~Going Deeper~ Part 5

You Worship Your Past Success!

It’s easy to get caught in the trap when you stop seeing yourself as responsible or accountable for the ministry results you produce. I read a fascinating article from Forbes about how General Motors destroyed its Saturn division. Among other things, David Hanna, the author of the article, suggested:
Saturn, a GM company that had great promise in the early 1990s, ultimately failed because senior GM leaders couldn’t see the benefits of new ways of doing things and a new kind of organizational culture.
We’re all familiar with the demise of GM, so this is a very vivid image of what can happen when an organization becomes so stuck in its traditional approach of doing things that the world passes it by. Ultimately, when organizations stick to "the way we do it," the safe approach of avoiding innovation and change becomes the riskiest approach.
Hanna goes on to explain:
There were just two underlying forces behind Saturn’s demise: GM’s insistence on managing all its divisions centrally with a tight fist, and the demand by leadership at both GM and the UAW that Saturn get in line with traditional ways of doing things.
That highlights one of the biggest challenges in leadership. Leaders have to choose between control and innovation. You can’t have both. You can define the desired outcomes. You can create the boundaries, but you can’t expect your team to be creative, innovative, or artistic if you try to control every element of the execution. If you must have full control, you just need to know that you are also choosing to shut down new ideas and innovations in your organization.18
Unfortunately, the church is notorious for religiously keeping things the way they’ve always been but hoping we’ll somehow achieve different results. Avoiding new approaches. Top-down, centralized leadership. Preserving the traditional ways of doing things. Sound familiar?
It’s a great reminder that our past successes can be one of the greatest contributing factors to our future demise. GM used to have a winning formula. It worked in previous generations. Recently, though, it’s not been working so well.
They may be coming out with some new, innovative automobiles now, but it wasn’t too long ago that it seemed GM still wanted to make cars as though it were 1979 while expecting to get the same results. By sticking with that approach, they dropped from 45 percent of the market share thirty years ago to hovering around 20 percent today. In fact, back in 2008, Toyota ended GM’s seventy-seven–year reign as the world’s largest automaker.
It’s easy to look at churches that might still be "driving the Chevy Impala" and easily draw conclusions for why they are in decline. Before you do that, though, I think it’s good to remember that GM was once a very successful company. When you experience success, it’s tough to let go. You want to control the formula because it works. You are reticent to try new approaches. The only problem is that eventually the world around us is going to change.
In His Grip,
Pastor J

~Going Deeper~ Part 4

Your Structure Inhibits Growth!

It’s easy to get caught in the trap when your organizational structure and internal processes haven’t evolved and are largely the same as they were three or five years ago. Or sometimes you get stuck when your internal processes are too confusing to navigate and stifle new ideas rather than spur innovation.
One of my favorite blogs to monitor is Accidental Creative. Todd Henry wrote a brilliant article about the danger of implementing permanent solutions to temporary problems. This quote grabbed my attention:
The more structures we have to navigate in order to do our work, the more difficult it is to do our best work. When we are required to resolve the dissonance of complex systems, reporting relationships, and accountability structures just in order to get our objectives and check off our direction, we will begin to lose our drive to do brilliant work. Over time, this complexity only pulls entire organizations toward systematic mediocrity.
One of the attributes of a church in decline is a complex structure. The natural tendency of organizations is to add complexity to their structure and systems. The longer an organization exists, the more complex it typically gets. (Think government, big business, denominations . . . and older churches.)
One of the reasons I think new church plants are so effective reaching new people is because they are typically very lean. The structure is simple. The ministry strategy is very focused. The mission is clear. Then, as the church ages, the ministry strategy gets more complex as multiple new programs and events get layered on. Eventually growth slows or plateaus as the complexity increases. Ironically, then, our solution, oftentimes, is to create new structure or systems or rules to fix the problem.
• If there’s a problem, our natural tendency is never to do less—we always try something new.
• If there’s a problem, our natural tendency is to increase controls—we think people are the problem, and we implement rules and policies to make sure they get it right.
• What if the solution to the problem is fewer controls? What if the fix is less complexity?
Are you willing to get focused and lean again? Are you willing to attack complex structure and rules?

Hummmmm... Thinking....
In His Grip,
Pastor J

~Going Deeper~ Part 3

You Blame Outsiders and External Factors
We live in a culture where no one is responsible for anything that happens to them. If you don’t believe me, invest a couple of hours watching one of the multitude of judge shows on television.
It’s amazing that people instigate litigation as a result of something that happened because of a decision they made. On television, blaming others is entertainment. In the church, it’s tragedy.
There is a tendency among church leaders to blame their ineffectiveness on the changing community, the struggling economy, or the big church that obviously watered down its message in order to reach people who are interested only in being entertained. Staff meetings must look a lot like the talks that take place every fall in the locker room of the Chicago Cubs: "This was going to be our year, but the other teams got hot, our star player got hurt, and the wind was blowing in more than out." Maybe it’s time to man-up and say, "We didn’t get the job done, and we’ve got to figure out a new approach."
I’m amazed at the "new" ideas that come from some Christian organizations that experienced their best years in the ’60s and ’70s. If you look closely, those new ideas look a lot like old ideas with new packaging. They are hoping to recapture their past glory by repositioning their past products. Good luck with that!
The problem, according to the organization’s leaders, is the increase in competition. In other words, if people didn’t have so many options, they’d be perfectly fine buying subpar products. Victims, huh?
Victim-thinking will only lead to bitterness and competition. Leaders who blame outsiders and external factors actually are confessing their own failure to think creatively and inspire their team. Churches in their leisure suits are victims of the changing taste in clothing. When the world returns to thinking the way they thought forty years ago, they’ll be dressed for success. Until then, they’ll look sadly out of place!

