Grassroots - GHC

That's it - for now!!!!!

2008-11-24T22:02:00.003+11:00

Having returned from Long Service Leave and facing a change of work in TSA I have decided not to continue this blog (for a while). We will see what happens in the new year! I have averaged 46 distinct visits per week (not counting return visits in that week). Not sure if that's good or bad!!!

- Kelvin

On Holidays!

2008-08-29T16:41:00.001+10:00

After 25 years service as a Salvation Army Officer I'm off enjoying my long service leave. Back in 8 weeks!

Growth Principles

2008-08-28T13:34:00.005+10:00

Following are a few of these principles to consider. I do not agree with all of them but they are something to think about.

Growth is not concerned with numbers but with meeting the needs of the People.
Growth occurs when people are given a wide variety of choices.
Growth occurs when people are matched with their skills.
Growth will occur when worship is intentionally emphasized.
Growth will occur with the addition of each new morning service of worship.
Growth is directly related to the leadership strength of the pastor.
When 80 percent of any space is in use, it is time to start making plans for more space.
Growth is encouraged when parking is adequate.
Growth almost always occurs if the congregation provide friendships toward visitors.
Growth can be long-term if a solid foundation is laid.
It takes more effort to implement change than to maintain the status quo or to exercise veto power.

Psalms 18:2 (NLT) 2 The Lord is my rock, my fortress, and my savior; my God is my rock, in whom I find protection. He is my shield, the power that saves me, and my place of safety.

7 Practices - Revisited

2008-08-27T07:05:00.001+10:00

A book that I have consistently being receiving positive feedback on is Andy Stanley's 7 Practices of Effective Ministry. The following resources have been developed to assist those using this book. (It would be great for you to use with your leadership team!)

These resources can be used with a copy of the book.

Psalms 1:1-3 (ICB) Happy is the person who doesn't listen to the wicked. He doesn't go where sinners go.He doesn't do what bad people do. He loves the Lord's teachings. He thinks about those teachings day and night. He is strong, like a tree planted by a river. It produces fruit in season. Its leaves don't die. Everything he does will succeed.

Servant Evangelism

2008-08-20T07:30:00.000+10:00

Servant evangelism projects are designed to "show God's love in practical ways with no strings attached." Steve Sjögren calls them a "conspiracy of kindness" (see Conspiracy of Kindness published by Vine Books, Ann Arbor, Michigan, 1993). Essentially, servant evangelism is accomplished by any activity:

Done in the name of Jesus
Providing a beneficial service to people
For which no financial consideration is expected or accepted (not even donations)

Servant evangelism softens the hearts of persons who are not yet Christians—people who often think the church exists only for itself or that it only wants people's time and money. By doing a "low-risk" activity that shows "high grace," those resistant to the faith may (now or in the future) become more open to the saving message of Jesus Christ.

These are activities in which almost anyone can participate regardless of age (children and youth love to participate) or spiritual maturity. They may be done individually or in small groups. If done in groups, it is helpful not to overwhelm a location with too many participants.

Here is a link to some ideas: http://www.servantevangelism.com/matrix/matrix.htm

Romans 14:19 (MSG) So let's agree to use all our
energy in getting along with each other. Help others with encouraging
words

Corporate Evangelism

2008-08-19T20:55:00.008+10:00

I've read some interesting articles over recent months where suggestions have been made that a method to get people involved in evangelism is to use "corporate evangelism". Which means? Doing evangelism as a group!

My memory goes back to The Salvation Army's open air meetings. Historically they were a tremendous means of group evangelism. The group (perhaps a band) went where the people were, used methods that were effective for the day. However, my memory, is the band standing on the corner, playing tunes, with the "slotted" testimony from a bandsman. What was wrong with that? There were no people in the streets! We played to the houses, spoke to the houses, while the brave went door to door!

A strategy that been suggested to some Corps over recent months is to set goals as to how many disciples a group wants to see made. So, how many disciples does a youth group want to make, the band; community groups etc.

