Fridays are for Friends & Family 11.06.09

Welcome to another week-ending edition of FFF! This week has been a flurry of activity as we finalize plans for our organization’s Annual Meeting, which begins here in Towson, Maryland, on Sunday. You can read about it here; in addition, you can register for several events by going to this page. I hope to see you there!

Sarah, my daughter in Vancouver, Canada, has picked up a number of new writing and photography assignments in the past few weeks. Last week, she roamed the sidelines of the British Columbia Lions (CFL) for a photo shoot. She also has entered a proposal on a potential future for journalism with the Knight Foundation. You can read her suggestion on how to build readership for newspapers in a more user-friendly manner by clicking here. In fact, you can register for FREE and add your “rating” and “comments.” Sarah would greatly appreciate it, I’m sure!

Last week I cited Al Mohler’s compilation of the responses author of the Great Commission Resurgence document Danny Akin has made to some of the concerns addressed (or not addressed) in the document. This week I highlight a concern raised by Dr. Bill Brown, ever the outdoorsman, formerly on faculty at Southeastern Seminary himself and now teaching in the distance-learning program at Liberty. You can read his thoughts here. This is not the first time we’ve highlighted concerns with the GCR document; this link will take you to another item surfaced by Tom Cocklereece a few months ago.

One of the most interesting “Christian” websites I’ve come across this year is the very entertaining “Stuff Christians Like.” The author, Jonathan Acuff, continues to compile short articles about a variety of items that are normative in “typical” Christian culture, behavior and experience. The “stuff” is over 650 items long at this time and continuing to grow. (It will be published as the book on the right early in 2010.) Part information and part entertainment, it is fascinating to me to see how pervasive our “Christian world” is and the impact is has on what we think and do. You can click here to begin your journey through his site.

Last week I mentioned the recent leadership event with Mike Huckabee…(if you missed that you can read about it here.) Another outstanding speaker at that event was Rev. Rod Hairston, chaplain of the NFL’s Baltimore Ravens. Rod did an exceptional job talking about character in the life of a leader. What you may not know is that Rod is also a church planter, having planted Messiah Community Church in the Owings Mills area about four years ago. You can find out more about Rod, including how you can have him come and speak at your next event, by clicking here. I am indeed blessed to consider him a friend.

Well, that’s it from here this week. I’ll be reporting next week from our Annual Meeting in Towson. Hopefully, my colleagues and I will see you there. So until next time, keep on moving at the speed of God!

Fridays are for Friends & Family 09.25.09

Friday is here, and with it my weekly review of some of the things I’ve come across on the web. This week I’ve been blogging on The Upstream Collective’s JetSet Vision Tour of Asia, headed up by Ed Stetzer and Larry McCrary. While there, Stetzer released a post on his site that transcends the work of just this vision trip. It’s a challenge to “missional” (self-designated) churches that are not involved in global missions. Stetzer’s article suggests ways to correct this “great omission,” as well. You can read his article by clicking here.

A unique time is lining up in my tribe, the Southern Baptist Convention, with the announced coming retirements next year of Morris Chapman (Executive Committee) and Jerry Rankin (IMB), along with the previous resignation of Geoff Hammond (NAMB). Ronnie Floyd, chairman of the Great Commission Resurgence Task Force says the presidential search committees should be mindful of the GCR group as they deliberate future leadership in their organizations. You can read his comments in the Florida newsjournal, the Baptist Witness, by clicking here.

Shaun King, planter/founding pastor of Courageous Church in Atlanta, Georgia, posted an excellent article this week on “10 Free Resources for Church Planters,” on his website. He states, “these 10 FREE resources have helped me lead @Courageous more than any gadget we’ve purchased.” It’s an article every church planter should read. Check it out on his site by clicking here.

Heads up, if you live in the Baltimore/DC area! Catalyst One Day is coming our way. This popular “road trip” tour will be in our area at Grace Community Church, Fulton, Maryland, on November 16. The keynote speakers will be Andy Stanley and Craig Groeschel. Church planters and missional pastors will want to get to this event, if at all possible. You can register by going to their website by clicking here and possibly win a Kindle, too!

