Here's how disciples are made...
Do you like to read directions or would you rather figure it out on your own? I used to be the type of person who wanted to figure out on my own. However, after several frustrating attempts to just "visualize" the end product and make it happen, I eventually learned that I could save a lot of time and aggravation if I would just read the directions. Now, when something needs to be assembled, fixed, or changed, I always go to the directions first. This may not be the "manly" thing to do, but for me, it's the smartest thing.
I've discovered the same principle of "going to the directions" should be at play within the church. Over the last two years, I've learned so much about how the dynamics of church growth really work. When you are trying to join God in His mission to build His kingdom, there are so many factors at play. Unfortunately, it's easy to get overly caught up in all the theory, trends, and cool ideas that you lose sight of how real church growth actually happens, so we must always be willing to go back to the "directions."
Jesus told us how church growth would happen. First, He said He would be the one to build His church, so ultimately, He brings the growth not us. However, on the other hand, we have a part to play in this. He told us, all followers of Christ, to go and make disciples. When we understand our calling to invite and invest into others just as God has done to us, then disciples will be made and the church will grow.
Yesterday, we celebrated a perfect example of how making disciples happens through inviting and investing. A guy in our church had been investing into a relationship with someone. Through that, he invited this person to our worship service yesterday. This person then gave their life to Christ. Now, the investment continues as this guy will continue to pour his life into the new follower of Christ.
You see, all of us can do this! Invite. Invest. Just keep in the mind, the ultimate invitation is to invite someone to follow Christ, not attend a church gathering. Therefore, you can invite someone to follow Christ as you interact with them or it can happen at a worship service you've invited them to. Either way, God gets the glory, and disciples are made! Invite and Invest. Let it be your guide in 2012!
Monday, January 30, 2012
Friday, January 27, 2012
Circle of Life
When I say, "Circle of Life" I'm not talking about the song from Lion King. In connection with the post earlier this week on Listening to and Obeying God, I wanted to share a few thoughts about the typical circle of never-ending frustration that keeps us in a pattern of very little action, change, or fruit coming from our lives. God wants us to walk in a circle of life, not frustration.
There have been many times in the past that I've sensed God speaking to me, and as a result, I'd spend a lot of time thinking about it. I would stop and observe what He was saying. I'd even reflect on what I was observing by asking questions like why? how? when? what? etc. Then, I'd start discussing my observations and reflections with the people in my life. However, this is where it would stop.
If you are anything like me, you probably love to talk about what's going on. At the same time, if we're all honest, we tend to talk about things a lot more than we actually act on what we're discussing. This is where the never-ending circle of frustration takes shape. God doesn't speak to us so that we can merely take note of what He's saying and discuss it with others. He speaks to us so that we'll take action; it's when you take action that you go from the circle of never-ending frustration to the circle of life.
So how do you take action on what God's saying to you? I've learned that two steps are essential to entering the circle of life and leaving the circle of frustration.
1- Make a plan. You'll have to develop some action steps and a process by which you will complete those steps. You may need a mentor, friend, spouse, pastor, etc to help you do this, but if you are serious about making some changes, you have to make a plan. Don't expect anything to change if you aren't willing to stop long enough to develop a plan.
2- Find accountability. You won't hold yourself accountable no matter how hard you try. You need to share your plan with someone and ask them to hold you accountable.
Then, you must act! Moving from the circle of never-ending frustration is ultimately up to you. You will eventually have to DO something different.
Yes, listen to God and be willing to do what He says, but also know that it'll take some intentional focus and effort to move from where you are to where God wants you to be. The great news is that He will give you the strength and wisdom to do so. You just need to listen to God and actually DO what He says.
There have been many times in the past that I've sensed God speaking to me, and as a result, I'd spend a lot of time thinking about it. I would stop and observe what He was saying. I'd even reflect on what I was observing by asking questions like why? how? when? what? etc. Then, I'd start discussing my observations and reflections with the people in my life. However, this is where it would stop.
