Let's face it. Being THE MAN is not as fun as it sounds. Like Clark Kent, i would rip my dress shirt, show my BIG "S" and fly to "every kitty stuck in a tree or damsal in distress singing, "hear i come to save the day!" The issue is when you are the answer man, EVERYBODY COMES RUNNING TO YOU WITH ALL OF THEIR QUESTIONS!!!
I have found a secret in a "delegating" style of leadership that no professor or mentor in my life has shared with me, to this point. I merely stumbled upon it, but have found it to be incredibly effective at developing leadership beneath me. Now i have to warn you up front. This secret REQUIRES balance in your own life. You can "over-use" this method and become a self-serving jerk that soon finds his leadership obselete because noone thinks you care. If you are a good leader you are constantly looking for the guys/gals you are developing to take initiative and just make a decision. We can fix wrong decisions. What urks me, in leadership, is when he/she makes NO DECISION!Why would ANY leader call you a, or need you as a, leader if you don't have the ----- to make a call.
This secret will be a paradigm shift for alot my readers, who love the "superhero" status because it will force you back into plain clothes more than tights and capes. It will also be a shift for my guys how live to make sure EVERY "i" is dotted and EVERY "t" is crossed. Why? There is a powerful transformation that takes place when you let those you lead freakout, instigate a decision, or even fail by lying crippled like the lame man at the pool for someone to help him in his handicapped state, unable to make a decision, thus compromising the issue all together.
okay, okay. Enough introducing the concept, let me give it to you.
I have found that most leaders under someone elses leadership go through 3 phases in dealing with an issue/decision/conflict directly in front of them.
Phase 1 - FREAKOUT! - Most developing leaders are so drawn "to the butt" that nothing you do seems to have any flaws or discripancies. In their eyes, everything you do is "magically delicious!" (- Lucky Charms, i love them!!)So they do not take the time to watch and learn how you navaigate through unforseen issues. They have not taken the time to watch you pause and put this issue through all of your integrity filters before you react. Just by the sheer fact you placed them in charge, FREAKOUT is a part, everytime. BTW, FREAKOUT is a good thing because it shows you they genuinely care about the success of what they are leading. If they are apathetic, then you have bigger issues. This FREAKOUT sends them immediately to Phase 2.
Phase 2 - Call Me(you) - If you pick up the 1st time they call , you are in charge! If you are in charge, then why do you need to develop the person who is calling. All they are is a "worker bee" for you. You, my friend, delegate duties, not leadership. The problem with that is everything dies when you die. When it is their time to lead and they are in the heat of battle, don't pick up. Otherwise, you are the mom with the 9 year old still breastfeeding him! It's weird and nobody wants to be around that! If you will hang on, your silence will take them to Phase 3.
Phase 3 - They work to resolve the issue or make the decision. - THIS IS WHAT YOU WANT IF YOU ARE DELEGATING LEADERSHIP, and not just a delegator of duties!! Then they will come back to you for approval or a beating for the decision they made. Be careful if they made the wrong decision. How you handle this will determine, if they will ever do it again. This is your moment to teach them YOUR filters for good decision-making. Also, you MUST cover for their bad decision!! A good coach gives his kids ALL the credit when they win, and he takes ALL the heat when they lose! In contrast, if they make the RIGHT decision, celebrate them and let them have all the credit. The better they look, the better your leadership looks!!
Now let me finish this "don't abuse this leadership secret" thing. When it comes to leadership, don't answer in the heat. If they are going through something personally, or they are operating in delegated duties, that's when you have to be close by. Be sure after the delegated leadership issue is completely over, you communicate to him/her why you did not answer when they called. Don't make excuses or lie, just simply let them know you TRUSTED him/her to make a call, even if it was the wrong one.
Trust me. After years of developing leaders though delegated leadership, they thank you for it later!!
hope i helped,
pg
Monday, April 25, 2011
Friday, January 21, 2011
Church Ministry's "Collapse of Distinction"
I just finished another "must read" (in my opinion) secular/business book by Scott McKain entitled, "the collapse of distinction." Needless to say, This book "rocked" my thought process.
Romans 12:2 "be Transformed by the renewing of your mind"
I find myself sleepless at night trying to "unpack" his business concerns and advise and push it into this church world i live in. Merging his content from the secular to the sacred is simple. Not sure if this "cat" knows Jesus, but he is being used by Him, whether he knows it or not!! haha
What i would love to do is give you all the stuff i highlghted or made notes on to review, but you may need to see something more than what i say. here's the basic summary (from a church perspective):
There are 75 million other churches all around your church. All look the same. All act the same. Every time some church tries something new and succeeds, the other churches jump on it as well. I do not believe it is a sin to "Steal Ideas." However, McKain's concern is that in our efforts to stay relevant with what the area is asking for, we lose ourselves, and our identity. Iow's, we do not have the "stones" to standout!! So like restaurants, all churches look the same, act the same, provide the same programs, and everything is just a better or worse version of what is down the street. So to determine where you attend, you find out how "cheap" can a potential new member attend. What will it cost them with their wallets and what kind of commitment are you asking of their time.
I took a portion of his introduction and adapted it to move it from secular to sacred.
"If you cannot find it within yourself to become emotional, committed, engaged, and yes, fervent about differentiation, then you had better be prepared to take your place among that vast throng of the complacent (and dying) churches whom judge their commitment to the Great Commission by their membership solely on the basis of legacy families. It is the singularly worst place to be in all of Christendom. If you aren't willing to create distinction for yourself, your parishioners, and for your church body in your community, city, and region--then prepare to take your seat in the back, with the substantial swarm of the similar, where tedium and religious duty reign supreme."
