ADVANCE STUDENT MINISTRY

Leveraging Influence

2009-11-03T09:38:00.003-05:00

John 4:25-30 (New Living Translation)

The woman said, “I know the Messiah is coming—the one who is called Christ. When he comes, he will explain everything to us.” Then Jesus told her, “I Am the Messiah!” Just then his disciples came back. They were shocked to find him talking to a woman, but none of them had the nerve to ask, “What do you want with her?” or “Why are you talking to her?” The woman left her water jar beside the well and ran back to the village, telling everyone, “Come and see a man who told me everything I ever did! Could he possibly be the Messiah?” So the people came streaming from the village to see him.

God has granted each of us with incredible opportunity and influence that we are called to leverage to make the name of Jesus famous in our world. As I sit here and think about the message God has placed on my heart for students tomorrow night at AMP*D, I keep asking, "God what must we drop or leave behind so we can leverage our testimony to bring a generation to you?" For the Samaritan woman, she left her water jar, or her mask that she was hiding behind at the well and ran to the village with her testimony of the encounter with Jesus, and because of that, people met Jesus! She had influence on her culture, she lived in the culture and had a life changing encounter with Jesus while in her culture!!! She removed the mask, tasted the living water that satiated her soul then allowed that to permeate through her hands and feet!!! Oh, how I pray that would be our lives...that we would drink from the cup that quenches all thirst and leverage the influence of the Gospel as it flows out of our lives to a culture that is thirsty! What mask do you need to remove, what is your water jar?

Students Serving It Up

2009-10-29T12:18:00.005-04:00

We want our students to experience personal ministry. We believed that something amazing can happen when a student takes off the spectator glasses and “jumps in” to serve alongside the adults of our church.

Students want to make a difference. But sometimes we make them into spectators instead of participating members of the church body.

Churches must create a system that encourages students to get involved!

We have created weekly opportunities students to serve within our church. Here are some things we are learning:

1. Everyone must be on board and see the benefit

Both staff and volunteers from the preschool, children and middle school departments, must see the value not only to their ministry area but the incredible value that it adds to the spiritual development of a high school student.

Students want to be treated with respect and they want to be seen as equals. They want to be given adult-size responsibilities.

Yes, they may have some growing up to do, but as long as they are treated like a valuable part of the team they will rise to the occasion! The leaders in these areas can help these students grow the most by treating them as partners in ministry and modeling for them what leading and serving others really looks like.

2. Ministry leaders are in the best position to motivate, train and celebrate the students that serve with them.

What this essentially means is that our students should be invited, placed in a position, trained, appreciated, celebrated and scheduled by the ministry leader for which they serve, just like our adult volunteers.

3. It's contagious!!!

Students that are currently serving on a ministry team are inviting their friends on the journey! So they are moving beyond the just "come and see my church" mentality to the mindset of "go and tell, come and JOIN me." By that, they are leveraging their influence and doing their part in fulfilling the Great Commission.

Do you allow students to serve in your ministry environments?

Life Group Leader Tip: Follow the Leader

2009-10-28T08:56:00.002-04:00

In 1 Corinthians 11:1, Paul says, “Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ .” If life groups had a theme verse, it would be this one. It sums up everything that life groups are about. It also forces us to ask ourselves the question, “Am I worth following?” We want all of you to feel empowered to lead students in our ministry, but before you set out and get involved in their lives, you have to ask yourself this question.

First of all, the answer to the question is “no.” We aren’t worth following. We are some of the most broken and messed up people that exist. However, with the Holy Spirit living inside of us and the Bible to guide us, we can be confident—like Paul—to ask students to follow our example.

The real question, then comes to be, “Am I following Christ’s example?” Paul was only able to make this bold statement, because he knew that he was following Jesus with his whole heart. Can you say the same? Are you seeking to follow Christ’s example daily? How are you doing that? Who do you have in your life to hold you accountable for the way you live?

Leading students is not something you should take lightly. Leading them by following anything other than Christ’s example is leading them away from him. You have a high and heavy calling on you. Don’t take it lightly. Do everything you can to follow Christ’s example. And then invite students to come along.

To Save a Life Movie Advanced Screening

2009-10-19T15:15:00.005-04:00

This is an invitation for all parents, school leaders, and area youth workers to come out and pre-screen the movie "To Save a Life" that hits theaters in January. This screening is not open to students as our goal is to build anticipation and momentum for the huge opening weekend in January. If you are a student, we will be putting info in your hands very soon to hand out to your friends. Be praying NOW, about who you will invite to see this movie when it comes to theaters in January. In January there will be a 7-week study that follows the opening night theater screening. In the meantime, students, you can check out the preview trailer of the movie at www.tosavealifemovie.com. If you are an adult please use the link below to RSVP your space for the preview night. This will be our biggest community outreach night for 2010, let's begin praying now for what God will do!!!

To Save a Life Advanced Screening
When: November 13, 2009 7:30PM (Doors Open @ 7PM)
Where: Barefoot Community Church 701 Main St. North Myrtle Beach, SC

To Reserve Your Seat, Click HERE.

Spiritual Depth

2009-10-19T09:05:00.002-04:00

"But we must hold on to the progress we have already made. Dear brothers and sisters, pattern your lives after mine, and learn from those who follow our example." Philippians 3:16-17

It's so easy to equate spiritual depth with learning something new and profound. But God equates spiritual depth with obedience. Pauls tells us to live up to what we we've already attained, adhering to the elementary principles of the faith. Keep adhering and keep growing---such a life demonstrates that it is transformed and, because of that, it is transformative.

Life Group Leader Tip: You Can't Teach Passion

2009-10-16T07:11:00.000-04:00

All of us began volunteering with student ministry, because we were determined to make a change in the next generation. We weren’t content with sitting back and watching the next group of students follow blindly into lives of emptiness and brokenness. We wanted them to do it better than we did it—to keep them from having the same hurts and scars that we had. Hopefully, most of us started our journey as small group leaders fueled by a passion to make a difference in students lives. But, if we’re not careful, we can lose that passion and fall into routine and apathy.

Student ministry is tough. There are no guarantees that we will ever see one ounce of change in a student’s life. Sometimes, we pour our entire lives into a student just to see them return to the same sin pattern that we know will lead them to destruction. But we can’t give up! We can’t lose the passion we had when God called us to minister to students. However, it’s our natural bent to burn out. To give up. To lose heart.

The good part is that our God never gives up. His fire never burns out. His passion for His children never dies. He is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow! We HAVE to find a way to obtain God’s passion or it’s game over for us. We can never fully invest what we need to invest using our own passion. We have to capture God’s passion for His children before we can ever think of making an impact. So what are you doing to catch God’s passion? Are you seeking God’s heart? Are you spending enough time with Him? Is your time with Him worth anything or is it just checking off a list? Without a connection to God’s passion we will fail. Are you connected?

Next Gen Vision

2009-10-08T18:17:00.000-04:00

Have It Your Way

2009-10-02T08:00:00.000-04:00

“Have it your way”

The slogan, popularized by Burger King, suggests that you can build your own hamburger as opposed to simply inheriting whatever boxed burger is on the menu. One of the cool things about small groups is that you can build your own life group.

Some of you guys are frustrated, because your life group is made up of only a few students right now, and I want to encourage you to “have it your way”—build your own group. Instead of powerlessly waiting for students who don’t have a leader to sign up for life groups, get out and meet some new kids. One of the best ways to have/grow a group is to meet the students yourself. That way you don’t have to wonder what they look like when you try to find them the next week.

I know that this is harder than the traditional way of just waiting until I assign you some students, however, I assure you that it will be worth it. Step out of your comfort zone and meet some new faces. Once you’ve gotten to meet them, ask them if they’re involved in a group. If they aren’t, ask them to join yours. It’s that easy!

Don’t wait passively for students to fall onto your roster. Be active! Seek students out. Build your own group.

Barefoot Church Internships

2009-09-22T21:53:00.006-04:00

How does this sound? Serving Christ and seeing lives changed that are changing the world in the middle of a city that has the ocean as its backdrop? Pretty awesome huh? Well you could be a part of all that and more by participating in the internship program here at Barefoot Church. If you or someone you know are interested in interning with Barefoot Church, then this blog should help. This will be our second season of internships here at Barefoot Church and we're excited about being able to provide this opportunity for the coming season of ministry. We promise that this opportunity will be unlike anything you have experienced before.

Interns are given leadership from day one. They will receive direction, they will be coached up and supported as they lead, but the ultimate goal is delegation. We want these interns to KNOW they have been equipped by God with everything they need to Advance His Kingdom!

Still here???…. Well Here’s what you need to know:

The Barefoot Church Internship Program is designed to give participants ministry experience as well as a glimpse into the life of someone in ministry. Interns will work alongside Barefoot staff members and volunteers.

Here’s the Timeline:

- Applications are due by November 12th (if you’d like one just EMAIL US)

-Interviews will occur between the last week of November and the first week of December.

-Selections will be made and interns will be notified by December 11.

-Interns will begin serving January 11 & serve through May 2. (16 wks)

***We will be on the campus of Liberty University October 28-30 for the Church Planting Week Internship Fair.

Tough Questions

2009-09-21T14:35:00.002-04:00

The message that Clay and Kim brought yesterday was both challenging and inspirational. The story of what God has done in their marriage and both of their hearts is incredible and such an encouragement to young married men such as myself. It seems that several churches yesterday addressed the issue of marriage one of those messages came from Perry Noble who is the senior pastor of New Spring Church in Anderson, SC. As a take home, they provided some bullet points that are red flags to identify when we as husbands are slacking off or when our wives are slacking off, followed by some real transparent questions that are crucial to be asked. So in the spirit of yesterday's message here at Barefoot on marriage and as a challenge to all of us to wake up and acknowledge what God has put in front of us in our marriages, I thought I would share the questions and points with you:

How Do You Know When Your Spouse Is Slacking Off?

