Pacesetters....it has been a very challenging pivot point. Being faced with such a task, on top of my everyday work, family, friends, church, routine, you either choose to carve out time, or you don't. That has been my challenge. I don't consider myself to be someone who has a lot of "free time", so carving out time, has had to be very intentional!!
The previous post had a list of books that we were given to read. At the time, we had just been given "the Circle Maker" by Mark Batterson. A summary never does a book justice, but here is a "quick" summary.
The Circle Maker.
Another great book, one that really challenges you in your mindset regarding prayer. The imagery is that of "circling" God's promises in prayer. Praying for God given dreams and vision. Dreaming Big, Praying Hard, and Thinking long term. Making a list of things you are praying over, short term, long term, personal, spiritual, to - do's, covering all aspects of life.
Too often we don't get what we want, because we don't even know what it is we want. To be clear, this is not a book about what "we want", it is about what dreams God has given us, the focus is about God getting glory, not us getting what "we want" from a non biblical "Genie" God.
Too often we "give up" on God, we stop praying, we stop working towards his will and vision. One of my favorite quotes from the book is "work like it depends on us, pray like it depends on God". Miracles happen when God intervenes, and He does so, so He get's the glory!!
Dreaming Big, it is about having the faith to look foolish, like....I have no idea how this dream is going to become a reality, but if God truly gives me the vision for it, He will deliver. God is not offended by big dreams that are rooted in Him, He is offended by anything less!
The book gives the reader a challenge, a pivot point, with which our prayer life, and life in general will hinge on. It is based on a quote by AW Tozer (one of my wife's favorites!), Tozer believed that a low view of God is the cause of a hundred lesser evils, but a high view of God is the solution to ten thousand temporal problems. So,.......the question is, Are your problems bigger than God, or is God bigger than your problems? Good grief!!!, talk about a pivot point!! Answer that question honestly!
The more God given dreams we have, the more complicated, and honestly, the harder life will get. But a very common misunderstanding of the Christian life is that it will be and should be easy. The Goal of our spiritual maturity is not self-sufficiency or independence, the goal is co dependence on God. The more mature we are spiritually, the more we know we need to depend on God!! The goals of a Christian life are not our happiness or our personal comfort, if we believe that and act like that, we are not in line with God's objective, which is His will be done, and Him being glorified!!
In our last Pacesetters meeting, I told Pastor Rob that when we first met, I sat in Rob's office and asked him what his vision was for Bethany Christian Assembly. On my part, I asked the question as a sort of test, wanting to know where the leadership was focusing. I was literally blown away by the Big Dreams that he shared, and not for anything other than making the name of Christ known, wanting to serve the people of Everett in any way that God called them to. ( I had asked this same question to Pastor's at previous churches, and can now see the correlation between their answers and where their respective churches were growing, or lack thereof.) Pastor Rob then shared what he was "circling" in prayer. And he asked us to pray alongside him in the same things. I love seeing the vision of church leadership. It is really easy to jump on board when you know what the vision is!
Next time. Pivot Point......First Impressions at BCA
Showing posts with label Pacesetters. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Pacesetters. Show all posts
Tuesday, April 30, 2013
Tuesday, February 19, 2013
Pivot Point.......Pacesetters part 2
On the first night that the Pacesetters group met, there were numerous things that stood out to me. First and foremost was the intentionality that was driving force behind why Pacesetters even existed. As Pastor Rob stated "I'm looking for emerging leaders that I can invest my life into...." I was thinking....that's on his radar? Of all the things he is responsible for in such a large church, looking to identify emerging leaders and investing them, was something I thought he wouldn't have time for. It was something I haven't seen modeled in previous churches. Sadly I have even watched Senior Pastors manage to do the opposite, and run off any potential leaders.
On this post I will be laying out what is required of a Pacesetter.