If you are anything like me, you probably love to talk about what's going on. At the same time, if we're all honest, we tend to talk about things a lot more than we actually act on what we're discussing. This is where the never-ending circle of frustration takes shape. God doesn't speak to us so that we can merely take note of what He's saying and discuss it with others. He speaks to us so that we'll take action; it's when you take action that you go from the circle of never-ending frustration to the circle of life.
So how do you take action on what God's saying to you? I've learned that two steps are essential to entering the circle of life and leaving the circle of frustration.
1- Make a plan. You'll have to develop some action steps and a process by which you will complete those steps. You may need a mentor, friend, spouse, pastor, etc to help you do this, but if you are serious about making some changes, you have to make a plan. Don't expect anything to change if you aren't willing to stop long enough to develop a plan.
2- Find accountability. You won't hold yourself accountable no matter how hard you try. You need to share your plan with someone and ask them to hold you accountable.
Then, you must act! Moving from the circle of never-ending frustration is ultimately up to you. You will eventually have to DO something different.
Yes, listen to God and be willing to do what He says, but also know that it'll take some intentional focus and effort to move from where you are to where God wants you to be. The great news is that He will give you the strength and wisdom to do so. You just need to listen to God and actually DO what He says.
Tuesday, January 24, 2012
Can You Hear Me Now?
I'm sure you probably remember the Verizon Wireless commercial where the guy walked around saying a phrase something like "Can you hear me now?" That commercial was extremely popular, and I'm sure it played a huge part in the advancement of that company. As I continue to grow and move forward in my walk with Christ, I've discovered this question isn't only being asked by the Verizon guy, but it's also a question that God is continually asking us.
Prior to 2011, I thought I knew how to listen to God. I would pray, read the Bible, and do those kinds of things on a regular basis. Typically, we equate this to "listening to God." While God does speak to us through these things, I've learned over the past year that truly listening to God goes so much further than the times we set aside to hear Him. We must learn to listen to God in all areas of our life at all times. For example...
-What would it look like if you were able to listen to God as you were playing with your kids or spending time with your spouse? I wonder what God would show us or remind us about.
-What if you listened to what God was saying as you were talking to that person in line at Wal-Mart or interacting with your waiter or waitress at the restaurant? I wonder what God may lead you to do or say.
-What if you could hear God speaking to you as your co-worker was talking to you about everything they wish was different in their life? I wonder how He may use you to give them hope or help them see things differently.
As I ask all of these "What ifs?" I hope you realize that "What if?" isn't really even the issue. It's not, "What if?" but "Will You?" The real question is, "Will you be this aware and in-tune with God that you are able and willing hear?"
At the same time, this discussion must go one step further. Your willingness to listen is one thing, but what good is listening if we don't act accordingly to what we've heard? If more followers of Christ, myself included, would simply learn to listen to God and do what He says, our families, communities, churches, workplaces, schools, etc would all be dramatically different.
John 14:15 says that if we love Him, we learn to obey His commands. In other words, we'll listen to what He says, and we'll take action. It's kind of like buying a Christmas present for someone you care about. If you're smart, you'll listen to what they say throughout the year. You'll learn what they like and what they desire to have. Then, when it comes time to buy the gift, you'll buy the gift according to what you've heard because you want to please the one you the love. The same is true for showing our love to Christ. We need to listen to what He says, and then act accordingly so that we can show our love to Him!
Later this week, I'll share a process you can use to help you discern what God is saying and then begin to take action on what you hear.
Monday, January 16, 2012
Why Don't More Churches...
Why don't more churches work together? Why are there such territorial lines that are drawn between churches? I fully support the idea that people should be connected to and invested in one local church instead of bouncing around from church to church, but why don't we see more churches intentionally supporting one another in various ways?
One thing I love about church planting, especially here in Knoxville, is that most of the church planters I know don't have territorial boundaries. They aren't concerned with "losing their members" to another church. They ultimately understand that each church (little c) is essentially part of the one Church (big C).
We experienced this perspective firsthand yesterday. OneLife Church, which meets in Powell, has played a big part in The Overflow Church being able to get started. I'm so thankful for the support, wisdom, and generosity that Pastor Rodney, the leadership, and members of OneLife have shown to our church. Yesterday was just another example of their commitment to the Church. They sent about 25 volunteers to handle our kids ministry and setup/tear down so that our volunteers could have a morning of rest and be freed up to worship and celebrate our one-year anniversary. This was such a blessing to us.
