There are signs of encouragement and life returning to the economy. The unemployment rate is a factor that usually lags behind other indicators, so that’s still very discouraging, but there are hints of better days to come. How should we react during the waiting times like this? Let me offer a few suggestions:
Hypothetically (or maybe not), how would one grow a church that had no young families? Any suggestions on the matter would be greatly appreciated.
The Obama’s have a new dog. The dog is a six-month-old Portuguese water dog, named Bo, given to Malia and Sasha Obama by the Edward Kennedy family. Apparently the dog wasn’t working out at the previous owner’s home, so they thought to give it to the Obama family. I’m happy for them, knowing the joy an animal can bring a household.
Technology is being used in incredible ways for Kingdom growth. It seems this Easter I have seen much more advertising for “Internet Church”. Several leading churches are encouraging people to check out the Internet this Easter. That’s not new, but it seems more prevalent this year than ever.
That makes me wonder a few things. What is the advantage of telling about a loss? Is it so they can assure people they are okay financially? Is it to get press attention? Is it the modern idea of being upfront, honest and open with people, even if it’s not necessarily good news? Is this unique to Belk or is this a mindset of other organizations today, including churches? Personally I like this new approach. Do you?
Cheryl went to a baby shower recently. I dropped her off and asked how long she would be. She said, “No more than two hours.” At first I thought she was joking, but then I realized she was serious. It turns out it took two hours. So my question is: Why does a baby shower take two hours?
Church planting is in my blood. It didn’t occur to me until recently, but shortly after my mother came to Clarksville she was a charter member of a local church. They are celebrating their 50th anniversary today. Shortly after this my mother married my father and became a Baptist, but she has always loved her Lutheran heritage.
It’s interesting to me that a president will put himself this openly in front of people. This is certainly a new day in politics. In our country’s history there was a day when we would not have seen the leader of the country in such a casual setting. I personally admire the leadership principle that appears more approachable and real, but I know also that when a leader does he or she opens the door to criticism. Obviously this president is very popular at this point. Will this last for him, in your opinion? Does appearing on Leno help or hurt his chances to maintain his high approval ratings?
I think it is important however, to allow this incident, and other tragedies in recent years, to consider the security measures of our churches. Ultimately, God is in control of His church and can protect His people, but we live in a scary world where deranged people carry out desperate activities and it is important for us as leaders to be prudent in these matters. (Certainly prudence and wisdom are Biblical concepts.)
Okay, I gave into the pressure. At least once a day for the past couple months someone has asked for this list that has been going around Facebook. Just so you know…well, I’ll put that as one of my 25 things. Here are 25 random things about me:
