Showing posts with label What others are saying. Show all posts
Showing posts with label What others are saying. Show all posts
Tuesday, July 26, 2011
How would $100,000 change your ministry?
If you were personally given $100,000 to reach people with the saving Gospel of Jesus Christ, how would you invest that money in the souls of others? Please post a comment. I'll even turn off the moderation option for quicker posting. Just don't get too crazy on me.
Monday, February 15, 2010
Downward Mobility
The Alban Institute - 2010-02-15 Downward Mobility
Just when I was beginning to feel a little overwhelmed in my pastoring role comes a great article this week about how we are most useful to God when we see ourselves as practically useless; dieing to self in the truest sense so that God may be glorified and his kingdom cared for and expanded through our deficient, helpless selves.
Though written for pastors, I think it can be applied to all Christians
Just when I was beginning to feel a little overwhelmed in my pastoring role comes a great article this week about how we are most useful to God when we see ourselves as practically useless; dieing to self in the truest sense so that God may be glorified and his kingdom cared for and expanded through our deficient, helpless selves.
Though written for pastors, I think it can be applied to all Christians
Sunday, December 20, 2009
Don't Critique the BCS--or Texas
Evidently its costs you a few bucks to complain about bad calls or apparent favoritism in the Big 12 Conference. Read the Weird Harold article (linked) for the details of the pattern of fines following Texas losses.
Now, I'm not saying that Nebraska is a better team than Texas, but I do beleive they beat Texas until the last minute of the game. The bad kick-off combined with Asante's blunder (4-cheap shots in 4 games--not too classy Larry), gave Texas valuable yardage they needed to kick the game-winning field goal in, litterally, the last second after Mack Brown brow beat the officials into adding a second to the clock after time expired. This would not have happened "back in the day." Is it just me, or has all the new technology really ruined the spontinaity and excitement of the game?
Now, I'm not saying that Nebraska is a better team than Texas, but I do beleive they beat Texas until the last minute of the game. The bad kick-off combined with Asante's blunder (4-cheap shots in 4 games--not too classy Larry), gave Texas valuable yardage they needed to kick the game-winning field goal in, litterally, the last second after Mack Brown brow beat the officials into adding a second to the clock after time expired. This would not have happened "back in the day." Is it just me, or has all the new technology really ruined the spontinaity and excitement of the game?
Monday, December 7, 2009
The Barna Group - Report Examines the State of Mainline Protestant Churches
Another interesting article out today. Although Barna generally lumps the LC-MS in with evangelicals, there is much anicdotal evidence that our denomination's experience parallels that of the "mainline" denominations.
The Barna Group - Report Examines the State of Mainline Protestant Churches: "Report Examines the State of Mainline Protestant Churches"
The Barna Group - Report Examines the State of Mainline Protestant Churches: "Report Examines the State of Mainline Protestant Churches"
The Alban Institute - 2009-12-07 Is E-mail the New Parking Lot?
An interesting article which encourages churches (and members) to be more discerning when it comes to what will and won't be discussed/decided via e-mail.
The Alban Institute - 2009-12-07 Is E-mail the New Parking Lot?
The Alban Institute - 2009-12-07 Is E-mail the New Parking Lot?
Monday, November 9, 2009
The Sermon on the Mount as Peaceful Revolution--20 years after the Wall came down.
November 6, 2009 ~ The Rev. Christian Fuhrer Extended Interview Religion & Ethics News Weekly
An interesting interview with Rev. Christian Fuhrer, pastor at St. Nikolai Lutheran Church in Leipzig describing the peaceful demonstrations which eminated from his church and eventually led to the fall of the Berlin wall a month later.
Interestingly, it really all began with public and weekly prayers for peace beginning in 1981 & 1982. Only in the church was free speech able to be expressed.
While Rev. Fuhrer's comments posted here do not give a clear witness to the gospel, he shares some insights into occations when such witness did occur. I suspect the PBS based webpage had something to do with the "sterile" nature of his God-speak.