What is special to her is no longer special to him – you didn’t have this attitude when you were dating, but once you married her you thought, “I don’t have to work now!” Wrong…you’ve got to work harder!
You won’t pray with her or for her!
You stop pursuing her romantically and sexually.
You see her as your servant rather than your opportunity to serve.
You want to use her for sex and don’t care if she truly feels connected romantically to you.
You talk down to her and/or constantly raise your voice to her.
You compare her to other women…in front of her.
You are keeping secrets from her.

She’s Slacking Off When…

You love talking about him (in your prayer gossip group) but have no desire to talk to him about the problem.
You love it when he spends more time at work…that means you don’t have to be around him as much.
You disrespect him out loud and often in front of your children.
You know TONS about the lives of your kids…but are clueless about what is going on in his life.
You withold sex to punish him and/or to get your way.
You are keeping secrets from him.

And…in case you didn’t pick up the questions yesterday (or for those who were not there)…we handed out a card with five questions on it that we challenged husbands and wives to use as a guide to have a conversation with one another sometime in the next 24 hours…the questions were…

1) Have you ever had sex with someone other than me since we have been married?
2) Where have I become slack in my efforts to make you feel important?
3) Men ask your wife to complete this sentence: I think its romantic
when you_____.
4) Women ask your husband to complete this sentence:I feel the most
appreciated and respected when you________.
5)Are you engaging in anything online that you be ashamed of if I found out?

Rhythm Week 1

2009-09-21T10:36:00.000-04:00

Influence

2009-09-16T11:21:00.003-04:00

Came across this post on my good friend Brad Cooper's blog thought I would share it with you all...

In a day when so many are trying so hard to have so much control, we just want influence. We don’t want to have meetings and votes and arguments and lawsuits and power struggles. We just want influence.

We want to influence non-Christians to meet Jesus Christ and begin their eternity-altering walk with Him.

We want to influence Christians to grow in their love for Jesus, Scripture, God’s mission in the world, and God’s portion of that mission through their local church.

We want to influence Christian leaders to humbly persevere by God’s grace and know something of the joy of the Holy Spirit.

We want to influence churches to hope for more, plan for more, and demand more because Jesus is alive and that fact changes everything.

influence is what Christ gave to His Church when He commissioned them with ALL-AUTHORITY… The goal of every Christ follower with every minute of every day should be to terminate that influence on a dead world.

Christ in Christians is the HOPE OF GLORY….

The rub on this whole truth is that too many Christ-followers are terminating their influence on temporal things… temporal relationships…. temporal political parties…. temporal careers… temporal bank accounts…

ETERNAL AUTHORITY was giving to empower ETERNAL INFLUENCE… Let’s not waste Today!

The Skinny on Life Groups

2009-09-11T15:32:00.001-04:00

The Motion Project

2009-08-03T21:39:00.003-04:00

The direction has been set and we're inviting you to get on board! Let's start the MOTION! For more info on the Motion Project and how you can contribute, visit http://barefootchurch.com/page/105/MotionProject

Fruit

2009-07-20T15:41:00.003-04:00

"Yes, just as you can identify a tree by its fruit, so you can identify people by their actions." -Matthew 7:20

Barefoot Past from Barefoot Church on Vimeo.

Motion Week 1

2009-07-13T15:17:00.000-04:00

071109 Motion from Barefoot Church on Vimeo.

Investment

2009-07-01T07:00:00.003-04:00

Matthew 28:19 “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.”

The disciples were invested in, so they could then invest in others. In other words, Jesus says to them: what I have done for you, now go and do the same for someone else; what I have invested into your life, now invest in another believers life. Investing in others is one of the most noble and productive things we can do. Whatever we can do to help others make the world a better place by making the name of Jesus famous. As President Woodrow Wilson said, "You are not here merely to make a living. You are here in order to enable the world to live more amply, with greater vision, with a finer spirit of hope and achievement. You are here to enrich the world, and you impoverish yourself if you forget the errand."

So, how do you enrich the world and become someone who invests in others? Who are you investing in?

Environmental Questions

2009-06-23T15:17:00.003-04:00

1.) What's the purpose of the environment?
2.) Who will use the environment?
3.) What do we want people to experience?
4.) What do we want people to leave with? (What steps will they take from here? Is there a natural on-ramp or choice of on-ramps for people to consider?)
5.) Who's responsible for quality control?

Strategic Investment

2009-06-23T08:00:00.000-04:00

As I take this summer to get laser focused on being strategic in the ministry God has entrusted me to lead, here are some questions that I am journaling and thinking on:

1.) Does the current set-up of our ministry, the structure, does it have an end in mind? Is there a master plan? If a student comes in to our ministry in 6th grade or as a senior, where are we leading them? Is there a bigger picture in mind? What or who do we want students to be once they graduate?

2.) Does it develop leaders? The adult leaders are the very back bone of our ministry, simply put, I can't do this alone...with that in mind, does our strategy help them not only spiritually but does it develop relationships as they are engaging and helping students remember, understand, and apply what they're being taught?

3.) Does it make community a priority? It's important for students not just to be taught, but to be able to talk it out, interact, and experience. It's important for students to have their opinions validated even if some of those opinions are not right...all along helping students further their understanding in what they are hearing so when they walk out of that environment, they are much more apt to be able to apply it to their life.

4.) Does it promote fusion among parents? Does it someway or somehow bring mom and dad into the spiritual equation with their teen? Parents are the primary spiritual influence, what we teach needs to reinforce, enhance, and enable parents to be able to talk about spiritual things with their teens.

5.) Does it mobilize students to engage in personal ministry? A student who applies what they are taught, begins to live out their faith by applying what we invest in them spiritually to everyday life and begins to serve, is the student that has great influence and impact on culture.

Plans

2009-06-22T12:55:00.003-04:00

“Unless the LORD builds the house, they labor in vain who build it; unless the LORD guards the city, the watchman stays awake in vain. (Psalm 127:1)”

Ultimately, we cannot do anything of lasting value unless God blesses our work. The Apostle Paul reminds the believers at Corinth:

“I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the increase. (1 Corinthians 3:6)”

This statement doesn’t diminish the work of Paul or of Apollos. If you have read anything about either of their lives, you know that both men possessed incredible faith and courage. They worked hard. They endured setbacks without losing heart. But, at the end of the day, they also knew that it was all in vain unless God “gave the increase.”

No one knows this better than a farmer. The farmer can till and fertilize the soil. He can plant the seed. He can chase off varmints. He can spray for bugs. He can even irrigate his fields. But he can’t make it rain. Nor can he restrain the winds, the lightening, or the hail. At the end of the day, whether he acknowledges it or not, he is dependent on God for a successful harvest. Here are some implications for us to think on:

1. Stay humble. The Bible says “pride goes before a fall” (Proverbs 16:18). Just when you think you have it figured out, things change. To remain successful, you have to keep adopting the posture of a beginner.

2. Trust God. If you don’t need God to pull off what you are planning, you are not dreaming big enough. In case you are wondering, no, you are not smart enough. No, you don’t have enough experience. and, no, you don’t have enough resources. But with God, all things are possible (Mark 10:27).

3. Work hard. Too often, people want to exercise faith in lieu of real work. But these should never be pitted against one another (James 2:14–18). They go hand in hand. Trust God and then work your buns off.

Deviation

2009-06-16T13:39:00.003-04:00

I have been in evaluation mode over these past 2 weeks, evaluating our purpose and whether or not our process and programs lines up with our overall purpose. I am realizing that deviating from our vision and purpose is so easy to do, not intentionally by usually with the best intentions. There are many GOOD things that can pull our ministries off course. We easily fall prey to the idea that "more is better" which then results in a full calendar of programs and events that do nothing to carry out the vision of our ministry. I like the way Eric Geiger and Jeff Borton put it in Simple Student Ministry, "the buffet of activities becomes the focus of the student ministry." As leaders we must define what is essential for our ministry and then set our focus and guard our focus on that which is essential. Here are some questions I am asking myself:

1.) What is our definition of a fully devoted follower of Christ?
2.) What essential programs and environments are in place or need to be in place to partner with students to take their next steps toward and with Christ?
3.) Do I really believe those programs and environments will carry out the vision and point towards our purpose?
4.) If I do believe that they are, is my desire to see all the energy and resources of our ministry go toward what is essential?

Folders

2009-06-15T12:11:00.006-04:00

Lately I've been trying to compartmentalize files on my computer into folders. The folders serve as general areas of storage for specific items that pertain to the folder name, such as music, pictures, etc. With that in mind, I think often I try to do the same with life. It's easy to do. We have our God folder, we put everything that pertains to God (based on our natural tendency) into the God folder: church attendance, good deeds, quiet time, etc. and we feel good that we have a God folder and we often look at that as the one compartment. Then there are the other folders: relationships, job, marriage, money, etc. They have their own compartments in our lives all the while the God folder is just hanging out with it's own set of "files".

As I think of this idea of folders and compartmentalizing my life, I am reminded of and challenged by the words of Paul in 1 Corinthians 10:31 "So whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do it ALL for the the glory of God." WOW! There should be a God folder on the desktop of my life and that should be it, everything else whether it's my relationships, money, job, marriage, etc. should be in the God folder, God must be the center of all these areas! My prayer is that we would rid of ourselves of the folders or compartments that we try to satisfy with our own pursuits and place EVERYTHING in the God folder. What folders do you need to CUT and PASTE into the God folder?

On-Ramp or Cul-de-sac?

2009-06-10T09:51:00.005-04:00

After a particular event in our ministry what do we want the students in our ministry to do? Where do we want them to go? The events in our ministry should serve as on-ramps to a person's next step toward Christ or with Christ, if they don't serve as on-ramps then they are cul-de-sacs and the result is no forward movement. To determine the nature (on-ramp or cul-de-sac) of our events we gotta ask some tough questions:

1.) Why does our ministry exist? What is our purpose?

2.) Do the programs or events in our ministry point towards our purpose or are we aimlessly doing events for the sake of tradition or to fill a calendar?

