the ReachEm blog

Irish blessing for 20twelve

2011-12-31T00:04:00.008-06:00

May God give You . . . . for every Storm a Rainbow, for every Tear a Smile, for every Care a Promise and a Blessing in each Trail. For every problem that life sends, a Faithful Friend to Share, for every Sigh a Sweet Song and an Answer for Each Prayer!

Happy Irish-American New Year Blessing in 20twelve from Kansas City's Leprechaun

Value(s) of Belonging to an Extending Apolostic Family

2011-08-02T20:51:00.018-05:00

I have enclosed an excerpt from FMCI August 2011 Newsletter, The Values of Belonging to an Extended Apostolic Family, written by Jim Hodges (Federation of Ministers and Churches International www.fmci.org) who wrote this article to local church pastors who network together from around the globe.

FMCI's purpose is to build generational synergy to extend the Kingdom (of God). I love that statement. I have been associated with FMCI for over fifteen years, building layer upon layer of relational ministry, and consider it an honor to post this.

I wanted to share this portion of their newsletter, just five short and concise points, whose application can cross denomination and network lines, because I believe that there are many pastors and body's of believers, local churches that comprise and make up 'the church', whose vision is very myopic are far as extending the kingdom of God. Here you go:

Several months ago, I began a quest to reevaluate apostleship within FMCI and in the larger Body of Christ. Since then, I have discovered through discussions with leaders that it seems in some ways we are where we were back in the 1960's and 1970's: either we deny apostleship for the Church today or we misapply apostolic ministry in the Body of Christ. This, of course, is not encouraging! So, my quest continues.

Let me share what I see to be the essential values that are provided when we connect apostolically:

(1) A Spiritual Indentity

We all need a sense of belonging to something that essentially has out spiritual DNA and that represents something beyond our individual identity. This will guard us from isolation and will enable us to share on a broader scale what the Lord has put in us for the benefit of others.

(2) A Spiritual Covering

Each of us needs someone who "has our back." Our personal lives and our ministry responsibilities need the blessing of protection. The word "covering" has been so misused that we rarely mention it. Years ago, I illustrated covering being like an umbrella, not a blanket. The latter smothers you and veils your identity. The former allows you to be seen and heard while being protected from harmful elements.

(3) A Spiritual Accountability

We all have blind spots - - even though we can often see the other person's blind spots! Through Biblical guidlines and strong relationship, we can experience the advancement that accountability brings.

(4) A Practical Facilitation

It is for each minister and each local church's responsibility to fulfill the Great Commission. The "CO-mission", by definition, calls us to cooperate with the Lord of the Harvest (He releases the strategies) and with each other in order to discipline nations.

(5) A Spiritual and Practical Linkage

To (and with) other networks and apostolic families in the Body of Christ.

More information about FMCI: www.fmci.org or on fb www.facebook.com/fmci.org

Creative Extremists - MLK

2011-02-01T20:46:00.010-06:00

This past January, America honored and celebrated the life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Dr. King advocated non-violent direct action as a means of exposing injustice(s) and thereby the promotion of justice (righteousness) for all. Dr. King was a gifted leader, superb orator, courageous believer and reformer.

Below is a brief excerpt from a letter made famous from Dr. King titled, "Letter From a Birmingham Jail" written on April 16, 1963.

"There was a time when the church was very powerful - in the time when the early Christians rejoiced at being deemed worthy to suffer for what they believed. In those days the church was not merely a thermometer that recorded the ideas and principles of popular opinion; it was a thermostat that transformed the mores of society. Whenever the early Christians entered a town, the people of power became disturbed and immediately sought to convict the Christians of being 'disturbers of the peace' and 'outside agitators.'

But the Christians pressed on, in the conviction that they were 'a colony of heaven,' called to obey God rather than man. Small in number, they were big in commitment. They were too God-intoxicated to be 'astronomically intimidated.'

By their effort and example they brought an end to such ancient evils as infanticide and gladiatorial contests. Things are different now. So often the contemporary church is weak, ineffectual voice with an uncertain sound. So often it is an archdefender of the status quo. Far from being disturbed by the presence of the church, the power structure of the average community is consoled by the church's silent - - and often even vocal - - sanction of things as they are.

But the judgement of God is upon the church as never before. If today's church does not recapture the sacrificial spirit of the early church, it will lose its authenticity, forfeit the loyalty of millions, and be dismissed as an irrelevant social club with no meaning for the twentieth century (and beyond). Every day I meet young people whose disappointment with the church has turned into outright disgust.

