This past Sunday my wife and I announced that we would be leaving the church we started in Pontiac, Michigan to start another church in Kansas City, Missouri (see previous two posts). In the next few weeks I want to share some of the things that I'm learning through this transition.
First things first. Vanessa and I love the church here in Pontiac, but God loves the church even more. When I think about how much we love and care for the people at PFWC I'm quickly reminded that God's love and care is far beyond what I can ever comprehend.
That's encouraging for a few reasons:
1. If God loves the church the most then He will always do what's best. Sometimes transitions
don't make sense to us. It can be difficult to understand the why or the how, but God knows best. He loves and cares more for the church than anyone else.
2. Jesus died for the church, not me. It's His church. It always has been, and it always will be. I'm thankful that the Chief Shepherd allowed me to serve here as an under-shepherd these past 4 1/2 years. Though I'm gone Jesus is still here, and He always will be.
3. God doesn't rob from one church to bless another. God loves the people in Pontiac and the people in KC. He not sending us to the people in KC at the expense of the people in Pontiac. God will provide new leadership for PFWC and bless the new work in KC.
God loves His church...and I love being part of it!
Friday, December 7, 2007
Sunday, December 2, 2007
Resignation Letter
Below is a copy of the resignation letter that I shared with the PFWC family today. The entire message will be available this week through our podcast or our website. This has been the most difficult day we've ever had in ministry. Thanks again for all of your prayers during this time.
Dear PFWC Family,
“The steps of a righteous man are ordered of the Lord.” Every time I read this passage from Psalm 37:23 I’m reminded that my life is not my own. I belong to God. Vanessa belongs to God. We’ve committed both our individual lives and our marriage to His calling and purpose. We’ve resolved to travel together down the path that He has set before us. We’ve entrusted our steps to Him.
It was God’s leading that brought us to Pontiac in May of 2003. It was His plan for us to start Pontiac Family Worship Center. He gave us a passion for this city and over the last few years we’ve developed a love for each and every one of you. The blessings of God have been abundant and you have made this journey so wonderful. I’m convinced that our days here have been ordained by the Lord.
That’s why today is so difficult. Through many months of prayer and Godly counsel we are convinced that God is asking us to travel down a new path, a path that will lead us away from Pontiac and away from the PFWC family. This decision is the most difficult one we’ve had to make up to this point in our ministry. The difficulty comes not in saying yes to the Lord, but in saying goodbye to all of you.
In our hearts we never thought this day would come. I guess that’s why God has reminded us lately of Proverbs 16:9. “In his heart a man plans his course, but the Lord determines his steps.” We’ve served here with the mindset that we would never leave. However, the Lord has been stirring our hearts and we can say with full certainty that our time here is coming to an end.
Today, December 2, 2007, we are officially resigning as your pastors with the full intent to provide transitional leadership for the next 90 days. Our last Sunday will be February 24, 2008. During this transitional time we will be working with Steve Bradshaw and the leadership of the Michigan District of the Assemblies of God since our church comes under the umbrella of the Assemblies of God fellowship.
After this time of transition Vanessa and I will be moving to Kansas City, Missouri to start a new church in my hometown. We are stepping out in faith believing God to do a similar work like He’s done here in Pontiac. It’s our desire to continue to see souls come to Christ and church planting is the best way to see that mission accomplished. God has asked us to pioneer another church and we’ve said yes to His call.
Please hear these words from the bottom of our hearts. Though our relationship as your pastors will change, our love for all of you will not. That’s why this is so difficult. We’ve become family over the past few years and now we’re moving away. As hard as it is to say goodbye the fact is we’re still family. As a matter of fact, maybe goodbye is the wrong word. The phrase “see you later” seems more appropriate.
One day we’ll all be together again, but this time it will be forever. We’ll spend eternity together in the presence of the Lord. What a glorious day that will be. In the meantime, let me share verse 25 of the Psalm that I opened with: “I was young and now I’m old, but I’ve never seen the righteous forsaken or the children begging for bread.” That’s a promise that we can all hang on to during this time.
God directs our steps and promises not to leave us nor forsake us. I’m confident that if God is leading us on to something new and wonderful then the same is true for all of you. God will not take from one at the expense of another. If God is preparing to bless Vanessa and I with a new work then He’s preparing to bless all of you with a new pastor. We really believe that your best days are yet ahead, and though we will not always be your pastors we will always be family.
Respectfully submitted with love for all you,
Bobby and Vanessa Hawk
Dear PFWC Family,
“The steps of a righteous man are ordered of the Lord.” Every time I read this passage from Psalm 37:23 I’m reminded that my life is not my own. I belong to God. Vanessa belongs to God. We’ve committed both our individual lives and our marriage to His calling and purpose. We’ve resolved to travel together down the path that He has set before us. We’ve entrusted our steps to Him.
It was God’s leading that brought us to Pontiac in May of 2003. It was His plan for us to start Pontiac Family Worship Center. He gave us a passion for this city and over the last few years we’ve developed a love for each and every one of you. The blessings of God have been abundant and you have made this journey so wonderful. I’m convinced that our days here have been ordained by the Lord.
That’s why today is so difficult. Through many months of prayer and Godly counsel we are convinced that God is asking us to travel down a new path, a path that will lead us away from Pontiac and away from the PFWC family. This decision is the most difficult one we’ve had to make up to this point in our ministry. The difficulty comes not in saying yes to the Lord, but in saying goodbye to all of you.
In our hearts we never thought this day would come. I guess that’s why God has reminded us lately of Proverbs 16:9. “In his heart a man plans his course, but the Lord determines his steps.” We’ve served here with the mindset that we would never leave. However, the Lord has been stirring our hearts and we can say with full certainty that our time here is coming to an end.
Today, December 2, 2007, we are officially resigning as your pastors with the full intent to provide transitional leadership for the next 90 days. Our last Sunday will be February 24, 2008. During this transitional time we will be working with Steve Bradshaw and the leadership of the Michigan District of the Assemblies of God since our church comes under the umbrella of the Assemblies of God fellowship.
After this time of transition Vanessa and I will be moving to Kansas City, Missouri to start a new church in my hometown. We are stepping out in faith believing God to do a similar work like He’s done here in Pontiac. It’s our desire to continue to see souls come to Christ and church planting is the best way to see that mission accomplished. God has asked us to pioneer another church and we’ve said yes to His call.
Please hear these words from the bottom of our hearts. Though our relationship as your pastors will change, our love for all of you will not. That’s why this is so difficult. We’ve become family over the past few years and now we’re moving away. As hard as it is to say goodbye the fact is we’re still family. As a matter of fact, maybe goodbye is the wrong word. The phrase “see you later” seems more appropriate.
