It was so nice to connect with our Freedom Valley Tulsa Church plant last Thursday in class. We were joined by the church pastor and founder, Jason Fitch, his team member and executive pastor, Josh Ploch, and Mollie Myers, director of Love Tulsa.
There were two aspects of the class that are really touching my heart today. I'd like to write about both.
1. It was such a joy to have Mollie join our class. I loved hearing her share about Love Tulsa, an organization that partners with people who are really making a difference and loving people in the city. She had such a sweet spirit and her love of people and following God to love the often ignored reminded me so much of my own Mom. I really value the two points she shared with us in balancing ministry and family:
First, your family is your ministry, too.
Second, God is not a priority. He is who you base all your priorities on. Our relationship with God floods into our relationship with our families and into our ministry. We are relationship based. God, ministry, and family are all personal. We can't shut the switch off on any of them.
2. This was a very honest class. Toward the end we talked about how we deal with those hard days when things feel like they just keep falling through or you're just facing discouragement. This was close to my heart as God and I have been getting victory over these challenges together the past few weeks. Jason said, for him, it's a conditioning process, that over the past year God has been conditioning him to be tougher. He said that some days he struggles with just wanting to cry and complain, in fact, that was the morning for him. Jason said that some days he would love for God to just release the pressure valve on his life. But at the same time, that pressure is being used by God to turn him into a man he is thankful to become.
I love this about God. I love that even though he made me a sensitive and loving person, he makes my heart strong! I love that in the midst of struggles and feeling discouraged, he doesn't leave me. If I'll hold onto him and choose truth over fear... I will always learn and always grow from it. Ministry is very personal and that's why sometimes it hurts to be faithful to God in it. But I wouldn't trade this for anything... and I think Jason feels the same way. I love that the God we serve knows us so well that he can literally understand every single thing I feel. He offers me better counsel than I could ever dream of. He's my strong arm to hold onto when it feels like my legs are just about to give out. And he's the one who breathes a fire of passion and confidence of God's call into my heart... over and over and over again.
I love that Jason lets people into his growth process. His blog has been really helpful to me in learning to follow up with the things that I'm praying about or that God's speaking to my heart on. The journey won't always be pretty and we won't always love the trials we're going through... but it is so beautiful to keep following Jesus no matter what.
Saturday, November 12, 2011
Thursday, November 10, 2011
Interview with an Unchurched Friend # 2
Age: 20
Sex: Female
1. Have you had any past experience attending a Christian church? What was your experience like? (Please include the church denomination, if possible)
I attended Lutheran church regularly as a child and adolescent. I was confirmed in the Lutheran church. My experiences there were pleasant. It was always a relaxing atmosphere and everyone was friendly as it was a small congregation and everyone was quite familiar.
2. Have you had past experience with serving in a church? Where did you serve/what did you do?
As part of confirmation we would all take turns having the responsibility of helping out with the services, including lighting the candles, helping with communion, and collecting the offering.
3. Why do you choose to not attend church regularly?
I would honestly like to attend church regularly I just currently do not have the desire to motivate myself to get up and go although that is not my wish that is just how it is at the time.
4. What are some issues you see in the christian church right now that may be keeping you from attending a church?
I do not really see too many issues in the Christian church that are holding my back I believe internal issues hold me back from attending. If anything would hold me back involving the church it would only be fear of judgment by other members.
5. What is something, or some things, that you see the church is currently doing well?
I believe the church is doing very well at accepting new members and keeping teens and adolescents more involved which in turn will make them feel more important and necessary to the church.
6. Do you think there is any advantage to serving in a church and attending, rather than simply attending without serving in a ministry?
I believe serving again can help create a feeling of importance and necessity as well as belonging.
7. In your opinion, what should the church's role be in the community? How about in the world?
I believe the church should be a safe haven in a community as well as a helping hand to those in need in the community whether members or not. To the world, I believe the church should also be a safe haven, somewhere to go and be peaceful in your thoughts as well as a way to spread hope and belief in a brighter future to other countries.
8. How would you describe Jesus?
I would describe Jesus as the central figure of Christianity and God's son who gave his life for us.
9. Why do you think attending church is important to many people?
I believe attending church is important to many people because it allows them to be alone in their thoughts and experience peace and hope. I can see church as an outlet after a hectic week of school or work or perhaps an outlet to request forgiveness after a mistake has been made. I also believe church is simply a part of life to many people therefore they go without giving it a thought such as people go to the grocery store because they need to, I believe some people need to go to church because that is simply how they were raised and how they live.
10. How could a local Christian church change, or what could they add, that would interest you in attending the church or getting involved?
I love getting involved in ways that help others. I still lend a hand and help others through other ways besides the church. However, in order to help out in the church I think I would need to feel more of a sense of welcoming new help. As I said in a smaller congregation, to me it is difficult to fit in right away when others have been there for so long and have known each other for so long. I also do not know enough going on to be helpful. Perhaps more of a drawing in to bring attention, something that could seem more relaxed such as a social of some sort that would allow someone who has not been to church regularly to consider going without feeling pressure or concern of being judged.
