First, did you even know there was a magazine called "Ministry Today?"
You can check them out HERE!
But let me back up a second...
I am a sucker for kids selling stuff. Maybe because I had to sell ads and wreaths growing up and hated every second of it - I am NOT a salesman. Whatever the reason, if I answer the door - you'll probably make a sale!
The long/short of it: I subscribed to Ministry Today...as I was starting (still working on) my ministry and thought maybe this mag could help.
My thoughts?
It's just another magazine.
Articles to sell ads.
The cover looks no different than what you'd expect for any other magazine - a list of articles promising the latest fad or "technique" to do __________ (whatever you are looking to do).
Really?
Sure the "content" is different, yet the style and execution is exactly the same. My current issue states the following on the cover: "Discover IHOP-KC'S Strategy for: Keeping platform ministry pure, spirit-led children's ministry, fasting more effectively...
What?
Fasting more effectively?
How is that different than when Men's Health has an article on: More effective push-ups?
I hate to be cynical (okay, maybe I don't) but what the he(xx)?
Effective fasting?
Have we reduced following Christ to "effective fasting?"
Want to know how your music can "go beyond worship?" (also in this edition)
I'm not sure what I expected, but I know it WASN'T this.
But before I get tooooooooo cynical, I take the words of Jesus to heart: Those who aren't against us, are for us.
So, while I may disagree with their methods (as I'm sure they would certainly disagree with mine) I leave it to God to decide. If he is cool with it, than I will be as well - though I don't have to support them by renewing my subscription, which I won't.
Are nuggets of gold to be found?
I'm sure...in fact, I found an article written by a friend's pastor (which I gave him the issue). If even for that fact, alone, the magazine is worth it.
When it all comes down to it - who am I to knock them down?
If this magazine might possibly influence the new Billy Graham, than I shall humbly step out of the way....
Showing posts with label ministry. Show all posts
Showing posts with label ministry. Show all posts
Thursday, July 7, 2011
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
The Church Uleashed read through...
Okay, the first read through is done with “Unleashing The Church.”
Inspired – is the first word that comes to mind. A whole new way of looking at how a church CAN operate and in such a way that those involved are because they are vested in the church and (more importantly) WANT to – not because they feel obligated to.
The second word that comes to mind, though, is – Daunted. How does one even start? Where does one even look?
Guess that’s what we take to God. Hope and pray he shows the path, opens the doors, reveals the plan…
And, if you are wondering if Bear Valley – the church described in the book is even still around.
Yes it is: http://www.bvchurch.org/
So, second time through here we go.
Inspired – is the first word that comes to mind. A whole new way of looking at how a church CAN operate and in such a way that those involved are because they are vested in the church and (more importantly) WANT to – not because they feel obligated to.
The second word that comes to mind, though, is – Daunted. How does one even start? Where does one even look?
Guess that’s what we take to God. Hope and pray he shows the path, opens the doors, reveals the plan…
And, if you are wondering if Bear Valley – the church described in the book is even still around.
Yes it is: http://www.bvchurch.org/
So, second time through here we go.
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Unleashing the Church Methodology...
Well, it just so happens that I got the section of the book (The Church Unleashed) where the author goes into the “methodology” of unleashing a church.
The sections I was reading before were the “strategies” or theories, if you will, about the unleashed church.
And, well, the author in a way refuses to put down a single “method.” In other words, he advises that ministries should grow out of a “want-to” mentality. That resources and such will come out of strategy sessions (NOT committee meetings) and that ministries may come and go as the want – not need – get filled or not.
In an example he wrote: will we have a vacation Bible school next year? Only if someone wants to lead it.
Sounds a bit funny, doesn’t it?
BUT…it also stands to reason. If someone wants to have VBS that bad, they will make it happen and that will most likely result in a better VBS than one where someone takes it over because the church “should” have one.
The author points out that church should not (is not) a one size fits all for everyone – every church is different. While you may get an idea for a ministry from one, you most likely wouldn’t be able to run it the same way. It’s a different church, with different people.
I just started this section, bear with me…
The sections I was reading before were the “strategies” or theories, if you will, about the unleashed church.
And, well, the author in a way refuses to put down a single “method.” In other words, he advises that ministries should grow out of a “want-to” mentality. That resources and such will come out of strategy sessions (NOT committee meetings) and that ministries may come and go as the want – not need – get filled or not.
In an example he wrote: will we have a vacation Bible school next year? Only if someone wants to lead it.
Sounds a bit funny, doesn’t it?
