Last night I was honored to spend the evening with PastorServe an organization headed up by some of the finest people I know. PastorServe exists to serve pastors and church leaders. They help encourage, revitalize and empower pastors and ministry leaders through resourcing, coaching and crisis counseling. Who pastors a pastor when he/she is down? Who do you go to for counseling and insight?
For the last several years Jimmy Dodd the founder/executive director of PastorServe has been a great friend, coach & mentor to me and our church. Honestly it's been stretching, and I'm still stretching and growing.
I wanted to say thank you to Jimmy Dodd for ALL that he does for me and other pastors around the U.S. In addition here are some of the notes from last night that I know will encourage EVERY Pastor and Church leader out there.
Dr. Gary Kinnaman was the keynote speaker and here is a brief outline of what he said:
1. Ministry which is giving life to others is seldom painless - you need to read that and let it sink in. I wish someone would have taught me this. I could have saved my self from a lot of frustration.
2 Timothy 4:7-9
"Children spend 20 years taking from their parents." Many times we don't ever reverse that cycle. That's why in my opinion and I do have an OPinion :) why we have such a consumerist mentality in the church today.
Paul used two metaphors: A Fight and a Race and neither of them are fun. Ephesians 6:11-13 (The Message) "1 So take everything the Master has set out for you, well-made weapons of the best materials. And put them to use so you will be able to stand up to everything the Devil throws your way.12 This is no afternoon athletic contest that we’ll walk away from and forget about in a couple of hours. This is for keeps, a life-or-death fight to the finish against the Devil and all his angels.13 Be prepared. You’re up against far more than you can handle on your own. Take all the help you can get, every weapon God has issued, so that when it’s all over but the shouting you’ll still be on your feet."
2. EVERYBODY NEEDS SOMEBODY
Pastors are some of the loneliest people around. Why? Because they don't feel like they can talk to anyone.
2 Timothy 4:9
"We need each other as much as we need Jesus."
Philippians 4:13-14 "13 I can do everything through him who gives me strength.
14 Yet it was good of you to share in my troubles."
James 5:14-16
3. The Lord stands with ME!
2 Timothy 4:17-18
Showing posts with label church planters. Show all posts
Showing posts with label church planters. Show all posts
October 6, 2009
July 7, 2009
Crazy for God
Guest Blogger: Karen Blankenship, Campus Director
Going Multi-Site! It seems like only yesterday we were imagining the possibilities. Should we do it? Do we have enough people? And the big question was whether or not we could even afford it. As a young church, most would consider us crazy to plant a multi-site campus. I guess if you put it like that, that’s exactly what we are – a little on the crazy side!
Let me explain. It was definitely crazy for a small launch team of about 12 people to host a citywide Easter egg hunt. And when all the other egg hunts around town got rained out, bringing in 4,500 people, it definitely looked a little crazy. It was probably also a little crazy to lease space in a strip mall, instead of continuing to meet in the community center. It was another risky step, because how could a small group (many of them were new Christ followers) without a lot of money take on a financial obligation like that?
Crazy became the ‘norm’ for us as we continued to impact our community (most of the time not having a clue as to how we would pull it off). Hosting community events, distributing thousands of mailers, and even having our children’s ministry meet in a small warehouse space because we ran out of room in our main meeting area are just some of the things LifeQuesters have begun to count as ‘normal.’
It was pretty outrageous to think that a small group of people could work 24/7 for six weeks to transform an old Harley-Davidson motorcycle dealership into a place where people would come and hear the life changing Word of Jesus Christ. Who would have guessed so many dedicated volunteers would work all day at their jobs, grab a sandwich through the drive thru on their way to the church and then work late into the evening ripping up tile floors, building new walls, installing handicapped restrooms, hanging sheetrock and laying carpet?
How does a church of 350 people function when things are so crazy? Where do the volunteers come from who spend anywhere from 20-40 hours per week to keep the mission of leading people into a growing relationship with Jesus Christ alive? If it seems a little extreme, that’s because it is. LifeQuesters are passionate about reaching people for Christ and they are willing to do whatever it takes to stay on mission!