Some will be critical with this suggestion. "Our motives should not be to see disciples made, but to serve the community regardless." I agree that we should offer services to the community that will help reform and bring hope to people - but this does not mean that we cannot be true to our mission as TSA. If we provide excellent community services but are not making disciples, are we being true to our mission?

John 3:16 (NIV)
16 "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.

What are some tips for handling burnout?

2008-08-14T07:28:00.002+10:00

Recognize the symptoms of burnout.
Learn to ask for help.
Be aware of the limitations of your family, your job, and yourself.
Maintain discipline in daily responsibilities and duties.
Take "time out'' during the day.
Diversify responsibilities, put more variety in both your job and your home life.
Take short vacations at least twice a year.
Try to change little things that gnaw at you and accommodate to those you can't change.
Organize your time so you can concentrate on vital tasks.
Admit burnout is a real problem for you; don't try to cover it up.
Distinguish between stressful aspects of your job or home life that you can change, and those you can't change.
If too much time is being taken away from the satisfying aspects of your life by unimportant, trivial duties, establish a set of priorities for yourself. Discuss your priorities with your boss and your family members.
Make a list of the things you hate most on the job or at home. Dispense with or delegate all you can.
Alternate major tasks in which results won't be seen for awhile with those that will have immediate productive and gratifying results.
Reach an awareness of your motivation in dealing with your family or in entering your specific career field.

Matthew 6:33 (MSG)
Steep your life in God-reality, God-initiative, God-provisions. Don't worry about missing out. You'll find all your everyday human concerns will be met.

What are the signs of burnout?

2008-08-13T07:07:00.001+10:00

Ministry is always demanding, so it is important that we look after ourselves. Ask yourself these questions to see if you're experiencing signs and symptoms of burnout:

Do you find yourself being more cynical, critical and sarcastic at work?
Have you lost the ability to experience joy?
Do you drag yourself into work and have trouble getting started once you arrive?
Have you become more irritable and less patient with co-workers, customers or clients?
Do you feel that you face insurmountable barriers at work?
Do you feel that you lack the energy to be consistently productive?
Do you no longer feel satisfaction from your achievements?
Do you have a hard time laughing at yourself?
Are you tired of your co-workers asking if you're OK?
Do you feel disillusioned about your job?
Are you self-medicating — using food, drugs — to feel better or to simply not feel?
Have your sleep habits or appetite changed?

If you have found yourself answering "yes" to any of these questions then you need to talk to someone who you can debrief with, (eg your coach or mentor) and get their viewpoint - and then put into action some preventive steps. (More next blog).

1 Peter 5:6-7 (NIV)
Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.

1 Peter 5:6-7 (Message)
So be content with who you are, and don't put on airs. God's strong hand is on you; he'll promote you at the right time. Live carefree before God; he is most
careful with you.

First Impressions

2008-08-07T07:10:00.001+10:00

Creating Wow Experiences in Your Church

Before the first song is sung or the message is presented, people in your church have begun to make decisions about their return visit. First impressions really matter. From the children's classes to the friendliness of your greeters, new guests are evaluating their experience with your church. Within the first ten minutes they will be either impressed or disappointed. That impression or disappointment either helps them see Jesus or distracts their view of Him.

In First Impressions, Mark Waltz offers a practical we can do that book for churches of all size. Whether you're just launching a ministry to your weekend guests or you want to add WOW to what you're already doing, you'll find clear examples, do-able exercises and creative suggestions that will not only impress your guests, but point them to Jesus. People matter to God. They matter to your church. Here's your next step in developing teams of people to communicate that message more clearly. (More Information)

2 Corinthians 6:3 (NIV) We put no stumbling block in anyone's path, so that our ministry will not be discredited.

Personal Mission Statements

2008-08-06T07:04:00.001+10:00

Mission Statements! After many years as a Corps Officer (minister) in TSA I have to confess, I'm not sure they are worth all the effort. As I visit many of our Corps in my role, I see mission statements on banners and wall plaques, but these do not translate into action and meaning!

The mission of The Salvation Army (AST) is Transforming Lives, Caring for People, Making Disciples and Reforming Society. We need to understand and engage in our mission - rather than write mission statements!