Here's the difference... If Pastor Rodney was concerned about "losing his members," this would've never happened. OneLife Church understands what God has called them to do, and they know they're a part of something so much bigger than themselves.
So, "Thank You" OneLife Church for your continued support. For everyone else who reads this, please know that you should find a church, get involved, and support what that church does. However, I hope you will make your first commitment to Christ and His Church and realize that the church where you serve, worship, and minister is not the end goal! The end goal is and always has been Jesus, so let's be sure we're all striving to advance and build His Kingdom rather than our own!
One thing I love about church planting, especially here in Knoxville, is that most of the church planters I know don't have territorial boundaries. They aren't concerned with "losing their members" to another church. They ultimately understand that each church (little c) is essentially part of the one Church (big C).
We experienced this perspective firsthand yesterday. OneLife Church, which meets in Powell, has played a big part in The Overflow Church being able to get started. I'm so thankful for the support, wisdom, and generosity that Pastor Rodney, the leadership, and members of OneLife have shown to our church. Yesterday was just another example of their commitment to the Church. They sent about 25 volunteers to handle our kids ministry and setup/tear down so that our volunteers could have a morning of rest and be freed up to worship and celebrate our one-year anniversary. This was such a blessing to us.
Here's the difference... If Pastor Rodney was concerned about "losing his members," this would've never happened. OneLife Church understands what God has called them to do, and they know they're a part of something so much bigger than themselves.
So, "Thank You" OneLife Church for your continued support. For everyone else who reads this, please know that you should find a church, get involved, and support what that church does. However, I hope you will make your first commitment to Christ and His Church and realize that the church where you serve, worship, and minister is not the end goal! The end goal is and always has been Jesus, so let's be sure we're all striving to advance and build His Kingdom rather than our own!
Wednesday, January 11, 2012
Nothing Like...
Nothing can compare to realizing how blessed you are to have certain people in your life. You realize this through the struggles and the good times. This is lesson # 3 that I learned in 2011.
I've heard horror stories of how church planters would realize 2-3 years into their church plant that their wife hated them and their kids didn't even know them. I vowed I wouldn't let planting a church become my obsession and cause me to neglect my family. Now, we are 2 years into the planting process, and I've been reflecting on how am I doing? I believe I've done okay, but I have room to improve as I move into 2012.
The Struggles
I know I've struggled to disconnect my mind from church-related things. As far as being physically present with my family, I don't believe I've neglected that for the sake of the church. However, it's hard to stop thinking about what I need to do or what's got to happen next, but here's what God has taught me... If the church is dependent on me constantly thinking about it, the church has the wrong leadership in place because it's much better off when I realize the church is Jesus's. He said He would build His church. For any pastors or church leaders who may read this, just don't forget your bride is your wife, and the church is Jesus' bride. Be sure you don't get confused on that and be sure you live in such a way that your wife knows you understand it.
I haven't dealt well with stress. Especially throughout the later part of 2011, I learned some difficult lessons about stress. Basically, my advice is you have to deal with your stress or it will continue to deal with you! And that's not a good thing because as your stress is getting the best of you, it will start to get the best of the people around you. You need to find an outlet to your stress. Learning to truly rest in Jesus and WALK with Him daily is the best option, but in addition to that, you should consider... exercising, talking to someone, taking a retreat and getting away. Whatever you do, just do something positive and engaging. Sitting on your stress only creates the opportunity for your stress to build.
The Good
Jennifer and I prioritized our date nights last year, which was one of the best decisions we've made, and it's a must for all married couples! On this note, your date nights don't have to be expensive. Sometimes, we'd just go to Starbucks and talk or we'd have someone babysit Kaden at our house and we'd watch a movie while they played upstairs. It's the break from "life" and quality time together that must be non-negotiable.
