I don't know if I'm getting old, or if my schedule is getting busier, but I sure am glad that it's Friday, and that I have no appointments or committments today or tomorrow.
I sold some advertising this week, so it looks like KSTA might be coming out of the advertising slump that we briefly endured in March.
Now time to start work on my sermon.
Friday, March 27, 2009
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Market Place update
We had 14 last night at Market Place. I preached on the condition of the world from Genesis 6.
Some of the Market Place residents are now coming to Grace Pointe. That's a welcome development that I didn't think would happen. God's really on the move here.
Some of the Market Place residents are now coming to Grace Pointe. That's a welcome development that I didn't think would happen. God's really on the move here.
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Is it in the water? No. Look to the parenting.
This morning, I played "The Fool" by Lee Ann Womack on my radio show on KSTA. Lee Ann Womack is from my hometown of Jacksonville, Tex. Her father was a radio personality for KEBE in Jacksonville, owned by Dudley Waller, whose company would never hire me... but that's a completely separate issue from this post.
While the song played, I began to think about my alma mater, Jacksonville High School.
Over the past 25 years, Jacksonville High School has produced two successful major-label country music singers (Lee Ann Womack and Neal McCoy), three NFL players (Former Dallas Cowboys' punter Toby Gowin, current Tampa Bay back-up quarterback Luke McCown and current Miami back-up quarterback Josh McCown), several other pro football players who played in leagues like the Arena Football League, numerous Division I college football stand-outs (Randy McCown, former Texas A&M quarterback and Richard Whitaker, former Texas A&M runningback), and that's just the high profile success stories.
We have Jacksonville alumni working with the outreach division of the Republican Party. Some have launched successful businesses, while others serve God in the ministry.
Most towns have that one football star that made it. (Rusk has Dr. Jim Swink). Other towns might have that local resident who rose to fame (Coleman has Ronnie Dunn of Brooks and Dunn, Lindale has Miranda Lambert, Henderson has Jim Reeves). It is not that common for a town to have as many success stories as Jacksonville.
So, what's with the success stories? Is it something in the water? Having drank Jacksonville water, I can gaurantee you, NO!. Is it the fabulous school system? No. Jacksonville schools have struggled with accreditation ratings and are having to rely too heavily on portable buildings to accomodate its students. That being said, I want to emphasize that when I was in school, we had some of the best teachers in public education.
No, the difference is in the parenting. Lee Ann Womack's mother was a teacher at Jacksonville High School. Her father took her to work with him. They set her up for success.
The McCown brothers' (Luke, Josh and Randy) father taught them to be successful quarterbacks. He taught them a solid work ethic and a strong sense of respect. One of the brothers has even made it public that he is surrendering to the ministry. At the present time, he says he plans on using his football career for God's honor and glory, but after football is over, he plans to serve the Lord in the ministry. The other two McCown brothers are class acts as well.
Toby Gowin's mother taught biology at Jacksonville High School. Her biology class was hard enough, as her philosophy was to set very high standards and empower her students to rise to the occasion. No challenge meant no growth. She forbad her sons from owning home video games like the PS3 (Or SuperNintendo back in that day), though they were allowed to play if they were at a friends house. They were required to change their own oil in their cars, etc. One time, one of her sons made a failing grade in college, and we thought were were going to have to plan a funeral.
The point is that these parents strongly disciplined their children, witheld things that would be detrimental to their kids, and trained and groomed their kids for success. Some of these parents, if not all, even brought their kids up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.
These parents did not view their child's success as a game of chance, neither did they buy into the idea that we were just lowly country people capable of little else than continuing the life-cycle of our small town. They grabbed the proverbial bull by the horns and reared (not raised) their children. (For a difference between rear and raise, email me). The results are in the pudding.
These kids did not grow up perfect, but they had the opportunity to maximize their potential. Without loving parents to discipline kids, remove destructive influences and conditions, and to train them up in the way they should go, the natural progression is for further rebellion, mistakes, and lifestyle decline. The natural result is failure, both secular and spiritual.
Young parent, your child's future is not up to chance, neither is it limited by your area's socio-economic deficiencies. Your child's future is dependent on your willingness to make the tough choices, take the tough stands, put forth the effort and sacrifice to groom them for success (spiritual and secular) and their desire to follow your parenting. It'll be the toughest thing you ever do, but you can do it, especially if you are living with Jesus as your Savior.
While the song played, I began to think about my alma mater, Jacksonville High School.
Over the past 25 years, Jacksonville High School has produced two successful major-label country music singers (Lee Ann Womack and Neal McCoy), three NFL players (Former Dallas Cowboys' punter Toby Gowin, current Tampa Bay back-up quarterback Luke McCown and current Miami back-up quarterback Josh McCown), several other pro football players who played in leagues like the Arena Football League, numerous Division I college football stand-outs (Randy McCown, former Texas A&M quarterback and Richard Whitaker, former Texas A&M runningback), and that's just the high profile success stories.
We have Jacksonville alumni working with the outreach division of the Republican Party. Some have launched successful businesses, while others serve God in the ministry.
Most towns have that one football star that made it. (Rusk has Dr. Jim Swink). Other towns might have that local resident who rose to fame (Coleman has Ronnie Dunn of Brooks and Dunn, Lindale has Miranda Lambert, Henderson has Jim Reeves). It is not that common for a town to have as many success stories as Jacksonville.