Does this sound like a book that would "rock" the church world? What about your local church?
funny: "the substantial swarm of the similar, where tedium and fake religion reign supreme."
I could never qoute this to the students i pastor, but that's intellectual, smart-butt putdowns right there!!
Anway, let me help you out with this book:
There are a couple things you have to do to "see" the church world in McKain's Book:
1. When you see customers, say members.
2. When he hits you with a stat, think recent George Barna Stats about church
3. Play "Where's Jesus?" (for those of you who are slow, it's a play on "Where's Waldo?") For those of you who are slower, or have no children, Look for Biblically based principles.!!
4. When you see results in terms of Customer acquisition or retention (or the lack thereof), think kingdom souls being won to Christ and the back doors being closed that people leave out of without you knowing.
5. When you see results in terms of $ growth think, Tithes & Offerings to further the Kingdom.
Frankly, McKain could get some church research, say Jesus 100 times, call costumers, "members," and talk less about $ gain (church ppl hate hearing about $. We NEED it, but we don't want to read about it! haha), and he has a top 10 church growth book!!
Get the book ppl!!
Hope I helped, PG
Romans 12:2 "be Transformed by the renewing of your mind"
I find myself sleepless at night trying to "unpack" his business concerns and advise and push it into this church world i live in. Merging his content from the secular to the sacred is simple. Not sure if this "cat" knows Jesus, but he is being used by Him, whether he knows it or not!! haha
What i would love to do is give you all the stuff i highlghted or made notes on to review, but you may need to see something more than what i say. here's the basic summary (from a church perspective):
There are 75 million other churches all around your church. All look the same. All act the same. Every time some church tries something new and succeeds, the other churches jump on it as well. I do not believe it is a sin to "Steal Ideas." However, McKain's concern is that in our efforts to stay relevant with what the area is asking for, we lose ourselves, and our identity. Iow's, we do not have the "stones" to standout!! So like restaurants, all churches look the same, act the same, provide the same programs, and everything is just a better or worse version of what is down the street. So to determine where you attend, you find out how "cheap" can a potential new member attend. What will it cost them with their wallets and what kind of commitment are you asking of their time.
I took a portion of his introduction and adapted it to move it from secular to sacred.
"If you cannot find it within yourself to become emotional, committed, engaged, and yes, fervent about differentiation, then you had better be prepared to take your place among that vast throng of the complacent (and dying) churches whom judge their commitment to the Great Commission by their membership solely on the basis of legacy families. It is the singularly worst place to be in all of Christendom. If you aren't willing to create distinction for yourself, your parishioners, and for your church body in your community, city, and region--then prepare to take your seat in the back, with the substantial swarm of the similar, where tedium and religious duty reign supreme."
Does this sound like a book that would "rock" the church world? What about your local church?
funny: "the substantial swarm of the similar, where tedium and fake religion reign supreme."
I could never qoute this to the students i pastor, but that's intellectual, smart-butt putdowns right there!!
Anway, let me help you out with this book:
There are a couple things you have to do to "see" the church world in McKain's Book:
1. When you see customers, say members.
2. When he hits you with a stat, think recent George Barna Stats about church
3. Play "Where's Jesus?" (for those of you who are slow, it's a play on "Where's Waldo?") For those of you who are slower, or have no children, Look for Biblically based principles.!!
4. When you see results in terms of Customer acquisition or retention (or the lack thereof), think kingdom souls being won to Christ and the back doors being closed that people leave out of without you knowing.
5. When you see results in terms of $ growth think, Tithes & Offerings to further the Kingdom.
Frankly, McKain could get some church research, say Jesus 100 times, call costumers, "members," and talk less about $ gain (church ppl hate hearing about $. We NEED it, but we don't want to read about it! haha), and he has a top 10 church growth book!!
Get the book ppl!!
Hope I helped, PG
Should Christians Drink??
This is a question i get asked often. As a Youth Pastor and communicator for almost 15 years, this questions comes up very often. As a matter of fact, what has prompted this BLOG entry is a college student in my local ministry, who inquired about this very subject. I figured that if i am hit often with this then there is a strong chance, others of you have to biblically tackle this issue as well.
Below are my notes on the research I did a few years ago.
here u go: :P
WINE AND STRONG DRINK The word "wine" was defined your several types of beverages in the original languages of the Bible. Here is a list of those beverages in its original text form.