3.) What environments are we offering for students to take their next steps toward Christ and with Christ? On the flipside, what environments do we lack?

4.) Are we strategic and intentional about seeing students become fully devoted followers of Christ? What does that look like?

In Case You Missed It Part 4

2009-06-04T14:39:00.000-04:00

In Case You Missed It Part 3

2009-06-04T14:38:00.000-04:00

In Case You Missed It Part 2

2009-06-04T10:45:00.000-04:00

In Case You Missed It Part 1

2009-06-04T10:40:00.001-04:00

Commitment and Accountability

2009-06-02T09:20:00.000-04:00

If there is one thing that will make our ministry great, it's dedicated volunteers. Not just adult chaperones who hold up a wall and make an authoritative presence. I'm talking about leaders who are the very front line for relationships with students, in many cases they are the pastor to students that I may never get to build relationships with. For the longest time I have fell to the misconception that you can't hold volunteers accountable because at the end of the day, they're not receiving a paycheck. The volunteers in our ministry shouldn't be threatened by accountability, the should crave it. We should clearly state the expectations for the volunteers in our ministry and those expecatation should be birthed out of the vision God has placed in our hearts. If there is no standard by which to measure, then accountability will never happen, and there will definitely be no room for excellence. We need to set the bar, but we must guard the bar and that happens through accountability, it creates a standard that everyone can live by and ensures unity in the overall vision.

Standing In

2009-05-26T20:13:00.002-04:00

It's been a while since I have posted some new stuff to the blog. I have been in 'preach' mode over the past week...we had an awesome service last Wednesday night with students and then I had an incredible opportunity to stand in for Clay and preach the weekend services here at Barefoot Church. If you missed the services this past weekend, you can catch them here, God moved and there was tension in the room.

FLOW Week 2

2009-05-21T16:59:00.001-04:00

Their Groove

2009-05-20T06:00:00.000-04:00

Okay, so yesterday's blog was all about you and I finding our groove as leaders. Leading from our core competencies. How about us helping the people we lead (staff, volunteers, etc.) find their sweet spot? Well, here are some questions to throw at them, I actually typed these questions out and gave them to my assistant (my wife) yesterday and asked her to take some time in answering them...so here they are:

1.) What do you want to do?
2.) How can I help you find greater satisfaction within this ministry and the job that you do?
3.) Where are your skills not being put to good use?
4.) How can I help you focus more of your time and energy on the thing(s) that tap your core competencies as well as add value to this ministry?

My Groove

2009-05-19T08:06:00.002-04:00

I have been taking some time to journal some leadership thoughts from an awesome book I am currently reading, "Next Generation Leader" by Andy Stanley. One of the things that keeps jumping off the pages is that we as leaders tend to associate productivity with business, when there really is no correlation between how busy I am and how productive I am. Me being busy isn't necessarily the same as being productive. The primary reason I do too much is because I don't take the time to discover the portion of what I do that makes the biggest difference. Here are some questions that I am asking myself in this season:

1.) What do I do that is most effortless from my perspective but seems like a daunting task to others?
2.) In what arenas do people see me as the "go to" person?
3.) What do I enjoy about my current position of leadership?
4.) What do I wish I could delegate?
5.) What environments do I look forward to working in?
6.) What environments do I tend to avoid?
7.) If I could focus more of my time and attention on 1 or 2 aspects of my ministry, what would they be?

FLOW Week 1

2009-05-15T14:58:00.000-04:00

A Slice of B Nice

2009-05-15T13:55:00.000-04:00

Looking Forward to This

2009-05-14T11:35:00.001-04:00

Vibe

2009-05-12T16:38:00.003-04:00

Found myself reading through first time guest surveys today which has really got me thinking about our VIBE (the feeling students get when they walk-in and hang out in our space.) From the moment students walk into our space we want them to be engaged, excited, comfortable, anxious...maybe. And most importantly we want them to experience God. Now what happens when a student isn't engaged, excited, and comfortable...it makes our roles a lot more difficult, and the students are probably not going to: a.) Come back. b.) Tell their friends. c.) Be very excited about church. One of the comments I read today really hit home, "It wasn't what I expected." Let's be intentional about evaluating our "vibe," is it something that students enjoy, is it relevant?

A Tragedy In the Making

2009-05-12T06:00:00.001-04:00

"You may not be sure that you want your life to make a difference. Maybe you don't care very much whether you make a lasting difference for the sake of something great. You just want people to like you. If people would just like being around you, you'd be satisfied. Or if you could just have a good job with a good wife, or husband, and a couple of good kids and a nice car and long weekends and a few good friends, a fun retirement, and a quick and easy death, and no hell---if you could have all that (even without God)---you would be satisified. That is a tragedy in the making. A wasted life."

---excerpt from "Don't Waste Your Life"
John Piper

What Seems Good

2009-05-11T06:00:00.000-04:00

In 2 Samuel 10 the Amalekites shamed the messengers of Israel and made themselves detestable in the sight of David. To protect themselves they had hired the Syrians to fight with them against the Israelites. Joab, the commander of Israel's forces, found himself surrounded with Amalekites on one side and Syrians on the other. So he divided his troops, put his brother Abishai in charge of one troop of fighters, and led the other himself. In verse 11 they pledged to help each other. Then comes this great word in verse 12: Be of good courage, and let us be courageous for our people, and for the cities of our God, and may the LORD do what seems good to him." What does that mean? "May the LORD do what seems good to him"? It means that Joab had made a strategic decision for the cities of God, and he did not know how it would turn out. He had no special revelation from God on this issue. He had to make a decision on the basis of wisdom. He had to risk or run. He did not know how it would turn out. So he made his decision, and he handed the results over to God. And this was right.

Mission Fuge

2009-05-08T12:20:00.003-04:00

So You're Dead Now What Week 3

2009-05-07T14:58:00.001-04:00

BIG

2009-05-06T10:32:00.002-04:00

Each one of us will have a different expression of God's dream. Your dream will be different from everyone else's and that is great. But, we mus all aim at something BIG! And the world is a pretty big thing to aim at. If our purpose is smaller than reaching the world, then the students in our ministry will find a bigger purpose that will demand more of them. If we don't give them something huge to be a part of, then they will find it elsewhere. If you and I don't share God's big purpose with them, to reach the world, they will find something bigger than our churches, in other words, they will find their identity in the counterfeit things of the world rather than the authentic things of God. When we set a God-sized big vision for our ministries, our students can be a part of something significant, something that requires their all.

People think that teenagers are self-centered and lazy, but that's mainly due to them not having a vision to rally behind. Teenagers today wil spend hours a day working hard for a sports team or drama practice. They'll do the same if the church gives them something important to work for. I feel God is calling me now more than ever before to set up a vision for our ministry that is an expression of God's dream for the world. I belive when we challenge the students in our ministries to change the world for Christ, they will identify with a purpose that is bigger and more compelling than any school, ball team, or club.

The Heap

2009-04-29T06:00:00.002-04:00

I'm sure we all have stuff in our life that we have started and never finished. Maybe it's college, or a project, or maybe a book you either started to read or maybe even write. We start with great intentions of finishing but for whatever reason "it" winds up in a pile, or a heap. Think about the great heap of things you have always wanted to do but never did. Everyone has a heap. Between the birthing and fulfillment of an idea or vision, are powerful forces that seek to prevent it from ever materializing, in other words between the promise and payoff is the grueling process. More often than not our dream gets tossed in the heap of things we have always wanted to do but never did. Maybe God is calling you and I to walk through the scrap yard and revisit the vision. That vision can be recaptured only if we can identify, understand, and undo what stopped it the first time. What are some things in your heap that God has laid on your heart to revisit?

Amazing Faith

2009-04-25T21:26:00.003-04:00

I'm sure by now many of you have heard about the devastating wildfires that hit our area this past week. While there has been much devastation to property, the amazing thing is that over the 21000 acres that have been burnt, not one person has lost their life. Below is a video I want to share to with you that is a testimony of a family in our church that lost everything they owned in the fire that hit their home early Thursday morning. Go ahead and grab the tissue, because this is a story that will touch you at the deepest level and will inspire you like none other. My prayer is that I would have even just an ounce of the faith, hope, and love that Joann and Bob Portteus have.

bob and jo from Barefoot Church on Vimeo.

What If?

2009-04-21T07:03:00.004-04:00

What if God wasn't here with us on earth? Imagine life without the touch of Jesus or the presence of his Holy Spirit? No forgiveness. No hope. No acts of kindness. What if God took away his grace and promise of eternity, what would the world be like? One word, hell. According to Jesus, hell knows only one sound, the "weeping and gnashing of teeth" (Matthew 22:13). From hell comes the unending cry of those that realize the opportunity they have missed. What if they had one more chance? What if we lived the Gospel and shared it like it was our last time? There is no time for one more chance for those that don't know Christ, the time is now and the message is urgent. "And just as each person is destined to die once and after that comes judgement, so also Christ died once for all time as a sacrifice to take away the sins of many people. He will come again, not to deal with our sins, but to bring salvation to all who are eagerly waiting for him" (Hebrews 9:27-28).

"So You're Dead Now What" Week 1

2009-04-16T12:29:00.002-04:00

Sane Estimate

2009-04-16T09:40:00.002-04:00

Let's face it, there are some things we want to do but simply aren't equipped to accomplish. I, have the desire to be able to do back flips and gymnastics, but let's just say I'm much safer staying on my feet. Paul gives good advice in Romans 12:3: "Have a sane estimate of your capabilities." In other words, be aware of your strengths. When you teach, do people listen? When you lead, do people follow? Where are you most productive? We need to identify our strengths and then spend our life majoring in them. For many of us, it's taking a few irons out of the fire so the one can iron can get hot. If we fail to focus on our strengths, it will prevent us from accomplishing the unique tasks God has called us to do and prevent us from reaching our full potential. There is a lost and hurting world around us, but we cannot meet every need in the world. We cannot please every person in the world. We cannot satisfy every request in the world. But we try. And in the end we run dry. Just like Paul advised, let's have a sane estimate of our abilities and stick to them.

