New Beginnings Disciples: Speaking the Message: "This week New Beginnings Disciples are studying Acts 16:6-15. Each day we will explore a feature of this passage. This coming Sunday, this p..."
Read the following verses:Answer the following question in the comment section below:
Tuesday, July 06, 2010
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Join the New Beginnings Disciples
Join the New Beginnings Disciples on the new web log http://newbeginningsdisciples.blogspot.com . Every day we discuss a brief bible study devotional. We seek to transform into the image of Jesus Christ.
Read:
Mark 8:34,
Discipleship is the process God uses to accomplish His transforming work in us. Some define discipleship as the lifelong journey of obedience to Christ that transforms a person’s values and behavior and results in ministry in one’s home, church, and the world.
Read:
Mark 8:34,
Discipleship is the process God uses to accomplish His transforming work in us. Some define discipleship as the lifelong journey of obedience to Christ that transforms a person’s values and behavior and results in ministry in one’s home, church, and the world.
Answer the following question in the comment section below:
In Mark 8:34, what did Jesus say a disciple must do to follow him? Is this a literal request? If this request is symbolic, what does it symbolize?
Tuesday, February 09, 2010
Adding a Scripture function to the site.
Trying this out. I ask the staff to memorize: 2 Tim. 3:16-17; Heb. 4:12; Josh.1:8 today.
Thursday, December 31, 2009
2010 the year of digital communication
Things are changing. Are you ready?
New Beginnings Church leadership has anticipated the changes in traditional forms of communication and have been intentionally slow about beginning communicational vehicles which are dying out (printed church newsletters. etc). We still have a first-class weekly bulletin. However, I believe it's days are numbered.
Digital Social Media is a reality. This reality is increasingly important when you consider that communicating the gospel message is our church’s main purpose.
All of us can create documents, notes, status updates, news feeds, and videos that can spread exponentially over the Internet. At New Beginnings Church, every member is encouraged to join the social media revolution and promote Kingdom causes.
If you haven't already started your Facebook and Twitter account, it's only because you have yet to realize the power of this new reality.
We are here to share the good news and good news has never been easier to share. Let me encourage you not to check out on this cultural revolution simply because it is new to you. As a result of your stubbornness you will become increasingly isolated from people who need to hear your story.
New Beginnings Church leadership has anticipated the changes in traditional forms of communication and have been intentionally slow about beginning communicational vehicles which are dying out (printed church newsletters. etc). We still have a first-class weekly bulletin. However, I believe it's days are numbered.
Digital Social Media is a reality. This reality is increasingly important when you consider that communicating the gospel message is our church’s main purpose.
All of us can create documents, notes, status updates, news feeds, and videos that can spread exponentially over the Internet. At New Beginnings Church, every member is encouraged to join the social media revolution and promote Kingdom causes.
If you haven't already started your Facebook and Twitter account, it's only because you have yet to realize the power of this new reality.
We are here to share the good news and good news has never been easier to share. Let me encourage you not to check out on this cultural revolution simply because it is new to you. As a result of your stubbornness you will become increasingly isolated from people who need to hear your story.
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
What is next for student ministry at New Beginnings?
I have recently learned that our church was like a majority of other evangelical churches regarding frequent and disruptive Student Ministry leadership transitions. Most churches require more of a full time Student Pastor than they are capable. Subsequently, student pastors either disappoint, burn out, or move on in 2 or 3 years, after having initiated their student ministry program – leaving a vacuum of leadership and volunteer adults scrambling to fill in.
It is my desire to, stop this unfortunate pattern, and ask the parents of students to take responsibility for Student Ministry at New Beginnings (No one is more invested in Student Ministry success than the parents). Only then, should the church hire a Student Pastor based upon the specific needs of the ministry. It is a biblical model. It is a smart model. And it is time to make student ministry something the parents have confidence in.
I wished I had thought of this concept but I learned of it through one of, Church Business Administrator, Terry Langenberg’s network connection. His name is Mark Riddle. Mark has written a book, soon to be published called, “Inside the Mind of a Youth Minister.” It is a good read and very informative and enlightening.
