Todd has on a regular weekend 400-450 children, approximately 200 volunteers and a few coordinator to help oversee that. He started in 1992 as a facilities person or "building and grounds"...everything from cleaning toilets to cutting the grass. The whole time he was doing those things he was involved in ministry: both children's and youth.
At one point Glad Tidings needed a youth pastor and Todd stepped in to fill the position for a little while. Todd was doing the youth and his wife was working with children's. He did such a good job that the board asked him to come on part time. He did youth ministry for about 5 times...during this time they moved to a new location and a new building; with this move the church doubled in size. Around 1999 he decided that his heart and his time would be better fit for children's ministry.
Both Todd and his wife are FT paid staff at the church! Since Todd grew up in the church there was a lot of trust and respect that helped with him doing such a good job.
This class is about outreach and discipleship. Todd does not do too many events but when they are done it is done very well..they try to make it as exciting and fun as possible! When kids want to come to church parents come to church!
Mobilizing teams to do awesome events is what makes these event a success. Last year they did playstation 3 (a video game theme). They have a group of individuals who get together and brainstorm and throw ideas around and then they will make a game plan. Pastor Todd is not involved as much as the think tank crew.
One evening to avoid closing the two year olds class Todd decided to do it..there were about 10-20 at a time. One week they are out in the playland area and they found a diaper full of poop.
One of the difficulties with children's ministry is trying to recruit leaders. In the past there was a lot of begging. After a while they decided that this would not work. They decided to rearrange the whole concept of children's ministry. Instead of one person taking over a whole class...they recruited individuals to do certain things such as story telling, or preparing the snack, or praying with the kids, or applying biblical principles. After this happened, they had at least 40 new people who wanted to help out.
In reference to this there is heavy background checks. To get to know the person and some of their history at other churches etc. The goal is to keep the children safe.
A lot of the times with children's ministry it is always about kids; but Todd began to think "what would happen if we could minister to the parents". If you equip the parents they will come! The event is called Family Fusion: one of the main goals is to help the parents and the kids learn how to interact in regards to spiritual truth. New parents who get saved do not even know how to talk to their kids about Spiritual things. A main emphasis with this event is drama presentation.
Outreach is good but discipleship is even better! In order to do this it is essential that parents are discipled. The church cannot do it alone! There is a curriculum they use and provide to parents for $10 that help bridge this gap. since they started doing this he has been receiving emails thanking him for the devotional materials. It is called the 252 curriculum from Andy Stanley. They come out monthly. Additionally, they use "the refrigerator door" it is considered to be some important things to keep in front of your family throughout the week.
The children's ministry goes up to 5th grade. For the longest time they just assumed that the transition would work; but began to realize that it was not happening they way they thought it would. Part of this involved coaching the parents through what was going to happen and what to expect when their child moves on to other grades.
Communication is key at church and in the ministry..communication with the parents is even more essential. On one occasion a kid by the name of Brandon who was in fifth grade got hit by a car...he went to the hospital and ended up dying. That Wednesday night they decided to cancel the original service and hold a memorial service for the students. They brought in church counselors to help. They talked to the kids about death and how to deal with that. They had the students write on a card and they stuck it in a balloon and had a time when they released the balloons.
A great place to get started with a kids ministry is by building teams.. Gathering people, talking with people, getting people different then yourself. If the ministry starts to grow you will not be able to handle and maintain it alone. You need a team! People are not looking for a show; they are looking for relationships. One of the biggest things about starting a team is being a leader...a leader that recognizes where he or she lack ability but also knows where they are competent. One who is not afraid of other abilities and talents etc.
Whatever you do...do it well: people know when it is half done. It is important to remember that they did not start out like they are now! The goal is to do the best you can with what you have! Make things fun...meetings...important discussions etc. Once you build teams it is important to remember to meet withe the teams. Honor their time and make it easy for them to attend those meetings: child care and food!
Well, that was pretty good information: In the future when I am at a church and we are planning leadership stuff and structural and organizational aspects and also ideas I will be looking back at these notes and also trying to contact Glad Tidings!
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
Sunday, April 20, 2008
Unchurched Friend #3
This is late but I wanted to post it anyway...my friend finally got around to answering my questions! I am glad that he is doing well, so even though they are kind of late he had a good excuse!
This is from one of my old friends that I used to run around with in High School. Needless to say we both got caught up in some pretty negative things! Fortunately, we both made it out...but not without scars and consequences!
Here are his responses to the questions I asked him:
1. What do you think is the greatest need in your area?
Many younger people complain of boredom, don't know how you fix
that. I enjoy the slower pace (hiking, camping, reading, etc.)
2. Are you actively attending any church?
No
3. What are a few issues or topics that impact/interest you?
Environmental concerns, physical/mental well being, senseless
discrimination and violence
4. Why do you think most people don’t attend church?
Can't speak for most people, I personally don't because there are
many different sects and religions and many of them believe their way is the only way, how do you know which is right I feel I have spiritual faith in a higher power but not in a religious sense
5. If you were to look for a church to attend, what kind of things would you look for?
A knowledgeable leader of the church, welcoming and open minded members and overall welcoming atmosphere
6. What advice can you give to pastors who really want to be helpful to people?
Be open minded and listen well, knowledge of your faith, have a
sincere desire to help people and share the messages of your faith
This is from one of my old friends that I used to run around with in High School. Needless to say we both got caught up in some pretty negative things! Fortunately, we both made it out...but not without scars and consequences!
Here are his responses to the questions I asked him:
1. What do you think is the greatest need in your area?
Many younger people complain of boredom, don't know how you fix
that. I enjoy the slower pace (hiking, camping, reading, etc.)
2. Are you actively attending any church?
No
3. What are a few issues or topics that impact/interest you?
Environmental concerns, physical/mental well being, senseless
discrimination and violence
4. Why do you think most people don’t attend church?
Can't speak for most people, I personally don't because there are
many different sects and religions and many of them believe their way is the only way, how do you know which is right I feel I have spiritual faith in a higher power but not in a religious sense
5. If you were to look for a church to attend, what kind of things would you look for?
A knowledgeable leader of the church, welcoming and open minded members and overall welcoming atmosphere
6. What advice can you give to pastors who really want to be helpful to people?
Be open minded and listen well, knowledge of your faith, have a
sincere desire to help people and share the messages of your faith
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
Brian Norr Mountaintop Family Center Church
Planted a church in Mountain Top PA...upon first arrival they did a "felt needs survey" by posting a survey in the newspaper and offering free miniature golf to any one who brought in the survey! They found that the community felt that there needed to be more family stuff specifically for younger kids. After some brain storming and thought they decided that the trick would be "speed stacking".
This is a nation wide event! The target age group is 2nd-4th graders...this is the biggest group of responders although older students who excel stay with it! To get this thing going and casting vision for it is the fact that it is great for right brain left brained thinking!
You can get these cups from all kinds of places...Wal-mart, Target, etc.
After doing the assessment he realized that he and his wife realized that they did not have any friends or even loose associations with people who do not go to church. Through certain venues...coaching soccer, cup stacking, etc many relationships are formed and as a result there are several families in the church right now that began to come because of these relationships.
When the church was just getting off the ground it began attracting church people...although this was not completely bad but the church people came in with preconceived notions and expectations about how a church should be. Needless to say the individuals did not hang around very long.
An additional hang up was not being able to get in to the school systems. After a lot of run around and being ignored by the public school system legal action was threatened and eventually they were allowed into the public school system.
About 80-90% of the church were not involved in a church before Mountaintop Family Center Church. Leading this kind of church is much different than leading the traditional church. Most of the time the people do not realize what or how to do it! Things need to be spelled out about how and what to do and when.
One of the biggest challenges faced ministry wise is the fact that you give and you give and you give; and the number of people that come back to bite the hand that provided food is astounding. It is difficult opening your heart and your life to someone in need with the thought in the back of your mind they might come back and bite you.
This is a nation wide event! The target age group is 2nd-4th graders...this is the biggest group of responders although older students who excel stay with it! To get this thing going and casting vision for it is the fact that it is great for right brain left brained thinking!
You can get these cups from all kinds of places...Wal-mart, Target, etc.
After doing the assessment he realized that he and his wife realized that they did not have any friends or even loose associations with people who do not go to church. Through certain venues...coaching soccer, cup stacking, etc many relationships are formed and as a result there are several families in the church right now that began to come because of these relationships.
When the church was just getting off the ground it began attracting church people...although this was not completely bad but the church people came in with preconceived notions and expectations about how a church should be. Needless to say the individuals did not hang around very long.
An additional hang up was not being able to get in to the school systems. After a lot of run around and being ignored by the public school system legal action was threatened and eventually they were allowed into the public school system.
About 80-90% of the church were not involved in a church before Mountaintop Family Center Church. Leading this kind of church is much different than leading the traditional church. Most of the time the people do not realize what or how to do it! Things need to be spelled out about how and what to do and when.
One of the biggest challenges faced ministry wise is the fact that you give and you give and you give; and the number of people that come back to bite the hand that provided food is astounding. It is difficult opening your heart and your life to someone in need with the thought in the back of your mind they might come back and bite you.
Tuesday, April 8, 2008
Bill Ellis Riverside Community Church
Bill planted a church in Penn Hills, they were renting in rented space for about 4 years and then purchased. Bill says that he did it the old fashioned way or the hard way. There was a core group to help get the church off of the ground but the pastor that was leading, after his two year commitment, left. That was about the time that Bill came along...it all started from about the size of a small group. There was door to door invitations and advertising in the paper...when it all came down to it it was relationships that began to develop the church and really grow it.
They were meeting in a Masonic temple for a little while, and things were tough in the beginning. Once they moved into a Lutheran church things got a little better but when they finally moved to Oakmont and they had their own building that seemed to be a pivotal point in the history of the church. The church that they meet in now is very traditional in appearance, in fact it is an old Presybeterian church built in the late 1800's.
One of the foundational philosopohies at Riverside Community Church is intentional missionary mentality. It is a go and be as opposed to come and see. He does not want to focus drawing people to the church but drawing the church to the culture.
One of the ways that Riverside brings the Word to the community is by taking VBS into a sister community that is lower in the economic status. They worked with the mayor in both communities and asked "what can we do to serve our community?" Since there is a great population of elderly individuals and meals on wheels is so big they decided to get involved with that...not as a church but as staff members of the church! they take turns; switching among people on Tuesdays.
From the powerpoint presentation:
It is most likely the very contentedness of the church that works agains the church. The church gets "happy" they way they are.
