tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-352550572011-07-11T14:45:44.672-05:00This is meant to be a connecting point for those who wish to become better followers of Jesus Christ and to help others to do the same.Pastor Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03251760390057058463noreply@blogger.comBlogger2091100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35255057.post-41017109334639116372011-04-14T13:30:00.000-05:002011-04-14T13:30:00.526-05:00

What difference do memories make? Some memories flood the soul with nostalgic warmth as we recall love and positive experiences. Other memories leave a person paralyzed as trauma is relived and a victim is unable to move forward. Still other memories inspire and energize an individual to conquer obstacles that would otherwise become roadblocks. In just a couple of weeks most of us will celebrate

Pastor Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03251760390057058463noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35255057.post-63841319703881220702011-03-07T10:03:00.000-06:002011-03-07T10:03:23.064-06:00

The answer to the question in the title of this post depends on how you define the goal of small groups. Small groups can be a tool to draw people into a sense of belonging rather than consuming. This can be easily identified by how they refer to the church. Do they call it YOUR church or OUR church? Small groups can be a tool to of spiritual formation or discipleship. Ideas are shared,

Pastor Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03251760390057058463noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35255057.post-6855166143510334652011-02-03T16:37:00.001-06:002011-02-03T17:54:02.846-06:00

Here is a project for a course I am taking in Biblical Greek. If the Ustream quality is difficult to watch, here is a link to another format with no video of me :) http://www.screencast.com/t/gnZ2chF6

Pastor Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03251760390057058463noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35255057.post-87003930163728505162010-06-08T09:16:00.000-05:002010-06-08T09:16:47.473-05:00

I find myself frequently correcting people when they refer to small groups as "Home Bible Studies". Why? What is the difference? I also use the term "Spiritual Formation" where many people traditionally refer to "discipleship." I believe "Spiritual Formation" is more attentive of the need to transform the whole person (mind, will, emotion, and behavior) where too many people consider themselves

Pastor Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03251760390057058463noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35255057.post-49818178877902281272010-06-03T08:25:00.000-05:002010-06-03T08:25:14.485-05:00

A couple of posts back I wrote about the value of community as an instrument of spiritual formation. Today I just found another post on a blog I follow that goes into a little more detail on the value of reciprocal living. http://leadingfromthesandbox.blogspot.com/2010/06/powerful-transparency.html

Pastor Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03251760390057058463noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35255057.post-83318215286275629062010-06-02T13:59:00.000-05:002010-06-02T13:59:19.580-05:00

With today's post I would like to sincerely extend a word of appreciation to those who are making disciples of others. Human tendency is to hold expectations that are often exceeded or undermined by others. When expectations are met, we usually respond with politeness. When expectations are unmet we tend to react with public or hidden murmuring. When expectations are exceeded we feel the genuine

Pastor Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03251760390057058463noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35255057.post-1853708004102756932010-05-24T13:39:00.000-05:002010-05-24T13:39:58.516-05:00

The 4th item on my list of Spiritual Formation ingredients that truly lead to transformation is Experience/competence. I believe putting our ideas to practice is essential in becoming like Christ. Just as the act of the Resurrection proved that Christ was who He claimed to be, the acts of obedience prove that our faith is more than fantasies. This is what James communicates with his teaching

Pastor Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03251760390057058463noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35255057.post-15354914378633770242010-05-17T14:54:00.001-05:002010-05-17T14:57:08.354-05:00

Continuing in our series of posts on Efficacy Matters, this week I would like you to think about the power of the God to change lives. Too many people and organizations have tried to reduce the Christian walk to a formula or a program. I've seen it from the most conservative of Fundamentalist and I observed it in the most liberal of denominations. It has been packaged as "10 easy steps to..." or

Pastor Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03251760390057058463noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35255057.post-33130209031428450642010-05-10T12:47:00.000-05:002010-05-10T12:47:05.954-05:00

The 2nd item on my proposed list of elements that are efficacious in making more and better followers of Chris is COMMUNITY. Community is more than being in close proximity to others or having a common namebadge. Biblical community is to have a "common unity" with one or more people. This unity is based upon common identity (who we are in Christ) and common purpose (being transformed into the

Pastor Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03251760390057058463noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35255057.post-32825878861548819002010-05-03T10:35:00.000-05:002010-05-03T10:35:06.909-05:00

I was asked to unpack some of my suggestions as to what is efficacious in making disciples of Jesus Christ. My first suggestion is that TRUTH transforms people. In Jn 8:32 Jesus challenges a group of people by saying "the truth will set you free". In the next verse they respond by saying that they were already free. Jesus then goes on to explain that they didn't even know how bad of a situation

Pastor Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03251760390057058463noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35255057.post-53827274194712397372010-04-26T13:30:00.000-05:002010-04-26T13:30:30.092-05:00

Music has been an important part of my life. I learned to sing by listening to Sunday School songs while very young. I began piano lessons while only 7 years old, then took a couple years of organ lessons in my pre-teen years (betcha didn't know that!) I have been playing trumpet since I was 9 and I have dabbled in other instruments like clarinet, baritone & guitar. I have performed as one voice

Pastor Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03251760390057058463noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35255057.post-49425169245135654612010-04-26T12:37:00.001-05:002010-04-26T12:38:57.239-05:00

I have a friends whose email tagline is "because efficacy matters." He works in an industry where there are plenty of Charlatans who are all trying to profit from their "snake oil." My friend's employer is committed to be known by selling products that actually produce the desired results. Efficacy is "the capacity to produce an effect." There are many different ideas that clamor for our

