Aaron Holt is the Head Youth Pastor: he focuses on the Varsity program primarily and campus visitations
Courtney is Varsity Youth Pastor: she focuses more on the Junior High and does a lot with creative programming, trips and event coordination, counseling…etc.
When they hired Courtney, they hired her as a youth secretary. Her best friend was more of a youth administration assistant and left the church. She was glad she took the position when it was available, and it was a good thing she did because not long after she was hired on, it became very difficult to get any position in the church after that point.
Pastor Aaron brought Courtney before the Senior Pastor and motioned for her position to become an official youth pastor position.
She became licensed in the Spring of her Senior year at VFCC.
Fridays are difficult to hold for afterschool programs for kids because you're essentially competing with school sporting events, after school programs affiliated with schools… etc.
Visitor Process: toward the beginning of the service, they invite the guests into the café where they have milkshakes, the meet & greet team will take time to get to know a little about the guests. (this takes place in the beginning during the first or second song of worship as well as announcements)
Q & A Text Messaging Questions: the congregation members will text questions about the message or to related topics in the message or regarding worship or anything else about the service, with the intentions of response from the pastor via text messaging. (interesting, but I think this can give kids reason to stay distracted from paying attention to the service--people will use this as an excuse to use their phones to play games, text friends…etc.)
Wednesdays: have classes that the kids make a choice to go to. If the person happens to be new, they will typically visit a starter class (which are essential basics to Christian Faith)
There are a lot of people that are biblically illiterate and this needs to be recognized. There are people in our congregation that are completely oblivious to many topics, bible stories, characters…etc of the Bible that are going over their heads. They end up walking out of church not feeling they understood what we were preaching or teaching because we're not taking time to share the who, what, when, where, why about scripture.
What's the biggest problem you face with teens in the ministry at your church?
Kids come to church with a lot of baggage. A major issue is simply trying to understand where to start or how to approach these kids.
If they mention rape or abuse to you (and they're a minor) they are obligated to report it and the services to whom you report to will follow through with proper investigation.
I thought a lot of the creative ideas they use to keep the leadership involved and feeling that they play a vital role in their part of the ministry was rather interesting. Something as simple as assigning unique chess pieces to the members can highlight important qualities unique to those people as they play their role on the team. I'm encouraged by an example like this to keep things interesting and creative for the opportunities that await me in the upcoming positions of ministry that I will play a part of.
Passing the Torch: A ceremony for those kids who are graduating from high school. The kids are to write a letter to the upcoming class for what they see specifically in this student--pointing out good qualities in this person, maybe making light hearted jokes about this person's personality or history.
A place for my thoughts, concerns, and defenses for the Christian faith.
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Todd Bube of Glad Tidings A.G.
The church was expanding and instead of being moved to a typically expected promotion, Todd felt the Lord directing him to decline the offer and rather choose to remain in children's ministry.
What you do in your adult program in your church is important, but not as important as it seems to have a good children's program. Families will tend to show up to church because their kids want them to go.
6:00-6:30 CHECK-IN/Pre Show
6:30 Large Group Event
○ Audience Activator/ Songs/ Announcements
6:45 Small Group Rotation
○ Story Time
○ Games/Snack
○ Life Application
○ Craft? (Some larger groups could be difficult to do this)
Essentially Todd walked through various different ministries their church offers, particularly catering toward children.
He covered many of the angles of how to deal with difficult children, as well as difficult parents.
As I studied Todd's passion for what he does in his church, I couldn't help but fall in love with his passion, his fire for the ministry he is so committed to! Some of the programs he talked about that he does with the kids are incredible. It shows that he's been committed to his calling to this position.
It appears that Todd's experience and leadership skills are in prime condition. To be able to run the level of intensity some of these programs are require good management skills.
What I saw in the programs that Todd runs with the children's ministry are important as they are amazing! However, I feel that the energy and enthusiasm he uses to direct the children's programs in his church can shift from his direction to someone or some other people that work under his leadership. I felt that Todd's innovation and passion for his ministry are needed in other programs of the church. I think that if Todd took time to write a book about how to drive children's ministry into the upper channels of success, I feel he would deliver a tremendous gift to the world.
I'd like to see Todd a little more rounded with his passion to different parts of ministry to see how he might carry over what works in children's ministry to youth, young adult and adult ministries.
What you do in your adult program in your church is important, but not as important as it seems to have a good children's program. Families will tend to show up to church because their kids want them to go.
6:00-6:30 CHECK-IN/Pre Show
6:30 Large Group Event
○ Audience Activator/ Songs/ Announcements
6:45 Small Group Rotation
○ Story Time
○ Games/Snack
○ Life Application
○ Craft? (Some larger groups could be difficult to do this)
Essentially Todd walked through various different ministries their church offers, particularly catering toward children.
He covered many of the angles of how to deal with difficult children, as well as difficult parents.
As I studied Todd's passion for what he does in his church, I couldn't help but fall in love with his passion, his fire for the ministry he is so committed to! Some of the programs he talked about that he does with the kids are incredible. It shows that he's been committed to his calling to this position.
It appears that Todd's experience and leadership skills are in prime condition. To be able to run the level of intensity some of these programs are require good management skills.
What I saw in the programs that Todd runs with the children's ministry are important as they are amazing! However, I feel that the energy and enthusiasm he uses to direct the children's programs in his church can shift from his direction to someone or some other people that work under his leadership. I felt that Todd's innovation and passion for his ministry are needed in other programs of the church. I think that if Todd took time to write a book about how to drive children's ministry into the upper channels of success, I feel he would deliver a tremendous gift to the world.
I'd like to see Todd a little more rounded with his passion to different parts of ministry to see how he might carry over what works in children's ministry to youth, young adult and adult ministries.
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Compassion by Design Survey:
Valley Forge Christian College celebrates the leadership and services that make our community great and also identifies the areas where we need to work together to continue to build a strong and vibrant place to live, work and play. This survey is being conducted in the Phoenixville area, and is a Valley Forge Christian College class project.
1. Zip Code: 18949
2. Nominate one organization in each of the following categories: (Nominate those that represent the BEST of our community during the last year)
- Education Provider: Pen Rich School districts (Bucks County)
- Recreation: Bucks County Community Sports Recreation Facility
- Business that gives back: local Pizzaria
- Restaurant or Coffee Shop: Calvary Church Cafe
- Nonprofit & Charitable: YMCA
- Public Services: Bucks Police
- Culture, Arts and Historic Enrichment: High School Art Exhibitions
3. The greatest thing about our community is: People are hospitable & ready to connect.
4. If there is one area in which our community needs to improve it is: Spreading out--connecting
5. In our community, I think the following areas pose the greatest challenge:
- Financial Pressure
- Sense of Permanence
- Marriage & Relationships
- Job Security
- Resources for low-income families
- Jobs (period)
6. The one thing that would make family life better in our community is: if they would simply come to church
7. I'm concerned about what is going to happen in the future with: finances--resulting from the economic crisis
8. A new affordable service that would really help us is: rent out rooms/host events w/ sponsors and other community partners.
9. A service that really needs to be improved is: charity
10: Comments on any of the above: More christlike/centered focus in families.
Valley Forge Christian College celebrates the leadership and services that make our community great and also identifies the areas where we need to work together to continue to build a strong and vibrant place to live, work and play. This survey is being conducted in the Phoenixville area, and is a Valley Forge Christian College class project.