What a great point today!
In His Grip,
Pastor J

~Going Deeper~ Part 2

You Are Unclear About Your Vision and Mission
A church without a clearly articulated vision is a church that’s in danger. Vision is to the church what headlights are to a car in the dark. You can’t go very far very safely without them. The funny thing is there are lots of churches with vision statements, but I don’t think there are very many churches that really have a vision statement that clarifies who they are as an organization. Among other things, a solid vision:
• Clarifies the purpose of the organization
• Pursues a preferred future
• Inspires people to engage
• Makes it easier to define what the organization won’t do
Even with that, you may be wondering whether or not your organization has clearly defined and communicated its vision. Here are two surefire ways to know whether or not you’ve accomplished the goal:
A clear vision that is properly communicated will rally people. People will look at the present situation and agree together that there’s a better future that must be pursued. People will give their time, energy, prayer, financial resources, talents, and gifts to help accomplish that vision. Lots of people will do that. If people aren’t attracted to your church, your vision either isn’t strong enough or it hasn’t been communicated clearly.
A clear vision that is properly communicated will repel people. Think of the most successful businesses or churches—Apple, Starbucks, Wal-Mart, Willow Creek, Saddleback, Billy Graham, etc. Each of these businesses or ministries have experienced huge success. If you were to Google the names of each of these organizations and the word "haters," you’ll also find there are plenty of people who consider these organizations evil. Clarifying your vision will help some people determine they don’t want to be a part of your cause. (And, don’t be surprised if some attack.) If people aren’t leaving your church, your vision either isn’t strong enough or it hasn’t been communicated clearly. I want to challenge you to think about the purpose of your ministry. Does it rally people to your cause? And, does it repel some people? Of course, a healthy vision worth pursuing must attract many more people than it turns away; however, a strong vision will always help some people determine, "That’s not for me."
If your sense is that you have a vision that makes everyone happy, you don’t have a strong vision.

In His Grip,
Pastor J

~Going Deeper~ Part 1

Over the next 8 days I want to go into a little more detail about the 8 reason churches get stuck. Aswe start to plan, pray and put down our visions and dreams for the next year I want to look into even deeper on the things that keep Chuches and ministries to the level Christ wills for them. Today lets look a little deeper into "You Lack a Leadership Empowerment Plan".


Outreach magazine interviewed Brad Abare and Phil Cooke about personality-driven churches. Here’s a paraphrase of the list of warning signs that they identified in the interview:
• The pastor doesn’t go on a vacation for any significant length of time. And, when he does, it isn’t announced.
• When the pastor doesn’t preach, the attendance drops.
• There’s an unspoken fear that if something happened to the pastor, the church would be in trouble.
• The pastor is unwilling to listen to and consult other team members.
• The staff and volunteers are there to carry out the directions of the pastor.
• There’s no succession plan in place; therefore, leadership development isn’t happening.

So, what other options are there? After all, aren’t we supposed to create pastoral rock stars who roam from place to place with an entourage of iPhone-toting handlers? I hate to break it to you, but . . . no. That’s not the point.

Real leaders cast vision and train the next generation of leaders. Real leaders empower people to lead, refuse to step in at the last minute, and provide coaching and encouragement along the way. (this point I have been teaching for years in my Jonathan David Ministries)
I’m still a big proponent of clear vision in churches. Clear vision leads to unified effort that results in ministry impact. A clear vision also provides a lot of freedom for people to be empowered to be who God created them to be. I’ve heard it described as freedom within a framework. That’s essentially a picture of the Christian faith. There’s actually more freedom for us if we stay within God’s designed framework. We see this reflected in Paul’s writings on spiritual gifts in 1 Corinthians 12 as well. Each believer is given one or more gifts. Paul uses the human body as a metaphor to express how the various parts of the body of Christ are indispensable. In other words, we have failed as leaders in the church if we do not embrace 10
the unique gift-mix that God designed. And we won’t fully know the power and impact of the local church until people are empowered to be the people God wired them up to be.
We aren’t telling them what to do to accomplish the vision. We are helping them discover their gifts and freeing them to use them to fulfill the vision. It’s not delegation. With delegation, I’m still responsible. It’s empowerment. Someone else is responsible, but as a leader I still hold them accountable. At a recent meeting with a church staff, one of the members asked My dear friend Tony about leadership growth. With him having worked with churches of various sizes between 100 people and more than 10,000, they wanted to know how leaders change to grow with organizations. Here’s what he summarized with a little bit more detail. Some of this reflects his own experiences in the churches he has served in. Some of it reflects the conversations he's had with leaders in other churches. on a side note I think this would be a great class to tech or even a great sermon to work on... who knows! :)
Lead by Example. This is the type of leadership that is required when new ministries launch. During this season, leaders have to do most of the work themselves. That happens out of necessity because no one else is around. It also happens to establish a foundation for the future. "Leading by doing" gives leaders the opportunity to shape the mission, vision, values, and strategy of their churches. These folks may not necessarily be gifted as leaders, but they are in a positional leadership role. They are the "leaders of tens." Ministries with this style of leadership can grow to about one hundred people.
Lead Other People. During this season, leaders recruit other people to join their ministry team. Rather than doing all the work on their own, leaders begin to delegate tasks and responsibilities to other people. The leaders still own the responsibility for making things happen, they’re just including other people in the effort. These are the "leaders of fifties." Ministries can grow to several hundred people with this style of leadership.
Lead Other Leaders. This is when a transition happens, where leaders begin to empower other leaders. Instead of a hands-on role where they’re on top of all the tasks, they shift to a role where they’re really more concerned about leading, caring for, and raising up other leaders. They don’t give up responsibility for the outcome, but they begin to release team building, decision-making, and execution to other people. These are the "leaders of hundreds." Ministries can grow to several thousand people with this style of leadership.
Lead by Vision. At some point, there are leaders who may continue to embrace functional leadership of specific areas of ministry, but their focus is really on the overall health of the church. Rather than a ministry-specific focus, they have a global perspective that encompasses every aspect of the organization. These folks are leading other leaders, but they also have influence that reaches beyond their direct reports. They are coming alongside the senior leader to champion the vision that God has given the 11 church. These are the "leaders of thousands." Ministries can grow to tens of thousands of people with this style of leadership.
By the way, all of these approaches to leadership are vital in a healthy, growing church. Even if I’ve moved to a place in my leadership where I’m primarily leading by vision, there will be instances when I need to lead by example. Where churches get stuck, though, is when only one style of leadership is evident in the top leadership team. So, before you continue reading, do you agree with my summary of these different stages of leadership growth? What would you add or delete from my descriptions? Also, where are you? What do you need to do today to prepare to step into a new leadership role tomorrow?
Something to think about
In His Grip,
Pastor J

