Using Technology to Save Money!

Recently, my ministry "Papa" ministered to hundreds of pastors without leaving his home in Texas. From his studio, he used web-cam's and technology to preach, prophecy, teach, pray, and minister without the expense of travel, lodging and food (not to mention the fact that he could sleep in his own bed each night). Wow!

With the challenges of a weakened economy, churches and leaders must consider ways to maximize ministry and minimize expenses. What are practical ways that churches and/or denominations can utilize technology to accomplish these two objectives?

United We Stand; Divided...

A recent study on the American view of Denominationalism concluded that by its very nature, it (Denominationalism) is perhaps the "moral failure of modern Christianity". At first glance, those words are offensive. But after looking at Jesus' words in John 17, praying for "oneness" and "unity", those words may be worth reading again.

Who is "the Church"? Is it important to connect with other organizations or denominations? If so, how? Would Jesus commend us or chastise us? Is He pleased or grieved? What are your thoughts?

Connected?

What has been the most effective way to get you plugged in to the PCG on a National, District, or Sectional level? For those that may not feel connected, what are practical ways to solicit greater participation and involvement (beyond methods currently employed)?

In your opinion, and according to your experience, what is the number one benefit for your partnership and relationship with the Pentecostal Church of God?

Going 2 Convention?

Are you going to the General Convention? If so, what are your expectations?

Twittering General Convention

What are you doing now?

This is the only question asked by Twitter. Apparently, the General Convention will be "twittering" throughout the convention.

What do you think about this?

Will this "twitter" the results of resolutions, elections, appointments, etc., in real time?

Will this be helpful to the constituency of the PCG?

Electronic Evolution

Pastor/Leader: since electronic communication is so much a part of our world today, what type of tools are you using to communicate the Gospel?

Electronic Socialism

myspace, facebook, twitter, texting…we are definitely in the electronic age. I enjoy the advances we have in technology and I love to make full use of it – especially if it broadens our outreach. However, I wonder what studies will show in a few years from now (should the Lord tarry His coming), about the social skills of the present/next generation.

I believe we must have BALANCE (moderation) in all we do. An over indulgence in anything speaks of being out of balance.

• How many hours a day are you surfing through myspace & facebook – reading up on everyone?
• Count the number of texts you receive and send today.

Recently, I shared this with our congregation. I asked them to consider the amount of time they are indulging in electronic socialism. We discussed the value of carrying on a conversation with someone face to face. Being able to read body language, looking someone in the eye and getting a sense of their character. All of that is shielded behind a computer screen and a keypad.

Last week some teens joined me for a round of golf. They kept their phone on them the entire time and were text messaging between every hole and updating their facebook on the fly. It was a little ridiculous and even a little irritating.

Again, I’m not opposed to the use of technology and communication. I just wonder what we’ll discover about our social skills when the latest studies come out.

Too much of anything can be damaging.

Self-Competing is Self-Defeating

I have realized that we sometimes feel defeated when attendance in some services or programs is not where we would like. However, could the attendance be elsewhere. In other words, are the attending something else that is competing for their times as well?

If our church calendars are so full of stuff, especially during the same week or same night even, can we realistically expect our people to show?

My mid-week is down by nearly 50% since starting home groups. I am ok with that. Knowing most people will attend 2 services or functions a week, next to Sunday morning my home groups would be my next choice for them. If you don't want people going somewhere else, don't give the option and make sure what you provide is well worth their time!

Any thoughts on this? What are you doing to keep from competing against yourself?

Your Thought's

Would a weekly topic verses a daily topic help to create more contructive dialogue? Instead of us who post doing a daily topic which would require daily reading, commenting etc. Would a well thought out weekly topic maybe stimulate more conversation?

Your thought's?

Keep Running The Race

I posted a blog on here not long ago about the fact that I was losing weight by eating healthy and a steady diet of excercise including softball once a week, basketball twice a week and started running a few times a week. Since that post I have now lost about 35-37 lbs depending on the time of day I weigh and have dropped from a 48" waist & 3xl shirt to 40" waist and xl/xxl shirts. I share this because I feel great and have now increased my running dramatically, atleast for me.

You see, I have never liked running..no not at all. However, recently I started running and now run quite a bit. About 4-5 miles now when I do. I remember when I first started running I got my running shoes on, my athetic shorts, muscle shirt and even my ipod with my running music (i'd tell you what it was but you'd think I backslid if I did). Anyway, I looked like I could run but when I first got started I didn't even make it to the corner of my street before I had to stop due to severe oxygen shortage. Today I run several miles before I feel too much and have even learned to enjoy it. One thing I learned was that when I reached that point of saying to myself "ok, slow down, you've gone far enough" because it hurts a little, that is the time I need to press on a little further. You see I have goals of how long, how far etc I will go before I will slow down and catch my breath. Everytime I reach the goal I have set I bear down and push on a little further. What I am doing is increasing my endurance levels. Pushing myself further helps make it easier down the road to reach those distances and goals I am pursuing. People ask me all the time "what is your desired weight"? It made me think of and I actually recently preached to my church Hebrews 12:1,2. The part I want to focus on is the end of verse 1 "and run with ENDURANCE the race that is set before you".

ENDURE = to suffer patiently without yielding. to carry on through despite hardship

When we have laid aside the weight (that which hinders us) and the sin (that which disqualifies us) and find ourselves facing adversity of anykind, we MUST NOT YIELD & MUST CARRY ON THROUGH. How? Looking unto Jesus (the author, perfecter and rewarder of our faith)

KEY (vs 2): who for the JOY that was set before Him (which was the end result)

Endured the cross, disregarded the shame and is now at the right hand of God. Note "who for the JOY that was set before Him. When you lose sight of the why, what and who for you will find it easier to give in. Once you give in it becomes easier and easier until it becomes your character.

In my early years my character was to quit when it got hard, uncomfortable, short of breath. Now I am learning how to change that character by pressing on through despite the difficulty and in doing so am building endurance and finding out that I can do more and go further than I ever realized.

I am not all I want to be but I certainly am not what I used to be either. Same goes for my ministry. I have not accomplished all I want or that God has put within me but I am convinced more than ever that I have the endurance to get there and that is something that I continually keep in front of me!

So, are you still running or what?

Just Curious?

Every week several of us pastor's have committed to engaging in conversation that effects all of us not only as ministers of the PCG but more importantly as servants of His kingdom. However, I have noticed just the same few of us are commenting back and forth and engaging in any dialogue. I understand that not every topic discussed demands a response or simply is not something you are interested in discussing. However, I am curious how many are even reading.

As we continue this NPN blog, would you take a moment and let us who are posting topics on here know that you are atleast reading and may I encourage you to step out and let us know your thoughts occasionally as well.

Your participation is important and encouraged.

So take a moment if you would and just let us know you are reading this. We are curious who is out there!