1. Hebrew Words for Wine: a. YAYIN Fermented, intoxicating wine b. TIYROSH Grape juice c. SHEKAR Intensely strong alcoholic liquor. d. CHAMAR To boil up — thus to burn away fermented (alcohol) Best wine - with 4 stages to make ready (boil/filter/cool/preserve) e. MAMCAK Mixed wine water or spice f. AWSEES Just trodden grape juice
2. Greek Words for Wine: a. OYNOS Same as CHAMAR in Hebrew. b. GLEUKKOS Most common wine - FERMENTED wine c. OINOPHLUGIA (pro. oy—nor—loog-ee) An overflow of wine—excess drunkenness; on oynos. d. SHAKER Extremely strong wine. (also called: strong drink) OLD TESTAMENT SCRIPTURES (WITH ORIGINAL HEBREW WORD) 1. Genesis 9:21 YAYIN 2. Genesis 14:18 MAMCAK 3. Genesis 19:33 YAYIN 4. Exodus 29:40 AWSEES 5. Leviticus 10:9 YAYIN 6. Leviticus 23:13 YAYIN 7. Numbers 18:12 TIYROSH 8. Numbers 28:7 SHEKAR 9. Deuteronomy 12:17 TIYROSH 10. Judges 13:4,7,14 YAYIN 11. I Samuel 1:14,15 YAYIN 12. II Samuel 13:28 YAYIN 13. Ezra 7:22 CHAMAR 14. Nehemiah 10:37, 39 TIYROSH 15. Psalms 104:15 YAYIN 16. Proverbs 20:1 YAYIN 17. Proverbs 23:30, 31 YAYIN 18. Proverbs 31: 4, 6 YAYIN 19. Isaiah 65:8 TIYROSH 20. Jeremiah 23:9 YAYIN 21. Daniel 5:4 CHAMAR 22. Joel 1: 5, 10 YAYIN, TIYROSH NEW TESTAMENT SCRIPTURES (WITH ORIGINAL GREEK WORD) 1. Matthew 9:17 GLEUKKOS 2. Mark 2:22 GLEUKKOS 3. Mark 15:23 SHAKER 4. Luke 1:15 OYNOS 5. Luke 7:33 OYNOS 6. Luke 10:34 OYNOS 7. John 2:3,9,10 GLEUKKOS - JESUS GAVE THEM OYNOS - the miracle of that day was not that Jesus turned water into alcoholic wine, according to the original text. The miracle was that at His command, the water went through 4 stages that took months to acheive (boiled, filtered, cooled, preserved) just by His words. 8. John 4:46 OYNOS 9. Acts 2:13 OINOPHLUGIA 10. Romans 14:21 GLEUKKOS 11. Ephesians 5:18 SHAKER 12. I Timothy 3:3 GLEUKKOS 13. I Timothy 5:23 OYNOS **referes to purified grape juice - no alcohol in it. 14. Titus 1:7 GLEUKKOS 15. Titus 2:3 OYNOS 16. Peter 4:3 OINOPHLUGIA
75 WARNINGS OF DRINKING
1) Genesis 9:20-26 - Noah became drunk; the result was immorality and family trouble.
2) Genesis 19:30-38 - Lot was so drunk he did not know what he was doing; this led to immorality
3) Leviticus 10:9-11 - God commanded priests not to drink so that they could tell the difference between the holy and the unholy.
4) Numbers 6:3 - The Nazarites were told to eat or drink nothing from the grape vine.
5) Deuteronomy 21:20 - A drunken son was stubborn and rebellious.
6) Deuteronomy 29:5-6 - God gave no grape juice to Israel nor did they have intoxicating drink in the wilderness.
7) Deuteronomy 32:33 - Intoxicating wine is like the poison of serpents, the cruel venom of asps.
8) Judges 13:4, 7, 14 - Samson was to be a Nazarite for life. His mother was told not to drink wine or strong drink.
9) 1 Samuel 1:14-15 - Accused, Hannah said she drank no wine.
10) 1 Samuel 25:32-38 - Nabal died after a drunken spree.
11) 2 Samuel 11:13 - By getting Uriah drunk, David hoped to cover his sin. 12) 2 Samuel 13:28-29 - Amnon was drunk when he was killed.
13) 1 Kings 16:8-10 - The king was drinking himself into drunkenness when he was assassinated
14) 1 Kings 20:12-21 - Ben-Hadad and 32 other kings were drinking when they were attacked and defeated by the Israelites.
15) Esther 1:5-12 - The king gave each one all the drink he wanted. The king was intoxicated when he commanded the queen to come.
16) Psalm 75:8 - The Lord's anger is pictured as mixed wine poured out and drunk by the wicked.
17) Proverbs 4:17 - Alcoholic drink is called the wine of violence.
18) Proverbs 20:1 - Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging. WHOEVER IS LED ASTRAY IS NOT WISE
19) Proverbs 23:19-20 - A wise person will not be among the drinkers of alcoholic beverages.
20) Proverbs 23:21 - Drunkenness causes poverty.
21) Proverbs 23:29-30 - Drinking causes woe, sorrow, fighting, babbling, wounds without cause and red eyes.
22) Proverbs 23:31 - God instructs not to look at intoxicating drinks.
23) Proverbs 23:32 - Alcoholic drinks bite like a serpent, sting like an adder.
24) Proverbs 23:33 - Alcohol causes the drinker to have strange and adulterous thoughts, produces willfulness, and prevents reformation.
25) Proverbs 23:34 - Alcohol makes the drinker unstable
26) Proverbs 23:35 - Alcohol makes the drinker insensitive to pain so he does not perceive it as a warning. Alcohol is habit forming.
27) Proverb 31:4-5 - Kings, Princes, and others who rule and judge must not drink alcohol. Alcohol perverts good judgment.
28) Proverbs 31:6-7 - Strong drink could be given to those about to perish or those in pain. Better anesthetics are available today.
29) Ecclesiastes 2:3 - The king tried everything, including intoxicating drink, to see if it satisfied. It did not. (Ecclesiastes 12:8)
30) Ecclesiastes 10:17 - A land is blessed when its leaders do not drink.
31) Isaiah 5:11-12 - Woe to those who get up early to drink and stay up late at night to get drunk.
32) Isaiah 5:22 - Woe to "champion" drinkers and "experts" at mixing drinks.
33) Isaiah 19:14 - Drunken men stagger in their vomit.
34) Isaiah 22:12-13 - The Israelites choose to drink; their future looks hopeless to them.
35) Isaiah 24:9 - Drinkers cannot escape the consequences when God judges.
36) Isaiah 28:1 - God pronounces woe on the drunkards of Ephraim.
37) Isaiah 28:3 - Proud drunkards shall be trodden down.
