 2.2, Jesus is our atoning sacrifice and our advocate
1 John 2.3-6, words to memorize and live by
1 John 2.9-11, are you mad at someone right now?
1 John 2.17, The world passes away, but those who do God's will live forever - I want to be part of that!
20 August 2008
Crazy Ones
Gotta love this simple yet profound message. I want to be a "crazy one" for Jesus and his church!
Thanks Tim!
Thanks Tim!
19 August 2008
Church Revitalization Effort - Part 1
I am of the opinion that the first push of intentional effort for any church in a revitalization situation must be toward the weekend worship experience.
Sunday morning (or Saturday night or Sunday night) is the time where the most guests, visitors, and/or church shoppers will show up on our campus - so we must be prepared and ready for their arrival.
No exceptions.
Not even holidays.
Not even rainy days.
If any local church wants to revitalize its ministry, the first place to start is taking a hard look at what happens when the body of Christ gathers together in one place. This is essential to finding the right path to take for the future of the church.
Unfortunately, this is where many "sacred cows" lay in waiting for some new preacher (or worship leader or lay leader with good intentions) so that they can thwart any attempts to do something new [read: different]. The weekend service is often steeped in "traditions" (whether an organ plays each weekend or not) to the point that any efforts to bring in new styles of worship or genres of music are snuffed out rather quickly.
It happens. I've seen it.
It's ugly.
Every time.
Really ugly.
Really.
University currently has a "blended service" on Sunday morning that utilizes the organ, piano, and a choir pretty much every week. We also sing praise choruses occasionally during the service, but generally the music falls under the [inadequate] description of "traditional."
I have had a number of conversations about utilizing new styles of music and/or instrumentations for our worship service. Each time those conversations were positive and I believe we will begin to integrate some new [read: not "what we've always done"] music styles/genres into our morning worship service.
So, do we need to begin a new worship service that is totally "contemporary" (again, an inadequate descriptor)?
Maybe.
Do we need to change what we offer now into a "contemporary" service?
Maybe.
Do we need to take a penetrating look at what we currently offer in order to maximize our effectiveness?
Definitely!
Thoughts? Comments? Questions?
Sunday morning (or Saturday night or Sunday night) is the time where the most guests, visitors, and/or church shoppers will show up on our campus - so we must be prepared and ready for their arrival.
No exceptions.
Not even holidays.
Not even rainy days.
If any local church wants to revitalize its ministry, the first place to start is taking a hard look at what happens when the body of Christ gathers together in one place. This is essential to finding the right path to take for the future of the church.
Unfortunately, this is where many "sacred cows" lay in waiting for some new preacher (or worship leader or lay leader with good intentions) so that they can thwart any attempts to do something new [read: different]. The weekend service is often steeped in "traditions" (whether an organ plays each weekend or not) to the point that any efforts to bring in new styles of worship or genres of music are snuffed out rather quickly.
It happens. I've seen it.
It's ugly.
Every time.
Really ugly.
Really.
University currently has a "blended service" on Sunday morning that utilizes the organ, piano, and a choir pretty much every week. We also sing praise choruses occasionally during the service, but generally the music falls under the [inadequate] description of "traditional."
I have had a number of conversations about utilizing new styles of music and/or instrumentations for our worship service. Each time those conversations were positive and I believe we will begin to integrate some new [read: not "what we've always done"] music styles/genres into our morning worship service.
So, do we need to begin a new worship service that is totally "contemporary" (again, an inadequate descriptor)?
Maybe.
Do we need to change what we offer now into a "contemporary" service?
Maybe.
Do we need to take a penetrating look at what we currently offer in order to maximize our effectiveness?
Definitely!
Thoughts? Comments? Questions?
16 August 2008
The It List
OK, I'm sure you are all just dying to find out what my answer to Craig's question is. I must admit that I had to come up with two sets of answers - one for church planting and one for church revitalization.
So here goes:
For a Church Plant:
1) weekend worship experience
2) children's ministry
3) student ministry
4) small groups
5) missions
For a Church Revitalization effort:
1) weekend worship experience
2) small groups
3) children's ministry
4) student ministry
5) missions (with emphasis on local community involvement)
I know, I know. The lists are almost identical - in fact, the "church plant" list matches exactly with what Craig said. There is good reason for that - I think Craig is on to something. Let me explain...
To start a new church or to revitalize an existing one, there must be intentionality in everything. There must be focus. And there must be alignment.
The whole church (or group of people looking to start a church) must be gathered around a single unifying vision in order for the group to continue to move forward. It seems to me that churches who fail to rally around a central focal point/vision/mission fail to have the ability to move in the same direction over a long period of time.
I am in the midst of what I would call a church revitalization effort (i.e. I would use the second list) and I know that my work is cut out for me in every area that I listed.
For now, I will leave the church plant list behind. Next week I will share my thoughts about what University may need to do in response to the second list.
So here goes:
For a Church Plant:
1) weekend worship experience
2) children's ministry
3) student ministry
4) small groups
5) missions
For a Church Revitalization effort:
1) weekend worship experience
2) small groups
3) children's ministry
4) student ministry
5) missions (with emphasis on local community involvement)
I know, I know. The lists are almost identical - in fact, the "church plant" list matches exactly with what Craig said. There is good reason for that - I think Craig is on to something. Let me explain...
To start a new church or to revitalize an existing one, there must be intentionality in everything. There must be focus. And there must be alignment.
The whole church (or group of people looking to start a church) must be gathered around a single unifying vision in order for the group to continue to move forward. It seems to me that churches who fail to rally around a central focal point/vision/mission fail to have the ability to move in the same direction over a long period of time.
I am in the midst of what I would call a church revitalization effort (i.e. I would use the second list) and I know that my work is cut out for me in every area that I listed.
For now, I will leave the church plant list behind. Next week I will share my thoughts about what University may need to do in response to the second list.
15 August 2008
Still Thinking About It
I'm still thinking about Craig's question. Unfortunately, not many answers yet.
If you were going to start a church from the ground up, what would your top five essentials be? What would be the five things that you would want to have your church focus on? What five ministries would be "make or break" for you?
Craig answers with: weekend worship experience, children's ministry, student ministry, small groups, and missions.
I'll share my answers tomorrow.
What do you think?
If you were going to start a church from the ground up, what would your top five essentials be? What would be the five things that you would want to have your church focus on? What five ministries would be "make or break" for you?
Craig answers with: weekend worship experience, children's ministry, student ministry, small groups, and missions.
I'll share my answers tomorrow.
What do you think?
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