Monday, July 20, 2009
Saturday, July 18, 2009
Another 33 Year Old Legend!
Continuing to make the case that 33 is a significant number (I'm not old OK...I'm 33 and dangerous!!), here's an excerpt from the latest post on The Resurgence.
You can find other significant 33's here in an archived post.
R. Albert Mohler Jr. was too young to lead the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. He thought so. Everyone thought so. But the board was impressed by his youthful vigor and clear plan to restore the seminary’s confessional identity. He was only 33 years old when he assumed the presidency in 1993. Soon thereafter at least 96 percent of the faculty of the largest Protestant denomination’s flagship seminary’s left. Not that the faculty’s many liberals and moderates had much of a choice. Mohler had the audacity to enforce Southern’s Abstract of Principles, derived via the Second London Confession from that landmark Reformed document, the Westminster Confession.
More than 15 years later, Mohler has attracted one of the strongest evangelical faculties in the country. Enrollment has surged to more than 4,300 students—which makes Southern the largest Southern Baptist seminary, and likely the largest U.S. seminary overall.You can find other significant 33's here in an archived post.
NEW www.artieshepherd.com NOW LIVE
I'd love you to give me your feedback on my brand new website www.artieshepherd.com
You can download mp3 messages via PayPal as well as some free ones. My blog will now be here, and soon a video blog, plus some written and audio messages by some next-generation leaders.
It's a work in progress, so let me know your thoughts!
You can download mp3 messages via PayPal as well as some free ones. My blog will now be here, and soon a video blog, plus some written and audio messages by some next-generation leaders.
It's a work in progress, so let me know your thoughts!
Monday, July 6, 2009
The Resurgence: Masculinity
Here's a portion of a series on rebuilding Biblical masculinity by Joel Virgo, Lead Elder of Christ the King Church, Brighton UK.
You can read the full series on The Resurgence (www.theresurgence.com).
Joel writes:
Corporate Prayer
Do you have a church prayer meeting? Who comes? Are there lots of men? Would you go if you weren't the leader? Often these are attended by women (whose husbands "sent" them), a few faithful men, and a handful of "eccentrics." I am extremely glad for all the women attending our weekly prayer meetings, but I am haunted by Paul's words: "I desire then that in every place the men should pray, lifting holy hands without anger or quarrelling." (1 Timothy 2:8)
A robust prayer meeting is a place to see true masculinity on display. If that seems unlikely go back and read Acts. In fact, I was so eager to aim for this that when it came to launching our Saturday morning prayer meeting a couple of years back, I started with just men. I wanted a manly meeting, so I handpicked some blokes to join me each week at eight o'clock in the morning-about 25 to start with.
For a while it grew unofficially under the radar, like a Gnostic cult (except the pastor was running it). I'd have guys in their twenties trembling and whispering the request, "I have heard about this prayer meeting. Do you, ahem, mind if I join?" I'd say, "Who told YOU about it?!" It felt like the movie Fight Club where the one rule is, "No one talks about Fight Club." Some called the meeting "Prayer Club!"
It was perfect: a testosterone-fuelled and Holy Spirit-filled set up for the weekend, and when we got the momentum we wanted, we knew we were ready to invite the whole church. Now, I am usually confident that guys will take a strong lead, praying for the gospel to be successful every week in our city (we barely ever get knocked off this focus). And if key guys are not vocal, they get mercilessly picked on afterwards!
Intentionally gather guys to seek God. They will rise to it, and the church will follow.
Preaching
Dr D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones was asked publicly why the churches of his day had so few young men in the pews. He instantly shot back, "Because there are so many old women in the pulpits." Preaching should either send men away angry or turn them in heartfelt repentance. The one thing it must not do, but too often does, is dull them.
Jesus gathered men by preaching straight, and so did Chrysostom, Luther, Wesley, Spurgeon, Moody, and Billy Graham. If you want to reach men, follow their example and preach boldly. Men get nauseated by preachers who apologize for every point they make, sharing platitudes and leaving sinful get-out clauses for every application. My favourite encouragements come from guys who spend the first two-thirds of the sermon wanting to hurt me, and then come to repentance before the day is over. It means a great deal more than, "That was a nice talk."
www.artieshepherd.com
You can read the full series on The Resurgence (www.theresurgence.com).
Joel writes:
Corporate Prayer
Do you have a church prayer meeting? Who comes? Are there lots of men? Would you go if you weren't the leader? Often these are attended by women (whose husbands "sent" them), a few faithful men, and a handful of "eccentrics." I am extremely glad for all the women attending our weekly prayer meetings, but I am haunted by Paul's words: "I desire then that in every place the men should pray, lifting holy hands without anger or quarrelling." (1 Timothy 2:8)
A robust prayer meeting is a place to see true masculinity on display. If that seems unlikely go back and read Acts. In fact, I was so eager to aim for this that when it came to launching our Saturday morning prayer meeting a couple of years back, I started with just men. I wanted a manly meeting, so I handpicked some blokes to join me each week at eight o'clock in the morning-about 25 to start with.
For a while it grew unofficially under the radar, like a Gnostic cult (except the pastor was running it). I'd have guys in their twenties trembling and whispering the request, "I have heard about this prayer meeting. Do you, ahem, mind if I join?" I'd say, "Who told YOU about it?!" It felt like the movie Fight Club where the one rule is, "No one talks about Fight Club." Some called the meeting "Prayer Club!"
It was perfect: a testosterone-fuelled and Holy Spirit-filled set up for the weekend, and when we got the momentum we wanted, we knew we were ready to invite the whole church. Now, I am usually confident that guys will take a strong lead, praying for the gospel to be successful every week in our city (we barely ever get knocked off this focus). And if key guys are not vocal, they get mercilessly picked on afterwards!
Intentionally gather guys to seek God. They will rise to it, and the church will follow.