Perhaps I have once again been too optimistic. Is organized religion too inextricably bound to the status quo to save our nation and the world? Perhaps I must turn my faith to the inner spiritual church, the church within the church, as the true ekklesia and the hope of the world. But again I am thankful to God that some noble souls from the ranks of organized religion have broken loose from the paralyzing chains of conformity and joined us as active partners in the struggle for freedom."

America will honor the words of Dr. King, but ignore that he called for "Creative Extremists." Jesus, Paul of Tarsus, Martin Luther, Thomas Jefferson and Abraham Lincoln were all considered extremists in their day. Dr. King said, "So the question is not whether we will be extremists, but what kind of extremists we will be. Will we be extremists for hate or for love? Be extremists for the preservation of injustice or for the extension of justice?

The Church has a mandate to speak into the issues of of today, into our society and into the hearts of humanity. This is not a day to settle or seek comfort. We must speak courageously and clearly. Let's sharpen our communication skills to those we seek to influence, that they will recognize wisdom. Let's live sacrificially for the Kingdom of God.

(portions taken from an article by Hope Taylor - International Leadership Embassy)

2010-11-24T17:02:00.005-06:00

"trials teach us what we are; they dig up the soil, and let us see what we are made of, or they just turn up some of the ill weeds on the surface."

How Not to Prayer Walk

2010-07-15T18:48:00.002-05:00

http://vimeo.com/5918041

Qualities of a Leader, part 1

2010-06-19T21:43:00.010-05:00

What makes people follow a leader? Why do people reluctantly comply with one leader while passionately following another to the ends of the earth? What separates leadership theorists from successful leaders who lead effectively in the real world? The answer lies in the character qualities of the individual person.

Everything rises and falls on leadership. And leadership truly develops from the inside out. If you can become the leader you ought to be on the inside, you will be able to become the leader you want to be on the outside. People will follow you. And when that happens, you'll be able to tackle anything in this world.

(excerpts from John Maxwell's, "The 21 Indispensable Qualities of A Leader")

Young Evangelicals: Expanding Their Mission on College Campuses

2010-06-04T11:27:00.005-05:00

Young Evangelicals: Expanding Their Mission

on a misson from God

2010-06-01T14:54:00.021-05:00

The missional church believes it is God who is on mission and we (the church) are joining Him in it - - when the people of God act (with intentional purpose) like the people of God and do the work of God, we will actually help people see God

excerpt from, Missional Renaissance by Reggie McNeal

another Irish Proverb

2010-05-31T15:04:00.003-05:00

Any Kerryman will tell you there are only two Kingdoms: the Kingdom of God and the Kingdom of Kerry - "One is not of this world and the other is out of this world"

Not Everyone is Doing IT!

2010-05-25T17:32:00.005-05:00

The slogan that, "Everyone Is Doing It" has been used effectively by the world to convert Christians. The situation has become so bad, according to numerous surveys, that Christians (followers of Jesus) today are a liable to lie, cheat, steal, fornicate and compromise as their non-Christian counterparts are.

The divorce rate, teen pregnancy rate, the rate at which Christians violate ethical and moral boundaries all are close to the rate at which unregenerate people are 'doing it'.

How did this happen - - through a brainwashing of two generations of Christians believing a lie.

Christians, getting back to the scriptures and the biblical principles that promote godly living, righteous standing, foundational precepts of morals and values have turned the tide over the past two decades. Dispelling the lie, moving from inactivity to actively seeking God has produced results that are changing the waves of our society.

Everyone is NOT doing it. The next time someone makes this statement, do not hesitate to challenge it firmly. Hopefully, this will begin a chain of introspection that will eventually save many from moral destruction.

identical twins . . . . separated at birth

2010-05-05T17:11:00.003-05:00

way to go driscoll, you've found your brother

insights from the irish

2010-04-27T13:09:00.012-05:00

Two of my missionary heroes are Hudson Taylor (China) and St. Patrick (Ireland). The reason is that they understood the need to contextualize how you go about church and mission in different cultures . . . they got criticism for changing how they went about "church", how they adapted their ministry even their dress and look if needed, to proclaim and teach the gospel catered to a specific culture.

Patrick understood the people, their language, their issues and their ways . . . When you understand the people, you will often know what to say and do, and how. After years of reflection on how the Irish might be reached, he moved into mission.

