Blessings of Ministry – Teaching (3 of 3)

7 10 2011

There are many blessings of being in ministry serving as a pastor at a local church. One of these is the chance to teach classes about knowing, loving and serving God. This week I finished the second of a six week class in which we are looking at how we respond to God’s love and how our lives might be different as a result. I really enjoying sharing about our faith and the church, answering questions and helping people take the next step on their journey of faith.

What blessings do you find in ministry?


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Blessings of Ministry – Mission (2 of 3)

6 10 2011

There are many blessings of being in ministry as the pastor of a local church. One of these blessings is the opportunity to lead our congregation in mission to the community. In my role at Resurrection West, I have the opportunity to work with a great team of volunteers on the Mission team that organizes and equips our congregation to serve others and share Christ. I love being able to help people live out God’s call in their life.

What blessings do you find in ministry?


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Blessings of Ministry – Babies (1 of 3)

5 10 2011

There are many blessings of ministry as a pastor. One of those is to be with families with new babies. In the past several weeks, I have had the opportunity to be with two families who welcomed a new member to their family, as well as pray before surgery for an infant. Each one of these are doing great.

What blessings do you find in ministry?


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One Day

3 10 2011
Shelby Farms Park in Memphis, Tennessee. I too...

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“Better is one day in your courts than a thousand elsewhere; I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of the wicked.” Psalm 84:10, NIV

This verse reminds me of two things, which happen to be connected together. The first is an experience that I had in college at One Day 2000. Along with others from the college ministry of which I was a part, I traveled to Shelby Farms Park in Memphis Tennessee for One Day. This was one of the Passion Conferences and you can read more about it at this blog post - Remembering OneDay 2000-Sacred. Holy. His. This verse also reminds me of the song Better is One Day by Sonic Flood, who played at the One Day event.

More than these things, this verse brings perspective to my life when I get caught up in the details, tasks and minutiae of life. It helps broaden my perspective. Were you at One Day in 2000? I would love to hear from you in the comments. Also, how do you respond to this verse?


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Categories : Bible, changing lives

1 Chronicles 13:8 – Worship with All Your Might

26 09 2011

David and all the Israelites were celebrating with all their might before God, with songs and with harps, lyres, timbrels, cymbals and trumpets. 1 Chronicles 13:8, NIV

Yesterday we completed a two week series at Resurrection in which we looked at what it means to worship. I found this verse to be particularly timely and inspiring in light of this series. Doing anything with all my might is pretty intense. Yet this is what we are called to do in worship and in loving God.


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Auto-Tune Assisi

23 09 2011

I was fascinated the version of All Creatures of Our God and King from the Elevation Church worship team.

This video has prompted some response in the blogosphere, including:

I find myself back and forth between the perspectives outlined in the two posts above. I would be interested in the context for the song as part of worship.

Will you please share your thoughts, feelings or opinions about this version of an old hymn?


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Categories : ministry, worship

Psalm 71:18 – Leaving a Legacy

19 09 2011

Even when I am old and gray, do not forsake me, my God, till I declare your power to the next generation, your mighty acts to all who are to come (Psalm 71:18, NIV)

This verse clearly articulates the desire to leave a legacy of faithfulness and sharing good news to the generations that are coming ahead of us. I hope that I am declaring God’s power to the next generation today as well as years from now. This is a key task for me as a father and as a pastor. I hope to do this by raising my son in the faith and being intentional about offering mentoring and guidance to those younger than me.

In what ways do you share God’s power with the next generation?


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Scripture Monday – Psalm 63:1

12 09 2011

You, God, are my God, earnestly I seek you; I thirst for you, my whole being longs for you, in a dry and parched land where there is no water (Psalm 63:1, NIV).

I love the vivid description of seeking God. Thirst is powerful in a land where there is no water. I aspire to seek God in this way, but I know that it is not true for me all the time.

This weekend I had the chance to witness the baptism of my niece, Jenna. Also, my brother asked if I would be a godparent, which I am honored to be. It was a great blessing to share in the day. The waters of baptism are a sign of God’s grace and quenching of our thirst for God.


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Living Without Fear in an Age of Terror

1 09 2011
Ressurection of Jairus' daughter

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I am preaching this Sunday at Resurrection West. I am looking forward to the opportunity to share good news with the congregation. I am particularly looking forward to it as I did not have the opportunity to preach while serving as Pastor of Resurrection Online.

We are in the middle of a series in which we are reflecting on the events of September 11, 2011 through the lens of the Christian faith. I am preaching on Living Without Fear in an Age of Terror and will be using verses from Psalm 27 and Mark 5. If you are interested, you can follow my progress in the days ahead at the Google Doc - http://j.mp/pTdEht It is pretty rough right now and won’t be in a finished form until some time Saturday night. If you take a look at it, will you please share your thoughts feelings or opinions? I would love to hear from you.


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Categories : ministry, worship

First Two Weeks at Resurrection West

31 08 2011

I have had a great first two weeks as part of the Resurrection West team. I started as Associate Campus Pastor on August 15 and have loved the opportunity to be part of what God is doing through this community in the western part of Johnson County. There is an amazing team of staff and volunteers that make opportunities to know, love and serve God possible each day.

My task over these two weeks has been to step into some of my immediate areas of responsibility and get to know people. It is a brand new congregation for me to get to know. I have met with couples and individuals almost every day to hear their story of connection at West and listen for the words of wisdom and guidance they have for me as an associate pastor here.

At times it can feel exciting, confusing, peaceful, important, fascinating and sometimes a mix of all of these at once. I am looking forward to the days ahead!


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Categories : leadership, ministry, united methodist church

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