38) Isaiah 28:7 - Priests and prophets stagger and reel from beer and wine, err in vision, and stumble in judgment.
39) Isaiah 28:8 - Drinkers' tables are covered with vomit and filth.
40) Isaiah 56:9-12 - Drinkers seek their own gain and expect tomorrow to be just like today.
41) Jeremiah 35:2-14 - The Rechabites drank no grape juice or intoxicating wine and were blessed.
42) Ezekiel 44:21 - Again God instructed the priests not to drink wine.
43) Daniel 1:5-17 - Daniel refused the king's intoxicating wine and was blessed for it along with his abstaining friends.
44) Daniel 5:1 - Belshazzar, ruler of Babylon; led his people in drinking.
45) Daniel 5:2-3 - The king, along with his nobles, wives, and concubines, drank from the goblets which had been taken from God's temple.
46) Daniel 5:4 - Drinking wine was combined with praising false gods.
47) Daniel 5:23 - God sent word to Belshazzar that punishment would be swift for the evil he had committed.
48) Hosea 4:11 - Intoxicating wine takes away intelligence. - tell me the truth
49) Hosea 7:5 - God reproves princes for drinking.
50) Joel 1:5 - Drunkards awake to see God's judgment.
51) Joel 3:3 - The enemy is judged for selling girls for wine.
52) Amos 2:8 - Unrighteous acts of Israel included the drinking of wine which had been taken for the payment of fines.
53) Amos 2:12 - Israel is condemned for forcing Nazarites to drink wine.
54) Micah 2:11 - Israelites are eager to follow false teachers who prophesy plenty of intoxicating drinks.
55) Nahum 1:10 - The drunkards of Nineveh will be destroyed by God.
56) Habakkuk 2:5 - A man is betrayed by wine.
57) Habakkuk 2:15 - Woe to him that gives his neighbor drink.
58) Habakkuk 2:16 - Drinking leads to shame.
59) Matthew 24:48-51 - A drinking servant is unprepared for his Lord's return.
60) Luke 1:15 - John the Baptist drank neither grape juice nor wine.
61) Luke 12:45 - Christ warned against drunkenness.
62) Luke 21:34 - Drunkenness will cause a person not to be ready for the Lord's return.
63) Romans 13:13 - Do not walk in drunkenness or immorality.
64) Romans 14:21 - Do not do anything that will hurt your testimony as a believer.
65) 1 Corinthians 5:11 - If a Christian brother is a drinker, do not associate with him.
66) 1 Corinthians 6:10 - Drunkards will not inherit the kingdom of God
67) Galatians 5:21 - Acts of the sinful nature, such as drunkenness, will prohibit a person from inheriting the kingdom of God.
68) Ephesians 5:18 - In contrast to being drunk with wine, the believer is to be filled with the Spirit.
69) 1 Thessalonians 5:6-7 - Christians are to be alert and self-controlled, belonging to the day. Drunkards belong to the night and darkness.
70) 1 Timothy 3:2-3 - Bishops (elders) are to be temperate, sober, and not near any wine.
71) 1 Timothy 3:8 - Deacons are to be worthy of respect and not drinkers.
72) 1 Timothy 3:11 - Deacons' wives are to be temperate and sober.
73) Titus 1:7-8 - An overseer is to be disciplined.
74) Titus 2:2-3 - The older men and older women of the church are to be temperate and not addicted to wine.
75) 1 Peter 4:3-4 - The past life of drunkenness and carousing has no place in the Christian's life.
1: POINT: ALL THIS IS SUMMED UP IN 3 SCRIPTURES 1. Eph 5:1-7 5:1 Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children 2 and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. 3 But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God's holy people. 4 Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving. 5 For of this you can be sure: No immoral, impure or greedy person-such a man is an idolater-has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God. 6 Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of such things God's wrath comes on those who are disobedient. 7 Therefore do not be partners with them. NIV
2. 1 Peter 4:1-6 4:1 Therefore, since Christ suffered in his body, arm yourselves also with the same attitude, because he who has suffered in his body is done with sin. 2 As a result, he does not live the rest of his earthly life for evil human desires, but rather for the will of God. 3 For you have spent enough time in the past doing what pagans choose to do-living in debauchery, lust, drunkenness, orgies, carousing and detestable idolatry. 4 They think it strange that you do not plunge with them into the same flood of dissipation, and they heap abuse on you. 5 But they will have to give account to him who is ready to judge the living and the dead. 6 For this is the reason the gospel was preached even to those who are now dead, so that they might be judged according to men in regard to the body, but live according to God in regard to the spirit. NIV
3. The majority of the scriptures deal with "priests". so does that mean me?? absolutely. 1 Peter 2:9-10 9 But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. 10 Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy. NIV
Hope I Helped!!
PG
Below are my notes on the research I did a few years ago.
here u go: :P
WINE AND STRONG DRINK The word "wine" was defined your several types of beverages in the original languages of the Bible. Here is a list of those beverages in its original text form.
