Just reading through Matthew makes me think of so many amazing prophecies that came true on day/night that Jesus was born. The place of His birth, the timing of it, and what it actually means, the incarnation. God among us! God taking on flesh (Greek carne). God moved into the neighborhood, wow. He still lives there today, through you and me.
This weeks reading schedule: Matthew + 5 psalms
Already read: Revelation, Genesis, Exodus, and James.
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
Friday, January 16, 2009
Small Group(s)
Well I heard about a new small group kicking off last night in the North Tyler/Lindale area. Apparently a good sized new group with several teenagers involved as well. Pretty exciting stuff as I know that at least 2 people that don't normally attend traditional church services were in attendance. This is pretty much exactly what I was thinking about this past Sunday. I would love for someone that was there to give us an update on what happen and the future plans of the group.
I also know of another group that started with just a couple of ladies and has already about doubled in size. Just a few friends getting together to talk and have fun. What a great concept. And the great thing is, can 4 Christian ladies get together and at some point not talk about their faith, God, Jesus, church, salvation, spiritual things? I submit that at some point in that conversation, faith will pour out, and the Spirit will be active!
Meanwhile, what is a small group anyway? What is it's function? What categorizes it as "small"? What does it take to keep it small enough so that the possibility for intimate communication exists at all times? Feedback please.
I also know of another group that started with just a couple of ladies and has already about doubled in size. Just a few friends getting together to talk and have fun. What a great concept. And the great thing is, can 4 Christian ladies get together and at some point not talk about their faith, God, Jesus, church, salvation, spiritual things? I submit that at some point in that conversation, faith will pour out, and the Spirit will be active!
Meanwhile, what is a small group anyway? What is it's function? What categorizes it as "small"? What does it take to keep it small enough so that the possibility for intimate communication exists at all times? Feedback please.
Monday, January 12, 2009
Genesis
So Genesis will be the book we are reading this week. I read 14 chapters from "The Book" translation this morning. Pretty interesting stuff, especially the section about The Sons of God having relations with the women of the earth in chapter 6. It sounds like the results were Giants being born and walking the earth, then later being referred to as the Heroes of old. Any thoughts on that passage?
Also, any of you Crossroaders who didn't get to hear the message yesterday, you may want to ask someone else about the prospect of "Future Church" that we talked about before and after the coffee break. This is not necessarily our church future, but some ideas about what it will take for the CHURCH to be successful in the future, given that so many of our teenagers leave the church after they leave home. Anyone with comments about the small group/medium group/large group idea, please post them here as well. I look forward to some feedback.
GENESIS READING SCHEDULE
Sunday 1-7
Monday 8-14
Tuesday 15-21
Wednesday 22-28
Thursday 29-35
Friday 36-42
Saturday 43-50
AND NEXT WEEK'S BOOK WILL BE EXODUS for continuity's sake.
Also, any of you Crossroaders who didn't get to hear the message yesterday, you may want to ask someone else about the prospect of "Future Church" that we talked about before and after the coffee break. This is not necessarily our church future, but some ideas about what it will take for the CHURCH to be successful in the future, given that so many of our teenagers leave the church after they leave home. Anyone with comments about the small group/medium group/large group idea, please post them here as well. I look forward to some feedback.
GENESIS READING SCHEDULE
Sunday 1-7
Monday 8-14
Tuesday 15-21
Wednesday 22-28
Thursday 29-35
Friday 36-42
Saturday 43-50
AND NEXT WEEK'S BOOK WILL BE EXODUS for continuity's sake.
Friday, January 9, 2009
The Church: Building or Body?
Here is the latest paragraph from my dissertation, gimme your feedback.
When people view the church as a building, something made with hands, it lessens the power and impact of the supernatural work of God and reduces the church to a dependency on current marketing trends and advertising ploys. The called out people of God are relegated to the role of spectators at a weekly circus, watching talented performers showcase themselves under the bright lights of the big tent; a spectacle indeed. What is more amazing is that customers continue to come for the show long after God has departed the premises.