1. Zip Code: 18949
2. Nominate one organization in each of the following categories: (Nominate those that represent the BEST of our community during the last year)
- Education Provider: Pen Rich School districts (Bucks County)
- Recreation: Bucks County Community Sports Recreation Facility
- Business that gives back: local Pizzaria
- Restaurant or Coffee Shop: Calvary Church Cafe
- Nonprofit & Charitable: YMCA
- Public Services: Bucks Police
- Culture, Arts and Historic Enrichment: High School Art Exhibitions
3. The greatest thing about our community is: People are hospitable & ready to connect.
4. If there is one area in which our community needs to improve it is: Spreading out--connecting
5. In our community, I think the following areas pose the greatest challenge:
- Financial Pressure
- Sense of Permanence
- Marriage & Relationships
- Job Security
- Resources for low-income families
- Jobs (period)
6. The one thing that would make family life better in our community is: if they would simply come to church
7. I'm concerned about what is going to happen in the future with: finances--resulting from the economic crisis
8. A new affordable service that would really help us is: rent out rooms/host events w/ sponsors and other community partners.
9. A service that really needs to be improved is: charity
10: Comments on any of the above: More christlike/centered focus in families.
Speaker/Guest: Bill Ellis: Oakmont
Golf Video Segment: was humorous and yet I had no idea what the point of the video was about.
We need churches that does more than welcomes people of faith into a new set of doors. We need churches that are welcoming to those who may have not yet experienced faith for the first time.
Were the disciples Christians? Not technically, Christ had not died yet for their sins, and they did not know that he was going to either.
• Two ways of understanding what the church is:
○ Functional View: the church is God's place in the owrld where you go to do God things
○ Incarnational View: the church is not only a place that performs functions, but it is a place where God dwells. It is a people in whom God lives.
There are two kinds of people who attend church:
a. Those who "go to church"
b. Those who see themselves "as the church"
Our challenge is to help people who me3rely "go to church" become those who see themselves "as the church," and help them find the part they are to play in putting God on display to the world.
"People aren't tithing to God, they're paying for services that the church provides in way of programs; when they're dissatisfied with the programs, they take their money and leave."
"The American Church in Crisis"
1. Less than 20% of Americans regularly attend church--half of what the pollsters report.
2. American church attendance is steadily declining.
The culture has changed so dramatically that people are no longer identifying themselves by their religious views.
3. Only one state is outpacing its population growth (Hawaii)
4. Mid-sized churches are shrinking; the smallest and largest churches are growing.
5. Established churches--40 to 190 years old--are, on average, declining.
6. The increase in churches is only 1/4 of what's needed to keep up with population growth.
7. In 2050 the percentage of the U.S. population attending church will be almost half of what it was in 1990.
"It was C.S. Lewis who observed that 'there exists in every church something that sooner or later works against the very purpose for which it came into existence. So we must strive very hard, by the grace of God to keep the church focused on the mission that Christ originally gave to it." (as quoted in The Forgotten Ways, by Alan Hirsh, p.55)
What are the right questions we should be asking?
1. Should we be asking "how can we get people to come to our church?" Or, "How can we get our people to engage our community?"
"Christianity is better received as a voice of one crying in the wilderness than a city preacher on a podium with a bullhorn." -John Schaffer
2. What are ways we can engage and bless our communities beyond the walls of the church
3. If your church was removed from your community, who besides your attendees, would miss it?
4. How can we get people to down-size in order to make room for compassion in a super-size me culture?
5. How has consumerism infiltrated the way we do church?
Bill has recognized that they're ready to pull the plug on Children's ministry for his home church because what they're realizing is that its become more of a drop off locale for families. What they're recognizing as a result of this is that parents are shoveling the Christian education responsibilities onto the church for their kids, rather than parents owning the responsibility to teach their kids and rear them as well. Now they are realizing that parents are needing to be educated on how to be parents.
If kids down participate in worship with their parents how are they going to realize this is something they'll need to continue on into adulthood?
I thought that Bill presented some of the more critical concerns our generation of leaders are pressed with. Unlike many of the other speakers, Bill presented a rather visual picture of what the future of the church and this country may be facing in the next couple decades. Since this is the church and country we are going to lead, I found most of what Bill to share tonight to be most resourceful than any other speaker this semester! Thank you for bringing him to share a little about his life and theological/philosophical positions on the church and the world today.
Golf Video Segment: was humorous and yet I had no idea what the point of the video was about.
We need churches that does more than welcomes people of faith into a new set of doors. We need churches that are welcoming to those who may have not yet experienced faith for the first time.
Were the disciples Christians? Not technically, Christ had not died yet for their sins, and they did not know that he was going to either.
• Two ways of understanding what the church is:
○ Functional View: the church is God's place in the owrld where you go to do God things
○ Incarnational View: the church is not only a place that performs functions, but it is a place where God dwells. It is a people in whom God lives.
There are two kinds of people who attend church:
a. Those who "go to church"
b. Those who see themselves "as the church"
Our challenge is to help people who me3rely "go to church" become those who see themselves "as the church," and help them find the part they are to play in putting God on display to the world.
"People aren't tithing to God, they're paying for services that the church provides in way of programs; when they're dissatisfied with the programs, they take their money and leave."
"The American Church in Crisis"
1. Less than 20% of Americans regularly attend church--half of what the pollsters report.
2. American church attendance is steadily declining.
The culture has changed so dramatically that people are no longer identifying themselves by their religious views.
3. Only one state is outpacing its population growth (Hawaii)
4. Mid-sized churches are shrinking; the smallest and largest churches are growing.
5. Established churches--40 to 190 years old--are, on average, declining.
6. The increase in churches is only 1/4 of what's needed to keep up with population growth.
7. In 2050 the percentage of the U.S. population attending church will be almost half of what it was in 1990.
"It was C.S. Lewis who observed that 'there exists in every church something that sooner or later works against the very purpose for which it came into existence. So we must strive very hard, by the grace of God to keep the church focused on the mission that Christ originally gave to it." (as quoted in The Forgotten Ways, by Alan Hirsh, p.55)
What are the right questions we should be asking?
1. Should we be asking "how can we get people to come to our church?" Or, "How can we get our people to engage our community?"
"Christianity is better received as a voice of one crying in the wilderness than a city preacher on a podium with a bullhorn." -John Schaffer
2. What are ways we can engage and bless our communities beyond the walls of the church
3. If your church was removed from your community, who besides your attendees, would miss it?
4. How can we get people to down-size in order to make room for compassion in a super-size me culture?
5. How has consumerism infiltrated the way we do church?
Bill has recognized that they're ready to pull the plug on Children's ministry for his home church because what they're realizing is that its become more of a drop off locale for families. What they're recognizing as a result of this is that parents are shoveling the Christian education responsibilities onto the church for their kids, rather than parents owning the responsibility to teach their kids and rear them as well. Now they are realizing that parents are needing to be educated on how to be parents.
If kids down participate in worship with their parents how are they going to realize this is something they'll need to continue on into adulthood?
I thought that Bill presented some of the more critical concerns our generation of leaders are pressed with. Unlike many of the other speakers, Bill presented a rather visual picture of what the future of the church and this country may be facing in the next couple decades. Since this is the church and country we are going to lead, I found most of what Bill to share tonight to be most resourceful than any other speaker this semester! Thank you for bringing him to share a little about his life and theological/philosophical positions on the church and the world today.
