Lynchburg District Theme

Lynchburg District Theme
92 Churches Strong

Thursday, January 27, 2011

Leadership Training: How Big Is Your Dream? How Good Is Your Team?

How Big Is Your Dream?

·         What do you feel God is calling you to do or be this year?
·         What do you feel God is calling your church to do or be this year?

Diane Sawyer, co-anchor for the television program, “Good Morning America” gave an interview for the 60th anniversary Guidepost issue and talked about a Junior Miss Competition and meeting Catherine Marshall, the famous author.

Expecting just a last minute pep talk, Diane was not prepared for what Catherine had to say: “You have set goals for yourselves but I don’t think you have set them high enough. I think you should take those goals and expand them. Think of the most you could do with your lives. Make what you do matter. Above all, dream big.” (Mar 2005)

Diane took her message to heart and has learned to dream big but what about the rest of us? Will God help us set higher goals and learn to dream big? Has your church learned to dream big?

“Larry, I have a stressful schedule and work too hard already? What more can God expect?”

Dreaming big has nothing to do with stress or work habits. Here is the question: “Do you believe God can do big things through you and your church? Are you seeking to fulfill God’s purpose?”

How Good Is Your Team?

·         Who is on your team offering encouragement and help?
·         Who is on your church team helping to move the church forward?

Nicholas, approximately 30, grew up in the church but walked away. Recently he wanted to deepen his faith with God but wasn’t happy at the churches he was attending. So, taking matters into his own hands he started a group on Facebook. He signed me up first and then asked a few friends. Next thing I knew, there were over 80 young adults sharing their hopes and dreams and their struggles with faith. They were recommending Bible Verses and praying for each other.

Nicholas later wrote me: “I just got this feeling the other day about starting a new group on FB. I believe God wanted me to do something for Him, so I pondered on it throughout the day and prayed about it the other night. God gave me the OK, so I got up the next day, started the group, and have enjoyed and been blessed by how everyone has responded. I need a group of believers to hang around since I'm currently not attending church regularly. I want to keep up with this and hope that we can all use this powerful piece of technology to God's advantage!”

Nicholas was inspired to do something significant and found a unique way to not only pursue his big dream but formed a great team in the process.

So…

How big is your dream? How good is your team?

Matthew 28: 16-20 -- The Great Commission - Then the eleven disciples left for Galilee, going to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. When they saw him, they worshiped him—but some of them doubted! Jesus came and told his disciples, “I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”

Dream: Go and make disciples of all nations.
Team: Teach these new disciples.

That will be the theme of our Leadership Training this Saturday. It will be stimulating and exciting. I believe you will all come away with something useful that will you and your church.

So come and join us. Whether you’ve registered or not, come anyway.

Just come expecting to find big dreams and good teams.

See you there.

Larry

Sunday, January 23, 2011

Psalm 19 and Sunday Prayer before Worship

Prayers

  • Jerry Viemeister
  • Several unspoken requests
  • Pastors who are considering a change – retirement or move - For the past several weeks and for the next several months, I will be heavily involved with churches and pastors considering change. Each year, I realize how traumatic this kind of change can be for the church and for the pastor and family. Please pray that the change becomes beneficial both for the pastor and family as well as the church.
  • Our Leadership Training Event on January 29. Pray that we offer real help as church leaders come from all over the district to learn how to be better leaders within their church.

My devotional reading this morning included Psalm 19, a Psalm that always helps me put my troubles in better perspective as I read of glory of God.

The heavens proclaim the glory of God. The skies display his craftsmanship.
Day after day they continue to speak; night after night they make him known.
They speak without a sound or word; their voice is never heard.
Yet their message has gone throughout the earth, and their words to all the world.

This is a powerful reminder that God is in control. At times I may feel helpless but God displays his craftsmanship day after day and night after night. The message is heard throughout the earth.

Here is my favorite part:

God has made a home in the heavens for the sun.
It bursts forth like a radiant bridegroom after his wedding.
It rejoices like a great athlete eager to run the race.
The sun rises at one end of the heavens and follows its course to the other end.
Nothing can hide from its heat.

I have seen many radiant brides and bridegrooms after a wedding. It’s a look that confidently anticipates the future. And there is the image of a great athlete eager to run the race full of confidence in what the future holds.

In other words, be strong, be confident… not in yourself but in the God who created you and called you.