My daughter, Sarah, has continued to have new writing opportunities in her work. During the summer she was published in a couple of newspapers in Surrey and with an online news source. Now she’s got an article in her own university’s online school newspaper. You can check out the article here, dealing with nursing student aid and other programs that have been cut in the British Columbia province.

Finally, my favorite sports team, the Boston Red Sox, will clinch a playoff berth sometime in the next few days; the Yankees already have. They play each other this weekend in what could be a preview of the upcoming playoffs. The Boston Globe’s Nick Cafardo suggests five things each team can work on as they prep for the postseason in an photo-journalism piece online today. You can check his ideas out here...and GO, SOX!!!

Fridays are for Friends & Family 08.07.09

With Friday here again, it is time for a new edition of FFF and there’s been a lot happening this week, so let’s get right to it.

Are you a church planter? Then you probably know that one of the great “trouble spots” is finances…and perhaps it’s even more important that we think about it now while the economy (and most of us!) is going through a recession. Barry Keldie recently posted the first in a series of articles dealing with pitfalls all church planters face on the Resurgence blog. Check out this one on “Pitfalls in Church Planting: Finances.” Read it here.

Have you ever wondered why the unchurched don’t go to church? This video, based on research by Lifeway, suggests some of the answers. Some of the reasons and the subsequent expectations the unchurched have of believers may actually surprise you. Check it out below.

In the ministry work of my denomination, the Southern Baptist Convention, there is news that President Geoff Hammond of the North American Mission Board is under scrutiny by the agency’s board of Trustees. An emergency meeting has been called for next Tuesday in Atlanta, at which time, according to reports, the trustees will discuss his job. More news will be coming next week, but you can read about the upcoming meeting here. In the meantime, please pray for Dr. Hammond, the North American Mission Board and its staff, along with all Southern Baptists who will impacted by what is done in this meeting.

In sports news, the USA Today Coaches preseason college football poll was released this morning at 5:30am, and there’s no surprise here: defending champion Florida is the number one pick. My team, Alabama, starts the season at number five. They are not “scheduled” to meet this year, but if both play up to form they actually will meet–once again in the SEC Championship Game. Stay tuned as the season progresses, but in the meantime, here’s the entire preseason poll for those of you who might be interested.

In the world of “the bizarre,“ a news report yesterday indicated a woman, age 86, in Chicago was arrested for the 61st time. Ella Orko was charged with attempted shoplifting of multiple items from a grocery store, including cosmetics and food, by stuffing them in her pants. Her first arrest came in 1956. You can read the rest of the story here.

(l-r) me, Joye, Jaime, Sebas, Jonathan, Rebekah)

In family news, this past weekend we said “goodbye” to the two young Spanish teenagers we’ve hosted over the past month. Sebas and Jaime are delightful young men who became like “familia” to us. During the month together, we traveled to New York City, Washington DC, Ocean City, Maryland and Baltimore (multiple times) to give them a taste of America. They have returned home to Madrid now, but not before capturing a part of our hearts. Hasta la vista, mi amigos!

Fridays are for Friends & Family 07.31.09

Hey everybody! It’s time for FFF again and since it is a vacation week for me, this will be shorter than usual…but still significant. Let’s start with THE video that’s making all the rounds over the past week: The JK wedding dance from Minnesota. If you haven’t seen the silliness and joie de vie here…the pure love for life…then you need to watch this!

In church planting news, the organization of which I am a part, the Baptist Convention of Maryland/Delaware, was recognized this week by the North American Mission Board, as recipient of the “enlistment award” for the past year. The crystal award reads

First in Enlistment

Baptist Convention of Maryland/Delaware

For excellence in enlisting planters and churches for a commitment to church planting among every people group in North America

“Speak, LORD, for your servant is listening.” 1 Samuel 3.9

Presented by the Church Planting Group

North American Mission Board SBC

July 29, 2009

I am proud to be part of a team so committed to church planters and church planting churches. I’ve never known an organization so passionate, so dedicated to the church planting enterprise as the BCM/D. Thanks, everyone, for letting me be a part of this journey.

