Childrens Ministry, a Moment of Reflection

I'm sure you've seen one of these recently. Pretty much if you've connected to Facebook, Twitter, or the Internet in general, or haven't been living under a rock, you've come across one. Normally, they are quite humorous, often irreverent, sometimes irrelevent, and occasionally a bit naughty. They almost always have a specific point: Do not judge. Do not buy the stereotypes. Look past where I live or what I do.

In Children's Ministry, we often feel somewhat stereotyped. We know that parents value what we do; personally, I enjoy a kid-free service as much (or maybe more) than anyone. We know that everyone who doesn't have a child is thankful for kid-free services. Yet still, in this modern time of the Church, Children's Ministry sometimes feels sidelined. We sometimes feel that we are Glory-fied babysitters.

But this isn't a post to complain, beg for respect, or demand attention. It's simply:

THANK YOU

to those who wield Goldfish with relish, know all the lines to the "Arky Arky" song, aren't freaked out by the sight of blood, snot, or poop, have a sixth sense as to when a meltdown is coming, and who brave the minefields of Legos to calm a crying child.

When it seems like no one (including you) remembers why you keep showing up on Sundays and Wednesdays, remember that Jesus emphasized how important it was to teach the children. He told His disciples to let the children come to Him (Matthew 19:14), warned that leading children into sin or disbelief was worse than drowning (Mark 9:24), and told Peter that teaching children is an act of love to Him (John 21:15). Over and over in the Bible children are used as examples of fatihfullness, innocence, and purity.

We shape lives. As children's volunteers, leaders, or pastors, you've heard it (or said it) before: We may be the only Jesus the children in our classes see each week. That is not a responsibility to take lightly. Nor should your gifts, your willingness, and your sacrifice be treated lightly.

So again, THANK YOU for what you do. ~~ Melissa McGinnis

Melissa McGinnis is the Children's Ministry Director for LHF.

Just Between You, Me, & God 2/27/2012

Have you ever tried to be someone that you’re not? We used to do that a lot as kids, remember. We would call it pretend. Well if your memory is not that good then just sit down for a little while with some young kids and ask them if they want to play. Before you know it you’ll hear an excited voice say “Let’s pretend! I’ll be the Mommy and you can be my little child.” Now that takes a lot of imagination to be able to picture this old bald headed man with glasses as a little child but a child’s mind is not yet clouded with the negatives of this world. So a stick becomes a gun, a broom is a horse, and a beach towel clipped to the back of your shirt can make anyone a super hero. It all becomes a bit of an identity crises if you’re not careful. Jesus had a similar problem during His ministry here on Earth. His own hand- picked disciples didn’t always know who He was. You know the ones, they walked with Him, and ate with Him, and slept with Him, and one even walked on the water with Him for a few steps. And yet they weren’t always sure who He was. They had a good idea that He was the Messiah but not the one they had imagined. In their minds the Messiah would be a great warrior who would defeat their earthly enemies, but Jesus talked of love, and acted in kindness, and forgave with grace. Despite the number of miracles they witnessed and His sinless life lived right before their eyes, Philip still ask in John 14: 8, “… Lord, show us the Father and that will be enough for us.” Jesus answered: “Don’t you know me, Philip, even after I have been among you such a long time? Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father.” Jesus wasn’t pretending, it wasn’t make-believe, it was just the pure truth. It should be easier for us because we have the advantage of hind sight, we know how the story ends. How about you, are you still asking for proof? Was the crucifixion and resurrection not enough for you or are you like the two disciples that Jesus joined after His resurrection as they walked toward Emmaus? They were so wrapped up in their own problems that they could not see the solution walking and talking with them until He revealed Himself to them. If you are still in doubt, if there is still a question about your faith, then start walking through the scriptures, stop and rest by the seashore as Jesus speaks, see the new believers as their eyes are opened to the truth, put your hand in His side and see the nail holes for yourself and believe the truth. Stop pretending. The Savior lived and lives, He gave and forgave, and He watches and waits for you to accept Him as the only way out of the game of life and into the reality of eternity with Him. God bless, Pastor Dean.

Pastor Dean Hanssen is the Outreach & Ministries Pastor for LHF

Film Review: Angels Love Donuts

Released in 2010, Angels Love Donuts is a CrossWise Creative Production, and stars J. Howard King and Leon McWhorter. It carries the Dove Foundation Family-Approved Seal.

A lesser-known faith-based film, the story of John Money (J. Howard King) unfolds as he starts what seems to be a typical, albeit stressful, day. He snaps at the housekeeper, ignores his wife and daughter’s pleas for attention and interaction, tries to shoot down his oldest daughter’s dream of mission work, and blows through the office with the subtlety and svelte of a public bus. He runs over everyone around him, especially young Ricky Jankins (played by Duane Deering), an assistant at his firm. He is in the middle of a meeting when he is shocked to discover Lucky, a donut-munching Angel of Death (Leon McWhorter), who informs him he has 24 hours to live.

John spends the rest of his no-longer-normal day trying to figure out if he is “ready” for death. He first tries to reason that he is “good enough,” by listing the good deeds he’s done, and even doing a few new extra acts (donating money and giving his car to assistant Ricky). He talks to many people at work and wanders from place-to-place trying to figure out where he’s headed and what he needs to do to get to Heaven. Ultimately, it is his teenage daughter who shows him the only way to Heaven through salvation. On the path, John realizes he is not terribly well-liked and wants to change. He also finds out that though he thinks he walks alone in this world, he has been watched over all the way.

