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Introduction : Merry Christmas! Today as I begin, we are going to watch a video of kid’s telling the Christmas story.   Review- A Church community -God’s plan to redeem, restore, reconcile the world in Christ through the church. A community not alone Empowered by the Holy Spirit -It’s not pull yourself up by your bootstraps, do more, try harder, but be changed from the inside out. It’s all about Him. Transformed- Not self-help, self-esteem, leadership principles, steps or tips to improve yourself , but look up and see how God begins to change you by Holy Spirit. See Romans 12:2 & 2 Corinthians 3:18- 18  And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit. By the gospel —today’s passage is Read Luke 2:8-20 The Gospel (vs. 10-11) ·          What is the gospel?   It can ...

This is the final post on my thoughts from Sabbatical.  I have already posted on rest and relationships that occurred during these 3 months.  Today I would like to share reflections from Sabbatical.  Here they are in no particular order: God is good and I am loved .  The words of a new song capture this thought, "You're a good good Father. It's who you are. It's who you are. It's who you are.  And I am loved by you. It's who I am. It's who I am. It's who I am. You're perfect in all of your ways." I Am His-Identity- For many people, what we do defines us.  For pastors, this can especially be true.  So, how would my identity be affected by not going "to work" for 3 months.  Early during my time off, I heard God whisper, "I Am His."  This helped me remind myself throughout these last few months that my identity in Christ is so important. Abiding/Fruit Bearing/Good Works -I am combining all of these because they are related....

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...

Hopefully, you are planning on attending Art in the Park today at King Park in Hesston from 9 a.m. to noon.  I am excited to see how God will use this day in the lives of children, youth, and adults.  This idea was shared with me by Brittni Rhodes several years ago.  We talked about new ideas for families during the summer.  She shared her vision for what will occur on Saturday.  I quickly recognized this was a "God sized" idea and needed much more support that I as an individual could give.  Brittni understood this and we continued discussing and praying about it.  Today, it becomes a reality.  I think what is planned today is even bigger than what we originally discussed.  Today, you will find 5th-12th graders running an art booth in King Park.  These young people are sharing a passion they have and also connecting it to God's Word in some way.  Adults are in support roles and I cannot wait to see what will happen. You ...

David works with pastors all over the country through auxano on vision clarity. Leadership has to begin on the foundation of discipleship. The church's mission: discipleship. Number 1 principle for discipleship is you have to become the type of disciple you want to make. If you want to grow the church, you have to grow the leader. 5 Areas Every Leader Needs To Grow In Leadership=Power. Leaders who do well need a balance of drive and motive (calling). Leaders confront the brutal facts about themselves. Key Question: What are those growth areas? Visionary Examples of Problems with Vision Carbon Copy Vision-Be unique Microwave Vision-Leaders move fast. Slow down & do hard work of vision. Vision flip/flop-Changing mind constantly about vision Paralysis of the analysis-difficulty of making a decision Upper Room Identity What do you like about our church? People, Programs, Pastor, Place The upper room identity is purpose. This is leaders responsibility. Vision Pathway Vision Frame (P...

Throughout the summer, we as pastors at Hesston MB have gathered to pray and plan together.  We have covered various topics such as calendar, missions, discipleship, ministry and congregation needs.  It has also included a discussion of DiscipleShift .  The more we meet together, the more excited I get about the future of Hesston MB. Last week is a perfect example.  We had a specific item that was on our agenda every Thursday for a month, but kept being crowded out.  It started to become somewhat frustrating.  But as we met last Thursday, we could see clearly that the delay was all about God's timing.  He was working out some amazing details that allowed us to make exciting plans for the summer.  We were able to see via a lunch meeting, email, and text that God is leading and guiding us as pastors as we make plans.  I cannot wait to share with the congregation what God has planned. Stay tuned and make sure you are involved with our upcomi...