~8 Reason Churches are stuck~

This is the time of year right between new years and after Christmas where people around the world and even in churches sit down for a week and do some goal planning for the next year. It's very important to set these goals or "Wins" as I like to call it. for any ministry, church or even in your own life. One topic I have talked about many of times with church and ministry leaders is the goals and wins of a church and even the down falls of it as a whole. One question I am asked a lot is why churches are stuck and what keeps them from getting them to where God wants them to be. Here is a little jot of about 8 reason churches are stuck where they are.

1. You lack a leadership empowerment plan. We have failed as leaders in the church if we do not embrace the unique gift-mix that God designed. And we won’t fully know the power and impact of the local church until people are empowered to be the people God wired them up to be.
2.You are unclear about your vision and mission. There are lots of churches with vision statements, but I don’t think there are very many churches that really have a vision statement that clarifies who they are as an organization. A clear vision that is properly communicated will both rally and repel people.
3.You blame outsiders and external factors. Victim-thinking will only lead to bitterness and competition. Leaders who blame outsiders and external factors actually are confessing their own failure to think creatively and inspire their team.
4.Your structure inhibits growth. One of the attributes of a church in decline is a complex structure. The natural tendency of organizations is to add complexity to their structure and systems. The longer an organization exists, the more complex it typically gets.
5. You worship your past success. Our past successes can be one of the greatest contributing factors to our future demise. When organizations stick to “the way we do it,” the safe approach of avoiding innovation and change becomes the riskiest approach.
6. You focus on activities instead of outcomes. While many church leaders are full of vision and passion, they lack an effective strategy to accomplish their mission. That leads to a feeling of disorganization, and ultimately they become stuck.
7. You fail to equip God’s people. For whatever reason, smaller churches I work with have a tendency to rely on the pastors and paid staff to carry the ministry load rather than equipping lay people.
8. Your ministries ignore people outside the church. When churches become inward-focused and start making decisions about ministry to keep people rather than reach people, they also start to die.

I think all these points are very important however I have to say churches start to walk on thin ice when they hit point 8.... in my years of ministry I have seen this so much over and over again. Churches make decisions to keep people rather than reach people.... At times when I walk into a church I have to stop and ask myself are they all about entertainment of Christianity and what keeps people laughing and all smiles or are they about more. It brakes my heart to see churches lost so far in the world they honestly believe it's how Christ would do ministry. I guess if I had to add another reason chuches are stuck it would be 9. They lose their passion. May this be a great time of year to plan, pray. and dream where God can take you this next year!

In His Grip,

Pastor J

Merry Chrstmas 2011

Merry Christmas from the Rogers 2011

~Luke 2~

Luke 2The Birth of Jesus 1 In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. 2 (This was the first census that took place while[a] Quirinius was governor of Syria.) 3 And everyone went to their own town to register.
4 So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. 5 He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. 6 While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, 7 and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.
8 And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 9 An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. 11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. 12 This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”
13 Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,
14 “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”
15 When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”
16 So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. 17 When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, 18 and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. 19 But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. 20 The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.
21 On the eighth day, when it was time to circumcise the child, he was named Jesus, the name the angel had given him before he was conceived.

And the Word is Good!

In His Grip,

Pastor J

Day of Rest!

Today is a day of much needed rest, prayer and time to spend with family and God. I am thankful for many things this year that God has given us. He has kept us safe and given us many blessings during the year. I was even able to pick up The Horse (aka my Truck) and I am sl glad to have it back. Praying all the issues with it are done and we are free of having to put anymore money into it. Thank you Lord for the little things this year!!!

In His Grip,

Pastor J

TC - Day 3

Another long drive back to SC....opps GA. However at times I wish it was to SC. I do miss my home state but I know God has me where he wants me for now. It was a great time spending with my students on the drive back and we where even able to stop for a nice lunch not far from Rock Hill, SC. what a great place. As We came back I had to pray over and over again for God's will for my life. As the days move on I do think he is speaking to me more and more. I feel a pain at times however I have a overwhelming feeling of Great love and peace in my life right now. While in WV the past few days we heard a song written and sung by Klye and I have gotten the freedom to share this song with you... Maybe one day it will be for sale as It's so powerful. Listen to the Words and may it give you hope this Christmas.

Kyle MacCallum
Why Would I want to?
Copywritten (C) Annasings.com

In His Grip,

Pastor J

TC - Day 2

well I guess I can say alot of things today from the stresses of the little things to even the drama and stress of the bigger things however I give thanks today for how great God is and the power of his love. I can't say this trip is turning into what I planned however God is in control and doing things His way. I am so tired and ready to fall in my bed so off I go. Again I have to say tonight that how blessed I am to have Anne and her family leading us in powerful worship. God is speaking in me in great ways and I can't wait to see what He is going to do in my life over the next year. Today He has reminded me that all things are in His hands and he will lead us in where we are to go. May be blessing my ministry and mission in the coming year. Tonight during worship I am giving a great word from God and it's as simple as one song that can make one feel loved by God. I wish to share on this night! May this christmas season you are filled with the Love of our all mighty Father!

In His Grip,

Pastor J

TC- Day 1

Wow what a long day of Driving... I do have to say I am so glad we took this trip however it was a long drive. I do have to say I enjoyed the drive with great music and fellowship. Another Early morning as we have to get up and drive two hours to the Ski place. My prayer is it all works out. Powerful worship tonight. I am so glad we ask Anne and her family to come lead worship for us this week. Off to bed!

In His Grip,

Pastor J

~The Climb Ski Trip~

Off to The Climb Ski Trip with Diversity Student Ministries. Praying the Lord will be done on this trip. Having to get up way to early however God is good and I know God will do great things.