Preaching
Dr D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones was asked publicly why the churches of his day had so few young men in the pews. He instantly shot back, "Because there are so many old women in the pulpits." Preaching should either send men away angry or turn them in heartfelt repentance. The one thing it must not do, but too often does, is dull them.
Jesus gathered men by preaching straight, and so did Chrysostom, Luther, Wesley, Spurgeon, Moody, and Billy Graham. If you want to reach men, follow their example and preach boldly. Men get nauseated by preachers who apologize for every point they make, sharing platitudes and leaving sinful get-out clauses for every application. My favourite encouragements come from guys who spend the first two-thirds of the sermon wanting to hurt me, and then come to repentance before the day is over. It means a great deal more than, "That was a nice talk."
www.artieshepherd.com
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Breaking the Islamic Code
Here's an excerpt from Pastor J.D. Greear's forthcoming book, Breaking the Islam Code: Understanding the Soul Questions of the Muslim Heart, set to be released in February 2010.
If you would like to be notified when the book is released, email your request to pastor@summitchurch.cc.
Preface, Breaking the Islamic Code: Understanding the Soul Questions of the Muslim Heart
The last day I lived in a Muslim country will be forever etched in my memory.
I had spent the morning doing the final preparations to leave the place and the people whom I had learned to love, so that I could come back to finish my schooling in the United States. It was a sad day.
Around noon, a close friend, Ahmed, came over with his brother to visit me. Ahmed had been, for about 2 years, one of my closest friends. He had befriended me at a time in my life when I felt like I had no other friends. We talked, travelled, studied, and fished together.
I had tried a number of times to bring up Jesus to him, but Ahmed, though always polite, seemed eager to leave the subject alone. He was as committed a Muslim as I had ever met. He was kind of like an Islamic “youth pastor,” volunteering his afternoons to serve and love underprivileged Islamic youth. When I would talk about Jesus, he would smile and say, “You are a good man of faith. You were born in a Christian country and you honor the faith of your parents. I was born in Muslim country and I honor the faith of mine. You were born a Christian and will die a Christian. I was born a Muslim and I will die a Muslim.”
Before I left, I knew that I had to have one final conversation with him. How could I call him my friend and not make clear to him what I believed about Jesus Christ?
I told him that, according to the Bible, only those who have believed on Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of their sins can enter God’s Kingdom. For about 15 minutes he sat politely and listened as I poured my heart out to him. When I was finished, he thanked me for my friendship, and left.
I did not see him again until the day I was preparing to return home. When he showed up that day at noon, I could tell something was on his mind, so I asked him about it.
“Our conversation,” he said. “After we talked the other day, I thought about how much I appreciated you for telling me so directly what you believed. But then I didn’t think much of it… ‘You are a Christian, I am a Muslim,’ I thought, ‘that is how each of us was born, and that is how it always will be.’
“But seven days after our conversation I had a dream.” He interrupted himself to say, “After first I thought it was one of those dreams that comes from eating strange fish. But I’ve had those kinds of dreams. This was different… In my ‘dream,’ I was standing on earth and suddenly, open before my feet was the ‘straight and narrow way’ leading to heaven (he used a technical Islamic term for the ‘the straight path’ which applies only to the road to heaven).
“And as I looked up along this pathway to heaven,” he said, “you were on it! You arrived at heaven’s gates, but the way inside was blocked by huge, brass doors. I thought to myself, ‘That is where his journey ends. Who has the power to open those doors?’ But then, as I watched, someone from inside knew you, and they called your name. The doors then swung open wide for you, and you went in… and then my heart broke because I really wanted to go with you. But then, the doors opened again and you came back out, walked back down the path a little ways, and stretched your hand out to me down here on earth. And you pulled me up to heaven with you.”
He then looked at me and said, “What do you think my dream means?”
Now, understand that I was raised in a traditional, Baptist home. Dreams were not a part of our standard religious repertoire. But, not knowing what else to do, I said, “Brother… You are so in luck. Dream interpretation is my spiritual gift!”
For the next hour I walked him through Romans and Acts, showing Him how Jesus had come to earth, lived the life we were supposed to live, died the death we were condemned to die, rose again, and offered salvation to all who would believe.
I would love to tell you that he became a believer. Sadly, he did not, and, to my knowledge, he has not. I think it was still just too much for him.
But what he said next is something I can never, ever forget. He said, “I know why Allah gave me that dream. He was telling me that you were sent here by God to show me the path that leads to heaven. You were to teach me God’s ways and explain to me His Injil (Gospel). But today, my friend, you are going home, and we will probably never see each other again. You are the only Christian that I know. Now who will teach me the ways of God?”
I am writing this book in response to that question.
The fact that you are reading even this prologue is an answer to prayer. You may have picked this book up because you have become friends with a Muslim and you want to talk to them about Jesus but you don’t quite know where to start. Maybe you are preparing to live in a Muslim community and you want to understand how you can best live out Jesus in front of them. Maybe you have picked it up because you feel a strange tugging in your heart whenever you hear about the Muslim world. Maybe you just want to understand.
Whoever you are, I am grateful you are holding this in your hand. You are an answer to prayer. Most of the 1.9 billion “Ahmeds” in the world will never meet a genuine Christian. Most Muslim college students studying abroad in the United States will never, almost without exception, step foot inside of a Christian home while they are in America. Though over 1/3 of all the unbelievers in the world are Muslims, only .05% of all the Christian workers in the world have Muslims as their focus. Most Muslims, like my friend Ahmed, will die without ever having had someone explain the Gospel to them.
For the Muslim you know, you are probably the only Christian they will ever know. I hope this book will help you present Jesus to them well.
Ahmed and I have corresponded several times since I left, but I lost contact with him after many of his family died in the Southeast Asian tsunami of 2004 and he was displaced to a refugee camp. I know that he is still alive, but have not yet been able to locate him. I trust, by God’s grace, one day that I will. Ahmed, my friend, this book is for you. I hope we find you.