However, I have discovered that there is an advantage in having a personal mission statement. Tom Bandy suggests there are three key questions that we can ask ourselves when it comes to our own mission statement...

Who do we serve?
What do we model?
Where will we lead?

I always keep a personal mission statement in front off me. It helps to keep me accountable; remind me what I am on about (particularly when there is pressure to conform).

Mark 12:30 (NIV) Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.'

How to Spend a Day Alone

2008-08-04T07:14:00.000+10:00

Changes in lifestyle is something that no one escapes from. It may be a change in job (if you are an officer a change of appointment); a change in family circumstances. It wont take you long to think about something! One of the downsides of change for Christians is getting our devotional time with God write again. That time we had set aside - just is not there anymore.

The following article by John Ortberg reminded me that "a day alone with God" is something that I used to do. My goal was to have 10 a year. When it was happening, it worked well and I felt the benefits and always encouraged others in my team to do the same.

I would encourage you to consider it!

Matthew 6:6 (NIV) But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.

2008 Corps Mission Conference Concludes

2008-08-01T07:06:00.002+10:00

The 2008 Corps Mission Conference has concluded with over 120 officer delegates being refreshed in spirit and knowledge. There is always energy when people committed to the growth of the Church come together. The conference commenced on Monday morning and concluded late today.

Advancing The Frontline Delegates

Growing Healthy Corps Delegates

Acts 5:21 (NIV) 21 At daybreak they entered the temple courts, as they had been told, and began to teach the people.

2008 Corps Mission Conference

2008-07-29T07:00:00.000+10:00

Winsome and I are sharing with 120 officers this week at the Geelong Conference Centre. Paul Borden is the guest speaker. Check out "A Word About Paul Borden".

As you can imagine with 120 officers present it is a time of great fellowship and learning. Yesterday we have spent some time on the Life Cycle of the Church.

1 Corinthians 1:9 (NIV) God, who has called you into fellowship with his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, is faithful

Why They Don't Come Back - 3 of 3

2008-07-28T22:52:00.006+10:00

Rick Warren suggests these are five important questions that will be asked by newcomers considering belonging to a church....

How do we help people to respond in a positive manner?

1. Do I fit here?
This is a question of acceptance. This question is best answered by establishing affinity groups within your church so that people with similar ages, interests, problems, or backgrounds can find and relate to each other. Everyone needs a niche, and small groups play a crucial role in meeting this need. You must show people that you have a place for them.

2. Does anyone want to know me?
This is the question of friendship. You can answer this question by creating opportunities for people to develop relationships within your congregation. There is an unlimited number of ways you can do this, but it takes planning. Remember, people are not looking for a friendly church as much as they are looking for friends. People deserve individual attention.

3. Am I needed?
This is the question of value. People want to make contribution with their lives. They want their lives to count. They want to feel that they matter. When you can show people that they can make a difference with their gifts and talents by joining your church, they will want to be involved. Position your church as a creative place that needs the expression of all sorts of talents and abilities, not just singers, ushers, and Sunday school teachers.

4. What is the advantage of joining?
This is the question of benefit. You must be able to clearly and concisely explain the reasons and benefits of membership. Explain the biblical, practical, and personal reasons for membership.

5. What is required of members?
This is the question of expectations. You must be able to explain the responsibilities of membership as clearly as you state the benefits of it. People have a right to know what is expected of them before they join.

For more information check out Rick Warren's full article.

Matthew 5:47 (NIV)
And if you greet only your brothers, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that?

Why They Don't Come Back - 2 of 3

2008-07-23T07:00:00.002+10:00

Here is another interesting thought and strategy for keeping newcomers... (Source unknown)

After Service Hosts
"Visitors who have enjoyed the service can still decide not come back unless there is some meaningful contact within the first 10 minutes following the service. For this reason, we created an "after service host" program. We broke our sanctuary down into sections. Then we assigned people in our congregation to those sections. During the service, they looked around their section for people that they did not know or had not met. Once the service was over, they bee lined to those people and made sure to meet them and get to know them a little. This was very effective and made visitors feel at ease. The beginning of service nerves were gone and they were more comfortable speaking to people.