- - taken from Dan Kimball's blog, reflecting on "The Celtic Way of Evangelism" by George Hunter

the foot of the cross

2010-04-17T21:04:00.005-05:00

When we come to the foot of the cross, we find Jesus - we can lay down all of our sin and the weight of the world that our lives carry every day.

After experiencing freedom from the cross of Jesus, we now can pick up this cross and carry it every day so that the weight of the cross will help us bare a higher calling, help us travel down a path of freedom, and give his the strength to live a life of righteousness.

the path . . . .

2010-04-16T12:31:00.007-05:00

Many people believe in multi-paths leading to God - believing that many paths does not lead to chaos but an inviting enlightenment. Jesus brought clarification that the road of the 'straight and narrow' was one that provided ease of direction, comfort of knowing that this one path in life has 'order', the one guiding the trip can be trusted, and the path is one of least resistance. Jesus wants us to be on the road that leads to himself to be the right one.

faith into action

2010-04-12T12:33:00.003-05:00

We follow Jesus by studying the scriptures and putting them into practice - we drive our faith deep(er) by serving our world and those around us. There is a developing culture of christians here in Kansas City of missional design. Christians from different local churches are encouraging one another to invade their culture around them with the Jesus inside of them.

my hope

2010-04-05T12:12:00.005-05:00

There are two aspects of my life that give me hope; Jesus and my wife. These two are the most godly people that I know. One is God and the other follows him closely.
Don't get me wrong - I love and follow Jesus with my entire life; every fiber of my being adheres to the scriptures for principle and lifestyle. I desire to walkout my life as Jesus did, living a missional life with focus and purpose. I also long to see people through Jesus' eyes - my wife is one such example of Jesus. She has such compassion for people, just a hen as she gathers she chicks; wait, this sounds scripture-like. Her compassion breeds hope for people which is what I desire to obtain.
She is type of woman that exemplifies a Proverbs 31 woman - a woman to be trusted, of extreme noble character, she energizes those around her, has respect and honor given to her by those around her, hard worker and creator, is compassionate to those in need and her children love and respect her. Her big brown eyes are hypnotic revealing her purified soul as people take time to listen to her. Thank you Jesus for being you and for allowing me time to live life with my wife . . . this is my Amy.

Sad State for Some

2010-04-01T10:19:00.004-05:00

While serving at a Kansas City thrift store (Hillcrest Thrift Store (http://www.hillcresttransitionalhousing.org), I volunteered to help a gentleman carry out a chair he purchased and noticed his Michigan plates, and began a conversation with him about his life and where he came from. He moved to Kansas City from Detroit a few months ago due his depressive description of No jobs, No housing, No future and No hope.

This is a 'sad state' of our economy, globally, dragging down people into a 'sad state' of life. Here is a gentleman who lost his job, his home and now hope. When hope is lost, a downward spiral is fast-tracked into hopelessness, resulting in total loss.

Our faith focus needs to stand secure in Jesus, trusting that as God he will not only be the God in out in space, but the God we place our 'hope' in on a daily basis in our lives. When followers of Jesus stand with HopeFULLness for today and tomorrow, then we can give those with hopelessness the real Jesus, the only hope.

TRUST . . . . . big word, only 5 letters

2010-03-29T10:07:00.010-05:00

wiki defines "trust": (1) reliance on another person or entity (2) having faith in others and believing them.

From this definition alone, "trust" in a big word contained in only five letters. How do we begin to trust others when they have failed us, rejected us, condemned us, abused us? How dare we get challenged by others to 'trust' in anyone or anything . . . but . . . you don't know my story. Yes, we live in a corrupt, depraved society that has proved itself time and time again to fail us - even when we move to the next ideal where there seems to be a glimmer of hope. Let's face it, people will fail us . . . . We tend to develop a culture of up and downs that are leading us away from our true potential, and a diminished trust in those around us.

We are placing our reliance, our faith on the wrong entity to empower us - what we are striving for is a metaphysical force, which means we need to go outside of 'us' to accomplish. Would it be possible, even conceivable for us give it to God? At times we tend to lean towards trusting people and fight against God. Life would be so much better if we would accept the words from the scriptures: "trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take."

the holy spirit, part 1

2009-10-12T17:20:00.009-05:00

You are watching on your flat screen one of your recorded favorite shows - then it comes to commercial. You are about to hit the fast-forward button when up pops the commercial for "Geico". You stop the speeding commericals, hit resume and watch as a guy out mowing his lawn, goes into his garage, grabs a box and string and attempts to 'capture' the "Geico stack of money with rolling eyes". Dumb commercial, but gets our attention every time . . . . . .