We have to. We are your only hope.
If you would like to be notified when the book is released, email your request to pastor@summitchurch.cc.
Preface, Breaking the Islamic Code: Understanding the Soul Questions of the Muslim Heart
The last day I lived in a Muslim country will be forever etched in my memory.
I had spent the morning doing the final preparations to leave the place and the people whom I had learned to love, so that I could come back to finish my schooling in the United States. It was a sad day.
Around noon, a close friend, Ahmed, came over with his brother to visit me. Ahmed had been, for about 2 years, one of my closest friends. He had befriended me at a time in my life when I felt like I had no other friends. We talked, travelled, studied, and fished together.
I had tried a number of times to bring up Jesus to him, but Ahmed, though always polite, seemed eager to leave the subject alone. He was as committed a Muslim as I had ever met. He was kind of like an Islamic “youth pastor,” volunteering his afternoons to serve and love underprivileged Islamic youth. When I would talk about Jesus, he would smile and say, “You are a good man of faith. You were born in a Christian country and you honor the faith of your parents. I was born in Muslim country and I honor the faith of mine. You were born a Christian and will die a Christian. I was born a Muslim and I will die a Muslim.”
Before I left, I knew that I had to have one final conversation with him. How could I call him my friend and not make clear to him what I believed about Jesus Christ?
I told him that, according to the Bible, only those who have believed on Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of their sins can enter God’s Kingdom. For about 15 minutes he sat politely and listened as I poured my heart out to him. When I was finished, he thanked me for my friendship, and left.
I did not see him again until the day I was preparing to return home. When he showed up that day at noon, I could tell something was on his mind, so I asked him about it.
“Our conversation,” he said. “After we talked the other day, I thought about how much I appreciated you for telling me so directly what you believed. But then I didn’t think much of it… ‘You are a Christian, I am a Muslim,’ I thought, ‘that is how each of us was born, and that is how it always will be.’
“But seven days after our conversation I had a dream.” He interrupted himself to say, “After first I thought it was one of those dreams that comes from eating strange fish. But I’ve had those kinds of dreams. This was different… In my ‘dream,’ I was standing on earth and suddenly, open before my feet was the ‘straight and narrow way’ leading to heaven (he used a technical Islamic term for the ‘the straight path’ which applies only to the road to heaven).
“And as I looked up along this pathway to heaven,” he said, “you were on it! You arrived at heaven’s gates, but the way inside was blocked by huge, brass doors. I thought to myself, ‘That is where his journey ends. Who has the power to open those doors?’ But then, as I watched, someone from inside knew you, and they called your name. The doors then swung open wide for you, and you went in… and then my heart broke because I really wanted to go with you. But then, the doors opened again and you came back out, walked back down the path a little ways, and stretched your hand out to me down here on earth. And you pulled me up to heaven with you.”
He then looked at me and said, “What do you think my dream means?”
Now, understand that I was raised in a traditional, Baptist home. Dreams were not a part of our standard religious repertoire. But, not knowing what else to do, I said, “Brother… You are so in luck. Dream interpretation is my spiritual gift!”
For the next hour I walked him through Romans and Acts, showing Him how Jesus had come to earth, lived the life we were supposed to live, died the death we were condemned to die, rose again, and offered salvation to all who would believe.
I would love to tell you that he became a believer. Sadly, he did not, and, to my knowledge, he has not. I think it was still just too much for him.
But what he said next is something I can never, ever forget. He said, “I know why Allah gave me that dream. He was telling me that you were sent here by God to show me the path that leads to heaven. You were to teach me God’s ways and explain to me His Injil (Gospel). But today, my friend, you are going home, and we will probably never see each other again. You are the only Christian that I know. Now who will teach me the ways of God?”
I am writing this book in response to that question.
The fact that you are reading even this prologue is an answer to prayer. You may have picked this book up because you have become friends with a Muslim and you want to talk to them about Jesus but you don’t quite know where to start. Maybe you are preparing to live in a Muslim community and you want to understand how you can best live out Jesus in front of them. Maybe you have picked it up because you feel a strange tugging in your heart whenever you hear about the Muslim world. Maybe you just want to understand.
Whoever you are, I am grateful you are holding this in your hand. You are an answer to prayer. Most of the 1.9 billion “Ahmeds” in the world will never meet a genuine Christian. Most Muslim college students studying abroad in the United States will never, almost without exception, step foot inside of a Christian home while they are in America. Though over 1/3 of all the unbelievers in the world are Muslims, only .05% of all the Christian workers in the world have Muslims as their focus. Most Muslims, like my friend Ahmed, will die without ever having had someone explain the Gospel to them.
For the Muslim you know, you are probably the only Christian they will ever know. I hope this book will help you present Jesus to them well.
Ahmed and I have corresponded several times since I left, but I lost contact with him after many of his family died in the Southeast Asian tsunami of 2004 and he was displaced to a refugee camp. I know that he is still alive, but have not yet been able to locate him. I trust, by God’s grace, one day that I will. Ahmed, my friend, this book is for you. I hope we find you.
We have to. We are your only hope.
Islam: Faith Opportunity or Fearful Obstacle
Maybe you have received one of the emails or YouTube links doing the rounds at the moment about the rapid growth of Islam across the globe - specifically focussing on the way that laws and cultural norms are changing in the face of pressure from Islamic groups or just sheer weight of numbers.
The most common reaction from many Christians I know is one of fear and helplessness. Others want to block any Muslim from immigrating to our nation. They see Muslims moving to the community as a FEARFUL OBSTACLE.
