"Devo" has become a popular term in Christians circles. It is, of course, the shortened version of the word "devotion." It is generally used in such a way: "I'm using a great book as part of my daily devo." For many of us over the age of 20, "Devo" holds a totally different meaning. To us, the word conjures up images of an 80's band that wore flower pots on their heads (well, that's what it looked like to me), and sang a song called "Whip It." One of the lines of the song says "When trouble comes along, you must whip it." Regardless of how strange the song or the group was, this line becomes our battle cry when trouble shows-up on our doorstep. We feel like we must face it head-on, and do everything in our power to overcome the obstacle. Rarely do we sit back and say, "What good can come from this?"
In his letter to Jewish Christians who had been dispersed due to persecution, James-the half brother of Jesus, writes "...when troubles come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow." What a radical notion! Instead of always looking for a way out, why not look for the ways that God intends for us to grow in our faith as a result of the trouble. Could it be that God desires to use a rough patch in our lives as a way to strengthen us? Absolutely! Does this mean that Christians should "enjoy" the troubled times of their lives, and not get bummed-out by difficult circumstances? In a perfect world, maybe, but we're human. We will get down. We will be disheartened, but God desires to use these troubled times to make us stronger for the next hardship. Our human nature tells us to better the situation in order to better ourselves. As a result, we miss-out on an opportunity to grow closer to God by trusting Him during these tough times, thus causing our joy in Him to abound!
What are you facing today that can develop your endurance? Sickness, family problems, your job? Remember to rely on God to do the "whipping," while you trust Him to work everything out for your good and His glory.
Labels:
Weekend Reflections (0)
Wow, what a busy weekend. I absolutely crashed in my recliner around 9:30 last night. But, God is good! Here are a few highlights:
-Apparently, the deacons who count on the 4th Sunday have nothing better to do than follow my weekly routine ;) Haha! Reading my blog while at church...BUSTED!! (all kidding aside...its nice to have fans)
-Went to my first Cross Country meet on Saturday. I got tired watching those guys run.
-Congrats to the BR Corps of Cadets: State Champs, again!
-Every time I preach, I gain more respect for what pastors go through on a weekly basis. Hey church, don't just pray for your pastor, let him know how much you appreciate him too.
-Thanks to everyone for all of the kind words following my messages Sunday. Satan's been on my back since 11:30 AM Sunday, and your encouragement has been a tremendous help!
- God is at work at MLBC. We have a ton to be thankful for, but we cannot get complacent. Let's continue to seek God's will, and do our very best to carry it out.
-Our WASIMACHO Worship videos have been downloaded over a hundred times since last Tuesday. Praise God! Its obvious that God intended for this aspect of the student ministry to begin now, and not three months ago when we wanted it to begin. If you're interested, follow this link...http://mlbcgreer.com/Youth-Ministry.asp
-Clemson won and USC lost!
-I want to say how much I love my wife. She had to put-up with a lot of whining and complaining about how tired I've been. Thanks for being the perfect minister's wife. I love you!
-Moe's is awesome!
Ok, I'm done rambling. You may move on to the more important aspects of your life (This statement does not include those deacons, seeing as they can't get enough of the blog. Just kidding guys.). Labels:
-Apparently, the deacons who count on the 4th Sunday have nothing better to do than follow my weekly routine ;) Haha! Reading my blog while at church...BUSTED!! (all kidding aside...its nice to have fans)
-Went to my first Cross Country meet on Saturday. I got tired watching those guys run.
-Congrats to the BR Corps of Cadets: State Champs, again!
-Every time I preach, I gain more respect for what pastors go through on a weekly basis. Hey church, don't just pray for your pastor, let him know how much you appreciate him too.
-Thanks to everyone for all of the kind words following my messages Sunday. Satan's been on my back since 11:30 AM Sunday, and your encouragement has been a tremendous help!
- God is at work at MLBC. We have a ton to be thankful for, but we cannot get complacent. Let's continue to seek God's will, and do our very best to carry it out.
-Our WASIMACHO Worship videos have been downloaded over a hundred times since last Tuesday. Praise God! Its obvious that God intended for this aspect of the student ministry to begin now, and not three months ago when we wanted it to begin. If you're interested, follow this link...http://mlbcgreer.com/Youth-Ministry.asp
-Clemson won and USC lost!
-I want to say how much I love my wife. She had to put-up with a lot of whining and complaining about how tired I've been. Thanks for being the perfect minister's wife. I love you!
-Moe's is awesome!
Ok, I'm done rambling. You may move on to the more important aspects of your life (This statement does not include those deacons, seeing as they can't get enough of the blog. Just kidding guys.). Labels:
The Busiest Weekend Ever (1)
I just walked into my office, and while I wait for some copies to run, I thought I'd write a post. This has been one the busiest weeks that I can ever remember, and the weekend is even more rediculous. Here's the rundown:
Friday
6AM - Football Prayer Breakfast
8AM- Work on sermons for Sunday
11AM - Go to Kinkos and have visitor packets printed
1:45PM - Finish-up office junk which includes writing a blog ;)
5PM - Pick-up food for tailgating
5:45PM - Tailgate at BRHS
7:30PM - BR vs Riverside
10:00PM - Post-game tailgating
Saturday
12AM - Crash
9AM - Open church for flower delivery (?!)
