The mission statement of Eastridge Community Church is “to make disciples who follow Jesus Christ.”

So we believe that as you journey toward that transformation of becoming a disciple, you take others on that journey with you. The best disciple makers are disciples themselves. (Dictionary.com defines a disciple as “a person who is a pupil or an adherent of the doctrines of another; a follower.”) There is an internal fear and insecurity when it comes to someone “following” us…as we follow Christ. Therefore somewhere in this process people generally ask these questions:

• I have a long way to go and a lot to learn; why would anyone want to follow me?
• How am I going to be able to invest in people; everyone I know is so busy?
• There’s not a line of potential disciples at my door; who should I disciple? How do I pick someone?

Look for FAT people!

I don’t recall where this idea came from..but in a recent discussion about disciple making someone told me to look for FAT people. That sounded kinda weird..then they explained:

F.A.T.

F – faithful (Look for people who are believers and are hungry to know God’s will. Since they are looking for God’s will, they will not assume you have it all figured out. Your transparency will be key in keeping them focused on what God wants to do in their life, not you. And look for people you believe will be faithful to you and to the process.)

A – available (Some people don’t have the time, rather won’t make the time to be discipled. Many folks won’t invest in a relationship outside of family or work. They “don’t have time”..but we make time for things that are important to us. Look for people who are available because they desperately want more of the Lord in their life.)

T – teachable (We need to look for people who are not too proud or who think they already know it all. We all have something to learn. And we can all learn something from anyone. This will discount many of the self-righteous, so-called believers you may know. Look for those that are humble and want to grow. They will be teachable.)

So in your pursuit of making disciples..look for FAT people. And you’ll be well on your way to fulfilling the Great Commission.

Does this simple acronym (FAT) encompass it all?

What would you add?

I miss Who’s Line Is It Anyway.

Here is a scene from the funniest episode ever!!!

www.youtube.com/watch?v=wUZuV0xce3A

As the death of print media continues across this great nation..it is time for the church to start asking some questions..

1. Do you read the Sunday bulletin?

2. Do you rely on the Sunday bulletin for important info?

3. Do you ever go to your church’s website? (http://www.eastridgefamily.org)

4. Do you visit your church’s facebook page? (http://www.facebook.com/eastridgecc)

5. Is there anything you’d like to add about how you communicate or receive communication from your church?

Please leave your replies in the comments section below. Thank you.

I think I am Superman and I can’t stand hearing, “NO”.

If I’m working on a project with others and we reach an impasse, it is probable that someone may say, “No, we just can’t do that.” And nothing chaps my hide worse than a simple NO..a NO with no support or evidence..you know, a “hunch NO.” I need someone to PROVE to me that it won’t work, or it is impossible, or we don’t have the funds or any creative way to raise the funds before I can become a believer in the NO. Then there are times when someone gives up or raises the white flag; I mean, they just surrender. WHAT!?! Yes, some people can throw in the towel when things get tough. This is a concept I can’t really grasp. When things get tough and look impossible..well..that’s when the over-achiever thrives. They like being the hero. They like solving the seemingly impossible problem. I like to…………whoa…I better slow down, this is not my therapy time.

I’m sure much of it is pride and/or stubbornness and certainly controlling issues. And even though surrender to someone/something much stronger and smarter than I sounds great in theory, I still like having some control. Heck, recently I was even likened to that of a dictator..and I know Hitler didn’t take NO very well. So, I certainly have some growing to do.

While I was wrestling with these thoughts this week and still pushing hard through some organizational initiatives and realignment issues that I had championed..someone randomly handed this (copied below) to me in passing Wednesday evening. They had no knowledge of what was going on within my mind. And I’m the guy who deletes nearly every email that has the letters FWD in the subject line. I hate forwards. I think most of these poems and stuff are rubbish and trite..but this one nailed me. So humor me..this may not strike you as hard as it did me..but this was right on time for a guy who thinks he is Superman:

God Said “NO”

• I asked God to take away my habit..God said, NO. It is not for me to take away, but for you to give it up.
• I asked God to make my handicapped child whole..God said, NO. His spirit is whole, his body is only temporary.
• I asked God to grant me patience..God said, NO. Patience is a byproduct of tribulations; it isn’t granted, it is learned.
• I asked God to give me happiness..God said, NO. I give you blessings; happiness is up to you.
• I asked God to spare me pain..God said, NO. Suffering draws you apart from worldly cares and brings you closer to me.
• I asked God to make my spirit grow..God said, NO. You must grow on your own, but I will prune you to make you fruitful.
• I asked God for all things that I might enjoy life..God said, NO. I will give you life, so that you may enjoy all things.
• I asked God to help me LOVE others as much as He loves me..God said, “Ahhh, you finally get it.”