Pastor Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03251760390057058463noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35255057.post-67021625709345470052010-04-19T16:56:00.000-05:002010-04-19T16:56:34.837-05:00

I heard of a new trend in education this morning that has bothered me all day -- unschooling. The concept is that kids learn best when they are totally free to discover whatever they want, however they want. On the other hand, most educators believe that proper education involves very specific strategies that will propel the student in a preferred direction. Here are some analogies: Have you

Pastor Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03251760390057058463noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35255057.post-78034843815910718682010-04-12T09:05:00.001-05:002010-04-12T09:05:56.510-05:00

In my last post I asked if people view faith as integral to their lives or as tasks that should be completed. A couple of people rightfully called me to task on my vague definition of faith. The point I inadequately was trying to make is that some people (Christian leaders included) tend to substitute “faith-based” behaviors (as evidenced by the White House’s Office of Faith-based and Community

Pastor Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03251760390057058463noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35255057.post-28611559531317797202010-04-06T15:40:00.000-05:002010-04-06T15:40:07.121-05:00

There are some things that I do because they are a task on my "Things to do" list (prepare to teach a class). There are other things that I do because they are a routine and I don't have to be reminded (brush my teeth). The first I call a "task" the second is a routine that has been integrated into my lifestyle. I am often reminded by members of my family that I need to update my Facebook status

Pastor Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03251760390057058463noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35255057.post-84756901521806403212010-03-29T11:08:00.000-05:002010-03-29T11:08:49.450-05:00

Are you helping the people around you to be set free from the hurts, habits and hang-ups of their past? Last week I heard the same message from 3 different sources that are totally unaware of the other two. 1. I reconnected over Facebook with a former classmate. She shared with me a testimony about a godly man whose personal perspective caused her to lose the joy that God intends. She learned

Pastor Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03251760390057058463noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35255057.post-81210957947193650712010-03-23T13:25:00.000-05:002010-03-23T13:25:09.803-05:00

What do you expect from those you lead? I have been in some groups where it is evident that the leader does not expect much from the group. Many support groups fit this context when the leader views the participants as VICTIMS who need to be comforted and be assured that their experiences are "normal" I have been in other groups that are truly inspiring when the leader believes that the

Pastor Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03251760390057058463noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35255057.post-73776422539673723312010-03-15T14:44:00.000-05:002010-03-15T14:44:03.296-05:00

Last week I participated in a class as a student. The subject material was new to the whole class and it very easily could have been overwhelming. As the students were standing around during a break toward the end of the class I overheard a common theme in the comments--"the teacher never makes us appear stupid". Early in the week the professor intentionally created an environment where students

Pastor Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03251760390057058463noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35255057.post-79265577414031169962010-03-02T18:04:00.000-06:002010-03-02T18:04:54.472-06:00

Just as the scene in The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, the long winter here in Wisconsin appears to be coming to an end. While every square foot (except where we shoveled) of the property where our home stands is still snow-covered, the Daffodils are beginning to pop up THROUGH THE SNOW! I mentioned this fact to a stranger in a medical office yesterday and told him I had never seen this

Pastor Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03251760390057058463noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35255057.post-70287380251148450462010-02-26T12:51:00.000-06:002010-02-26T12:51:01.402-06:00

I realize that not all who read this blog are on Facebook so I am posting a link to a note I recently posted on my FB account.

Pastor Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03251760390057058463noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35255057.post-14983663258386971182010-02-22T10:59:00.000-06:002010-02-22T10:59:40.879-06:00

I have heard that God is a big baseball fan because he starts the Bible with "In the Big Inning". Now that the poor attempt at corny humor is out of the way... Today is the day that Pitchers and Catchers begin their official team workouts in the 2010 Spring Training. The news has been loaded with discussions about changes to the Milwaukee Brewers pitching rotation for this year. As I

Pastor Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03251760390057058463noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35255057.post-35730249076063454602010-02-15T17:09:00.000-06:002010-02-15T17:09:48.056-06:00

I was recently asked to advise a person who is relatively new in full-time ministry about my perspective on leadership. Specifically "What have you seen that has ensured that a person in ministry has a good foundation in their own life to minister for the long term?" While most who read this blog are lay leaders and very few do vocational ministry, the answers may be helpful to make you a more

Pastor Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03251760390057058463noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35255057.post-19406648184567284952010-02-11T13:56:00.000-06:002010-02-11T13:56:02.047-06:00

Many tell us today that marriage is no longer politically correct. Society wants us to believe that marriage is an outdated institution and that co-habitating, common law marriage, and domestic partnerships are just as beneficial to our society. Hallmark, FTD and the Jewelry stores want you to believe that this Sunday the only acceptable way to express love is by giving gifts. Other elements of

Pastor Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03251760390057058463noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35255057.post-53432100317899919672010-02-01T10:00:00.000-06:002010-02-01T10:00:48.526-06:00

I have found that most people like to accumulate tools. Men tend to like tools that are found at the Sporting Goods store or the Hardware store, while women like tools that are found at the Kitchen Gadget store or home parties held by Mary Kay, Pampered Chef, Stampin' Up, etc. Some have extravagant organizational systems like thousand dollar Snap-On rolling toolchests or hardwood custom

Pastor Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03251760390057058463noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35255057.post-20069029422726599582010-01-25T12:03:00.001-06:002010-01-25T12:03:08.361-06:00

A couple years ago in a Graduate School class I was introduced to the idea of “appreciative inquiry.” The idea is that instead of focusing on what is bad and needs to be changed, we should inquire as to what positive resources are at play in any situation and harness what is positive to address what is lacking. Last week I had a discussion with a friend about the stage that his toddlers are

