Yesterday I had a new adventure. Working with the Alternative Education program, I traveled to the elementary school to work with a 3rd grade class on some team building skills. The four high school students had worked on some games and other kinds of team building skill exercises, and now they were seeing how difficult it is to take something from the drawing board to actual implementation. It was a lot of fun.
I enjoyed helping keep these 3rd graders inside the parameters of the game. What was really fun though was seeing their excitement. I could not help but think of how much more effective we would be in the discipling process if we brought the same kind of excitement to the table about our Lord and Savior. Once again I am amazed at how God uses children to teach me.
I recently corresponded with someone and was telling them that I think I have learned more about true theology from elementary students than from seminary professors. Jesus was so right when He told us that "unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven."
The other exciting thing for me this week is that things seem to be coming together to host a Son Life Seminar at Bayshore Camp in April. This 8-hour seminar over two days, April 10-11, is designed to emphasize the Strategy of Jesus and how He went about putting together a team that would plant THE Church. We are hoping to gather people from the LEAD Team Churches as well as from the Sebewaing area to learn these concepts and then put them into practice as we build disciples in Sebewaing and throughout the Thumb.
Praises:
The three discipling contacts that I have going on now
How out of those contacts people are reaching out to minister/disciple other people
The way this Son Life Seminar is seeming to come together
Concerns:
A couple whom I have had contact with who are struggling. Pray for them and the people I have asked to meet with them
The details for the Seminar
That momentum will not be lost as I lose a couple of Thursdays to Christmas and New Years
Pastor Brian
Friday, December 12, 2008
Saturday, December 6, 2008
Engaging the Culture
After missing a week in Sebewaing because of the Thanksgiving holiday, this past Thursday I was back at it. My morning prayer walk around Sebewaing was a little chilly with the 16 degree temperature and the north wind blowing. However, this time continues to be very special to me as I simply listen for God's voice. (I also found out later through casual contact with a couple of people that they noticed me out there.)
At lunch time I went out to the school because there were a couple of students that I wanted to interact with. I was a little overwhelmed because a number of students kept coming up to me, and so the conversations that I was hoping to have were detoured to another path. So I simply jumped on that path and went with it.
The conversation now included the huge movie that came out last weekend. I believe it is entitled "Twilight." It is based on a series of books that have become very popular especially, it seems, with teenage girls. These young ladies told me a little about this love story which involves vampires and werewolves and such. They also told me that some of their parents didn't like them reading it. I asked them what it was about the books and the movie that drew them to it. They told me it was the love story that was taking place and the romance of it. Now a number of things went through my head. The first was about how in so many instances today things that were once considered evil now are cast in a friendly light and the dangers that exist because of that. Somehow I felt like that was not the right information to keep this conversation going. So instead I took another tact.
I told them I understood why they might be drawn to that kind of story. After all, the world is so void of love and romance today. After that thought I began to talk about what real love looks like and the importance of seeing that idea from a Biblical perspective. I encouraged them to stay plugged into their youth groups and churches and the scriptures and to interpret everything through the scriptures.
Since that time I have done some more research on the Twilight series, and I sat down with a Christian who read the book and who gave me some insights to it. I am looking forward to my next conversation with these young ladies. (I told them we would talk again in a couple of weeks.) More and more I am learning that if we want to create disciples, we need to engage the culture of today and then look for opportunities to share the truth of the gospel.
Praises:
One of the guys whom I have been working with has started a discipling relationship with a another guy! Pray for John.
Kevin and I have been meeting, and through some of the materials we have been talking about, he realizes that he needs to change some of the places he has been placing emphasis.
The couples' discipleship thing that Deb and I have been involved in seems to be taking some exciting new directions.
Prayer Concerns:
Wisdom for me as I begin to attempt to "partner" some people up in disciple-making relationships.
For direction as we consider some ways to engage the community and the LEAD churches in creating a greater emphasis on the disciple-making process.
The momentum will not be lost as we go through the holiday season.
Your Servant in Christ,
Pastor Brian
At lunch time I went out to the school because there were a couple of students that I wanted to interact with. I was a little overwhelmed because a number of students kept coming up to me, and so the conversations that I was hoping to have were detoured to another path. So I simply jumped on that path and went with it.
The conversation now included the huge movie that came out last weekend. I believe it is entitled "Twilight." It is based on a series of books that have become very popular especially, it seems, with teenage girls. These young ladies told me a little about this love story which involves vampires and werewolves and such. They also told me that some of their parents didn't like them reading it. I asked them what it was about the books and the movie that drew them to it. They told me it was the love story that was taking place and the romance of it. Now a number of things went through my head. The first was about how in so many instances today things that were once considered evil now are cast in a friendly light and the dangers that exist because of that. Somehow I felt like that was not the right information to keep this conversation going. So instead I took another tact.
I told them I understood why they might be drawn to that kind of story. After all, the world is so void of love and romance today. After that thought I began to talk about what real love looks like and the importance of seeing that idea from a Biblical perspective. I encouraged them to stay plugged into their youth groups and churches and the scriptures and to interpret everything through the scriptures.
Since that time I have done some more research on the Twilight series, and I sat down with a Christian who read the book and who gave me some insights to it. I am looking forward to my next conversation with these young ladies. (I told them we would talk again in a couple of weeks.) More and more I am learning that if we want to create disciples, we need to engage the culture of today and then look for opportunities to share the truth of the gospel.
Praises:
One of the guys whom I have been working with has started a discipling relationship with a another guy! Pray for John.
Kevin and I have been meeting, and through some of the materials we have been talking about, he realizes that he needs to change some of the places he has been placing emphasis.
The couples' discipleship thing that Deb and I have been involved in seems to be taking some exciting new directions.
Prayer Concerns:
Wisdom for me as I begin to attempt to "partner" some people up in disciple-making relationships.
For direction as we consider some ways to engage the community and the LEAD churches in creating a greater emphasis on the disciple-making process.
The momentum will not be lost as we go through the holiday season.
Your Servant in Christ,
Pastor Brian
Friday, November 21, 2008
The Excitement of the Moment
Thursday I left home at around 8:00 a.m. I was scheduled to meet with a couple of different people at the school and so I wanted to arrive there before 9:00. When I pulled into USA High School, there was no one around. Upon driving into town I learned that school had been canceled for the day because the girls' volleyball team was playing in the state semi-finals that day in Battle Creek.
For those of you who have never been part of a small town, there is always an excitement that sweeps through a community when a team advances that far into the state playoffs. Every business had a sign out to congratulate and encourage the team. It is one of those times when, if you are part of that community, there is a closeness that is so encouraging.
I called the other people I was scheduled to meet to see if they were still in town. They were, but it still left me with a lot of open time because obviously the time I would normally spend at the school was now empty.
It was good though to sit at a couple of different locations in town and catch up on some reading and simply talked to the people who were still left around town about the possibility of another State Championship.
No question, there is something special about a small town. Wouldn't it be great if we could capture that kind of excitement in our spiritual lives. (I did learn later that day that the USA ladies had lost, but to make it that far is always special.)
Praises:
The three active discipling opportunities that I have going at the moment
God's faithfulness
Thanksgiving and the time to remember
Concerns:
That some doors would open
For the factory workers at the plant that just closed in Sebewaing
For safety as the crop harvest concludes
For workers as the soul harvest continues
Your Servant in Christ,
Brian
For those of you who have never been part of a small town, there is always an excitement that sweeps through a community when a team advances that far into the state playoffs. Every business had a sign out to congratulate and encourage the team. It is one of those times when, if you are part of that community, there is a closeness that is so encouraging.
I called the other people I was scheduled to meet to see if they were still in town. They were, but it still left me with a lot of open time because obviously the time I would normally spend at the school was now empty.
It was good though to sit at a couple of different locations in town and catch up on some reading and simply talked to the people who were still left around town about the possibility of another State Championship.
No question, there is something special about a small town. Wouldn't it be great if we could capture that kind of excitement in our spiritual lives. (I did learn later that day that the USA ladies had lost, but to make it that far is always special.)
Praises:
The three active discipling opportunities that I have going at the moment
God's faithfulness
Thanksgiving and the time to remember
Concerns:
That some doors would open
For the factory workers at the plant that just closed in Sebewaing
For safety as the crop harvest concludes
For workers as the soul harvest continues
Your Servant in Christ,
Brian
Friday, November 14, 2008
The Enemy of the Best
November 13
I started my weekly visit to Sebewaing this week by checking in with Casey at his home in Pigeon. I have not had the opportunity, because of conflicting schedules, to sit down with him since early in September. Just to remind you the reader, Casey has been trying to be obedient to God as God leads him down a path in which the idea of church and disciple-making really will look different than it has in the past. Last summer Casey and I have kind of made the commitment to one another to visit from time to time just to bounce ideas off each other and see what God is doing in our lives.
I was really encouraged by our visit on a number of levels. First I was excited to hear what God has been doing in Casey's life. Over these last several months God has led him to write a book on his experiences in his skate park ministry. (I am looking forward to reading it.). As he explained it to me, he identifies three areas in the church today. The traditional church, the new emerging church and its various forms, and the people who will be the bridge between the two. This is where he and I kind of find ourselves these day, as bridge builders.
Secondly, I was excited to see a new enthusiasm in Casey for a ministry in Bad Axe. He knows that God has something for him there, and he is working to discern what his role might look like while still honoring his commitments to family and friends.
The third thing that I was encouraged about was Casey checking my spirit. One of the real problems I have is that I am always looking for the formula to get done what I am suppose to do. As I have been working on this discipling process in Sebewaing, I have been tempted at times to just use a program and get started. Every time that I meet with Casey he encourages me not to settle for something that might be good, but to wait for God's best. Thanks, Casey.
Praises:
For people like Casey who just want to follow God
For the discipling relationship that I have started in Sebewaing
For the relationships that I continue to build with the group of young men in the alternative ed program
For long term relationships that continue to grow strong
Concerns:
For more workers
For an openness with the churches of the Sebewaing area
For wisdom as we try to wait on the Lord and discern his will
For Casey as he tries to interpret the things God has in front of him
I started my weekly visit to Sebewaing this week by checking in with Casey at his home in Pigeon. I have not had the opportunity, because of conflicting schedules, to sit down with him since early in September. Just to remind you the reader, Casey has been trying to be obedient to God as God leads him down a path in which the idea of church and disciple-making really will look different than it has in the past. Last summer Casey and I have kind of made the commitment to one another to visit from time to time just to bounce ideas off each other and see what God is doing in our lives.
I was really encouraged by our visit on a number of levels. First I was excited to hear what God has been doing in Casey's life. Over these last several months God has led him to write a book on his experiences in his skate park ministry. (I am looking forward to reading it.). As he explained it to me, he identifies three areas in the church today. The traditional church, the new emerging church and its various forms, and the people who will be the bridge between the two. This is where he and I kind of find ourselves these day, as bridge builders.
Secondly, I was excited to see a new enthusiasm in Casey for a ministry in Bad Axe. He knows that God has something for him there, and he is working to discern what his role might look like while still honoring his commitments to family and friends.
The third thing that I was encouraged about was Casey checking my spirit. One of the real problems I have is that I am always looking for the formula to get done what I am suppose to do. As I have been working on this discipling process in Sebewaing, I have been tempted at times to just use a program and get started. Every time that I meet with Casey he encourages me not to settle for something that might be good, but to wait for God's best. Thanks, Casey.
Praises:
For people like Casey who just want to follow God
For the discipling relationship that I have started in Sebewaing
For the relationships that I continue to build with the group of young men in the alternative ed program
For long term relationships that continue to grow strong
Concerns:
For more workers
For an openness with the churches of the Sebewaing area
For wisdom as we try to wait on the Lord and discern his will
For Casey as he tries to interpret the things God has in front of him
Friday, November 7, 2008
From the Drawing Board to the Real World
Thursday, November 6 became the day that I began to put into practice some of the stuff that I have been learning about over these last couple of months. Let me explain.