This kind of missional view is difficult to work out. The struggle with the church is that it can easily become about attracting people instead of being a missional church "us going".
Some things that exist in every church that works against the purpose for which it comes into existence:
Many times we help our church by helping them believe instead of helping them follow. If it is only about believing then the Gospel becomes a sales pitch.
Although I agree that we need to follow Jesus I am wondering if we can expect people to follow something that they do not believe in.
The nation of America is not the Kingdom of God. When the church puts all of its energy into telling people to vote a certain way or certain political party we end up missing the Gospel. The Gospel cannot be equated with specific rules and moral regulations. Christians side with Republicans because they claim that they do not support homosexual marriages or abortion; however in the same respect we end up choosing sides because of these issues and end up missing important issues that only "those liberals" care about. The church needs to be the conscience of the culture! Christians should not need laws to and rules put in place by governemtn and political parties to fulfill the Gospel of Jesus.
Shane Claiborne Irresistible Revolution
Greg Boyd Myth of a Christian Nation
How do these principles and these philosophies flesh themselves out in everday life and ministry?
Once this message of missional thinking began to be preached in the pulpit etc. DNA was reproduced in small groups by investing time and service for relay for life, meals on wheels, salvation army, etc. Students do missions projects not just missions trips. Giving people a taste of how the other world lives. Sending teams to Louisiana to help restore things. A fifth grade class bought Llamas to provide money and milk for other nations. When you do these things and it is a part of of regular service to the community and the paper catches wind of it and you end up in the news paper then the greater community begins to realize the makeup and DNA of the church...which is the body of Christ...which are individuals incarnated by Jesus Christ. When we do Jesus things (the stuff that Jesus did) people fall in love with Him!
For more info on Riverside Community Church see PEACE handout...from Rick Warrens PEACE plan. Also see RCC Missions Goal & Strategy
As a church what are the right questions to ask?
Amazing! I can see how many people would be turned off by what he says...he does seem to be a little more liberal than many would want. I think he has some pretty incredible views that are definitely reflected by the Gospel of Jesus!
They were meeting in a Masonic temple for a little while, and things were tough in the beginning. Once they moved into a Lutheran church things got a little better but when they finally moved to Oakmont and they had their own building that seemed to be a pivotal point in the history of the church. The church that they meet in now is very traditional in appearance, in fact it is an old Presybeterian church built in the late 1800's.
One of the foundational philosopohies at Riverside Community Church is intentional missionary mentality. It is a go and be as opposed to come and see. He does not want to focus drawing people to the church but drawing the church to the culture.
One of the ways that Riverside brings the Word to the community is by taking VBS into a sister community that is lower in the economic status. They worked with the mayor in both communities and asked "what can we do to serve our community?" Since there is a great population of elderly individuals and meals on wheels is so big they decided to get involved with that...not as a church but as staff members of the church! they take turns; switching among people on Tuesdays.
From the powerpoint presentation:
- The church is viewed in 2 ways:
- functional view- the place where you go to get spiritual or filled up. Marry people, bury people, and go to church for certain occassions.
- Incarnational View- Church is not only a place that performs functions, but it is a place where God dwells. It is a people in whom God lives. God lives within each one of us! WE are the body of Christ....Jesus established the church before there were any buildings or structures to meet in, before there was hiearchy; during this period the church grew substantially!
- There are 2 kinds of people:
- Those who "go to church" and those who see themselves "as the church."
- Our challenge is to help people who mereley "go to church" become those who see themselves "as the church, and help them find the part they are to play in putting God on display to the world.
- People are looking to see what God is like. It is our responsibility to put God on display for them to see.
- The American Chruch in Crisis: Christianity Today
- Les than 20% of americans regularly attend church---half of what the pollsters report.
- American church attendance is steadily declining.
- Oly one state is out-pacing its population growth.
- 'Mid-sized churches are shrinking; the smallest and largest churches are growing.
- Established churches--40 to 190 years old are on average declining.
- The increase in churches is only 1/4 of what's needed to keep up with population growth
It is most likely the very contentedness of the church that works agains the church. The church gets "happy" they way they are.
This kind of missional view is difficult to work out. The struggle with the church is that it can easily become about attracting people instead of being a missional church "us going".
Some things that exist in every church that works against the purpose for which it comes into existence:
- Alan Hirsh-- "the major challenge to the viability of Christianity is not Buddhism...not is it Islam...nor the New Age...All of these are challenges, no doubt, but i have come to believe that the major threat to the viability o our faith is that of consumerism."
- People look and search for the "best" churches...the churches that make them feel the best. The church in response to this begins to market itself as a business to attract more "customers" or Christians. Everything we do we do in order to attract participants; and although they may come..there is no way to attract discipleship.
- When churches bate people with a consumerism mindset it is difficult to all of a sudden switch it up on them and lead them into discipleship.
- Consumerism is opposed to self sacrifice, self denial, taking up our cross; everything that discipleship is. Jesus
Many times we help our church by helping them believe instead of helping them follow. If it is only about believing then the Gospel becomes a sales pitch.
Although I agree that we need to follow Jesus I am wondering if we can expect people to follow something that they do not believe in.
The nation of America is not the Kingdom of God. When the church puts all of its energy into telling people to vote a certain way or certain political party we end up missing the Gospel. The Gospel cannot be equated with specific rules and moral regulations. Christians side with Republicans because they claim that they do not support homosexual marriages or abortion; however in the same respect we end up choosing sides because of these issues and end up missing important issues that only "those liberals" care about. The church needs to be the conscience of the culture! Christians should not need laws to and rules put in place by governemtn and political parties to fulfill the Gospel of Jesus.
Shane Claiborne Irresistible Revolution
Greg Boyd Myth of a Christian Nation
How do these principles and these philosophies flesh themselves out in everday life and ministry?
Once this message of missional thinking began to be preached in the pulpit etc. DNA was reproduced in small groups by investing time and service for relay for life, meals on wheels, salvation army, etc. Students do missions projects not just missions trips. Giving people a taste of how the other world lives. Sending teams to Louisiana to help restore things. A fifth grade class bought Llamas to provide money and milk for other nations. When you do these things and it is a part of of regular service to the community and the paper catches wind of it and you end up in the news paper then the greater community begins to realize the makeup and DNA of the church...which is the body of Christ...which are individuals incarnated by Jesus Christ. When we do Jesus things (the stuff that Jesus did) people fall in love with Him!
For more info on Riverside Community Church see PEACE handout...from Rick Warrens PEACE plan. Also see RCC Missions Goal & Strategy
As a church what are the right questions to ask?
- Should we be asking "how can we get people to come to our church?" or "how can we get our people to engage our community?"
- What are ways we can engage and bless our communities beyond the walls of the church?
- If your church was removed from our community, who, besides our attendees, would miss it?
- How can we get people
- to down-size in order to make room for compassion in a super-size me culture?
Amazing! I can see how many people would be turned off by what he says...he does seem to be a little more liberal than many would want. I think he has some pretty incredible views that are definitely reflected by the Gospel of Jesus!
New Believer 3
1. Tell me about your journey to faith in Christ?
I was raised Mormon and around 16 I quit going because there seemed to be too many rules. The thought of not going to heaven because I drank a Coca-Cola did not seem right. I always had faith but was turned off to church and what it seemed to be about! I have a friend who attends SVCC and I went to attend and they did not shove anything down my throat and they welcomed me and that helped me to reinvestigate my faith.
2. What helped you the most to step over the line and make the commitment?
Probably, the situation in my life at the time…I was going through a really tough time (depression) and I had a feeling that God was telling me that it was time to come home; as in commit suicide) when I went to church it opened my eyes to what I was missing in life and help me see God in life.
3. What has been the best part of becoming a Christ follower for you?
The peace tat I have. I have 3 teenagers and live is crazy they always have to go somewhere, but I can turn to the Lord and feel peace inside.
4. What has been the most challenging part of following Christ?
Letting go of control and letting God have control. It has been hard to learn how to just let go of it.
5. What do you think is helping you grow the most in your faith?
Prayer…praying and just actually seeing what I am praying for come true. It may not happen right away but it happens.
6. What advice do you have for me in helping others like you to grow in their faith?
Be very compassionate and understanding. Being raised in the Mormon faith was about a bunch of rules and judgmental attitudes. Sometimes it helps when you help people individuals understand that God does not expect us to fit any mold before he will accept us.
Tuesday, April 1, 2008
Mike Hammer
Before Mike started his church he did something for the community. He saw a store front for rent and decided that a neat idea would be to rent the storefront and stock it with cool stuff for students to come and hang out. This opened the door for all kinds of opportunities...he met the mayor, got to speak to the school board and met some prominent people in the neighborhood and community!
I would like to check out the student center and see what it looks like. How much is it open and available for students...what kind of rules are in place...is it volunteer run...how late is it open?
When they decided to start the church they had a decision to use the country club or the legion...needless to say the decision was not difficult (they went with the country club!)
One thing they do on a Wednesday morning at 6:00am (wow!) that has a men fraternity which is described as being "the quest for authentic manhood". It seems that guys would rather get up an extra hour early and do it in the morning than tie up another evening.
Mike feels that as a whole the program works well for discipleship.
Bridges is also an incredible program! Getting real with yourself...who you are...what's in your heart...why do i continue to get stuck...why do i feel the way i do...are there others like me...?
If there is anything you can control it is your emotional growth; but the only way to do this is to be open, honest, and evaluative with yourself. Sometimes in the Christian community we deny the way we feel or what we are going thourgh...we tend to overlook or try to forget our junk and our wounds and those areas in life that we struggle; but before long our issues end up catching up with us and drag us down and can lead to a devastating conclusion!
In life people get stuck...traditional church does not understand this because it believes that when you are are saved you are free from prior bondage! When no body deals with the problems that they are experiencing and we continue to go to church and most of these people are on fire for God and fill leadership roles within the church...the problem is that most of us in the church feel that we are under the blood and that we are all okay...when we are not! We are suffering in silence. "Secrets keep us sick!" Our past sets a tone for where we are now.
Before Mike was even involved with starting a church he did Bridges. In fact, in the beginning Bridges was for the unchurched; but now he uses it for the church. Specifically, he uses it for his leaders in the church.
This sounds neat! It is rare to have the opportunity to investigate your past in a community of believers and work through our hurts.
If so many of our issues come from childhood and our teen years, it would be an awesome idea to somehow implement this in a youth group. Not only can they learn to deal with "junk" that they have experienced in child hood but also stuff that happens every day when they go to school or when they come home, or when they interact with their parents or brothers and sisters.
