daddy4ms

Last week, I had the privilege of being in Houston and getting to spend time with the staff at Wood's Edge Church in Houston, Texas.  First of all, let me say that the staff was so hospitable and went above and beyond what I had in mind.  I spent about an hour talking logistics and history with their Prayer and Care Pastor, Carol.  It was so fun to hear their journey over the years of becoming a church that not just talks about prayer, but actually makes prayer a priority.  She shared lots of great resources and details about how they transitioned as a church and some of the obstacles along the way. In addition, to a great visit with Carol, I was treated to an amazing supper with Carol as well as three of their elders and their wives.  Not only was the food amazing, but also was able to hear the heart of these leaders and how prayer had changed them and their church.   After the meal, I was able to attend their Wednesday Evening Prayer Meeting.  I...

On Monday, June 1st, I had the opportunity to talk with Josh Allen, Executive Pastor and Brian Haynes, Lead Pastor of Bay Area First Baptist Church in Houston, Texas.  Many of you might be familiar with Brian Haynes as he is the author of The Legacy Path. We give out this book to parents during our parent/child dedication at Hesston MB Church. I was interested in how the milestones are being implemented in Haynes' new church. In addition, I had questions about curriculum and how milestones strategy affects children's ministry. Here are thoughts from my two conversations: Vision drives specific ministries.  I know this, but it was repeated by both Josh and Brian. Everything they do in children, youth or adult ministry is determined by their vision which is "Bay Area exists to glorify God by making disciples , equipping families , and serving the world  with the Gospel of Jesus Christ." Brian shared that is important to recognize "how" w...

I am excited and thankful for my sabbatical which begins tomorrow, May 1st and goes through July 31, 2015. I appreciate the opportunity provided to me by my church, Hesston MB.  To me, this is a great blessing and sign of a healthy church as they allow their staff to take time to grow as individuals and leaders.  Below are my tentative plans as shared with the congregation. Sabbatical 2015   Dates: May-July 2015 As I prepare to go on Sabbatical in the summer of 2015, I have been praying about what this time of refreshment, renewal, and relaxation should include.   Here are a few possibilities: ·         Time of prayer & reflection   ·         Attendance at various churches to observe what their Sunday morning looks like   ·         Visits to specific churches who are ministering effectively to children, couples and fami...