Four Reasons Fasting Is Linked To Prayer

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Our church worship team and staff started off the year with the Daniel Fast. Here are some thoughts about why fasting is powerful and why it’s linked to powerful prayer in scripture:

1)     DEPENDANCE: It’s a physical reminder of where we place our dependence.

2)     DISCIPLINE: It’s a framework for discipline in a tangible way.  If you link prayer and food (or lack of food) it becomes clockwork (one of the reasons it’s so good to pray before meals).  A person’s day is often centered around 8, 12 and 5 – and all kinds of planning and questions go into how those times are going to work out.

3)     DIRECTION:  Jesus fasted during a couple key times as he was in the midst of decisions.

4)     DELIBERATE:  Jesus used food and lack of food in very deliberate ways.  The last supper became a tradition, on purpose.  The feeding of the five thousand became a huge witness – and everyone loves free food.  He had breakfast with Peter before he gave him a final mandate to feed his sheep.  And the list goes on.  For as many ways that food was at the center, Jesus also drew a  contrast of no regular food for a while. This also creates openings and opportunities for God to be at work in our lives.  We are emptied and we make room for Him.

Prayer seems more powerful when we are seeking direction from the Lord, in a disciplined way, with utter dependence and totally emptied.  And fasting llows for a season of living like this.  To find out what our staff team did, click here.

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Regaining vision & momentum.

There may come a time when you realize that you have just been coasting.  You still say the right words, you still do the right stuff, but you just don’t have the passion to make a serious impact.  What used to be intentional is now institutional.  The creator of the universe placed within you a desire to use your God given gifts – don’t stifle them.  And don’t replace them with “realistic” views of how life should be.  Get the fire ranging.  Not because others think you should. Not because you need to prove yourself.  But because that’s who God created you to be!

1) Don’t forsake your first love.  Put your trust and faith in God and cherish the relationship.  Then reflect on how you got to this point in the first place.  What was it that drew you here?  You have forsaken the love you had at first. – Rev. 2:4

2) What gift have you been given?  In what ways do you need to actively move forward with it? How can you stoke the gift of God into a fire? What easily enflames your passions?  What topic could get you talking all night long?  For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands. 2 Timothy 1:6

3) Don’t become timid with the gifts you have been given.  Don’t make excuses for your lack of self discipline.  Begin to live in the power of the spirit and the power of God’s love.  And trust that his work in you can provide you the self discipline to resist temptation, take responsibility and keep moving forward with perseverance.  For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline. 2 Timothy 1:7

4) Let God’s word fill you to a point of overflowing – then speak it, become passionate about his truth. But if I say, “I will not mention his word or speak anymore in his name,” his word is in my heart like a fire, a fire shut up in my bones. I am weary of holding it in; indeed, I cannot.   Jeremiah 20:9

5) Set a goal to run the race and finish strong. Make a concrete plan to achieve it. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 2 Timothy 4:7

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How To Become Generous

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There are only so many ways a person grows in generosity.  Most of them don’t come from outward circumstance or even financial status.  It’s come from the inside out.  Generosity is a mindset.  A way of living.  It’s about giving, but it’s also about being free to give, probably the biggest hindrance.

Here are three steps to becoming generous.

1) Remember what you have has been freely given to you. 

You didn’t come into the world with anything and you can take anything with you.  And it’s through experiencing generosity that you realize just how you are blessed.  Example is probably the most profound way that we are inspired to be generous.  How have you been a recipient of generosity?

2) Make your greatest impact the one you leave on people. 

When someone goes an extra mile to extend generosity, the story, the experience, the impact will far outweigh the object itself.  It will live in the memory of the recipient and will, in subtle and magnificent ways, alter the outcome of people’s lives.

3) Begin giving. Don’t wait.

Give what you can.  And don’t expect anything in return. If you wait until you have everything you want, you will never give.  If you wait until you can give financially with out really missing anything, one may argue that you are not really truly being generous.   If you never give, you will never experience the joy of generosity!  What can you give to someone today?

I don’t want to oversimplify, but you are either generous or you need to become generous.  Any other kind of life is just too sterile.

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What Makes Monday So Important At Camp?

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The Monday Theory is a reminder to grow with the people you are with.

A mature leader instinctively knows that in order to build the kind of experience and relationships that will make for an awesome event, she will need to start where the the attendees are and move from there.