When people view the church as a building, something made with hands, it lessens the power and impact of the supernatural work of God and reduces the church to a dependency on current marketing trends and advertising ploys. The called out people of God are relegated to the role of spectators at a weekly circus, watching talented performers showcase themselves under the bright lights of the big tent; a spectacle indeed. What is more amazing is that customers continue to come for the show long after God has departed the premises.
Sunday, January 4, 2009
Revelation or Revelations??
Well here it is, just as I promised. I am going to try to do a little more blogging this year in order to keep everyone up to date on my boring existence ;)
First, as many of you know, I am setting out the read the Bible through in 2009. As per our conversation in church today, we will start at the end . . . Revelation! That's not Revelations, it is the Revelation of John, given to him by Jesus, to share with the Church. So tonight I am reading chapters 1-3. Below is a short reading schedule to finish Revelation in one week. The goal is to read all 52 books in a year, at least 1 or more books a week. Let's see how it goes.
Sunday 1/4 Rev. 1-3 Thursday 1/8 Rev. 13-15
Monday 1/5 Rev. 4-6 Friday 1/9 Rev. 16-19
Tuesday 1/6 Rev. 7-9 Saturday 1/10 Rev. 20-22
Wednesday 1/7 Rev. 10-12
First, as many of you know, I am setting out the read the Bible through in 2009. As per our conversation in church today, we will start at the end . . . Revelation! That's not Revelations, it is the Revelation of John, given to him by Jesus, to share with the Church. So tonight I am reading chapters 1-3. Below is a short reading schedule to finish Revelation in one week. The goal is to read all 52 books in a year, at least 1 or more books a week. Let's see how it goes.
Sunday 1/4 Rev. 1-3 Thursday 1/8 Rev. 13-15
Monday 1/5 Rev. 4-6 Friday 1/9 Rev. 16-19
Tuesday 1/6 Rev. 7-9 Saturday 1/10 Rev. 20-22
Wednesday 1/7 Rev. 10-12
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
So Proud
Tonight I am so proud of three important things:
(1) My oldest son and I had our first ever man-to man talk this weekend and I must say that I am thouroughly impressed with him, way to go Jeremy you make the old man proud.
(2) My youngest son began his own blog this week and once again displayed maturity beyond his 16 years and a spiritual discernment that makes me want to try to keep up with him. I am so looking forward to our campout this weekend Jordan.
(3) Tonight I turned in my finished chapter 1 of my dissertation. It was 40 pages long. That makes the intro and chapter 1 complete, chapter 2 on the horizon, and chapters 3-5 about 75% finished. Unless something terrible happens, I will finish this beast by the end of this year and finally graduate in the spring. Haha, my father-in-law always wanted Susie to marry a Dr. :)
(1) My oldest son and I had our first ever man-to man talk this weekend and I must say that I am thouroughly impressed with him, way to go Jeremy you make the old man proud.
(2) My youngest son began his own blog this week and once again displayed maturity beyond his 16 years and a spiritual discernment that makes me want to try to keep up with him. I am so looking forward to our campout this weekend Jordan.
(3) Tonight I turned in my finished chapter 1 of my dissertation. It was 40 pages long. That makes the intro and chapter 1 complete, chapter 2 on the horizon, and chapters 3-5 about 75% finished. Unless something terrible happens, I will finish this beast by the end of this year and finally graduate in the spring. Haha, my father-in-law always wanted Susie to marry a Dr. :)
Monday, August 11, 2008
New Blog Title - Same OLD Ranter
OK...I'm back. Gonna try again to do some blogging. Hope that you will find time to stop by and read here and there. Some of these initial thoughts will be on the attractional church, the mega church, and the alternative... the missional church.
Tuesday, October 2, 2007
Welcome Back
Well, what can i say......the Summer of Love about wiped out my blogging! But like Kotter, this old thing welcomed me right back. I'm sorry I failed in the continuity test......but this is a lot like God's grace, you're allowed to ask for forgiveness and get a new start, even if you don't deserve it!
Welcome back to me and esp. to anyone who takes the time to read this thing again. I've learned a heck of a lot this summer......more to come.....I promise!
Welcome back to me and esp. to anyone who takes the time to read this thing again. I've learned a heck of a lot this summer......more to come.....I promise!