In family news, my daughter, Sarah, became a “columnist” for the first time this week. The Surrey Now newspaper had her post her opinion on a hot issue in the metro Vancouver area right now: international students studying in Canada. You can read her perspective here. It’s sure to create some conversation.

In sports news, this is trade deadline day in Major League Baseball. I predicted some changes for the Red Sox earlier this year, and still expects some movement before the day is over. However, my earlier predictions seem now to be “off the mark.” You can read what I wrote earlier here. We will wait out the day and see if any major changes are coming and what impact they might have on the team.

Well, that’s it from here today. Here’s hoping your weekend is a great one!

Fridays are for Friends & Family 07.24.09

Time for Friday’s Friends and Family edition once again! This week we start on a sad note, reporting that Gidget, the 15 year old chihuahua who became a star in the Taco Bell commercials at the turn of the century has died.  People magazine this week posted this pictorial montage of famous television animals, which have impacted our lives and invaded our memory. Below, I’ve posted the first of many commercials the dog did for the Mexican food chain in 1997. Yo quiero Gidget! R.I.P.

Tim Tebow is once again in the news, this week on the cover of Sports Illustrated magazine. The article, You Gotta Love Tim Tebow (Man of Many Missions) deals with much more than football. In fact, the majority of the story is about his ministry to prison inmates and in the Philippines as a part of his father’s evangelistic association. It’s a great article about his passion for God and his desire to see others coming into a relationship with Him through the Lord Jesus Christ. While I’ve been an avid Alabama Crimson Tide fan from my earliest days, I can’t help but admire this guy and his commitment to the Savior. Kudos, Tim!

On the family front, daughter Rebekah has been accepted into the advanced Strings Orchestra with the Annapolis Youth Symphony Orchestra after one year in the Preparatory Strings. Way to go, Rebekah! You’re making exceptional progress and it shows. Your hard work and perseverance have paid off. We are so very proud of you and your achievement.

Twitter Picture of the Week

This picture that came across my newsfeed recently, purported to be from the sale of surplus merchandise at one of the religious cable networks. It’s another one of those pictures that make you want to go…huh? Podcast of the Week

Lauren Rodriguez chats with me on this podcast about the importance and value of social media (blogging, Twitter, Facebook, etc.). Lauren is our webmaster and communications expert at the Baptist Convention of Maryland/Delaware, so everything she’s says is worth hearing and applying. If you’re not involved in all of these things as a church leader, you’re missing tremendous opportunities to connect with and impact the people and prospects at your church. Listen to or download it here.

Church Planting Website of the Week

Chuck Cruise is church planter/founding pastor of Hanover Fellowship Church in Hanover, Pennsylvania. Chuck came out of Northwest Baptist Church in Reisterstown, Maryland and after completing seminary at Southern in Louisville, returned home to coordinate this church plant with Northwest as its parent church. By all counts, he’s done an incredible job. Check out his website to see what happening there.

Have a great weekend, everybody!

Two decades ago today…

…my wife Joye and I were holding our firstborn child, Sarah, in our arms and standing in awe of God and his gift to us. The day before I had been at the church alone, working after the conclusion of our Vacation Bible School activities and in preparation for the coming Sunday’s events. In the midst of it all, I dropped a large wooden sign on my right foot, breaking two of my toes. I called my wife on the phone and since I could not drive, asked her to come and take me to the emergency room. Joye, “being great with child” arrived via a friend since we were only a one-car-family at the time, and drove me to the hospital.

Over two hours later, my toes had been “fixed” and we were driving home when Joye went into labor! Since I couldn’t drive and now she couldn’t drive, we stopped at the nearest church member/friend’s house and stayed there while she worked through the early stages of labor. Later that night, another friend took us back to the very same hospital for the birth of our firstborn.

Sarah was born at 3:56am that morning. She was a beautiful baby girl, with lots of very dark hair. That day changed our lives forever, and we will be eternally grateful.

From the start she has been studious and conscientious, talkative and confident. She is a take-charge kind of girl! A born leader and an avid learner, she is a person I’m sure will make an impact on this world.

Her love for God began early in life. She memorized parts of the Bible; she sang songs with me at church. She became a believer in Jesus Christ and was baptized at an early age. And today she continues to love and learn from the Lord.