Back in September I was given two books to read: Cultivating a Life for God and Organic Church Growing Faith where Life Happens. These are books written by Neil Cole. Both books encourage multiplying disciples of Christ. The cultivating book advocates the multiplying of disciples through Life Transformation Groups. A Life Transformation group is a group of between 2 and 4 same gender people who meet on a regular basis. The content of those meetings includes going through some accountability questions each week and reading 30 chapters of scripture. If one or more of the members does not finish the scripture reading, then the entire group rereads the same 30 chapters. The idea of the 30 chapters is that God's word has the power to change lives more than any book. Also the idea is that the entire group rereads the 30 chapters if one member does not complete them because perhaps there is something more that God wants to reveal to the group from that scripture.
Joe and I took the first steps to starting one of these kinds of groups yesterday. We had met previously but had not gone over the guidelines very well, and for yesterday's meeting Joe had not finished the reading. I assured him that was alright, and we would stick with the same chapters for next week.
I also had an idea that came out of the Pastor's Retreat I had attended in October. The idea involved doing discipling in the context of married couples. (Thanks, Kaye.) Last evening my wife and I started that process. We are attempting to work with some friends of ours from the Sebewaing area on creating a model that will allow this type of discipling to work. We had talked last week and assigned some scripture reading, and then we sat and talked about them over dinner last night. Our conversations were over 3 hours in length as we focused on 3 scripture verses we had looked at and the implications of those verses in the life of a disciple. We are excited about the possibilities of this ministry.
The other event that I am trying to figure out from yesterday is something that I cannot share in a public manner yet because it was shared in confidence. As I listened to this information from two different people, I had a distinct impression that what seems like a bad situation at the moment, God may well be able to use in a new way. Some of the ideas from the Organic Church book leaped out at me, and I am praying that we can come along side some people in a way that will minister to them and advance the Kingdom.
Praises:
These new ministry opportunities and groups
For fall harvest which are nearing completion
For the opportunity to involve my wife in a much more direct way in this ministry
For the continued support of the church
Concerns:
For hurting people in Sebewaing with the loss of jobs from the closing of a factory
For God's protection on Joe as he steps out into this LTG (life transformation group)
For John, Rhonda, Deb, and I as we try to put into practice the idea of couples discipling
For my appointment next week with a pastor from a church in the area
For new workers for the harvest (Matt. 9:37-38)
Your Servant in Christ,
Brian
Back in September I was given two books to read: Cultivating a Life for God and Organic Church Growing Faith where Life Happens. These are books written by Neil Cole. Both books encourage multiplying disciples of Christ. The cultivating book advocates the multiplying of disciples through Life Transformation Groups. A Life Transformation group is a group of between 2 and 4 same gender people who meet on a regular basis. The content of those meetings includes going through some accountability questions each week and reading 30 chapters of scripture. If one or more of the members does not finish the scripture reading, then the entire group rereads the same 30 chapters. The idea of the 30 chapters is that God's word has the power to change lives more than any book. Also the idea is that the entire group rereads the 30 chapters if one member does not complete them because perhaps there is something more that God wants to reveal to the group from that scripture.
Joe and I took the first steps to starting one of these kinds of groups yesterday. We had met previously but had not gone over the guidelines very well, and for yesterday's meeting Joe had not finished the reading. I assured him that was alright, and we would stick with the same chapters for next week.
I also had an idea that came out of the Pastor's Retreat I had attended in October. The idea involved doing discipling in the context of married couples. (Thanks, Kaye.) Last evening my wife and I started that process. We are attempting to work with some friends of ours from the Sebewaing area on creating a model that will allow this type of discipling to work. We had talked last week and assigned some scripture reading, and then we sat and talked about them over dinner last night. Our conversations were over 3 hours in length as we focused on 3 scripture verses we had looked at and the implications of those verses in the life of a disciple. We are excited about the possibilities of this ministry.
The other event that I am trying to figure out from yesterday is something that I cannot share in a public manner yet because it was shared in confidence. As I listened to this information from two different people, I had a distinct impression that what seems like a bad situation at the moment, God may well be able to use in a new way. Some of the ideas from the Organic Church book leaped out at me, and I am praying that we can come along side some people in a way that will minister to them and advance the Kingdom.
Praises:
These new ministry opportunities and groups
For fall harvest which are nearing completion
For the opportunity to involve my wife in a much more direct way in this ministry
For the continued support of the church
Concerns:
For hurting people in Sebewaing with the loss of jobs from the closing of a factory
For God's protection on Joe as he steps out into this LTG (life transformation group)
For John, Rhonda, Deb, and I as we try to put into practice the idea of couples discipling
For my appointment next week with a pastor from a church in the area
For new workers for the harvest (Matt. 9:37-38)
Your Servant in Christ,
Brian
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
Running too Fast
The last few weeks have been pretty busy. I have run from one thing to the next, and I have not gotten to posting about the work in Sebewaing even though I was there two out of the last three weeks. I have felt a little like the 6 point buck I saw running the streets of Sebewaing last Thursday-- (true story ask me about it some time) -- a little hurried, but just as he finally got to the right spot, I too am getting settled in.
Rather than trying to catch up on all the things that happened over my last two visits, I am simply going to take a moment to inform you on a couple of things happening this week as I prepare to go to Sebewaing tomorrow.
Tomorrow morning as I prayer walk around Sebewaing, I will be taking part in my first life transformation group opportunity that has shown itself. I will be walking and praying with an old friend of mine. We have each committed to reading the book of Matthew for tomorrow and to go through the accountability questions. This is one of the tools that we are looking at to create a disciple making movement. So please pray for Joe and me.
Also tomorrow evening my wife and I will be meeting with another couple to begin the process of building a model that we can use for discipling married couples. I am excited about both of these possibilities and ask you to pray for them. At this point I think I should be able to get back to a regular schedule and post my encounters each week.
Thanks for praying.
Your Servant in Christ,
Brian Reinhardt
Rather than trying to catch up on all the things that happened over my last two visits, I am simply going to take a moment to inform you on a couple of things happening this week as I prepare to go to Sebewaing tomorrow.
Tomorrow morning as I prayer walk around Sebewaing, I will be taking part in my first life transformation group opportunity that has shown itself. I will be walking and praying with an old friend of mine. We have each committed to reading the book of Matthew for tomorrow and to go through the accountability questions. This is one of the tools that we are looking at to create a disciple making movement. So please pray for Joe and me.
