Out in the Sticks

Wordle of State of the Union Address 2012

2012-01-24T21:16:00.001-07:00

Bible in 90 Days :: Day 12 SOAP reflection

2011-10-07T14:50:00.001-06:00

The Bible in 90 Days reading for Friday, October 7 is Numbers 21:8 - Numbers 32:19.

Daily SOAP devotional:

Scripture: Numbers 22:38 -

"Well, I have come to you now," Balaam replied. "But I can't say whatever I please. I must speak only what God puts in my mouth."

Observation

: The entire reading for today contains some of the strangest stories in the Bible. The verse that spoke to me most comes from the crazy story of Balaam. Not sure what to make of the Balaam story without a bit more study.

Application: The words, "I must speak on ly what God puts in my mouth" spoke to me as a pastor. Every week I preach and try to have something worthwhile to say. I seek to speak God's word to the good people of Wray. I desire to speak only the words God would have me speak.

Prayer: Father, help me guard my tongue and be wise with my words. Do not allow my words to be swayed by pressure from others or inappropriately influenced by the culture. Let me speak your words. Amen.

Bible in 90 Days :: Day 11 SOAP reflection

2011-10-06T18:04:00.001-06:00

The Bible in 90 Days reading for Thursday, October 6 is Numbers 8:15 - Numbers 21:7.

Scripture: Exodus 14:35 -

I, the Lord, have spoken, and I will surely do these things to this whole wicked community, which has banded together against me. They will meet their end in this wilderness; here they will die."

Observation: It is amazing that the Israelites would "band together" against God especially after all they have seen God do. Our fears are so powerful and can stop God's plans in their tracks. I fear that I and others could band together against what God desires to do here in Wray, in our community, in our church because we are afraid to do what God is asking us to do.

Application: Do not fear to do what God has called you to! Do we fear people or failure more then God? If we do, could we be "banding together" against God just as the Israelltes did and delaying or even missing God's current plan for our lives and our church? May it never be! May we be a people and a church that dreams outrageous dreams for God!

Prayer: Dear Lord, give me passion for your name! Keep me from fearing people or failure. Let me fear you alone and in so doing do what you have called me to. Allow our church to join you in your work rather then being banded together against you. Amen.

Bible in 90 Days :: Day 9 SOAP reflection

2011-10-04T14:35:00.001-06:00

The Bible in 90 Days reading for Tuesday is Leviticus 14:33 - Leviticus 26:26.

Daily SOAP devotional:

Scripture: Leviticus 18:5 -

Keep my decrees and laws, for the person who obeys them will live by them. I am the Lord.

Observation:

Here in this passage, God continues to give the religious laws to the Israelites and the Israelites are instructed to keep the law. To obey the laws means to live by them. This obviously means that the law functions as a guide for their lives by which they live. But I also believe it means that those who keep the law will also live; they will have life because they live by the law.

Application: Our society is antinomian. For the most part we don't like laws and decrees. We resent being told what to do. But here God says that if we wish to obey him, we will live by his laws and if we live by his laws we will have life. This idea, that living our lives according to God's laws is the best way to live, is difficult for most modern day Americans to understand.

Prayer: Father, hep me to keep your laws and decrees. Empower me to obey you and to live. Let me never believe the lies of this world, that to live however I please is best. Remind me always that following your laws is the best way to live and that it is the only way that brings true life. Amen.

After the sermon :: God's Big Picture part 2

2011-10-02T23:36:00.001-06:00

Two weeks ago we began our current series God's Big Picture. So far we've seen that the Bible is one book about one person (Jesus) about one thing (God's kingdom). Yesterday we looked at Genesis 1:1 and Genesis 1:26-27. Here we saw the pattern of the kingdom. God's kingdom is God's people in God's place under God's rule and blessing. In Genesis 1:1 we see that God's people are Adam and Eve, God's place is the garden, and God's rule and blessing is rest (perfect relationships - God and human beings, man and woman, humans and creation).

If you haven't heard yesterday's sermon check it out here.

Hopefully you are all participating in the Bible reading program. The Bible in 90 Days reading plan is available here and the e100 reading plan is available here.