Blah....

Putting my trust in the Lord today! This trip planning is not turning out too well... Having to move ski places from one place to another place and waiting on the Lord to move.... It seems he is waiting til the 9th hour!

In His Grip,

Pastor J

Do you hear what I hear...

Christmas Coffee!

One of the greatness things about Christmas is Starbucks Coffee and all the fun drinks they come out with... I have yet to have one but my goal this year is to get something new from starbucks this year. Merry Christmas Starbucks! :-) Off to do more ski trip planning. Praying for a good trip and that the Lord would move in the hearts of the students who attend.

In His Grip,
Pastor J

~Changes~

I was reading over a few of my friends and dear brothers in Ministry's blogs and came across this great post about leadership and Change... I find it makes one think and I find it to be very good to take some time and pray over.

What would change if we didn’t operate as if leadership was the primary lever by
which change happens? What if our perception that being the person in your
church to lead the community to faithfulness is a barrier to what we hope for in
the lives of people? What might happen if we spend a year not trying to change anyone or anything, but only created space for others to do what they thought was faithful as a
church? What would it require of our hearts? Would we be able to do it? Is there
something about the way we lead that feeds our needs and deflects ideas of others in our church with different perspectives? Could we even give up our agenda for a week to listen to what else God is doing? Are we so certain that our agenda and God’s agenda are the same that we can’t
even fathom the questions above? Could our internal resistance to the questions
above, in fact be a sign that our agenda isn’t the only one God is concerned
about? What’s at risk if we change as leaders? Are the things that come to mind related to fears we have and refuse to face? What’s at risk if we as leaders refuse to be changed ourselves? What kind of leadership is that? What’s at stake if we never dig within ourselves to discover the motivations we hide from ourselves? What would change if we focused on changing ourselves and letting our communities focus on changing themselves as a community? What would change if we
stopped trying to fix people, or get the to agree with our doctrine, theology, or perspective?
What would it look like to trust the Holy Spirit more than ourselves?
What would change?

Rise and Shine!

I woke up way to early this morning however I enjoyed a nice breakfast with some good friends. Sometimes it always good to have someone just listen. Even when we we are not the best company to always been around. I am reminded over the past few days how Big and great our God is. Even in the dark times of life He is our light unto our path. A great truth I have been chewing on over the past few weeks!

"For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope." -Jeremiah 29:11

In Greek one would put it:
"καὶ λογιοῦμαι ἐφ' ὑμᾶς λογισμὸν εἰρήνης καὶ οὐ κακὰ τοῦ δοῦναι ὑμῖν ταῦτα"

In His Grip,

-Pastor J

Noel

As Christmas is around the block I stop to think of all the many Christmas songs I enjoy. One of the 1st that come to mind is "The 1st Noel" I have to stop and take time and get some history and back ground on this word "Noel" The Wikipidia states Noel (or noël) is an alternate word for Christmas. The word comes from the French word Noël meaning "Christmas" which derives from the old French word noël, a variant of nael. The Latin origin is the word natalis ("birth"). Some even believe the word comes from and meaning "The good news". Did you know "good news" in the Greek is simply "Gospel". I hear over and over again people use the term "That's Greek to me" and it's funny as in truth most people know Greek they just don't know they know it. Most people know one one the 1st places I ever worked was a Greek restaurant and during my many years of middle school (yes I worked under the table at a young age) and high school the Greek family took me under their wing and if you know anything about the Greeks you would know they are like one big mafia family who love hard but will to die for one of their own if they had too. In many ways I was adopted by this family and become one of their own. From lifestyle to who I hung out with, to what I ate and even to being able to attend a church with the family. It was a great part of life I will never forget. Well all that to give a little bit of a background on who I am today. In the town Debbie and I are currently living in there is a Greek restaurant up the road and many of times I have enjoyed some fellowship and even a free glass of tea there. While I was their this week I asked about the Holidays and the family views Christmas. Here is how things went.

Me: Τι είναι επάνω με τα Χριστούγεννα εδώ;
C: Ένας χρόνος από την οικογένεια και το καλό φαγητό, όπως γνωρίζετε
Me: Χριστούγεννα είναι κάτι περισσότερο από τα δώρα
Me: νομίζετε

C: ναι πάντα
Me: Καλά είμαι μακριά Μαΐου έχετε μια μεγάλη Χριστούγεννα
C:Εν Χριστώ

In a nutshell after a short chat It can't down to the true meaning of Christmas and that's Christ ( Χριστώ)
Have your ever wonder where XMas comes from? From the Greek word Χριστώ.

~CHRISTmas~

The Devil is here to kill, steal and destroy!
I prayer this Christmas everyone would find to Truth in Christmas.
May it not be about the gifts, the food, the football games, But something MORE!
May it be about life, a new that you have never face before But a ever living Life!
In His Grip
-Pastor J

~SONday~

Oh I am so ready for Christmas I love the lights, the smells, the gifts and even more the time we stop to give thanks to God for sending His son. I was reminded this morning of a song from years ago.

Greater is he that is in me

Greater is he that is in me

Greater is he that is in me and He that is in the Lord

Satan like a roaring Lion

rowing to and foe

Seeking whom he may debower
the bible tells us so

O many souls have gone a stay

to fall in some weak hour

God have given us today

His over coming power!

In His Grip,

Pastor J

Not sure why Blogger has not updated may last few post from the past few weeks but will work on it this monday.

~London~

Today we pray for London
58% of people in london say they are Christians
however 15% say no God or no religion are a part of their life.
In His Grip,
-Pastor J

~Johannesburg~

Johnannesburg is a city in South Afica.
Johnanneburg is one of the most unchurches areas in the world.
Most people just don't know anything about Christ much less any God.
In His Grip,
-Pastor J

~Rio de Janeiro~

Today we stop and pray for Rio De Janeiro. Rio De Janeiro is a city in Brazil.
Debbie and I have some good friends ministering in Brazil.
Over 60% of people in Rio De Janeiro are Catholic.