I wonder if Christians in the Western world, which is experiencing waves of Muslim immigration, have an incredible FAITH OPPORTUNITY. The majority of the Islamic world is very closed to the Gospel and is shrouded in a prevailing culture which is anti-Christian (anti-American). It is extremely difficult to be able to take the Gospel of Jesus to the Muslim world, but the rapid growth of Islam in most Western nations is due to migration and the birth rate - not conversions. Perhaps God is bringing the Muslim world to us?
What a great opportunity to demonstrate the life and love of Jesus to Muslims without fear of reprisals!
The most common reaction from many Christians I know is one of fear and helplessness. Others want to block any Muslim from immigrating to our nation. They see Muslims moving to the community as a FEARFUL OBSTACLE.
I wonder if Christians in the Western world, which is experiencing waves of Muslim immigration, have an incredible FAITH OPPORTUNITY. The majority of the Islamic world is very closed to the Gospel and is shrouded in a prevailing culture which is anti-Christian (anti-American). It is extremely difficult to be able to take the Gospel of Jesus to the Muslim world, but the rapid growth of Islam in most Western nations is due to migration and the birth rate - not conversions. Perhaps God is bringing the Muslim world to us?
What a great opportunity to demonstrate the life and love of Jesus to Muslims without fear of reprisals!
Friday, June 26, 2009
Striving To Be The Worst!
This promotional campaign, by advertising agency KesselsKramer, paints the Hans Brinker budget hotel in Amsterdam as dirty, uncomfortable and lacking basic necessities such as beds. Yet it has been a huge success with travellers. Click here for the full article.
I am intrigued by this thought by Dave Bell, Creative Director and Partner at KesselsKramer. “Everybody is always trying to be the best, but there are merits in being the worst. Maybe more people should strive to be the worst at something. When you’re the worst you have a lot more room to be creative and do your own thing.”
Thursday, June 18, 2009
Greear on International Church Planting
Here's the links to JD Greear's series on International Church Planting from The Resurgence site.
A Short History of Church Planting
I have just discovered the blog of Ps JD Greear, Senior Pastor of Summit Church, North Carolina.
His church has grown from 600 people to 3000 people in 6 years, including planting several church across the globe. Built into the DNA of Summit Church is a commitment to church planting anywhere and everywhere! Their goal is to plant 1000 churches in 40 years.
Here's a link to a short history of church planting which Greear presented to his church recently, ending with a specific focus on his own church naturally.
His church has grown from 600 people to 3000 people in 6 years, including planting several church across the globe. Built into the DNA of Summit Church is a commitment to church planting anywhere and everywhere! Their goal is to plant 1000 churches in 40 years.
Here's a link to a short history of church planting which Greear presented to his church recently, ending with a specific focus on his own church naturally.
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Are You In One Of These Valleys?
I'm writing a sermon series at the moment on the various valleys mentioned in the Bible. Many significant events often took place on mountains and in valleys. Often we celebrate and long for the mountain-tops and despise the valleys - yet greatness and blessing can come from either.
Here's some valleys I've found so far:
1. Valley of Siddim (Pits) - Gen 14:10
2. Valley of Shaveh (Plain, aka the Kings Valley) - Gen 14:17
3. Valley of Gerar (Dragged off or Sojourning) - Gen 26:17
4. Valley of Achor (Trouble) - Josh 7:26
5. Valley of Elah (place of Battle, Challenge, Opportunity) - 1 Sam 17:2
6. Valley of Rephaim (Giants) - 2 Sam 5:18,22
7. Valley of Berakhah (Blessing) - 2 Chro 20:26
8. Valley of the Shadow - Psa 23:4
9. Valley of Weeping (Baca) - Psa 84:6
10. Valley of Vision - Isaiah 22:1
11. Valley of Hell (Gai-Ben-Hinnom, ie Gehenna) - Jer 7:31
12. Valley of Dry Bones - Eze 37
13. Valley of Jezreel (God's Sowing or Saving) - Hos 1:5,11
14. Valley of Decision - Joel 3:14
Here's some valleys I've found so far:
1. Valley of Siddim (Pits) - Gen 14:10
2. Valley of Shaveh (Plain, aka the Kings Valley) - Gen 14:17
3. Valley of Gerar (Dragged off or Sojourning) - Gen 26:17
4. Valley of Achor (Trouble) - Josh 7:26
5. Valley of Elah (place of Battle, Challenge, Opportunity) - 1 Sam 17:2
6. Valley of Rephaim (Giants) - 2 Sam 5:18,22
7. Valley of Berakhah (Blessing) - 2 Chro 20:26
8. Valley of the Shadow - Psa 23:4
9. Valley of Weeping (Baca) - Psa 84:6
10. Valley of Vision - Isaiah 22:1
11. Valley of Hell (Gai-Ben-Hinnom, ie Gehenna) - Jer 7:31
12. Valley of Dry Bones - Eze 37
13. Valley of Jezreel (God's Sowing or Saving) - Hos 1:5,11
14. Valley of Decision - Joel 3:14
Thursday, June 11, 2009
What Should You Do?
Have you ever been at a crossroads where you have a choice or decision
to make? One which could radically affect your future? Maybe your
crossroad has multiple options. It's easy to become paralysed with
fear of making the "wrong" choice isn't it?
to make? One which could radically affect your future? Maybe your
crossroad has multiple options. It's easy to become paralysed with
fear of making the "wrong" choice isn't it?
Here's a brief overview of a simple filtering process I use which
helps me when faced with options and choices - this could relate to
your future, career, relationship, ministry etc.
If the choice is a "no go" ie blocked at any one of these filters then
you don't need to even consider the option any further.
1. Word
Does this option confirm or contradict the Word of God - either the
written Bible or a personal word from God?
2. Witness
Does this option spark a sense of witness or warning in my spirit?
3. Wisdom
Do the trusted voices of wisdom in my life resonate or repel this
option?
4. Way
Does this option move me towards my destiny or distraction?