If you'd like to use YouVersion, an online Bible, register for an account and use the reading plans: Bible in 90 Days or e100 plan.

If you create an account at Bible in 90 Days, you can login each week and listen to weekly audio lessons about your reading. The lessons are great and well worth your time! Check out week 2 here after you create an account.

Finally as you read, how should you respond? Let me suggest the S.O.A.P. method. Here's how it works:

Read the passage and find the one thing you believe God is telling you that day. Then journal about it using the acrostic SOAP as a guide.

S: Scripture-Write the ONE scripture that you feel God is using to speak to you in today’s reading

O: Observation-What might He be telling you with that scripture?

A: Application-How can you apply it to your life?

P: Prayer-What is your prayer to ask God in helping you to make that application?

If you use YouVersion, be sure to follow Steve's progress and comments on his Bible reading and you'll see how he uses the SOAP method. You can also follow his thoughts at stevewynkoop.net.

The overall goal is to encourage you to read the Bible daily. So start today! Take up and read!

And be sure to join us Sunday for part 3 of God's Big Picture.

Bible in 90 Days :: Day 5 SOAP reflection

2011-09-30T13:19:00.001-06:00

The Bible in 90 Days reading for Friday is Exodus 1:1 - Exodus 15:18.

Daily SOAP devotional:

Scripture: Exodus 1:17 -

The midwives, however, feared God and did not do what the king of Egypt had told them to do; they let the boys live.

Observation: In this passage we read that

Pharaoh

wants the Hebrew midwives to kill the Hebrew male babies. But the women refuse. Why? Because they fear Go more then they fear Pharaoh. Why is it that we often fear people more then God?

Application: In my work as a pastor, it is sometimes tempting to fear a person more than God. Sometimes this causes me to not say something that needs to be said or not do something that needs to be done. I need to fear God above all other fears.

Prayer: Father, forgive me for fearing people more than you. Forgive me for trying to please others rather then you. Help me to fear you above all things and to follow you no matter the cost. Amen.

Bible in 90 Days :: Day 4 SOAP reflection

2011-09-29T11:12:00.001-06:00

The Bible in 90 Days reading for Thursday is Genesis 40:12 - Genesis 50:26.

Daily SOAP devotional:

Scripture: Genesis 50:20 -

You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.

Observation: A couple times in today's reading, we see that Joseph despite all of the pain and hardships in his life is able to see that God's hand has been upon him and that God has work his plan and purposes for Joseph and the world

in spite

of evil plans and horrible circumstances.

Application: We must trust that God is always at work. Even when Joseph was in prison for 2 years, God was at work. There are many times it will feel like God has forgotten us or abandoned us. But he hasn't and he is working.

Prayer: Father, thank you that you are always at work in our lives, in my life. Help me to always trust you especially when it is difficult to see what you might be up to. Amen.

Bible in 90 Days :: Day 3 SOAP reflection

2011-09-28T09:00:00.001-06:00

The Bible in 90 Days reading for Wednesday is Genesis 28:20 - Genesis 40:11.

Daily SOAP devotional:

Scripture: Genesis 39:23 -

The warden paid no attention to anything under Joseph's care, because the Lord was with Joseph and gave him success in whatever he did.

Observation

: Several times in this chapter we read that the Lord was with Joseph and granted him success and favor. No matter the circumstances, God is working in Joseph's life to accomplish what he intends.

Application: Any success or favor I have is from the Lord and not from me. Why does God grant me success and favor? So that He can accomplish what he desires. God will share his grace but not his glory.

Prayer: Father, thank you for the successes you have given me throughout my life. Thank you for the favor you have given me and my family with so many people throughout our lives. May you receive the glory for all that is accomplished through my life. May I never seek glory for myself. May you be the recipient of all fame and glory through my life. Amen.

Bible in 90 Days :: Day 2 SOAP reflection

2011-09-27T10:58:00.001-06:00

The Bible in 90 Days reading for Tuesday is Genesis 17:1 - Genesis 28:19.

