tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-366476152023-12-10T01:47:11.381-05:00rickduncanlive.comencouraging young leaders to create environments that invite people to new life in Christ // thoughts from Rick Duncan, founding pastor at Cuyahoga Valley Church // Rick is now on the Send Network Training team with the North American Mission Board, training trainers of church planters // Rick is available on a limited basis for speaking engagements, please check with Dahlia Orth at Cuyahoga Valley Church, for scheduling. dorth@cvconline.orgRick Duncanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12450228524989738547noreply@blogger.comBlogger2101125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36647615.post-28400324834841403772020-07-18T12:02:00.003-05:002020-07-18T12:02:53.835-05:0010 Truths About the Atonement<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://witzend.files.wordpress.com/2013/02/the-atonement-560x374.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="374" data-original-width="560" height="426" src="https://witzend.files.wordpress.com/2013/02/the-atonement-560x374.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />I have been sharing theories of the atonement with a friend who doesn't yet trust Christ. Frankly, he's struggling with the idea of penal substitution. <br /><br />Here's what I wrote to him.<br /><div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
***</div>
<br />What God did in Christ on the cross is more momentous and miraculous than my tiny intellect can comprehend. My best guess is that there are elements of truth to many of the classic theories of atonement. I believe that no one can communicate all the cosmic ramifications of the life, death, resurrection, ascension, and return of Jesus. As Leon Morris said, “We are small minded sinners and the atonement is great and vast. We should not expect that our theories will ever explain it fully. Even when we put them all together, we will no more than begin to comprehend a little of the vastness of God's saving deed.”<br /><br />Maybe we should just stick to using Biblical words and verses without too much commentary. <br /><br />1. Atonement:<br /><br />God presented Christ as a sacrifice of atonement, through the shedding of his blood—to be received by faith. He did this to demonstrate his righteousness, because in his forbearance he had left the sins committed beforehand unpunished—he did it to demonstrate his righteousness at the present time, so as to be just and the one who justifies those who have faith in Jesus. Romans 3:25-26<br /><br />2. Redemption:<br /><br />All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus. Romans 3:23-24<br /><br />3. Reconciliation:<br /><br />For if, while we were God’s enemies, we were reconciled to him through the death of his Son, how much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved through his life! Not only is this so, but we also boast in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation. Romans 5:10-11<br /><br />4. Justification:<br /><br />Just as one trespass resulted in condemnation for all people, so also one righteous act resulted in justification and life for all people. For just as through the disobedience of the one man the many were made sinners, so also through the obedience of the one man the many will be made righteous. Romans 5:18-19<br /><br />5. Propitiation:<br /><br />In this the love of God was made manifest among us, that God sent his only Son into the world, so that we might live through him. In this is love, not that we have loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins. Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. I John 2: 9-11<br /><br />6. Forgiveness:<br /><br />And you, who were dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made alive together with him, having forgiven us all our trespasses, by canceling the record of debt that stood against us with its legal demands. This he set aside, nailing it to the cross. He disarmed the rulers and authorities and put them to open shame, by triumphing over them in him. Colossians 2:13-15 <br /><br />7. Healing:<br /><br />He was pierced for our transgressions; He was crushed for our iniquities; upon Him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with His wounds we are healed. All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned—every one—to his own way; and the Lord has laid on Him the iniquity of us all. Isaiah 53:5-6<br /><br />8. Example:<br /><br />To this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps. I Peter 2:21<br /><br />9. Ransom:<br /><br />You were ransomed from the futile ways inherited from your forefathers, not with perishable things such as silver or gold, but with the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without blemish or spot. I Peter 1:18-19<br /><br />10. Salvation:<br /><br />Jesus, [was] crowned with glory and honor because of the suffering of death, so that by the grace of God he might taste death for everyone. For it was fitting that he, for whom and by whom all things exist, in bringing many sons to glory, should make the founder of their salvation perfect through suffering. Hebrews 2:9b-10<br /><br />Which theory of atonement is most true? Well, I believe all of what the Scriptures say.<br /><br />And I know that I want to be in on all of it! And I want you to be in on it, too. </span></div>
Rick Duncanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12450228524989738547noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36647615.post-73712831697111152622020-07-06T12:46:00.001-05:002020-08-28T14:37:51.287-05:0030 Steps Toward Racial Reconciliation<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.bhpublishinggroup.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Advocates-742x1024.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="580" height="640" src="https://www.bhpublishinggroup.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Advocates-742x1024.jpg" width="462" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<span face="">I wish I had said more. I wish I had done more. I wish I had been more. <br /><br />I had a chance. I was aware of the Civil Rights Movement in the 60’s. As a 9th grader, I was coming of age when Martin Luther King, Jr. was assassinated. But I was a white, self-absorbed teen who, frankly, didn’t think enough or care enough about social justice issues. <br /><br />I had relational connections where I could have learned how to make a difference. For 3 years, I played high school basketball on a team with a majority of black athletes. In college, I roomed one summer semester with Steve Chandler, the first black baseball player at Vanderbilt. I played in the outfield in pro baseball with future big league players who were black: Gene Richards, Dave Edwards, Gary Ward, Gary Redus, and Eddie Milner. <br /><br />After we planted Cuyahoga Valley Church near Cleveland, Ohio, the first church that CVC planted was a church to reach a predominantly black community in Warrensville Heights, Ohio. That church, Mt. Calvary Baptist Church, is still going strong in nearby Bedford, Ohio under the leadership of Pastor Steve Owens. Next, we called Sam Jackson, a black West Point appointee and a graduate of Columbia Biblical Seminary, to plant an urban church plant in Cleveland. We also supported him when he left us to go to Detroit to plant a church. Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of serving on a wide variety of ministry teams with black leaders. <br /><br />So, I had opportunity after opportunity to be better friends with and more supportive of my African American brothers. I could have stood with them against various kinds of discrimination. But I didn’t know enough. I didn’t drill deep enough into the issues. I didn’t say enough. I didn’t do enough. That ultimately means that I didn’t care enough. And I now repent. <br /><br />I don’t know how many more years God is going to give me in ministry leadership. But with whatever time I have left, I want to do better and be better. So, lately I’ve been talking to my black friends. I’ve been watching films about racial justice issues. I’ve been reading books like <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Color-Compromise-American-Churchs-Complicity/dp/0310113601/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=the+color+of+compromise&qid=1594057201&s=books&sr=1-1">The Color of Compromise </a>by Jemar Tisby and <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Advocates-Narrow-Path-Racial-Reconciliation/dp/1535934670">Advocates </a>by Dhati Lewis.<br /><br />I’ve been asking, “What does repentance look like for me? What does it look like for predominantly white churches?” As I’ve participated on Facebook Live panel discussions with black pastors, as I’ve conversed with black friends, as I’ve read books and watched podcasts, I’ve been making notes. Dhati Lewis, in his section “How Do We Get There?” tells us how to represent (or REP) Christ well: Reflect personally, Empathize corporately, and Pursue reconciliation (p. 88). Jamar Tisby, in his chapter “The Fierce Urgency of Now,” uses ARC to challenge us toward Awareness, Relationships, and Commitment (p. 195). <br /><br />To help me remember what steps I should take next, I’m personally using the acronym PEACE, a word repeated in an important passage about racial reconciliation. <i>[Jesus] Himself is our peace, who has made us both one and has broken down in his flesh the dividing wall of hostility by abolishing the law of commandments expressed in ordinances, that He might create in himself one new man in place of the two, so making peace, and might reconcile us both to God in one body through the cross, thereby killing the hostility. And He came and preached peace to you who were far off and peace to those who were near </i>(Ephesians 2:14-17, EVS).<br /><br /><b><i>30 Steps to Take Toward a Greater PEACE…</i></b><br /><br /><b><i>Personhood</i></b><br /><ul style="text-align: left;">
<li>Build friendships with people of color. </li>
<li>Have friends of another color in your home for a meal.</li>
<li>Hang out in new places where you will meet people of color.</li>
<li>Call your friends of another color regularly. </li>
<li>Listen to your black and brown friends tell their personal stories of being discriminated against. </li>
<li>Refuse to dehumanize anyone who shares a different view than you. </li></ul><b><i>Education</i></b><br /><ul style="text-align: left;">
<li>Watch documentaries and films about racial injustice. </li>
<li>Read books written by black and brown authors. </li>
<li>Diversify your social media input.</li>
<li>Visit websites maintained by people of color. </li>
<li>Visit museums dedicated to issues surrounding racial justice. </li>
<li>Read black theologians and commentators. </li>
<li>Sing and explain worship songs written by people of color. </li>
<li>As you read the Bible, look for scripture that promotes racial harmony.</li>
<li>Identify how your heart, history, and heritage plays a role in your own cultural bias. </li>
</ul>
<i><b>Action</b> </i></span><ul><span face="">
<li>Join an organization that advocates for racial and social justice. </li>
<li>Speak to candidates and elected officials about their political positions.</li>
<li>Create something – like a picture, a song, a blog post, a video, a poem, an article, a letter to the editor – that addresses the issue.</li>
<li>Vote for proactive candidates who have a track record of pursuing justice. </li>
<li>Confront others when disparaging remarks are made about black and brown people. </li>
<li>Be careful how you share the words of leaders who practiced slavery. </li>
<li>Remember to use your privileges well. </li>
</span></ul>
<span face=""><b><i> Contributions</i></b></span><div>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><span face="">Fund black-led church plants</span></li>
<li><span face="">Support bi-vocational black pastors</span></li>
<li><span face="">Help black pastoral students with their tuition</span></li>
</ul>
</div>
<div>
<span face=""><b><i>Empowerment</i></b><br /><ul style="text-align: left;">
<li>Encourage seminaries and colleges to hire people of color. </li>
<li>Encourage churches to hire people of color. </li>
<li>Work toward having black and brown people on committees, in conferences, and on panels.</li>
<li>Quote black leaders and pastors. </li>
<li>Quote black theologians and commentators. </li>
</ul>
<i>What would you add to this list? </i><br /><br />God’s people have been called to walk on the “highway of holiness.” On one side of that highway is a ditch where the gospel message is maximized and social justice is minimized. On the other side of that highway is a ditch where social justice is maximized and the gospel message is minimized. We must avoid the ditches. Isn’t it glorious that the holistic gospel actually includes racial reconciliation (II Corinthians 5:18)? We don’t have to promote racial reconciliation at the expense of the gospel. And we don’t have to promote the gospel at the expense of racial reconciliation. <br /><br />In a <a href="https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/reviews/color-compromise/">review</a> of Tisby’s book on The Gospel Coalition’s website, Daniel K. Williams writes, “A simple proclamation of a narrowly defined version of the gospel, without application of God’s moral law, is unlikely to correct spiritual blindness and sins. Biblical teaching on God’s call for justice in social relationships and on specific ways in which whites can love their neighbors of another race is required. And when white Christians see ways in which their own church traditions’ records on race are laced with sin, they should admit the wrong and seek justice and racial reconciliation.”<br /><br />In one of my first calls to a black friend who is a pastor I asked, “What can I do?” He gave me four words that resoundingly are echoing in my soul: “Use your privilege well.” <br /><br />I have big-time regrets that I have not leveraged my blessings as well as I should have. I should have been a louder voice. I should worked more toward racial reconciliation with the influence God entrusted to me. That’s why I’m now telling the younger leaders around me, “Don’t end up with the same regrets that I’m experiencing. Take the years you have left and use them well.” <br /><br />Tisby’s book ends with a Christiological call to courageous leadership. “Jesus crossed every barrier between people, including the greatest barrier of all – the division between God and humankind. He is our peace, and because of His life, death, resurrection and coming return, those who believe in Jesus not only have God’s presence with us but in us through the Holy Spirit. Therefore, we have the power, through God, to leave behind the compromised Christianity that makes its peace with racism and to live out Christ’s call to a courageous faith.” <br /><br /><i>So, what steps could you take to use your privilege better? What steps will you take? Who will help you? And when will you start? </i></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
</div>
</div>
Rick Duncanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12450228524989738547noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36647615.post-6671871478068047282020-06-29T09:14:00.000-05:002020-06-29T09:14:01.577-05:00On showing and sharing the love of Jesus. <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://womenties.files.wordpress.com/2017/09/mission.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="330" data-original-width="540" height="390" src="https://womenties.files.wordpress.com/2017/09/mission.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Missiologist Ed Stetzer says that a danger is for the church right now during the coronavirus crisis is for churches to relax because finances haven't been as challenging as we thought they would be and to make our focus on how we're going to reopen. </span><div class="p1" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="p1" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="s1"><span style="font-size: small;">He says the reason that's dangerous is because we're not really thinking about how our church 2</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space" style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span></span><span class="s1" style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">years from now will look different than our church did 2 years ago.</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space" style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span></span></span></div>
<div class="p2" style="font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; min-height: 13.8px;">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1" style="font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="s1"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">We have an unprecedented opportunity to actually help our people become more incarnational and missionary than ever before as we think not only about the church gathered to worship but the church scattered on mission. We must take advantage of our present opportunity to be more agile and mobile as we do our missionary work.</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<div class="p1" style="font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1" style="font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; min-height: 13.8px;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="s1"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
<div class="p1" style="font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; min-height: 13.8px;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="s1"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">We Evangelicals, Charismatics, and Pentecostals have been conditioned because of the battles between liberalism and fundamentalism to be all about orthodoxy when it comes to Jesus; i.e., we want the soteriological benefits of being connected to Christ. And that’s a good thing.</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="p2" style="font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; min-height: 13.8px;">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1" style="font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="s1"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">But we have not thought as much about orthopraxy when it comes to Jesus; i.e., we don’t understand and embrace the missiological responsibilities of actually engaging the world the way Jesus did.</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="p2" style="font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; min-height: 13.8px;">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1" style="font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="s1"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Over-emphasizing orthodoxy and de-emphasizing orthopraxy means that we don’t truly challenge ourselves and teach our people to actually walk in His ways and, therefore, we are not living according to His truth and we end up missing out on His life.</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="p2" style="font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; min-height: 13.8px;">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1" style="font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="s1"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Send Network Missiologist Brad Brisco says "Without an understanding of how the incarnation (and ways) of Jesus should shape/influence our understanding of mission, we will never really take responsibility of the places we live, work, and play. We will simply continue to live disconnected, excarnate, disintegrated lives separated from the world of people around us. The incarnation of Jesus shows us a very different way."</span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="p2" style="font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; min-height: 13.8px;">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1" style="font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="s1"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Cuyahoga Valley Church Missions Pastor Rick Eimers says, “It seems simple, but easily overlooked.</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span></span><span class="s1"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">We can tell from the rooftops ‘I'm saved’ without ever conditioning and teaching our people how to be a neighbor... and educating and training hearts to know ‘who actually IS our neighbor.’”</span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="p2" style="font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; min-height: 13.8px;">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1" style="font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="s1"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">We have to train our people to show AND share the love of Jesus. An incarnational way of life is foundational to an invitational way of life. We must equip our people to invest and invite – to both care and share. As Missiologist Jeff Christopherson says, “Both wings of the airplane have to be going. We have to be telling good news and we have to be living good lives. Our deeds verify the good news. Our words clarify the good news.” We do good deeds to create goodwill in order to share the good news.</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="p2" style="font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; min-height: 13.8px;">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1" style="font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="s1"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">So, how can we activate ALL of God's people in both deed and word?</span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="p2" style="font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; min-height: 13.8px;">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1" style="font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="s1"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">What are we doing to help our leaders and members actually mobilize to be on mission in their own neighborhoods, showing and sharing the love of Jesus?</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span></span></span></div>
</div>
Rick Duncanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12450228524989738547noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36647615.post-53280844810036263092020-06-28T16:11:00.005-05:002020-06-28T16:11:53.115-05:00A Review: When Narcissism Comes to Church<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51mLk-Vo8JL._SY346_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="346" data-original-width="217" height="400" src="https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51mLk-Vo8JL._SY346_.jpg" width="250" /></a></div>