It was important for our after service hosts to not only say hello and introduce themselves, but also to strike up a conversation and get to know the visitor a little. I encourage every church not only to focus on visitors when they walk in the door, but also to really focus on getting to know them after the service. This will help church growth. This is when you can show the friendliness of a church body."

Matthew 5:46 (MSG) If all you do is love the lovable, do you expect a bonus? Anybody can do that.

Why They Don’t Come Back - 1 of 3

2008-07-22T07:00:00.003+10:00

The retention of newcomers is always a matter for discussion. How do we keep people that come to visit our local congregation? Here are a few suggestions from Calvin Ratz...

Large family networks. These networks have their own social gatherings in which outsiders aren’t included. Such networks can be deadly to assimilating newcomers. Tactfully alert some in these families to the potential problems, challenging them to include outsiders in some of their social gatherings.

Existing friendships. The fellowship of existing friendships can sometimes be difficult to crack. If the energy of the congregation is given to caring for existing members rather than identifying the needs of newcomers, love becomes ingrown.

Facilities. The design of church buildings, especially poor layout of the foyer and other entrances, can be an obstacle to a newcomer’s welcome. However, facilities can communicate warmth and friendliness. A small congregation in a large, old building can remove the pews, place padded chairs in a cozy arrangement, and bring the platform closer. Some visitors see a crowded service as a good sign, while others see it as an indication there’s no room for them and they aren’t needed.

A church’s history. People seeking help don’t go to a church because it belongs to a historic denomination. People return for a second visit because they experienced God’s presence and the acceptance of God’s people.

Special events. People attracted to a church by special events likely will stick only if the kind of ministry that first attracted them is sustained.

Philosophy of ministry. If our church life is generated from the platform on Sunday, integration means getting as many people into the sanctuary as possible. If the church emphasizes interaction among members and shared ministry, integration means providing ways for people to build friendships and to become involved in service.

A reputation of tension. A torn church cannot weave in new members. The answer is an emphasis on forgiveness and reconciliation.

Confusing service styles. Much of what we do in our services, though familiar to members, is intimidating to visitors. If they didn’t bring a Bible, print the Scripture passage in the bulletin. Offerings may make visitors suspect the church only wants their money. Announce that visitors are not obligated to give, but explain, “This is one way the people of our congregation express their worship to God.”

Class and cultural distinctions. Some churches try to be all things to all people, but usually one social culture dominates. Sensitize insiders, gently and consistently, to the need to make everyone welcome, while recognizing that a church’s growth likely will reflect its cultural and social composition.

Poor attitudes. Church power brokers, fearing a threat to their power base, may resist newcomers. Existing members can resent the financial cost of providing resources to care for the needs of newcomers. Sensitize the congregation by including newcomers on church committees. Their contributions can be a refreshing reminder to old-timers that newcomers think differently and must be taken into consideration.

—CALVIN RATZ

Matthew 5:47 (MSG) If you simply say hello to those who greet you, do you expect a medal? Any run-of-the-mill sinner does that.

Rules for Newcomers!

2008-07-16T21:42:00.010+10:00

Here are some interesting "rules" that have been proven to be accurate over time....

1 in 9 rule

Newcomers will decide in the first minutes whether they will return or not. (This commences from the time they leave their car!)

5 in 6 rule

If newcomers attending a church have not found 5 or 6 meaningful friendships with a month - they will most likely leave.

50 to 80 rule

If the main worship hall is under 50% full - it will appear empty and newcomers will feel threatened when they walk in. (So remove some chairs!).

If the main worship hall is 80% full - then it will appear full and people will have trouble finding seats. Newcomers do not want to search for seats.

Psalms 47:6 (MSG)
Sing songs to God, sing out! Sing to our King, sing praise!

Principles of Healthy Church Growth

2008-07-15T21:19:00.011+10:00

Here are some interesting statements on Healthy Church Growth (source unknown). I don't agree with them all - but they make for interesting discussion and thinking....

