I'm starting a new series on Community this week at Grace Pointe. The aim will be to teach the group what they have in common and why it is important to be an active member in the church. The goal is to lead us to the point that we'll be prepared to do outreach emphasis in April, plus bring us one more step toward organization.
There are some misconceptions about organization. I know about these misconceptions because I once had them. The basis for organizing a church is not on whether it can support itself financially, or on how many people attend on Sunday morning. The basis for organizing a church should be whether the membership understands the concept of their covenanted relationship, plus the doctrinal stability of the group. Granted, I think a church should be able to support themselves, or at least, come close to it, before organization... but I don't think having the building note paid off should be the goal before organization. Furthermore, I don't think all support should cease at organization.
Just my thoughts. What are yours?
Friday, February 27, 2009
Monday, February 23, 2009
Monday Fun Day
Here's what's happening in my world today:
- Since the main console at my radio station in Coleman failed, I got to do my morning show from our auxiliary studio in Brownwood. It felt good to be able to drive 10 minutes (as opposed to 40) to work, plus get to work alongside the rest of the employees in our company. Normally, I work out of the Coleman office, of which I am the only employee. It gets lonely there. Today, I felt more a part of the company because I was surrounded by coworkers.
- The same holds true for church. If you lay out of church for a long time, you get discouraged. There is an encouragement that comes from gathering with other believers.
- Filed a mortgage application today. Jessica and I hope to buy a house.
- Today is Jessica's Birthday. She's 20-something.
Sunday, I start a new series on Community. I hope this next series will strengthen the mission's function as a body.
Sunday, February 22, 2009
Hard Lessons
Today, I was confronted by God that I am doing too much of this ministry in the flesh. It was a hard morning. Everything was out of sync. We were running behind schedule, the cast majority of our core group was out, and we started services with only 8 people.
Prior to services, my wife reminded me that I am ministering for the Lord, and I needed to remember that and put things back into their proper perspective. Following her counsel, I went to an isolated place and repented. We started services on time and after about 20 minutes, one of our core families showed up. We wound up having 15 in services, but more importantly, we had services, which praise was sung to the Lord and His Word was preached.
This mission is not as far along as I want it to be, but I need to remember that God has prospered our efforts so far. Plus, I need to remember Psalm 127.
Here's hoping I don't have to keep learning this lesson.
Prior to services, my wife reminded me that I am ministering for the Lord, and I needed to remember that and put things back into their proper perspective. Following her counsel, I went to an isolated place and repented. We started services on time and after about 20 minutes, one of our core families showed up. We wound up having 15 in services, but more importantly, we had services, which praise was sung to the Lord and His Word was preached.
This mission is not as far along as I want it to be, but I need to remember that God has prospered our efforts so far. Plus, I need to remember Psalm 127.
Here's hoping I don't have to keep learning this lesson.
Saturday, February 21, 2009
Tough weekend
Friday, I was informed that a pretty good portion of my congregation is going to be out tomorrow. We may even dip back down into single digits. Couple that dissappointent with the fact that the audio console in my radio station's main on-air studio has broken down, and you'll see I've had a rather inconvenient weekend.
We have bypassed the main studio, and I will actually be broadcasting from an auxiliary studio at our home office in Brownwood on Monday. This makes my on-air operations more convenient, but will strain my ad sales.
As for the mission work, I am really trying to figure out my next move. I have a hard time seeing us grow much bigger in our current meeting place, but I am not convinced we are ready for a move.
We have bypassed the main studio, and I will actually be broadcasting from an auxiliary studio at our home office in Brownwood on Monday. This makes my on-air operations more convenient, but will strain my ad sales.
As for the mission work, I am really trying to figure out my next move. I have a hard time seeing us grow much bigger in our current meeting place, but I am not convinced we are ready for a move.
Friday, February 20, 2009
You Can't Serve God and Money
I don't know what it is... maybe it's my upbringing, maybe I've tasted the bitter fruit of failure, maybe I have an ego problem, but I can't stand to do anything half-hearted. Whatever I do, I feel like I have to be among the best at it. I have to always give it my best effort, or don't even bother.
This holds true with my radio stations, and my ministry. What I find, however, is that I am unable to program a top-notch, top-billing station AND give a first-class effort in ministering to our developing church. I am finding myself at odds with myself. Do I spend the extra effort building the station, or the church? (I know the Lord builds the church, but people still labor). While the answer may appear simple, when one realizes that their profession is the one that pays the bills, he is more inclined to spend some more time on that.
So I am coming to the conclusion that I can not build a top-rated radio station and at the same time, be a super-missionary. So, I have to make a decision... I can quit radio and go full-time ministry and suffer the financial consequences, I can keep the job but do a less-than-stellar performance at it, or I can continue my struggle. Giving God less than my best is not an option.
Do you ever struggle like this?
This holds true with my radio stations, and my ministry. What I find, however, is that I am unable to program a top-notch, top-billing station AND give a first-class effort in ministering to our developing church. I am finding myself at odds with myself. Do I spend the extra effort building the station, or the church? (I know the Lord builds the church, but people still labor). While the answer may appear simple, when one realizes that their profession is the one that pays the bills, he is more inclined to spend some more time on that.
So I am coming to the conclusion that I can not build a top-rated radio station and at the same time, be a super-missionary. So, I have to make a decision... I can quit radio and go full-time ministry and suffer the financial consequences, I can keep the job but do a less-than-stellar performance at it, or I can continue my struggle. Giving God less than my best is not an option.
Do you ever struggle like this?
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Market Place Upswing
A number of the people in our Market Place ministry have recovered from their illnesses and are doing great. As such, we had 17 in attendance last night. Included in that number were a couple of visitors from Brady, Tex. who are helping in another ABA mission work.
Getting Back to Their Roots
I read an article in the Nashville Business Journal yesterday about WSM 650 AM in Nashville, Tenn. For those who may not know, WSM is a clear channel station, meaning at 50,000 watts, it covers the Southeastern United States very easily by day and covers most of the North American Continent by night. WSM was at one time the flasgship station for country music. It is the home of the Grand Ole Opry, and features staples of traditional country music in its programming.
