For the last 15 years I've read alot of stuff on leadership. Recently I reread a classic called "The One Minute Manager" and have decided to do something different.
Instead of continuing to read new stuff I'm going to concentrate on applying the old stuff.
My goals are this ...
(1) Reread "The One Minute Manager" ten times. (It's only a small book)
(2) Work through the book with one of my team and apply the lessons as we go.
I'm discovering more and more that the problem is not innovative new ideas, its simply applying what we already know.
Tuesday, June 14, 2005
small groups
In my view belonging to a vibrant small group is one of the most important things you can do with your time. If you are serious about growing as a passionate, vibrant and holy disciple of Jesus then you need to be in a good small group.
Here are seven things that are best done in a small group. (1) Making friends. (2) Learning to pray. (3) Using your spiritual gifts. (4) Putting into practice what the bible teaches. (5) Learning to love fellow followers of Jesus. (6) Discovering your spiritual gifts. (7) Feeling welcome and loved.
There are groups meeting on Monday and Tuesdays so why not check them out this week. Or if you would like to start a new group then I’d love to help you start a new group.
Pastor Pete
Here are seven things that are best done in a small group. (1) Making friends. (2) Learning to pray. (3) Using your spiritual gifts. (4) Putting into practice what the bible teaches. (5) Learning to love fellow followers of Jesus. (6) Discovering your spiritual gifts. (7) Feeling welcome and loved.
There are groups meeting on Monday and Tuesdays so why not check them out this week. Or if you would like to start a new group then I’d love to help you start a new group.
Pastor Pete
role of fathers
In spiritual matters, kids take their cues from Dadby David Murrow
You've heard it said that fathers are the spiritual leaders of the home. Now there's a study to prove it.
Researchers from Switzerland examined whether parents' religious habits were transmitted to their offspring. They studied different variables, but one critical factor towered above the rest: the practices of the father determine whether children grow up attending church or not. And here's the shocker: the habits of the mother have almost no influence over their kids' future devotion.
Consider these findings:
When Mom is a regular churchgoer but Dad attends infrequently, just 3 percent of their kids go on to become regular churchgoers.
When Mom is regular but Dad never attends, just 2 percent become regular attenders.
Now, let's flip the chart. What if Dad is faithful?
When both Mom and Dad attend church regularly, 33 percent of kids grow up to attend regularly.
When Dad is regular but Mom only goes once in a while, the figure jumps to 38 percent.
Here's the real bombshell: when Dad is faithful but Mom never attends, 44 percent of the kids end up as regular church attenders!
Bottom line: in spiritual matters, kids take their cues from Dad. If Papa doesn't go to church, chances are very slim that his children will become regular worshippers. If the kids see religion as "Mom's thing" they are more likely to become disenchanted. But if Dad leads by example, children are twenty-two times more likely to become lifelong churchgoers.
You've heard it said that fathers are the spiritual leaders of the home. Now there's a study to prove it.
Researchers from Switzerland examined whether parents' religious habits were transmitted to their offspring. They studied different variables, but one critical factor towered above the rest: the practices of the father determine whether children grow up attending church or not. And here's the shocker: the habits of the mother have almost no influence over their kids' future devotion.
Consider these findings:
When Mom is a regular churchgoer but Dad attends infrequently, just 3 percent of their kids go on to become regular churchgoers.
When Mom is regular but Dad never attends, just 2 percent become regular attenders.
Now, let's flip the chart. What if Dad is faithful?
When both Mom and Dad attend church regularly, 33 percent of kids grow up to attend regularly.
When Dad is regular but Mom only goes once in a while, the figure jumps to 38 percent.
Here's the real bombshell: when Dad is faithful but Mom never attends, 44 percent of the kids end up as regular church attenders!
Bottom line: in spiritual matters, kids take their cues from Dad. If Papa doesn't go to church, chances are very slim that his children will become regular worshippers. If the kids see religion as "Mom's thing" they are more likely to become disenchanted. But if Dad leads by example, children are twenty-two times more likely to become lifelong churchgoers.
Thursday, April 14, 2005
learning
I love to learn. Some of this I do formally through University, some my own reading, and recently via a set of CD's I picked up from www.teach12.com.
Recently I picked up a series of teaching called "Great Ideas of Philosophy" and am finding it an incredible experience to delve into the great thinkers and their views about reality.
I never knew there was so much written about seemingly useless thoughts like, "How do I really know I exist?"
As I get older I'm more and more finding that I like to read things that challenge my particular paradigm of the world.
