KBREA Gathers Educators

When God does a great thing in your life you want to tell others.   In 2002 LifeWay Church Resources moved my family and I to Richmond Kentucky for me to serve as the Church Consultant for the entire state.  In the three years that followed I met many wonderful ministers and discovered God at work in many churches.  As I have said many times, Jeremiah 29:11 is very real in my life.  “I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, plans you know not of.”

Before moving to Kentucky, I was on staff at FBC Smyrna, TN as Minister of Education/Administration.  FBC has a history of internships and apprentices.  We practiced (and still practice) the “replace yourself” principle.  During this time I had an intern, Tommy, who served and learned about church growth, discipling people, and church facilities as the Education Intern.  Later, Tommy graduated and went to seminary in Louisville KY.  After graduation he was hired as the Minister of Education of Simpsonville Baptist Church outside of Louisville. Then in 2009 he was elected as President of the Kentucky Baptist Religious Educators Association.

Last Thursday I had the opportunity to return to Kentucky after four years as Director of GroupLife at LifePoint Church (formerly FBC Smyrna), Smyrna TN, I was invited back to Kentucky to share the LifePoint Story.  It was such a joy to get to see many of my friends and share what God is doing in and through LifePoint.  More than that was the joy of seeing a former student of LifePoint and former intern leading out as God has equipped and positioned him in Kentucky.

As I shared about the assimilation process of LifePoint and the Small Groups/Sunday School combination we are experiencing, Tommy was able to help explain through stories of his own life at LifePoint.

With an obvious smile on my face from seeing friends and watching a former intern lead, I shared our story and hopefully encouraged the many Educators concerning helping people connect to God and others.   Each of us strive to disciple others and help each other become more Christ-Centered.  Thank you KBREA and Tommy for giving me a chance to share and learn from you!

It’s Friday, but Sunday’s Coming!

“It’s Friday, but Sunday’s coming,”  is a phrase made famous by Tony Campolo (author/speaker) in the ’80’s. He writes about this phrase being used in Easter sermons to describe the difference Jesus Christ made. I have always loved the meaning behind this and recently experienced it in a somewhat different, but personal way.

It’s Friday with prayer walking, sound checks, check-in stations prepared, mowing the lawn, parking lot cleaned, rooms set up, people excited.  It’s Friday and people are driving by wondering what all is happening.

It’s Friday but they wondered what Sunday would bring.  Families had watched the numbers on the count-down sign decrease pointing toward Sunday. Other families went about their normal Friday routine not having a clue how this new LifePoint Church campus would impact their lives.  It’s Friday and families are getting excited about the weekend, because, well it is the weekend.

Sunday came.  Parking lot overflowing, parking in the grass and on the drive.  Smiles everywhere as you enter the building.  Parents lined up checking in their kids very excited to see what God would do today. Auditorium full, every seat occupied, people standing against the wall. Worship inspiring, message clear and challenging. September 13, 2009, the new LifePoint Church, Stewarts Creek Campus was open and flowing with Christ’s spirit of love and mercy.

Sunday came and families drove by wondering what all the excitement was about. Families who had no clue, suddenly found themselves being invited to a Small Group.  Several neighbors prayed on Friday and Sunday came to put into action all they had prayed about.  Three new Small Groups were birthed on Sunday afternoon.  These new groups were inspired on Sunday morning and developed on that afternoon.  Couples inviting neighbors to their home that night for Bible Study, Community and conversation. Thirty people lived a normal Friday, but Sunday came and that all changed.  They joined a Small Group to learn, discuss and receive God’s gift, His love, His community in their lives.

It was Friday, but Sunday came and we are forever changed.

Another Friday will be here soon, but Sunday’s coming!  What are you going to do with it?

NEXT Grows Leaders

Spent Thursday – Saturday in Dallas as part of the NEXT Saddleback Conference on Small Groups. One of the unwritten practices of LifePoint Church is to never travel alone, take someone you are investing in with you.  There were four of us who went from very different experiences and reasons.

I had been invited to go by Rick Howerton (LifeWay) and Steve Gladen (Saddleback) to lead a couple of workshops over the weekend.  So I asked three guys to go with me: a SG Coordinator who has been doing a great job starting new groups and enlisting successful Coaches, but had not been to a mega-conference on Small Groups;  a successful Sunday School teacher with several years experience.  He has help disciple many blended families and help them start Small Groups off campus; and a SG Coach who feels called to ministry and is trying to narrow down that call.