11AM - Pick-up visitors packets
12:45PM - Upper State Cross Country Meet @ Dorman
2:45PM - State Band Competition @ Clinton
3:30PM - Clemson vs Maryland (first half on radio)
8PM - Make a cross for Sunday PM message
9PM - Final sermon prep
Sunday
9:00AM - Put sermon graphics on the computer
9:30AM - Youth Sunday School
10:30AM - Worship (I'm preaching)
12PM - Lunch at Rock's (I'll explain later)
2PM - Short nap
4:30PM - Help praise band set-up for worship
6PM - Worship (I'm preaching)
7PM - Supper somewhere
10PM - CRASH AGAIN!!
I hope you'll understand if I don't post again until Monday. Labels:
Friday
6AM - Football Prayer Breakfast
8AM- Work on sermons for Sunday
11AM - Go to Kinkos and have visitor packets printed
1:45PM - Finish-up office junk which includes writing a blog ;)
5PM - Pick-up food for tailgating
5:45PM - Tailgate at BRHS
7:30PM - BR vs Riverside
10:00PM - Post-game tailgating
Saturday
12AM - Crash
9AM - Open church for flower delivery (?!)
11AM - Pick-up visitors packets
12:45PM - Upper State Cross Country Meet @ Dorman
2:45PM - State Band Competition @ Clinton
3:30PM - Clemson vs Maryland (first half on radio)
8PM - Make a cross for Sunday PM message
9PM - Final sermon prep
Sunday
9:00AM - Put sermon graphics on the computer
9:30AM - Youth Sunday School
10:30AM - Worship (I'm preaching)
12PM - Lunch at Rock's (I'll explain later)
2PM - Short nap
4:30PM - Help praise band set-up for worship
6PM - Worship (I'm preaching)
7PM - Supper somewhere
10PM - CRASH AGAIN!!
I hope you'll understand if I don't post again until Monday. Labels:
Wednesday Reflections (0)
It has been (was...its 12:07 on Thursday morning) a long, but awesome day that culminated with our first night of RESET. Here's a short retrospective:
-God is in control. Regardless of the circumstances and situations that cloud our daily lives, He has incredible plans for us. Why it takes heart-breaking news to help us realize this is beyond my comprehension.
-When God puts something on your mind, you better take care of it, or your day will be shot.
-1 John 1:9 is an incredible verse! We confess our sins, God forgives them...end of story!
-The first night of RESET was great. 51 teenagers, 8 college students, and 5 adults. "Be Sure" was definitely a God thing. God rocks!
-Some have questioned the ploy of giving away a gaming system as a way of getting students to come to church. My response: if beer companies can use talking frogs to get "church" people to buy alcohol, why can't the church be creative in how it gets people to come hear the Gospel?
I guess that's about it. I'm tired, and I'm ready to go to bed. I'll tell you more on Thursday. Wait... Labels:
-God is in control. Regardless of the circumstances and situations that cloud our daily lives, He has incredible plans for us. Why it takes heart-breaking news to help us realize this is beyond my comprehension.
-When God puts something on your mind, you better take care of it, or your day will be shot.
-1 John 1:9 is an incredible verse! We confess our sins, God forgives them...end of story!
-The first night of RESET was great. 51 teenagers, 8 college students, and 5 adults. "Be Sure" was definitely a God thing. God rocks!
-Some have questioned the ploy of giving away a gaming system as a way of getting students to come to church. My response: if beer companies can use talking frogs to get "church" people to buy alcohol, why can't the church be creative in how it gets people to come hear the Gospel?
I guess that's about it. I'm tired, and I'm ready to go to bed. I'll tell you more on Thursday. Wait... Labels:
Another Video Update (0)
Streamhoster rocks! These folks have their act together. We now have the last two weeks of "Channel Surfing" online. Go here, http://mlbcgreer.com/Youth-Ministry.asp, and scroll down. You'll find the videos near the bottom of the page. When you click on the video's title, it will open in Windows Media Player. This is a true "stream," so you will be able to fast forward and rewind (probably more ff than rwd).
Our first night of "RESET" should be up by noon Friday. Labels:
Our first night of "RESET" should be up by noon Friday. Labels:
A Long Week Ahead (0)
This is already shaping-up as one of the busiest weeks that I've had in some time; however, it has already been extremely productive. Yesterday was spent trying to solve our video issues (more on that in a minute), and working on messages for Wednesday and Sunday. That's right, Sunday. Mark is going to be out of town for the weekend, and I'm preaching in both worship times. God has finally given me a peace about the messages. Its amazing how He totally changes our focus when our will is not in line with His. This morning, I've been writing-out my message for Sunday morning: "Are You Ready for Some...Church?!" If it sounds a bit like the Monday Night Football theme, its because it is ;). This afternoon, I'll be working on Sunday night's Message, "Nail It Down," and I'll be putting the finishing touches on our first week of RESET.