I also believe I've been able to build a strong relationship with Kaden. I can't even count all the random games we play together that he won't play with anyone else. He teaches me so much about enjoying life and appreciating the small things! Perhaps the highlight of my year was when we were standing in line at a store in December and he said, "Do you want to pray?" I said, "Sure. What do you want to..." Before I could finish, he started praying, "Dear God. Thank for today. Thank you for everything." WOW! Yes, I'm proud because he's my son, but I'm so humbled that God has given me a chance to raise him. I've realized I can't be the dad I need to be unless I'm consistently, fully present (physically and mentally) in his life.
Monday, January 9, 2012
Adding and Subtracting in 2012
I think one common mistake many people, myself included, make when establishing goals is forgetting to consider or plan what will be required to accomplish those goals. Typically, if you hope to add something to your life, you'll also have to subtract from your life as well. Here are my additions and subtractions for 2012...
1. Fall back in love with Jesus as my Savior and less in love with what I think He should do for me
Nothing frustrates me more in my walk with Christ than my own selfish viewpoints that lead me to believe that Jesus is my genie in a bottle. Most of us won't admit we treat Him that way, but we're typically more excited about church services and God meeting our every need than we are just learning to love God and savor the fact that we are a child of the King. I hope to simply learn to rest and be content with Him this year. If I don't do a better job of this during 2012, I could care less about the next 3 things I've listed.
2. Read more books and watch less TV
I have a goal to read 20 books this year. That's a little over 1 book every 3 weeks. I realized in 2011 that TV only decreases my brain-functioning, ha ha. It's also a real hindrance to personal growth and development. Will I still watch TV? Absolutely, but just a lot less than I did last year.
3. Exercise more and eat less junk
Last year was not a good year on the physical health side of things. The one time I really attempted to start exercising in 2011, I injured my back. The back is mostly healed now, so I plan to have at least 4 days of exercise each week that will build in length and difficulty throughout the year. I also completely lost my discipline with sweets. I definitely need to practice those in moderation this year. My goal is one sweet per week.
4. Increase my intentional efforts to encourage people on a regular basis and decrease my talk of "wanting" to do it
I had a lot of good intentions last year when it came to building up the people in the life, but I honestly feel like I simply didn't follow through. Initially I decided I would set a reminder on my phone to remind me to encourage people throughout the week, but how ridiculous is that? So no reminder, just an intentional, mental focus to make sure it happens.
5. Invest into others with the expectation of them investing into others as well.
(This one doesn't fit into the theme of adding and subtracting, but it had to be included)
I feel like I spent a lot of time investing into people in 2011, and I'm praying God has used those conversations to truly help people along the way. However, I didn't do a good job of encouraging those I was investing my live into to start doing the same thing with someone else. As I share my life with others, I must do so with the desire to see the process multiplied. This is basic discipleship, and I missed the boat on half of it!
1. Fall back in love with Jesus as my Savior and less in love with what I think He should do for me
Nothing frustrates me more in my walk with Christ than my own selfish viewpoints that lead me to believe that Jesus is my genie in a bottle. Most of us won't admit we treat Him that way, but we're typically more excited about church services and God meeting our every need than we are just learning to love God and savor the fact that we are a child of the King. I hope to simply learn to rest and be content with Him this year. If I don't do a better job of this during 2012, I could care less about the next 3 things I've listed.
2. Read more books and watch less TV
I have a goal to read 20 books this year. That's a little over 1 book every 3 weeks. I realized in 2011 that TV only decreases my brain-functioning, ha ha. It's also a real hindrance to personal growth and development. Will I still watch TV? Absolutely, but just a lot less than I did last year.
3. Exercise more and eat less junk
Last year was not a good year on the physical health side of things. The one time I really attempted to start exercising in 2011, I injured my back. The back is mostly healed now, so I plan to have at least 4 days of exercise each week that will build in length and difficulty throughout the year. I also completely lost my discipline with sweets. I definitely need to practice those in moderation this year. My goal is one sweet per week.
4. Increase my intentional efforts to encourage people on a regular basis and decrease my talk of "wanting" to do it
I had a lot of good intentions last year when it came to building up the people in the life, but I honestly feel like I simply didn't follow through. Initially I decided I would set a reminder on my phone to remind me to encourage people throughout the week, but how ridiculous is that? So no reminder, just an intentional, mental focus to make sure it happens.
