Relative Truths

Ok, so I just had a great conversation with a church member.  He is interested in starting a new process to help people get involved and plugged into church.  He is passionate about it because a few years ago, he didn’t want to come to church.  Because some people helped him get involved, he can’t stay away!  It is awesome.  Anyway, he wants to develop a process that I think will be like a rolling snowball once it gets going.  I could not be more excited!

 

So many of the books I have been reading are about the process.  Simple Church (a must read for any church leader) stresses examining your process for transitioning people to where you are trying to take them.  Andy Stanley says you have to “clarify the win.”  I could go on, but I think you get the point.  Anyway, one thing I have struggled with at Lawrenceville is the process.  We offer a ton of spiritual development.  We have great things for people to do and ways to serve.  However, the process is not clear, and some people never find how to get plugged into it.  I tried to start something in January, but it ultimately failed.  I have struggled with why and how to do it better, but I just realized a truth.

 

The reason it failed is because it was my program.  Now, I have someone who has examined the process and wants to make it better from the inside out.  Two guys have a passion for it, and they want to do it.  They don’t want me to do it; they just want my blessing and support.  The truth is that in a church, the people make the process flow.  The staff is necessary to guide and provide, but when dedicated people want to implement, it is a beautiful thing.  I am excited about this development, and I know God will do something great with it.  What do you think?  What processes do you see as successful and what made it that way? 

Ok, so I didn’t blog yesterday. I am sorry about that. We had a great staff Christmas celebration. It was nice and fun, but it took a little longer than I anticipated. Between that and hospital visits, I didn’t have a chance to blog. Sorry. Anyway, I wanted to talk about this book I read. It is called Making Vision Stick by Andy Stanley (I promise I read books by other authors). The focus of the book is how leaders can continually keep the vision of the church (or organization) present in front of the people so that it “sticks.” It was inspired by a memo that Howard Shultz (Chairman of Starbucks) wrote to his CEO. You can read the memo here. I wanted to point out a few truths that I gleamed from the book.

Define your vision. Andy points this out in many books, but I don’t think it can be stated enough. It doesn’t matter if you are a pastor, business owner, manager, parent, etc., we all need to think about your purpose. What is the vision you are seeking to accomplish? More importantly, what is the vision God is seeking you to accomplish? Until you know what your vision as a leader (again, it can be church, business world, home, wherever), you will never be able to fulfill the vision.

Once you have the vision defined (as in real terms, not abstract thoughts), then refresh it to the people in your church, business, home, etc. Continually find ways to restate the vision. We are people that learn through repetition and forget through absence. Restate, restate, restate. By the way, if I haven’t made it clear enough, restate. See, you are learning through repetition.

Allow your key leaders to be a part of the discussion. You may have a grip on what the vision is, but sometimes we are too busy gripping that we can’t put our finger on the pulse. Make sure you have people that can honestly discuss with you when the vision has become disconnected from the people. Again, this is not just for a church. After all, the book was inspired by a Starbucks memo (I knew God created coffee for some great purpose).

Anyway, that is all for today. It was a great book and a quick read. I highly recommend it. I would also ask for you all to pray for me. I have some interesting weeks coming up and I am becoming increasingly anxious about certain things. I covet your thoughts and prayers as well for my family in this holiday season. I will be praying for all of you. In fact, leave a comment about a prayer request. Hey, just leave a comment. I love what you all have to say and I miss hearing it. God bless, and never forget the truth of a baby born to set you and I free.

Ok, so a lot has happened since my last post.  Every now and then I like to mention some things that have occurred, and reflect on that.  Today may seem like a random post, but hey, this is a random world, right? 

Last Thursday I met with my covenant group at Simpsonwood.  For those unfamiliar with covenant group or Simpsonwood, I will explain.  Covenant group is a monthly meeting I have as part of my ordination requirement.  It is with other ministers seeking ordination and led by two ordained people.  Simpsonwood is the UM center located in Norcross.  Anyway, it was a great meeting.  I led the devotion, and was reminded of how affirming our group is.  When a group of preachers tell you they liked your message, it is a good thing.  So, the truth I learned from that is encouragement and support go a long way.  I needed some encouragement Thursday, and they provided it.  By the way, I was also able to talk about Black and White Hot Chocolates from Starbucks, so I know that is a good thing also!