Also tomorrow evening my wife and I will be meeting with another couple to begin the process of building a model that we can use for discipling married couples. I am excited about both of these possibilities and ask you to pray for them. At this point I think I should be able to get back to a regular schedule and post my encounters each week.
Thanks for praying.
Your Servant in Christ,
Brian Reinhardt
Sunday, October 12, 2008
Old Friends, New Needs
As I traveled to Sebewaing today, it was one of those fall days that you dream about. The sun was shining, the temperatures were very pleasant, and the evidence of God was all around. Fall colors and fields full of crops ready to be harvested were proof of the blessing of God.
I started the day by visiting some old friends. I was glad to be able to sit and visit with them and kind of update them on what I am doing in Sebewaing. I was also glad to hear how God is working in their church and several of the new ministries that have started in their church. Part of what God has been teaching me is to celebrate His work where ever it is happening.
Later that day as I was doing my prayer walk, God again allowed me to come in contact with people. My first encounter that day was with a former student of mine. She introduced me to her boy friend, and we spent some time talking about what each of us was doing now days. I asked her if she was going to church, and she admitted that she was not. I told her that I would love to have her and her boy friend join a group. While I got no firm commitment from her, the door was left open. During my conversation with her and some others that I bumped into that day, there is a fair size group of young people in the Sebewaing area whom I know have a relationship with Christ, but who are presently not involved in any ministry of any kind on regular basis.
One of my other encounters that day was with a young man who in many ways was one of my favorite students I ever had in youth ministry. He even joked that he was the greatest student I ever had in youth group. He presently lives in the Vegas area so I considered it a blessing to have the opportunity to visit as he was only home for a short while. It was good to catch up with him and hear about what was going on in his life. As I listened to him I was proud of his accomplishments, but I also knew that I had failed him in some ways. It was clear to me that he was a follower of Christ but probably not a disciple. I was convicted that I need to make discipleship a much higher priority in my relationships with people.
Earlier in the week I had the opportunity to take part in the District Pastor's retreat. The three days were focused on times of prayer and also the process of disciple making. There were several great ideas that were talked about and some of them I felt like were God helping to confirm for me the process that we are trying to use in Sebewaing. Over the next few weeks I will be working to discern how God might want me to put some of these things into practice.
Over the next couple of weeks I will only be getting to Sebewaing briefly as I will be taking some vacation. As a result I will not be posting for a couple of weeks. Thanks for taking the time to praise God for the following blessings and to raise up in prayer the concerns. Talk to you again in a couple of weeks.
Praises:
Old friends
The successful ministries going on in Sebewaing
The fields being ready to harvest (both in the real and spiritual realm)
The emphasis on disciple making that is taking place in the District
The time that I will get to spend with my dad up north hunting
Concerns:
Reaching the many who just appear to be unplugged from church
That God will give a vision of the process that He wants to use in this ministry
For God to raise up a couple of people to help with leadership
For the Life Transformation Group I will be starting over the next couple of weeks
For the Sebewaing area with all the economic problems
Your Servant in Christ,
Brian
I started the day by visiting some old friends. I was glad to be able to sit and visit with them and kind of update them on what I am doing in Sebewaing. I was also glad to hear how God is working in their church and several of the new ministries that have started in their church. Part of what God has been teaching me is to celebrate His work where ever it is happening.
Later that day as I was doing my prayer walk, God again allowed me to come in contact with people. My first encounter that day was with a former student of mine. She introduced me to her boy friend, and we spent some time talking about what each of us was doing now days. I asked her if she was going to church, and she admitted that she was not. I told her that I would love to have her and her boy friend join a group. While I got no firm commitment from her, the door was left open. During my conversation with her and some others that I bumped into that day, there is a fair size group of young people in the Sebewaing area whom I know have a relationship with Christ, but who are presently not involved in any ministry of any kind on regular basis.
One of my other encounters that day was with a young man who in many ways was one of my favorite students I ever had in youth ministry. He even joked that he was the greatest student I ever had in youth group. He presently lives in the Vegas area so I considered it a blessing to have the opportunity to visit as he was only home for a short while. It was good to catch up with him and hear about what was going on in his life. As I listened to him I was proud of his accomplishments, but I also knew that I had failed him in some ways. It was clear to me that he was a follower of Christ but probably not a disciple. I was convicted that I need to make discipleship a much higher priority in my relationships with people.
Earlier in the week I had the opportunity to take part in the District Pastor's retreat. The three days were focused on times of prayer and also the process of disciple making. There were several great ideas that were talked about and some of them I felt like were God helping to confirm for me the process that we are trying to use in Sebewaing. Over the next few weeks I will be working to discern how God might want me to put some of these things into practice.
Over the next couple of weeks I will only be getting to Sebewaing briefly as I will be taking some vacation. As a result I will not be posting for a couple of weeks. Thanks for taking the time to praise God for the following blessings and to raise up in prayer the concerns. Talk to you again in a couple of weeks.
Praises:
Old friends
The successful ministries going on in Sebewaing
The fields being ready to harvest (both in the real and spiritual realm)
The emphasis on disciple making that is taking place in the District
The time that I will get to spend with my dad up north hunting
Concerns:
Reaching the many who just appear to be unplugged from church
That God will give a vision of the process that He wants to use in this ministry
For God to raise up a couple of people to help with leadership
For the Life Transformation Group I will be starting over the next couple of weeks
For the Sebewaing area with all the economic problems
Your Servant in Christ,
Brian
Saturday, October 4, 2008
The Living among the Dead
On this day I started my prayer walk not really sure which direction I was going to head. As I was walking, I felt a call to go toward the cemetery to visit the grave of one of my former students who had died at 19 in an automobile accident. I felt like this was a little strange because the cemetery is on the edge of town, and I just didn't think about running into anyone on my way there.
However having learned over the last few weeks that God always has an appointment for me, I went. As I approached the cemetery all seemed quiet, and I proceeded to the area where Dale was buried. When I got there I noticed one car parked in the area, and I began to look around to see who it belonged to. There was a lady just a short distance from where I was going. I approached her to say hi because I did not want to startle her. I recognized her and learned she was tending to the grave of her son.
