Innovative Corps

a Biblical thought...
She did what she could when she could—she pre-anointed my body for burial. And you can be sure that wherever in the whole world the Message is preached, what she just did is going to be talked about admiringly. (Mark 14:9)

a Book thought...
The Church is free to live its life for others because it is not torn in many directions; it obeys only God. (p22 Needham)

a Dave thought...
Mission, not marketing, is what the church growth founders had in mind – incarnational, not institutional. They didn’t get it wrong, but some of us did, myself included. We should be aggressively planting innovative corps (not corpses) that infiltrate, identify with diverse populations and are transformative in scope. (joenoland.blogspot.com)

I was privileged to catch up with Joe when he visited Melbourne in November and I continue to love what he writes, as a retired commissioner he certainly is still trying to forward the mission of the Salvos.
I have no doubt we need to be innovators not imitators and God has done his best work through us when we listen to Him and act on what He is saying to us. Unless we are planting or serving in corps that are missional and original we might as well join the church down the road.
The last 20 years we started Wagner church growth initiatives, then we moved to Hybells, Warren and now others. Some have tried imitating Hillsong, others Planetshakers myself included. But there is no doubt God did his best work through the Salvos in our first 40 years when we just listened to Him and served our local community. It takes spending time with God and, courageous leadership but unless we stop living off second hand visions maybe the archives is the best place for us.

Just a thought.

Mark de Jong

a Biblical thought...
And watch out! They're going to drag you into court. And then it will go from bad to worse, dog-eat-dog, everyone at your throat because you carry my name. You're placed there as sentinels to truth. The Message has to be preached all across the world. (Mark 13:9-10)

a Book thought...
The Church is not a grouping of individual Christians; it is a community in which Christians share in one another's struggles and hopes. (p15 Needham)
a Dave thought...
Mark de Jong founded Parachute Music Festival in 1987 when they had 3000 people present. Now 21 years later it has grown to 30,000. To hear Mark and his passion when he lead through the morning rally really got my attention on Sunday morning. He really believes music can change a nation and has as there vision to take Christian music in New Zealand to unprecedented levels & to use music both locally and globally to move people closer to Jesus Christ.

When he uttered the words that music can change NZ, my initial thoughts was God could maybe not music, but there is no doubt that this music festival has had a massive impact in this county and beyond. There are few who can take a dream and make it happen, Mark is one of those and if God is going to be taken out of the walls of the church He needs more people like Mark to make it happen.

Just a thought.

Events

a Biblical thought...
Many of the rich were making large contributions. One poor widow came up and put in two small coins—a measly two cents. Jesus called his disciples over and said, "The truth is that this poor widow gave more to the collection than all the others put together. All the others gave what they'll never miss; she gave extravagantly what she couldn't afford—she gave her all." (Mark 12:42-44)

a Book thought... from Community in Mission by Phil Needham
The soldiership enrolment makes clear that discipleship is the purpose of conversion, and it celebrates the convert's acceptance of this calling by utilising the military metaphor of enlistment into a life of spiritual discipline and warfare. (p11)
a Dave thought...
After being way for the last two weeks at 3 youth events I must admit it is great to be home again. When I arrived at the airport last night I was greeted by my family with Josiah having doubled his teeth in the last 7 days from 3 to 6!

Although I'm starting to feel a little older these days I can't help but recall many of my own milestone spiritual occasions were also at youth gatherings away from home. I can remember a basketball carnival in the mid-eighties where I made a significant decision, a music school in 1990 where God spoke to me, then another time in 1996 at my first Hillsong conference where I decided full time ministry might just be what God is calling me to.

So although I believe discipleship is a journey not an event, I have once again been reminded that these events are still used by God and bring significant kingdom fruit.

Just a thought.

Parachute

a Dave thought...
Well we finally arrived at Parachute the biggest music fetival in the Southern Hemisphere. Here there are 30,000 people from across the globe lining up for food, toilets, showers in 30-plus degree heat. As most of us are camping on site it is really an amazing alcohol-free gathering with very few police or security needed.