Daily SOAP devotional:

Scripture: Genesis 28:16 -

"When Jacob awoke from his sleep, he thought, 'Surely theLord is in this place, and I was not aware of it.'"

Observation

: God is omnipresent but we all have an amazing ability to block him out and not be aware of God's presence. The most obvious times that we do this are when we sin.

Application: Am I aware of God's presence in my life? Am I aware that no matter what it may feel like, he is with me and watching me? I want to be continually aware of God's presence. To accomplish this I must practice the presence of God each moment of the day.

Prayer: Father, help me to always be aware of your presence. Forgive me when I am not, especially when I intentionally neglect you so I might have may way rather then yours. Holy Spirit, gently remind me when I do space you out. Amen.

Newsletter article 10-2011

2011-09-26T17:56:00.001-06:00

Driving into Loveland, Marnie and I observed a field of potatoes being harvested by hand. It wasn’t a very large field, but it was impressive how many people were needed. Of course most farming today is done by machine but in Jesus’ day, a field full of laborers was a common sight. Several times in the gospels, Jesus says, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few.”

Finding Christians who are willing to serve is an age old challenge in the church. But if we are to reach our town for Jesus Christ we need you to get in the game.

First, we need you to get in the game regardless of age. Moses led Israel when he was 80 years old. Timothy was ia young pastor in Ephesus. It doesn’t matter your age, get in the game.

Second, get in the game whether you think you’re going to win or lose. You are called to sow the seed and not worry about the results. God’s power is with you and you don’t know what God might do through you.

Third, get in the game whether you feel like it or not. Perhaps you don’t feel like helping out around the church. I understand that. But Christ is watching. He still looks at a plentiful harvest and says, the laborers are few. So get in the game and help us lead people into a growing relationship with Jesus Christ.

Bible in 90 Days :: SOAP reflection

2011-09-26T13:02:00.001-06:00

The Bible in 90 Days reading for Monday is Genesis 1:1 - Genesis 16:16.

Daily SOAP devotional:

Scripture: Genesis 5:24 - "Enoch walked faithfully with God; then he was no more, because God took him away."

Observation: In this genealogy we read the recurring phrase "...and he died" except with this man Enoch. It is a glimmer of hope in this passage. Those who walk faithfully with God will live. They will have life here and life eternal with God. The fall is not irreversible. God is at work.

Application: Am I walking with God? Do I walk with him daily? What does it even look like to walk with God? In the Scriptures, the word walk is used in this way to describe our "way of life" the way we do things. So if I am walking with God, God influences the way I do things, the way I live my life. And walking with God will lead to life.

Prayer: Father, help me to walk with you each and every day, each and every moment of every day. Help me to practice your presence, to stop and remind myself that you are present with me. Keep me from foolish choices, selfish decisions, and unwise use of my time. If ever I neglect you, Holy Spirit, nudge me to be mindful of you. Let your word guide my life and my decisions always. Amen.

Newsletter article 9-2011

2011-09-02T09:10:00.001-06:00

A few weeks ago, Marnie and I attended the Leadership Summit put on by the Willow Creek Church Association. We experienced challenging messages and a renewed vigor for the ministry here in Wray. Each year I have attended the Summit, God usually has a theme he wants to impress upon me. This year it was “Action trumps everything.”

Our church is at a crossroads. More people in town consider First Christian Church their church home then we have room for. As I’ve mentioned before, the elders are in a season of prayer seeking to learn what God’s will for us. I believe that God has impressed upon my heart that we need to come up with a plan of action now.

Why?

1. If we act, we will find out what works. This is a huge reason behind our plan to hold our Easter morning service at Kitzmiller next spring.

2. As we act, we can find people to go along with us. I believe that people will get excited about the future of our church as we act. and folks who aren’t here yet will come play a part.

3. If we act, we won’t spend the rest of our lives saying, “I wonder what would have happened if...” I don’t want to be at the end of my days wondering if we did all we were called to do!

Please join the leadership of FCC in this season of prayer and in this great adventure of leading people into a growing relationship with Jesus!