I think his last paragraph is quite poinient, however, in helping us understand the proper relationship between Church and the non-Christian:
"The role of the church did not diminish, at least not here in the Nikolai Church. It continued. Huge protests against the war in Iraq, peace prayers involving many people to save jobs…It continued, but under different social circumstances. However, there are always certain peaks, unique times, such as October 9th. It was a peaceful revolution which was a unique process. You cannot expect that it will go on like that every day. What this revolution aimed to achieve was indeed achieved, and then people stepped back. The important thing to remember is that we did not do that to get people to join our church, but because it was necessary. That is what Jesus did as well. When he provided help, he never asked if that person went to the temple or if that person said all his prayers. He just realized that this human being needed help, so he helped. That is exactly how we did it. We never said “but you must return the favor,” the way it is done in politics and in the world. We created something, and the blessing continued for the people. The most important thing is that the church has to remain open. Whenever people need the church again, in everyday life or in very specific situations, they should find the church open. The church should be there for the people, the way Jesus intended. An inviting, open church without the expectation that people join; an inviting, open church offering unconditional love, just as Jesus did, and [we must] act in this spirit."
An interesting interview with Rev. Christian Fuhrer, pastor at St. Nikolai Lutheran Church in Leipzig describing the peaceful demonstrations which eminated from his church and eventually led to the fall of the Berlin wall a month later.
Interestingly, it really all began with public and weekly prayers for peace beginning in 1981 & 1982. Only in the church was free speech able to be expressed.
While Rev. Fuhrer's comments posted here do not give a clear witness to the gospel, he shares some insights into occations when such witness did occur. I suspect the PBS based webpage had something to do with the "sterile" nature of his God-speak.
I think his last paragraph is quite poinient, however, in helping us understand the proper relationship between Church and the non-Christian:
"The role of the church did not diminish, at least not here in the Nikolai Church. It continued. Huge protests against the war in Iraq, peace prayers involving many people to save jobs…It continued, but under different social circumstances. However, there are always certain peaks, unique times, such as October 9th. It was a peaceful revolution which was a unique process. You cannot expect that it will go on like that every day. What this revolution aimed to achieve was indeed achieved, and then people stepped back. The important thing to remember is that we did not do that to get people to join our church, but because it was necessary. That is what Jesus did as well. When he provided help, he never asked if that person went to the temple or if that person said all his prayers. He just realized that this human being needed help, so he helped. That is exactly how we did it. We never said “but you must return the favor,” the way it is done in politics and in the world. We created something, and the blessing continued for the people. The most important thing is that the church has to remain open. Whenever people need the church again, in everyday life or in very specific situations, they should find the church open. The church should be there for the people, the way Jesus intended. An inviting, open church without the expectation that people join; an inviting, open church offering unconditional love, just as Jesus did, and [we must] act in this spirit."
Thursday, November 5, 2009
The Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod - Dr. Paul Manz, well-known musician, dies
"E'en So, Lord Jesus, Quickly Come"
The Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod - Dr. Paul Manz, well-known musician, dies
The church on earth has lost a great man, but the saints heaven are blessed by his presence. His famous "E'en so..." is one of the earliest pieces I can remember learning as I sang with my "adult" choir as a teenager in Fremont, NE. I also remember our Pastor's wife (and organist) was a huge fan of Paul Manz and played his organ pieces regularly.
I also remember a "Pipe Dreams" episode on public radio in which he was featured and interviewed. During that interview he gave witness to the fact that God continued to bless him--even at an advanced age--with the gift of playing the organ. As one reads the obituary (linked above) one can't help, however, but to be reminded of the divide in our church which occured in the 70's and effected so many people. His funeral will be an an ELCA church and a celebration of his music will be at an LCMS college where he served for a few years before the split.
Of course, where Dr. Manz is now, there are no denominations, no quarrels and no voters meetings; only praise and honor and glory to God. Until that time we toil. "As long as it is day, we must do the work of him who sent me[Jesus]. Night is coming, when no one can work." John 9:4 "E'en so Lord Jesus quickly come." Rev. 22:20
The Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod - Dr. Paul Manz, well-known musician, dies
The church on earth has lost a great man, but the saints heaven are blessed by his presence. His famous "E'en so..." is one of the earliest pieces I can remember learning as I sang with my "adult" choir as a teenager in Fremont, NE. I also remember our Pastor's wife (and organist) was a huge fan of Paul Manz and played his organ pieces regularly.
I also remember a "Pipe Dreams" episode on public radio in which he was featured and interviewed. During that interview he gave witness to the fact that God continued to bless him--even at an advanced age--with the gift of playing the organ. As one reads the obituary (linked above) one can't help, however, but to be reminded of the divide in our church which occured in the 70's and effected so many people. His funeral will be an an ELCA church and a celebration of his music will be at an LCMS college where he served for a few years before the split.