Set in the Dallas area, this movie has a definite “amateur” feel, which is mot surprising considering the CrossWise Players are a play-performance ministry group. The cinematography is fair, sound quality decent, and acting passable, though not great. Despite the lack of big-budget touches, the film is still one to watch. The story is very amusing and though the characters are somewhat stereotypical (such as the smoozy office “kiss-up” and the earthy, mystical New Age chick), they bring humor to the somewhat somber story of a man struggling with fear of death. There are many funny moments, such as when the desperate John Money unknowingly helps a thief make off with stolen CDs. Parents will relate to John’s realization that he doesn’t know his children as well as he thought he did, and with Ricky Jankins’s worries about security for his young, struggling family. This is not the most well-made film, but still provides an entertaining look at whether we are ready for death or not, and offers Biblical truth about salvation. Viewers will enjoy the wise-cracking, slightly bumbling Angel of Death and the Chris Rice soundtrack music, and will be able to take a look at themselves and their own readiness for Heaven.

I personally have this film on the family DVD shelf, and think it is definitely worth checking out. My daughter would agree that every family should see it, particularly if you also love donuts. -- Melissa McGinnis

Bridgestone Media Group, the distributor of this film: www.gobmg.com

CrossWise Players: www.crosswiseplayers.com

Facebook page for Angels Love Donuts: www.facebook.com/AngelsLoveDonuts

Melissa McGinnis is the Children's Ministry Director for LHF

Just Between You, Me & God" 2/19/2012

“Jesus wept.” John 11:35. This is the shortest verse in the Bible and yet it conjures up a very real picture of our Savior. The occasion was just days after the death of his close friend Lazarus. The family and mourners were still grieving the loss of their Father and friend and questioning why Jesus had not come earlier in order to save his life. Jesus wept but not for the same reason as the others. He already knew what was going to happen with Lazarus, he was going to be raised from the dead. Jesus was not late, He never has been, nor will He ever be late. His timing is perfect. What He was going to do would glorify God and would help solidify His claim as the Messiah, the Son of God. The tears were more likely for those who were His closest followers and friends who still did not understand or fully believe His true identity. Jesus was a wanted man and He was there despite the fact that He could have been arrested at any moment. Once again, He was operating on His time, for He knew that it was not yet time for His arrest and trial. Through my life I have felt the very real presence of Jesus in my life and I have had those times when I felt as if I were all alone, not realizing that He had always been there, it was me who was distant, not Him. When I read this account in John 11, I often wonder, how many times has Jesus wept for me? The sin nature that I can’t control, the words I’ve said, the things I’ve done, His commandments that I have broken or just simply ignored. The weakness of my faith, my unbelief, my demanding request, and my bargaining prayers have all brought tears to the eyes of my Lord. I like to think that I’ve also caused a grin or two and possibly even a belly laugh from time to time. We are created in His image and therefore we share the same emotions. Luke 19: 41 tells of another occasion when Jesus wept as He approached Jerusalem. He was brought to tears because His own people, the Jews, had failed to recognize Him as their Messiah and would not have peace because of it. His sacrificial death on the cross for our sins is beyond our comprehension and yet we must embrace it or face an eternity of isolation from Him. As you think about the tears that Jesus has wept for you, why not bring Him joy and accept today the grace and forgiveness that is offered to a sinner like me who is really not worth crying for, but Jesus thought was worth dying for. God bless, Pastor Dean.

Pastor Dean Hanssen is the Outreach & Ministries Pastor for LHF

Live from Fuller Seminary with Brother Ben, Day 10 (Last Day)

Last Day of Master of Arts in Global Leadership, Cohort Sequence
Worship: Anointing with oil and Sending Forth

When is the right time to develop leaders?
Recommend a Book: Leadership Jazz---book
What do I think leadership is in my context?
What is my definition of leadership?
“Leadership is the process of aligning abilities of all areas to produce a common desired result of influence.” Influence!
Ephesians 4:11-13
New International Version (NIV)
11 So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, 12 to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up 13 until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.

Leadership is embedded in my community.
Equip, prepare, order, confirm are all descriptions of the action involved with leadership
Book recommendation: The Jesus Way by Eugene Peterson
[4] “Jesus as the truth gets far more attention than Jesus as the way.”
[:1]
In what ways do you experience our culture as impersonal as opposed to personal?
[:22] to follow Jesus means that we can’t separate what Jesus is saying from what Jesus is doing and the way he is doing it.
[:30] the devil is content to leave the matter of ends…uncontested. His tempting is devoted exclusively to ways…
What are the implications to my ministry?
Book recommendation: Deep Mentoring by Randy Reese

So what? What does this program mean to me?
I believe that God has spoken to me through this week in a way of better understanding the need I have in adapting to various changes that constantly pass through my ministry and helped me to focus my leadership skills in ways to clarity and resolve. A theology of exploration is a way of viewing the BIGNESS of God with no limitations and to inspire new leadership to think through visional eyes and be strong enough to overcome diversity and recognize fruitfulness.
H healing by the Holy Spirit
O obedience to Jesus, living in the midst of God
P presence
E equals hope in the mission of God, Missio Dei
Class Book Review: Exiles by Michael Frost
Hold fast to most dangerous hope filled stories and memories
Exodus: God sets the Israelites free from Egypt, a seditious story
-Gospel stories of Jesus…..dangerous memories
Church: smallboatbigsea in Manly, Australia
Thesis is that in post-Christendom, the biblical metaphor most applicable is that of the exile:
Chapters: dangerous memories, dangerous promises, dangerous criticisms, dangerous songs
Memories:
[:10] recollections of the promises made by Jesus and his daring agenda for human society.
Promises:
We will: Be authentic, serve a cause greater than ourselves, create missional community, be generous and practice hospitality, will work righteously.
Criticisms:
Exiles must practice critical distance from their context. [:18]
Religious critique
Political critique
You have been an unjust empire!
You have not cared for God’s creation!
You have not protected God’s children!
Songs: What does corporate worship look like?
Communal: everyone is involved
Contextual: it has been a style that naturally reflects the lifestyles, rhythms and interest of the surrounding culture.
Ambient: multi-sensory, uses visual art, music that sets the mood
Ritualized: ancient, rituals, labyrinths
Spirit-filled singing: songs that are God, not self, directed
Worship is bigger than corporate singing; it is a life that pleases God.
The whole of our lives can be God-glorifying

Learning Task
What is one area of your ministry where you are functioning under the Christendom paradigm?
What is one thing that you could change about your current ministry context to make it more in line with the exile paradigm?
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Whenever there are 16 people from throughout the world gathered together within the same framework and context of ministry, you know that God is involved in what you are doing.
Most likely, I will never see these same Christian brothers and sisters again on this side of heaven; but rest assured we will have a grand reunion on that side of heaven. As we individually drifted away from our time together, many tears of joy and sadness streamed from my face and heart. They have been on the journey with me for over 18 months and we have bonded and contemplated the same mysteries of the Gospel. In life, we all have our assignment in one way or another from God. Most of us recognize it, some ignore and others are stranded in self-denial. I blessed each brother and sister in Christ to go their separate way to do their separate calling from God. My heart is sad, but my spirit is rejoicing that I have been called to be a part of something eternal. I am blessed by being with them.
Those that have followed me along my path these two weeks, I hope that you will make contact with me and share some of your contexts of ministry and devotion to God. I look forward to hearing from you. ben@livinghope4etexas.com
See you on the journey,
Brother Ben

Rev. Ben Bright is the Logistics & Administration Pastor for LHF.

Live from Fuller Seminary with Brother Ben, Day 9

Exegeting the City: Debriefing
-we all had our viewpoints of what was our surroundings in urban Los Angeles.

The New Evangelicalism by Soong-Chan Rah
-immigrant, multi-ethnic church planter, professor

Thesis of the book:
The American church needs to face the inevitable and prepare for the next stage of her history—a non-white majority multiethnic American Christianity in the immediate future.

3 parts:
•Western white captivity
non-white majority that will take over Christianity [13]
White captivity as a reminder that Western culture has been dominated by whites throughout history even though now they are becoming the minority
Earliest stages of American history, individualism
Danger [33]
materialistic consumer bent [47]
Race [65]
White privilege [72]
Racism elevates the physical image above the spiritual image [80]
•The pervasiveness of the white captivity
practioners replaced academics
church growth values are held captive to Western, white culture
stating that one culture and the individuals in that culture are made more in the image of God than others.
•Freedom from captivity
listen to the stories of minorities and submitting to their authority
learn holistic evangelism from the immigrant church
recognize and empower 2nd generation ethnic minority leaders.

The majority of the day was spent unpacking an urban context. While Gladewater is not a unique urban area of East Texas, our lens should be community-focused in allowing our senses to see where God is in the whole of our community.

We must have missional eyes and zeal to bring others to Christ at all costs. It is the church that must be brought into the context of neighborhood. Too often we expect the lost to come to the Church. What if we went to the lost in their space of the community? What would that look like in Gladewater? Let me know your thoughts.

See you on the journey,
Ben

Rev. Ben Bright is the Logistics & Administration Pastor for LHF.

Live from Fuller Seminary with Brother Ben, Day 8

Worship: Prophetic Graffiti
Song of Silence, by Simon and Garfunkel

Scripture: Daniel 5

Brueggemann: Prophets are to offer symbols that are adequate to confront the horror and massiveness of the experience that evokes numbness and requires denial.

The prophet has only the hope that the ache of God can penetrate the numbness of history.

Group Prayer before entering the urban space of Los Angeles

Exegeting the City: Signs of Hope
Why this trip:
-to understand the urban context
-recognize hope in the city
-how we see our own context
-separated families
-homelessness, economic challenges

Church structures don’t adapt easily from suburbia to metropolises. Theological challenge [Bakke]

Testimony of a prostitute: “people like me don’t come to church; you have to bring the church to me so I can find it.”

Mama’s Hot Tamales

MacArthur Park

Look at structure, signage, space, sounds and smells, SIGNS OF HOPE
Escobar [2003:156]
“Missionaries too must be on guard against practices that 'depersonalize' others, turning them into 'unreached' for evangelism. In this way 'the unreached' become faceless objects we use to fulfill our plans and prove the effectiveness of our strategies."

Spend part of the day in silence…..

The main purpose of taking a field trip downtown LA is to learn to look for and recognize God’s activities and impact (both present and potential) in the midst of spiritual, social, physical, educational, political and economic challenges and injustices that exist in any community. The experience is meant to inform and inspire all of us to seek ways in which God can use His people to be missional and incarnational presence in their communities and to bring His Good News of salvation, peace, reconciliation, justice and liberty to a needy world.

My trip to the central part of Los Angeles included seeing MacArthur Park, a once dicey drug and alcohol haven for much of the homeless in Los Angeles. It was interesting to hear the song "Song of Silence" by Simon and Garfunkel that stems from the 1960’s. Have you ever read the lyrics to the song? The song is completely about the 1960 existing national problem in lieu of the park. The neighborhood was deteriorating and this once prestigious part of LA was vanishing. The City Council and area churches and immigrants got together and revitalized the neighborhood into what is flourishing today. Mama’s Tamales serves as a training enterprise for those re-entering the work force and a site training kitchen for immigrants that want to test their product. It was a delicious meal of tamales from around the world. This is the experience of God at work through systems to help His people.
Later in the afternoon, we arrived at CLUE LA, a social justice advocate agency that helps all populations in unfair practices of any manner. The last stop took us to a visit with the pastor of New City Church, an urban missional church serving people from the inner city yuppies to the skid row junkies. It is a multi-cultural, transitional church. LHF is similarly fashioned after the same service/grow vision that they extol, too.

