One of the hardest things in life to do is say goodbye. Even when we know it’s coming it’s difficult. However, when we don’t see it coming, it can send us reeling. On August 1st, 2012 I did not expect to hear Pastor Moore tell us that he and Sis. Moore were resigning. I have been to plenty of business meetings over the years at Abundant Faith, but I have never seen the wind knocked out of an audience like I did at that business meeting. As the shock wore off and reality/sadness took it’s place, it was only natural to begin to ask questions. Pastor Moore even mentioned humanity’s need for answers in his letter as he made it clear that they were leaving for one reason, and that was because it was the will of God.
However, even though the question of why our Pastor has resigned was addressed it still doesn’t stop us from asking questions. In the immediate aftermath of the business meeting, there are three questions that people asked me and I asked myself.
Why are they leaving after only 2 years as pastor?
Where does this leave our church?
Where does this leave me?
While I can not confess to know the answers to all of those questions, I can say that we are not the first people to have a leader leave. As I always try to do, I looked to God’s word for an example of leaders leaving and what happened after God removed them.
I thought of Daniel leading Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego. At the beginning of Daniel, it’s Daniel who makes a stand and his three fellow captives followed his lead. There is no debate that Daniel was their leader. However, on the day of the fiery furnace, Daniel was nowhere to be found. Where was Daniel on that day? The answer, right where God wanted him. God removed Daniel from the equation and Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego stepped up to the plate and an entire nation got to see the true God!
I thought of Elijah and Elisha. Scholars believe that Elisha served under Elijah for six years before he was taken up in a chariot of fire. No doubt six years hardly seemed like enough time to Elisha. I am sure if he had a vote, he would have told God to leave Elijah with him for a while longer. However, Elisha didn’t have a choice. All he could do was pick up the mantle, and move on. Of course, he went on to do twice as many miracles as his leader.
I thought of the disciples with Jesus for only 3 ½ years. I know they didn’t want Him to go and didn’t understand what was happening at the time of His crucifixion. However, His departure paved the way for the outpouring of the Holy Ghost that is still going on today!
In all three of these incidents, when God removed a leader, it was instantly followed by those left behind stepping up and taking on leadership themselves. We are all certainly battling the feelings of sadness, confusion, shock, and even anger. What we must not forget is that God is in this, and what makes the Moore’s tremendous leaders is their ability to hear and obey the voice of God.
Finally, let us also remember that God would not have called them away if we were not ready to face the fiery furnace, pick up the mantle, and pray down the Holy Ghost!
Sunday, August 5, 2012
Sunday, May 6, 2012
Challenge! #25wordsermon
The gospel never changes. The way we reach must change to fit culture & time. New task = new tools. Use what's in your hands. #25wordsermon
The idea is pretty simple. Preach a sermon in 25 words or less through twitter. I got the idea from an educator I follow on twitter (@plugusin). He does 25 word stories with his students. You can read his blog about it here.
Jesus Christ preached sermons using relative examples in a relevant way. It only makes sense that we do the same. Twitter is a powerful tool and a great way to reach the multitude using a few words. Take @TFTenney for example! He does more in 140 characters than most of us do in 45 minutes.
This is the challenge: Preach as many sermons as you can using 25 words or less through twitter. Be sure to always end with #25wordsermon. That way we can search for that hash tag through twitter and read and retweet each other's sermons!
Tuesday, May 1, 2012
Positioning for the Future
I returned, and saw under the sun, that the race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong, neither yet bread to the wise, nor yet riches to men of understanding, nor yet favour to men of skill; but time and chance happeneth to them all. Ecclesiastes 9:11 KJV
Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, Hebrews 12:1
Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain. I Corinthians 9:24
No doubt you are familiar with these three scriptures and with the idea that living for God is a lot like a race. It's more about endurance than speed. It can done as a team or alone if necessary. If you get too focused on your surroundings then you're in trouble. Those running against you can not effect your results nearly as much as your own personal dedication and endurance. And a lot of times, it feels like your just going in circles. Living for God is a lot like running a race.
I've preached about this being a relay race and have received my fare share of amens because of it. However, I feel like sometimes we miss the point and the position of the person we are suppose to be handing the baton too.
Let me just get right to it, if we adults are currently running with the baton and are suppose to be handing it off to the next generation then the next generation is suppose to be in front of us, not behind us.
Too many times we allow our young people to feel like they are being left behind instead of being pushed ahead.
