johnlaeger.com

BIG Announcement!

John Laeger — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 13:54:33 -0800

I'm so proud of our Meadow Youth! They are setting the pace for the rest of Meadow and because of them, we are launching into an expansion that will allow us to do more ministry and reach more people.

BIG Announcement from Meadow Spring Community Church on Vimeo.

What's Going On?

John Laeger — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 08:59:10 -0800

Something is happening at Meadow. Something unlike ever before. It's been slowly developing over the last several months, but it has really been noticed just these past two.

Our youth ministry has more kids coming to regular weekly Bible study than EVER before. We've had this many kids come to activities before - but never this many coming on Wednesday nights!
Last week's Sunday attendance was the highest - maybe since Easter - for sure since Mother's Day!
At least 34 people have received Christ since the end of July!
16 people were baptized at the end of August and already we have 8 who want to be baptized on November 22!
There is a new sense of vision and partnership with Marcus Theatres!
Over 80% of our adult attendance signed-up for Growth Groups (this has NEVER happened before!)
Over 20 families completed Financial Peace University over the summer and eliminated over $106,000 in consumer debt!
Several people have taken a MAJOR step of faith and have started tithing a full 10%!
New people have stepped up to serve and volunteer!

And tomorrow we are making a HUGE announcement! What we are going to announce will literally change the way we are able to do things and what we will be able to offer for kids, for teens, and for adults! And this is not something in the future. This is something that will start tomorrow and will be fully working by Christmas!! The more I think about what we will be doing, how our current ministry will be strengthened, and the new ministry we will be able to offer - is mind-blowing!

I am worried

John Laeger — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 11:28:14 -0800

Something happened this morning that created a level of anxiety in my life that I just don't know if I can overcome. I know we are not supposed to worry, but in this situation, I can't help it.

Here's the deal...

This evening we will be picking up our new puppy. She is a six week old Goldendoodle. We have given her the name Bailey.

For those who have had puppies in a home where this is another older dog, you realize the new puppy will learn from the older dog. Training a puppy in a house where there is another dog that the puppy can watch and follow is a big plus.

This is where my anxiety starts. You see, we have an older dog. Her name is PJ and she is soft, cuddly, doesn't shed, is fun to play with - but ... you see ... she is ... well ... she's totally stupid.

Just this morning PJ was standing at our sliding glass door looking out the back. A squirrel came walking by right on the other side of the glass. The squirrel was less than 2" from PJ - just separated by glass. PJ didn't see the squirrel. She was looking over the top of the squirrel and NEVER saw it!!! 2" away and this dog NEVER SAW THE SQUIRREL!!

And as if this wasn't bad enough, moments later there was a cat on the far side of our yard. PJ DID see the cat. I let her out to protect us and scare the cat away. First, she just stood on the deck barking. Finally, she ran down the steps and charged out into the yard ... halfway and stopped!! Why did she stop? Because the cat turned and looked at PJ!!! PJ almost turned and hightailed it back to the house!! A cat (how embarassing!) just looked at my dog and my dog stopped in her tracks!!!

And this doesn't even take into consideration:

When PJ is eating and her dog tag swings and goes "cling" on her dog bowl, she jumps and runs and will not eat anymore!!! She is afraid of her dog dish!!!
When she is playing with her small bright yellow tennis ball and it drops and rolls a few inches underneath her...she can't find it!!! She is standing right over the top of this bright yellow tennis ball and cannot find the ball!!!

I'm sure by now, you are sharing my unavoidable anxiety! Our new little impressionable puppy will be learning life from ... PJ!!

The Product of Pain

John Laeger — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 01:42:26 -0800

Pain. Life pain. It's real.

We often ask, in times of pain, "Why?" One reason might be because it is due to something I did or said. Pain is often the by-product of stupid choices I've made. But the pain that comes due to situations I have no control over or are not a by-product of choices I've made - maybe a by-product of a choice someone else made...why that pain?