Monday, March 30, 2009
Compassion By Design Survey #2
Compassion By Design Survey
Valley Forge Christian College celebrates the leadership and services that make our community
great and also identifies the areas where we need to work together to continue to build a strong
and vibrant place to live, work and play. This survey is being conducted in the Phoenixville area,
and is a Valley Forge Christian College class project.
Major Nancy Townsend- Salvation Army Corps Officer, Norristown Pennsylvania
1. Please enter your zip code:19040
2. Nominate one organization in each of the following categories:
(Nominate those that represent the BEST of our community during the last year)
Education Provider
(School, college, day care, after school, educational service or business):
EASTERN UNIVERSITY- a handful of students help out in the Norristown Community especially here at the Norristown Salvation Army Corps.
Health Care Provider
(Hospital, clinic, doctor’s office, medical service or business):
MERCY SUBURBIAN HOSPITAL
Recreation
(Park, fields, facility, organization, league):
PAL
Business That Gives Back
(Contributes to the community with funds or other support):
THE SALVATION ARMY
Restaurant or Coffee Shop:
BLIMPEES
Nonprofit & Charitable
(Local foundations, nonprofits, charities and benefit drives):
THE SALVATION ARMY
Public Service
(Any local service operated by government—library, police, fire department):
THE COURTHOUSE
Culture, Arts and Historic Enrichment
(Museums, etc):
THE NORRISTOWN ZOO; TOURING THE CITY AND VIEWING THE HISTORY BEHIND THE OLD BUILDINGS AND CHURCHES
3. The greatest thing about our community is:
THE HELP IT NEEDS! IF WE JUST GET OUT THERE AND DO IT! PEOPLE WILL RESPOND! NORRISTOWN IS A BEAUTIFUL COMMUNITY THAT JUST NEEDS SOME CONNECTION
4. If there is one area in which our community needs to improve it is:
CLEANING UP THE STREETS. THERE IS PLEANTY OF TRASH ON THE STREETS OF NORRISTOWN.
5. In our community, I think the following areas pose the greatest challenge:
(Pick up to 5 of the following):
__X_ Financial Pressure __X_ Marriage & Relationships
_X__ Substance Abuse ___ Job Security
___ Affordable Housing ___ Time Pressure
__X_ Crime/Violence ___ Single Parent Resources
___ Sense of Permanence ___ Childcare
_X__ Stress __X_ Loneliness
_X__ Education ___ Public Transportation
___ Cultural Tolerance _X__ Gangs
___ Jobs ___ Resources for lowincome
families
___ Traffic ___ Cost of Living
_X__ Discrimination __X_ Negative Media
___ Professional Development _X__ Health Care
___ Teen Resources __X_ Sense of Community
_X__ Immigration ___ Support for Charity
__X_ Lack of Public Services ___ Other:__________________
6. The one thing that would make family life better in our community is:
FAMILIES STAYING TOGETHER! ATLEAST TRYING TO MAKE AN EFFORT. WORKING AS THE OFFICER OF THE SALVATION ARMY IN NORRISTOWN, PA- WHICH IS ALSO A HOMELESS SHELTER, I SEE WAY TOO MANY SINGLE MOTHERS IN AND OUT EVERY MONTH.
7. I am concerned about what is going to happen in the future with:
THE AMOUNT OF SUBSTANCE AND DRUG ABUSE IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD THAT IS SLOWLY SPEADING IN HIGH SCHOOLS, AND NEXT IS IN THE MIDDLE SCHOOLS.
8. A new affordable service that would really help us is:
A COMMUNITY SERVICE DAY- EVERYONE FROM THE NEIGHBORHOOD GETS OUT AND HELPS CLEAN THE STREETS- THIS, FORCING PEOPLE TO TALK TO EACHOTHER, AND HOPEFULLY FEEL BETTER ABOUT HELPING AND TAKING CARE OF THE ENVIRONMENT IN WHICH THEY LIVE IN BUT ARE SURELY DESTROYING
9. A service that really needs to be improved is:
POLICE ACTIVITY. ALTHOUGH THEY ARE ALWAYS FINDING SOMETHING TO CATCH IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD, THERE IS MORE TO BE DONE.
10. Comments on any of the above:
NORRISTOWN TRULY IS AN AMAZING CITY- IT JUST NEEDS THE HAND OF GOD LIKE EVERYWHERE ELSE
Developed by David Mills, Compassion by Design, dmills@compassionbydesign.org
Valley Forge Christian College celebrates the leadership and services that make our community
great and also identifies the areas where we need to work together to continue to build a strong
and vibrant place to live, work and play. This survey is being conducted in the Phoenixville area,
and is a Valley Forge Christian College class project.
Major Nancy Townsend- Salvation Army Corps Officer, Norristown Pennsylvania
1. Please enter your zip code:19040
2. Nominate one organization in each of the following categories:
(Nominate those that represent the BEST of our community during the last year)
Education Provider
(School, college, day care, after school, educational service or business):
EASTERN UNIVERSITY- a handful of students help out in the Norristown Community especially here at the Norristown Salvation Army Corps.
Health Care Provider
(Hospital, clinic, doctor’s office, medical service or business):
MERCY SUBURBIAN HOSPITAL
Recreation
(Park, fields, facility, organization, league):
PAL
Business That Gives Back
(Contributes to the community with funds or other support):
THE SALVATION ARMY
Restaurant or Coffee Shop:
BLIMPEES
Nonprofit & Charitable
(Local foundations, nonprofits, charities and benefit drives):
THE SALVATION ARMY
Public Service
(Any local service operated by government—library, police, fire department):
THE COURTHOUSE
Culture, Arts and Historic Enrichment
(Museums, etc):
THE NORRISTOWN ZOO; TOURING THE CITY AND VIEWING THE HISTORY BEHIND THE OLD BUILDINGS AND CHURCHES
3. The greatest thing about our community is:
THE HELP IT NEEDS! IF WE JUST GET OUT THERE AND DO IT! PEOPLE WILL RESPOND! NORRISTOWN IS A BEAUTIFUL COMMUNITY THAT JUST NEEDS SOME CONNECTION
4. If there is one area in which our community needs to improve it is:
CLEANING UP THE STREETS. THERE IS PLEANTY OF TRASH ON THE STREETS OF NORRISTOWN.
5. In our community, I think the following areas pose the greatest challenge:
(Pick up to 5 of the following):
__X_ Financial Pressure __X_ Marriage & Relationships
_X__ Substance Abuse ___ Job Security
___ Affordable Housing ___ Time Pressure
__X_ Crime/Violence ___ Single Parent Resources
___ Sense of Permanence ___ Childcare
_X__ Stress __X_ Loneliness
_X__ Education ___ Public Transportation
___ Cultural Tolerance _X__ Gangs
___ Jobs ___ Resources for lowincome
families
___ Traffic ___ Cost of Living
_X__ Discrimination __X_ Negative Media
___ Professional Development _X__ Health Care
___ Teen Resources __X_ Sense of Community
_X__ Immigration ___ Support for Charity
__X_ Lack of Public Services ___ Other:__________________
6. The one thing that would make family life better in our community is:
FAMILIES STAYING TOGETHER! ATLEAST TRYING TO MAKE AN EFFORT. WORKING AS THE OFFICER OF THE SALVATION ARMY IN NORRISTOWN, PA- WHICH IS ALSO A HOMELESS SHELTER, I SEE WAY TOO MANY SINGLE MOTHERS IN AND OUT EVERY MONTH.