Her quest for knowledge and dreams for the future has led her to take risks, like heading to Vancouver, BC, Canada for the continuation of her studies. And when reality has looked slim, her dreams have remained large. Today, she is a second-year student, who has won a perpetual scholarship there as the best journalism student in last year’s class, who has been hired to work at the International Broadcast Centre for the Winter Olympics, and who has written several articles/had several photos published as a freelance artist in her first few months of “trying.”

Two decades ago on July 20, at President Reagan’s encouragement, I took her outside our little apartment and stood on the balcony and showed her the moon. “Twenty years earlier,” I told her, “men walked on that moon, showing what we can do when we dream big and live large.” I told my precious two-day old daughter that night to dream big, too.

She has and today her mom and I applaud her. Well done, baby girl! We are so proud and so amazed at all God’s doing in your life.

This is your day! So celebrate and enjoy, and give thanks to a God who has made it all possible. And somewhere, over two thousand miles away in a small suburban setting south of Baltimore, know that those of us who love you, will tonight be looking at the moon and doing the same thing, too.

Fridays are for Friends & Family 07.03.09

Another Friday and another flurry of activity! It seems every week is filled with news and experiences to share, so let’s get started. This is a special weekend in America, as we celebrate our nation’s birth. For many of us, we will attend parades, watch fireworks and musical celebrations, in addition to exercising our personal freedom of eating too much over a cookout with family and friends. Nationally, one of the significant “new” distinctly American experiences for citizens and visitors to enjoy once again is an opportunity to visit the crown of the Statue of Liberty in New York harbor. It reopens to the public this weekend for the first time since 9/11, but visitors will need advance reservations. Here’s a report on the opening from one of the national news channels; you can watch here to find out. Also, USA Today has posted on its website this weekend a panoramic view of “Liberty Enlightening the World” and you can see it here.

There has been much written this week about Michael Jackson, both his life and his death. Undoubtedly, there will be much more to come. We’ve known the brilliance of his artistic ability and the bizarreness of his behavior. But this article,  7 Ways Michael Jackson Changed the World in last Sunday’s Baltimore Sun newspaper, attempts to summarize his impact. I thought it was worth the read.

In the world of “ministry” this week, a couple of important blog additions have been posted. David Putman of churchplanters.com has posted his take on “Common Mistakes Church Planters Make.” David now serves with Shawn Lovejoy at Mountain Lake Church north of Atlanta and previously was on staff at the North American Mission Board in the area of church planting. While not posted on my blog, I have written about this as well in my book, PlantLIFE: Principles and Practices in Church Planting (you can find information on securing the book by clicking on the icon in the right margin).

Joe Miller, a left coast colleague in church planting, provided a “scoop” online this week in a three part video interview with William P. Young, author of the highly popular and somewhat controversial book, The Shack. Young offers “practical insight concerning some very controversial issues of social change, the Gospel and culture. There are even a few answers that may shock you!”  You can get to part one of the interview here. Subsequent parts are posted as links on his site, as well.

Twitter Picture of the Week

This week’s picture comes courtesy of Ed Stetzer on a recent Home Depot trip. I suppose vegetable seeds fit the motif, but it kinda makes me want to go “hmmmmm.”

My daughter Sarah has another newspaper article published! Her latest news article, this one about an award winning artist from metro Vancouver who landed a big theater role in Toronto, came out in the SurreyNow newspaper today. You can read the story here.

Two weeks ago, I posted this picture with my FFF weekly edition, indicating that four of us (Larry, Hannah, Dottie Lou and me) were trying to find the rest of the gang that were student missionaries in New Hampshire during the summer of 1977 at the Agape-In at Hampton Beach.

Agape-In staff, Hampton Beach, New Hampshire 1977

I’m happy to report that we’ve been able to find several others, some of whom are on Facebook and others who are not. The updated list of the group is listed below. Boldface indicates the ones who’ve reconnected, where they were from when we served together and where they’re living now. These names are listed from left to right.