My eyes are not on the finish line. I'm sorry, they aren't. My eyes are fixed on the next runner. That's not who I'm running for but it's who I'm running towards. I can't let my own ambition and goals blur my vision.
There has got to be a point in our lives when we stop worrying about being the next camp speaker, power soloist, or missionary and start worrying about finding the next camp speaker, power soloist, or missionary.
As a youth pastor, I am a talent scout. I'm looking for the next big thing. I'm trying to find ways to get myself out of the picture. It's my job, and I think the job of every adult, to know when to run and when to pass the baton. I know I'm only 31, and I'm not saying I'm riding off into the sunset just yet. However, there is a generation ahead of me that is getting ready to run.
How dare I pass them by and not give them a chance. How dare I pass them by and not pass them the baton. How dare I leave them standing with nothing to run for.
If the baton isn't in their hands, what do they have to run for?
In a relay race the place where one runner hands off the baton to the next is called "the exchange zone". This is the hardest part to navigate. It's that brief period where we are both running. One is finishing his part and another is starting. All of the sudden, the person who has been holding the baton must pass it on to the next. It's not an easy exchange but it's necessary.
Bottom line: If we fail to hand off the baton, we run the risk of leaving a generation behind. If that happens, nobody wins.
Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, Hebrews 12:1
Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain. I Corinthians 9:24
No doubt you are familiar with these three scriptures and with the idea that living for God is a lot like a race. It's more about endurance than speed. It can done as a team or alone if necessary. If you get too focused on your surroundings then you're in trouble. Those running against you can not effect your results nearly as much as your own personal dedication and endurance. And a lot of times, it feels like your just going in circles. Living for God is a lot like running a race.
I've preached about this being a relay race and have received my fare share of amens because of it. However, I feel like sometimes we miss the point and the position of the person we are suppose to be handing the baton too.
Let me just get right to it, if we adults are currently running with the baton and are suppose to be handing it off to the next generation then the next generation is suppose to be in front of us, not behind us.
Too many times we allow our young people to feel like they are being left behind instead of being pushed ahead.
My eyes are not on the finish line. I'm sorry, they aren't. My eyes are fixed on the next runner. That's not who I'm running for but it's who I'm running towards. I can't let my own ambition and goals blur my vision.
There has got to be a point in our lives when we stop worrying about being the next camp speaker, power soloist, or missionary and start worrying about finding the next camp speaker, power soloist, or missionary.
As a youth pastor, I am a talent scout. I'm looking for the next big thing. I'm trying to find ways to get myself out of the picture. It's my job, and I think the job of every adult, to know when to run and when to pass the baton. I know I'm only 31, and I'm not saying I'm riding off into the sunset just yet. However, there is a generation ahead of me that is getting ready to run.
How dare I pass them by and not give them a chance. How dare I pass them by and not pass them the baton. How dare I leave them standing with nothing to run for.
If the baton isn't in their hands, what do they have to run for?
In a relay race the place where one runner hands off the baton to the next is called "the exchange zone". This is the hardest part to navigate. It's that brief period where we are both running. One is finishing his part and another is starting. All of the sudden, the person who has been holding the baton must pass it on to the next. It's not an easy exchange but it's necessary.
Bottom line: If we fail to hand off the baton, we run the risk of leaving a generation behind. If that happens, nobody wins.
Tuesday, February 14, 2012
Get People Talking
One of the great things about being a minister in the 21st century is that communication is so easy. I can remember sitting with my youth group and my youth pastor just begging for us to talk. There might be a few people here and there that talked but it can be difficult for people to speak up. However, I think that social media has helped young people feel more comfortable sharing their thoughts and opinions. This openness might create a few #theawkwardmoment but in the end, it opens up great conversations and allows us to learn from each other and address issues faster. The next time somebody post something on Facebook or sends out a tweet that they shouldn't have, don't be upset. They were already thinking it or talking about it in private. Think of it as an opportunity to have a learning experience.