There is some amazing talent here with Tony Campolo, Antiskeptic, Israel & New Breed, and of course the band that started it all Parachute. But the most incredible moment for me was this morning when Reggie Dabbs not only played his soprano sax with great passion but when he shared his story to the 20,000 in attendence. The response by the masses was overwhelming as 3000 came to Jesus. Some images will remain for me for th rest of my life, this will be one of them.

Just a thought.

Michael Collins

a Dave thought...
Last night was the opening rally and the worship team & Bucko (Maj Buckingham) did an excellent job. Tonight was Michael Collins (ACC04) and this mad Canadian once again preached a powerful message. His humour was very clever but it was his humbleness and spirituality that really shone through. Also above is the Pasadena Temple Youth Choir who are an excellent gospel choir with some fabulous soloists, well worth hearing for those that can get to Waverley in Melbourne this Saturday night.

I apologise for any of my avid readers who are missing my daily thoughts, but due to no Internet at the Uni my blogs will be short & sweet whenever I can get access. By the way Kelvin your sons are here & doing well they just missed out on the photo at the airport:)

Just a thought.

Make Change

a Dave thought...

This a group of 23 of us from Eastern Vic on our way to NZ. After our plane was delayed 3 hours we left Melbourne and arrived late last night in Auckland and then took a two hour bus drive down to Hamilton. Here we are staying at Waikato University with 700 other young Salvos from across the globe. This tri-territorial youth congress should be a lot of fun so I'll keep you posted, I better get to the first session I'm sure God is going to do some great things here this week.

Just a thought.

Brother John

a Biblical thought...
Embrace this God-life. Really embrace it, and nothing will be too much for you. This mountain, for instance: Just say, 'Go jump in the lake'—no shuffling or shilly-shallying—and it's as good as done. That's why I urge you to pray for absolutely everything, ranging from small to large. (Mark 11:22-23)

a Book thought...
We often do more damage than good when we just throw bible verses at people without explaining them. (p201 Kimball)

a Dave thought...
Last night was my brothers 40th birthday party in Torquay. As John is my only brother but also my closest sibling he has had a huge influence on my life. He inspired me to take up music more seriously and move to Melbourne and study at VCA, he also influenced my decision to join the Melbourne Staff Band. His friends became mine and after going to many Salvo camps together and travelling overseas playing in bands together, we have been very close along the way. He was also the first of us to work in youth ministry as he was DYS for a time in South Australia. We even ran a marathon together in 2000. Anyway the last 10 years we have had a lot less to do with each other as we live 90 minutes apart and both have children and careers that demand our attention. So even though we have gone down different roads, John is someone I will always value greatly in my life as a lot of the things I still do today have been inspired by him.

Just a thought.

Booth's Lighthouse

a Biblical thought...
But Jesus was irate and let them know it: "Don't push these children away. Don't ever get between them and me. These children are at the very center of life in the kingdom. (Mark 10:14)

a Book thought...
It seems more people are doing their homework about the bible outside the church than they are inside the church. (p196 Kimball)

a Dave thought...
Does the surging sea look dark and dangerous? Unquestionably it is so. There is no doubt that the leap for you, as for everyone who takes it means difficulty and scorn and suffering. For you it may mean more than this. It may mean death. He who beckons you from the sea, however, knows what it will mean - and knowing, He still calls to you and bids you come.
You must do it! You cannot hold back. You have enjoyed yourself in Christianity long enough. You have had pleasant feelings, pleasant songs, pleasant meetings, pleasant prospects. There has been much of human happiness, much clapping of hands and shouting of praises - very much of heaven on earth. (Who Cares? - William Booth)

Last night we concluded the concert with a 30 minute whole school production based on William Booth's lighthouse vision from Darkest England and the Way Out. This poster which was published in 1890 and included in the front of every copy of his book still speaks to us today. We asked the campers to brainstorm from the picture ideas to include in our mini production. The final result was powerful as parts of the 'who cares' speech was also included.

It is interesting how in the last 15 years every Salvation Army corps attempts to write a new vision and mission statement for their church and then updates it depending on how the new corps officer feels or after the latest conference he has attended. It seems simple to me - this vision William Booth had for our stream of the Christian church is biblical and has lasted a 118 years so my advice is lets stop rewriting the script and get on board.

Just a thought.