I think about this and feel that it would be an incredible opportunity to do this with church leadership; but I definitely feel that it would be challenging and difficult. In the long run, I can see it leading to an incredible experience both as individulas but as a ministry team!
I would like to check out the student center and see what it looks like. How much is it open and available for students...what kind of rules are in place...is it volunteer run...how late is it open?
When they decided to start the church they had a decision to use the country club or the legion...needless to say the decision was not difficult (they went with the country club!)
One thing they do on a Wednesday morning at 6:00am (wow!) that has a men fraternity which is described as being "the quest for authentic manhood". It seems that guys would rather get up an extra hour early and do it in the morning than tie up another evening.
Mike feels that as a whole the program works well for discipleship.
Bridges is also an incredible program! Getting real with yourself...who you are...what's in your heart...why do i continue to get stuck...why do i feel the way i do...are there others like me...?
If there is anything you can control it is your emotional growth; but the only way to do this is to be open, honest, and evaluative with yourself. Sometimes in the Christian community we deny the way we feel or what we are going thourgh...we tend to overlook or try to forget our junk and our wounds and those areas in life that we struggle; but before long our issues end up catching up with us and drag us down and can lead to a devastating conclusion!
In life people get stuck...traditional church does not understand this because it believes that when you are are saved you are free from prior bondage! When no body deals with the problems that they are experiencing and we continue to go to church and most of these people are on fire for God and fill leadership roles within the church...the problem is that most of us in the church feel that we are under the blood and that we are all okay...when we are not! We are suffering in silence. "Secrets keep us sick!" Our past sets a tone for where we are now.
Before Mike was even involved with starting a church he did Bridges. In fact, in the beginning Bridges was for the unchurched; but now he uses it for the church. Specifically, he uses it for his leaders in the church.
This sounds neat! It is rare to have the opportunity to investigate your past in a community of believers and work through our hurts.
If so many of our issues come from childhood and our teen years, it would be an awesome idea to somehow implement this in a youth group. Not only can they learn to deal with "junk" that they have experienced in child hood but also stuff that happens every day when they go to school or when they come home, or when they interact with their parents or brothers and sisters.
I think about this and feel that it would be an incredible opportunity to do this with church leadership; but I definitely feel that it would be challenging and difficult. In the long run, I can see it leading to an incredible experience both as individulas but as a ministry team!
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
David Kennard: Riverside Community Church
Today we had David Kennard from Riverside community church come and speak to us. He as been at the church for 10 years as associate pastor and is a site pastor. He graduated from Missouri State University.
He just got done doing a series called "Things I wish Jesus Never Said". Some titles that are included are love your enemies, gouge your eye out, etc.
He would not consider the church seeker sensitive but sensitive to seekers! Some ways that this occurs is to help individuals feel comfortable and unpressured to give. Other ways is to use contemporary music during praise and when there is a big word or a theological term that it is explained and in context. There is also a high value placed on using scripture in context.
The ideas above seem to contribute to the 15% non-Christian attendance on any given sunday! That is amazing! I wonder how a culture is created where unChristians feel comfortable in a church! Don't the church people look down on the others and judge those who are smoking outside of the building? I wonder what "types" of non-Christians attend the church...business men and women? Suburban families? Harley riders?
More than just attending church non-Christians attend "small-groups" with other Christians! That is amazing! How is this possible? What is the common thread? What do they have in common? One way this works is by providing some kind of service for the community where the Christians are almost incognito! "Chicks with Sticks" is a small group of women who Crochet hat and caps for children with cancer! There are probably only 3 Christians out of a potential 20 that attend the group!
The goal of these groups is not to proselytize the other members but they want to give back to the community.
Another way is through golf, tennis, biking, hiking, canoing, geneology groups etc. They advertise these groups in the news paper and they get started.
He calls this free market small groups. These are groups that start because someone is interested in waht they do regardless of what that might be and they create a group for that!
An equation that is used is Discipleship=Relationship+Intentionality. "Lets talk about faith in the context of real life of what happening right now." Diseases, deaths, births, etc. This is not a strategy or program but is a way of life. There are some churches that implement this type of group where there are more people involved in small groups than their are in the church. Church events become venues by which individuals can feel comfortable visiting the church.
If you don't have a small group ministry in the church how do you start one. There must be a leader who will dedicate time, research, and education to creating small groups. This must be supported by the lead pastor. And draw attention to the priesthood of believers.
This type of small group seems interesting because the leaders of the group prepare and go deep with God because they are expected to always be ready and sensitive to those who are seeking.
Another intersting idea is that a group or type of service that exists does not always stay around if their is not a heart-beat for that type of ministry.
Another neat concept that was talked about in regards to the discipleship process and growing process of individuals is the Growth process diagram. It is 360 degrees and is cyclical. It begins with Christianity 101 this begins in winter it is a time to dream. The person changes and the old man is dying and a new person is emerging. In spring is Christianity 201 and the theme is developing. Christianity 301 is discovering who you are strengths and weaknesses etc. Christianity 401 is dedication of lives and Christianity 501 is devotion.
Something interesting was seen when the church did a survey. The survey showed that individuals who had been in the church for more than 4 or 5 years prayed less than individuals who just accepted Christ. This is puzzling but it stirred the pot for creating new ways and new ideas to connecting with God. It seems that the church was focused so much on serving that they failed to get close and learn to know God. One of the ways the church is helping people engage the Bible is by beginning a 9 month long sermon series that will be broken up into 9 or 10 series. Families will be encouraged to read "the story" it is in novel form. They youth ministry will be doing the same thing. Children's ministry will also be doing the same. These will be read in both believer and non-believer groups. It is a church wide journey.
Another thing that i though was phenomenal was the idea of using incredible stories developed directly from a small group community in both sermon series and for introducing small groups. Riverside community church is not a church with small groups but a church of small groups.
Although there are some amazing things that happen in small groups..it does not always turn out the we want.
One time a guy did not come home and he was found dead...he had committed suicide. Another time a husband with two kids had many many homosexual affairs. Small groups are messy! Another example is where two wives decided to up and leave their husbands. Most of the people still attend the church.
A revolutionary concept: "you will not have 85% of your congregation involved in small groups if they are attending Sunday night service, Wednesday night service, and morning service!" I think that this is a great concept that bears a lot of truth. There is just not enough time in a week for individuals to schedule too many things! If small groups are always introverted focused Bible studies then the small groups will die. Their needs to be outward focus. 40 days of purpose and 40 days of community are two resources that shape the DNA of small groups at Riverside Community Church.
I am excited to hear about small groups and the potential for reaching the unchurched and non Christians. Small groups seem to be an incredible way of developing Christians and reaching unchurched. However, small groups seem difficult to manage and develop.
I also feel that trying to incorporate something new in a traditional church or even a church that is somewhat contemporary would be met with incredible resistance.
I would also like to learn how the youth culture reflects the DNA of the church at Riverside Community Church.
He just got done doing a series called "Things I wish Jesus Never Said". Some titles that are included are love your enemies, gouge your eye out, etc.
He would not consider the church seeker sensitive but sensitive to seekers! Some ways that this occurs is to help individuals feel comfortable and unpressured to give. Other ways is to use contemporary music during praise and when there is a big word or a theological term that it is explained and in context. There is also a high value placed on using scripture in context.
The ideas above seem to contribute to the 15% non-Christian attendance on any given sunday! That is amazing! I wonder how a culture is created where unChristians feel comfortable in a church! Don't the church people look down on the others and judge those who are smoking outside of the building? I wonder what "types" of non-Christians attend the church...business men and women? Suburban families? Harley riders?
More than just attending church non-Christians attend "small-groups" with other Christians! That is amazing! How is this possible? What is the common thread? What do they have in common? One way this works is by providing some kind of service for the community where the Christians are almost incognito! "Chicks with Sticks" is a small group of women who Crochet hat and caps for children with cancer! There are probably only 3 Christians out of a potential 20 that attend the group!
The goal of these groups is not to proselytize the other members but they want to give back to the community.
Another way is through golf, tennis, biking, hiking, canoing, geneology groups etc. They advertise these groups in the news paper and they get started.
He calls this free market small groups. These are groups that start because someone is interested in waht they do regardless of what that might be and they create a group for that!
An equation that is used is Discipleship=Relationship+Intentionality. "Lets talk about faith in the context of real life of what happening right now." Diseases, deaths, births, etc. This is not a strategy or program but is a way of life. There are some churches that implement this type of group where there are more people involved in small groups than their are in the church. Church events become venues by which individuals can feel comfortable visiting the church.
If you don't have a small group ministry in the church how do you start one. There must be a leader who will dedicate time, research, and education to creating small groups. This must be supported by the lead pastor. And draw attention to the priesthood of believers.
This type of small group seems interesting because the leaders of the group prepare and go deep with God because they are expected to always be ready and sensitive to those who are seeking.
Another intersting idea is that a group or type of service that exists does not always stay around if their is not a heart-beat for that type of ministry.
Another neat concept that was talked about in regards to the discipleship process and growing process of individuals is the Growth process diagram. It is 360 degrees and is cyclical. It begins with Christianity 101 this begins in winter it is a time to dream. The person changes and the old man is dying and a new person is emerging. In spring is Christianity 201 and the theme is developing. Christianity 301 is discovering who you are strengths and weaknesses etc. Christianity 401 is dedication of lives and Christianity 501 is devotion.
Something interesting was seen when the church did a survey. The survey showed that individuals who had been in the church for more than 4 or 5 years prayed less than individuals who just accepted Christ. This is puzzling but it stirred the pot for creating new ways and new ideas to connecting with God. It seems that the church was focused so much on serving that they failed to get close and learn to know God. One of the ways the church is helping people engage the Bible is by beginning a 9 month long sermon series that will be broken up into 9 or 10 series. Families will be encouraged to read "the story" it is in novel form. They youth ministry will be doing the same thing. Children's ministry will also be doing the same. These will be read in both believer and non-believer groups. It is a church wide journey.
Another thing that i though was phenomenal was the idea of using incredible stories developed directly from a small group community in both sermon series and for introducing small groups. Riverside community church is not a church with small groups but a church of small groups.
Although there are some amazing things that happen in small groups..it does not always turn out the we want.
One time a guy did not come home and he was found dead...he had committed suicide. Another time a husband with two kids had many many homosexual affairs. Small groups are messy! Another example is where two wives decided to up and leave their husbands. Most of the people still attend the church.