7. I am concerned about what is going to happen in the future with:
THE AMOUNT OF SUBSTANCE AND DRUG ABUSE IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD THAT IS SLOWLY SPEADING IN HIGH SCHOOLS, AND NEXT IS IN THE MIDDLE SCHOOLS.
8. A new affordable service that would really help us is:
A COMMUNITY SERVICE DAY- EVERYONE FROM THE NEIGHBORHOOD GETS OUT AND HELPS CLEAN THE STREETS- THIS, FORCING PEOPLE TO TALK TO EACHOTHER, AND HOPEFULLY FEEL BETTER ABOUT HELPING AND TAKING CARE OF THE ENVIRONMENT IN WHICH THEY LIVE IN BUT ARE SURELY DESTROYING
9. A service that really needs to be improved is:
POLICE ACTIVITY. ALTHOUGH THEY ARE ALWAYS FINDING SOMETHING TO CATCH IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD, THERE IS MORE TO BE DONE.
10. Comments on any of the above:
NORRISTOWN TRULY IS AN AMAZING CITY- IT JUST NEEDS THE HAND OF GOD LIKE EVERYWHERE ELSE
Developed by David Mills, Compassion by Design, dmills@compassionbydesign.org
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Sam Masteller, Lancaster, PA
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Sam Masteller,
*Often positions open up in churches that are available to people that happen to know someone in the church.
Revival Central: (
700 Students of “Christ for the Nations” were ticked off by something Sam said: (do not insert this into the blog) The fist series he did in his church, he began to share about a vision of William Booth (from the Salvation Army) the vision was a sea full of people drowning… then a rock began to rise out of the ocean and people began to swim to this rock. Where they eventually became comfortable and didn’t reach out top help the people who were still drowning in the ocean. Sam said that it doesn’t matter if we ever speak another word in tongues, prophesy or have another vision, if we come to the point where we are no longer drawing people to Christ we have failed and should thereby close our doors… apparently this made the congregation members upset. They apparently only focused on the notion that they felt Sam didn’t speak in tongues and was out to attack them.
Most churches do not change because of the wield and manipulation of a few families in the church.
Blog: Sammasteller.com
Not everyone is going to agree with you and the vision you may have for the church. This is where it will take persistence, integrity, passion, patience, proposal of gifts (not bribes) and ideas. The picture of what the vision is: the Church is a table…
Sam’s Church Government Model: Staff Driven—Board Accountable
Staff: all come to the board meetings, they are part of the discussion and give reports of how things are going in their position of the church.
Who sets the Church Budget? Finance team would be separate from this gov’t. She is hired by the Senior pastor: Sam.
On Board with the Vision, In Sync with the Vision: These are terms that Sam uses to communicate whether or not people are willing to do what’s necessary to bring the vision to life and keep it alive and moving in a positive direction.
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Questionaire for New Believer #2- Mark (Mont. Community College Student)
Tell me about your journey to faith in Christ?
o My parents are Christians and I always went to church. I really didn’t care much about the whole God thing and just went with the flow. It wasn’t until New Year’s Eve at a lock in at the church when I realized how true being a Christian is and what it’s all about.
What helped you the most to step over the line and make the commitment?
o I saw the way people were responding to the Spirit. I realized there was more to Christianity. It was a hard decision, but it must have been done. I was struggling with cigarettes and knew they would be no more in my life once I became real with Christ. I knew if I was going to make a commitment like that to Christ, nothing, especially cigarettes will have power over me.
What has been the best part of becoming a Christ follower for you?
o I feel different every morning. I feel like I have a reason to smile. My parents seem to appreciate and love me more. I am sure they always did but now they feel more comfortable with showing me that unconditional love that they do have for me.
What has been the most challenging part of following Christ?
o Some of the friends I had outside of the church don’t really talk to me anymore. It’s difficult losing people in my life, but I know it was worth it for losing my life to Christ.
What do you think is helping you grow the most in your faith?
o My parents. We have bonded so much closer over this. My dad is my mentor. He shows me the best example I can have on how to be a God-like man. For my mother to see this, it’s the greatest testament ever.
What advice do you have for me in helping others like you to grow in their faith?
o It’s not about you. You may want to fit in with everyone else. I don’t think that gets us anywhere. If you’re parents are Christians, don’t be afraid of their life style. Imagine yourself as a happier person with something to live for. Keep people mentoring you and your faith will grow.
o My parents are Christians and I always went to church. I really didn’t care much about the whole God thing and just went with the flow. It wasn’t until New Year’s Eve at a lock in at the church when I realized how true being a Christian is and what it’s all about.
What helped you the most to step over the line and make the commitment?
o I saw the way people were responding to the Spirit. I realized there was more to Christianity. It was a hard decision, but it must have been done. I was struggling with cigarettes and knew they would be no more in my life once I became real with Christ. I knew if I was going to make a commitment like that to Christ, nothing, especially cigarettes will have power over me.
What has been the best part of becoming a Christ follower for you?
o I feel different every morning. I feel like I have a reason to smile. My parents seem to appreciate and love me more. I am sure they always did but now they feel more comfortable with showing me that unconditional love that they do have for me.
What has been the most challenging part of following Christ?
o Some of the friends I had outside of the church don’t really talk to me anymore. It’s difficult losing people in my life, but I know it was worth it for losing my life to Christ.
What do you think is helping you grow the most in your faith?
o My parents. We have bonded so much closer over this. My dad is my mentor. He shows me the best example I can have on how to be a God-like man. For my mother to see this, it’s the greatest testament ever.
What advice do you have for me in helping others like you to grow in their faith?
o It’s not about you. You may want to fit in with everyone else. I don’t think that gets us anywhere. If you’re parents are Christians, don’t be afraid of their life style. Imagine yourself as a happier person with something to live for. Keep people mentoring you and your faith will grow.
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
Gerry Stolzfoos
Gerry teaches @ Master's Commission an extension of Valley Forge Christian College Church Planting Unit. This class is being taught in Gettysburg and Teen Challenge Rehrersburg.
Grew up "Beachy Amish" (got its name from its founding fathers) . Somehow during his childhood he came to realize that he grew up as one of the more weird people of the world. Whenever he tried to turn a subject to Jesus, the subjects usually turned to asking questions about why they are so weird.
He asked himself why he brought people to his church if all they did was turn away rejected later on. Suddenly he realized that he wanted to know where he could invite people to a place where people would feel accepted and loved.
He had a friend that asked him where he went to have fun. Gerry replied that he went to Church. And the guy couldn't believe it… eventually he was persuaded to go on the idea that he might get laid. He was saved the very first night he went.
Gerry thought the worship was terrible, the sermons were long and boring and seemed to last endlessly. The only reason he felt the church was any good was because of his friends that reached out to him in love and acceptance. He realized that the people at this church were inviting to everyone who came, it didn't matter what their background was or what they looked like.
So it appears that from what Gerry is saying here is that the key to someone feeling comfortable in attending a church is not a matter of what the worship is like, or the pastor, or the color of the carpet or anything of the sort. It’s the people and their love and genuine interest in accepting and receiving anyone who comes through the door.
His family went through a period of rejecting him from their family (Amish) when they realized that they were being entirely un-Christ-like. Gerry said that the Amish church is hostile to people. There was a reconciliation that came around to Gerry with his family where his father even made him the executor of his will because he felt that he could only push his other sons around.