In His Grip,
-Pastor J

~Tokyo~

Today we stop to pray for Tokyo!
In tokyo there are alot of Muslims however in all the of the lands the cities are some of the fastest growing home and undergrand churches ever.

~Week of Prayer~

So this week we come to a week of prayer! so each day I am going to say a place and may we take time to stop and prayer for those people as well as may Christ me found in the hearts of the people of the lands! However I think today I am going to start with our own lands of the USA. I think Christ is needed more then anything of the people of this land. Did you know that churches are growing faster and more over seas then the nation of that was founded on Christ. It very said however lets take today and pray for our people!

"God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we
will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart
of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their
surging." - Psalm 46:1-3

In His Grip,
-Pastor J

~Thanksgiving~

"Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever."

-Psalm 107:1

Happy Thanksgiving!!

-Pastor J

~The Green Horse is Sick~

So for the 1st time I have had the Horse (my truck) break down on me... I have had it for two years this Jan 2012. I was out of town at the 1st of this week and didn't drive it anywhere and Wednesday I drove fine. I didn't use it Thursday as someone else picked me up and took me out however we got in it to head to the church fellowship today and I didn't get far. It sounds like something is way off with the fuel system at least that is what it sounds like. But again I am a city boy and no nothing about a car or truck but where to put gas in it and how to take it to the fix it shop! LoL I hate when we only have one car but it really sucks when we are down to nothing.... BLAH! My baby is sick and needs to get better. The goal is to take it in on Monday as everywhere is closed over the weekend and praying it does not cost alot as we are poor people and just don't have money to put into it. Oh when it rains is storms! Maybe if I pray hard someone will give me a new car! just kidding LOL that will never happen!
In His Grip,
J

Friday Praise God!

Here is a Quote from "Fathered by God" I don't have the book however I think I am going to put it on my list of things to buy!


"Now, for you younger men, don't worry much about this stage, for it will come in due time. When you are young, commit yourself to take as few shortcuts as possible. Learn your lessons. Take note of all that God is teaching you. Submit to the journey. Be a student of the Scriptures. Hang out with the wise, living or dead, for that is how we, too, become wise."

Have a great Weekend!

In His Grip,

Pastor J

Game Day!

So today turned out to be full of games but over all it was a great day! after the rain last night it turned out to be a nice windy and sunny day! I took one of my leaders off to go play 18 holes of Disc Golf. I lost by only one down however my leader played very good as the 1st time he has ever played. I didn't do so bad with not playing in over 5 years. I still have my game and know how to trow, "Got to Go Got to Trow". We have cell group tonight however with it being a thursday night there was a fwe other things going on around town that most of our group went to. But we did have a good smaller group show so instead of jumping into the "Farm House" study we played settlers of catan. The best game ever! Come on you know it is. :) The to end the night we watched NFL and the Broncos kill the Jets. To be honest this was teh 1st time I have watched the Broncos and I enjoyed the game okey however I hate that they talk and talk and talk so much... I wanted to be like COME ON SHUT UP and let us watch the game! I do like and enjoy College Football games more. Oh well off to bed I go! God is good!

In His Grip,

Pastor J

~Holy are your G_D~

What a night at Diversity Student Ministries! Tonight was the end of our study on Worship and Boy did our God show out! From powerful worship, Live and Streaming, to Worship art I started to seeing the students awake into a passion worship God like no other! Thank you Jesus for your Grace and Love. The night ended to seeing one of our 6th grades come to finding the Love of God and being washed by the Blood of the Lamb! We Rejoice in a life being saved tonight! Praise God.

In His Grip,

Pastor J

Calling all Pastors!

Thats a lot of Pastors and Ministry Staff!
Here are the weeks Highlights to what I leave this meeting with:

In marriage: "Husbands can be Happy or Right"

In chinese: The Word "Amen" is......... "Amen"

Southern Baptist must have learned to voted from the state of FL

"If your fat you can't be a pastor" - GBC Pastor

"Give more to the GBC" - GBC Speakers

Oh I can go on however over all I found out that My God is bigger then any convention or denomination. Praise God!

And last there is nothing Godly about mans politics in a Christian denomination or any church!

Always

In His Grip,

Pastor J

~Southern Baptist~

So with one of the perks of working in GA church now I am able to attend and vote at the GA Southern Baptist State Meetings... So Off we go to a meeting that I have no clue how things will turn out. Not sure if this is anything like other states I have been a part of or not. We will see! Praying for a safe and good trip.

In His Grip,
Pastor J

~Worship in the Nursery~

Oh how I love the heart of Children and how they worship freely to Love of God. I think many adults could learn alot from them... Even those who are set in thier ways and who live with the mind set "it's all about me". It's great to know that my God is a big God and that All things are in His hands no matter how big or how small. I am thankful for being a parent and for the two gifts God has given. What a great reminder today how God is "This Big".
In His Grip,
Pastor J

Holistc Lifestyle

Over the past few years or so we have lived a holistc lifestyle. From the changes in using fresh foods, homecooking, growing herbs, to even alternative medicines. Over all our heath has been better, and healthier then years past. It's a daily choice on what to eat, what to shop for, and even how active we want to be in our daily lives. However it's more then just food and physical but metal and emotional and spiritaul well-bring. First off besides what you eat and do is where your heart is and asking yourself daily are you living out the standard of Jesus Christ daily. Part of living a holistc lifestyle is also keeping the world around you as simple and stress free as much as we are able. One of the biggest way can keep the stress down is as simple as what we put in our homes, offices, (for teachers - class rooms) and even in our cars. Ever see someones car that is got about 3 feet of trash in the back and no room to get into. I once saw a small car that a older lady had that had so much stuff in side it she couldn't see out the back seat much less even get in the thing. I am always reading newletters, emails, websites, and blogs and the other day I came across this blog and found it to be really good info.