Each of us came back with renewed excitement, vision, encouragement and humble happiness of how awesome God was and how wonderful it was to be part of a church in which He is active.

Quotes on the return trip: “Now I know why I am here.”  “I am ready to do whatever I need to do to help people connect on or off campus.  I don’t care whether they get in Sunday School or Small Group, I have to help them connect.”  “I am honored to be part of such a great SG ministry. I have already thought of four or five more people I can ask to join us.”  “We have to keep the health of our SG as a focus, seems that is vital in long term SG ministry.”

What are you doing to help your leaders and potential leaders to take the NEXT step?  The 2010 NEXT Conference sites are:  Nashville, Lake Forest CA, Milwaukee, L.A., St. Louis, Seattle, Washington DC, Miami.

The Willow Creek GroupLife Conference simulcast in Nashville, Oct. 24 at Belmont Church.

Don’t miss this chance to grow leaders! Hope to see you at one of these!

Labor Day Trip Leads to Baseball Clinic

For your life, God has plans you don’t know about!   (Jeremiah 29:11) This has become clear in my life over the last three years.  In 2007 LifePoint Church’s Fielder’s Choice Baseball organization went on mission in Brooklyn, NY.  We worked with a local church and baseball league to put on a clinic for kids of Brooklyn.  During that week we met Cali Magallanes of Baseball Chapel.

Later that year MLB Winter Meetings were held in Nashville.  Cali and I met again and discussed how God had allowed us to meet and wondered what the future might hold with Fielder’s Choice.  (Brooklyn Baseball Clinic 2007,  Mexico Baseball Clinic 2008, Smyrna Coach’s Clinic 2008 & 2009)

This past weekend I had the privilege of flying to Philadelphia to meet with two churches and the President of the Roberto Clemente Baseball League.  Cali introduced us and let us discuss a potential clinic in the spring for over 100 boys 15-18 years old who play in Reading, PA.

You never know what God has planned for the future when you meet someone.  He has introduced me to many people whom He has later used in a major way in my life.  Cali is one of the people He introduced me to and has continued to use in my life and ministry. Never take a greeting for granted!

Fielders Choice is a group of baseball enthusiasts who lead player and coach’s clinics.  Fielders Choice, founded and led by former MLB Pitcher Charlie Mitchell, uses the combined abilities and knowledge of baseball veterans to help players become the best they can be.  Starting with foundational drills and squads, Fielders Choice helps participants gather the correct form and techniques to better enable them to enjoy the game.  Fielders Choice is comprised of leaders who represent various levels of baseball, including Little League, High School, College, Minor Leagues and Major League Baseball.   Each of our leaders are actively pursuing a growing relationship with Jesus Christ as they allow Him to work through them and use their abilities to share His love. Fielders Choice is co-sponsored by LifePoint Church, Smyrna, Tennessee and the individuals who lead this ministry.

GroupLink Connects over 250

The chance to connect to others for Discipleship, Community and Service is a priority for everyone.  LifePoint Church believes we need to make it easy to connect and relate to others as we point others to a Christ-Centered Life.  That is why each fall and spring we offer GroupLink in preparation for the next Sermon Series and Small Group Campaign.

LifePoint’s 2009 Fall GroupLink connected over 250 adults to a Small Group. In addition another hundred were connected through apprentices and new HOSTs starting groups. We had over forty Small Groups adding adults to their  groups, with thirty of these being new groups.

GroupLink is the event that takes place each fall and spring as LifePoint prepares for a church-wide focus of Bible Study and Sermon Series.  This fall we will be focusing on Tools to help you build a Christ-Centered Life entitled Centered. We will spend six weeks worshiping, studying and having daily devotionals around five disciplines or practices that, when practiced will not make us perfect Christians, but help each of us move forward on the journey of being a Christ-follower.

Unique to this study was the partnership with LifeWay Christian Resources. LifeWay developed the Small Group studies as well as wrote the daily devotionals and LifePoint Church developed the video teaching and leader helps.  All of this material and support will be available to LifePoint atttenders, Small Group Leaders and Small Group members on-line.

Stay tuned for further reports of this falls campaign.