Now the challenge that lies before us at Living Hope Fellowship is to open our senses to the presence of God and find where He is at work in Gladewater. It’s a challenge that we will do together in fellowship. Keep attuned to God’s activities and impact and let me know what you think.

See you on the journey,
Ben

Rev. Ben Bright is the Logistics & Administration Pastor for LHF.

Live from Fuller Seminary with Brother Ben, Day 7

St. Valentine’s Day
Worship:
What has God whispered to me this week? It is important to make this concrete in remembrance. I believe that God desires for me to:
· Keep dreaming and casting vision
· Not to give up when defeating odds are always against us and me.
· Jeremiah 29:11
· It is well with my soul (reflection time)
· Keep at studying your Word.
What keeps me connected to my relationship with God?
Can you answer any of this for your life?
Fellowship and worship keep you tethered to one chord with God. The fellowship, being the active Body of Christ at work visibly and consciously is our connection of the family of God here on Earth. In worship we honor and praise His name and realm goes beyond to the spiritual formation of our eternal home with Him.
The entire day was spent listening to the context of ministry from many of my cohort colleagues. Many of their perspectives are global and many live in other countries around the world. However, we connect together as a family, share our stories, truths and hindrances because that makes us stronger in Kingdom eyes. It was an exciting day listening and participating with all of them. During each individual ministry context, we stopped and prayed, laying hands upon our brothers and sisters with Resurrection Power, the Holy Spirit power of anointing and setting aside for service.
My prayer for the readers of this post is that you are also filled with God's anointing and "sending out" to do your part for His Kingdom. No matter your age, or color, or gender or anything....God loves us all and wants each one of us to do His will and work. It's for the family!
See you on the journey,
Ben

Rev. Ben Bright is the Logistics & Administration Pastor for LHF.

Just Between You, Me, & God 2/14/2012

Seems like I was just picking up the Christmas wrappings and it’s already Valentines. Good thing red is a common color for the two holidays, I don’t have to take down as many decorations that way. It is a day to express your love for someone special in your life. There are some very creative ways of expressing it also but be warned, guys who only shop three times a year are out in great numbers today. Believe it or not, close to 24 BILLION dozen roses will be delivered today followed by at least twice that many people saying “AWE”. There will be 1.1 BILLION boxes of chocolate given, that’s 58 million pounds of candy. Does that make my hips look big? Too late, I might as well enjoy it. Now don’t forget the cards. Worldwide there will be over 1 BILLION cards given and that doesn’t include the over 10 MILLION e-cards sent through the internet. The most special cards are those hand made by little hands connected to innocent and loving little hearts. Our refrigerator is covered with them. I have a Tee Shirt that says “If God had a refrigerator, your picture would be on it!” They estimate that 10% of Americans get engaged on Valentines and that over 1,000 couples get married on Valentines day. In simpler terms I guess you could say “There’s a whole lot of lovin’ goin’ on out there!” Some say that Valentines day dates back as far as the third century but I think it started earlier than that. The original Valentine was not heart shaped but, cross shaped. In John 15: 12-14 Jesus tell us, “My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends. You are my friends if you do what I command.” As much as I cherish the handmade Valentines on my refrigerator, I cherish even more the love expressed to me by my savior over 2,000 years ago on a cross shaped Valentine. John 3:16-17, “For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through Him.” Have a blessed Valentine’s day and take just a moment to send a Valentine to your Savior today. God bless you all for all you do for the Lord, Pastor Dean 

Pastor Dean Hanssen is the Outreach & Ministries Pastor for LHF

Live from Fuller Seminary with Brother Ben, Weekend and Day 6

This weekend was an awesome experience. I rented a car and drove all around the Los Angeles area. I visited downtown LA and the west side including Hollywood and Beverly Hills.
No doubt this is a beautiful place that God has created but I couldn't stop thinking about consumerism, commercialism, exploitation, idealisms and hurting that is visible to the naked eye. This is Culture World USA and much of what we do, say, watch, act and respond is associated with and connected to this area. You know....I wondered quite often in the midst of things, where is God in all of this? Is He at work in the world in Los Angeles, Burbank, Orange County, Saddleback....GLADEWATER? What if we bought into the "Jesus thing" as well as we buy into the latest fads and fashions? Could we transform little ol' Gladewater? What if other churches just came up beside us and we worked together instead of competing against each other? Lots of questions. If you have answers, let me know or call collect!

In a sad note, I was in Beverly Hills when Whitney Houston's story surfaced. Even sadder were the thrill seekers that arrived on the spot just after they announced her demise. It was a feeding frenzy. I was saddened by humanity.

On a happier note, I was able to go to the Saddleback Church to hear Pastor Rick Warren preach and attend their service. He is the author and presenter of the program "40 Days of Purpose" that we are studying and involved with at LHF. I am bringing home many ideas from their church to throw at you for our context of their ministry ideas. Be ready!

This weeks course deals with Global Leadership Implications to Ministry. It is the first half of the course. The second half will be building a plan of action for myself with implications to LHF. Here are some of the notes from today's lecture that are relevant to LHF:

Major trends in global ministry:
1. Globalization
2. Shifting of global economic and political powers (Zakharia 2010:_______)
3. Technological innovation
4. Changing World demographics
A. worldwide migration
B. growing urban population (Viv Grigg:______________)
C. growing youth population
5. Climate of post-modernity (How can we reconcile the presence of evil with absolute goodness?)
6. Climate of “religious pluralism” and “secularism” (Acts 4:10-12)
7. The Gospel from everywhere to everyone


Which one resonates in my context (LHF)?