My Response:
This friend was one of my very best friends growing up. While she is no longer attending a church or really following Jesus... it is very good to see the beautiful things that exist in her heart. She has a servant's heart and sees the value of working together as a team to serve a greater cause. It seems like her biggest hesitation to really get involved in a church isn't the motivation to just get out of bed in the morning. I think she needs someone to really love her and tell her that she is welcome and so precious to God and his purposes, even though she hasn't lived the typical "church person's life". I can see incredible leadership potential in her to advance the kingdom of God and spread the pure, life-giving love of Jesus. She sees the value in helping people get excited about life and understanding that they have a purpose. I want Jesus to use that in her so, so much. I would love for my friend to know Jesus.
This interview tool is incredibly precious and eye opening for me today. It's easy for us to assume what someone's view of the church is or what they're hungry for in life if we only make our judgements based on observation. I'm going to start praying today about the best way to start caring for my friend and connecting with her again. I'd love for her to come visit church with me. This interview tool is beautiful because it reminds us that there is more. There is more to a person than the destructive life style they live in. Jesus sees their heart, their hurts, their gifts, their potential.... He knows how free and alive they'd be if they knew him and came alive in following him. I want to see people like Jesus does. I want to see this sweet friend of mine like Jesus does and bless her the way she's always blessed me. Bless her the way Jesus blessed me in introducing me to what really being alive is like.
Sex: Female
1. Have you had any past experience attending a Christian church? What was your experience like? (Please include the church denomination, if possible)
I attended Lutheran church regularly as a child and adolescent. I was confirmed in the Lutheran church. My experiences there were pleasant. It was always a relaxing atmosphere and everyone was friendly as it was a small congregation and everyone was quite familiar.
2. Have you had past experience with serving in a church? Where did you serve/what did you do?
As part of confirmation we would all take turns having the responsibility of helping out with the services, including lighting the candles, helping with communion, and collecting the offering.
3. Why do you choose to not attend church regularly?
I would honestly like to attend church regularly I just currently do not have the desire to motivate myself to get up and go although that is not my wish that is just how it is at the time.
4. What are some issues you see in the christian church right now that may be keeping you from attending a church?
I do not really see too many issues in the Christian church that are holding my back I believe internal issues hold me back from attending. If anything would hold me back involving the church it would only be fear of judgment by other members.
5. What is something, or some things, that you see the church is currently doing well?
I believe the church is doing very well at accepting new members and keeping teens and adolescents more involved which in turn will make them feel more important and necessary to the church.
6. Do you think there is any advantage to serving in a church and attending, rather than simply attending without serving in a ministry?
I believe serving again can help create a feeling of importance and necessity as well as belonging.
7. In your opinion, what should the church's role be in the community? How about in the world?
I believe the church should be a safe haven in a community as well as a helping hand to those in need in the community whether members or not. To the world, I believe the church should also be a safe haven, somewhere to go and be peaceful in your thoughts as well as a way to spread hope and belief in a brighter future to other countries.
8. How would you describe Jesus?
I would describe Jesus as the central figure of Christianity and God's son who gave his life for us.
9. Why do you think attending church is important to many people?
I believe attending church is important to many people because it allows them to be alone in their thoughts and experience peace and hope. I can see church as an outlet after a hectic week of school or work or perhaps an outlet to request forgiveness after a mistake has been made. I also believe church is simply a part of life to many people therefore they go without giving it a thought such as people go to the grocery store because they need to, I believe some people need to go to church because that is simply how they were raised and how they live.
10. How could a local Christian church change, or what could they add, that would interest you in attending the church or getting involved?
I love getting involved in ways that help others. I still lend a hand and help others through other ways besides the church. However, in order to help out in the church I think I would need to feel more of a sense of welcoming new help. As I said in a smaller congregation, to me it is difficult to fit in right away when others have been there for so long and have known each other for so long. I also do not know enough going on to be helpful. Perhaps more of a drawing in to bring attention, something that could seem more relaxed such as a social of some sort that would allow someone who has not been to church regularly to consider going without feeling pressure or concern of being judged.
My Response:
This friend was one of my very best friends growing up. While she is no longer attending a church or really following Jesus... it is very good to see the beautiful things that exist in her heart. She has a servant's heart and sees the value of working together as a team to serve a greater cause. It seems like her biggest hesitation to really get involved in a church isn't the motivation to just get out of bed in the morning. I think she needs someone to really love her and tell her that she is welcome and so precious to God and his purposes, even though she hasn't lived the typical "church person's life". I can see incredible leadership potential in her to advance the kingdom of God and spread the pure, life-giving love of Jesus. She sees the value in helping people get excited about life and understanding that they have a purpose. I want Jesus to use that in her so, so much. I would love for my friend to know Jesus.
