Jan
01

Happy New Year! Couple of things for a great start…

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I am so thankful for all that happened in 2011, so many good things and great memories.  From first baseball team play for my son, to great camps and vacation trips, to incredible things happening with our church family, God is good!  I am certainly optimistic about a powerful and challenging 2012.  Aren’t you excited about the new things that the Lord will show us this year.

With the new year here I added a couple of things for my own quiet time journey that I am pretty pumped about.  One is a Bible that my wife got me for Christmas.  It has been out for some time, but I have just added it to my library.  It is the ESV Study Bible, and it is solid.  Plus this particular version as seen in the picture is quite handsome at the same time.  I already enjoy the simplicity of the text, powerful and clear notes, plus the bonus extra study materials throughout.  It is very well done.  And an additional bonus is the online study version that is packed with many helps in study and teaching prep.  I definitely recommend this and I am looking forward to using this tool in reading this year.

You’ll also notice in the picture The Purpose Driven Life.  I have read this before, but a few weeks back I was drawn to buy a brand new copy and launch 2012 with a prayerful review.   Plus a new copy is a clean slate to write in new thoughts and underline yet again things that jump out to me.  The link above takes you to some resources that are also available to augment the study; I have signed up for the email Daily Hope delivery and the daily itunes podcast of the Drive Time.

Here’s praying that you and everyone you love experience an incredible, growing, challenging, stretching 2012.

 

Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us, to Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations forever and ever.  Amen.  

                                                                                                                                                                                                                 

                                                                                                                                                                                                             Ephesians 3:20-21 (NASB)

Categories : Discipleship, Personal Growth and Development
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Sep
14

Coaching

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Well a new Upward Football season is under way.  My son and I are having a ball so far, though this role as coach is new to me for this sport.  What a great program though, especially for the helps that they make available for coaches both in print, DVD, and online.

How many times have you wished that you had a resource or resources to help you as you coach in your ministry, business, and in life relationships in general.  Today, I had the great opportunity to have my commitment to coaching others in life renewed and resourced.  Just a few years ago I benefited directly from having a personal coaching experience through GiANT Leaders.  This invaluable time with the coach, and with a cohort of others leaders helped me to think critically, plan, and execute key issues in my own personal and professional development.

Leaders in our state church network held a conference at Parkview Baptist Church in Tulsa.  One of the critical tools was a book called Coaching 101, plus check out more information at Coach Net.  This type of leadership and relationship is different.  But, the way in which it happens shifts this type of leading to an entirely different level of direction and accountability.

I thank the Lord for those who continue to point the Way in my life, consider some of these resources to give you direction as you lead others.

Categories : Discipleship, Leadership, Personal Growth and Development
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May
19

Sharing the Gospel: Creation to Christ

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We’re planning for this fall’s lineup of new classes during our Adult Equipping time (called Equip U).  This is always a ball to plan for because the door is wide open for so many varied topics and options for equipping the saints.

One great opportunity in sharing the Gospel is connecting with others through the story of the Bible.  While many who grew up in a church environment are familiar with the narrative of scriptures, many in our world have never heard the name Jesus, let alone His story from creation.

This fall we’ll be equipping to share Creation to Christ, or chronological storying, yet another way to clearly share the Good News. Creation to Christ chunks the narrative down to share God’s story, what man needs, and why Jesus Christ is the Answer.  I wish I could track down online a great representation of the power of this kind of story telling method.  If I remember correctly, it was captured in a video by the name of “E Tau.” The elation of those coming to faith in Christ was thrilling and stirring!

Categories : Discipleship, Evangelism
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May
15

SBC in decline?

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Ed Stetzer of the Southern Baptist Convention (SBC) and LifeWay Christian resources reported on information released this week from a study on the growth (or rather decline) of the membership of the SBC.

He writes:

We are a denomination in decline. Some don’t like to admit it.  But, the decline of SBC membership is not a matter of debate.  It is a matter of math.  And, if trends continue, it won’t end soon. Expect to hear “membership decline” more times than “membership growth” over the next few years.”

Check out the stats, but notice the options he lists that we could take in response to this report, particularly #5.  Find the blog here at:

Between the Times

What is my take-away from this information?

How am I personally on mission with Jesus Christ?  Am I faithful to Him?  Am I faithful to the Gospel?  How does this impact my family?  My church?  My community?  The big numbers come down to one important number, me.

I attended a funeral of a friend and minister today, and one of his life impact verses was John 14:21

He who has my commandments and keeps them is the one who loves me:  And he who loves Me will be loved by my Father, and I will love Him and will disclose Myself to him.”

Categories : Discipleship, Evangelism
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May
13

Accountability for Men

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As a pastor, individual, dad, friend, perhaps you are looking for a resource to help you with personal integrity and accountability, and/or resources to share with others. Men’s ministry is an interesting animal, and there are many different angles and approaches. So any time I come across something that could be a new tool for your ministry toolbox I want to pass that along.

At a recent men’s Rewired retreat at Falls Creek OK, I heard a testimony from a leader of a new organization in our area of OKC that specializes in a unique ministry area for men.

The name of the ministry is Men Living Up. Check out their site, but also be aware of a specific time for training at a workshop designed to help you strengthen men in their daily walk and in their relationships.

Check out the details here: Men Living Up Workshop

Be blessed today!

Categories : Discipleship, Help for the New Minister, Personal Growth and Development
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