Much like hundreds of camp staffs and summer programs, Harvest leads week after week for two months each summer.  As we finish a camp on Friday or Saturday, load up and drive off it’s all talk in the van! Stories, laughter, connections, inside jokes, memories, inspiration, lessons, debriefing, and thankfulness for all that God has done.  But then it’s time to begin again – often the very next day, a whole new week and a whole new group.

If we aren’t careful, we will come into the brand new camp with the energy, connection and excitement from the previous week and will miss the chance to grow with the current camp. We have to prep ourselves for the slow paced beginning that always comes with the start of the event.  It’s a buffer against becoming frustrated or depressed because the Monday energy doesn’t match the Friday energy of the last camp.

As we are driving into a new event, I usually say, “here we come, to a new place – we’re driving into an experience we have never had before.  I want you to remember this feeling of coming in – so that when we are driving back out after we’re finished, you’ll be able to recall all that God has done in and through our ministry and work together. And that the memory of the last event needs to be a foundation toward a great week this week, not a comparison.

The Monday awkwardness builds the foundation for a great finish to a camp or event. Step back and grow with the people at the event.

Here are some ways I think about Monday:

-          There’s no way the first day of camp can match the last day of the previous camp.

-          Don’t take problems too seriously during the first day of camp or an event – no one can escape some degree of chaos and confusion.

-          Never underestimate the power of the rest of the week for making an impact.

-          Don’t let the memory of last year get too out of control – there’s no way you can live up to a glorified memory.

-          Ask participants their names, get to know them, visit.  Growing with the camp or event doesn’t mean being really quiet and still.  It just means being calm as kids are getting acclimated.

I also typically invite our team to do things on Monday that we won’t have time for the rest of the week.  Naps, Wal-mart trips, etc all typically happen on Monday for for our camp leadership team.   Being absent for a couple hours the first day of camp is totally forgotten by Thursday or Friday.  It’s much harder to be absent toward the end of the week.

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Leap Year – 12 fun things to do with your free day!

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Leap Day, as it’s formally called, will happen during Leap Year 2012.  The 29th of February only comes around once every four years – it’s like the extra 24 hours we all dream of having now and then.

So plan now to make the most of it.  Think about what you can with your free 24 hours in February 2012.   Here are 12 fun ideas to get you started:

  1. Invite friends (this can be another time than in the middle of the week) for dinner and games.
  2. Take a day to sharpen your vision – write down goals, dreams and plans for the next four years. Find a quiet place for a substantial block of time and take time to dream.  Make a committment to take a risk and leap into something that you have hestitated starting.
  3. Turn Leap Day into a little personal holiday – take off work or leave early.
  4. Visit a place in your town or neighboring city that you have never been to      before.
  5. Volunteer to do a project at your church.
  6. Do a project at home – Paint a room.  Rearrange living room furniture.
  7. Since Leap Day it’s on a Wednesday night this year – do something fun and      creative with the children’s ministry, youth ministry or other group that meets at your church that evening.
  8. Plan to cook a special meal – something you’ve never cooked before.
  9. Young kids at home? Be creative and make memories by building a day around the theme of frogs (leap).  Wear green.  Make them hop to the car as you drive them to school.  Try frog legs for supper.
  10. An ancient leap day tradition is that women were allowed to propose to men –      in a way of balance roles like the calendar was balanced.  Turn the tables with your free 24 hours this year and plan something unique for your spouse.
  11. Think up or memorize some leap year jokes.  When do kangaroos celebrate their      birthdays? During leap year!
  12.  Be generous in some amazing way.  Give something to someone.

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The Prerequisite for Healthy and Strong Congregations

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One key component to a healthy congregation is strong systems – strength for the bones.  The skeleton is the structure you have in place so that life can be added! How are the bones held together in your congregation?  What systems are in place so that people can be a part of mission, worship and relationships at your church?

I read stuff like this all the time and the question remains, how does our church get to the point of being a “whole” body (the congregation) with strong bones (systems) in place for growth and vibrancy?

The answer is here, in these few words from Proverbs 3:7-8:

Don’t be impressed with your own wisdom.  Instead, fear the Lord and turn away from evil.  Then you will have healing for your body and strength for your bones.

So, what does it mean to fear the Lord?  I like what St. Augustine said when he was asked to describe the Trinity, “if you don’t ask, I know.  If you ask me, I don’t know.”