One day we’ll all be together again, but this time it will be forever. We’ll spend eternity together in the presence of the Lord. What a glorious day that will be. In the meantime, let me share verse 25 of the Psalm that I opened with: “I was young and now I’m old, but I’ve never seen the righteous forsaken or the children begging for bread.” That’s a promise that we can all hang on to during this time.
God directs our steps and promises not to leave us nor forsake us. I’m confident that if God is leading us on to something new and wonderful then the same is true for all of you. God will not take from one at the expense of another. If God is preparing to bless Vanessa and I with a new work then He’s preparing to bless all of you with a new pastor. We really believe that your best days are yet ahead, and though we will not always be your pastors we will always be family.
Respectfully submitted with love for all you,
Bobby and Vanessa Hawk
The BIG Announcement
I haven't blogged the last couple of months because Vanessa and I have been seeking the Lord regarding a transition in our ministry. I've been completely focused on hearing from God and needed a break from the blogosphere. Today we made the BIG announcement to our church family at PFWC. Vanessa and I will be leaving Pontiac to start a church in Kansas City, Missouri.
We will continue to serve and help facilitate transition at PFWC for the next 90 days through the end of February. Then we will be moving to KC at the beginning of March. Our goal is to start building a core team and prepare to launch the new church in April 2009. I will share more updates through this blog as we continue on this faith journey.
In the meantime, we covet your prayers and appreciate your support. I will start posting again this month and I look forward to your comments. In addition, I've already been asked to post our letter of resignation for some who were not in attendance today. Please see the next post. The complete message from today will be on our website and podcast this week. God bless!
We will continue to serve and help facilitate transition at PFWC for the next 90 days through the end of February. Then we will be moving to KC at the beginning of March. Our goal is to start building a core team and prepare to launch the new church in April 2009. I will share more updates through this blog as we continue on this faith journey.
In the meantime, we covet your prayers and appreciate your support. I will start posting again this month and I look forward to your comments. In addition, I've already been asked to post our letter of resignation for some who were not in attendance today. Please see the next post. The complete message from today will be on our website and podcast this week. God bless!
Saturday, October 6, 2007
The Crowd is Usually WRONG
In Mark 5 Jesus delivers a demon possessed man and then heals a woman from a twelve year ailment. Between these two miraculous events a man named Jairus asked Jesus to come and heal his daughter. By the time Jesus starts towards Jairus' house a few men came to share the bad news with Jairus. Here's the exact verbiage from Mark 5:35:
While Jesus was still speaking, some men came from the house of Jairus, the synagogue ruler. "Your daughter is dead," they said. "Why bother the teacher any more?"
The crowd's advice to Jairus was forget about it. It's too late. Nothing can be done now. It's impossible. She's dead! They might have believed that Jesus could heal her from her sickness, but there's no way he could raise her from the dead. The crowd was WRONG!
All throughout the Bible instances like this occur. Remember the children of Israel when Moses was up on the mountain receiving God's commands. They decided to create a golden calf to worship and Aaron went along with the crowd's plan. The crowd was WRONG!
Then twelve spies entered Canaan to scope out their future home. Only two of them came back with a faith report. The majority of the spies came back with a negative report and the people were filled with doubt. The crowd was WRONG!
The list goes on and on as you read both the Old and New Testaments. But back to the next verse in Mark 5. Jesus responds to Jairus and his words are contrary to the words of the crowd. Here's the response Jesus gives in verse 36.
Ignoring what they said, Jesus told the synagogue ruler, "Don't be afraid; just believe."
Jesus ignored the crowd. The crowd was WRONG and Jesus was RIGHT! When Jesus arrived at Jairus home he again confronted the crowd. Jesus said the girl was not dead, but asleep. In other words, she was getting ready to get up. The crowd laughed as if it was impossible to bring her back from the dead. Again the crowd was WRONG!
Jesus kicked out the crowd and brought the girl back to life. Jesus was RIGHT! The crowd is usually WRONG, but Jesus is always RIGHT! Look back at verse 36 for a moment. Jesus said, "Don't be afraid; just believe."
When life doesn't make sense and your problems seem overwhelming...
When your faced with impossible circumstances and it seems like all hope is lost...
When everyone else has already given up and you feel like your only option is giving in...
Don't listen to the crowd! Listen to the words of Jesus! He's always RIGHT!!!
While Jesus was still speaking, some men came from the house of Jairus, the synagogue ruler. "Your daughter is dead," they said. "Why bother the teacher any more?"
The crowd's advice to Jairus was forget about it. It's too late. Nothing can be done now. It's impossible. She's dead! They might have believed that Jesus could heal her from her sickness, but there's no way he could raise her from the dead. The crowd was WRONG!
All throughout the Bible instances like this occur. Remember the children of Israel when Moses was up on the mountain receiving God's commands. They decided to create a golden calf to worship and Aaron went along with the crowd's plan. The crowd was WRONG!
Then twelve spies entered Canaan to scope out their future home. Only two of them came back with a faith report. The majority of the spies came back with a negative report and the people were filled with doubt. The crowd was WRONG!
The list goes on and on as you read both the Old and New Testaments. But back to the next verse in Mark 5. Jesus responds to Jairus and his words are contrary to the words of the crowd. Here's the response Jesus gives in verse 36.
Ignoring what they said, Jesus told the synagogue ruler, "Don't be afraid; just believe."
Jesus ignored the crowd. The crowd was WRONG and Jesus was RIGHT! When Jesus arrived at Jairus home he again confronted the crowd. Jesus said the girl was not dead, but asleep. In other words, she was getting ready to get up. The crowd laughed as if it was impossible to bring her back from the dead. Again the crowd was WRONG!
Jesus kicked out the crowd and brought the girl back to life. Jesus was RIGHT! The crowd is usually WRONG, but Jesus is always RIGHT! Look back at verse 36 for a moment. Jesus said, "Don't be afraid; just believe."
When life doesn't make sense and your problems seem overwhelming...
When your faced with impossible circumstances and it seems like all hope is lost...
When everyone else has already given up and you feel like your only option is giving in...
Don't listen to the crowd! Listen to the words of Jesus! He's always RIGHT!!!
Friday, September 14, 2007
Strongholds or Tents
In Numbers 13 Moses sent out twelve spies and gave them specific instructions including this paraphrase, "...see whether they dwell in tents or strongholds." That specific phrase sparked a thought in my mind regarding ministry that has consumed me for the last couple of days. I've asked myself this question and now let me ask you: Do you dwell in a tent or a stronghold?
What's the difference in dwelling in a tent versus a stronghold?
1. Tents are portable; strongholds are permanent.
2. Tents are easier to put up; strongholds take much more time to build.
3. Tents provide partial shelter; strongholds provide complete safety.
4. Tents can be easily destroyed; strongholds are created to endure.
I think one of the biggest problems I see with many ministers is they have become tent dwellers. Tent dwellers don't stay in a place long enough to see long-term results. As my friend Herbert Cooper says, "We over-estimate what we can do in the short-term and under-estimate what God can do in the long-term."