Here are some great tools you can use to get your youth group, small group, or entire congregation talking.
www.todaysmeet.com
TodaysMeet is a great website because it allows you to create an unique backchannel discussion board for any occasion. Just name the room, say how long you want the room to be open, and click create. It will give you a link people can go to where they can give there name, no sign-in required, and then you're off and running.
www.gosoapbox.com
GoSoapBox requires that you set up an account. Once you do there are four main features that GoSoapBox allows you to take advantage of. The audience can ask questions. If somebody sees a question they like they can vote on it. Popular questions rise to the top. There is a place to create discussion boards. The confusion barometer allows the audience to vote if they are understanding the topic or not. You can also create polls for the audience to take.
www.tweetchat.com
TweetChat is great for twitter users. It's pretty simple to use. Go to the website and sign in using your twitter account. Choose a #hashtag to follow. Converse in real time. The most difficult part of this is picking a good hashtag. You want it to be unique and memorable, but not too long because you only have 140 characters to work with.
www.chatzy.com
Chatzy is a cool website I learned from Richard Byrne. Chatzy allows you to create your own chat room, set privacy settings (you can password protect it), and sent out invitations. If you don't want to send out invitations, you can post the link on your website, Facebook, or in your church bulletin.
All of these are great ways to get your church members engaged in the discussion. I have also found that this is a great way to get those quiet ones talking. I hope these helps and if you would like a video demo of any of these websites just say so in the comment section below!
Saturday, January 28, 2012
Get The Word Out
Every Wednesday night at my church is our Worship and the Word Bible Study night. It is always a great night and I always leave feeling like I've learned something. When I was in college I was an usher in my church and on the Wednesdays when I ushered I would walk around the church after service and pick up all of the bible study handouts people had left behind. It's not that people didn't care about bible studies or enjoy them but what were they really going to do with them when they got home? How many people in your church keep a running file of all the bible studies you taught last year?
However, in today's world, we can provide digital copies for the members of our congregation. This will not only help your members have permanent records of the word of God, but also cut down on the cost of paper. Everyday I work with teachers in my district as an elearning coach and my main goal is to help teachers integrate technology into what they do. One of the biggest ways I have helped teachers is teaching them how to share out information quickly without running hundreds of copies. Here are a couple of power tips on how you can share out information quickly, efficiently, and cheaply.
1. Invest in learning how to effectively use google docs.
If you have not familiarized yourself with google docs, then I highly suggest you take time to learn it. It is a program offered to anyone with a gmail account. This is by far the best way to create and share information. I will spend a great number of post talking about the ways we can use google docs to better the work we do in our churches.
In the meantime, I would highly recommend Cybrary Man's website about google docs. In the world of education, there is nobody better at curating information. With many of the post you will easily find ways the church can take advantage of the technology. He is on twitter @cybraryman1. I would also recommend following @web20classroom. He puts out great information on technology tools.
2. Learn how to shorten links
Let me give you an example. Lets say you are having a youth week and there is a great bible study you want to share with your young people. Here is the link:
http://download.pentecostalyouth.org/Youth%20Week%202012/Youth%20Week%202012-%20NEXT.pdf
Now try to put that in a bulletin, on your sign out front, or an advertisement. The great thing is you don't have to. There are several ways you can shorten a link. My favorite tool to use is called bit.ly.
From here you can copy and paste the large link above and it will shorten it to this: http://bit.ly/xgqloG. Once the link is shorten, then you can easily put it in your bulletin or project it during service. Then people can pull it up on their smart phones or tablets. Having a working wifi system in your church is also essential.
However, in today's world, we can provide digital copies for the members of our congregation. This will not only help your members have permanent records of the word of God, but also cut down on the cost of paper. Everyday I work with teachers in my district as an elearning coach and my main goal is to help teachers integrate technology into what they do. One of the biggest ways I have helped teachers is teaching them how to share out information quickly without running hundreds of copies. Here are a couple of power tips on how you can share out information quickly, efficiently, and cheaply.
1. Invest in learning how to effectively use google docs.
If you have not familiarized yourself with google docs, then I highly suggest you take time to learn it. It is a program offered to anyone with a gmail account. This is by far the best way to create and share information. I will spend a great number of post talking about the ways we can use google docs to better the work we do in our churches.
In the meantime, I would highly recommend Cybrary Man's website about google docs. In the world of education, there is nobody better at curating information. With many of the post you will easily find ways the church can take advantage of the technology. He is on twitter @cybraryman1. I would also recommend following @web20classroom. He puts out great information on technology tools.
2. Learn how to shorten links
Let me give you an example. Lets say you are having a youth week and there is a great bible study you want to share with your young people. Here is the link:
http://download.pentecostalyouth.org/Youth%20Week%202012/Youth%20Week%202012-%20NEXT.pdf
Now try to put that in a bulletin, on your sign out front, or an advertisement. The great thing is you don't have to. There are several ways you can shorten a link. My favorite tool to use is called bit.ly.
 |
| bit.ly screen shot |
You can also look at my previous blog and see how to take that link and make it a QR code.
 |
| Scan this QR code for this week's bible study |
To help show you the process of how this could work and demonstrate the power of google docs, I put together about an 8 minute video demonstrating how easy this can be done.