Even reading that over and over again..I hate seeing God say NO. And hearing NO should be a normal part of the Christian’s life. But it ain’t always easy to hear and that’s because I’ve tied the cape on the wrong person. He is Superman..not me.

Have you been playing Superman?

Which NO do you relate to above?

“I pity the fool!”

Mr.T - photo courtesy of Chicago Tribune

Mr.T from the A-Team had it all figured out:

• Look tough
• Talk tough
• Wear a lot of gold rope chains and rings
• and never smile

But get him near an airplane and he would crumble into a pile of fear.

Anyone can fake it. But when tested the truth is revealed.

While meeting with a friend and accountability partner yesterday, I listened with furrowed brow and tried to make some rational sense of “the plan” my buddy was sharing about. It seemed foolish.

As a friend, I was preparing myself to respond with some great wisdom about objectivity, timing, speed, goals, etc. And before I could get the words out he says, “If God gives a vision, I must move in faith. If it is truly God’s vision and not mine, then He will provide.” WHOA!

I realized that:

Faith often looks like foolishness in the present. But when tested gives all glory to God.

Then, looking back through history, it is all clear. Everyone who has accomplished great things had great faith.

• Faith in themselves (Wright Brothers, Galileo, Abraham Lincoln)
• Faith in their product (Bill Gates, Steve Jobs, Benjamin Franklin)
• Faith in their process (Ray Kroc, Henry Ford)
• and/or Faith in their God (Abraham, Noah, Paul)

But with each great accomplishment, with every ounce of faith there came a time where these heroes looked like fools!

I want to have faith..so much faith..so filled with faith..that at times..well..I probably just look like a fool! But don’t pity me……..

What are you attempting, in complete faith that it is God’s plan, that at times you feel/look like a fool? (If the answer is, “nothing”..then the enemy might already have a foothold.)

If you haven’t seen this..you’ll have to see it to believe it!

www.youtube.com/watch?v=TSbuhkJaquE

Check out the REAL website..I dare you to order one!!!

Hey folks,

In an effort to do some research for future sermon preparation, class curriculum, and general human life patterns..I’m beginning a new low-maintenance Saturday Series on The New Normal. Introducing the Saturday Poll. I want to encourage your participation in the comments section. I’ll ask a question and you provide the conversation. Thanks for your help and support.

The set-up:

I know many of you have children..and many of those youngins participate in extra-curricular activities like baseball (king in Newton County) and football/cheer-leading (king of the south). But for those of you who don’t participate in “travel baseball” or “travel soccer” there is a gap between baseball season and football season. Does that mean you have FREE Saturdays???

Question:

Regardless of your age or stage of life, what do your Saturdays look like in August?

(answer in the comments section below..thanks..and don’t forget to check out the Sunday Funnies tomorrow)

The number one reason you don’t go to church is because of the all the hypocrites! And I am a hypocrite. I wish I wasn’t. And chances are, you are too. Hypocrisy sucks! I’m a hypocrite in the conversion process. I’m learning to be more honest. Honesty is hard. The following is a short list of some of the many ways I am a hypocrite..maybe you can relate..maybe you will just agree..maybe you will be a hypocrite about it..

• I want others to show me radical grace..but I can be extremely hard on people.
• I want others to give me a second chance..but burn me once and I’m done with you.
• I want others to be patient with me as I learn something..but I can’t stand it when someone doesn’t get it right the first time.
• I want others to say nice things about me..but I will talk about you when you leave.
• I want others to get to know me before making any judgments about me..but I am quick to make my assessment about you and then always think you are “that way.”
• I want others to give me the benefit of the doubt..but I’m quick to judge.
• I want others to love me just like I am..but I want everyone else to change before I love them.
• I want others to be honest with me..but I will tell you half the truth to keep from “hurting your feelings.” (A big problem here in the “genteel south”)
• I want others to be generous to me..but I’ll justify why you have fallen on hard times and tell you to “pick yourself up from your bootstraps.”
• I want others to hear my opinions and  be miraculously swayed to my point of view..but I don’t really want to hear your ideas.
• I want others to honor my time because I’m busy..but I’ll show up late to our meeting.
• I want you to forgive me..but I will secretly hold a grudge forever and just avoid you.

