Learning From Critics #2

Critics #2:  Here are 5 more reminders from Reggie McNeal on growing via your critics. 

1.  Seek Good Advice.  Start by giving a few godly people the right to tell you the truth… anytime it’s needed.

2.  Look in the Mirror  People appreciate a leader who owns his mistakes (& corrects them quickly) vs. blaming others.  Also a leader who’s aware of his own emotional “hot buttons” (vs. giving in to them.)

3.  Refuse to Lash Out.  Speaking the truth without “venting” your emotions tells people they can trust your leadership in a difficult situation.  Guess what the opposite approach will do.

4.  Insist on Forgiveness.  Refusal to forgive binds you to a cycle of perpetual hurt.  Forget about who deserves what, and opt for the freedom that allows you to move forward.

5.  Decide to Grow.  Growing via criticism requires a conscious decision to submit to spiritual surgery (without “anesthesia” & in full view of the world.)  Give God full access to your heart.

Bringing Out the Best:  Just finishing The Talent Code, by Daniel Coyle.  He talks about the physiological realities underlying an ability to reach greatness – whether in music, sports, writing, etc.  Turns out it’s not just about genetics.  People who arrive @ greatness all use similar pathways (which ultimately rewire their brains for a different level of performance.)  Here are the pathways:

-  Deep Practice (The way you practice – not just how much you practice - matters.)

-  Ignition (It’s demanding.  Without something that inspires/ignites hope, people usually quit.)

-  Master Coaching (The most gifted person won’t get there on his own.)

               

What does this tell you about developing your own potential?  What does it tell you about developing the people/potential leaders in your church?

“Sobering” Thought:  We lost one of our pastors to suicide this week.  He was doing a great job… rightly dividing the Word, sharing Jesus, loving his people, & working hard.  But in the end a private battle – one few people perceived – overwhelmed him.  1 Pet. 5:8 comes to mind… the part about an adversary “seeking someone to devour.” 

We’re all targets.  Building great relationships… getting away from the grind… hearing God’s voice… & feeding your own soul… aren’t luxuries “if you have time” in the ministry.  They’re what it means to be “sober & vigilant.” 

Praying for you this weekend.  Nobody is sufficient for the message of Easter.  Hope God takes your human words & transforms them into something more.  Also praying God gets ahold of your heart again… and you’re overwhelmed before Sunday comes.

Blessings,

Jojo

Persevering Past Criticism

Facing Criticism:  “So if You are going to deal thus with me, please kill me at once….”  (Num. 11:15 )  Not a happy request, but it expresses how Moses actually felt a year or so after the exodus.  The same guy who stood toe to toe with Pharoah, (and saw miracles,) came unraveled under a barrage of constant complaints. 

For every heroic confrontation, ministry has 1000 pinpricks nobody will ever know about.  Most are just a testimony to someone’s immaturity.  A few (nobody can tell you which ones) are worthy of spending time on.  But all of them steal energy. 

You may not be “pre-wired” to ignore criticism.  But you can learn to deal with it (and hopefully be made better by it.)  Here are some things - thanks to Reggie McNeal - to remember as you’re learning. 

1.  Do expect an “entrance exam.”  Early on, every follower receives an “invitation” to opt for something easier.  Jesus faced it in the wilderness.  Let your choice, like His, just reaffirm God’s calling.

2.  Don’t expect “romance.”  The quicker you drop unrealistic expectations, the better.  Don’t look for a “pass” when it comes to being mis-treated.  It’s a normal part of your job.

3.  Look past it.  Runners do it; dieters do it.  You can look past pain if you know it’s getting you closer to a worthy goal/vision. 

4.  Weigh (don’t count) your critics.  A critic from the fringe means far less than a critic from the core leadership.  (By the way, the same can be said for supporters!) 

5.  Sift out the real issue.  It’s not always about you, even when you’re on the receiving end of it.  Good leaders (like good parents) know some reactions are just adolescent disappointment, lack of understanding, or immaturity.

Putting Things in Perspective:  Heard Jim Slack (IMB missiologist) talk recently about what it’s going to take to reach today’s America.  As an analogy, he outlined some of the strategies/actions that transformed America’s frontier.  Check out these lists:

Top 6 Church Groups in 1780           Top 6 Church Groups in 1950

Congregationalists                              Baptists

Episcopal                                               Methodists

Presbyterian                                          Lutheran

Lutheran                                                Presbyterian

Methodists                                           Episcopal

Baptists                                                 Congregational

Note the order in 1780 is exactly reversed 170 years later (1950.)  What accounts for the change?

1. Baptists, and to a lesser degree Methodists, allowed laypeople to lead & preach

2. Baptists & Methodists put a premium on planting churches

3. Methodists & Baptists believed lostness called for extreme measures

Tsunami Relief :  GBC has established a Japan Disaster Relief Fund.  If you’re looking for a way your church can respond, make checks payable to Japan Disaster Relief Fund.  Mail to…                                                                                                Japan Disaster Relief Fund
Georgia Baptist Convention

PO Box 100068 Duluth, GA  30096

Funds received and designated will be directed through Baptist Global Response, (the organization IMB uses to coordinate response to global disasters.)  Check out Christian Index article @ http://www.christianindex.org/7168.article

Speaking to Families/Dads:  Next film from Sherwood BC in Albany, GA. focuses on the issues of men & families.  Out in theaters Sept. 30^th, but there will be “private” screenings to allow pastors/leaders a chance to preview before that.  Check out the link here to see upcoming opportunities in GA.  (Kennesaw & downtown Atl. are closest options.  Kennesaw is April 28^th & Atlantic Station June 21st) 

http://www.courageousthemovie.com/screenings/

Closing Thought (re. Criticism):  Early Methodist preachers travelled “circuits” that were between 300-600 miles in length, and were willing to face harsh conditions to spread the gospel.  Up until 1847…   

-  199 died within their 1^st 5 years of service

-  2/3 died before they could complete twelve years of service

-  Half died before they reached 30 years old

Nothing like a little history to put today’s criticism in perspective.  Thanks for persevering regardless of what it costs.

Blessings,

Jojo

Your Church's Culture & Change

Getting Off the Plateau:  Sam Chand (Cracking Your Church’s Culture Code) says “Culture - not vision or strategy – is the most powerful factor in any organization.  It determines the receptivity of staff and volunteers to new ideas, unleashes or dampens creativity, builds or erodes enthusiasm, and creates a sense of pride or deep discouragement about working or being involved there.”  If he’s right, and I think he is, creating sustainable growth (i.e. breaking out of a “plateau”) will require more than the next program fix.  You’ll need to a.) understand how your present “culture” helps/hurts things, and b.) figure out how to make it better.  Which of these 5 church culture types best describes where you’re serving?

1.  Inspiring – People are involved in a cause (i.e. they feel what they do matters.)  Expectations are high, but realistic.  Failures are viewed as a stepping-stones to growth vs. an occasion for pointing fingers.  Ineffective leaders are retrained or replaced.  People are dying to serve/work here.

2.  Accepting – Characterized by clear goals & great relationships.  Communication (vs. “guarding my turf”) is a strength.  Leaders invest in developing their people, but some difficult decisions are avoided & a few topics are “taboo.”  Many people are attracted to the possibility of serving/working here.

3.  Stagnant – Top leaders are willing to hire consultants or send people to seminars, but they won’t take responsibility for making changes.  Staff/volunteers tolerate vs. respect their leaders.  Complaining is an art form.  The best people are looking to leave.  Those who stay are becoming clock watchers & check cashers. 

4.  Discouraging – People waste energy trying to survive power struggles & protect themselves from unhealthy leaders.  Top leaders act as if everybody else exists just to make them successful.  When they communicate a new vision, nobody cares.  These churches attract unhealthy people.