Although I don’t have any linguistic rules to back me up, I feel like it’s not coincidental that the word “home” begins with the same letters as the word “holistic” (not to mention includes the word “om”).Holistic living is being more and more embraced with conscious eating, preventive and alternative medicine, and simplicity. Holistic implies being “whole” or taking into account the “whole” picture – our physical, mental, emotional and spiritual well-being. Historically, in the West, we have put a priority on physical health; while in the East, there has been a focus on spiritual health. Both are now being embraced and united with a holistic lifestyle. And now our home is coming to the forefront as another component of holistic living. More people are realizing that their home can be a source of healing – a place of essential change. Our home is second to our body as our physical dwelling on Earth. It is so closely related to our mind and body that the two have oftentimes throughout history been used interchangeably in religions, architecture and dream analysis. And this I know is not coincidental. For the last four years, I have gone to people’s homes to help them with energy flow, clutter clearing and even color selecting. And what I’ve discovered is that our home is a mirror of ourselves. And as we make changes to our home, we are making changes to ourselves. The energy patterns within you – physically, mentally and emotionally – are also present within your home. Have you ever had a great massage or bodywork where you left feeling great? And upon returning home, you fell right back into your old patterns – maybe your shoulders started to slump forward again or your breathing returned to being labored. If the energy flow in your home is “off” then the energy flow in your body will be as well. Energy flow in your home can be affected by furniture, accessories, clutter and the quality of energy. Here are a few things to consider in making your home part of your holistic lifestyle.
1. Remove furniture blocks. Do you bump into any furniture? Do you hit corners sticking out? Are there tight places that feel constraining? Too much furniture can be major blocks of energy and very stressful. And if they’re in your house, then those blocks are also in your life.
2. Clear emotional clutter. Clutter is stagnant energy. So if you feel stagnant in any area of your life, then there’s probably clutter lurking somewhere in your life that has taken form. If it’s your love life that’s stagnant, then clear out stuff from past relationships. If it’s your career that’s stagnant, clear out your office. If it’s your body that’s cluttered, then clean out your cupboards, fridge and clothing closet.
3. Inventory your accessories. Like a great outfit, accessories are essential. They can make an outfit. But if overdone, they can ruin an outfit. Such is the case with accessories in your home. Take inventory of the accessories in your home. You should love every one of them. Don’t use accessories to distract. I find that people who use too many accessories with an outfit are subconsciously trying to distract attention away from them personally and to their clothing instead. Don’t let your accessories distract you. Love everything in your home, including yourself.
4. Clear the Junk!. No one likes to sit at a table in the restaurant before it’s been cleared of the dishes left by the people who sat there before. Use fresh paints, clean the junk out and start fresh in any home. So as you become more conscious of your diet, exercise, spirituality and so forth, become conscious of your home as well. As you love your home, you will love yourself and find less stress in your life.

I found this to be right on with how we should set up our house, office and the space around us up. We keep things simple and clean and don't over do it. It is shocking to me when I see someone so stressed out in life and then I go to there house and see ever wall covered with something... anything. and there is just so much "stuff". Some people would think the more stuff you have the richer you are but I have learned over many years that's just not true. I have found the keeping life simple we can keep our eyes on what really matters in life! There is much in his blog of the energy flow in your home. I think what really needs to be pointed out even more is the spiritual side of things. Just as Heaven and Hell are real places so are Angels and Demons. and we should pray and even "give back" to God (a form of Worship) our homes and to purge our home of any demonic attacks of Staten. Perry Stone has a great book out called "Purging Your House" I think is a great read for anyone wanting more info or who just likes to see differant point of views. I must say overall I do feel the writer of this blog has some good points to think about. Have a great rest of the weekend and May the Lord be the light onto your path.
In His Grip,
Pastor J

~Disc Golf Goal~

I got my Disc Golf Goal up today.. I am very happy with it. I can't wait to get get to be able to use it outside. I hope to be able to use it some with our new cell group that we are starting this month. However with the time change coming it will get darker sooner and might be hard to use till later in the spring. I found there is a golf club in the city that has 18 holes of disc golf so I am making plans to be able to head out there and do some disc golfing within the next few weeks. If the weather works out this week I might head that way this week for a few rounds. For now we have put the DG Goal in the front room and Emily has been trowing her stuff bears into it as if they were the disc. I think when she gets older she is going to want to play disc golf.. Over the past few weeks she has been love coming into my office and playing putt putt with my golf club and prc ball. She is funny however great as she goes and get the balls and returns them for me.. It's great! Well off I go.... HI Ho HI Ho...
In His Grip,
Pastor J

Week One of Worship!

What a great night at Diversity! I enjoyed Powerful Worship, A great Word from God and enjoyed meeting with my small group guys tonight. I felt God's warmth all night long. It's great to know that Christ is bigger and more powerful then anything we face! I have alot to be thankful for this week and I am ready to give thanks this month of November. Well Off to bed for morning with the family and a day off to relax and refresh after a long week.
In His Grip,
Pastor J

~Words Hurt~

What a very bad day. Today it's best to stay silent and know that MY GOD IS BIGGER! One thing I have learned this week is even the Church can fail. And ONLY His Love is never failing. One of the greatness things in life is We have to answer to noone but the Lord Jesus Christ and only through His blood are we saved. God is a just God and I am thankful for that. Today I did some reading in Matthew. I understand how Peter felt.

“Then Peter came to Jesus. ‘Lord, if my brother keeps on hurting me, how many times should I forgive him?’ he asked. ‘Should I forgive him seven times?’ ‘No, not just seven times, but forgive him seventy times seven times’, Jesus
said.‘Where God rules is like a king. The king wanted to collect all the money that his servants owed him. So he began to do this. Then they brought a man to him who owed him millions of silver coins. The man was not able to pay. So the master ordered them to sell the man, his wife,
his children and all his possessions. The master would receive that money to pay the servant’s debt. Then the servant kneeled in front of the king. “Be patient with me”, he said. “I will pay back everything that I owe you.” And the master pitied him. So he forgave the servant for all that he owed. And he let the servant leave free.That servant went out then. But he found one of the other servants who owed him just a few silver coins. The first servant held the second servant firmly. He began to squeeze the second servant’s neck. “Pay back what you owe me!” he
demanded.The second servant kneeled down in front of him. “Be patient with me and I will pay you back”, he said.But the first servant refused. Instead, he caused the authorities to throw the other servant into prison. And he had to stay there until he could pay back the debt. The rest of
the servants saw what had happened. And they were very upset about it. So they told their master everything that had happened.Then the master called the first servant to come back to him. “You wicked servant”, he said, “I forgave all your debt to me because you asked me to. You should have pitied the other servant, just as I pitied you!” His master was very angry. So he handed the servant over to the prison officers for punishment. He must stay in prison until he paid everything back to his master.You must forgive your brothers. My Father who is in heaven will act like this king towards each of you. So you must forgive them from deep inside yourselves.’”
Matthew 18:21-35

In His Loving Grip,

Pastor J

Monday morning Coffee!

So after a long week of being sick I am back in the game of life back doing my day to day things. With having to take a week off and being in bed about 90% of the time I did alot of thinking. Thinking about God's people and how no matter how hard you try only Christ can change the heart of the man. I have been reading in Act over this past month and the main theme I have come to is when there is ministry for Christ there is persecution. Oh how I have lived this many many times over the years. A pastor friend of mine reminded me this week Romans 12:12; "Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer." Oh how it's hard to be patient in any tribulation. But once again as years past and many time before I keep moving forword. I have learn over time that there is always victory after a time of tribulation and I am starting to remind myself that daily. Well I am off to start on my mile long today list. But I leave with sharing a post from Debbie's blog this morning that I felt was a great reminder to what and who Christ has called us to be.

Someone Doesn't Like Me by Cecil Murphey
Across the street lives a neighbor with whom I had a minor run-in last year. Since
then, she doesn't "see" me when we pass each other in the neighborhood. If her
husband stops to talk to me, she keeps walking. She doesn't like me and
probably never will. I figured out long ago that there will always be a few
people who probably won't ever like me.That's true with all of us: Some
people don't like us. Won't like us. Ever. Often we don't know the
reason. I've tried to engage her in conversation and
several times I gave her plants from our garden, but she hasn't warmed up to
me. I recently admitted that regardless of anything I do, she'll probably
continue to have no use for me. Years ago I began to pray for
individuals who disliked me or spoke against me. I prayed for God to repay them
for their sins and their hardness of heart. That was self-righteous, indignant
praying, and I no longer pray that way. To my neighbor I owe
thanks for helping me to change my attitude. I pray good things for her every
day. I expect no change, not even a friendly smile. From that situation,
I understood something significant for me. First, those don't-like-me
individuals push me toward self-examination. I honestly search my heart to
figure out if I'm guilty of wrongdoing toward them. Most of the time, no answer
comes. (When it does, I apologize.) Second, whenever my
neighbor walks down the street, I see her slumped shoulders and the lack of joy
on her face. I don't know much about her and I don't ask other neighbors. I
simply believe that she must be an unhappy woman. Each day and each time
I see her, I pray for God to fill her with peace and joy. Maybe
God will answer my prayer.

I read this one before when Debbie shared this story and I am thankful again for what a great reminder to how true this story really is. So I pray the same for all those people who lack joy, and may the Lord give fill them with compassion and love like they have never seen before.

In His Grip,

Pastor J

~A Week of Sickness~

SO It seems I spent this whole week sick as a dog. It seems that everyone from Ethan, Emily to Debbie and I think even the dogs may have been sick this week. This was so not the week to be sick with Fall Fest, Church Fall revival, and so much that needed to get done. However God showed Himself tonight during the fall fest with having atleast 400 + show up. I was shocked at how big it turned out to be. I think next year we will do alot of things differant at least I hope so or it might be the last. Well I am beat and must get to bed. I still am feeling a little blah but glad I am able to move and do the things that need to be done.

In His Grip,

Pastor J

Am I still Alive?

I am starting to feel the rest of my body and I was able to get up out of bed for a few hours this morning however I went back to bed for the rest of the day... I will try again later!

In His Grip,

J

Not a good day!

~Anchor~

New song this past week at NPCC called Anchor. What powerful words. I found this song to be very anointing this week. When in the storms we face we can know our God is a mighty God!

I was thinking....

So I was watching a bug's life this morning with Emily and it hit me. What If? So in a hours time this is what I came up with:

Busy Bees!

Busy day but great show tonight!

SOLD!

so after a few weeks thinking and praying over what to do with our van we put it up for sale. Well within the next 24 hours we had a buyer and Sold it! The question come to me head that maybe we sold it too cheap.. However I have to remind myself that it was a little over blue book and the reason for that is it was a strong running van and I really wanted at least part of what we put into it over the time we had it. It was still a steal for what it was. Our biggest prayer is that it could be a blessing to someone else as it has been for us. The man we sold it to have been over seas working in missions and is looking to get back on his feet here in the USA. So with that behind us we start the next few months researching a new car. (at least newer for us) We would like to get a car/small suv or even crossover this time. The biggest thing is it needs to have 4 doors, great on gas and be able to fit a fat man inside LoL :) and lets not forget two car seats in the back. I am thinking: Toyota Camry, Nissan maxima, or maybe a Hyundai, or Kia, or even a Ford Escape. Who knows we are going to start the research now and start praying the Lord will line up something for us that fits our family needs and budget. Praise the Lord for a good sale today!!

In His Grip,

Lets Say...

I spoke to a old pastor friend of mine the other day and we started talking about church growth and the death of some churches. It seems in past few weeks two churches within his city closed their doors and 3 churches lunched in the past week. One being a church plant from his ministry and home church. It got me thinking, and seeking for an answer... this is what I found.