The growth of a local church is the natural byproduct of its spiritual health (intimate relationship to God).

The church belongs to Christ, not to us. He has a unique growth plan and purpose for each local church that makes up His body. Christ, not man, makes the local church grow.

Some churches are redwood trees, others are bushes; some are flowers, others are grass. But ALL of the plants in God's forest have strong roots.

Christ is interested in Kingdom growth (converted souls), not man-made growth based on the "3 Ms": materialism, marketing, and management.

Christ is interested in the right motives for church growth: love for sinners; a sacrificing lifestyle that is salt and light to the world; dependence on God (humility).

Man's motives for church growth are: the "3Bs": (budgets, baptisms, and buildings); empire-building pride (like the Tower of Babel); staff career-climbing; and guilt. Christ vomits man-made growth out of His mouth. (Rev. 3:18)

Man-made church growth causes church cancers: congregational politics; materialism; competition between churches; cultural (undiscipled) Christianity; congregational homogeneity; performance-oriented staff (the "CEO" pastor).

Growing churches are thus not necessarily healthy churches.

Christ calls us to labor in a number of overlooked fertile harvest fields: growth in corporate prayer and patience; growth in heartfelt, genuine worship (instead of routine rituals for God); growth in the percentage of members who do the work of the church; growth in congregational diversity (ethnic diversity, as well as a mixture of new Christians and mature Christians); growth in member discipleship and empowerment; growth in ministry partnerships with other Christian organizations outside your local church.

What are your views?

John 15:1-4 (NIV) 1 "I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. 2 He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful. 3 You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. 4 Remain in me, and I will remain in you. No ranch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.

Recreation...

2008-06-30T19:54:00.000+10:00

What a great word and that's what I'm on... Two weeks of holidays!

Boundless Salvation

2008-06-30T10:13:00.000+10:00

Tonight The Salvation Army Australia Southern Territory celebrates the release of the Boundless Salvation DVD Series. This 4 part series has been in production for 3 years. The 4 DVD's examine the Salvation Army's

History
Theology
Culture & Worship
Mission

A web page is being established at www.salvationarmy.org.au/boundless that we will provide ordering details and more information about the series.

Boundless Salvation will be a great forum to discuss the theological origins of The Salvation Army and how these origins translate to mission in The Salvation Army today.

Luke 4:18-19 (NLT) 18 “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, for he has anointed me to bring Good News to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim that captives will be released, that the blind will see, that the oppressed will be set free, 19 and that the time of the Lord’s favor has come.”

Questions on Vision: 2 of 2

2008-06-27T20:31:00.000+10:00

So a demanding vision can actually be energizing?
Absolutely. In the church, sometimes we'll call up somebody in mid-August and say, “Sorry we're late, but we wonder if you would like to teach the eighth-grade Sunday school class starting right after Labor Day? It doesn't take much preparation. It's not a lot of hard work. You can do it. We know you can.” That's no way to get anybody to reach his or her potential. It's wrong to offer people easy work. Few things in life are more insulting than to be offered an easy job.

How do you help people not to resist vision or fear its challenges?
In most other organizations, people feel they have more to gain by following a visionary leader. But in a church, people seem to think vision will make things harder. Church leaders need a critical mass of people to become advocates. I think there's a simple two-step path to that. First, everybody has to understand what the vision is. Second, they need to accept it. At that second step, we can fall into a trap: we think we need to have agreement for the vision. We don't. What we need is acceptance. We adults do many things we don't agree with but do accept. Leaders need to recognize that.

When making your vision understood, how much of the fine print do you let people read?
You start by taking everyone seriously. Treat people as adults. I'd say, “We can't have a great vision unless there are risks. Here is a vision that's going to be hard work. It's going to cost us something. It's going to take some time. We're going to make mistakes.” Also, develop candid ways of discussing progress. That's one of the key jobs of the leader. The challenge is that the most important aspects of ministry may be the hardest to measure in terms of their effectiveness—for example, how people integrate their lives with their Christian faith.