Do you need proof? Look at the sun rising in the heavens and follow its course. Nothing can hide from its heat.

The instructions of the LORD are perfect, reviving the soul.
The decrees of the LORD are trustworthy, making wise the simple.
The commandments of the LORD are right, bringing joy to the heart.
The commands of the LORD are clear, giving insight for living.

The instructions of the Lord are perfect… reviving the soul, making wise the simple, bringing joy to the heart and giving insight for the living. The instructions we receive from God matter just as much in the digital age as they did thousands of years ago.

Reverence for the LORD is pure, lasting forever.
The laws of the LORD are true; each one is fair.
They are more desirable than gold, even the finest gold.
They are sweeter than honey, even honey dripping from the comb.

Reverence for the Lord and the Laws of the Lord are pure, true, fair and last forever. This is the grounding we need to know that what we do is right, more desirable than gold and sweeter than honey. What we teach, how we act, what we do still matters and still makes a difference whether in our church or in the community.

They are a warning to your servant, a great reward for those who obey them.
How can I know all the sins lurking in my heart? Cleanse me from these hidden faults.
Keep your servant from deliberate sins! Don’t let them control me.
Then I will be free of guilt and innocent of great sin.

We are hearing of a warning and a reward. We recognize and name our sins so they can be cleansed. We recognize sin in the same way doctors diagnose a disease in order to offer a cure. Only then, can we serve God with grace, knowing we are free of guilt and sin.

May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing to you,
O LORD, my rock and my redeemer.

These are words often said before beginning a devotional message but after reading the rest of the Psalm, we can say them again with greater confidence.

These are God’s words, not mine. This meditation is from God, not me. For God is my rock and my redeemer.

May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing to you,
O LORD, my rock and my redeemer.

Amen.

May you feel God’s presence within you today.

Thursday, January 20, 2011

Rest and Thank you

During the past couple of weeks, our pastors and other leaders have been busy fulfilling the requirements of closing out 2010. Data about our attendance and membership and our finances are now entered in their proper place. The work of 2010 should be complete and we should be ready to begin 2011.

But, pause for moment…

Those who live in the shelter of the Most High will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty.

This I declare about the LORD: He alone is my refuge, my place of safety; he is my God, and I trust him. (Psalm 91:1-2)

Since we are the ones who dwell in the shelter of the most high; let us pause for a moment and find rest in the shadow of the almighty.

Rest is God’s way of restoring us from rigors behind and preparing us for the trials that lie ahead. As a part of our rest let me take a moment and simply say, “Thank you.”

To all of our clergy whether you were full time or part time, Deacon or Elder or Local Pastor. Thank you for giving of yourself in so many ways. To all who serve as part of a church staff. Thank you. You served your church and your community well.

This I declare about the LORD: He alone is my refuge --

To all of our volunteers, from every church, small, medium and large. Some of you were leaders of our many ministries and missions, some of you taught Sunday school, took care of the yard, visited those in need and performed the many hundreds of other tasks that are so vital in the life of the church. Thank you. You served your church and your community.

This I declare about the LORD: He alone is my refuge, my place of safety --

To all of you who gave of your time and resources, whether through a check or spending time in the nursery. Thanks to you, we made a difference for people in need in our community and around the world. Your gifts matter and your generosity is appreciated.

This I declare about the LORD: He alone is my refuge, my place of safety; he is my God, and I trust him.

To those impacted by the ministry and mission of your church. Think of the hundreds of ways your church made an impact on your life and others around you. Whether, through the music and the message heard during worship or through a small group Bible study or through a visit when you were sick or through a phone call just to see if you were okay or through a devotional reading prepared by someone in your church. This is why the church exists: to bring the message and grace of Jesus Christ to you.

This I declare about the LORD: He alone is my refuge, my place of safety; he is my God, and I trust him.

The next two verses continue God’s promise: For he will rescue you from every trap and protect you from deadly disease. He will cover you with his feathers. He will shelter you with his wings. His faithful promises are your armor and protection.

Just take a moment and soak in the promises of God.

We dwell in the shelter of the most high –
We find rest in the shadow of the almighty -
He alone is your refuge –
He is your place of safety –
He is your God –
You can trust him –
He rescues you from every trap –
He protects you from deadly disease –
He covers you with his feathers –
He shelters you with his wings –
His faithful promises are your armor and protection.

