Sunday Thoughts

Sunday Thoughts

• This was an incredibly busy week with “Choices” getting started into full swing. “Choices” is a drug and violence reduction program for 4th and 5th graders that I was asked to teach in the public schools.
• I love teaching in the classroom – especially to students who want to learn and listen. This is a breath of fresh air for me. Pastoring a church is so much different – especially when you have adults who don’t listen, fall asleep, don’t care to be there, never change, don’t get your vision, tell you they love you then leave your church when they don’t agree with you, etc. I shouldn’t get started. But at least with 4th and 5th graders – they seem to appreciate the fact that I’m there and they show signs of life while I teach! Of course most of them don’t have a choice on being there – but they do seem to enjoy it – and they even ask me to come back – maybe it’s just the honeymoon stage?:)
• Our attendance is holding steady – we have had new families visit over the past month – but continue to only see about 20 percent return for a second visit. Not great statistics!
• “Practical Atheist” part 3 was today – and I’m loving this study. Part 3 was all about money – the number one competitor for our hearts. Money is huge for the American Christian and the truth is most don’t acknowledge it. As a result, less than 9 percent of churchgoers tithe which leaves the church to fulfill the Lord’s mandate on about one fifth of it’s potential – and that is sad. That’s a lot of ministry left undone – a lot of people not being reached or impacted for Christ.
• I’m thrilled with the two staff members God is allowing me to work with. They aren’t just staff members – they are friends that I love and trust. They get the vision and continue to fight the battle in spite of difficulties.
• Our small group time continues to be one of the highlights of my week. I’m so convinced that small groups – especially “sermon based” small groups work in creating healthy community. The challenge is getting everyone else to see and try it.
• Yesterday, a couple of our good friends left on a cruise vacation for the week – and they asked us to watch their 1 year son – who is about the most adorable little guy you have ever seen! I’m honored this family asked us to watch their son – I’m thrilled to get to spend some time with a “son” in the house – nothing against my girls – it’s just different having a little guy around – and it’s growing on me! More on this later and pictures to come.
• I am looking forward to some possible snow days. I know that may sound bad but we have been running like crazy and busting our tails with work stuff and a day or two of rest would be a blessing. I just hope it doesn’t come in the form of another major ice storm!
• God continues to stretch me each and every day – I’m praying for Him to ruin me – He’s answering.