After you measure progress, then what?
Acknowledge the sacrifice and achievement. After you evaluate, celebrate what's been done. In a healthy organization, you're celebrating all the time—both officially and unofficially.

Genesis 46:2 (NLT) 2 During the night God spoke to him in a vision. “Jacob! Jacob!” he called. “Here I am,” Jacob replied.

Questions on Vision: 1 of 2

2008-06-24T20:21:00.007+10:00

In this interview, church leader Max De Pree, chairman of the board of Herman Miller, Inc., and author of Leadership Is an Art and Leadership Jazz, reflects on what vision can—and can't—accomplish within the church.

What are some myths about vision?
Max De Pree: That vision makes it possible to do anything. Believing such things can lead to serious consequences. One immediate consequence is feeling frustrated when you can't achieve your dream. You don't have the talent, the budget, or the time to do everything.

How should churches think about who they are and what they want to be?
You could invite three or four people for coffee and dessert and say, “I've got this thing on my mind. Give me some help. I want to run the risk of saying some foolish things, but give me your reactions.” One of the great failures of leadership is the inability to ask for advice. Many people know a great deal, but we have to ask them to tell us what they know.

Can too much vision tire a church out?
When a church is worn out, it may be that it's not being renewed. When people work in second gear all the time, never getting into overdrive, doing a lot of piddly stuff year in and year out, they get tired. But usually we're not worn out by tackling meaningful challenges. As a matter of fact, a leader ought to give high-performing people tougher challenges. Keep stretching them toward their potential. What makes us weary is a lack of renewal that comes from the satisfaction of work well done and well rewarded, followed by new challenges.

Genesis 15:1 (NLT) 1 Some time later, the Lord spoke to Abram in a vision and said to him, “Do not be afraid, Abram, for I will protect you, and your reward will be great.”

Consultations

2008-06-20T20:45:00.004+10:00

Over the past few weeks it has been a busy time conducting consultations at the following Corps:

Maryborough
Norwood.

This weekend we are at Ballarat Corps and Community Centre.

The consultations allow Corps to have a "land in the sand" event that enables them to move into the future. For more information, check out the following links:

Snapshot of Australia in 2020

2008-06-12T10:33:00.006+10:00

Social demographer and researcher Mark McCrindle has looked into the future and provided a snapshot of what Australia could be like in the year 2020. His research was formally presented in April this year at the Future Forum, a one-day analysis of the global, social, technological, environmental and economic trends affecting Australia.

Some of his findings are listed below.
By 2020:

There will be more sixty-five year olds than one year olds.
There will be as many people aged between sixty and seventy as there are aged between ten and twenty.
The "population pyramid" will be inverted by 2020.
There will be more people aged fifty (338,081) than any other age.
Life expectancy at birth will exceed eighty-four years and more than one in five people will be aged over sixty.
The median age will be forty years of age. Currently it is thirty-seven years and back in 1980, it was only twenty-nine years of age.
The average job tenure will only be about three years and one in three workers will be employed on a casual basis.
Energy consumption will have increased by one third and based on current technologies greenhouse gas emissions will be twenty per cent higher than today.
One in three girls finishing year twelve that year, will not go on to have children.
Forty per cent of today's managers in family and small businesses will have reached retirement age.

McCrindle says,"We are headed towards the biggest leadership succession ever"

For more information go to www.futureforum.com.au

Psalms 145:9 (NLT)
The Lord is good to everyone. He showers compassion on all his creation.

12 Benefits of Vision

2008-06-10T21:46:00.009+10:00

Here are 12 benefits that George Barna suggests are a result of a good vision for your Corps/Church:

1. Big Dreams
2. Continuity
3. Direction & Purpose
4. Increased Interest and Commitment
5. Acceptable Change
6. Filter for Opportunities
7. Openness
8. Encouragement
9. Confidence
10. Loyalty
11. Efficiency
12. Productivity

Acts 8:5,6 (MSG)
5 Going down to a Samaritan city, Philip proclaimed the Message of the Messiah. When the people heard what he had to say and saw the miracles, the clear signs of God's action, they hung on his every word.