Pastor Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03251760390057058463noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35255057.post-8159929179260172342010-01-18T09:53:00.001-06:002010-01-18T09:53:27.266-06:00

One of the blogs I follow is from a pastor of a large church in another state. Today’s post addresses an issue that ALL leaders will face sooner or later, and EVERY leader I know has had to deal with it on more than one occasion—Criticism. Since we are all flawed, sinful people still in the process of being conformed to the image of Christ, you and I will make mistakes and bad choices and others

Pastor Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03251760390057058463noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35255057.post-42586890610065979982010-01-12T14:56:00.000-06:002010-01-12T14:56:42.061-06:00

Several years ago I learned the relative power of obstacles in regards to momentum. Here is the word picture. Imagine that your car is at a dead stop and somebody places a 4 inch stone in front of one of the wheels then asks you to push your car over that stone. It is very unlikely to happen. Now imagine that your car is rolling down a hill and there is a 4" stone in the middle of the path. You

Pastor Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03251760390057058463noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35255057.post-72745159297718748082010-01-04T13:10:00.001-06:002010-01-04T13:10:07.294-06:00

I have long heard the suggestion that a good way to build a habit of daily Bible reading is to read one chapter of Proverbs according to the day of the month. That would mean that today (January 4, 2010) people are reading Proverbs chapter 4. One blogger who is taking the “31 Day Challenge” makes the following comment on Proverbs 4:23 I believe it was Socrates who said, “The unexamined life

Pastor Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03251760390057058463noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35255057.post-10078922392135091682009-12-28T15:19:00.001-06:002009-12-28T15:19:21.393-06:00

At our services yesterday our Pastor challenged us to FINISH WELL based upon Acts 28. We were all reminded that a poor start does not doom us to a bad finish. Isn’t that a great reminder? As you look back to your first experience teaching or leading a small group, you are probably very grateful that you are doing better now than you were then. Should the Lord tarry, I hope you are not yet ready

Pastor Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03251760390057058463noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35255057.post-12930990228474981002009-12-21T13:32:00.001-06:002009-12-21T13:32:08.445-06:00

Yesterday I watched a TV program on Secrets of the Secret Service. In this episode they spoke about how new threats have emerged that require new strategies to protect the President. Specifically they mentioned domestic terrorism and access to the sky over the White House (e.g. airplanes and missiles) as threats that have changed in the last 50 years (especially in the last 10 years). This

Pastor Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03251760390057058463noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35255057.post-4422314527318494682009-12-14T12:49:00.000-06:002009-12-14T12:49:08.506-06:00

I have spent the last week mulling over a tension that every leader must wrestle with. Is my primary responsibility to the group or to individuals that make up the group? On one hand, healthy groups are made up of healthy individuals. If the individuals who make up your group are not healthy, then the group can never be healthy. But just because the individuals are healthy does not guarantee

Pastor Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03251760390057058463noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35255057.post-5098338944255897122009-12-08T09:17:00.001-06:002009-12-08T09:17:33.090-06:00

Bobby Gruenewald of Lifechurch.tv posted this on his blog today. If I gave you $100,000, could you make your house or apartment excellent?  I imagine that with some careful investments in furniture, paint, etc you could probably do it.  If I then gave you another $500,000, could you make it more excellent?  How about $5 million?  You get the point. Now, when was it excellent?  After the

Pastor Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03251760390057058463noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35255057.post-52665920548803890432009-11-30T17:39:00.001-06:002009-11-30T17:39:13.461-06:00

I have just started reading Unleashing the Power of Rubber Bands by Nancy Ortberg. She suggested starting with a chapter toward the end of the book and that is what I did. I would like to share with you her words. Not only is the old model of the omnicompetent leader dated, it simply won't work anymore. There is too much to accomplish for one person to be responsible for or capable of

Pastor Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03251760390057058463noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35255057.post-18384083424969499612009-11-23T10:16:00.000-06:002009-11-23T10:16:14.861-06:00

I have heard a lot of speakers who liked the sound of their own voice because they went on, and on, and on and on even though nobody else seemed to be paying attention. I have been in places where attempts at creativity were so blatant that the message got lost in all the pizzazz. This weekend I heard this message which I thought was a clarion call and a good reminder for all those tho desire to

Pastor Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03251760390057058463noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35255057.post-64699425620893114782009-11-17T10:49:00.000-06:002009-11-17T10:49:10.566-06:00

When I was a kid I was never much of a reader. I didn’t even read many comic books, but that didn’t prevent my imagination from being stretched by the stories of the comic book heroes. More often than not, my Saturday morning included this… I wondered if there might be a real place somewhere that superheroes came together to join powers to overcome evil. As I watched the stories of these

Pastor Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03251760390057058463noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35255057.post-42675143319331813962009-11-09T14:17:00.000-06:002009-11-09T14:17:21.802-06:00

I am preparing for a talk I will be giving in a little over a week on the life of the apostle Peter. Even though I have preached biographical sermons on him before, a new insight caught my attention this weekend--his most efficient ministry happened during a relatively short window of time. Most leaders and Bible teachers are aware that his effectiveness did not take off until after the

Pastor Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03251760390057058463noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35255057.post-79111727442696616582009-11-02T13:12:00.000-06:002009-11-02T13:12:31.199-06:00

This weekend I was reminded on several occasions of the great effort that goes into pursuing shallow goals. * Some people spent WAY too much time worrying about Halloween costumes. * Some children spent WAY too much time collecting candy that will be gone in less than a week. * I met some people who spend WAY too much of their life pursuing pleasure that disappears like a wisp of cold breath. *

