A disciple... [our group was #3]
Tuesday, October 29, 2013
Tuesday, October 29th, 2013; Discipleship Brainstorming
Discipleship is... [our group was #1]
A disciple... [our group was #3]
A disciple... [our group was #3]
Thursday, October 24, 2013
Tuesday, October 22nd, 2013; Sam Farina
This Tuesday night, we had ministry and life coach Sam Farina join our class. It was quite the interesting class from the start. Professor Rees let us know that Sam would be guiding us in 'designing' the rest of the course, that is, the remaining 7 weeks. We all kind of assumed it was a hypothetical 'designing' in that we just needed some test example by which we could learn and observe Mr. Farina's coaching abilities, and perhaps, glean some of the information off of this 'test case.' This is not what was happening. We were actually designing the class - we discovered this about 45 minutes into the activity.
*Some notes on the things I learned about coaching: I liked that he helped the 'client' to develop their own goals and to get them to talk through what they wanted to accomplish. The only problem with coaching is that, if the person has the wrong idea of what they need to get to, or perhaps goals that will end up being detrimental, there's little the coach can do inside of his 'coaching' role. To step further to help them, as I understood it, would no longer be coaching, but counseling. So coaching seems to be for people who are a little more steady - further down the road than someone, say, who would be referred to for personal counseling [where they might also develop goals]. Again, my understanding was that coaching primarily related to the professional fields [insofar as we understand that character is actually a large part of the profession of pastor].
However, as funny/tricky/interesting as our class situation turned out to be, I think the coach needs to be clear when letting their client know that the things that will be suggested/dreamt up/fooled with are actually part of the plan. If the client doesn't know that the conversation is not 'ideal' or hypothetical, they may suggest outrageous things that, perhaps, would lead them to inevitably fail, and be worse off than before? I'm not sure this is the case, because I have little experience in coaching, I'm just trying to hash this out.
All that said, I think coaching can be an effective tool to guide leaders in becoming more effective with their time, resources, and efforts.
God, teach me to be coachable, as well as to be a good coach for others.
*Some notes on the things I learned about coaching: I liked that he helped the 'client' to develop their own goals and to get them to talk through what they wanted to accomplish. The only problem with coaching is that, if the person has the wrong idea of what they need to get to, or perhaps goals that will end up being detrimental, there's little the coach can do inside of his 'coaching' role. To step further to help them, as I understood it, would no longer be coaching, but counseling. So coaching seems to be for people who are a little more steady - further down the road than someone, say, who would be referred to for personal counseling [where they might also develop goals]. Again, my understanding was that coaching primarily related to the professional fields [insofar as we understand that character is actually a large part of the profession of pastor].
However, as funny/tricky/interesting as our class situation turned out to be, I think the coach needs to be clear when letting their client know that the things that will be suggested/dreamt up/fooled with are actually part of the plan. If the client doesn't know that the conversation is not 'ideal' or hypothetical, they may suggest outrageous things that, perhaps, would lead them to inevitably fail, and be worse off than before? I'm not sure this is the case, because I have little experience in coaching, I'm just trying to hash this out.
All that said, I think coaching can be an effective tool to guide leaders in becoming more effective with their time, resources, and efforts.
God, teach me to be coachable, as well as to be a good coach for others.
Tuesday, October 15th, 2013; Body Maps
On Tuesday night, we worked on body maps. This is something that everyone who goes through Church Planting Bootcamp will be involved in, and helps to get the creativity flowing, helps to brainstorm new, helpful ideas to reach people, helps to narrow who those 'people' even are [demographics], and puts it in a systematic order.
I thought this exercise worked well enough - we chose the youth of Phoenixville. The only difference or issue that presented itself was that I felt like I was making up the needs of the teens specific to this area - I mean, I knew what needs all teens shared, but not the ones that might be specific to this area. I believe we made an educated guess, but I believe the activity would be even more fruitful if I knew the area better [unfortunately, it's my own fault, given I've lived here for three years, and I don't know by now what the teens are like in this area].
However, armed with that knowledge, I believe our solutions or potential practical programs/events would've been more suited. If our educational guesses about our demographic were in fact right, however, then I think our ideas would've done well to reach teens. In fact, we even found ourselves overlapping some ideas with other groups, perhaps opening up the door for synergy and teamwork amongst people with similar passions.
Overall, it was a fun, interesting project for a Tuesday night.
God, help me to really learn who it is that You're calling me to reach.
I thought this exercise worked well enough - we chose the youth of Phoenixville. The only difference or issue that presented itself was that I felt like I was making up the needs of the teens specific to this area - I mean, I knew what needs all teens shared, but not the ones that might be specific to this area. I believe we made an educated guess, but I believe the activity would be even more fruitful if I knew the area better [unfortunately, it's my own fault, given I've lived here for three years, and I don't know by now what the teens are like in this area].