Why is FCC Wray growing part 2

2011-07-27T12:06:00.001-06:00

Two days ago, I wrote the first part of this series on why I believe our church in Wray is growing. I failed in that post to mention one of the most basic reasons, partly because it's so obvious to me. Our church in Wray is growing because God is making it grow. God is always about growing his kingdom, expanding his rule and reign in the hearts of men and women. This is his desire for every church. Now to some specifics that is making this possible here in Wray.

Last post I said that calling plays a large role in our church's growth. Today I want to consider another large factor in the growth of our church. Again, it largely concerns me as the pastor. I do not wish to put myself on a pedestal. These factors must all be taken together and no single one is responsible for our church's growth. For instance, there are many pastors who are faithful in their calling to small churches yet their church isn't growing. Faithfulness in a call doesn't by itself lead to growth.

Longevity

My family arrived in Wray in November 2002. I was called to pastor two churches in a yoke arrangement. Each church had it's own building, it's own board, it's own form of government, and they worshipped separately. This arrangement felt rather silly to me as either sanctuary was large enough to house all the attenders from each church at once. From my past experience in large churches, I believed that we could grow each church so that eventually each church would be large enough to support it's own pastor.

I faithfully served these two churches from November 2002 to Easter 2007. The vote by the First Christian Church in August 2006 to leave the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) denomination over doctrinal issues, led to me losing my ordination in the denomination and my standing in the PCUSA. This ultimately led to the dissolution of the yoke agreement between the two churches. At that time, First Christian Church issued a full-time call to me which continues to this day.

All told, I am currently in my 8th year of ministry in Wray, Colorado and my 4th year of full-time ministry at First Christian Church. Early on in my pastorate here, I read several books that indicated that long-term pastorates are the most effective. I whole heartily agree. I believe that much of my effectiveness as a pastor and the growth First Christian Church has experienced is due to the longevity of my pastorate.

Obviously calling plays a huge role in how long a pastor serves a particular congregation. But as I mentioned in my last post, sometimes pastors move on to a different church for the wrong reasons. Sometimes pastors move on because of selfish ambition, other times because of interpersonal conflict, and often because of the "grass is greener" syndrome.

I wrestled through all of these reasons to move on. During the yoke years here in Wray, I wanted to move on. Sometimes, it was because of my own selfish ambition, my ego. I wanted to pastor something bigger and better. I felt this especially when I talked to many of my pastoral colleagues in Denver and fellow students from seminary. The size of my church reflected on me and my abilities and leadership. At least that was the message everyone was communicating to me.

Sometimes, I wanted to move on because of interpersonal conflict. This conflict in a small town was something very new to me. In the city, if someone left the church upset about something, you would never see them again. But not in a town of 2,000! Here you would see them at the grocery store and bank, at community gathers and weddings and funerals. Talk about awkward! Some of these conflicts really hurt and I wanted to leave.

My ego and these conflicts fed the notion that the grass was greener somewhere else. This played itself out in a call I received to pastor a church in Greeley, Colorado. The church had a nice big building, was in a college town, and with some hard work could turn the corner and become a bigger, better church. I was still in the yoke pastorate and I kept telling my wife, if all things are equal, we need to take this position. Long story short, I accepted the offer to pastor this church but in the end withdrew from consideration. Why? Because the church wasn't able to pay me enough to live in Greeley.

This led to us staying in Wray, where we eventually saw the end of the yoke relationship between the churches and the exciting growth at First Christian Church. Longevity in this small community has allowed me to develop relationships with many people inside and outside of the church. I love the people in this community. Many of my friends in this community do not attend our church or any church for that matter.

My circle of influence with folks in the church and outside the church is why I love ministry in a small town context. In previous ministry contexts, I never enjoyed this amount of influence. Make no mistake, my influence as a pastor in this community is largely dependent upon my longevity. And my longevity in this community is in spite of me.

Why is FCC Wray growing?

2011-07-25T17:22:00.001-06:00

About every month, I meet with my mentor in Denver, Colorado. I make the 3 hour drive to share a couple of hours with Larry Renoe over lunch. Larry ministers at Waterstone Community Church in Littleton, Colorado. We served together at Waterstone years ago. Several months ago, Larry challenged me to write an article on the growth of our church here in Wray, Colorado. This is my attempt to put together some of my thoughts.