1. Attend faithfully the once per month meeting (90 minutes)
2. Do assigned reading and bible study in preparation for next meeting
3. Lead or help lead a small group
4. Lead or help lead a ministry at BCA
5. Commit yourself to grow as a leader.
First, we meet in Pastor Rob's office, and at some point in our time, I always glance around at the massive library of books that he has accumulated and read. It is impressive!
Second, the assigned reading/bible study. What a task! but one that has been a complete joy. The assigned reading/bible study has been challenging. For two reasons, one, in trying to carve out time to get it all done, and second, the reading and bible study has been spiritually challenging. I will be breaking down the specific readings in later posts. But this is the list of what it has entailed, just to give you an idea.
Bible study/workbooks.:
1. Basic Christian Beliefs (BCB) A 17 chapter workbook, focusing on the basics. This is a class that is taught at BCA on Wednesday nights for new believers. It involves scripture memorization, and alot of digging into scripture so that basic questions can be answered in the workbook.
2.Get a grip on your faith. A 13 chapter workbook that dives into specific doctrine.
3. BCA playbook. a 70 plus page book that guides the pastors and staff in the mission and vision of BCA. It breaks down Authentic leadership, Vision and Values, BCA strategies and systems, and the basics of what BCA does, and why they do it. This is one of my favorite's!! There is no mystery as to why BCA exists, and not mystery as to what their Vision is. It is all laid out, plain and simple.
4. Rethinking LIFE. A study guide based off of a sermon series on the life of Joseph. Looking at 8 critical aspects of Joseph's life
Books (so far);
1. The Navigator. A book about Dawson Trotman, the founder of the Navigators, a group that has focused on personal follow up (after the decision for Christ), one on one training, and the multiplication of disciples. This man was completely sold out to Christ!! Scripture was the Authority in his life, and reading about how his life was molded by scripture, was inspiring.
2. Jesus on Leadership by C.Gene Wilkes. A Fantastic 245 page book that focuses on Servant Leadership. Looking at the model Jesus gave us, by his example, leading by serving and following His Father. This book seriously challenged me to ask why I serve. What is the motivation? And a serious self examination on whether or not I was actually following Jesus. Great, great book.
3. The Measure of a Man by Gene A. Getz. An in your face, 250 page book, breaking down 20 attributes of a Godly man. Taken straight from 1 Timothy 2, and Titus 1, looking at the character qualifications for a Biblical Elder. This book can be read by and individual, but really is designed for reading along with another person or group. Great self evaluation sections, and strategy challenges on how to make application of the information. Ironically, the week we got this book, I had just finished my blog posts regarding Biblical Leadership.
4. Every Man's Battle. Winning the War on sexual temptation one victory at a time. by Stephen Arterburn and Fred Stoeker. This book, well, holds absolutely nothing back!! I loved this book. It didn't just say......get victory over sin.....it laid out how to!! Sexual impurity is devastating our culture, and sadly, even the church and it's leaders. It is an open and honest book about men and their struggle with sexual temptation. This book is fantastic, literally, every man should read this book.
5. Every Man's challenge. How far are you willing to go for God/ by Stephen Arterburn and Fred Stoeker. This book is about Spiritual growth, more specifically, that the Christian is tested on a daily basis, and how we do on those "tests", reveal what you are made of, they challenge you and prove you. It is about your commitment to obedience. God' word is your mirror, when you step before it and look at what you've become, what do you see? It is about Sin. It is about transformation, it is about change. I am currently reading this book.
6. Every Man's Marriage. An every man's guide to winning the heart of a woman (that woman being your wife). by Stephen Arterburn and Fred Stoeker.
Third. We have each had to prepare and share our testimonies. I have really enjoyed this aspect of our meetings. It helps to get to know each man, what he has come from and through, and how God has revealed Himself and worked in each man's life.
Fourth. We are not just part of a small group, we lead or co-lead one. There are over 200 small groups at BCA, with the a goal of over 400. Part of us leading a small group is training someone else to be able to split off and form their own.