1. Hebrew Words for Wine: a. YAYIN Fermented, intoxicating wine b. TIYROSH Grape juice c. SHEKAR Intensely strong alcoholic liquor. d. CHAMAR To boil up — thus to burn away fermented (alcohol) Best wine - with 4 stages to make ready (boil/filter/cool/preserve) e. MAMCAK Mixed wine water or spice f. AWSEES Just trodden grape juice
2. Greek Words for Wine: a. OYNOS Same as CHAMAR in Hebrew. b. GLEUKKOS Most common wine - FERMENTED wine c. OINOPHLUGIA (pro. oy—nor—loog-ee) An overflow of wine—excess drunkenness; on oynos. d. SHAKER Extremely strong wine. (also called: strong drink) OLD TESTAMENT SCRIPTURES (WITH ORIGINAL HEBREW WORD) 1. Genesis 9:21 YAYIN 2. Genesis 14:18 MAMCAK 3. Genesis 19:33 YAYIN 4. Exodus 29:40 AWSEES 5. Leviticus 10:9 YAYIN 6. Leviticus 23:13 YAYIN 7. Numbers 18:12 TIYROSH 8. Numbers 28:7 SHEKAR 9. Deuteronomy 12:17 TIYROSH 10. Judges 13:4,7,14 YAYIN 11. I Samuel 1:14,15 YAYIN 12. II Samuel 13:28 YAYIN 13. Ezra 7:22 CHAMAR 14. Nehemiah 10:37, 39 TIYROSH 15. Psalms 104:15 YAYIN 16. Proverbs 20:1 YAYIN 17. Proverbs 23:30, 31 YAYIN 18. Proverbs 31: 4, 6 YAYIN 19. Isaiah 65:8 TIYROSH 20. Jeremiah 23:9 YAYIN 21. Daniel 5:4 CHAMAR 22. Joel 1: 5, 10 YAYIN, TIYROSH NEW TESTAMENT SCRIPTURES (WITH ORIGINAL GREEK WORD) 1. Matthew 9:17 GLEUKKOS 2. Mark 2:22 GLEUKKOS 3. Mark 15:23 SHAKER 4. Luke 1:15 OYNOS 5. Luke 7:33 OYNOS 6. Luke 10:34 OYNOS 7. John 2:3,9,10 GLEUKKOS - JESUS GAVE THEM OYNOS - the miracle of that day was not that Jesus turned water into alcoholic wine, according to the original text. The miracle was that at His command, the water went through 4 stages that took months to acheive (boiled, filtered, cooled, preserved) just by His words. 8. John 4:46 OYNOS 9. Acts 2:13 OINOPHLUGIA 10. Romans 14:21 GLEUKKOS 11. Ephesians 5:18 SHAKER 12. I Timothy 3:3 GLEUKKOS 13. I Timothy 5:23 OYNOS **referes to purified grape juice - no alcohol in it. 14. Titus 1:7 GLEUKKOS 15. Titus 2:3 OYNOS 16. Peter 4:3 OINOPHLUGIA
75 WARNINGS OF DRINKING
1) Genesis 9:20-26 - Noah became drunk; the result was immorality and family trouble.
2) Genesis 19:30-38 - Lot was so drunk he did not know what he was doing; this led to immorality
3) Leviticus 10:9-11 - God commanded priests not to drink so that they could tell the difference between the holy and the unholy.
4) Numbers 6:3 - The Nazarites were told to eat or drink nothing from the grape vine.
5) Deuteronomy 21:20 - A drunken son was stubborn and rebellious.
6) Deuteronomy 29:5-6 - God gave no grape juice to Israel nor did they have intoxicating drink in the wilderness.
7) Deuteronomy 32:33 - Intoxicating wine is like the poison of serpents, the cruel venom of asps.
8) Judges 13:4, 7, 14 - Samson was to be a Nazarite for life. His mother was told not to drink wine or strong drink.
9) 1 Samuel 1:14-15 - Accused, Hannah said she drank no wine.
10) 1 Samuel 25:32-38 - Nabal died after a drunken spree.
11) 2 Samuel 11:13 - By getting Uriah drunk, David hoped to cover his sin. 12) 2 Samuel 13:28-29 - Amnon was drunk when he was killed.
13) 1 Kings 16:8-10 - The king was drinking himself into drunkenness when he was assassinated
14) 1 Kings 20:12-21 - Ben-Hadad and 32 other kings were drinking when they were attacked and defeated by the Israelites.
15) Esther 1:5-12 - The king gave each one all the drink he wanted. The king was intoxicated when he commanded the queen to come.
16) Psalm 75:8 - The Lord's anger is pictured as mixed wine poured out and drunk by the wicked.
17) Proverbs 4:17 - Alcoholic drink is called the wine of violence.
18) Proverbs 20:1 - Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging. WHOEVER IS LED ASTRAY IS NOT WISE
19) Proverbs 23:19-20 - A wise person will not be among the drinkers of alcoholic beverages.
20) Proverbs 23:21 - Drunkenness causes poverty.
21) Proverbs 23:29-30 - Drinking causes woe, sorrow, fighting, babbling, wounds without cause and red eyes.
22) Proverbs 23:31 - God instructs not to look at intoxicating drinks.
23) Proverbs 23:32 - Alcoholic drinks bite like a serpent, sting like an adder.
24) Proverbs 23:33 - Alcohol causes the drinker to have strange and adulterous thoughts, produces willfulness, and prevents reformation.
25) Proverbs 23:34 - Alcohol makes the drinker unstable
26) Proverbs 23:35 - Alcohol makes the drinker insensitive to pain so he does not perceive it as a warning. Alcohol is habit forming.
27) Proverb 31:4-5 - Kings, Princes, and others who rule and judge must not drink alcohol. Alcohol perverts good judgment.
28) Proverbs 31:6-7 - Strong drink could be given to those about to perish or those in pain. Better anesthetics are available today.
29) Ecclesiastes 2:3 - The king tried everything, including intoxicating drink, to see if it satisfied. It did not. (Ecclesiastes 12:8)
30) Ecclesiastes 10:17 - A land is blessed when its leaders do not drink.
31) Isaiah 5:11-12 - Woe to those who get up early to drink and stay up late at night to get drunk.
32) Isaiah 5:22 - Woe to "champion" drinkers and "experts" at mixing drinks.