Gerry had an unfortunate experience when he was a 29 year old youth pastor on the verge of becoming the senior pastor of his church. The church board had a meeting and didn’t think Gerry was mature enough to take over the church at his age. Essentially they served him compensation to plant a new church with severance and wished him well.
A Church in New Oxford found that Gerry was looking to plant a church and asked him if he'd be interested in planting a church with a few churches in their area. They said they prayed for someone like Gerry specifically and they invited him to a meeting. When he came to the meeting he found that they were Assemblies of God. Gerry backed out ready to leave letting them know that he didn't like anything about the A.G. They realized everything that Gerry didn't like in the A.G. was exactly the reason they felt God was calling Him to help them plant this church. They knew Gerry loved Jesus and that’s what would make the difference.
Gerry knew that he was somehow called to minister to people who have given up on the church, who have been hurt. The experiences of Gerry's past with the church was going to be an instrument to help him reach people who feel the church has ruined them.
I particularly enjoyed the story of the tattoo parlor and the one girl with all the piercings and tattoos and how the tattoo parlor was packed with people attending a bible study there. How the church eventually bought the tattoo parlor and kept it running by the first guy who got saved there. The shop is called "In The Blood: Tattoos & Rock N Roll.
Grew up "Beachy Amish" (got its name from its founding fathers) . Somehow during his childhood he came to realize that he grew up as one of the more weird people of the world. Whenever he tried to turn a subject to Jesus, the subjects usually turned to asking questions about why they are so weird.
He asked himself why he brought people to his church if all they did was turn away rejected later on. Suddenly he realized that he wanted to know where he could invite people to a place where people would feel accepted and loved.
He had a friend that asked him where he went to have fun. Gerry replied that he went to Church. And the guy couldn't believe it… eventually he was persuaded to go on the idea that he might get laid. He was saved the very first night he went.
Gerry thought the worship was terrible, the sermons were long and boring and seemed to last endlessly. The only reason he felt the church was any good was because of his friends that reached out to him in love and acceptance. He realized that the people at this church were inviting to everyone who came, it didn't matter what their background was or what they looked like.
So it appears that from what Gerry is saying here is that the key to someone feeling comfortable in attending a church is not a matter of what the worship is like, or the pastor, or the color of the carpet or anything of the sort. It’s the people and their love and genuine interest in accepting and receiving anyone who comes through the door.
His family went through a period of rejecting him from their family (Amish) when they realized that they were being entirely un-Christ-like. Gerry said that the Amish church is hostile to people. There was a reconciliation that came around to Gerry with his family where his father even made him the executor of his will because he felt that he could only push his other sons around.
Gerry had an unfortunate experience when he was a 29 year old youth pastor on the verge of becoming the senior pastor of his church. The church board had a meeting and didn’t think Gerry was mature enough to take over the church at his age. Essentially they served him compensation to plant a new church with severance and wished him well.
A Church in New Oxford found that Gerry was looking to plant a church and asked him if he'd be interested in planting a church with a few churches in their area. They said they prayed for someone like Gerry specifically and they invited him to a meeting. When he came to the meeting he found that they were Assemblies of God. Gerry backed out ready to leave letting them know that he didn't like anything about the A.G. They realized everything that Gerry didn't like in the A.G. was exactly the reason they felt God was calling Him to help them plant this church. They knew Gerry loved Jesus and that’s what would make the difference.
Gerry knew that he was somehow called to minister to people who have given up on the church, who have been hurt. The experiences of Gerry's past with the church was going to be an instrument to help him reach people who feel the church has ruined them.
I particularly enjoyed the story of the tattoo parlor and the one girl with all the piercings and tattoos and how the tattoo parlor was packed with people attending a bible study there. How the church eventually bought the tattoo parlor and kept it running by the first guy who got saved there. The shop is called "In The Blood: Tattoos & Rock N Roll.
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
New Believer Interview #1 Dave
Dave is enrolled at the University of Penn
Tell me about your journey to faith in Christ?
o My parents and I never went to church. It wasn’t until I came to college that I met a friend who bought me to church with him.
What helped you the most to step over the line and make the commitment?
o I felt like I needed help from somewhere else than normal. I needed to confide in something bigger than myself. I was overwhelmed (in a good way) during the night that I gave my heart to God. I felt at peace that night.
What has been the best part of becoming a Christ follower for you?
o I feel stabile. I know that when I feel like I have no one else by my side that God is always there.
What has been the most challenging part of following Christ?
o Convincing my family that this is the way to live. They think it’s a joke sometimes. It’s really discouraging.
What do you think is helping you grow the most in your faith?
o Knowing the emotions I felt before I knew Christ, and comparing that to how much easier it is to live now that I do know Him. My life is complete and in control only through God.
What advice do you have for me in helping others like you to grow in their faith?
o Keep Christ in your mind always. The more you think of Him in every disicion you make, the easier it will get. Once He's considered first and above all, your faith with continue to increase.
Tell me about your journey to faith in Christ?
o My parents and I never went to church. It wasn’t until I came to college that I met a friend who bought me to church with him.
What helped you the most to step over the line and make the commitment?
o I felt like I needed help from somewhere else than normal. I needed to confide in something bigger than myself. I was overwhelmed (in a good way) during the night that I gave my heart to God. I felt at peace that night.
What has been the best part of becoming a Christ follower for you?
o I feel stabile. I know that when I feel like I have no one else by my side that God is always there.
What has been the most challenging part of following Christ?
o Convincing my family that this is the way to live. They think it’s a joke sometimes. It’s really discouraging.
What do you think is helping you grow the most in your faith?
o Knowing the emotions I felt before I knew Christ, and comparing that to how much easier it is to live now that I do know Him. My life is complete and in control only through God.
What advice do you have for me in helping others like you to grow in their faith?
o Keep Christ in your mind always. The more you think of Him in every disicion you make, the easier it will get. Once He's considered first and above all, your faith with continue to increase.
Unchurched Friend #2
Interview of Andy (High School senior @ CAT)
Are you actively attending any church?
o Currently, No. We moved into the area here several years ago and just haven't really found a church we'd like to call home.
What are a few issues or topics that impact/interest you?
o I like how the church plays large role in helping the needs of people; helping to straighten out their lives; giving the younger people something to do with offering youth groups.
Why do you think most people don’t attend church?
o They don’t believe, or maybe too busy, at least they might think they're are too busy.
If you were to look for a church to attend, what kind of things would you look for?
o A Pastor who brings life into their sermons, helping to unify members of the same age group as well as other generations and introducing different kinds of activities other than just traditional services.
What advice can you give to pastors who really want to be helpful to people?
o Be down to earth, and get to know people before you try and “fix” them. I think a lot of people are afraid to get close to their pastors because they don't feel they are genuine enough as a real person to them.
Are you actively attending any church?
o Currently, No. We moved into the area here several years ago and just haven't really found a church we'd like to call home.
What are a few issues or topics that impact/interest you?
o I like how the church plays large role in helping the needs of people; helping to straighten out their lives; giving the younger people something to do with offering youth groups.
Why do you think most people don’t attend church?
o They don’t believe, or maybe too busy, at least they might think they're are too busy.
If you were to look for a church to attend, what kind of things would you look for?
o A Pastor who brings life into their sermons, helping to unify members of the same age group as well as other generations and introducing different kinds of activities other than just traditional services.