The story moral: One cannot save any money with Geico until you reach out and grab the savings - capturing something right in front of you that is waiting for you, desiring to make a difference in your life.

. . . the Holy Spirit is the same way.

If you are a follower of Jesus and have committed your life totally to God, desiring to be a true disciple of Jesus and his teachings, then it IS the HOLY SPIRIT you need. He is the only one who will lead you forward in life. This is the most neglected and forgotton God, and yet it is He, only He, who teaches us all truth and leads us to righteousness (right standing before God).

We cannot just have some blind faith, and not be submitted to the Holy Spirit. Followers of Jesus have far too long left the Holy Spirit laying on the grass like the "Geico money stack", just sitting there watching us, but not involved - waiting for us to grab the box and string, capturing and bringing Him into our lives so that the 'real SAVINGS' can take place everyday.

future of the 'bar code'

2009-10-07T17:57:00.021-05:00

congratulations - we come so far with the 'bar code' invention . . . . . . here is our future in 'bar code' technology

when finished reading, please scan back of hand or forehead across screen.

your government says thank you.

bar-code czar

vision

2009-09-27T20:21:00.011-05:00

vision is the art of seeing what is invisible to others

carry the gospel

2009-09-24T18:20:00.010-05:00

"the generation that the world and the enemy has termed, 'X' is the generation which will surpass the previous generation in extreme passion for Christ and carrying the gospel forward." ~ carl anderson (http://www.borntoblaze.org/)

discernment

2009-09-18T15:50:00.009-05:00

The first rule of holes:

When you are in one, stop digging.

Uncertainty

2009-09-01T13:00:00.002-05:00

A person's life does not require some extraordinary event to distinguish it. A life well lived can be equally inspiring and its contribution also great. Sometimes that transformation is best seen through failure, defeat or even death. Other times the miracle is wrapped around how God comes through in the midst of all that uncertainty.

speak life, part duex . . . .

2009-08-26T12:54:00.006-05:00

The human tongue is not a mere organ. It is an agent of change. Change for good or for bad. When we use our tongue to glorify evil or question that which is good, our tongue becomes an agent that spreads evil and that entice people into evil.

When we use our tongue to share gossip, especially the ones related to sexual violations, in a juicy manner instead of horror, our tongue seduces the listeners -- especially the tender ones in our care -- to look for sin, albeit forbidden.

We need to employ this agent of change in such a manner that the sacred is not profaned, and that which is profane is never elevated to the level of the sacred. Then we would have mastered this agent of change. - Dr. Johnson C. Philip

champion the cause . . . . while there is time

2009-08-19T14:39:00.007-05:00

What are your Dreams? What gets the motivational-engine inside of your going? The body of Christ at large and on the local scene is needing those who still dream big enough, those who are willing to 'step out of the boat' and take a risk, someone who is champion enough to take that 'leap of faith' out over the cliff in order to find the hidden pathway. Are there those peeking from inside the bushes who will take the life-changing gospel of Jesus, and like William Wallace (Braveheart movie), stand up and be counted. There is time. Time for each of us to walk the path that Jesus has set before us - to live a life that is gospel-worthy - making the most of every opportunity.

Is this YOU?

Will you champion the cause of the gospel? There is still time.

. . . . just dream

2009-08-17T23:17:00.002-05:00

We may not be able to accomplish everything we can dream, but we will not accomplish anything without our dreams - Erwin McManus

leadership quote . . . .

2009-08-14T17:08:00.008-05:00

"Where there is no hope in the future, there is no power in the present.”

book review: They Like Jesus But Not The Church

2009-08-12T19:11:00.009-05:00

Dan Kimball, author and lead pastor of Vintage Faith Church (Santa Cruz, CA)

When Dan finally put pen to paper on this one, it was definitely destined to be a keeper. Kimball has brought to life the urgent need for today's local church to engage our emerging culture - keeping to fundamental biblical theological roots . . . just changing the way we approach our culture, and the way we 'do church'.

This book will challenge those of us with faith in Jesus - taking an urgent and 'now' approach on the issues that those of us in christianity have closed our eyes too.