<div class="xmsonormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div class="xmsonormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>When<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>Narcissism<span class="apple-converted-space"> <span style="float: inherit !important; font-style: inherit !important; font-variant-caps: inherit !important; font-weight: inherit !important; line-height: inherit !important; opacity: 1 !important;"></span>Comes</span><span class="apple-converted-space"> <span style="float: inherit !important; font-style: inherit !important; font-variant-caps: inherit !important; font-weight: inherit !important; line-height: inherit !important; opacity: 1 !important;"></span>to</span><span class="apple-converted-space"> <span style="float: inherit !important; font-style: inherit !important; font-variant-caps: inherit !important; font-weight: inherit !important; line-height: inherit !important; opacity: 1 !important;"></span>Church</span>:<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="xmsonormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<b><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Healing Your Community from Emotional and Spiritual Abuse<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span></b><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="xmsonormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="xmsonormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: 10pt;">a review by Rick Duncan</span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="xmsonormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="xmsonormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="float: inherit !important; font-size: inherit !important; font-style: inherit !important; font-variant-caps: inherit !important; line-height: inherit !important; opacity: 1 !important;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">My friend and colleague, Dr. Mike Misja of North Coast Family Foundation,<span class="apple-converted-space"> <span style="float: inherit !important; font-size: inherit !important; font-style: inherit !important; font-variant-caps: inherit !important; line-height: inherit !important; opacity: 1 !important;"></span>to</span>ld me about this book written by Chuck DeGroat. Mike has led a pas<span style="float: inherit !important; font-size: inherit !important; font-style: inherit !important; font-variant-caps: inherit !important; line-height: inherit !important; opacity: 1 !important;">to</span>r’s forum in NE Ohio for over 25 years. I count it a great blessing<span class="apple-converted-space"> <span style="float: inherit !important; font-size: inherit !important; font-style: inherit !important; font-variant-caps: inherit !important; line-height: inherit !important; opacity: 1 !important;"></span>to</span><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>have been a member of that group since its inception. Every pas<span style="float: inherit !important; font-size: inherit !important; font-style: inherit !important; font-variant-caps: inherit !important; line-height: inherit !important; opacity: 1 !important;">to</span>r should have a safe environment where he can unpack his s<span style="float: inherit !important; font-size: inherit !important; font-style: inherit !important; font-variant-caps: inherit !important; line-height: inherit !important; opacity: 1 !important;">to</span>ry in a challenging and affirming place of grace. Mike has created that culture for us. So,<span class="apple-converted-space"> <span style="float: inherit !important; font-size: inherit !important; font-style: inherit !important; font-variant-caps: inherit !important; line-height: inherit !important; opacity: 1 !important;"></span>when</span>Mike recommends a book that speaks<span class="apple-converted-space"> <span style="float: inherit !important; font-size: inherit !important; font-style: inherit !important; font-variant-caps: inherit !important; line-height: inherit !important; opacity: 1 !important;"></span>to</span><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>issues of the heart, I take note.</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="xmsonormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="xmsonormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="float: inherit !important; font-size: inherit !important; font-style: inherit !important; font-variant-caps: inherit !important; line-height: inherit !important; opacity: 1 !important;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">I purchased the book and devoured it<span class="apple-converted-space"> <span style="float: inherit !important; font-size: inherit !important; font-style: inherit !important; font-variant-caps: inherit !important; line-height: inherit !important; opacity: 1 !important;"></span>when</span><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>it arrived. DeGroat is professor of pas<span style="float: inherit !important; font-size: inherit !important; font-style: inherit !important; font-variant-caps: inherit !important; line-height: inherit !important; opacity: 1 !important;">to</span>ral care and Christian spirituality at Western Theological Seminary in Holland, Michigan. He’s served as a pas<span style="float: inherit !important; font-size: inherit !important; font-style: inherit !important; font-variant-caps: inherit !important; line-height: inherit !important; opacity: 1 !important;">to</span>r at<span class="apple-converted-space"> <span style="float: inherit !important; font-size: inherit !important; font-style: inherit !important; font-variant-caps: inherit !important; line-height: inherit !important; opacity: 1 !important;"></span>church</span>es in Orlando and San Francisco. He is a licensed therapist, a spiritual direc<span style="float: inherit !important; font-size: inherit !important; font-style: inherit !important; font-variant-caps: inherit !important; line-height: inherit !important; opacity: 1 !important;">to</span>r, and had been an assessor of<span class="apple-converted-space"> <span style="float: inherit !important; font-size: inherit !important; font-style: inherit !important; font-variant-caps: inherit !important; line-height: inherit !important; opacity: 1 !important;"></span>church</span>planters.<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="xmsonormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="xmsonormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="float: inherit !important; font-size: inherit !important; font-style: inherit !important; font-variant-caps: inherit !important; line-height: inherit !important; opacity: 1 !important;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">As a trainer of<span class="apple-converted-space"> <span style="float: inherit !important; font-size: inherit !important; font-style: inherit !important; font-variant-caps: inherit !important; line-height: inherit !important; opacity: 1 !important;"></span>church</span><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>planters for the North American Mission Board, I quickly noted that page after page referenced<span class="apple-converted-space"> <span style="float: inherit !important; font-size: inherit !important; font-style: inherit !important; font-variant-caps: inherit !important; line-height: inherit !important; opacity: 1 !important;"></span>church</span><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>planters and planter assessments. I counted over 20 references<span class="apple-converted-space"> <span style="float: inherit !important; font-size: inherit !important; font-style: inherit !important; font-variant-caps: inherit !important; line-height: inherit !important; opacity: 1 !important;"></span>to</span><span class="apple-converted-space"> <span style="float: inherit !important; font-size: inherit !important; font-style: inherit !important; font-variant-caps: inherit !important; line-height: inherit !important; opacity: 1 !important;"></span>church</span><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>planting. DeGroat writes, “I am convinced that the missional fervor and rise in<span class="apple-converted-space"> <span style="float: inherit !important; font-size: inherit !important; font-style: inherit !important; font-variant-caps: inherit !important; line-height: inherit !important; opacity: 1 !important;"></span>church</span><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>planting we’ve witnessed since the 1980s can be correlated with a growing prevalence of narcissism. Nowhere have I seen the narcissism-shame dynamic more pronounced than among<span class="apple-converted-space"> <span style="float: inherit !important; font-size: inherit !important; font-style: inherit !important; font-variant-caps: inherit !important; line-height: inherit !important; opacity: 1 !important;"></span>church</span><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>planters, some of whom have become mega<span style="float: inherit !important; font-size: inherit !important; font-style: inherit !important; font-variant-caps: inherit !important; line-height: inherit !important; opacity: 1 !important;">church</span><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>pas<span style="float: inherit !important; font-size: inherit !important; font-style: inherit !important; font-variant-caps: inherit !important; line-height: inherit !important; opacity: 1 !important;">to</span>rs. Some<span class="apple-converted-space"> <span style="float: inherit !important; font-size: inherit !important; font-style: inherit !important; font-variant-caps: inherit !important; line-height: inherit !important; opacity: 1 !important;"></span>church</span><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>planting assessments I’ve seen practically invite narcissistic leadership. My work in this area as a therapist, pas<span style="float: inherit !important; font-size: inherit !important; font-style: inherit !important; font-variant-caps: inherit !important; line-height: inherit !important; opacity: 1 !important;">to</span>r, consultant, psychological assessor, and professor over many years persuades me that the narcissism in many young men in particular is baptized as spiritual giftedness in a way that does great disservice<span class="apple-converted-space"> <span style="float: inherit !important; font-size: inherit !important; font-style: inherit !important; font-variant-caps: inherit !important; line-height: inherit !important; opacity: 1 !important;"></span>to</span><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>them and ignores deep wells of shame and fragility lurking within” (p. 8).</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="xmsonormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="xmsonormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="float: inherit !important; font-size: inherit !important; font-style: inherit !important; font-variant-caps: inherit !important; line-height: inherit !important; opacity: 1 !important;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">In our passion<span class="apple-converted-space"> <span style="float: inherit !important; font-size: inherit !important; font-style: inherit !important; font-variant-caps: inherit !important; line-height: inherit !important; opacity: 1 !important;"></span>to</span><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>see the Kingdom advance, souls saved, and<span class="apple-converted-space"> <span style="float: inherit !important; font-size: inherit !important; font-style: inherit !important; font-variant-caps: inherit !important; line-height: inherit !important; opacity: 1 !important;"></span>church</span>es planted, we often look for “first round draft picks”<span class="apple-converted-space"> <span style="float: inherit !important; font-size: inherit !important; font-style: inherit !important; font-variant-caps: inherit !important; line-height: inherit !important; opacity: 1 !important;"></span>to</span><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>plant our<span class="apple-converted-space"> <span style="float: inherit !important; font-size: inherit !important; font-style: inherit !important; font-variant-caps: inherit !important; line-height: inherit !important; opacity: 1 !important;"></span>church</span>es. In the process, we unwittingly promote addictive and destructive behaviors by applauding the ministries of our most successful planters. Could it be that<span class="apple-converted-space"> <span style="float: inherit !important; font-size: inherit !important; font-style: inherit !important; font-variant-caps: inherit !important; line-height: inherit !important; opacity: 1 !important;"></span>when</span><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>we build out the schedule for our “how<span class="apple-converted-space"> <span style="float: inherit !important; font-size: inherit !important; font-style: inherit !important; font-variant-caps: inherit !important; line-height: inherit !important; opacity: 1 !important;"></span>to</span><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>plant a<span class="apple-converted-space"> <span style="float: inherit !important; font-size: inherit !important; font-style: inherit !important; font-variant-caps: inherit !important; line-height: inherit !important; opacity: 1 !important;"></span>church</span>” conferences we sometimes actually put our most narcissistic leaders front and center? DeGroat says, “<span style="float: inherit !important; font-size: inherit !important; font-style: inherit !important; font-variant-caps: inherit !important; line-height: inherit !important; opacity: 1 !important;">When</span><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>I started doing psychological assessments for pas<span style="float: inherit !important; font-size: inherit !important; font-style: inherit !important; font-variant-caps: inherit !important; line-height: inherit !important; opacity: 1 !important;">to</span>rs and<span class="apple-converted-space"> <span style="float: inherit !important; font-size: inherit !important; font-style: inherit !important; font-variant-caps: inherit !important; line-height: inherit !important; opacity: 1 !important;"></span>church</span><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>planters, I saw that narcissistic traits were often presented as strengths. Narcissism can be interpreted as confidence, strong leadership, clear vision, a thick skin… A colleague of mine often says that ministry is a magnet for a narcissistic personality – who else would want<span class="apple-converted-space"> <span style="float: inherit !important; font-size: inherit !important; font-style: inherit !important; font-variant-caps: inherit !important; line-height: inherit !important; opacity: 1 !important;"></span>to</span><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>speak on behalf of God every week” (p. 19)?</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="xmsonormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="xmsonormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="float: inherit !important; font-size: inherit !important; font-style: inherit !important; font-variant-caps: inherit !important; line-height: inherit !important; opacity: 1 !important;"><span style="float: inherit !important; font-size: inherit !important; font-style: inherit !important; font-variant-caps: inherit !important; line-height: inherit !important; opacity: 1 !important;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Church</span><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>planting is especially attractive<span class="apple-converted-space"> <span style="float: inherit !important; font-size: inherit !important; font-style: inherit !important; font-variant-caps: inherit !important; line-height: inherit !important; opacity: 1 !important;"></span>to</span><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>people with narcissistic tendencies.<span class="apple-converted-space"> <span style="float: inherit !important; font-size: inherit !important; font-style: inherit !important; font-variant-caps: inherit !important; line-height: inherit !important; opacity: 1 !important;"></span>When</span><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>a<span class="apple-converted-space"> <span style="float: inherit !important; font-size: inherit !important; font-style: inherit !important; font-variant-caps: inherit !important; line-height: inherit !important; opacity: 1 !important;"></span>church</span><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>planter starts a<span class="apple-converted-space"> <span style="float: inherit !important; font-size: inherit !important; font-style: inherit !important; font-variant-caps: inherit !important; line-height: inherit !important; opacity: 1 !important;"></span>church</span>, he is at the center of attention. Then, as the<span class="apple-converted-space"> <span style="float: inherit !important; font-size: inherit !important; font-style: inherit !important; font-variant-caps: inherit !important; line-height: inherit !important; opacity: 1 !important;"></span>church</span><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>grows, he can created systems and structures that protect and feed narcissistic tendencies. DeGroat writes, “In my own work, which includes fifteen years of psychological testing on pas<span style="float: inherit !important; font-size: inherit !important; font-style: inherit !important; font-variant-caps: inherit !important; line-height: inherit !important; opacity: 1 !important;">to</span>rs, the vast majority of ministerial candidates test on the spectrum of cluster B<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span><i>DSM-V</i><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="float: inherit !important; font-size: inherit !important; font-style: inherit !important; font-variant-caps: inherit !important; line-height: inherit !important; opacity: 1 !important;"> </span>personality disorders, which feature narcissistic traits most prominently... The rates are even higher among<span class="apple-converted-space"> <span style="float: inherit !important; font-size: inherit !important; font-style: inherit !important; font-variant-caps: inherit !important; line-height: inherit !important; opacity: 1 !important;"></span>church</span><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>planters” (p. 19).</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="xmsonormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="xmsonormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="float: inherit !important; font-size: inherit !important; font-style: inherit !important; font-variant-caps: inherit !important; line-height: inherit !important; opacity: 1 !important;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">The reason this is so important<span class="apple-converted-space"> <span style="float: inherit !important; font-size: inherit !important; font-style: inherit !important; font-variant-caps: inherit !important; line-height: inherit !important; opacity: 1 !important;"></span>to</span><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>address is because<span class="apple-converted-space"> <span style="float: inherit !important; font-size: inherit !important; font-style: inherit !important; font-variant-caps: inherit !important; line-height: inherit !important; opacity: 1 !important;"></span>church</span><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>planters who do not see their narcissistic tendencies and deal with them will end up doing great damage<span class="apple-converted-space"> <span style="float: inherit !important; font-size: inherit !important; font-style: inherit !important; font-variant-caps: inherit !important; line-height: inherit !important; opacity: 1 !important;"></span>to</span><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>themselves,<span class="apple-converted-space"> <span style="float: inherit !important; font-size: inherit !important; font-style: inherit !important; font-variant-caps: inherit !important; line-height: inherit !important; opacity: 1 !important;"></span>to</span><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>their families,<span class="apple-converted-space"> <span style="float: inherit !important; font-size: inherit !important; font-style: inherit !important; font-variant-caps: inherit !important; line-height: inherit !important; opacity: 1 !important;"></span>to</span><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>their followers, and<span class="apple-converted-space"> <span style="float: inherit !important; font-size: inherit !important; font-style: inherit !important; font-variant-caps: inherit !important; line-height: inherit !important; opacity: 1 !important;"></span>to</span><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>the Kingdom cause. DeGroat observes, “Narcissistic pas<span style="float: inherit !important; font-size: inherit !important; font-style: inherit !important; font-variant-caps: inherit !important; line-height: inherit !important; opacity: 1 !important;">to</span>rs are anxious and insecure shepherds who do not lead the sheep<span class="apple-converted-space"> <span style="float: inherit !important; font-size: inherit !important; font-style: inherit !important; font-variant-caps: inherit !important; line-height: inherit !important; opacity: 1 !important;"></span>to</span><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>still waters but in<span style="float: inherit !important; font-size: inherit !important; font-style: inherit !important; font-variant-caps: inherit !important; line-height: inherit !important; opacity: 1 !important;">to</span><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>hurricane winds. I’ve attended and spoken at dozens of pas<span style="float: inherit !important; font-size: inherit !important; font-style: inherit !important; font-variant-caps: inherit !important; line-height: inherit !important; opacity: 1 !important;">to</span>r’s conferences and I see this anxiety abuzz in the comparison and competition, the showmanship and dress, the addiction<span class="apple-converted-space"> <span style="float: inherit !important; font-size: inherit !important; font-style: inherit !important; font-variant-caps: inherit !important; line-height: inherit !important; opacity: 1 !important;"></span>to</span><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>substances and fitness and social media and approval” (p. 20).</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="xmsonormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="xmsonormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="float: inherit !important; font-size: inherit !important; font-style: inherit !important; font-variant-caps: inherit !important; line-height: inherit !important; opacity: 1 !important;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">As I read the book, I listed 15 Traits of Narcissistic<span class="apple-converted-space"> <span style="float: inherit !important; font-size: inherit !important; font-style: inherit !important; font-variant-caps: inherit !important; line-height: inherit !important; opacity: 1 !important;"></span>Church</span><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>Planters...</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="xmsonormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="xmsonormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">1. An anxious, hyper-vigilant leadership that is controlling. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="xmsonormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="float: inherit !important; font-size: inherit !important; font-style: inherit !important; font-variant-caps: inherit !important; line-height: inherit !important; opacity: 1 !important;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">2. An impatient inability<span class="apple-converted-space"> <span style="float: inherit !important; font-size: inherit !important; font-style: inherit !important; font-variant-caps: inherit !important; line-height: inherit !important; opacity: 1 !important;"></span>to</span><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>listen and collaborate. </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="xmsonormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">3. A habit of creating a false narrative where his impatience is called decisiveness and his harshness is called leadership. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="xmsonormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="float: inherit !important; font-size: inherit !important; font-style: inherit !important; font-variant-caps: inherit !important; line-height: inherit !important; opacity: 1 !important;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">4. An inability<span class="apple-converted-space"> <span style="float: inherit !important; font-size: inherit !important; font-style: inherit !important; font-variant-caps: inherit !important; line-height: inherit !important; opacity: 1 !important;"></span>to</span><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>empower others<span class="apple-converted-space"> <span style="float: inherit !important; font-size: inherit !important; font-style: inherit !important; font-variant-caps: inherit !important; line-height: inherit !important; opacity: 1 !important;"></span>to</span><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>lead in their spheres of influence causing them<span class="apple-converted-space"> <span style="float: inherit !important; font-size: inherit !important; font-style: inherit !important; font-variant-caps: inherit !important; line-height: inherit !important; opacity: 1 !important;"></span>to</span><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>feel disempowered and demoralized. </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="xmsonormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="float: inherit !important; font-size: inherit !important; font-style: inherit !important; font-variant-caps: inherit !important; line-height: inherit !important; opacity: 1 !important;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">5. Feelings of entitlement so that the normal checks and balances don’t apply<span class="apple-converted-space"> <span style="float: inherit !important; font-size: inherit !important; font-style: inherit !important; font-variant-caps: inherit !important; line-height: inherit !important; opacity: 1 !important;"></span>to</span><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>him. </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="xmsonormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">6. Bravado that masks an insecurity that he might be exposed as incapable or deficient. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="xmsonormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="float: inherit !important; font-size: inherit !important; font-style: inherit !important; font-variant-caps: inherit !important; line-height: inherit !important; opacity: 1 !important;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">7. A capacity<span class="apple-converted-space"> <span style="float: inherit !important; font-size: inherit !important; font-style: inherit !important; font-variant-caps: inherit !important; line-height: inherit !important; opacity: 1 !important;"></span>to</span><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>feign connection in order<span class="apple-converted-space"> <span style="float: inherit !important; font-size: inherit !important; font-style: inherit !important; font-variant-caps: inherit !important; line-height: inherit !important; opacity: 1 !important;"></span>to</span><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>woo followers. </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="xmsonormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="float: inherit !important; font-size: inherit !important; font-style: inherit !important; font-variant-caps: inherit !important; line-height: inherit !important; opacity: 1 !important;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">8. A desire<span class="apple-converted-space"> <span style="float: inherit !important; font-size: inherit !important; font-style: inherit !important; font-variant-caps: inherit !important; line-height: inherit !important; opacity: 1 !important;"></span>to</span><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>be the best and the brightest in the room while claiming<span class="apple-converted-space"> <span style="float: inherit !important; font-size: inherit !important; font-style: inherit !important; font-variant-caps: inherit !important; line-height: inherit !important; opacity: 1 !important;"></span>to</span><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>be a humble servant of the Lord. </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="xmsonormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="float: inherit !important; font-size: inherit !important; font-style: inherit !important; font-variant-caps: inherit !important; line-height: inherit !important; opacity: 1 !important;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">9. A condescending attitude<span class="apple-converted-space"> <span style="float: inherit !important; font-size: inherit !important; font-style: inherit !important; font-variant-caps: inherit !important; line-height: inherit !important; opacity: 1 !important;"></span>to</span>ward other<span class="apple-converted-space"> <span style="float: inherit !important; font-size: inherit !important; font-style: inherit !important; font-variant-caps: inherit !important; line-height: inherit !important; opacity: 1 !important;"></span>church</span>es, pas<span style="float: inherit !important; font-size: inherit !important; font-style: inherit !important; font-variant-caps: inherit !important; line-height: inherit !important; opacity: 1 !important;">to</span>rs, planters, and networks. </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="xmsonormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="float: inherit !important; font-size: inherit !important; font-style: inherit !important; font-variant-caps: inherit !important; line-height: inherit !important; opacity: 1 !important;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">10. A skill in hiring quality talent<span class="apple-converted-space"> <span style="float: inherit !important; font-size: inherit !important; font-style: inherit !important; font-variant-caps: inherit !important; line-height: inherit !important; opacity: 1 !important;"></span>to</span><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>accomplish his brilliant vision for his<span class="apple-converted-space"> <span style="float: inherit !important; font-size: inherit !important; font-style: inherit !important; font-variant-caps: inherit !important; line-height: inherit !important; opacity: 1 !important;"></span>church</span>. </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="xmsonormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">11. A practice of announcing the next big thing before completion of the last big thing resulting in a tired, overwhelmed team. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="xmsonormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="float: inherit !important; font-size: inherit !important; font-style: inherit !important; font-variant-caps: inherit !important; line-height: inherit !important; opacity: 1 !important;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">12. A willingness<span class="apple-converted-space"> <span style="float: inherit !important; font-size: inherit !important; font-style: inherit !important; font-variant-caps: inherit !important; line-height: inherit !important; opacity: 1 !important;"></span>to</span><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>receive all the praise for the successes and<span class="apple-converted-space"> <span style="float: inherit !important; font-size: inherit !important; font-style: inherit !important; font-variant-caps: inherit !important; line-height: inherit !important; opacity: 1 !important;"></span>to</span><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>give all the blame<span class="apple-converted-space"> <span style="float: inherit !important; font-size: inherit !important; font-style: inherit !important; font-variant-caps: inherit !important; line-height: inherit !important; opacity: 1 !important;"></span>to</span><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>others for any failures. </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="xmsonormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">13. The practice of keeping others off balance by creating a confusing vacillation between his praise and his criticism. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="xmsonormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="float: inherit !important; font-size: inherit !important; font-style: inherit !important; font-variant-caps: inherit !important; line-height: inherit !important; opacity: 1 !important;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">14. The repeated intimidation of others causing them<span class="apple-converted-space"> <span style="float: inherit !important; font-size: inherit !important; font-style: inherit !important; font-variant-caps: inherit !important; line-height: inherit !important; opacity: 1 !important;"></span>to</span><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>end up feeling worn down and disheartened. </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="xmsonormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="float: inherit !important; font-size: inherit !important; font-style: inherit !important; font-variant-caps: inherit !important; line-height: inherit !important; opacity: 1 !important;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">15. The use of spiritual language – “We’re all broken and need the gospel” and “I’m a mess like you” - that has the appearance of transparency but is actually a manipulative way<span class="apple-converted-space"> <span style="float: inherit !important; font-size: inherit !important; font-style: inherit !important; font-variant-caps: inherit !important; line-height: inherit !important; opacity: 1 !important;"></span>to</span><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>groom listeners<span class="apple-converted-space"> <span style="float: inherit !important; font-size: inherit !important; font-style: inherit !important; font-variant-caps: inherit !important; line-height: inherit !important; opacity: 1 !important;"></span>to</span>ward empathy and trust, i.e. “Faux-vulnerability.” (List built from<span class="apple-converted-space"> <span style="float: inherit !important; font-size: inherit !important; font-style: inherit !important; font-variant-caps: inherit !important; line-height: inherit !important; opacity: 1 !important;"></span>When</span><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>Narcissism<span class="apple-converted-space"> <span style="float: inherit !important; font-size: inherit !important; font-style: inherit !important; font-variant-caps: inherit !important; line-height: inherit !important; opacity: 1 !important;"></span>Comes</span><span class="apple-converted-space"> <span style="float: inherit !important; font-size: inherit !important; font-style: inherit !important; font-variant-caps: inherit !important; line-height: inherit !important; opacity: 1 !important;"></span>to</span><span class="apple-converted-space"> <span style="float: inherit !important; font-size: inherit !important; font-style: inherit !important; font-variant-caps: inherit !important; line-height: inherit !important; opacity: 1 !important;"></span>Church</span>, pp. 67–86) </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="xmsonormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="xmsonormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="float: inherit !important; font-size: inherit !important; font-style: inherit !important; font-variant-caps: inherit !important; line-height: inherit !important; opacity: 1 !important;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">We must help our planters recognize the seeds of narcissism in their own souls. We must help our assessors, trainers, coaches, and men<span style="float: inherit !important; font-size: inherit !important; font-style: inherit !important; font-variant-caps: inherit !important; line-height: inherit !important; opacity: 1 !important;">to</span>rs be equipped<span class="apple-converted-space"> <span style="float: inherit !important; font-size: inherit !important; font-style: inherit !important; font-variant-caps: inherit !important; line-height: inherit !important; opacity: 1 !important;"></span>to</span><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>call out narcissism and point our planters<span class="apple-converted-space"> <span style="float: inherit !important; font-size: inherit !important; font-style: inherit !important; font-variant-caps: inherit !important; line-height: inherit !important; opacity: 1 !important;"></span>to</span><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>a pathway<span class="apple-converted-space"> <span style="float: inherit !important; font-size: inherit !important; font-style: inherit !important; font-variant-caps: inherit !important; line-height: inherit !important; opacity: 1 !important;"></span>to</span>ward great spiritual, emotional, and relational health. Our planters need a pathway<span class="apple-converted-space"> <span style="float: inherit !important; font-size: inherit !important; font-style: inherit !important; font-variant-caps: inherit !important; line-height: inherit !important; opacity: 1 !important;"></span>to</span><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>greater spiritual, emotional, and psychological shalom. DeGroat writes, “Amid the busyness of our lives, who among us has the time or energy<span class="apple-converted-space"> <span style="float: inherit !important; font-size: inherit !important; font-style: inherit !important; font-variant-caps: inherit !important; line-height: inherit !important; opacity: 1 !important;"></span>to</span><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>mine the depths of our s<span style="float: inherit !important; font-size: inherit !important; font-style: inherit !important; font-variant-caps: inherit !important; line-height: inherit !important; opacity: 1 !important;">to</span>ries? My answer is, who among us can afford<span class="apple-converted-space"> <span style="float: inherit !important; font-size: inherit !important; font-style: inherit !important; font-variant-caps: inherit !important; line-height: inherit !important; opacity: 1 !important;"></span>to</span><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>neglect our s<span style="float: inherit !important; font-size: inherit !important; font-style: inherit !important; font-variant-caps: inherit !important; line-height: inherit !important; opacity: 1 !important;">to</span>ry” (p. 141)?</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="xmsonormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="xmsonormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="float: inherit !important; font-size: inherit !important; font-style: inherit !important; font-variant-caps: inherit !important; line-height: inherit !important; opacity: 1 !important;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">DeGroat uses the Exodus s<span style="float: inherit !important; font-size: inherit !important; font-style: inherit !important; font-variant-caps: inherit !important; line-height: inherit !important; opacity: 1 !important;">to</span>ry as a pattern for healing from destructive narcissistic patterns of leadership. He writes, “The Exodus s<span style="float: inherit !important; font-size: inherit !important; font-style: inherit !important; font-variant-caps: inherit !important; line-height: inherit !important; opacity: 1 !important;">to</span>ry allows us<span class="apple-converted-space"> <span style="float: inherit !important; font-size: inherit !important; font-style: inherit !important; font-variant-caps: inherit !important; line-height: inherit !important; opacity: 1 !important;"></span>to</span><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>see ourselves, and our congregations, as pilgrims on a healing journey. It invites us<span class="apple-converted-space"> <span style="float: inherit !important; font-size: inherit !important; font-style: inherit !important; font-variant-caps: inherit !important; line-height: inherit !important; opacity: 1 !important;"></span>to</span><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>see the enslavement that keeps us from thriving. It invites us<span class="apple-converted-space"> <span style="float: inherit !important; font-size: inherit !important; font-style: inherit !important; font-variant-caps: inherit !important; line-height: inherit !important; opacity: 1 !important;"></span>to</span><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>be brave enough<span class="apple-converted-space"> <span style="float: inherit !important; font-size: inherit !important; font-style: inherit !important; font-variant-caps: inherit !important; line-height: inherit !important; opacity: 1 !important;"></span>to</span><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>cry out<span class="apple-converted-space"> <span style="float: inherit !important; font-size: inherit !important; font-style: inherit !important; font-variant-caps: inherit !important; line-height: inherit !important; opacity: 1 !important;"></span>to</span>God. It invites<span class="apple-converted-space"> <span style="float: inherit !important; font-size: inherit !important; font-style: inherit !important; font-variant-caps: inherit !important; line-height: inherit !important; opacity: 1 !important;"></span>to</span><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>the risky journey, fleeing what is familiar for an unpredictable path ahead. It invites us<span class="apple-converted-space"> <span style="float: inherit !important; font-size: inherit !important; font-style: inherit !important; font-variant-caps: inherit !important; line-height: inherit !important; opacity: 1 !important;"></span>to</span><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>have patience in the face of a long and winding wilderness road. It invites us<span class="apple-converted-space"> <span style="float: inherit !important; font-size: inherit !important; font-style: inherit !important; font-variant-caps: inherit !important; line-height: inherit !important; opacity: 1 !important;"></span>to</span><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>lament in the face of continued pain. It invites us<span class="apple-converted-space"> <span style="float: inherit !important; font-size: inherit !important; font-style: inherit !important; font-variant-caps: inherit !important; line-height: inherit !important; opacity: 1 !important;"></span>to</span><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>resolve<span class="apple-converted-space"> <span style="float: inherit !important; font-size: inherit !important; font-style: inherit !important; font-variant-caps: inherit !important; line-height: inherit !important; opacity: 1 !important;"></span>to</span><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>enter a new land, a hope-filled place of flourishing. Indeed, all s<span style="float: inherit !important; font-size: inherit !important; font-style: inherit !important; font-variant-caps: inherit !important; line-height: inherit !important; opacity: 1 !important;">to</span>ries of transformation necessarily take us on a cruciform (cross-shaped) journey imitating the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus, as we become participants in his suffering in order<span class="apple-converted-space"> <span style="float: inherit !important; font-size: inherit !important; font-style: inherit !important; font-variant-caps: inherit !important; line-height: inherit !important; opacity: 1 !important;"></span>to</span><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>experience his resurrection” (p. 133). </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="xmsonormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="xmsonormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="float: inherit !important; font-size: inherit !important; font-style: inherit !important; font-variant-caps: inherit !important; line-height: inherit !important; opacity: 1 !important;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">I<span class="apple-converted-space"> <span style="float: inherit !important; font-size: inherit !important; font-style: inherit !important; font-variant-caps: inherit !important; line-height: inherit !important; opacity: 1 !important;"></span>to</span>ok the liberty<span class="apple-converted-space"> <span style="float: inherit !important; font-size: inherit !important; font-style: inherit !important; font-variant-caps: inherit !important; line-height: inherit !important; opacity: 1 !important;"></span>to</span><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>summarize DeGroat’s description of the path of the Exodus s<span style="float: inherit !important; font-size: inherit !important; font-style: inherit !important; font-variant-caps: inherit !important; line-height: inherit !important; opacity: 1 !important;">to</span>ry. One, take whatever Egypt you’re living in seriously. Two, cry out<span class="apple-converted-space"> <span style="float: inherit !important; font-size: inherit !important; font-style: inherit !important; font-variant-caps: inherit !important; line-height: inherit !important; opacity: 1 !important;"></span>to</span><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>God<span class="apple-converted-space"> <span style="float: inherit !important; font-size: inherit !important; font-style: inherit !important; font-variant-caps: inherit !important; line-height: inherit !important; opacity: 1 !important;"></span>to</span><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>awaken his rescuing response. Three, allow God<span class="apple-converted-space"> <span style="float: inherit !important; font-size: inherit !important; font-style: inherit !important; font-variant-caps: inherit !important; line-height: inherit !important; opacity: 1 !important;"></span>to</span><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>stir longings and imaginations in you for a more spacious place of flourishing. Four, realize that your escape from