Wild about impacting the world, launching a multi-site campus is another crazy LifeQuest experiment. Some may say it’s extreme to go to such lengths to reach friends, neighbors and co-workers. After all, America is filled with churches that sit on every corner. It may seem fanatical to give so much time, energy, and resources especially when our lives are already so busy. But I am reminded of a King who was born in a stable over 2,000 years ago. Leaving comforts we cannot even imagine, enduring pain and suffering that no one else in the world has ever known, that same King gave up everything to come and die for the sins of the world. Even when He knew He would be crucified and rejected, He still came. I would call that a little crazy, wouldn’t you?
We have promised Him our availability and our hearts. As He has done in the past, I believe He will surprise us with things beyond what we ever could have imagined. I believe lives will be forever changed because a group of His followers have committed themselves to spreading the Good News at any cost. I am so excited that I can’t wait until we have campuses all over Kansas City and around the world! And yes, I know, it sounds a little crazy!
Going Multi-Site! It seems like only yesterday we were imagining the possibilities. Should we do it? Do we have enough people? And the big question was whether or not we could even afford it. As a young church, most would consider us crazy to plant a multi-site campus. I guess if you put it like that, that’s exactly what we are – a little on the crazy side!
Let me explain. It was definitely crazy for a small launch team of about 12 people to host a citywide Easter egg hunt. And when all the other egg hunts around town got rained out, bringing in 4,500 people, it definitely looked a little crazy. It was probably also a little crazy to lease space in a strip mall, instead of continuing to meet in the community center. It was another risky step, because how could a small group (many of them were new Christ followers) without a lot of money take on a financial obligation like that?
Crazy became the ‘norm’ for us as we continued to impact our community (most of the time not having a clue as to how we would pull it off). Hosting community events, distributing thousands of mailers, and even having our children’s ministry meet in a small warehouse space because we ran out of room in our main meeting area are just some of the things LifeQuesters have begun to count as ‘normal.’
It was pretty outrageous to think that a small group of people could work 24/7 for six weeks to transform an old Harley-Davidson motorcycle dealership into a place where people would come and hear the life changing Word of Jesus Christ. Who would have guessed so many dedicated volunteers would work all day at their jobs, grab a sandwich through the drive thru on their way to the church and then work late into the evening ripping up tile floors, building new walls, installing handicapped restrooms, hanging sheetrock and laying carpet?
How does a church of 350 people function when things are so crazy? Where do the volunteers come from who spend anywhere from 20-40 hours per week to keep the mission of leading people into a growing relationship with Jesus Christ alive? If it seems a little extreme, that’s because it is. LifeQuesters are passionate about reaching people for Christ and they are willing to do whatever it takes to stay on mission!
Wild about impacting the world, launching a multi-site campus is another crazy LifeQuest experiment. Some may say it’s extreme to go to such lengths to reach friends, neighbors and co-workers. After all, America is filled with churches that sit on every corner. It may seem fanatical to give so much time, energy, and resources especially when our lives are already so busy. But I am reminded of a King who was born in a stable over 2,000 years ago. Leaving comforts we cannot even imagine, enduring pain and suffering that no one else in the world has ever known, that same King gave up everything to come and die for the sins of the world. Even when He knew He would be crucified and rejected, He still came. I would call that a little crazy, wouldn’t you?
We have promised Him our availability and our hearts. As He has done in the past, I believe He will surprise us with things beyond what we ever could have imagined. I believe lives will be forever changed because a group of His followers have committed themselves to spreading the Good News at any cost. I am so excited that I can’t wait until we have campuses all over Kansas City and around the world! And yes, I know, it sounds a little crazy!
January 15, 2009
Why is it?
I had a great time hangin with some great K.C. Church Planters in downtown Kansas City. After I left I was reflecting on all the church planters I have met and even thinking about what I have learned. After doing some reflecting, I started to notice a trend and have to ask Why is it???
Why is it that someone moves their family across the country, making sacrifices to reach a particular city?