Of course, where Dr. Manz is now, there are no denominations, no quarrels and no voters meetings; only praise and honor and glory to God. Until that time we toil. "As long as it is day, we must do the work of him who sent me[Jesus]. Night is coming, when no one can work." John 9:4 "E'en so Lord Jesus quickly come." Rev. 22:20
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
A great devotional for all us working stiffs.
One of the many daily devotions I receive in my in-box is one called "Prime Time With God" and is geared toward Christian men and women in the workplace. I highly reccomend it for everyone--regardless of vocation. It comes from a group called Ephesians 4 ministries who focus on helping congregations administer spiritual gifts inventories so that each member might live out their faith to the fullest.
As a Lutheran, I'm familiar with Luther's writings on vocation which I think is one of his greatest contributions to the church. However, I think we sometimes have a hard time translating it to our own lives. Perhaps we don't try too hard, perhaps we don't teach it enough. Whatever the case may be I encourage everyone to become familiar with Luther's teachings on this topic as it really speaks to how each one of us lives as little Christ's in every aspect of life and the great impact that can have on others; both temporally and spiritually.
Today's devotion from TGIF (Today God is First) really illustrates the disconnect I'm talking about and shares some interesting ways in which various congregations have tried to bestow this sense of Chrsitian Vocation upon their membership in meaningful, tangible ways. Some are pretty good. I would tie them to baptism some how as that is where our Godly vocations begin.
Enjoy!
Workplace Minister
TGIF Today God Is First Volume 2, by Os Hillman
10-28-2009
"And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him" (Col 3:17).
Over 70 percent of our time is spent in the workplace, yet our training and teaching in local churches focuses on areas where we spend much less time. The workplace is the greatest mission field of our day and represents the greatest opportunity for societal transformation, yet we do not train workplace believers how to effectively integrate their faith life into their work life. The wall between Sunday and Monday still exists and most workplace believers do not understand that all of life is spiritual, not just life on Sunday.
Our studies show an alarming 90 percent of Christians do not feel they've been adequately trained to apply biblical faith in their work life. We have focused on the fringes rather than the center where most people spend most of their time.
God is removing the wall of separation by speaking to pastors and workplace believers all over the world. A pastor recently shared how his church ordains their workplace believers for their calling to the workplace. Another pastor described their church's commitment to integrating training for their workplace believers on the theology of work. Another told how they began a workplace ministry within their church for their workplace believers, and even integrated Sunday school programs specifically geared to help workplace believers understand their calling in the workplace.
We are entering a new era in the Church when workplace believers are seen as a remnant of the Body of Christ who need to be mobilized and trained for the work of the ministry to their own mission field?the workplace. We are changing the 80/20 rule in the 9 to 5 window from 20% of the people doing ministry to 80%.
Are you one of the men and women God is raising up for this task? Pray that God will help local church leaders understand and affirm this calling, and that they will respond by training their people for their own ministry in their workplaces.
As a Lutheran, I'm familiar with Luther's writings on vocation which I think is one of his greatest contributions to the church. However, I think we sometimes have a hard time translating it to our own lives. Perhaps we don't try too hard, perhaps we don't teach it enough. Whatever the case may be I encourage everyone to become familiar with Luther's teachings on this topic as it really speaks to how each one of us lives as little Christ's in every aspect of life and the great impact that can have on others; both temporally and spiritually.
Today's devotion from TGIF (Today God is First) really illustrates the disconnect I'm talking about and shares some interesting ways in which various congregations have tried to bestow this sense of Chrsitian Vocation upon their membership in meaningful, tangible ways. Some are pretty good. I would tie them to baptism some how as that is where our Godly vocations begin.
Enjoy!
Workplace Minister
TGIF Today God Is First Volume 2, by Os Hillman
10-28-2009
"And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him" (Col 3:17).
Over 70 percent of our time is spent in the workplace, yet our training and teaching in local churches focuses on areas where we spend much less time. The workplace is the greatest mission field of our day and represents the greatest opportunity for societal transformation, yet we do not train workplace believers how to effectively integrate their faith life into their work life. The wall between Sunday and Monday still exists and most workplace believers do not understand that all of life is spiritual, not just life on Sunday.