Ed Boschman-"Leading for Impact" Biblical/Christian Leaders Are: Followers of Jesus first-Mark 8:34 "Good leaders are followers most of the time." Compelled by Christ's love-2 Cor. 5:14 Elder Qualified-1 Timothy 3:1-7; Titus 1:6-9 Decidedly Prayerful-Philippians 4:6-7 Servant Motivated-Matthew 20:25-26 Exemplary-1 Peter 5:1-3 Leaders tend to be either: transactional or transformational (handout) "The only power that can control you without destroying you is God." Jon Wiebe-"Aligning Budget with Mission" Reasons for Aligning Budget with Mission 1. Increased vetting of giving options 2. Portfolio management perspective 3. Reducing debt is popular 4. Transparency about finances 5. Evolution in American church 1950's-1990's-Christ, Community, Cause 1990's-2010's-Community, Christ, Cause 2010's-           -Cause, Community, Christ A Five Step Process S...

Routines and rhythms are good. We need them in our lives in many ways such as chores, exercise, schedules, holidays. But what about our spiritual lives? Should our prayers, worship, Bible reading become routine? Steven Furtick in his new book, Greater, addresses this in Chapter 3. Here are a few quotes to ponder: "When you start mindlessly plowing, activities like Bible study and church attendance begin to fall more into the "I have to" than the "I get to" category." "Igniting God's vision starts with becoming more acutely aware of God's presence in your life." "Sure God is everywhere, but it's a different thing to believe that He's personally watching over the intricacies of your life." "It shouldn't freak you out to realize that God's eyes are on you. Because He doesn't see you through eyes of disapproval or disappointment. His presence is not a sign of condemnation. It's ...

Here is the second post based on the LEAD ONE event held on May 3rd in Wichita, KS.  Ed Boschman, our Executive Director of USMB, shared about vision.  He started by asking some questions about vision in our homes, families and then moved to our churches.  His introduction was to answer these two questions: Philosophically, is vision really a big deal? and Theologically, is vision a God thing?  Before getting into the specifics, he shared several verses to try and answer these two questions.  They were: Matthew 4:17,19; Matthew 10:5; Matthew 16:19,21; Matthew 28:18-20; and Acts 1:8. Four Things About Vision The First Thing-What It is. . . A unique picture of a preferred future condition, envisioned through the lenses of: Lord's Agenda local context faith factor The Second Thing-Who Sees It Called people Praying people Imagining people Transformational people The Third Thing-What It Does Inspires Empowers Stretches Focuses and directs Inv...

I also attended a workshop by this title led by Terry Scalzitti.  Here are my notes: Know Your Audience 80% of parents say that the church as done little or nothing to help them become better at parenting Churches today have lots of good studies, messages, and programs that make them feel good about connecting with parents, but nothing really changes at home.  What happens at home is more important than what happens at church Four Levels of Partnership with Parents Aware-Parents who are outside the church but are open to it and are interested in becoming better parents Involved-Parents who have a basic entry-level relationship with the church. They are taking steps to influence their kids spiritually. Engaged-Parents who are committed to partnering with the church and take responsibility for spiritual leadership in their home. Invested-Engaged parents who understand the strategy and partner with you to influence parent groups in the community. The classic mistake ...

I'm sitting at the Perk reading my newest book, Sun Stand Still, by Steven Furtick . Here are a few quotes from first chapter: If it's necessary, and it's never been done, she assumes that's because God intends for her to do it. You'll understand that God has much more in mind for your existence on this earth than merely surviving. This book is not a Snuggie . To inspire you to ask God for the impossible. And in the process, to reconnect you with your God-sized purpose and potential. If the size of your vision for your life isn't intimidating to you, there's a good chance it's insulting to God. If you're like most Christians, audacity is not a word you use to describe your faith. God has no Plan B. You're about to discover what happens when you dare to believe God for the impossible, ask God for the impossible-then act in audacious faith for his glory.