So, what's with the success stories? Is it something in the water? Having drank Jacksonville water, I can gaurantee you, NO!. Is it the fabulous school system? No. Jacksonville schools have struggled with accreditation ratings and are having to rely too heavily on portable buildings to accomodate its students. That being said, I want to emphasize that when I was in school, we had some of the best teachers in public education.
No, the difference is in the parenting. Lee Ann Womack's mother was a teacher at Jacksonville High School. Her father took her to work with him. They set her up for success.
The McCown brothers' (Luke, Josh and Randy) father taught them to be successful quarterbacks. He taught them a solid work ethic and a strong sense of respect. One of the brothers has even made it public that he is surrendering to the ministry. At the present time, he says he plans on using his football career for God's honor and glory, but after football is over, he plans to serve the Lord in the ministry. The other two McCown brothers are class acts as well.
Toby Gowin's mother taught biology at Jacksonville High School. Her biology class was hard enough, as her philosophy was to set very high standards and empower her students to rise to the occasion. No challenge meant no growth. She forbad her sons from owning home video games like the PS3 (Or SuperNintendo back in that day), though they were allowed to play if they were at a friends house. They were required to change their own oil in their cars, etc. One time, one of her sons made a failing grade in college, and we thought were were going to have to plan a funeral.
The point is that these parents strongly disciplined their children, witheld things that would be detrimental to their kids, and trained and groomed their kids for success. Some of these parents, if not all, even brought their kids up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.
These parents did not view their child's success as a game of chance, neither did they buy into the idea that we were just lowly country people capable of little else than continuing the life-cycle of our small town. They grabbed the proverbial bull by the horns and reared (not raised) their children. (For a difference between rear and raise, email me). The results are in the pudding.
These kids did not grow up perfect, but they had the opportunity to maximize their potential. Without loving parents to discipline kids, remove destructive influences and conditions, and to train them up in the way they should go, the natural progression is for further rebellion, mistakes, and lifestyle decline. The natural result is failure, both secular and spiritual.
Young parent, your child's future is not up to chance, neither is it limited by your area's socio-economic deficiencies. Your child's future is dependent on your willingness to make the tough choices, take the tough stands, put forth the effort and sacrifice to groom them for success (spiritual and secular) and their desire to follow your parenting. It'll be the toughest thing you ever do, but you can do it, especially if you are living with Jesus as your Savior.
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
I'm seriously going to lose it!
What is the deal with parents today? Seriously, are they all stupid?
It seems that everywhere I turn, there are parents who are enabling their teenagers' mistakes, mistakes that will cost the kid for a lifetime. They treat drug and alcohol abuse, and premarital sex as a rite of passage.
Parents are moving their daughter's boyfriends into the home with with them, so that their daughters can cohabitate with their boyfriends at the tender age of 15!!!!!?????
Of course, it shouldn't come as a surprise when their teenage daughter comes up pregnant in these instances, but it does. Even then, the delinquent mother or father is excited because "I'm gonna be a grandma!"
HELLOOOOO!!! IDIOT! MORON! YOU HAVE JUST SENTENCED YOUR DAUGHTER TO A LIFE WHERE SHE WILL NEVER GET TO GO TO COLLEGE, NEVER GET TO MAXIMIZE HER POTENTIAL, AND WILL SPEND THE REST OF HER LIFE STRUGGLING TO GET BY FINANCIALLY, POSSIBLY EVEN NEEDING ASSISTANCE FROM THE GOVERNMENT! Seriously, this girl now has an uphill battle in life, and she's not even out of high school yet. Studies show that she might not even finish now... thus relegating her to minimum wage for the rest of her life.
Maybe the boyfriend stays and honors the committment he was not ready to make, maybe he doesn't. Either way, they've got an uphill battle ahead.
And don't give me that "but Leland, the teenagers are responsible for their actions." Between the ages of 12-17, give or take a year or two based on individual development, teenagers brains undergo a lot of changes that are due to puberty, these developments create irrational emotions, unrealistic views of life, and can even render a normal teen insane. Sure, they can make the right decision, but making the right decision becomes next to impossible with parents who are more than willing to point their kids in the wrong direction.
What I'm saying is that when you are 14, you have your first boyfriend or girlfriend (depending on your gender, not your preference). You "feel" all in love, and you're gonna "be in love" forever, and you're going to get married and move to Hollywood and live happily ever after. Take two teens in this mindset, add the hormonal developments of puberty, along with the normal curiosity, move them in together, and you'll have a hard time preventing intercourse. Use common sense! Limit their opportunity to do this, and for Heaven's sake, don't shack them up together.
If you move two teens who "are in love" into the same house, you are not running the risk of teen pregnancy... you have gauranteed it. You, as parent, failed in your role to bring a child up in the way he or she should go, and you will answer for that in the judgment.
Now let's move on to parents who actually provide drugs and alcohol to their teens, and provide "a safe place" for these teens to have drug and alcohol parties. On second thought, let me save this for another day. I'm not in the proper mindset to continue this discussion now.
