Have you every left your hometown for an extended period of time only to return and notice that town seems different.  I have experience that situation on numerous occasions as I visit my hometown.  From the real estate boom in the early 2000’s and up until the recent financial recession, my hometown changed quite a bit.  Neighborhood were built where orange groves once stood.  Shopping centers were built where stately old scrub oaks once lined the landscape.  There were people in Wal-Mart that I didn’t know.

Jesus experienced a little of the same thing when he entered his hometown of Nazareth.  Jesus had just returned from an intense period of ministry and He was coming home.  Mark 6:1-6says that the people were astonished at the teachings of Jesus as He taught in the synagogue.  The people in Jesus’ town questioned His authority.  They didn’t understand where he received His wisdom.  They just seemed to be unable to get past His humble beginnings.

Often we face rejection of some sort.  Jesus obviously faced it.  If he faced rejection from the people in His own town, from the people who say Him grow up, from those who knew his family, why should we be surprised when we face rejection?  The message of Jesus Christ was, and is today, counter to the world’s message.  When you reach out those who are lost and unconnected and they reject you, don’t be surprised.  Remember that it is not you that they are rejecting, it’s the message of Jesus’ Christ. 

Let me encourage you to not allow the fear of rejection to stop you from sharing your faith with people.  If the message is rejected, pray for the person that he or she might come to know Jesus.  Pray for an attentive ear to hear and wait for an opportunity to share at a time when the Holy Spirit leads you.   

I read this great quote that will conclude this discussion, “While faith is not the healing force, it’s existence in a believer’s life positively impacts that person.  The converse also applies-the absence of faith can make it harder and less likely to experience God and His work in a person’s lif[e].”

Ever had one of those weeks that has flown by and when you look up it’s over?  That’s the type of week I’ve had this week.  Its been busy, but it’s been really great.  This morning I met with my Life Transformation Group for a time of sharing and prayer.  It’s so exciting to hear what God is doing in people lives.  I rejoice in knowing that God is at work at all times.  I really appreciate and look forward to Friday mornings.  The guys in my group challenge me each week not to live a life that becomes spiritually stagnant.   The guys excite me when they share what God is doing in their lives.  Friday mornings are great.  I thank God for friends who can not only hold me accountable, but genuinely care and pray for me and my walk with Jesus Christ.  

I had the opportunity to spend some time with a good friend from high school the other evening.  The time we spent was great.  I was encouraged.  I was challenged.  I was thankful that God allowed he and I to reconnect in person after a few years of talking over the phone.  We laughed and reminisced about the good ole’ days of high school and how far we’ve come.  We shared stories and told each other about what God was doing in our lives and where we thought God was directing us presently.  It was great. 

Thinking about my Life Transformation Group, my buddy that I had a chance to hang out with and the many people who have placed a permenant impact on my life made me realize that I need to thank God.  I thank God that He has placed godly friends and mentors in my life that encourage, challenge and pray for me and my family. These friends truly follow after God and seek His direction for their lives.  My friends, I thank God for you!  To my youth pastor growing up, my discipleship (small group) Bible study leaders in high school, my  family, my pastor, my friends, my Life Transformation Group, my accountability partner (Southeastern isn’t too far for me to call is it?), thanks for modeling a Proverbs 27:17 friendship! 

Who’s someone who has encouraged, challenge and prayed for you?  Drop them a note and let them know you thank God for their impact on your life.

Sunday night was the first night of the North Greenville University Crusade. Dr. Alvin Reid, professor of Evangelism and Student Ministry at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary spoke.  Dr. Reid gave some great statistics about the culture in which we live today.  The facts and figures were mindboggling when one looks at how far we have come, as a culture, in the area of technological innovation in the past ten years alone.  The main scripture passage was found in 2 Corinthians 5:16-21. 

Many things were said last night that give rise to thoughtful discussion.  Here’s a sampling of a few:

1. We spend so much time focusing on the trivial.
2. Success in the American church is viewed as… Show Up, Give Money and Serve.
3. When the church gains some cultural acceptence, the church focuses inwardly. 

Any thoughts on the statements above?

