She looks way too grown up in this picture.
Archive for July, 2008
We’ll need to get one of these when Aubrey gets older.
HT: LL
Pastor Brian Houston from Hillsong Church in Australia was speaking at a leadership conference at his church and I caught the end of his session on leaders that empower. Here are his four main points that each of us who are in leadership truly need to wrestle with and consider how we lead and empower those around us.
Leaders That Empower:
1. Are kingdom-spirited people.
2. Cultivate a culture of permission.
3. Understand the balance of grace and forgiveness, challenge and truth.
4. See the potential in people.
A good leader empowers and brings the best out of people. It is easy to be in a position and do all of the work, especially in ministry. It is hard to pour yourself into others. The reward is found in the latter. We need to get out of the way and allow God to use us to empower and build up leaders in our midst.
“He who fears the LORD has a secure fortress, and for his children it will be a refuge.” Proverbs 14:26
I want to be this type of dad.
This post is part of a series of 12 posts. Click here to see the original post.
I was a freshman in high school when I first met Pastor Richard Gerten. Seven years later, during my senior year in college, I received a phone call from him asking me to consider the youth pastor position at the church. I accepted the position and have been at FBC since.
For the past seven years I have worked for and with Richard Gerten. Early on he told me that he would not micro-manage me which, as a college grad, I embraced and ran free with the youth ministry. He shared that ultimately I worked for God and was accountable to him for my time and actions. I have also realized that he has deeply trusted me.
Much of the mentoring I have experienced with him has come from various situations, conversations, and even messages he has brought to the church. With great wisdom and prayerfulness, he has guided me as a leader in the church to understand Jesus’ will in situations dealing with those who have small struggles to deep life issues. Much of this wisdom I have experienced is from his pursuit and deep walk with the Lord incorporating many spiritual disciplines. When I look at his life, I desire to have a deeper and more passionate walk with Jesus as he does. He has taught me to prioritize my life, never to make Jesus second or third or even first, but to make sure that he encompasses all that I am.
Jon, our worship leader, shared this video with me last week. It seems as if God is doing some amazing things with this song. The back story with this song is pretty amazing. You can watch it here. This past Sunday it was sung in our main services by Jon and Tyler and God used in a mighty way. I encourage you to listen to the words.
We have been journeying through the Sermon on the Mount as a community. Each week we have deeply engaged the text to experience and explore what Jesus was teaching. Jesus shared about a “kingdom life” that should be lived and experience here and now.
Each week we have encouraged every person to respond to the message and respond to God by writing on a sticky note. These could be areas God is refining, a personal challenge, a promise to God, etc.
After this Sunday morning I took a picture of one of four boards in the sanctuary. This is a sign of beauty, forward movement, and growth for the individuals and the church community. Praise God for his powerful movement over the past few weeks and for what he is yet to do.
Joanna, Aubrey, and I went swimming in the lake today. It was Aubrey’s first time in the lake. We think that she had a good time. Here are a few pictures from the afternoon.
First comment…this post is way overdue, sorry.
A few months ago the new tennis courts and building were officially opened.
My dad along with a few other people transformed a sub par facility into one of the top settings for tennis in the area. This all began when my dad was watching a tennis match Kimber was playing in when some of the girls ran into the woods to use the bathroom…actually use a tree. This set in motion fundraising and construction.
I’m very impressed and proud of my dad for taking on this project and for the results. I’ve shared a few images below.
In light of the previous post, I might as well post this one too. I’m sure that this post will get many hits. You’re probably thinking right now, “come on, who talks about urinals?” Well, tonight…I will. For all the females reading this post, I apologize right now. Guys…you’ll understand.
This post was inspired by this photo…
Questions about the picture: What is the point? How does this work? Who designed this bathroom?
If you have answers feel free to reply.
Beyond this picture I thought I would give out the best and worst urinal awards.
WORST URINAL AWARD:
Michigan Stadium. If you’ve been there, you know why.
BEST URINAL AWARD:
Chris Bennett’s Basement Bathroom. My brother-in-law has a great basement to hangout in and in the bathroom in the basement, he has a urinal. Once again, if you are guy, you think this is the coolest thing in the world. If you are a girl, you are confused and grossed out.