A revolutionary concept: "you will not have 85% of your congregation involved in small groups if they are attending Sunday night service, Wednesday night service, and morning service!" I think that this is a great concept that bears a lot of truth. There is just not enough time in a week for individuals to schedule too many things! If small groups are always introverted focused Bible studies then the small groups will die. Their needs to be outward focus. 40 days of purpose and 40 days of community are two resources that shape the DNA of small groups at Riverside Community Church.
I am excited to hear about small groups and the potential for reaching the unchurched and non Christians. Small groups seem to be an incredible way of developing Christians and reaching unchurched. However, small groups seem difficult to manage and develop.
I also feel that trying to incorporate something new in a traditional church or even a church that is somewhat contemporary would be met with incredible resistance.
I would also like to learn how the youth culture reflects the DNA of the church at Riverside Community Church.
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
Nick Poole APC
Nick Poole has an interesting position! He is under Jeff Leake and supports many of the churches that are either church plants from APC or other churches that wanted to get on board with Allison Park!
Initially after graduating from CBC he never saw himself running board and leadership meetings for a church of over 200. With Allison Park, Nicks role can be this at times. This organization is called a multi-church movement.
There is also called MCM ministry school that works with Mission SOS in Stockholm; it trains students and individuals to be church planters in difficult areas. The target audience for this school would be high school students that incorporate Berean courses and also graduating studetns.
A church plant has just been initiated in Tarentum, PA. There has been a small group meeting that met in a house for a while but eventually that house was sold, but around the same time a boxing gym became available and they now meet there.
Some of the things that were done right according to Nick is set up and tear-down. This process only takes about 30minutes. There were also preview services they did 5 and the next time this happens there will only be 3 preview services. Also rather than launching in the winter they will probably launch during the fall.
Some other things that will be changed for the next church plant is securing a worship leader to be there for all of the events and services. Two things necessary for a church plant is a pastor and a worship leaders! This is usually difficult because there is no pay associated with the position...it is necessary to sell the vision and have them grab a hold of it.
Another thing to work on is getting more people from the actual community involved. The mother church lends people to the church plant and already they are beginning to go back to the mother church. From a pastoral perspective it can be painful for individuals involved in the church plant to go back to the mother church. On the flip side there are many people that will get involved in a church plant because they do not like the mother church. There will always be individuals in the church who want something that the church cannot provide. In either case a church plant can be a good idea because it allows individuals to "leave well". One of the challenges is the attituteds being carried into the church plant...also toxic motives and agendas.
One of the church plants launched a second service, but there were many people that did not see a reason for a second service even though there were lack of seats during a regular service. One of the things that helped make navigating these issues successful was casting the vision of reaching the lost, drawing focus to the mission and the heart of Jesus...this usually helps individuals endure those things that they do not necessarily enjoy about the service.
Before Nick even began the process of being involved with APC he was a youth pastor at a more traditional church. The church was an interesting dynamic because initially there was one AG church but it split and Nick became a youth pastor at the one that split. This was interesting because there were many in the church did not like Nick because he grew up in the area and went to the other church and he was considered a traitor.
One of the hang-ups he ran into right out of school that he wished he was better at was asking the right questions during the interview to understand the vision of the pastor for the church, and the leadership style of the pastor (hands-off or involved).
Another misconception is that a small church is an unhealthy church...this is not necessarily true there are many factors that go in to the environment of the church...the community they are in the income level, the relationships created in the church.
One of Nicks primary goals at the different churches he serves at is to equip pastors. He does not want to be seen but desires to work behind the scenes to support the pastor. He wants to help make the Pastor as great as he can be.
Some of my initial impressions that I have of Nick is that he is a learner. It seems that he tries to learn as much as possible. The position that he has could easily lend itself to arrogance and a sense of power that could be abused. But I see that he sees himself as coming along side of pastors and helping out in any way possible!
He seems very knowledgeable and laid back...both adaptable and flexible. Very personable and a great servant leader!
I actually interviewed with Nick Poole for a position at Sharpsburg Assembly of God. Unfortunately it did not work out but I fell in love with the vision and passion of the vision of APC. Not only that but i would have considered it a pleasure working along side of Nick.
Initially after graduating from CBC he never saw himself running board and leadership meetings for a church of over 200. With Allison Park, Nicks role can be this at times. This organization is called a multi-church movement.
There is also called MCM ministry school that works with Mission SOS in Stockholm; it trains students and individuals to be church planters in difficult areas. The target audience for this school would be high school students that incorporate Berean courses and also graduating studetns.
A church plant has just been initiated in Tarentum, PA. There has been a small group meeting that met in a house for a while but eventually that house was sold, but around the same time a boxing gym became available and they now meet there.
Some of the things that were done right according to Nick is set up and tear-down. This process only takes about 30minutes. There were also preview services they did 5 and the next time this happens there will only be 3 preview services. Also rather than launching in the winter they will probably launch during the fall.
Some other things that will be changed for the next church plant is securing a worship leader to be there for all of the events and services. Two things necessary for a church plant is a pastor and a worship leaders! This is usually difficult because there is no pay associated with the position...it is necessary to sell the vision and have them grab a hold of it.
Another thing to work on is getting more people from the actual community involved. The mother church lends people to the church plant and already they are beginning to go back to the mother church. From a pastoral perspective it can be painful for individuals involved in the church plant to go back to the mother church. On the flip side there are many people that will get involved in a church plant because they do not like the mother church. There will always be individuals in the church who want something that the church cannot provide. In either case a church plant can be a good idea because it allows individuals to "leave well". One of the challenges is the attituteds being carried into the church plant...also toxic motives and agendas.
One of the church plants launched a second service, but there were many people that did not see a reason for a second service even though there were lack of seats during a regular service. One of the things that helped make navigating these issues successful was casting the vision of reaching the lost, drawing focus to the mission and the heart of Jesus...this usually helps individuals endure those things that they do not necessarily enjoy about the service.
Before Nick even began the process of being involved with APC he was a youth pastor at a more traditional church. The church was an interesting dynamic because initially there was one AG church but it split and Nick became a youth pastor at the one that split. This was interesting because there were many in the church did not like Nick because he grew up in the area and went to the other church and he was considered a traitor.
One of the hang-ups he ran into right out of school that he wished he was better at was asking the right questions during the interview to understand the vision of the pastor for the church, and the leadership style of the pastor (hands-off or involved).
Another misconception is that a small church is an unhealthy church...this is not necessarily true there are many factors that go in to the environment of the church...the community they are in the income level, the relationships created in the church.
One of Nicks primary goals at the different churches he serves at is to equip pastors. He does not want to be seen but desires to work behind the scenes to support the pastor. He wants to help make the Pastor as great as he can be.
Some of my initial impressions that I have of Nick is that he is a learner. It seems that he tries to learn as much as possible. The position that he has could easily lend itself to arrogance and a sense of power that could be abused. But I see that he sees himself as coming along side of pastors and helping out in any way possible!
He seems very knowledgeable and laid back...both adaptable and flexible. Very personable and a great servant leader!
I actually interviewed with Nick Poole for a position at Sharpsburg Assembly of God. Unfortunately it did not work out but I fell in love with the vision and passion of the vision of APC. Not only that but i would have considered it a pleasure working along side of Nick.
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
Courtney Bancroft Chi Alpha Temple University
Courtney is a southern girl who graduated from Chapel Hill in North Carolina.
It is important to get noticed on big campuses and is difficult to do. One way to get attention is to walk around campus with a "Homer Simpson" head. It began the Gospel according to the Simpsons.
Another time someone dressed up as Satan and autographed "The Screwtape Letters" by C.S. Lewis books.
Being in Chi Alpha ministry is tough...one difficult part about it is raising the budget and traveling to churches constantly. Pastors were not always gracious with their funding, and on top of it, she was having stomach problems, and to top it all off her team members left her in the middle of it. Many times Pastors have a difficult time giving to Chi Alpha when the students bellies are full, they have smiles on their faces, and drive beamers! Whereas giving to starving children in Africa is much easier because there is more of a sense of urgency!
Beginning was difficult. She started by calling local churches and asking if there were any students that went to their church that went to Temple. Upon getting about 4 students out of the 10 total that you need in order to start a campus group. After that it was important to assign student leadership...to make a long story short the president of Chi Alpha ended up slapping Courtney! That is crazy, what in the world? That is crazy! Inevitably Courtney had to ask the girl to leave leadership position.
On top of all of this Courtney began to have minor seizures. These seizures began to get worse and worse and she ended up in the hospital and then in a coma! She is better now and is on medication and finally has her drivers license and car back!
The ministry can be discouraging at times because there are currently only 8 solid individuals who are Christian and that meet regularly. There are more people who come to events but these are unChristians, which is good, but is difficult when you have these individuals get drunk at events and bring cocaine to events. Of course this does not happen all of the time but nevertheless it still does.
One of the most difficult things that Courtney has had to learn is that she does not feel that she is as good at Chi Alpha as she thought she would be. Additionally, fulfilling the call of God on her life has been much more difficult that she thought it would be.
It has also been difficult to be a female in leadership. The Assemblies of God seem to want female leaders but structurally the AG programs do not work for women. For instance, cohorts and catalyst groups. They are mostly for men: topics, attendees, etc.
In regards to opposition from students on campus there only seems to be difficulties with certain groups. There seems to be a "raw hate" from gay trans gender groups.
Courtney seems like an incredible woman with an awesome desire and passion to serve college students. She seems to have good insight and is very level headed and down-to-earth. I feel that she is going to do a phenomenal job reaching our college students on Temple University.
If i ever have any questions about how to network and work with college campus within the local church I am definitely going to contact Courtney. She has a lot to offer and I am inspired by her committment and willingness to persevere during tough times!
It is important to get noticed on big campuses and is difficult to do. One way to get attention is to walk around campus with a "Homer Simpson" head. It began the Gospel according to the Simpsons.
Another time someone dressed up as Satan and autographed "The Screwtape Letters" by C.S. Lewis books.
Being in Chi Alpha ministry is tough...one difficult part about it is raising the budget and traveling to churches constantly. Pastors were not always gracious with their funding, and on top of it, she was having stomach problems, and to top it all off her team members left her in the middle of it. Many times Pastors have a difficult time giving to Chi Alpha when the students bellies are full, they have smiles on their faces, and drive beamers! Whereas giving to starving children in Africa is much easier because there is more of a sense of urgency!
Beginning was difficult. She started by calling local churches and asking if there were any students that went to their church that went to Temple. Upon getting about 4 students out of the 10 total that you need in order to start a campus group. After that it was important to assign student leadership...to make a long story short the president of Chi Alpha ended up slapping Courtney! That is crazy, what in the world? That is crazy! Inevitably Courtney had to ask the girl to leave leadership position.