TMS Concert

a Dave thought...
Tonight we concluded the Territorial Music School with a concert at camp Adanac. As we were feeling creative and to make use of the beautiful scenery we thought we would hold it outdoors. Well we got off to good start but half way during ''Festivity'' the downpour started and we had twenty minute break while we all rushed into the gym to finish the concert.
It was an excellent week not just because of the music and performance side but for the quality of relationships and conversations that occur at a camp like this. We have young people talking about becoming officers, others so impacted by a bible study on Isaiah 1 that they want to change the way they 'do church' from now on, and some who are more convinced that unless we are living our life for God and others we are just wasting our time.
So once again I am reminded that camps are invaluable for the spiritual development of our youth, but also for people like myself to spend quality time with the future leaders of the Salvos, and to be able to listen and understand them as we move forward together.

Just a thought.

Connecting Rasheed

a Biblical thought...
He sat down and summoned the Twelve. "So you want first place? Then take the last place. Be the servant of all."
He put a child in the middle of the room. Then, cradling the little one in his arms, he said, "Whoever embraces one of these children as I do embraces me, and far more than me—God who sent me." (Mark 9:35-37)

a Book thought...
Christian fundamentalists seem to use the Bible like a weapon, quoting verses out of context like bullets to shoot anything or anyone they don't like. (p187 Kimball)

a Dave thought...
Tonight we had the 614 team come and lead a time of worship and share with us at Territorial Music School. Brad Ellis lead the worship team as we sang some great songs such as the classic Amazing Grace & Brendan Nottle once again preached with such conviction many were moved by God to 'sing a new song' in their settings in 2008.
Not only did we experience the worship & preaching but also Jim came with the AXA bus and the campers got to play Xbox and watch DVDs on this incredible vehicle. But amidst all this was something that far outweighed all that for me it was seeing Rasheed sing in the worship team.
While co-ordinating the Youth Rally at Connections 07 at Fed Square in November, this young guy came and introduced himself to me to see if I knew of a band he could join. Rasheed knew nothing of the Salvos but liked the music he heard on stage and was keen to play keyboard somewhere. So I looked around and saw Brad Ellis there and introduced him as the guy who headed up the Salvo rock band in the city. Well 2 months later he is still fully involved at 614 and tonight he told me he plans to get even more involved once he completes his accounting exams next week.
It is amazing what God can kick start with a 1 minute conversation with a stranger in the city, and it reminds me that every person we meet and every conversation we have can have eternal impact so be ready.

Just a thought.

INSANE

a Biblical thought...
"Don't stop him. No one can use my name to do something good and powerful, and in the next breath cut me down. If he's not an enemy, he's an ally. Why, anyone by just giving you a cup of water in my name is on our side. Count on it that God will notice. (Mark 8:39-41)

a Book thought...
There seem to be plenty of Christians who will hand out a tract or hold a street sign saying "Jesus is the only way," but not many who build friendships and trust people to dialogue about what that means. (p167 Kimball)

a Dave thought...
Today I got the first copy of INSANE - the stories of crazy Salvos who changed the world into my hand. This book was co-authored by Nealson Munn & myself and includes 10 of the best SA stories ever told. Joseph Perry (pictured above) is one such man who headed up the limelight department and produced the first feature film in Australia, Soldiers of the Cross.

Here is a part of the introduction...