So, the New Beginnings Personnel Committee and the Finance Committee has approved hiring student ministry consultant Mark Riddle of the The Riddle Group to help us.
Terry Langenberg and I met with Mark Riddle on Wednesday, November 12th, 2008 for about an hour and a half. We were both impressed and saw how he could help us with this transition. Terry called his references and each were confident that he could help us.
Mark will conduct the following data through:
1 Question - for congregation
Teen Survey
Parent Survey
Stat / History Survey
Mark do the assessment the first three weeks of December. Then He’ll deliver a full report in writing, and in person the week of January 5th.
Sounds interesting? New Beginnings plans, under the leadership of the Holy Spirit, to maintain our leadership in Student Ministry for our community. Pray that God will direct our steps for His glory.
It is my desire to, stop this unfortunate pattern, and ask the parents of students to take responsibility for Student Ministry at New Beginnings (No one is more invested in Student Ministry success than the parents). Only then, should the church hire a Student Pastor based upon the specific needs of the ministry. It is a biblical model. It is a smart model. And it is time to make student ministry something the parents have confidence in.
I wished I had thought of this concept but I learned of it through one of, Church Business Administrator, Terry Langenberg’s network connection. His name is Mark Riddle. Mark has written a book, soon to be published called, “Inside the Mind of a Youth Minister.” It is a good read and very informative and enlightening.
So, the New Beginnings Personnel Committee and the Finance Committee has approved hiring student ministry consultant Mark Riddle of the The Riddle Group to help us.
Terry Langenberg and I met with Mark Riddle on Wednesday, November 12th, 2008 for about an hour and a half. We were both impressed and saw how he could help us with this transition. Terry called his references and each were confident that he could help us.
Mark will conduct the following data through:
1 Question - for congregation
Teen Survey
Parent Survey
Stat / History Survey
Mark do the assessment the first three weeks of December. Then He’ll deliver a full report in writing, and in person the week of January 5th.
Sounds interesting? New Beginnings plans, under the leadership of the Holy Spirit, to maintain our leadership in Student Ministry for our community. Pray that God will direct our steps for His glory.
Thursday, September 04, 2008
CH, CH, CH, Change, Change, Change?
Churches and mission organizations often approach change in one of two ways. Some pursue change in increments. They go slow. They make small changes over a long period, and though they are changing, such changes are hard to perceive. They seek to change without creating debilitating disruption to their church or organization. Others pursue change in revolutions. They do not believe that they have the time it takes to make incremental changes; change must come now. They are willing to live with the disruption, the confrontation, and the tension that comes from quick and radical change. Sometimes, these two ways to making changes merge into a third way that involves a combination of the two—sometimes changing in increments and sometimes changing dramatically and radically. Comment on making change in light of Bosch, Kuhn, and the present realities in your ministry setting.
Change occurs whether we like it or not. As the Information Age force-feeds new ideas, new methods, new styles, new statistics, new polls, new research (not an exhaustive list), every segment of society must react or be left behind. Church methodology, and worship styles have always a changing product of culture, again, like it or not.
I believe the rate of change should correlate with the context’s ability to tolerate the changes. The motivation for change must be the redemptive plan of God. Should a church change if changing means it would be more effective in evangelism and missions? Absolutely! If this is the case, refusal to change constitutes rebellion.
The New Beginnings Church, where I have been pastor for 13 years, is a fairly new work. I challenged the church to think that change for God’s cause is a honorable Kingdom value. For 13 years now we have valued the creative methods of Rick Warren, Bill, Hybels, Ed Young Jr., Erwin McManus, Marc Driscoll, and the like. We don’t embrace every new method, however, we are open to do whatever we must do to build God’s Kingdom – what ever the costs.
Change occurs whether we like it or not. As the Information Age force-feeds new ideas, new methods, new styles, new statistics, new polls, new research (not an exhaustive list), every segment of society must react or be left behind. Church methodology, and worship styles have always a changing product of culture, again, like it or not.
