Catalyst Meeting
This morning I attended our monthly gathering of pastors at Allison Park Church. We are part of a group of churches called Multi-Church Movements- Pittsburgh. This month our guest speaker was Earl Creps.
Earl is the former director of the Doctor of Ministry program at the Assemblies of God Theological Seminary. He recently resigned his position there in order to pursue a call from God to plant a church in Berkeley, CA. He gave a great talk this morning. You can find some good notes from it here on Jeff’s blog and here on Nick’s blog.
Catalyst Meeting
This morning I attended our monthly gathering of pastors at Allison Park Church. We are part of a group of churches called Multi-Church Movements- Pittsburgh. This month our guest speaker was Earl Creps.
Earl is the former director of the Doctor of Ministry program at the Assemblies of God Theological Seminary. He recently resigned his position there in order to pursue a call from God to plant a church in Berkeley, CA. He gave a great talk this morning. You can find some good notes from it here on Jeff’s blog and here on Nick’s blog.
Narrow The Focus
Due to an unusual number of people unable to attend our monthly leadership meeting Sunday, I thought I just post up some of the notes from our discussion.
We’ve been working through some of the principles found in Andy Stanley’s book 7 Practices of Effective Ministry. Without agreeing 100% with everything in the book, it does offer some very helpful insights into effective ministry practices. Here is an excerpt from some of our notes from Sunday:
•“Clarify The Win” is defining what success really is. It is defining the goal or target we are aiming for. For the church it is changed lives.
•“Think Steps, Not Programs” – Programs are not an end in and of themselves, they are steps in a process leading to spiritual maturity.
•“Narrow The Focus” is about deciding to do less in order to become more effective.
•Complexity diminishes your potential for
impact.
•We cannot confuse activity with effectiveness.
Activity does not equal effectiveness,
strategic activity equals effectiveness.
•The goal is not to do everything, it is to do a few things well.
•The more you focus, the higher the quality.
•The more you focus, the stronger the
impact.
Also, for anyone who is interested, you can subscribe to an audio podcast of each of the seven practices here.
Narrow The Focus
Due to an unusual number of people unable to attend our monthly leadership meeting Sunday, I thought I just post up some of the notes from our discussion.
We’ve been working through some of the principles found in Andy Stanley’s book 7 Practices of Effective Ministry. Without agreeing 100% with everything in the book, it does offer some very helpful insights into effective ministry practices. Here is an excerpt from some of our notes from Sunday:
•“Clarify The Win” is defining what success really is. It is defining the goal or target we are aiming for. For the church it is changed lives.
•“Think Steps, Not Programs” – Programs are not an end in and of themselves, they are steps in a process leading to spiritual maturity.
•“Narrow The Focus” is about deciding to do less in order to become more effective.
•Complexity diminishes your potential for
impact.
•We cannot confuse activity with effectiveness.
Activity does not equal effectiveness,
strategic activity equals effectiveness.
•The goal is not to do everything, it is to do a few things well.
•The more you focus, the higher the quality.
•The more you focus, the stronger the
impact.
Also, for anyone who is interested, you can subscribe to an audio podcast of each of the seven practices here.
How To Listen To Sermons
This is a 1-minute talk from John Piper on how to make the most out of listening to sermons.
How To Listen To Sermons
This is a 1-minute talk from John Piper on how to make the most out of listening to sermons.
Winding Down
The class this week has been incredible. We’ve had class everyday from 8am-5pm. Though my brain’s almost exploded a couple of times, I think I’m going to be fine 
But seriously, I’ve really learned a lot related to God’s redemptive mission in the Bible. Today is the last day and we’re nearing the home stretch. Right now we are covering the concept of the mission of God in Paul’s theology in his letter to the Romans.
Though this week has been incredibly enriching, and I’ve enjoyed the company of many great friends, I can’t wait to get home to be with my wife!
