March 2008

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Preparing for storms

As men and women in ministry, we must be careful to recognize and remember the source of power that fuels ministry. It is not found in our talent, ability, position or title. Our only source of power for life and ministry is found in the person of God...

Published Fri, Mar 21 2008 3:33 PM by MTBEditor

Filed under: Ministry Library, Preparing for storms
Evaluating your worship team

One of the best ways to motivate your team to continued growth is to offer consistent and thoughtful evaluation. Assessing your group’s progress in different areas will also help develop a “culture of humility.” If we want the members of our team to desire...

Published Fri, Mar 21 2008 3:23 PM by MTBEditor

Filed under: Ministry Library, Evaluating your worship team
Examine the implications of aging trends

While the age wave is not new to astute church leaders, the implications of this age wave are most important. The age wave is impacting society around us. Furthermore, the church is called to minister to and reach people in its context. Here are some...

Published Fri, Mar 21 2008 3:10 PM by MTBEditor

Filed under: Ministry Library, Examine the implications of aging trends
Leaving a Legacy

So, what does it take to be a successful pastor of a thriving ministry? A young pastor asked this question during a round of golf with a foursome of pastors. Two of them were pastors of very large churches. I happened to be one of the other two. Like...

Published Fri, Mar 21 2008 2:34 PM by MTBEditor

Filed under: Ministry Library, Leaving a Legacy
Purpose Driven resources help “comeback” churches

Considering the influence of the Purpose Driven church, it’s not surprising that comeback leaders frequently referenced The Purpose Driven Church (PDC) or The Purpose Driven Life (PDL) in our survey – but we were surprised at how frequently they did....

Published Fri, Mar 21 2008 2:15 PM by MTBEditor

Filed under: Ministry Library, Purpose Driven resources help “comeback” churches
The Faith, Charles Colson and Harold Fickett (Zondervan, 2008)

What we believe matters. Charles Colson and Harold Fickett teach the essentials of biblical Christianity in this book and challenge the church to rediscover the freshness and vitality of biblical orthodoxy. Through broad brush strokes, the book explains...

Published Fri, Mar 21 2008 12:48 PM by MTBEditor

Filed under: Book Look
Notes & Quotes -- (Source: U.S. News and World Report website)

"According to a study presented at a February 2008 American Stroke Association conference, cat ownership has a positive effect on heart health. Those with cats who participated in the study showed a 30 percent reduction in the risk of heart attack...

Published Fri, Mar 21 2008 12:39 PM by MTBEditor

Filed under: Notes & Quotes
Notes & Quotes -- “The Shawshank Redemption” (1994)

“Fear can hold you prisoner. Hope can set you free.” “The Shawshank Redemption” (1994)

Published Fri, Mar 21 2008 12:38 PM by MTBEditor

Filed under: Notes & Quotes
Notes & Quotes -- (Source: Baptist Press, March 7, 2008)

"Seven in 10 American children live with two parents; two-thirds live with two married parents; and six in 10 children live with both of their biological parents." (Source: Baptist Press, March 7, 2008)

Published Fri, Mar 21 2008 12:36 PM by MTBEditor

Filed under: Notes & Quotes
Notes & Quotes -- Daniel W. Baase, AgResources Company (New York Times, March 9, 2008)

“Everyone wants to eat like Americans on this globe. But if they do, we’re going to need another two or three globes to grow it all.” Daniel W. Baase, AgResources Company (New York Times, March 9, 2008)

Published Fri, Mar 21 2008 12:35 PM by MTBEditor

Filed under: Notes & Quotes
Notes & Quotes -- Sandy Bates, in the Woody Allen film “Stardust Memories” (1980)

“To you, I’m an atheist; to God, I’m the loyal opposition.” Sandy Bates, in the Woody Allen film “Stardust Memories” (1980)

Published Fri, Mar 21 2008 12:34 PM by MTBEditor

Filed under: Notes & Quotes
Notes & Quotes -- Timothy Keller, The Reason for God: Belief in an Age of Skepticism (Dutton Adult, 2008)

“The theory that there is a God who made all of the world accounts for the evidence we see better than the theory that there is no God. Those who argue against the existence of God go right on using induction, language, and their cognitive faculties,...

Published Fri, Mar 21 2008 12:33 PM by MTBEditor

Filed under: Notes & Quotes
Bible Bytes -- 3/21/2008

"“God’s hand was on the people in the land of Judah, giving them all one heart to obey the orders of the king and his officials, who were following the word of the Lord.”" 2 Chronicles 30:12 NLT

Published Fri, Mar 21 2008 12:31 PM by MTBEditor

Filed under: Bible Bytes
Saddleback Sayings -- 3/21/2008

"When God wants to change us, he starts by getting our attention, by putting us in a frustrating situation that is totally beyond our control. If we’re experiencing a crisis right now, it’s because God is getting ready to change us for the better...

Published Fri, Mar 21 2008 12:29 PM by MTBEditor

Filed under: Saddleback Sayings, Rick Warren
The Great Connection

I don’t know about you, but often the inner promptings I get from God to reach out in love to someone are inconvenient. I could be preparing a sermon or a talk or I could be on an errand and – to quote John Madden, one of my favorite sportscasters – ...

Published Fri, Mar 21 2008 12:27 PM by MTBEditor

Filed under: Ministry Perspectives, The Great Connection