November 27, 2007
This is a post from Swerve, Craig Groeschel’s blog, that I thought was worth sharing with everyone.
When you are doing ministry, try to remember:
- What you do is a result of who you are in Christ.
- What you do doesn’t define who you are.
- Don’t confuse the “who” with the “do.”
You are not successful because:
- Your kids’ ministry grew 10% this year.
- Three people got saved last week.
- Your budget increased by 5%.
- The parents of your student ministry like you.
- Your church is bigger this year than this time last year.
You are successful because of who you are in Christ. You please God by obeying him, not performing up to your personal expectations.
Are you doing ministry to get worth, feel successful or to find your identity? Or are you doing ministry to please, to resemble, to delight in Christ and bring people to Him?
Craig Groeschel
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encouragement, leadership | Tagged: Craig Groeschel, lifechurch.tv, ministry, success | 
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Posted by phil h
November 12, 2007
Today in GenesisKIDS we wrapped up a lesson series entitled “Major Pain” where we talked about suffering. Today’s lesson was entitled “GRADUATION!” and we talked about how perseverance through our pain can bring about wisdom and maturity in our faith.
But more importantly, we talked about how one day we’ll graduate. Similarly to how folks graduate from kindergarten, high school and even military boot camp, one day we’ll graduate from life here on earth. And on that day we’ll leave this place filled with pain, suffering, sickness, wars, hurricanes, and a ton of other stuff we don’t understand. We’ll leave this place where we really don’t belong, and God will welcome us into the place He created for us. He’ll say to us, “Enter in.” And for the first time, we’ll understand what “home” truly means.
On our take home papers we had questions about heaven along with scripture references for the kids to look up with their parents to answer those questions. How have you talked to your kids about heaven?
Leave a Comment » | creative ministry, encouragement, family ministry | Tagged: children's ministry, heaven | Permalink
Posted by phil h
November 7, 2007
During staff meeting yesterday morning we had an extended time of thanksgiving and praise where each member would express their gratitude to God for his gracious acts of kindness over the past year. All that was spoken was great to hear, but there was one that stopped me in my thought tracks.
My pastor said, “I am thankful for the positive memories that my grandchildren are making about God and church.” In a humble way I lowered my head and smiled, because in that moment I realized that I have the awesome opportunity of serving families and their children to help them make positive memories.
Hey guys, that goes for all of us! We are in the positive memory business. Our kids are making memories that will last forever and you are right in the middle of it.
Keep it up! Make positive memories!
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Posted by phil b
November 6, 2007
At least once a week, during our family prayer time, we do a little something we now call “Thankful Fors”. It’s quite simple. Each member of the family takes a turn expressing the things they are thankful for in their life. The name started when we missed a few nights of this ritual and my son asked, “Dad, can we do thankful fors tonight?”
I’m often amazed at my kids’ answers. Their teachers at church. Their house, puppy, and family. The fact that we have not lost power (like we did a few months back during a thunderstorm). Some are funny. Some are encouraging. Some are just plain cute. All are Biblical…
I will give thanks to the Lord with my whole heart;
I will tell of all your wonderful deeds.
- Psalm 9:1, NRSV
What are you Thankful For? Family? Health? Ministry? Be specific, and don’t be shy. Let’s fill this blog up with gratitude and tell of HIS wonderful deeds.
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Posted by phil h