5.  Toxic – Outside input & ideas are suspect, and all creativity/risk-taking have long vanished.  Fear is the dominant motivation.  Leaders believe they “own” staff/volunteers, who are expected to turn a blind eye to any ethical/moral lapses on the part of leaders.  These churches attract only the naïve or truly desperate.

Cultures can be changed, but it takes patience - about 3 years of steady work will bear genuine fruit.  Think in terms of 4 phases:  1.  Expanding knowledge (easiest/quickest change,) 2. Re-shaping attitudes, 3. Changing individual behaviors, and 4. Changing institutional behaviors (hardest/requiring the most time.)  Best place to start isn’t “at the edges.”  It’s changing your own habits/reflexes for encouraging, vision-casting, dealing with conflict, etc.  Then move to how your main leadership team functions.

CBA Special Offering – Feb. 27^th/Mar. 6^th:  Thanks in advance to all the churches that have signed on to participate.  Also to all those who might not be able to take part right now, but are planning to do something later… or who have agreed to use bulletin inserts, DVD, etc. to educate their folks.  You guys are awesome!  We’ll report on results as soon as they’re available. 

“Secret Shoppers” Available:  If you’re looking to make your Sunday AM more “guest friendly,” give us a call.  Went live this week with a new service we’re calling “secret shoppers.”  It involves having several folks (various ages & life situations) visit your service “incognito,” and then send you a report on the positives & negatives they experienced.  Great way to provide your team with helpful input.

Upcoming: 

CBA Executive Committee Meeting Feb. 15^th @ Oak Grove BC.  Meal 5:30 & meeting @ 6:15 PM.

11:30 AM this Wed. 16^th – “Mid-size” churches fellowship @ Montgomery Memorial BC

11:30 AM this Thurs. 17^th - “200 & below” fellowship @ New Holland BC

VBS “Preview” 6:30 PM this Thurs. 17^th @ Montgomery Memorial

GBC Evangelism Conference Feb. 28/Mar. 1 @ FBC in Conyers.  Check out details & schedule @ http://www.gabaptist.org/eventDetails.aspx?parentnavigationid=7473&theparentnavigationid=4795&&vieweventguid=3ebad5b6-3620-417d-9ced-53af901b5a17

Sobering Issues/Insights:  Check out the ppt attached here.  It’s from a GBC report (i.e. “wake up call”) on changes coming in the cultural landscape/environment for ministry here in Georgia.  We’re in for some huge shifts & challenges.  If you’re needing evidence as to whether the process has already started, here are 3 issues being debated in our state right now – all of which reflect societal shift:

                -  Senate bill 10/House bill 69 re. alcohol sales on Sunday

                -  House resolution 186 re. pari-mutuel gambling (casinos/horse racing) in Georgia

                -  House bill 89 re. changes in the time frame for allowable abortion

Check out http://www.legis.ga.gov/ for information on how to contact your representative/senator

Marriage Conference:  Ray Rhodes (Grace Community N. Ga.) is hosting a marriage conference/retreat this weekend - Feb. 26th from 10:00 AM until 8:00 PM.  It’s actually sold out, but he has 2 complimentary tickets he’s willing to offer to pastors on a first-come, first-serve basis.  Includes a day of teaching, activities, 90 minute alone time with spouse, two meals (including a candle-light dinner) and a concert of love songs by a fabulous duet.  He needs to know asap… as in today!

Hope your valentines day is awesome, and you’re thanking God today for the life (and ministry) partner He’s given you.  I know I am. 

Blessings, and thanks for all you do,

Jojo

PS.  Project Hope 2011 has been moved to the fall vs. our original Mar. 26^th date.  We’ve had a positive response from local school folks about connecting churches & schools.  But I underestimated the time that would be required to identify specific projects in each school… so our churches could organize to meet the needs.  Totally my fault.  We’ll be in touch with a new date as soon as our Miss Dev. Team can weigh in.