Winding Down
The class this week has been incredible. We’ve had class everyday from 8am-5pm. Though my brain’s almost exploded a couple of times, I think I’m going to be fine
But seriously, I’ve really learned a lot related to God’s redemptive mission in the Bible. Today is the last day and we’re nearing the home stretch. Right now we are covering the concept of the mission of God in Paul’s theology in his letter to the Romans.
Though this week has been incredibly enriching, and I’ve enjoyed the company of many great friends, I can’t wait to get home to be with my wife!
JRA Friends
Had a great time last night attending the prayer service at James River Assembly, the church I attended while in college. After the service I went over to the Realife Student Center and reconnected with some very dear old friends.
A significant part of my college years was spent helping the the Junior High ministry leading worship, a small group, and Sunday school. I’m so thankful for the years that I spent there. Really learned a lot during that season of my life.
So good to see some of the former students I used to teach who are now high school students! So good to reconnect with so many great people!
JRA Friends
Had a great time last night attending the prayer service at James River Assembly, the church I attended while in college. After the service I went over to the Realife Student Center and reconnected with some very dear old friends.
A significant part of my college years was spent helping the the Junior High ministry leading worship, a small group, and Sunday school. I’m so thankful for the years that I spent there. Really learned a lot during that season of my life.
So good to see some of the former students I used to teach who are now high school students! So good to reconnect with so many great people!
Praise God!
Service this morning was amazing! We had a record attendance of 111! and we were able to baptize 4 people! God is so good!
I never tire of hearing testimonies of God’s power in people’s lives. Baptism is always awesome. So cool how a 1st Century tradition can be so powerful today!
Praise God!
Service this morning was amazing! We had a record attendance of 111! and we were able to baptize 4 people! God is so good!
I never tire of hearing testimonies of God’s power in people’s lives. Baptism is always awesome. So cool how a 1st Century tradition can be so powerful today!
One Of Those Good Days
Had a great day today. I spent most of the morning revising the material in our Foundations course booklet that we’ll be using for our New Member’s Class coming up this Saturday.
It was great being able to think deep about our mission and vision and explain it in writing. I almost want to make all of our current member’s go through the course again! (Don’t worry, I wont
This afternoon I went with a friend to pick up the baptismal tank that we’ll be using for the baptismal service this Sunday. Personally, I feel that baptizing someone is one of the most special privileges I have as a pastor. I’m really looking forward to it.
And the day’s not yet over. Tonight I get to lead the rehearsal for our amazing worship team. It’s such a privilege to minister with these people!
One Of Those Good Days
Had a great day today. I spent most of the morning revising the material in our Foundations course booklet that we’ll be using for our New Member’s Class coming up this Saturday.
It was great being able to think deep about our mission and vision and explain it in writing. I almost want to make all of our current member’s go through the course again! (Don’t worry, I wont
This afternoon I went with a friend to pick up the baptismal tank that we’ll be using for the baptismal service this Sunday. Personally, I feel that baptizing someone is one of the most special privileges I have as a pastor. I’m really looking forward to it.
And the day’s not yet over. Tonight I get to lead the rehearsal for our amazing worship team. It’s such a privilege to minister with these people!
Bloglines Is Working For Me Again
For those of you who subscribe to this blog via bloglines, I believe the updating problem has finally been fixed. It should be updating for you now regularly.
Bloglines Is Working For Me Again
For those of you who subscribe to this blog via bloglines, I believe the updating problem has finally been fixed. It should be updating for you now regularly.
Faith Or Fear
At our young adult group last night, one of the main ideas was the subject of choices. The choices we make in defining moments have the power to change the direction of our lives. Our lives really are the sum total of the different choices we’ve made.
Obviously some choices are more critical than others. Who we marry, where we live, where we work, where we serve in ministry, are all way more important than which pair of shoes we decide to wear in the morning. It’s in these important moments where our choices matter the most.
Perhaps the most important decisions we make are related to how we respond to God’s calling on our lives. Just as clarification, I believe God has a calling and a purpose for every one of us, not just pastors and missionaries. Not everyone’s calling looks the same, but everyone has a unique purpose from God. Not everyone is called in the same way. Sometimes God speaks to people in dramatic ways and sometimes he calls people to things more subtly.