Fifth. There are so many ways we can serve at BCA. Leading, or helping to lead a ministry, allows us to take part in ministry. Being part of the "team" is what we are supposed to be.
coming up....more detailed breakdown of the books I have been reading!
On this post I will be laying out what is required of a Pacesetter.
1. Attend faithfully the once per month meeting (90 minutes)
2. Do assigned reading and bible study in preparation for next meeting
3. Lead or help lead a small group
4. Lead or help lead a ministry at BCA
5. Commit yourself to grow as a leader.
First, we meet in Pastor Rob's office, and at some point in our time, I always glance around at the massive library of books that he has accumulated and read. It is impressive!
Second, the assigned reading/bible study. What a task! but one that has been a complete joy. The assigned reading/bible study has been challenging. For two reasons, one, in trying to carve out time to get it all done, and second, the reading and bible study has been spiritually challenging. I will be breaking down the specific readings in later posts. But this is the list of what it has entailed, just to give you an idea.
Bible study/workbooks.:
1. Basic Christian Beliefs (BCB) A 17 chapter workbook, focusing on the basics. This is a class that is taught at BCA on Wednesday nights for new believers. It involves scripture memorization, and alot of digging into scripture so that basic questions can be answered in the workbook.
2.Get a grip on your faith. A 13 chapter workbook that dives into specific doctrine.
3. BCA playbook. a 70 plus page book that guides the pastors and staff in the mission and vision of BCA. It breaks down Authentic leadership, Vision and Values, BCA strategies and systems, and the basics of what BCA does, and why they do it. This is one of my favorite's!! There is no mystery as to why BCA exists, and not mystery as to what their Vision is. It is all laid out, plain and simple.
4. Rethinking LIFE. A study guide based off of a sermon series on the life of Joseph. Looking at 8 critical aspects of Joseph's life
Books (so far);
1. The Navigator. A book about Dawson Trotman, the founder of the Navigators, a group that has focused on personal follow up (after the decision for Christ), one on one training, and the multiplication of disciples. This man was completely sold out to Christ!! Scripture was the Authority in his life, and reading about how his life was molded by scripture, was inspiring.
2. Jesus on Leadership by C.Gene Wilkes. A Fantastic 245 page book that focuses on Servant Leadership. Looking at the model Jesus gave us, by his example, leading by serving and following His Father. This book seriously challenged me to ask why I serve. What is the motivation? And a serious self examination on whether or not I was actually following Jesus. Great, great book.
3. The Measure of a Man by Gene A. Getz. An in your face, 250 page book, breaking down 20 attributes of a Godly man. Taken straight from 1 Timothy 2, and Titus 1, looking at the character qualifications for a Biblical Elder. This book can be read by and individual, but really is designed for reading along with another person or group. Great self evaluation sections, and strategy challenges on how to make application of the information. Ironically, the week we got this book, I had just finished my blog posts regarding Biblical Leadership.
4. Every Man's Battle. Winning the War on sexual temptation one victory at a time. by Stephen Arterburn and Fred Stoeker. This book, well, holds absolutely nothing back!! I loved this book. It didn't just say......get victory over sin.....it laid out how to!! Sexual impurity is devastating our culture, and sadly, even the church and it's leaders. It is an open and honest book about men and their struggle with sexual temptation. This book is fantastic, literally, every man should read this book.
5. Every Man's challenge. How far are you willing to go for God/ by Stephen Arterburn and Fred Stoeker. This book is about Spiritual growth, more specifically, that the Christian is tested on a daily basis, and how we do on those "tests", reveal what you are made of, they challenge you and prove you. It is about your commitment to obedience. God' word is your mirror, when you step before it and look at what you've become, what do you see? It is about Sin. It is about transformation, it is about change. I am currently reading this book.
6. Every Man's Marriage. An every man's guide to winning the heart of a woman (that woman being your wife). by Stephen Arterburn and Fred Stoeker.