This interview tool is incredibly precious and eye opening for me today. It's easy for us to assume what someone's view of the church is or what they're hungry for in life if we only make our judgements based on observation. I'm going to start praying today about the best way to start caring for my friend and connecting with her again. I'd love for her to come visit church with me. This interview tool is beautiful because it reminds us that there is more. There is more to a person than the destructive life style they live in. Jesus sees their heart, their hurts, their gifts, their potential.... He knows how free and alive they'd be if they knew him and came alive in following him. I want to see people like Jesus does. I want to see this sweet friend of mine like Jesus does and bless her the way she's always blessed me. Bless her the way Jesus blessed me in introducing me to what really being alive is like.
Saturday, November 5, 2011
Class Response Eight: Cullen Allen
Cullen Allen oversees Next Gen. ministries (including children, youth, and young adults) and the MCM School of Ministry at Allison Park Church. He is a man with a full plate in ministry and the truth God's speaking to my heart about is likely one of the many reasons why he gets it done so successfully.
I asked Cullen a few questions during our time together. One about consequences and the other about confrontation. While it sounds like I asked questions about two very cold and authoritarian-related subjects, Cullen shed so much light on why these two things, even though difficult, are important and Godly.
Consequences: Cullen said that one of the things he's done in the past that he would never do again was requiring high levels of discipline without consequences. In his words, it is "a recipe for failure." He said that standards and disciplines are absolutely meaningless without consequences. Consequences should be consistent and immediate. As a leader in a discipleship and ministry training program, I want my students AND myself to succeed where we haven't in the past. Quick and definite consequence allow us to catch old bad habits and tendencies early on. Sometimes the idea of putting consequences in place in our program makes me feel like I'll just push people away... but I have a totally different perspective now. Even though it can be frustrating when I feel in my spirit the consequences of sin, or a lack of discipline, or poor time management, I am very thankful that there are consequences. The yucky feeling I get after choosing to waste time on useless stuff instead of being with God is a consequence that moves me to change (if I'll let it). Even though it's unpleasant at the time, God uses it for my good. This is a principle I need to apply in my leadership and in my life. He is such a loving father in the way he disciplines.
Confrontation: Cullen told us a story about a recent confrontation with a student. The student had arrived late to class and as a result was locked out, missing the entire 40 minute session. Cullen met with the upset young man to talk about why MCM enforces their requirements. The student was in tears by the end of the meeting after Cullen expressed that they care about him and want to see God's best happen in his life. The student was just thankful that the school and leaders cared about him enough to stick with consequences AND confront him when he went off track. Confronting people, when done in love, isn't an attack. It's a way to help people walk into the fullness of the life that God has for them. It helps them become great in the kingdom of God and be open to the beautiful things God wants to do in them. The thing I love most about confronting in a godly way is that you get to speak life and potential into people. It's not about picking out every mistake. Instead, by speaking over them how much you love who they are, you can kindly and directly point out the ungodly things that just don't belong in someone who belongs to God.
I asked Cullen a few questions during our time together. One about consequences and the other about confrontation. While it sounds like I asked questions about two very cold and authoritarian-related subjects, Cullen shed so much light on why these two things, even though difficult, are important and Godly.
Consequences: Cullen said that one of the things he's done in the past that he would never do again was requiring high levels of discipline without consequences. In his words, it is "a recipe for failure." He said that standards and disciplines are absolutely meaningless without consequences. Consequences should be consistent and immediate. As a leader in a discipleship and ministry training program, I want my students AND myself to succeed where we haven't in the past. Quick and definite consequence allow us to catch old bad habits and tendencies early on. Sometimes the idea of putting consequences in place in our program makes me feel like I'll just push people away... but I have a totally different perspective now. Even though it can be frustrating when I feel in my spirit the consequences of sin, or a lack of discipline, or poor time management, I am very thankful that there are consequences. The yucky feeling I get after choosing to waste time on useless stuff instead of being with God is a consequence that moves me to change (if I'll let it). Even though it's unpleasant at the time, God uses it for my good. This is a principle I need to apply in my leadership and in my life. He is such a loving father in the way he disciplines.
Confrontation: Cullen told us a story about a recent confrontation with a student. The student had arrived late to class and as a result was locked out, missing the entire 40 minute session. Cullen met with the upset young man to talk about why MCM enforces their requirements. The student was in tears by the end of the meeting after Cullen expressed that they care about him and want to see God's best happen in his life. The student was just thankful that the school and leaders cared about him enough to stick with consequences AND confront him when he went off track. Confronting people, when done in love, isn't an attack. It's a way to help people walk into the fullness of the life that God has for them. It helps them become great in the kingdom of God and be open to the beautiful things God wants to do in them. The thing I love most about confronting in a godly way is that you get to speak life and potential into people. It's not about picking out every mistake. Instead, by speaking over them how much you love who they are, you can kindly and directly point out the ungodly things that just don't belong in someone who belongs to God.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)