On top of all of this Courtney began to have minor seizures. These seizures began to get worse and worse and she ended up in the hospital and then in a coma! She is better now and is on medication and finally has her drivers license and car back!
The ministry can be discouraging at times because there are currently only 8 solid individuals who are Christian and that meet regularly. There are more people who come to events but these are unChristians, which is good, but is difficult when you have these individuals get drunk at events and bring cocaine to events. Of course this does not happen all of the time but nevertheless it still does.
One of the most difficult things that Courtney has had to learn is that she does not feel that she is as good at Chi Alpha as she thought she would be. Additionally, fulfilling the call of God on her life has been much more difficult that she thought it would be.
It has also been difficult to be a female in leadership. The Assemblies of God seem to want female leaders but structurally the AG programs do not work for women. For instance, cohorts and catalyst groups. They are mostly for men: topics, attendees, etc.
In regards to opposition from students on campus there only seems to be difficulties with certain groups. There seems to be a "raw hate" from gay trans gender groups.
Courtney seems like an incredible woman with an awesome desire and passion to serve college students. She seems to have good insight and is very level headed and down-to-earth. I feel that she is going to do a phenomenal job reaching our college students on Temple University.
If i ever have any questions about how to network and work with college campus within the local church I am definitely going to contact Courtney. She has a lot to offer and I am inspired by her committment and willingness to persevere during tough times!
Unchurched Friend # 2 Interview
The following interview is one that I conducted with an old friend. He is also part of the group of guys that I hung out with and got into trouble with. He is doing much better than many of my old friends though (at least in regards to adding or taking away from the community). His salvation has still not been secured. It does seem however that he has an interest and that he would not be opposed to learning more about God, Christ and salvation. This sounds like a good opportunity for me to come along side of him and be a pastor to him. (I am referring to his answer to number 6!)
I am incredibly excited to see the progress he is making in life. He has ambitions, goals, an dis looking forward at the possibilities that lie ahead of him.
Below is the interview:
I am incredibly excited to see the progress he is making in life. He has ambitions, goals, an dis looking forward at the possibilities that lie ahead of him.
Below is the interview:
1. What do you think is the greatest need in your area?
One major problem in my current area is the quality of highway transportation in and out of the surrounding area. With the improvement of this transportation I feel the area would experience more tourism, more business expansions and draw a more general interest as a whole.
2. Are you actively attending any church?
No
3. What are a few issues or topics that impact/interest you?
The Presidential Election
Interest rates, Tax rates (
Establishment of State Residency (According to Government Statutes)
4. Why do you think most people don’t attend church?
Church and education used to be linked together close enough to where you could have almost considered it to be one. Now with the two distinctly separated, religion is falling farther behind mainly to lack of teachings of religion.
5. If you were to look for a church to attend, what kind of things would you look for?
Acceptance without belief, one where you are entitled to formulate your own opinion but still be just as much a part of it as anyone else. Also one that’s mass consists not only of the teaching of the bible, but also considers how we live in the 21st century.
Be open minded of everyone’s beliefs and don’t try to impress your beliefs upon others, rather be more of a guide or adviser, and friend.
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
Courntney--Glad Tidings
Courtney is only 24 and is a Pastor at Glad Tidings Assembly of God. She graduated from VFCC in 2006, and oversees the varsity student ministries.
The core of the youth is driven by small groups! It helps new comers get connected and allows leaders to feeel that they are investing in the life of students.
One of the biggest adjustments moving from college to being a youth pastor was learning that you are always being watched. Learning to balance cutting age and relevant ministry with holiness has been a difficult struggle, but being able to have an open dialog with the Pastor and Youth Ministry Director has helped significantly.
Some other issues that have been encountered is the transition from children's church to youth. One of difficulties is that parents try their best and succeed at sheltering their kids and keeping them on the right track. This results in mostly all Christian kids getting together for children's church. Then when these same children make a transition into the youth group setting and these same students come into contact with children who did not grow up in the church and the parents become worried and concerned that their kids might make bad decisions about who to hang out with and compromise their beliefs.
When it comes to discipleship it does not seem that big and crazy outreaches are effective as they might at first seem. tons of kids would come, get saved, but not come back. Their outreaches were not changes students lives.
Deep and wide is a survey done by Doug fields (see handout) to discover whether or not discipleship and evangelism is effective in what it should be doing.
Some Observations from survey:
While 89.1 % of students feel comfortable at Real Life, and 68.1 % of students say they would feel comfortable inviting a friend on ANY night...
While 57.1% of our students claim to have be Christians with a growing faith...nearly 2/3 of our students read their Bible and pray Less than once a week or never, and only 1/3 of our students feel thy could defend the existence of God.
Courtney had a wealth of information, and after speaking with Eran Holt a few times about how Glad Tidings does youth ministry it really makes a lot of sense. I also think that i will check out more information on the surveys, results, and organizations of the data.
Courtney seems incredibly sensible and passionate about her position and about students. It is also very encouraging to see a female youth pastor who is doing amazing things!
One out of four students had NEVER BROUGHT a friend.
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
Dave Crosby Jr.
Dave went to Messiah college for psychology and business and also took Berean classes. Daves first position was on staff with his dad David Crosby as a youth pastor and music pastor.
It was good but there were challenges with working with my father. it is was important to respect the boundaries and position of pastor but was easy to accidentally step over boundaries.
Microeconomic development is where there is a community of extremely poor people who are willing to work and helping them start out there own businesses. Macroeconomic develoment is on a larger scale. This idea was birthed out of a passion to reach restricted areas with the Gospel but through a different means than preaching. Mostly it is a humanitarian effort that provides health services and products to these nations and countries.
Over time, approximately 2 years, he began to miss the daily grind of the local church. After one unseccessful ten year plan for a church plant; got began to resurrect a new vision and desire. His plans moved from Hershey, PA to Poconos, PA.
One of the most important things in ministry is marrying the right person. "That decision can make or break you!"
There were many ethical decisions with this type of move because God seemed to be calling David jr back to the Poconos to start a church in the same community that he used to be on staff a a church there. The bottom line was asking and investigating whether or not this was from God.
During this process and journey of life finding a mentor was an essential step...through prayer, an opening of eyes and pursuing relationships that landed him in the middle of solid mentoring relationships.
David describes the church as multicultural with over 40 nations being represented. The average attendance of the church is from 800-1100. Although the church is big numerically and only five years old it is immature in many respects...very similar to some of the things that you encounter when raising a child, except there is less control!
One thing that many church planting manuals and other curriculum will not address is that of "waiting for the power of the Holy Spirit"; through prayer. This was the primary ingredient that finished the recipe of the passion that God began in Dave's heart.
Additionally, vision and a strong leadership team is important...because there are times where you have to brace for a snow storm..."when you plant a church every "flake" in town will come.
The vision of the Poconos church is to lead people into a growing relationship with Jesus Christ. Modeling this concept in personal lives is essential in completing the vision of the church. Teaching the vision and articulating it in everyday life is essential! Some ways that this is currently being done is through adressing needs in the community and reach out with the love of Christ, in a practical way, to make a difference! They are doing a blood drive with the American Red Cross! It is amzaing that the church does not meet in a church building but in a local High School!
Another way, is by providing food for those who have to choose between food or gas. Another thing is to do a gas buy down at three different stations where they will buy the gas and sell it for a dollar cheaper! What an amazing concept...not only does it reach people with the love of Jesus but it also provides great advertising for the church and Jesus because every newspaper and news station come to check it out.
Events do not have to have a lot of money to do great outreaches...water bottle give aways to mailmen, bus-drivers, etc. This builds great community support...it lets people and organizations know that someone cares!
The only way to get people saved is to invite people to get saved...a lot of time is spent thinking about first impressions. The work really hard to make the first 7 minutes impressionable in a good way. It needs to be friendly, easy, and enjoyable! It can be as easy as having people in the parking lots waving hello/good morning. Also showing that there is a value on children and that they are in safe hands. There is also free continental breakfast and Starbucks coffee. Also to connect with individuals sermons series are used alot and also secular music to start off some of the sermons.
As for discipleship David recognizes that the church might be a little on the weak side. As he has recognized this as one of his weaknesses he makes it a strength by using some purpose driven information.
The purpose driven church idea is relatively old based on helping individuals intentionally seek after God. Spiritual growth is an intentional process. Using the baseball diamond can be a framework on specific bases and foundation on which we need to begin to build foundations on. At each "base" a covenant is agreed upon! First base begins with membership then on to 2nd base which is considered maturity (exhibiting Christ in life; committing to daily habits!) Third base is ministry every member is a minister: priesthood of all believers. Home base is mission: living out purpose God designed for you.
A healthy church should have 33% indivdiuals who are living in sin (not saved or even close). 33% should have made a decision for Christ and be on 1st or second base. Another 33% of the church should be composed of bases 3 and 4: they are on fire for God. We try move individual in the community from a "come and see" mentality to a dedication and fire form God.
In every church the goal should be to reach the different levels of people: community, crowd, congregation, committed, and core.
A fault of any system is that a person can go through all of the classes and jump through all of the "hoops" their hears still might not be changes.
Another system employed in conjunction with the previous is the SHAPE model. Spiritual, Hurt, Abilities, Personality, and Experience.
Reflections:
I am wondering if 60 hours a week is a normal work week for a pastor; regardless of the size. I wonder if that is necessary to grow a church. Is this healthy for the church, for the pastor, or for the family? I know that it can be done and great rewards for both the church and the Kingdom of God occur because of individuals hard work however it seems that this type of mind-set can be risky!
I am highly impressed by his demeanor and humility. He does not come across as with a "haughty" attitude but one of simplicity...although he is a very knowledgeable and complex individual.
Of the many people that we have hear speak thus far I look at Dave and say "that is a person that I would like to follow after!" The other speakers have definitely been inspirational and led me to think a lot about thinking outside of the box. I would like to learn how youth pastors have decided whether or not they value the same things as their senior pastors and whether or not this will effect the relationship for either a positive or negative effect.
I am also wondering whether or not the model that Dave uses from both SHAPE and Rick Warren would work in other settings. Additionally, where would this model work best: with families, youth, commuter communities, and even rural communities? Are there any things that make Poconos Church excel that other areas do not have?
I think that it would be nice to hear from churches where "nothing is happening" at least according to some of the previous church planters we have heard. I am wondering how a struggling church can win people for Jesus. Would a free breakfast and Starbucks even work in some areas?
