Thursday, November 26, 2009
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
Moveing Sale?
Saw this sign and got wondering what is a moveing sale? Then I thought they might mean "Moving Sale" ... interesting how words get twisted and make you confused at times. I know I'm not the greatest speller and probably need to edit what I write more often. Sometimes I think in our quest for excellence - we forget that even if there are minor mistakes - it doesn't really matter in the scope of eternity. Too much is lost in battling in those things that really don't matter anyways. Afterall misprints etc. Are just tools, not the real substance of ministry.
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Happy Birthday - Waffle House!
Waffle House
celebrates 10 years in my area. The pictures are from a Waffle House near me. Below is my Friend, Tony Wolf signing his song - My Waffle House. Enjoy!
Books I've been Reading and On my "To read" list
I love to read. And here is an insight into some books I've recently read.
I. The 10 Dumbest Things Christians Do. - Mark Atteberry. A short book on some things that we do that might do more harm than good for the Kingdom.
II. Ten Stupid Things That Keep Churches from Growing - Geoff Surratt. Honestly I couldn't put this book down. Too true ... and I've done some of them.
III. The Unofficial Church Staff Manual - Mark Riddle. (YP edition). A Good read into tools to help youth ministers' jobs go a little bit smoother.
IV. The Unlikely Disciple - Kevin Roose. An interesting insight of how a sinner attends a strict University in Liberty. Very insightful for a Christian to know what sometimes how non-believers think.
V. The Voice - NT copy - Thomas Nelson. Seems to be an interesting take on The Message and sometimes articulated even better. Looking forward to when the whole Bible is done in this format.
VI. Fresh Start - Doug Fields. Took me some time to read the nuggets in this volume. Doug seems to take to heart his words as he is beginning a Fresh Start in life by resigning is ministry at Saddleback. Should be one to watch.
VII. Church Administration - Robert Welch. Not a bad volume. after 200 pages of this 375 page book ... I had to lay it down. (Honestly it was beating me to death - there is good stuff in there just not the best articulated - reads more like a manual not a one sitting read book ... good stuff which I'm applying but alot to chew on would be an ongoing read)
ON My "To READ" list:
I. "Think Orange" Reggie Joiner- started to read but had other projects - will revisit soon.
II. Simple Student Ministry - Eric Geiger/ Jeff Borton - currently reading.
III. Servolution - Dino Rizzo.
IV. Walking with God - John Eldredge
V. The Justice Project.
VI. Get in the Game - Tony Evans & Jonathon Evans.
What are you reading?
Monday, November 23, 2009
Catalyst One Day.
Last Monday I went to Baltimore with a few friends to the one day conference called: Catalyst One Day. I heard about Catalyst from several of my friends who went to the big convention in Atlanta.
The Big word of the day was "Momentum" - Gaining and Substaining it within the ministry context. Now there were lots of notes I took and alot of little tidbits of which I can apply to my ministry context without compromising what the Bible says.
One of the sessions, entitled "Don't Be That Couch" was well worth the day.
Here is one tidbit I wrote down. "Church are empty because they love their models rather than the people." "Maybe Apple, Coke are more committed to their shareholders than we are to our Savior."
Alot to process with 40 page booklet and all the notes I took. Applying - tweaking and throwing out the old couch won't be easy.
The Process of the Ministry Search. 10 Tips.
One of the sites I like (Even if says youth ministry the principles apply to ministry as well) is Youth Ministry Pro
From the getting a job to helpful hints to how some hire is well worth it.
I have several other tips that might help your search for a ministry go alittle bit smoother.
I. Keep track of those places you applied. Why?? Well sooner or later you might be looking again and going back to your files notice this congregation also looking again ... there might be a reason - so some RED Flags.
II. Keep a copy of those questionaires you filled out. Why? Some churches ask the same questions - so makes it easier to cut and paste rather than re-type the same answers all over again.