Monday, June 25, 2007
The Rain
I love the rain; I always have loved the rain. I'm not sure what it is, but the rain always brings a certain feeling with it. For me it brings an assurance that God is still there, still in control, still watering His garden. The rain brings me peace and assurance.
Some people really hate the rain. They get frustrated and even scared when it storms. They often feel that God is angry and He is taking out His wrath on His creation. Many people think God is mad all of the time.
Lately it has rained a lot here. Maybe for the first time since I was a boy it has rained more days than it hasn't this summer. Did I mention that I love the rain? It makes me feel young again when I get out in it and get drenched. It makes me feel good to sit and watch it fall on the pavement and in the grass. I'm glad I'm blessed with a nice, dry house to watch the rain from.
If I was homeless I probably wouldn't love the rain anymore. I might not feel safe and assured. I might think that God was mad at me, taking out His frustration with His people on me. Being homeless would suck...bad. Maybe we should think about the homeless and the helpless today while we are watching the rain from our nice, dry living rooms.
"God help the homeless to feel your assurance even in the storms. Help them to feel young again when they are drenched everyday by these summer rains. Send a real believer their way...someone who takes their faith seriously and understands how blessed they really are. Send a good Samaritan."
If it was easier I would go......I think.
Some people really hate the rain. They get frustrated and even scared when it storms. They often feel that God is angry and He is taking out His wrath on His creation. Many people think God is mad all of the time.
Lately it has rained a lot here. Maybe for the first time since I was a boy it has rained more days than it hasn't this summer. Did I mention that I love the rain? It makes me feel young again when I get out in it and get drenched. It makes me feel good to sit and watch it fall on the pavement and in the grass. I'm glad I'm blessed with a nice, dry house to watch the rain from.
If I was homeless I probably wouldn't love the rain anymore. I might not feel safe and assured. I might think that God was mad at me, taking out His frustration with His people on me. Being homeless would suck...bad. Maybe we should think about the homeless and the helpless today while we are watching the rain from our nice, dry living rooms.
"God help the homeless to feel your assurance even in the storms. Help them to feel young again when they are drenched everyday by these summer rains. Send a real believer their way...someone who takes their faith seriously and understands how blessed they really are. Send a good Samaritan."
If it was easier I would go......I think.
Monday, June 18, 2007
The Battle of the Sexes: A little wager
It occurs to me that women pretty much rule the internet! Most of the posts that I read are not nec. started by women, but are responded to by them. This is something that needs to be addressed, at least in the church community. So.......
I want to make a friendly wager: I will wager a dinner/lunch with anyone that wants to get in. Here's the deal: More men will respond to this post in the comments section than women. The deadline will be July 1, 2007. Only 1 response per person will count towards the total. Let's just see how many men/women will come in with something to say! I think that more men are out there just reading, and not commenting.........what do you say?
I want to make a friendly wager: I will wager a dinner/lunch with anyone that wants to get in. Here's the deal: More men will respond to this post in the comments section than women. The deadline will be July 1, 2007. Only 1 response per person will count towards the total. Let's just see how many men/women will come in with something to say! I think that more men are out there just reading, and not commenting.........what do you say?
Father's Day......what I heard
From all that I could hear yesterday (before I went back to children's church), everyone who actually reported said that they sincerely enjoyed the first event in our Summer of Love (House of Prayer).
It's nice to hear from people who do not normally get the opportunity to share in the public realm. It sounds like there was some initial nervousness, but that overall, the Spirit bore witness that we are essentially on the right track. That's nice to know.
Though we still have some tweaking to do, it seems to me that we are easing out into the right direction. Easing is really hard for me. It requires patience and planning, and everyone knows how I feel about those :)
I believe that July will look a little different, and August even more, but overall, I'm sure we will gradually become more accustom to less attraction and more mission.
It would be nice to get some feedback from yesterday's service. The format, the speaker, the new leaders taking a bigger role, the testimonies, and the overall feeling after the day was complete.
It's nice to hear from people who do not normally get the opportunity to share in the public realm. It sounds like there was some initial nervousness, but that overall, the Spirit bore witness that we are essentially on the right track. That's nice to know.