I've had problems with some who are close to me making this mistake, and I found out that this problem is more prevalent than I first thought. My emotions are further exacerbated by the fact that photos of one of my former youth group members has surfaced on the net, depicting this young person attending a party where alcohol was being consumed in excess, and this individual consuming some.
It seems that everywhere I turn, there are parents who are enabling their teenagers' mistakes, mistakes that will cost the kid for a lifetime. They treat drug and alcohol abuse, and premarital sex as a rite of passage.
Parents are moving their daughter's boyfriends into the home with with them, so that their daughters can cohabitate with their boyfriends at the tender age of 15!!!!!?????
Of course, it shouldn't come as a surprise when their teenage daughter comes up pregnant in these instances, but it does. Even then, the delinquent mother or father is excited because "I'm gonna be a grandma!"
HELLOOOOO!!! IDIOT! MORON! YOU HAVE JUST SENTENCED YOUR DAUGHTER TO A LIFE WHERE SHE WILL NEVER GET TO GO TO COLLEGE, NEVER GET TO MAXIMIZE HER POTENTIAL, AND WILL SPEND THE REST OF HER LIFE STRUGGLING TO GET BY FINANCIALLY, POSSIBLY EVEN NEEDING ASSISTANCE FROM THE GOVERNMENT! Seriously, this girl now has an uphill battle in life, and she's not even out of high school yet. Studies show that she might not even finish now... thus relegating her to minimum wage for the rest of her life.
Maybe the boyfriend stays and honors the committment he was not ready to make, maybe he doesn't. Either way, they've got an uphill battle ahead.
And don't give me that "but Leland, the teenagers are responsible for their actions." Between the ages of 12-17, give or take a year or two based on individual development, teenagers brains undergo a lot of changes that are due to puberty, these developments create irrational emotions, unrealistic views of life, and can even render a normal teen insane. Sure, they can make the right decision, but making the right decision becomes next to impossible with parents who are more than willing to point their kids in the wrong direction.
What I'm saying is that when you are 14, you have your first boyfriend or girlfriend (depending on your gender, not your preference). You "feel" all in love, and you're gonna "be in love" forever, and you're going to get married and move to Hollywood and live happily ever after. Take two teens in this mindset, add the hormonal developments of puberty, along with the normal curiosity, move them in together, and you'll have a hard time preventing intercourse. Use common sense! Limit their opportunity to do this, and for Heaven's sake, don't shack them up together.
If you move two teens who "are in love" into the same house, you are not running the risk of teen pregnancy... you have gauranteed it. You, as parent, failed in your role to bring a child up in the way he or she should go, and you will answer for that in the judgment.
Now let's move on to parents who actually provide drugs and alcohol to their teens, and provide "a safe place" for these teens to have drug and alcohol parties. On second thought, let me save this for another day. I'm not in the proper mindset to continue this discussion now.
I've had problems with some who are close to me making this mistake, and I found out that this problem is more prevalent than I first thought. My emotions are further exacerbated by the fact that photos of one of my former youth group members has surfaced on the net, depicting this young person attending a party where alcohol was being consumed in excess, and this individual consuming some.
Monday, March 23, 2009
Out of the Comfort Zone
I have a book entitled "Out of the Comfort Zone" by Ray Comfort, a well renown evangelist who developed "The Way of the Master," along with the Living Waters School of Evangelism.
The cartoon on the cover of the book depicts a Christian sitting in a comfortable chair, located inside a protective bubble while death, destruction and mayhem run rampant outside the protective bubble. The more I observe the world around me, the more I feel like that cartoon is accurately portraying Christianity in America today.
My mind takes me back to a mission rally I once attended. A foreign missionary was there telling us how the pastors of the new churches planted in his country were being ambushed and killed, many times along with their family. In the same meeting, after that missionary had spoke, a local pastor proclaimed with glee that his church was finally getting new carpet.
We think of the drug culture existing in far away places like Compton, Calif., Brooklyn, the streets of San Francisco and the innercities of the major metro areas. The truth is, the drug culture has permeated every community in America and is destroying lives all around us. In East Texas, where I am from, meth can be found on virtually any country road, in almost any neighborhood, and in almost any apartment complex. It's devastating effects are easily observed in the children of drug addicted parents.
Having moved to West Central Texas, I have noticed that the problem is just as bad out here, even in towns of approximately 1,000 people or less. The devastating effects are also present here. I see people who have no hope, who are forgotten, and who have given up on themselves and their children.
Meanwhile, Christians sit idly by and dismiss the societal problems on this being the end times. We argue over who is going to be "in the Bride." We discuss the timing of the rapture, argue over church planting vs. mission work, go to war with each other over the KJV translation, and argue over contemporary vs. modern worship vs. blended. I like good discussions, and occasionally get involved in a few, but these discussions become destructive when they interfere with God's work.
The best way to reach the lost, we think, is to modernize our approach to the worship service, start a bus ministry so we can pack the place with kids, read a few books, implement some of their practices, and go multi-media with our presentations. I'm not advocating against this, but this will not reach the lost. Modern worship and modern presentation systems give the illusion of reaching the lost of a community because it drives numbers up. In reality, I fear all it does is attract younger Christians who want to be cooler than their grandparents church. This does lead to professions of faith, as the younger Christians may very well come to the knowledge that they made a false profession previously, but that is only if the modern presentation is backed up by solid scriptural preaching and teaching. The modern stuff is great, I may use it someday, but it is not the key to winning the lost and hopeless in our communities. Those who think so are remaining in the comfort zone.
