RSS Feeds and More

I am currently at America’s Keswick where I am sharing the Word along with Dr. Steve Strauss, US Director of SIM (Serving In Missions). My topic this week is The Nature and Nurture of Spiritual Strength. By the way, you can watch our messages via live stream by clinking on the link at America’s Keswick website (www.americaskeswick.org). I speak each evening around 7:00 PM.

Here is a list of recent RSS Feeds that I found helpful. Hopefully you will also.

Developing New Churches

Bill Hoyt has written a great article that challenges many churches to reconsider their involvement in church planting, and one of the major issues blocking the planting of new churches. That is the syndrome, Not In My Back Yard (NIMBY). Read more about NIMBY here:

http://www.nexstepcoaching.org/ArticlesDetail.asp?id=134

Cultivating Church Leaders

If you are like me, the thought of disconnection contributes to nervous twitches and a sense of panic that you might miss something important begins to creep into your soul. Nelson Searcy has written a powerful blog entry about the need to disconnect. Read Nelson’s article here:

http://www.churchleaderinsights.com/blog/2009/08/13/disconnect-permission-for-pastors-to-power-down/

Building Healthy Churches

What do we mean when we say a church has been transformed? Can that even be measured? Bill Tenny-Brittian has some helpful thoughts and definitions in this blog post.

http://www.billtennybrittian.com/got-a-foundation-lets-build/defining-transformation

Assisting Pastors and Churches in Crisis

The following excerpt from Ken Sande’s book is an important reminder regarding our posture when we need to approach another about a sensitive issue.

Staying Grounded

God opposes the proud but give grace to the humble. James 4:6

When you need to show others their faults, do not talk down to them as though you are faultless and they are inferior to you. Instead, talk with them as though you are standing side by side at the foot of the cross. Acknowledge your present, ongoing need for the Savior. Admit ways that you have wrestled with the same or other sins or weaknesses, and give hope by describing how God has forgiven you and is currently working in you to help you change... When people see this kind of humility and common bond, they will be less inclined to react to correction with pride and defensiveness.

Adapted from The Peacemaker: A Biblical Guide to Resolving Personal Conflictby Ken Sande, Updated Edition (Grand Rapids, Baker Books, 2003) p. 172.

From Peacemeal (Email Newsletter from Peacemaker Ministries), August 12, 2009.

Hope you are having a great week.

~ Jim