Here's an example. The reason that the enemy has such strongholds in my city is because he's never left. Satan has built strongholds in Pontiac and continued to wreak havoc for years on end while many of our churches and ministers have come and gone with the wind. They've pitched their tents and moved on while the enemy has built strongholds of fornication, alcoholism, drug addiction, violence, etc.
If we want to bind up the strongman and see lasting results we have to commit to build strongholds for God in our cities. We must dig deep roots and commit ourselves for the long haul. Anyone can put up a tent, but strongholds take time and perseverance. It's much easier, and cheaper, to pitch a tent rather than building a stronghold day by day and brick by brick.
You see tents provide temporary shelter from the elements but do not serve as a place of complete safety. Our churches and ministries should provide more than temporary shelter. They should be fortresses where the lost and hurting can run and find peace. If you're on the run and you see a tent on one side and a stronghold on the other which will you choose for safety and security? A stronghold. Exactly! Then why should we expect hurting people to run and dwell in our tents?
Finally, strongholds are made to withstand and endure battles. Ministry is full of battles. The enemy engages us from every side. When you have a tent the only option is to run. When you have a stronghold you can stay and fight. I'm tired of the enemy having the strongholds in our cities. It's time to plant ourselves, build our strongholds and fight for our cities.
Will you join me in building strongholds for the kingdom of God?
What's the difference in dwelling in a tent versus a stronghold?
1. Tents are portable; strongholds are permanent.
2. Tents are easier to put up; strongholds take much more time to build.
3. Tents provide partial shelter; strongholds provide complete safety.
4. Tents can be easily destroyed; strongholds are created to endure.
I think one of the biggest problems I see with many ministers is they have become tent dwellers. Tent dwellers don't stay in a place long enough to see long-term results. As my friend Herbert Cooper says, "We over-estimate what we can do in the short-term and under-estimate what God can do in the long-term."
Here's an example. The reason that the enemy has such strongholds in my city is because he's never left. Satan has built strongholds in Pontiac and continued to wreak havoc for years on end while many of our churches and ministers have come and gone with the wind. They've pitched their tents and moved on while the enemy has built strongholds of fornication, alcoholism, drug addiction, violence, etc.
If we want to bind up the strongman and see lasting results we have to commit to build strongholds for God in our cities. We must dig deep roots and commit ourselves for the long haul. Anyone can put up a tent, but strongholds take time and perseverance. It's much easier, and cheaper, to pitch a tent rather than building a stronghold day by day and brick by brick.
You see tents provide temporary shelter from the elements but do not serve as a place of complete safety. Our churches and ministries should provide more than temporary shelter. They should be fortresses where the lost and hurting can run and find peace. If you're on the run and you see a tent on one side and a stronghold on the other which will you choose for safety and security? A stronghold. Exactly! Then why should we expect hurting people to run and dwell in our tents?
Finally, strongholds are made to withstand and endure battles. Ministry is full of battles. The enemy engages us from every side. When you have a tent the only option is to run. When you have a stronghold you can stay and fight. I'm tired of the enemy having the strongholds in our cities. It's time to plant ourselves, build our strongholds and fight for our cities.
Will you join me in building strongholds for the kingdom of God?
Thursday, September 13, 2007
Peace vs. Panic
Matthew and Luke record the same story found in Mark 4. Jesus tells the disciples to get into the boat and then a storm comes that strikes panic in the hearts of the disciples. You probably remember what happened next. They woke Jesus up from his nap and he said to the wind and the waves, "Peace! Be Still!" They obeyed!
It's interesting to contrast the different reactions in this story. The disciples are filled with panic; the Lord is filled with peace. After all, they had to wake him up from a peaceful power nap in their panic stricken state of mind. Then Jesus speaks peace to their situation which is what most people tend to focus on in this story.
Of course, that makes sense. Jesus can calm the storms in our lives whether they are financial, relational, emotional or situational. Jesus brings peace to our storm. But I think there's another point that we sometimes miss. Not only can Jesus bring peace to our storm, but he can also bring peace to us during our storm.
Let's not forget that Jesus sent them into the storm. He told them to get in the boat and head to the other side. He led them into a storm. Sometimes we get ourselves in a mess, but this time Jesus directed them into a tough situation. I think he still does that with our lives. He allows us, even directs us, into a variety of storms. The question is why?
I think the answer is two-fold. First of all, it brings glory to his name when he speaks peace to the storm. When Jesus provides a way out there is no doubt that he can still calm the winds and waves in our lives. But I believe he also speaks peace during the storm. If he directs us into a storm then he'll give us the peace to weather it.
Everything God allows has purpose. If God allows you to enter a storm then He has a lesson for you to learn. So the next time you're in one of life's storms ask God to speak peace to you before you ask Him to speak peace to the storm. After all, He may have directed you into the storm for a reason.
Will the storm ever cease? Yes, in God's time He will calm the storm. In the meantime, He can calm your spirit and give you His peace which transcends all human understanding. So what will it be? Peace or panic?
It's interesting to contrast the different reactions in this story. The disciples are filled with panic; the Lord is filled with peace. After all, they had to wake him up from a peaceful power nap in their panic stricken state of mind. Then Jesus speaks peace to their situation which is what most people tend to focus on in this story.
Of course, that makes sense. Jesus can calm the storms in our lives whether they are financial, relational, emotional or situational. Jesus brings peace to our storm. But I think there's another point that we sometimes miss. Not only can Jesus bring peace to our storm, but he can also bring peace to us during our storm.
Let's not forget that Jesus sent them into the storm. He told them to get in the boat and head to the other side. He led them into a storm. Sometimes we get ourselves in a mess, but this time Jesus directed them into a tough situation. I think he still does that with our lives. He allows us, even directs us, into a variety of storms. The question is why?
I think the answer is two-fold. First of all, it brings glory to his name when he speaks peace to the storm. When Jesus provides a way out there is no doubt that he can still calm the winds and waves in our lives. But I believe he also speaks peace during the storm. If he directs us into a storm then he'll give us the peace to weather it.
Everything God allows has purpose. If God allows you to enter a storm then He has a lesson for you to learn. So the next time you're in one of life's storms ask God to speak peace to you before you ask Him to speak peace to the storm. After all, He may have directed you into the storm for a reason.
Will the storm ever cease? Yes, in God's time He will calm the storm. In the meantime, He can calm your spirit and give you His peace which transcends all human understanding. So what will it be? Peace or panic?
Tuesday, September 11, 2007
The Battle Belongs to the Lord - part 3
The Battle Belongs to the Lord - cont.
Let me wrap up some thoughts from last week. Here's the quick recap. The first principle to winning life's battles is to acknowledge God as your Commander in Chief. To lose life's battles you simply need to acknowledge that you are the Commander in Chief. The next principle in winning life's battles is to shout to the Lord in victory. However, to lose life's battles you simply shout at the Lord in defeat.