The videos will also be a priority this week. Our new host, Streamhoster, has set-up our account, and we've begun uploading videos. This will be how I spend my evening since Michelle is going to a Pampered Chef party. I'll post the links when I finish.
Finally, please pray for David Farnham. He is the head football coach at Blue Ridge High School, and one of our High School Boys Sunday School Teachers. He has been having some major health problems, and was taken to the hospital over the weekend. The doctors really have no idea what is wrong with him, and this is taking a major toll on the family. I'm sure the Farnhams would appreciate you lifting them up in prayer.
Gotta go study. Labels:
The videos will also be a priority this week. Our new host, Streamhoster, has set-up our account, and we've begun uploading videos. This will be how I spend my evening since Michelle is going to a Pampered Chef party. I'll post the links when I finish.
Finally, please pray for David Farnham. He is the head football coach at Blue Ridge High School, and one of our High School Boys Sunday School Teachers. He has been having some major health problems, and was taken to the hospital over the weekend. The doctors really have no idea what is wrong with him, and this is taking a major toll on the family. I'm sure the Farnhams would appreciate you lifting them up in prayer.
Gotta go study. Labels:
WASIMACHO Video Update (0)
We've just worked-out a plan with a different company to host our videos. Once up, you will be able to actually "stream" the videos; meaning, you can fast forward and rewind, instead of just downloading. We should have just paid for the service to begin with instead of being cheap ;)
We have to wait up to 24 hours for the service to be operational, but as soon as the videos are up, we'll let you know.
Thanks again for your patience! Labels:
We have to wait up to 24 hours for the service to be operational, but as soon as the videos are up, we'll let you know.
Thanks again for your patience! Labels:
Weekend Reflections (0)
What an unbelievably busy weekend! We (MLBC) held our annual Fall Festival on Sunday night, and the majority of my time was spent preparing for the event. I was able to sneak-in a little football on Friday night and Saturday; however, the results were mixed. Blue Ridge lost a heartbreaker to Wade Hampton. This was made worse by the fact that Clinton beat Riverside. That outcome combined with a BR victory would have resulted in a region championship for the Tigers. The weekend was not a complete loss because Clemson remembered how to play offense, and South Carolina remembered that they are South Carolina!
As I mentioned before, there was a ton of set-up for our Fall Festival. Buying hotdog buns, chips, cookies, mustard, ketchup, and drinks consumed a large part of Friday and Saturday. The trip to Sam's on Saturday did yield one positive...supper at McAlister's Deli! If you haven't done so, try the Sweetberry Chicken sandwich...you'll thank me later. Along with all of the "go-fer-ing," there was actual set-up taking place. Our student ministry ran three game booths, one of which was Dance Dance Revolution. I must say, people with no rhythm are a trip!
With all of the exhausting work that this weekend required came awesome results. We had 500-600 people come to the Fall Festival! There were a ton of great contacts made, and we're looking forward to following-up with several of them this week. Thanks to everyone who ran a game, manned the inflatables, and worked in the kitchen.
One more thing. We are having some trouble with our video hosting for WASIMACHO. We are trying to work on this, and I'll let you know when we're up and running again.
That's about it. I'll talk to you later. Labels:
As I mentioned before, there was a ton of set-up for our Fall Festival. Buying hotdog buns, chips, cookies, mustard, ketchup, and drinks consumed a large part of Friday and Saturday. The trip to Sam's on Saturday did yield one positive...supper at McAlister's Deli! If you haven't done so, try the Sweetberry Chicken sandwich...you'll thank me later. Along with all of the "go-fer-ing," there was actual set-up taking place. Our student ministry ran three game booths, one of which was Dance Dance Revolution. I must say, people with no rhythm are a trip!
With all of the exhausting work that this weekend required came awesome results. We had 500-600 people come to the Fall Festival! There were a ton of great contacts made, and we're looking forward to following-up with several of them this week. Thanks to everyone who ran a game, manned the inflatables, and worked in the kitchen.
One more thing. We are having some trouble with our video hosting for WASIMACHO. We are trying to work on this, and I'll let you know when we're up and running again.
That's about it. I'll talk to you later. Labels:
Open Windows (0)
Raise your hand if you've ever heard the saying, "Just because God closes a door, doesn't mean He won't open a window" (stops typing and raises hand). I would think that most Christians have been in a conversation where this has been said. I understand the meaning, but is it really true? I know that we get so focused on what we want in life that we have a tendancy to miss the incredible blessings that God wants to pour-out on us, but would His blessings come in the form of window? Would His blessings be that small? In Genesis 12, God told Abraham that He would make him a great nation. That sounds like a pretty big door to me. In Matthew 7:7-8, Jesus reminds us that we ask it will be given to us, seek and we'll find, knock and it will be opened to us. I'm not sure that can fit through a window.