Our studies show an alarming 90 percent of Christians do not feel they've been adequately trained to apply biblical faith in their work life. We have focused on the fringes rather than the center where most people spend most of their time.
God is removing the wall of separation by speaking to pastors and workplace believers all over the world. A pastor recently shared how his church ordains their workplace believers for their calling to the workplace. Another pastor described their church's commitment to integrating training for their workplace believers on the theology of work. Another told how they began a workplace ministry within their church for their workplace believers, and even integrated Sunday school programs specifically geared to help workplace believers understand their calling in the workplace.
We are entering a new era in the Church when workplace believers are seen as a remnant of the Body of Christ who need to be mobilized and trained for the work of the ministry to their own mission field?the workplace. We are changing the 80/20 rule in the 9 to 5 window from 20% of the people doing ministry to 80%.
Are you one of the men and women God is raising up for this task? Pray that God will help local church leaders understand and affirm this calling, and that they will respond by training their people for their own ministry in their workplaces.
Monday, October 19, 2009
Cyberbrethren » Banishing the Dead from Their Own Funeral
For my pastor friends... An interesting commentary:
Cyberbrethren » Banishing the Dead from Their Own Funeral: "Banishing the Dead from Their Own Funeral"
I've found that if you take the lead, the family will let you. Don't let the funeral homes take the lead in logistics or program, even if it might be easier. They aren't anti-church, their just looking out for the bottom line and what is easiest for them. Most funeral directors I have met appreciate it when I have a preferred way of doing things and guide them by it. Their whole business is based upon mitigating discomfort and if you take the lead in this it makes their job easier as they can then focus on flowers, grave sites, traffic, etc.
Cyberbrethren » Banishing the Dead from Their Own Funeral: "Banishing the Dead from Their Own Funeral"
I've found that if you take the lead, the family will let you. Don't let the funeral homes take the lead in logistics or program, even if it might be easier. They aren't anti-church, their just looking out for the bottom line and what is easiest for them. Most funeral directors I have met appreciate it when I have a preferred way of doing things and guide them by it. Their whole business is based upon mitigating discomfort and if you take the lead in this it makes their job easier as they can then focus on flowers, grave sites, traffic, etc.
The Alban Institute - 2009-10-19 Stewardship and Simple Thinking
This excerpt is from the very end of a very good article. A good read for clergy and laity alike. Read the whole article before you judge it. It may stretch you a bit, but there are excellent points made in it.
The Alban Institute - 2009-10-19 Stewardship and Simple Thinking:
"If you are a clergyperson reading this as you prepare a fund-raising sermon, or a lay leader getting ready to make the fall pitch for money, I suggest you go ahead and pander. Tell them God rewards a generous giver (to your congregation) and that all your problems will be solved (with money).
But next time—or this time, if you have a few months' lead time—gather some of those wise heads and ask yourselves what challenges (other than a lack of dollars) face your congregation. Look beyond the need to maintain real estate, meet payroll, or continue customary programs: what changes in the world are gradually rendering your ministry irrelevant? What are the glimmers of a new ministry that need attention? What fresh ideas are your structures of decision-making squelching? What human needs cry out, and how could you respond?
By raising such disturbing questions early, with the right people, and at the right speed, you might find yourself, next time you prepare a fund-drive message, less tempted to take refuge in the simple answers and more willing to call on people to join in addressing the real challenges of stewardship."
The Alban Institute - 2009-10-19 Stewardship and Simple Thinking:
"If you are a clergyperson reading this as you prepare a fund-raising sermon, or a lay leader getting ready to make the fall pitch for money, I suggest you go ahead and pander. Tell them God rewards a generous giver (to your congregation) and that all your problems will be solved (with money).
But next time—or this time, if you have a few months' lead time—gather some of those wise heads and ask yourselves what challenges (other than a lack of dollars) face your congregation. Look beyond the need to maintain real estate, meet payroll, or continue customary programs: what changes in the world are gradually rendering your ministry irrelevant? What are the glimmers of a new ministry that need attention? What fresh ideas are your structures of decision-making squelching? What human needs cry out, and how could you respond?
By raising such disturbing questions early, with the right people, and at the right speed, you might find yourself, next time you prepare a fund-drive message, less tempted to take refuge in the simple answers and more willing to call on people to join in addressing the real challenges of stewardship."
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Hi, Ho, Silver!
