When I think of the early church and the mission of the Apostles, I am reminded of the power of the early church. From the very beginning, the early church was utilizing the power of a network.
Working together, to spread the gospel, they met in homes, broke bread together, encouraged and prayed for each other, sold their belongings and gave to those in need. They may not have called it a ministry network, but that is exactly what it was. They could not have succeeded with out the power of the Holy Spirit and the working together in unity for the sake of the mission.
The thing I like most about our new focus on the word network, is the shift from a geographical description to that of relationship. When you think of a network you have to think of others. Bottom line, it is all about relationships and working together to accomplish something bigger than we ever could on our own.
Few churches seem to make a big impact outside of their community. However, together, church by church and community by community a network focus will allow us to impact region.
When I think of youth ministry and infiltrating the school campus’ of S. New England, we must work together. The task and mission is way too big for any one youth pastor or youth ministry. Though all of us entered our ministry with a vision to win the world, the reality is that if we run solo it will be a slow go!
When I look back over my 20 years of ministry focus, it is so evident that those events that held a great lasting impact, involved networking with others. As a matter of fact, it is one of the reasons why I try to focus everyday on building my network. I know that I am only as strong as my network. Thank you Lord for those you have placed in my network , who challenge and strengthen me, run with me, pray with me and love me!
Thank you Lord for the Power of a Network!
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
Sunday, June 6, 2010
One Week Away From Normal!
In just a few weeks we begin one of my favorite times of the entire year. I call it, "One week away from normal!" Most call it summer camp.
I grew up going to a Christian summer camp every year as a kid. It was such a fun time. It broke the cycle of normal in my life and gave me opportunities that I didn't have everyday at home. No TV, no access to a phone, no computer, no unhealthy friends, it was simply a time to get away, get with God and connect with other Christian friends and have fun.
Jesus practiced this type of activity all the time. As we read through the Gospels, we see that Jesus consistently broke away from the norm to pray and spend time with His Father. It was in those moments that Jesus was able to stay aligned with the Fathers will.
I'm afraid that today, many don't understand the importance or the power of one week of camp in the life of a student. Many parents and youth pastors working with our students today, did not themselves grow up attending a summer camp. Therefore, the lack of that experience keeps them from encouraging their students to go to camp.
There are many great camp stories of lives being changed and impacted by the power of God at camp. My life is one of them. However, one of my favorite stories is of contemporary Christian music recording icon Toby Mac. Toby tells his testimony of heading off to a church camp as a young teenager. On his way to camp, Toby convinced two of his other friends to accompany him, telling them it was a basketball camp.
It was however, far from a basketball camp. The first evening, the three young teens sat amongst the others as a minister preached the Word of God. During the message, one of Toby's friends leaned over and said to him, "Hey, I thought you said this was a basketball camp?"
As the week went on, Toby grew fond of his cabin counselor. One night mid-week, Toby got out of bed went over and began to speak with his counselor. During that conversation, Toby made a decision to follow Christ. That one week away from normal, gave Toby a chance to hear from God. Toby, has had a tremendous impact upon the Christian music industry, ministering to thousands of people every year.
One week away from normal. Will you give your students the opportunity to break away. It is my hope that every Christian parent, pastor and youth pastor, will give their students every opportunity to have an experience that just might change their lives forever.
I grew up going to a Christian summer camp every year as a kid. It was such a fun time. It broke the cycle of normal in my life and gave me opportunities that I didn't have everyday at home. No TV, no access to a phone, no computer, no unhealthy friends, it was simply a time to get away, get with God and connect with other Christian friends and have fun.
Jesus practiced this type of activity all the time. As we read through the Gospels, we see that Jesus consistently broke away from the norm to pray and spend time with His Father. It was in those moments that Jesus was able to stay aligned with the Fathers will.
I'm afraid that today, many don't understand the importance or the power of one week of camp in the life of a student. Many parents and youth pastors working with our students today, did not themselves grow up attending a summer camp. Therefore, the lack of that experience keeps them from encouraging their students to go to camp.
There are many great camp stories of lives being changed and impacted by the power of God at camp. My life is one of them. However, one of my favorite stories is of contemporary Christian music recording icon Toby Mac. Toby tells his testimony of heading off to a church camp as a young teenager. On his way to camp, Toby convinced two of his other friends to accompany him, telling them it was a basketball camp.
It was however, far from a basketball camp. The first evening, the three young teens sat amongst the others as a minister preached the Word of God. During the message, one of Toby's friends leaned over and said to him, "Hey, I thought you said this was a basketball camp?"
As the week went on, Toby grew fond of his cabin counselor. One night mid-week, Toby got out of bed went over and began to speak with his counselor. During that conversation, Toby made a decision to follow Christ. That one week away from normal, gave Toby a chance to hear from God. Toby, has had a tremendous impact upon the Christian music industry, ministering to thousands of people every year.
One week away from normal. Will you give your students the opportunity to break away. It is my hope that every Christian parent, pastor and youth pastor, will give their students every opportunity to have an experience that just might change their lives forever.
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