It's easy to get into the habit of only seeking out information that fits my own perspective. That is to read Christian books, magazines, websites etc. That's not wrong per see, but when it is all I read then I fall into a partern of easy thinking rather than exercising my mind to get a wider perspective.
What book or course could you take to widen your perspective?
Recently I picked up a series of teaching called "Great Ideas of Philosophy" and am finding it an incredible experience to delve into the great thinkers and their views about reality.
I never knew there was so much written about seemingly useless thoughts like, "How do I really know I exist?"
As I get older I'm more and more finding that I like to read things that challenge my particular paradigm of the world.
It's easy to get into the habit of only seeking out information that fits my own perspective. That is to read Christian books, magazines, websites etc. That's not wrong per see, but when it is all I read then I fall into a partern of easy thinking rather than exercising my mind to get a wider perspective.
What book or course could you take to widen your perspective?
Tuesday, March 29, 2005
tribute to wendy jamieson
To live well is a good thing, to die well is even better.
Over the weekend I had the priviledge of sharing in the final hours in the life of one of Gods' children and it was a time I will never forget. She was surrounded by people who shared her love for Jesus and who though sad had a sense of hope and peace that we will meet again.
Wendy's last days were a testimony to the love she had for her Saviour, Lord and God. Her thoughts were of others and how they to might know the incredible love of the Lord Jesus Christ.
The death of Wendy has reminded me of funerals that I have been to where there was no hope. Where people put on a brave face, made lovely tributes, tried to joke and laugh, but where there was a sense of finality about death.
The scriptures tell us that death is but the end of our life on earth, that for those that love and follow Jesus that it is the entry door into eternity. And it is this hope that takes the victory out of the hands of death and places it back into the hands of believers.
Is this just the hope of a people who cannot face the ultimate reality of death? No, I don't believe so.
There is a song that has a line "my redeemer lives", this is the hope of us who follow in the footsteps of Jesus Christ. Jesus, who history tells us was the greatest of all moral teachers, was also the one that paid for my sin on the cross of calvary and who was raised from death to prove that death is not the end.
Jesus lives and so my hope of life eternal is secure and one day I will meet face to face those who died in faith before me.
Over the weekend I had the priviledge of sharing in the final hours in the life of one of Gods' children and it was a time I will never forget. She was surrounded by people who shared her love for Jesus and who though sad had a sense of hope and peace that we will meet again.
Wendy's last days were a testimony to the love she had for her Saviour, Lord and God. Her thoughts were of others and how they to might know the incredible love of the Lord Jesus Christ.
The death of Wendy has reminded me of funerals that I have been to where there was no hope. Where people put on a brave face, made lovely tributes, tried to joke and laugh, but where there was a sense of finality about death.
The scriptures tell us that death is but the end of our life on earth, that for those that love and follow Jesus that it is the entry door into eternity. And it is this hope that takes the victory out of the hands of death and places it back into the hands of believers.
Is this just the hope of a people who cannot face the ultimate reality of death? No, I don't believe so.
There is a song that has a line "my redeemer lives", this is the hope of us who follow in the footsteps of Jesus Christ. Jesus, who history tells us was the greatest of all moral teachers, was also the one that paid for my sin on the cross of calvary and who was raised from death to prove that death is not the end.
Jesus lives and so my hope of life eternal is secure and one day I will meet face to face those who died in faith before me.
Wednesday, March 23, 2005
prayer is a funny thing
Frankly, I can't work God out sometimes, and that is probably a good thing.
I've discovered that when I pray that for some bizarre reason God takes about 3 months before answering my prayer. This is not true for others that I talk to, but it seems to have been a constant feature of my journey with God.
For example about three months ago I was praying that I would become a person who was happy, encouraging and able to listen. I don't feel that way very much, but in the last week I've had a significant number of people mention those exact characteristics.
Why does God take this amount of time to answer my prayer? I really have no idea. I personally would prefer it was more immediate, but I'm getting used to a very radical idea, the idea that God actually knows better than me.
I've discovered that when I pray that for some bizarre reason God takes about 3 months before answering my prayer. This is not true for others that I talk to, but it seems to have been a constant feature of my journey with God.
For example about three months ago I was praying that I would become a person who was happy, encouraging and able to listen. I don't feel that way very much, but in the last week I've had a significant number of people mention those exact characteristics.
Why does God take this amount of time to answer my prayer? I really have no idea. I personally would prefer it was more immediate, but I'm getting used to a very radical idea, the idea that God actually knows better than me.
Friday, March 18, 2005
kids
There is an excellent kids website at http://www.kids4truth.com/hometwo.asp. Lots of good stuff to check out. I've made it our homepage at home so that whenever the kids logon they are encouraged to deepen their own faith.
Thursday, March 10, 2005
money III
Just read a very interesting series of sermons by John MacArthur on money available from http://www.msreaderbooks.com/. Part of his premise is that how we use and deal with money is a reflection of our spirituality and I think he is right.
I enjoy his balance when he talks about how money is not good or bad, it is how it is used or misused that is the critical issue.
Why not check out his messages and consider the place of money in your life.
(Please note that a recommendation of his messages on money doesn't imply I agree with all of his views on all topics, but I find him a refreshing and challenging writer who makes me delve more deeply into the Word of God.)
I enjoy his balance when he talks about how money is not good or bad, it is how it is used or misused that is the critical issue.
Why not check out his messages and consider the place of money in your life.
(Please note that a recommendation of his messages on money doesn't imply I agree with all of his views on all topics, but I find him a refreshing and challenging writer who makes me delve more deeply into the Word of God.)
Saturday, March 05, 2005
dilbert
And if you enjoy Dilbert cartoons then check this out http://www.unitedmedia.com/comics/dilbert/
peanuts
Just having a fluff around the internet checking to see if I can find anything interesting. If you are a fan of Peanut comic strips then check out this website http://www.unitedmedia.com/comics/peanuts/
Thursday, February 24, 2005
jesus fact or fiction?
The http://www.jesusfactorfiction.com/ is an excellent resource for exploring who Jesus is. Lots of questions are answered by use of video clips so you need a decent internet speed for best results.
Monday, February 21, 2005
Saturday, February 19, 2005
that's my king
Do you want some inspiration? Go and check out the video clip called "That's My King" at www.sermonspice.com. You can check out a preview clip.
This clip reminds me of the awesomeness our my God. I've already shared it with others and it inspired and encouraged them as well.
This clip reminds me of the awesomeness our my God. I've already shared it with others and it inspired and encouraged them as well.
video clips
I was looking for good video clips for sermons and came across a brilliant site called www.sermonspice.com. The clips cost but they are very good. Before paying you can check them out online.
Friday, February 18, 2005
i don't find faith easy
I envy those people that find it easy to believe. For me the journey of faith is a rocky one. There are moments when I am really unsure and then there are moments I feel certain, but the certain moments are not as often as I would like.
I often cry out to God that he would reveal himself in a sign of some kind, but to date this has not happened.
I hear amazing testimonies of answered prayer from people I respect and believe and yet I still harbour a cynical side.
The part of the bible that most resonates with me is the phrase, "I believe, help my unbelief."
My prayer today is this, "Lord thank you that you hold on to me even in my moments of doubt, help me know you more and more so that my knowing you would encourage others to walk with you as well."
I often cry out to God that he would reveal himself in a sign of some kind, but to date this has not happened.
I hear amazing testimonies of answered prayer from people I respect and believe and yet I still harbour a cynical side.
The part of the bible that most resonates with me is the phrase, "I believe, help my unbelief."
My prayer today is this, "Lord thank you that you hold on to me even in my moments of doubt, help me know you more and more so that my knowing you would encourage others to walk with you as well."
temptation
Temptation can hit out of the blue. Had a situation tonight where I felt like a huge wave of temptation. Decided instead of giving in I would ask for help and so sent a text message to a friend that said, "Feeling tempted, please pray."
As soon as the text message had gone I felt the urgency of the burden leave. Then within minutes my friend rang and prayed with me over the phone.
I now understand a bit more of the truth of sharing our burdens with one another.
At the moment of temptation we have a choice to make, to give in or to reach out. I encourage you to both reach out to a friend and reach up to God, this two way reach is a temptation killer.
As soon as the text message had gone I felt the urgency of the burden leave. Then within minutes my friend rang and prayed with me over the phone.
I now understand a bit more of the truth of sharing our burdens with one another.
At the moment of temptation we have a choice to make, to give in or to reach out. I encourage you to both reach out to a friend and reach up to God, this two way reach is a temptation killer.
Thursday, January 27, 2005
praying for our persecutors
I was reading something a while ago, I can't remember where, that we should pray God's blessing on those people who cause us pain.