So if a church isn’t growing, what’s happening? Rick Warren says it’s dying, that it’s diseased. It’s a bleak image, but one that seems fairly accurate. However, living organisms do get sick. It’s fairly natural for churches to go through sick periods when they get off track and need to heal. As a result, growth may sputter.It also seems applicable that plants often need pruning. It’s an image that comes up in the Bible a few times. Pruning in itself isn’t growth and it may be a necessary stage—but it’s worth pointing out that the whole point of pruning is to further growth. Perhaps we can conclude that if a church isn’t growing, it should be going through a process that will eventually lead to growth. Maybe it needs time to heal. Maybe it had to remove a tumor, and such a process would hinder growth temporarily. But the point of removing a tumor is that the body can be healthy and growing again.It’s also true that organisms die. Death is a natural part of life. While it’s disheartening to see, some churches may need to die. But I think we see them being reborn as new churches are planted. Taking the analogy of the church as an organism a step farther, that body can die, and return to the ground and so fuel other living organisms. It’s the cycle of life. Perhaps local churches aren’t meant to last forever, but the universal Church is, and so it will continue growing in some way.

I came across a book a few years ago that was a great read. By, Robert Scott Stiner called Lessons from a venetian vinedresser. I could go into writing a book on just this book but wow was a great book that talks about how in order for stronger growth we at times have to be pruned and shaped up by the Father the vinedresser, "I am the vine and your are the branches and my Father is the vinedresser." It's a great book that brings to life to John 15:1-9!! Well I will stop now before I write too much. :)

In His Grip,

~Monday Morning Coffee~

I have been doing alot of studying in the book of Acts this month and been working on a few series I would like to do. I am not really sure it's for students but who knows maybe oneday God will use it somewhere else down the road in my ministry. While working in this series I can across this key point in the life of the church and within the body of the church. "Be a fountain not a drain." Oh how I could go on and on about this one key point, but I won't just yet. Happy Monday morning coffee to you!

In His Grip,

Pastor J

~Sunday Blessings~

"But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me." - 2 Corinthians 12:9

A dear friend of mine from College Laura Story who most people know now-a-days as Christian music artist and song writter wrote Blessings. In this song she writes that even in the darkess times in life there is Hope and Hope can come even within a tear drop. Years ago during the time Laura was leading worship for our Chapel at CIU and playing bass for the group Silers Bald there was a song she wrote back in the late 90's called Nothing Else Beside. It was another great remember at how only Christ matters and in the darkess times only He shines!

I hope and pray your week is fullfilled by the Greatness of God!

-Pastor J

~One Statement~

Oneday I will give detail to why I love this picture.


"Holy Spirit dwell in me"

It's Friday!!

My little man is still not doing very well. I felt I needed to come home early today to give Debbie a bit of a brake and I also needed to get the front grass cut. Ethan had a high temp when he woke up from his afternoon nap however while I have been watching him he has been doing okay for now. Praying he returns to him old self very soon.
In other news I have really been amazed by what God is showing me as I redo my study in Acts this month. I have read this book many many times in the past and it seems God is opening up a whole new view I have not seen before. I will do a more detailed study post about it later. I had a old pastor friend of mine email this week some very kind words of encouragement for me and my current ministry here in Guyton. Thanks to everyone for their support and prayers as the Lord works in great ways here. Boy how I do miss some things from the past. But thankful I am where I am at. I came across a few items today while going through my ministry book. Mostly some past sermons written some for churches and some for college class. While looking back on them I shock myself wow could it be at one time I wrote that... Powerful stuff some of it and other stuff LoL wow how things in my heart and mind have changed. I view somethings different then I did before and somethings are the same. Oh how we change! But Hey as one of my college profs always said change is part of growing in the Lord!
In His Grip,
-Pastor J

Football Team Stats:

Here are the stats for my Carolina boys... WOW so far a great year!

Sat, Sept 3 vs East Carolina W 56-37
Sat, Sept 10 vs Georgia W 45-42
Sat, Sept 17 vs Navy W 24-21
Sat, Sept 24 vsVanderbilt W21-3
Sat, Oct 1 vs Auburn L 16-13
Sat, Oct 8 vs Kentucky W 54-3

now my TN vols are a differant story this year.. they need to shape up. The main issue we have this year is there are so many young guys on the field this year and just don't know what they are doing. I think there has been a few bad calls made this year too. :( This up and coming saturday they are going to be playing LSU and talk about bad called last year just sucked at the last touchdown being recalled. Blah... maybe this year we can beat their butts! Oh well off to enjoy my rainy, foggy thursday!

-PJ

Notice!

Great night tonight! This week Notice someone! Why because you might be the only Hope!

Thanks to everyone and the prayers for Ethan. Here is the latest from Debbie:
Thank you so much for your prayers! Ethan is home and sleeping for the time being, which is a huge blessing, as he is overly exhausted. Where we have no definite answer as to what is causing the night/sleep terrors, after 2 1/2 hours in Memorial's Pediatric ER Ethan is finally able to stop vomiting and has kept down both medicine and a few ounces of liquid. Zofran is such a wonderful medication! It was an almost immediate difference. Another huge relief off off our shoulders is that his belly/intestines are clear (for those who don't know he had issues with that as an infant and these screaming fits have been very reminiscent of those early weeks with him). We are praying for a restful night for all of us, that Ethan would continue to rehydrate well and get back on his normal sleep cycles again.

Thanks again. We now pray for much needed sleep for the whole family.

In His Grip,

Pastor J

New Awana Training....

I am thinking about starting a new training this week to become an Awana at Home Director. More test and studying... Blah! I am not sure what I am going to do with it or if I will ever use it. But after seeing my 24/7 ministry leaders jump on board with their BT training and becoming passionate about it, I need to uphold my role and find something to do as well. I asked a old friend of mind from Awana International who did my training years ago, whats the next step for me as I am already a commander and have been for a while now. This will be my 6 year working with the Awana program. It's been a few years from the time I was last able to use it.. over 5 years now so it's great to be able to reactivate myself again. And pick things back up after so many years. My friend requested I join Awana At Home leadership team. It's a new program to me as it's only been a round for a short time. (at least to me). I can't see where any of this will lead to but I took him up on his offer this week. So I start training in a few days....Praying something great will come of it. I guess time will tell. Well off to get more work done.
In His Grip,

Pastor J

P.S. I have noticed that a few of my blog post don't post on the same day it was written... Oh well the world of PCs.