Pastor Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03251760390057058463noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35255057.post-67897233044166813242009-10-27T12:52:00.001-05:002009-10-27T12:56:50.090-05:00

The news over the weekend about two Northwest Airlines pilots who missed the Minneapolis airport by over 100 miles and had to double back has had the news media abuzz. What does this have to do with leadership? It turns out they claim they failed to do their most important task - Pilot the airplane because they were distracted by a discussion about the new software system that determines when

Pastor Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03251760390057058463noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35255057.post-4072820819072617732009-10-21T14:46:00.000-05:002009-10-21T14:46:09.173-05:00

I just saw a great video based upon the premise of "Can we motivate people to do something good for them if they think it will be fun?" Reminded me of something I heard years ago in a preaching class. THE BIBLE IS NOT BORING! "It is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword". If people perceive the Bible to be boring it is because of something we have done to it. If the people in

Pastor Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03251760390057058463noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35255057.post-51844423866334763492009-10-12T08:58:00.001-05:002009-10-12T08:58:51.449-05:00

As teachers and small group leaders I know you put significant time into preparing lessons so that you have something of substance to lay before your students or participants when you gather. But have you given any thought to training them to feed themselves or to feed others? Feeding an infant usually involves placing a puree into his or her mouth. As the child grows the parent looks for foods

Pastor Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03251760390057058463noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35255057.post-83726723565800842892009-10-06T12:05:00.000-05:002009-10-06T12:05:31.219-05:00

Much is being written about the way that Brett Favre shredded his former team in last night's game. Yes, the Vikings won and yes, Favre threw 3 TDs, BUT was it a bad decision for the Packers to go in a new direction with the QB position a year ago? The statistics today show that after 4 weeks of this season Favre has a Passer rating of 104.7 (3rd in the league). Rodgers is only 2 slots behind

Pastor Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03251760390057058463noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35255057.post-85222370721819247902009-10-06T09:22:00.001-05:002009-10-06T09:22:40.732-05:00

Since everybody else is talking about the Packers-Vikings game last night, I will not… (or did I just do what I said I wouldn’t do?) I just read a post from another author/consultant whom I trust and has had a significant influence on our local church. These are the questions I am asking myself today. As a leader who has been called by God to influence others in His Church, which of these

Pastor Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03251760390057058463noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35255057.post-45012227271161208022009-09-28T14:26:00.001-05:002009-09-28T14:26:51.416-05:00

Let me start by eliminating any potential rumors. I am not planning on leaving my current place of ministry any time soon, nor am I in the plan to succeed anybody else in their position of ministry! Now that the “Rumor Weed” had been dealt a healthy dose of Round-up, let’s get to this week’s blog post. This morning I have read two other blogs focusing on the replacement of Senior leaders. In one

Pastor Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03251760390057058463noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35255057.post-21093065965506965652009-09-22T11:26:00.001-05:002009-09-22T11:26:54.738-05:00

I just found the following quote at the blog of another pastor. I thought these thoughts provide a good warning and he provides an appropriate response. Click on the link at the bottom to read the rest of his article. Idiot lights on our dashboards signal to us that something is malfunctioning in our vehicle. The most common one is "check engine". It could be something as simple as a service

Pastor Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03251760390057058463noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35255057.post-82874145757831555582009-09-21T09:42:00.001-05:002009-09-21T09:43:56.576-05:00

I don't watch the MTV Video Music Awards (Sept 13, 2009) and I can't name a single song performed by either Taylor Swift or Kanye West, but in the last week the popular media has made quite a big deal about the rudeness demonstrated by Mr. West when he went on stage uninvited and took the microphone in the middle of Miss Swift's acceptance speech for some award and launched into a personal tirade

Pastor Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03251760390057058463noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35255057.post-30762307956025857522009-09-14T11:30:00.003-05:002009-09-14T21:50:50.264-05:00

Many of those who follow this blog are leaders within local churches. As the NFL season started yesterday and the commentators disected every part of the game I found myself contemplating leadership lessons for the local church. 1. Be flexible to changing roles - From the Minnesota vs. Cleveland game I learned that leaders must adapt. Brett Favre used to be valued as a gun-slinger who was viewed

Pastor Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03251760390057058463noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35255057.post-66483546377503057942009-06-16T09:40:00.001-05:002009-06-16T09:40:04.831-05:00

A consultant friend of mine wrote the following at his blog. Leaders have an interesting dilemma when it comes to how close or distant they are socially from those they lead. It is often something that they don't think much about but it has important ramifications for how they relate to others. There is a difference in the relationship between peers and those one leads. This is obvious

Pastor Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03251760390057058463noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35255057.post-45370318540260522022009-06-08T09:12:00.001-05:002009-06-08T09:12:29.047-05:00

A brother in the Lord whom I have never met recently resigned his pastorate because of a sinful relationship with a co-worker. I don’t know him or his church, but I do know that he is more like us than many of us would like to admit. The following quote comes from another blogger who does know the pastor involved. 4.  Another interesting part of this story is the documented online history that

Pastor Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03251760390057058463noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35255057.post-62140706549825593782009-06-02T16:20:00.001-05:002009-06-02T16:20:01.912-05:00

What do you do when several activities all happen at once? Do any of these scenarios sound familiar? My body wants 30 minutes of rest, but my kids are whining that they are hungry (and we’re out of milk so I can’t just tell them to eat cereal). Our family is scheduled for a celebration, buy my boss just “requested” my participation in a meeting. My church is offering an event that would

Pastor Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03251760390057058463noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35255057.post-66868331741611098822009-05-27T14:52:00.001-05:002009-05-27T14:56:18.662-05:00

