Dane Cook and Atheism …

Reflect (new Men’s Ministry)

22But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. 23For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks intently at his natural face in a mirror. 24For he looks at himself and goes away and at once forgets what he was like. 25But the one who looks into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and perseveres, being no hearer who forgets but a doer who acts, he will be blessed in his doing. James 1:22-25 (English Standard Version)

I am excited .. starting this fall we are starting a study based on the attributes of Jesus for the men in our church.  We named this study “Reflect” because we want to reflect Jesus in our lives, relationships and service.  Based on the above Scripture …

Old Book Review #2

“Making Your Church A Place to Serve” – Don Waddell – That big church in Louisville …

10 Reasons for Success:
1. Set BHAGs (Big Hairy Audacious Goals – goals so big only God can see them through).
2. Not discouraged by closed doors.
3. Staff is empowered and de-centralized.
4. Church Leadership is committed to the standard of excellance.
5. Staff is willing to change.
6. Getting the church into the public eye.
7. Mission Statement.
8. Have and retain the right people.
9. Church is a great place to work/volunteer.
10. Expectation that church members would not just be spectators but participants.

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New Member Ministry Mission Statement:
Guide Seekers to:
1. Receive Christ as their Lord and Savior
2. Become members, finding spiritual gifts, and using those gifts in service to our Lord by ministring to others.
3. Guide new members to a deeper level of spiritual maturity and service

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5 General Principles:
1. A successful program involves the whole congregation.
2. Personal authentic contact by a guest or new member with the ministry staff is vital.
3. Keep up with the numbers.
4. Follup with guests/new members with phone calls/letters.
5. Logical thoughtful process of involvement where each step is identified to the new member.

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Models of Involvement:
Arrow
Wheel

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Top 5 reasons people come to church (in reverse order):
5. Curiosity.
4. Kids brought them.
3. Were not getting fed at the “old” church.
2. In the area.
1. Friend invited them.

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Expectations of new members:
1. Growing their relationship with Christ.
2. Live a life that honors God and the church.
3. Get involved in a Small Group.
4. Get involved in a ministry.
5. Give regularly.
6. Help the church to grow.

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Welcome to … Agenda:
-Introduction
-Process of Involvement
-Review History
-What We Believe
-Mission Statement
-How to grow spiritually (devotionals, Bible study, worship, fellowship)
-Review church organization
-Membership Expectations
-Ministries Described
-Fellowship Circles
-Tour

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“It has been said that a visitor will make a decision whether or not to return to a church during the first 4-7 minutes.  That means the first impression a visitor gets begins at the front gate, parking lot and lobby not just the worship service and other programs.  If that impression is based on quality professionalism and excellance, the visitor is more likely to return.” – Don Waddell – “Making Your Church A Place To Serve” – College Press (2001) – pg. 20

Old Book Review #1

“Dynamic Bible Study Methods’ – Rick Warren (pre “Purpose Driven” days) – I like to refer to this as “Purpose Driven Bible Study”

1. Devotional – select a short “portion” of your Bible and prayerfully meditate on it until the Holy Spirit shows you a way to apply the truth to your life.  Write out a personal application.

2. Chapter Summary – Read a chapter of a Bible book through at least five times and then write down a summary of the central thoughts you find out.

3. Character Quality Method – Choose a character quality you would like to work on in your life and study what the Bible says about it.

4. Thematic Method – Select a Bible theme to study.  Then think of three to five you’d like to have answered about that theme.  Next study all the references you can find on your theme and record the answers to your questions.

5. Biographical Method – Select a Bible Character and research all the verses about that person in order to study his/her life and characteristics.  Make notes on their attitudes, strengths, weaknesses.  Then apply what you have learned in your own life.

6. Topical Method – Collect and compare all the different verses you can find on a particular topic.  Organize your conclusions into an outline that you can share with another person.

7. Word Study – Study the important words of the Bible.  Find out how many times a word occurs in Scripture and how it is used.  Find out the original meaning of the word.

8. Book background – Study how history, geography, culture, science and politics affected what happened in Biblical times.  Use Bible reference books to increase your understanding.

9. Book Survey – Survey an entire book of the Bible by reading it through several times to get a general overview of its contents.  Study the background of the book and make notes on its contents.

10.  Chapter Analysis – Master the contents of a chapter of a book of the Bible by taking an in depth look at each verse in that chapter.  Tear each verse apart word by word observing every detail.

11. Book Synthesis – Summarize the contents and main themes of a book of the Bible after you have read it through several times.  Make an outline of the book.  This method is typically done after “Book Survey/Chapter Analysis” study.

12. Verse-by-verse – Select one passage of Scripture and examine it in detail by asking questions, finding cross-references, and paraphrasing each verse.  Also try recording a possible application of each verse you study.

Unity Sunday

I realized today how much a “Unity Sunday” is at my church.  I know some will find having their kids with them are special.  A special time to where some of those that serve weekly get a chance to enjpy a service.  But for me it is a game … a game I lost.  It is the game of beating the first service churchgoers to their backrow seats.  I know … because we are second service backrow dwellers.  Oh well there is always the next Sunday 13 weeks from now!

Postscript:  to anyone who actually reads these ramblings … drop a line to nicholsonchristian.org and ask about supporting Steve and Ruthie Mann.  This was the first time I got a chance to hear him preach and he did a wonderful job.  Africa has got a great preacher over there!

Lets go to the mall

Online shopping and found that a store locally has a shirt so I can get more.  I know this is not earth shattering except for two things:

• I am overweight so it is hard to find stores that carry my size in a comfortable fit
• I have not been to the mall in a LONG time … and yes I have to show the video from “How I Met Your Mother”

Why Men Don’t Write Advice Columns

Dear Walter: I hope you can help me here. The other day, I set off for work leaving my husband in the house watching the TV as usual. I hadn’t gone more than a mile down the road when my engine conked out and the car shuddered to a halt. I walked back home to get my husband’s help. When I got home I couldn’t believe my eyes. He was in our bedroom with the neighbor lady. I am 32, my husband is 34, and we have been married for twelve years. When I confronted him, he broke down and admitted that they had been having an affair for the past six months. I told him to stop or I would leave him. He was let go from his job six months ago and he says he has been feeling increasingly depressed and worthless. I love him very much, but ever since I gave him the ultimatum he has become increasingly distant. He won’t go to counseling and I’m afraid I can’t get through to him anymore. Can you please help? Sincerely, Sheila ————————————————— Dear Sheila: A car stalling after being driven a short distance can be caused by a variety of faults with the engine. Start by checking that there is no debris in the fuel line. If it is clear, check the vacuum pipes and hoses on the intake manifold and also check all grounding wires. If none of these approaches solves the problem, it could be that the fuel pump itself is faulty, causing low delivery pressure to the carburetor float chamber. I hope this helps. -Walter

I guess this is becoming an informal YouTube list of favorites …

Every person’s fear of a church small group …

Cardboard Testimonies

I guess a change to make are the titles … all of the topic titles in the past have been one word.  Ironically though, I can only use one word to describe this video … POWERFUL.

Yeah …

The last post was March 10th and here I am … trying to stay more up to date.  I guess I am not a blogger.