Your Journey Blog

Networking Basics: Living Missionally

2009-11-12T14:19:54-06:00

After doing a Google search on the word "networking" I realized that there is definitely a generational disconnect. I see networking primarily as a highly relational activity, face to face meetings, personal contact, meaningful engagements...but I think the younger generation sees networking primarily from a technological perspective with a relational component...thus the phenomenon of social networking. Now, I am not opposed to technology, for the last two years I have aggressively entered the world of "texting," "blogging", "tweeting" and "face booking".

Here is my concern; it is a rule of life that I have seen worked out in many ways...good things can become bad when there is an over-dependence on them. Social networking is a supplement for our relationships; it should add value to our relationships, not be the replacement of our personal engagement.

The mission that God has given us is a highly relational mission. Jesus said, "As the Father has sent me, I am sending you" John 20:21. Jesus came into this world, lived in obscurity for 30 years and then spent three years relationally investing in twelve men, whose charge was to do the same thing by relationally investing in others. This strategy has worked for 2000 years each of us has been touched by someone reaching out to and investing in us relationally, thus advancing the gospel and the mission of God.

Missional leaders understand the power of connecting relationally in their community through personal networking. Ray Bakke offers this recommendation, “Pastors who network their communities, especially in the first year of a pastorate, may end up knowing that community better than any other person. This upfront investment of time should pay rich dividends and provide the opportunity to help people…” (The Expanded Mission of City Center Churches, p 53-4)

Here are ten insights to help you as you enter the world of relational networking:

Trust in God’s provision. Live with a humble dependence on God.
Take the posture of a servant. Be known as a servant leader.
Be an effective listener. Talk less and listen more.
Be an initiator. Get out and meet people weekly.
Make a memorable first impression. Dress appropriately for the setting.
Take every referral seriously.
Try something new. Join something in your community.
Develop partnerships. Build alliances with service groups
Keep accurate records. Know the people you meet.
Always follow up. Email or write a note after every meeting.

Excerpt from FirstSteps for Planting a Missional Church

Free Church Planting Webinars

2009-11-09T09:18:39-06:00

In a desire to get critical training materials into the hands of church planters earlier in the process, I have taken up the challenge of providing a one hour, free, webinar each month that will bring some of the key principles found in the FirstSteps to Planting a Missional Church manual.

We will go through the Six Stages of a Missional Church Plant.

FirstSteps Overview - Recording Available
Stage One - Relating with God and Your Supporters - Recording Available
Stage Two - Networking and Gathering - November 11th @ 2pm CT
Stage Three - Building a Launch Team
Stage Four - Designing Your Public Worship Services and Initial Ministries
Stage Five - Launching Your Public Worship Services
Stage Six - Establishing the New Community

To keep informed on upcoming webinars

Teaching Your Children About Jesus

2009-11-02T16:11:17-06:00

Life's Biggest Adventure: Guiding Your Child on their Spiritual Journey

Life's Biggest Adventure is a tool for parents to use with their grade school aged children as they guide them through the following questions:

What is the gospel?
How do I know I am a Christian?
What is baptism?
Why do we take communion?
How do I start reading the Bible?
How do I pray?
How do I deal with temptation?
How do I tell my friends about Jesus?

"I wanted to thank you for the children's discipleship tool, Life's Biggest Adventure. Recently I took my 8 year old son through it and was able to watch him take noticeable steps with Jesus! Very powerful!"

Aaron Story
Lead Pastor
Indy Metro Church

50% Discounts Available through November

Twelve of the Most Annoying Types of Facebook Users

2009-10-25T19:25:35-05:00

It has been a little over a year since I entered the Facebook world and six months since I become a twitter-er or tweet depending on your perspective. My 23 year old son thinks me and my generation have ruined Facebook forever. My 18 year old daughter's favorite comment to me is, "Stop Twittering, Dad!" Then a twitter friend sent this article out from CNN which I found intriguing and convicting because I have probably annoyed more people than just my family.

So enjoy the article and join me in trying to be a less annoying Facebook user.

Here are 12 of the most annoying types of Facebook users:

1. The Let-Me-Tell-You-Every-Detail-of-My-Day Bore."I'm waking up." "I had Wheaties for breakfast." "I'm bored at work." "I'm stuck in traffic." You're kidding! How fascinating! No moment is too mundane for some people to broadcast unsolicited to the world. Just because you have 432 Facebook friends doesn't mean we all want to know when you're waiting for the bus.

2. The Self-Promoter.OK, so we've probably all posted at least once about some achievement. And sure, maybe your friends really do want to read the fascinating article you wrote about beet farming. But when almost EVERY update is a link to your blog, your poetry reading, your 10k results or your art show, you sound like a bragger or a self-centered careerist.