While pain often seems forever while I am in the middle of it, it is actually temporary...for the follower of Christ. Remember v. 5 and that God shields us. Our faith and life WILL endure. Pain will not get the best of us.

Pain can produce a greater level of worship. Pain refines worship. Pain focuses our worship. In the midst of pain, everything is stripped away except God and you find yourself crying out to God, seeking God, reading scripture, listening to worship music - you are so so focused. That is a level of worship that would not happen without pain. And then when the pain is past - you are now more refined in your focus and faith. Your love for Christ and His strength is stronger than before the pain.

In other words, the goal is not to get through the pain - but what is produced in your life during the pain and the strength you will possess when the pain is over. Of course, this is easy to say AFTER the pain is over.

1 Peter 1:6-7

Leadership in Light of Yesterday's Election

John Laeger — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 08:43:21 -0800

In light of yesterday's election, I dug up a post I did a couple of years ago after going to a MN Wild hockey game. Good reminders - especially to leaders but also to those being led.

Leadership Lessons Learned From A Wild Hockey Game

Hockey season has started. Reminded me of a Wild game Sandy & I went to a year ago and as I watched the refs...some key leadership lessons came to mind - especially when making decisions.

1. When you make a call, you will be booed and cheered at the same time. Thousands of people will watch as you make the call and they will immediately let you know if they like the call or not. There will be no private decisions when you are a leader. Every decision will be seen and evaluated. Some will love it and some will hate it. Some will even be angry and get up and leave. And when they leave, they will call you all sorts of names. But, you don't make the call based on who will like it or not. You make the call based on playing the game right.

2. There is no Hi-Def, Slo-Mo, Instant Replay from 17 different angles BEFORE you make a call. If there were, you would never make a mistake - right? I have lost count of the decisions I have made in strategy, marketing, staffing, budgeting, and even teaching series that had I knew then what I know now AFTER the decision, I would not have made that decision. When you make the call, you make it on what you see at that moment in time and you make it with confidence.

3. You follow through on your call and then keep going. Regardless of getting booed or cheered, you keep going. You keep focused on the game. You stay doing what you are good at doing. You don't second guess your call in the middle of the game.

4. Decisions are best made when there is wild rock music playing, teeth are getting knocked out, and human bodies are flying and crashing into the wall. Okay, maybe this one doesn't have much of a connection to decision making as a leader - but hey...

Relentless About Voting Today

John Laeger — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 06:20:00 -0800

I don't think I have ever been this persistent (some would say "over the top") about getting out and voting today. I will use every means I can ... blogging, Twitter, Facebook, face to face, from the stage last Sunday, etc., etc., etc. - to remind people and remind people and remind people to GO VOTE.

Let me get on a soapbox for a few minutes and explain a few reasons why?

Local elections like this tend to see the lowest turnout. One vote CAN completely shift the results! I remember a mayor race right here in Shakopee that was decided by one vote ... ONE vote!! If there is an election where your vote counts - it is today's election. Go vote!!
I am tired of people - unfortunately many who call themselves Christians - criticizing and complaining about our elected leaders. Not only does it divide our community. Not only does it model to our children that criticism is okay. Not only does it prove our selfishness and pride (I criticize because I think I know more and I have a better way). But it is a direct violation of what the Bible says! The democratic process - including its weaknesses - is the process in this community that God will use to bring into leadership those men and women He has sovereignly chosen. And He will use your vote TODAY to carry out His sovereign will. Go vote!!
This is one election where Christians in this community really can have a major effect on who leads with what priorities. Again...getting back to the low turnout factor... I am convinced that if every follower of Christ in this community were to get out and vote - there would be a HUGE ... no wait, let me restate that ... there would be a MASSIVE shift toward a better stronger community. Go vote!!
I often hear the day after a local election (and sadly, as persistent as I am - it will happen again tomorrow)... "I forgot." You "forgot"? The home you live in. The roads you drive on. The garbage that's picked up from your curb. The snow that's plowed in winter. The education your kids are getting. The response and quality of fire protection of your home and family. The response and quality of police protection of your home and family. All of that is dramatically affected by those who are voted into leadership.... and you "forgot"? Forgetting to vote is pretty much telling your family, your neighborhood, and your community ... "It's really not a priority to me." (But suddenly it becomes a priority to you when your taxes go up or teachers are laid off and THEN you want to have a voice.) Go vote!!