But let us instead begin with a word about the title—Insane: The Stories of Crazy Salvos Who Changed the World. This says something about both the book and its subject. What you are reading is a collection of stories, all of which have been told before, but none, we believe, in quite this way. Until now they have existed primarily in dusty volumes with obscure titles like The Heavenly Witch or Booth-Tucker: Sadhu and Saint. Without such works this one would never have come into being; but, while acknowledging our debt to these classics, we recognise that few modern readers are willing to plod through a Booth biography of War and Peace dimensions, especially one written in prose that proclaims its 19th century vintage with every phrase. Our aim, then, is to preserve and promote The Salvation Army’s heritage of innovation by retelling its classic stories in a manner that will interest and inspire contemporary Salvationists.
These stories concern two things: (1) crazy Salvos, and (2) their innovations. The mildly provocative title Insane is a description applied to many Salvationists, correctly or incorrectly, as well as a kind of acronym—INSANE: INnovative SAlvationists’ NEtwork (a bit of a stretch, granted, but we think it works). What sort of ‘network’ is this? It is one that extends backwards to The Salvation Army’s founders, William and Catherine Booth, and forwards, as it is carried into the future by Salvationists of today. Its members include evangelists, reformers, renegades, journalists, renegade journalists, magistrates-turned-beggars, reformed prostitutes, entrepreneurs, nurses, doughnut dealers and pop stars. It comprises teenagers and octogenarians, men and women, westerners and easterners—with surnames ranging from Booth and Tucker to Weerasooriya and Garabedian.
This book charts the development of INSANE from the founding of The Christian Mission (later to become The Salvation Army) in 1865 to the emergence of The Joystrings, the first Salvationist rock group, 100 years later. Most of what we recount occurred before 1900—the Army’s first few decades were too explosive to short-change. With a bit more scholarly acumen, however, one could easily compile a companion volume doing justice to Salvation Army innovations in the 20th century and beyond. In fact, we believe that the greater part of the INSANE story has yet to be written. This book has as much to do with your life as it has to do with Salvation Army history. That is why we added an ‘INSANE Challenge’ at the end of every chapter—to make explicit the challenge that the life of each Salvo innovator implicitly offers us.

For those that are interested in getting hold of a copy it will be available from Salvation Army Supplies (Melbourne) next week at a cost of around the $10 mark or order through insanesalvos.com

Just a thought.

Sit no longer

a Biblical thought...
"Anyone who intends to come with me has to let me lead. You're not in the driver's seat; I am. Don't run from suffering; embrace it. Follow me and I'll show you how. Self-help is no help at all. Self-sacrifice is the way, my way, to saving yourself, your true self. What good would it do to get everything you want and lose you, the real you? What could you ever trade your soul for? (Mark 8:34-37)

a Book thought...
One of the primary mistakes the church has made, and still makes, is presuming that gay people are outside the church. (p157 Kimball)

a Dave thought...
After the first 24 hours of our Territorial Music School, I have no doubt once again in the value of bringing young Salvos together for a week. As we have students from SA, WA, Vic & Tasmania it has already been a great meeting and encouraging time for all of us involved.
Today Danielle Strickland came and shared on the line from Storm the Forts - sit no longer idly by using Isaiah 1:11-20 for our bible study and it was great to hear the campers share their views on what they believe God is saying to them today. God spoke to Samuel and even though he lived in the temple he did not recognise God's voice. A lot of the students here this week are very involved in their corps and do a lot of stuff I pray above everything that through all the noise and instruments that they too may hear God's voice clearly each in their own lives.

Just a thought.

Music School

a Biblical thought...
"It's what comes out of a person that pollutes: obscenities, lusts, thefts, murders, adulteries, greed, depravity, deceptive dealings, carousing, mean looks, slander, arrogance, foolishness—all these are vomit from the heart. There is the source of your pollution." (Mark 7:20-23)

a Book thought...
How many in our youth ministries right now are struggling with same-sex attractions but unable to talk with the pastor or youth pastor because they heard them say how horrible all gay people are? (p147, Kimball)

a Dave thought...
Today we travel to Camp Adanac for Territorial Music School - "Storm the Forts". These camps over the years have not only been a lot of fun but also have joined people together for lifetimes. Many of my peers met their spouses while on music camp. Not only that but also many current officers serving today had a calling to full time ministry while on camp.
So although it is called a Music School it has really been far more than that, as it is a place that has shaped young Salvation Army lives and helped young leaders establish themselves within our movement. I pray that this year there will also be decisions made and relationships started that will once again stand the test of time.

Just a thought.

Firsts

a Dave thought...
Today Danielle Strickland, Darren Hailes, and myself all competed in the Sandringham Olympic Distance Triathlon. As we took on the waves, wind and sun we somehow made it through the 1.5km swim, 40km bike ride, and 10km run.
Some people think I'm crazy, while others have a small amount of admiration but I think the reason I do things like this I just like the challenge. You see for me doing things for the first time brings a sense of mystery and excitement and venturing into the unknown for me is something I have always been attracted to. For whatever reason I am also that way when it comes to church to attempt new ministries, missions or services also catches my attention.