The article discussed how Gaylord Entertainment, the company that now owns WSM, is now free from all legal obligations and has given its management team the freedom to return WSM back to its roots. Over the past couple of decades, WSM's format became a classic country format. Now, WSM will move forward, welcoming new artists along side classic and traditional artists. One of the management team members was quoted as saying that WSM will get back to its roots of not only playing country music, but presenting country music, and the artists that play it, to their listeners. It's already beginning to pay off as well.
After years of being written off by critics as a radio museum which bled red ink on the balance sheets, WSM is now turning a profit. Why? Because they returned to their roots, not of going through the motions as a country station, but being the station that presents country music to the audience.
I wonder what would happen if we got back to our roots of presenting Christ to those we come into contact with? Would we once again see a resurgence, even as our critics write us off as being a museum to old time religion?
The article discussed how Gaylord Entertainment, the company that now owns WSM, is now free from all legal obligations and has given its management team the freedom to return WSM back to its roots. Over the past couple of decades, WSM's format became a classic country format. Now, WSM will move forward, welcoming new artists along side classic and traditional artists. One of the management team members was quoted as saying that WSM will get back to its roots of not only playing country music, but presenting country music, and the artists that play it, to their listeners. It's already beginning to pay off as well.
After years of being written off by critics as a radio museum which bled red ink on the balance sheets, WSM is now turning a profit. Why? Because they returned to their roots, not of going through the motions as a country station, but being the station that presents country music to the audience.
I wonder what would happen if we got back to our roots of presenting Christ to those we come into contact with? Would we once again see a resurgence, even as our critics write us off as being a museum to old time religion?
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Success is not Defined by Numbers
Previously, I posted an article discussing the importance of numbers, specifically, numbers in attendance. My point was that the more people you preach the Gospel to, the more likely the chances of you seeing souls saved. However, that is not to say that having large numbers in attendance equals success.
Success is defined as effectively obeying the command of Christ, specifically the Great Commission, which tells us to go and make disciples, baptizing them and teaching them the doctrines of Christ. (Yeah, that's my New Leland Paraphrase translation of Matthew 28.)
So, our definition of success for our churches should not rely on attendance and offering figures, but rather how many disciples are being made in our churches. Granted, the higher your attendance figures are, the more opportunity you have to make disciples. However, defining success based solely on attendance is as half-baked as the Cowboys declaring a Super Bowl victory during training camp. It just doesn't work out.
So what makes for a successful church, one that is making disciples? I can't say specifically, but here are some signs to watch for. Are members of the church stepping up in the Lord's service, such as volunteering to teach Sunday school, or leading and participating in outreach efforts? Are members of the church surrendering to the ministry? How about the alumni of the church (church members who have gone onto the mission field or some other form of full-time service)? Are the church members reproducing (bringing friends and family to church)? Are they knowledgeable in the scriptures (are they learning from the teaching ministry)? Are they helping others?
If you can think of any other questions that would be good discipleship indicators, please feel free to post them. Also, feel free to discuss the questions I have.
My goal in Brownwood is to get a church planted that makes disciples, people who follow and learn from our Lord Jesus Christ. I want these disciples to follow Christ unashamed, to the point of surrendering to the ministry and going to the mission field if God so calls them. Anything I can learn about this disciplemaking process would be pure gold, in my opinion.
Success is defined as effectively obeying the command of Christ, specifically the Great Commission, which tells us to go and make disciples, baptizing them and teaching them the doctrines of Christ. (Yeah, that's my New Leland Paraphrase translation of Matthew 28.)
So, our definition of success for our churches should not rely on attendance and offering figures, but rather how many disciples are being made in our churches. Granted, the higher your attendance figures are, the more opportunity you have to make disciples. However, defining success based solely on attendance is as half-baked as the Cowboys declaring a Super Bowl victory during training camp. It just doesn't work out.
So what makes for a successful church, one that is making disciples? I can't say specifically, but here are some signs to watch for. Are members of the church stepping up in the Lord's service, such as volunteering to teach Sunday school, or leading and participating in outreach efforts? Are members of the church surrendering to the ministry? How about the alumni of the church (church members who have gone onto the mission field or some other form of full-time service)? Are the church members reproducing (bringing friends and family to church)? Are they knowledgeable in the scriptures (are they learning from the teaching ministry)? Are they helping others?
If you can think of any other questions that would be good discipleship indicators, please feel free to post them. Also, feel free to discuss the questions I have.
My goal in Brownwood is to get a church planted that makes disciples, people who follow and learn from our Lord Jesus Christ. I want these disciples to follow Christ unashamed, to the point of surrendering to the ministry and going to the mission field if God so calls them. Anything I can learn about this disciplemaking process would be pure gold, in my opinion.
Monday, February 16, 2009
It's Only This Much Dangerous
We had 11 in morning services and collected $245 in offerings. Our big family was out with illness and one member had to work.
Members of the mission are diligently looking for land and facilities, but we are taking a slow, deliberate approach to finding a permanent location.
After services yesterday, my family and I went to the Enchanted Rock State Park, located between Llano and Fredericksburg on Texas Highway 16. The Enchanted Rock is a massive granite dome that formed as magma flowed up into the earth's crust sometime after creation, and was later exposed after the flood waters receded and washed away the soil. It's a .6 mile hike from the base of the rock to the summit, and the view is breathtaking.
On the way back down, we lost the trail, and wound up following several smaller paths. One ended at a pile of boulders (the boulders had fallen from the dome over a span of several centuries). It was a 20-30 foot downward climb, so I refused to attempt the climb. So we backtracked and found a shorter climb down, 10-15 feet. I initially refused this one as well, but Jessica took a closer look, determined that all five of us could do this climb, and, holding her hands about shoulder length apart, proclaimed "It's only this much dangerous." Now, how do you argue with that logic! We climbed down and made it safely.