Bugs Baseball Fall Update

You would have thought it was early spring on the ball field yesterday. Temps in the upper 70s and light wind out of the north.  Bright sunshine filled the prepared field as the boys rolled in for a hardy practice.  Coach Wes and Coach Eddie along with some Dads tried their hands at shagging during batting practice.  Each sharing what they stretched or tore on every hit, also sharing laughter only a day in the outfield can give.

The next couple of hours were focused on infield practice with the team lined up fielding and throwing.  Then the practice intensity stepped up to quick hands practice that led to double play instruction.  A couple of secret Bugs plays were added (tune in next spring to see these in action). Each player got his chance to show his love and ability for the game and various positions.  Missing Alex (broken arm) and Luke (out of town), the Bugs shared their high hopes of success when these two guys return.

We added bunting practice to the mix, both bunting and fielding a bunt instruction.  The infield learned some new ways to make plays, their position when the play was called out, and confidence building resulted.

Then it was time for the old guys to do some pitching.  Coach David and Coach Eddie had their time on the mound.  Coach David brought the heat but got lite up a few times.  Coach Eddie came in for relief and only hit one batter, but he hit him twice. Coach Chris rolled in and pulled him and finished out the practice on the mound.

Next outing is scrimmage along with the long awaited Wood-Bat Tournament the end of September.  Stay tuned.

How to Connect with People

We were on vacation, waiting in line to eat at a fancy dock-side restaurant when I received an email from our Executive Pastor Kyle.  You may ask “Why do you read your email on vacation?” When it is from the Exec, you read it; besides I was waiting in line and I don’t wait very easily.

The opening line was “you are all over this blog!”  So I opened the blog and discovered a guy who could have been my long lost brother separated at birth, because we obliviously think alike.  The five ways to connect to people are the things I love to do.  Here is a summary of Steve McCoy’s blog Reformissionary of July 30.

5 tools have stood out this summer as helpful for connecting with our neighbors.

1. Invite Cards:  I have invite cards in my wallet, backpack, both cars, camera case, etc. I don’t drop them under windshield wipers or “accidentally” leave them lying around. The last thing people need is to feel like your church is the same as the going-out-of-business furniture store. I use them relationally. They give a better connection to our church when meeting someone or having a conversation.  LifePoint has Invite Cards available at the Guest Services booths.

2. A Tennis Ball:  Steve shares “One thing we have learned to do is always keep a tennis ball in the car, in our swimming pool bag, in Elijah’s bat bag, etc. When we are at the pool and they force that 15 minute break, we grab the ball and play “hot box” in the grass. Hot box is where you have two bases, a guy catching at each base, and everyone else is a baserunner trying to advance but not get an out. And guess what. Kids see us playing and want to join in every time we play.”  We put this into practice as we waiting for our table.  Immediately a couple of other bored kids jumped in and joined us.  Their parents began to smile and converse with us. Steve also adds  “A tennis ball is nice because it’s heavy enough to throw hard and soft enough to not damage someone. But if you aren’t baseball oriented try a good nerf football (you need to be able to really throw it or it’s worthless), a frisbee, hacky sack, bag toss (sorry, I won’t call it “c*orn hole). You have nerdy kids? Cool. Embrace it. Bring extra magnifying glasses and invite kids to burn ants. Or if nothing else works, just play a game of tag.

3. Extra ______ — (Steve really pushed me on this one.) “It’s happened to you. You are at the pool or the park and someone didn’t bring something they needed. Maybe it’s a water bottle. Maybe it’s bug spray or sunscreen. I was golfing several weeks ago and someone needed a Tums. I had one. When you go somewhere, bring extra consumables and be aware of folks around you who might be suffering from forgetting something or a lack of planning. Be over-prepared and generous.

It doesn’t need to just be consumables. Early in the Little League season it was cold and we would have plenty of blankets in the van for our family and for others if needed. Bring an extra umbrella if it might rain. It’s snowing? Bring an extra sled.

The key here is to think of others when planning for your events and outings. Whatever you need for yourself, just add more. We leave bug spray, sunscreen, umbrellas, sweatshirts, wet wipes, lawn chairs, and water bottles in the car pretty much at all times.”

4. Camera — Every time I am at the park, families are taking photos before, during and after the games.  Following Steve’s advice, I now look for an opportunity to take pictures.  This one has also happened to you.  Some family member is always left out of the picture because they are taking the shot.  This is a great way to start a conversation with people.