The “fear of the Lord” is somewhat the same.  But here are some starters:

  1. The fear of the Lord is rooted in our relationship with God as his adopted      children.
  2. It’s rooted in our love for God – we cannot stand the thought of offending God in anyway – we love him too much.
  3. The fear of the Lord is rooted in our admiration for God as we contemplate, on      a regular, daily basis, all that he is and has done.
  4. The  fear of the Lord is rooted in our desire for unity with God.
  5. The fear of the Lord is rooted in our appreciation for God’s holiness.  Holy fear strikes in us a deep understanding that we must be made holy before we enter his presence.

How are these a starting point for life and growth in your church?

The fear of the Lord is the first step to a eternally focused and kingdom minded ministry, based on our response to God’s great love for us.

Then, and only then, can you begin to find health for the body (congregation) and strength for the bones (systems).

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Who else needs to increase their impact by increasing their volunteer teams?

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The key to volunteers on your side is ownership.  It’s more than just delegating jobs, though that is a step in the process.  It’s giving those people who believe in you and the mission an opportunity to participate meaningfully and fully (even if it’s only an hour a week).

Organization on your part is key to this.  Encouragement, emails, notes, directions, supplies and needs for your volunteers has to be a top priority for you so that they can be invested and successful.

Tips for attracting those who will become committed to you and the mission:

-          Start with vision and mission of your organization.  Vision will be motivating if you share it with people.

-          Pray for a team to surround you.  If you are starting from scratch, pray for just one key person.

-          Create a framework for the role.  Much like any job description, know what you need, write it out, then begin seeking the person who may be passionate about fulfilling.

-          Always have an answer for the person that asks you, “what can I do to help you”?

-          Ask potential volunteers personally and directly.  Much of general appeal publicity is just to lay ground work.  The rubber hits the road when you ask face to face.

-          Let their voice do some attracting – your fulfilled team will naturally talk with friends and neighbors and will pull them in if there is a framework for needed positions.

Tips for staying organized for your volunteer team:

-          Be prepared, be timely, be enthusiastic, be prompt.

-          Hold to the allotted meeting times, no matter what else you might want to say

-          Give them plenty of advance notice – probably the most loving thing you can do for your team is plan ahead.

-          Build systems for your volunteers to serve in – make it easy and fun and predictable.

-          Groom a key person for each of the areas of vision that you volunteer teams serve in.  Work with person to help lead the others in these areas.

Tips for moving your volunteers from obligation to ownership:

-          The key step to moving people from obligation to ownership is opportunity.  Help them see their role as an opportunity to 1) grow the organization, 2) develop the faith / needs of children 3) make a difference in the community by…  4) any number of things specific to your vision.

-          Give them direction and authority.  After a season of learning, connecting and finding their niche, begin to turn them loose. Stand behind their decisions, and pull them into key decisions making processes.

-          Give your team credit and pats on the back, frequently, publicly and generously.

-          Enjoy your team and the relationships you have with them.  Enjoy the time.

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1) Answer the question – “What are you currently working on that excites you?”

There are aspects of any job that aren’t fun.  Do the things you have to, but don’t get sidetracked.  Think about and dream about the things that really get you fired up.  Be ready to answer the question, “what are you excited about in your church?  Always think of the bright spot and talk about it more than the things that may drag you down.  The words we say are very important – to those who listen and to ourselves.

2) Never get to the point that you feel the church owes you something.

One damaging angle with which to serve in ministry is that the church owes you something.  When we are working in this context, it’s a no win situation.  Don’t get to the point that you feel this way.  If there is a legitimate concrete issue, then resolve it immediately so that you are free to work out of obligation to Jesus and the abundant life he promises.  We are given the privilege to serve the church in this way.

3) Don’t get involved in other’s business – you have enough to work on.

Church staff members have the unique advantage of seeing ministry roles – both success and failures – play out in front of an audience on a weekly basis. Because of this, it’s easy to worry about what your team mates are doing or not doing well.  There are times when we need to sharpen each other – and those times, though they hurt, benefit the kingdom ministry.  But, as far as the basics of your team mates role on the church staff here’s a rule of thumb:  you are free to worry about their job when your job is perfectly done, with monumental growth and success, and no mistakes or issues for more than six months (*sarcasm).   However you are always free to pray for your team members and their roles. You are also free to seek the advice / counsel of those on your team.  It’s a good practice to get a fresh perspective from others.

4) Think of something you can improve – that doesn’t cost a penny.  

The church is paying you to help develop the congregation for ministry in the community.  It’s a good discipline to think of how you can use your gifts – without any other necessary funds (outside of your salary) to improve or add value to the church and ministry.  What will that be today?