terror will come through plague and bloodshed as God paves the way for you. Five, be prepared<span class="apple-converted-space"> <span style="float: inherit !important; font-size: inherit !important; font-style: inherit !important; font-variant-caps: inherit !important; line-height: inherit !important; opacity: 1 !important;"></span>to</span><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>experience the frightening backlash of other narcissists around you. Six, travel through a wilderness of painful growth and transformation. Seven, realize God is calling you in<span style="float: inherit !important; font-size: inherit !important; font-style: inherit !important; font-variant-caps: inherit !important; line-height: inherit !important; opacity: 1 !important;">to</span><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>a new identity. Eight, embrace the vacillations of your emotions as you experience a lovely oasis followed by a season of deprivation. Nine, listen<span class="apple-converted-space"> <span style="float: inherit !important; font-size: inherit !important; font-style: inherit !important; font-variant-caps: inherit !important; line-height: inherit !important; opacity: 1 !important;"></span>to</span><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>a wise guide who can offer you a sense of direction for your journey just as Moses brought the law<span class="apple-converted-space"> <span style="float: inherit !important; font-size: inherit !important; font-style: inherit !important; font-variant-caps: inherit !important; line-height: inherit !important; opacity: 1 !important;"></span>to</span><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>Israel. Ten, remember that the promised land isn’t a magical place a perpetual cheer but a new space of inner freedom and relational flourishing (from pp. 133-137). </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="xmsonormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="xmsonormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="float: inherit !important; font-size: inherit !important; font-style: inherit !important; font-variant-caps: inherit !important; line-height: inherit !important; opacity: 1 !important;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">In our rush<span class="apple-converted-space"> <span style="float: inherit !important; font-size: inherit !important; font-style: inherit !important; font-variant-caps: inherit !important; line-height: inherit !important; opacity: 1 !important;"></span>to</span><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>plant as many<span class="apple-converted-space"> <span style="float: inherit !important; font-size: inherit !important; font-style: inherit !important; font-variant-caps: inherit !important; line-height: inherit !important; opacity: 1 !important;"></span>church</span>es as possible<span class="apple-converted-space"> <span style="float: inherit !important; font-size: inherit !important; font-style: inherit !important; font-variant-caps: inherit !important; line-height: inherit !important; opacity: 1 !important;"></span>to</span><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>reach as many people as possible, we must beware that a hurried and frenzied approach<span class="apple-converted-space"> <span style="float: inherit !important; font-size: inherit !important; font-style: inherit !important; font-variant-caps: inherit !important; line-height: inherit !important; opacity: 1 !important;"></span>to</span><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>assessment, training, coaching, and men<span style="float: inherit !important; font-size: inherit !important; font-style: inherit !important; font-variant-caps: inherit !important; line-height: inherit !important; opacity: 1 !important;">to</span>ring can backfire. DeGroat observes, “Many of us find ourselves<span class="apple-converted-space"> <span style="float: inherit !important; font-size: inherit !important; font-style: inherit !important; font-variant-caps: inherit !important; line-height: inherit !important; opacity: 1 !important;"></span>to</span>o busy,<span class="apple-converted-space"> <span style="float: inherit !important; font-size: inherit !important; font-style: inherit !important; font-variant-caps: inherit !important; line-height: inherit !important; opacity: 1 !important;"></span>to</span>o habituated<span class="apple-converted-space"> <span style="float: inherit !important; font-size: inherit !important; font-style: inherit !important; font-variant-caps: inherit !important; line-height: inherit !important; opacity: 1 !important;"></span>to</span><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>the demands of modern life,<span class="apple-converted-space"> <span style="float: inherit !important; font-size: inherit !important; font-style: inherit !important; font-variant-caps: inherit !important; line-height: inherit !important; opacity: 1 !important;"></span>to</span>o out of<span class="apple-converted-space"> <span style="float: inherit !important; font-size: inherit !important; font-style: inherit !important; font-variant-caps: inherit !important; line-height: inherit !important; opacity: 1 !important;"></span>to</span>uch with deeper emotions<span class="apple-converted-space"> <span style="float: inherit !important; font-size: inherit !important; font-style: inherit !important; font-variant-caps: inherit !important; line-height: inherit !important; opacity: 1 !important;"></span>to</span><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>take our s<span style="float: inherit !important; font-size: inherit !important; font-style: inherit !important; font-variant-caps: inherit !important; line-height: inherit !important; opacity: 1 !important;">to</span>ries seriously and<span class="apple-converted-space"> <span style="float: inherit !important; font-size: inherit !important; font-style: inherit !important; font-variant-caps: inherit !important; line-height: inherit !important; opacity: 1 !important;"></span>to</span><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>embark on a healing journey... Healing requires radical honesty with ourselves and the courage<span class="apple-converted-space"> <span style="float: inherit !important; font-size: inherit !important; font-style: inherit !important; font-variant-caps: inherit !important; line-height: inherit !important; opacity: 1 !important;"></span>to</span><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>follow through on the wilderness path [<span style="float: inherit !important; font-size: inherit !important; font-style: inherit !important; font-variant-caps: inherit !important; line-height: inherit !important; opacity: 1 !important;">to</span><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>healing]. Perhaps the two most important components of healing trauma are awareness and intentionality. Because trauma thrives in the shadows, awareness and intentionality are often neglected for self-promotion, disconnection, and self-sabotage” (p. 141).</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="xmsonormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="xmsonormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="float: inherit !important; font-size: inherit !important; font-style: inherit !important; font-variant-caps: inherit !important; line-height: inherit !important; opacity: 1 !important;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">DeGroat has written an honest book in which he admits that he sees tendencies<span class="apple-converted-space"> <span style="float: inherit !important; font-size: inherit !important; font-style: inherit !important; font-variant-caps: inherit !important; line-height: inherit !important; opacity: 1 !important;"></span>to</span>ward narcissism in his own life. He calls us all<span class="apple-converted-space"> <span style="float: inherit !important; font-size: inherit !important; font-style: inherit !important; font-variant-caps: inherit !important; line-height: inherit !important; opacity: 1 !important;"></span>to</span><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>look for evidences of our own narcissistic patterns. But he offers hope. “As I round the corner of fifty years old, I find myself sitting with Jesus more closely than I did even a decade ago. The compassionate, humble Savior of the world didn’t scheme, showed no grandiosity, and loved courageously, revealing the heart of God. I’m more convinced<span class="apple-converted-space"> <span style="float: inherit !important; font-size: inherit !important; font-style: inherit !important; font-variant-caps: inherit !important; line-height: inherit !important; opacity: 1 !important;"></span>to</span>day that his smile is the deep cure for our pervasive shame. I rest in the love of the one who sees me, even<span class="apple-converted-space"> <span style="float: inherit !important; font-size: inherit !important; font-style: inherit !important; font-variant-caps: inherit !important; line-height: inherit !important; opacity: 1 !important;"></span>when</span><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>I hide, pursuing boundlessly. I have unrelenting hope because nothing can ultimately separate us from his infinitely available love” (p. 172).</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="xmsonormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="xmsonormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">You can pick up the book <a href="https://www.amazon.com/When-Narcissism-Comes-Church-Community/dp/0830841598/ref=sr_1_1?crid=THXU09D90R2E&dchild=1&keywords=when+narcissism+comes+to+church&qid=1591377838&sprefix=when+narcissism+%2Caps%2C171&sr=8-1">here</a>.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
Rick Duncanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12450228524989738547noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36647615.post-42883748666678231042020-06-01T20:43:00.000-05:002020-06-01T20:51:51.415-05:0010 Questions a White Person Could Ask an African American Friend <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://cdn.quotesgram.com/img/98/80/778019373-black-and-white-friends-hipster-quotes-Favim_com-1863319.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="609" data-original-width="610" height="638" src="https://cdn.quotesgram.com/img/98/80/778019373-black-and-white-friends-hipster-quotes-Favim_com-1863319.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Make an appointment. Meet on Zoom. On the phone. Or over coffee. Have lunch. Better yet. Have your friend over for a cookout. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Then ask and just listen. Don't explain. Don't defend. Don't rationalize. Don't minimize. Just listen. Take notes. If you must speak, simply say, "Tell me more" or "What do you mean by that?" </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Next, spend some time with God. Ask Him, "Lord, what could I do? What should I do? Would you make me to be more pleasing to You and more of a blessing to my brothers and sisters of color?" </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Finally, pray this way, "Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from Your presence and take not Your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of Your salvation, and uphold me with a willing spirit."</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>10 Questions You Could Ask... </b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">1. What was a defining moment in your childhood or your life where you realized your skin color alone made other people feel uncomfortable around you or even hate you?</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">2. What others acts of racism have you unjustly experienced?</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">3. What is the evil behind racism? </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">4. What is it that you wish that white people understood that it seems like we don’t truly understand?</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">5. What are things that white people say or do that unintentionally, perhaps, perpetuates racism or is dismissive about race issues?</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">6. What happens in a culture where “racial jokes” and “off-color” comments by friends, co-workers, or family are allowed to slide by without a challenge?</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">7. What would you say to the white person who says, “I’m not racist,” “I have black friends,” “I didn’t kill that man in Minnesota,” therefore, “I’m not part of the problem”?</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">8. What would you say to whites who won’t speak out against racism and bigotry because of the backlash they might receive?</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">9. I have truly been blessed. What do you think using my blessings well to fight for Biblical justice might look like? </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">10. What is a question that I did not ask you that I should have asked?</span></div>
</div>
Rick Duncanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12450228524989738547noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36647615.post-49618530595148720902020-05-24T13:02:00.003-05:002020-07-01T07:28:03.031-05:00To wear a mask or not... 3 Guiding Principles for Every Believer when Your Church Reopens<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://ca-times.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/84fb3ac/2147483647/strip/true/crop/3000x1990+0+0/resize/1080x716!/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcalifornia-times-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fc7%2Fb4%2Fdcab182f45288af1c256cbd3301e%2Fla-na-covid19-social-distance-13.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="530" data-original-width="800" height="424" src="https://ca-times.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/84fb3ac/2147483647/strip/true/crop/3000x1990+0+0/resize/1080x716!/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcalifornia-times-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fc7%2Fb4%2Fdcab182f45288af1c256cbd3301e%2Fla-na-covid19-social-distance-13.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Pray for your church leaders as churches implement their reopening plans.<br /><br />This is a time to pursue true Christian unity and charity. We don’t have to see eye to eye to walk arm in arm. <br /><br />Jesus said that the world will know that we are Christians by our love for one another. So, now is the time to love your brother and sister who may have differing views about reopening, social distancing, and wearing masks. <br /><br />Let’s just say it:<br /><br />We probably won’t love every detail of our churches’ reopening plans.<br /><br />That’s OK. Our leaders are doing the best they can do to try to shepherd everyone in the flock. “Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls, as those who will have to give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with groaning, for that would be of no advantage to you” (Hebrews 13:17).<br /><br />The test of your Christian character is not going to be how you respond to the parts of your church’s plan that you agree with. The test of your character is how you will respond to those parts of the plan that you disagree with. The test of your character will be how you respond to those brothers and sisters who positions and opinions are diametrically opposite to yours.<br /><br />Anybody can act lovingly toward somebody they agree with. But it requires the Spirit of Christ operating fully in us for us to act lovingly to somebody that we disagree with.<br /><br />The death of Christ on the cross is to be reflected in our death to our selfishness. The resurrection of Christ from the grave is to be reflected in our resurrection to new life that results in the pursuit of charity and unity.</span></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />The world is watching whether we will love one another or not. If we can’t love one another when we disagree, then why should anyone in the world want to know the Jesus that we say we are following?<br /><br />Fellow brothers and sisters are watching whether we will love one another or not. If we can’t love one another when we have different viewpoints, then why should that brother or sister want to stay a part of our family of faith?<br /><br />More importantly, the Lord is watching whether we will love one another. If we cannot love one another through this season of differing ideas, then how dare we think that we are pleasing to God?<br /><br />Are we more in love with our positions than with Christ’s people?<br /><br />Here are three guiding principles for us pulled from sections of the New Testament.<br /><br /><b>1. Be eager to maintain unity. </b><br /><br />“I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace” (Ephesians 4:1-3).<br /><br /><b>2. Refuse to pass judgment on those who disagree with you.</b> <br /><br />”Who are you to pass judgment on the servant of another? It is before his own master that he stands or falls. And he will be upheld, for the Lord is able to make him stand... For none of us lives to himself, and none of us dies to himself. For if we live, we live to the Lord, and if we die, we die to the Lord. So then, whether we live or whether we die, we are the Lord's. Why do you pass judgment on your brother? Or you, why do you despise your brother? For we will all stand before the judgment seat of God... Therefore let us not pass judgment on one another any longer, but rather decide never to put a stumbling block or hindrance in the way of a brother... So do not let what you regard as good be spoken of as evil... So then let us pursue what makes for peace and for mutual upbuilding... It is good not to... do anything that causes your brother to stumble. The faith that you have, keep between yourself and God. Blessed is the one who has no reason to pass judgment on himself for what he approves” (Romans 14:4, 7-8, 10, 13, 16, 19, 21-22).<br /><br /><b>3. Think that someone else’s opinion is more important than yours. </b><br /><br />“Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus...” (Philippians 2:3-5).<br /><br />So, which of these 3 guiding principles did you need to be reminded of the most? </span><br />
<div>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">What could you do to help you follow that principle more closely? </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">What will you do? </span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Who can help you? </span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">When will you start?</span></div>
</div>
</div>
Rick Duncanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12450228524989738547noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36647615.post-58596157097000817822020-05-01T10:36:00.001-05:002020-05-01T10:36:24.478-05:00Midday Prayer<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i.pinimg.com/736x/0e/8a/0e/0e8a0ef04950c327917eb9e4bccc3a4c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i.pinimg.com/736x/0e/8a/0e/0e8a0ef04950c327917eb9e4bccc3a4c.jpg" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="480" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(28, 30, 33); color: #1c1e21; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, ".SFNSText-Regular", sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(28, 30, 33); color: #1c1e21; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, ".SFNSText-Regular", sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">Would it help you to take a break sometime midday and reconnect with the Lord so you can refocus your work as an act of love to God and to mankind? Here’s a prayer that might help. </span><br style="caret-color: rgb(28, 30, 33); color: #1c1e21; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, ".SFNSText-Regular", sans-serif; font-size: 14px;" /><br style="caret-color: rgb(28, 30, 33); color: #1c1e21; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, ".SFNSText-Regular", sans-serif; font-size: 14px;" /><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(28, 30, 33); color: #1c1e21; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, ".SFNSText-Regular", sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">***</span><br style="caret-color: rgb(28, 30, 33); color: #1c1e21; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, ".SFNSText-Regular", sans-serif; font-size: 14px;" /><br style="caret-color: rgb(28, 30, 33); color: #1c1e21; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, ".SFNSText-Regular", sans-serif; font-size: 14px;" /><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(28, 30, 33); color: #1c1e21; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, ".SFNSText-Regular", sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">Midday prayer</span><span class="text_exposed_show" style="caret-color: rgb(28, 30, 33); color: #1c1e21; display: inline; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, ".SFNSText-Regular", sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><br /><br />I praise you, God for Your work. You worked to create this world out of Your infinite, eternal, and unchangeable love that existed in eternity past between Father, Son, and Spirit. That Love that overflowed to accomplish Your creative work was and is very good.<br /><br />You created me in Your image and invited me to work in this world as an act of love for You and with You.<br /><br />Forgive me that I have too often made my work about proving myself, about making sure my voice is listened to. I have too often turned my work into a way to be loved and to be served by others. Cleanse me from working for the approval and applause of men. Forgive me for making the work about me.<br /><br />Help me now to reframe this day so that I may work as an expression of love to You and love to others.<br /><br />Teach me again how my work with words is actually born out of the good work You did with Your words to create this world. Show me again that my work to equip others to build Your Kingdom is very much an extension of the work of Jesus. Thrill me again with the knowledge that through my work the Spirit who fills me can bear His fruit in the lives of others.<br /><br />Help me to abide in Christ and to work for Christ realizing that all I had hoped to get done probably will not get done. I’m just not good enough. I just can’t do it all.<br /><br />Even though I may be falling apart and even though the day might be falling apart, You, Lord, are not. You have it all under control. I can rest in You as I work for You.<br /><br />Right now, I pray for my family, my colleagues, and my friends. I pray for those who will be impacted by my work - people I may never even meet. Remind me as I continue through this day that my work can and will impact others for the greater glory of God and for the advancement of Christ kingdom.<br /><br />Whatever time I have left today and whatever opportunities will present themselves to me in the hours ahead, by Your grace and for Your glory make my work a work of extravagant outpouring of love to You and for others.<br /><br />Fill me with your Spirit so that Your love is my Christlike reaction to others’ malice; Your joy is my Christlike reaction to depressing circumstances; Your peace is my Christlike reaction to troubles, threats, and invitations to anxiety; Your patience is my Christlike reaction to all that is maddening; Your kindness is my Christlike reaction to all who are unkind; Your goodness is my Christlike reaction to bad people and bad behavior; your faithfulness is my Christlike reaction to lies; Your gentleness is my Christlike reaction to fury; and your self-control is my Christlike reaction to every situation that goads me to lose my cool.<br /><br />Help me to see You more clearly, to love You more dearly, to follow You more nearly... the rest of this day.<br /><br />In Jesus’ name, Amen<br /><br />***<br /><br />Prayer influenced by concepts in various books like The Common Rule, Rediscovering Holiness, and Delighting in the Trinity.</span></div>