When I left school teaching many years ago to do full time ministry the students copied a picture of my desk and presented it on a music stand as a large plaque it read...

There are many things in life that can catch your eye. But only a few will
catch your heart. Pursue those.

Just a thought.

Winners

a Biblical thought...
"Don't think you need a lot of extra equipment for this. You are the equipment. No special appeals for funds. Keep it simple. And no luxury inns. Get a modest place and be content there until you leave." (Mark 6:8-10)

a Book thought...
I think in the past, the teaching on homosexuality in many churches has been somewhat shallow, quoting a few verses and no questions or discussion allowed. (p137 Kimball)
a Dave thought...
Yesterday afternoon I was involved in a friendly but competitive game of golf at Riversdale Golf Club. As we got down to the sixteenth hole the pressure was on and a short put was needed to be made to keep the match alive. Well the put was missed and the game was over, but what happened next intrigued me. As one who had been quiet became vocal and another who was vocal became quiet comments were made in jest but more about the person who had missed rather than the golfer who had made the put. It seems we like to mock the ordinary rather than lift up the excellent.

You see for some winning is everything yet for others it doesn't seem to matter. I am one who likes to win, and even when I try to just have a friendly game of cards with my son the competitive juices kick in. Even though I was very challenged by an anti-competitive sermon by Sandra Ryan a couple of years ago, I still believe it is a good thing to want to do the best at everything I take on as long as it is not at the expense of others.

By the way the person who missed the put also drove 330 metres but no one seemed to recall that feat.

Just a thought.

Pagan Chrsitianity

a Biblical thought...
As Jesus was getting into the boat, the demon-delivered man begged to go along, but he wouldn't let him. Jesus said, "Go home to your own people. Tell them your story—what the Master did, how he had mercy on you." The man went back and began to preach in the Ten Towns area about what Jesus had done for him. He was the talk of the town. (Mark 5:18-20)

a Book thought...
Our church communities must have a healthy balance of men and women serving Jesus, using their gifts, and having a voice in the church. The lack of this balance is not healthy and is noticed by those who like Jesus but not the church. (p134 Kimball)
a Dave thought...
Exploring the Roots of Our Church Practices (Revised and Updated) by Frank Viola and George Barna Have you ever wondered why we Christians do what we do for church every Sunday morning? Why do we "dress up" for church? Why does the pastor preach a sermon each week? Why do we have pews, steeples, choirs, and seminaries? This volume reveals the startling truth: most of what Christians do in present-day churches is not rooted in the New Testament, but in pagan culture and rituals developed long after the death of the apostles. Coauthors Frank Viola and George Barna support their thesis with compelling historical evidence in the first-ever book to document the full story of modern Christian church practices.

After reading the first chapter http://www.ptmin.org/bonuschapter101287078.pdf this book definitely looks like a fascinating read. Frank talks about the 4 C's that make a church healthy... Corporate Display, Communion, Community Life, Commission, he suggests that we may see one or two of these lived out in a church but it is very rare to be operating in all 4. He gos on to say that another unique characteristic of the church till the 5th century is that it didn't just care for its own but the world around it. It is worth a read and if you are like me and still working your way through the real essentials for a church, and not just happy to dish up what our people expect, it may help us get a bit closer to dressing up the bride, like she should be.

Just a thought.

Battleship

a Biblical thought...
Jesus went on: "Does anyone bring a lamp home and put it under a washtub or beneath the bed? Don't you put it up on a table or on the mantel? We're not keeping secrets, we're telling them; we're not hiding things, we're bringing them out into the open. (Mark 4:21-22)

a Book thought...
It's ironic that the church is seen as a boys' club when Scripture calls the church the bride of Christ. (p122 Kimball)

a Dave thought...
In 1967 Milton Bradley issued their version of the game of Battleship. Rather than relying on pencil and paper, as per the original, the box included two plastic trays, pegs, and plastic ships, and printed instructions. As may be seen in the illustration on the box, secret deployment of the ships is accomplished using the plastic models on the horizontal base of the playing surface, while recording of "shots" and "hits" are accomplished with pegs placed into the cells of the vertical matrix.
When I returned home from the office yesterday my Noah, my five year-old son was very keen on me to play battleships with him. While we were immersed in the 40 minute game, which he won, I kept having thoughts back to my childhood when I thirty years earlier played the same game. It confirms to me that not everything in the world needs to continually be updated and turned into technology. As like most things in life if it is truly good it will always last the test of time.