What advice can you give to pastors who really want to be helpful to people?
o Be down to earth, and get to know people before you try and “fix” them. I think a lot of people are afraid to get close to their pastors because they don't feel they are genuine enough as a real person to them.
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Jason Lamer
Background: Saved @ 2 years old, practically born with his bible in hand. Early years he would follow his father around evangelizing starting @ 5 y/o. His father would go out to places like Westminster, MD. Growing up his childhood seemed ideal until he was a junior in high school. His father took a stand in the church where there would then be difficult transition. He found this was the point where he really found his faith; difficult but noteworthy in the development of his walk. He saw his father as a great role model. (His father was the associate pastor of the church)
Dissention: Growing up his father was one of the factors which helped the church work through its problems rather than splitting. This helped to influence Jason's view on how to remain dedicated to the ministry.
Went to North Central. He was @ a National Fine Arts Festival where he met Dr. Meyer. From North Central he returned to Gettysburg and he eventually met up with Don Immel who eventually hired him as their youth pastor in Uniontown. His attitude was persistent to believe that God's direction was always active.
Uniontown Church: a great church whose pastor had already been there 10 years. When Jason got there the congregation was to about 400-450. Most of the congregants who came to Uniontown (70% were first time converts who remained in the congregation) thanks to the outreach ministries conducted by the church.
Most Important Lesson: "to find my identity in Christ" All he knew was that he had a heart for God and knew God had a purpose for him.
His Biggest Impression: Dramatic Presentations of the Gospel (plays) & Outreaches in parks
Outreaches were successful when the ambition set its sights on places where people already were, not where they could set up a stage and draw people to them. "It wasn't enough just to say come and see, but I learned that I had to also go and tell!"
Development of their youth ministry: it started with Jason asking if he could come to the high school to talk to kids and have lunch with them. This, of course didn't fly because of all the red tape with legal issues. The eventually just started pulling up to the schools after school and asked kids if they'd want to come to youth group. They soon found that they needed more vans and there were up to 30 kids helping prepare for the service right after school before youth group started.
7Project: A school outreach project
Youth Alive Strategy
Prayer Zone Partners: make people aware that the school is a mission field (moms, dads, brothers, sisters, friends, pastors…etc.
Campus Missionaries: this is where we identify campus missionaries in their home churches. They make a 1 year commitment to:
Pray
Give
Tell
Serve
Live
Campus Clubs: common meeting places where Christian students can assemble to pray and discuss how to win their peers to Christ and get them in the door of an outreach.
Seven Project: a hosted event where the social atmosphere of students come together to have wholesome fun & fellowship.
checkout http://thesevenproject.com
Dissention: Growing up his father was one of the factors which helped the church work through its problems rather than splitting. This helped to influence Jason's view on how to remain dedicated to the ministry.
Went to North Central. He was @ a National Fine Arts Festival where he met Dr. Meyer. From North Central he returned to Gettysburg and he eventually met up with Don Immel who eventually hired him as their youth pastor in Uniontown. His attitude was persistent to believe that God's direction was always active.
Uniontown Church: a great church whose pastor had already been there 10 years. When Jason got there the congregation was to about 400-450. Most of the congregants who came to Uniontown (70% were first time converts who remained in the congregation) thanks to the outreach ministries conducted by the church.
Most Important Lesson: "to find my identity in Christ" All he knew was that he had a heart for God and knew God had a purpose for him.
His Biggest Impression: Dramatic Presentations of the Gospel (plays) & Outreaches in parks
Outreaches were successful when the ambition set its sights on places where people already were, not where they could set up a stage and draw people to them. "It wasn't enough just to say come and see, but I learned that I had to also go and tell!"
Development of their youth ministry: it started with Jason asking if he could come to the high school to talk to kids and have lunch with them. This, of course didn't fly because of all the red tape with legal issues. The eventually just started pulling up to the schools after school and asked kids if they'd want to come to youth group. They soon found that they needed more vans and there were up to 30 kids helping prepare for the service right after school before youth group started.
7Project: A school outreach project
Youth Alive Strategy
Prayer Zone Partners: make people aware that the school is a mission field (moms, dads, brothers, sisters, friends, pastors…etc.
Campus Missionaries: this is where we identify campus missionaries in their home churches. They make a 1 year commitment to:
Pray
Give
Tell
Serve
Live
Campus Clubs: common meeting places where Christian students can assemble to pray and discuss how to win their peers to Christ and get them in the door of an outreach.
Seven Project: a hosted event where the social atmosphere of students come together to have wholesome fun & fellowship.
checkout http://thesevenproject.com
David Kennard
Small groups: (connect groups, catalyst groups and coach groups)
Meet 4 x's/yr
His Testimony: Southwest Missouri state in Springfield. He studied religion. He found the A.G. through some friends who he hadn't seen in a few years. One day he met with one of them in an O.T. class. They talked and Dave realized
that his friend no longer did some of the things he used to in his youth. He later came to attend Nixon Assembly.
Things he learned in his trek through ministry:
Prayer & Fasting
Riverside: David has learned that people will follow you more sincerely, more consistently and more determinedly when the leader takes a humble approach and is not afraid to share his own personal weaknesses with the members of the church.
One of the most impressive things I learned from David was his transparency. He was successful to deliver the package of knowing it will take weakness to exemplify God's true strength. Its through the difficult circumstances of life that we will either learn or repeat mistakes that only make the process longer. David revealed to me that it takes the art of yeilding to Christ to master any successful outreach.
I liked the breakdown on how he proposes the success of how small groups work.
Meet 4 x's/yr
His Testimony: Southwest Missouri state in Springfield. He studied religion. He found the A.G. through some friends who he hadn't seen in a few years. One day he met with one of them in an O.T. class. They talked and Dave realized
that his friend no longer did some of the things he used to in his youth. He later came to attend Nixon Assembly.
Things he learned in his trek through ministry:
Prayer & Fasting
Riverside: David has learned that people will follow you more sincerely, more consistently and more determinedly when the leader takes a humble approach and is not afraid to share his own personal weaknesses with the members of the church.
One of the most impressive things I learned from David was his transparency. He was successful to deliver the package of knowing it will take weakness to exemplify God's true strength. Its through the difficult circumstances of life that we will either learn or repeat mistakes that only make the process longer. David revealed to me that it takes the art of yeilding to Christ to master any successful outreach.
I liked the breakdown on how he proposes the success of how small groups work.
Saturday, February 7, 2009
Unchurched Friend: Susan Cohen
Q. Are you actively attending any church? Or do you watch any church programs broadcasted over television?
a. NO but I have been watching the Sunday mass on channel 6 in the mornings (Roman Catholic). And I do watch some of the preachers on channel 48. I tend to relate what they say with some of the doctrines and things that I already know. I feel they have a tendency to be a little eccentric.
Q. What are a few issues or topics that impact/interest you?
a. Sometimes I feel they talk about the same old, same old. Pat Robertson strikes me as a phony more times than not. Some ministers can have a personality that leaves an impression based on some of the illustrations that they bring to the pulpit. Major Dupree loved football and would often relate biblical principles into football terms.
Q. Why do you think most people don't attend church?
a. They don't think its important enough in their lives. They don't make it a high enough priority. But when something goes wrong they're right there on their knees praying "O' God help me…"
b. They don't feel welcome or wanted… people have an inferiority complex where the people of the church have a tendency to judge them before they even know them.