Rick Duncanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12450228524989738547noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36647615.post-61591672471096048432020-04-24T16:12:00.000-05:002020-04-24T16:12:50.984-05:00Prayer Changes Me<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://d28hgpri8am2if.cloudfront.net/book_images/onix/cvr9781476754703/diary-of-private-prayer-9781476754703_hr.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://d28hgpri8am2if.cloudfront.net/book_images/onix/cvr9781476754703/diary-of-private-prayer-9781476754703_hr.jpg" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="534" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />I've been in a funk this week. <br /><br />This week I've struggled to stay "on fire." <br /><br />I actually woke up today thinking, “I’m just going to go through the motions today. I’m just not very motivated.”<br /><br />Then, I practiced a new habit I have begun: Keeling prayer the very first thing out of bed. I’m using <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Diary-Private-Prayer-John-Baillie/dp/1476754705/ref=tmm_hrd_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr=">A Diary of Private Prayer</a> to help me pray each day in the morning and in the evening. I grabbed my book and hit my knees. <br /><br />Here's how the Twenty Fourth Day Morning Prayer started today…<br /><br /><i>“O Lord God, ever blessed, You have given me the night for rest and the day for work and service. Grant that the refreshment from last night’s sleep may now the used for Your greater glory in the life of the day ahead. Do not let it produce laziness in me, but instead let it encourage more diligent action and willing obedience. Teach me, O God, to use all the circumstance of my life today to nurture the fruit of the Spirit rather than the fruits of sin.”</i><br /><br />Ouch! That was a rebuke, a wake-up call, a kick in the seat of the pants! The Lord knew just what I needed. A prayer written by John Baillie in 1949 was just what I needed today. 71 years after it was written.<br /><br />Don't tell me that written prayers cannot assist us in our Christian growth. We can take what was written and personalize it so that it's not a "rote prayer." <br /><br />Thank God I received that divine jolt this morning. I got going. By God's grace, I was able to make some very significant progress on developing what could turn out to be a very important strategic plan to help us equip more new planters for the future. I was able to take some work done my my friends in Boston and contextualize it for a potential city-wide church planting residency program for NE Ohio. <br /><br />Prayer does change things. And as usual, what God wanted to change the most today was me.</span></div>
Rick Duncanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12450228524989738547noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36647615.post-85841766371311474372020-03-21T21:29:00.001-05:002020-03-21T21:29:33.263-05:00Good men and women and girls and boys should WANT it to be true<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://img.etsystatic.com/il/b02e78/947076796/il_570xN.947076796_dgj1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="570" data-original-width="570" height="640" src="https://img.etsystatic.com/il/b02e78/947076796/il_570xN.947076796_dgj1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />My friend who is an agnostic is in the hospital. Heart problems. Kidney problems. Intestinal issues. Now, he emailed me this: <br /><br />I think I had a small stroke last night. My left arm and the left side of my face are lightly numb now. While I was lying in bed last night I had very painful pain across my chest which lasted for a few minutes. But it’s all ok. My body is just wearing out.<br /><br />Please pray for him to trust Christ. <br /><br />I wrote him back.<br /><br />***<br /><br />Wow. Can you move your left arm and hand? You email said that they were numb. So, I hope that means you can move them. What results did you get from the tests?<br /><br />Are you scared? I am scared for you. <br /><br />We're all wearing out. That means me, too. This virus might get me. If not, then something else will one day. <br /><br />My hope/prayer/belief is that the scriptures are truly true. <br /><br />"Even though on the outside it often looks like things are falling apart on us, on the inside, where God is making new life, not a day goes by without his unfolding grace. These hard times are small potatoes compared to the coming good times, the lavish celebration prepared for us. There’s far more here than meets the eye. The things we see now are here today, gone tomorrow. But the things we can’t see now will last forever." II Corinthians 4:16-18 (Msg) <br /><br />At the individual level, Jesus fills the biggest holes in our hearts and answers the deepest questions in our souls: Who am I? Where did I come from? Why am I here? What's wrong with the world? How can it ever be fixed? Where am I headed? At the cultural level, our faith, when applied and lived out rightly by unselfish, humble Christian women and men, powerfully addresses the economic, racial, political, and social problems in the world.<br /><br />Think about this. <br /><br />In Christ, we get...<br /><br />a new name and a new identity; <br />adoption into God’s family as His beloved children; <br />the forgiveness of all our sins - past, present, and future; <br />the personal experience of God’s eternal love; <br />the ability to see, seize, and share Christ’s glory; <br />an appreciation of the Spirit's work in the world; <br />a personal relationship with the Father; <br />an everlasting friendship with the Son; <br />the comforting indwelling of the Spirit; <br />a slow but radical change in our lives from the inside out; <br />a growing freedom from our past guilt and shame; <br />a supernatural peace in our present; </span><div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">a confident hope about our future;<br />power and meaning in the face of our own suffering; <br />a membership in the Church - a universal, counter-cultural community; <br />an exciting and meaningful mission to do justice and bring mercy to those who suffer; <br />guidance, protection, and favor from a God who is for us, not against us; <br />relationships with believing friends that will go on forever; <br />the promise of our own future glory and everlasting home; <br />confidence in the face of death that the best is yet to come; and<br />the promise of enjoying a new heavens and a new earth - a perfectly restored world where every day Is better than the one before. <br /><br />I believe that it's only in Christ that my deepest hopes and dreams will ever be fulfilled. Only in Him will all the up-and-down plot lines of my life ever come together in a meaningful and satisfying resolution. The storyline of my life will have an everlastingly happy ending.<br /><br />I know you are not sure if Christianity is true or not. But given all that I just wrote and shared, wouldn't you agree that good men and women and girls and boys should WANT it to be true?<br /><br />I think it is. And more importantly, I believe it is. And I want you to believe it, too. <br /><br />You're my friend. Let's be friends in heaven, too. <br /><br />It's my prayer that you trust fully in Christ.<br /><br />I'm praying for you to get better soon.</span></div>
</div>
Rick Duncanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12450228524989738547noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36647615.post-55325708837023909072020-03-19T09:50:00.002-05:002020-03-19T10:03:38.689-05:0020 Ways to Affirm (or Deny!) Your Call as a Church Planter<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://newchurches.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/church_planting-400x300.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="400" height="480" src="https://newchurches.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/church_planting-400x300.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Confirm Your Call:</b></span> A Self-Assessment from the book <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Church-Planting-Thresholds-Gospel-Centered-Guide/dp/1483452743">Church Planting Thresholds</a> by Clint Clifton<br /><br />Give yourself a score on a scale from 1-5, 5 being high. 5 – Always. 4 – Usually. 3 – Sometimes. 2 – Rarely. 1 – Never. <br /><br />___ I have a “woe-unto-me-if-I-preach-not-the-gospel” burden. The Word of God is like a fire in my bones. <br /><br />___ I have a sincere aspiration to the office of elder.<br /><br />___ I meet the biblical qualifications of eldership.<br /><br />___ I have been affirmed and sent out by the leadership of my local church.<br /><br />___ I have voracious appetite for the spreading of the gospel.<br /><br />___ I have a soldier-like, brave, faith-filled, “whatever-it-takes,” “gut-level,” missionary drive to plant a church.<br /><br />___ My aspiration is not to make myself known; it is to make Christ known. Therefore, in my aim to put Jesus on display, I am willing to remain unseen.<br /><br />___ My life is truly characterized by evangelistic fervor. I do not struggle with boldness, clarity, or consistency in sharing the Gospel with non-Christians.<br /><br />___ I have the personal drive to initiate the many conversations, relationships, and partnerships that are necessary to plant a church.<br /><br />___ I do not give up easily or grow discouraged quickly. I press through problems rather than retreating from them.<br /><br />___ I have an ability to cast vision in a way that the people who hear believe that the church really will come to fruition.<br /><br />___ I have asked those who know me well to give me an honest assessment of my weakness as they apply to the church planting initiative.<br /><br />___ I have asked my spouse to affirm or deny my fitness to the office of pastor and my readiness to pursue church planting at this time in my life and ministry. <br /><br />___ I am seeking after the guidance, wisdom, and assistance of a mature congregation and a faithful body of leaders to help me make decisions.<br /><br />___ I have been part of a healthy local church that teaches biblical doctrine, has godly leaders, communicates the Gospel clearly, views other churches as allies, has leaders who have mentored and discipled me, would rescue me if I fell into grievous sin, and has members who are maturing in Christ.<br /><br />___ I believe that there is no greater honor in life than to serve King Jesus by building His church on earth.<br /><br />___ I believe Jesus can send me any place He wishes at any time He wishes, and, when He does, I should joyfully obey Him.<br /><br />___ I will not abandon Christ’s call; no matter how difficult the conditions may be of how discouraged I may become.<br /><br />___ I believe that God will accomplish His purposes through me and in me.<br /><br />___ I believe that if I had gotten what I deserved, I’d be doing something far less meaningful in some place far less pleasant.<br /><br />___ Your Score<br /><br />Where did you score highest? How will you celebrate God’s grace in that high score? Where did you score lowest? How will you use that low score as an impetuous to grow? What does this score tell you about your calling to plant a church? What are 2-3 steps you can take to either confirm or challenge your call to plant a church?What does Jesus need to change in you so He can plant His church through you? </span><br />
<div>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Now, talk through your answers to these questions with others who are spiritual leaders and mentors in your life. Remember, <i>"With those who receive counsel is wisdom... He who walks with wise men will be wise" (Proverbs 13:10b, 20a). </i></span></div>
</div>
Rick Duncanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12450228524989738547noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36647615.post-38485459356507834222020-03-15T09:30:00.000-05:002020-03-15T09:30:12.429-05:00What might C.S. Lewis say about the coronavirus?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i2.cdn.turner.com/cnn/2010/images/12/17/t1larg.cs.gi.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i2.cdn.turner.com/cnn/2010/images/12/17/t1larg.cs.gi.jpg" data-original-height="360" data-original-width="640" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />What might C.S. Lewis say about the coronavirus?<br /><br />***<br /><br />Excerpts from an essay by C.S. Lewis in The Weight of Glory. The essay, Learning in War-Time, was first given as a lecture to nervous Oxford undergraduates in 1939 just prior to WWII and later published in pamphlet form under the title The Christian in Danger. I have replaced the word “war” with the word “coronavirus.”<br /><br />***<br /><br />Coronavirus creates no absolutely new situation; it simply aggravates the permanent human situation so that we can no longer ignore it. Human life has always been lived on the edge of a precipice. Human culture has always had to exist under the shadow of something infinitely more important than itself.<br /><br />We are mistaken when we compare the coronavirus with “normal life.” Even those periods which we think most tranquil, like the nineteenth century, turn out, on closer inspection, to be full of crises, alarms, difficulties, emergencies.<br /><br />Do not let your nerves and emotions lead you into thinking your predicament more abnormal than it really is.<br /><br />Perhaps it may be useful to mention the <b>three mental exercises which may serve as defenses against the three enemies which the coronavirus raises up.</b><br /><br /><b>The first enemy is excitement</b> – the tendency to think and feel about the coronavirus when we had intended to think about our work. </span><div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The best defense is a recognition that in this, as in everything else, the coronavirus has not really raised up a new enemy but only aggravated an old one.<br /><br />There are always plenty of rivals to our work. We are always falling in love or quarreling, looking for jobs or fearing to lose them, getting ill and recovering, following public affairs. If we let ourselves, we shall always be waiting for some distraction or other to end before we can really get down to our work.<br /><br /><b>The second enemy is frustration</b> – the feeling that we shall not have time to finish. </span><div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">No one has time to finish. The longest human life leaves one, in any branch of life, a beginner.<br /><br />You would be surprised if you knew how soon one begins to feel the shortness of the tether, of how many things, even in middle life, we have to say “No time for that,” “Too late now,” and “Not for me.”<br /><br />A more Christian attitude, which can be attained at any age, is that of leaving futurity in God’s hands. We may as well, for God will certainly retain it whether we leave it to Him or not.<br /><br />Never, when healthy or when infected with the coronavirus, commit your virtue or your happiness to the future. Happy work is best done by the one who takes his long-term plans somewhat lightly and works from moment to moment “as to the Lord.” The present is the only time in which any duty can be done or any grace received.<br /><br /><b>The third enemy is fear.</b> </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The coronavirus threatens us with death and pain. No one – and specially no Christian who remembers Gethsemane – need try to attain a stoic indifference about these things, but we can guard against the illusions of the imagination.<br /><br />There is no question of death or life for any of us, only a question of this death or of that – of a machine gun bullet now or a cancer forty years later. What does the coronavirus do to death? It certainly does not make it more frequent; 100 percent of us die, and the percentage cannot be increased. It puts several deaths earlier but I hardly suppose that that is what we fear. Does it increase our chances of a painful death? I doubt it. As far as I can find out, what we call natural death is usually preceded by suffering.<br /><br />Yet the coronavirus does do something to death. It forces us to remember it.<br /><br />The only reason why the cancer at sixty or the paralysis at seventy-five do not bother us is that we forget them. The coronavirus makes death real to us, and that would have been regarded as one of its blessings by most of the great Christians of the past. They thought it good for us to be always aware of our mortality. I am inclined to think they were right.<br /><br />All the animal life in us, all schemes of happiness that centered in this world, were always doomed to a final frustration. In ordinary times only a wise man can realize it. Now the stupidest of us knows. We see unmistakably the sort of universe in which we have all along been living, and must come to terms with it. <br /><br />If we had foolish un-Christian hopes about human culture, they are now shattered. If we thought we were building of a heaven on earth, we are disillusioned, and not a moment too soon.<br /><br />***<br /><br />So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal (II Corinthians 4:16-18).</span><br class="Apple-interchange-newline" />
<div class="_3x-2" data-ft="{"tn":"H"}" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: inherit; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;">
<div data-ft="{"tn":"H"}" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(29, 33, 41); color: #1d2129; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, ".SFNSText-Regular", sans-serif; font-size: 12px; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
<div class="mtm" style="font-family: inherit; margin-top: 10px;">
<div style="font-family: inherit; position: relative;">
<div class="_5cq3 _1ktf" data-ft="{"tn":"E"}" style="font-family: inherit; margin-left: -12px; position: relative;">
<a ajaxify="https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10216094143402746&set=a.2496719053708&type=3&eid=ARBpq1aVfPxhx0fb5LFtJsTAqsCp7fsVBNNQ6PiXSF_CpvbGlpSen9Jwo0UmYitnz05bkN5WKWKk3KQF&size=772%2C553&source=13&player_origin=story_view" class="_4-eo _2t9n" data-ploi="https://scontent-ort2-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/89925841_10216094143442747_4821213034435313664_n.jpg?_nc_cat=109&_nc_sid=110474&_nc_ohc=H_f-LAP1d8IAX9z2G3z&_nc_ht=scontent-ort2-1.xx&oh=1d541b9a3bd0bbeb49eb1a7899ec1c0e&oe=5E933ABF" data-render-location="permalink" href="https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10216094143402746&set=a.2496719053708&type=3&eid=ARBpq1aVfPxhx0fb5LFtJsTAqsCp7fsVBNNQ6PiXSF_CpvbGlpSen9Jwo0UmYitnz05bkN5WKWKk3KQF" rel="theater" style="box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0470588) 0px 1px 1px; color: #385898; cursor: pointer; display: block; font-family: inherit; position: relative; text-decoration: none; width: 500px;"></a></div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
Rick Duncanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12450228524989738547noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36647615.post-35292203096752604042020-02-22T14:05:00.000-05:002020-02-22T14:05:16.651-05:00Don't Rest Until You Receive Divine Rest <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzqo-CO3_8RRDE8otUUrSlcoK2Sh5O-puk6bv9TOsenrPkUG6RspkeE9YMZSs4W_wb4sk4GbkF4EqYJ4ETmdyKovCaDqVpY8EpMIXA1YfttR6cZIkg333pZJSu_qU_5DzQwq_H/s1600/Chinese_character_busy_mang.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzqo-CO3_8RRDE8otUUrSlcoK2Sh5O-puk6bv9TOsenrPkUG6RspkeE9YMZSs4W_wb4sk4GbkF4EqYJ4ETmdyKovCaDqVpY8EpMIXA1YfttR6cZIkg333pZJSu_qU_5DzQwq_H/s1600/Chinese_character_busy_mang.jpg" data-original-height="159" data-original-width="153" /></a>“Hi. Great to see you. How are you doing?”</div>
<br />What do people usually say? “Fine.” “Great.” “Blessed and doing well.” “Better than I deserve.”<br /><br />Most of those responses are clichés, and usually not very authentic. What kinds of things do people say when they are speaking the truth? “Busy.” “Tired.” “Stressed.” “Drained.” “Exhausted.” “Overloaded.” “Burned out.” “Worn out.”<br /><br />I can’t remember anyone saying to me, “Well rested.” </span><div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We are a tired generation. We have a disease someone described as “hurry sickness.” Our carburetors are set on high and our gears are stuck in overdrive. Our lives are nonstop, busy. And it’s hurting us.<br /><br />Consider the Chinese character for “busy. A simple Chinese character contains a lot of information. The word "busy" is made from two symbols. “Heart/mind” on left side. And “death/lost” on the right. Put it all together and you get the word “busy.” The Chinese know that when a person gets “busy”, his or her “heart” tends to become “dead” – he or she is losing their mind. The mind/heart is lost/dead.<br /><br />Jesus knew all about this before the Chinese, of course. Here's what He said:<br /><br /><i>"Come to Me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you, and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy, and My burden is light."<br />Matthew 11:28-30 (ESV)</i><br /><br />This is a stunning, amazing, awe-inspiring, audacious invitation. If any one of us stood up and said anything like this, people would say, “He finally lost it.” No one says this kind of stuff.<br /><br />But Jesus said it. We have to decide what we’re going to do with a Person who says things like this. Maybe He’s a mad-man. Maybe He’s a con-man. Or maybe He’s the God-man. You decide.<br /><br />Notice what He promises for everyone – anyone – who will come to Him. “Come to Me, all you busy, stressed-out people, and I will give you rest.” Rest. <br /><br />You want that? I do. So, let's go to Jesus and take His yoke. A yoke is what you put on an animal to pull a plow or a cart or a wagon. Jesus says His yoke is easy. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Let's stop doing what everyone around us says we should do. Quit wearing the "yokes" from your mom or dad or spouse or kids. Busy is "Being Under Satan's Yoke." Or "Stuff's yoke." Or "Social Media's" yoke. Or "Sin's" yoke. Or "Someone else's" yoke. Or your own "Self" yoke. Let's check in with Jesus every day (word and prayer) and stay checked in through moment-by-moment prayer. And He'll tell us what yoke to bear. <br /><br />The end result? Rest. Go to Jesus and take His yoke. And only His.<br /><br />So, how are you doing? Could you honestly say, "I'm well-rested." Don't rest until you can one day honestly say that. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Don't rest until you get His rest. </span><br /><div class="article-footer" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); clear: both; color: black; font-family: -webkit-standard; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0px; orphans: auto; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;">