III. Always reply to a message. Whether it is a rejection letter or the next stage in the process .... let them know you received their material and thank them for their time.
IV. Be encouraged. Find ways to relieve that stress. The ministry search doesn't happen overnight - and find others that might encourage you.
V. Keep accurate records. Sometimes it is hard to remember all you did. Listing achievements - even outside your resume and telling how God has used you impacts people. I sometimes forget the impact I've had - so kept my past newsletters, articles, pictures etc. I have a Pastoral Records book which tracks membership, baptisms, funerals, weddings etc. Comes in Handy.
VI. Get advice. Have a mentor. Have someone ask the tough questions - how is your family, marriage, walk with God during this time? Take steps to improve.
VII. Read. Be a life long learner. Don't waste your time online just looking for a ministry ...be in the Word, get information. Learn from others. Heal.
VIII. Improve your communication Skills. First impressions do matter. Know what you say and say it well. Also know what you are communicating through online activity. Facebook, twitter etc ... do matter. Your social media is a reflection of who you are. And can either make or break a deal at times. If a church leader sees you have written some crazy ideas online - he might not want to hire you. (True story - I had one leader tell me he didn't want to hire me because he thought I was a punk kid and too young and cocky after reading just one blog post I wrote)Have a place (Website) that lists those places such as your blog, twitter, facebook, RSS feed, articles, linkedin, youtube etc. It helps add to your portfolio!
IX. Pray. Pray without ceasing. Pray that God would have you in the place He wants you to be.
X. Have Fun! Be yourself. Use the gifts God wants you to. Sure there is room for improvement but don't be fake in order just to get a "Ministry" or a "Job" only to be looking in a year or so down the road. The process of the ministry search can be stressful and cause headaches but try to look at it as an opportunity to learn, seek where God would have you to be, and to improve.
God's blessings as you seek Him!
Help Wanted! Employment Opportunities for Youth Ministers and Ministers?
So as the Restoration Movement and our independent thoughts. Where are my friends that are youth workers look for a youth ministry or ministry?
Here are some to consider:
Youth Ministry Pro
Youth Pastor
Youth Specialties Job Bank
Church Staffing
YMX
WCA
Churchjobs
Simply Hired
Pastor Positions w/ youth
Pastorfinder
Ministry Jobs
YP Jobs
Christian Jobs
Ministry Search
Now having said that .... I know some have used the above sites and found a ministry but here are some of the sites I've used for my own search for working in the context of the Restoration Movement churches:
Crosslink
Christian Churches Today
Christian Standard
JBC placement
CCU Ministry openings
Ozark Christian's Ministry listing
Lincoln Christian
MACU listing
Christian Church Search
ACU resource
(Non-instrumental brethen)
KYOWVA openings
There are tons of ministry openings out there - it is just the right one God wants you to be and the right fit. God's blessings upon you. If I can be of any help ..let me know.
A Fresh Start Review
So I just finished reading Doug Fields' latest book Fresh Start is just that ...an invitation to a great life. It is a challenge. Getting beyond the little things of life to that of being who God wants you to be.
Doug gives insight on how one can go beyond the old life to that of the life God wants for you. Doug's chapter on Freedom from Hurt is well worth the price of the book. I know there have been times I have been hurt and hurt others and had to go over the exercise of Canceling the Debt as hhe describes on page 71. Letting go of that hurt. So often I wanted to dwell on it.
As he concludes his book, he shares that of investing in that of which you value most. And most likely it isn't stuff, but rather Family. He cites the whole example of cell phones and driving and the whole disruption of the "Mr. Spock earpiece" while your children are craving attention.
One of the things I appreciate about the book is "It's not about harder, it's about plugging into God's transforming power." That is which I can agree.
A short little book of which I've learned some.
** Thomas Nelson sent me this copy awhile back FREE **
Friday, November 20, 2009
A Minor Prophet with a Major Message
This week we look at the book of Nahum, and how God is jealous. God speaks and encourages.
Posts