When we lived in Honea Path, I would commonly lock myself out of our house. It got so bad that I began leaving a bathroom window open. I'll never forget having to squeeze through that little window in order to get to my destination. It would have been so much easier to go through the door. We serve a big God, and He has big plans in store for us. Why try crawling through a window to get to Him when we can walk through a door. Don't limit God. Trust Him, serve Him, and never underestimate Him. Labels:
When we lived in Honea Path, I would commonly lock myself out of our house. It got so bad that I began leaving a bathroom window open. I'll never forget having to squeeze through that little window in order to get to my destination. It would have been so much easier to go through the door. We serve a big God, and He has big plans in store for us. Why try crawling through a window to get to Him when we can walk through a door. Don't limit God. Trust Him, serve Him, and never underestimate Him. Labels:
The End of Channel Surfing (0)
After five weeks, Channel Surfing has ended. Not me channel surfing, but our latest series with our youth. We ended last night with the distraction of church. I enjoyed this series more than any other that we've done this year. We had some great responses last night, and the band rocked! I know that I say this a lot, but Chris, Julian, Adam, John, Rachel, Savannah, and Jenny do an awesome job each week. They debuted a new Crowder song last night, and I must say that if he does half the job that these guys did, then he'll have a hit.
With the end of Channel Surfing, we turn our attention to our next series, "RESET." We're going to be working on a video for the first week, and I'll post it when we've finished. It will be a big help explaining everything, but I'll give you a glimpse now. It's time to start over with our youth ministry, and make sure that our students understand what it means to be a Christian. "RESET" will essentially be a four week "new believers course." The weekly topics will be:
1. BE SURE - establishing a relationship with Jesus Christ
2. BE STRONG - telling the world about Jesus Christ
3. BE SERIOUS - growing closer to Jesus Christ
4. BE SURRENDERED - allowing Jesus Christ to live through you
We're really excited about what God is going to do with this series. As a way of encouraging our students to attend, we're giving away a Nintendo Wii to one lucky student who attends all four weeks.
That's it. Gotta go enjoy my day off! Labels:
With the end of Channel Surfing, we turn our attention to our next series, "RESET." We're going to be working on a video for the first week, and I'll post it when we've finished. It will be a big help explaining everything, but I'll give you a glimpse now. It's time to start over with our youth ministry, and make sure that our students understand what it means to be a Christian. "RESET" will essentially be a four week "new believers course." The weekly topics will be:
1. BE SURE - establishing a relationship with Jesus Christ
2. BE STRONG - telling the world about Jesus Christ
3. BE SERIOUS - growing closer to Jesus Christ
4. BE SURRENDERED - allowing Jesus Christ to live through you
We're really excited about what God is going to do with this series. As a way of encouraging our students to attend, we're giving away a Nintendo Wii to one lucky student who attends all four weeks.
That's it. Gotta go enjoy my day off! Labels:
Finally! (0)
We were finally able to upload the video from last Wednesday! We had to use a different method, but it still works. You can follow the the student ministry link to the left or you can click here http://mlbcgreer.com/Youth-Ministry.asp. Scroll down and you'll find the video.
I'll apologize in advance for the sound quality. We're going to try something a little different this week, and hope that it will help. Beginning next week, you'll be able to find a video archive on the youth ministry page. We will try to archive a series at a time.
If you have any feedback, please post a comment or email me (brian@mlbcgreer.com). Labels:
I'll apologize in advance for the sound quality. We're going to try something a little different this week, and hope that it will help. Beginning next week, you'll be able to find a video archive on the youth ministry page. We will try to archive a series at a time.
If you have any feedback, please post a comment or email me (brian@mlbcgreer.com). Labels:
Sorry for the Wait (0)
I apologize for the lengthy gap between posts. I have been waiting to post a new blog until our test message was up online. Well, its been 6 days, and still no message. Our internet connection at the church is being a real pain in the butt (don't get satelite internet...it stinks). I'm going to try again tonight at home. Hopefully I'll be posting again this evening with the link to the video.
In the midst of all of this stuff, God has reminded me not to get ahead of him. Most of the time, I'm worried about getting ahead of myself, when I should really be focusing on Him. I really wanted to get this video up before the weekend in order to get some feedback from people at church Sunday. Apparently, God had something different in mind. While trying to upload the video on Saturday (almost 48 hours after the original attempt), I found some glaring errors in the editing. After making some adjustments, the video looks much better. I feel like God is reminding me "if its worth doing, then its worth doing right."
Isn't it amazing how Christians, especially those of us in leadership positions, seek and seek God's will, only to carry it out in a hurried manner? Maybe its because we know what God wants from us, and we just want to see Him at work. Maybe its because we're lazy, and don't want to put the time into doing it right. Jeremiah 29:11 is a great reminder that God has an amazing plan for our lives. A plan is mindfully thought-out, and therefore should be mindfully carried-out. If God has put the time into mapping-out this course for our lives, shouldn't we be careful about how we navigate it?