There are interviews with a number of 20 & 30-somethings, some churched and some unchurched, some with religious backgrounds and some spiritually diverse. This book give us understanding and insights into our emerging generations on how society views and relates to Jesus.

speak life

2009-08-11T11:02:00.005-05:00

We must avoid confusion between remaining silent and saying nothing. For while the former is passive the latter is active. By saying nothing we endeavour to speak of that which manifests in our world as a no-thing, as an absolute mystery which infuses our world with light and life. To undergo and then speak of that which is not a thing but which transforms our relationship with all things… this is a sacred and subversive vocation. Here you will find my own fragile, failing attempts to be a mouthpiece for that transformative silence. -peter rollins

globalCircle venture - Minnesota Group

2009-05-13T22:51:00.025-05:00

globalCircle® (ministry of the reachem group)

Wrapping Up the Mission: (June 5-12, 2009)
. . . . . arrived from Fosston, Minnesota, Friday night, June 5 and departed Friday, June 12 - here is their story . . . . .

they came to embark on a mission - what they found was life changing and an experience that could never be taken!

Over the next seven days, following a long fourteen hour bus ride, Elevate from Bethel Assembly, Fosston, Minnesota, began a journey of missional living that would forever be etched into their own personal lives. Each ones day was the writing of the life journal that only they could possibly convey. Here are some of the highlights of their events. . . . . . . . as they served Kansas City.

Gave out just under 2000 bottles of water to thirsting city dwellers, living in the midwest heat.
Personally handed out 83 lunches to homeless men, women and children in the downtown inner-core streets of Kansas City, Missouri.
Took time to talk, making conversation and investing into the lives of many homeless and ending by personally praying with them.
Handed out 50 full grocery sacks of food and supplies to low-income families/homes in Riverside, Missouri. (just over the bridge on the near northside)
Participated in small group meetings of intercessory prayer for schools, family, friends and their mission.
Spent an evening playing board games with homeless men, women and children. (KC Rescue Mission)
Prayer walked with intercessory passion an upscale Urban Outdoor Mall (Zona Rosa).
Connected and partnered with members of theRock of KC.
Gave away 500 free McDonald coupons and asking for personal prayer to those they were marketing to. (donations provided by Jim's Management, Inc., i.e. McD's Wagy's Management Company)
Served and participated in the large-scale dinner gathering of present, recovering and former homeless women and children and their families.
Participated in both worship services at theRock of KC local church.
Distributed dinners and breakfast to homeless men, women and children in emergency shelters in the inner-core of Kansas City, Missouri and Kansas.
Worked on building projects, grounds maintenance, and landscaping projects.
Daily meetings of early morning prayer and group intercession.
Helped collect, organize and distribute clothing, furniture and household items in a northside Thrift Store (Hillcrest Thrift Store).
Distributed food pantry items in collaboration with theRock of KC and Central Ave. Center of Hope.
Four high-impact meetings of spiritual significance of impartations of worship, teachings, prayer intercession, prophetic investments.

this can be your group too. Interested, contact us and let's see what happens!

What is a: globalCircle venture?

We organize and lead groups that engage our culture in the inner-core of Kansas City with the goal of combating social injustice issues: building projects, serving opportunities, personal interaction with the homeless, one-on-one prayer with those in spiritual need, helping those beaten down by society, prayer walking/street intercession, impacting areas of racial difference, kindness outreaches in diverse areas, meeting times of spiritual relevance . . . . . new ways of walking out the real gospel of Jesus.

this is real-life missional living - with passion and purpose.
not just the poor who need Jesus - the rich, the middle class, we all need to experience the full impact of the gospel.

the Crux of all Humanity

2009-04-12T13:26:00.022-05:00

We have just finished celebrating, not just another Easter service, but the CRUX of all that we believe . . . . . . . . .

Crux - (noun) definition:

1) an essential point requiring resolution or resolving an outcome

2) a main or central feature

. . . . . all of Humanity rests upon the events that took place 33 A.D. in Israel - the mandate that had taken place that day - reached its hand back through time to the beginning of mankind up through to today - still impacting with the same power today as it had over two thousand years ago.

At times in the past, and even this past Easter, today many christians are so caught up in the multi services, freaking because of no parking issues, all the egg hunts days preceding, Easter dinners at home or packed restaurants, churches getting ready for the biggest services of the year . . . . . we forget the REAL reason of why we meet on this annual Sunday, or every Sunday following.