I read Making Vision Stick by Andy Stanley.  Great book and a quick read.  It got me all pumped about when I am the lead pastor and guiding a vision.  I immediately created statements and plans about whenever I am able to plant a church.  I really think God is exposing me to these books and topics.  I can’t wait to see what he has in store.

Some good friends of ours had a baby this weekend.  Their names are David and Amanda and the little boy is Andrew.  He is pretty awesome.  It fits because they are awesome.  It was a good kid weekend for me.  Rebekah and I babysat our niece and nephew (Laney and Brayden), I helped baptize another niece (Teri Ann), and got to see Andrew Marsden who I will probably spoil like a nephew.  Seeing all the kids reminded me of another truth: I am not ready to be a daddy.  Love the kids, but they are a lot of work.  It is nice to hand them back and go rest! 

Well, that is enough for today.  I will be posting more tomorrow on the book I mentioned today.  Also, I am thinking of starting a new weekly post topic.  Stay tuned for info!

Ok, so I had to do something today that was necessary.  It was difficult and painful, but it was necessary.  We are having to restructure some of our administrative staff at church, and one of the positions being restructured is my administrative assistant.  She is great, and I have loved working with her in the 21/2 I have been at the church.  I couldn’t have asked for a better assistant.  Today we told her of the restructuring plan.  It was one of the hardest things I have ever had to do.  I wasn’t sure how she would react.  She reacted how I thought and hoped.  She was shocked, but she remained faithful to God.  One of the things I love about her is her faithfulness that God is in control.  She confessed that while this was hard to go through, she knows that God is in control and is going to open another door.  What an honor it is to work with someone that committed to God’s authority in her life.

Anyway, the truth that I learned is this: Even when it is painful, we must remain committed to God’s vision for our lives.  I have never had to tell someone his or her position was not needed anymore.  I have never had to look in someone’s eyes when they have been told they will no longer be working with you.  It was difficult.  However, I have a peace about it because I know it will allow us to be good stewards of the resources God has given us.  I also had a peace because she reminded me that God is in control.  

In our lives we will always be faced with difficult decisions.  When we seek to serve God, we will be asked to make choices that honor Him and fulfill His vision and call in our lives.  When we are willing to make these choices, then He is honored, His will is done, and He will grant us peace.  Trust me.  So, trust in His guidance and direction.  The truth is that He ordered the universe, and His plan will always be the best option.  Truthfully I believe that.  I pray that you do to.  

Ok, so today is Monday.  I will admit, more often than I like I wake up with a case of the “Mondays.”  For those of you that haven’t seen Office Space, that is a term to describe the feeling you have on Mondays when you just don’t want to be sitting in an office.  It is also a term that you don’t use at construction sites.  Anyway, I normally wake up tired on Monday and want to go to Panera and reflect on worship or prepare for the week. 

 

Well, I did wake up tired today.  But, I didn’t have the feeling of not wanting to come into the office.  I have two big events coming up at the church that I am really excited about.  The first is our Flashlight 5K.  We started this last year and had almost 300 runners.  It was a great outreach event and a great recreation event as well (by the way, you can register at www.active.com).  The second event is our Men’s Retreat in January.  As I have become more involved in men’s ministry here I have gotten more excited about this time of growth and fellowship.  It will be awesome. 

 

Now that I have plugged my two events, let me tell you that I have a ton of work to do for them.  But I am excited about it.  God is in the middle of these activities, and I get to be a part of it.  That excites me.  While I have been busy with calls and emails, and will continue to be until December 31^st, I am excited.  God has something for this area and I get to participate!

 

Whenever you find yourself stuff with a case of the “Mondays,” just search for what God has for you that day.  Then, take excitement in participating in it.  God will bless that and your case of the “Mondays” will go away.