Presumption

2009-04-14T06:00:00.000-04:00

I was reading 1 Samuel 15 where Amalek attacked the Israelites when they were coming from Egypt. God commanded Saul to strike Amalek and destroy ALL they had. You probably know the story, Saul got 210,000 people together, he spared the Kenites, defeated the Amalekites and took Agag their king. In the process he managed or maybe decided is the better word to keep the "good stuff" (sheep, oxen, fattened calves, lambs, etc). He kept what was good in his eyes and destroyed what he thought was bad.

Now here is where it hits home..."the Lord regretted Saul's appointment." WOW!!! I think my biggest fear in life is that, I would screw up so much that God would look down and say I regret placing you in a position to lead my people. I mean the fear of going to hell for me is over, I know my eternal destination, but the fear of God lifting His hand from my life. In verse 23, the formula for disaster is evident...Saul, watch this, PRESUMED he was supposed to spare some, but can I tell you that PRESUMPTION on our part misses the big picture, it lacks the clarity of God's voice. Saul was so proud of what he had done, he greeted Samuel with a big smile and warm greeting with the "LOOK AT WHAT I DID" kind of attitude. Our own rebellion, our own presumptions of God's will is what serves as the divsion, distance, and separation from God. Saul was more worried about the people, he feared them is what verse 24 tells us....God has not called us to fear man or mortal beings, He has not called us to fear temporary obstacles or hardships, but to fear HIM, which produces humility, brokeness, and oneness with the CREATOR OF THE UNIVERSE...man I love these passages, WORD OF GOD SPEAK!!!

Confront & Encounter

2009-04-13T06:00:00.002-04:00

I'm starting the week off in John 4. All I can say is that there are some HUGE things that we can take from that passage and more than anything I see Jesus as being radical and controversial, in other words, Jesus wasn't some blue eyed decaf sipping white boy. In this passage as with so many others in the Gospel, you find an incredible confrontation with Jesus. Jesus initiated the confrontation and stepped out of cultural expectation when He asked the Samaritan woman for a drink, Jesus went where the need was and I know He is calling us to do the same, to feed the hungry masses and not handing out samples to people who are already being fed.

The next thing I see in this encounter is that in order for us to truly experience the grace of Jesus, in order for us to experience salvation, we must come face to face and confront the sin that separates us from Jesus. Too many times people say a prayer or "make the walk," or "raise their hand," without truly confronting their sin head on. Just like in this situation in John 4, God is trying to REVEAL that sin in our life...we must take the blinders off and confront it.

Just like with the woman at the well, an encounter with Jesus causes transformation from the inside out. John 4:28-29. God does not leave us the way He found us, we can definitely come as we are but not leave that way...this woman's way of life changed that day, her thinking changed, her attitude changed!!!

True[ish] Week 3

2009-04-11T14:00:00.000-04:00

2009-04-09T06:00:00.002-04:00

So, Barefooters…who are YOU bringing to church with you this weekend?

People need Jesus! We are NOT called to be silent but rather active.

We promise that we are going to do all we can as a church to make sure the Gospel is presented in a very clear and unforgettable way…

But the rest is up to you!

What do you need to do in order to get people here?

Maybe you’ve asked them 100 times in the past…ask them again!

Main street campus…times for this weekend are Saturday evening at 6:00…and then Sunday at 8:00, 9:45 and 11:30

Internet campus...times for this weekend are Saturday evening at 6:00…and then Sunday at 8:00, 9:45 and 11:30

8 services…with ONE purpose…to present the Gospel!

Don't Miss It

2009-04-08T18:42:00.001-04:00

Read the Water

2009-04-07T16:18:00.002-04:00

One of the most valuable skills for fishermen is to learn to "read" the water. Trout like to hide behind big rocks and below undercut banks with overhanging tree roots. At the head of a pool, they are likely to position themselves on either side of the current, or under the current, where the water slows a bit, in order to have the best vantage point for watching the bugs that are being swept along. They like deep, cleare, weedless pools, where they can easily see their prey, and they often hang out in eddies, where food is plentiful. It helps, too, to know that trout face upstream, with their noses into the current. If you know the direction a fish is facing, then you will know where to place the fly. Otherwise you can cast all day with perfectly good flies and catch nothing.

As disciples of Jesus, our madate is to be "fisher of men." It is a calling that takes us from the safety and comfort of the shoreline and invites us out into that place where the fish swim. It is a place of adventure, and a place perhaps of some risk. But if we are to be wise in this calling, we need to learn to read the rivers and know the pools of the students we are ministering to. We need to give careful thought to which way the fish are facing, what their habits are, and where they like to swim. If we want to reach students with gospel of Christ, we need to understand the culture in which they live. To put off considering culture where ministry plays out because of the hard questions it raises would be like a farmer refusing to consder the soil in which he intends to sow his seed because he does not want to get dirty. Culture is where ministry happens.

True[ish] Week 2

2009-04-04T13:47:00.001-04:00

Do We Believe?

2009-04-04T10:36:00.003-04:00

This past Wednesday at AMP*D, Jesus entered the hearts of 11 students...that's 11 students who stood up and declared they trusted in and called on the name of Jesus for His lordiship and salvation of their lives. I shared with those students that night Romans 10:11-13 where Paul writes that "anyone who trusts, and everyone who calls will be saved." ANYONE and EVERYONE. Since last Wednesday I have read that over and over and asked myself continually, "do I believe that?" and if the answer is yes, then am I living out Romans 10:14-15. Seriously, have I been rocked by the presence of Jesus in my life so much that it leads others to wanting to have a personal relationship with Jesus. Has Jesus invaded my life to the level where I explode with the overflowing message that Jesus and only Jesus SAVES?!!! How can our world call on Jesus to save them if they have never heard him? How can they hear about him, unless we tell them? Are we preaching the Gospel then living it? Or are we living it out and then preaching it out? My prayer is that my life as a leader, without one word, would point people to the feet of Jesus.

AMPFEST 2009

2009-04-03T12:48:00.001-04:00

True[ish] Week 1

2009-04-02T17:47:00.000-04:00

3 on 3 Basketball Tournament

2009-03-24T17:14:00.003-04:00

Click Here to Download Registration Packet

"Restless" Week 2

2009-03-23T00:04:00.000-04:00

Restless 03-22-09 from Barefoot Church on Vimeo.

Plant the Seed

2009-03-17T06:19:00.004-04:00

"Listen! Behold, a sower went out to sow..." -Mark 4:3

Who is the sower in this parable? That's you and me as leaders. There are some huge principles that come from this parable in Mark 4 that I believe God would have us see. As bearer's of God's Word, as people of influence, we never need to lose sight of the weight and urgency of our role as sowers. I know there are times that we feel that we are planting seeds on stone filled, dry hearts but be encouraged and don't lose hope. As you plant seeds into the lives around you, remember:

1.) A lot of seed must be scattered to produce a crop.

2.) Not all soils produce, but we cannot and will not reap if we don't sow.

3.) We must continue sowing, because one day we will reap a harvest. (You may not see that harvest in its fullness here and now, but keep sowing, remember God's in the business of changing hearts)

4.) The soil that produces will multiply; we will reap more than we ever sowed.

5.) We must believe in the seed we sow, knowing that some will produce fruit.

No Weapon

2009-03-16T06:00:00.000-04:00

Isaiah 54:17
“No weapon turned against you will succeed,
and you will silence every voice raised up to accuse you.
These benefits are enjoyed by the servants of the LORD;
their vindication will come from me. I the LORD have spoken!"

This verse promises that no weapon formed against the child of God will prosper.
But that doesn’t mean the weapon won’t be formed against you.
In fact, it almost certifies that it will.
Every accusation leveled at God’s servants will be refuted in the end.
But that won’t stop accusations from coming.
It assumes that they will.

God is our healer…but that doesn’t mean you’ll never battle sickness.
God is our comfort…but that doesn’t mean you’ll never contend with loneliness.
God is our provider….but that doesn’t exempt you from trials or tribulation.

David said the Lord was a shield (Psalm 3:3) for him.
And you don’t need a shield unless you’re under attack.

The struggles you’re facing don’t disprove God’s promises.
They’re the very reason He made the promises to begin with.

Feel the Weight

2009-03-10T07:18:00.002-04:00

"Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed." -James 5:17

We are currently in a series dealing with heart change and I can honestly say that I have felt the weight of this series probably more than any other topic we have discussed with our students. A couple of night's ago, I had this awakening as to where I was in my life when it came to be transparent and the fear I have so many times of being transparent before the very group I challenge every week to be real and transparent. There is this scary stereotype that we as pastors have it all together, figured out, and don't struggle...we all know that's not the case, we are humans born with sinful hearts and weak flesh and the only thing good that comes out of us is the overflow of God's mercy and love. So, I felt the weight of the fear that many students feel when they walk into our church every week, scared to expose who they are past the fronts and masks, because of the judgement and rejection that may follow from their peers. I certainly know if I feel that fear or apprehension, then the students in our ministry probably feel it on a grander scale. Yesterday, I had one of the most freeing conversations with my wife and we sat for about an hour and just talked openly about our hearts, our inner-most struggles and suddenly James 5:17 became so real and alive in that very room. How can I begin to ask students to go to one another with their struggles if I don't lead first in that area with my own life?

I seriously believe that one of the largest things that stifles growth in our ministries, not necessarily numerical growth, is the environments we create for students to walk into. Are we intentionally, or unintentionally setting up barriers that scream "only perfect people allowed," or are we receiving students with open arms and being so very intentional to create a place where students can come just as they are, baggage and all. Imagine a place where students were in love with God's word and were so real and open that they didn't feel this judgement in our church but felt the freedom to be transparent and real with another, and true healing began to take place in their life. For some, this may sound like a fairy tale wonderland, but I honestly believe in my heart that this is a real door that must be open if we are going to see students take their next steps in their journey with Christ. As a leader, I want to challenge you as leaders, don't carry the weight of your struggles alone, find that person(s) that you can be real with, that person who loves you unconditionally and doesn't judge you by past mistakes or current struggles. This is so vital for us to get and the freedom that stems from living out James 5:17 is priceless.