However, armed with that knowledge, I believe our solutions or potential practical programs/events would've been more suited. If our educational guesses about our demographic were in fact right, however, then I think our ideas would've done well to reach teens. In fact, we even found ourselves overlapping some ideas with other groups, perhaps opening up the door for synergy and teamwork amongst people with similar passions.
Overall, it was a fun, interesting project for a Tuesday night.
God, help me to really learn who it is that You're calling me to reach.
Tuesday, October 22, 2013
Portrait of a Disciple: Lazarus
Though the words 'of Bethany' are sometimes tagged after my name, most of you know me simply as Lazarus. Now, because this happens all the time, I might as well open with it: I am not the Lazarus from the Bosom of Abraham, the Rich Man did not refuse me food, and I am not talking across a great chasm to him concerning his loved ones after our death. That's a different Lazarus.
I'm Jesus' best friend. Or at least I think so. John and I have a bet going. But, after all, Jesus wept over me. I think I win.
The most prominent portion of our best-friendship is obviously 'that story' which you all know about me. I'd like to paint a word picture if I could. See, many of you have felt 'under the weather.' I guess you could say I was feeling that way. With every day that passed, I had less and less energy, to the point where my sisters would have to bring me food and water (which, before knowing the severity of my illness, I was pretty excited about - everybody loves when their sisters have to get them stuff). Anyhow, after about a week, I knew something was wrong. I could hear their whispers. I knew what was happening. Then Mary told me that they had called for Jesus, my best friend. Surely things were not good - I would get to see my best friend for the last time. But day after day went by - three grueling days, and he did not show.
I understood though - he was an important man. He had people to see and things to do.
On that fourth day, I remember getting quite tired. I told Martha to leave so I could take a nap. All the sudden, darkness swept over my eyes [key lights turning off in room]. What felt like a matter of seconds I would later find out was an entire day. I felt this unbelievable peace surrounding me. I had no thoughts or feelings - just comfort. Everything seemed right. Then, as quickly as I had entered this state, I left.
Oh. My. Gosh.
The most disgusting smell flooded my nostrils. It was like Martha's egg salad, but worse! What could that possibly be. Wait. I could feel my arms, and my legs, though mostly I was constricted. What was happening. And that stench - what could that be? As I was gathering my senses, and trying to make something out of what my senses were gathering, I heard a voice. Like thunder, it boomed, "Lazarus, come out." I stood up, though unable to see, and began to feel my way out of the room I was in.
As I removed whatever the strips from my eyes [key lights turning back on], I could see it all. There stood my great friend Jesus, my sisters, who were weeping uncontrollably by the way, and all of my neighbors. Only later did I understand what happened.
It was truly incredible. Jesus, my best friend, turned out to be the Messiah we had been waiting for, though He was much different than we had pictured.
As it turns out, that smell was in fact me. I can't stress to you how many showers it takes to get that 'dead' smell off of you. My sisters complained for months.
There are some who speak of Jesus bringing them from death to life. And of course, He had the power to do so. But we should clarify - they mean spiritually.
If I were to say Jesus took me from death to life, I would not be speaking figuratively.
I'm Jesus' best friend. Or at least I think so. John and I have a bet going. But, after all, Jesus wept over me. I think I win.
The most prominent portion of our best-friendship is obviously 'that story' which you all know about me. I'd like to paint a word picture if I could. See, many of you have felt 'under the weather.' I guess you could say I was feeling that way. With every day that passed, I had less and less energy, to the point where my sisters would have to bring me food and water (which, before knowing the severity of my illness, I was pretty excited about - everybody loves when their sisters have to get them stuff). Anyhow, after about a week, I knew something was wrong. I could hear their whispers. I knew what was happening. Then Mary told me that they had called for Jesus, my best friend. Surely things were not good - I would get to see my best friend for the last time. But day after day went by - three grueling days, and he did not show.
I understood though - he was an important man. He had people to see and things to do.
On that fourth day, I remember getting quite tired. I told Martha to leave so I could take a nap. All the sudden, darkness swept over my eyes [key lights turning off in room]. What felt like a matter of seconds I would later find out was an entire day. I felt this unbelievable peace surrounding me. I had no thoughts or feelings - just comfort. Everything seemed right. Then, as quickly as I had entered this state, I left.
Oh. My. Gosh.
The most disgusting smell flooded my nostrils. It was like Martha's egg salad, but worse! What could that possibly be. Wait. I could feel my arms, and my legs, though mostly I was constricted. What was happening. And that stench - what could that be? As I was gathering my senses, and trying to make something out of what my senses were gathering, I heard a voice. Like thunder, it boomed, "Lazarus, come out." I stood up, though unable to see, and began to feel my way out of the room I was in.
