Revitalize Your Church

A youth pastor was charged with assault this week, after a "dodge ball" altercation at a youth meeting in February. Some kid whacked him in the face with the ball, knocking off his glasses -- and the reverend went wild. I think this youth pastor's been reading too much John Eldredge. Well, at least the kids in that youth group understand now that Christianity isn't just for sissies.

On Thursday, along with the senior pastors of the six other larger churches in Wisconsin, I travelled to Tomah and had lunch with Wayne Schmidt, senior pastor of Kentwood Community Church in Grand Rapids. The purpose was to sharpen our focus on outreach and church planting. Wayne shared his story with us -- how their church has helped birth several daughter congregations -- at varying levels of commitment from the mother church. Sometimes, Kentwood helped with finances, sometimes people. Their first church plant was sending Kevin Myers from Michigan to Atlanta GA with another couple to start Crossroads. Crossroads is now the largest Wesleyan congregation -- so the baby elephant is bigger than momma! Now, they are involved in the planting of a church each year. Wayne said this is the most exciting thing he's ever done. He said the philosophy of Kentwood is this: To permeate the region in such a way that every individual has the opportunity for a relationship with an authentic follo...

If you want to be a good leader, start by being a good follower! Sometimes, people want to lead before they learn how to follow. Non-followers make terrible leaders. They are self-absorbed and don't deal very well with people in general. Occasionally, folks will come to me and offer their services in a leadership capacity. My usual response is "you can start your leadership journey by jumping in and helping others. The best leaders know how to follow well." Sometimes, they walk away with a sniff. "I'm happy to be up front leading, but how dare you ask me to serve behind the scenes? Aren't you aware of my tremendous gifts and abilities?" Yes -- and I am also aware of an over-inflated ego. Samuel Brengle graduated from college and signed up as an officer in the Salvation Army. He was excited about his new role and looked forward to providing visionary leadership for the cause. He was dismayed when on his first day at work, the very fist assignment was to ...

Catherine Booth, co-founder of the Salvation Army, preached a powerful sermon in 1880, entitled "The Holy Ghost." Let me warn you -- It's convicting. Then, in conclusion, let me remind you--and it makes my own soul almost reel when I think of it that God holds us responsible. He holds you responsible for all the good you might do if you had it (power of the Holy Spirit.) Do not deceive yourself. He will have the five talents with their increase. He will not have an excuse for one, and you will not dare to go up to the throne, and say, `Thou wast a hard Master, reaping where Thou hast not sown, and gathering where Thou hadst not strewn. Thou badest me to save souls when Thou knewest I had not the power.' What will He say to you? `Wicked and slothful servant, out of thine own mouth will I judge thee. You knew where you could have got the power. You knew the conditions. You might have had it. Where are the souls you might have saved? Where are the children that I would ...

I decided to attend the courthouse gathering this morning, (see last post) and am glad I did. My earlier apprehension of a mob atmosphere was unfounded. Pastor Ben was there too, and, as men of peace, our presence had a calming effect on the Sipe family and friends. I gathered them all in a circle, and said a prayer, asking the Lord to give us his peace and strength for the day. I also prayed for Craig Sturdevant, that he would find his way. Judge Yackel sentenced him to life in prison -- with a review in 20 years. I'm glad that chapter is finally over. The story unfolded of a broken young man, whose broken mother left him and his siblings to parent themselves. All of them have ended up in trouble with the law. I left the courthouse heavy-hearted, wondering how many other children in our community are following this destructive path, and what can we do to turn them around? I also felt a deep gratitude for those who serve in our Mentoring Program for Single Moms each Tuesday evenin...

I am struggling with a decision this morning. Do I attend the 8:30 a.m. gathering in front of the courthouse? Today is the sentencing hearing for Craig Sturdavant, a teenager who brutally murdered Mel and Delores Sipe, the two oldest members of our congregation four years ago. The justice system has moved along at a snail's pace -- but today, finally, we can put closure on this chapter. Friends and family of the Sipe's have called for a gathering before the hearing -- and thus, I'm in the valley of decision. Mel and Delores were dear friends and I want to support the family, but I am not angry, nor do I seek vengeance. An emotionally charged crowd, gathering in front of the courthouse, has the potential to erupt into something ugly. Maybe I should go to be a peace maker.

My friend, Shirley Boyle, had some fun with Church Sign Generator -- and sent me the results!