Familiar

2009-03-09T09:00:00.002-04:00

"If it's not broken, why fix it?"

"We've never done it that way before!"

"We've always done it this way."

"Why does it need to be changed?"

Sound familiar? The familiar is comfortable. In Numbers 20, Moses dealt with this issue of accepting change. God instructed him to speak to the rock and the water would flow. The Israelites were thirsty and complaining. Instead, Moses did what he had done in the past when he was in similar situations---he struck the rock with his staff. Even though he had direct orders from God, is actions communicated, "We've never done it that way before. I've struck the rock in the past, and I was successful I don't want to try getting water in a new way." His disobedience had sever consequences. He didn't get to lead the people into the land God was giving them.

The people who typically resist change are the ones most deeply rooted in the past, those who believe there's only one way to get water. They'd rather disobey than try a new way. But, if hearts are right, these people can be more easily moved toward accepting change than people with impure or hardened hearts. Our growth in our relationship with Jesus corresponds with a willingness to accept change; even though we would love to repeat the familiar, a right heart is open to change.

Unlearn

2009-03-02T06:00:00.000-05:00

I once hear a pastor say, "you are only a risk away from a breakthrough." When I think about times in my life that I have risked, I am reminded of the fear that was involved in taking those risks, the fear that came before the risk, during the risk, and after the risk.

The more my wife and I continue on our faith journey, the more we realize that the the greatest breakthroughs in our life happen when we push through our fear. I love the way Mark Batterson puts it in his book "In the Pit With a Lion on a Snowy Day," "the defining moments will double as the scariest decisions, you've got to face those fears and begin the process of UNLEARNING them."

I can think of times my computer (PC that is) has been infected with a virus; our minds have infected files. Irrational fears and misconceptions keep us from operating the way we were designed to. If we don't uninstall or UNLEARN those fears and misconceptions, they will determine everything we do. Jesus spent a great deal of His earthly ministry "UNLEARNING" the Old Testament concepts that totally were consuming people in their religious/legalistic minds. It is so much harder to get old thoughts out of your mind than it is to get new thoughts into your mind. What are things in our minds that we need to UNLEARN so we can LEARN what it is God is trying to reveal to us?

Free Resources

2009-02-26T14:25:00.002-05:00

Volunteer Covenant/Equip Manual/Volunteer Info/Volunteer App/

Baptism Registration/Volunteer Process

Volunteer Connect Recap

2009-02-24T13:51:00.002-05:00

The Reality of Relational Student Ministry

Volunteer Covenant

You Pick Week 2

2009-02-19T12:29:00.000-05:00

Touchback

2009-02-17T10:40:00.003-05:00

Did you ever play tag when you were younger? It seemed like I was always it when we played tag. I would always run around trying to find someone to tag and it seemed that once I caught up with them and actually tagged them they would just turn right around and touch me back and I would be it again. I am sure this is a common story for many of us. It's almost like we wanted to scream the rule of NO TOUCHBACK!

When it comes to giving and the blessings of God, God never practices the no touchback rule, and that should be something that excites us. God is all about touching back. He is all about returning and reciprocating. When we touch God, He immediately touches us back! That's the awesome thing about worship, because in worship we touch the heart of God and He touches us back. Giving is a huge way we worship God...as soon as we give with the right heart and the right motive, God gives back to us, which enables us to have more to give!

Can't Do It Alone

2009-02-16T09:54:00.002-05:00

God never called us to do ministry alone. For many of us, we have hit a ceiling in our leadership because we try to run this race in sprint fashion rather than as a marathon and on top of that, we try to do it alone. There was a guy named Jethro in Exodus 18 that gave some incredible leadership advice to a guy named Moses. My prayer for all of us is that we become modern day Moses' who listen to modern day Jethro's. Check this out...

What you are doing isn't good
You will wear yourself out and wear out the people you are leading
The work is too heavy for you; you cannot handle it alone
Select CAPABLE men/women from all the people (invite people from your church to join the team, every week we have an awesome privilege of inviting others on the journey with us!)
Select men/women who are not only capable, but are always available (dedicated to the vision, maybe on paper it's part time, but the heart screams full time with passion!) and are able to decide on the small matters...we should empower our people to lead and be proactive, we are one person, what are you doing to build the team that can make it happen together?
Appoint them as leaders over groups (maybe the early model for small group ministry???)
Guess what? This will make your load lighter; they will share it with you
You will be able to endure the pressure! ENDURE!
The people will go home in peace (resolution!)

You Pick Week 1

2009-02-11T11:14:00.000-05:00

You Pick 02-04-09 from Barefoot Church on Vimeo.

Reluctant to Delegate

2009-02-11T10:50:00.002-05:00

One of the biggest areas I am being stretched in right now is the area of delegation. Simply put, initially, it's not easy. There are tons of excuses I can make up for not delegating the responsibility of the vision to the leaders around me but one stands out for me like none other...Lack of Time! Not having enough time to teach another person is one of the biggest reasons I struggle with true delegation, and not delegating is probably the most common reason I don't have enough time. My inability to truly delegate due to my lack of time is a result of short-term thinking. The time that I may "lose" on the front end of delegation will definitely be recovered at the back end. As a leader I need to find the right person(s) to delegate to and be willing to INVEST in the initial training time.

Don't Stop Learning

2009-02-04T08:04:00.002-05:00

If you want to keep leading, you must keep learning. Yesterday's growth cannot suffice for today. We must remain teachable and flexible. God is the Potter; we are the clay. He will do what He wishes. We must allow Him to mold us the way He desires. Check out Jeremiah 18 and allow God to embed His wisdom even more into your heart!

America's Idol Week 4

2009-01-31T12:18:00.000-05:00

Student's Reflection

2009-01-29T08:16:00.002-05:00

Last night by far was the most moving and powerful service we have ever experienced at AMP*D. I seriously sit here today typing this blog still speechless at how God moved last night. I am at a loss complete loss in trying to put into words what we experienced last night, the real life change and awakening that happened last night. With that being said, I thought I would share with you an e-mail I received from a student last night in response to what God did and is doing in his life...

"Tonight really did it for me. I had been on hold for a long time with my faith because of my problems with my mom not having a job, my family about to lose our house, school work, the stress of living at home in a non christian environment, my friends problems/sufferings, and so much more...I just cannot express just how much tonight thawed away all the ice and coldness from life. For the first time though, I can honestly say now that I can feel my heart. That is how I know that tonight was intimate and I thoroughly enjoyed how quiet it was. All I can say as far as this wednesday night is that it was awesome and it really spoke into my life ten fold."

America's Idol Week 3

2009-01-28T10:05:00.002-05:00

America's Idol 1-21-09 from Barefoot Church on Vimeo.

Connection=Construction

2009-01-28T07:21:00.004-05:00

Nehemiah 2:17-18 (New Living Translation)

17 But now I said to them, “You know very well what trouble we are in. Jerusalem lies in ruins, and its gates have been destroyed by fire. Let us rebuild the wall of Jerusalem and end this disgrace!” 18 Then I told them about how the gracious hand of God had been on me, and about my conversation with the king.
They replied at once, “Yes, let’s rebuild the wall!” So they began the good work.

Nehemiah connected with the heartsof his volunteers before asking them to sacrifice their time and energy. He appealed to their sense of identity and responsiblity. The wall went up in record time because he won the hearts of the builders prior to winning the hands of the builders. As leaders, where is our focus when it comes to our volunteers? Are we only concerned about the work of the hands or passionate about God moving in the hearts of the people we serve with? I am convinced that when people's hearts are won, when peopel fully understand and are sold on the vision, you have an unstoppable force and great movement to build the kingdom of God. My prayer is that we would not miss the opportunity and essentials moment to share vision with our people, for this very thing will serve as a catalyst for greater things!

Ownership of Results, Not Tasks

2009-01-27T06:00:00.002-05:00

Do YOU own the vision of your ministry? This has been something I have giving a lot of thought too as it relates to our students. I envision the day where the students and volunteers in my ministry take ownership of this ministry much like their first car....they invest in it and take care of it while utilizing it as a means of taking them somewhere.

Team members own the outcomes of their organization, the actual results not just the description of their job or place in the organization. When members of the team see something that needs to be done in order to accomplish thier team goals, they do it, whether it is their job or not. A good team takes pride in the results of their unit as well as their personal contributions. They look for ways to support one another, to fill in the cracks, to do whatever is needed to achieve the results the team is seeking. A good team always keeps the larger picture in view and measures its success by results.

A challenge to everyone....leadership in times of change, which is something we have seen and will continue to see here at Barefoot, is going to require us to focus on results rather than tasks or strategies. It is so easy for us to lock into the way we do things, the tasks or strategies, as though the strategy is the mission. If not careful, we can lose sight....we must focus on a vision of results (students taking their first step towards Christ and their next steps with Christ) and be willing to change our strategies if necessary to fulfil the mission. Our vision must be written in stone but our plans written in the sand.

Power of Influence

2009-01-23T06:00:00.000-05:00

We are in the middle of a series titled, America's Idol, and we are hanging out in the book of Jonah. As small as the book of Jonah, it is packed with some awesome application for our lives and it seems the more I read this book, God reveals even more application to me as a leader, one of the applications that continues to resonate inside of me is found in Jonah 3, where the king of Nineveh leads in the deliverance of Nineveh. When the news of Jonah's message of judgement reached the king, he immediately repented. He took of his royal robe, covered himself with sackcloth, and sat down in the dust. He repented for his own sin. Then he used his INFLUENCE to bring about a city-wide revival. The king issued a decree that every citizen follow his lead. When God saw his response, He had compassion on the Ninevites and did not destroy them. This king, the leader, influenced the fate of an entire population, that was nearly 120,000 people. The king did this by providing some fundamentals that every person under our leadership needs...