When I think about some churches that I know about, at least in a rural area, I do not see how, or why an unsaved individual would want to step foot in a church!
It would also be nice to have a list of resources or top 10 reads that Dave would recommend for discipleship, church planting, evangelism, pastoral, etc. to help individuals grow and read good stuff!
It was good but there were challenges with working with my father. it is was important to respect the boundaries and position of pastor but was easy to accidentally step over boundaries.
Microeconomic development is where there is a community of extremely poor people who are willing to work and helping them start out there own businesses. Macroeconomic develoment is on a larger scale. This idea was birthed out of a passion to reach restricted areas with the Gospel but through a different means than preaching. Mostly it is a humanitarian effort that provides health services and products to these nations and countries.
Over time, approximately 2 years, he began to miss the daily grind of the local church. After one unseccessful ten year plan for a church plant; got began to resurrect a new vision and desire. His plans moved from Hershey, PA to Poconos, PA.
One of the most important things in ministry is marrying the right person. "That decision can make or break you!"
There were many ethical decisions with this type of move because God seemed to be calling David jr back to the Poconos to start a church in the same community that he used to be on staff a a church there. The bottom line was asking and investigating whether or not this was from God.
During this process and journey of life finding a mentor was an essential step...through prayer, an opening of eyes and pursuing relationships that landed him in the middle of solid mentoring relationships.
David describes the church as multicultural with over 40 nations being represented. The average attendance of the church is from 800-1100. Although the church is big numerically and only five years old it is immature in many respects...very similar to some of the things that you encounter when raising a child, except there is less control!
One thing that many church planting manuals and other curriculum will not address is that of "waiting for the power of the Holy Spirit"; through prayer. This was the primary ingredient that finished the recipe of the passion that God began in Dave's heart.
Additionally, vision and a strong leadership team is important...because there are times where you have to brace for a snow storm..."when you plant a church every "flake" in town will come.
The vision of the Poconos church is to lead people into a growing relationship with Jesus Christ. Modeling this concept in personal lives is essential in completing the vision of the church. Teaching the vision and articulating it in everyday life is essential! Some ways that this is currently being done is through adressing needs in the community and reach out with the love of Christ, in a practical way, to make a difference! They are doing a blood drive with the American Red Cross! It is amzaing that the church does not meet in a church building but in a local High School!
Another way, is by providing food for those who have to choose between food or gas. Another thing is to do a gas buy down at three different stations where they will buy the gas and sell it for a dollar cheaper! What an amazing concept...not only does it reach people with the love of Jesus but it also provides great advertising for the church and Jesus because every newspaper and news station come to check it out.
Events do not have to have a lot of money to do great outreaches...water bottle give aways to mailmen, bus-drivers, etc. This builds great community support...it lets people and organizations know that someone cares!
The only way to get people saved is to invite people to get saved...a lot of time is spent thinking about first impressions. The work really hard to make the first 7 minutes impressionable in a good way. It needs to be friendly, easy, and enjoyable! It can be as easy as having people in the parking lots waving hello/good morning. Also showing that there is a value on children and that they are in safe hands. There is also free continental breakfast and Starbucks coffee. Also to connect with individuals sermons series are used alot and also secular music to start off some of the sermons.
As for discipleship David recognizes that the church might be a little on the weak side. As he has recognized this as one of his weaknesses he makes it a strength by using some purpose driven information.
The purpose driven church idea is relatively old based on helping individuals intentionally seek after God. Spiritual growth is an intentional process. Using the baseball diamond can be a framework on specific bases and foundation on which we need to begin to build foundations on. At each "base" a covenant is agreed upon! First base begins with membership then on to 2nd base which is considered maturity (exhibiting Christ in life; committing to daily habits!) Third base is ministry every member is a minister: priesthood of all believers. Home base is mission: living out purpose God designed for you.
A healthy church should have 33% indivdiuals who are living in sin (not saved or even close). 33% should have made a decision for Christ and be on 1st or second base. Another 33% of the church should be composed of bases 3 and 4: they are on fire for God. We try move individual in the community from a "come and see" mentality to a dedication and fire form God.
In every church the goal should be to reach the different levels of people: community, crowd, congregation, committed, and core.
A fault of any system is that a person can go through all of the classes and jump through all of the "hoops" their hears still might not be changes.
Another system employed in conjunction with the previous is the SHAPE model. Spiritual, Hurt, Abilities, Personality, and Experience.
Reflections:
I am wondering if 60 hours a week is a normal work week for a pastor; regardless of the size. I wonder if that is necessary to grow a church. Is this healthy for the church, for the pastor, or for the family? I know that it can be done and great rewards for both the church and the Kingdom of God occur because of individuals hard work however it seems that this type of mind-set can be risky!
I am highly impressed by his demeanor and humility. He does not come across as with a "haughty" attitude but one of simplicity...although he is a very knowledgeable and complex individual.
Of the many people that we have hear speak thus far I look at Dave and say "that is a person that I would like to follow after!" The other speakers have definitely been inspirational and led me to think a lot about thinking outside of the box. I would like to learn how youth pastors have decided whether or not they value the same things as their senior pastors and whether or not this will effect the relationship for either a positive or negative effect.
I am also wondering whether or not the model that Dave uses from both SHAPE and Rick Warren would work in other settings. Additionally, where would this model work best: with families, youth, commuter communities, and even rural communities? Are there any things that make Poconos Church excel that other areas do not have?
I think that it would be nice to hear from churches where "nothing is happening" at least according to some of the previous church planters we have heard. I am wondering how a struggling church can win people for Jesus. Would a free breakfast and Starbucks even work in some areas?
When I think about some churches that I know about, at least in a rural area, I do not see how, or why an unsaved individual would want to step foot in a church!
It would also be nice to have a list of resources or top 10 reads that Dave would recommend for discipleship, church planting, evangelism, pastoral, etc. to help individuals grow and read good stuff!
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
Believer Interview # 1
The following interview is with a woman who just recently accepted Christ as Lord in her life and attends SVCC. Sadly, I think that I was the second or third person to do an interview with her...I probably should have asked different questions!
It does seem that she is a "baby" in Christ, and although her attitude and posture towards many things might be offensive toward some (you would not be able to tell from her responses) it is refreshing to even be able to find a new believer in the church that I attend! I can think of churches that I have attended that I would not be able to find a new believer! I would be lucky to find a Christian that had only know the Lord for less than 5 years...and it would probably be a student from youth!
The more I began to think about this the more I began to wonder if the church is fulfilling its mission? And if it is not, how can it begin to do so? Especially when considering some of the older traditional churches...maybe they do not want to reach a younger generation because they would have to adapt different ways of thinking and doing music, or different style of preaching, but is there a way for them to reach their own generation? Statistically, that would be a difficult challenge but I would love to investigate and hear stories of how an older church that is more traditional would go about reaching people their own age with the Gospel of Jesus Christ...and if this even happens!
Tell me about your journey to faith in Christ.
I am still a baby in Christ and I am getting to know Him more and more each day.
What helped you the most to step over the line and make the commitment?
Trials and tribulations; Christ has really been revealing
Himself to me.
What has been the best part of becoming a Christ follower for you?
Getting to know Him and realizing how much He truly
does love me.
What has been the most challenging part of following Christ?
Changing my worldly habits; still working on it.
What do you think is helping you grow the most in your faith?
Reading God’s word.
What advice do you have for me in helping others like you to grow in their faith?
Get to know God by reading the bible, prayer, and believe!!
Tuesday, February 5, 2008
Dan Miller: Transforming the Community
The following Speaker notes are from Dan Miller talking about Transforming the Community.
He took Berean Bible Couses and has been Pastor and Associate Youth Pastors.
Divine guidance has led into amazing things.
Off topic marriage tips:
- never keep records of wrongs
- never raise your voice to your wife (God gave you her as a gift yelling at her is yelling at God)
- Get married quick!
His church was recently spotlighted on the 700 club.
If you are going to change you community you have to be seen. People must perceive you as if you have something to offer.
You transform the community by stopping: thinking about the church. God told us to build the Kingdom! God is first, the community is second, the church is fifth.
"Member services are out" Ministry needs to revolve around Kingdom Principle.
To change the community we need to change our mindset.
When Dan first arrived at Back Mountain Church there were only 15 people in the church, the facilities were run down and viewed by the community as cultic or as a secret community. He began to go out into the community earned the right to speak into peoples lives by being genuine.
The church he went to only had $32.00 in the check book. Upon arrival the 15 individuals that were there were shortly introduced to other churches that would "fit" them better.
There cannot be fighting among Christians within the church based on styles of preaching and praise. The only frustrations we should be having is from trying to win people over who have not been saved.
Upward programs at the church help introduce people to Christ.
Upward basketball programs: is built on the premise of life skills (team player, integrity, kindness to officials etc.) and focuses on playing not winning!
Other Upward programs:
Basketball
Soccer
flag Football
Basketball Camp
Cheer leading Camp
Soccer Camp
Mission Camp
At all the programs students commit to participate in devotions, and these devotions can be led by individuals from the communities, coaches, etc.
When there was enough money to build a building the typical church center was not built but the Rock Recreation Center.
While driving around on his motorcycle in nice neighborhoods God asked him "how are you going to minister to that doctor, to that lawyer, to that business man?" The Lord told him to build a facility that they would go to!
Membership fees are charged: Student Memberships are $199.00; Single Membership is $239.00; and married couples are $459:00. Money is not necessarily made off of this the memberships help but the church supports it.
The building is currently listed as a non-profit 501 c3
The next project is to build a sanctuary that also functions as a school, dinner/theatre, etc.
This guy is passionate! This guy is passionate! This guy is passionate! This guy is passionate!
He is humble and sincerely believe in the power of God!
The goal of the church is to minister to only 1000 people but to minstre to 10,000's of people in the community.
There are rarely altar calls during Sunday service: the Sunday service is for equipping the saints to win people outside the church!
I am wondering how or what discipleship looks like. Another way of asking is the assimilation of people into the church or if that even happens. Is it a goal of the Rock Recreation Center? Is it supposed to funnel people into the church?
- A brief response to this is that they do not go to the church but they go to the people of the church, which eventually leads them into the church!
- In order to strengthen the discipleship process the pastor admits they are weak but if he were to look down on the church they would need to develop more discipleship classes. This would involve follow-up of the individuals who accept Jesus. Small groups are also going to help with the process.
- The way discipleship is going to be done is: three pronged. The major focus is to attach people to a small group that study the word of God.
- The second is to extend personal invitation to new converts to a small group.