Why is it that many times they get to the city and just hunker down in coffee shops, hiding in their computer instead of getting OUT where the people are meeting new people, hurting people, lonely people???
Why is it that we make this step without even having an effective assessment to see if we have what it takes to be a lead church planter?
Why is it we have the kind of faith to move to a new city but when we get their we don't have faith that we can raise the support that will be needed to accomplish what God has called you to do?
Why is it that new church planters spend so much time in isolation instead of with the people?
If I were starting a church again, I would spend less time on developing a website, cool brochures, catchy logos and artwork. I would delegate all that stuff out and go meet as many people as possible and start praying for them, praying for the city, building a staff team (even if they are volunteers-Treat them like paid staff and they will rise to your expectation.) I would also get a coach and supporting church.
Why is it?????
Why is it that someone moves their family across the country, making sacrifices to reach a particular city?
Why is it that many times they get to the city and just hunker down in coffee shops, hiding in their computer instead of getting OUT where the people are meeting new people, hurting people, lonely people???
Why is it that we make this step without even having an effective assessment to see if we have what it takes to be a lead church planter?
Why is it we have the kind of faith to move to a new city but when we get their we don't have faith that we can raise the support that will be needed to accomplish what God has called you to do?
Why is it that new church planters spend so much time in isolation instead of with the people?
If I were starting a church again, I would spend less time on developing a website, cool brochures, catchy logos and artwork. I would delegate all that stuff out and go meet as many people as possible and start praying for them, praying for the city, building a staff team (even if they are volunteers-Treat them like paid staff and they will rise to your expectation.) I would also get a coach and supporting church.
Why is it?????
November 17, 2008
A Terrible Phenomenon in Church Planting
After reflecting on some of the meetings I have had with church planters lately, I am disturbed. Why are you disturbed? Glad you asked, because I was going to tell you anyways. A few years ago I was meeting with a church planter that was complaining about not having enough money to plant this church. He said, "if I only had the money to hire my friend that would make an incredible outreach pastor." I looked at him and said, "When was the last time you led someone to Christ?". He responded with an answer that ticked me off, actually did more than that but I won't put that on this blog. He said, "the last time I led someone to Christ was 1999." This was 2006. What is wrong with that picture? First I think the people that assessed him should be fired. Why are we putting church planters out on the field that don't lead people to Christ? Why are we resourcing church planters that haven't learned how to share their faith?
If you are a church planter and haven't shared your faith lately, get off your spiritual BUTT and GO! If you don't have a list of people that you are praying for, to cross the line of Faith, get off your spiritual BUTT and GO! If you are a Christ Follower or you serve on the staff of a church and haven't shared your faith, then get off YOUR BUTT and GO! If we don't go then we will never build God's Kingdom!
November 10, 2008
A Key Characteristic of a Church Planter
I was thinking the other day about what it takes to be a church planter and as I have been thinking about that I came up with this phrase. A Church planter has to be able to make something from nothing. Now if you are saying, "Chris you are so crazy", then you probably aren't a church planter.
To be an effective church planter you have to be able to make something out of nothing. I remember all three church plants Linda and I have started and it started with a dream and just me and my family. I never inherited a core group or launch team nor would I want to. We have never had a church give us a group of people to help form the launch team. I have had to work hard at every single person we brought into the launch team.
When you don't have money you have to figure out how to make something out of nothing - that means you might need to work an extra job or be extra time raising support. If you are a called church planter you will have the tenacity to figure it out no matter how hard it is.
When you don't have the people you will have to figure out how to recruit people. This is where it gets really really exciting. When I realized God wanted me to start a church and we had no people then I realized I needed to start winning some people to Christ! I know that sounds elementary but it seems that we are raising a generation of church planters that don't want to do the hard work of evangelism. They think people are just going to flock to their vision. Then they are disillusioned when that does not happen.
If you look at the life of the Apostle Paul he never let lack of resources stop him. He sensed God's call and always made something out of nothing. If you are a church planter or staff person, when was the last time you encountered a problem and instead of giving up you chose to make something out of nothing?
What other characteristics do you think church planters need to have?