If you desire to see the lost, hopeless and hurting reached with the Gospel, you have to take the Word to them. You have to go where the people are, and this does not involve a 3.5 million dollar facility with freeway frontage. It involves getting out and getting into the trenches. It involves door-knocking, apartment ministries, VBS, following up with those who the church has reached out to, even though it involves going to a house or neighborhood that is not in a good part of town. (Don't place yourself in unnecessary danger, but you can visit someone in the other side of town without harm if you are minding your business. Keep in mind, I'm using small-town Brownwood references here. I wouldn't advise going to Deep Ellum by yourself.)
The main factor in success in reaching the lost and hopeless, who are reachable, is the ability to connect with them one-on-one. If they know you care about them, they will follow... but you have to truly care. These people are street smart, and they can spot fake care a mile away.
So, let's get out of our comfort zones. Let's approve the coming changes to the mission policy that will give missionaries the freedom to work the fields. Let's get more courageous about mission work and begin sending out more missionaries (and quit using money as an excuse as to why we can't be a sending church). And let's get busy ourselves getting back into the trenches and doing battle for the Lord over the lost souls in our hometowns.
The cartoon on the cover of the book depicts a Christian sitting in a comfortable chair, located inside a protective bubble while death, destruction and mayhem run rampant outside the protective bubble. The more I observe the world around me, the more I feel like that cartoon is accurately portraying Christianity in America today.
My mind takes me back to a mission rally I once attended. A foreign missionary was there telling us how the pastors of the new churches planted in his country were being ambushed and killed, many times along with their family. In the same meeting, after that missionary had spoke, a local pastor proclaimed with glee that his church was finally getting new carpet.
We think of the drug culture existing in far away places like Compton, Calif., Brooklyn, the streets of San Francisco and the innercities of the major metro areas. The truth is, the drug culture has permeated every community in America and is destroying lives all around us. In East Texas, where I am from, meth can be found on virtually any country road, in almost any neighborhood, and in almost any apartment complex. It's devastating effects are easily observed in the children of drug addicted parents.
Having moved to West Central Texas, I have noticed that the problem is just as bad out here, even in towns of approximately 1,000 people or less. The devastating effects are also present here. I see people who have no hope, who are forgotten, and who have given up on themselves and their children.
Meanwhile, Christians sit idly by and dismiss the societal problems on this being the end times. We argue over who is going to be "in the Bride." We discuss the timing of the rapture, argue over church planting vs. mission work, go to war with each other over the KJV translation, and argue over contemporary vs. modern worship vs. blended. I like good discussions, and occasionally get involved in a few, but these discussions become destructive when they interfere with God's work.
The best way to reach the lost, we think, is to modernize our approach to the worship service, start a bus ministry so we can pack the place with kids, read a few books, implement some of their practices, and go multi-media with our presentations. I'm not advocating against this, but this will not reach the lost. Modern worship and modern presentation systems give the illusion of reaching the lost of a community because it drives numbers up. In reality, I fear all it does is attract younger Christians who want to be cooler than their grandparents church. This does lead to professions of faith, as the younger Christians may very well come to the knowledge that they made a false profession previously, but that is only if the modern presentation is backed up by solid scriptural preaching and teaching. The modern stuff is great, I may use it someday, but it is not the key to winning the lost and hopeless in our communities. Those who think so are remaining in the comfort zone.
If you desire to see the lost, hopeless and hurting reached with the Gospel, you have to take the Word to them. You have to go where the people are, and this does not involve a 3.5 million dollar facility with freeway frontage. It involves getting out and getting into the trenches. It involves door-knocking, apartment ministries, VBS, following up with those who the church has reached out to, even though it involves going to a house or neighborhood that is not in a good part of town. (Don't place yourself in unnecessary danger, but you can visit someone in the other side of town without harm if you are minding your business. Keep in mind, I'm using small-town Brownwood references here. I wouldn't advise going to Deep Ellum by yourself.)
The main factor in success in reaching the lost and hopeless, who are reachable, is the ability to connect with them one-on-one. If they know you care about them, they will follow... but you have to truly care. These people are street smart, and they can spot fake care a mile away.
So, let's get out of our comfort zones. Let's approve the coming changes to the mission policy that will give missionaries the freedom to work the fields. Let's get more courageous about mission work and begin sending out more missionaries (and quit using money as an excuse as to why we can't be a sending church). And let's get busy ourselves getting back into the trenches and doing battle for the Lord over the lost souls in our hometowns.
Sweet 16!
We had 16 in attendance yesterday morning at Grace Pointe, with services being followed by a wonderful meal being cooked by Rosemary, Ron, and Jessica (who baked cookies!!!!)
I preached on the make-up of community, illustrating what a church should be doing from Acts 2:38-42. We'll wrap up the community series next Sunday with mission work from Acts 13. We'll then shift gears and the message series will be "Hope" in April, being built around Easter.
I preached on the make-up of community, illustrating what a church should be doing from Acts 2:38-42. We'll wrap up the community series next Sunday with mission work from Acts 13. We'll then shift gears and the message series will be "Hope" in April, being built around Easter.