What do you know? God does speak through videos. Labels:
In the midst of all of this stuff, God has reminded me not to get ahead of him. Most of the time, I'm worried about getting ahead of myself, when I should really be focusing on Him. I really wanted to get this video up before the weekend in order to get some feedback from people at church Sunday. Apparently, God had something different in mind. While trying to upload the video on Saturday (almost 48 hours after the original attempt), I found some glaring errors in the editing. After making some adjustments, the video looks much better. I feel like God is reminding me "if its worth doing, then its worth doing right."
Isn't it amazing how Christians, especially those of us in leadership positions, seek and seek God's will, only to carry it out in a hurried manner? Maybe its because we know what God wants from us, and we just want to see Him at work. Maybe its because we're lazy, and don't want to put the time into doing it right. Jeremiah 29:11 is a great reminder that God has an amazing plan for our lives. A plan is mindfully thought-out, and therefore should be mindfully carried-out. If God has put the time into mapping-out this course for our lives, shouldn't we be careful about how we navigate it?
What do you know? God does speak through videos. Labels:
Wednesday Recap (1)
As usual, Wednesday was unbelievably busy (which is actually a good thing). Here's a few things that stood-out as the day progressed.
- Paul had incredible insight for ministers. I'm finishing-up 1 Timothy (yes, it's taken a while to complete; I like in-depth study), and God is encouraging me more and more each day. I recommend that all ministry leaders sink their teeth into this book.
- God totally broke me down with yesterday's post. I was not expecting the response that was received. He is raising-up a group of leaders within our youth who want to rock the Blue Ridge area for Christ. It may only be a 2 or 3, but where 2 or more are gathered...
- Continued working on our next series. This thing is going to be crazy! I'll give you the name, but that's all you get until next week: RESET.
- Ate at Lakeview steakhouse for the first time. The blackened chicken is incredible, but Lakeview only has a view of a creek.
- WASIMACHO was great! The band rocked (as usual). Here's the set list:
"American Dream" - Switchfoot
"American Dream" - Casting Crowns
"Speak to Me" - Audio Adrenaline
"Tunnel" - Third Day
- Last night was our next to last night of "Channel Surfing." We talked about our stuff (possessions), and our desire for more, distracting us from God's Word. We had some really cool responses from the students.
- Finally, we videoed our first WASIMACHO for our internet stream. We're working on editing it today. I'll post a link when it's been uploaded.
That's it...I gotta do some work. Labels:
- Paul had incredible insight for ministers. I'm finishing-up 1 Timothy (yes, it's taken a while to complete; I like in-depth study), and God is encouraging me more and more each day. I recommend that all ministry leaders sink their teeth into this book.
- God totally broke me down with yesterday's post. I was not expecting the response that was received. He is raising-up a group of leaders within our youth who want to rock the Blue Ridge area for Christ. It may only be a 2 or 3, but where 2 or more are gathered...
- Continued working on our next series. This thing is going to be crazy! I'll give you the name, but that's all you get until next week: RESET.
- Ate at Lakeview steakhouse for the first time. The blackened chicken is incredible, but Lakeview only has a view of a creek.
- WASIMACHO was great! The band rocked (as usual). Here's the set list:
"American Dream" - Switchfoot
"American Dream" - Casting Crowns
"Speak to Me" - Audio Adrenaline
"Tunnel" - Third Day
- Last night was our next to last night of "Channel Surfing." We talked about our stuff (possessions), and our desire for more, distracting us from God's Word. We had some really cool responses from the students.
- Finally, we videoed our first WASIMACHO for our internet stream. We're working on editing it today. I'll post a link when it's been uploaded.
That's it...I gotta do some work. Labels:
Winds of Change (0)
I've been wanting to write this post for several weeks, but God has made me wait until today to do so. I'm continually amazed at how my timing stinks, but God's is always perfect. You would think that I would catch the drift sooner or later, yet I still think I know what's best. With that said, here we go.
I was recently reminded of a joke: "How many Baptists does it take to change a lightbulb? Change?! What's change?" That joke has always been funny to me, probably because its so accurate, but lately I've felt like it describes the state or MLBC's student ministry. For several months I have been seeking God's guidance for our student ministry. Study, prayer, more study, and more prayer have led me to this conclusion: its time for a change. Before some of you start jumping to conclusions, we are not leaving our position at Mt. Lebanon. Actually, its the exact opposite; we will be embracing it more than ever! You see, God has shown me that our students are in a rut. Truth be told, its more of a gorge. They have gotten comfortable with where they are spiritually, and there are outward signs to prove it. Our Sunday School attendance is dropping, our small group time on Sunday night is dwindling, and our worship time on Wednesday is stagnant. It's time for a change!