Though we still have some tweaking to do, it seems to me that we are easing out into the right direction. Easing is really hard for me. It requires patience and planning, and everyone knows how I feel about those :)
I believe that July will look a little different, and August even more, but overall, I'm sure we will gradually become more accustom to less attraction and more mission.
It would be nice to get some feedback from yesterday's service. The format, the speaker, the new leaders taking a bigger role, the testimonies, and the overall feeling after the day was complete.
Monday, June 11, 2007
Leaders must set the pace!
So I'm reading this book called They Like Jesus but Not the Church by Dan Kimball. He says "Perhaps one day when people think of Christians and the church, they will think about how we help the needy and compassionately get involved both locally and globally. Maybe they will think of us as gentle rather than abrasive, even with those we disagree with. Hopefully they won't be able to dismiss us as being cold, negative, and judgmental. But this transformation requires leadership to set the example. I believe the church will follow if leaders set the pace and foster a culture of being salt and light, of being loving instead of judgmental and negative. The more we focus on what we stand for instead of what we stand against, the more we will line up with Jesus and His teachings about the kingdom of God, and the more we will be seen as a people who believe in truth and love." (112-113)
So leaders must set the pace if the rest of the church, both local and global, are to respond and become the salt and light that Jesus said we are. We must make people thirsty for what God offers, the chance to never thirst again.
Interestingly, when you fly over the vast ocean (or sail over it I bet), you wonder if you will ever see land again. At night, you learn to look for the bright lights of any city. When you see those lights, it brings you comfort.......you know that a solid foundation is ahead. Jesus said that we are a city on a hill, lights in the distance to bring comfort and stability in this dark and dreary world. Leaders are responsible to God to become that salt and light, even if it makes others uncomfortable at first. When we do it, then others will respond and will rise up to become all that our King commanded us to become.
Thank you leaders, all of you who took the lead yesterday in becoming salt and light. Eventhough I wasn't physically able to be at the House of Prayer, I know that what we did made a tremendous impact. Perhaps it is the beginning of a move of God in our hearts and in our city. Please continue to lead, even if it seems that others are not really following!
Sunday, June 10, 2007
Very Successful Start
The Summer of Love got off to a very successful start according to all of those who came back and reported on the events at the House of Prayer this morning. It sounded like the Lord really showed up and showed out. Everyone says that the worship was outstanding and that Pastor Jacob rocked the house!.............something about everyone having a "personal stash" that they keep from God. Wish I coulda heard that one!
Children's church was fantastic and the kids enjoyed it too, lol. Guest speaker next Sunday for Father's Day, woot! Be sure to come early if you are a father, Susie and I would like to bless you guys with an early morning breakfast (around 9-9:30).
For those of you who didn't make it, be sure to check the website for the rest of June's schedule so as not to be left behind.
Mahalo!
Children's church was fantastic and the kids enjoyed it too, lol. Guest speaker next Sunday for Father's Day, woot! Be sure to come early if you are a father, Susie and I would like to bless you guys with an early morning breakfast (around 9-9:30).
For those of you who didn't make it, be sure to check the website for the rest of June's schedule so as not to be left behind.
Mahalo!
Thursday, June 7, 2007
Magnificent
Wow! Hawaii is really a magnificent place. We have had so much fun here and can't believe that our week is almost over. I will try to post a pic or 2 tomorrow (just found some free wifi). Everyone should save their money and come here at least once before they die.
We are contemplating a future trip already. Hope things are well with everyone in the trees of East Texas.
We are contemplating a future trip already. Hope things are well with everyone in the trees of East Texas.
Saturday, June 2, 2007
Aloha
This is the last post before we hit the islands..............just wanted to rub it in a little! I will check in every night while we are there to give an update on our status as missional beach bums.
Friday, June 1, 2007
JUNE EVENTS for SUMMER of LOVE
Determined tonight at our latest elder meeting:
June 3..............Darrell Kirchner speaking
June 10............Church-wide ministry to another church (attendance and offering) (Church TBD)
June 17.............Guest Speaker (TBD)
June 24.............Weekend Lake party/campout with churchwide worship and testimonies, followed by picnic lunch (this one includes the children)
There are currently four Advanced Planning Teams with 5 people on each Advanced Planning Team:
Advanced Planning Team for June
Team Leader:
Barry Kirkpatrick (Elder)
Team Members:
Jason Brisuela (Elder in training)
DeAnn Adams (administrator)
Mike Hudgens (Staff)
TBD (Deacon/Deaconess)
Stay tuned for specifics (more to be announced Sunday).
Advanced Planning Team for July
Team Leader:
John Saferite (Elder)
Team Members:
Jason McKenney (Elder in training)
TBD (administrator)
Mike Hudgens (Staff)
TBD (Deacon/Deaconess)
Advanced Planning Team for August
Team Leader:
Darrell Kirchner (Elder)
Team Members:
Chris Smith (Elder in training)
TBD (administrator)
Mike Hudgens (Staff)
TBD (Deacon/Deaconess)
Advanced Planning Team for September
Team Leader:
Jerry Payne (Elder)
Team Members:
Fredo Hernandez (Elder in training)
TBD (administrator)
Mike Hudgens (Staff)
TBD (Deacon/Deaconess)
June 3..............Darrell Kirchner speaking
June 10............Church-wide ministry to another church (attendance and offering) (Church TBD)
June 17.............Guest Speaker (TBD)
June 24.............Weekend Lake party/campout with churchwide worship and testimonies, followed by picnic lunch (this one includes the children)
There are currently four Advanced Planning Teams with 5 people on each Advanced Planning Team:
Advanced Planning Team for June
Team Leader:
Barry Kirkpatrick (Elder)
Team Members:
Jason Brisuela (Elder in training)
DeAnn Adams (administrator)
Mike Hudgens (Staff)
TBD (Deacon/Deaconess)
Stay tuned for specifics (more to be announced Sunday).
Advanced Planning Team for July
Team Leader:
John Saferite (Elder)
Team Members:
Jason McKenney (Elder in training)
TBD (administrator)
Mike Hudgens (Staff)
TBD (Deacon/Deaconess)
Advanced Planning Team for August
Team Leader:
Darrell Kirchner (Elder)
Team Members:
Chris Smith (Elder in training)
TBD (administrator)
Mike Hudgens (Staff)
TBD (Deacon/Deaconess)
Advanced Planning Team for September
Team Leader:
Jerry Payne (Elder)
Team Members:
Fredo Hernandez (Elder in training)
TBD (administrator)
Mike Hudgens (Staff)
TBD (Deacon/Deaconess)
Wednesday, May 30, 2007
Elders and Deacons
It seems to me that the NT has a lot to say on the topic of leaders in the local church. This is one of the areas that we most need to develop here at our local fellowship. We are in the process of identifying people that would fit the biblical model for leadership.
Elders seem to be in charge of the more spiritual aspects of the church. Not that they are necessarily the most spiritual people (though it would certainly help), but that they are concerned with the spiritual well-being of the church. Things like prayer, fasting, decision-making in the will of God, spiritual direction, etc are all things that they should be looking at during the average week.
Deacons on the other hand are servant leaders. They are also very spiritual individuals, but they let that play out in acts of service within the local context. We are playing (use that term very loosely of course) with the idea of deacons and deaconesses (yes that's right, we are definitely considering women for this crucial area) for Crossroads. These would be the people that care for the daily needs of the body such as feeding the orphans and widows, taking care of the sick (hospital visitation etc), taking care of the facilities, etc. I know we would all agree that these important areas of ministry should not be neglected and would be better accomplished by those that are not only gifted, but ordained to do them.
So what think ye....who are some people that come to mind when you think of Elder or Deacon/Deaconess in the church?
Elders seem to be in charge of the more spiritual aspects of the church. Not that they are necessarily the most spiritual people (though it would certainly help), but that they are concerned with the spiritual well-being of the church. Things like prayer, fasting, decision-making in the will of God, spiritual direction, etc are all things that they should be looking at during the average week.
Deacons on the other hand are servant leaders. They are also very spiritual individuals, but they let that play out in acts of service within the local context. We are playing (use that term very loosely of course) with the idea of deacons and deaconesses (yes that's right, we are definitely considering women for this crucial area) for Crossroads. These would be the people that care for the daily needs of the body such as feeding the orphans and widows, taking care of the sick (hospital visitation etc), taking care of the facilities, etc. I know we would all agree that these important areas of ministry should not be neglected and would be better accomplished by those that are not only gifted, but ordained to do them.
So what think ye....who are some people that come to mind when you think of Elder or Deacon/Deaconess in the church?
Saturday, May 26, 2007
I have a GREAT idea!!!!!
You know how scripture teaches that the older ought to teach the younger and that the younger should respect and honor the older?
What would you guys think about starting with COOKING!!!!!! Seriously, I think we could have a weekend where we all got together and took turns teaching how to do certain things involving cooking. I mean we could bring our kids and make it really interactive, move over Rachel Ray!
So what do you guys think? Like someone could teach us how to make homemade tamales (yeah you Jenny), someone else could show us how to make real chicken wings, or grill brats that will set you free, or make REAL BBQ, or make a cake from scratch, or homemade bread, or any number of things.
Maybe Darrell could show us how to brew homemade beer! Well he is a scientist afterall :)
Cmon, chime in, let's do this. We can set up the house at the church (or go to someone's house with plenty of room), and just cook all day on a Saturday. Or we could do it once or twice a month during the summer. Let's get it going!
What would you guys think about starting with COOKING!!!!!! Seriously, I think we could have a weekend where we all got together and took turns teaching how to do certain things involving cooking. I mean we could bring our kids and make it really interactive, move over Rachel Ray!
So what do you guys think? Like someone could teach us how to make homemade tamales (yeah you Jenny), someone else could show us how to make real chicken wings, or grill brats that will set you free, or make REAL BBQ, or make a cake from scratch, or homemade bread, or any number of things.
Maybe Darrell could show us how to brew homemade beer! Well he is a scientist afterall :)
Cmon, chime in, let's do this. We can set up the house at the church (or go to someone's house with plenty of room), and just cook all day on a Saturday. Or we could do it once or twice a month during the summer. Let's get it going!
Turning 50.......Wow
Tonight we went to a good friend's 50th birthday party, pretty amazing really. I can't even believe that 50 is so close and that so many of our friends are edging up on that momentous occasion. Trust me, you won't be able to believe it either "next year" (for that is what it will seem like) when you are looking at the big 5-0!
Gary Dollarhide made it to 50 and in amazing fashion. He looks young and acts even younger. I really wish I could look half as good as he did tonight. He is really an amazing man and one of the best Christian witnesses I've had the privilege of knowing. He and LuAnn have been good friends to us over the years; it was really a blessing to be there tonight.
If you have a friend like Gary and would like to comment about them, please feel free to do so. Also, if any of you know Gary, it would be nice to hear your testimonies about what he means or has meant to you and yours.
Gary Dollarhide made it to 50 and in amazing fashion. He looks young and acts even younger. I really wish I could look half as good as he did tonight. He is really an amazing man and one of the best Christian witnesses I've had the privilege of knowing. He and LuAnn have been good friends to us over the years; it was really a blessing to be there tonight.
If you have a friend like Gary and would like to comment about them, please feel free to do so. Also, if any of you know Gary, it would be nice to hear your testimonies about what he means or has meant to you and yours.
Thursday, May 24, 2007
Finally I get to do beach ministry!
We'll the Payne's have decided to become extremely missional! We are leaving the 48 to go to the Islands (Hawaii of course) to catch some rays and do our best to be missional to the natives and tourists we meet.
We will be leaving next Saturday and staying there the 3rd thru 9th. Seriously, pray that the Lord will only let us be in awe of the beach and weather and waves for a little while so we can focus on brightening someone's day!
Aloha!
We will be leaving next Saturday and staying there the 3rd thru 9th. Seriously, pray that the Lord will only let us be in awe of the beach and weather and waves for a little while so we can focus on brightening someone's day!
Aloha!
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