As we returned to the van, we were graced by the presence of a herd of deer. They evidently thought that we would feed them. Good times.
Members of the mission are diligently looking for land and facilities, but we are taking a slow, deliberate approach to finding a permanent location.
After services yesterday, my family and I went to the Enchanted Rock State Park, located between Llano and Fredericksburg on Texas Highway 16. The Enchanted Rock is a massive granite dome that formed as magma flowed up into the earth's crust sometime after creation, and was later exposed after the flood waters receded and washed away the soil. It's a .6 mile hike from the base of the rock to the summit, and the view is breathtaking.
On the way back down, we lost the trail, and wound up following several smaller paths. One ended at a pile of boulders (the boulders had fallen from the dome over a span of several centuries). It was a 20-30 foot downward climb, so I refused to attempt the climb. So we backtracked and found a shorter climb down, 10-15 feet. I initially refused this one as well, but Jessica took a closer look, determined that all five of us could do this climb, and, holding her hands about shoulder length apart, proclaimed "It's only this much dangerous." Now, how do you argue with that logic! We climbed down and made it safely.
As we returned to the van, we were graced by the presence of a herd of deer. They evidently thought that we would feed them. Good times.
Saturday, February 14, 2009
A Subtle Moment with Other Believers
I took my family to the Dinosaur Valley State Park in Glen Rose, TX, today. Dinosaur Valley is a state park designated around fossilized dinosaur footprints in the bed of the Paluxy River. These footprints were discovered in the early part of the 20th century, when flood waters subsided, breaking off a shelf of limestone, thus exposing the footprints. What paleontologists found is up for debate.
The official record states that a variety of dinosaur footprints were found. Some were removed and taken to the natural history museum at the University of Texas, while others were taken to some paleontology lab in New York. The rest of the footprints were left in tact, and later incorporated into a park for the enjoyment of the public.
Creationists have alleged that the footprints taken from the park contained more than just dinosaur footprints. They contained human footprints as well, thus proving that dinosaurs and humans coexisted, rendering the Biblical account of creation more credible and shooting some holes in the theory of evolution. Therefore, the government removed the human footprints so as to preserve the teaching of evolution (even though creationism was the more popular view in that day, as was being taught in the classrooms). There is much documentation of both sides of this argument.
So, we viewed the dinosaur footprints, and I also look for any signs in the rock that there was a human presence in that time. So far, no luck. (We've visited several times.)
Today, while walking along the banks of the Paluxy River, a couple approached us and asked about the human footprints. I told them that I hadn't found them and that they had likely been removed. It was a brief encounter, but very interesting that there are others with the same fascinations as me. A couple searching for human footprints in the bed of the Paluxy River are more than likely believers, and possibly creationists. Either way, I totally blew an opportunity to have meaningful conversations with other believers.
The official record states that a variety of dinosaur footprints were found. Some were removed and taken to the natural history museum at the University of Texas, while others were taken to some paleontology lab in New York. The rest of the footprints were left in tact, and later incorporated into a park for the enjoyment of the public.
Creationists have alleged that the footprints taken from the park contained more than just dinosaur footprints. They contained human footprints as well, thus proving that dinosaurs and humans coexisted, rendering the Biblical account of creation more credible and shooting some holes in the theory of evolution. Therefore, the government removed the human footprints so as to preserve the teaching of evolution (even though creationism was the more popular view in that day, as was being taught in the classrooms). There is much documentation of both sides of this argument.
So, we viewed the dinosaur footprints, and I also look for any signs in the rock that there was a human presence in that time. So far, no luck. (We've visited several times.)
Today, while walking along the banks of the Paluxy River, a couple approached us and asked about the human footprints. I told them that I hadn't found them and that they had likely been removed. It was a brief encounter, but very interesting that there are others with the same fascinations as me. A couple searching for human footprints in the bed of the Paluxy River are more than likely believers, and possibly creationists. Either way, I totally blew an opportunity to have meaningful conversations with other believers.
Friday, February 13, 2009
Family Stresses of Church Planting
One of the stresses of church planting is the notion that every sermon, every worship service, every outreach effort has to be your best. The perception is that one off day could potentially cripple the work. Add to that the increasing pressure to bring new works up to a self-supporting status in a shorter timespan (patience is running out on works that have existed for more than 10 years without organizing or being self-supporting), and you see that church planters are running with more hectic schedules to finish their work in record time. Or, at least I am. The others may have more common sense.
This creates a hectic week, not only for the church planter, but also for the family. Over the past couple of weeks, I have noticed the effects of stress showing up in my wife and kids... so this weekend, I'm scheduling some playtime... just the five of us.
I can not be successful in life if I am not successful with my family. This takes first priority.
This creates a hectic week, not only for the church planter, but also for the family. Over the past couple of weeks, I have noticed the effects of stress showing up in my wife and kids... so this weekend, I'm scheduling some playtime... just the five of us.
I can not be successful in life if I am not successful with my family. This takes first priority.
Thursday, February 12, 2009
KSTA Audience ingores my pleas for the NFL to come to the Alamo City
Seems like I'm the only one interested in my futile, and almost ficitious efforts to get the NFL to come to San Antonio. I got no feedback on my radio show this morning. Maybe the conventional wisdom is right in this case. Texas belongs to the Cowboys. There is room for no other NFL team. Sorry Houston.
Okay, back to work!
Okay, back to work!
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Is Anyone Going to San Antone
It amazes me that a city like San Antonio, a city with great recreational opportunities, historical culture, fabulous restaurants and a great downtown district, in addition to one of the more unique football stadiums in America, has no NFL franchise. I was hoping the Saints would make a move to the Alamo City after making it a temporary home following Katrina, but the San Antonio Saints just weren't meant to be. Hey, I do have to give props to the Saints for committing themselves to New Orleans and helping with the recovery. If more pro sports teams had their attitude, pro sports would be a whole lot better.
Then, I was hoping the NFL would reward San Antonio with an NFL franchise the way the NBA did with Oklahoma City, after they hosted the New Orleans Hornets. The NBA was willing to move an expansion club into OKC, but then didn't have to once the Seattle Supersonics moved to town.