3. The Friend-Padder.The average Facebook user has 120 friends on the site. Schmoozers and social butterflies -- you know, the ones who make lifelong pals on the subway -- might reasonably have 300 or 400. But 1,000 "friends?" Unless you're George Clooney or just won the lottery, no one has that many. That's just showing off.

4. The Town Crier."Michael Jackson is dead!!!" You heard it from me first! Me, and the 213,000 other people who all saw it on TMZ. These Matt Drudge wannabes are the reason many of us learn of breaking news not from TV or news sites but from online social networks. In their rush to trumpet the news, these people also spread rumors, half-truths and innuendo. No, Jeff Goldblum did not plunge to his death from a New Zealand cliff.

5. The TMIer."Brad is heading to Walgreens to buy something for these pesky hemorrhoids." Boundaries of privacy and decorum don't seem to exist for these too-much-information updaters, who unabashedly offer up details about their sex lives, marital troubles and bodily functions. Thanks for sharing.

6. The Bad Grammarian."So sad about Fara Fauset but Im so gladd its friday yippe". Yes, I know the punctuation rules are different in the digital world. And, no, no one likes a spelling-Nazi schoolmarm. But you sound like a moron.

7. The Sympathy-Baiter. "Barbara is feeling sad today." "Man, am I glad that's over." "Jim could really use some good news about now." Like anglers hunting for fish, these sad sacks cast out their hooks -- baited with vague tales of woe -- in the hopes of landing concerned responses. Genuine bad news is one thing, but these manipulative posts are just pleas for attention.

8. The Lurker.The Peeping Toms of Facebook, these voyeurs are too cautious, or maybe too lazy, to update their status or write on your wall. But once in a while, you'll be talking to them and they'll mention something you posted, so you know they're on your page, hiding in the shadows. It's just a little creepy.

9. The Crank. These curmudgeons, like the trolls who spew hate in blog comments, never met something they couldn't complain about. "Carl isn't really that impressed with idiots who don't realize how idiotic they are." [Actual status update.] Keep spreading the love.

10. The Paparazzo.Ever visit your Facebook page and discover that someone's posted a photo of you from last weekend's party -- a photo you didn't authorize and haven't even seen? You'd really rather not have to explain to your mom why you were leering like a drunken hyena and French-kissing a bottle of Jagermeister.

11. The Maddening Obscurist. "If not now then when?" "You'll see..." "Grist for the mill." "John is, small world." "Dave thought he was immune, but no. No, he is not." [Actual status updates, all.] Sorry, but you're not being mysterious -- just nonsensical.

12. The Chronic Inviter. "Support my cause. Sign my petition. Play Mafia Wars with me. Which 'Star Trek' character are you? Here are the 'Top 5 cars I have personally owned.' Here are '25 Things About Me.' Here's a drink. What drink are you? We're related! I took the 'What President Are You?' quiz and found out I'm Millard Fillmore! What president are you?" HT

Free Tim Keller Sermons - Great Resource

2009-10-21T13:47:25-05:00

Redeemer Presbyterian Church in New York has opened up a new free sermon resource, starting with 150 of Pastor Tim Keller’s sermons, all categorized, labeled, and downloadable, at this site:

Download Tim Keller's Sermons

Here’s more info from the site:

Redeemer’s Sermon Ministry has been faithfully recording, cataloging and reproducing all of our sermons for the past 20 years. To celebrate all 20 years of our history, and to meet the growing demand for our church’s teaching in New York City and around the world, we have created this resource of 150 sermons and lectures covering a broad array of topics, completely free to download and share.

The recordings chosen for the Free Sermon Resource were culled from classic sermon series as well as lectures and seminar addresses delivered to various Redeemer ministry gatherings, and are intended to present to the listener the full scope of teachings they would receive over several years of active involvement at Redeemer.

This is an amazing new resource, and there will be more content getting added regularly, so tell all your friends: Redeemer Free Sermon Resource. (HT)

FirstSteps for Planting a Missional Church - Recomended

2009-10-18T20:19:35-05:00

Sojoun Church Planting Center recommends FirstSteps for Planting a Missional Church

Where do I start? Read these 3 church planting manuals.

In the last few weeks, I have had the opportunity to speak with several people who have expressed a call to plant churches or at least a strong inclination that this might be what God has for them. However, after recognizing God’s call it is often difficult to know where to start. There are so many resources on church planting that it is difficult to know where to start.

If you are starting out the church planting process or have a strong inclination to do so, we would recommend that you begin by reading three church planting manuals. All three manuals have been invaluable to Sojourn and its leadership. These manuals will provide a rich theology of church planting, as well as practical information about what is involved in planting a church. Most importantly, the manuals will guide you on where to start.