We began a conversation, and it became obvious to me very quickly that this was going to be one of my divine appointments today. I know that this lady was a woman of faith but on this day her faith was shaken. We spent some time together there in conversation and then prayed. As she left, it seemed like a huge weight had been lifted. While she realized that the problems of her life were not suddenly gone, she also realized that she did not have to carry them alone.
When she left, I went to the grave of the young man I had intended to visit. As I looked around I was struck by the number of graves in that portion of the cemetery of people who had died at a young age. I was reminded again of the importance of always being prepared to share the Gospel because none of us are guaranteed tomorrow.
The rest of the day felt like it was mostly about just being with people. I had lunch with an old friend and prayed with him for his wife who was having surgery the next day. I worked with the Alternative Education class on a community service project at Bay Shore. I had a great time there, and we shared some pizza at the end of the day.
I then spent some time working with the Rotary Club on their Moon Light Madness sale fundraiser. I don't have time to explain that, but it was great to again be delivering bean soup to the people of Sebewaing.
That evening we gathered together, four of us, to talk about the disciple making movement. The numbers were not as high as I had hoped because of the community event and some sporting events; but I was greatly encouraged. I shared a 20 minute segment of the Keystone project video, and we had a great discussion of what that might look like in Sebewaing. I encouraged the others there to be in prayer and that if God through the Holy Spirit gave them ideas, to be ready to share them. I finally got home around 10:30 that night feeling again like God had blessed me!
Praises:
God is continuing to give me opportunities to share
People are asking questions
The relationships I am building with the students and staff of the alternative ed program
The meeting and the sharing of the vision as it continues to be defined
Prayer concerns:
To continue to bring people in who will add to and help develop the vision for this disciple making movement
For discernment for me as to where to invest time.
God will bring forth workers for the harvest
For two meetings I am hoping to have next week with people I consider to be spiritual leaders
Your Servant in Christ,
Brian
However having learned over the last few weeks that God always has an appointment for me, I went. As I approached the cemetery all seemed quiet, and I proceeded to the area where Dale was buried. When I got there I noticed one car parked in the area, and I began to look around to see who it belonged to. There was a lady just a short distance from where I was going. I approached her to say hi because I did not want to startle her. I recognized her and learned she was tending to the grave of her son.
We began a conversation, and it became obvious to me very quickly that this was going to be one of my divine appointments today. I know that this lady was a woman of faith but on this day her faith was shaken. We spent some time together there in conversation and then prayed. As she left, it seemed like a huge weight had been lifted. While she realized that the problems of her life were not suddenly gone, she also realized that she did not have to carry them alone.
When she left, I went to the grave of the young man I had intended to visit. As I looked around I was struck by the number of graves in that portion of the cemetery of people who had died at a young age. I was reminded again of the importance of always being prepared to share the Gospel because none of us are guaranteed tomorrow.
The rest of the day felt like it was mostly about just being with people. I had lunch with an old friend and prayed with him for his wife who was having surgery the next day. I worked with the Alternative Education class on a community service project at Bay Shore. I had a great time there, and we shared some pizza at the end of the day.
I then spent some time working with the Rotary Club on their Moon Light Madness sale fundraiser. I don't have time to explain that, but it was great to again be delivering bean soup to the people of Sebewaing.
That evening we gathered together, four of us, to talk about the disciple making movement. The numbers were not as high as I had hoped because of the community event and some sporting events; but I was greatly encouraged. I shared a 20 minute segment of the Keystone project video, and we had a great discussion of what that might look like in Sebewaing. I encouraged the others there to be in prayer and that if God through the Holy Spirit gave them ideas, to be ready to share them. I finally got home around 10:30 that night feeling again like God had blessed me!
Praises:
God is continuing to give me opportunities to share
People are asking questions
The relationships I am building with the students and staff of the alternative ed program
The meeting and the sharing of the vision as it continues to be defined
Prayer concerns:
To continue to bring people in who will add to and help develop the vision for this disciple making movement
For discernment for me as to where to invest time.
God will bring forth workers for the harvest
For two meetings I am hoping to have next week with people I consider to be spiritual leaders
Your Servant in Christ,
Brian
Friday, September 26, 2008
One Day at the Time
I started today by meeting with Bob Sweeney. Bob is the Pastor of the Cass City Missionary Church and also the leader of the Thumb Area LEAD Team. For me, it was an encouraging visit as we talked about the first 3 weeks and then spent some time discussing and praying about what the future for this Disciple Making Movement might look like. We came to the conclusion that we are sort of breaking new ground, and that there is not a pattern to follow. Bob also suggested to me to continue to be patient and to be seeking the Holy Spirit for direction.
Later that morning I met with a man in Sebewaing to ask him to consider being part of one of the first disciple groups that I would like to start. We had a good conversation, and he promised me he would consider the idea. One of the things I am trying to get used to is planting ideas and then allowing God to work through the Holy Spirit. ( 1 Cor. 3:5-9)
I also had a conversation with a man from the Elkton Missionary Church who lives over in the Sebewaing area. I invited him to meet with a small group on Thursday, October 2 as we talk about and begin to cast a vision for this Disciple Making Movement. He is interested and was going to have a conversation with his wife also. I am waiting to hear back from them.
As I did the previous week, I spent some time in a prayer walk around Sebewaing just trying to be sensitive for the leading of the Holy Spirit. Near the end of the walk I ran into a friend of mine from the Rotary Club. We started to talk, and I let her know what I was doing in the area on Thursdays. We talked about the Rotary Club and how they might need help with one of their fundraising projects that is coming up. The time fit into my schedule next week so I volunteered to help out. Two prayer walks, two good opportunities to share, in two different ways. God is faithful!
That afternoon I again spent a couple of hours at the school. As I had the previous week, I accompanied the Alternative Education group from USA High School to several more churches offering our help with any community service type projects. Again the reception was good. It seems like God has just given me an opportunity to be present in the lives of these young people who are trying to overcome some past mistakes.
The leader of this group, Rudy (Don Rudolph) is a solid Christian man, and he spent some time asking me about the project that we are attempting in the Sebewaing area. As I explained to him what we were trying to do, he asked me if Jim Keller was still in the Missionary Church. I told him that Jim was our D.S. Rudy told me that he was a big Jim Keller fan ( He knew Jim from his years at Lamotte), and that connection seemed to bring added validity to this Disciple Making Movement in Rudy's mind.