- Other concern is that it seems that you have to be a special type of person to be able to do something like this.
- Response: If God is for you, who can be against you? If God goes before you...
- If God has called you: He will empower you!
- I tend to over think things but I wonder if you question your call that you are not called.
- Does a calling have to come down to one moment? If you are truly called will you or should you remember this moment?
- Can a calling develop over time? What does it feel like? How is it seen? What questions do you need to ask to discover this? How would a new convert discover whether or not he or she is called into the ministry?
It also might seem that the church has grown mostly because of Dan Millers personality. One of the fears is who is being raised up to take the place when Dan is no longer there?
- When it comes to the Rock Recreation, the Pig Roast, the Nativity Dan is hands off. He might give altar calls every now and then but other than that everything has been handed off.
- Finding people that have the following qualities or can answer the question: do you fill called to ministry. Is the requirement to serve at the church! Second question is what are your strategies? If God calls you he will give you strategies to reach that area.
- "Eagles fly alone" if you are youth pastor, executive pastor, children's etc.
- One of my difficulties with this is the mentoring factor.
- Another quality that needs to be in place is: subordination. Loyalty! The goal of the guy underneath should be to make the other guy better!
- Pet Peeves: after service is over not interacting with the people who are there is a pet peeve. smacking and shaking hands, kissing babies, etc is expected.
Monday, February 4, 2008
Unchurched Friend Interview # 1
Before I believed that I could have a true relationship with the deity in the sky that created the universe, I believed that life was for living and that living was for a good time. Of course, there are many different ideas on what exactly "a good time" means, I believe that I adhered to the more pleasurable side of life...some would even call it hedonism. The means by which I sought this were quite spiritual however, for I began to seek "out of this world experiences" and gained these a number of ways...a few of which being alcohol and drug use.
During this time in my life I associated with individuals who of the same mind and similar purpose of life...to have a good time. The first unchurched friend that I began a dialog with is of this sort and still lives with the same philosophy of life. Although we both hold very different views in contrast to God, the church, faith and matters of spirituality there is much that was learned and this was a true and honest attempt at understanding not only long-held beliefs by my unchurched friend but by my myself 6 years prior.
This is has been our dialog thus far:
During this time in my life I associated with individuals who of the same mind and similar purpose of life...to have a good time. The first unchurched friend that I began a dialog with is of this sort and still lives with the same philosophy of life. Although we both hold very different views in contrast to God, the church, faith and matters of spirituality there is much that was learned and this was a true and honest attempt at understanding not only long-held beliefs by my unchurched friend but by my myself 6 years prior.
This is has been our dialog thus far:
1. Has there ever been a time in your life when you believed and or doubted in the existence of a God? Please explain.
2.If there were a God, or if you believe in God or a god; would you think that he/she/it/they wants to be involved in the activities of our lives? If your answer is yes, what would this look like? How would you go about discovering whether or not a God or gods wanted to take part in the personal affairs of humanity?
from what i has seen and personally been through i believe that whoever is up switches and levers is just watching us. to see what we do and what we become... a science experiment of sorts if you must. see there is one thing in all religions that remind the same. Good vs. Evil... it the only factor that everyone can agree on.
3.What are your thoughts about Jesus? Did He exist? Why do you think that so many people insist that He came and that it was necessary? If Jesus did come or even if He did not is He relevant for today? Why or why not?
i believe that story of Jesus is a nice fable. if the man existed he was no god or part of a holy trilogy. he was just a man who cared do much that it gave people around him hope, almost like magic. the catholic church has never really stood very well in my book. in history they have killed more people for the wrong reason then almost all the
Frostburg needs.....hmmmm..... wow, so many needs in such a small area.
i think what it needs the most is a hangout for the younger generations. something guys like us didn't have. a place where they can meet up and not feel like that have to watch out all the time. a place that is going to give them other options then just what’s out there now. a skate park, a pool hall, hell even a malt shop would work....just something so that drugs, drinking, sex, and trouble don't seem like their only options.
5.If you were looking for a church to attend what are some things you would look for?
6.What advice can you give to pastors who really want to be helpful to people?
7. When you hear people talking about “the church” or “Christians” or “Christianity” what are you initial “gut reactions”…what are some words you would use to describe your feelings?
usually i try to steer clear of those conversations... Catholics are very hairy to talk to about religion because they as so passionate about blind faith. they don't need proof to be correct. i must admit it makes me happy to see people content and in bliss with the feeling that religion gives them... I just can't help but feel sorry at the same time thinking "what if they are simply being led and that’s the lesson we need to learn"
8. From your personal experience and the experience of others how do you think the church views individuals who do not go to church…and how do they view “lost” people. Do you feel that this is appropriate or inappropriate? How could the church or Christians be better?
i get three types of people in that respect. the kind feels sorry that you will burn in hell but they are very nice and polite about it. the next ones are basically the same but they make it a point not to be nice to the "non-believers". and the last are the ones that have their faith and don't press it on other people. i believe the church would do a lot better if they would be a lot more honest with the world and themselves. they try to censor what they think we don't need to know about and then deny it when it slaps them in the face. i think they should start by following a lot more of their own binding principals in their faith....from what i have read about Christians and Catholics ...they are some of the nicest people on the planet, but most of them never show that side.
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
Gerry Stoltzfoos
Freedom Valley Worhsip Center: www.gettysburg.com cooperating with Gettysburg Masters Commission.
A community of people who felt like outcasts coming together and finding Christ...IN A TATTOO PARLOR!
You can't please anybody...most people who come to Feedom Valley that have a church background usually do not like it. Many people who enjoy this church are those who have been burned by church in some way.
He was a youth pastor for 10 years and an assistant pastor for a few year...over this time he felt the call to plant a church in the Philadelphia section. Nothing happened for some time and then he got a call from a section in the complete opposite direction! Initial response was no way, no how...on top of all that the Assemblies of God had rubbed him the wrong way and the furthest thing from his mind was starting a church with the support of an AG church!
Tagged as an outcast as disregarding authority, and living in rebellion he continued to pursue he call God put on his life. His vision given to him by God was to reach people that would not ever step foot in another church..."it does not work and does not fit what we need"
It is encouraging to see an individual that will stand up against opposition and pursue what he believes God called him to do. His stories of individuals who eventually repented of their thinking and initial opposition shows that when the Holy Spirit moves it convicts individuals and hen they listen to that they can jump on board as well.
In 1992 we started the church and started with 42 people which after a few weeks dwindled to only about 7. The church was the ball room at the hotel, then to YWCA, and then another place and finally a place that was purchased after the FBI raided and confiscated all of the stuff in it.
People need to be loved and cared for...there are many ways to care for individuals.
- skateboard park
- therapeutic horse back riding
- indoor riding arena (providing ministry to to handicapped individuals)
- Cowboy church (horse riding events interspersed with preaching: barrel racing and then a 5 min sermon on one point while they set up for the key hole race..etc)
- Bomb Shelter- a concert series held at a renovated steak house. Usually a group of garage bands, usually three Christian band and one heathen band. The goal is to have people there that are not so much into the music but into loving kids and networking.
- Coffee house- it began with a lot of criticism within the church but that has died down quite a bit. Trying to create a place to open the doors for hurting people to go instead of a bar. Three Q's i ask the lady who runs it: 1) How many people do you pray with? 2)
How can we do church different than we are currently doing it? A question we must ask is: is what we are doing currently working? One of the most important things is that 8 out of 10 ideas that have been tired have not worked.
Example:
- Ruby Tuesdays outreach; brought in a few lost families: it was a ton of work for little gain.
- Missions raffle: tried to raffle off a harley! The gaming commission called; some lady called Tom rees at the district to complain of a church gambling.
- Coffee shop- 120,000 dollars went down the drain. There was oppostion form educated democratic...but a woman in a church opened up another coffee shop 3 years later and it is booming!
- Site churches with video- failed miserably!
"I don't listen to people just because they have been in the church for a while; I listen to peopel who bring people to church!"
speaking in tongues: alternative voices in faith. abc news "science in faith"
WOW WOW WOW WOW WOW WOW WOW WOW WOW WOW WOW WOW...
The most effective thing that they do to reach people is called "friend day". Before the in initial service there is prayer for the individuals. Then the service is composed of food just long enough to meet people.
Listening to Gerry, I am blown away! I have very rarely seen practical information and stories that apply to the essence of humanity and the need and hurt that can be healed.
I just pray that God can use me in creative ways. I pray that i can get to the essence of community, salvation, and healing. I pray that I recognize the power of prayer...
"out reach is not about creativity or creative ideas; it is about caring about individuals going to hell! Creativity springs from a desire to love people!"
some general observations:
positives:
- he is not afraid to take risks
- he is not afraid to fail
- he is courageous but at the same time humble
- He can provide vision
- he is real and truthful.
- he believes in prayer and the power and the amazing conviction that God hears and answers.
- his truthfulness can become a vulnerability
- the constant opposition of the church and others could weigh heavy on him and lead to burn-out.
- his constant transitions and creativity could have negative impact on not only him but the church as well.
- i wonder if he does or does not try to build bridges or tear them down with other churches that seem to be more traditional and "stuck in the mud".
My Journey into Youth Ministry
In addition to interviews being conducted with vicarious churched and unchurched individuals, I have decided to calm my fears of future youth ministry by gathering some useful information...hopefully what I learn will not be to scary!
I have not mentioned before...I think...but, I am getting a degree in youth ministry! Seeing that I have completed all necessary course credits for this degree, I am about to venture out into the world of reality and hard knocks. The time has come to test theories, ideas, and hypothesis in the metaphorical refining fire...real students with real needs!
Some of my greatest fears at least thus far is what am I going to do. What will be my primary focus? How much time will certain aspects of ministry take up, and will I have enough time to do all that I want to accomplish (I obviously know that the answer to this is an emphatic NO!); however what will I be able to accomplish with the time I have. Not only that but will it be eternally valuable, not only to the students I am ministering too but the parents and the greater community I am serving.
Now is the time that I "pull my britches up", "get my feet wet", and "my hands dirty"! Now is the time that I fear! I am internally crying HEEEEELLLLLLLPPPPPPP! I feel like I am going to drown! And just think I have not even begun to do the work; I have only begun to think about it!
Because of all that, I have decided that "a" good place to start is to survey some current youth students and also some who have graduated and get an idea for what they enjoyed about or what they missed out on, and what they would like to see changed in the following areas: personal, pastor, service, friends and sermon. Although, I would like to have spent additional time researching survey methods and comprehensive techniques for administering surveys I just felt the need to get in there and do it! After, I have finished receiving all of the surveys I will collate the results and graph them...nothing professional but will definitely help me make a first step in ministry!