1.) A clear model: He repented first, setting an example (vs. 6)...as leaders we should constantly be praying for clarity from God so we can clearly communicate the vision to those we are leading.

2.) A clear message: The king called his people to a specific action (vv. 7, 8)

3.) A clear motivation: He gave the people a reason for taking action (v. 9)

WHY?

2009-01-20T06:00:00.000-05:00

In the spirit of our church's current series, WHY?, I thought I would take a moment today to tackle why we are moving forward in launching an internet campus as a church and even more personal, why launch an internet campus environment for students? Before going into all of that, I just have to say I love Craig Groeschel's "defense" for doing church outside of the box: "to reach people that no one else is reaching, you have to do things that no one else is doing." That is the very heartbeat of our church in this huge next step in opening up our new internet campus. As a student ministry we must add a generational element to this. How do you reach 20s and younger if their parents didn’t raise them in the church? How do you bring them back? Well, you go where they are–and they aren’t all hanging out in bars anymore. Nowadays, students are sitting at home browsing Myspace, playing WoW, or blogging. Our DNA as a church is to take what is familiar and spin it toward Christ–Jesus did it with parables, and we need to keep up the effort.

I have found my own blog and our website to be a real point of connection with people and I find the more effort I put into these mediums, the more people frequent these sites. The internet generation expects to be able to connect online with a church community as well as in real life. It would be a mistake to avoid the step of an internet campus simply because it really is like taking sail on unchartered waters. We should be at the forefront–not the tail end–of engaging culture.

Service Map

2009-01-14T06:00:00.002-05:00

We are in the process of gearing up for our upcoming AMP*D service and with that comes a lot of planning, prayer and teamwork. We are becoming more intentional as a team to ensure our services flow and point to the big idea of the message, meaning that each element in our service points to the big idea of the series...from the music, to videos, to songs...we work to make sure the message, the big idea, is communicated clearly and that all of the elements point students to one direction so they can process and digest it once they leave. After time is spent on Thursdays planning for upcoming series and the next two weeks of a current series we place what we call "service elements" onto a "service map" which literally is the go to reference during our pre-AMP*D production run-thru and during AMP*D on Wednesday nights. I thought I would take a moment to share with you what our service maps look like and consist of. We currently produce these in Excel...click here to view a sample.

Lord Send the Rain

2009-01-12T06:00:00.002-05:00

Last week's staff meeting here at Barefoot seriously was the most emotional, challenging, and inspiring meeting I have been a part of. God messed me up and pretty much everyone else in that room. What we are seeing here at Barefoot and what many of you are probably seeing is God doing something that is never easy for us to grasp...He is breaking us and stretching us in times of uncertainty and doubt. We are currently reading the 'Blessed Life' as a staff and are about to make it available to our entire church and if there is one underlying principle from that book that I can share with you, it's that God provides even when it doesn't make sense, but He calls us to TRUST and sometimes by trusting we go through the fire and have to experience the fire before God sends the rain that we long for.

We have seen more people in the past couple of days share theirs stories of how they have been brought from what they thought was the top, down to the valley, mostly in the area of finances...what's amazing is that these same people who are in the "valley" and experiencing fire are testifying that their walk with God has never been stronger and their families closer.

“…The god who answers by fire-he is God.”1 Kings 18:24

So, what do you do when you really need rain, but instead, God answers by fire?
In 1 Kings 18, Elijah declares to the people that God is going to show up and prove himself after 3 years of drought. And God does exactly that.But…When it hasn’t rained in over 3 years, and you hear that God is about to show up, wouldn’t you expect him to show up by sending rain?

I wonder how many of us are praying for God to send rain into an area of our lives, but it seems like He’s turning up the heat instead?-Praying for God’s provision…but the bank account continues to dip-Praying for God to grow your church…but another person got mad and just took their tithe and moved their membership elsewhere-Praying for God to heal your marriage…yet your husband seems to be getting colder and more resistant by the day.

It can be difficult to trust the intention of God when He’s forecasting more fire in your already scorched situation.Remember:God eventually did send the rain that Israel so desperately needed. But first He had to reveal His glory and authenticate His sovereignty by fire.

God often answers by fire before He sends the rain.The fire incinerates our altars of idolatry, and burns away all of the false securities that we tend to trust in.That way, when the sky finally opens, and the rain starts to pour, there’s no doubt: He is God.

Excited About This

2009-01-09T06:00:00.002-05:00

It's Friday and I thought I would take a few moments to share some things that really have me excited and eagerly anticipating...

1.) I am leaving today for a 3 day vacation to Disney World and Universal with my beautiful wife, my dad and little sister. This will be the first vacation we have taken a vacation with my dad and sister, and I can hardly wait.

2.) Saturday night experience at Barefoot. Seriously, get your friends, co-workers, and family members to Barefoot this weekend. We are kicking off our BRAND NEW Saturday night worship experience this weekend at 6PM. It will be fresh and loaded with energy! Come Saturday and sleep in on Sunday!

3.)Our new interns serving in student ministry. We have two college students that are just making it happen, they are doing an awesome job and I just praise God for sending us 2 AWESOME interns, it is seriously a blessing to have them on our team and also, my wife is serving on our team as well...pray for her as she moves into serving as my assistant, she is doing a phenomenal job!

4.)Winter Xscape throws down next weekend! It's hard to believe it, but we are heading to the mountains next weekend with 70 leaders and students for an awesome weekend of skiing, boarding, and worship. Totally looking forward to having Steve Fee and Stuart Hall leading us in our worship experiences!

5.)Over the next couple of months, we are rolling out with some of the most real, intense, and uncomfortable series we have ever experienced here at AMP*D. I seriously can't wait to see what God is going to do in the lives of our students over the next couple of weeks as His Word comes to life! Right now we are planned out through May with our series, and all I can say is HOLD ON!!!

6.)Over the holiday break we solidified our new volunteer process and I am excited to see new volunteers serving in our ministry and the energy our volunteers have toward bringing new people on our team. I feel really good about what our team has come up with in the area of new volunteers!

7.)One last thing, our new campus! Final prep work is being done to prepare for our official launch of our internet campus here at Barefoot. New lighting, new sound, studio is almost finished, and we are in the planning stages of integrating student ministry on this campus like we have never done before! Stay tuned to this blog for more info as we prepare to open our brand new campus! It's gonna be next level!

Infinitely More

2009-01-08T22:09:00.002-05:00

Ephesians 1:19-20“I pray that you will begin to understand the incredible greatness of his power for us who believe him. This is the same mighty power that raised Christ from the dead and seated him in the place of honor at God’s right hand in the heavenly realms.” (NLT)

Ephesians 3:20-21“Now glory be to God! By his mighty power at work within us, he is able to accomplish infinitely more than we would ever dare to ask or hope. May he be given glory in the church and in Christ Jesus forever and ever through endless ages. Amen.” (NLT)

Potential. A word that I hear very often now in our church's leadership circle. Webster defines potential as, existing in possibility : capable of development into actuality. Am I as a leader pursuing and living out my God given potential? The same power that Paul talked about in Ephesians, the same power that raised a dead man back to life, is for me. God is working in me and wants to accomplish infinitely more than I can ever hope for or imagine. Not so people will see how great I am, but so that Jesus will be glorified through me and people’s eyes will be directed toward him because of it.

This challenges me in my approach to ministry. Too often I place unfounded limits on what my service in student ministry can accomplish for Christ. Common excuses relate to a lack of funding for different ideas, not enough man-power to execute the plan, or how uncomfortable/offensive it might feel for me or others involved. However, I think the biggest reason I don’t dream outside all boundaries is because I really don’t believe my dreams will actually fly. They’re too big, outside the limits of my resources. And if I try anyway, I’m afraid they might fail and erode my credibility. I’m afraid of the criticism that will come as a result. Plus, it’s just so much more comfortable to work within the human boundaries I set for myself. I like to talk a lot about vision and passion and I highly respect those who dream and run with their calling in life, but for too long I’ve been too timid to do likewise. I’m really my own enemy. I have potential to do great things through Christ and for Christ and so do you. The question is are you using it? Don't be afraid.

I pray God gives me vision, passion and an unstoppable drive to “accomplish infinitely more than I could ever dare to ask or hope” so that he might be glorified through me.

New Guest Experience

2008-12-29T13:00:00.003-05:00

We are in the process of ramping up our experience for new guests here at AMP*D. We realize we get 1 shot to make a great first impression on our new peeps and we are constantly evaluating how to make the ENVIRONMENT one they will not forget and also one where they will not be forgotten. I thought I would share with you some of our methods we currently use and will be implementing to treat our new guests like VIP:

1.) When they arrive and our staff identifies them as first time guests, we walk them down the red carpet. Seriously, we roll out red carpet and have a special entrance into the building just for them. They are then checked in, usually earlier than everyone else and are linked up with a staff member to show them around. Also at this point they receive a colored wristband which serves 2 purposes: 1.) Helps our staff and students identify new folk so we can love on them and make them feel incredibly welcome 2.) Gains them access to an area we call the RENDEZVOUS...which brings me to the 2nd method...

2.) After service we invite all new students and the friend that brought them to a VIP lounge we set up called the REDEZVOUS. Here they are greeted by some of our adult leaders and come in to chill with some music videos rolling on a flat screen, snacks, sodas, etc. We then show them a video produced by our students that gives them the low down on our ministry and afterwards we kinda share who we are, why we do what we do, etc. Then each new student is given a free gift (either a t-shirt or a cool drawstring bag with some goodies). Before leaving we make sure we have their correct contact information and we have them fill out a short survey based on their experience with us that night. We are in the process of re-starting huddles post service in addition to life groups that meet in homes throughout the week. The RENDEZVOUS will serve as the "small group" for the new peeps that night and then we will assign them to a regular group for the next week and have a huddle group leader make contact with the new student usually within 2 days.