I had conversations with a couple more people that day. As I was driving home thinking about the day, it seemed like one of those days that you have on the job where nothing really out of the ordinary happens; but somehow you feel good about the day.
Praises:
The word seems to be getting out that I am in town ministering.
Everyone whom I have had conversations with seems positive and open.
For the relationships I am building through my work in the school
Prayer concerns:
We are trying to gather some people Thursday, October 2 to dream a little. Pray for a good attendance.
Pray for the young people involved in the Alternative Education Program as well as the program itself. Pray for acceptance and that all red tape would be sorted through.
Pray that as I take part in this Rotary fundraiser that God would use that time to make some new contacts.
Continue to pray for wisdom for myself and the other LEAD Team members as we listen for the Holy Spirit to give direction in this Disciple Making Program
Your Servant in Christ,
Brian
Later that morning I met with a man in Sebewaing to ask him to consider being part of one of the first disciple groups that I would like to start. We had a good conversation, and he promised me he would consider the idea. One of the things I am trying to get used to is planting ideas and then allowing God to work through the Holy Spirit. ( 1 Cor. 3:5-9)
I also had a conversation with a man from the Elkton Missionary Church who lives over in the Sebewaing area. I invited him to meet with a small group on Thursday, October 2 as we talk about and begin to cast a vision for this Disciple Making Movement. He is interested and was going to have a conversation with his wife also. I am waiting to hear back from them.
As I did the previous week, I spent some time in a prayer walk around Sebewaing just trying to be sensitive for the leading of the Holy Spirit. Near the end of the walk I ran into a friend of mine from the Rotary Club. We started to talk, and I let her know what I was doing in the area on Thursdays. We talked about the Rotary Club and how they might need help with one of their fundraising projects that is coming up. The time fit into my schedule next week so I volunteered to help out. Two prayer walks, two good opportunities to share, in two different ways. God is faithful!
That afternoon I again spent a couple of hours at the school. As I had the previous week, I accompanied the Alternative Education group from USA High School to several more churches offering our help with any community service type projects. Again the reception was good. It seems like God has just given me an opportunity to be present in the lives of these young people who are trying to overcome some past mistakes.
The leader of this group, Rudy (Don Rudolph) is a solid Christian man, and he spent some time asking me about the project that we are attempting in the Sebewaing area. As I explained to him what we were trying to do, he asked me if Jim Keller was still in the Missionary Church. I told him that Jim was our D.S. Rudy told me that he was a big Jim Keller fan ( He knew Jim from his years at Lamotte), and that connection seemed to bring added validity to this Disciple Making Movement in Rudy's mind.
I had conversations with a couple more people that day. As I was driving home thinking about the day, it seemed like one of those days that you have on the job where nothing really out of the ordinary happens; but somehow you feel good about the day.
Praises:
The word seems to be getting out that I am in town ministering.
Everyone whom I have had conversations with seems positive and open.
For the relationships I am building through my work in the school
Prayer concerns:
We are trying to gather some people Thursday, October 2 to dream a little. Pray for a good attendance.
Pray for the young people involved in the Alternative Education Program as well as the program itself. Pray for acceptance and that all red tape would be sorted through.
Pray that as I take part in this Rotary fundraiser that God would use that time to make some new contacts.
Continue to pray for wisdom for myself and the other LEAD Team members as we listen for the Holy Spirit to give direction in this Disciple Making Program
Your Servant in Christ,
Brian
Friday, September 19, 2008
Answered prayer
As I drove to Sebewaing on Thursday September 18, I must admit that I was not sure what the day would hold. I knew I was going to spend a couple of hours helping out at the school, but I had a couple of appointments that had called to cancel for this week and so I was unsure what I would do with my morning. I decided to park downtown and simply start with a prayer walk. As I was walking and just asking God to give me direction, I passed a house just as a car was pulling in the driveway. A young man jump out, who I knew, and asked me what I was doing in town. He then invited me in for a cup of coffee, and we began to talk about the difference between making people converts to Christ as opposed to creating disciples of Christ. It was a very uplifting time for me because I really felt like God orchestrated the meeting. It was an answer to prayer. This young man asked if he could attend a meeting that I referenced on October 2 to begin the process of casting a vision. I told him that would be great. I gave him my card and he email me before the day was out to confirm his interest. Praise God!
After visiting a couple of other families that morning, the afternoon took me to the school where I have decided to volunteer for a couple of hours a week with the alternative education program which is just kicking off. I am going to help the group as they go out into the community to do volunteer projects. The agenda for the day included visiting some of the local churches to tell them what we were planning and to offer our services. It was a great privilege for me to go with this group of young people to 3 different churches and Bayshore Camp sharing our desire to simply be of service. I also had the opportunity to share in a couple of those places with some people about the idea of a Disciple Making movement and arranged at least one appointment for the following week.
Overall it was a great day, and I was encouraged in many ways. I am learning that I need to make sure not to simply try to get things going for the sake of doing things. As I get more into the Key Stone training, God continues to show me that I need to be aware of something bigger than the vision I had. I am trusting that God will continue to be faithful as I wait upon Him.
Praises:
The way God used the time set aside last week simply for prayer.
The Lord's encouragement at just the right moments
For the openness of the USA School
The vision of the Thumb area LEAD Team to look beyond planting a church and instead to work to create a disciple making movement.
Prayer concerns:
That God will continue to open the right doors
That God would make it clear to me how much to pursue doors that seem to be closed
That God would continue to give direction to the Alternative Education Program at USA as they reach out to these students who have fallen through the cracks.
That the Lord will continue to show me grace as I wait upon Him
Your Servant in Christ,
Brian
After visiting a couple of other families that morning, the afternoon took me to the school where I have decided to volunteer for a couple of hours a week with the alternative education program which is just kicking off. I am going to help the group as they go out into the community to do volunteer projects. The agenda for the day included visiting some of the local churches to tell them what we were planning and to offer our services. It was a great privilege for me to go with this group of young people to 3 different churches and Bayshore Camp sharing our desire to simply be of service. I also had the opportunity to share in a couple of those places with some people about the idea of a Disciple Making movement and arranged at least one appointment for the following week.