To be an effective church planter you have to be able to make something out of nothing. I remember all three church plants Linda and I have started and it started with a dream and just me and my family. I never inherited a core group or launch team nor would I want to. We have never had a church give us a group of people to help form the launch team. I have had to work hard at every single person we brought into the launch team.
When you don't have money you have to figure out how to make something out of nothing - that means you might need to work an extra job or be extra time raising support. If you are a called church planter you will have the tenacity to figure it out no matter how hard it is.
When you don't have the people you will have to figure out how to recruit people. This is where it gets really really exciting. When I realized God wanted me to start a church and we had no people then I realized I needed to start winning some people to Christ! I know that sounds elementary but it seems that we are raising a generation of church planters that don't want to do the hard work of evangelism. They think people are just going to flock to their vision. Then they are disillusioned when that does not happen.
If you look at the life of the Apostle Paul he never let lack of resources stop him. He sensed God's call and always made something out of nothing. If you are a church planter or staff person, when was the last time you encountered a problem and instead of giving up you chose to make something out of nothing?
What other characteristics do you think church planters need to have?
October 6, 2008
Church Planters Conference Call Material
Spent the evening with some church planters over a conference call and wanted to share a little of the things that I taught on.
Had the honor of giving the history of church planting for my family and I. It was sort of weird because when I think about how our family has been planting churches for a little over a decade, that is totally wild. I shared about the first two churches that we started and the pain that we experienced. Man when people that are older say that experience will grow you, they are right. Then I spent the remainder of the time teaching about what I have learned in starting LifeQuest. Here are some of the thoughts I shared:
- Starting a church is very emotionally draining and I never was taught that. The spiritual warfare that is involved is incredible. Ephesians 6:10-20 "10Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. 12For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 13Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. 14Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 16In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. 18And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints. 19Pray also for me, that whenever I open my mouth, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, 20for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should."
If you are a church planter PAY ATTENTION to the fact that satan wants to destroy you. On a practical note, get some prayer partners, people that will intercede for you while you are preaching God's word!
I believe that you should read the Bible and find out how to fight in the spiritual warfare that we are in. Satan does not want another church that will reach people that are far from God. - Starting a church is more about leadership than your cool ideas and light, sound and camera and oh, action. We get so caught up in the techy type stuff and forget that starting a church is more about leadership. Leadership that will cast vision, a clear vision for others to follow. Leadership that will cause you to protect the vision of the church at all costs. Leadership that will cause you to please God and not people. Leadership that will call the best out in people and not let them settle for normal.
- The best book on church planting besides the Bible is Peacemakers by Ken Sande - if you haven't read this book, I suggest you go out and buy it right now. Stats tell us that more pastors quit ministry because of conflict. We need to be equipped to deal with conflict and teach those that are in our churches about conflict and how to deal with it. You need and you owe it to the people you lead to give them a language when it comes to conflict.
September 30, 2008
Church Planters
Monday I left for Atlanta for a church planters gathering. I had the opportunity to work with some of the sharpest minds in church planting, I have ever met. I spoke about church planting and shared the LifeQuest story.
This has to be the worst week to be in Atlanta, GA. Why you ask???? Because there is little to NO gas. This is crazy. Gas stations are sold out of gas all over the place. I am praying for our country right now, things are going to get worse before it gets better. I would like to know what you think about the economy and the times we are experiencing right now. Shoot me an e-mail and let me in on your thoughts. cpinion@lifequest.tv
This has to be the worst week to be in Atlanta, GA. Why you ask???? Because there is little to NO gas. This is crazy. Gas stations are sold out of gas all over the place. I am praying for our country right now, things are going to get worse before it gets better. I would like to know what you think about the economy and the times we are experiencing right now. Shoot me an e-mail and let me in on your thoughts. cpinion@lifequest.tv
July 18, 2008
Pastor's and Church Planters Beware
This week Perry Noble has been doing some great posts on Pastor/Church Planters and the kinds of people they should Beware of. I just have to share these with you.
Please, Please, Please regardless of who you are, read these and do some heart reflection. I would love to here your comments on my comments section.
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