If you have any questions or comments, please leave below! I hope you enjoyed the post!
God bless!
Monday, January 16, 2012
4 Ways Your Church Can Use QR Codes
How They Work
First let me address how they work. Once a QR code has been created a person has to use their smartphone to scan it. Once it has been scanned, it will take you to where the QR code has been designed to take you. If you scan the QR code above, it will take you to this blog.
There are several apps for the iPhone and Android that will read these codes. I personally use RedLaser Barcode and QR Code Reader.
How They Can Be Used
There are several ways a church can us QR codes to get a message out.
1. Church Business Cards
Most churches have business cards. They are great for getting out information about your church like location, service schedule, and contact information. However, with a simple QR code a church can link the new contact to their website, a YouTube message from the pastor, a map to find the church, or to any other information you can't fit on the business card.
2. Church Bulletin
Each week we hand these out and pick them up off of the pews after service. They are very useful and do a great job of sharing the week's information with a visitor. The QR code in a Bulletin might link them to a calendar of the month's events, or maybe the notes for the Bible Study or the Message.
3. Posted around the church.
A QR code next to the nursery could give a mother information about the nursery ministry. One next to the Sunday School office could inform new parents about the classes available or link them to the material.
4. Youth ministry
Want to change up your next scavenger hunt? Hide QR codes at different spots around town with clues programed into them to lead your youth to the next spot.
How They Are Made
They are pretty easy to make. You can simply google or search on YouTube "how to make a QR code" and you'll find a bunch of sites that will make them for free and videos that will explain it. I personally like this website from Kaywa.
I hope you find this useful and if you have any questions or other ways you could see using QR codes at your church, please leave a comment below!
21st Century Highways
Matthew 22:9
Go ye therefore into the highways, and as many as ye shall find, bid to the marriage.
The charge of a born again christian is pretty simple; find people who are lost, just like you once were, and get them prepared for the marriage supper of the lamb.
The other Sunday morning Bro. Keith Fox (@K2_Fox) was preaching and he made a great point about technology and the church. He said that the most technological tool the disciples had at their disposal were ships and they used them like crazy to spread the gospel.
I could not agree more. I am convinced that if Paul were alive today he would be blogging, on Twitter, Facebook, have billboards, or anything else that would help him spread the good news.
That's what this blog is going to be dedicated to; finding new ways to spread the good news. There will be times on this blog when I just share some simple thoughts the Lord has placed on my heart. However, for the most part, I will be sharing creative ways to share out what God is doing at your church and ways you and your church can connect with people in your community.
I hope you enjoy this blog and I'm looking forward to learning with you. Please leave comments, ask questions, and contribute in the comment section.
For a brief introduction: I am the Youth Pastor at Abundant Faith (@AFC_UPC) in Evansville, IN. I am also eLearning Coach for our school district where I help teachers integrate technology into their classroom. My wife (@Ruth_A_Clark) and I have been married for over 11 years and have 3 wonderful boys.
Go ye therefore into the highways, and as many as ye shall find, bid to the marriage.
The charge of a born again christian is pretty simple; find people who are lost, just like you once were, and get them prepared for the marriage supper of the lamb.
The other Sunday morning Bro. Keith Fox (@K2_Fox) was preaching and he made a great point about technology and the church. He said that the most technological tool the disciples had at their disposal were ships and they used them like crazy to spread the gospel.
I could not agree more. I am convinced that if Paul were alive today he would be blogging, on Twitter, Facebook, have billboards, or anything else that would help him spread the good news.
That's what this blog is going to be dedicated to; finding new ways to spread the good news. There will be times on this blog when I just share some simple thoughts the Lord has placed on my heart. However, for the most part, I will be sharing creative ways to share out what God is doing at your church and ways you and your church can connect with people in your community.
I hope you enjoy this blog and I'm looking forward to learning with you. Please leave comments, ask questions, and contribute in the comment section.
For a brief introduction: I am the Youth Pastor at Abundant Faith (@AFC_UPC) in Evansville, IN. I am also eLearning Coach for our school district where I help teachers integrate technology into their classroom. My wife (@Ruth_A_Clark) and I have been married for over 11 years and have 3 wonderful boys.
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