The Gospel & Politics - Mid Size Pastor's Group

Great meeting yesterday.  10 guys present… and a spirited discussion about how/how much political issues should factor into ministry leadership & preaching.   The plan was to let Danny J. & Joey J. each outline some critical issues (hoping to hear from more than one generational perspective) and then allow others to weigh in.  We almost never got to Danny & Joey.  Just about everybody had some strong convictions to share. 

Biggest surprise was the depth of feeling against too much political activity.  Not sure I’m able to speak with total accuracy here, but it seemed to divide roughly along generational lines.  Most guys under 45 tended to view this in light of how political actions help/hinder our calling to reach a lost/post-Christian culture.  (We lose credibility when we don’t live up to our own “family values;” we’re selective about which sins we hope to legislate; our dependence on political power actually obscures the power of the gospel.)  Most (not all) guys above 45 tended to view this in light of how we should protect &/or maintain the blessings & environment connected with a Christian culture.  (Appreciation for the heritage we’ve received; desire to protect our kids/grandkids from eventual persecution; awareness that strategic political action now may at least slow America’s slide while we continue to pray for revival that can be a game-changer.)

No great revelations here, but maybe some observations:

1.  It wasn’t about theology.  I’m guessing the guys in the circle today agree on 95% of doctrinal issues, but not necessarily on the best approach/ministry philosophy for today’s culture.

2.  It was about life experience.  Those who remember an America where Christian values were respected feel something of tremendous value is being lost – both from the standpoint of blessing & a healthier spiritual environment.  Those who have no memory of this see America more like a classic “mission field.”  Restoring/protecting a Christian nation via political clout feels like a form of imperialism – one that will ultimately create opposition to the genuine gospel. 

3.  It’s important to remember the nature of politics – i.e. what it can & can’t do.  (Political activity is by nature defensive vs. transformational.)

4.  It’s important to remember that environments do matter.  People’s spiritual receptivity will be deeply affected by the family… group… or cultural sea they swim in everyday.

5.  To some degree, the choice here revolves around whether we’re working on nearer-term goals (slowing decay,) or ultimate goals (re-capturing hearts & changing worldviews.)

6.  The strength of feeling we all have about these issues is probably the biggest reason we should talk about them face to face.  Thanks for taking on the issues… and doing it with grace.

I’m sure I didn’t do this justice.  Feel free to post your thoughts & continue the conversation.  

Thanks,

Jojo 

Focus on Transformation – Accountability:  I don’t know if Bishop Eddie Long is guilty.  For the sake of his family, his church, and much more, I hope not.  But one thing is clear in all that’s been reported.  He chose not to be accountable.

The root issue is pride.  Trouble is, Bishop Long isn’t unique.  Most of us would prefer not to open up/expose ourselves that much… and besides, it’s hard to find the right person and/or approach.  So we take the easy way out.  In the end, nobody is challenging us at the level we need to be challenged, and everybody pays the price.

Ancient believers called it a “spiritual director.”  We might talk about a “coach,” or “accountability group.”  Whatever the term, God has somebody you can turn to.  Pray for discernment… expect God’s reply… ask for the help… get started/try out approaches until you find the right one… and stick with it.  Eddie Long is your wake up call.

Good Samaritan Baptist Church:  Some years we see 100 people pray to receive Jesus @ the Good Sam. Food ministry.  That’s awesome, but we’re burdened by the fact that these folks aren’t connecting (as far as we can tell) with any church home… despite much effort by our churches.  So we’ve been asking God for a way to reach & disciple them right where they live.  That’s where Good Samaritan BC comes in.  It’ll meet on the CBA property - the same place where these folks receive food & first respond to the gospel.  And it’ll be designed to reach low-income folks.  But the greater goal is to build on this network of relationships & multiply home groups where these folks live - in mobile home parks & apt. communities all over the region.  Kenny Rice (formerly pastor of Set Free BC in Dahlonega) has volunteered to be the pastor.  Stay tuned.  And please ask God’s favor on Kenny & this ministry.