I’ve not been able to blog the way that I’d like to for the past several weeks.  In reading things about blogging the professions recommend that you post frequently; something that I’ve not been able to do.  Over the past several weeks there have been some great things that I’ve had the opportunity to be a part of…

1. Vacation Bible School was terrific!  We had a great week teaching kids about God’s love for them and helping them understand that in everything and every part of life, God is involved and wants to be involved.  Attendance was impressive.  We has some of our all time crowds that came each night.
2. Kids Camp @ Toccoa Falls College was great.  We took a smaller group this year, but the excitement was as charged as ever.  The worship leader was one of the best worship leaders I’ve seen at camp and the camp speaker was the best speaker I’ve heard.  As far as relating the messages on the kids level, he’s top notch.  One of the great things I liked about this year’s camp was that the camp staffers really interacted well with the kids.  The staff always made time to sit with and talk the kids either at free time or meal time.
3. 16 houres after Kids Camp ended, I was on a plane headed to Calgary, Alberta for a mission trip.  Each time I go to Calgary, I’m so impressed that Southwinds Church is reaching out to the people of south Calgary in innovative and inviting ways.  While we were in Canada we had a chance to distribute over 7000 flyers that told people about block parties, soccer camps, tee ball camps and kids camp.  One Wednesday-Friday, June 24-26, we staffed the various parts of the block parties.  Several people helped cook and hand out the hotdogs, chips and drinks.  there were people who volunteered to paint faces and help the kids make crafts.  Others staffed the bouncy games.  there was a huge 24 ft. high slide and a bounce house that had the kids running from one to other all night.  One for the greatest stories that came from the week was finding out that one person accepted Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord.  It was through that commit to God that I have have a new family member  in Jesus Christ.
4. Right now I’m gearing up for Sports camp.  this is the fourth year that I’ll be leading the camp.  There is excitement as Monday rolls around.  There is a great chance to help kids come to the real truth that Jesus wants to be with them.  Sharing God’s truth though sports is great.  It infuses two of my biggest passions; God and Sports. 

Thinking about the stuff that I’ve been a part of this summer had made me realize how important my family is to me.  I was at Kids Camp for a week, came home for a few hours and left again for Canada.  Now I really enjoyed those two weeks, but I’ll be honest and tell you that seeing my wife and kids at the airport was incredible.

1. Teaching Math In 1950s

A logger sells a truckload of lumber for $100. His cost of production is 4/5 of the price. What is his profit?

2. Teaching Math In 1960s

A logger sells a truckload of lumber for $100. His cost of production is 4/5 of the price, or $80. What is his profit?

3. Teaching Math In 1970s

A logger sells a truckload of lumber for $100. His cost of production is $80. Did he make a profit?

4. Teaching Math In 1980s

A logger sells a truckload of lumber for $100. His cost of production is $80 and his profit is $20. Your assignment: Underline the number 20.

5. Teaching Math Today

A logger cuts down a beautiful forest because he is selfish and inconsiderate and cares nothing for the habitat of animals or the preservation of our woodlands. He does this so he can make a profit of $20. What do you think of this way of making a living? Topic for class participation after answering the question: How did the birds and squirrels feel as the logger cut down their homes? (There are no wrong answers, and if you feel like crying, it’s ok).

Having just celebrated Mother’s Day, I returned to the office today and started checking my weekend’s worth of emails.  My Mom sent me an email.  Attached to this email is a game that is humorous, frustrating and fun at the same.  Thanks Mom!  Enjoy.

As our country is in the midst of some troubling times both morally and economically.  There is no better time to pray for our country than today.  Of course we should pray for our elected official at the local , state and national level on a daily basis, but today is a day to focus on prayer for the United States. 

The focus verse for this year’s national day of prayer is Psalm 33:22           

Let you steadfast love, O Lord, be upon us, even as we hope in you.

Our hope for the future; our hope for life is truly found in no one but God.  take some time today and pray for our country.  We are walking down a treacherous path.  Our country does need another economic bailout or stimulus, it needs to return to God!

Anything that Andy Stanley writes is going to be good.  From Visioneering and Like a Rock to The Next Generation Leader and It Came From Within, Andy knows how to communicate and communicated effectively.  7 Practices of Effective Ministry was co authored by Reggie Joiner, former Executive Director of Family Ministries at North Point and now with reThink group ( which, by the way, puts out incredible children’s ministry curriculum that engages the family, like no other curriculum current produced), Lane Jones, Executive Director of Membership Development at North Point and Andy Stanley, Sr. Pastor of North Point Community Church.