You will find the actual survey sent out to the students below and later under the same label or tag the collated results of the survey!
If you would like to help me in this endeavor shoot me a comment and I will send you a copy of the survey: from there you can either distribute it a few or many and have it emailed back to my email address!
Please keep in mind that all names and answers will be kept confidential and anonymous.
I have not mentioned before...I think...but, I am getting a degree in youth ministry! Seeing that I have completed all necessary course credits for this degree, I am about to venture out into the world of reality and hard knocks. The time has come to test theories, ideas, and hypothesis in the metaphorical refining fire...real students with real needs!
Some of my greatest fears at least thus far is what am I going to do. What will be my primary focus? How much time will certain aspects of ministry take up, and will I have enough time to do all that I want to accomplish (I obviously know that the answer to this is an emphatic NO!); however what will I be able to accomplish with the time I have. Not only that but will it be eternally valuable, not only to the students I am ministering too but the parents and the greater community I am serving.
Now is the time that I "pull my britches up", "get my feet wet", and "my hands dirty"! Now is the time that I fear! I am internally crying HEEEEELLLLLLLPPPPPPP! I feel like I am going to drown! And just think I have not even begun to do the work; I have only begun to think about it!
Because of all that, I have decided that "a" good place to start is to survey some current youth students and also some who have graduated and get an idea for what they enjoyed about or what they missed out on, and what they would like to see changed in the following areas: personal, pastor, service, friends and sermon. Although, I would like to have spent additional time researching survey methods and comprehensive techniques for administering surveys I just felt the need to get in there and do it! After, I have finished receiving all of the surveys I will collate the results and graph them...nothing professional but will definitely help me make a first step in ministry!
You will find the actual survey sent out to the students below and later under the same label or tag the collated results of the survey!
If you would like to help me in this endeavor shoot me a comment and I will send you a copy of the survey: from there you can either distribute it a few or many and have it emailed back to my email address!
Please keep in mind that all names and answers will be kept confidential and anonymous.
On a scale of 1 to 10 (1 being the least important and 10 being the most important) please rate the following in your own life.
Please place your response to the right of the question.
1. God
2. Church
3. Youth Group
4. Family
5. Friends
6. School activities: Please name each one you are involved in and the corresponding number representing how important it is to you.
7. Dating
Please answer the following about your current youth group and/or a previous youth group.
If you no longer attend youth group because you graduated from high school please respond according to what you remember!
Personal:
1. Do you attend youth group regularly (at least 2 times out of the month)?
2. Name at least 2 things (more if you want) that attracted you most to your youth group?
3. Name at least 2 things (more if you want) that “turned you off” from the youth group?
4. If you still attend youth group regularly name at least 2 things (more if you want) that made you want stay.
5. If you do not attend youth group regularly name at least 2 things (more if you want) that prevent you from wanting to attend regularly.
Pastor:
1. What are at least two things (more if you want) you like most about the youth pastor?
2. If you could change two things (more if you want) about the youth pastor what would they be?
3. How could the youth pastor serve you and the community better?
Service:
1. What are at least two things (more if you want) you like most about the youth service?
2. If you could change two things (more if you want) about the youth service what would they be?
3. How could the youth service be made better?
Friends:
1. How often to you bring friends to youth group with you?
2. What would make bringing friends to youth group easier for you?
3. What makes bringing friends to youth difficult for you?
1. What are at least five (more if you want) important topics that you would like to hear about in youth group?
2. What are at least five (more if you want) important topics that you think your un-churched friends should hear about if they were to come to youth group?
P.S. I want to thank each and every one of you for your participation in the survey…it will go a long way to helping me become the youth pastor God has called me to be!
Introduction to Unchurched Friend Interviews:
In the following posts you will have the opportunity to view various interviews and interactions with individuals who are considered "unchurched". I have only completed my first one and I am already learning new tricks to open a casual dialog about something important..."finally"!
I am currently in a college level class at a Christian college that is challenging us to dialog with both churched and unchurched about matters of God, faith, and community. Thus far I am thrilled to announce that this challenge has opened the door for open and honest communication about things that are otherwise not talked about...at least between a Christian and a non-Christian!
In the up-coming posts, I will describe my relationship with the individual give some background information in order to put some of their thoughts in context and I might even update each individuals post with current discussion threads and topics of conversation between myself and the individual.
Not only am I excited to begin this process, but I am hoping that I will develop a solid network of unsaved acquaintances that I will have the opportunity, not to save or evangelize, but to dialog with! I believe that it will be from these meaningful conversations about faith or lack thereof that not only will broaden my view of how God and humanity relate to one another but will open the door for them to begin to believe that their might be a God that wants to be involved in the affairs of humanity while at the same time deepen their understanding of how that relationship works!
I am currently in a college level class at a Christian college that is challenging us to dialog with both churched and unchurched about matters of God, faith, and community. Thus far I am thrilled to announce that this challenge has opened the door for open and honest communication about things that are otherwise not talked about...at least between a Christian and a non-Christian!
In the up-coming posts, I will describe my relationship with the individual give some background information in order to put some of their thoughts in context and I might even update each individuals post with current discussion threads and topics of conversation between myself and the individual.
Not only am I excited to begin this process, but I am hoping that I will develop a solid network of unsaved acquaintances that I will have the opportunity, not to save or evangelize, but to dialog with! I believe that it will be from these meaningful conversations about faith or lack thereof that not only will broaden my view of how God and humanity relate to one another but will open the door for them to begin to believe that their might be a God that wants to be involved in the affairs of humanity while at the same time deepen their understanding of how that relationship works!
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
Jason Lamer - Youth Alive
Jason Lamer grew up in a Christian home, and Christianity/church has always been apart of my life.
From the mouth of Jason:
I first became a Christian when i was 7 years old. I realized that i was a sinner and that i needed to accept Jesus as a Savior. There was a time while I was a senior in High School that I hit a spiritual dry spell where it seemed that he could not "feel" God. But it was in that time that he really forged a relationship with God that went beneath surface experiences.
He went to North Central Bible College because he admired Dr. Meyers leadership and caring personality. He recognized the call of God on his life.
At North Central he was a Pastoral Major but after graduation he became a youth pastor. He felt that his calling was to an Evangelist, and go to church to church. He first felt this call at 13 when he was baptized in the Holy Spirit.
Before his first ministry position he interviewed with at least 4 pastors and some of them never even responded. It was not until June that he actually received a FT position in a rural area (one of the poorest, and highest in teen pregnancy) in PA.
There was not a lot of money to do ministry so the best that he could do was something that came from the main pastor: find a need and meet it! Even in the youth ministry this was a driving philosophy! We went from a philosophy of hoping people would come to church to figuring out where the hot spots were an going to them.
An example is the concept of welfare: Actually welfare was developed in Fayette county. Once we identified the target and the need we developed something that looks like Convoy of Hope but before that was actually established. We utilized individuals who had trucking companies and partnered with grocery stores, hair cutteries, and we provided services in parks to those who were in need. While the people came for there health care and food there was opportunity to express everything that they were going to get for free which was directly tied into the free gospel and love and grace of Jesus Christ! We would see about 2-3 families a year come into the church and make decisions for Christ.
This was one of the ways we developed incredible reputation and relationship with individuals in the community.
Another ministry outreach we did was a parade: we were invited to a parade after contacting the mayor; at the end of the parade people were invited to head over to the youth group to view a commemorative video of the highlights of the basketball team that year. No one raised there hands to get saved but we did build reputation with individuals in the community.
One of his biggest philosophies regarding style or methodology in Youth Ministry is to be relevant but/and relational. Making phone calls, inviting students to hang out at the house, but once the youth began to grow we could not have them all over so we developed third degree-discipleship small groups.
He prayed to God that he would touch lives and be purposeful about ministry and not just take up space...He told Jason to impact the schools in the county. One of the ways we began to impact schools was to step in when emergencies happened. A girl died in an ATV accident and Jason called the school and let them know that they were praying for the school administration and the students; a few months later another student died and he made the same call. It just so happened that all of the grief counselors for the school were out at seminars and they asked Jason to come in and do grief counseling. It went great, under dire circumstances...the counselor realized that Jason was offering the students something that the other counselors could not and she got his contact information and any time something would happen he would come in and help out!
He began to do High School assemblies yearly which eventually led him to begin to do work with the 7 Project.
Now Jason represents Youth Alive and uses Prayer Zone Partners, Campus Missionaries, Campus Clubs, and the Seven Project as strategies to get the message of Jesus Christ to the Youth across the nation!
The 7 Project is primarily motivational: and talks about making good choices. Stories, tricks, and stuff only go five minutes each. The school administration picks 6 topics of 13 that the project can come in and teach on. The seventh topic is all about Christ: it is at a local youth group...food is available, there are games and prizes: 50% of students who participate in the evening even give their lives to Jesus.
One of the difficulties that are encountered after people give their lives to the Lord is follow up and helping to plug in these youth students into local churches. The 7 Project tries to put the face of a local pastor or youth pastor with and alongside of the 7 Project so that students can get comfortable being plugged into. 7.0 is based on the rictor scale which measures earthquakes. With these 7 elements eh 7 project will have long-lasting and greater impact on the students and the community.
7 elements required before 7 Project will come is:
- Network- involvement of 3 other churches; preferably not the same denomination.
- Serve- identify the need(s)
- Disciple- identify the teens. challenging students to look at their schools as a mission field. What will you do to reach them?
- Plan- identify the how to.
- Evangelize- identify the opportunities.
- Resource- identify the helps. Are you reading, and staying educated.
- Grow- identify the person (YOU) What is your motivation for wanting to do the 7 Project.
Too many times there are hands raised but they never get plugged in. I think that it is great that the project seems future focused, not just to have an event but impact and change lives.
Most of all I m impressed with his passion for students and his desire to seek and save students who are lost.
I feel that, he is attached to reality and that he has an adequate understanding of "life" and the difficulties that can come about when beginning ministry especially when starting out!
I am inspired to work with schools and develop and cultivate relationships with willing administration and counselors who also desire to speak into the lives of young people. It is also comforting to know that when I start in a position of ministry that there will be the opportunity to work with leadership that will come along side and help establish scaffolding that will hold up under the pressure and weight of the many people that need ministered too in our communities! I am under the impression that Jason and his team would bend over backwards to help youth pastors who are willing to take the steps necessary to reach those who need to hear the Gospel and freedom of Jesus!
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