So...as I step off my soapbox, let me just make sure you hear what I'm saying ... Go vote!!

Tonight's Shakopee Mayor/City Council Debate

John Laeger — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 20:22:37 -0800

This is my personal opinion. Let me say it again - this is my PERSONAL opinion. And it does reflect my approach to leadership, my value for this community, my personal values and priorities, and probably my sarcastic sense of humor (which I will try and turn down so I sound semi-intelligent). And for the record, this is not the position of Meadow Spring Community Church - because Meadow Spring does not have a position on this election.

K...ready?

Oh wait...I don't blog often on political issues. In fact, this one is my ... hmmm - let me count all the times I have blogged on political issues. Just a minute. I think - maybe one other time - MAYBE.

Oh...and I won't be mentioning any names. I do not publicly say who I am voting for. Never have. Never will. (However, Dairy Queen and Famous Dave's gift cards could change my mind. And I welcome every attempt to do so!!)

Oh...and one other thing - the Vikes rock!

Now...about tonight...

Great turnout! Really was. I totally believe there is a lot of potential for how a movie theatre can be used. Church is one (obviously) and this is another one.
It was interesting which candidates were there. It was also interesting who WASN'T there. Now maybe there was some unavoidable issue preventing a candidate from coming, but if running in an election to lead this community is really important to you - you need to clear your schedule and bust your buns for a couple of months and get face to face with as many people as you can. It says a lot to me when a candidate does not show up.
It was great that questions were taken from the audience. But...if a question is asked anonymously - you don't look at the crowd and ask who asked the question? Sheesh!
There are two definitive paradigms in this election. One is from those who have lived in this community for many many years and the other is representative of those who are newer. I believe we need BOTH to bring balance and health to this great community.
For the most part, the wrong questions were being asked and the wrong issues were being addressed by the candidates. There is too much talk about "ideas" and not enough talk about how someone leads, builds teams, works with staff, builds and carries out vision. We need "leaders", not just people with great ideas. Too many politicians get into trouble because they voice great ideas before an election that gains them support, but then can't lead the teams and staff - (or worse didn't do their homework before and their "idea" really wasn't so great or even relevant!) to see that idea become reality.
We need leaders who will allow the ideas to come from the people and then lead the people to accomplish great things. Leading this community is not about the mayor or the city council, it is about the people of Shakopee.
We need leaders who do not condemn and dig up past controversy or even bad decisions. (Yup, there have been bad decisions - but the only way to avoid this would be for them to be omniscient and that belongs only to God...although some critics seem to believe they ARE God). ANYBODY can find fault!
We need leaders who will lead "forward" and see beyond WHAT happened and instead see what COULD happen and create the momentum for the people to make it happen.
When you have a pile of horse manure you can 1) plug your nose and complain about the smell, or 2) start digging because there has to be a pony in there somewhere! We need leaders who are going to dig!
You NEED to vote. It is your right. It is your opportunity. And it is your God-given responsibility. God will use your vote to carry out His sovereign will.
Finally...when the election is all said and done - regardless of whether the person you voted for won or not - your (and my) responsibility now is to respect and pray for our leaders...NOT criticize them.

Oh...and one more thing. I REALLY feel bad for the Packers. NOT!!!

So...who am I voting for? Well, I'm not totally decided yet. However, I do know who I am NOT voting for (And just a reminder that Dairy Queen and Famous Dave's gift cards just might get me to blab!)