Wow!

For 2010, you and your church made a difference.

Thank you. Rest in the shelter of God’s refuge and be renewed and refreshed for 2011.

Sunday, January 16, 2011

Prayer for Pastors on Sunday Morning

In my daily reading was this passage in Matthew:

At that time Jesus prayed this prayer: “O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, thank you for hiding these things from those who think themselves wise and clever, and for revealing them to the childlike. Yes, Father, it pleased you to do it this way!

“My Father has entrusted everything to me. No one truly knows the Son except the Father, and no one truly knows the Father except the Son and those to whom the Son chooses to reveal him.”

Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.” (Mat. 11:25-30)

First… Jesus prayed this prayer – so it’s important.
Second… The real message will be hidden from those who think themselves wise.
Third… We must be childlike to understand.

So, Lord, let me be childlike as I look at this prayer. Let me trust and absorb rather than examine.

My Father has entrusted everything to me.
No one truly knows the Son except the Father,
and no one truly knows the Father except the Son
and those to whom the Son chooses to reveal him.

So Lord, what has been entrusted to you and who will you reveal it too? With child-like faith, help me to understand.

Help me to trust in what you are getting ready to say…

Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens,
and I will give you rest. 
Take my yoke upon you.
Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart,
and you will find rest for your souls. 
For my yoke is easy to bear,
and the burden I give you is light.”

At times the lot of being a pastor is to carry heavy burdens.

Burdens for yourself and your family… finances, sickness, grief
Burdens for your church family… so many struggles within your church
Burdens for your community… reaching others for Christ

At times the burdens of being a pastor can be more than any one person can bear. Yet you are expected to step into the pulpit each Sunday morning or work within the congregation each Sunday morning and bring God’s Word as a message of hope. At times, it seems impossible.

But Jesus says, (With a warning to accept this with childlike faith.)

Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you.

This morning in the midst of my own burdens, I stopped analyzing and started to simply accept.

Jesus, I am weary and the burdens seem heavy. Help me to simply accept the rest you offer. Help me to accept your yoke.

Maybe this is a gentle reminder that the burdens I feel do not have to be mine alone just as the burdens you feel are not yours alone. As you step into the pulpit, may you know this morning that Jesus took on those burdens a long time ago.

So rather than analyze -- Take a moment and feel the presence of Jesus simply giving you rest, and shouldering the burdens along-side you.

As Jesus relieves you of your burden, he then says,

Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.

Jesus is walking beside me relieving me of my burden. He is teaching me through the example of his humble and gentle spirit and in the midst of that teaching…

I am finding rest for my soul.

I feel better already. I feel less alone. I feel a part of something so much bigger than… me.

For my yoke is easy to bear and the burden I give you is light.

Thank you, Jesus.

Today, like many of you, I will be stepping into the pulpit.

Today, I feel the burdens shift and grow lighter. I will teach the way Jesus would want me to teach: My burdens no longer heavy will no longer interfere with Your Word.

I pray for you… the same.

Sunday, January 9, 2011

Prayer Response to Tragedy in Tucson

“Rep. Gabrielle Giffords remains in critical condition after a shooting rampage at a Tucson, Arizona shopping center that has shaken the nation and left at least six people dead and more than a dozen wounded. Giffords, was shot in the head at point blank range by a man who opened fire during a meet-and-greet with constituents. Among the dead are an aide to the congresswoman, a 9-year-old girl and U.S. District Judge John Roll. President Obama called the shooting ‘a tragedy for Arizona and a tragedy for our entire country. We are going to get to the bottom of this and we will get through this,’ he said.” (from USA Today)

May we join together in prayer as a response to this horrible tragedy.

Our hearts grieve for the loss of precious lives and for those who were wounded. Lord, provide comfort and healing in the midst of sorrow and pain.

We pray for the families involved in this senseless tragedy.
We pray for the community as they pull together.

We pray for our leaders who need our encouragement as well as our criticism.

And we pray for God to show us how to rightly respond to this crisis.

How can we get more involved to help those in need?
How can we look more carefully around us and ask our neighbor, our coworker, our friend: “How are you doing?” and really mean it?

Lord, give us the compassion to care and the courage to act.

