Pastor's Weekly Email (Current)
Tuesday, April 24, 2012
“Why I Love Jesus, but Hate Religion”- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1IAhDGYlpqY - has been viewed more than 20 million times on youtube. It’s creator, David Bethke, has been roundly criticized, but he’s gaining a hearing with the 18-29 yr. olds most churches aren’t reaching. Is this about shallow theology… affirming “spirituality” without holiness… or youthful immaturity (believing his own expression of faith, whatever it is, will somehow be free from sin/shortcomings)? Is it just his own generation’s way of saying “Christianity isn’t a religion; it’s a relationship.” If so, why the anger… and what does the fact that so many connect with his message tell us? Love to hear your thoughts.
Golf Tournament – May 17th @ Chicopee Woods: Crossroads Church of Jackson Co., where Rod Zwemke is pastor, started 5 ½ years ago. They’ve grown to around 150 each week – mostly young families - while meeting in rented facilities. Last month they were presented with an opportunity to purchase 94 acres on Hwy 124 (just across I-85.) Purchase price is $200K, but they have to raise the money in 90 days. Our New Work Foundation Exec. Trustees believe we should get behind them. We’re dedicating this year’s golf tournament to helping them reach the goal. Hope you’ll join us by fielding a foursome, securing sponsors, etc. (Check out the attached brochure for details.) Maybe this is a better way to reach the next generation!
Clue to the Future: It’s not news, but another clue to reaching the next generation might be what’s happening in Japan, where the compassion of Christians is opening doors long-closed to the gospel. Check out the story: http://asiastories.com/features/road-to-recovery/
Upcoming:
Apr. 26th CBA Sr. Adult Rally – 10:30 AM @ Riverbend
May 1st Admin. Committee meeting – 8:30 AM @ CBA office
May 3rd National Day of Prayer
May 8th CBA Executive Committee meeting – 6:30 @ Salem BC
May 9th Church Strengthening Team meeting @ CBA office
May 14th Missional Team meeting @ CBA office
May 15th “200 & Under” group fellowship (pastors & wives) - 6:30 PM @ Gillsville BC
May 17th New Work Foundation golf tournament @ Chicopee Woods!
SS Mentoring: Effective leaders are a key to maintaining growth, but most churches aren’t doing enough to develop them. If Sunday School is your small group approach, (as is true for most of our churches,) you’ll want to check out what’s coming this fall. Mark your calendar for a preview meeting 11:30 on May 22 @ the CBA office. (Lunch provided.)
Empowering Others: Every pastor knows about being maxed out when it comes to time. Most of us live there! Problem is, the same busyness that’s clogging your schedule will also deprive new ideas/initiatives of what they need to survive. The solution, (apart from learning when to say “no”) is something most of us struggle with. Here are a few clues from Aubrey Malphurs (Building Leaders, p. 59) about the discipline of empowering other people:
1. Reject the myth of “control.” Truth is, security doesn’t exist in nature… much less in ministry. We’re always in God’s hands. Leaders who understand this are more willing to risk empowering others to achieve the mission (vs. retaining “control” & undermining it.)
2. Trade short-term “losses” for long-term wins. Training someone to take on what you’ve already learned to do well is frustrating. They’ll never match your speed or efficiency… at first. But before long, 2, or 4, or 6 trained team members will outstrip anything you could have done by yourself.
3. Starve your ego. Most leaders get affirmation from doing something well (and are jealous about letting others fill that role.) Trouble is, you can’t empower others while protecting your own “turf.” Give it away, and you’ll be surprised how your ability to lead expands.
4. Love the people you empower. It’s not just about clearing your schedule; it’s about a different way of working. People who have no interest in becoming part of your “success” will grow like wildfire when you make them (and investing in their lives) a priority.
Your Own Backyard… If you’d like to see what the demographics are right where you (or your church) are sitting, check out this link. It’ll let you place your cursor directly over a census tract & see the demographic breakdown there… along with what’s changed vs. the 2000 census.
http://projects.nytimes.com/census/2010/map?nl=todaysheadlines&emc=thab1
Sorry for being “awol” from writing this the past month and ½. Just a factor of adjusting to our new staff situation… compounded by a particularly busy stretch. Hopefully I’m back on line now. Appreciate your patience, as well as your continued faithfulness in all you do.
Blessings,
Jojo
PS. Congrats to Jimmy Ellis & his new bride Jean, married April 15th @ Christian Hill BC!
PSS. Attaching my personal growth plan for April – June. Just want to be accountable, as always.
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