The Limp of Leadership

Nobody likes disappointment. Nobody appreciates a good punch in the gut. Bad news is never a good thing... or can it be?

I wonder, sometimes, why following God and pursuing his guidance leads to such pain. And yet, then I go back to the Scriptures and see that no one has done anything meaningful for God without facing some sort of challenge and struggle.

Jacob wrestled with God and walked away with a limp, but also God's blessing. Joseph was chosen by God for greatness, but his brothers sold him into slavery - which actually provided him the opportunity to rescue Egypt first, then his family. Moses' own people challenged his leadership multiple times - before leaving Egypt, at the Red Sea, at the promised land, and multiple times wandering the wilderness!

Matt Carter from Austin Stone shared with the Austin area church planters last week never to trust a man of God who doesn't walk with a limp. Our struggles, our disappointments, and our failures resonate throughout our lifetimes by forcing us to grab onto the hem of Christ's cloak, much like the woman in the crowd, and refusing to let go.

In the end, you will either succumb to the pressures and disappointments of these moments and quit, or you will cling to Christ, remember your calling, set your jaw, and go back to work. You're either called or not. Without a calling, you will not survive.

Paul and Silas were imprisoned for sharing their faith; planting churches. They were told to cease and desist all activity as they were being released from prison. Their response was simply, "who should we obey? God or man?" When we know that God has called us to something, we know the answer to that question.

Michael Guglielucci Apology Video

So Michael Guglielucci is apologizing for deceiving the world by telling them that he had cancer. His song Healer took over Christian worship before the truth came out. I'm still struggling as to how to respond. Forgiveness, no problem. But I have an issue hearing him say at the end that he's finished lying. I don't know if any of us can trust him anymore.

Dreaming and Praying for South Austin

Starting September 15, we will be hosting the very beginnings of that church in austin. We will be hosting some dreaming and praying times at our apartment., These times will occur weekly Monday nights from 6:00-7:30 PM. Naturally, all are invited to stay for the #1 Christian TV show of all time, Monday Night Football afterwards.

Our heart at this time is for us to grow together with the intention of cultivating a thriving church in south Austin. We feel led to be a church that is willing to go to great lengths and do whatever it takes in order to engage and reach those apart from God through creativity, boldness, and daring honesty about our lives and the lives of one who chooses Christ.

If this resonates with you - if you share God's heart for renewal in south Austin - contact me, send me an email, and I'll be sure to get you directions to our apartment. If you know someone else who might be interested (or definitely interested) please send them a link to this blog. Let's get excited about seeing God at work in our midst. He already is.

Pastor, Are You Frustrated?

I thought this article made some interesting points as to why so many of us in ministry find ourselves so frustrated. Tell me if you see a connection.

I'll give you a hint. It has nothing to do with committees or deacons. Jump here.

Cleaning Up MySpace

So, last night it struck me, that even if I don't typically look at it, my myspace page was hideous. It was too busy. It was messy. So I cleaned it up.

Check it out here.

That would make it worth the time it took.

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It's Deja Vu all over again

First, let me assure you all that I've been praying for anyone in the path of Hurricane Gustav - whether they (or you) have already been affected or are in the path as it moves on land. It is starting to get on my nerves how the news covers the scene, however. They incite great fear, talking the hurricane up, and then almost appear downtrodden when the hurricane weakened just prior to landfall.

During the aftermath of Katrina, I was in northeast Texas (Marshall), where a lot of last-minute evacuees ended up. Since then, I've lived in Corpus Christi for two years, and am now in Austin. Having spoken to several friends from back in Marshall, it seems eerily familiar.

The buses started rolling in yesterday, and Joel McMahon sent out this update from First United Methodist Church in Marshall.

Currently, we are housing about 800 evacuees here in Marshall. That is the total of the Civic Center, Scottsville, First Baptist, the Catholic Church and any other sites they know of. They are also housing about 70 dogs and cats and 1 hamster.

The people I visited with today were in good spirits and grateful to the people of Marshall for the help and hospitality they were receiving.

There is a need for volunteers to help with the dogs and cats at the Civic Center shelter, also. The person running that part of the operation told me that some of the owners are in the hospital and cannot care for their animals.

If you're in the Marshall, TX area and want to make an impact by helping some of the evacuees, shoot me and email and I'll get you in touch with the right people. I know it was only 3 years ago that Katrina wrought devastation on the gulf-coast. I know that we're all still healing from that tragedy. But we all need to pull together again. We all need to step into the moment.

Besides, we are much better rehearsed this time around. It's almost like we've done this before...

Small Groups Curricula Suggestions for Students

I was asked earlier this week for some Student Ministry Small Group Curricula. Somehow, I became the old man who used to work with students and 8 years has a way of giving you extended experience with various companies and curricula.

My answer to this question is really basic. I suggest Student Life for groups that can appreciate and use a web-based curricula. Others, who might appreciate the option of picking a choosing different stuff would be better served by selecting from here. Simply Youth Ministry has always been one of the first providers that I searched for stuff from in the past, and as you might notice on the left of this page, I have partnered with them.

Folks, a lousy company couldn't get me to recommend their stuff. So, if you're looking for great curricula for your small groups this fall, check the sites out. They have my stamp of approval.

Wide Awake by Erwin McManus

It has been a bit since I last reviewed a book, and I am hoping that the busyness I have found myself in is a good enough reason to explain that situation. That does not mean that I have not been reading.

Not long ago, I finished reading Wide Awake by Erwin McManus. In the past, I have thoroughly enjoyed his books, but the last two I have read have left me wanting.

Perhaps, like others have the tendency to, I have become jaded as a reader and find it difficult to force interaction in a book that doesn't require it. Perhaps, in my haste and distraction, I was never able to give it the full attention is deserved. Either way, I believe that the book gives an interesting point of view in regards to living the life of your dreams.

The main idea of the book is that far too many of us long to sleep in order to enjoy our dreams, when God desires that we would dread sleep because our dreams would pale in comparison to the lives that we live.

Happy 200 Posts to Me!

6 months after starting this blog, with this post I cross over the 200 post threshold.

Honestly, I'm surprised. I didn't know I had that much to say

Now if I could just get somebody to read it...