Just a thought.

Dropped

a Biblical thought...
He climbed a mountain and invited those he wanted with him. They climbed together. He settled on twelve, and designated them apostles. The plan was that they would be with him, and he would send them out to proclaim the Word and give them authority to banish demons. (Mark 3:13)

a Book thought...
In my conversations with those in their early twenties who have left the church, I often hear that they felt church leaders or people in the church had judgmental attitudes and critical spirits. (p108 Kimball)

a Dave thought...
The man on the left is Steve Bucknor, and for those totally oblivious to the world of cricket he used to be known as one of the worlds greatest umpires. Well yesterday he was dropped for the third test after making five big mistakes in the second test match at the SCG. Even though he used to be one of the best in his field, and even though he was already contracted to umpire the third test, the ICC made a decision to remove him based on his recent dismal performance.

It begs me to ask the question, at what point do we remove people or ask them to stand down from ministry leadership in the church today? Do we have high standards and keep our officers and lay leaders accountable to the positions they have been entrusted to fulfil, or because we like to keep everyone happy, do we just leave them there regardless till they finish their term of appointment? After a senior officer, or leader makes five mistakes even though they may have been one of the best do we ask them to step aside for someone younger who can perhaps fulfill the role with more effectiveness?

I believe society in general expects far more from people placed in positions of authority than we do in the church today. Somehow grace has seemed to have gotten confused with accountability and making sure our best in-form people are serving in the most influential positions. Maybe a bit of the ICC willingness to make tough calls on people that once deserved their positions is needed in our movement, as I'm sure there is a kingdom way to be dropped with grace.

Just a thought.

Brain Functions

a Biblical thought...
Later Jesus and his disciples were at home having supper with a collection of disreputable guests. Unlikely as it seems, more than a few of them had become followers. The religion scholars and Pharisees saw him keeping this kind of company and lit into his disciples: "What kind of example is this, acting cozy with the riffraff?"
Jesus, overhearing, shot back, "Who needs a doctor: the healthy or the sick? I'm here inviting the sin-sick, not the spiritually-fit." (Mark 2:15-17)

a Book thought...
We need to stress all the more that church is an organic missional family, not merely a Sunday performance. (p88 Kimball)

a Dave thought...
THE Right Brain vs Left Brain test ... do you see the dancer turning clockwise or anti-clockwise?
If clockwise, then you use more of the right side of the brain and vice versa. Most of us would see the dancer turning anti-clockwise though you can try to focus and change the direction; see if you can do it.

LEFT BRAIN FUNCTIONS uses logic, detail oriented, facts rule, words and language, present and past, math and science, can comprehend, knowing, acknowledges, order/pattern perception, knows object name, reality based, forms strategies, practical, safe.

RIGHT BRAIN FUNCTIONS uses feeling, "big picture" oriented, imagination rules, symbols and images, present and future, philosophy & religion, can "get it" (i.e. meaning), believes, appreciates, spatial perception, knows object function, fantasy based, presents possibilities, impetuous, risk taking.

Hopefully the dancer is moving, not sure how you see it but for me it is turning clockwise, we need our teams to have a mixed collection of people. Let's hope we don't just surround ourselves with people like ourselves, yes it is harder to lead a diversified team but the output will be far more creative.

Just a thought.

Stunt Church

a Biblical thought...
As he preached he said, "The real action comes next: The star in this drama, to whom I'm a mere stagehand, will change your life. I'm baptizing you here in the river, turning your old life in for a kingdom life. His baptism—a holy baptism by the Holy Spirit—will change you from the inside out." (Mark 1:7-8)

a Book thought...
In many churches, even small churches, we set up hierarchical structures that dampen any younger person's desire to help bring innovation and change at a higher level. (p82 Kimball)