I believe the rate of change should correlate with the context’s ability to tolerate the changes. The motivation for change must be the redemptive plan of God. Should a church change if changing means it would be more effective in evangelism and missions? Absolutely! If this is the case, refusal to change constitutes rebellion.
The New Beginnings Church, where I have been pastor for 13 years, is a fairly new work. I challenged the church to think that change for God’s cause is a honorable Kingdom value. For 13 years now we have valued the creative methods of Rick Warren, Bill, Hybels, Ed Young Jr., Erwin McManus, Marc Driscoll, and the like. We don’t embrace every new method, however, we are open to do whatever we must do to build God’s Kingdom – what ever the costs.
Monday, August 25, 2008
Is the Great Commission Great?
This week we discuss the Great Commission in Matthew 28:18-20 and its relationship to Christian and church practices.
Matthew 28:18-20 Then Jesus came near and said to them, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. 19 Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe everything I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
In view of Mt. 28:18-20, what are the essential elements of the Great Commission? The following 5 features are essential elements of the Great Commission:
1. Authority – The issue of authority is settled. Every king, kingdom, principality, power, ruler and responsible individual must submit to this commission.
2. Discipleship – Conversion is the first step of regeneration. However, genuine regeneration should be followed up with a discipleship emphasis which results in spiritual growth, transformation and eventual effective service in the Kingdom of God.
3. Baptism – While not essential for salvation, it may be the first step of obedience. Through baptism, a new believer obediently symbolizes and identifies with his new faith and family.
4. Education – Education and discipleship overlap in their emphasis and responsibilities. Genuine transformation ought to be the result as a believer is trained and engaged with the Word of God.
5. Presence – The presence and power of God through the Holy Spirit ought to be a significant feature in the conversion, regeneration, transformation and ministry of every believer.
Effective practices or methodologies for implemented the Great Commission will change depending on the context and culture (i.e.: The Apostles Peter and Paul on the Book of
Acts).
A Christian or church can know they have successfully implemented the Great commission when the pure gospel has been presented as effectively as possible in a given context. Conversion of sinners is the goal, but obedience to the mandate is effective seed planting. God gives the increase.
Is it possible to neglect or revise one of the elements of the Great Commission and still fulfill it? Although neglecting or revising any of the 5 noted essential elements is to be fervently avoided, the Great Commission mandate must compel us to obey at whatever level we can, even if some evangelical contexts reduce opportunity for all of the essential elements.
Matthew 28:18-20 Then Jesus came near and said to them, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. 19 Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe everything I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
In view of Mt. 28:18-20, what are the essential elements of the Great Commission? The following 5 features are essential elements of the Great Commission:
1. Authority – The issue of authority is settled. Every king, kingdom, principality, power, ruler and responsible individual must submit to this commission.
2. Discipleship – Conversion is the first step of regeneration. However, genuine regeneration should be followed up with a discipleship emphasis which results in spiritual growth, transformation and eventual effective service in the Kingdom of God.
3. Baptism – While not essential for salvation, it may be the first step of obedience. Through baptism, a new believer obediently symbolizes and identifies with his new faith and family.
4. Education – Education and discipleship overlap in their emphasis and responsibilities. Genuine transformation ought to be the result as a believer is trained and engaged with the Word of God.
5. Presence – The presence and power of God through the Holy Spirit ought to be a significant feature in the conversion, regeneration, transformation and ministry of every believer.
Effective practices or methodologies for implemented the Great Commission will change depending on the context and culture (i.e.: The Apostles Peter and Paul on the Book of
Acts).
A Christian or church can know they have successfully implemented the Great commission when the pure gospel has been presented as effectively as possible in a given context. Conversion of sinners is the goal, but obedience to the mandate is effective seed planting. God gives the increase.
Is it possible to neglect or revise one of the elements of the Great Commission and still fulfill it? Although neglecting or revising any of the 5 noted essential elements is to be fervently avoided, the Great Commission mandate must compel us to obey at whatever level we can, even if some evangelical contexts reduce opportunity for all of the essential elements.
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