As I removed whatever the strips from my eyes [key lights turning back on], I could see it all. There stood my great friend Jesus, my sisters, who were weeping uncontrollably by the way, and all of my neighbors. Only later did I understand what happened.
It was truly incredible. Jesus, my best friend, turned out to be the Messiah we had been waiting for, though He was much different than we had pictured.
As it turns out, that smell was in fact me. I can't stress to you how many showers it takes to get that 'dead' smell off of you. My sisters complained for months.
There are some who speak of Jesus bringing them from death to life. And of course, He had the power to do so. But we should clarify - they mean spiritually.
If I were to say Jesus took me from death to life, I would not be speaking figuratively.
Tuesday, October 8, 2013
Tuesday, October 8th, 2013; Bob Hulett
Tonight we had Pastor Bob Hulett of Bridge Community Church in class who spoke with us.
This is something powerful I was reminded of tonight by Pastor Bob. When it comes to discipleship, people are always looking for why's behind the what's. Especially when it comes to controversial things like lights, cameras, loud music, etc. Ignorant pastors just barge through attenders/elders and enact new things like this. Smart pastors, when confronted with questions, or before even enacting such policies in established churches, let their congregants know why they do things like this, bringing passion and the Great Commission into it. Meeting with the movers and shakers in your church, or even by letting new volunteers know the why behind the what eases tension surrounding change more than anything else. This is valuable information for me as a church planter - letting my core team know the why's behind the what's will help them to get on board with the vision, and then they can help to establish a particular environment in the church. This goes so much further than we know.
People are more loyal to "Why's" than "What's"
God, help me to deeply understand the "why's" to all the "what's" in Your future church.
Tuesday, October 1, 2013
Tuesday, October 1st, 2013; Vince Donnachie
Motivation changes results.
This is a powerful truth that we often miss in ministry. You see, if I see something is not working in ministry, and my first thought it to change how it works/how it's run, I'm subconsciously presuming that the difference will come about by my own actions. However, if my thought process first goes to "Why isn't God giving the increase?" I could be met with a staunch stop sign alerting me that my motivation is in the wrong, not necessarily the method. [this is method vs. motivation]. When I recognize that God isn't blessing a ministry, we need to check our motivation - after all, if we trust that God is sovereign over all, couldn't He choose to give the increase to the least organized/well-run ministry? I would agree that we meet God halfway, and do all we can to use our talents to reach people, but in the end, when it gets down to 'results-day,' we need to keep our eyes on Christ. Period.
Vince Donnachie, Pastor of Reading City Church, brought this to our attention in class on Tuesday night. He had a real healthy presence about him, and a peace and calm that made the room comfortable.
As a young minister learning in school and not having yet braved all the storms of a veteran pastor, it was nice to see him, on the other side of the raging waters, letting us know that you can come out on the other side. It's always a comfort to see someone who was nervous, as many of us are, about ministry, and God provided and, through struggles and tribulations, came out healthy on the other side.
God, guide me in my motivation.
Tuesday, September 24th, 2013; Gerry Stoltzfoos
This past Tuesday, we had my best friend's father in class - Gerry Stoltzfoos. He, in some ways, has been a father to me as well. Always looking out for my best interest, discipling me, training me, believing in me, and supporting my wife and I in all we do. I will forever cherish all that he's invested in me, and look forward to the opportunity to show him all the fruits of his investments [to the glory of God, of course].
That being said, I think Gerry's top qualities are as follows: his adventure spirit, his compassion, and his drive. Rare are the times when Gerry is not trying something different, exploring new territory, and failing as many times as possible until he reaches his goal [something I consider a great strength]. Coupled with this typically-callous characteristic is his compassion. He balances these so well - he's out to reach the nations, but he cares about individuals just as much. And finally, his drive. Gerry has a heart 'after God's own heart' so to speak, and will stop at nothing to complete the task assigned to him.
Because of these attributes, his church-planting efforts are powerful and effective. He looks to empower anyone with a heart beat in their chest and breath in their lungs, and believes God has big plans for them [and puts his money where his mouth is].
I hope one day to be half the leader he is.
In the end, may I decrease so that God may increase.
That being said, I think Gerry's top qualities are as follows: his adventure spirit, his compassion, and his drive. Rare are the times when Gerry is not trying something different, exploring new territory, and failing as many times as possible until he reaches his goal [something I consider a great strength]. Coupled with this typically-callous characteristic is his compassion. He balances these so well - he's out to reach the nations, but he cares about individuals just as much. And finally, his drive. Gerry has a heart 'after God's own heart' so to speak, and will stop at nothing to complete the task assigned to him.
Because of these attributes, his church-planting efforts are powerful and effective. He looks to empower anyone with a heart beat in their chest and breath in their lungs, and believes God has big plans for them [and puts his money where his mouth is].
I hope one day to be half the leader he is.
In the end, may I decrease so that God may increase.
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)