Wray is a small farming community near the Nebraska/Kansas border. Our biggest exports are beef, corn, natural gas, and kids. I've served at First Christian Church for 8 1/2 years and we have seen steady growth over the last 3 to 4 years. Many young families are attending our church. Our nursery is full of kids. We have some great challenges with our recent growth.

First Christian Church used to be part of the Disciples of Christ denomination but due to the continued liberal theology of the DOC we voted to leave 4 years ago or so. Our church is well over one hundred years old. A year and a half ago, we removed the pews in the church and replaced them with chairs. We also turned the sanctuary's orientation in order to increase our seating capacity. Both of these decisions have led to growth. But I'm not much of a how to kind of guy. I'm too random/abstract for that. So as I've wrestled with why our church is growing, I've come up with a few ideas. Very few of them are technique or programmatic. In fact, the one I'm thinking through today couldn't be less about technique or program.

Calling

I grew up at Cherry Hills Community Church in Highlands Ranch, Colorado. I'm a megachurch product. When I entered seminary my plan was to become a professor of Old Testament. After the birth of our first 2 children, it became evident that a PhD program wasn't the best plan at the time. So I began searching for my first pastorate. For over a year, I worked at Domino's Pizza at night and during the day worked construction. Nothing was happening on the ministry job front. Even though I had many years of ministry experience at several large churches as a youth pastor, finding a call as a pastor proved challenging.

In October of 2002, I finally received a call to pastor FCC here in Wray. My wife and I and our three kids loaded our belongings on a refrigerated Penske truck and made the move from Denver to Wray on November 1. I still remember the excitement but also the nerves of starting as a new young, rookie, solo pastor. At that point, I didn't know how long we would be in town but I did know that I could start gaining some valuable experience. Experience seemed to be standing in the way between me and the large churches I wanted to pastor.

Sounds a bit like a stepping stone mentality doesn't it? It most definitely was. My plan was to graduate from seminary, slip into a teaching pastor position at a large church and perhaps eventually become the senior pastor. But I was many miles from that plan. Instead I was THE pastor.

I struggled with this call for many years due in part to the fact that I was pastoring two small churches whose average attendance barely added up to one hundred. My expectations of myself and my church weren't being met. I also struggled mightily with my call every year at the Global Leadership Summit. Don't misunderstand me, I love the Leadership Summit and attend every year back at the church I grew up at Cherry Hills Community Church. But reading the bios of the speakers...so and so grew his church from 15 folks to over 5,000 in 5 years...hearing messages challenging me to leverage my talents for the biggest impact. I couldn't help but wonder if I was in the right place. Here I was, former youth pastor for 3 large churches in the Denver area, serving in a farming community of just over 2,000 residents in a county of 10,000. I was out in the sticks. My calling felt so small and insignificant. When was I stepping off this stone to the next?

A closer look at my struggle led me to realize that pride was a big part of my problem. My ego drove me to see my work in Wray as insignificant and small. Comparing myself with the "successful pastors" and ministries I had grown up in and cut my ministry teeth on was destroying me. Could I be happy where God had me? Could I be content? Could I even lead the church here to do something significant? Maybe even grow?

I believe that resolving the calling issue finally opened up our church for the possibility of growth. I believe Wray is where God wants me to be. I'm content in my call as long as I keep my ego in check. I'm satisfied with what I'm doing. When God and I got on the same page, things started happening.

In the coming days, I hope to write a bit more about why FCC in Wray is growing. For now, let me ask a question: Are you doing what God has called you to do? Are you where God wants you to be?

N. T. Wright Interview: Bible Study, Original Languages, Favorite Books, and More | Logos Talk: The Logos Bible Software Blog

2011-05-13T10:45:00.001-06:00

via blog.logos.com

Here's a great video from one of my favorite theologians. Especially love his comments concerning original languages.

All My Fountains

2011-03-24T09:17:00.001-06:00

I am loving this new song from Passion 2011! In 2 weeks we plan to introduce this song to our church. I think it will become a favorite of the folks at our church. Why? Because it has a bit of a folksy feel to it. If you haven't heard this song check it out: http://listen.grooveshark.com/s/All+My+Fountains/3AAkON?src=5

Posted via email from Out in the Sticks

The Wynkoops are Going to Costa Rica

2011-01-19T15:30:00.002-07:00

That's right. Steve, Marnie, Sam, Bayleigh, and Davey are going to Costa Rica in August 2011! We are excited for this opportunity to minister with other families from our church.

We are partnering with In Motion Ministries from Greeley and Simple Wisdom Ministries in Costa Rica.

Please keep our family and our team in your prayers and if you can please ChipIn to make this trip a reality! Check back for more updates!

Grace and peace,

The Wynkoop Family

Merry Christmas!

2010-12-25T12:52:00.002-07:00

Personalize funny videos and birthday eCards at JibJab!

Christmas Eve reflections

2010-12-25T00:36:00.001-07:00

I titled this Christmas Eve reflections but it just turned midnight and it is now Christmas morning! Merry Christmas!

I just finished wrapping some Christmas gifts and I've had some Christmas Eve services on the TV. One was a Methodist Church in New York and the program was called "A Christmas for Everyone". The emphasis was on God's love and his acceptance of everyone. The music was classical in nature. The pastor had long gray hair and the program began with several people from different faiths talking about how accepting God is of everyone. Lots of emphasis on God's love very little acknowledgement that we need forgiveness, that Jesus is Savior and that's why He came.

Now I've got "Christmas Eve at St. Peter's Basilica in Rome" on the tube. Lots of old guys in big hats and fancy robes. The music is classical. The service is in Latin. There is an interpreter speaking over the audio of the service. They just showed a congregation shot and the folks looked bored. I know I am!

I'm experiencing mixed emotions tonight. Following our Christmas Eve service, I felt I may have over-reached with the music selections. Each of the carols we sang tonight had a modern chorus added to them. The arrangements were for a praise band. Then we had several video elements in the service. I know for some the service was probably too contemporary. Yet I watch these traditional services and it feels so religious. I love creating an environment were people who are nothing like Jesus perhaps for the first time find that they like Jesus. A place where people realize that Jesus likes people who are nothing like Him. A place where no perfect people are allowed. A place where people who don't really like church may discover a church that they like. A place where people come as they are but don't stay that way.

So I try to create services that are engaging and relevant. I don't mean to offend those who prefer high church experiences. It's just not for me. I know for many it is what helps them move closer to Jesus. But I believe I am called to create a church that unchurched people love.

Well, I'm tried and this guy interpreting the Latin of the service for me is getting on my nerves. It all feels very holy but it feels so inaccessible to me. It is all very beautiful but so distant.

I've got nothing against traditional church services. There are several things I've appreciated in both of these services, one being how many people are involved in the service. Neither service has been a one man show as my services can sometimes become.

Give me a Christmas Eve service with some guitar chords, contemporary versions of carols, a brief message, and reading Luke 2 in English. "If you want to reach people that no one else is reaching, you've got to do things that no one else is doing."

Posted via email from Out in the Sticks

Sunday's Sermon Available

2010-12-20T09:13:00.002-07:00

Sometimes it seems that God is not active in our lives or our world. Yet the Bible is full of promises he has made. So does God keep his promises? Will he do what he says he will do?

Christmas proclaims that God is the Promise Keeper.

Posted via email from Out in the Sticks

This Sunday at First Christian Church

2010-12-18T18:34:00.001-07:00

This Sunday join us for part 2 of "When Hope Was Born."

Every Sunday at First Christian Church, you’ll hear and experience a message that connects the time-tested wisdom of God’s Word to your everyday life. You’ll be encouraged, you’ll be challenged, and you’ll learn something that has meaning for Monday morning, not just Sunday morning.

Posted via email from Out in the Sticks

Sunday's sermon available

2010-12-15T15:08:00.001-07:00

When Hope Was Born - Strength for the Weak

When we feel like we can't go on, like following Jesus isn't the best way to live, what do we do? Where do we turn?