Burning Controversy:  The uproar over one Fla. pastor’s recent threat to burn the Koran says a lot about how “connected” the world is… how tense/strained relationships are between Islam & the West… etc.  But it also tells us something about communication.  “How you say it” is often as important as what you say.  (Check out the attached article for an illustration.)  The best content (i.e. the gospel) can be overshadowed, lost, or corrupted when your tone is wrong.  (Also check out Tom Smiley’s article in last Sunday’s Times:  http://www.gainesvilletimes.com/section/24/article/38401/)

Food For Thought – Missional Church?  Many churches are (rightly, I believe) now developing strategies to reach out directly to people groups overseas.  But the Atlanta Regional Commission’s recent projections say 3 decades from now (largely due to immigration of those same people groups to the US) only 38% of Atlanta’s wider Metro area will be Caucasian.  How should that factor into your strategy?

Fall Opportunities:

• Oct. 7^th  Mel Blackaby - Hall Co. Prayer Conference @ Lakewood BC.  Doors open @ 6:00.  Call Brandy Sandoval – 678.873.0311 or email prayerlife@att.net for more info.
• Oct. 8-9^th Financial Compliance for Churches @ Toccoa - $85 per person for all meals/materials  http://www.gabaptist.org/SHOP/Products/2010-Church-Financial-Compliance-Retreat__5015AB02-001.aspx
• Oct. 13^th - “Mid-Size” churches pastors group 11:30 @ Chicopee BC
• Oct. 16^th School of Evangelism @ Hebron BC.  $10 per person or $100 per church.  http://gabaptist.org/contentpages.aspx?parentnavigationid=5351&theparentnavigationid=4794&viewcontentpageguid=e1ed0ebb-88a2-4008-b450-fccfbbc61fb5

Oct. 18^th @ Central BC:  CBA annual meeting begins @ 4:00 PM.  Dinner @ 5:30.  Keynote speaker for the PM worship will be Dr. Jim Austin – Exec. Dir. for the South Carolina Bapt. Convention (and former pastor of

Blackshear Place

BC.)  Hope you can make it!

Affordable Direct Mail:  If you’re looking to reach people via direct mail, GBC now provides customized mailing lists at little or no charge.  Sort by zip code, precinct, etc.  Save postage costs by touching only those households you want to target.  Here’s the link:      http://gabaptist.org/contentpages.aspx?parentnavigationid=4968&theparentnavigationid=4955&viewcontentpageguid=e84c509a-f6a4-43c3-b1f0-ca6329e6f334

Closing Quote:  “When training leaders, start with the leadership behaviors you want to achieve, and not with the content you want to teach.”

                                                                                                                                - Jon Warner

“Your adversary… is seeking whom he may devour” this week (and every week.)  Don’t underestimate him. 

Praying for you,

Jojo

Focus on Transformation – Solitude: My sons are all 20-somethings. In a 5 min. span, it’s not unusual for their cell phones to beep or tweet 10 times to signal a text coming in. Just one more reminder of how thoroughly & constantly connected we are these days.

By contrast, check out these (Biblical) texts describing how often Jesus dis-connected from His world:

Mt. 4: 1-11 (upon beginning His ministry), Lk. 6:12 (before choosing the 12), Mt. 14: 13 (when He heard John the Baptist had been killed), Mt. 14: 23 (after feeding the 5000), Mk. 1: 35 (“in the morning, a great while before day”), Mk. 6: 31 (debriefing the disciples after ministry), Lk. 5: 16 (“often” slipping off into the wilderness to pray), Mt. 17: 19 (on the Mount of Transfiguration), Mt. 26: 36-46 (in Gethsemane.)