33) Isaiah 19:14 - Drunken men stagger in their vomit.
34) Isaiah 22:12-13 - The Israelites choose to drink; their future looks hopeless to them.
35) Isaiah 24:9 - Drinkers cannot escape the consequences when God judges.
36) Isaiah 28:1 - God pronounces woe on the drunkards of Ephraim.
37) Isaiah 28:3 - Proud drunkards shall be trodden down.
38) Isaiah 28:7 - Priests and prophets stagger and reel from beer and wine, err in vision, and stumble in judgment.
39) Isaiah 28:8 - Drinkers' tables are covered with vomit and filth.
40) Isaiah 56:9-12 - Drinkers seek their own gain and expect tomorrow to be just like today.
41) Jeremiah 35:2-14 - The Rechabites drank no grape juice or intoxicating wine and were blessed.
42) Ezekiel 44:21 - Again God instructed the priests not to drink wine.
43) Daniel 1:5-17 - Daniel refused the king's intoxicating wine and was blessed for it along with his abstaining friends.
44) Daniel 5:1 - Belshazzar, ruler of Babylon; led his people in drinking.
45) Daniel 5:2-3 - The king, along with his nobles, wives, and concubines, drank from the goblets which had been taken from God's temple.
46) Daniel 5:4 - Drinking wine was combined with praising false gods.
47) Daniel 5:23 - God sent word to Belshazzar that punishment would be swift for the evil he had committed.
48) Hosea 4:11 - Intoxicating wine takes away intelligence. - tell me the truth
49) Hosea 7:5 - God reproves princes for drinking.
50) Joel 1:5 - Drunkards awake to see God's judgment.
51) Joel 3:3 - The enemy is judged for selling girls for wine.
52) Amos 2:8 - Unrighteous acts of Israel included the drinking of wine which had been taken for the payment of fines.
53) Amos 2:12 - Israel is condemned for forcing Nazarites to drink wine.
54) Micah 2:11 - Israelites are eager to follow false teachers who prophesy plenty of intoxicating drinks.
55) Nahum 1:10 - The drunkards of Nineveh will be destroyed by God.
56) Habakkuk 2:5 - A man is betrayed by wine.
57) Habakkuk 2:15 - Woe to him that gives his neighbor drink.
58) Habakkuk 2:16 - Drinking leads to shame.
59) Matthew 24:48-51 - A drinking servant is unprepared for his Lord's return.
60) Luke 1:15 - John the Baptist drank neither grape juice nor wine.
61) Luke 12:45 - Christ warned against drunkenness.
62) Luke 21:34 - Drunkenness will cause a person not to be ready for the Lord's return.
63) Romans 13:13 - Do not walk in drunkenness or immorality.
64) Romans 14:21 - Do not do anything that will hurt your testimony as a believer.
65) 1 Corinthians 5:11 - If a Christian brother is a drinker, do not associate with him.
66) 1 Corinthians 6:10 - Drunkards will not inherit the kingdom of God
67) Galatians 5:21 - Acts of the sinful nature, such as drunkenness, will prohibit a person from inheriting the kingdom of God.
68) Ephesians 5:18 - In contrast to being drunk with wine, the believer is to be filled with the Spirit.
69) 1 Thessalonians 5:6-7 - Christians are to be alert and self-controlled, belonging to the day. Drunkards belong to the night and darkness.
70) 1 Timothy 3:2-3 - Bishops (elders) are to be temperate, sober, and not near any wine.
71) 1 Timothy 3:8 - Deacons are to be worthy of respect and not drinkers.
72) 1 Timothy 3:11 - Deacons' wives are to be temperate and sober.
73) Titus 1:7-8 - An overseer is to be disciplined.
74) Titus 2:2-3 - The older men and older women of the church are to be temperate and not addicted to wine.
75) 1 Peter 4:3-4 - The past life of drunkenness and carousing has no place in the Christian's life.
1: POINT: ALL THIS IS SUMMED UP IN 3 SCRIPTURES 1. Eph 5:1-7 5:1 Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children 2 and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. 3 But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God's holy people. 4 Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving. 5 For of this you can be sure: No immoral, impure or greedy person-such a man is an idolater-has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God. 6 Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of such things God's wrath comes on those who are disobedient. 7 Therefore do not be partners with them. NIV
2. 1 Peter 4:1-6 4:1 Therefore, since Christ suffered in his body, arm yourselves also with the same attitude, because he who has suffered in his body is done with sin. 2 As a result, he does not live the rest of his earthly life for evil human desires, but rather for the will of God. 3 For you have spent enough time in the past doing what pagans choose to do-living in debauchery, lust, drunkenness, orgies, carousing and detestable idolatry. 4 They think it strange that you do not plunge with them into the same flood of dissipation, and they heap abuse on you. 5 But they will have to give account to him who is ready to judge the living and the dead. 6 For this is the reason the gospel was preached even to those who are now dead, so that they might be judged according to men in regard to the body, but live according to God in regard to the spirit. NIV
3. The majority of the scriptures deal with "priests". so does that mean me?? absolutely. 1 Peter 2:9-10 9 But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. 10 Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy. NIV
Hope I Helped!!
PG
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
10 GREAT NAMES FOR OUTREACH MINDED YOUTH GROUPS or EVENTS
A name is something huge!! Whether it’s a child or an event, when you put a label/name on it, it begins to live up (or down) to its name. That’s the power of naming.
In my opinion, everything that is born of God deserves a good name. In giving a name to your youth ministry or event, it is important to think about what it says about who your are and how it will appeal to both churched and unchurched teenagers. Here are ten names* that have significant spiritual meaning, yet are not religious sounding, that I have come across over the years.