The idea was that nothing can happen to us that God doesn't allow, so when we pray for our persecutors we ought to pray that God bless them for what they have done. If they are doing what is necessary for our growth then we should ask that God bless them accordingly. If however, they are sent by the evil one, then by praying that God would bless them we are allowing God, and not us, to bring about punishment.
In either case we leave it up to God to reward in accordance with his will, and in the meantime we do not burden ourselves with anger or hate.
So daily I am trying to practice this. Often its not until after I've had a whinge and a moan that I remember to pray God's blessing on the bearer of pain, but increasingly I am able to bless and not moan at what God is allowing in my life so that I might become the person he wants me to come.
"Lord, you are the only one who knows what is truly happening. You know the beginning from the end. And so I ask that you would bless those people who I have found difficult today. Lord I pray you bless them in accordance with how what they have done has been in accordance with your will and purposes."
The idea was that nothing can happen to us that God doesn't allow, so when we pray for our persecutors we ought to pray that God bless them for what they have done. If they are doing what is necessary for our growth then we should ask that God bless them accordingly. If however, they are sent by the evil one, then by praying that God would bless them we are allowing God, and not us, to bring about punishment.
In either case we leave it up to God to reward in accordance with his will, and in the meantime we do not burden ourselves with anger or hate.
So daily I am trying to practice this. Often its not until after I've had a whinge and a moan that I remember to pray God's blessing on the bearer of pain, but increasingly I am able to bless and not moan at what God is allowing in my life so that I might become the person he wants me to come.
"Lord, you are the only one who knows what is truly happening. You know the beginning from the end. And so I ask that you would bless those people who I have found difficult today. Lord I pray you bless them in accordance with how what they have done has been in accordance with your will and purposes."
Friday, January 21, 2005
be still
Alan Attwood in "Stop the World, It's Time to Get Off" issues a strong challenge to stop living the rush rush lifestyle. I like his comment when he stays that the 'leisure industry is dedicated to selling toys to people who can't amuse themselves without expensive distractions.'
This article challenged me to reflect on the challenge of the bible which is "be still and know that I am God." Being still is not a natural thing to me - frankly I get bored! But the challenge of the teachings of Jesus is that it is not until we discover the joy of being still in God, that we will truly discover the tremendous joy their is to being alive.
"Lord, help me be still and know you more and more each day."
Inspired by an article in "The Big Issue" which is a independent current affairs and entertainment magazine sole in towns and cities throughout Australia by homeless, and long-term unemployed and marginalised people seeking to positively change their lives and interact wieht mainstream society. Vendors keep $2, half the cover price, as their direct income.
This article challenged me to reflect on the challenge of the bible which is "be still and know that I am God." Being still is not a natural thing to me - frankly I get bored! But the challenge of the teachings of Jesus is that it is not until we discover the joy of being still in God, that we will truly discover the tremendous joy their is to being alive.
"Lord, help me be still and know you more and more each day."
Inspired by an article in "The Big Issue" which is a independent current affairs and entertainment magazine sole in towns and cities throughout Australia by homeless, and long-term unemployed and marginalised people seeking to positively change their lives and interact wieht mainstream society. Vendors keep $2, half the cover price, as their direct income.
Thursday, January 20, 2005
religion
"Religion is a matter not of learning how to think about God but of actually encountering Him." (p.17, The Relentless Tenderness of Jesus)
One of my common prayers is "Lord teach me to pray." It's funny that the more I pray the more I feel like I'm just a child when it comes to knowing God. I guess its like getting into a pool as a child and the water seems so deep. But as you grow up the pool it isn't so deep, so you swim in the ocean near the shore and that feels deep. Then later on you get the courage to swim further from the shore and discover that the ocean is so much deeper than you thought.
I feel like that with Jesus. I feel like I've come to grips with knowing him, and then he reveals to me there is so much more, so much depth that I couldn't see before.
This discovering the increasing depth is part of the real joy it is in spending time with Jesus.
"Lord God, teach me to pray."
One of my common prayers is "Lord teach me to pray." It's funny that the more I pray the more I feel like I'm just a child when it comes to knowing God. I guess its like getting into a pool as a child and the water seems so deep. But as you grow up the pool it isn't so deep, so you swim in the ocean near the shore and that feels deep. Then later on you get the courage to swim further from the shore and discover that the ocean is so much deeper than you thought.
I feel like that with Jesus. I feel like I've come to grips with knowing him, and then he reveals to me there is so much more, so much depth that I couldn't see before.
This discovering the increasing depth is part of the real joy it is in spending time with Jesus.
"Lord God, teach me to pray."
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)