5. Weight
Does this option sit with the things which burden me (flick my switch)
or bore me (fizz my passion)?
6. Wife
What does my partner think of this option?
7. Want
If the choice is still not clear after going through all these filters
ask yourself "what do I want?"
8. Wait & Welax
If you STILL can't decide which way to go (I've been there...) just
wait and relax. Keep doing what you're doing the best you can and
learn to rest in the goodness of God and the confidence that He is
ordering your steps
This filtering process has helped me many times What do you think?
Friday, June 5, 2009
Stewardship for Dummies
June every year marks the beginning of Stewardship Month at Kings! Every Sunday 9am in June at Kings Buderim, Ps Steve will be teaching on "Stewardship for Dummies," unlocking practical, Biblical keys to stewarding well what God puts in your hands.
This will all build up to the final Sunday in June when we will again focus on the miracle of destroying the debt on the Champions Centre. Already 39 shields (39 x $5000 = $195,000) have been redeemed. Imagine if we could have 100 shields ($500,000) total by the end of June!
This will all build up to the final Sunday in June when we will again focus on the miracle of destroying the debt on the Champions Centre. Already 39 shields (39 x $5000 = $195,000) have been redeemed. Imagine if we could have 100 shields ($500,000) total by the end of June!
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
Give God a Year
Two questions I am often asked - especially by young people:
Q1: Should I go to Bible College?
A1: I don't have to pray with you about whether or not you should go to College. I absolutely believe every young person should "Give God a Year" after high school and do at least one year of Bible, ministry and leadership training to prepare for whatever it is that God has for their future. YES you should go to college!
Q2: Which Bible College should I go to?
A2: Specifically, Kings Leadership College of course! More broadly I like what Dr John Piper says, "Don't take classes; take teachers." In other words don't choose a college based on it's courses, choose the people you want to mould and shape your life. I love KLC and colleges like it because the faculty are practitioners, not theorists - they've got certificates and qualifications but they also have runs on the board in actually doing and living what they teach.
At Kings Leadership College you will be imparted to by people of the highest calibre such as Steve Penny and Marie Cartledge, plus many more.
So what are you waiting for? Give God a Year!
Q1: Should I go to Bible College?
A1: I don't have to pray with you about whether or not you should go to College. I absolutely believe every young person should "Give God a Year" after high school and do at least one year of Bible, ministry and leadership training to prepare for whatever it is that God has for their future. YES you should go to college!
Q2: Which Bible College should I go to?
A2: Specifically, Kings Leadership College of course! More broadly I like what Dr John Piper says, "Don't take classes; take teachers." In other words don't choose a college based on it's courses, choose the people you want to mould and shape your life. I love KLC and colleges like it because the faculty are practitioners, not theorists - they've got certificates and qualifications but they also have runs on the board in actually doing and living what they teach.
At Kings Leadership College you will be imparted to by people of the highest calibre such as Steve Penny and Marie Cartledge, plus many more.
So what are you waiting for? Give God a Year!
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Think Like Your Successor Would
Here's a great thought from Paul Andrew, Director of The Leadership Coach (www.theleadershipcoach.com)
Think Like Your Successor Would
Posted using ShareThis
Think Like Your Successor Would
Posted using ShareThis
Friday, May 22, 2009
Youth Alive: Change
Dustan Bell and our youth team have been in schools all week promoting Youth Alive rally tomorrow night in Champions Centre. It will go off!
I'll be the grey-haired guy watching with a smile on my face - love seeing young people hot for God and bringing their friends to Jesus.
Special guests Rapture Ruckus, and Dan Lian from City Life Church Melbourne.Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Saturday, May 9, 2009
John Maxwell Leadership Simulcast at Kings
Kings Christian Church is hosting John Maxwell's Maximum Impact Leadership Simulcast 2009, featuring Tony Blair (former UK Prime Minister), Jack Nicklaus (champion golfer), plus leading CEO's and leaders. The Simulcast has attracted a massive following from business, community, and church leaders over the past few years in many nations.
The Simulcast will take place on Friday 4th September at the Champions Centre, following the annual Kings Church Planting & Leadership School.
The Simulcast will include pre-recorded and live sessions, plus a live Q&A Panel with Steve Penny and others.
Cost is only $99. Registration info will be posted soon.
Thursday, May 7, 2009
Excel 70
The Excel 70 movement is gathering speed. 70 days of excellence to change your life in 4 key areas was initiated by Steve Penny and Brian Houston. The focus ends on the last day of Hillsong Conference 2009, although the personal commitments are sure to continue.
What can change in your life in 70 days?
Go to www.excel70.com for resources, email subscription, and connection with others.
What can change in your life in 70 days?
Go to www.excel70.com for resources, email subscription, and connection with others.
Monday, May 4, 2009
Exponential Times
This video was created in Nov 2008 - imagine how much has changed even since then??
Sunday, April 26, 2009
Salvation Army's Hollywood
Just watched a fascinating short doco on ABC called Rewind Moment (Sunday 26 April, 11.30pm). I need to do some more research but here are the basic facts as I remember them:
Click here for a link to more information from the ABC's Rewind Moments doco on Limelight.