Posted via email from Out in the Sticks

Nothing Like Jesus

2010-12-15T10:33:00.001-07:00

In my Bible reading today from Luke 19 the story of Zacchaeus reminds me of my childhood. I remember flannel graph stories about a really short man named and how Jesus saw him in a tree. I remember the emphasis of the story being on the fact that Zacchaeus was a short man. We even sang a song; "Zacchaeus was a wee little man and a wee little man was he. He climbed up in a sycamore tree to see what he could see."

But today reading the story, I didn't even notice the detail about this wee little man (perhaps because I know the story so well). What caught my attention today was this line from the crowd in Luke 19:7, "All the people saw this and began to mutter, “He has gone to be the guest of a sinner.”"

I love verses like this one. As Andy Stanley says, "People who were nothing like Jesus, liked Jesus. And Jesus liked people who were nothing like him."

Funny how that was never pointed out in Sunday School growing up. So what about you and I? Do we like people that are nothing like Jesus? Are people who are nothing like Jesus attracted to us? And how about our churches? Do our churches attract people that are nothing like Jesus? Do they feel welcome, comfortable, safe?

Posted via email from steve wynkoop's posterous

Average churches for average folks

2010-10-07T12:24:00.001-06:00

Today I was reading about the average size church in America. There are a couple different ways to look at this. One way is to consider the "mean" in which half of the churches are smaller and half of the churches are larger. The median church in the U.S. has 75 regular participants. Half of America's 300,000 churches or so are smaller then 75 people. That's a lot of churches!

As a pastor of a smaller church, most of the resources created for me to read, study, and model my ministry after are created by very large churches. These mega churches have enormous influence even though they make up only 10% of all churches in the country. And even though they are only 10% of the churches, 50% of American churchgoers attend these churches!

But my experience is that many of the ideas from larger churches cannot be implemented without some serious adaptations for smaller churches. I am a big fan of Andy Stanley and Northpoint, but in a town of 2,000 and a county of 10,000, the Northpoint strategy must undergo some changes. My intent is to analyze the strategies of larger churches and seek ways these strategies can be realistically adapted for smaller churches.

One of the interesting things about writing a blog as a small church pastor in a small town is that you are always writing from a community that knows you. I'll never forget when I realized that my blog had been "discovered" by locals. Up until that point, my blog functioned as a place for me to play with ideas and engage with folks outside of my small town. I became quite nervous when folks I knew were reading what I wrote.

Today, I hope folks I know are reading my blog. I desire to use the blog platform to relate more to my congregation and my community. And I hope to connect with other pastors in the unique setting of the small town. I also hope that through this blog, I'll encourage my congregation to continue to grow in their relationship with Christ, invest their lives in others, and invite others to consider the gospel in our church community. I also desire to help other small church pastors analyze large church practices and discover ways that we can effectively advance God's Kingdom wherever he has called us.

Image credit: Mary and her camera

Posted via email from steve wynkoop's posterous

Newsletter article 10-2010

2010-09-30T15:00:00.001-06:00

October 31 is a significant day in the Wynkoop house. Eight years ago, on Halloween, in a snow storm in Denver, we loaded up a Penske moving truck and made our way to Wray. Marnie and I had never lived in a small town before. We weren’t sure if this thing would work out for the long run, but we were willing to give it a go and felt God leading us.

During the first couple years, our church was part of a yoke relationship with the First Presbyterian Church. Sunday’s for the Wynkoops included two worship services, two nurseries, and two buildings. It was two too many!

Today, we find ourselves with one wonderful church, new seats full of new folks, and a crowded nursery. It’s a long way from our early years here when our three kids literally doubled the size of the nursery!

So what will the next eight years hold? Lord willing, Sammy and Bayleigh will be high school graduates and Davey will be driving. Lord willing, our church will continue to reach those whom Jesus misses most. Imagine a church in Wray where no perfect people are allowed. Imagine a church where people love God and love each other well. My prayer is that eight years from now, we would lead more people into a growing relationship with Jesus. That the comfortable would be afflicted and the afflicted would be comforted.

Posted via email from steve wynkoop's posterous