What Jesus did, the reason why he came to earth in his human suit, the purpose of fulfilling a promise over four thousand years earlier (Genesis 3:15), the fulfillment of a PLAN set forth before the earth was set into motion (or big bang and all that, depending on your view) - his death on the cross set into motion a new HOPE for HUMANITY.

The fulfillment of this hope comes in the form of forgiveness, righteousness, grace and connection - - then we have a gospel that helps us to live this new life - an instruction manual for life, not just some religious or spiritual path, but fulfillment of life for humanity. The creator wants to be re-connected with his creation. Giving us passion for life, a reason for living with a higher purpose, a destiny.

Easter is not a one-day event . . . . it is a daily reminder for living a gospel-centered life.

2009-04-08T16:13:00.003-05:00

is there a new look for the Kansas City emerging church?

An Irish Blessing . . . . .

2009-03-17T18:26:00.008-05:00

May the road rise up to meet you

May the wind be always at your back

May the sun shine warm upon your face

And rains fall soft upon your fields

And until we meet again

May God hold you

in the hollow of His hand . . . . .

the "Sea Glass" theory

2009-02-14T15:32:00.012-06:00

A friend of mine from California told me a story about "sea glass", talking to me as if I had some west coast knowledge on such a subject. Come on, I'm not from the coast, so I said, "what the heck is 'sea glass'?" Sea Glass is a mosaic of smooth colored glass that comes in different shapes and sizes and emanates with beauty from the captured sun rays. I said great, but what it is?

After a few minutes of explaining that 'sea glass' is actually dirty and discarded glass bottles and chard pieces that have been thrown away by society and have become a product of pollution by being tossed into the ocean. The glass pieces then go through a time-tested process of swirling around in the oceans salt water, tossed around by the winds and waves, tumbling over and over and over again, mixed with the elements of the ocean and being polished into its new image.

Having the once discarded, sharp and jagged-edges of broken glass, these smooth, somewhat odd shaped pieces become washed up onto the shoreline - - now a transformed piece of recycled beauty that can be utilized in the world and for the world.

. . . . . then I thought about how the transformation process of those who follow Jesus is like the theory of sea glass.

It's Cold . . . . . as I sit in a warm home

2008-12-27T22:06:00.011-06:00

During this season of Christmas, it was a wonderful time . . . relaxing together with friends and family in a warm and toasty home, lounging around the decorated Christmas tree, having plenty of food and presents to go around, and watching many new holiday movies during the 'fa la la la lifetime' movie series.

One night here in Kansas City, just before our wonderful Christmas day celebration, the temperature dropped into the single digits with freezing rain and negative wind-chill. People were rushing to complete their daily routine tasks of work and shopping, then pressing to get home to avoid the elements that mother-nature had dumped upon us. As I was inching my way home in traffic, I began to ponder the thought of those without homes. Will they survive the night? Where will they go? Where will they sleep?

My heart sunk, the more I began thinking about the many homeless in our city of over two million.

Jumping Monkeys

2008-10-13T14:45:00.004-05:00

Is the local church still a home of commitment, a community (of people) that is working through the daily grinds of spiritual growth and transformation . . . or are we moving around like a group of 'Jumping Monkeys', making screeching noises and throwing poo at each other?

I am whole-heartily committed to the local church (the people, not the building) and am longing to see ourselves molded to the original acts 2:42 concept of meeting the needs of each other (followers of jesus) with having common interest and vision, growing closer to god by studying the apostles teachings and teaching others, sharing the true life-changing gospel of jesus to a spiritually-hungry world, being faith-filled and desiring to see miracles, signs and wonders (the magic stuff) . . . and making societal impact upon our city with jaw-dropping expressions of, 'things that make you go hum'.

. . . . come on church (true followers of jesus), the poo is beginning to stink, let's go out and make a difference! !

Peddlers, Part 2 (Television)

2008-10-06T14:38:00.012-05:00

If you read my first blog about street peddling, I hope you caught my heart, and that there is not misunderstanding from my point of view.

I am thrilled to see people here in Kansas City, as well as from other parts of our great country, especially followers of Jesus, are committing themselves to 'causes' that are impacting the lives of others for the betterment of the individuals on the receiving end. Now, let me talk about those on television.

Most causes, at their roots, are good, and it is exciting to see people rally behind the theme of taking our money and investing it into a worthy cause. There are two issues that arise about the professional, super-star, television hired-guns to peddle their local or world-wide cause: Cause and Cost.