Which one word stands for my context?
Experience, Authenticity, Dialogue, Community, Tangible, Adapting [Email me back and tell me which one you would choose.]

What is urgent? Make disciples----how can we get leaders in place? Can they see authenticity in their life? How do you do discipleship to post-moderns?
RELATIONSHIP

There is no “one-way” to lead in terms of global leadership. It’s not easy.

So, what’s unique in my context?

Church Unique by Will Mancini
--we are unique in our context
--a church should focus on developing strengths rather than enhancing limitations
--vision needs to be a lifestyle
--discover your kingdom concept
--develop your concept
--Distinction between “talking about the organization to the people” and “talking to people about the organization.” [:20]
[:47] invest in the values not the method
[:53] leader’s role requires stewarding…draw attention to this uniqueness
[:84] ascertaining the Kingdom concept
local predicament
apostolic esprit
collective potential
[:197-198] vision advancement
[:208] don’t align hearts but attuned their hearts
[:233] Integration Model

I don't expect each of you to understand all of my note taking, but if you can just "take-away" one thing: RELATIONSHIP is the key to vision success.
I will be praying for LHF to encounter such a spirit of enthusiasm...I can already see God's hand at work in much of what is happening now at LHF.

See you on the journey,
Ben

Rev. Ben Bright is the Logistics & Administration Pastor for LHF

Live from Fuller Seminary with Brother Ben, Day 5

We concluded the final day of this class with the last few verses of Haggai 2:20-23, The Problem of Power.

Are you facing a work situation in which you feel inadequate or afraid? Perhaps this was the consensus of Haggai. If we allow ourselves the value that God places on us
as His children then we are:
-overwhelmed with extreme confidence, and
-we recognize the affirmation as in scripture, "I have chosen you!"

Receiving God's empowerment means...that we shall be convicted that God is greater than all the obstacles we face.

Verse 23 provides us with a glimpse of our identity formation. It provides the "Who we are" and the "whose we are."
-"I will take you...I will make you like my signet ring."
-"I have chosen you...my servant."

Who we believe God to be
determines
Who we become
determines
Who we think others are
determines
What we do...How we live...
What we live for...Why we do stuff.

I hope that you join me in a reflection time asking these questions:
-God, who are you...to me?
-What are the assumptions I take for granted about myself?
-God what do you want to tell me?

The morning on Friday was a wrap-up of the entire week where we make this conclusion:
The church is the social movement of the Spirit for the sake of the Kingdom.

It is my hope that as I have been able to share this week with you each these ideas of organizational dynamics and structure,
that you will witness Living Hope Fellowship to grow stronger in its leadership and empowerment of others for Christ.

Rev. Ben Bright is the Logistics & Administration Pastor for LHF.

Live from Fuller Seminary with Brother Ben, Day 4

Today began with the continuation of the passage and readings from the Book of Haggai. In our verses today, Haggai 2:10-19, the prophet speaks about connecting life and ministry. It is deeply rooted in the text and it took me four time of reading and concentrating to understand the implications it may have to my life and LHF.

Haggai:
-makes clear the message of hope,
-shows the line of distinction where God affirms that the activities of the Temple will not cleanup sin; only repentance and obedience,
-purveys to us as modern-day Christians a message that in applying this passage, if we harbor wrong feelings, sins, or connecting with sinful people, we will be contaminated [vs 11-15],
-implies that of holy living, discipled living is empowered by the Holy Spirit.
-warns us of the lack of personal and corporate purity seriously affects the progress of the church's work.

The people only called upon God for their comfort. Sometimes that is our own method of operation, too.
Haggai concludes that:
-disobedience renders even sacrificial worship unacceptable.
-we must allow at all cost for God to be sovereign in our life,
-and God doesn't overlook internal impurity even when there is outward ministry success.

With this basis, we discussed, listened and achieved a full understanding of emotional intelligence in our studies today. What does that mean? Emotional Intelligence
moves us to pursue goals, fuels or sustains motivation, drives or colors our perception of reality and events, and shapes and directs our actions.

It doesn't mean being nicer;
It doesn't mean being more or less emotional;
But EI uses the awareness of one's own emotions and others emotions,
to build healthy relations and to serve and lead more effectively.

There are two reasons for leadership failure:
-an inability to manage relationships well and
-an inability to implement change successfully.

Stop and think about yourself. That's what I did today and came away with some new insights into my emotional behavior.
Have you ever:
-demonstrated anger that didn't make sense to you?
-been unable to express what you had to say?
-felt like the other person wasn't really there?
-been unable to listen attentively because of your mood?

Man, that really says a lot to me about the way that my emotional behavior and the way I am "wired."
Along with the identity of this emotional intelligence came the comprehensive learning of the way to work through this and achieve optimum relational management.

Today was definitely a hard day. I thank Brother Dean and Brother Ellis for their prayers of support and strength for allowing me the educational opportunity to achieve my desired goal.

Tomorrow is a half day, but I will be reporting the conclusion of this class.

I look forward to being with each of you on Feb. 19 as I preach the 2nd point in our Purpose-Driven Life Series, FELLOWSHIP.

See you on the journey,
Ben

Rev. Ben Bright is the Logistics & Administration Pastor for LHF.

Book Review: The Starfish and the Spider: The Unstoppable Power of Leaderless Organizations. by Ori Brafman and Rod Beckstrom

With business savvy under their personal belts, authors Ori Brafman and Rod A. Beckstrom offer a wide span of information and experience toward their book entitled, The Starfish and the Spider: The Unstoppable Power of Leaderless Organizations. Ori Brafman, with business ventures including a wireless business start-up, an advocacy group and a CEO network, brings a creative, entrepreneurial spirit of deliberate lifetime achievement to his writings. Born in Israel and raised in Texas, Ori is a world traveler, a mastermind catalyst behind many world-wide projects, and a media resource for all forms of business. Co-author Rod Beckstrom is equally as entrepreneurially-gifted. His giftedness in computer analytical systems and companies provide a nice balance in the writing of this book with his co-author. Globally, his research and development involving security have landed him a seat working for the United States Government. His diplomatic efforts globally in Pakistan and India have launched new border trade and initiatives to further peace. He leads and supports many world-wide organizations.
The thesis of the book, The Starfish and the Spider is that through the advent of the internet, traditional businesses and industries have weakened notably through the absence of structure, leadership and formal organization; therefore, giving rise to a new decentralized organizational breed of business and industry. The purpose of this book is to understand the differentiation between a centralized, traditional leader-driven organization and a decentralized, leaderless and ambiguous organization.
The book comprises several unique chapters. In the first chapter, the Recording Industry’s relative maintenance of power will topple the known future with the Supreme Court’s decision in favor of MGM’s control issues. What is compared to the sudden eruption of companies to “burst” expansion is the simple theoretical understanding of the struggle between the Spanish invaders and Apache Indians and the current Alcoholics Anonymous group in reference to both their decentralization of power that expands and increase no matter what angle of defeat. Chapter two introduces the morphology of the starfish and the sudden descent of the spider when attacked. This explains the variable difference between centralized and decentralized organizations. Chapter three reviews current organizations that break into the mold of decentralization. In chapter four, the authors write about operational systems in regards to a decentralized organization: circles, catalyst, ideology, preexisting networks and the champion of new ideas.
Continuing with chapter five, the authors write about the hidden power of the catalyst. Catalyst within a decentralized boundary permits freedom and trust to develop and control the organizational community. This allows effectiveness and ingenuity. In chapter six, using circles as the second leg of decentralization, activists are activated through a catalyst to strike against a centralized organization. With the transformation apparent to turn toward decentralization, circle groups combat centralization to become a decentralized group in efforts to fight equally. Chapter seven suggests that on the way to becoming decentralized, an organizational circle may become a hybrid in an effort to commonly hold both characteristics. Chapter eight moves along a continuum line of centralized and decentralized until a “sweet spot…that yields the best competitive position” [page 189] is achieved. Industries that are based on informational data and anonymity will pull toward decentralization. Industries that are based upon security and accountability will become centralized quickly. Finally, in chapter nine, ten guiding principles maneuver decentralized organizations or move the company closer in defending their territory. It will be about joining forces or a battle that forces change and is counterproductive. Their book closes with an epilogue reiterating the usage of the similar principles of the starfish, the Apaches and the Internet.
Having read this book, I propose two questions to ask the authors about their work: 1) within the realm of a church, is it important to create cross-functional teams to be the catalyst of change or should the visionary be solely responsible for the caring the vision? and 2) Can street mission work prosper from being decentralized by allowing real interaction between church and neighborhood? between individual and individual?
In my own personal context of ministry and church, I tended in the past to perform organizationally as I had been taught in a stable, protestant denominational way. Once I crossed the line from laity to clergy, I began assessing the failures, achievements and growth of the ecclesiological structure. I reached a stark decision! It was not working…this centralized system. Nothing got done; it was only talked about constantly. My decision was to move away from the old institutionalized structure has freed me to move in ways that sparks creativity and spontaneity of choice with my parishioners. I see Living Hope Fellowship as an organization that is decentralized at most, where sharing and power fuel groups and circles to build-up the new start-up church, reach the culture and community, and strive to produce emerging leaders capable of rapid multiplication.
The author’s main theme for their book is to allow the reader, in whatever leadership capacity, to see the unstoppable power of leaderless organizations. It is my hope that LHF will adopt these ten rules with being flexible for God to move in a mighty way throughout our decentralized organization and community. The first attempt of freedom and trust worked in developing our website, created by those gifted in the knowledge of technical savvy. The web team expands the ministry at their pace with little guidance or input with grace and diligence of creativity. They are aware of the church’s perimeters. This is exciting to see happen. I am looking forward to move this church into a decentralized organization. -- Ben Bright

Rev. Ben Bright is the Logistics & Administration Pastor for LHF

Live from Fuller Seminary with Brother Ben, Day 3

Wednesday, February 8

Today's devotional and substance for though came again form the Book of Haggai 2:1-9. It's an interesting book, that I confess, I don't read often. It contains a lot of meat for thought especially in the case with dealing with organizational development. It was our spiritual formation for today.

After you read these passages, try like I was instructed to write a prayer to God. Here's mine:

O Lord, your splendor is matchless
and your glory shines even in a world dark with despair and ruins.

Lord: grant to me the power of your presence to transform the old into new,
ashes to beauty,
and misfortune with hope.

Lord: I mock your ability to provide resources in my life and my church
that shows little faith and security in you.

Change me, Lord! Change my heart-song! Change my attitude to see that you are always
with me and can provide my greatnest needs and resources.

My hands are willing to work for your Kingdom. AMEN


Have you ever taken the opportunity to take scripture and apply it like this to your life. Give it a try sometime. It will open up your senses and validate points of God's interest in your own life.

Today primary study was invloving organizational systems. We spent much time writing and analyzing
vision and mission. I attempted to put into perspective LHF's mission statement into context of what we are
doing in mission. Mission is what God calls us to do in order to accomplish the vision. Mission provides boundaries for decision-making, inspires ministry unity, encourages helpful change and shapes the ministry's strategies.

The LHF mission is to reach the community and beyond incarnationally with the message of hope and purpose.