The final principle is to experience victory through obedience. The obvious alternative is to experience defeat through disobedience. If you remember the story in Joshua 6 Israel was outnumbered and Jericho was well fortified. On paper Israel didn't have a chance. But God gave them instructions and obedience led to them to victory. And it still does!
There is no substitute for obedience. Skills, talents and even charisma will never serve as an alternative to obedience. God means what he says! Partial obedience is disobedience. Delayed obedience is disobedience. Israel experienced victory at Jericho because they completely obeyed. However, turn to the next chapter and the consequence of their disobedience was defeat. And it still is!
To sum it up Achan takes some of the devoted things and God allows Israel to lose an easy battle at Ai. On paper the Israelites had an easy victory. But disobedience always leads to defeat. Obedience is the only option to pleasing the Lord, and the result of obeying God is winning victories in the battles of life. Obedience or disobedience? Victory or defeat? Blessings or curses? Winning or losing?
I think I'll obey!
Let me wrap up some thoughts from last week. Here's the quick recap. The first principle to winning life's battles is to acknowledge God as your Commander in Chief. To lose life's battles you simply need to acknowledge that you are the Commander in Chief. The next principle in winning life's battles is to shout to the Lord in victory. However, to lose life's battles you simply shout at the Lord in defeat.
The final principle is to experience victory through obedience. The obvious alternative is to experience defeat through disobedience. If you remember the story in Joshua 6 Israel was outnumbered and Jericho was well fortified. On paper Israel didn't have a chance. But God gave them instructions and obedience led to them to victory. And it still does!
There is no substitute for obedience. Skills, talents and even charisma will never serve as an alternative to obedience. God means what he says! Partial obedience is disobedience. Delayed obedience is disobedience. Israel experienced victory at Jericho because they completely obeyed. However, turn to the next chapter and the consequence of their disobedience was defeat. And it still is!
To sum it up Achan takes some of the devoted things and God allows Israel to lose an easy battle at Ai. On paper the Israelites had an easy victory. But disobedience always leads to defeat. Obedience is the only option to pleasing the Lord, and the result of obeying God is winning victories in the battles of life. Obedience or disobedience? Victory or defeat? Blessings or curses? Winning or losing?
I think I'll obey!
Wednesday, September 5, 2007
The Battle Belongs to the Lord - part 2
The Battle Belongs to the Lord (cont.)
There's another principle identified in Joshua 6-7 regarding life's battles. It's the shouting principle. The Israelites were commanded by God to shout before the walls came down. Shouting was to precede victory instead of simply following it. After all, anyone can shout after the miracle takes place. The question is, "Can we shout before the walls fall down?".
I'm reminded of Paul and Silas in Acts 16. They made a conscious decision to shout in praise while being wrongfully imprisoned in a jail cell. Think about the dynamics. It's midnight. I'm sure they're extremely exhausted and sore from the beating they had endured earlier in the day. They're probably hungry and thirsty for not only freedom but basic food and water. And what do they do? They sing songs of praise? They shout to God in victory? Yes!
They shouted before they were free and freedom was the result (including salvation for the jail guard and his family). Honestly, I'm not sure that I'm that close to God. I can picture myself complaining to God and feeling sorry for myself. I can hear myself shouting at God instead of shouting with God. I can actually picture myself giving a similar response to the one that Joshua gives in Joshua 7:-7-9.
After winning at Jericho the Israelites have lost an easy battle at Ai (pronounced "I") because of their disobedience (and usually the "I" battles are lost because we're fighting them instead of God). Then Joshua, the leader, starts shouting at God in defeat. The same guy that shouted with God in victory has turned the tables. Now he's upset with God and he doesn't even ask God why they lost?
Let's bring it home. It's easy for us to shout at God when we don't understand or even like the situations we're in instead of trusting God to bring us through. As a matter of fact, many times we get ourselves in bad situations and then shout at God as if it's His fault (i.e. finances). It was Israel's fault they lost the battle, but God became the scapegoat. They shouted, but it was the wrong kind of shout!
My challenge is this: Shout to God for victory instead of shouting at God in defeat. Now remember, many times the shouts will be shouts of faith because you haven't seen your miracle take place yet. But shout to God in victory and let God fight your battles. After all, God always wins! Now SHOUT!
to be continued...
There's another principle identified in Joshua 6-7 regarding life's battles. It's the shouting principle. The Israelites were commanded by God to shout before the walls came down. Shouting was to precede victory instead of simply following it. After all, anyone can shout after the miracle takes place. The question is, "Can we shout before the walls fall down?".
I'm reminded of Paul and Silas in Acts 16. They made a conscious decision to shout in praise while being wrongfully imprisoned in a jail cell. Think about the dynamics. It's midnight. I'm sure they're extremely exhausted and sore from the beating they had endured earlier in the day. They're probably hungry and thirsty for not only freedom but basic food and water. And what do they do? They sing songs of praise? They shout to God in victory? Yes!
They shouted before they were free and freedom was the result (including salvation for the jail guard and his family). Honestly, I'm not sure that I'm that close to God. I can picture myself complaining to God and feeling sorry for myself. I can hear myself shouting at God instead of shouting with God. I can actually picture myself giving a similar response to the one that Joshua gives in Joshua 7:-7-9.
After winning at Jericho the Israelites have lost an easy battle at Ai (pronounced "I") because of their disobedience (and usually the "I" battles are lost because we're fighting them instead of God). Then Joshua, the leader, starts shouting at God in defeat. The same guy that shouted with God in victory has turned the tables. Now he's upset with God and he doesn't even ask God why they lost?
Let's bring it home. It's easy for us to shout at God when we don't understand or even like the situations we're in instead of trusting God to bring us through. As a matter of fact, many times we get ourselves in bad situations and then shout at God as if it's His fault (i.e. finances). It was Israel's fault they lost the battle, but God became the scapegoat. They shouted, but it was the wrong kind of shout!
My challenge is this: Shout to God for victory instead of shouting at God in defeat. Now remember, many times the shouts will be shouts of faith because you haven't seen your miracle take place yet. But shout to God in victory and let God fight your battles. After all, God always wins! Now SHOUT!
to be continued...
Tuesday, September 4, 2007
The Battle Belongs to the Lord - part 1
This past Sunday I preached a stand alone message entitled "The Battle Belongs to the Lord" from Joshua 6-7. Here's a synopsis of the sermon:
Joshua chapter 6 is the story of the Battle of Jericho. The Israelites were instructed to march around the fortified city (with walls thick enough to race chariots on top) once each day and then seven times on the seventh day. They obeyed and marched in silence (which is a miracle by itself) until the end of the final lap. At that point the trumpets sounded according to plan and the Israelites shouted in victory.