What for? - Pt. 1

John Laeger — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 03:31:38 -0700

My boat was made for floating on a lake not sitting in my garage. My grill was made for grilling outside not inside. My mower was made for cutting grass not shredding tree branches. It is not only a waste to use these for purposes other than what they were made for, but it is also dangerous and stupid.

God chose me "for". For what? "For obedience to Jesus Christ and sprinkling by his blood." (1 Peter 1:2) If I do anything other than that - it is a waste and is dangerous and stupid.

But that word "obedience" doesn't sit right with me. What if obeying Jesus leads to something I don't like? What if its not fun? What if its boring? What if I'm not happy obeying Jesus?

That's like my boat saying (if boats could talk), "What if floating on a lake is boring to me? What if I'm not happy floating on a lake?" I know - "That's ridiculous John. A boat would never be bored floating on a lake. That's what it was made for. That's when it is at its best. If it thinks it would be boring to float on a lake and so it would just sit in your garage and never float on a lake, it would never be happy. It would never reach its potential. It would never experience real joy and satisfaction."

The same is true of followers of Christ. You were made "for obedience to Jesus Christ". When you are obeying Christ, you are at your best. Let's say you think obeying Christ would lead to something boring or would take away happiness and so you never obey or you obey only in those areas where you "think" it will be good. You will never be completely happy. You will never reach your potential. You will never experience real joy and satisfaction.

Is obedience scary? Absolutely. Because you don't realize the benefits and satisfaction and fulfillment of obedience until AFTER you have obeyed. You obey FIRST and then the light bulb comes on that says, "This really DOES work!" Obedience, from the side of "before" obedience might even look boring or unfulfilling. But you go ahead and do it (sometimes simply because Jesus said so) - you "obey" and then you look back from the side of "after" obedience - and it clicks. It wasn't boring. In fact, it was the exact opposite.

There's another reason you were chosen by God ... "for sprinkling by his blood". Gross! But when you understand this one, you can't wait to start obeying. This one will rock your world.

That's next time in Pt. 2...

Why can't I go home? I don't live here.

John Laeger — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 06:15:10 -0700

All followers of Christ are "strangers" in this world. This world is not our home. Our home is in heaven. Sounds freaky, I know. Maybe even like the psycho who is part of some cult.

This is why we are often uncomfortable in situations. Our values are different. Our priorities are different. The way we think is different. Our world-view is different. The way we handle money is different. Our approach (especially as men) to our wives and kids is different.

This is also why the most comfortable place for us is when we are with other followers of Christ - like in church surrounded by like-minded men and women. Church - although flawed and imperfect - is as close to what heaven will be like while we are on this earth. (Although still far far far from it!)

So, why can't we go home? We don't live here. There is pain, suffering, awkwardness, judgment, etc., etc., etc., here. If our home is in heaven - why can't we go home?

The answer is right here in 1 Peter. We have been "scattered". The Amplified Bible says "sowed" - as in seeds being sown in a field. Why do we "sow" seed? It's not a trick question. We "sow" seed to produce a crop - to yield more of what we planted. I plant a bean seed to produce more beans.

This is not our home. God has "sown" us - "planted" us here to produce more of us. Wow ... does this change my perspective on why I can't go home yet! This says a lot about why I am not called to hang out all the time with other followers of Christ or to spend all my time in church or church activities. (You don't plant bean seeds to produce more beans where there are already a bunch of beans! Sheesh!)

The challenging question is ... Am I producing more followers of Christ? (And before anyone gets bent out of shape because only God produces Christians. Just chill out. I agree 100% - but God uses you and I to take His message out.) Is my life drawing more people to Christ? Am I spending time in environments and have networks of friends where there are few, if any, followers of Christ.

AND...I am different. My values are different. BUT...is my difference attracting people to Christ or creating more distance? Too many followers of Christ are "weird" different not "attractive" different.

Just sayin'.

1 Peter 1:1

God Chose Me. Me.

John Laeger — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 06:09:10 -0700

"God Chose Me. Me." on YouVersion.