Look, San Antonio needs an NFL team. There are ample sponsors in the San Antonio area and outlying areas to make it feasible, I believe the city would support their team the way they do the Spurs, and NFL players might just decide they like the area. Ever notice how Spurs' players retire, then stay in San Antonio?
So, I'm launching a new (albeit, futile) campaign to bring the NFL to San Antonio. I'm including my radio audience in this as well. We've got the stadium (Alamodome), we have potential sponsors (Toyota, 3M, Clear Channel, and the usual suspects), we need to come up with a name, colors, and logo. Once we put this package together, we can then begin the process of lobbying the NFL for a franchise. I know, we need to find an owner, and our pleas are more than likely going to be dismissed by the NFL (I bet they won't even read them), but we can still have fun, can't we?
So, what would be a good name for the San Antonio football team?
(By the way, San Antonio doesn't even have Division I college football.)
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
A Couple of Thoughts on the Stimulus Bill
There are a couple of news briefs being passed through ABA circles about the economic stimulus bill being formed now in Congress. Both raise concern about the language in the bill that would prohibit religious activities in public/school/college buildings that use stimulus money for rennovations and construction. These concerns are valid, and we should be contacting our representatives in Congress about them.
There were a couple of statements made, though, that I feel should be addressed.
(1) If the bill passes, we have only ourselves to blame.
I don't think we should take the blame for the rebellion against God that is taking place in Congress. Did we not work to get Godly men elected to office? Did we not vote for the men we thought God would have run our country? Furthermore, if you live in the district of a Congressman who voted against the language prohibiting religious activities in stimulus-funded buildings, what more can you do? Really? Call your Congressman, but remember, if Congress passes the bill with the anti-religious language in it, it's not you they rejected, but God. (Isn't that what God told Samuel?)
(2) Our MBSF's are gone.
To be brutally honest, the MBSF (Missionary Baptist Student Fellowship... college campus ministries) have been dead in the state of Texas for years. I know we have some vibrant ones in place, and I'm not being critical of those. I am not even criticizing the struggling MBSF's, as all college ministries from all denominations go through cycles of prosperity and struggle. But, what I will point out is that in the state of Texas, home to UT, TAMU, Rice, U of H, Baylor, UTEP, Texas Tech, UTEP, Texas Pan-American, Texas State, SFA, Sam Houston, North Texas, TCU, SMU, numerous smaller schools like Tarleton State, Midwestern State, West Texas A&M, Howard Payne, HArdin Simmons, Abilene Christian University, San Angelo State, all the TAMU and UT branch schools, and numerous junior colleges, like TJC, Blinn, Kilgore, Jacksonville, Lon Morris, NE Texas CC, Lee, Harris County, San Jacinto, Cisco, Ranger, and so on, we have only 4 MBSF's in the state of Texas.
Some of those four are severely underfunded due to an unwillingness of our churches to add them to their missions budget. Some pastors have even told MBSF directors and sponsoring churches that "I don't want to send you money to help your church grow."
In addition to being evangelistic outreaches, MBSF's are a way to continue the discipleship process when our youth go on to college, plus they can be the training ground for our next generation of pastors and missionaries. The road that led me to salvation traveled right through a college ministry. The director worked tirelessly to try to get me to see the light. It was at that college ministry that I met my wife. That very college ministry, in addition to playing a role in my salvation, helped prepare that director for the pastoral ministry, and trained at least two other pastors that I can think of. Futhermore, I can point to some other MBSF leaders in our work who will likely go on to great things in the pastoral ministry or missions.
So, the stimulus plan would deal a blow to our ability to conduct MBSF on campus... but is that the greater tragedy? Or is the greater tragedy the fact that we had 50 years of freedom to conduct MBSF, and have chosen not to?
Brethren, I love you all. Things are going to get rough for the next few years. This dark period will come to an end in one of two ways. (1) The American people will react to it and we'll see a spiritual revival in our land (there are signs this might be coming), or (2) Jesus will return and we'll get to be with Him forever, and all this will be a minor, distant memory.
Let me close by offering you a verse from I Peter 4:12 - Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you.
Let's not be suprised, confounded, and let's quit acting like we are scrambling to counter-act the enemy. Let's face this, knowing what we are facing, and continuing to do the work God has planned for us. There will be a harvest.
There were a couple of statements made, though, that I feel should be addressed.
(1) If the bill passes, we have only ourselves to blame.
I don't think we should take the blame for the rebellion against God that is taking place in Congress. Did we not work to get Godly men elected to office? Did we not vote for the men we thought God would have run our country? Furthermore, if you live in the district of a Congressman who voted against the language prohibiting religious activities in stimulus-funded buildings, what more can you do? Really? Call your Congressman, but remember, if Congress passes the bill with the anti-religious language in it, it's not you they rejected, but God. (Isn't that what God told Samuel?)
(2) Our MBSF's are gone.
To be brutally honest, the MBSF (Missionary Baptist Student Fellowship... college campus ministries) have been dead in the state of Texas for years. I know we have some vibrant ones in place, and I'm not being critical of those. I am not even criticizing the struggling MBSF's, as all college ministries from all denominations go through cycles of prosperity and struggle. But, what I will point out is that in the state of Texas, home to UT, TAMU, Rice, U of H, Baylor, UTEP, Texas Tech, UTEP, Texas Pan-American, Texas State, SFA, Sam Houston, North Texas, TCU, SMU, numerous smaller schools like Tarleton State, Midwestern State, West Texas A&M, Howard Payne, HArdin Simmons, Abilene Christian University, San Angelo State, all the TAMU and UT branch schools, and numerous junior colleges, like TJC, Blinn, Kilgore, Jacksonville, Lon Morris, NE Texas CC, Lee, Harris County, San Jacinto, Cisco, Ranger, and so on, we have only 4 MBSF's in the state of Texas.
