Multi Site Considerations.....

I wanted to share an article from Ed Stetzer regarding multi-site church plants. It seems that ed had the same concerns as I do. After reading it, I surprisingly have a different view of them... if they are done intentionally and with the right heart motive. Here is the complete article:

EVOLUTION OF THE MULTISITE CHURCH

7 Tips to Re-energize Your Weak Team

7 Tips to Re-energize Your Weak Team  

By Ron Edmondson

Great Article for church planters that have a team that's getting tired! Highly recommended! 

Here is the link to the full article.

CHURCH PLANT ARTICLE

 

 

Celebrate the wins....

Church planting is tough. That being said... celebrate every win! Here is a video of our church plant's Easter service 2013. We celebrate 2 baby dedications and 10 people getting baptized. Thank you Jesus!

Currently reading - Wiki-Church by Steve Murrell

Just wanted to share my current reading list. As you know, I'm a believer that "all leaders should be readers".

I typically have a few books going at any one time. Here is one that I highly recommend.Wiki Church by Steve Murrell.

 Just a sample nugget on making disciples:  Jesus told His followers that He would build His church, and then He told them to go and make disciples. It’s that simple. We make disciples, and He builds the church.

Ok... here's another: If you measure the wrong things, you can be at peace, thinking that all is well in your church, when things can be far from healthy.

Mission Devoid of Discipleship = Failure

Every once in a while I find someone who writes or speaks the things that I'm thinking about. And to be honest I'm thinking and pondering these things and really wonder if I'm just being negative. I mean, who wants to be a glass half empty type person?

The word "missional" was something new and fresh a few years back. Many books and articles have been written about being missional both on a personal level as well as corporately. When a word is over-used, it tends to lose meaning and I find this true for the word "missional". Everyone and every church thinks they are "missional". Even their church programs are geared towards being "missional". The truth is... its just a word. Your programs are still just that...programs... sorry. Just sharing the truth in love :)

 Anyways, here is an article from Mike Breen which is entitled: Why The Missional Movement Will Fail. 

To read the article click here: Mike Breen / Verge

Next Steps...

I'm a next step thinker. If you are a pastor, consider challenging your congregation to take their "next step". We all have of one! None have arrived at glory yet :)

For some folks, it may be seeking forgiveness from a family member. For others, it could be to start reading their Bible. Regardless of what it is, as leaders it is our duty to encourage them to take that step.

Possible Steps (in no way meant to be a complete listing - just things that come to mind)
1) Start praying - nothing fancy - just sharing their heart with Jesus
2) Start reading the Bible - 1-2 verses a day to start.
3) Join a small group (if your church has them) or Sunday school class.
4) Make a commitment to the local church
a) attending Sunday services regularly
b) start tithing
c) getting involved in a ministry
If ALL people are not always taking some type of "Next Step" in their faith life, it is highly unlikely that they will continue to be a sold out, kingdom building, church growing, follower of Christ!

Getting rid of distractions....

Our thoughts are often not our own - they are realy derived from someone else. Someone else thought them first ...spoke it and we caught wind of it.... ingested it and made them our own. Other people's voices often fill our minds. Think about all the influences around us that have access to your head:

• The people in your home
• Your co-workers
• Your extended family
• The TV
• Your friends
• The internet
• Video games
  

We need to consider the value of our own thoughts. Why let anyone tell you what to think? Why listen to people who don't even know you and don't understand your value system?

Consider the possibility that perhaps there are certain voices that need to be edited out. Some voices are persistently negative or just not helpful. Why not establish boundaries?

Could this be why we can hear so much clearly when we are on the mission field? What if we quited the voices and influences around us and simply asked God - What would You have me do?