It is very streamlined but packed with a punch. It examines where we will go, especially going local and global.
It measures the extent of how we, as Christians and at LHF want the community to view us by being incarnational agents of Jesus Christ.
It provides the result of discipleship and service that is found in the message of God's hope and purpose for our lives.
Overall, it stimulates our being called into transforming hearts for Jesus and being Kingdom-builders.

I believe that much of our efforts due to our owns admissions and culture/societial threats have caused some of LHF attenders to move in and move out of our realm (being fluid) to view the Church as a product to be consumed instead of a fellowship of transformed believers.

We closed the day with analyzing ministry planning and strategy in context of reality: Internal (strengths and weaknesses) and External (opportunities and threats).

Let's be interactive and chat. Tell me what you think!

See you on the journey,
Ben

Rev. Ben Bright is the Logistics and Administration Pastor of LHF

Live from Fuller Seminary with Brother Ben, Day 1 & 2

Note: Pastor Ben is currently studying online for a Master's Degree in Theological Studies at Fuller Seminary in California. Twice a year he travels to the seminary campus for an intensive seminar-based training as part of the coursework.

The journey to California was an all day affair, but I survived thanks to all your prayers and strength. I promised myself I would send updates everyday live from Fuller Seminary in Pasadena, CA.

The weather is gorgeous and comfortable here. Flowers are still blooming and there is no sign of winter to be found.

Day 1 and Day 2 are combined because of a delay of our wireless access to the outside world.

The educational seminar dealing with Organizational Dynamics is phenomenal. The beginning day laid the groundwork for what we will accomplish during this course. I am in a Cohort with 14 others from around the globe. It is international at its best and a wide spectrum of ideas are generated from their existing experiences.

Today, Day 2 was begun with a devotion regarding Haggai 1:1-15. The devotional called each one of us to self-examination, a concern for vision, a present visual of the Biblical Era that Haggai engaged as he identified with the people. Read with me about the re-building of the Temple and the description that the people offered in its long awaited, anticipated process. Perhaps do you see that Haggai engaged with other consultants along the way to help interpret God's actions?

Later, we each individually dissected our own ministry context, which for me is Living Hope Fellowship. When asked to describe our organization I responded: "A service-driven Christian organization that hopes to disciple others to grow, connect and serve the Lord." (Sound familiar?) I reported that service was a key component of the essence of our community of faith. The third question was this: What aspects, if were lost, would cause your organization to not be what it is meant to be? My response: Love that is unconditional and grace that abounds.

Today has been a rewarding and spirit-fed day for me. My question to our church is: Is this the way you see it? I welcome your comments and dialog. The day closed with a concentration on mission and vision and their definitions in respect to faith assumptions or organizational dynamics. I'll simplify later when I return home. Can you name the vision of LHF? Let me know, I'm interested.

See you along the journey,
Ben

Rev. Ben Bright is the Logistics & Administration Pastor for LHF.

Just Between You, Me, & God 2/5/2012

We are a country of entitlements. We see it everywhere. You deserve a break today, it’s your money, use it when you want it, you deserve the very best, another credit card because you deserve it. I even saw a bag from a donut shop the other day that said “You deserve a donut”. Now I like donuts, but I don’t know that I deserve one. Here’s one that you don’t hear that often, “You deserve Hell!” I think I just heard a lot of disconnects. The fact is that when we take a real look at our lives that’s exactly what we deserve. In Romans 3:10 Paul reminds us from the Old Testament writings, “There is no one righteous, not even one; there is no one who seeks God. All have turned away, they have together become worthless; there is no one who does good, not even one.” Although we like to put ourselves on the same footing as God, we are not even close. He is all mighty and purely righteous. He cannot bare sin nor to be in it’s presence which puts us in only one place after we die and that’s Hell, removed from God. We also know that God is a loving God and that he did not create us in order to abandon us on our own forever. You know what’s coming next, John 3:16 but I’m going to give you a little more to chew on than just that. Read all the way through verse 21. Jesus said, “For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send His Son to condemn the world, but to save the world through Him. Whoever believes in Him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because He has not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son. This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but men loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil. Everyone who does evil hates the light for fear that his deeds will be exposed. But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light, so that it may be seen plainly that what he has done has been done through God.” Like the Febreze commercial, we live our lives blindfolded from what is really around us, living a lie that we are in a better place. Take off your blindfold and embrace the cleansing light of Jesus Christ and then carry your candle into the world so that others may see. God bless, Pastor Dean Hanssen

Pastor Dean Hanssen is the Ministries & Outreach Pastor at LHF.

Review: Cheeburger Cheeburger, Longview, Texas

**In addition to the reflective, inspiring, or instructive posts most frequently seen on this blog, we will be occasionally be posting reviews for family-oriented places and events. We apologize to the audiences that fall outside the purview of such posts.**

As a mom of a child with multiple food allergies, I am constantly on the lookout for “safe” places to eat out with friends and family. I scrutinize online menus, make LOTS of phone calls, and badger unsuspecting servers with dozens of technical questions about ingredients and cooking processes. That being said, I am a VERY loyal customer when we find a place we enjoy and is safe for my little girl.

This week, our family tried Cheeburger Cheeburger in Longview, Texas for the first time. Cheeburger Cheeburger, as you may guess, specializes in cheeseburgers,and offers a LOT for the family dining out. We had a most pleasant dining experience from the moment I made the first phone call.

I spoke with a helpful young lady who gave me every bit of info she had regarding cooking oils, and when she was stumped, promptly sought out help from her manager. The manager was also very helpful, and assured me that while they do use peanut oil for frying their chicken tenders, fries, and onion rings (a BIG “no-no” for the kiddo), their kitchen set up and cooking practices prevent cross-contamination to other foods, such as grilled chicken. THIS was music to my ears. Then, she added, “Just call me when you are coming and we’ll make suret o take extra precautions with your daughter’s food.” SOLD!