You probably remember what happened next. The walls of Jericho collapsed as God promised and God's people walked right in to conquer the unconquerable city. So far so good. Then it happens. Obedience turns to disobedience. Achan, one of the Israelites, decided to take a few things from the plunder. After all, to the victor goes the spoils. Right?
Yes, that's right, but Israel was not really the victor. God commanded the Israelites to refrain from taking any of Jericho's material possessions (gold, silver, bronze, etc.) because God was going to be the victor in this battle. To the victor goes the spoils and God was victorious. All Israel had to do was obey. The commands were simple: walking without talking, then stopping and shouting. This victory obviously belonged to the Lord because that battle plan made no human sense.
Of course, we all have battles in our lives and that brings me to my first question regarding our battles. Who's the boss? That question extends far beyond an 80's TV show and demands an answer from each Christ follower. Who's really in charge? I think you can sum it up like this. To win life's battles you must acknowledge your Commander in Chief. To lose life's battles you simply acknowledge that you are the Commander in Chief. Victory starts with acknowledging who's in charge!
to be continued...
Joshua chapter 6 is the story of the Battle of Jericho. The Israelites were instructed to march around the fortified city (with walls thick enough to race chariots on top) once each day and then seven times on the seventh day. They obeyed and marched in silence (which is a miracle by itself) until the end of the final lap. At that point the trumpets sounded according to plan and the Israelites shouted in victory.
You probably remember what happened next. The walls of Jericho collapsed as God promised and God's people walked right in to conquer the unconquerable city. So far so good. Then it happens. Obedience turns to disobedience. Achan, one of the Israelites, decided to take a few things from the plunder. After all, to the victor goes the spoils. Right?
Yes, that's right, but Israel was not really the victor. God commanded the Israelites to refrain from taking any of Jericho's material possessions (gold, silver, bronze, etc.) because God was going to be the victor in this battle. To the victor goes the spoils and God was victorious. All Israel had to do was obey. The commands were simple: walking without talking, then stopping and shouting. This victory obviously belonged to the Lord because that battle plan made no human sense.
Of course, we all have battles in our lives and that brings me to my first question regarding our battles. Who's the boss? That question extends far beyond an 80's TV show and demands an answer from each Christ follower. Who's really in charge? I think you can sum it up like this. To win life's battles you must acknowledge your Commander in Chief. To lose life's battles you simply acknowledge that you are the Commander in Chief. Victory starts with acknowledging who's in charge!
to be continued...
Friday, August 31, 2007
Thank God He Didn't Hide Behind ANONYMITY!
The presidential election is coming next year and the debates have started. I love a candidate who stands for what he/she believes in, and if you agree then check out this short video clip.
Thursday, August 30, 2007
Corporate Church?
After reading an article regarding the impact that corporate America is having on the leadership style and structure of American churches I thought I would share a few of my thoughts. Let me attempt to address how the church should be similar and how the church should be different from the corporate world.
Successful corporations in America have a few things in common. One of the common denominators is an effective organizational structure. In these corporations there are clearly defined roles and responsibilities with a chain of command that must be followed. Corporations that cease to define job positions and hierarchy tend to implode from within.
The early church continued to grow because they organized deacons in Acts 6 to meet needs that were otherwise being neglected. This leadership decision by the Apostles proved to be an effective model of church organization. The principle from Scripture is simple. As a pastor I can't do everything so I must learn to delegate responsibility to other leaders within the church.
As a pastor I'm also commanded in Ephesians 4:11-13 to raise up leaders and equip them for service. If I'm not doing that then I'm neglecting a spiritual trust that God has given to me. Delegation is a must in spiritual leadership. This is one reason why churches need to have clearly defined leadership structures.
Can this go to far? I think so and here's why. First of all, leadership and organizational principles didn't originate with corporate America. God outlined these principles in the Bible. We endanger ourselves when we try to copy and recreate the corporate leadership mentality that succeeds in businesses within our churches.
Churches need structure and organization, but churches are not primarily businesses. Some aspects of ministry are better described as administry, which means that business administration is necessary to some extent. However, the church is a living organism as much as it is an organization. We can't compare and copy everything that works in business and expect it to translate and work in our churches.
To go a step further, what works in a business that also works in church did not originate with business. These principles originated with God. The life of Jesus should be the leadership we strive to emulate. The functionality of the early church should be the example for our modern day churches. The Book of Acts should serve as our guideline for effectiveness.
If we neglect these truths at the expense of copying the business world then we should expect the results that corporate America promises to us. Backstabbing, situational ethics, survival of the fittest, etc. Are these the kingdom results we desire? If not, then we need to stop trying to create corporate churches and start building kingdom churches!
Just my thoughts...
Successful corporations in America have a few things in common. One of the common denominators is an effective organizational structure. In these corporations there are clearly defined roles and responsibilities with a chain of command that must be followed. Corporations that cease to define job positions and hierarchy tend to implode from within.
The early church continued to grow because they organized deacons in Acts 6 to meet needs that were otherwise being neglected. This leadership decision by the Apostles proved to be an effective model of church organization. The principle from Scripture is simple. As a pastor I can't do everything so I must learn to delegate responsibility to other leaders within the church.
As a pastor I'm also commanded in Ephesians 4:11-13 to raise up leaders and equip them for service. If I'm not doing that then I'm neglecting a spiritual trust that God has given to me. Delegation is a must in spiritual leadership. This is one reason why churches need to have clearly defined leadership structures.
Can this go to far? I think so and here's why. First of all, leadership and organizational principles didn't originate with corporate America. God outlined these principles in the Bible. We endanger ourselves when we try to copy and recreate the corporate leadership mentality that succeeds in businesses within our churches.
Churches need structure and organization, but churches are not primarily businesses. Some aspects of ministry are better described as administry, which means that business administration is necessary to some extent. However, the church is a living organism as much as it is an organization. We can't compare and copy everything that works in business and expect it to translate and work in our churches.
To go a step further, what works in a business that also works in church did not originate with business. These principles originated with God. The life of Jesus should be the leadership we strive to emulate. The functionality of the early church should be the example for our modern day churches. The Book of Acts should serve as our guideline for effectiveness.
If we neglect these truths at the expense of copying the business world then we should expect the results that corporate America promises to us. Backstabbing, situational ethics, survival of the fittest, etc. Are these the kingdom results we desire? If not, then we need to stop trying to create corporate churches and start building kingdom churches!
Just my thoughts...
Tuesday, August 28, 2007
Stop It!
Below is a comment that I wrote on the FutureAG blog regarding the high number of anonymous comments throughout the blog.
One problem with many on this blog is that they are either anonymous or choosing to use an obvious alias. If you're anonymous or using an alias than it seems like you want your vote to count, but only if it's a silent vote.
The anonymous and alias crowd seem to enjoy giving their input as long as nobody knows who's giving the criticism. Can I share my humble opinion? If you're not willing to stand behind your opinions and criticisms then stop offering them.