Now, I'm not putting the blame squarely on the shoulders of the students. I take full responsibility for what has taken place. It is my responsibility to see these students grow closer to God, and in many ways I have failed them. I'm sorry. God has convicted me of these wrongs, and I intend to follow His guidance on how to correct them. It kills me to admit fault. At times, I'm a rather conceited individual, but this isn't about me; it's about leading students into a intimate relationship with an awesome God.
With these things in mind, we are going to undertake a major overhaul of our student ministry. Some of these changes have already taken place. We are revamping our Sunday School beginning this Sunday. Our students will be going through a study called "Fuel" which calls for more of a discussion-type atmosphere. Gone are the days of "going through the motions" of teaching a lesson. Our teachers are firmly on board with seeing God destroy the stereotype of Sunday School, and seeing it turn into what it is meant to be-a meaningful time of growth.
Our Sunday night's will also be getting a facelift. "Bible Institute" will now be called "REACTION." In chemistry, a reaction takes place when one agent is added to another, thus causing a change (ugh, I'm a nerd). You're probably wondering what this has to do with our student ministry. I'll give you an answer by asking a question: What can change any situation when added to it? The answer: PRAYER. "REACTION" will be a prayer time specifically for our students and leaders. We'll pray for they're friends, they're family, and they're needs. If we want to see a change in our students, then we have to take 2 Chronicles 7:14 to heart: humble ourselves, seek God's face, and turn from our wicked ways.
These are the two most pressing changes that will be taking place. There are others that we are still praying about and discussing at this time. Our next two series will be correlating with these changes...you don't want to miss them! In the meantime, I ask that you pray for our students and leadership. God wants to change the attitude and direction of this student ministry, and we want to get ourselves out of His way so He can rock our world!
Wow, I'm excited about what's about to happen!!! Labels:
I was recently reminded of a joke: "How many Baptists does it take to change a lightbulb? Change?! What's change?" That joke has always been funny to me, probably because its so accurate, but lately I've felt like it describes the state or MLBC's student ministry. For several months I have been seeking God's guidance for our student ministry. Study, prayer, more study, and more prayer have led me to this conclusion: its time for a change. Before some of you start jumping to conclusions, we are not leaving our position at Mt. Lebanon. Actually, its the exact opposite; we will be embracing it more than ever! You see, God has shown me that our students are in a rut. Truth be told, its more of a gorge. They have gotten comfortable with where they are spiritually, and there are outward signs to prove it. Our Sunday School attendance is dropping, our small group time on Sunday night is dwindling, and our worship time on Wednesday is stagnant. It's time for a change!
Now, I'm not putting the blame squarely on the shoulders of the students. I take full responsibility for what has taken place. It is my responsibility to see these students grow closer to God, and in many ways I have failed them. I'm sorry. God has convicted me of these wrongs, and I intend to follow His guidance on how to correct them. It kills me to admit fault. At times, I'm a rather conceited individual, but this isn't about me; it's about leading students into a intimate relationship with an awesome God.
With these things in mind, we are going to undertake a major overhaul of our student ministry. Some of these changes have already taken place. We are revamping our Sunday School beginning this Sunday. Our students will be going through a study called "Fuel" which calls for more of a discussion-type atmosphere. Gone are the days of "going through the motions" of teaching a lesson. Our teachers are firmly on board with seeing God destroy the stereotype of Sunday School, and seeing it turn into what it is meant to be-a meaningful time of growth.
Our Sunday night's will also be getting a facelift. "Bible Institute" will now be called "REACTION." In chemistry, a reaction takes place when one agent is added to another, thus causing a change (ugh, I'm a nerd). You're probably wondering what this has to do with our student ministry. I'll give you an answer by asking a question: What can change any situation when added to it? The answer: PRAYER. "REACTION" will be a prayer time specifically for our students and leaders. We'll pray for they're friends, they're family, and they're needs. If we want to see a change in our students, then we have to take 2 Chronicles 7:14 to heart: humble ourselves, seek God's face, and turn from our wicked ways.
These are the two most pressing changes that will be taking place. There are others that we are still praying about and discussing at this time. Our next two series will be correlating with these changes...you don't want to miss them! In the meantime, I ask that you pray for our students and leadership. God wants to change the attitude and direction of this student ministry, and we want to get ourselves out of His way so He can rock our world!