Thank you, Lord for bringing us healing and comfort in the midst of our despair. Help us to trust more deeply in You. We ask all of this in the Holy name of our Lord and Savior. Amen.

In the midst of tragedy -- The Apostle Paul writes:

Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again—rejoice!            
(Joy is an attitude of trust in the midst of doubt.)

Let everyone see that you are considerate in all you do.             
(Being considerate is our best witness in the midst of conflict.)

Remember, the Lord is coming soon.                                
(The Lord provides hope in the midst of despair.)

Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything.      
(Worry accomplishes nothing but prayer is a step forward.)

Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done.
          (Replace worry with trust.)

Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand.
          (Replace worry with peace.)

His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus. 
His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus. 
His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus. 

          (Philippians 4:4-7)

May your hearts be full of peace as you serve Christ today.
May your church be ready to hear God’s Word.
May you be ready to serve as God gently guides your path.

May we do it all in the precious name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

Sunday, January 2, 2011

Prayers for the New Year

Happy New Year!

My memories of the first Sunday of each New Year are full of mixed emotions.

Anticipation mixed with fear. Excitement blended with dread.

It’s wonderful to say that you are beginning again but it’s scary to say you’re starting something new when that usually means you are giving up something comfortable.

Maybe a better way to look at the New Year is not to feel like you’re starting all over.

Maybe a better way is to think about making adjustments for improvement.

After all there are certain basics of our lives and faith that will guide us long before we make any New Year resolutions.

For example: Every January 1 - I have to decide which yearly devotions I’m going to read every morning. I also read from at least one book every day but I’m guided by several daily devotions. I could start fresh every year but that is too much change and seldom helpful. Instead – I start with the Bible. Maybe a different translation but I start here.

            First – Through the Bible in One Year

            Then add one devotional helpful last year and worth reading again.

            Then add at least two daily devotions that will stimulate continued progress.

That will preach:

·         Something basic and foundational.
·         Something carried over that was helpful and bears repeating.
·         Something new to stimulate continued progress.

Maybe this is good advice for a lot of what we try to do as leaders…

Remember what is basic and foundational.
Carry over and celebrate what was helpful and bears repeating.
Strive to create something new to stimulate continued progress.

Jim Robey, former pastor from Alabama has become a life coach for the United Methodist Church. He has been a coach and friend to me for many years. He gets more specific and asks three great questions:

1.      What am I bringing from last year into this new one?
·         what joys and sorrows, what is working and not working, hopes and dreams, sense of calling and following where God leads, unfinished business and new possibilities...

2.        What would make this year “wildly successful” for me?
·         my dreams and God-given yearnings, the “hunger of my heart,” specific goals that are pulling me forward...

3.        What additional resources will help me “be” my best?
·         people, experiences, spiritual practices and structures that will help me “be” what I desire in order to pursue my dreams...

Then Jim quoted from the following passage of Hebrews:

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne. Think of all the hostility he endured from sinful people; then you won’t become weary and give up. (Hebrews 12:1-3)

For me it’s comforting that God is giving us a road map for the New Year.

·         We are surrounded by a huge crowd of witnesses…
·         Let us strip off every weight that slows us down…
·         Let us run with endurance…
·         Keep our eyes on Jesus…
·         Think of what he endured…
·         So, don’t become weary and give up…

As you begin your New Year with your first Sunday, please know that you are not alone. You are surrounded by a huge crowd of witnesses. I am one of those who will be praying for you and your ministry.

May you cling to what is basic and foundational.
May you carry over and celebrate what was helpful and bears repeating.
May you strive to create something new to stimulate continued progress.

May you especially know that you were called by God to be where you are today and that God will be with you today, tomorrow and forever.

-------------------------

Jim Robey, a United Methodist minister, was the first clergy to be endorsed by UMC for the Ministry of Life Coaching. (He is also endorsed as a Pastoral Counselor.) His appointment is as the Executive Director of ATTENTIONAL GROWTH INC, a non-profit organization which he founded. For more about Jim go to his website at: http://www.attentionalgrowth.org/

You are invited to an interactive conference call entitled 3 Keys to Successfully "Begin Again" on Thursday, January 6, 2011 at 2pm ET.  Jim Robey will be joined by his friend and fellow coach Dr. Larry Ousley.  For more information and to register click: http://myaccount.maestroconference.com/conference/register/TVDKE81QOZA8H5QM