5. Courage — How often do you kick yourself for not striking up a conversation? I am somewhat of an extrovert.  Don’t laugh, I have not always been this easy to talk to!  Finding ways to connect with people has been a growing passion of mine for the last few years.  Each of us have to find opportunities, and open your mouth.  Steve suggests: “Want to play with us?” “ “Skittles?” Once you have a way to connect, go ahead, connect!

Smyrna Bugs Baseball Fall ‘09

The Smyrna Bugs had their annual “End of Summer” party at the home of Dylan’s Grandmother.  The pool party was enjoyed by all even though the temperatures did not rise above 82 degrees.

I am sure you know the usual brownies, bar-b-que, swimming, tennis/metal bat baseball in the yard, and a little chicken-fighting in the pool.  Laughter, arguments over the calls by umpire Tom, discussion of big games, and great plays could be heard throughout the subdivision.  As Patrick, Brandon, Chase, Aaron and Bryce played chicken fight in the pool, Chris, Eddie, Wes and David kept their distance.

The Coach’s Awards were as unique as the individuals who make up this family.  Each Coach received a photo scrap book with photos of each player of the 2009 Spring/Summer season as well as weekly blog posts and web-site info.  As each Coach read through their book, silence and maybe a tear accompanied them.  What a special gift that Bryce’s family worked delivered to commemorate a special year of baseball.

We welcomed Justin and Luke to the team and discussed the unique fall season of two tournaments and weekly practices.  This fall we plan to play in our first wooden bat tournament.  Gresham’s BamBooBat of black and white has already arrived.  Stay tuned for updates of Bugs Baseball for Fall 2009.  And, by the way, thank you Smyrna Bugs for the chance to be part of this family.

Mission By the Pool

Not often do we get the opportunity to serve others in a way that is just “absolute silly fun”. This was one of those times!

The Laminin Small Group partnered with the Property Manager management at a local Apartment complex  to assist them with their annual summer pool party.   Our mission was to establish relationships, share the love of Christ with the hope of planting seeds for small group studies among the tenants, and just have good fun with a positive vibe!

Our group helped plan and set up the event working hand in hand with property management and the maintenance crew on the day of the event.

We had fun throwing the Frisbee with the children at the pool, participating in the Hoola-Hoop contest that was led by the D J, and serving hotdogs, chips, drinks, and popcorn. Todd and his son, also Lifepoint members, gave their time to bring their cotton candy machine and donated all the ingredients…it was a giant hit with everyone. We also provided and set up a jumper on the tennis courts for the children, which they thoroughly enjoyed.
We were able to share God’s love by answering the call to be ambassadors from Lifepoint for His purpose. Our presence was greatly appreciated by the staff and the tenants.
The Laminin Group t-shirts we were wearing made for the perfect ice breaker. People were asking about Laminin’s meaning which allowed us to share how Christ holds us together. We shared the benefit of being involved in a small group for weekly Bible study, being an encouragement to one another through prayer support, and holding one another accountable as Christ followers. Stories were shared from those who were broken and searching for God. We were excited to see how God was moving in their hearts and we look forward to seeing a harvest in that place. Seeds were planted in those we shared with and we hope to have another opportunity to serve there in the near future.

As a group we learned that even in the midst of playful laughter, there are hurts from things unseen, and people who are crying out for someone to care. It was an awesome day for us to care for those folks and share the good news that there is hope in Jesus Christ. Our group’s mission statement proved to be real that day. Not only as individuals but as a Body of Christ, “We are held together by Christ for His purpose”.

Sincerely,

The Laminin Group

90 Second Rule for Parents, Revolutionizing.

“In the Know” is the title for LifePoint’s Wednesday night series for parents, grandparents, guardians and Christ-followers to help the next generation.  More simply, how to raise our kids to be Christ-followers, good citizens, and leaders in the community and their schools.

Last night we started with the basics of “How to pass on the Faith.” 1. Building the relationship is the key to having an impact on anyone, especially our kids.  2. Building trust for the futures is highly dependent on how we react to situations now.  3. Passing on the Faith depends on the previous two and how we use teachable moments now.   4. And LifePoint helps via Small Groups that are built around or build relationships.

The 90 Second Rule by Jim Fannin brought the most comments.  And frankly is probably the easiest to put into practice to make the difference in our families, our relationships, and our future.  Check it out http://www.90secondrule.com/

Can you start The 90 Second Rule in your life today?  To quote a comment from the session, “It could be revolutionizing.”