What is in a Name?

I am a thief. I like to see what other churches are doing, read what other churches are doing, and hear what other churches are doing. What I have come to realize is that there are a lot of names for the same thing. I have also noticed that two churches can call the same ministry by two different names or two churches can do the same thing but call it two different things. Either way it can be confusing.

I have also noticed especially in books on church life that if you call something one thing it means this. For instance Small Group Ministry. Big name. Some call their Sunday School by this name, others call their Community Groups by this name, and still others call their Life Groups by this name. Sometimes it takes me a while to catch on to what is going on or what exactly the author is talking about when they use such words.

Recently I read a book, actually I am about 1 chapter in and making all kinds of accusations, that stop calling church members Christians. Yes can you believe that? I was thinking way a minute does this guy have a clue as to what he is saying? I am a Christian because I am a Christ Follower. Then I realized Christ Follower is what he called the Christians in his Church. Yes a little Greek for you Christian = Christ Follower.

Why does he think changing the name, well actually the same name just written different is going to mean anything different. A name is just a name. Names may classify, but names do not define. Definition is found in action, lifestyle, methods, and results. Jesus is a name, who Jesus is was defined by what He did. The name had meaning but Jesus had to live up to his expected life. Why I am on Jesus and name. Christ is not his last name. Just in case you did not know.

Call it what ever you want, just know that you can change names, but if you don't change the meaning, purpose and outcomes you will get the same result. That is why I do not mind calling my Small Group Ministry (Sunday School).

Until Then

Taking Church Home.

This is the material we use for Mission 2:52. I have been burdened recently for the Parents of Cross Town. I want to make sure that what we are trying to do is more than an hour on Sunday. I am trying to find ways for what the Children are learning at church flows into their home life. This only happens when the parents and the church work together to accomplish one goal. "ORANGE"

 I have seen in my short years the frustration children have when their parents are not reinforcing what they are learning in church. There is a division that happens when the same children answer the questions or willing to answer the questions each week. For the most part the group of children that are engaged in Mission 2:52 are the ones who's parents model, live, and share God with there children.

Goals:

Meet parents and children where they are
Give parents and children as many tools as possible to help
Focus on family not one side or the other
Pray for the families
Keep the Mission and Vision before the people

This video is short but to the point on how short of a time Churches have with the next generation and promotion of 252 Basic.

So What is New

Just about everything in life is new. Have you ever noticed how life seems to come in phases. Maybe it is just me. Something happens and your life changes and than little things change and more little things change and the next thing you know the things you used to do you don't anymore or the things that you sought after you do not anymore. Maybe it is just me.

What is new. Well for me it started with a new Church ministry. From there it was added ministries to the Cross Town Children's Ministry. From there to finding, paying, and updating a new home. Which has been a trying yet rewarding experience. Now I am starting to shift my focus to Sunday School Ministry.

In the times of change and new I am reminded of the things that are always permanent in my life. First the Word and Love of God. He meets all my needs (not wants). His word sustains me and the Spirit gives me peace in the mist of change.

Another is my family. Andrea and I just celebrated 6 years. Not long in any sense, but enough to be a constant source of support and love.

With no change life becomes a routine. Who likes routine.

Outreach Strategy

Have you ever been part of a great outreach strategy for the church. I am not talking about a program but a strategy. The difference between a strategy and a program is huge. Programs come and go, but a strategy defines a church and is how a church does something.

I have been working on one for my new church (Scott Lake Baptist Church). I have found this to be a little difficult because most of my training in evangelism has been program driven and not church strategy. Sure I could come in and start grow or share Jesus without fear or even the NET. Notice I did not put FAITH in that category. In thinking through what we were going to do I realize I am not even sure the gifts of the people or the willingness of the people to do evangelism.

Givens:

• training


• simple


• strategic


• different levels


• lay leader driven


• Sunday school focused


• Jesus not the church being shared


• on going process

With that in mind I took some things from my past that I liked and included them in the Outreach Strategy of Scott Lake Baptist Church (not finalized but on the Pastors desk or computer desk just sounds better). We will utilize the SS class to enlist people to pray for the lost, willing to call the lost, willing to contact through mail, and willing to visit the lost. Those are our four avenues of outreach (V.I.P.S.) Thanks John for the title. I will assign people they need a contact each week and throughout the week the class will follow up with the people. Expecting to get a returned contact sheet by the following Sunday. We will also host a by weekly visitation time for encouragement and fellowship around visiting.

We will use such events as VBS, Block Parties, Fall Festivals, Christmas and Easter specials, Children and Youth outreach events, Women's and Men's ministry, as well as service and SS guests for prospects. I think it would be good and would like to know what you all think. What does your church do for a consistent outreach?

Until Then

On the Drive

Since moving back to Florida I have been commuting an hour either way to the church office. I have taken advantage of this time by listening to podcast of some of the most challenging preachers and listening to Crazy Love. I am not going to name drop like some people do on their blogs (Brad) I guess that was name dropping. The problem is I get so focused on the message that once I get to church I am so distracted by the thoughts and words of who ever I was listening to and can't stay focused on the work I need to do.

I am thinking about the image of God and what that means. In Genesis we know we are created in the image of God (Hebrew: צֶלֶם אֱלֹהִים‎; tzelem elohim, lit. "image of God", often appearing in Latin as Imago Dei) straight from Wikipedia. What that actually means is not what I have given a lot of thought to this morning. I do not think it is physical because we are all a little different. I found my self picturing God with like a muscle mans arm, skinny basketball players legs, beer belly, but a models face. Okay okay pull it back in. As you can see God is athletic (well kind of), male, and has to be handsome.

When I think about the image of God I think more about a reflection in a mirror. It is a representation of the real thing. I was challenged to think about how I resemble, represent, and reflect God to others or back to HIM. I thought about the tangible ways Jesus shared with the sermon on the mount, how we treat others, help those in need, and came to the conclusion that sin has messed that up.

Sin has corrupted his creation the creation that is to be his image bearer. From there my mind went to well than what can I do to fix that and realized I can't. From the beginning of sin (yes there was time when there was no sin) God has been restoring his creation to his image. He ultimately did this by sacrificing his own Son for his image's sake. He did it to correct what went wrong. We can only be his image when we are forgiven.

So in close God is at work restoring His image, will you be restored today?

Until Then

What am I reading or listening to?

Be a lampstand

What if I told you that the church does not exist for your enjoyment or for the many different ministries, programs, or strategies we have. The church (global) exists for one reason to be a light into this dark (lost) world. I am not sure why I am just realizing this or why God is highlighting this truth in my life at this point, but it is foundational.

As you read your Bible think about the illustrations and word pictures that are used to help us understand this basic yet purposeful truth.

Show the Light:

Matthew 5:14-16
14 “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.

The Result:

John 12:32
And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself.”

The Warning:

Revelation 2:5
Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent, and do the works you did at first. If not, I will come to you and remove your lamp stand from its place, unless you repent.

So in closing be a lamp stand for Christ where you are and however you can. Do your part to lift up the light of Jesus and watch in AWE as he draws men and women unto himself. Church life is just that simple.

Until Then