</div>
</div>
</div>
Rick Duncanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12450228524989738547noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36647615.post-41291787539667735562020-02-12T16:07:00.001-05:002020-02-12T21:01:42.828-05:00How to Discern God's Call on Your Life<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="WordSection1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; page: WordSection1; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: black; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
<a href="https://www.360nobs.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/God-Calling-movie-poster-3.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="800" height="640" src="https://www.360nobs.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/God-Calling-movie-poster-3.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Examining Your Call to a More Significant Role in God’s Redemptive Mission</b></span><br /><br /><b><i>A study of the call of 14 godly women and men in the Bible</i></b><br /><br />Below you will find a list of 14 godly men and women in the Bible who were called by God in unique ways in unique circumstances for unique purposes. Following the list is a simple Bible Study worksheet that has been designed to be used to explore their calling and your calling. One by one, read the passages about each person. Then, answer the 10 questions for each leader before moving to the next one.<br /><br />It is important to note that the call to a greater and deeper engagement in God’s redemptive mission is not always a call to full-time vocational ministry. Many of the great men and women of God listed below were co-vocational leaders. They continued their career path while serving God and His people faithfully.<br /><br />After completing these studies, please have conversations with your family your pastor, your mentors, and your friends to discern God’s leading for your life. The intent of this study is to help you discern how God is calling you to step more deeply into God’s mission. What are the specific implications for you?<br /><br />Are you to take steps toward a more significant presence/engagement in:<br /><br />Your neighborhood?<br />Your workplace?<br />The public square?<br />Business enterprises for the sake of the city?<br />Senior leadership IN the local church?<br />Some other church ministry role?<br /><br />May God give you wisdom as you pursue His call on your life. <br /><br /><b><i>1. The call of Noah</i></b><br />Read Genesis 6:1-21 and 7:1-6<br /><br /><b><i>2. The call of Abraham</i></b><br />Read Genesis 11:27-32 and 12:1-8<br /><br /><b><i>3. The call of Sarah</i></b><br />ReadGenesis 17:15-21, 18:1-15, 21:1-7<br /><br /><b><i>4. The call of Jochabed </i></b><br />Read Exodus 1:1-2:11<br /><br /><b><i>5. The call of Moses</i></b><br />Read Exodus 3:1-22 and 4:1-17<br /><br /><b><i>6. The call of Isaiah</i></b><br />Read Isaiah 6:1-13<br /><br /><i><b>7. The call of Deborah </b></i><br />Read Judges 4<br /><br /><b><i>8. The call of Hannah </i></b><br />Read I Samuel 1-2<br /><br /><i><b>9. The call of Esther </b></i><br />Read Esther 1-4<br /><br /><b><i>10. The call of Jonah</i></b><br />Read Jonah 1, 2, and 3</span></div>
<div class="WordSection1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; page: WordSection1; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /><b><i>11. The call of Mary </i></b><br />Read Luke 1:26-56<br /><br /><b><i>12. The call of Pete</i></b>r<br />Read Matthew 4:18-20, John 1:35-42, John 21:15-23<br /><br /><b><i>13. The call of Paul</i></b><br />Read Acts 9:1-22<br /><br /><b><i>14. The call of Priscilla </i></b><br />Read Acts 18:1-3, 18-19, 26; Romans 16:3-5; I Corinthians 16:19<br /><br />***<br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><b><i>A Bible Study Worksheet on the Call to a More Significant Role in God’s Redemptive Mission</i></b></span><br /><br /><b>Biblical character</b>: _____________________ <b>Text</b>: __________________<br /><br />Make copies so you can use a separate set of worksheets for each Bible character. Begin your time of study with prayer. Ask God to show you His plan for your life as you study His word. After you read the verses, it should take you 30-45 minutes to answer the questions. So, take your time. Take this seriously. Ask others to be praying for you as you seek God’s will for your life. Claim Proverbs 3:5, 6 for yourself as you study.<br /><br /><i>1. What was happening in this person’s world and life when he or she was called? What are some similarities or applications in your world and life today?<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />2. What was the occupation/lifestyle of the man or woman when called? What connections or lessons do you see that you could apply to your own life?<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />3. How did God get this person’s attention? What lessons can you learn from this person’s story about how God has sought to get your attention?<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />4. What did God ask this individual to do? How might God be asking you to do something similar?<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />5. What challenges or obstacles influenced the person’s initial response to the call? How are your challenges or obstacles similar? How has your response been similar?<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />6. How did God continue to deal with the person? How might God be continuing to deal with you in a similar way? <br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />7. How did the woman or man eventually express submission to God? What implications does this have on how you can express your submission to God?<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />8. How did God use this person in ministry? Write down some initial thoughts, hopes, and dreams about how you can see God using you in a similar way.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />9. What are lessons you can learn from this individual’s relationship with God?<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />10. How is God speaking to you through this person’s story?</i></span></div>
</div>
Rick Duncanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12450228524989738547noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36647615.post-15560852627086865292020-01-30T19:48:00.000-05:002020-01-30T19:48:11.891-05:00Don't settle for anything less than God's best<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://img0.etsystatic.com/071/0/10327688/il_fullxfull.819560916_5fld.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="480" src="https://img0.etsystatic.com/071/0/10327688/il_fullxfull.819560916_5fld.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When I was a baseball player as a kid, I would get magazines with ads for gloves. I would dream about upgrading the glove I played with. When I was about 11 or 12, I received a Rawlings catalogue with page after page of glove after glove. For several years, I kept that catalogue and coveted what was in it. But I never did ask my dad for one of those Rawlings gloves. They were just too pricey. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My dad pastored little country churches in Tennessee. My mom worked as a clerk at Kroger's Grocery Store to help make ends meet. Money was tight. So, I played with an inexpensive Nokona glove. I didn't feel free to ask for a glove upgrade. I just... well, settled. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Fast forward 30 years. We had planted Cuyahoga Valley Church. We were looking for property. We wanted 10 acres north of I80, south of I480, close to I77. Our property search team - made up of people I liked a lot and respected greatly - had been looking everywhere. But we couldn't find anything desirable that was affordable until they discovered a little Baptist church building in Richfield just north of 303. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It was one of those vintage A frame structures with a children's wing for classrooms. It sat on 6-7 acres. The property search team was jazzed about this location. But it just didn't feel right to me. We already had more kids than the children's wing could handle. Plus, it seemed too far south and too far west - not close enough to 77. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The property search team wanted to make a unanimous recommendation to the congregation to buy that building. Because I respected the people on that search team so very much, it was hard for me to push back. I wondered how I could explain what I was feeling. That's when I remembered the Rawlings glove story. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I swallowed hard, got ready to use up some of the leadership capital I'd earned, and said, "When I was a kid I always wanted a Rawlings glove, but I never asked for one and I never got one. Well, I think God has a Rawlings glove for us when it comes to the location for our church. That property in Richfield is a Nokona. So, I'm going to ask you NOT to make this recommendation to our church. I want to find God's Rawlings glove for us." <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">That was hard for me to say, "Please don't." And it was hard for the members of that property search team to hear. But the members of that team respected me enough to not make the recommendation. However, almost every person on that team resigned from the team. I was happy they didn't leave the church. But we had to create a new team. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">That new team asked a different question. They didn't ask, "Where are 10 available acres?" but "Where would we LIKE to be?" We talked about it and concluded, "I77 and Wallings Road - right between where we started at Lawrence School and where we are currently worshipping, the Brecksville High School." <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">One of our new team members, a business leader named Greg Muzzillo, began asking homeowners on the northeast corner of 77 and Wallings, "Would you be willing to sell?" No one was interested. Then he went to the northwest corner. Long story short? 4 different owners of 5 different parcels of land decided to sell to us at pretty much the same time. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">That's God. Only the Lord. He did it. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Now, we sit at one of the most strategic, visible, accessible sites for a church in all of NE Ohio. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Don't settle for anything less than God's best. </span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
Rick Duncanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12450228524989738547noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36647615.post-6683863658824484892019-09-23T09:50:00.002-05:002019-09-23T16:26:41.844-05:008 Ways in which Fear Is Actually a Good Thing<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://christianitymalaysia.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/FEAR-NOT-001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="800" height="356" src="https://christianitymalaysia.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/FEAR-NOT-001.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">"Fear not!" <br /><br />"Do not fear!" <br /><br />"Don't be afraid!" <br /><br />You may have heard that "fear not" occurs 365 times in the Bible - one for each day of the year. But that's just not true. <br /><br />In the New American Standard Bible "fear not" occurs 4 times, "do not fear" occurs 57 times, and "do not be afraid" occurs 46 times. That's 107 times where the Lord tells us to not be afraid. But that shouldn't disturb us. God only has to command something one time for His word to be obeyed. <br /><br />Even if "fear not" is not in the Bible 365 times, it is still one of the most often repeated commands in the Bible. Why is it commanded so often? Because we are so often afraid. <br /><br />Yet aren't some forms of fear actually good? Fearing the Lord is certainly a good thing for it is the beginning of wisdom. But could other feelings of fear actually be beneficial for us? <br /><br />I recently read a book called <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Voice-Heart-Chip-Dodd/dp/0615300359">The Voice of the Heart</a> by Chip Dodd. It’s about allowing ourselves to feel our feelings. He has a chapter on fear. Dodd makes a distinction between what one might call “healthy fear” and “unhealthy anxiety.”<br /><br />He says that when you are boarding a plane, you want to have a pilot who has a healthy fear so he will pursue safety for himself and for all those who are flying. We know as parents, we have a fear of seeing our children being run over in the street or in a parking lot. So, we leverage that fear to protect them. If our teens are running with the wrong crowd, we want to limit their access to the wrong crowd because we are afraid (I think, in a good way) of the influence of those negative friends. If we are teaching children how to hunt, we teach them gun safety because we have a healthy fear of what a gun can do if it’s handled improperly. If you meet a bear in Appalachia, a mountain lion in Arizona, or a tiger in India, you should be afraid! <br /><br />When God says “fear not,“ He’s not talking about this kind of fear. This kind of fear is actually good.<br /><br />I made a few notes when I was reading Chip Dodd’s chapter on fear.</span><br />
<ul style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">
<li>A healthy fear of the enemy can help us prepare for future battles. </li>
<li>Fear can help us look out for the well-being of ourselves and others. </li>
<li>Fear can cause us to ask others to help us. </li>
<li>Fear can move us to pray and seek God. </li>
<li>When a leader has a healthy fear, it will help the people who are following him trust him. </li>
<li>Fear can prompt us to find more resources and help when we are facing difficulty fear. </li>
<li>Fear can lead us to courageous acts. </li>
<li>Fear can cause us to admit our weakness and humanity. </li>
</span></ul>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">
Dodd does go on to write about how unhealthy anxieties (how the fear nots" of the Bible) take us away from what is true and makes us distrustful and impulsive. He says unhealthy anxiety causes us to try to control our future in order to prevent the recurrence of painful past experiences. <br /><br />Dodd maintains that it’s better to admit our healthy fear so we can go ahead and move toward positive solutions regarding the circumstances we are experiencing. Dodd would say that a denial of our fear is actually what makes us anxious and turns us into people who want to control situations that we cannot control. <br /><br />He writes, “The recognition of our deep limitations that come from admitted fear is the awakening of our need for God and others. This is not a mental acknowledgment; it is a heartfelt neediness. As we discover our neediness, we find a God who is always in charge, in love, and on duty. As our neediness is turned into dependence, the dependence is transformed in the hope for good and trust that goodness is coming. As we allow ourselves to discover goodness, we also discovered faith. This certainty eradicates anxiety. Fear used well is the antidote to worry.” <br /><br />If a person gets a diagnosis of cancer, I don't it would be sinful for that person to experience some form of fear. That kind of fear can cause one to trust God and run to Him or that kind of fear could cause one to doubt God and run from Him. <br /><br />In fact, in the Bible there appear to be some uses of the word "fear" or "afraid" that support the idea that some forms of fear can be healthy. <br /><br />It was the fear of an enemy that caused Jehoshaphat to call out to the Lord. "Some men came and told Jehoshaphat, <i>"A great multitude is coming against you from Edom, from beyond the sea; and, behold, they are in Hazazon-tamar" (that is, Engedi). Then Jehoshaphat was <b>afraid</b> and set his face to seek the LORD, and proclaimed a fast throughout all Judah"</i> (II Chronicles 20:2-3).<br /><br />Nehemiah had a “healthy fear” that informed his approach to the king and his prayer to God. <i>"And the king said to me, 'Why is your face sad, seeing you are not sick? This is nothing but sadness of the heart.' Then I was very much <b>afraid</b>. I said to the king, 'Let the king live forever! Why should not my face be sad, when the city, the place of my fathers' graves, lies in ruins, and its gates have been destroyed by fire?' Then the king said to me, 'What are you requesting?' So I prayed to the God of heaven"</i> (Nehemiah 2:2-4).<br /><br />The wise men demonstrated a fear of Herod when they did not return to him after they worshipped baby Jesus. Joseph and Mary had a fear of Herod when they took Jesus to Egypt. And after Herod died, fear caused Joseph to take his family to Galilee. <i>“But when he heard that Archelaus was reigning over Judea in place of his father Herod, he was <b>afraid</b> to go there, and being warned in a dream he withdrew to the district of Galilee"</i> (Matthew 2:22).<br /><br />Jehoshaphat, Nehemiah, and Joseph seem to be displaying a healthy kind of fear that led them to act in prudent ways to accomplish the will of God. </span><br />
<div>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br />So, a fear that fosters wisdom and healthy responses to God and others seems to be a good thing, even godly. A fear that immobilizes us and causes us to doubt God and His goodness is, to put it bluntly, sin. <br /><br />If you are still not comfortable using the word" fear" in a good way because of all the "fear nots" in the Bible, maybe “godly caution” is better for you. Or "healthy concern," "practical discernment," "prudent vigilance," "loving watchfulness," or "heedful forethought." <br /><br /><i>So, what fears are producing faithfulness in you? And what fears are producing faithlessness in you? What concerns should you bring to the Lord today? Based on a healthy fear or a godly concern, what's the wisest course of action for you to take today? </i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">
</span></div>
</div>
Rick Duncanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12450228524989738547noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36647615.post-47919512152941827172019-09-02T09:00:00.000-05:002019-09-02T09:00:08.325-05:006 Relationships to Help You Safeguard Your Soul<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigRBfmCWwWRFMEk4Zw2LEk2lkTJKMhgjvYDKf81_X8cPD2HbjDhDpFU-KETHQC5ASFP0T4Vl9ml783J8f2ys5G63J8wEsJZHwXky3ErgXO94ZdP3IboUQjiBErFbjwZb7shXv_gg/s1600/tumblr_ku5afeDHye1qzlgb3o1_r1_500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="280" data-original-width="400" height="448" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigRBfmCWwWRFMEk4Zw2LEk2lkTJKMhgjvYDKf81_X8cPD2HbjDhDpFU-KETHQC5ASFP0T4Vl9ml783J8f2ys5G63J8wEsJZHwXky3ErgXO94ZdP3IboUQjiBErFbjwZb7shXv_gg/s1600/tumblr_ku5afeDHye1qzlgb3o1_r1_500.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="background-color: white;">Silver, Sloth, Self, and Sex.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="background-color: white;">Chuck Swindoll tells the story of how, many years ago, a seasoned pastor looked at him and a group of 2 dozen pastors and warned them of these 4 “occupational hazards” that can take down spiritual leaders. Tragically, most of us can quickly list name after name of men who have been disqualified from ministry because of failure in the areas of silver, sloth, self, and sex.</span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="background-color: white;"><a href="https://pastors.iflblog.com/2016/04/silver-sloth-self-sex/">Swindoll writes</a>, “A moral breakdown never occurs suddenly. It comes about slowly, almost imperceptibly, like a slow leak in one of your tires. Some things are tolerated that were once not allowed. We lose the edge… we begin to slip… we shrug it off and smile instead of facing the truth. Time passes. By and by, sneaky acts of disobedience slip in, but because they are hidden and rationalized, we deny how far we’ve drifted.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="background-color: white;">And then it happens. After years and years of fruitful ministry, a life is terribly tarnished by a tragic decision. A wife is wounded; the children are confused; friends are furious; a church is crippled, and a man of God has been neutralized. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="background-color: white;">No wonder the Bible says, “<i>Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life”</i> (Proverbs 4:23). <i>“Let anyone who thinks that he stands </i></span><i>take<span style="background-color: white;"> </span>heed<span style="background-color: white;"> lest he fall”</span></i><span style="background-color: white;"> (I Corinthians 10:12).</span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="background-color: white;">In My Utmost for His Highest, <a href="https://utmost.org/beware-of-the-least-likely-temptation/">Oswald Chambers wrote</a>, “Do not try to predict where the temptation will come; it is the least likely thing that is the real danger. It is in the aftermath of a great spiritual event that the least likely things begin to have an effect. They may not be forceful and dominant, but they are there. And if you are not careful to be forewarned, they will trip you… Unguarded strength is actually a double weakness, because that is where the least likely temptations will be effective in sapping strength.”</span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="background-color: white;">We need one another’s help. </span><i><span style="background-color: white;">“</span></i><i>Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another”</i> (Proverbs 27:17). <span style="background-color: white;">We need a band of brothers who will guard our backs when the enemy attacks. </span><i><span style="background-color: white;">“</span></i><i><span style="background-color: white;">Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing”</span></i><span style="background-color: white;"> (I Thessalonians 5:11). We need others to keep us motivated to serve the Lord faithfully all our days. <i>“Let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works”</i> (Hebrews 10:24).</span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="background-color: white;">Your character counts. Who’s counting yours?</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<b><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">Safeguarding Your Soul: A Self-Assessment</span><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