1) Revolution - God has called his church to revolt from sin and rally people to His cause.
2) Flood - Isaiah 44:3 says, God will pour water on him that is thirsty and floods on dry ground.
3) Ten-Ten (10/10) - John 10:10, hence “ten-ten” promises abundant life to those who serve Jesus.
4) Flo - An acronym for “Forever Live On” based on the John 11:26 promise of everlasting life.
5) Young World - Isn’t this what every youth group ought to be?
6) Everfree - whom the son sets free is free indeed.
7) Fish - Jesus said, “Follow me and I’ll make you fishers of men.”
8) Last Rain - Joel prophesied about the day of the latter rain, which we now are in.
9) Slam - “Students Living A Mission.”
10) Awake - The scripture tells us to awake from our slumber.
For example, our high school ministry name is “Force”. Our middle school ministry name is “Impact.” Our college ministry name is “explosion.” They all center under Matthew 11:12: “the kingdom of heavens suffers violence and the violent take it by force.” These are aggressive, action words to describe how we are going from our local church to reach the unreached.
*You may want to check out trademark and copyright protection on these names before using them.
Hope I helped,
pg
In my opinion, everything that is born of God deserves a good name. In giving a name to your youth ministry or event, it is important to think about what it says about who your are and how it will appeal to both churched and unchurched teenagers. Here are ten names* that have significant spiritual meaning, yet are not religious sounding, that I have come across over the years.
1) Revolution - God has called his church to revolt from sin and rally people to His cause.
2) Flood - Isaiah 44:3 says, God will pour water on him that is thirsty and floods on dry ground.
3) Ten-Ten (10/10) - John 10:10, hence “ten-ten” promises abundant life to those who serve Jesus.
4) Flo - An acronym for “Forever Live On” based on the John 11:26 promise of everlasting life.
5) Young World - Isn’t this what every youth group ought to be?
6) Everfree - whom the son sets free is free indeed.
7) Fish - Jesus said, “Follow me and I’ll make you fishers of men.”
8) Last Rain - Joel prophesied about the day of the latter rain, which we now are in.
9) Slam - “Students Living A Mission.”
10) Awake - The scripture tells us to awake from our slumber.
For example, our high school ministry name is “Force”. Our middle school ministry name is “Impact.” Our college ministry name is “explosion.” They all center under Matthew 11:12: “the kingdom of heavens suffers violence and the violent take it by force.” These are aggressive, action words to describe how we are going from our local church to reach the unreached.
*You may want to check out trademark and copyright protection on these names before using them.
Hope I helped,
pg
Thursday, September 9, 2010
5 Stages Of Effective Vision Transference
If you are going to successfully pass on a new area of vision to your student ministry, you must walk through each of the stages one at a time and in this order:
1) The Personal Stage. This is the stage where the Lord puts the vision firmly in your heart through careful prayer, study and practical research. Long before you ever get it out of your mouth, it should marinate for a long time in your heart. “out of the “abundance” of the heart, the mouth speaks.” In other words, your heart, head, and hands should spend many many hours, days, weeks, and months allowing this new shift to get “in you” before it comes out of you.
2) The Pastoral Stage. This is where you submit your new area of vision to your Senior Pastor, seeking his support, input and refinement. Staying under authority is critical with vision casting from a secondary leadership position. “di”vision is not a God-thing. The word “di” actually means “2.” Your vision should always fit in your pastor’s vision. If it doesn’t, it’s probably not God’s vision for that House of Worship. If it does fit, then make sure you can show direct lines of connection between what your pastor is trying to get done, and your new vision approach. Rebellion is not an option.
3) The Leadership Stage. This is when you meet with your key staff and volunteer leaders, giving them the inside scoop on what you’re about to introduce. Everyone like to be “in the know.” There is nothing more demoralizing to key leaders then to hear a “new” shift with the “commoners.” It’s much harder to come off the mountain alone, then to have a entire leadership buy-in. Take the time to get it to your key influencers. They can be the “Paul Revere’s” of your student ministry.
4) The Student Stage. This is when you present your idea to your students in your weekly meeting. Approach your students with a “I believe this is where God is leading us” approach verses a “thus saith the Lord.” Trust me. After years of demanding change and nothing happening, the softer public approach is much more of a morale boost.
5) The Community Stage. This is where you create city-wide awareness for your vision by promoting it effectively with the schools, the media, and the business community. This is where most people blow it. How do you market this new vision in a way that people outside of your church can buy-in. Walking billboards are HUGE in advertising. Find a way to get it on a shirt, on stickers, on cars, on tattoos, whatever it takes to get this new vision out.
Hope I helped,
pg
1) The Personal Stage. This is the stage where the Lord puts the vision firmly in your heart through careful prayer, study and practical research. Long before you ever get it out of your mouth, it should marinate for a long time in your heart. “out of the “abundance” of the heart, the mouth speaks.” In other words, your heart, head, and hands should spend many many hours, days, weeks, and months allowing this new shift to get “in you” before it comes out of you.
2) The Pastoral Stage. This is where you submit your new area of vision to your Senior Pastor, seeking his support, input and refinement. Staying under authority is critical with vision casting from a secondary leadership position. “di”vision is not a God-thing. The word “di” actually means “2.” Your vision should always fit in your pastor’s vision. If it doesn’t, it’s probably not God’s vision for that House of Worship. If it does fit, then make sure you can show direct lines of connection between what your pastor is trying to get done, and your new vision approach. Rebellion is not an option.