BUT…it also stands to reason. If someone wants to have VBS that bad, they will make it happen and that will most likely result in a better VBS than one where someone takes it over because the church “should” have one.
The author points out that church should not (is not) a one size fits all for everyone – every church is different. While you may get an idea for a ministry from one, you most likely wouldn’t be able to run it the same way. It’s a different church, with different people.
I just started this section, bear with me…
Friday, November 13, 2009
More "Unleashing" of a church...
It doesn't stop amazing me, this book.
I just finished a chapter on “Major Ministries” with modest facilities and how much more of a benefit it is.
How increase space, and land, and assets (needlessly) just create more liabilities. Also, how even with an expanding congregation, a church can still be modest in size while “connecting” people and providing genuine, productive ministries – it just take imagination and motivation.
Truly this church had the idea of not only unleashing the church, but its people…THAT is a church I could support and would love to see.
A church truly for and by people.
I can’t wait to finish this book so I can reread it again right away…
I just finished a chapter on “Major Ministries” with modest facilities and how much more of a benefit it is.
How increase space, and land, and assets (needlessly) just create more liabilities. Also, how even with an expanding congregation, a church can still be modest in size while “connecting” people and providing genuine, productive ministries – it just take imagination and motivation.
Truly this church had the idea of not only unleashing the church, but its people…THAT is a church I could support and would love to see.
A church truly for and by people.
I can’t wait to finish this book so I can reread it again right away…
Thursday, November 12, 2009
Church Unleashed...more thoughts.
This book has been inspiring in more ways than I originally thought. Funny how their thoughts and ideas are so simple, yet you don’t see churches DOING it.
In fact, the author writes about how churches don’t seem to “trust” the laity for ministries and if the “laity” become or start a ministry, they are usually bogged down in committees and “controlled” in such ways.
What is sad, though, is how far church HASN’T come in over twenty years.
In fact, the author writes about how churches don’t seem to “trust” the laity for ministries and if the “laity” become or start a ministry, they are usually bogged down in committees and “controlled” in such ways.
What is sad, though, is how far church HASN’T come in over twenty years.
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Ask and you shall receive...Book 2!
Here's a quote from the second book I got...
"...many churches are introverted, concerned about attracting larger and larger congregations to their pulpit-centered services, increasing their budgets, improving and expanding their facilities while their members remain afflicted with arthritic spectatoritis."
Talk about timely and relevant! I tell you, this speaks to what I have experienced lately...
Oh, wait, this book was published in 1982!
It's call "The Church Unleashed: Getting God's People Out Where the Needs Are."
And I believe it has hit close to what I believe this ministry is about: "[A] Focus on Getting God's people out where there are sin and pain and need."
I have only just began this book as well (now five I am reading, in total) but it still speaks volumes, even (if not more so) today!
In short, so far as I can gather, the book challenges churches to "get out" with various ministries, rather than just focusing on bigger, flashier, and newer churches.
To quote:
"Forget about bringing people in...forget about institutional success...forget about binding members to an organization with ties of loyalty, cords of convivial programming, and busy intramural involvement. Focus on unshackling members, motivating them to give time and energy beyond any ecclesiastical ghetto. Forget about growth as an end in itself. And, paradoxically, growth will take place as the by-product of a ministry that refuses to be self-centered and self-serving."
To that, all I can say is, Amen.
"...many churches are introverted, concerned about attracting larger and larger congregations to their pulpit-centered services, increasing their budgets, improving and expanding their facilities while their members remain afflicted with arthritic spectatoritis."
Talk about timely and relevant! I tell you, this speaks to what I have experienced lately...
Oh, wait, this book was published in 1982!
It's call "The Church Unleashed: Getting God's People Out Where the Needs Are."
And I believe it has hit close to what I believe this ministry is about: "[A] Focus on Getting God's people out where there are sin and pain and need."
I have only just began this book as well (now five I am reading, in total) but it still speaks volumes, even (if not more so) today!
In short, so far as I can gather, the book challenges churches to "get out" with various ministries, rather than just focusing on bigger, flashier, and newer churches.
To quote:
"Forget about bringing people in...forget about institutional success...forget about binding members to an organization with ties of loyalty, cords of convivial programming, and busy intramural involvement. Focus on unshackling members, motivating them to give time and energy beyond any ecclesiastical ghetto. Forget about growth as an end in itself. And, paradoxically, growth will take place as the by-product of a ministry that refuses to be self-centered and self-serving."
To that, all I can say is, Amen.
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