- The Salvation Army in Melbourne in late 1800's started a film studio, called Limelight, primarily to produce an evangelistic film called Soldiers of the Cross - this was before Hollywood began
- The film was produced by Joe Perry and Herbert Booth, son of the great William Booth
- Herbert Booth had only recently become the head of the Salvation Army, and directed Perry to add film to the organisation, "regardless of the cost," as he saw its potential
- The film cost 500 pounds, quite a large sum at the time. On opening night 4000 people attended the screenings, with people crying and even screaming out loud at the confrontational images of martyrs through the ages
- At the conclusion of the film Herbert Booth preached a short fire-and-brimstone message with great effect
- The film was so successful and effective that they took it on tour, seeing many people respond to the message of living for Jesus
- Limelight was an extremely lucrative arm of the church, helping to fund its social work
- John Cleary, ABC religious affairs broadcaster (I was interviewed by him once on his national program - he's not particularly pro-Pentecostal!), made the observation that at the time the Salvation Army was "at the centre of society," so much so that it was invited by the government to record the official film of the Federation festivities and ceremony in 1901
- He also said that the success of the Salvation Army was largely due to its absolute passion for bringing reform to society at every level
- In 1902 Booth resigned from the Salvation Army and took his film on international evangelistic crusades
- Unfortunately in 1909, Scotsman James Hey came from the UK as the new head of the Salvation Army in Australia. He declared that cinema was "too frivolous, too risky, and too accommodating of the masses" and shut the department down. He admitted later that it took years for many of the Salvation Army churches to recover from the loss of income
Click here for a link to more information from the ABC's Rewind Moments doco on Limelight.
Sunday, April 19, 2009
Celebrant or Minister?
Here's a link to a news.com.au story about couples preferring civil ceremonies over church weddings - because of some churches' restrictions to ceremonies, and requirements to have pre-marriage counselling.
As a Minister of Religion I perform many wedding ceremonies for people who are part of our church, as well as those who aren't. The format of the ceremony is very flexible - I will help the couple design virtually whatever they want. Interestingly I have had many couples who are not particularly religious, and do not attend any church, ask me to do their ceremony with an understanding that there will be some "God stuff" - sometimes to keep parents or grandparents happy, often because there is an underlying desire for "as much help as we can get" going into marriage. As one young guys said to me recently during pre-marriage counselling, "I'm not religious, but there has to be a God. It just makes sense."
Although the ceremony is flexible, I do require the couple to undergo some form of pre-marriage counselling to give them every chance of success. It's amazing how many of the big issues are never really discussed or resolved in the lead-up to the wedding otherwise. Some of the issues become deal breakers - but I want every couple to have their eyes as wide open as possible before they enter what is supposed to be a life-long commitment.
Interesting that the researcher mentions a commitment-free era. Perhaps it seems easier for some couples to not have anyone highlight issues which can become a cause of tension in their particular marriage - after all if it doesn't work out we'll just call it quits. Not so easy though when the cost to children or even their wallet is considered!
Church, garden, beach, minister or celebrant - I don't particularly care. But if a couple is smart they will get some good pre-marriage counselling, and the earlier the better.
Prepare/Enrich is a brilliant tool to help highlight areas for a couple.
As a Minister of Religion I perform many wedding ceremonies for people who are part of our church, as well as those who aren't. The format of the ceremony is very flexible - I will help the couple design virtually whatever they want. Interestingly I have had many couples who are not particularly religious, and do not attend any church, ask me to do their ceremony with an understanding that there will be some "God stuff" - sometimes to keep parents or grandparents happy, often because there is an underlying desire for "as much help as we can get" going into marriage. As one young guys said to me recently during pre-marriage counselling, "I'm not religious, but there has to be a God. It just makes sense."
Although the ceremony is flexible, I do require the couple to undergo some form of pre-marriage counselling to give them every chance of success. It's amazing how many of the big issues are never really discussed or resolved in the lead-up to the wedding otherwise. Some of the issues become deal breakers - but I want every couple to have their eyes as wide open as possible before they enter what is supposed to be a life-long commitment.
Interesting that the researcher mentions a commitment-free era. Perhaps it seems easier for some couples to not have anyone highlight issues which can become a cause of tension in their particular marriage - after all if it doesn't work out we'll just call it quits. Not so easy though when the cost to children or even their wallet is considered!
Church, garden, beach, minister or celebrant - I don't particularly care. But if a couple is smart they will get some good pre-marriage counselling, and the earlier the better.
Prepare/Enrich is a brilliant tool to help highlight areas for a couple.
Saturday, April 18, 2009
What Life Are You Waiting For?
I listened to a great podcast today (makes mowing the lawn so much more enjoyable!) by Brian Houston called This Is Your Day. It's all about maximising every day for the glory and purposes of God.
It built upon stirring I have particularly felt in the last few days to ensure my life is being maximised instead of just ticking away.
So very quickly, here are some of my thoughts on how to put the X in Maximised:
1. The Xperience of God
Jesus said "I am the way, the truth, and the life." He also said, "I have come that you may have life to the full."
The starting point for a maximised life MUST be via the gateway of experiencing a personal encounter with the God who created you on purpose for a purpose. There is no other starting point.
2. The Xchange of Grace
Once you experience God for yourself, there is only two options:
A) Shrug Him off and walk away
B) Accept the amazing free gift, where He takes your sin, shame, and guilt, and exchanges it with His salvation, regeneration and atonement. Martin Luther called this the Exchange of Grace.
A life shackled and restricted by the weight of sin and the corrupt human nature will always fall short of the potential it was created for.
3. The Xpectation of Good
Two of my life convictions are:
A) God is good and only does good!
B) All things are working together for good for those who love God and are called according to His purpose.
So many people live a half-full life because they are never able to accept the fact that God's desire is toward them for good. This causes them to shrink back from opportunities and faith challenges, or to place limitations upon themselves because of a belief that they are not the favoured beloved of God.
But when you understand that "underneath are the everlasting arms" you can have great confidence to "Expect great things from God, and attempt great things for God" as thegreat pioneer of modern missions, William Carey, once said.
4. The Xhibition of Glory
A maximised life understands that it is on the planet to exhibit the glory of God; to be a wonder to many of the grace, goodness, and glory of God. Jesus said, "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven." (Matt 5:16)
5. The Xpedition of Greatness
A life lived with a daily Experience of God, revelling in the Exchange of Grace, with a confident Expectation of Good, seeking to present an Exhibition of Glory, is truly an Expedition of Greatness. It is a life which lives beyond dreary subordination to the confines of the mediocre. It is a life which is intent on being a city on a hill. It is a life which leaves an imprint on the planet for the glory of God. It is a life which leaves a deposit in the lives of others. It is a life which is blessed to be a blessing. It is a life spurred by a desire to help as many other people as possible to discover their God-ordained maximised life.