Susan and I just celebrated 20 years in May. Here is a great perspective on marriage from Steve Gruenwald in the Fall, 2009 issue of Better Health:
Hi, Ho, Silver!
By Steve Gruenwald
I used to think that any husband buying something made out of silver to give to his wife after 25 years of marriage was being predictable and unoriginal. I changed my mind, however, after becoming a bit more educated about silver. What I learned about this soft, white, lustrous metal is that it is both ductile and malleable. Yup, I had the same catechismal thought that perhaps you’re having right now: “What does this mean?”
Those highfalutin words simply mean that silver can deform under tensile stress (it can be stretched into a wire) and it can also deform under compressive stress (it can be massed together in a bar or column). Either way, the important understanding is that silver has tremendous, forgiving qualities that allow it never to snap or break whether it is lengthened or squeezed together. Those qualities are quite symbolic and fitting of any marriage that has reached the 25-year milestone! For a marriage between two imperfect, sinful human beings to endure and grow through a quarter of a century – perhaps with kids added along the way – it’s an understatement to say that the marriage has endured its share of stress.
Yet despite getting pulled and compressed every which way for a quarter century, the union has endured: to God be the Glory! Oh, I’m sure there may have been moments along the way that have tarnished the sheen. No marriage is perfect and no couples are perfect; but thanks to God’s grace and forgiveness, couples can also forgive one another. So regardless of the obvious blemishes (perhaps only noticeable to the couple), the core of the union is still strong and still shining brightly. Ultimately, however, it’s not simply the quantity of twenty-five years that is a testament to the marriage. Instead it is the essence of the relationship after that length of time that is a more reliable showing of the true mettle of the marriage. If the marriage is solid – bonded with Christ to make a three-stranded alloy, as it were – the core is better equipped to withstand the corrosive elements that have the potential to deteriorate a marriage over time.
While reaching the silver plateau of 25 years is just one of many markers along the marriage journey, it is certainly not the end. In fact, were we to apply another metal analogy, we know that for many couples, silver is not enough: the higher goal is to shoot for the gold! May God continue to guide and strengthen all marriages – whether paper, bronze, silver, or gold – so that they may continue to be a witness to His love, grace, forgiveness, and peace.
(permission to re-publish received from the Author/editor of Better Health)
Hi, Ho, Silver!
By Steve Gruenwald
I used to think that any husband buying something made out of silver to give to his wife after 25 years of marriage was being predictable and unoriginal. I changed my mind, however, after becoming a bit more educated about silver. What I learned about this soft, white, lustrous metal is that it is both ductile and malleable. Yup, I had the same catechismal thought that perhaps you’re having right now: “What does this mean?”
Those highfalutin words simply mean that silver can deform under tensile stress (it can be stretched into a wire) and it can also deform under compressive stress (it can be massed together in a bar or column). Either way, the important understanding is that silver has tremendous, forgiving qualities that allow it never to snap or break whether it is lengthened or squeezed together. Those qualities are quite symbolic and fitting of any marriage that has reached the 25-year milestone! For a marriage between two imperfect, sinful human beings to endure and grow through a quarter of a century – perhaps with kids added along the way – it’s an understatement to say that the marriage has endured its share of stress.
Yet despite getting pulled and compressed every which way for a quarter century, the union has endured: to God be the Glory! Oh, I’m sure there may have been moments along the way that have tarnished the sheen. No marriage is perfect and no couples are perfect; but thanks to God’s grace and forgiveness, couples can also forgive one another. So regardless of the obvious blemishes (perhaps only noticeable to the couple), the core of the union is still strong and still shining brightly. Ultimately, however, it’s not simply the quantity of twenty-five years that is a testament to the marriage. Instead it is the essence of the relationship after that length of time that is a more reliable showing of the true mettle of the marriage. If the marriage is solid – bonded with Christ to make a three-stranded alloy, as it were – the core is better equipped to withstand the corrosive elements that have the potential to deteriorate a marriage over time.
While reaching the silver plateau of 25 years is just one of many markers along the marriage journey, it is certainly not the end. In fact, were we to apply another metal analogy, we know that for many couples, silver is not enough: the higher goal is to shoot for the gold! May God continue to guide and strengthen all marriages – whether paper, bronze, silver, or gold – so that they may continue to be a witness to His love, grace, forgiveness, and peace.
(permission to re-publish received from the Author/editor of Better Health)
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