5) Be interested in your team around you. 

You are with this church staff team for many hours of your day and week.  Learn about them.  Listen to them.  Enjoy the opportunity and the relationships.  Reflect on the gifts in your colleagues that brought them to this point.  What were the circumstances around which they got hired for this role in the first place?  Pray for your church staff team.  The Lord has given you this moment in history to move your tiny little corner of the magnificent Church forward.  Take the mission seriously, but don’t leave out the personal relationship factor.  Your relationship with your church staff is a model for other relationships in the church.

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Creativity in Worship

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Creativity is the defeat of habit by imposing originality and change. — Andy Law

Creativity is critical in any organizational leadership.  When it comes to planning worship, it seems it’s even more critical.  We are created by a creative God and we are by nature, creative.  All resources need to be used to give God glory and here are some thoughts on how creativity does.

  • Creativity will spark people
  • Creativity will capture people’s attention.
  • Creativity with help people be inspired
  • Creativity will help people learn and enjoy the time
  • Creativity can help people feel connected
  • Creativity can help increase momentum
  • Creativity can engage the senses and emotions
  • Creativity can cost nothing (how can we add value with out a penny)

Here are three cautions for creativity in worship planning: 

  • We don’t want to worship creativity… we want to worship God creatively.
  • We don’t want to mistake creativity with innovating – creativity is thinking of things and innovating is acting on them.
  • We don’t want to assume that the church, as a whole, is ready to embrace every creative idea – since the the act of worship is participatory for the whole congregation, help all generations, personalities and styles worship in their “native tongue”.

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Break It Down: Adaptablity… a key to success.

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With a two year old in the house, our little Black & Decker version of the Dirt Devil gets a work out every time we have a meal.

I bent down the other day to vacuum up a bbq chip after lunch, but it was too large to go into the vacuum intake.  Instead of just picking it up with my hand I crunched into smaller pieces using the head of the vacuum.  Breaking it apart made a bigger mess for a moment, but then was cleaned up immediately.

And like the moment Doc Brown hit his head and came up with the flex capacitor in November of 1955, the idea for the idea this blog came into existence.

Hule Goddard said that this generation of leaders will have to learn to breakdown and rebuild their framework several times over their lifetime. Different than the previous generations who began in a career or industry and stuck with a similar pattern all their lives, this generation will be tearing it down and rebuilding, all while continuing to work in it.

What do we need to break apart in our own work, ministry, organization or life so that we are more easily able to adapt and be effective?

I often wish I could put everything on hold for two months while I redesign the vision statement, raise funds, learn a new discipline or art, get my office or home organized, or redesign the company brand.   But since I can’t just stop everything, I have to learn to break it down so it’s easy to accomplish in bite sized segments and transition to the new way as I am in the middle of it.

Every situation is so unique in this regard that this short blog can only scratch the surface. But here are some thoughts:

Speak good words – especially to yourself. 

The words we say to ourselves really sink in.  Do you ever hear yourself saying these phrases, “I’m not a detail person” or “I don’t have a creative bone in my body” or “There I did it again – that was stupid.”  Replace those with something else – almost anything else is better than that.  We all have thoughts about what we do – make them good ones.

Be Flexible

Those are unable to be flexible will break.  You have be willing to let little things go and roll with the punches.  Life is not usually neat and tidy – for anyone.

Start with a small portion of what you are trying to do.

Pretty standard stuff – but don’t try to take on a whole new change at once.  Start with one aspect.   Set a large goal and then accomplish one part of it.  For something as simple as cleaning off your desk – start with one drawer at the end of your lunch break.  For something as large as wanting to begin a new business – set a meeting with your bank about what they require before you can get a loan.

Connect with someone.

Sometimes, telling someone your idea is a great way to get yourself motivated.  Or maybe there is someone you know with expertise in a certain area.  Need a new logo for your organization?  Need to freshen up the look of your communication?  Ask someone how to do it or to help you.  Don’t be afraid to learn and grow in that area.

Have fun with it. 

Do you see that your life needs organized?  Start with your work space.  Pick a time block that you will go through stuff and make it nice.  Get a plan together to keep it that way.  Remember, you don’t have to begin this new thing, you get to!

Jesus says, in Rev 21:5 that He is making all things new.

We can count on him to make the changes in our lives, the structure of our lives and the way we view life.  He does make things new!

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