Some of those four are severely underfunded due to an unwillingness of our churches to add them to their missions budget. Some pastors have even told MBSF directors and sponsoring churches that "I don't want to send you money to help your church grow."
In addition to being evangelistic outreaches, MBSF's are a way to continue the discipleship process when our youth go on to college, plus they can be the training ground for our next generation of pastors and missionaries. The road that led me to salvation traveled right through a college ministry. The director worked tirelessly to try to get me to see the light. It was at that college ministry that I met my wife. That very college ministry, in addition to playing a role in my salvation, helped prepare that director for the pastoral ministry, and trained at least two other pastors that I can think of. Futhermore, I can point to some other MBSF leaders in our work who will likely go on to great things in the pastoral ministry or missions.
So, the stimulus plan would deal a blow to our ability to conduct MBSF on campus... but is that the greater tragedy? Or is the greater tragedy the fact that we had 50 years of freedom to conduct MBSF, and have chosen not to?
Brethren, I love you all. Things are going to get rough for the next few years. This dark period will come to an end in one of two ways. (1) The American people will react to it and we'll see a spiritual revival in our land (there are signs this might be coming), or (2) Jesus will return and we'll get to be with Him forever, and all this will be a minor, distant memory.
Let me close by offering you a verse from I Peter 4:12 - Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you.
Let's not be suprised, confounded, and let's quit acting like we are scrambling to counter-act the enemy. Let's face this, knowing what we are facing, and continuing to do the work God has planned for us. There will be a harvest.
Monday, February 9, 2009
It's All About Numbers
I have often heard people berate churches and pastors for being driven by numbers, attendance numbers, offering numbers and numbers of churches.
Let's be honest for a moment. Isn't it all about numbers? I mean seriously, if one of the brethren who constantly bemoans churches who seem to attract numbers woke up one Sunday to 1,000 in his church, would he really panic, trying to figure out how to run those people off? No. He would be praising God. Why? Because it is about numbers.
Before I go any further, let me emphasize that it is rebellion against God to compromise doctrine for the sake of drawing numbers. It is sin to hide the Gospel to draw numbers. It is worldly to preach feel-good encouraging messages to draw numbers. Still, any pastor or church who wants to reach people with the Gospel wants numbers.
Numbers do not equate success. A church can draw thousands every Sunday, yet be a complete failure because the Gospel never gets preached. On the other hand, a small church can be successful by discipling people and seeing them grow in ministry. Still, numbers present a better opportunity at success.
The ministry of Jesus drew numbers, On up into the thousands. Yet after three and one-half years, His congregation had only retained 125 (after the ascension). Still, Jesus didn't turn down the opportunity to preach to the multitudes. It was from those multitudes that He gained His disciples (not apostles, disciples. Some disciples became apostles. Not all disciples became apostles. All Apostles were disciples, save Paul, who, well, actually, was discipled in the wilderness.) You see... Numbers.
So, why are numbers important? Simple. The bigger the audience (i.e. the bigger the numbers), the greater chance you have of reaching someone with the preaching of the Gospel. This concept applies not only to Gospel preaching, but to all forms of communication. It's why stations with 16 percent of the radio audience sell more, and charge more for advertising than the stations with 3-4 percent. People want to put their message out in front of larger numbers, knowing that the larger the number, the better the chance to reach someone. It's why direct mail sells its bundles by the thousands. Numbers. (It is estimated that a successful direct mail campaign will net a 3 percent response rate. So, if you want to reach 300 people, you need to send out 10,000 mailers. Numbers.)
So, why put forth the effort for numbers? Simple. The more people you come into contact with, the better the chance you will have toward reaching someone with the Gospel. The more people you reach with the Gospel, the fewer people will be going to Hell. The more people you successfully disciple, the more evangelists and disciple-makers are on the streets, which will, in turn, lead to more converts. You see? It's all about the numbers.
Let's be honest for a moment. Isn't it all about numbers? I mean seriously, if one of the brethren who constantly bemoans churches who seem to attract numbers woke up one Sunday to 1,000 in his church, would he really panic, trying to figure out how to run those people off? No. He would be praising God. Why? Because it is about numbers.
Before I go any further, let me emphasize that it is rebellion against God to compromise doctrine for the sake of drawing numbers. It is sin to hide the Gospel to draw numbers. It is worldly to preach feel-good encouraging messages to draw numbers. Still, any pastor or church who wants to reach people with the Gospel wants numbers.
Numbers do not equate success. A church can draw thousands every Sunday, yet be a complete failure because the Gospel never gets preached. On the other hand, a small church can be successful by discipling people and seeing them grow in ministry. Still, numbers present a better opportunity at success.
The ministry of Jesus drew numbers, On up into the thousands. Yet after three and one-half years, His congregation had only retained 125 (after the ascension). Still, Jesus didn't turn down the opportunity to preach to the multitudes. It was from those multitudes that He gained His disciples (not apostles, disciples. Some disciples became apostles. Not all disciples became apostles. All Apostles were disciples, save Paul, who, well, actually, was discipled in the wilderness.) You see... Numbers.
So, why are numbers important? Simple. The bigger the audience (i.e. the bigger the numbers), the greater chance you have of reaching someone with the preaching of the Gospel. This concept applies not only to Gospel preaching, but to all forms of communication. It's why stations with 16 percent of the radio audience sell more, and charge more for advertising than the stations with 3-4 percent. People want to put their message out in front of larger numbers, knowing that the larger the number, the better the chance to reach someone. It's why direct mail sells its bundles by the thousands. Numbers. (It is estimated that a successful direct mail campaign will net a 3 percent response rate. So, if you want to reach 300 people, you need to send out 10,000 mailers. Numbers.)
So, why put forth the effort for numbers? Simple. The more people you come into contact with, the better the chance you will have toward reaching someone with the Gospel. The more people you reach with the Gospel, the fewer people will be going to Hell. The more people you successfully disciple, the more evangelists and disciple-makers are on the streets, which will, in turn, lead to more converts. You see? It's all about the numbers.
No Voice
For as long as I can remember, Christians and church-goers have stumped hard for the Republican Party. This was due to the pro-family, pro-life, pro-values platform we were being told the party stood for.
I remember that feeling of "almost victory" after the 2000 election, and the dissappointment after Jumpin' Jim Jeffords left the party, and sided with the Democrats, effectively yanking the power in the senate toward the Donkey logo.
I remember the 2004 elections, the promises of marriage ammendments, pro-life legislation, and rejoiced to see the Republican Party win at the polls. Just after the election, Democratic Strategists James Carville said, "Let's see if they mean it!" They didn't.
Since the 2004 election, we had one piece of pro-life legislation passed, which was quickly set aside by a district judge within minutes of being signed into law. No challenge to the judge's ruling was issued. Since then, I don't think I can remember one bit of pro-life, pro-family legislation passed through Congress. With gas prices on the rise, and unfulfilled promises still on the table in Congress, Republicans offered a pathetic campaign in 2006... basically, their campaign was "The Democrats would be worse." That failed, and the Donkey Party took over Congress in 2006.
You think they'd have learned their lesson. They didn't. In the 2008 election, the party nominated John McCain, who put forth a token effort in his Presidential campaign, tried to see if he could get elected with a pro-choice administration (remember the efforts to name Tom Ridge or Joe Lieberman to the VP spot?), and only threw a bone to Christians in the final months with Sarah Palin being picked for VP (and then blamed her for the loss).
So, with the ineffectualness of the Republican Party, the so-called family values party, the Democrats have now taken control of 2 of the 3 branches of the federal government with little to stop them from implementing whatever anti-Christian policies they wish to pass.
I think the overall lesson to be learned is that Conservative Christians have no voice in American government. Now, I know what Republican Congressmen will say to this. "We couldn't have passed all that pro-life, pro-marriage and pro-family legislation in the 2004-2006 term, we wanted to take a more long-term approach to implementing our values." Well, take note, because you are about to see two years of the Democratic Party implementing the very policies they campaigned on. And don't be surprised to see them use the "nuclear" option to get their judges on the bench.
So, while we have a party that panders to us in campaign season, we don't have a party that actively represents our views in Congress.
So, what can be done? Well, first of all, we have to quit fighting spiritual battles in Congress. We have no troops there. Secondly, we have to take the spiritual battle to the streets... by winning lost people to the Lord and by bringing the unchurched into our congregations. Thirdly, we need to hold our Congressional representatives accountable. When a new candidate approaches you on a pro-Christian platform, say, "Okay, I'll vote for you." If he wins, hold him accountable. It is not enough just to vote pro-Christian should the issue ever creep up. He needs to be introducing pro-life, pro-family, pro-marriage legislation. If he fails to do so, we should work for his defeat in the following election cycle (even to the point of seeing him go down in the primaries.) If the legislation fails to pass, that's not necessarily his fault. But an unwillingness to introduce, politic for, and fight for pro-Christian legislation is grounds for termination, in my book. Hey, they are our representatives, are they not?
Posturing for the 2010 elections has already begun. Expect a lot of rot-gut legislation between now and then. When that nice Republican candidate points to the pro-choice, anti-Christian legislation that gets passed and says to vote for him, and he'll overturn it, tell him you'll vote for him, but he's got two years to get it done. It's time for us to move out of the Republicans' corner and make them move into ours. They can not win without us, and now they know it.
I remember that feeling of "almost victory" after the 2000 election, and the dissappointment after Jumpin' Jim Jeffords left the party, and sided with the Democrats, effectively yanking the power in the senate toward the Donkey logo.
I remember the 2004 elections, the promises of marriage ammendments, pro-life legislation, and rejoiced to see the Republican Party win at the polls. Just after the election, Democratic Strategists James Carville said, "Let's see if they mean it!" They didn't.
Since the 2004 election, we had one piece of pro-life legislation passed, which was quickly set aside by a district judge within minutes of being signed into law. No challenge to the judge's ruling was issued. Since then, I don't think I can remember one bit of pro-life, pro-family legislation passed through Congress. With gas prices on the rise, and unfulfilled promises still on the table in Congress, Republicans offered a pathetic campaign in 2006... basically, their campaign was "The Democrats would be worse." That failed, and the Donkey Party took over Congress in 2006.
You think they'd have learned their lesson. They didn't. In the 2008 election, the party nominated John McCain, who put forth a token effort in his Presidential campaign, tried to see if he could get elected with a pro-choice administration (remember the efforts to name Tom Ridge or Joe Lieberman to the VP spot?), and only threw a bone to Christians in the final months with Sarah Palin being picked for VP (and then blamed her for the loss).
So, with the ineffectualness of the Republican Party, the so-called family values party, the Democrats have now taken control of 2 of the 3 branches of the federal government with little to stop them from implementing whatever anti-Christian policies they wish to pass.
I think the overall lesson to be learned is that Conservative Christians have no voice in American government. Now, I know what Republican Congressmen will say to this. "We couldn't have passed all that pro-life, pro-marriage and pro-family legislation in the 2004-2006 term, we wanted to take a more long-term approach to implementing our values." Well, take note, because you are about to see two years of the Democratic Party implementing the very policies they campaigned on. And don't be surprised to see them use the "nuclear" option to get their judges on the bench.
So, while we have a party that panders to us in campaign season, we don't have a party that actively represents our views in Congress.
So, what can be done? Well, first of all, we have to quit fighting spiritual battles in Congress. We have no troops there. Secondly, we have to take the spiritual battle to the streets... by winning lost people to the Lord and by bringing the unchurched into our congregations. Thirdly, we need to hold our Congressional representatives accountable. When a new candidate approaches you on a pro-Christian platform, say, "Okay, I'll vote for you." If he wins, hold him accountable. It is not enough just to vote pro-Christian should the issue ever creep up. He needs to be introducing pro-life, pro-family, pro-marriage legislation. If he fails to do so, we should work for his defeat in the following election cycle (even to the point of seeing him go down in the primaries.) If the legislation fails to pass, that's not necessarily his fault. But an unwillingness to introduce, politic for, and fight for pro-Christian legislation is grounds for termination, in my book. Hey, they are our representatives, are they not?
Posturing for the 2010 elections has already begun. Expect a lot of rot-gut legislation between now and then. When that nice Republican candidate points to the pro-choice, anti-Christian legislation that gets passed and says to vote for him, and he'll overturn it, tell him you'll vote for him, but he's got two years to get it done. It's time for us to move out of the Republicans' corner and make them move into ours. They can not win without us, and now they know it.
Sunday, February 8, 2009
It's SUNDAY!!!!
I do believe that Sundays are my favorite day of the week, for it is on Sunday that I get to go to worship, draw encouragement from my fellow believers, preach the word, and see the fruits of God's working.
We had 14 in morning worship this morning. I gave the congregation some future options regarding a meeting place, to which they all agreed our proper course of action is to purchase some property and put a temporary structure (portable building) on it until we can afford to build. This is going to be interesting.
We had 14 in morning worship this morning. I gave the congregation some future options regarding a meeting place, to which they all agreed our proper course of action is to purchase some property and put a temporary structure (portable building) on it until we can afford to build. This is going to be interesting.
Thursday, February 5, 2009
Mission: Brownwood Jan 09 Report
Grace Pointe MBM Core Group Grows, Solidifies
The core group at Grace Pointe is beginning to grow, as we now have three families committed to the work. Their attendance accounted for 17 in attendance in our morning worship services on Jan. 25. The capacity for the Brownwood Apts. Phase II Community Room is 25, so we are nearing a point where we will have to move to a larger meeting place.
All three families are participating in the ministries at Grace Pointe by teaching in our mid-week youth programs, faithfully attending services and contributing financially to the work. We even have a regular visitor who is bringing friends of her own.
Things are really exciting right now at Grace Pointe MBM, as we are seeing rapid spiritual growth in our members and regular attenders, and see the potential for God to move in big ways in Brownwood.
Rocky Springs MBC Launches Building Fund for Grace Pointe
With the numeric growth, and the possibility of exceeding our capacity at the Brownwood Apts. Phase II Community Room within the next few months, the members of the mission are praying about what God would have us do next.
Our options include renting a nearby elementary school, one of the civic centers, a store front, or a vacated church building. There are currently two vacant church buildings for sale in Brownwood, one in Early (Brownwood’s suburb), and one that may soon hit the market.
While the mission is not in a financial position to rent its own facility at this moment, we are expecting that we will be able to within a few months. We also anticipate purchasing a facility within the next 18 months. With our new children’s ministries coming online, we would prefer to move into a permanent facility.
Therefore, we are asking our sister churches to come through once again for us through one-time love offerings or monthly support designated toward the Brownwood mission building fund. Please send all offerings to our sponsoring church.
Financial Report
SUPPORT RECEIVED
MBA of Texas $1,911
Muse MBC (Grapeland, TX) $200
White Rock MBC (Center, TX) $100
Salmon MBC (Elkhart, TX) $25
58th Ave MBC (Amarillo, TX) $102.30
Hickory Grove MBC (Newport, AR) $82.37
Memory Lane MBC (Palestine, TX) $50
Bassett Rd MBC (Palestine, TX) $75
Denson Springs MBC (Grapeland, TX) $50
Donna Prasatik $150
Quaker Ave MBC (Lubbock, TX) $100
Bethel MBC (Tatum, TX) $50
Rocky Springs MBC (Jacksonville, TX) $150
Wyndrock MBC (Abilene, TX) $40
East Side BC (Jacksonville, TX) $100
Nevill’s Chapel MBC (Mt. Pleasant, TX)$189.92
Hickory Grove MBC (Newport, AR) $70.83
Memorial MBC (Rusk, TX) $400
John Nickle (Rusk, TX) $25
Northcrest BC (Andrews, TX) $300
OFFERING:
Grace Pointe MBM $362
EXPENSES:
Salary $1,000
Housing $700
Health Insurance $211
Total to Missionary: $1,911
Postage $16.80
Supplies from Walmart $25.84
Outreach $59.92
LOOKING FORWARD
Grace Pointe MBM launched her AWANA program Feb. 3 with 15 in attendance. See how the program progresses in next month’s report, or log on to the Mission: Brownwood blog at www.lelandacker.blogspot.com.
Missionary Leland Acker and family will be in attendance at the Southwest Association Mission Rally at 58th Ave MBC in Amarillo in April.
Grace Pointe MBM will host the Southwest Mission Rally in July.
Mission: Brownwood will expand apartment ministries.
The core group at Grace Pointe is beginning to grow, as we now have three families committed to the work. Their attendance accounted for 17 in attendance in our morning worship services on Jan. 25. The capacity for the Brownwood Apts. Phase II Community Room is 25, so we are nearing a point where we will have to move to a larger meeting place.
All three families are participating in the ministries at Grace Pointe by teaching in our mid-week youth programs, faithfully attending services and contributing financially to the work. We even have a regular visitor who is bringing friends of her own.
Things are really exciting right now at Grace Pointe MBM, as we are seeing rapid spiritual growth in our members and regular attenders, and see the potential for God to move in big ways in Brownwood.
Rocky Springs MBC Launches Building Fund for Grace Pointe
With the numeric growth, and the possibility of exceeding our capacity at the Brownwood Apts. Phase II Community Room within the next few months, the members of the mission are praying about what God would have us do next.
Our options include renting a nearby elementary school, one of the civic centers, a store front, or a vacated church building. There are currently two vacant church buildings for sale in Brownwood, one in Early (Brownwood’s suburb), and one that may soon hit the market.
While the mission is not in a financial position to rent its own facility at this moment, we are expecting that we will be able to within a few months. We also anticipate purchasing a facility within the next 18 months. With our new children’s ministries coming online, we would prefer to move into a permanent facility.
Therefore, we are asking our sister churches to come through once again for us through one-time love offerings or monthly support designated toward the Brownwood mission building fund. Please send all offerings to our sponsoring church.
Financial Report
SUPPORT RECEIVED
MBA of Texas $1,911
Muse MBC (Grapeland, TX) $200
White Rock MBC (Center, TX) $100
Salmon MBC (Elkhart, TX) $25
58th Ave MBC (Amarillo, TX) $102.30
Hickory Grove MBC (Newport, AR) $82.37
Memory Lane MBC (Palestine, TX) $50
Bassett Rd MBC (Palestine, TX) $75
Denson Springs MBC (Grapeland, TX) $50
Donna Prasatik $150
Quaker Ave MBC (Lubbock, TX) $100
Bethel MBC (Tatum, TX) $50
Rocky Springs MBC (Jacksonville, TX) $150
Wyndrock MBC (Abilene, TX) $40
East Side BC (Jacksonville, TX) $100
Nevill’s Chapel MBC (Mt. Pleasant, TX)$189.92
Hickory Grove MBC (Newport, AR) $70.83
Memorial MBC (Rusk, TX) $400
John Nickle (Rusk, TX) $25
Northcrest BC (Andrews, TX) $300
OFFERING:
Grace Pointe MBM $362
EXPENSES:
Salary $1,000
Housing $700
Health Insurance $211
Total to Missionary: $1,911
Postage $16.80
Supplies from Walmart $25.84
Outreach $59.92
LOOKING FORWARD
Grace Pointe MBM launched her AWANA program Feb. 3 with 15 in attendance. See how the program progresses in next month’s report, or log on to the Mission: Brownwood blog at www.lelandacker.blogspot.com.
Missionary Leland Acker and family will be in attendance at the Southwest Association Mission Rally at 58th Ave MBC in Amarillo in April.
Grace Pointe MBM will host the Southwest Mission Rally in July.
Mission: Brownwood will expand apartment ministries.
Greatness is by Design, not by Accident
One of the reasons I like Tony Romo, and rookie runningback Felix Jones, is that they remind me of the greatness of the Dallas Cowboys from the 1990s. I know, nothing will compare to the Super Bowl teams of the 70s, but do keep in mind that I was born in '78, so I missed much of that. I was just discovering football when Tom Landry was fired. So while I am aware of the greatness of the Cowboys from the golden days of yore, my personal experience of watching the greatness of the Cowboys is limited to the Super Bowl teams of the 90s.
Emmitt Smith was the best rusher in the league, could always get the yardage needed for a first down, or a touchdown (except one fateful day in Philly), and could be depended on to get the team where it needed to be. Troy Aikman was a solid on-field leader who made the plays when it counted. Their greatness inspired the rest of the team, to the point that even the no-names came up big. Who can forget the time Aikman went down, and an unknown Jason Garrett saved the day at QB. Garrett, now a successful offensive coordinator, had little cred as an NFL QB, but that day, he shined like a superstar. You see, greatness is contageous, but it doesn't happen by accident.
To be a star in the NFL, one has to be groomed from childhood, learning to love the game and the oval shaped ball as soon as he is learning to walk, possibly sooner. That child then is taught to throw and catch by his father, enrolled in the flag football league before advancing to pee-wee football. Often, the family will decide on a place to live based on the quality of the youth sports programs and the football program at the local school. Upon entering the 7th grade, that boy then gets involved in scholastic athletics.
It is the job of a head football coach/athletic director in the state of Texas to develop football talent at all levels in school (at least, in the smaller cities like Brownwood, Jacksonville, and so on. I'm not sure how far the sphere of influence spreads in places like Dallas where there are multiple high schools and junior highs, but in smaller towns, the high school head coach hires the junior high coaches.) The successful AD/Head Football Coach will have an organized plan and program in place to develop his players from the time they hit seventh grade up until high school into great football players. Your exemplary ADs work with the youth progams to start the development sooner.
The successful AD will enjoy winning seasons, possible state titles, praise and acclaim from the townspeople, high salaries and the opportunity to advance to a larger school and make even more money. If successful there, he may even go on to coach college or professional football. But none of this happens by accident. It is all a deliberate effort to teach, condition and prepare the players for the games.
You can tell the quality of a football program, not by their win-loss record, but by how many players graduate and go on to college (Division I) or even professional football. Danny Long, remembered for leading the Jacksonville Indians to gridiron glory in the Texas state playoffs, actually suffered some down years in the late 90s. Notwithstanding, each team graduated 3-5 Division I prospects, with one or two of those having a shot at the NFL, with maybe one actually making a roster. (Mostly, the one that did make a roster wound up on the practice squad, with the exception of a couple of quarterback brothers). Having gone through part of his program, I can tell you it was a deliberate process.
So, on the football field, winning is only half the battle. True success is displayed by graduating the next generation of NFL stars.
When I think if this, I often think of our discipleship efforts in our churches. Our aims in discipleship ought to reflect an effort to introduce someone to Christ, see them accept Jesus as Savior, Baptise them, and the teach them the doctrines of Christ, all while helping them grow in their faith until they find the place where God wants them to serve. When they find that place of service, helping them grow in that position until God leads them on to bigger things. It should be a deliberate process that produces super-disciples by design.
So, my question is, does your church have a plan in place to develop these disciples? If so, can you share with me? I am developing my approach on trial and error, and hope to have Grace Pointe in the disciple-making business as soon as possible.
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
More praises
We had 15 tonight for our first night of Awana. I fully expect this program to take off! Canvassing efforts in Northwest Brownwood are also going well. Look for some additions soon!
Sunday, February 1, 2009
Praise God
We had 11 in services this morning, this in the face of one rather large family being out with the flu, and one regular being on vacation this week.
Of those that are being faithful in their attendance, I am noticing some rapid spiritual growth. So far, things are going very well at Grace Pointe.
Awanas kick off Tuesday night.
Of those that are being faithful in their attendance, I am noticing some rapid spiritual growth. So far, things are going very well at Grace Pointe.
Awanas kick off Tuesday night.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)