Third. We have each had to prepare and share our testimonies. I have really enjoyed this aspect of our meetings. It helps to get to know each man, what he has come from and through, and how God has revealed Himself and worked in each man's life.
Fourth. We are not just part of a small group, we lead or co-lead one. There are over 200 small groups at BCA, with the a goal of over 400. Part of us leading a small group is training someone else to be able to split off and form their own.
Fifth. There are so many ways we can serve at BCA. Leading, or helping to lead a ministry, allows us to take part in ministry. Being part of the "team" is what we are supposed to be.
coming up....more detailed breakdown of the books I have been reading!
Sunday, February 3, 2013
Pivot Point.........Pacesetters
Pivot points.......specific events that provide the opportunity for transformation.
Lately, much of my "free time", has been consumed with "homework". Homework like when I was in college, well OK, not that much, but on top of my more than full time job, adding more to it can quickly consume all my free time.
In the beginning of Summer in 2012, I received a letter in the mail, a letter from the church I have attended since November of 2011. It was a letter from the Senior Pastor. To summarize, every year he personally chooses (from his letter) "around 7 men to be a part of my Pacesetters group. I am looking for emerging leaders that I can invest my life into and who have a heart to lead their lives, families, and church in a Christ honoring way." Needless to say, in a church of 2,000 plus, I was humbled to be thought of. Especially since I had only been attending there for 6-7 months.
The Pacesetter group meets once a month, we are in the Word, have workbooks to go through, scripture to memorize, a book every month to read, share our testimonies, co-lead a ministry, co-lead a small group, and generally commit ourselves to grow as a leader.
Without getting into too much personal history, I have always desired this type of mentorship. And my recent history was in a church completely opposite of this new opportunity. Which made this pivot point, that much sweeter, and humbling. It was night and day difference, and extremely refreshing. The Pastor of a large church, intentional to invest in the men of church, developing leaders of both family and ministry.
On the very first night that we met, about 10 minutes in, I sat back in my chair, overwhelmed with joy, looked over at a good friend, (who came to this church the same time my family did) and let out a heavy sigh, a sigh of.....finally!!! He returned the same look to me, as we knew this was going to be an epic pivot point for the both of us, something we had both longed for.
We are about 6 months into Pacesetters, and I will be sharing a lot of what I have been reading, going through, and learning, as a result of the material from Pacesetters.
Lately, much of my "free time", has been consumed with "homework". Homework like when I was in college, well OK, not that much, but on top of my more than full time job, adding more to it can quickly consume all my free time.
In the beginning of Summer in 2012, I received a letter in the mail, a letter from the church I have attended since November of 2011. It was a letter from the Senior Pastor. To summarize, every year he personally chooses (from his letter) "around 7 men to be a part of my Pacesetters group. I am looking for emerging leaders that I can invest my life into and who have a heart to lead their lives, families, and church in a Christ honoring way." Needless to say, in a church of 2,000 plus, I was humbled to be thought of. Especially since I had only been attending there for 6-7 months.
The Pacesetter group meets once a month, we are in the Word, have workbooks to go through, scripture to memorize, a book every month to read, share our testimonies, co-lead a ministry, co-lead a small group, and generally commit ourselves to grow as a leader.
Without getting into too much personal history, I have always desired this type of mentorship. And my recent history was in a church completely opposite of this new opportunity. Which made this pivot point, that much sweeter, and humbling. It was night and day difference, and extremely refreshing. The Pastor of a large church, intentional to invest in the men of church, developing leaders of both family and ministry.
On the very first night that we met, about 10 minutes in, I sat back in my chair, overwhelmed with joy, looked over at a good friend, (who came to this church the same time my family did) and let out a heavy sigh, a sigh of.....finally!!! He returned the same look to me, as we knew this was going to be an epic pivot point for the both of us, something we had both longed for.
We are about 6 months into Pacesetters, and I will be sharing a lot of what I have been reading, going through, and learning, as a result of the material from Pacesetters.
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