So, when it comes to God’s call on our lives, what will we choose to do? For some of us, the calling God has for us is something that looks impossible. It may seem unattainable or even foolish. The main question is, are we going to base our choices on fear or faith?
In Numbers 13, Moses sends men into the promised land of Canaan to spy out the land. This was land that God had already promised to the people of Israel. All the spies came back afraid of the people of the land except for Caleb and Joshua. In 14:8-9 they said to the people
“8 If the LORD delights in us, he will bring us into this land and give it to us, a land that flows with milk and honey. 9 Only do not rebel against the LORD. And do not fear the people of the land, for they are bread for us. Their protection is removed from them, and the LORD is with us; do not fear them.”
They didn’t allow the opposition to diminish their confidence in God’s ability to lead them into his plan. Neither should we. When it comes to God’s calling, will we choose fear or faith?
Faith Or Fear
At our young adult group last night, one of the main ideas was the subject of choices. The choices we make in defining moments have the power to change the direction of our lives. Our lives really are the sum total of the different choices we’ve made.
Obviously some choices are more critical than others. Who we marry, where we live, where we work, where we serve in ministry, are all way more important than which pair of shoes we decide to wear in the morning. It’s in these important moments where our choices matter the most.
Perhaps the most important decisions we make are related to how we respond to God’s calling on our lives. Just as clarification, I believe God has a calling and a purpose for every one of us, not just pastors and missionaries. Not everyone’s calling looks the same, but everyone has a unique purpose from God. Not everyone is called in the same way. Sometimes God speaks to people in dramatic ways and sometimes he calls people to things more subtly.
So, when it comes to God’s call on our lives, what will we choose to do? For some of us, the calling God has for us is something that looks impossible. It may seem unattainable or even foolish. The main question is, are we going to base our choices on fear or faith?
In Numbers 13, Moses sends men into the promised land of Canaan to spy out the land. This was land that God had already promised to the people of Israel. All the spies came back afraid of the people of the land except for Caleb and Joshua. In 14:8-9 they said to the people
“8 If the LORD delights in us, he will bring us into this land and give it to us, a land that flows with milk and honey. 9 Only do not rebel against the LORD. And do not fear the people of the land, for they are bread for us. Their protection is removed from them, and the LORD is with us; do not fear them.”
They didn’t allow the opposition to diminish their confidence in God’s ability to lead them into his plan. Neither should we. When it comes to God’s calling, will we choose fear or faith?
Anniversary Weekend!
I’m really looking forward to this weekend since Sunday is our 1-year anniversary! Can’t believe it’s already been a whole year.
Guess time flies when you’re in love Jess you’re the love of my life!
New Members/Baptisms
Just wanted to post a reminder about our New Members Class taking place from 11am-1pm on Saturday, October 20 @ ACC. Lunch will be provided. You are welcome to attend if you are interested in becoming a member or would just like to learn more about our history, vision, and beliefs. If you would like to attend, please rsvp by sending us an email here.
The following Sunday, October 21 we will also be having water baptisms in the morning service! If you have not yet been water baptized since placing your faith in Jesus Christ, you won’t want to miss this opportunity to publicly demonstrate your commitment. You can also rsvp to participate and get more details by emailing us here.
Anniversary Weekend!
I’m really looking forward to this weekend since Sunday is our 1-year anniversary! Can’t believe it’s already been a whole year.
Guess time flies when you’re in love Jess you’re the love of my life!
New Members/Baptisms
Just wanted to post a reminder about our New Members Class taking place from 11am-1pm on Saturday, October 20 @ ACC. Lunch will be provided. You are welcome to attend if you are interested in becoming a member or would just like to learn more about our history, vision, and beliefs. If you would like to attend, please rsvp by sending us an email here.
The following Sunday, October 21 we will also be having water baptisms in the morning service! If you have not yet been water baptized since placing your faith in Jesus Christ, you won’t want to miss this opportunity to publicly demonstrate your commitment. You can also rsvp to participate and get more details by emailing us here.