Q. If you were to look for a church to attend, what kind of things would you look for?
a. Easy access… something relatively close.
b. Will the church welcome a single mother who has a Jewish background?
c. The congregation has to be of an age where she would feel that she wouldn't be out of place… (i.e. church congregation may be mostly college kids)
d. Familiarity makes it easier: I know the Salvation Army and I feel comfortable with its people.
Q. What advice can you give to pastors who really want to be helpful to people?
a. Get to know their patrons (congregation members). Sometimes the pastors aren't around long enough to get to know their congregation members well enough.
b. Try to treat the members of the church more like a close-knit family rather than a business full of customers. Be more personable with people-don't be afraid to be transparent.
c. Be more involved with the community. Go out and meet people in their community-knock on doors. Try and organize transportation for the community to bring them to services.
d. Maintain an excellent children's program to occupy the kids during after school hours and over the weekends.
Q. Are you actively attending any church? Or do you watch any church programs broadcasted over television?
a. NO but I have been watching the Sunday mass on channel 6 in the mornings (Roman Catholic). And I do watch some of the preachers on channel 48. I tend to relate what they say with some of the doctrines and things that I already know. I feel they have a tendency to be a little eccentric.
Q. What are a few issues or topics that impact/interest you?
a. Sometimes I feel they talk about the same old, same old. Pat Robertson strikes me as a phony more times than not. Some ministers can have a personality that leaves an impression based on some of the illustrations that they bring to the pulpit. Major Dupree loved football and would often relate biblical principles into football terms.
Q. Why do you think most people don't attend church?
a. They don't think its important enough in their lives. They don't make it a high enough priority. But when something goes wrong they're right there on their knees praying "O' God help me…"
b. They don't feel welcome or wanted… people have an inferiority complex where the people of the church have a tendency to judge them before they even know them.
Q. If you were to look for a church to attend, what kind of things would you look for?
a. Easy access… something relatively close.
b. Will the church welcome a single mother who has a Jewish background?
c. The congregation has to be of an age where she would feel that she wouldn't be out of place… (i.e. church congregation may be mostly college kids)
d. Familiarity makes it easier: I know the Salvation Army and I feel comfortable with its people.
Q. What advice can you give to pastors who really want to be helpful to people?
a. Get to know their patrons (congregation members). Sometimes the pastors aren't around long enough to get to know their congregation members well enough.
b. Try to treat the members of the church more like a close-knit family rather than a business full of customers. Be more personable with people-don't be afraid to be transparent.
c. Be more involved with the community. Go out and meet people in their community-knock on doors. Try and organize transportation for the community to bring them to services.
d. Maintain an excellent children's program to occupy the kids during after school hours and over the weekends.
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Tim Halbfoerster
Churches have conflict issues. Tim said a certain church that he was involved with was one of the hardest two 1/2 years of his life/ministry (Penn Del district). He had the idea of having a conflict resolution ministry in the district-now they have a ministry across the state & Delaware where they train ministers and congregations how to manage and resolve conflicts.
Bridge Builders ministry
Tim: "I encourage new ministers to strike a strong relationship with your senior pastor."
Tom: "What if you think your pastor is a jerk?"
Tim: "Commit or get out- it won't work unless you're with your senior pastor. Without him/her nothing will get done and it will ultimately be a lose-lose scenario."
Tom: "what if a member of the congregation approaches you with criticism about the Senior Pastor?" and what if you agree with them?"
Tim: "the most important reason you are @ the church is to help the Senior Pastor carry out his ministry-if you happen to agree with the congregant, then don't ever let them know it."
Tim has used pyrotechnics to enhance the delivery of ministerial drama. They never charge for anything because you never see any biblical model use "fund-raisers" to benefit the church. If you're going to do an outreach do 2 or 3 events over the course of 2 - 3 days (it builds with momentum for reaching people)=reaches hundreds of people.
Ideas: mechanical bull, sumo wrestler outfits, face-painting, Velcro-walls, handouts of literature, free coffee, cake, baked goods, pizza…etc.
Light the Night: during Halloween- puppets, dramas, games & activities- however, Tim noted that they evaluated this particular outreach and it was not resulting in a good turnout.
Evaluation: Evaluate what was good, what was bad, and what was confused.
Questions Concerning Baptism in the Holy Spirit: Tim says he doesn't know how a church can effectively minister the Word of God without an active Baptism of the Holy Spirit. However, I felt he used this term synonymously with a more specific gesture of "Speaking in Tongues". My question is: "Can he therefore not see how a church can effectively minister the Word of God without speaking in Tongues?"
There are many denominations who do not emphasize "Tongues" to be synonymous with being Baptized in the Holy Spirit (i.e. Salvation Army, Baptists…etc.) Billy Graham did not speak in tongues, or at least from what is known of him. I just wonder how much more effective is a Pentecostal in ministry to the world in reaching the lost for Christ than the non-Pentecostal denominational churches who also greatly impact the world for Christ.
How can we get past the comparison of Pentecostals over Non-Pentecostals to be somehow more "enabled" to minister the Word of God. Can you be baptized in the Holy Spirit without the evidence of Speaking in Tongues?
Bridge Builders ministry
Tim: "I encourage new ministers to strike a strong relationship with your senior pastor."
Tom: "What if you think your pastor is a jerk?"
Tim: "Commit or get out- it won't work unless you're with your senior pastor. Without him/her nothing will get done and it will ultimately be a lose-lose scenario."
Tom: "what if a member of the congregation approaches you with criticism about the Senior Pastor?" and what if you agree with them?"
Tim: "the most important reason you are @ the church is to help the Senior Pastor carry out his ministry-if you happen to agree with the congregant, then don't ever let them know it."
Tim has used pyrotechnics to enhance the delivery of ministerial drama. They never charge for anything because you never see any biblical model use "fund-raisers" to benefit the church. If you're going to do an outreach do 2 or 3 events over the course of 2 - 3 days (it builds with momentum for reaching people)=reaches hundreds of people.
Ideas: mechanical bull, sumo wrestler outfits, face-painting, Velcro-walls, handouts of literature, free coffee, cake, baked goods, pizza…etc.
Light the Night: during Halloween- puppets, dramas, games & activities- however, Tim noted that they evaluated this particular outreach and it was not resulting in a good turnout.
Evaluation: Evaluate what was good, what was bad, and what was confused.
Questions Concerning Baptism in the Holy Spirit: Tim says he doesn't know how a church can effectively minister the Word of God without an active Baptism of the Holy Spirit. However, I felt he used this term synonymously with a more specific gesture of "Speaking in Tongues". My question is: "Can he therefore not see how a church can effectively minister the Word of God without speaking in Tongues?"
There are many denominations who do not emphasize "Tongues" to be synonymous with being Baptized in the Holy Spirit (i.e. Salvation Army, Baptists…etc.) Billy Graham did not speak in tongues, or at least from what is known of him. I just wonder how much more effective is a Pentecostal in ministry to the world in reaching the lost for Christ than the non-Pentecostal denominational churches who also greatly impact the world for Christ.
How can we get past the comparison of Pentecostals over Non-Pentecostals to be somehow more "enabled" to minister the Word of God. Can you be baptized in the Holy Spirit without the evidence of Speaking in Tongues?
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Joel Hunter
Joel Graduated CBC & Evangel. Itinerated over 50 different churches across the nation, but nothing was happening. He was hammered with difficult church outreach stories where he made grandious efforts to draw people into his church where God seemed to be telling him it wasn't about the thousands, nor the hundreds… but the one!