• Michael Hogue,  Tennessee
• Annette Nielsen, Connecticut (now in South Carolina)
• Me, Louisiana (now in Maryland)
• Charlie Westbrook, Oklahoma
• Vernetta Eleazer Cousins, New York (now in North Carolina)
• Barry Morris, Delaware – in back – ( now in North Carolina)
• Dottie Lou Crisp – in front – (now in California)
• Christy Glenn Brendle, still in Tennessee
• David Purifoy, still in Arkansas
• Keith Young, still in Tennessee
• Larry Beasley – kneeling – still in Tennessee
  
• Hannah McConnell Gillenwater, still in Tennessee
  
• Valerie Brewer, Mississippi
• Debbie Johnson, Maryland
• Billy Redford (not pictured), Georgia (now in Illinois)

And since this is the Fourth of July weekend, I want to end as I started, by celebrating our nation’s freedom with a heart of gratitude for all of those from the earliest days until now, who have labored hard for us to experience the joys and liberties we share every day of our lives. It all started in Philadelphia many years ago. You can read the Declaration of Independence they crafted here. And in honor of our country, I offer you a video my brother Jeff highlighted on Facebook earlier this week, as Jennifer Hudson–she of personal fame and private tragedy–sings with great and intimate passion of her love for our nation. May God richly bless you in this holiday season and may God bless America.

Fridays are for Friends & Family 06.26.09

What a week it has been! With the family, we’ve seen Father’s Day, a birthday and a landmark occasion take place. In the church world, we’ve seen the Southern Baptist Convention hold their annual meeting in Louisville, Kentucky. And in American pop culture, we’ve seen the loss of three icons from a generation–Ed McMahon, Farrah Fawcett and Michael Jackson.

We start with family. I’ve written on Rebekah’s birthday here in my blog yesterday. Today, my other daughter Sarah, who lives in Surrey, Canada (a suburb of Vancouver) sees her first newspaper article in print! She’s freelancing as a journalist this summer and pitched a story to the SurreyNow newspaper in her city and they bought it! We are so proud of her (as any parent would rightly be) for her confidence, initiative and talent! The article, entitled “Blessed Brutality,” is all about MMA (Mixed Martial Arts) being held in a church sanctuary there in Surrey: all at a time when the legality of the sport by that jurisdiction is being question. Her story is the headline, front-page story; you can read it here. Way to go, Sarah.

Jonathan, my son, decided to give me a unique gift on Father’s Day. Not a tie this year, Dad! Instead, he wrote me a song and put it together in digital form for me to enjoy. As is typical with my son, it’s quite entertaining. You can watch and listen to it here.

In the denominational world, the Southern Baptist Convention was held in Louisville, Kentucky, during the first half of this week. This annual meeting saw approximately a thousand more messengers this year than in the previous one, including a larger representation of “younger SBCers” (I know, this is very subjective, but mentioned by many who were there). A lot happened: inspiring messages, important reports and obligatory business sessions, but the heart of its impact was the adoption of the resolution toward a Great Commission Resurgence within our convention. You can read the document that was overwhelming approved here. In addition, several respected bloggers has reflected on the convention’s import and activity and you can read them here.

• Alvin Reid
• iMonk (Michael Spencer)
• W. David Phillips
• Ed Stetzer

Finally, much has changed in our American and world scene this week, at least in the realm of (pop) cultural impact. Ed McMahon, longtime sidekick of Johnny Carson and host of Star Search, passed on earlier this week. His congenial laugh and calm demeanor, provided the perfect counter-balance to the zany and delightful late night host Carson for many, many years. Farrah Fawcett, the television star of Charlie’s Angels, she with the feathered hair and brilliant smile who later won critical acclaim for her acting as it impacted “real life” issues of violence and morality, died after a arduous struggle with cancer. To top it all off, Michael Jackson, musician and artist extraordinaire, died suddenly yesterday at the young age of 50. The cause of death is still pending. Much loved and much reviled at the same time, his music shaped an entire generation as we watched him grow up in the public eye.

The passing of all three signal a shift in American culture…a completion of the passing of the baton that most had already acknowledged in days gone by. But the sudden finality of their impact on a generation fell with a heavy thud yesterday. Many of us will reflect upon these people and the personal impact of their lives on our own. Yet, in the final analysis, it is a poignant reminder that life is very short and we need to be ready for what comes next. I believe with all my heart that the way to be ready is found in Jesus Christ. I hope you do, too.