Here is an interesting challenge. It won’t cost you anything but a little time and effort….and hiding God’s Word is never an exercise in futility. Of coarse learning them is just the FIRST step, then we need to OBEY them, but how can we obey them if we don’t know what they are? $20,000 offered for listing 10 Commandments Entrepreneur creates incentive to memorize God's laws

Pastor Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03251760390057058463noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35255057.post-53858168155839940272009-05-18T08:10:00.001-05:002009-05-18T08:10:58.887-05:00

In this story a student who attends a Christian school will not be allowed to graduate because he attended the prom with his girlfriend at her public school. Ohio Christian school tells student to skip prom Regardless of your personal opinions about dancing, rock music or suggestive clothing, do you think the school has a right or an obligation to be consistent and hold students to the

Pastor Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03251760390057058463noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35255057.post-23430699412650629752009-05-11T12:05:00.001-05:002009-05-11T12:05:02.654-05:00

Years ago I had a Childrens’ Sermon as part of our Sunday Evening service. Occasionally I would do “sermon in a sack.” A child was given a bag in which to bring an item for the following week. Then I would have to make an object lesson spontaneously from whatever was in the sack. This forced some quick thinking and creativity. I think the most difficult was a toy of a “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle

Pastor Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03251760390057058463noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35255057.post-34665482932169501312009-05-06T23:06:00.001-05:002009-05-06T23:06:27.189-05:00

Tom Peters on the Definition of Leadership from Tom Peters on Vimeo. I do not know anything about this guy’s theology, but he does have some good things to say about the nature of leadership.

Pastor Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03251760390057058463noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35255057.post-23130117689961146632009-05-05T16:03:00.001-05:002009-05-05T16:03:56.725-05:00

I learned 2 days ago of nearby churches that cancelled services due to the Swine Flu. My first thought was “What kind of a god (small “g” god on purpose because the big “G” God is not intimidated by influenza!) do they worship who is no stronger than a flu virus.” Granted, I do not know the leaders of these churches and cannot critique their motives. My reaction is totally dependent upon my

Pastor Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03251760390057058463noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35255057.post-14894674431424823262009-05-04T09:52:00.001-05:002009-05-04T09:52:18.245-05:00

Last week I spent some time with a dear friend who leads a nearby College Campus Ministry. Some of our discussion focused on transitions to and from the college years. Here are two of the challenges: Many youth ministries thrive because of fun and creativity. Often churches design their High School ministries around “winning” or “reaching” teens. But what are they won to? Teens find a place

Pastor Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03251760390057058463noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35255057.post-36372298161092249032009-04-27T09:18:00.001-05:002009-04-27T09:18:36.745-05:00

In the first church where I was on staff my Senior Pastor was known for clearly stating “the first responsibility of any church member is to maintain his own spiritual life.” This weekend I began reading the book “Lasting Impressions” by Mark Waltz. The 3rd chapter of the book introduced a problem that many small group leaders and Christian Education teachers possess—We make it our

Pastor Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03251760390057058463noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35255057.post-47268402277659431672009-04-25T19:50:00.001-05:002009-04-25T19:50:59.211-05:00

I am reading Mark Waltz’s “Lasting Impressions” in which he quotes a blog from his Pastor, Mark Beeson. "The 'mature church' is the church filled with immaturity." Anywhere in the world, whether plant or animal, the clear delineation of "maturity" is the ability to reproduce.  Immature animals can't reproduce.  Immature plants can't replicate themselves.  The definition of maturity is "

Pastor Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03251760390057058463noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35255057.post-1207062705178145152009-04-20T10:47:00.001-05:002009-04-20T10:47:37.605-05:00

Received the following in an email on Friday and it reminded me about the difference between those who focus on problems and those who look for solutions. As teachers/leaders we can get discouraged by lack of participation, lack of preparation, tardiness, stagnancy in the group, etc. or we can choose another path. I often hear from leaders/teachers “by now I thought my students OUGHT to….” We

Pastor Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03251760390057058463noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35255057.post-37250336041723748792009-04-14T10:37:00.001-05:002009-04-14T10:37:05.260-05:00

I just finished reading a blog post about the disappearance of the pulpit from the sanctuaries of American Evangelicalism. As you lead your small group or class, what does your posture communicate? Do you stand or sit? Is there a piece of furniture (podium or lectern) that designates you as the leader? Do you sit in front of the class? close to the whiteboard? head of the table? Do you hold the

Pastor Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03251760390057058463noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35255057.post-91698116553061140842009-04-13T11:58:00.001-05:002009-04-13T11:58:49.390-05:00

Who is responsible for the outcomes of your class or small group? All leaders want to see something happen and at times we can waffle between taking all of the credit for the good and none of the blame for the mediocre or we blame ourselves for all of the failures and give God credit for all the successes. Neither of these postures is accurate. The human/divine partnership in making disciples is

Pastor Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03251760390057058463noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35255057.post-11066107082507542362009-04-07T14:57:00.001-05:002009-04-07T14:57:14.594-05:00

I just read of a large church that is opening an additional venue. The problem (in some readers’ minds) is that this venue is in a gated community. The building they will be using for worship is owned by the developer and one of the policies is that the building is only to be used by residents of the development and their guests. Some are upset that people who don’t live in that community won’t

Pastor Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03251760390057058463noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35255057.post-26366660020208089592009-03-30T10:02:00.001-05:002009-03-30T10:02:18.316-05:00

Over the last week I have read 2 blogs and one email that all address a similar problem—what are we to do when our heart is focused upon God but He remains silent. I’m confident that all who have been Christians for a significant amount of time have experienced this, and sometimes Small Group Leaders and Bible Study teachers are compelled to give lessens that are not fresh, but come from the

