10W-40 June 25, 2008
I have a friend who is an engineer. He is an expert in physics, and understands the coefficient of friction. He knows the importance of proper lubrication in a machine–that a machine with moving parts creates heat through friction build up, and that unless the machine is lubricated properly, the friction not only will reduce the efficiency of the machine, but if very neglected, the machine will seize up completely. What is ironic is that my friend drove his car for over 100,000 miles without changing the oil. What happened? The engine seized up. He knew …
What Do You Do All Week? October 1, 2007
I sometimes joke that the average person in church thinks their pastor works only one day a week, and then they get mad at him for doing it too long! Every once in a while, a well-meaning church member will ask, “What do you do all week.” I’ll give you a glimpse into last week’s schedule. Enjoy the tour.
Each day begins about 5:15 as I sit down with a cup of coffee for time with the Lord. Then I’ll look over the day’s schedule and prepare for that. I’ll have breakfast with the family and …
What a Day!
Yesterday was one of those unusual, incredible days. To quote one of my favorite hymns, sung by David Crowder, Heaven Came Down… It was a full day for me as pastor - up early to get to church to set up my classroom for my new member’s class. Some equipment was missing and thanks to Dr Ken it was found just before the early service. I preached the 8:30 service, went immediately to teach my new member’s Sunday school class, CLASS 101 (soon to be re-written as CONNECT 101), then from there immediately to the 11:00 service to preach again.
What …
New Focus for Sunday2Sunday September 29, 2007
The old saying, “If you aim at nothing, you’ll hit it every time,” is so true when it comes to blogging. I started the blog a year or two ago, and have used it ineffectively because I didn’t have a target for it. I merely jotted random thoughts with no target group in mind. As a result, it’s been hard to stay on track and to blog consistently. I was using a shotgun approach and not doing a very good job.
From this point forward, I will be writing for a specific target audience: the members of Shively Baptist Church. My …
Where do we go from here? September 18, 2007
On Sunday, September 9, I had the privilege of sharing the CONNECT, GROW, GO vision statement with the church during our 75th homecoming celebration. It was a wonderful time - in fact, we spent an entire week fellowshipping, praying, eating, worshipping, and celebrating. As you read the vision statement, it’s a bit like trying to drink from a fire hydrant. So I am including short-term, immediate steps we are taking toward implementation.
CONNECT, GROW, GO
Immediate Steps
1. Dual Services that intentionally connect with the attenders present (CONNECT)
2. Start process toward Spanish plant with improved Spanish assimilation (CONNECT)
3. Establish Shively GO night September 10 …
Pastor’s Conference Reflections June 11, 2007
Last night and today the 2007 Southern Baptist Convention Pastor’s Conference has been underway. It’s a great time for reflection and renewal as some of the Convention’s best preachers speak.
In this afternoon’s session, Dr. Michael Catt, Senior pastor of the Sherwood Baptist Church in Georgia spoke. In case that sounds familiar, Sherwood is the church that produced the film, “Facing the Giants.” Dr. Catt shared that the movie has gone on every continent, that over 2500 people have e-mailed the church to report they had trusted Christ, and that it has grossed over ten million dollars.
The secret? Dr Catt said …
Remember the Alamo! June 10, 2007
I’m blogging this week from beautiful downtown San Antonio, Texas, where the Southern Baptist Convention convenes for 2007. This morning I took a four-hour walk around downtown and found myself at that incredibly moving shrine to Texas independence, the Alamo.
Built in 1724 as a Spanish mission, the Alamo became home to a calvary unit in the early 1800’s, and played a critical role in the Texas revolution. In 1835, house-to-house fighting resulted in the Mexican troops surrendering San Antonio, with the volunteers taking over the Alamo, which had been heavily fortified by the Mexican troops.
General Antonio Lopez …
Happy Mother’s Day May 13, 2007
This morning I close the message with a great poem. I’ve included it here because I know I’ll get requests for copies:
“Hands” by Judith Peitsch
Thank you Lord for dirty hands
That touch my stove and fridge;
For sticky little fingers that
Try to build a bridge.
For careless hands that go astray
In search of something new;
For hands to hold and show the way
As mothers often do.
For precious little hands in which
Great faith so abounds;
For silly little hands that reach
To touch a mother’s frown.
And thank you for Your guiding hand
That leads me to the light;
That lifts me when I stumble
And points me to the …
Fore! May 11, 2007
It’s spring time and in spring my thoughts turn to GOLF!! I came to the sport late, and didn’t start playing until about seven years ago, but it’s one of those things that get in your blood and absolutely hook you. In many ways, however, golf is a metaphor for the Christian life. Consider the parallels between the elements that make for a successful tee shot and success in the Christian life:
Alignment - To hit the ball straight, you have to be aligned perpendicular to your target. Align too far to the right or left and you have a banana …
Full Range August 27, 2006
There are some weeks in ministry in which a pastor shares in the full range of emotions with his people. Gain and loss, celebration and mourning, life and death. This week was one of those.
Sunday morning I had the joy of baptizing two of our young people and seeing others make professions of faith during the worship service. I went from there to conduct a funeral for one of our most beloved members, and then returned in time for the ordination of one of our members who is going on the mission field. I joked to …
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