So come on...what life are you waiting for?
It built upon stirring I have particularly felt in the last few days to ensure my life is being maximised instead of just ticking away.
So very quickly, here are some of my thoughts on how to put the X in Maximised:
1. The Xperience of God
Jesus said "I am the way, the truth, and the life." He also said, "I have come that you may have life to the full."
The starting point for a maximised life MUST be via the gateway of experiencing a personal encounter with the God who created you on purpose for a purpose. There is no other starting point.
2. The Xchange of Grace
Once you experience God for yourself, there is only two options:
A) Shrug Him off and walk away
B) Accept the amazing free gift, where He takes your sin, shame, and guilt, and exchanges it with His salvation, regeneration and atonement. Martin Luther called this the Exchange of Grace.
A life shackled and restricted by the weight of sin and the corrupt human nature will always fall short of the potential it was created for.
3. The Xpectation of Good
Two of my life convictions are:
A) God is good and only does good!
B) All things are working together for good for those who love God and are called according to His purpose.
So many people live a half-full life because they are never able to accept the fact that God's desire is toward them for good. This causes them to shrink back from opportunities and faith challenges, or to place limitations upon themselves because of a belief that they are not the favoured beloved of God.
But when you understand that "underneath are the everlasting arms" you can have great confidence to "Expect great things from God, and attempt great things for God" as thegreat pioneer of modern missions, William Carey, once said.
4. The Xhibition of Glory
A maximised life understands that it is on the planet to exhibit the glory of God; to be a wonder to many of the grace, goodness, and glory of God. Jesus said, "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven." (Matt 5:16)
5. The Xpedition of Greatness
A life lived with a daily Experience of God, revelling in the Exchange of Grace, with a confident Expectation of Good, seeking to present an Exhibition of Glory, is truly an Expedition of Greatness. It is a life which lives beyond dreary subordination to the confines of the mediocre. It is a life which is intent on being a city on a hill. It is a life which leaves an imprint on the planet for the glory of God. It is a life which leaves a deposit in the lives of others. It is a life which is blessed to be a blessing. It is a life spurred by a desire to help as many other people as possible to discover their God-ordained maximised life.
So come on...what life are you waiting for?
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
Two Men Eat World's Hottest Chilli...and Survive (just)
My brother-in-law Craig, and I, did the same thing one night but only with half of the chilli each. Nasty!
CLICK HERE to watch two guys eat the insane Naga Jolokia Chilli, thanks to news.com.au
CLICK HERE to watch two guys eat the insane Naga Jolokia Chilli, thanks to news.com.au
Moving Forward
I love what Christine Caine wrote on her Twitter today. To paraphrase (if something as short as a tweet can even be paraphrased!)...
"Whenever Abraham left one place/opportunity, the road ahead lengthened and the landscape widened. Keep moving forward!"
It's often not until you actually poke your head out of the place you're in (whether it's a rut or just comfortable and familiar) that you realise what a big wide world lays before you. What are you so consumed by today that is clouding your view of the expansive promises and calling of God for your life?
"Whenever Abraham left one place/opportunity, the road ahead lengthened and the landscape widened. Keep moving forward!"
It's often not until you actually poke your head out of the place you're in (whether it's a rut or just comfortable and familiar) that you realise what a big wide world lays before you. What are you so consumed by today that is clouding your view of the expansive promises and calling of God for your life?
Sunday, April 5, 2009
How or What
Steve Penny gave this great thought in church this morning:
When you're going through a valley or wilderness don't ask HOW.
Instead ask WHAT.
What did God promise?
What must I do to possess it?
Friday, April 3, 2009
How Can You Get Mad At This?
Alana just sent me this photo of our daughter Zara's latest portrait...on the wall with pen. It's so good though - how can you possibly get mad? Picasso get out of the way!
Thursday, April 2, 2009
Who is the Light of the World?
Who is the light of the world?
A: Jesus
B: You
C: All of the above
I dare say that most people's first answer would be A: Jesus is the light of the world.
In fact I just read a blog criticising a friend of mine for preaching a sermon and saying that "you can be the light of the world."
"How dare he?" the blogger opined. "Jesus is the light of the world, everyone knows that."
Everyone who doesn't read the Bible, that is. While John 8:12 and 9:5 both quote Jesus as saying, "I am the light of the world..." it is perhaps often overlooked that Jesus himself also said in Matthew 5:14, "You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hid..."
So the correct answer therefore is C: All of the above. Jesus is the light that we follow so that we don't walk in darkness, but then we also are commissioned by Him as beacons of light offering the hope and a standard for others to follow.
Paul said let your light shine in the midst of a dark generation. Look around...this is a pretty dark generation, and YOU are the light of the world, so get shining! Shine with righteousness, shine with love, shine with justice, shine with purpose, shine with hope, shine with generosity, shine with compassion, shine with grace.
It's dangerous to be a surface skimmer of the Word of God - especially if you're going to take aim at someone with it!
A: Jesus
B: You
C: All of the above
I dare say that most people's first answer would be A: Jesus is the light of the world.
In fact I just read a blog criticising a friend of mine for preaching a sermon and saying that "you can be the light of the world."
"How dare he?" the blogger opined. "Jesus is the light of the world, everyone knows that."
Everyone who doesn't read the Bible, that is. While John 8:12 and 9:5 both quote Jesus as saying, "I am the light of the world..." it is perhaps often overlooked that Jesus himself also said in Matthew 5:14, "You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hid..."