The AG will never change if we are not willing to let our voices be heard and attach our names to our voices. Many on this blog are willing to say things anonymously, but they will not say the same things in person to the people that need to hear them. If that's the case then this blog will become a forum for gossips.
We all know that we want people in our churches to be open and honest with us. I don't mind criticism, but at least be man or woman enough to talk to me face to face. As leaders we not only want this in our churches, but we should be demonstrating this in our fellowship.
If you are a leader and desire to see change in the AG then don't hide behind anonymity. Stand up for what you believe and stop crouching behind an alias. Change will never take place if you are more interested in disguised discussions rather than unmasked honesty.
These are just some of my thoughts. What do you think?
One problem with many on this blog is that they are either anonymous or choosing to use an obvious alias. If you're anonymous or using an alias than it seems like you want your vote to count, but only if it's a silent vote.
The anonymous and alias crowd seem to enjoy giving their input as long as nobody knows who's giving the criticism. Can I share my humble opinion? If you're not willing to stand behind your opinions and criticisms then stop offering them.
The AG will never change if we are not willing to let our voices be heard and attach our names to our voices. Many on this blog are willing to say things anonymously, but they will not say the same things in person to the people that need to hear them. If that's the case then this blog will become a forum for gossips.
We all know that we want people in our churches to be open and honest with us. I don't mind criticism, but at least be man or woman enough to talk to me face to face. As leaders we not only want this in our churches, but we should be demonstrating this in our fellowship.
If you are a leader and desire to see change in the AG then don't hide behind anonymity. Stand up for what you believe and stop crouching behind an alias. Change will never take place if you are more interested in disguised discussions rather than unmasked honesty.
These are just some of my thoughts. What do you think?
Saturday, August 25, 2007
That's Synergy!
What is synergy? Synergy, simply put, is the ability to accomplish more by working together than by working alone. Isn't that the kingdom mindset? Doesn't the Bible say that two are better than one, a three stranded cord is not easily broken, and if one can put a thousand to flight then two can put ten thousand to flight? That's Synergy!
The Book of Acts is a Book of Synergy! The disciples partnered together and planted churches. Churches partnered together and multiplied exponentially. Most importantly, we receive power when we are filled with the Holy Spirit. In other words, we accomplish more by allowing the Holy Spirit to partner with us in fulfilling Jesus' Great Commission. That's Synergy!
This concept has dominated my mind and ministry thoughts for quite sometime now. I've asked myself what it looks like to have a leadership team with synergy. I've come to realize that team by definition includes synergy. You can't win a team sport by yourself. You win as a team and you lose as a team. That's Synergy!
What if more churches partnered together to reach specific communities or people groups? What if more individual churches partnered together to plant new churches in hurting communities. What if we viewed our ministries and missions programs differently? What if we stopped looking through a tunnel vision lens and started looking at the kingdom with synergistic eyes?
I think we would have less division and more unity, less territorialism and more kingdom building, less walls and more bridges, less individualism and more cooperation, less competition and more effective churches. It seems to me like the Book of Acts was a Book of Synergy, or should I say is a Book of Synergy. The story of the church didn't stop with the last chapter of Acts. That was just the beginning of kingdom expansion through synergy!
And if we're continuing the Book of Acts in our generation then we must commit to the principle of synergy. We can accomplish more by working together than by working alone. There's no place for the lone ranger anymore. We're in this kingdom building business together. Right? We both desire to reach people for the kingdom and fulfill Christ's mission. Right? We want to serve God and function as a part of His team. Right?
Then that will take SYNERGY!
The Book of Acts is a Book of Synergy! The disciples partnered together and planted churches. Churches partnered together and multiplied exponentially. Most importantly, we receive power when we are filled with the Holy Spirit. In other words, we accomplish more by allowing the Holy Spirit to partner with us in fulfilling Jesus' Great Commission. That's Synergy!
This concept has dominated my mind and ministry thoughts for quite sometime now. I've asked myself what it looks like to have a leadership team with synergy. I've come to realize that team by definition includes synergy. You can't win a team sport by yourself. You win as a team and you lose as a team. That's Synergy!
What if more churches partnered together to reach specific communities or people groups? What if more individual churches partnered together to plant new churches in hurting communities. What if we viewed our ministries and missions programs differently? What if we stopped looking through a tunnel vision lens and started looking at the kingdom with synergistic eyes?
I think we would have less division and more unity, less territorialism and more kingdom building, less walls and more bridges, less individualism and more cooperation, less competition and more effective churches. It seems to me like the Book of Acts was a Book of Synergy, or should I say is a Book of Synergy. The story of the church didn't stop with the last chapter of Acts. That was just the beginning of kingdom expansion through synergy!
And if we're continuing the Book of Acts in our generation then we must commit to the principle of synergy. We can accomplish more by working together than by working alone. There's no place for the lone ranger anymore. We're in this kingdom building business together. Right? We both desire to reach people for the kingdom and fulfill Christ's mission. Right? We want to serve God and function as a part of His team. Right?
Then that will take SYNERGY!
Wednesday, August 22, 2007
News Flash
News Flash...are you ready?
Vanessa and I have decided to adopt!
Yes, I said adopt! We will hopefully start the adoption process within the next year. After we begin the process it can take up to two years before we bring home our little girl.
Yes, I said little girl! We are planning on adopting a little girl and we've already picked out her name. Hannah Nicole Hawk will be joining our family all the way from El Salvador.
Yes, I said El Salvador! We've found an adoption agency that we love and El Salvador is our country of choice. Please pray with us as we begin this wonderful and exciting journey!
Vanessa and I have decided to adopt!
Yes, I said adopt! We will hopefully start the adoption process within the next year. After we begin the process it can take up to two years before we bring home our little girl.
Yes, I said little girl! We are planning on adopting a little girl and we've already picked out her name. Hannah Nicole Hawk will be joining our family all the way from El Salvador.
Yes, I said El Salvador! We've found an adoption agency that we love and El Salvador is our country of choice. Please pray with us as we begin this wonderful and exciting journey!
If...Then... Principle
There's a principle in the Bible that I like to call the "If...Then... principle." You know what I mean. If _____, then ______. Trust me, this really works. However, this principle only works if God is on the right side of the equation (literally). Here's what I mean.
Take money for an example. I've heard people say, "If God blesses me financially, then I'll start to tithe." But that doesn't work. Why? Because God is on the wrong side of the equation. The correct principle from God's Word is more like this: "If I obey God with my tithe, then He will bless me financially."
God's covenant of salvation and blessing are conditional to our obedience. If we obey then all of His promises are Yes and Amen! In other words, the if is up to us because God has already guaranteed the then. God always blesses obedience!
If I were you I'd try this principle out, then you can let everyone know how God has blessed your obedience...just remember to put God on the right side of the equation (If you...then God...)!