Pastor Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03251760390057058463noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35255057.post-42217927761228073982009-03-17T08:35:00.001-05:002009-03-17T08:35:41.311-05:00

The goal is NOT to make people like me. Transformation means that we are regularly becoming more like Jesus in our relationships, our intellect, our experiences, the desires of our hearts, in the shedding of those elements of our lower nature and the embracing of the fruit of the spirit. Helping people get to transformation is the key to spiritual formation or mentoring. The place to

Pastor Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03251760390057058463noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35255057.post-56487208799180117572009-03-16T09:59:00.001-05:002009-03-16T09:59:50.588-05:00

Winter appears to be letting up and Spring is getting close. Have you thought about how to capitalize on this in your Small Group? The following quote comes from an article at smallgroups.com Never underestimate the importance of a good party or social activity as a way to build your group. In the small groups at my home church, we learned we could easily double our regular small-group

Pastor Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03251760390057058463noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35255057.post-89492700478442444992009-03-09T08:39:00.001-05:002009-03-09T08:39:16.717-05:00

I recently read of a family visiting New York City. Read their story below then my comments underneath. And on our first day there, we took in the show STOMP... you know, the show that features rhythmic people using brooms, trash cans, and anything/everything imaginable to entertain. The four of us really enjoyed the show. But as I was watching, I had one thought: Each of these people

Pastor Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03251760390057058463noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35255057.post-41218058645887577762009-03-02T08:02:00.001-06:002009-03-02T08:02:09.157-06:00

The following list was posted on the blog of Craig Groeschel of LifeChurch in Oklahoma City. What would you add or subtract from the list? I still love small groups because: They follow the early church model of meeting in homes. They are a tremendous tool for discipleship. I prefer small groups to Wednesday night large group teaching because it gives people a chance to interact

Pastor Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03251760390057058463noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35255057.post-35129459653129268572009-02-23T09:38:00.001-06:002009-02-23T09:38:26.499-06:00

Environment makes a difference. In the medical world the family doctor quit making housecalls and has become more “professional” or “clinical.” In the education world when I was a kid it was common for a child to bring cupcakes or some other treats to school on his/her birthday. Now some school districts require all foods served at school to be prepared in a licensed commercial kitchen. The local

Pastor Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03251760390057058463noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35255057.post-70445503099122280052009-02-09T14:46:00.001-06:002009-02-09T14:46:58.261-06:00

In my undergraduate education I was required to take a course called “The Church at Work in the World” that focused on the task of Christian Education. One of the earliest teaching points was explaining the difference between Christian Education and other forms of Education. In my graduate courses I took a class that started with a classic definition of the learning process (“a function of

Pastor Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03251760390057058463noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35255057.post-64546290714479110582009-02-04T12:28:00.001-06:002009-02-04T12:28:11.394-06:00

You are more than an instructor or a teacher! Many people misunderstand our intentional change in language from “discipleship” to “spiritual formation.” In its purest form the word discipleship means the qualities of being a follower but the term has been hijacked in the common vernacular to mean “somebody who has been lead one-on-one through a specific curriculum.” The move to spiritual

Pastor Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03251760390057058463noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35255057.post-25043619405935635292009-02-02T10:31:00.001-06:002009-02-02T10:31:37.760-06:00

I have been invited to speak several times since I began preaching as a High School student and I have invited several guests to speak in the organizations and churches that I have been a part of leading. One of the earliest questions that is usually asked in this process is “How long do I have to speak?” A much more important, but less asked, question should be “What do you want to accomplish

Pastor Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03251760390057058463noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35255057.post-39596553181093587912009-01-21T13:12:00.002-06:002009-01-21T13:40:10.636-06:00

This link is a short story told by a pastor friend (Tom Nelson) about a real-life encounter with an eagle and a PHENOMENAL spiritual application for all Christ-followers.

Pastor Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03251760390057058463noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35255057.post-6166425315287539362009-01-21T12:47:00.001-06:002009-01-21T12:47:47.110-06:00

Many conservative Evangelicals were less than pleased with the outcome of the 2008 presidential election. Many of these same people were even less pleased with the contempt shown to our 43rd president. I found this list of promises that could be adopted to ensure that one does not become guilty of inappropriate dishonor and disrespect. 1.    President Obama, I promise to pray for you each

Pastor Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03251760390057058463noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35255057.post-52256291953066760292009-01-19T09:57:00.001-06:002009-01-19T09:57:40.333-06:00

A friend posted a note on Facebook yesterday exposing the gaps between what she knows about herself and how she is perceived by others. There were no glaring hypocrisies, but God had made her acutely aware of the dualism in her life. I am doing a self-study through some spiritual formation material developed by a fellow pastor. When looking at the description of King David in Psalm 78 and 1 Sam

Pastor Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03251760390057058463noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35255057.post-20354889537316927052009-01-15T10:06:00.001-06:002009-01-15T10:06:32.815-06:00

I learned this morning of a list of the “Top Ten Instances of Christian Bashing in America” as compiled by the Christian Anti-Defamation Commission. My first thought was “Why are THOSE PEOPLE so offended by my values?” My second thought was “THEY are misrepresenting my view” My third (and continuing) thought is “Is this how I come across to those who disagree with me?” Click here to watch the

Pastor Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03251760390057058463noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35255057.post-20042082747240761752009-01-12T14:29:00.001-06:002009-01-12T14:29:39.919-06:00

Is your group a safe place for people to admit real struggles? Sometimes people don’t admit their struggles because they are afraid of the response from others. Last fall I was introduced to a YouTube phenomena called “awkward turtle” that is popular among some teens. The idea is that if someone does or says something embarrassing then you make a “turtle” with your hands who swims away (with