Your world demands an “immediate reply.” And your schedule won’t cooperate if you try to break away - whether it’s daily, monthly, quarterly, or @ any other interval. But good leaders know you can’t hear God’s voice if you’re running 150 m.p.h. And if you’re not hearing God’s voice… what’s the point?

Take the time to get away. Make it part of your quarterly, (or monthly) cycle. Your ministry will never be the same.

Men’s Min. Opportunities: If you’re looking for “leverage points” in our culture, few places are more critical than the lives of dads/men. Here are two local opportunities you might want to consider:

1. GBC Mens Ministry training for N.E. Ga. this Sat., Sept. 18th @ Air Line BC. Check it out at http://gabaptist.org/contentpages.aspx?parentnavigationid=6590&theparentnavigationid=4820&viewcontentpageguid=bf3ab2cb-b068-4572-b387-758df21abc3c
2. Concord BC is hosting a men’s conference with Danny Singleton (former Men’s Min. leader @ Woodstock FBC) Nov. 13th. Cost is $15 (includes bkfst & a steak lunch.) See attached flyer.

Fall Opportunities:
• Sept. 30th Pastor Appreciation night @ Jaemor Farms (sponsored by Memorial Park)
• Oct. 7th Mel Blackaby - Hall Co. Prayer Conference @ Lakewood BC. Doors open @ 6:00. Call Brandy Sandoval – 678.873.0311 or email prayerlife@att.net for more info.
• Oct. 8-9th Financial Compliance for Churches @ Toccoa - $85 per person for all meals/materials http://www.gabaptist.org/SHOP/Products/2010-Church-Financial-Compliance-Retreat__5015AB02-001.aspx
• Oct. 16th School of Evangelism @ Hebron BC. $10 per person or $100 per church. http://gabaptist.org/contentpages.aspx?parentnavigationid=5351&theparentnavigationid=4794&viewcontentpageguid=e1ed0ebb-88a2-4008-b450-fccfbbc61fb5

Define Your Ministry: Starbucks doesn’t sell coffee. They sell a feeling of comfort. Even if just for a moment, their customers leave the craziness behind and take a tiny little vacation with their coffee. (Patrick Schwerdtfeder – webify your business)

Churches (like businesses) are more likely to succeed if they understand what need(s) they’re meeting. Like Starbucks, your “product” may not be the obvious things – childrens programs, music programs, etc. More than likely, it’s hope. Don’t ever let people leave without finding it.

Who We’re Preaching To… Preaching this past weekend – the anniversary of 9/11 – made me realize how quickly things change. Just 9 years later, a significant portion of our audience (i.e. everybody below age 12-13) has no memory of that event. Preachers can’t afford to ignore the “world” their hearers inhabit. Here’s (attached) a reminder about the younger end of your audience.

Closing Quotes:
“If we are unwilling to change, we will abandon prayer as a noticeable characteristic of our lives.”      - Richard Foster
“The function of leadership is to produce more leaders, not more followers.”- Ralph Nader

Hope this week opens new doors for you. Hoping even more that you’ll “disconnect” enough to know where those doors are.

Blessings,

Jojo

PS. A couple of administrative things you might want to know about:
1. Beginning in January, Guidestone will be lowering the rate of interest they pay annuitants each month. A HUGE deal if you’re near retirement & could annuitize before that date. Here’s a link for questions & answers: http://www.guidestoneretirement.org/FormsandFAQs/FAQs/Annuity%20Funding%20Rate.aspx
2. Nobody knows yet how the new health care bill will impact us once all of it is in force. But here are some early observations: http://blog.yourchurch.net/2010/07/impact_of_health_care_reform_i.html

Focus on Transformation – New Instincts:   The most wonderful time of the year (i.e. college football season!) is about to start. Before long, we’ll hear commentators talking about players with a knack for “always being in the right place,” or “reacting instantly in the moment.” Everybody knows it’s no accident. Guys who play @ that level have gone through countless drills/repititions… until their reflexes & instincts are transformed.