So the correct answer therefore is C: All of the above. Jesus is the light that we follow so that we don't walk in darkness, but then we also are commissioned by Him as beacons of light offering the hope and a standard for others to follow.
Paul said let your light shine in the midst of a dark generation. Look around...this is a pretty dark generation, and YOU are the light of the world, so get shining! Shine with righteousness, shine with love, shine with justice, shine with purpose, shine with hope, shine with generosity, shine with compassion, shine with grace.
It's dangerous to be a surface skimmer of the Word of God - especially if you're going to take aim at someone with it!
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
Mission Accomplished
This Sunday night will be a bitter-sweet moment for us as we hand over the youth ministry of Kings to Dustan and Sarah Bell.
We have absolutely loved the last 18 months of leading the most phenomenal young people on the planet – literally! You are truly amazing!
However when Ps Steve asked us to take on youth we knew it was only going to be for a short season. Now our mission of getting Empire healthy, strong, and full of great leaders is accomplished. Schools are more open to us than they've been in a long time, our youth band is brilliant, KNECT groups are thriving, finances are healthy, together we pulled off a great i61 Youth Conference, and we are preparing for our first ever Young Adults Retreat!
Now it’s time for us to move into other things for Ps Steve in Kings across the Coast and globally.
We are so happy with what has been achieved, and know that Empire is positioned for greater things than ever in bringing a revolution to youth culture. Dusty and Sarah will do a great job with a quality team, while also continuing to lead our Noosa congregation, Kings Leadership College, and Youth Alive Sunshine Coast.
So, please join us this Sunday night for our last chance to feel like we’re not really 30+!!! We’d love to celebrate with you!
Remember…the Spirit of the Lord is upon you BECAUSE!
Love you heaps
Artie and Alana
We have absolutely loved the last 18 months of leading the most phenomenal young people on the planet – literally! You are truly amazing!
However when Ps Steve asked us to take on youth we knew it was only going to be for a short season. Now our mission of getting Empire healthy, strong, and full of great leaders is accomplished. Schools are more open to us than they've been in a long time, our youth band is brilliant, KNECT groups are thriving, finances are healthy, together we pulled off a great i61 Youth Conference, and we are preparing for our first ever Young Adults Retreat!
Now it’s time for us to move into other things for Ps Steve in Kings across the Coast and globally.
We are so happy with what has been achieved, and know that Empire is positioned for greater things than ever in bringing a revolution to youth culture. Dusty and Sarah will do a great job with a quality team, while also continuing to lead our Noosa congregation, Kings Leadership College, and Youth Alive Sunshine Coast.
So, please join us this Sunday night for our last chance to feel like we’re not really 30+!!! We’d love to celebrate with you!
Remember…the Spirit of the Lord is upon you BECAUSE!
Love you heaps
Artie and Alana
Sunday, March 29, 2009
Creation
"In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth" Genesis 1:1
In the beginning God claimed the creation of the 5 elemental building
blocks of the universe:
1. Beginning TIME
2. God POWER
3. Created FORCE (what is done with or by power)
4. Heavens SPACE
5. Earth MATTER
Sent from my iPhone
What do you do when your church seats 1300 people but only 80 show up?
The Mars Hill Blog | Blog Archive » Final Thoughts From Pastor Mark at 12:37am After the Lowest Sunday in Many Years
Posted using ShareThis
Anyone in church leadership knows the euphoria of a great Sunday, and the despair of a "bad" one. That's why, as Ps Steve always says, you can't judge a church/ministry/leader by one Sunday only.
Posted using ShareThis
Anyone in church leadership knows the euphoria of a great Sunday, and the despair of a "bad" one. That's why, as Ps Steve always says, you can't judge a church/ministry/leader by one Sunday only.
Thursday, March 26, 2009
March on Mars
March on Mars begins next week.
Click HERE so you can email or write to Mars in your region.
Let's make them follow Cadbury's lead and stop exploiting children.
Click HERE so you can email or write to Mars in your region.
Let's make them follow Cadbury's lead and stop exploiting children.
What do you choose?
I just had this thought...
Most people see a RISK, choose their FEARS, and bypass an OPPORTUNITY.
Visionaries see an OPPORTUNITY, choose a RISK, and bypass their FEARS.
Most people see a RISK, choose their FEARS, and bypass an OPPORTUNITY.
Visionaries see an OPPORTUNITY, choose a RISK, and bypass their FEARS.
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Language of Values
“It is the language of values that people use to map their world. It is what can inspire them to take action, and move them beyond their isolation.” (The Audacity of Hope, p.52)
This takes no small measure of wisdom and discernment to be able to connect with the pre-existing values of other people, while expressing and portraying the vision of your preferred values in such a way that it causes others to be drawn to these new values, to inculcate them, and to outwork them in their own lives.
Sunday, March 22, 2009
Formula for Fruitfulness
Formula for Fruitfulness
A attitude +
B beliefs +
C companions +
D doing +
E excellence
=
F fruitfulness
A attitude +
B beliefs +
C companions +
D doing +
E excellence
=
F fruitfulness
Sent from my iPhone
Thursday, March 12, 2009
i61 in the News
Check out the report on i61 Conference in the Australian Christian Churches ACCENT magazine online
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Cadbury's Goes Fair Trade
After much lobbying by organisations such as Stop The Traffik, Cadbury's has announced it's Dairy Milk Chocolate will be Fair Trade Certified later this year - after initially saying it would be impossible and impractical to do so. This should result in less children being exploited and taken into slavery in cocoa plantations in the Ivory Coast and across West Africa.
Read the full press release from Stop The Traffik here.
Read the full press release from Stop The Traffik here.
Monday, March 9, 2009
Grace is Not Grease
Great quote from Micaela Elliott's Frantic Five at Empire United last night - "Don't treat grace like grease that slips you out of trouble when you sin."
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