Take money for an example. I've heard people say, "If God blesses me financially, then I'll start to tithe." But that doesn't work. Why? Because God is on the wrong side of the equation. The correct principle from God's Word is more like this: "If I obey God with my tithe, then He will bless me financially."
God's covenant of salvation and blessing are conditional to our obedience. If we obey then all of His promises are Yes and Amen! In other words, the if is up to us because God has already guaranteed the then. God always blesses obedience!
If I were you I'd try this principle out, then you can let everyone know how God has blessed your obedience...just remember to put God on the right side of the equation (If you...then God...)!
Saturday, August 11, 2007
Finally!
As I mentioned in my previous post, change comes slowly in the Assemblies of God. But thank God for one new and overdue change. Zollie Smith was elected as the new Director of U.S. Missions on Friday afternoon during the business session of the A/G General Council. This is historical for the Assemblies of God, which happens to be a ninety three year old fellowship.
Zollie is the first African-American to be elected to one of the six executive team positions in the A/G. He's a gifted communicator and leader with a passion to bring diversity into our movement. His acceptance speech alone was powerful as he communicated his commitment to reach America.
As an inner-city church planter leading a multi-cultural church I could not be more excited to have Zollie in this role. Now if we can continue to progress and elect a General Superintendent that continues to pastor a leading church in our fellowship then our best days will lie ahead of us instead of behind us (for more on that subject please read my previous post).
But for now I celebrate this historical moment and Zollie you have my prayers and full support!
Zollie is the first African-American to be elected to one of the six executive team positions in the A/G. He's a gifted communicator and leader with a passion to bring diversity into our movement. His acceptance speech alone was powerful as he communicated his commitment to reach America.
As an inner-city church planter leading a multi-cultural church I could not be more excited to have Zollie in this role. Now if we can continue to progress and elect a General Superintendent that continues to pastor a leading church in our fellowship then our best days will lie ahead of us instead of behind us (for more on that subject please read my previous post).
But for now I celebrate this historical moment and Zollie you have my prayers and full support!
Back from Indy
General Council was interesting to say the least. A lot of time was spent accomplishing a little. That's actually the most frustrating part of belonging to such a large denomination. It takes a long time, even a generation many times to bring radical and relevant change. The concern I have is if my generation of leaders will stick around long enough to see these changes take place. The good news, however, is the conversation has started.
During the opening business session the topic came up regarding the General Superintendent serving simultaneously in the Senior Pastorate. This concept is not a new concept since it is being effectively done among the Southern Baptists, the Assemblies of God in Australia and most A/G fellowships around the world. But for the U.S. Assemblies of God this has now become a public conversation on the floor of the General Council Business session.
Props to Tommy Barnett for getting the ball rolling and all of those who have been willing to speak up and champion this cause. John Lindell is also an advocate for this change along with many leaders from across our fellowship. Finally, my friend Dave Crosby has many great thoughts that I agree with regarding this issue on his blog.
Let's keep the conversation going and see change...slowly but surely.
During the opening business session the topic came up regarding the General Superintendent serving simultaneously in the Senior Pastorate. This concept is not a new concept since it is being effectively done among the Southern Baptists, the Assemblies of God in Australia and most A/G fellowships around the world. But for the U.S. Assemblies of God this has now become a public conversation on the floor of the General Council Business session.
Props to Tommy Barnett for getting the ball rolling and all of those who have been willing to speak up and champion this cause. John Lindell is also an advocate for this change along with many leaders from across our fellowship. Finally, my friend Dave Crosby has many great thoughts that I agree with regarding this issue on his blog.
Let's keep the conversation going and see change...slowly but surely.
Monday, August 6, 2007
Off to the Big Dance
Today I'm wrapping things up in the office so tomorrow I can head to the big dance in Indy....the big A/G dance that is. General Council is a bi-annual meeting of ministers from the U.S. Assemblies of God. In my opinion, the upcoming council is the most important council within the last few decades.
This General Council is highly important in the sense that a number of resolutions will be voted on that have the potential to impact the future of this movement. In addition, a number of national leadership positions are up for election as well. The combination of decisions regarding national positions and policy has evoked a huge response and the expected voter turnout seems to be overwhelming.
Of course, it is imperative that we seek God's direction and allow His plans to become our plans when it comes to voting on these individuals and issues. One thing I've learned in the past few years of ministry is to seek God's plans and follow His direction rather than making my plans and then asking God to bless them.
Then again, whether it is an Assemblies of God General Council or a routine daily decision we should seek God's will and direction. The bigger ticket items and larger agendas usually bring this to the forefront of our attention. However, Proverbs 3:5-6 reminds us to seek God in all our ways and allow Him to direct our paths.
So Lord I pray that you will have your will and your way in my life, my family, my church, and my denomination. May my decisions come from my intimacy with you and may your ways be my ways. Please help me to tune into the radio frequency of heaven and hear your voice loud and clear. Then give me the strength and wisdom to follow through with your plans. Thank you Lord!
This General Council is highly important in the sense that a number of resolutions will be voted on that have the potential to impact the future of this movement. In addition, a number of national leadership positions are up for election as well. The combination of decisions regarding national positions and policy has evoked a huge response and the expected voter turnout seems to be overwhelming.
Of course, it is imperative that we seek God's direction and allow His plans to become our plans when it comes to voting on these individuals and issues. One thing I've learned in the past few years of ministry is to seek God's plans and follow His direction rather than making my plans and then asking God to bless them.
Then again, whether it is an Assemblies of God General Council or a routine daily decision we should seek God's will and direction. The bigger ticket items and larger agendas usually bring this to the forefront of our attention. However, Proverbs 3:5-6 reminds us to seek God in all our ways and allow Him to direct our paths.
So Lord I pray that you will have your will and your way in my life, my family, my church, and my denomination. May my decisions come from my intimacy with you and may your ways be my ways. Please help me to tune into the radio frequency of heaven and hear your voice loud and clear. Then give me the strength and wisdom to follow through with your plans. Thank you Lord!
Friday, August 3, 2007
Gifts & Passions
I'm a firm believer in connecting people to ministries where they have both a gift and a passion. I see too many people serving in primary areas of ministry where they are gifted but not passionate. This leads to burnout and apathy. Others commit themselves to areas of ministry where they have extreme passion without being gifted in those areas. This creates frustration and mediocrity in ministry.
Let me give you a couple of examples. First of all, I think I have the gift of administration. I'm very organized and structured with an ability to administrate when necessary. Serving as a Lead Pastor this gift comes in handy since administration is part of my job. However, administration is not a passion for me. If I were to choose to serve as a Business Administrator for a church I would be miserable. I might be operating in my gift, but not my passion.