Please evaluate yourself on a scale of 1-10, 10 being high: 10) Always 7) Usually 5) Sometimes 3) Rarely 1) Never <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
___ I have built an ongoing relationship with a proven, trusted leader who provides a safe space for me to explore and evaluate my thoughts as I seek to discover God’s vision for my life and ministry.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
___ So I can grow in my relational ability, emotional maturity, and spiritual vitality, I spend regular time with a wise friend who hears stories about my limitations and losses, who minors in advice and double-majors in encouragement, and who reminds me of my identity in Christ as a beloved child.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="background-color: white;">___ Because I realize that I am accountable to our donors for how well the church stewards their contributions and because I realize that financial accountability protects leaders and the reputation of the church, I have empowered a team of trustworthy individuals to discuss, review, and approve the financial operations of the church.</span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
___ I meet regularly with a champion of my marriage, a friend who keeps me on point in romancing and cherishing my spouse because he cares deeply about the success of my marriage and the welfare of my family. He intercedes for me, asks grace-filled questions about my personal purity and thought life, and encourages me to be a true servant in the home.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
___ I have a coach who knows how to help me pause, look at the big picture, and develop clear next steps. He uses his <span style="background-color: white;">problem-solving skills to help me develop creative ideas about how to overcome challenges and leverage new initiatives so the church can achieve the mission.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="background-color: white;">___ I have given my “band of brothers” the freedom and the responsibility to ask me questions about my ongoing practice of the spiritual disciplines of the Christian life, such as </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;">Bible intake (including scripture memory), prayer, worship, evangelism, serving, stewardship, fasting, silence and solitude, journaling, and learning. </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="background-color: white;">___ Your Score</span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="background-color: white;">Where did you score highest? Where did you score lowest? What does this tell you about your commitment to maintaining moral purity? What are some next steps you can take to grow?</span></div>
</div>
Rick Duncanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12450228524989738547noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36647615.post-46969696689878736722019-08-31T10:17:00.000-05:002019-08-31T10:24:04.066-05:0010 Truths to Move You from Feeling Like an Unappreciated Employee to a Beloved Child<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.agodman.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/1-John-3-2-Beloved-now-we-are-children-of-God-and-it-has-not-yet-been-manifested-what-we-will-be.-We-know-that-if-He-is-manifested-we-will-be-like-Him-because-we-will-see-Him-even-as-He-is-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="451" data-original-width="632" height="456" src="https://www.agodman.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/1-John-3-2-Beloved-now-we-are-children-of-God-and-it-has-not-yet-been-manifested-what-we-will-be.-We-know-that-if-He-is-manifested-we-will-be-like-Him-because-we-will-see-Him-even-as-He-is-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #1c1e21; font-family: , , "blinkmacsystemfont" , ".sfnstext-regular" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #1c1e21; font-family: , , "blinkmacsystemfont" , ".sfnstext-regular" , sans-serif;">Are you living… </span><br />
<br style="caret-color: rgb(28, 30, 33); color: #1c1e21; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, ".SFNSText-Regular", sans-serif;" />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #1c1e21; font-family: , , "blinkmacsystemfont" , ".sfnstext-regular" , sans-serif;">1) as a joyful Beloved Child of God - a grace-fueled, no-shame, free-from-condemnation life? </span><br />
<br style="caret-color: rgb(28, 30, 33); color: #1c1e21; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, ".SFNSText-Regular", sans-serif;" />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #1c1e21; font-family: , , "blinkmacsystemfont" , ".sfnstext-regular" , sans-serif;">...or...</span><span class="text_exposed_show" style="color: #1c1e21; display: inline; font-family: , , "blinkmacsystemfont" , ".sfnstext-regular" , sans-serif;"><br /><br />2) as an unappreciated employee of God - a "do-more, try-harder, earn-God's-pleasure" kind of life?<br /><br />The second is a life of pressure, performance, and pain. The first is a life of love, joy, and peace.<br /><br />***<br /><br />Here's a little self-assessment. Grade yourself on a scale of 1-10, 10 being high.<br /><br />___ My life in Christ is not about what I can do to make myself worthy of His acceptance; but it's about daily trusting in what Jesus has already done for me to make me worthy of HIs acceptance.<br /><br />___ I have found in Jesus a Person so safe that even when the worst about me is known, I don't feel loved less, but I feel loved even more.<br /><br />___ When I sin, I am quickly able to remind myself that Jesus invites me to live with the conscious awareness that I am clothed in the righteousness of Christ.<br /><br />___ Because I am in Christ, I no longer try to appease a god who is growing more and more impatient with me; instead, I enjoy the God who knows me, accepts me, loves me, and approves of me.<br /><br />___ Instead of picturing my sin as an ugly mountain between us that causes God to be displeased with me, I picture myself with Jesus, His arm around my shoulder, my sin in front of us, working on overcoming it together.<br /><br />___ I no longer believe that Jesus is somewhat disappointed with me; instead, I believe Jesus loves me and enjoys me all the time.<br /><br />___ I enjoy spending time with God because I know He enjoys spending time with me.<br /><br />___ I trust who Jesus says I am - forgiven and clothed in His righteousness - even when I have sinned greatly and feel I least deserve it.<br /><br />___ I know that I have great worth apart from my performance because Christ gave His life for me and, therefore, imparted great value to me.<br /><br />___ I know that I am deeply loved, fully pleasing, totally forgiven, accepted and complete in Christ.<br /><br />___ Your score<br /><br />Where did you score highest? How did you come to see yourself this way? Where did you score lowest? How do you think this low score has impacted your walk with Christ - your level of love, joy, and peace? What are some steps you can take to grow in your understanding of what it means to be a Beloved Child?<br /><br />***<br /><br />Note: This self-assessment was built from truths found in Romans 8 and from applications of Romans 8 found in books "The Search for Significance" and "The Cure."</span></div>
Rick Duncanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12450228524989738547noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36647615.post-44800291850181591132019-08-16T17:57:00.001-05:002019-08-16T18:01:22.165-05:00How to Handle Your Disappointments with God<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://i.vimeocdn.com/video/258283016_640.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="426" data-original-width="640" height="426" src="https://i.vimeocdn.com/video/258283016_640.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>The ABCs of Disappointment</b><br /><br />I remember once swapping emails with a guest speaker who came to Cuyahoga Valley Church, John Alan Turner, about how God’s people ought to handle disappointments. <br /><br />What follows are some of his ideas intermingled with some of mine. Hopefully, the result is God-saturated, Bible-based, Christ-exalting help for you.<br /><br /><i>Label your disappointment. Call it “A.” </i></span><br />
<div>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">“A” can stand for the "Activating" event, the stuff that has happened to you to cause you pain. Or “A” can stand for the "Actions" of others that have hurt you. These are circumstances and situations that come to all of us and are often beyond our control.<br /><br />The "A" might be that someone in your family has rejected you somehow. Maybe you want kids but haven’t been able to have them. Maybe you’re in a marriage with a difficult person. Maybe you are single and you’re not meeting anyone. Or maybe the one you’re interested in isn’t interested in you. Maybe you’ve had a miscarriage. Life isn’t playing out the way you hoped.<br /><br />What’s your “A?” Now, how do you respond to “A?” </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i>Let’s label your response “C.” </i></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">“C” can stand for your "Comeback" or your "Counter" to the Activating event. It could stand for the "Condition" of your heart after “A” happens to you. “C” could stand for the "Conduct" of your life after “A” takes place. What’s the emotional "Consequence" of “A” for you? For a lot of us, it’s catastrophe or collapse or callousness or complaint.<br /><br />John asked me, "Have you ever noticed how two people can go through the exact same 'A' and end up at a very different 'C'?"<br /><br />If two people have a car wreck (“A”), one person might think. “God must be punishing me” (“C”) while another person thinks, “God sure was gracious in sparing my life” (a very different “C”). One person knows despair. The other has hope. What’s the difference? </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">What's between "A" and "C"? You got it! “B.” The difference is in their "Beliefs" about the character and nature of God. <br /><br />Most of the time, we can’t change the “As,” the disappointments that come our way. Most of us think that disappointments actually make us respond a certain way. “Well, I should be ticked off or depressed or withdrawn. Look at how she’s treating me!” But Jesus has come into our lives to transform our “Cs” – the emotional "Consequences." Our “Cs” can change if we start believing what is true about God.<br /><br />And you’ll be a much better person to live with in your family. You won’t be loading down everyone with your baggage.<br /><br />Think with me. What was the “A” in Paul’s life In II Corinthians 12? It was the "thorn in the flesh" – the thing that he had prayed for God to remove. God said, “It’s staying.” Paul wanted it to be gone. It was some kind of disappointing "Activity" going on in his life.<br /><br />What was the “C” in Paul’s life – the "Condition" of his heart, the "Conduct" of his life? A word jumps off the page at me in II Corinthians 12. Contentment.<br /><br />Someone else could have had the same “A” – the same disappointing thorn in the flesh. They could have prayed for God to take it away. God could say, “It’s staying.” But the “C” for them – the "Condition" of their heart, the "Conduct" of their life can become the other “C.” Complaints. Conflict. Callousness.<br /><br />Translate that into family life. Who would you like to live with? Paul’s “C”? Contentment? Or the other “C”? Complaints / Conflicts / Callousness?<br /><br /><i>What’s the difference? “B.” What you "Believe" about God.</i><br /><br />Why did Paul end up with contentment in spite of his disappointment? He believed the truth about God.<br /><br />Here’s what he says about what he "B" - Believes.<br /><br /><b>1. He believed that God is love.</b><br /><i>I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.<br />Romans 8:38-39 (ESV)</i><br /><br />Paul knew that God is too loving to ever be unkind.<br /><br />Maybe as you read this, you are thinking about your mother wounds or father wounds. What you needed were parents who could give you guidance and direction with gentle wisdom. What you got were parents who either distant and uninvolved or who tried to live their lives through you. Or maybe they hurt you with their words. That’s your “A.” And there’s a sadness and a hurt that you carry with you. That’s your “C.” And maybe it’s hurting the people in your home. God has you reading this to ask you, “Do you really really believe that I love you… even in spite of your “A”?<br /><br /><b>2. Paul believed that God is wise.</b><br /><br /><i>Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and how inscrutable His ways.<br />Romans 11:30 (ESV)</i><br /><br />Paul knew that God is too wise to ever make a mistake.<br /><br />Maybe you can think back to your wedding day. You had such high hopes about having a great marriage. But now there’s a lack of intimacy in your relationship: Your wife is cold toward you. Your husband is locked in on his career, not you. And your needs aren’t being met. That’s your “A.” And you’ve been thinking about divorce. Your kids feel the distance between you. You don’t have energy, the passion to serve your family well. That’s your “C.” God has you reading this to ask you, “Do you really really believe that what I’ve allowed in your life is wise?”<br /><br /><b>3. Paul believed that God is sovereign.</b><br /><br /><i>We know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to His purpose.<br />Romans 8:28 (ESV)</i><br /><br />Paul knew that God is too sovereign to ever allow things in our lives that He can’t use for our good.<br /><br />Maybe you prayed and asked God for kids who would leave your nest and make good choices. Now, you just shake your head at who they are dating or married to. Their career path doesn’t seem wise. How they spend their money and what they do with their time seems crazy to you. That’s your “A.” And you are putting all kinds of pressure on your kids to change, to meet your expectations. That’s your “C.” And they are running further and further away from God and from you. God has you reading this to ask you, “Do you really really believe that I am sovereign and that I am going to be working all things together for good?”<br /><br />See, you can't control the "A" in your life. But you can have a different "C." It all depends on your "B." </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">So, which "B" - Belief - about God needs to change in you for you to get to a different "C"? </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">As a result of how you handle the disappointments in your family, you’re either going to be a draining person to live with or you’re going to be an energizing person to live with. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">And the difference is your "B." </span></div>
</div>
Rick Duncanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12450228524989738547noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36647615.post-88578265739267768692019-08-15T10:37:00.000-05:002019-08-15T10:37:14.761-05:00How would you describe the 55+ year old version of you? How will you get there? <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://i.pinimg.com/236x/c8/8b/76/c88b76007003b8ea76d36c7d15255c09.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="251" data-original-width="201" height="640" src="https://i.pinimg.com/236x/c8/8b/76/c88b76007003b8ea76d36c7d15255c09.jpg" width="512" /></a></div>
<span style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51);">Today, I have been thinking about the time I met with a young leader who was doing some reevaluating about his life and ministry. He'd been a lead pastor for almost a decade. He felt like some things he was doing in his current role were eating away at his life and energy. I tried to encourage him and ask some questions to help him get unstuck.</span></span><br /><br /><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51);">I said to him, "As I think about you, here are words and phrases that come to mind: Kingdom-minded. Growth-oriented. Leader. Learner. Proven. Tested. Productive. Fruitful. Teachable. Solid family husband and dad. Visionary. Aggressive. Hungry. Zealous. Holy ambition. And more! </span></span><span style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333;">With all that, I am convinced we NEED you on the front lines, brother. I know you are tired right now and unclear about the future. But God, I believe, has big plans for you. I see Him doing amazing things in, through, with, for, and by you wherever you end up."</span></span><br />
<div style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />Here are a few of the questions I asked my friend to stir up his thinking. If you are stuck in any way, maybe these questions will help you, too.<br /><br /><i>Who is the bully on the playground of your life and ministry who has been stealing your lunch money?</i></span></div>
<div style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px;">
<i><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></i></div>
<div style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px;">
<i><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">What does the 55 year-old version of you look like? What’s he doing? How is he growing the kingdom? What does ministry feel like, smell like, taste like? Paint yourself a picture of your preferred future! What will the Convergence phase of ministry look like for you?</span></i></div>
<div style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px;">
<i><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></i></div>
<div style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px;">
<i><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Who are the 55+ year-old models/examples you want to follow and learn from?</span></i></div>
<div style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px;">
<i><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></i></div>
<div style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px;">
<i><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Where will you need to be in 5 years in order to become the 55 year-old version of you that you want to be?</span></i></div>
<div style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px;">
<i><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></i></div>
<div style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px;">
<i><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">How will you get from where you are now to where you want to be in 5 years? How will you get from where you are now to where you want to be at age 55?</span></i></div>
<div style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px;">
<i><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></i></div>
<div style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>What are the resources that you currently have that you can leverage for your leadership journey?</i><br /><br />I mentioned to my friend that I have taught a leadership class where I have used the Robert Clinton 6 phases of leadership paradigm from his book, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/The-Making-Leader-Second-Edition/dp/1612910750" style="color: #009eb8; display: inline; outline: none; text-decoration: none; transition: color 0.3s;">The Making of a Leader</a>. Clinton’s thesis is that if we don’t pass a checkpoint (a test), God might leave us stuck in a leadership phase. That’s definitely not a good place to be.<br /><br />Please pray for my friend to get unstuck. And pray for me as I grow as a leader and coach others. And, while you're at it, please pray for your own growth as a leader.</span></div>
</div>
Rick Duncanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12450228524989738547noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36647615.post-26475541177251411862019-08-14T08:53:00.000-05:002019-08-14T08:53:36.403-05:00They Went Out from Us<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://i.vimeocdn.com/video/471921436_1280x720.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="800" height="360" src="https://i.vimeocdn.com/video/471921436_1280x720.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />In light of high profile leaders leaving the faith lately, perhaps we ought to be reminded that it’s not anything new. <br /><br />Demas was a deserter in New Testament days. Billy Graham’s friend and co-laborer, Charles Templeton, left the faith. Bart Campolo became a secular humanist. Frank Schaeffer ditched evangelicalism. Now, Josh Harris and Marty Sampson have gone. <br /><br />It’s not a new phenomenon. John shows us what happens, <i>“They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would have continued with us. But they went out, that it might become plain that they all are not of us” (I John 2:19).</i><br /><br />It will happen again. Could it happen to you? Or me?<br /><br />Let’s pray for ourselves and for each other that we will persevere, that we will fight the good fight, that we will finish our course, that we will keep the faith.<br /><br />You see, Revelation tells us that the overcomers are the ones who receive the promises. In Revelation 2-3, the ESV uses the word “conquers.” The NASB uses the word “overcomes.” The Greek word is actually nikao - to be victorious, to prevail, to get the victory.<br /><br /><i>To the one who conquers [overcomes] I will grant to eat of the tree of life, which is in the paradise of God. Revelation 2:7b<br /><br />The one who conquers [overcomes] will not be hurt by the second death. Revelation 2:11b<br /><br />To the one who conquers [overcomes] I will give some of the hidden manna, and I will give him a white stone, with a new name written on the stone that no one knows except the one who receives it. Revelation 2:17b<br /><br />The one who conquers [overcomes] and who keeps my works until the end, to him I will give authority over the nations. Revelation 2:26<br /><br />The one who conquers [overcomes] will be clothed thus in white garments, and I will never blot his name out of the book of life. I will confess his name before my Father and before his angels. Revelation 3:5<br /><br />The one who conquers [overcomes], I will make him a pillar in the temple of my God. Never shall he go out of it, and I will write on him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, the new Jerusalem, which comes down from my God out of heaven, and my own new name. Revelation 3:12<br /><br />The one who conquers [overcomes], I will grant him to sit with me on my throne, as I also conquered and sat down with my Father on his throne. Revelation 3:21</i><br /><br />So, how do we overcome; how do we gain the victory? Again, Revelation helps us.<br /><br /><i>And they have conquered him [the accuser, Satan] by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, for they loved not their lives even unto death. Revelation 12:11</i><br />“Jesus, we know we can do nothing apart from You. If You didn’t help us stay faithful, we would fail and fall. Thank You for holding us close to Your heart. Thank You that Your steadfast love never ceases. John 10 tells us that You and the Father hold us safe and sound and secure in a double divine grip! Help us finish the race that You have given us to run. Help us to be steadfast and immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord. We are those who persevere because You are He who preserves. Make us stand before You one day and hear You say, ‘Well done.’ Amen.”</span></div>