The overall them of the book is based on the sport of baseball (my love for the sport make this book an instant classic). The first 10 chapters, are written as a story of a struggling pastor, who’s name is Ray.  Ray is discouraged, as the church grows it seems that more and more “stuff” is hindering him from his first love.  Ray wonders which direction the church should move, in the story it’s the prospect of starting a school at the church.  Ray is discouraged and has the chance to go to a baseball game.  While he attends the game he has the chance to meet a man and they strike up a conversation that introduces the 7 practices.  Chapters 10-16 go in depth and explain  the practices in greater detail and  how they can be implemented in the local church. 

I think the overall strength of this book is the style in which it is written.  Reading it makes you feel as if you’re sitting at a table having a casual conversation over lunch with authors.  The book is easy to read and the practices are easy to understand and easy to implement.  The practicality of the book is another strong point.  You can definitely see the vision and ministry philosophy of North Point Community Church flowing through the book.

Rarely have I read a book and immediately implemented what the book was saying, but with this book the 7 practices really do help you engage and have a greater, more effective ministry.  I’ve read books before that say that they will give you insight and thought into how to accomplish more in ministry, yet by the end of reading, they come short of the goal then set out to write about.  Not his book; this book hit a grand slam in the practicality department.

I would recommend this book to anyone who needs a refresher course on why ministry is done and how effectively ministry can be done with a few simply adjustments outlined in this book.

After I finished reading the new book by Dr. Frank Page of Taylors (SC) First Baptist Church I was encouraged.  I was encouraged because I could see how some simple, yet monumental shifts in perspective and thought could bring about a reversal of current trends within the church. 

In writing this book, Dr. Page confronts an issue that is very relevant for today’s church; the loss of momentum and the ever dwindling number of people who attend church.  Dr Page’s assessment of the church was a reminder of the stark reality that the majority of churches and denominations have plateaued or declined at a staggering rate. 

There were several things I liked about this book. 

• The book is easy to read and the thoughts, while challenging, do not require a Ph.D to grasp.
• Dr. Page used real examples of how, through his leadership, churches that he led reversed the trends of shrinking.
• The book dealt with leadership issues that I believe are desperately needed in churches today:  Issues of making sure that right people are in place to implement changes that are needed.  Creating a vision or goal and being dedicated to seeing and reaching the goal, through prayer and seeking God’s will for the church.
• I appreciated the fact that Dr. Page discussed replicating leadership.  Bringing people on board who could strengthen the overall vision and goals of the church can be of great benefit to the leadership of the church.  Great leaders raise up other great leaders for the reason of accomplishing what could not be done on a singular level.
• I enjoyed reading about other churches such a Xenos Church in Ohio and Summit Church in North Carolina that redirected their vision, went through  time of redevelopment and emerged from the process stronger and more effective for the kingdom.
• One statement that leaped off the page when I read it was, “A church that’s just getting by, not losing members but not really going anywhere spiritually should be an embarrassment to Christians everywhere.” OUCH!

My favorite chapter of the book was Chapter 9.  This chapter hit the target with where I am in my personal walk with God presently.  It addressed the need for strong evangelism.  One point that Dr, page made was that no matter how large a church becomes, there is still a need for a strong evangelistic emphasis.  Dr. Page writes, “Growing churches have to develop and nurture people-centered ministries that are outwardly focused.” 

The only negative to this book is that it ended.  I  really enjoyed reading this book.  This book is one that will be quoted and refered to often.  I believe that this book should be required reading for anyone who has a desire to do ministry either professionally or in a lay leadership role.

Here are my top 10 statements from Franchising McChurch. 

10.  The hard truth: God cares more about the holiness of the congregation that than He does the size of the congregation.

9.  Churches best display the glory of God when they reflect the holiness of God, and they best way to demonstrate the difference between God’s way and the world’s way is when the don’t just look like the world.

8.  Many churches simply cave into whatever process, whatever program, whatever worked to get people in our doors.

7.  Humans cannot produce God-sized result.

6.  Theotainment is an attempt to utilizeentertainment to fill the spiritual needs of church attendees.

5.  One of the most problematic elements of the multi-site movement is the forfeiture of a local church autonomy.

4.  Lack of size does not always mean God is displeased with a church.

3.  Size is not an indicator of spiritual growth or maturity among attendees.

2.  God does not measure success by the size of your congregation so long as you are focused on the things God called the church to be.

1.  The American church has lost its understanding of the power of God’s word..