Now here's an example of being passionate while lacking the necessary gifts for ministry. I love to sing. I can picture myself leading worship, but it's an ugly picture at best. Though I'm passionate about singing people are not quite as passionate about hearing me sing. Singing is not my gift. If I choose to serve as a Worship Leader then I operate with passion and without talent. In that case I'll stick to preaching (and all the people at my church said...AMEN!).
For me preaching is both a God-given passion and a God-given gift. I love preaching and God has gifted me in public communication. I've often said, God knew the only thing I'm good at is talking so He decided to let me do it for a living. In all honesty, preaching charges my spiritual battery. Of course, it can be physically draining, but I love it. I love it because it is both a gift and a passion in my life.
I feel like the kingdom is best served and we are most fulfilled when we operate out of passion for a ministry accompanied with the appropriate ministry gift. This has become my team building philosophy at PFWC. I want the right people in the right places where they will not only be good at what they do, but they will also enjoy it. I want people in primary places of ministry where they have both the gift and the passion.
In my experience people are fulfilled and the kingdom is advanced when this happens. Now I realize at times we all serve in areas where we may not have both, but in the long-term and in the primary areas of ministry I think we should strive to operate out of both gifts and passions.
Just my thoughts...
Let me give you a couple of examples. First of all, I think I have the gift of administration. I'm very organized and structured with an ability to administrate when necessary. Serving as a Lead Pastor this gift comes in handy since administration is part of my job. However, administration is not a passion for me. If I were to choose to serve as a Business Administrator for a church I would be miserable. I might be operating in my gift, but not my passion.
Now here's an example of being passionate while lacking the necessary gifts for ministry. I love to sing. I can picture myself leading worship, but it's an ugly picture at best. Though I'm passionate about singing people are not quite as passionate about hearing me sing. Singing is not my gift. If I choose to serve as a Worship Leader then I operate with passion and without talent. In that case I'll stick to preaching (and all the people at my church said...AMEN!).
For me preaching is both a God-given passion and a God-given gift. I love preaching and God has gifted me in public communication. I've often said, God knew the only thing I'm good at is talking so He decided to let me do it for a living. In all honesty, preaching charges my spiritual battery. Of course, it can be physically draining, but I love it. I love it because it is both a gift and a passion in my life.
I feel like the kingdom is best served and we are most fulfilled when we operate out of passion for a ministry accompanied with the appropriate ministry gift. This has become my team building philosophy at PFWC. I want the right people in the right places where they will not only be good at what they do, but they will also enjoy it. I want people in primary places of ministry where they have both the gift and the passion.
In my experience people are fulfilled and the kingdom is advanced when this happens. Now I realize at times we all serve in areas where we may not have both, but in the long-term and in the primary areas of ministry I think we should strive to operate out of both gifts and passions.
Just my thoughts...
Monday, July 2, 2007
Off to K.C.
I'm leaving for Kansas City, Missouri in a couple of hours. Over the next 10 days I'll be in Kansas City, Springfield, and Bentonville, Arkansas. Then I fly back to Detroit and take off again for Pittsburgh later this month.
I love travelling and speaking, especially when I get to share what God is doing in Pontiac and challenge other churches to participate in world missions and church planting. I absolutely love it, but not as much as I love my church.
I love being a pastor. I love the faith challenges that I get to walk through and the life changes that I get to see. I can't think of a better job! Everyday I wake up energized to do what I do. I love being a pastor, but not as much as I love my wife.
Vanessa is wonderful. I love being married to her. I can't imagine doing life or ministry without her. She's a great support and encouragement to me on a daily basis. I definitely have the best wife in the world and I love her so much, but not as much as I love Jesus.
Jesus is number one. He's my priority. He comes above my marriage and my ministry. My goal in life is to please Him. Then as I serve Him faithfully my marriage is blessed along with my ministry. Nothing beats serving the Lord!
I think we all need to remember to prioritize our lives in this way:
1. Our relationship with Jesus
2. Our relationship with our Spouse (then Children)
3. Our relationship with our Church or Ministry
And if we do I know God will bless each and every area of our lives! And I'm off...
I love travelling and speaking, especially when I get to share what God is doing in Pontiac and challenge other churches to participate in world missions and church planting. I absolutely love it, but not as much as I love my church.
I love being a pastor. I love the faith challenges that I get to walk through and the life changes that I get to see. I can't think of a better job! Everyday I wake up energized to do what I do. I love being a pastor, but not as much as I love my wife.
Vanessa is wonderful. I love being married to her. I can't imagine doing life or ministry without her. She's a great support and encouragement to me on a daily basis. I definitely have the best wife in the world and I love her so much, but not as much as I love Jesus.
Jesus is number one. He's my priority. He comes above my marriage and my ministry. My goal in life is to please Him. Then as I serve Him faithfully my marriage is blessed along with my ministry. Nothing beats serving the Lord!
I think we all need to remember to prioritize our lives in this way:
1. Our relationship with Jesus
2. Our relationship with our Spouse (then Children)
3. Our relationship with our Church or Ministry
And if we do I know God will bless each and every area of our lives! And I'm off...
Friday, June 22, 2007
Time Management
Time is one thing you can't make up. That's why time management is so crucial, especially as a pastor. Here's a post with a couple of resources from a good friend Nick Poole on organizing your day. Now here's a copy of my weekly schedule with an emphasis on the main objectives of each day.
Sunday - Service Day (obviously the main focus of Sunday is the ministry within the services)
Monday - Spouse Day (this day is dedicated to my beautiful bride Vanessa)
Tuesday - Staff Day (meeting, planning and administrating is the focus of the day)
Wednesday - Study Day (preparation for our midweek prayer service and Sunday's message)
Thursday - Support Day (writing newsletters, raising funds and following up with supporters)
Friday - Strategy Day (dreaming and creative planning for the future)
Saturday - Sabbath Day (relaxing and preparing my heart and mind for Sunday)
I realize that your schedule will not look like mine and each day's theme will probably not start with the letter "s" (I can't help it...alliteration is always on my mind). However, creating a schedule is absolutely necessary for maximum effectiveness. If you don't schedule your time then your time will schedule you. Hope this may help!
Sunday - Service Day (obviously the main focus of Sunday is the ministry within the services)
Monday - Spouse Day (this day is dedicated to my beautiful bride Vanessa)
Tuesday - Staff Day (meeting, planning and administrating is the focus of the day)
Wednesday - Study Day (preparation for our midweek prayer service and Sunday's message)
Thursday - Support Day (writing newsletters, raising funds and following up with supporters)
Friday - Strategy Day (dreaming and creative planning for the future)
Saturday - Sabbath Day (relaxing and preparing my heart and mind for Sunday)
I realize that your schedule will not look like mine and each day's theme will probably not start with the letter "s" (I can't help it...alliteration is always on my mind). However, creating a schedule is absolutely necessary for maximum effectiveness. If you don't schedule your time then your time will schedule you. Hope this may help!
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