Today is the last day of 2010 and soon another year will be history and another year (and decade, depending on how you count) will have begun. Each year we all become a little older and life moves forward. I turned 49 this year, so next year is the big 50. Our oldest son got married … Continue reading Reflections on the Year 2010
Inside the Christmas Story
There are lots of things to like about Christmas - the time with family, the holidays, the gifts, the carols, the lights, and the good food. What I like most is the Christmas story itself. Unfortunately, because most of us have heard the story so many times, it can lose it's impact and meaning, simply … Continue reading Inside the Christmas Story
Christmas Day 2010
Tomorrow is Christmas Day and millions of people around the world will be celebrating the arrival of Jesus Christ into our world over 2000 years ago. Jesus changed the course of history and demonstrated the unfathomable love of God for broken humanity. Christmas is about God's amazing love for us - undeserved and unearned.We love … Continue reading Christmas Day 2010
Wendell Smith (1950-2010) – a Hero of Faith
Wendell Smith, the founding pastor of the influential City Church in Seattle, Washington, passed away this week after a 6-year battle with cancer. Wendell was a pastor, a preacher, an author and a leader of leaders. Wendell is survived by his wife Gini, his son and daughter-in-law, Judah and Chelsea Smith, who are now the Lead … Continue reading Wendell Smith (1950-2010) – a Hero of Faith
Scrivener: Great Software for Writers, Speakers and Composers
For anyone who writes or speaks, the task of preparation is part science and part art ... with lots of prayer and perspiration mixed in. Some people think more intuitively. I know one speaker who prepares all of their messages in their head - never writing anything down. Others write out their ideas, sometimes word … Continue reading Scrivener: Great Software for Writers, Speakers and Composers
Six Mega Themes for the Church in 2010 (Barna Update)
A recent report by the Barna Group highlights six mega-themes in the church that have emerged in 2010. Click here to read the full report. Here they are: 1. The Christian Church is becoming less theologically literate. 2. Christians are becoming more ingrown and less outreach-oriented. 3. Growing numbers of people are less interested in … Continue reading Six Mega Themes for the Church in 2010 (Barna Update)
FOCUS: What People Need from their Pastor
What People Want from their Senior Pastor REVEAL also included research about what people expect from the Senior Pastor (or Senior Minister – SM). People view the Senior Pastor’s responsibilities as: 1. Serving Advocacy. The SM is expected to be the chief promoter and champion of serving opportunities. They identify and encourage the use of people’s gifts and … Continue reading FOCUS: What People Need from their Pastor
FOCUS: What People Need from their Church
What people want and what they need may be the same thing or they may be different. Sorting out wants and needs is an important task for any church leader. Understanding what people really want from their church is an important starting place. We need to understand why motivated people show up every week. What … Continue reading FOCUS: What People Need from their Church
FOLLOW ME: What’s Next For You?
There is nothing more difficult to gauge or measure than spiritual growth. However, we must do our best to try. After conducting the REVEAL survey with over 6000 of their own church members and another 300 people who had left their church within the previous year, Willow Creek started involving other churches in the research. … Continue reading FOLLOW ME: What’s Next For You?
REVEAL Survey (Part 3)
Twelve bonus discoveries were made from the survey: Growing up in a church is the leading reason people begin to explore Christianity. Other reasons relate to personal feelings of emptiness or struggle. People begin attending their church primarily because of a personal relationship or recommendation. Expressions of gratitude toward God and dependence on God rise … Continue reading REVEAL Survey (Part 3)
REVEAL Survey (Part 2)
Willow Creek were shocked with the findings from this survey and spent more than two years assimilating the research. The results have led to a total rethink as to how Willow Creek is coaching Christ-followers. Specifically, they have made three strategic changes: 1. They Changed Their Message to the Congregation. They realized that they had been … Continue reading REVEAL Survey (Part 2)
REVEAL Survey (Part 1)
Willow Creek Community Church in Chicago, led by Bill Hybels, has conducted surveys every three years to assess the quality and impact of their ministry. After moving into a new 7,200-seat auditorium in 2003, they conducted one of their most extensive surveys ever. Their focus in the survey was less on “how many?” but more … Continue reading REVEAL Survey (Part 1)
Some Advice for Lebron James
Lebron James is possibly the greatest basketball player on the planet today. I like him. He is a gifted athlete and has a rare set of skills that are a joy and inspiration to watch ... when he is playing well. About five months ago, Lebron's contract with the Cleveland Cavaliers ended and he decided … Continue reading Some Advice for Lebron James