Thursday, March 19, 2009
NCAA Final Four
I have my brackets filled out up to the final four. My predictions?
Louisville
Memphis
Duke
North Carolina
I'd like to see SFA win a tournament game, but in all reality, I think Syracuse is going to be too much. Great season, though.
Louisville
Memphis
Duke
North Carolina
I'd like to see SFA win a tournament game, but in all reality, I think Syracuse is going to be too much. Great season, though.
Market Place has 18
We had 18 in attendance at Market Place last night as I preached on personal demons from Mark 1, while referencing Matthew 12.
Some of the Market Place attendees are coming to Grace Pointe Sunday morning, and I know they'll show up because they're planning a pot-luck!
It looks like God is really beginning to move things into place.
Some of the Market Place attendees are coming to Grace Pointe Sunday morning, and I know they'll show up because they're planning a pot-luck!
It looks like God is really beginning to move things into place.
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Developing a Powerful Youth Program
Studies show that 64% of those saved received Christ as their Savior before they turned 18 years old. I think the reason that we are experiencing a decline in church attendance and in the spiritual condition of America is that over the past 20 or so years, we have failed to reach the younger generations for Christ.
My studies are not scientific, nor are they even in depth. In fact, I am basing my hypothesis on a few anecdotal instances that I have witnessed.
It seems that youth ministry in regard to churches have followed one of two models. Model A consists of a program that is extremely entertaining, gets kids involved, gets them to singing praises and even sitting down for lessons and preaching, but failed to incorporate enough scripture to disciple and lead the kids to salvation. Model B, so afraid of becoming Model A, went the complete opposite direction, and shunned anything that could be construed as entertaining. Model A drew numbers, but failed to disciple. Model B ran the numbers off, and maybe discipled one or two.
Then came the parachurch youth ministries. Many of these actually competed with local churches for the hearts and minds of the youth. They convinced the kids that only this particular ministry truly cares about you and want you to be involved. The result of this is a spirit of rebellion that was fostered, leading many to believe they could be just as close to Christ, and walk as close to the Lord outside the church as they could in the church. This approach inadvertently fed into the "I can worship at the lake on Sunday as well as I can in church."
None of these approaches intended on the consequences generated, but the consequences were generated none the less.
The vision of Grace Pointe MBM, regarding youth ministry, in Brownwood is to successfully disciple youth by incorporating doctrinally sound teaching programs, mixed with just enough entertainment to fill that need in the lives of the young people.
This vision will be kicked into action with a series of public evangelism events that are currently in the developmental stages at the mission. I have seen these events successfully executed, and am now getting the resources needed to be able to execute these events through Grace Pointe. Look for exciting things over the next two years in Brownwood.
By the way, we had 18 last night at AWANA... our best night ever in terms of attendance. We had two first-time visitors and all of our core group present.
My studies are not scientific, nor are they even in depth. In fact, I am basing my hypothesis on a few anecdotal instances that I have witnessed.
It seems that youth ministry in regard to churches have followed one of two models. Model A consists of a program that is extremely entertaining, gets kids involved, gets them to singing praises and even sitting down for lessons and preaching, but failed to incorporate enough scripture to disciple and lead the kids to salvation. Model B, so afraid of becoming Model A, went the complete opposite direction, and shunned anything that could be construed as entertaining. Model A drew numbers, but failed to disciple. Model B ran the numbers off, and maybe discipled one or two.
Then came the parachurch youth ministries. Many of these actually competed with local churches for the hearts and minds of the youth. They convinced the kids that only this particular ministry truly cares about you and want you to be involved. The result of this is a spirit of rebellion that was fostered, leading many to believe they could be just as close to Christ, and walk as close to the Lord outside the church as they could in the church. This approach inadvertently fed into the "I can worship at the lake on Sunday as well as I can in church."
None of these approaches intended on the consequences generated, but the consequences were generated none the less.
The vision of Grace Pointe MBM, regarding youth ministry, in Brownwood is to successfully disciple youth by incorporating doctrinally sound teaching programs, mixed with just enough entertainment to fill that need in the lives of the young people.
This vision will be kicked into action with a series of public evangelism events that are currently in the developmental stages at the mission. I have seen these events successfully executed, and am now getting the resources needed to be able to execute these events through Grace Pointe. Look for exciting things over the next two years in Brownwood.
By the way, we had 18 last night at AWANA... our best night ever in terms of attendance. We had two first-time visitors and all of our core group present.
Sunday, March 15, 2009
Biggest Sunday Ever!
We had 23 in attendance as Bro. Sibley brought his program to Grace Pointe. Two were saved.
Saturday, March 14, 2009
Six Saved at Brownwood Housing Authority
Bro. Ken and Barbara Sibley brought their program before a crowd of 49 at the Brownwood Housing Authority tonight. Six (ages 9 through 11) accepted Jesus as their personal Savior.
I am in awe of God's blessings.
I am in awe of God's blessings.
Mission: Brownwood Feb 09 Report
Grace Pointe attendance solidifies
Grace Pointe actually saw an improvement in attendance in February. We saw our low attendance at 11, with a high attendance of 15.