My Birthday Girl

Today is the fifteenth birthday of my baby girl, Rebekah. Of course, now that she’s fifteen, the age at which some cultures and societies would consider her a young woman, I really can’t call her my “baby” anymore. She’s all grown up! Wow!

Joye and I just can’t believe the amazing journey of these fifteen years! Born “conveniently” for us, she came on a late, lazy Saturday morning, insuring us of more sleep and no drive-time Boston traffic. But since that time, she has been high energy, high activity, high impact…and I could not be more proud of her.

She loves people. Rebekah has always been a “people-person.” Over the years she has constantly sought out others, befriended them and enjoyed time with them…regardless of whether or not she even knew their name. He enjoys socializing, laughing, hanging out and hospitality is truly a gift she evidences through her life.

She loves animals. From a very early age, she developed a keener interest in our pets than our other children. Even to this day she is always the one who awakens our pet dog every morning. She also created an on-going organization, the “Save the Animals Club,” which continues to educate and address concerns of endangered animals around the world.

She loves “everything Japanese.” This began with a keen interest in anime, something that continues to hold her attention, especially on YouTube. But lately it has morphed into a larger interest, including studying and learning the Japanese language and culture. She longs to visit Tokyo someday.

She loves music. She listens to music (what teenager doesn’t, huh?) online or from her mp3 player. But more than listening, she’s into playing it. She has been a violinist for a handful of years now and continues to work hard to get better and better. She is very skilled, very talented and very engaged. It is a gift she willingly shares.

She loves God. Rebekah has a keen passion for our Lord and continues to show a great interest in Him and His Word. She has a sensitive heart and an eager interest in knowing what God has in store for her life. She also loves His church and has shown over the past few years a growing interest not just in being served, but serving others among God’s people in ways that bless them.

So, happy birthday, ‘Bekah! This is your day and we celebrate your life. God has truly blessed our whole family with you. And as a tribute to you on this special day, here’s a video in your honor…

Fridays are for Friends & Family 06.12.09

Time once again for our weekly excursion around the web! Have you seen this video that’s making the rounds this week? It’s been described as the best motivational video out there and reminds us that “if you’ve never failed, then you’ve never lived.” Check it out below.

Text-messaging is a big deal these days, especially to the younger generations. (My children would rather text-message than email.) Consequently, some one along the way has taken the time and the trouble to look at the Ten Commandments, if they had been text-messaged instead of carved into stone. Here’s what Fast Company magazine theorized they would be.

Our youngest child, Rebekah, seen here with her conductor, just completed her first year in the Preparatory Strings of the Annapolis Youth Symphony Orchestra. Two weeks ago was her final orchestra performance of the year and she did a fabulous job!  I am so proud of her and the hard work and talent she has invested. Rebekah is quite a remarkable young lady. If you have not heard her Strings perform, then you can do so by watching this video from an earlier concert this year; Rebekah’s exactly in the center of the orchestra.

Leadership Network, an organization that you need to know if you don’t already, has a number of church planting resources available to you for free. Most are research and reports that can help you be more effective in your church planting work. Dave Travis and Linda Stanley have done a great job with Leadership Network; I highly recommend them! You can find these resources by traveling from here straight to their website’s church planting section.

Twitter Picture of the Week

Ever have things that make you go “hmmmm?” This picture did that for me when it showed up on my Twitter feed last week.

I guess you never know what you’ll find on Twitter, wouldn’t you agree?

Podcast of the Week

This week’s selected podcast is one that I did with Dr. Joel Rainey, author of Church Planting in the Real World, not long after his book was published. This book, which deals with church planting from a non-megachurch perspective, has been a big hit on several seminary campuses. You can download or listen to our conversation here.

Church Planting Website of the Week

This week I’m highlighted another of our Baltimore church plants, The Garden Community, led by planter/pastor Joel Kurz. This church plant is in the heart of the city–the Mount Vernon area–and is making a great impact of families and the community for the Lord. Their website highlights much of what’s going on there, so check it out. Until next time!