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“Broken” – Taken March 17, 2007

It’s easy to forget about others. Unless there is a crisis in our own lives we forget that the world isn’t perfect. We can do something about it. It’s more than World Vision though. People in your own town – or own home – need your heart to be broken for them. Let this be your prayer.

“Let my heart be broken with the things that break the heart of God.” – World Vision founder Bob Pierce

Camera: Canon EOS Digital Rebel XT
Exposure: 0.033 sec (1/30)
Aperture: f/5
Focal Length: 105 mm
ISO Speed: 800

Wanna see More photos of the week?

I’m for hire! Head over to chrismoncusphoto.com for more info.

Here is one of the most practical and view-altering videos I’ve seen on church growth. Rick Warren is being interviewed regarding church discipleship and growth and his response to the Reveal Study by Willow Creek. It’s about 30 minutes long and well worth it.

So at dinner last night at Matteo’s I have to say I got the quote of the week. Several of us were having dinner and discussing everything from guitar amps to American children dying of hunger in the midst of a multi-billion dollar futile war. Fun stuff.

At some point got onto the subject of serving God and whether or not world missions is any more the work of God than rocking a baby in the nursery. Our final idea was that one should do whatever it is that God has called them to do, whether it is rocking a baby in the nursery or moving to a closed country to spread the Gospel. One should never feel like they are doing God’s will JUST because they are serving Him at all ‚Ä쬆that He may have different plans for us and may turn a baby rocker to the next Billy Graham or He may turn one on mission in Brazil to a church secretary. Either way, we agree that God has a plan and we should follow it as He directs us.

Then Brooke dropped the bomb. The power of it may have only had an impact on that room, but it may have an impact on your life now. It’s something most of us know, but the way she said it put it all into perspective.

There’s a whole world outside the church, even if it’s just next door.

Awesome.

So here’s my benediction. If you are searching for something big for God to call you to do, look inside, look outside, and look right next door. Serving God may require only a walk around the fence.

Is your church buzzworthy?

Is your church a topic of conversation in the community? Is your church making an impact? If it ceased to exist would anyone notice? Is your church innovative or does it follow the crowd?

The last two days I have been listening to the MP3 sessions from the Buzz Conference 07 hosted by National Community Church in Washington DC. Those question above were asked by such amazing church leaders as Mark Batterson, Craig Groeschel, and Tim Stephens. During their talks they give leadership visions for reaching people in radical ways and greatly affecting our communities.

If you’re a pastor or other church leader/employee, YOU NEED TO LISTEN TO THESE!

Session 1: Mark Batterson
In this opening session, Mark Batterson converts the Moscow Rules into leadership tactics for modern ministry.

Session 2: Tim Stevens
Tim Stevens, from Granger Community Church, shares insights into creating buzz by using the leverage of modern culture as the momentum to compel.

Session 3: Craig Groeschel
Craig Groeschel develops an algorithm: Limited resources, plus increasing passion, equals exponential innovation.

Session 4: Craig Groeschel
In this powerful message, Craig brings forth a confession of practical atheism.

Session Q&A: Craig Groeschel
Mark interviews Craig in this Q&A discussion immediately following Session 4.

Session 5: Mark Batterson
In the final session of Buzz ‘07, Mark finishes a discussion on tactics for greater leadership in ministry.

What’s also amazing is that they have released each of the five messages plus a Q&A on downloadable MP3 and streaming video for FREE! Download them at http://buzzconference.com/media/.

Listen and be blessed. Pass them on to your pastor. After you’ve listened, share your thoughts in the comments area.

Nothing long here today. Just a few things I want to point out in case we have forgotten what it is like to be a newbie in the Christian Culture.

New Christians do not know what “Ps.”, “Rev.”, “Hab.”, and “Zech.” mean. Neither do those who have yet to meet our Savior.

When placing references to verses on screen or in print, PLEASE write out the entire book name. It also helps to hear things like “Turn to Psalms, it’s right in the middle near Proverbs.” Or “Turn to John. It’s right after Luke and before Acts in the New Testament.” It’s the little things that can make or break a new believer or seeker.

We do want these newbies to understand, right?

That’s all for now. Now go and do likewise.

Any other areas we need to improve on in regards to newbies? Leave a comment and let’s hear.