3.) Follow up: The most important piece. Each new guest on Thursday receives a phone call from us and a text message. We then mail a postcard to them, which by the way I takes it to a new level, since our students are so used to "techno convo" in the forms of texting, e-mail, and other social mediums. On the post card we tell the new student to bring the post card back with them the next week and find the leader with an orange bandana on their head...they approach that leader and the leader in turn blesses them with a gift card of some sort or some other random gift. This become a third point of contact with the new student and hopefully helps in the feeling of being lost in the numbers.

Hope some of this helps, we are definitely looking for new ways to show hospitality to our new students and would love to hear your thoughts and ideas.

T-Dizzle Episode 3

2008-12-29T10:07:00.001-05:00

T-Dizzle 3 from Jeremy Alexander on Vimeo.

Don't Miss It

2008-12-23T14:42:00.002-05:00

Making It Happen

2008-12-22T09:37:00.000-05:00

Youth RAK from Jeremy Alexander on Vimeo.

Quality

2008-12-22T08:52:00.001-05:00

Have you ever walked into a restaurant and been immediately turned off? Maybe you wait for a few minutes to be seated and nobody helps you. Perhaps there is food on the floor or rude wait staff or a funky smell. Whatever it is, the lack of quality automatically sets us up for a bad experience.

The same that is true for a restaurant holds true for the church as well, and even more personally, the student ministry of our church. If I am expecting our student ministry to be "off the chain," it truly must be a quality experience for current and visiting students. In business you can have the best marketing plan in the world, but if the product doesn't deliver, then it is only a matter of time before word spreads and sales drop.

I have been asking myself some questions lately about our environment in student ministry, sort of a self-evaluation...

1.) Is the ministry God has given me to lead done with absolute excellence?
2.) Do I spend plenty of time planning, organizing, and praying for our mid-week service, or do I fly be the seat of my pant?
3.) Do I hear a steady stream of complaints from parents, volunteers, students that our student ministry is disorganized?
4.) Are my messages well prepared, well transitioned, and well illustrated?
5.) Am I unleashing the spiritual gifts and talents of the students and adults in my ministry?
6.) Is our student ministry a setting where our students are comfortable inviting their unchurched friends?

A lot of times it is so easy to get in the mindset of "if you build it they will come." While that is partially true, evaluation is crucial once you build it and with that evaluation we must be intentional about quality and excellence. The world is marketing their stuff to students with excellence and quality why shouldn't we be "marketing" the greatest message ever with the most quality and excellence?

Leadership Lessons From Jesus Part 2

2008-12-19T01:11:00.004-05:00

#2: Jesus Never Tried to Succeed Alone.
"So don't go to war without wise guidance; victory depends on having many advisers."-Proverbs 24:6

As a leader I need people, more importantly I need God. Everything we have comes from God. Success is a collection of relationships. Without clients, a lawyer has no career. Without patients, a doctor has no one to heal. Without a composer, a singer has nothing to sing. As leaders our future is connected to people. Jesus constantly talked to His Heavenly Father. He talked to His disciples. He talked to everybody. At twelve, He exchanged with the scribes and priests in the temple. He talked to tax collectors, fishermen, doctors, and lawyers, He said, "I can do nothing of my own" (John 5:30). Jesus was so in tune with the voice of God and surrounded himself with others to carry out the ministry, because He saw the big picture and invited others to come on the journey with Him. Right now in my own ministry I feel that I am at a place where I am hearing so much from God and having more people step on the "bus" but I am just trying to find the right seat, because I realize that I will never be successful trying to run this race alone. My prayer is that God would give me guidance and wisdom in knowing who I can turn to.

Leadership Lessons From Jesus, Part 1

2008-12-16T06:00:00.000-05:00

Leadership Lesson #1: Jesus Took Time to Plan

"Through skillful and godly Wisdom is a house [a life, a home, a family] built, and by understanding it is established [on a sound and good foundation]. And by knowledge shall the chambers [of its every area] be filled with all precious and pleasant riches."

-Proverbs 24:3,4

Champions plan. Planning is the starting point for any dream or goal that you possess. "Write the vision, and make it plain upon tables, that he may run that reads it." (Habakkuk 2:2). Think for a moment, God scheduled the birth, the crucifixion, and resurrection of Jesus before the foundation of the earth. I think it's quite fascinating that God would schedule a meal, the marriage supper, 6,000 years ahead of time. Throughout the entire Bible, God honored and blessed men who planned. Noah planned the building of the ark. Solomon, took time to plan the building of the temple. Moses, took time to plan the tabernacle. As a leader I need to not only read and hear the words of Jesus in Luke 14:28-31, but live them out in my ministry, in my life. I am finding it more and more helpful to make a list of things to do each day. At the end of the day it is great to see that list and know that I have accomplished those things. Planning is definitely not the most fun thing to do but sometimes you gotta do something you hate to create something you love. I pray that as a leader I would be more intentional about planning ahead, which will not only bless my life but will provide blessings and less heartache for others. Remember, if you fail to plan, you plan to fail.

Big Bad Birthday Bash 08

2008-12-11T11:12:00.003-05:00

Big Bad Birthday Bash 08 from Amp'd Student Media on Vimeo.

The Movement Continues

2008-12-09T11:46:00.002-05:00

The stories of our students REVOLUTING their world continue to flood in! Check out the site, see the movement and share your story!

hayley, 15, north myrtle beach, US
today i went into the gas station thinking i was about to by a pack of gum. i saw the perfect oppurtunity to do something good for tgr and taped two dollars and a tgr card on a bottle of soda. i felt great walking out that door with nothing but strong faith in god (:

Kelli Krebs:), 15, North Myrtle Beach, SC
Last Friday, i got some birthday money and went to the mall in hopes of getting some sweet deals on some clothes. I decided to go into KB toys and buy a soccer ball for the Toys 4 Tots Drive. As i stood in line i remembered how hard it is for some people to give their kids some nice gifts for christmas. So when i got to the counter i asked to put $10 on a gift card. When i handed it back to the cashier with a gift revolution card, she was very confused and even asked me if this was some kind of prank. I explained what i was doing and although she was still confused as i walked away, she gave it to the 5th costumer as i asked. i felt so great to do that! it was funny cause after i did that, all i wanted to do was spend the rest of my money for other people! Also, i got so pumped in class the other day. My teacher (who isn't supposed to talk about god to the class, but kinda does anyway:) started telling us about how she had run into seeing the gift revolution card again and again and didn't know much about it. She did some research and descovered what it is. She challenged the class to go out and do a random act of kindness and write which was more meaningfull for them and offered extra credit for an essay on it. I thought it was the coolest thing that my teacher, who lives like 45 minutes from nmb, even knew about it! When were she's not allowed to talk about God in the public school, challenged us to do this!

marisa gregory, 15, north myrtle beach, US
well, i was shopping at target for a new thing of lipgloss,, and i reached in my purse to see wat lip gloss it was that i needed and i saw my revolution card,,. so then i bought some tape and went back and taped $3 and the revolution card to a BIG tube of lip gloss. . (:

T Dizzle

2008-12-06T13:26:00.004-05:00

T-Dizzle Episode 1 from Jeremy Alexander on Vimeo.

I thought I would share with you a glimpse into the life of our Gift Revolution Super hero. With every revolution comes a super hero. Here's ours, I introduce to you, T-DIZZLE.

The Revolution Continues...

2008-12-04T23:40:00.005-05:00

The giftrevolution.com is in full swing and I am beyond excited to see our students catching on and being a part of something sooo much larger themselves. Wednesday night we shared the vision of this movement with our students and challenged them to go out with their minds and hearts set on blessing the world around them. They are doing just that, here are some of their stories.

walmart gift card
Hayley, 15, little river, US
a few friends and i went to the walmart one day knowing that we wanted to become a larger part in thegiftrevolution.com so i had a twenty five dollar gift card to walmart and after finding the right person to give it to i could tell he was over joyed. we told him about the revolution and he asked us about our church. it ended up that we payed for part of a christmas present for his wife/ two little girls mother. (:

thanks for help with laundry
Eric McNeill, 35, North Myrtle Beach, US
I was busy doing laundry Thursday night and a little down and out when I was gifted by a seventh grader from Barefoot Church with cash and a card. I wish I could remember his name but he knows who he is. The gift, the smile, and the help carrying out my clothes was very uplifting!

Hugs
Jessica {Jess}, 14, Little River, US
My friend was feeling down so I talked to her and stuff. Later on when we were done talking a gave her a hug to make her feel better. After that I gave her advice and said everything will be alright. She gave me a hug back and thanked me for being there when she needed someone the most.

Engage or Ignore

2008-12-03T09:45:00.003-05:00

I have been spending some time reading Acts 17 and 1 Corinthians 9 and I feel like I am being stretched and inspired so much in the area of marketplace ministry. Someone shared a quote with me from John Piper a couple of weeks ago that has really stuck with me and caused me to really search God's Word on the matter of engaging culture with the TRUTH: "Don't pursue culture and find truth to interject, rather, find truth and then find culture to interject into the truth." Over the past couple of weeks I have had some time to really meditate on the 2 passages from Acts and 1 Corinthians and the more I think and pray on this, I feel such a tug on my heart to do something...go out to the edge and ledge, think outside of the box.

The reality of it all is that we have culture and it will exist until the day Jesus returns, now what we do with that is up to us...we could choose to ignore it, which by the way doesn't make it go away, we could choose to fight it (definitely an uphill battle) or we could choose to study it and leverage it to make the name of Jesus famous. Missionaries spend a great deal of time studying the culture of a foreign country before they begin work there,why is it we call that culture exploration STUDYING and call it COMPROMISE here on our turf if the church steps out and does a "secular" song or does something ATYPICAL??? God did not send Jesus into this world to condemn the world and He most certainly did not call us to condemn non-christians for acting like non-christians. This topic is so overwhelming in thought but is something I feel that God's Word is so clear...my prayer is that God would open our eyes, minds, and hearts to see the culture around us and do all we can to leverage it so that people far from God may come to know Jesus!