5. Invest into others with the expectation of them investing into others as well.
(This one doesn't fit into the theme of adding and subtracting, but it had to be included)
I feel like I spent a lot of time investing into people in 2011, and I'm praying God has used those conversations to truly help people along the way. However, I didn't do a good job of encouraging those I was investing my live into to start doing the same thing with someone else. As I share my life with others, I must do so with the desire to see the process multiplied. This is basic discipleship, and I missed the boat on half of it!
Wednesday, January 4, 2012
No More Dreams
What did you want to be when you grew up? President? Famous Celebrity? Professional athlete? Chances are you had a dream of what you wanted to be. I had several dreams about my future when I was a child, but as time unfolded, I realized that's all they were... they were dreams.
For the sake of this post, I'm defining a dream as something you would love to see happen, but in the end, you never take the required steps to make your dream become a reality. Dreams are great ideas that we have in our head, but the logistics of making them become reality never gets to our heart.
I also want to define the word "vision" (for the context of this post)... A vision is a revelation of what you should do that actually begins to impact the way you think and live.
Most of us live in dream mode and aren't led by a clear vision for our life. Having dreams isn't bad, but at some point we have to learn to realize the difference between a dream and a vision. Some things may initially be birthed within us as a dream. Then, as time progresses, you will decide (intentionally or unintentionally) whether or not your dream should and/or will become a vision that impacts your life.
I learned in 2011 that I have dreams, but that's what they were intended to be... nothing more than a dream. I've also learned that some of my dreams actually need to become a vision that guides my life. As a result, I've realized one of the most miserable places anyone can be is when you are stuck in dream mode but you need to be in vision mode. The only way to fix this problem is to truly reflect upon yourself and develop an intentional plan to make the switch so that you are living by a vision (as defined above) and not by a dream. Otherwise, you'll constantly live in dreamland and struggle to move forward.
Also, I'd encourage you to realize that if something is supposed to be a vision, it's going to impact the people around you. Perhaps your family, neighbors, or co-workers. People can and should be impacted by your vision because they will see how it impacts you. On the other hand, when an idea never leaves your head and remains in dream mode, no one else can see it.
My challenge for you is the same as it is for myself... Don't live 2012 in dream mode. Take the necessary steps to start living by vision, not by dreams. At the same time, realize this shift may require you to allow some of your dreams, which were never intended to become vision, to disappear from your thoughts and routines. Wake up from your dreams and start pursuing the vision given to you!
For the sake of this post, I'm defining a dream as something you would love to see happen, but in the end, you never take the required steps to make your dream become a reality. Dreams are great ideas that we have in our head, but the logistics of making them become reality never gets to our heart.
I also want to define the word "vision" (for the context of this post)... A vision is a revelation of what you should do that actually begins to impact the way you think and live.
Most of us live in dream mode and aren't led by a clear vision for our life. Having dreams isn't bad, but at some point we have to learn to realize the difference between a dream and a vision. Some things may initially be birthed within us as a dream. Then, as time progresses, you will decide (intentionally or unintentionally) whether or not your dream should and/or will become a vision that impacts your life.
I learned in 2011 that I have dreams, but that's what they were intended to be... nothing more than a dream. I've also learned that some of my dreams actually need to become a vision that guides my life. As a result, I've realized one of the most miserable places anyone can be is when you are stuck in dream mode but you need to be in vision mode. The only way to fix this problem is to truly reflect upon yourself and develop an intentional plan to make the switch so that you are living by a vision (as defined above) and not by a dream. Otherwise, you'll constantly live in dreamland and struggle to move forward.
Also, I'd encourage you to realize that if something is supposed to be a vision, it's going to impact the people around you. Perhaps your family, neighbors, or co-workers. People can and should be impacted by your vision because they will see how it impacts you. On the other hand, when an idea never leaves your head and remains in dream mode, no one else can see it.
My challenge for you is the same as it is for myself... Don't live 2012 in dream mode. Take the necessary steps to start living by vision, not by dreams. At the same time, realize this shift may require you to allow some of your dreams, which were never intended to become vision, to disappear from your thoughts and routines. Wake up from your dreams and start pursuing the vision given to you!
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