People frequently say, "Its a young person's world" and it many ways it is. Youth culture dominates our world and especially the entertainment industry. Yet, the largest and fastest growing demographic in many parts of our world is the elderly. With life expectancy continuing to grow, we will continue to see more and more seniors … Continue reading Don’t forget the Elderly!
Jesus said “Come …”
As we read through the story of Jesus as recorded in the Gospel of Matthew we see that: Jesus shares his Messianic message about the kingdom of God (Mt.5-7), he engages in a ministry of miracles and signs (Mt.8-9), and he commissions his disciples to participate in his mission (Mt.10). The crowds still follow but … Continue reading Jesus said “Come …”
UK Government to Block Internet Porn
The UK government intends to block all internet porn in an aim to combat the early sexualisation of children. Parents would have to request to access pornography. What an excellent move this is! As you know, if you have ever stayed in a hotel, porn is on tap and you have to request to turn … Continue reading UK Government to Block Internet Porn
Fostering Creativity
Here are a few thoughts on some ways we can foster greater creativity: 1. Make time for thinking creatively Set aside regular time for “brainstorming” - by yourself and, better still, with other people and especially with any teams you are a part of. Think creatively. Research should be everybody’s preoccupation and innovation is everybody’s game … Continue reading Fostering Creativity
Creativity Killers
Here are a few examples of "creativity killers" - people who were NOT willing to think outside the box: "Everything that can be invented has been invented." [Charles H. Duell, Director of the American Patent Office in 1899] "Sensible and responsible women do not want to vote." [Grover Cleveland, 1905] "Who the hell wants to … Continue reading Creativity Killers
The Importance of Innovation
Innovation is very important for any individual, group or organization – including the church! A few quotes: 1. “In a period of rapid change, the only ones who survive are those who innovate and create change.” [Peter Drucker – Father of Modern Management in Management, p.357] Change is the only certain in today’s fast paced environment. Accept … Continue reading The Importance of Innovation
A Theology of Creativity
Let's talk about creativity ... 1. God is a Creative God God invented creativity. He thought it up. It was his idea. Creativity is part of who God is. The fifth word in the Bible is ‘created’ – “In the beginning God created … (Gen.1:1)” God started the creative ball rolling and it has been … Continue reading A Theology of Creativity
Reformation Needed
At last year's Third Lausanne Congress in Cape Town, South Africa, one of the speakers was Christopher Wright. In a stirring address, Wright compared in detail the sate of the church today and the church in the generations before Luther. "What is the greatest obstacle to God's mission in the world?' Wright asked. "It is … Continue reading Reformation Needed
My Church
I pretty much grew up in church. When I was a kid our family went to church three times every Sunday - Sunday morning, Sunday afternoon and Sunday night. When I was nine years of age (back in 1970), my family travelled to America where my dad was one of the speakers for multiple church … Continue reading My Church
A Season of Prayer
Many individuals, groups and churches begin the year with a season of prayer. I think it is a great idea. Our church begins a 14 day period of prayer beginning today. We are encouraging everyone to take some additional time aside to pray - personally, with their family or in their small group. We are … Continue reading A Season of Prayer
The Power of Gratitude
This weekend we took time as a church community to thank God for His blessing and favour, especially over the last 8 years in which we have been working towards our Vision 2010 statement. We want to be like the Samaritan leper who took time to return to Jesus and express his gratitude for the … Continue reading The Power of Gratitude
The Year 2011
This year will be an interesting one ... in many ways. We have four unusual dates: 1. 1/1/11 2. 1/11/11 3. 11/1/11 4. 11/11/11 Then for something really different ... 1. Take the last two digits of the year you were born ... 2. Add that number to the age you will be this year … Continue reading The Year 2011