The first recommended manual is The Reedemer Church Planter Manual developed by Tim Keller and J. Allen Thompson at Redeemer Presbyterian Church in New York. The manual “is an extensive compendium of outlines, lectures, essays, exercises and other materials that prepare learners for church planting especially in an urban setting.” Unlike some manuals which are too general or too context specific, the Redeemer Manual is designed to “equip the reader to think creatively about how to start churches in any context, culture or people group.” The manual is divided into five parts: 1) Owning the Church Planting Vision, 2) Learning and Planning, 3) Launching the Church, 4) Spiritual Renewal Dynamics, and 5) Changing the Fabric of the City.

The second recommended manual is First Steps for Planting a Missional Church by Gary Rohrmayer. Rohrmayer’s manual is a comprehensive workbook for planting a missional church developed out of FirstSteps Seminars on church planting. Robert E. Logan, who wrote the forward to the manual, explains the title of the manual. He states that “The idea of ’steps’ is an important concept, because it is a double entendre. The word evokes both movement and foundation … it explores the idea of moving forward to reproduce churches while being founded and grounded in the glory and mission of God.”

The third recommended manual is actually two manuals available through Global Church Advancement trainings directed by Steve Childers. The first manual is Church Planting Foundations and the second is Church Planting Essentials. At Sojourn, we recommend all church planters who are beginning the process to attend the GCA training. The trainings and manuals guide the church planter through what GCA calls, “the seven seasons of church planting and multiplication.” The first manual covers vision, calling, focus, prayer, learning, philosophy, purpose, values, styles, ministry model, discipleship model, planting model, finance plan, ministry plan, and personal plan.

These three manuals have played important roles in Sojourn’s development. I hope that they may help you as well as you seek to obey God’s call and see the Gospel transform your life, your city, and the world. (HT)

How Do Leaders Finish Well?

2009-10-14T12:03:41-05:00

Dr Robert Clinton says, "1/3 of all leaders finish well, 1/3 of all leaders finish so-so and 1/3 of all leaders don't finish well." Thanks to Leadership Network I experienced my first 'live blogging' of a talk I did there in May on coaching leaders to finish well. This live blog consisted of audio, power point, video, notes and an artist scatching of the message. It is great to have people make you look better than you are.

[Download MP3 audio]

Last night I didn't start well, nor did I finish well, and I didn't get any help from my teammates!

Click here to see Gary's PowerPoint Presentation: Finishing Well.

I want to talk a little about the reality of finishing well, and the perspective in our world of helping people finish well. The reality is that many start well, but few finish well. The danger years are from 35-55.

2 Timothy 4:1-8 Paul calls to finish well, in a serious tone. This game is bigger than you and I. He coaches them through. Paul also modeled it well to Timothy. Last, he reminds Timothy of the rewards.

How do we help leaders finish well? By doing the same thing that Paul did.

Finishing well has more to do with being than doing. As young leaders, we're concerned with competence and growth. But as we move along, it has to be more about character than competency. When we achieve a certain level of success, you get to where you coast.

Here's a tool that we do at the end of every first step. The first stage is romance - falling in love with the idea of planting a church. The second phase is reality. You embrace the reality of the situation. It's not easy work! When you sit in reality, you will become somewhat resentful of the situation. But it's how you deal with it that counts. You can either rebel or handle your situations with resolve. Rebellion always leads to ruin. Resolve leads to rebuilding.

This is why we meet with Jesus every day: to get perspective, to rebuild love for Him, our calling, the Gospel, the lost. It's only going through that constant grind that we will experience the rewards of the Father's approval of standing before God and hearing "Well done, good and faithful servant." There is also the joy of seeing what you have birthed.

We have to help our young leaders experience that.

Let's look at this video clip about a young lady that finished well, and help another to do the same. (HT)

Nine Prayers of a Missional Leader - Wrap up

2009-10-12T18:55:43-05:00

Let’s remember that our prayers matter. A book that made an impact on my prayer life was Dutch Sheets’, “Watchman Prayer.” In this book he gives an excellent explanation of the mysterious partnership we have with God through prayer.

He writes, “This is the God and family synergistically working together for the good in the earth. Second Corinthians 6:1 says, ‘And working together with Him’. Working together is the word sunergeo, from which we get the English word ‘synergism’ or ‘synergy’. Synergism is the combined action of two or more which have a greater total effect than the sum of their individual effects. I’ve been told that a rope made of three strands woven together is 100 times stronger than one strand. That’s synergism. Can you imagine God saying there is a synergistic effect when we work together with Him? All the multiplication of power must come from His strand.”

He continues in telling a story reported by Rusty Stevens of Virginia Beach, Virginia. “As I feverishly pushed the lawn mower around the yard, I wondered if I’d finish before dinner. Mikey, our six year old, walked up and without even asking, stepped in front of me and placed his hands on the mower handle. Knowing that he wanted to help me, I quit pushing.