For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father in will not forgive your sins. -Matthew 6:14-15

I am a hypocrite but Christ is changing me..don’t blame the church..I go there for healing and guidance..direction and encouragement..I go as a real person not a fake shiny happy one..I am not perfect..God knows this and so do the people I come in contact with everyday..I am a hypocrite but Christ is changing me.

No one is righteous, not even one. -Romans 3:10

Are you a hypocrite too?

I love personality tests! I’m not sure why exactly. Maybe I just like tests in general. I was in band. Therefore, I must be a nerd. I like to see if they assess me like I assess myself.

Knowing our own personality and the personalities of those around us could help us improve communication and team synergy. And self-assessment is not always easy. We THINK we know ourselves..but what are we really communicating. So, test yourself.

Here is a free one that seemed fairly accurate to me..give it a try..click HERE.

My results are below..

Does this sound like me?

Determined Realist (DR)

Determined Realists like to bear responsibility and welcome challenges. They are stable, reliable persons. External contacts are very important to them; they mix well and are very active. They are excellent organizers and are very happy when things are done correctly and punctually; they can quickly react impatiently if others are not as conscientious, orderly and dutiful as they are. They prefer structured work which produces visible results quickly to abstract, long-drawn-out processes. Determined Realists have no problem with routine as long as it serves efficiency. However, they very much dislike unexpected and unpredictable occurrences which mess up their careful plans. Once they have committed themselves to a cause they do this with dedication and are willing to make considerable sacrifices for it.

Determined Realists do not avoid conflicts and criticism but face up to them and look for solutions. As they have a keen eye for the errors and shortcomings of others and are often quick at expressing criticism, they sometimes rub people up the wrong way especially when they lose their temper and jump to conclusions. Due to their marked sense of justice they are quickly willing to correct themselves and never take offence if someone speaks to them frankly. You do not have to seek hidden motives with them; you always know where you are. Determined Realists are often found in executive positions as they combine commitment, competence and the ability to assert themselves. In their spare time, they often also accept responsibility in clubs and other institutions.

Traditions rate highly with Determined Realists. They attend every family event and never forget a birthday or wedding anniversary. Family and friends are very important to them. With their open, communicative manner, they find it easy to get to know people and have a large circle of friends and acquaintances. They are never superficial, but reliable and loyal friends who are always there when they are needed. Determined Realists take their relationships very seriously – they dream of finding a partner for life. In a love relationship, they seek above all stability and loyalty and here, too, they are willing to invest a lot in a harmonious togetherness. Determined Realists master crises or difficult phases with composure; they would never think of breaking a promise given. As a partner, one can always rely on their support.

Adjectives which describe your type

extroverted, practical, logical, planning, direct, structured, conscientious, responsible-minded, self-confident, critical, honest, orderly, reliable, controlled, objective, able to concentrate, resolved, purposeful, communicative, with a sense of duty, tradition-conscious, stable, able to deal with conflicts, solution-oriented, relationship-oriented, efficient, impatient, warm-hearted, competition-oriented

What personality type are you?

…Do you ever feel that weird tension in the room that you can’t quite put your finger on?

…Have you argued with your spouse (or a close friend) about something they did, or didn’t do, that “let you down?”

…Do you get frustrated when people don’t respond like you think they should?

Mike Bonem & Roger Patterson explain it this way in Leading From The Second Chair, “The gap between expectation and reality is filled with frustration.”

You could call that frustration..tension.

There is a tension created when we perceive something one way but the reality is quite different.

There are conversations that I find myself in where I can’t quite explain it, but I simply feel frustrated. Many times that tension has more to do with “me” than “them.” I have a natural and preconceived notion of how someone should respond to certain stimuli, and when they surprise me, or simply respond differently than I anticipate..there is tension.

And I know you’ve experienced this same feeling, too.

But is there a way to harness this tension and make it useful, much like we take a river’s current and create electricity?

Awareness is key..and that awareness should then lead to action which will create synergy..Peter Senge explains it well in The Fifth Discipline:

We are acutely aware of the gaps between our vision and reality…these gaps can make a vision seem unrealistic or fanciful. They can discourage us or make us feel hopeless. But the gap between vision and current reality is also a source of energy. If there was no gap, there would be no need for any action to move toward the vision. Indeed the gap is THE source of creative energy. We call this gap creative tension.

So..tension is good.

Tension is normal.

Are you frustrated by situations where tension is apparent?

Could you harness that tension to create something useful?

The Tension is Good : Aaron Keyes from Catalyst on Vimeo.

(for more tension-talk, sign up today for the Catalyst Conference in Atlanta October 6-8, 2010)