Wow, I'm excited about what's about to happen!!! Labels:
Now That I've Had Time to Reflect (1)
Michelle and I got back in from our trip to Baton Rouge around 9 last night. After a good night's sleep, here are a few reflections from the weekend:
- it is a long way from Greer, SC to Baton Rouge, LA
- car seats are not comforable when you sit in them for 11 hours
- Michelle really likes text messaging
- Mississippi only has trees and billboards for casinos
- Michelle really likes reading casino billboards
- hanging-out with Michael is awesome
- his girlfriend, Erica, meets our approval (not that he needed it)
- don't look in windows on Bourban St. in New Orleans
- Michelle can spot watermarks with the best of them
- Hurricane Katrina victims still need our prayers
- cars without air conditioning and 90 deg. temps don't mix
- Michael can still kick my tail at ping-pong
- the "Name Game" should have additional rules
- Clemson has horrible special teams
- LSU fans are crazy
- The Chapel is incredible
- The Quarter is incredible
- Michael is one of the best speakers I've ever heard
- I love Middle Schoolers
- Mrs. Levie is a trip
- DDR and Guitar Hero are great youth ministry tools
- surprisingly, the new Kanye West song isn't too bad
- it is still a long way from Greer to Baton Rouge Labels:
- it is a long way from Greer, SC to Baton Rouge, LA
- car seats are not comforable when you sit in them for 11 hours
- Michelle really likes text messaging
- Mississippi only has trees and billboards for casinos
- Michelle really likes reading casino billboards
- hanging-out with Michael is awesome
- his girlfriend, Erica, meets our approval (not that he needed it)
- don't look in windows on Bourban St. in New Orleans
- Michelle can spot watermarks with the best of them
- Hurricane Katrina victims still need our prayers
- cars without air conditioning and 90 deg. temps don't mix
- Michael can still kick my tail at ping-pong
- the "Name Game" should have additional rules
- Clemson has horrible special teams
- LSU fans are crazy
- The Chapel is incredible
- The Quarter is incredible
- Michael is one of the best speakers I've ever heard
- I love Middle Schoolers
- Mrs. Levie is a trip
- DDR and Guitar Hero are great youth ministry tools
- surprisingly, the new Kanye West song isn't too bad
- it is still a long way from Greer to Baton Rouge Labels:
Wednesday Thoughts (0)
Tonight's WASIMACHO was awesome! We are currently in a series called "Channel Surfing" which deals with things that distract us from God's Word. Tonight we talked about our past. The band started things off with a bang. Chris did a great job with the set list. It reflected everything that we were going to be discussing. The songs included: "Trading My Sorrows," "Marvelous Light," "My Savior My God," and "You Are My All in All."
We talked through Isaiah 43. Our keys verses were 18 and 19. God doesn't mind us remembering our past, but reliving it is a different story. As we continue to play the "what if game," our past becomes a distraction from what God wants to do with our lives. He reminds us in verse 18 to (Rhodes paraphrase) let this stuff go, and stop dwelling on it. We challenged the students to live this verse by signing their names to a tarp that had Isaiah 43:18-19 written on it. This was to be a way of signifying that they weren't going to live in past, but they trusting God to do a new work in their lives. I was blown away at the response. Students and leaders were coming from everywhere, but the coolest part came next. As everyone went back to their seats, I told them that we were going to burn the canvas as a way of reminding us that when God forgives us of past mistakes, He forgets about them. We went outside, and proceeded to have a makeshift bonfire. In order to make sure that the thing burt quickly, we hosed it down with "Off" and "Germ-X;" needless to say, we had ourselves one big fire. It was incredible!
Now, its off to Baton Rouge, LA. My brother lives there. He is Youth Outreach Director at The Chapel. He is also working on his MDiv (Masters of Divinity) at New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. Michelle and I are going to take a little vacation, and hang-out with him for a few days. We would appreciate your prayers as we make the 10+ hour drive. I don't know how often I'll post this weekend, but I'm sure I'll come home with some great stories.
Time to pack. Labels:
We talked through Isaiah 43. Our keys verses were 18 and 19. God doesn't mind us remembering our past, but reliving it is a different story. As we continue to play the "what if game," our past becomes a distraction from what God wants to do with our lives. He reminds us in verse 18 to (Rhodes paraphrase) let this stuff go, and stop dwelling on it. We challenged the students to live this verse by signing their names to a tarp that had Isaiah 43:18-19 written on it. This was to be a way of signifying that they weren't going to live in past, but they trusting God to do a new work in their lives. I was blown away at the response. Students and leaders were coming from everywhere, but the coolest part came next. As everyone went back to their seats, I told them that we were going to burn the canvas as a way of reminding us that when God forgives us of past mistakes, He forgets about them. We went outside, and proceeded to have a makeshift bonfire. In order to make sure that the thing burt quickly, we hosed it down with "Off" and "Germ-X;" needless to say, we had ourselves one big fire. It was incredible!
Now, its off to Baton Rouge, LA. My brother lives there. He is Youth Outreach Director at The Chapel. He is also working on his MDiv (Masters of Divinity) at New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. Michelle and I are going to take a little vacation, and hang-out with him for a few days. We would appreciate your prayers as we make the 10+ hour drive. I don't know how often I'll post this weekend, but I'm sure I'll come home with some great stories.