Another encouraging sign is the fact that our core is becoming more consistent in their attendance. In fact, one of our newest members actually had the hours of her new job worked around church services.
Our youth programs on Tuesday night got off to a good start. Our high attendance was 15 on Feb. 3, with a low attendance of 6 on Feb 24.
We set a new record for average attendance at Market Place for Wednesday evening attendance. That average attendance was 14. Our high attendance was 17 on Feb. 18. Our low was 12.
Core Group and regular attendees progress
One of our regular attendees from Market Place is now attending Sunday services at Grace Pointe and is taking an active role in the ministries of our mission.
One of our core families has not only become more faithful in their attendance, but they are actively applying the teaching and preaching to their lives and are making Spiritual and practical progress.
Grace Pointe’s core group is now mulling VBS plans for this summer.
Thank you for your prayers.
Building fund off to slow start
There are currently three church buildings on the market in Brownwood, with a fourth that could be purchased with the right offer.
These buildings range in price from $150,000 - $250,000. One will soon be available for rent for $600/month. I think we should expect to pay approximately $150,000-$175,000.
Currently, we have $300 in our building fund.
Our plans for Grace Pointe’s organization are not contingent on having a building. However, in West Central Texas, buildings can be a useful tool when it comes to visibility, as well as offering sufficient space for worship services and teaching ministries.
KSTA Radio suffers serious technical damage
I am employed as the station manager for KSTA radio in nearby Coleman, Tex., a position I have held since July 2008.
This month, KSTA’s main studio console failed, forcing me to make alternate broadcast arrangements and consuming much of my time with technical adjustments, plus additional weekend monitoring.
As of the writing of this report, the issues have been repaired. However, the added stress and lost time related to this incident have taxed the mission immeasurably.
Mission: Brownwood returns to the Brownwood Housing Authority
In March, Ken and Barbara Sibley will bring their program to Brownwood. We are planning a three-day event which will include presentations at Market Place, the Brownwood Housing Authority and Grace Pointe MBM. We are really excited to reconnect with the kids we ministered to at the housing authority.
By The Numbers….
Attendance
Grace Pointe MBM (Sunday Mornings)
2/1 – 11
2/8 – 14
2/15 – 11
2/22 – 15
Grace Pointe MBM (Tuesday Youth)
2/3 – 15
2/10 – 9
2/17 – 13
2/24 – 6
Total Grace Pointe Offerings: $415
Market Place (Wednesday Evenings)
2/4 – 15
2/11 – 12
2/18 – 17
2/25 – 12
Finances
Support
Heritage BC (Tyler, TX) $100
John Nickle (Rusk, TX) $25
MBA of Texas - $1,911
Denson Springs MBC (Grapeland) $100
White Rock MBC (Center, TX) $100
Muse MBC (Grapeland, TX) $200
58th Ave MBC (Amarillo, TX) $102.39
East Side MBC (Jacksonville, TX) $100
Quaker Ave MBC (Lubbock, TX) $100
Wyndrock MBC (Abilene, TX) $40
Nevill’s Chapel MBC (Mt. Pleasant, TX)
$150.29
RidgeCrest MBC (Levelland, TX) $25
Memory Lane MBC (Palestine, TX) $50
Bethel MBC (Tatum, TX) $50
Expenses
Salary - $1,000
Housing - $700
Insurance allowance - $211
Multi-media projector - $703.61
Brownwood Housing Authority Community Center Rental - $100
(From Grace Pointe’s account)
Youth ministry curriculum - $953.
There are currently three church buildings on the market in Brownwood, with a fourth that could be purchased with the right offer.
These buildings range in price from $150,000 - $250,000. One will soon be available for rent for $600/month. I think we should expect to pay approximately $150,000-$175,000.
Currently, we have $300 in our building fund.
Our plans for Grace Pointe’s organization are not contingent on having a building. However, in West Central Texas, buildings can be a useful tool when it comes to visibility, as well as offering sufficient space for worship services and teaching ministries.
KSTA Radio suffers serious technical damage
I am employed as the station manager for KSTA radio in nearby Coleman, Tex., a position I have held since July 2008.
This month, KSTA’s main studio console failed, forcing me to make alternate broadcast arrangements and consuming much of my time with technical adjustments, plus additional weekend monitoring.
As of the writing of this report, the issues have been repaired. However, the added stress and lost time related to this incident have taxed the mission immeasurably.
Mission: Brownwood returns to the Brownwood Housing Authority
In March, Ken and Barbara Sibley will bring their program to Brownwood. We are planning a three-day event which will include presentations at Market Place, the Brownwood Housing Authority and Grace Pointe MBM. We are really excited to reconnect with the kids we ministered to at the housing authority.
By The Numbers….
Attendance
Grace Pointe MBM (Sunday Mornings)
2/1 – 11
2/8 – 14
2/15 – 11
2/22 – 15
Grace Pointe MBM (Tuesday Youth)
2/3 – 15
2/10 – 9
2/17 – 13
2/24 – 6
Total Grace Pointe Offerings: $415
Market Place (Wednesday Evenings)
2/4 – 15
2/11 – 12
2/18 – 17
2/25 – 12
Finances
Support
Heritage BC (Tyler, TX) $100
John Nickle (Rusk, TX) $25
MBA of Texas - $1,911
Denson Springs MBC (Grapeland) $100
White Rock MBC (Center, TX) $100
Muse MBC (Grapeland, TX) $200
58th Ave MBC (Amarillo, TX) $102.39
East Side MBC (Jacksonville, TX) $100
Quaker Ave MBC (Lubbock, TX) $100
Wyndrock MBC (Abilene, TX) $40
Nevill’s Chapel MBC (Mt. Pleasant, TX)
$150.29
RidgeCrest MBC (Levelland, TX) $25
Memory Lane MBC (Palestine, TX) $50
Bethel MBC (Tatum, TX) $50
Expenses
Salary - $1,000
Housing - $700
Insurance allowance - $211
Multi-media projector - $703.61
Brownwood Housing Authority Community Center Rental - $100
(From Grace Pointe’s account)
Youth ministry curriculum - $953.
Friday, March 13, 2009
A 'Magical' Night
We had 36 in attendance tonight at the Market Place Apartments as Bro. Ken and Sis. Barbara Sibley presented the Gospel using illusions to illustrate their message. It was truly a blessed night, and I'm looking forward to big things at Market Place in the coming weeks. Tonight's crowd was our biggest ever at Market Place.
Tomorrow night at 6, the Sibleys will be at the Brownwood Housing Authority, and Sunday morning, they'll be at Grace Pointe.
Tomorrow night at 6, the Sibleys will be at the Brownwood Housing Authority, and Sunday morning, they'll be at Grace Pointe.
A First Ammendment Victory... for now.
It amazes me how ignorant many people are when it comes to the Constitutional rights of Americans. The Bill of Rights was written to protect Americans from the government silencing and disarming its citizens while forcing them to believe and worship that which they do not believe.
In this story, the Connecticut legislature was considering a bill to regulate how the Catholic Church in Connecticut governs itself. The bill was defeated, at least for the moment, thanks to huge protests rallies, phone calls and emails to lawmakers, and the efforts of radio/TV talk show host Glen Beck.
The bill would have required the Catholic Church to become congregational ruled. The bill was backed by Democrats, opposed by Republicans.
Isn't that amazing! Democrats pushing a law that would have mandated church governance. The First Ammendment to the U.S. Constitution SPECIFICALLY states that Congress (and other levels of government per the 14th Ammendment) shall not make laws regarding the establishment of religion. Yet, that is exactly what the Connecticut legislature attempted here. AMAZING!
I also find it amazing how Democrats will support judges who rule against school prayer and public displays that honor God, citing separation of church and state, yet they have no problem letting the state take control of church through legislation like this.
Hypocrisy? Oh, yes, my friend. Welcome to the new world order.
In this story, the Connecticut legislature was considering a bill to regulate how the Catholic Church in Connecticut governs itself. The bill was defeated, at least for the moment, thanks to huge protests rallies, phone calls and emails to lawmakers, and the efforts of radio/TV talk show host Glen Beck.
The bill would have required the Catholic Church to become congregational ruled. The bill was backed by Democrats, opposed by Republicans.
Isn't that amazing! Democrats pushing a law that would have mandated church governance. The First Ammendment to the U.S. Constitution SPECIFICALLY states that Congress (and other levels of government per the 14th Ammendment) shall not make laws regarding the establishment of religion. Yet, that is exactly what the Connecticut legislature attempted here. AMAZING!
I also find it amazing how Democrats will support judges who rule against school prayer and public displays that honor God, citing separation of church and state, yet they have no problem letting the state take control of church through legislation like this.
Hypocrisy? Oh, yes, my friend. Welcome to the new world order.
New Hymnals
Since we began holding services at the Brownwood Apts. Phase II Community Room, we have been singing out of the song books that were used at the 2002 National ABA Messenger Meeting. Yesterday, Jessica and I travelled to Abilene to pick up some Baptist Hymnals from LifeWay. The Baptist Hymnals are good, because LifeWay supports them by offering mp3 and CD musical tracks, powerpoint lyric files, and other electronic support. If we ever get an orchestra to lead worship, we'll be able to obtain sheet music for that.
I'm not saying that we're going to do all that, but it's nice to be able to add-on to your song service as needed.
I'm not saying that we're going to do all that, but it's nice to be able to add-on to your song service as needed.
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Big weekend
We have Ken and Barbara Sibley coming to town this weekend. They will be bringing their program to the Market Place Apartments Friday night, the Brownwood Housing Authority Saturday night, and Grace Pointe MBM Sunday Morning.
Thursday, March 5, 2009
Biggest Market Place Ever!!!
We had 26 in Wednesday night services at Market Place last night. This week is going great!
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
Biggest AWANA Night Ever!!!!
We had 16 in Awana last night!!!! All our core group and one repeat visitor. WHOO-HOOO!
Monday, March 2, 2009
Radio
It amazes me how many times throughout modern history that prognosticators have predicted the demise of radio. First, television would be the demise of radio. Radio maintained an audience by switching from drama to music entertainment (and talk radio).
Then, tape players, CD players, CD changers and Ipods were going to be the end of radio. The new rival is XM radio, of which 40% of Americans have never even heard.
The truth is, there is still a very large audience for radio. Radio penetrates 98% of American households, meaning that 98% of American households listen to radio. Furthermore, local radio draws bigger audiences than people think. Often, when one hears a small, local station announcing school lunches and obituaries, one thinks that no one would listen to that station. The truth is local radio is well followed and ad campaigns, if properly devised, work like a charm for minimal ad rates.
Take KSTA in Coleman, for example. I operate a 250 Watt (that is not a typo, 250 watts) radio station on the AM band that serves a county of approximately 10,000. This county is blanketed by some really good radio out of Abilene and Brownwood (mostly FM radio), yet when I go into town, it is KSTA that is playing in the store fronts. People greet me often saying, "I listen every morning."
KSTA is not a station you accidently find on the radio. Do people really tune over to AM and hit the "scan" button? No. You find KSTA because you intend to listen to KSTA. The last Arbitron survey done in Coleman County had KSTA listed as the top station in that county.
Which brings me to the purpose of this post. I think we need to revisit the idea of radio ministries. Done properly, radio ministries can result in souls saved and the body of Christ (the local church) being built up. However, to be effective, your audience has to be considered. Too many churches run their radio ministry as an encore to last week's services. The services and sermon are taped, and replayed over the radio the next week. There are times that your sermon needs to be targeted toward your congregation. Things said in those settings are not always appropriate to direct to your radio audience. Furthermore, there are things you may have to say to your congregation that you don't want all over town.
Charles Stanley has a great approach to radio ministry. He usually illustrates the coming sermon at the beginning of the broadcast with a radio skit or question, then the message, and he usually follows up with an interview that highlights his main point.
Other models involve having guests that you interview to relay scriptural and spiritual truths. The point is, the radio ministry has to be a ministry that takes on its own life, if you want to maximize efficiency. It takes committment, and most station require a minimum 6-month committment if they broker Sunday morning time to churches.
Most stations will offer promos with the time offered, meaning the station will basically air a number of commercials each week advertising your Sunday morning show. Don't miss this opportunity to introduce the audience to your church, as well as your radio show. It's hard to do in :30 seconds, but it can be done. Be creative, and whatever you do, don't cut a promo that says, "Hi, I'm (insert name here), pastor of (church name) in (Your city) inviting you to tune us in on (radio station) at (time) on Sunday mornings." Those words will go in one ear, and out the other.
I have seen churches greatly increase their reach through radio ministries. If you are contemplating a radio ministry, have questions about radio ministry, or need help with ideas or promo scripts, call me at (325) 200-8531, or email me at gracepointembc@aol.com.
Then, tape players, CD players, CD changers and Ipods were going to be the end of radio. The new rival is XM radio, of which 40% of Americans have never even heard.
The truth is, there is still a very large audience for radio. Radio penetrates 98% of American households, meaning that 98% of American households listen to radio. Furthermore, local radio draws bigger audiences than people think. Often, when one hears a small, local station announcing school lunches and obituaries, one thinks that no one would listen to that station. The truth is local radio is well followed and ad campaigns, if properly devised, work like a charm for minimal ad rates.
Take KSTA in Coleman, for example. I operate a 250 Watt (that is not a typo, 250 watts) radio station on the AM band that serves a county of approximately 10,000. This county is blanketed by some really good radio out of Abilene and Brownwood (mostly FM radio), yet when I go into town, it is KSTA that is playing in the store fronts. People greet me often saying, "I listen every morning."
KSTA is not a station you accidently find on the radio. Do people really tune over to AM and hit the "scan" button? No. You find KSTA because you intend to listen to KSTA. The last Arbitron survey done in Coleman County had KSTA listed as the top station in that county.
Which brings me to the purpose of this post. I think we need to revisit the idea of radio ministries. Done properly, radio ministries can result in souls saved and the body of Christ (the local church) being built up. However, to be effective, your audience has to be considered. Too many churches run their radio ministry as an encore to last week's services. The services and sermon are taped, and replayed over the radio the next week. There are times that your sermon needs to be targeted toward your congregation. Things said in those settings are not always appropriate to direct to your radio audience. Furthermore, there are things you may have to say to your congregation that you don't want all over town.
Charles Stanley has a great approach to radio ministry. He usually illustrates the coming sermon at the beginning of the broadcast with a radio skit or question, then the message, and he usually follows up with an interview that highlights his main point.
Other models involve having guests that you interview to relay scriptural and spiritual truths. The point is, the radio ministry has to be a ministry that takes on its own life, if you want to maximize efficiency. It takes committment, and most station require a minimum 6-month committment if they broker Sunday morning time to churches.
Most stations will offer promos with the time offered, meaning the station will basically air a number of commercials each week advertising your Sunday morning show. Don't miss this opportunity to introduce the audience to your church, as well as your radio show. It's hard to do in :30 seconds, but it can be done. Be creative, and whatever you do, don't cut a promo that says, "Hi, I'm (insert name here), pastor of (church name) in (Your city) inviting you to tune us in on (radio station) at (time) on Sunday mornings." Those words will go in one ear, and out the other.
I have seen churches greatly increase their reach through radio ministries. If you are contemplating a radio ministry, have questions about radio ministry, or need help with ideas or promo scripts, call me at (325) 200-8531, or email me at gracepointembc@aol.com.
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