3) The Leadership Stage. This is when you meet with your key staff and volunteer leaders, giving them the inside scoop on what you’re about to introduce. Everyone like to be “in the know.” There is nothing more demoralizing to key leaders then to hear a “new” shift with the “commoners.” It’s much harder to come off the mountain alone, then to have a entire leadership buy-in. Take the time to get it to your key influencers. They can be the “Paul Revere’s” of your student ministry.
4) The Student Stage. This is when you present your idea to your students in your weekly meeting. Approach your students with a “I believe this is where God is leading us” approach verses a “thus saith the Lord.” Trust me. After years of demanding change and nothing happening, the softer public approach is much more of a morale boost.
5) The Community Stage. This is where you create city-wide awareness for your vision by promoting it effectively with the schools, the media, and the business community. This is where most people blow it. How do you market this new vision in a way that people outside of your church can buy-in. Walking billboards are HUGE in advertising. Find a way to get it on a shirt, on stickers, on cars, on tattoos, whatever it takes to get this new vision out.
Hope I helped,
pg
Friday, August 20, 2010
8 SECULAR BOOKS EVERY LEADER SHOULD READ ASAP
Charles Tremendous Jones said, “You are the same as you are today five years from now, except for two things: The people with whom you associate and the books you read.” We should grow every day of our life by learning something new. Here are 8 books that will help you achieve your maximum potential. Don’t be alarmed that they are secular. If the principles they teach are working, it’s because they are based upon Biblical principles.
1)7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Steven Covey will help prioritize your life around what is truly important.
2)“5” Where will you be five years from now by Dan Zadra will help you create a purpose that starts your mission that helps you get aligned for the next 5 years all based upon your personal values.
3)The One Minute Manager by Kenneth Blanchard will help you motivate your leaders in less time.
4)Lincoln on Leadership by Donald Phillips will give insight on the characteristics and principles of what it takes to become a great leader.
5)Rich Dad Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki will help you develop a plan for financial independence. It’s easier to focus on your leadership faith when you don’t have to focus continually on your finances.
6)All Business is Show Business by Scott McKain will help you understand that presentation and promotion is HUGE in every single thing you attach your leadership energy too.
7)The Purple Cow by Seth Godin will help you to become “remarkable” and distinctive in what you are doing verses very other student ministry around you is doing.
8)The Disney Way by Bill Capodagli and Lynn Jackson takes you into the creative giant of Disney and empowers you to unlock your creative genius.
hope i helped,
pg
1)7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Steven Covey will help prioritize your life around what is truly important.
2)“5” Where will you be five years from now by Dan Zadra will help you create a purpose that starts your mission that helps you get aligned for the next 5 years all based upon your personal values.
3)The One Minute Manager by Kenneth Blanchard will help you motivate your leaders in less time.
4)Lincoln on Leadership by Donald Phillips will give insight on the characteristics and principles of what it takes to become a great leader.
5)Rich Dad Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki will help you develop a plan for financial independence. It’s easier to focus on your leadership faith when you don’t have to focus continually on your finances.
6)All Business is Show Business by Scott McKain will help you understand that presentation and promotion is HUGE in every single thing you attach your leadership energy too.
7)The Purple Cow by Seth Godin will help you to become “remarkable” and distinctive in what you are doing verses very other student ministry around you is doing.
8)The Disney Way by Bill Capodagli and Lynn Jackson takes you into the creative giant of Disney and empowers you to unlock your creative genius.
hope i helped,
pg
Friday, August 13, 2010
6 Things To Bring To Every Brainstorming Meeting
Brainstorming meetings have the potential to create brand new programs, outreaches and systems that can cause your ministry to explode. Make sure you show up with the following in order to see the results you want:
1) Bring your faith-filled, wide-open imagination.
If you are not open, well rested and excited, why would your team be??
2) Bring at least 3-5 of your key leaders or students with them same kind of imagination.
TRUST ME!! The last thing you want in a brainstorming session is a negative or unimaginitive person
3) Bring a large tablet and 3-4 colorful markers to record all your ideas without prejudice.
It's a "storm" no idea is bad.
4) Bring your most important ministry priorities for discussion and planning.
Creativity is a lot less spontaneous and random than we realize. Stay on task otherwise you'll be wasting hours on stuff that is irrelevant and probably irreverant, as well. Experience is talking.
5) Bring a $20.00 bill as reward to the person with the “best idea of the day” to provoke participation.
High expectations should be matched with high rewards!!
6) Bring a notebook for each person to record their assignments at the end of the session for follow-up research.
What's the point of the meeting if there is nothing to leave and do? What's the point of the people in the room to create something they can't go to work on, as well??
hope i helped,
pg
1) Bring your faith-filled, wide-open imagination.
If you are not open, well rested and excited, why would your team be??
2) Bring at least 3-5 of your key leaders or students with them same kind of imagination.
TRUST ME!! The last thing you want in a brainstorming session is a negative or unimaginitive person
3) Bring a large tablet and 3-4 colorful markers to record all your ideas without prejudice.
It's a "storm" no idea is bad.
4) Bring your most important ministry priorities for discussion and planning.
Creativity is a lot less spontaneous and random than we realize. Stay on task otherwise you'll be wasting hours on stuff that is irrelevant and probably irreverant, as well. Experience is talking.
5) Bring a $20.00 bill as reward to the person with the “best idea of the day” to provoke participation.
High expectations should be matched with high rewards!!
6) Bring a notebook for each person to record their assignments at the end of the session for follow-up research.
What's the point of the meeting if there is nothing to leave and do? What's the point of the people in the room to create something they can't go to work on, as well??
hope i helped,
pg
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