Time to pack. Labels:
Weird Feeling (1)
Have you ever had the feeling that you were being watched? I've been a part of this phenomenon in the past, but it jumped into an entirely new level of creepiness last night. After a long day of studying, running around Greenville, yard work, fixing supper, and cleaning the house, I crashed. It must have been between 10:45 and 11:00 PM. Before falling asleep in my recliner (dang, that sounded like something my dad would say), Michelle told me that one of our college students/house sitter/buddy, Ashley, was coming over. She said that Ashley was bringing her a bagel from Dunkin' Donuts. Apparently, they will load you up at the end of the day. From what Michelle told me, Ashley had managed to take-off with around 30 bagels and donuts; Score! Sorry, I'm off the subject again. I figure by now you've gotten used to it happening.
Anyway, I fell asleep before Ashley came over. I woke-up around 11:30, and felt really wierd. The house had an almost creepy kind of silence. I looked at the sofa, and saw Michelle and Ashley gawking at me. The thoughts began to flood my mind: "Was I talking in my sleep?" "Was I having a strange dream?" I must admit that I was more than a little freaked-out. I tried to doze off again, but I kept feeling like they were staring at me. I finally said "good night" and went to bed.
You may be asking, "What does this have to do with anything?" The answer: absolutely nothing; unless you consider this a warning not to fall asleep at my house. Labels:
Anyway, I fell asleep before Ashley came over. I woke-up around 11:30, and felt really wierd. The house had an almost creepy kind of silence. I looked at the sofa, and saw Michelle and Ashley gawking at me. The thoughts began to flood my mind: "Was I talking in my sleep?" "Was I having a strange dream?" I must admit that I was more than a little freaked-out. I tried to doze off again, but I kept feeling like they were staring at me. I finally said "good night" and went to bed.
You may be asking, "What does this have to do with anything?" The answer: absolutely nothing; unless you consider this a warning not to fall asleep at my house. Labels:
Some Fans Are Idiots (0)
Saturday, I went with one of my NGC (that's right, "C") buddies, Jonathan, to the Clemson-Georgia Tech game in Atlanta. First of all, I want to say that I had a great time regardless of the outcome. It's always a trip when I'm around Jonathan, and Saturday was no different; however, this is not what the post is about.
At the beginning of the 4th quarter, Tommy Bowden elected to kick a field goal instead of going for it on 4th and 12. I can understand the arguements for both options. Personally, I would have punted and pinned GT deep in their own territory. They weren't having much more success moving the ball than we were at that point, so it may have been a good idea. Sorry, I got off the subject. Anyway, we missed the field goal, and some yahoo in front of us yelled, "Hopefully we'll lose all the rest of 'em so we can get rid of Tommy!"
WHAT?!?! You call yourself a fan? Who in his right mind (that's the key phrase) would root against his team in hopes that the coach will be fired? Would you do that at a high school game? What about that little league team that keeps running a sweep to the right side of the field because their right tackle is 40lbs bigger than everyone else?
The more I thought about this, the more I realized that the church has a tendancy to act the same way. "Maybe we'll keep losing people so the preacher will leave." "Maybe the youth minister will play some stupid games and make the students mad, and then he'll leave." "If the worship leader picks out some bad songs, we can get rid of him."
WHAT?!?! Support those who are in positions of spiritual leadership. It's not always easy to see God at work, but its easy to criticize those who are seeking His guidance regarding the vision of the ministry. I'm not saying this as a staff member; I'm saying it as a brother in Christ: build-up the body! In 1 Corinthians 1-4 Paul deals with division within the church. Just like a fan base should build-up its team, the body should be doing the same thing. Speaking your mind is fine, but don't do it destroy what God is doing.
Hey, maybe something good did come from Saturday's game ;) Labels:
At the beginning of the 4th quarter, Tommy Bowden elected to kick a field goal instead of going for it on 4th and 12. I can understand the arguements for both options. Personally, I would have punted and pinned GT deep in their own territory. They weren't having much more success moving the ball than we were at that point, so it may have been a good idea. Sorry, I got off the subject. Anyway, we missed the field goal, and some yahoo in front of us yelled, "Hopefully we'll lose all the rest of 'em so we can get rid of Tommy!"
WHAT?!?! You call yourself a fan? Who in his right mind (that's the key phrase) would root against his team in hopes that the coach will be fired? Would you do that at a high school game? What about that little league team that keeps running a sweep to the right side of the field because their right tackle is 40lbs bigger than everyone else?
The more I thought about this, the more I realized that the church has a tendancy to act the same way. "Maybe we'll keep losing people so the preacher will leave." "Maybe the youth minister will play some stupid games and make the students mad, and then he'll leave." "If the worship leader picks out some bad songs, we can get rid of him."
WHAT?!?! Support those who are in positions of spiritual leadership. It's not always easy to see God at work, but its easy to criticize those who are seeking His guidance regarding the vision of the ministry. I'm not saying this as a staff member; I'm saying it as a brother in Christ: build-up the body! In 1 Corinthians 1-4 Paul deals with division within the church. Just like a fan base should build-up its team, the body should be doing the same thing. Speaking your mind is fine, but don't do it destroy what God is doing.
Hey, maybe something good did come from Saturday's game ;) Labels:
