August 16th, 2010
Thomas and I are visiting churches right now. I didn’t actually plan on visiting other churches once we stopped working in the youth group at our (old?) church, but once we stopped serving, it seemed like the right time to explore the area. I’ve been at the same church since I was 14 or 15, which was 14 or 15 years ago (yep…pushing 30). So far, we’ve been pleasantly surprised at the caliber of churches in our area, especially the one we visited this past Sunday. I have never felt so welcomed or wanted standing in a room full of mostly strangers. I think we’ll hang out there for a few weeks and see what happens…
June 29th, 2010
So much for that “at least once a week” thing.
Spent last week at North Myrtle Beach, SC with my family, just like I have every summer for as long as I can remember. Thomas and I had a great time, but several of my family members frustrate me with their juvenile behavior. Seems to me that by the time you reach a certain age, certain behaviors should no longer be in your repertoire. Maybe it’s just because I’ve been mature for my age pretty much since I was born. Who knows? Family’s one of those things you can get too upset about. You love them, and they’re always going to be there, so I guess I should just get over it.
Now back to real, non-vacation life. I feel like we’re all in limbo right now…neither here nor there, but hovering in mid air trying to figure out where to go next. I’m kind of sick of it. I’m sick of waiting for something to happen and ready to just make something happen instead. We’re all trying to think of ways to make a little extra money in our spare time. Coming up with some interesting ideas. I’m anxious to see what becomes of all this brainstorming. My mom and I are thinking about crafting more (knitting, sewing, making decorative hairpieces) and posting our items on Etsy to see if they’ll sell. I’m considering joining or starting an errand running service to make some extra cash. Just an idea.
Anyway…I’ll post more as we make some decisions and actually put some of these ideas in play…
June 7th, 2010
Lots of changes right now.
First, as of the end of May, Thomas and I are no longer leaders in the youth group. We decided a few months ago that it was time to move on, so that’s just what we’re doing. I’ll post more as we figure out what’s next for us.
Second, after living with my mom for a year, Thomas and I are going to try to find a cheap place to rent…hopefully a house or duplex instead of another apartment, but we’ll see. My sister is currently 6 months pregnant, and wants to be able to move back home if needed, so we’ll be making room for her and my soon-to-be-born niece, Laila Rose.
Third, I WILL blog on a regular basis…let’s say at least once a week regardless of how much I think I have to say. I’m working on just speaking my mind here and not worrying about how people who read my blog will respond. Wish me luck on that.
More soon…I promise…
March 19th, 2010
Let me preface this review by saying that I’m not a pastor or even close to a pastor. I have, however, been involved in ministry and some form of church leadership for about ten years now, so I have seen first hand how change can have a positive or negative affect in ministry depending on how it is handled by leadership. In his book, Steering Through Chaos, Scott Wilson sets forth some very practical strategies for effectively dealing with growth and changes in a ministry that will help keep your church moving forward.
Before I began reading this book, I was a little wary, concerned that it may read more like a “how to grow your business” manual than a guide for ministry. My fears were quickly assuaged. Scott Wilson’s aim above all else is wholeheartedly following God and changing and growing only as the Spirit leads. Church growth to him is not a matter of numbers, but a matter of faith, believing that God will enable us to finish what He calls us to do as long as we keep our focus on Him.
Scott Wilson’s first concern is vision, a vision and goal that comes from a leadership that is walking with God and hearing from Him day by day. I love how he talks about focus. There are so many people in the world that need help, and so many different ways in which a church can address those needs, but no church can do everything and help everyone. Just as God has given each individual unique strengths and weaknesses, so different churches are uniquely equipped. Wilson says we need to focus on what God has clearly called us and equipped us to do, and not worry about all the other things we could be doing. After all, “we aren’t the only church or ministry in town, and we don’t have to be all things to all people.” I also liked that he does not make major changes in his church until that change has been confirmed by God through prayer, scripture, etc. to every board member. This not only demonstrates a strong desire to follow God, but provides accountability (and security) to those in charge. If God has clearly spoken to a whole group of people, there is no room for suspicion or blame when the change is implemented.
Another point I found particularly important is the idea of corporate prayer. Wilson points out that church leadership needs to be setting the example in going before God in prayer, asking His direction, and trusting in Him. In the face of a great change, people can easily get overwhelmed and discouraged. Wilson began by having the church leaders pray about the change and didn’t move on until each one heard clearly from God. Then he went to the next level of leadership and the next, telling them what God had already shown and asking them to pray for confirmation as well. This continued on down to the congregation who were also asked to pray for confirmation. By approaching change prayerfully, each person involved was convinced of God’s leading and the church was able to transition unified, fully trusting God in their new direction.
Possibly the most important point Wilson made in this point (in my opinion, anyway) was that pastors need someone to talk to. So often pastors, especially senior pastors, are put on a pedestal and expected to be able to handle everything on their own, like some sort of a super human. Scott Wilson not only talks with other pastors who have been where he is before, but he speaks with a counselor on a regular basis. I think it’s so important for a person in leadership to realize their need for accountability, encouragement, motivation, a sounding board…in general, an impartial third party who can provide perspective. Pastors are people, too (obvious, I know, but sometimes we really do forget). They deal with the same struggles that every single one of us does, but often have no one to really talk to because of their position. In seeking counsel from a trusted advisor outside of his congregation, Wilson is able to get perspective and insight without compromising his leadership position or wondering if the advice was given with a bias towards a particular ministry or need.
All in all, I thought Steering Through Chaos was a great resource for anyone in ministry, particularly pastors, and I highly recommend it. By implementing the strategies described in this book, I think any church could move smoothly through change and keep growing in the vision and goals God has given them.
February 16th, 2010
Worship this Sunday was amazing. I have such a great group of teenagers to work with…love them to death! Here’s our set…
- One Way – Hillsong United
- Hosanna – Hillsong w/ Brooke Fraser
- None But Jesus – Hillsong w/ Brooke Fraser
- How He Loves – the Kim Walker version
I realize it was a very Hillsong-heavy set, but the songs work so nicely together.
February 7th, 2010
Took the month of January off from leading worship, but I was glad to be back this morning. Here’s what we played…
- All Who Are Thirsty (the Kutless version, transposed to the key of D so I could sing it)
- Sweetly Broken – Jeremy Riddle
- Surrender
- Till I See You – Hillsong United
- Jesus, Lord of Heaven – Phil Wickham
I’ve been doing a lot of thinking about worship lately. Perhaps I’ll blog it soon.
January 27th, 2010
Funny how spiritual warfare can masquerade as so many different things, leaving you suspecting nothing. Sneaky.
Funny how spiritual warfare suddenly carries no power once you realize it’s spiritual warfare.
Glad my eyes have been opened.
January 7th, 2010
I’m not making New Year’s resolutions this year. Resolutions are too easy to break. What I’m making are some permanent changes.
First, I’m doing my Wii Fit exercises at least 5 days a week. I used to be really good at working out on a consistent basis, but lately (like the past 3 years) I’ve been terrible at it. I have a friend and my husband to keep me going, so I’m going to stick with it this time.
Second, Thomas and I are getting in better financial shape. This part of the plan is already well underway, but this is going to be the year that we say goodbye to all our debt and save up a down payment for a house. Tough goal, but we’re determined.
Third, I need to work on my attitude. I have been very negative lately, and I need to stop it. So if you see me being negative, tell me to knock it off.
Last. I need to cut out the non-essential activities in my schedule and just focus on what’s important. Part of this plan is already in place…deadlines and such. Part of this is also DOING something important…something to actual help someone…something to make a difference, if only a small one. I’ve been wallowing in self-pity for too long, and I really have nothing to complain about.
So that’s my plan for 2010…no…for the future, starting now. I’m not living the life I should be, and it’s all because of me. So it stops now.
December 9th, 2009
Why do some people feel the need to divulge every sordid detail of their lives in their Facebook statuses? Or every emotion they feel in the course of a day? Perhaps I’m just a more private person than most, but I don’t really want the general public knowing all that much about me. I actually don’t want most of the people I come in contact with on a daily basis to know that much about me. And yes…there are things I’d rather not know about you as well.
December 8th, 2009
We’re starting to work some Christmas songs into our worship sets. This week we studied the first chapter of John, so it was a combination of Christmas songs and worship songs that were about Jesus’ coming and Him being the light of the world. Our set was…
- Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus (a version I stumbled upon on YouTube, found here)
- Here I Am to Worship
- Oh, the Wonder of it All
- Oh Come, Oh Come Emmanuel (the Third Day version…lots of fun to play)