Go First

2008-12-01T09:04:00.006-05:00

As leaders, God has given each of us a unique vision, and with that vision should come passion, anticipation, and RISK. When God gives us a clear picture of our direction, most of the times He stretches us to take steps of risk, but even more, steps of faith that should be taken first by us as leaders. It would be absolutely easy to just stand up in front of our people and challenge them to take risks and leaps of faith and for us to just ride comfortably, but we would totally miss where God wants to take us. 1 Chronicles 29 gives a clear picture of a leader who had received a big vision from God and was given resources to carry out the vision. David took inventory of what God had given him and before charging his people to give and risk, he WENT FIRST and gave ALL of his private treasures, WHY? Because of his devotion to the Temple (vs. 3). What's amazing is what happens next, his people FOLLOWED his example and gave willingly (vs 6). What's so amazing about this passage is verse 9, "the people rejoiced over the offerings for they had given freely and wholeheartedly to the Lord..." When we go first as leaders several things happen...

1.) God shows up in a big way
2.) People are inspired and are excited about giving because we gave first...I am conviced people want to be a part of something bigger than themselves, but are looking to us as leaders to raise the bar and set the pace...we have to literally be "smoking what we're selling" and that is difficult more times than not, but so vital!
3.) People take ownership of the vision and are brought closer to the heart of God (we are never more like God, than when we give)

Making Decisions

2008-11-27T06:00:00.000-05:00

As leaders we have to make tough decisions that not only affect us but even more importantly affect those that are around us. In making decisions we must be mindful of the big picture and be totally desperate to hear the voice of God to grant us clarity, wisdom, and discernment. Lately, I have had to make some really big decisions in order to prepare our ministry for the next level and I find myself asking questions:

1.)Does this decision compromise the Gospel?

2.) Does this decision negatively impact the vision or values?

3.) Is this something we could genuinely get excited about?

4.) Is this a temporary solution?

5.) Is this adding more to the plate or making things more simple?

6.) Is this excellence or extravagance?

7.) Am I looking only at what is good for my ministry or the whole entire church?

Give Them What They Need

2008-11-25T15:19:00.002-05:00

God has gifted our student ministry with some incredible volunteers that go beyond their "call of duty" to make our ministry to students a success. As a leader I am always thinking and praying about what I need to do to allow them to succeed and flourish in their various roles. Beyond meetings, retreats, and food what is it that the volunteers on my team need to be successful and take their ministry to the next level?

1.) Structure and Leadership-raise the bar and protect it...I need to be hearing from God constantly and making sure my cup is full...how can I pour out from an empty cup?

2.) Encouragement-we all need it and I need to continually reinforce this

3.) Training & Learning Opportunities-I can't assume they know it all, I must provide them with the resources and expose them to other leaders and environments that will both inspire and challenge them

4.) Constant communication of support, direction, and vision-you wouldn't take a trip without a map or GPS, my team will be lost and there will be no unity if I am not constantly communicating direction and reiterating vision and values.

5.) I need to set them up to succeed-allow them to discover their gifts, leave room for mistakes and failure...allow them to serve in their sweet spot of success

Invitations

2008-11-21T06:00:00.003-05:00

I have found myself thinking today about invitations...not the ones you get that invite you to a party or other social gathering...the ones where we student pastors stand before students challenging them to step across the line of faith and begin a relationship with Christ. I have recently been reading Greg Stier's book, OUTBREAK, and I just thought I would share some of the pieces from that and possibly shed some light on what God's Word teaches us about leading students toward Jesus through these "invitations." I am sure many of us have heard the phrase "ask Jesus into your heart," it is probably the most overused, unbiblical phrase used in the presentation of the gospel. Many of us probably remember the Sunday school teacher pointing to the picture of Jesus standing at a door and knocking. "That is the door to your heart, and Jesus wants to come in," they would say. Then they'd quote Revelations 3:20: "Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me." The problem is that that verse was not written for unbelievers. John was writing to the Christians in the church of Laodicea. The passage is not about salvation but about service and communion with God. Not one passage in Scripture says we must "ask Jesus into our heart" to be saved.

I remember as a child hearing my Sunday school teacher use this term almost every week. I did not get it. Sitting there in Sunday school as a seven-year old boy, I wondered, What if I get a heart transplant? Will I go to hell? If I cough too hard will Jesus escape through my mouth? How do I really know He is in my heart? If we are not clear in presenting the Gospel we limit its impact. It was not until JR Vassar, an evangelist, finally explained the cross to me that I got it. On June 17, 1997, I trusted Christ as my Savior thanks to the Spirit of God and a clear presentation of the Gospel message. I really think when we just simplify following Christ down to just saying a prayer we set our students up to live a life that relies just on that prayer and not a daily walk with Christ. Saying a prayer never saved anyone. Faith in Christ alone is the only way. I am convinced that there will be people in hell who said the sinner's prayer but never tryuly believed in the finished work of Christ. My prayer is that we would challenge students to trust Christ with their lives, take that step towards Christ and then with Christ in this marathon of life.

153 Fish

2008-11-20T06:15:00.001-05:00

I have a confession. I'm a "secrets" and "methods" addict. I'm an info junkie. I love reading non-fiction "How To" books of all kinds, especially those of other student pastors and veterans of the ministry. But you know what? Sometimes we can copy the method and miss the power!

Look at what I mean in John 21:1-14 (NLT)...

¹Later Jesus appeared again to the disciples beside the Sea of Galilee. ^F92 This is how it happened. ²Several of the disciples were there—Simon Peter, Thomas (nicknamed the Twin), Nathanael from Cana in Galilee, the sons of Zebedee, and two other disciples.

³Simon Peter said, "I'm going fishing." "We'll come, too," they all said. So they went out in the boat, but they caught nothing all night.

⁴At dawn the disciples saw Jesus standing on the beach, but they couldn't see who he was. ⁵He called out,"Friends, have you caught any fish?" "No," they replied.

⁶Then he said, "Throw out your net on the right-hand side of the boat, and you'll get plenty of fish!" So they did, and they couldn't draw in the net because there were so many fish in it.

⁷Then the disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, "It is the Lord!" When Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he put on his tunic (for he had stripped for work), jumped into the water, and swam ashore. ⁸The others stayed with the boat and pulled the loaded net to the shore, for they were only out about three hundred feet. ^F94⁹When they got there, they saw that a charcoal fire was burning and fish were frying over it, and there was bread.

¹⁰"Bring some of the fish you've just caught," Jesus said. ¹¹So Simon Peter went aboard and dragged the net to the shore. There were 153 large fish, and yet the net hadn't torn.

¹²"Now come and have some breakfast!" Jesus said. And no one dared ask him if he really was the Lord because they were sure of it. ¹³Then Jesus served them the bread and the fish. ¹⁴This was the third time Jesus had appeared to his disciples since he had been raised from the dead.

The disciples had been fishing all night and had caught ZERO fish.Jesus walks up and says, "Throw the net on the right-hand side of the boat." And what happens? They catch 153 LARGE fish!!!

I can't imagine after fishing all night long that they never had thrown the nets on the right-hand side. I think that they must have and not only that, they must have thrown them on that side many times that night! But Jesus tells them to do it and BOOM, BOOYA = 153 LARGE fish! :)

What was the difference? Was their technique better? Were they copying some of the successful fisherman's style? No. The only difference was Jesus! That's the most important difference!! He anointed that moment. He caused the fish to be there and for them to get into the net! Don't get me wrong. I think we need to learn the right methods and we need to do the right things. All I'm saying is that without the power and anointing - without Jesus guiding us WHERE and HOW to do the methods - they're powerless. I'm trying to make sure I pray more than ever and listen to him for the directions about where and what to do. It's the only way our ministry will succeed! You know what else I like about this story? When they got to shore, Jesus already had fish and bread!!! He didn't need their fish. But they needed his power and anointing and direction.

Where Are You Running?

2008-11-19T06:30:00.001-05:00

I came across this passage today and I have to admit the Old Testament is an areaI haven't spent a lot of time reading lately but it's funny how passages just jump out at you and grab your attention. There is a lot of history here, but to make things easier, 2 of David’s sons are Absalom and Amnon. Absalom had a smokin’ hot sister named Tamar, who happened to be Amnon’s half sister. Here is where things get interesting: Amnon wanted to get with Tamar…and yes, that’s pretty disgusting. Amnon came up with a plan and successfully raped Tamar and then threw her out. This really ticked off Absalom, and he eventually killed Amnon for doing what he did to Tamar. Although David was hurt when Amnon was killed, he did not seek revenge, but Absalom fled and lived with his grandfather. Joab, David’s nephew, knew that David really wanted to see Absalom, so he came up with a plan for them to meet. A lady named Tekoa helped him out by going before David, and you can read her story in 2 Samuel 14:5-11. But, her story was a parable and it’s purpose was to setup the real purpose for her visit. She then says:

“Why don’t you do as much for the people of God as you have promised to do for me? You have convicted yourself in making this decision, because you have refused to bring home your own banished son. All of us must die eventually. Our lives are like water spilled out on the ground, which cannot be gathered up again. But God does not just sweep life away; instead, he devises ways to bring us back when we have been separated from him” 2 Samuel 14:13-14

The last part of that passage stood out the most for a couple of reasons. First of all, every single person is valuable and important to God. He doesn’t just count them up as lost or “sweep” them under the rug. Secondly, because God values our lives, He “devises ways” to bring us back to Him. Regardless of where we are or how far away we run from God, we can never escape His reach. Even if we are in the deepest, darkest sin possible, God uses those things to point us back to Him. So, when we are running, the question isn’t where is God, the real question is where are we running? To God, or away from Him?