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church ministry

#UMC Bishop Scott Jones’ Statement on #HCR in the US

Kansas Area Bishop Scott Jones released the following statement March 22, 2010 regarding the United Methodist Church’s role in the passage of health care reform over the weekend. Please feel free to share these remarks. Bishop Scott Jones’ statement: The United Methodist Church has had a concern for health care for more than 250 years. We […]

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renewing the church united methodist church

Pollyanna Principles for The UMC

Several months ago, I read the post The Pollyanna Principles for Social Change, which lead me to The Pollyanna Principles. From the website: The Pollyanna Principles The Ends: 1. We accomplish what we hold ourselves accountable for. 2. Each and every one of us is creating the future, every day, whether we do so consciously […]

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church ministry renewing the church

Four Narratives for Online Spiritual Community

Several months ago, I received a copy of several articles that explore the intersection of religion and the internet. I want to record some of my notes on the articles and at the same time share them with you. “Considering spiritual dimensions within computer-mediated communication studies” is another article by Heidi Campbell that was published […]

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transforming the community

Zimbabwe: Church and Community (5 of 8)

In Zimbabwe, there did not seem to be a separation between personal holiness and social holiness. One of the sites that we visited was planning on drilling a water well that would be able to provide water for the church members and the community. This would prevent the need to get up at 3:00 or […]

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annual conference ministry

Back in the United States

I made it back safely from Zimbabwe last week with the team from the Kansas West Annual Conference. I had an amazing time hearing stories and meeting the people of Zimbabwe. I am working on sorting through the photos and stories. I hope to be able to share them with you in a few days. […]

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ministry renewing the church transforming the community

Micro Church at Tallgrass Creek

I had the privilege of worshipping with the micro church at Tallgrass Creek yesterday morning. This is a community of faith that gathers around the live internet broadcast of worship through Resurrection Online every Sunday at 10:45. There were 20 people present yesterday and this has been an an average for the group. I hope […]

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leadership ministry renewing the church

What do you do as pastor for Resurrection Online? – Part Un

This is one of the most common questions that I receive since starting my new role as Resurrection Online Campus Pastor on November 1. The answer is most accurately answered in two parts and the first part has to do with the online experience. Since November 2, 2008 there have been an average of 1,004 […]

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church leadership ministry

Iterate Fast and Release Often

This is one of the principles which has guided me in the development of Resurrection Online and the guidance for micro churches supported by the simulcast of worship. This principle is well outlined at this post – The “Iterate Fast and Release Often” Philosophy of Entrepreneurship, from which I take this quote: The core tenet […]

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changing lives faith renewing the church

Changing the Atmosphere

Nicole and I recently purchased a dehumidifier for our basement. After it’s arrival, I set it up, plugged it in and turned it on. When I checked on it the next day, the water reservoir was full and the atmosphere was noticeably different. I knew that it needed to be dehumidified, but was still surprised […]

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church ministry

A People’s History of Christianity

I recently read A People’s History of Christianity: The Other Side of the Story, the latest book from Diana Butler Bass. Bass takes the reader on a jaunt through the history of the church from the first century right up to today dividing the years into: early, medieval, reformation, modern and contemporary Christianity. In each […]

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blog

Speedlinking – August 19, 2009

Children, Children Everywhere – From my Dad’s trip to Africa The Report of Section 23 – From my Dad’s trip to Africa Preaching at Streamview – From my Dad’s trip to Africa Soon I Will Be a Dad. I Am Learning New Things All the Time – Excellent tip! Church Online: Strengths – Reflections from […]

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blog

Speedlinking – June 20, 2009

The New GM? and church… Clear thoughts at Let’s Stop… Organize Your Workspace for Maximum Productivity is a post that will definitely get used when I move offices. I appreciate the wisdom at Notes for Young Clergy Three Ways to Make Conferences Better – Annual Conference, anyone? Good tactics can be found at: Why it’s […]