What makes a 'Cause' a Cause? Is it the need itself, or how the need makes a feel? When it comes to TV, the use of big-name superstars to make emotional pleas by drawing us closer to them because of our idolization, using on-the-street video, guest appearances, and the constant barrage of pictures and stories - is there any wonder why so much money is raised . . . . ?

With the large amount of monies raised during the vast array's of 'TV causes' - so much of the money raised goes into paying for the monstrous production cost. With this type of overhead, the actual cost or percentage of actual funding that gets applied directly to the cause in which the recipients receiving goods and services seems parsed very low; even if Jack Black himself is volunteering his time.

Peddlers, Part 1 (Street)

2008-09-11T14:27:00.004-05:00

Tonight as I was driving home, while sitting at a stoplight, I noticed across the street gathered a girls soccer team, peddling change for some event they are gathering money for from the cars forced to stop at the red light - then I thought about the homeless man I recently encountered that was peddling change for 'bus fare' from those awaiting their particular bus . . . . . .

Are we obligated to compel to one or the other, or even both type groups to give? Is there a 'value system' implied in scripture that drives us by a sense of need to 'give' money to people or groups that stand on Street Corners and entice the emotional part of our lives for their 'cause'?

Jesus clearly wants us as followers of Him to help the 'poor', give extra to those 'charity groups' so they can distribute to those in real need - - to do this without guilt or emotional enticement, so that the scriptural blessing will be able to be returned.

Which one of the forementioned groups has the 'real need'? As a follower of Jesus, am I required to give to every guy walking on the streets begging, those groups standing on the corners either in their Sports uniforms or Vietnam Vets bless-you signs, Leukemia Society, and the list goes on-and-on - - or - - be a positive, proactive, obedient follower that looks for daily opportunities and 'steps forward' as the Holy Spirit prompts us to. Not from emotional sensationalism or guilt, but a scriptural obedience so that the investment into a person or group will return back as a blessing from God; from one of His choosing.

So - - to the girls soccer team, I gave butcus. To the homeless man, I wanted to bless him; he asked for a mere fifty-cents, all I had was a one dollar bill - so I had him make me change . . . .

Minnesota Group - impacting Kansas City

2008-06-30T11:27:00.002-05:00

They came from the north . . . They spent a week ready to combat social injustice . . . They did!

Recently we hosted a group consisting of three churches from Fosston, Breckenridge and Montevideo, Minnesota here in Kansas City - the target: combatting social injustice issues with the true gospel of Jesus. Looking past the categories of skin color, socioeconomic structure, lifestyle or religious/spiritual legacy - this group arrived in Kansas City to vindicate.

Over the next seven days, this group, having the opportunity to engage the homeless in personal interaction, erected interactive structures, prayer-walking affluent areas, handed out water bottles at a pro sports arena (sprint center), times of teaching/training and spiritual growth, serving shelter groups, receiving prophetic insight and environmental clean-up - left our city of 2.1 million with a true impression of the real gospel of Jesus.

gospel-driven ministry

2008-04-01T13:18:00.003-05:00

Leaders remember . . . it's all about Jesus, period. There are christian leaders today who have slid away from a gospel-driven ministry, and placed the 'church', those believers and attenders inside the local body, into a comfortable christianity. Closing their doors on unbelievers and those of other gospels, building relationships only with those who attend their church, sharing life & latte's within a small circle, and allowing the pastor to fulfill his role by doing most if not all of the work of ministy.

Leaders, we have been commissioned and gifted to live out the life of Jesus - sharing the true 'Jesus stuff' with a gospel-starved, desperately-seeking and needy world; and this applys to those outside the church too. There are so many in our cities "who like Jesus, but not those in the church" (grabbed this one from Dan Kimball). Stick to the stuff by giving Jesus to those around you, and equipping your members to do the same.

ready to help

2008-03-27T15:09:00.002-05:00

I am determined to help do my part and make a difference in the christian community. True followers of Jesus in our emerging generations need to develop a theological understanding of the truth.

My heart is hurting at what I've noticed from watching other people, who profess that Jesus is God, Savior and Lord over their life, then how they react and respond to those whose life is committed to that of a different gospel, another Jesus.

Followers of Jesus do not possess the type of knowledge of the Bible they confess, thus making their apologetic almost exstinct.

I am asking for those committed to impacting our emerging culture to help with this project.