The mower quickly slowed to a stop. Chuckling inwardly at his struggles, I resisted the urge to say, ‘Get out of here, kid. You’re in my way’, and said instead, ‘Here, Son. I’ll help you.’ As I resumed pushing, I bowed my back and leaned forward, and walked spread-legged to avoid colliding with Mikey. The grass cutting continued, but more slowly, and less efficiently than before, because Mikey was ‘helping’ me.

Suddenly, tears came to my eyes as it hit me: This is the way my heavenly Father allows me to ‘help’ him build his kingdom! I pictured my heavenly Father at work seeking, saving and transforming the lost, and there I was with my weak hands ‘helping’. He chooses to stoop gracefully to allow me to co-labor with Him.” (pg 56)

May we see this type a synergy take place within our relationship with God and the prayers we pray!

1. Need-Oriented Evangelism – “Father, break my heart …”

2. Inspiring Worship – “Father, give me a bigger picture of you…”

3. Passionate Spirituality – “Father, pour a spirit of generosity…”

4. Empowering Leaders – “Father, allow me to raise up and release leaders…”

5. Functional Structures – Father, grant me the courage to make the right missional decisions...”

6. Gift Oriented Ministry – “Father, help me focus on my strengths…”

7. Holistic Small Group – “Father, bless my life with life-long partners…”

8. Loving Relationship – “Father, help me build authentic relationships…”

9. Kingdom Advancing – Father, allow me to see my city transformed…”

Excerpt from Gary's book: NextSteps for Leading a Missional Church

Five Great Tips On Creating a Vision

2009-10-12T10:33:07-05:00

Vision casting in a new church is critical! Casting a compelling vision with clarity and conviction will help you with fundraising, launch team recruitment, motivating, focusing your team and even evangelism!

Vision casting from a biblical perspective is capturing God’s heart for your community. It involves communicating it is a way that connects with people hearts and moves them towards enthusiastic commitment. In fundraising you want people to invest generously. In recruiting your launch team you want people to be sold out to this idea, committing their time, talents and their treasures. In keeping your team motivated and focused you must discover ways to drive the vision deeper into the hearts of your people. Finally, if you are going to seriously see the gospel spread into the hearts of people far from God, you will need to creatively communicate God’s desire for their lives and the part they will play in His great redemptive mission.

I found these five tips online at www.castyourvision.net; they are great tips on creating a compelling vision.

Tip #1 - Think through your vision very well before you begin to share it. If you can't think through your vision yourself, others won't be able to think through it with you!

Tip #2 - A vision is like an iceberg...there is much more to it than what is seen on the surface. You've got to discipline yourself to share just enough - and yet not too much! Show your viewers the 'tip' of the iceberg- and when they are ready, they'll begin asking you about all the details! Just when you think it is short enough - look at it again and see if you can shave it down some more. If you've really thought through it - you'll be able to communicate it in a concise way.

Tip #3 - Remember - you might be the only person excited about your vision at this point. It's hard to believe, but it is true. As you communicate your vision, focus on those points which are the MOST exciting to you and leave the rest out...for now! People generally have to 'warm up' to a vision, which takes time. Be careful not to bore viewers with the details.

Tip #4 - Gradually release your vision to select viewers. Find 3-5 of your closest friends or mentors and ask them to preview your Vision Site. Give them permission to provide you with constructive criticism. They may identify some areas that need more (or less) information. Their input will be invaluable to you. Sometimes visionaries 'release' their vision prematurely, which can often be detrimental to the vision in the long run. Be patient, and wait for some quality feedback from your closest advisors - they'll be far more forgiving than others!

Tip #5 - A vision is something you see in your mind's eye - it's something you 'see' which doesn't yet exist. The paradox of this is that when you communicate a vision, other's aren't looking through the same lenses you are. You MUST visually present your vision to others to be most effective. You must transfer thoughts from your mind's eye to pictures in your listener's eyes. As you build your Vision Site, spend time looking for images that really depict what you are trying to say. They'll be worth a thousand words!

Here are five reflective questions to consider in creating a vision statement:

What is the specific vision that God is planting in your heart?
How is the great commission reflected in your vision statement?
How compelling is your vision statement to the churched as well as unchurched?
What does success look like specifically?
Could you describe what your church would look like ten years from now?

Solomon wrote, "Where there is no vision, the people perish...." Proverbs 29:18

Free Church Planting Webinar October 28th @ 2pm Central

2009-10-09T13:00:35-05:00

FirstSteps Webinar Series - Part 2

Join us for part 2 of the FirstSteps webinar series with Gary Rohrmayer as he provides a deeper look at the first and most critical step of planting a missional church: Relating with God and Others. We will be providing insights on:

The spiritual formation of the planter,
Intercession team development
Raising funds for your church plant.

Wednesday, October 28, 2009
3pm Eastern/12pm Pacific

Click here to register for this FREE webinar

Learn more about the FirstSteps network

Did you miss part 1? You can view it here