Most of us want to see our church folks “play at a new level.” We’d like to lead Christians who perform flawlessly, and say/do what’s right “instinctively.” Problem is, we’ve never been serious about teaching them the “drills” that transform spiritual reflexes & instincts.

Transformation doesn’t just happen. To end up generous like Jesus, you have to practice generosity (i.e. regular giving.) To develop self-control like Jesus, you have to practice it (fasting, etc.) To cultivate deep communion with God, you have to pray, spend time in solitude, etc. (You can’t give in to constant activity.) Christians have always known this.

But American Christians don’t know it, (and neither do most of their leaders.) So the first step toward building a new breed of Christian – one that can weather whatever storms are ahead for the American Church - isn’t about what our people need to do. It’s about what we need to do. Practice the “drills” until they start transforming your reflexes… and show your people how to do the same.

Key Leadership opportunities:   Aug. 31st @ Lakewood BC. Check out…
- Coaching as a Tool for Transformation (or developing leaders) – Scott Goetz
- Strengthening Your Church’s Giving in Tough Times – Keith Hamilton & Allen Hill
- Evangelism Ideas that Work – Jason Nave & Chris Pritchett
- Your Church on the Web (What you need to know) – Kevin Gilbert & Jarrod Skeggs
- Leading From Your Strengths (How to build a great team) – Lex Bowen
…And much more. Call the CBA office or e-mail Joan (joan@cbamissions.org) to make a reservation.

5 Steps for Sharing Your Vision:   Leaders make 2 classic mistakes when it comes to sharing vision:
1. Simple Declaration – People need/deserve the same opportunity you had to hear from God. Simply declaring the vision circumvents that process, and results in low commitment (or eventual backlash.)
2. Premature Vote – Inviting response/input (in the form of a vote) without building in a process for clarification, answering questions, etc. will undermine the vision. You can’t ignore the reality of how people arrive at a commitment.

For a better way to approach it, check out Bill Howard’s article (attached.) Thanks to George D. for this

Pastors Wellness Retreat:   The past few years this has been a welcome help for pastors & their wives. Open this year to any who are a.) without preventive health (or dental) insurance, or b.) just need some free time away. Sept. 13-14 @ GBCC in Toccoa. Contact Ruth Smith to reserve your spot – (770) 936-5364. Diana Brown for dental checkups/work – (770) 936-5217.

Fall Lineup:   Several great opportunities coming up Sept/Oct in N.E. Georgia
• Sept. 18th @ Air Line BC – North GA Baptist Men’s Ministry training
• Sept. 30th Pastor Appreciation night @ Jaemor Farms (sponsored by Memorial Park)
• Oct. 8-9th Financial Compliance for Churches @ Toccoa - $85 per person for all meals/materials http://www.gabaptist.org/SHOP/Products/2010-Church-Financial-Compliance-Retreat__5015AB02-001.aspx
• Oct. 16th School of Evangelism @ Hebron BC. $10 per person or $100 per church. http://gabaptist.org/contentpages.aspx?parentnavigationid=5351&theparentnavigationid=4794&viewcontentpageguid=e1ed0ebb-88a2-4008-b450-fccfbbc61fb5

Choose a Niche:   Marketing on the internet is all about creating a niche for yourself. Otherwise, people will never find you. Ministry is similar. People start finding you when you develop a level of excellence in something they need… not when you’re “average” in everything they need.

Closing Quote:   “This (spiritual growth) will come down to what you do on Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, etc. More importantly, at the outset, it will come down to what you do not do – to how you will manage to step out of the everlasting busyness that curses our lives.”
                                                                                        - Dallas Willard (The Spirit of the Disciplines)

Praying this week will be something other than “everlasting busyness” for you… and that you’ll hear a clear word from God.

Blessings,

Jojo