He had to give a family the darkest decision they would ever have to face with making the decision to cut the life support to their brain dead daughter who was thrown 40 feet from a car speeding @ 85 miles/hour.
Time and time again there were what seemed to be failed attempts to draw people into the church.
One cold day in December in Texas, a construction crew had a mishap where they had 8 dump trucks full of extra crushed concrete that they no longer had any use for. This cowboy came and asked Joel if he wanted it. Joel said yes and that night they had more than 170 people attend their church service.
God is BIG on teaching lessons to His children. Sometimes the ones that need the most education are the ones that claim no need for it. Nothing could be closer to the truth! We cannot place ourselves in the position where we believe we have it figured out. There will always be things that we overlook. Success is not a packaged formula- especially spiritual success. Joel emparts to us the knowledge that all ministers must understand in a practical sense: Never Stop & Never Stop Learning from God! We need to remain faithful in spite of our frustration to know that God is in control.
He had to give a family the darkest decision they would ever have to face with making the decision to cut the life support to their brain dead daughter who was thrown 40 feet from a car speeding @ 85 miles/hour.
Time and time again there were what seemed to be failed attempts to draw people into the church.
One cold day in December in Texas, a construction crew had a mishap where they had 8 dump trucks full of extra crushed concrete that they no longer had any use for. This cowboy came and asked Joel if he wanted it. Joel said yes and that night they had more than 170 people attend their church service.
God is BIG on teaching lessons to His children. Sometimes the ones that need the most education are the ones that claim no need for it. Nothing could be closer to the truth! We cannot place ourselves in the position where we believe we have it figured out. There will always be things that we overlook. Success is not a packaged formula- especially spiritual success. Joel emparts to us the knowledge that all ministers must understand in a practical sense: Never Stop & Never Stop Learning from God! We need to remain faithful in spite of our frustration to know that God is in control.
Brian Bolt
His Testimony:
By 19 yrs old Brian was drug-trafficking across the border from Tijuana to the United States. His addiction to heroine was driving him to do terrible things-posing as a U.S. Soldier of the Army serving as a double agent for the drug world. He eventually got caught by the Army and got into serious trouble, but then later returned to drugs again after he was released.
I found this particularly riviting to me personally because I came from a similar addiction to drugs and riotous living. Its amazing to to me to know where God will dig up His tools to build magnificent things!
By 23 yrs old in San Diego he got caught up in a bad drug-deal resultig in his being shot in the face at a bar. He made the statement: "I was actually glad to know that I was going to die; that it was finally going to be all over!" Before he was put in an ambulance, someone noticed he was not going 2 make it to the Hospital & asked him if he knew Jesus as his Lord & Savior. He said the sinners prayer right there. He miraculously recovered over an extended period of time. His face was a mess-replaced with titanium and plastic surgery. The government spent nearly a million dollars to fix him all up. After the hospital however, he went directly out to get high all over again.
This points out to me that it doesn't matter how miraculous God may go out of the way to prove to us that He is there-we will still exhibit our stubborn inheirent nature! But the best ones sometimes come from a stubborn background.
Somehow there were people who noticed Brian and began to minister to him, telling him that God had placed a call on his life and that there was something important that God had to do yet with his life.
Somehow through compelling ministry and evangelism, his heart was pulled into the church. He found himself later in East L.A. from San Diego. The pastor from East L.A. had a heart from Pittsburgh. They flew out there to get a scope on possibly planting a church there. There, he met a woman he began to share with and she gave him a card for Masters Commission. There a seed was planted for him to begin an educational process to become a minister. Brian was in Masters for a couple months & broke one of their major tenants: he went and got married. (the rule was not to date)
Church Planting Assessment (Tom Rees): competencies of those who have established successful Churches. The assessment looks at a number of differing factors: the ability to communicate with unchurched people; the progressive growth between weeks of an established meeting/group.
Jeff Leek heard of Brian's heart to plant a Latino church in Pittsburgh. Tom's support and the prayers of many brought him finally to the place where he is today! (Pittsburgh City Outreach)
Brian's church was actually started from a "Men's Home" (Drug Rehab) as a result of disciple-ing them to become good stewards of God's will.
Funny Story: the store across the street from the church had pornographic material posted up on its windows. Brian went across with some guys and asked the man to take them down. At first the man wouldn't agree to it. But Brian later came back with the guys, this time with a baseball bat. The man agreed at that point (lol).
I thought this story totally ROCKED!!! I'm one who believes the best testimony is the story of a changed life! Brian's life is a trophy of just how bad things can get in a person's life, and yet the marvelous potential it holds in the eyes of our Lord!
By 19 yrs old Brian was drug-trafficking across the border from Tijuana to the United States. His addiction to heroine was driving him to do terrible things-posing as a U.S. Soldier of the Army serving as a double agent for the drug world. He eventually got caught by the Army and got into serious trouble, but then later returned to drugs again after he was released.
I found this particularly riviting to me personally because I came from a similar addiction to drugs and riotous living. Its amazing to to me to know where God will dig up His tools to build magnificent things!
By 23 yrs old in San Diego he got caught up in a bad drug-deal resultig in his being shot in the face at a bar. He made the statement: "I was actually glad to know that I was going to die; that it was finally going to be all over!" Before he was put in an ambulance, someone noticed he was not going 2 make it to the Hospital & asked him if he knew Jesus as his Lord & Savior. He said the sinners prayer right there. He miraculously recovered over an extended period of time. His face was a mess-replaced with titanium and plastic surgery. The government spent nearly a million dollars to fix him all up. After the hospital however, he went directly out to get high all over again.
This points out to me that it doesn't matter how miraculous God may go out of the way to prove to us that He is there-we will still exhibit our stubborn inheirent nature! But the best ones sometimes come from a stubborn background.
Somehow there were people who noticed Brian and began to minister to him, telling him that God had placed a call on his life and that there was something important that God had to do yet with his life.
Somehow through compelling ministry and evangelism, his heart was pulled into the church. He found himself later in East L.A. from San Diego. The pastor from East L.A. had a heart from Pittsburgh. They flew out there to get a scope on possibly planting a church there. There, he met a woman he began to share with and she gave him a card for Masters Commission. There a seed was planted for him to begin an educational process to become a minister. Brian was in Masters for a couple months & broke one of their major tenants: he went and got married. (the rule was not to date)
Church Planting Assessment (Tom Rees): competencies of those who have established successful Churches. The assessment looks at a number of differing factors: the ability to communicate with unchurched people; the progressive growth between weeks of an established meeting/group.
Jeff Leek heard of Brian's heart to plant a Latino church in Pittsburgh. Tom's support and the prayers of many brought him finally to the place where he is today! (Pittsburgh City Outreach)
Brian's church was actually started from a "Men's Home" (Drug Rehab) as a result of disciple-ing them to become good stewards of God's will.
Funny Story: the store across the street from the church had pornographic material posted up on its windows. Brian went across with some guys and asked the man to take them down. At first the man wouldn't agree to it. But Brian later came back with the guys, this time with a baseball bat. The man agreed at that point (lol).
I thought this story totally ROCKED!!! I'm one who believes the best testimony is the story of a changed life! Brian's life is a trophy of just how bad things can get in a person's life, and yet the marvelous potential it holds in the eyes of our Lord!
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