Overall it was a great day, and I was encouraged in many ways. I am learning that I need to make sure not to simply try to get things going for the sake of doing things. As I get more into the Key Stone training, God continues to show me that I need to be aware of something bigger than the vision I had. I am trusting that God will continue to be faithful as I wait upon Him.
Praises:
The way God used the time set aside last week simply for prayer.
The Lord's encouragement at just the right moments
For the openness of the USA School
The vision of the Thumb area LEAD Team to look beyond planting a church and instead to work to create a disciple making movement.
Prayer concerns:
That God will continue to open the right doors
That God would make it clear to me how much to pursue doors that seem to be closed
That God would continue to give direction to the Alternative Education Program at USA as they reach out to these students who have fallen through the cracks.
That the Lord will continue to show me grace as I wait upon Him
Your Servant in Christ,
Brian
Saturday, September 13, 2008
Growing pains
Thursday, September 11, was my second week working in Sebewaing. I am continuing to work on the process of getting some people into groups to begin the process of creating Disciples who create Disciples.
I have to admit that this week did not go quite as well as last week in some respects. On my first stop as I was explaining why I was going to be in Sebewaing on Thursdays, the lady told me that her pastor's wife had commented on the Missionary Church's efforts in the area. (This was based on the letter that I had sent to churches back in June telling them we were going to be trying to create a Disciple making movement.) The comments were not positive and reflected a fear that we were out to steal people from their churches for a new church plant. I heard that same sentiment in a couple of other conversations. It is obvious that there is a lot of work to do in creating unity and casting the vision of a disciple making movement.
My second appointment of the day was more promising. I am trying to create a group of men who can meet during the day to begin a discipling process. I have my first yes and have appointments next Thursday (Sept 18) to talk to two others with the plans to start that group on September 25. I also have a commitment from another man to begin a group when the soccer season ends.
Because of a counseling situation I did not get to the school today, but did meet with the person who I will be working with there. And she was going to help get a clearer picture of what we will do there. Next week we will clarify some of that.
In my other meetings of the day I got some interest, but no commitments. I spent some time hanging out reading in the local McDonalds and simply shared what I would be doing also with several people who just stopped in. God has laid it on my heart that I need to spend some time each week simply walking around Sebewaing and praying. So beginning next week I will include that in my daily work there.
This was a difficult week for me because of some things going on in my ministry at New Life. I ended up investing a lot of time in a situation that is not going well, and to tell you the truth I went into my visits this week a little beat up. I need to learn that God is in charge and control and there comes a time I need to let go. I praise God because in my studying on Friday He reminded me of that; and so, once again, I am feeling a little more optimistic. Praise God for that.
Praises for the week:
God's grace and mercy in my own life!
That some people are beginning to commit to disciple making groups!
Prayer concerns for the week:
For the appointments I have this week to share the vision of Disciple making
For church leadership to be open
For a couple of other people who have been asked to offer some leadership to the project that God will give them clarity as they consider His call ( I am hoping to get a group of 5 to go to the Disciple making seminar with me in Port Huron November 7 and 8. I have three presently committed.)
Pray that God would not allow this spirit of fear of losing people from a local church that I have run into to grow, but instead that there will be a spirit of unity
Please pray for me. Also that I will not be burdened with the lies of Satan telling me that any time something fails it is my fault.
Your Servant in Christ,
Brian
Prayer concerns for September
I have to admit that this week did not go quite as well as last week in some respects. On my first stop as I was explaining why I was going to be in Sebewaing on Thursdays, the lady told me that her pastor's wife had commented on the Missionary Church's efforts in the area. (This was based on the letter that I had sent to churches back in June telling them we were going to be trying to create a Disciple making movement.) The comments were not positive and reflected a fear that we were out to steal people from their churches for a new church plant. I heard that same sentiment in a couple of other conversations. It is obvious that there is a lot of work to do in creating unity and casting the vision of a disciple making movement.
My second appointment of the day was more promising. I am trying to create a group of men who can meet during the day to begin a discipling process. I have my first yes and have appointments next Thursday (Sept 18) to talk to two others with the plans to start that group on September 25. I also have a commitment from another man to begin a group when the soccer season ends.
Because of a counseling situation I did not get to the school today, but did meet with the person who I will be working with there. And she was going to help get a clearer picture of what we will do there. Next week we will clarify some of that.
In my other meetings of the day I got some interest, but no commitments. I spent some time hanging out reading in the local McDonalds and simply shared what I would be doing also with several people who just stopped in. God has laid it on my heart that I need to spend some time each week simply walking around Sebewaing and praying. So beginning next week I will include that in my daily work there.
This was a difficult week for me because of some things going on in my ministry at New Life. I ended up investing a lot of time in a situation that is not going well, and to tell you the truth I went into my visits this week a little beat up. I need to learn that God is in charge and control and there comes a time I need to let go. I praise God because in my studying on Friday He reminded me of that; and so, once again, I am feeling a little more optimistic. Praise God for that.
Praises for the week:
God's grace and mercy in my own life!
That some people are beginning to commit to disciple making groups!
Prayer concerns for the week:
For the appointments I have this week to share the vision of Disciple making
For church leadership to be open
For a couple of other people who have been asked to offer some leadership to the project that God will give them clarity as they consider His call ( I am hoping to get a group of 5 to go to the Disciple making seminar with me in Port Huron November 7 and 8. I have three presently committed.)
Pray that God would not allow this spirit of fear of losing people from a local church that I have run into to grow, but instead that there will be a spirit of unity
Please pray for me. Also that I will not be burdened with the lies of Satan telling me that any time something fails it is my fault.
Your Servant in Christ,
Brian
Prayer concerns for September
Monday, September 8, 2008
Day one on the ground
This last Thursday, September 4 was the first day on the ground in Sebewaing as we work to create a Disciple making movement. I had several encounters which I am praising God for.
I started my day by visiting a friend of mine, Fred Wilson, a retired Assembly of God Pastor. I shared with Fred the vision that we believe God has placed on our hearts for creating a Disciple Making movement. Fred was excited about it and very supportive.
Next I visited the school. During my 10 years of ministry in the Sebewaing area I did many things in school. Even though I did not know many students I was warmly greeted by the high school staff and given several ideas and possibilities to help serve in the school and some contact information. Since the schools in small towns are really the heart of the community, I was excited about the things that came out of those three meetings.