Rick Duncanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12450228524989738547noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36647615.post-8757930054113170862019-08-05T12:25:00.000-05:002019-08-05T14:42:55.030-05:00Why You Should Admit Your Leadership Mistakes<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.all-greatquotes.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/When-youve-done-something-wrong-admit-it-and-be-sorry.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="650" data-original-width="650" height="640" src="https://www.all-greatquotes.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/When-youve-done-something-wrong-admit-it-and-be-sorry.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Sometimes, pastors, church planters, and ministry leaders hesitate to admit their leadership failures because it will make them look bad and, they think, might cause them to lose credibility. But we need to help our leaders admit their human frailty.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Spiritual leaders will undoubtedly make mistakes in appointing and empowering church leaders. Why do we empower the wrong people? We are far too easily impressed by a person's charisma, abilities, and persuasiveness. We can fall prey to the person who tells us what we want to hear about our organization or about ourselves. We are looking for the quick fix that a person promises. </span><br />
<div>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br />Yes, we must do our due diligence up front when identifying ministry and mission leaders. Have they demonstrated trustworthiness, integrity, and godly character over time? Do they have EQ as well as IQ? Can they "pass" a psychological assessment? Do their references check out? <br /><br />But no matter how hard we try in advance to identify character flaws in potential leaders, we will make some mistakes and support some leaders who will prove themselves not to be worthy of our trust. <br /><br />Not admitting that we made a error in judgment even after doing our due diligence is a huge leadership mistake. <br /><br />Even the great Apostle Paul did not bat 1.000 when choosing leaders to align himself with. Paul once called Demas his “fellow worker” (Philemon 1:24). Later, however, Demas failed the character test, falling in love with the world and deserting Paul (II Timothy 4:10). <br /><br />Our identity cannot be wrapped up in always being right. We're human. Our identity must be wrapped up in Christ - the One who loves us even when we make wrong leadership decisions. <br /><br />The people we are leading don't expect perfection from us, but they ought to see transparency and humility – especially when we’ve made mistakes. <br /><br />If the great Apostle Paul was, at times, a poor judge of a person’s character, then who are we to think that we won’t sometimes do the same? <br /><br />The greater mistake is not our choosing a flawed leader, but our unwillingness to publicly admit our leadership failure. </span></div>
</div>
Rick Duncanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12450228524989738547noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36647615.post-79523441697242025032019-07-26T11:59:00.002-05:002019-07-26T11:59:37.721-05:007 Characteristics to Become Someone Others want to be Around<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.mannaexpressonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/relational-soul.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="529" height="640" src="https://www.mannaexpressonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/relational-soul.jpg" width="422" /></a></div>
<div style="caret-color: rgb(28, 30, 33); color: #1c1e21; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, ".SFNSText-Regular", sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="color: #1c1e21; margin-bottom: 6px;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Are you really someone others WANT to be around? Do you want to grow to become more loving both inside and outside your home? </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="caret-color: rgb(28, 30, 33); color: #1c1e21; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">The best book I’ve been reading lately is “The Relational Soul.” God has really been using the book to encourage and to challenge me. You might find it helpful, too.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The book has helped me get more clarity on who God is calling me to be relationally. I am praying I will more and more become…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">***<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>7 Characteristics to Become Someone Others want to be Around</b><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1. Hospitably Available - offering a welcoming space where change can take place.<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2. Joyfully Receptive - having an ability to laugh at life and at myself in a safe and open-hearted way. <span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">3. Completely Present - being attuned to the souls and feelings of others, especially their expressions, words, and stories. <span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">4. Honestly Vulnerable - participating in the pains and pleasures of life more fully and freely. <span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">5. Encouragingly Wise - sharing insights in a direct and empowering way and asking questions that lead to self-discovery. <span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">6. Amazingly gracious - minoring in advice and double-majoring in encouragement and perspective. <span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">7. Radically Christ-centered - living out of my identity as a Beloved Child of God who actually abides and bears fruit for God's glory. <span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">***<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A Beloved Child who abides<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A Wise Leader who loves<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A Voracious Learner who equips<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A Passionate Player who enjoys<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">***<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If you’re interested in the book, here’s the <a href="https://smile.amazon.com/Relational-Soul-Moving-False-Connection/dp/0830835873/ref=sr_1_3?_encoding=UTF8&gclid=Cj0KCQjwyerpBRD9ARIsAH-ITn_xhIfie1CkMtfnUOKMl46UCdA5HL7F0h7Z1vw9H7U34SyDfGQH-MQaAlcBEALw_wcB&hvadid=174236467180&hvdev=c&hvlocphy=9015328&hvnetw=g&hvpos=1t1&hvqmt=e&hvrand=1676114308397368612&hvtargid=aud-649564993678%3Akwd-69777139066&hydadcr=22538_9636740&keywords=the+relational+soul&qid=1564156482&s=gateway&sr=8-3">link</a>.</span></div>
</div>
Rick Duncanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12450228524989738547noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36647615.post-73621197531983330492019-07-25T14:45:00.000-05:002019-07-25T15:12:18.903-05:008 Ways to Evaluate Your Readiness for a Successful Succession <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://adoredadoption.files.wordpress.com/2013/01/passthetorch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="255" data-original-width="540" height="302" src="https://adoredadoption.files.wordpress.com/2013/01/passthetorch.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br />Are you ready to pass the torch of leadership to the next generation?<br /><br />Too often, leaders wait until almost everyone in the organization is asking, "How much longer will our leader hang onto the reins of leadership?" <br /><br />Sometimes, people in the organization are even afraid to have the conversation with the leader who clearly needs to praying about and planning for a succession. And that's a sad commentary on the spiritual health and maturity of the organization and the spiritual health and maturity of the leader. <br /><br />Succession is Biblical. Think Moses to Joshua. Think Elijah to Elisha. Think Jesus to the Twelve. And think Paul to Timothy and Titus. <br /><br />I've often said that every day you live as a leader, you are one day closer to becoming the ex-leader of your church, organization, or ministry. Your transition is inevitable. The question is simple: For the health of your organization and followers, will you transition with grace, dignity, intentionality, and excellence... or not? <br /><br />Why aren't leaders proactive when it comes to leadership transition? Many reasons. Let me just mention a few of the reasons I have seen over the years.</span><br />
<ul style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">
<li>They find their identity in a position or title rather than their identity in Christ. </li>
<li>They believe that it's their position that creates opportunities for fruitfulness rather than their place in the Vine. </li>
<li>They don't trust God to create new avenues and opportunities for fruitful service. </li>
<li>They don't love their organization enough to make future plans for the organization to thrive without them. </li>
<li>They secretly want the pinnacle of their organization's success to be under their leadership rather than under the leadership of a future leader. </li>
<li>They doubt that the next leader can accomplish greater things than they were able to accomplish.</li>
<li>They don't truly value discipling, equipping and encouraging the next generation. </li>
<li>They are fearful about their financial future. </li>
</span></ul>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">
<br />Here's a self-assessment I created for leaders in their 50s, 60s, and 70s to evaluate their readiness to pass the torch of leadership to the next generation. If you are wondering if you are spiritually and emotionally mature enough to pass the torch, then give yourself a score on a scale of 1-10, 10 being high: 10 – Always, 7 – Usually, 5 – Sometimes, 3 – Rarely, 1 – Never.</span><br />
<div>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">***<br /><br />8 Ways to Evaluate Your Readiness for a Successful Succession<br /><br />___ My identity is not wrapped up in my position or title. Instead, I realize that I have great worth apart from my position or title because Christ gave His life for me and imparted great value to me.<br /><br />___ I do not believe that my position or title is the source of my fruitfulness. Instead, I am demonstrating that my fruitfulness comes from abiding in Christ more widely, deeply, constantly, and purely.<br /><br />___ I believe that God can open up doors of fruitful service for me even after I transition out of my current leadership position.<br /><br />___ Just as a father develops plans to love and care for his family in the case of a catastrophe, I am implementing a succession plan for my ministry because I love the people and the organization that God has entrusted me to lead.<br /><br />___ I realize that the measure of my success as a leader includes, to a great degree, how well the organization functions after my departure. There is no success without a successor.<br /><br />___ I have identified my successor and I am pouring my life and leadership into the next leader just as Moses did with Joshua, Elijah did with Elisha, and Paul did with Timothy and Titus.<br /><br />___ I am energized by and find great fulfillment in encouraging, equipping, mentoring, coaching, and training the next generation of leaders.<br /><br />___ I am trusting God with not only my future ministry, reputation, and opportunities, but also with my future finances. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">___ Total<br /><br />Where did you score highest? Where did you score lowest? What does this tell you about where and how you might need to grow so you can pass the leadership torch with intentionality and excellence? <br /><br />Where are you now? Where do you want to be? How are you going to get there? What fears or obstacles are preventing you from getting there? <br /><br />Now create a plan for your next steps. Work through your plans with your leadership team. Initiate the conversation that everyone around you wishes they could have. Let your family and your team speak into your plans and into your life. Make sure your next steps are SMART – specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and time-bound.<br /><br />Remember: Your success includes your successor. Now, go find who that is! </span></div>
</div>
Rick Duncanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12450228524989738547noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36647615.post-41094078239258336492019-07-25T11:52:00.000-05:002019-07-25T11:52:01.352-05:0030 Ways to Evaluate Your Health as a Church Planter: A Personal Self-Assessment<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.thehealthsite.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/health-check-up.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="365" data-original-width="675" height="346" src="https://www.thehealthsite.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/health-check-up.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">Evaluating Your Health as a Church Planter: A Personal Self-Assessment<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">Please use this tool to assess your health physically, emotionally, relationally, mentally, and spiritually. Give yourself a score on a scale of 1-10, 10 being high: 10 – Always, 7 – Usually, 5 – Sometimes, 3 – Rarely, 1 – Never.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><b>Physical</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">___ I am a good steward of my body through healthy habits– exercise, rest, recreation, and eating in moderation.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">___ I typically feel energized when I face my day. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">___ I have established an exercise routine that is life-giving to me. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">___ My weight has been stable at a healthy level over the last 12 months. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">___ Over the last 6 months, I typically have not had trouble sleeping: I usually feel well-rested when I wake up. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">___ Within the last 12 months, I have had a complete physical exam performed by a physician who has checked my blood-pressure and cholesterol levels.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><b>Emotional </b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">___ Minor issues and disappointments in life do not make me irritable. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">___ In the last 6 months, I have regularly felt contentment, joy, and love rather than anxiety, worry, and fear.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">___ I rarely feel fear, guilt, or shame because I do not blame myself for the negative things that have happened to me. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">___ When I repent of personal sin and imperfections, I do so without feelings of false guilt.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">___ I often remind myself of my identity in Christ, that I have a great worth apart from my performance because Christ gave His life for me and imparted great value to me.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">___ I have trusted friends with whom I can share my limitations and losses, my baggage from the past, and my feelings.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><b>Relational</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">___ I am quick to forgive those who have hurt me as I honestly work through relational conflict.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">___ I quickly admit my own personal errors and humbly seek the forgiveness of those I have wronged.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">___ I consider personal feedback from others as an opportunity to grow.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">___ I go out of the way to show love to people (particularly the last, the least, and the lost) in my everyday life.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">___ I pray regularly for family members, friends, colleagues, and neighbors who do not yet know Christ.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">___ In the last six months, I have led someone to put their faith and trust In Christ as Lord and Savior. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><b>Mental</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">___ I rarely have trouble focusing, concentrating, or remembering things.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">___ I am able to focus on one task at a time at work. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">___ Because I know how to say “no,” I have life rhythms that enable me to live with margin at a sustainable pace.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">___ I refresh my mind by regularly engaging in hobbies and recreation that give me joy. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">___ I regularly give myself mental challenges, learning new things to keep my mind sharp.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">___ I regularly memorize passages of Scripture in order to fill my mind with God’s word.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><b>Spiritual </b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">___ My relationship with Christ is motivated by love rather than duty or fear.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">___ I trust Christ for His help through any problem or crisis because I know that trials produce godly character.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">___ I incorporate spiritual disciplines in my life without becoming legalistic.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">___ I am learning more and more to abide in Christ for fruitful service.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">___ I take steps of faith that require greater risk and greater faith and, therefore, model this risk-taking faith to others.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">___ I have developed a heart of humility and a spirit of gratitude that results in worship and awe of a holy God.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">What does this tell you about where and how you might need to grow</span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">to become a more healthy church planter? Where are you now? Where do you want to be? How are you going to get there? What fears or obstacles are preventing you from getting there? Now create a plan for your next steps. Make sure your next steps are SMART – specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and time-bound. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
Rick Duncanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12450228524989738547noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36647615.post-82703863740239322232019-07-07T15:36:00.001-05:002019-07-07T15:36:14.412-05:00Questions to Use when Ministering to the Terminally Ill<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://america.aljazeera.com/content/ajam/articles/2013/10/23/ministering-to-theterminallyill/_jcr_content/mainpar/imageslideshow/slideShowImages/slide3/image.adapt.960.high.rev_mary_chang_03a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://america.aljazeera.com/content/ajam/articles/2013/10/23/ministering-to-theterminallyill/_jcr_content/mainpar/imageslideshow/slideShowImages/slide3/image.adapt.960.high.rev_mary_chang_03a.jpg" data-original-height="532" data-original-width="800" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #1c1e21; font-family: , , "blinkmacsystemfont" , ".sfnstext-regular" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #1c1e21; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">At some point in your life, you will, no doubt, have an opportunity to minister to someone who is terminally ill. the person may be a family member or a friend. He or she may be a colleague at work.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br style="color: #1c1e21;" /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #1c1e21; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Do you know how to handle such situations?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br style="color: #1c1e21;" /></span>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #1c1e21;">You can’t say, “Well, that’s the pastor’s job.“ Yes and no. Certainly pastors have a responsibility to serve in such ways.</span><span class="text_exposed_show" style="color: #1c1e21; display: inline;"><br /><br />But we have it all been called into the ministry. We have all been called to share the good news. We have all been called to bring comfort, hope, and light into desperate, dark, and despairing times in the lives of the people we know.<br /><br />And you may be there before the pastor arrives. It’s important to share before it’s too late.<br /><br />When visiting someone on their deathbed...<br /><br />From Kirby Winstead, a clinical chaplain and hospice grief counselor who deals with these situations virtually every day.<br /><br />“Some turnkey phrases to use when ministering to the terminally ill:<br /><br />1. "Everyone has a belief system. Help me understand how your beliefs are helping you thru this difficult time.<br /><br />2. "Have you made spiritual preparations for the end of your life? Tell me about them.<br /><br />3. "May I share with you what the Bible says?”<br /><br />This is some solid advice from Pastor Winstead.<br /><br />In addition, I was taught to ask the terminally ill, “Is there any unfinished business between you and God? How might I help?” That has been a helpful, go-to tool for me. It might also be good to ask, “Is there any unfinished business between you and anyone else?“<br /><br />And never forget to go “prayed up,” abiding in Christ, and sensitive to the leading of the Holy Spirit.<br /><br />May God use us in these crisis situations to bring comfort and hope to those who need it most.</span></span></div>
Rick Duncanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12450228524989738547noreply@blogger.com0