Pastor Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03251760390057058463noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35255057.post-1435395905367235832009-01-10T10:43:00.001-06:002009-01-10T10:43:39.171-06:00

It is often the small things that the enemy of our souls uses to undermine the things God desires to accomplish in your group members. This list from SmallGroups.com list some of the details you may want to consider. Once the details are addressed (do not obsess about them) you can focus on the big picture. Clicking on the link at the bottom of the page will give you an explanation of each

Pastor Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03251760390057058463noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35255057.post-10465980586934641572009-01-10T10:37:00.001-06:002009-01-10T10:37:50.127-06:00

A couple of years ago I took a class as part of my Master’s Degree. The biggest take-away from that class is that “If I am to be influential as a teacher I must know my own learning style and intentionally include teaching methods directed at the opposite quadrant if I want to maximize the impact upon all students” I realize that some life coaches challenge you to work from your strengths rather

Pastor Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03251760390057058463noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35255057.post-82161710444828779552009-01-10T10:23:00.001-06:002009-01-10T10:23:03.154-06:00

The following advice comes from the SmallGroups.com website. If you have guests who never come back, there may be some strategies below that could help. When your group members see guests being assimilated they know it is a safe place to bring their friends. There are things you can be sensitive to as the small-group leader that will help your group to naturally embrace and include new

Pastor Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03251760390057058463noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35255057.post-31372636266901431522009-01-06T10:55:00.001-06:002009-01-06T10:55:42.904-06:00

I don’t know if this is a true story or not, but I don’t doubt for a moment that it COULD have happened. One night I (a Doctor in Africa) had worked hard to help a mother in the labor ward; but in spite of all we could do, she died, leaving us with a tiny, premature baby and a crying two-year-old daughter. We would have difficulty keeping the baby alive; as we had no incubator (we had no

Pastor Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03251760390057058463noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35255057.post-23203076524337559102009-01-06T07:35:00.001-06:002009-01-06T07:35:52.064-06:00

This video shows that genuine kindness DOES make a difference. Evangelism doesn’t always involve “crossing the line of faith.” Some plant, others water but God gives the increase.

Pastor Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03251760390057058463noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35255057.post-79092233517847957862009-01-05T12:49:00.001-06:002009-01-05T12:49:25.957-06:00

Although Christmas was over a week ago I can’t get The Little Drummer Boy out of my head. There is no biblical evidence that a drum solo was ever played near the manger and knowing the protective nature of mothers who have just given birth (especially of their firstborn). I am pretty sure that Mary wouldn’t have allowed a Phil Collins wannabe within earshot of a sleeping baby. But the principle

Pastor Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03251760390057058463noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35255057.post-45267844304707584192008-12-15T10:13:00.001-06:002008-12-15T10:13:30.888-06:00

This advent we are taking special effort to de-clutter Christmas, to surgically remove anything that detracts from a godly celebration of the incarnation. The last 2 weeks in our worship services we have discovered that “bigger is not better” and “frenzy is not beneficial.” We are finding that without conscious review, our practices morph into something unintended. As I thought of the things

Pastor Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03251760390057058463noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35255057.post-15486450877300794562008-12-08T09:18:00.001-06:002008-12-08T09:18:09.385-06:00

I just read a blog post from a church leader in Oklahoma that I follow. Although he leads a LARGE ministry, he does not define success in numbers. He asks 3 questions that could be asked of Bible Study leaders, Small Group leaders and Sunday School teachers. Is your group successful if you are failing morally in your personal life? Is your group successful if your family is being neglected

Pastor Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03251760390057058463noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35255057.post-44617190987649822972008-12-01T11:04:00.001-06:002008-12-01T11:04:21.775-06:00

This morning was the first significant snowfall of this winter. As I came in to the office, our secretary mentioned that it would be a perfect day to cuddle up in a blanket next to the window with a good book. While the women of our family agree that this is the type of day best spent “hunkering down” the men had a different idea! We got up earlier than usual, bundled up and chose to serve our

Pastor Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03251760390057058463noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35255057.post-83280767964116440702008-11-25T09:48:00.001-06:002008-11-25T09:48:36.684-06:00

Last week I introduced 3 questions to help your students/small group leaders: 1) Where are they? 2) Where do they want to go? and 3) How do they want to get there?  This week we focus on that third question. My GPS system allows me to specify if I want to avoid toll roads or if I prefer Interstates to county roads. The designers of these systems have figured that some people prefer quick, others

Pastor Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03251760390057058463noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35255057.post-15456974250855217742008-11-25T09:29:00.001-06:002008-11-25T09:29:21.829-06:00

I have heard in recent months about increased persecution of Christians in India. This is personal to me because in 2002 I taught for a week at a Bible College and spoke to 200 pastors at a pastors’ conference in Orissa (the State where all this is going on).   I have some other pictures of the students and pastors who attended but will not post them here to protect them from the people

Pastor Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03251760390057058463noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35255057.post-65448302757934961202008-11-20T13:07:00.001-06:002008-11-20T13:07:28.160-06:00

I just found a website with graphics of the cross references in the Bible--where passages refer to one another. It will amaze you to see the relationship between various human contributors and both Old and New Testaments. How could 40 different human authors have this level of interactivity if not led by one Divine author? click here

Pastor Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03251760390057058463noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35255057.post-35616536615863076082008-11-18T15:21:00.001-06:002008-11-18T15:21:59.656-06:00

Since I am obsessed with details and plans over the years I have accumulated quite a collection of maps. Then about 8 years ago I was introduced to a computer program called MapPoint which allowed me to reduce my box of maps to one computer disk. Last Spring I bought my wife a GPS unit. So instead of wading through a vast pile of maps, This new tool gives me the information I need (usually) in a

Pastor Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03251760390057058463noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35255057.post-20006905304161824682008-11-10T07:27:00.001-06:002008-11-10T07:29:46.980-06:00

To be an answer to prayer that more people are gathered around God's Word. To really get to know a group of people that you would otherwise just say "Hi" to. To frustrate the devil. To realize that other Christians have questions and struggles like you do. To laugh and enjoy the company of others. To encourage somebody else who needs it Two words: good snacks To find out

Pastor Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03251760390057058463noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35255057.post-7966744187721839562008-11-03T09:16:00.002-06:002008-11-03T09:25:11.273-06:00

With all the negative campaign ads leading up to tomorrows election, here is a flashback to 1938.click here to view"Fnally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things" Philippians 4:8

Pastor Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03251760390057058463noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35255057.post-85480164034972177362008-10-27T13:43:00.001-05:002008-10-27T13:43:19.026-05:00

Last week I wrote about the sense of URGENCY that is often lacking in our groups, which allows us to slip into mediocrity. On the other hand, an over-stated sense of urgency can undermine our intended results. In our services yesterday, our worshipper were asked to consider if the world hates Christians because of what we believe or because of how we communicate it. This morning I received an

Pastor Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03251760390057058463noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35255057.post-19928044664912472102008-10-20T11:32:00.001-05:002008-10-20T11:32:55.376-05:00

Over the weekend I received a blog posting speaking about the need for URGENCY. This morning I received a copy of a devotional that reminded me of Screwtape's dialogue with Wormwood in C.S. Lewis' Screwtape Letters. The point of this devotional is that one of Satan's tools is to lull believers into complacency. As a student I have been in classes where it was very clear that the teacher had no

Pastor Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03251760390057058463noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35255057.post-55775465212030879292008-10-13T11:06:00.001-05:002008-10-13T11:06:43.051-05:00

If somebody walked into your meeting room before your students/participants began to arrive, what priorities would they assume? Is your goal interaction or instruction? Is there a hierarchy within the room? Are the chairs all facing one direction? facing each other? Some small-group directors will call me and say, "We've got four or five small groups in our church, and all they do is socialize.

Pastor Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03251760390057058463noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35255057.post-22417913295272355462008-10-06T08:02:00.001-05:002008-10-06T08:02:23.205-05:00

What makes the difference between a class/study that is a “data transfer” and one that facilitates spiritual transformation? If asked to describe “spiritual disciplines” most people will give things done in privacy like prayer, Scripture reading, fasting, Scripture memory, etc. and they are often things that are viewed as burdens. A couple of years ago I was introduced to the phrase “spiritual

Pastor Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03251760390057058463noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35255057.post-67556890121404299662008-09-22T16:04:00.001-05:002008-09-22T16:04:55.058-05:00

One of the joys of teaching others is that we do theology in the real world and our answers must apply to real situations. This is often messier than many of us are comfortable with. I just read an interesting piece about our attempts to understand theology and explain it to others. I've been searching for frameworks, outlines, contexts; ways to more thoroughly understand what I believe. The

Pastor Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03251760390057058463noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35255057.post-11520368805047585422008-09-15T08:56:00.001-05:002008-09-15T08:56:24.267-05:00

Due to all the media coverage of Hurricanes Gustav and Ike, if you haven't been asked, you can be pretty confident that your students/participants are wondering about the role of God in Natural Disasters. I did a quick survey in my own mind and was able to identify rain storms as a significant event in many Biblical stories. Noah's flood was just the beginning. Jonah was thrown overboard because

Pastor Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03251760390057058463noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35255057.post-6649890293643285112008-09-09T12:25:00.001-05:002008-09-09T12:25:33.359-05:00

About 2 years ago David Morrow released a book entitled "Why Men Hate Going to Church" which quickly gained popularity among the Evangelical Men's Movement. Men were claiming that many churches had become too feminine for their liking. Last week I read a blog posting that says women are leaving churches because male-dominated hierarchies are irrelevant to their values. Could it be that both of

Pastor Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03251760390057058463noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35255057.post-45839003646993716492008-09-09T09:06:00.001-05:002008-09-09T09:06:58.585-05:00

It has been over 30 years since I took a Hunter Safety Course, but one of the lessons I remember is "always be sure of your target" and "consider what you might hit if you miss your target." As Christian leaders we must also be careful about what we pursue. Below are some thoughts from a ministry colleague. Most of us would agree that measuring success is critical. If we don't know what we

Pastor Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03251760390057058463noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35255057.post-10804228875846302732008-09-08T09:04:00.001-05:002008-09-08T09:04:56.708-05:00

Are you captain of a ski boat or a Cruise ship? A ski boat makes a lot of noise, has a burst of sudden energy and 1-2 people get out of the water. A cruise ship slowly pulls out of the dock and gradually builds momentum with a result that hundreds of people are taken to a new place.The last few weeks we have put a lot of emphasis on training leaders, publicizing groups/classes, and recruiting

Pastor Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03251760390057058463noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35255057.post-8819817343429077142008-09-01T11:03:00.002-05:002008-09-01T11:08:13.852-05:00

Not all students are created equal. While I agree with the mantra of public education that "every student can learn" The readiness (ability & willingness) of students varies. Have you seen the following students in your class or small group?Circumstantial Guests – These are the kids who may get stuck in a class because their family is visiting Grandma’s church and the parents are in the sanctuary

Pastor Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03251760390057058463noreply@blogger.com