The atmosphere of Cheeburger Cheeburger is very family-friendly, with lots of 1950’s memorabilia, piped-in oldies music, and a relaxed, casual air. The manager (who came to our table to check on the food and my daughter) stated that it was a high priority to be a family-friendly restaurant, and they "don't have drunks and such." There were indeed families, as well as businesspeople, singles, and college-age people, all co-habitating in the interest of deliciousness.

And speaking of delicious, boy was it! Hubby got his burger with black olives,guacamole, Swiss, and honey mustard, which he says was a flavorful combination and the ingredients fresh-tasting. I got my burger with cheddar, A-1, tomato, lettuce, and pickles (I’m a bit of a traditionalist with burger toppings), and have to agree, it was very flavorful and the ingredients fresh-tasting. With over 20 toppings available on a 100% Angus or veggie patty, the combination possibilities are numerous. Hubby and I had a combo basket with half-onion rings, half-fries, and both were very tasty (this coming from someone who generally hates onion rings!). The onions were sweet, the fries hand-cut with a little peel still on, and both were fried to a light, crispy texture. Daughter had the kids’ grilled chicken wrap in a wheat tortilla with applesauce, which she demolished. She also took home the paper classic car-shaped carton and it currently rides Barbie around the house.

All three of us had shakes. Hubby had Irish Crème, which was delightful—sweet, creamy (as you would expect), and not too thick to get through the straw. Daughter chose white chocolate, which I was informed was “mmm…delicious!” I went with my personal vice, peanut butter and chocolate, and it was exactly what a Reese’s cup devotee would ask for in a shake; needless to say, not a drop of shake remained in any of the three cups when we left. Again, they offer a large variety of flavors, and they can be combined in over 1 million ways, according to the sign posted.

Cheeburger Cheeburger is actually a chain restaurant, available in many cities across the US. The list of locations, their menu, and other information can be found at their website, www.cheeburger.com, as well as access to their Facebook and Twitter outlets. Their website also touts “Best Burgers in 29 Cities,” and it is not hard to believe at all.

All in all, to say that Cheeburger Cheeburger exceeded our expectations is an understatement. We were incredibly impressed with the atmosphere, service, and taste. Moderately priced (a little less than $10/person), it is definitely a little more expensive than a drive-thru, but decidedly worth it to eat in a place that clearly cares about the needs and desires of today's family. We will certainly be back. ~~ Melissa McGinnis

Melissa McGinnis is the LHF Children's Ministry Director. She likes her family and burgers, and was not paid by Cheeburger Cheeburger to write this review.

Forgiveness

How many of us hold a grudge? This is what God says about grudges:

"And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive them, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins." (Mark 11:25 NIV)

"If you forgive anyone's sins, their sins are forgiven; if you do not forgive them, they are not forgiven." (John 20:23 NIV)

What forgiveness does:

1. It releases the guilt and burden from the other person...and from you.

When we have junk to focus on it make us lose our focus on God. He is where our hearts should be.

2. It acknowledges that we are human...and that the other person is human.

They may never even know that they have hurt you. People are flawed. We are nowhere close to the perfection of Christ. Mistakes and failures remind us that we are sinners; we need Him and his forgiveness more than ever. On the other hand sometimes our anger is not with a man, but with God. Sometimes God's answer is no, and sometimes we don't understand the way God works--this again reminds us we are seeing things through human, fleshly eyes. We don't know the plan or what God sees.

3. It brings peace.

Anger will fester. Hurt will consume you.. But only if you let it. Forgiveness brings you to a place where you can honestly say, "know what God, You are in control and it is okay."

"But to you who are listening I say: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you" (Luke 6:27 NIV)

4. It costs pride.

It is really hard to verbally or nonverbally forgive somebody. It, in some people's eyes, shows weakness to be humbled and meek. But that is what God is asking for. He gave his life for us, took on sin and crimes he didn't commit....how much more humble can you get? And yet, he has the power to speak life into existence...now, Is THAT weeakness?

Blessed are the meek,
for they will inherit the earth. (Matthew 5:5 NIV)

5. It shows love

Even if the other person had no idea they hurt you, you knew and you are able to move on and show that person that hurt or offended you love.

And forgive us our debts,
as we also have forgiven our debtors. (Matthew 6:12 NIV)

So watch yourselves.
"If your brother or sister sins against you, rebuke them; and if they repent, forgive them. Even if they sin against you seven times in a day and seven times come back to you saying 'I repent,' you must forgive them." (Luke 17:3, 4 NIV)

Blessed are the merciful,
for they will be shown mercy. (Matthew 5:7 NIV)

Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. (Romans 12:14 NIV)

Don't get me wrong...forgiveness is not saying the situation never happened or that there wasn't a wrong. It is showing mercy. Mercy, like that the Father so willingly gives to us that we don't deserve. God forgave a man that gave Him away to the enemy...the enemy that would beat him beyond recondition, gamble for his garments, mock him, crown him with thorns, and finally nail him to a cross. Forgiveness isn't earned. It is an act of mercy. It is releasing somebody that doesn't always deserve it.

Jesus said, "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing." And they divided up his clothes by casting lots. (Luke 23:34 NIV)

But Esau ran to meet Jacob and embraced him; he threw his arms around his neck and kissed him. And they wept. (Genesis 33:4 NIV)

Like God, who runs to us when we are lost, so should we show mercy to others. -- Lori Schave

Lori & Andrew Schave are LHF Extreme Youth Directors