I had lunch with Casey Turner. Casey has been working through some of the possibilities of what the Organic Church should look like and how God wants him to be involved. I was greatly encouraged with our visit because Casey shared that he has been in conversation with Pastors from several different areas in the Thumb, and there seems to be a spirit of change that God is orchestrating. Casey shared that when he visited with several of these churches 10 years ago when he first came to the Thumb, he got very negative input to some of his ideas of the churches working together. Now there seems to be a more open environment.
In the afternoon I visited with one of the Pastors from the Fair haven Mennonite Church located a few miles north of Sebewaing He had gotten the letter that I mailed out in June and was wondering about how his church might benefit from a Disciple making movement. I invited him to be part of our first group this fall but his schedule won't allow it. Michael is a bi-vocational pastor and his two other jobs are keeping him pretty tied up this fall. He asked if we might be open to people from his congregation attending some of our studies and of course we are.
I also visited with a couple of men I know who work second shift. I am hoping to start a men's group that will meet late morning.
I closed the day meeting with John and Rhonda Elenbaum. They are open to us using their home to meet in. I also asked them if they might be willing to attend some training seminars on disciple making, and they are. Overall many things to praise God for!
As I face this week's visits my prayer concerns are as follows.
I was given contact information for two pastors. Pray they will be as open to meeting as the people I talked to last week seemed to think they would be.
Pray for wisdom as I figure out the best way to be involved in the school system. They seem to be incredibly open, and I would be working with the alternative high school students who really need God.
Pray that this week as I meet with two men about a discipling possibility that they would be open to it.
I am hoping to meet with a man who Casey felt would be critical in starting a disciple making movement in Sebewaing. Pray that I get that meeting and that we will be open to what the Holy Spirit wants.
Continue to pray for Casey. I am impressed on that God intends to use him in this process.
Pray for this new relationship with Pastor Michael from the Fair Haven Mennonite Church. I believe there is something God wants to do there.
Continue to pray for a Spirit of unity -- that any issues from the past would not become major stumbling blocks for people.
Your Servant in Christ,
Brian
I started my day by visiting a friend of mine, Fred Wilson, a retired Assembly of God Pastor. I shared with Fred the vision that we believe God has placed on our hearts for creating a Disciple Making movement. Fred was excited about it and very supportive.
Next I visited the school. During my 10 years of ministry in the Sebewaing area I did many things in school. Even though I did not know many students I was warmly greeted by the high school staff and given several ideas and possibilities to help serve in the school and some contact information. Since the schools in small towns are really the heart of the community, I was excited about the things that came out of those three meetings.
I had lunch with Casey Turner. Casey has been working through some of the possibilities of what the Organic Church should look like and how God wants him to be involved. I was greatly encouraged with our visit because Casey shared that he has been in conversation with Pastors from several different areas in the Thumb, and there seems to be a spirit of change that God is orchestrating. Casey shared that when he visited with several of these churches 10 years ago when he first came to the Thumb, he got very negative input to some of his ideas of the churches working together. Now there seems to be a more open environment.
In the afternoon I visited with one of the Pastors from the Fair haven Mennonite Church located a few miles north of Sebewaing He had gotten the letter that I mailed out in June and was wondering about how his church might benefit from a Disciple making movement. I invited him to be part of our first group this fall but his schedule won't allow it. Michael is a bi-vocational pastor and his two other jobs are keeping him pretty tied up this fall. He asked if we might be open to people from his congregation attending some of our studies and of course we are.
I also visited with a couple of men I know who work second shift. I am hoping to start a men's group that will meet late morning.
I closed the day meeting with John and Rhonda Elenbaum. They are open to us using their home to meet in. I also asked them if they might be willing to attend some training seminars on disciple making, and they are. Overall many things to praise God for!
As I face this week's visits my prayer concerns are as follows.
I was given contact information for two pastors. Pray they will be as open to meeting as the people I talked to last week seemed to think they would be.
Pray for wisdom as I figure out the best way to be involved in the school system. They seem to be incredibly open, and I would be working with the alternative high school students who really need God.
Pray that this week as I meet with two men about a discipling possibility that they would be open to it.
I am hoping to meet with a man who Casey felt would be critical in starting a disciple making movement in Sebewaing. Pray that I get that meeting and that we will be open to what the Holy Spirit wants.
Continue to pray for Casey. I am impressed on that God intends to use him in this process.
Pray for this new relationship with Pastor Michael from the Fair Haven Mennonite Church. I believe there is something God wants to do there.
Continue to pray for a Spirit of unity -- that any issues from the past would not become major stumbling blocks for people.
Your Servant in Christ,
Brian
Wednesday, September 3, 2008
Getting Started
Last night around 20 people gathered at New Life Missionary Church to pray for the launching of a movement which will start in Sebewaing tomorrow. The plan is to create a movement where we will work to create disciples of Jesus who make disciples, who make disciples, who make disciples. Following the idea that God intends for all living things to reproduce (Genesis 1:27-28) we want to help people in their journey to "be like Christ" so that they can produce disciples of Christ. Mark chapter 4 will lend itself as our model. It is our desire to make sure that we are "good soil" that produces a good crop. Please be in prayer that:
There will be unity among the Churches in the Sebewaing area
That the core group of people God would have come together for this movement will be open to His leading
For the LEAD team that God has used to implant this vision
For an openness among God's people for a new vision of what church can be
For wisdom for the LEAD Team as we communicate the vision for this disciple making movement
For the blessing of the churches who are involved
I will be in Sebewaing each Thursday meeting people and inviting them to join in this vision God has given the Thumb area LEAD Team Michigan District Missionary Church
There will be unity among the Churches in the Sebewaing area
That the core group of people God would have come together for this movement will be open to His leading
For the LEAD team that God has used to implant this vision
For an openness among God's people for a new vision of what church can be
For wisdom for the LEAD Team as we communicate the vision for this disciple making movement
For the blessing of the churches who are involved
I will be in Sebewaing each Thursday meeting people and inviting them to join in this vision God has given the Thumb area LEAD Team Michigan District Missionary Church
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