a Dave thought...
Last night I was responsible for our 6pm service. As it was in the middle of our holiday season I took the opportunity to shape the service a bit differently. As Sunday has been approaching people asked me who was leading worship, who was preaching and when I tried to explain what I was doing no-one seemed to get it.
We set up the back hall in a round with cafe tables so no-one could sit at the back, with a centre stage so you continually needed to do circles while speaking. We had no worship music or no preacher, but for an hour and ten minutes, we shared experiences, reflected on our journeys, and spoke about our hopes for 2008 with others on our table. Some of this was done with the attention at the middle of the room highlighting certain peoples experiences but other times just around the seven tables.
Well we had over 50 in attendance and even though it was a version of stunt church it certainly kept me interested and I believe helped build our community of faith as we move closer to Him. But for those that only like church when we are facing the stage, singing songs and listening to preachers it probably wrecked their week.

Just a thought.

Church Planting

a Biblical thought...
Jesus, undeterred, went right ahead and gave his charge: "God authorized and commanded me to commission you: Go out and train everyone you meet, far and near, in this way of life, marking them by baptism in the threefold name: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Then instruct them in the practice of all I have commanded you. I'll be with you as you do this, day after day after day, right up to the end of the age." (Matthew 28:18-20)

a Book thought...
We may be embarrassed about Christianity but we don't have to be embarrassed about Jesus. (p60 Kimball)

a Dave thought...
The following ten basic skill sets are the kind of skill sets and traits that church planters need to have in order to be effective in their church planting mission. They are based upon a study of scripture (see Ephesians 4 and Matthew 28), a major research project by Dr. Charles Ridley and Robert Logan and extensive conversations with Church planting leaders.

The Competencies they think are necessary are...
1. Visionary Leadership Skills
2. Starting-Gathering Skills
3. Communication Skills
4. Evangelistic Skills
5. Discipling Skills
6. Equipping Skills
7. Team Building Skills
8. Group and Leader Multiplication Skills
9. Knowledge of Church Planting
10. Emotional Intelligence (EQ)

On Friday Kylie and I did an assessment with two competent facilitators for 7 hours to discover how we fit when it comes to these competencies. In a week we will have a report given to us with our strongest areas and our work areas displayed, and a recommendation whether we are fit to plant a church. I am very much looking forward to the results and hope one day this door will open for us. I am a big believer in assessments but yes they do fail and in the end nothing beats determination, passion and God.

Just a thought.

Managers kill innovation

a Biblical thought...
The captain of the guard and those with him, when they saw the earthquake and everything else that was happening, were scared to death. They said, "This has to be the Son of God!" (Matthew 27:54)

a Book thought...
I think Jesus wants the church to offer an apology to people when needed, and I think Jesus wants those who like him to forgive the church if she has wounded them. (p58 Kimball)

a Dave thought... from The Age
Just about every employee I speak to says managers kill innovation. The ideas are there, they're just not drawn out, nurtured and developed. Whether it's linear chains of command, closed-minded executives, no time for the new, pathetic incentives or just plain old clumsy execution, ideas don't stand a chance in most organisations.
This should ring alarm bells for business owners. Innovation is centre stage when managers talk about where growth in the future will come from.
So what's going on? Is there any hope for innovation in organizations? How exactly do you create an environment in which innovation can flourish?
I think it comes down to the way organisations operate. As innovation guru Gary Hamel writes in his new book The Future of Management, a CEO resurrected from the 1930s would feel right at home in just about any corporate meeting today. The stiff hierarchy of command and control has barely changed since the day it was created, and that was way back in the months following the American Civil War.
Compare this rigidity with the fluidity of the market. How much has the competitive environment changed in the last 10 years? With such outdated models it's no wonder organizations struggle to come up with new products and new solutions.
Michael Tchong points out in his Fast Company Blog that it is a bit of freedom and autonomy that sets companies like Google apart from their slow and clunky brethren. The ability to make decisions quickly and act on instinct is key. With middle managers "typically grid-locked in political battles with other divisions to get their flawed, focus-group-research-imbued opinions heard", Tchong writes, me-too products inevitably flood the market.
The sooner managers realise that internal processes, rather than the ideas themselves, need to be freed, the better.

Internal processes in The Salvation Army also need to be freed, and as the church is generally 10 years behind the business world when it comes to new models of management it may take us a while yet. I strongly believe it is going to be new models of ministry and innovative ways of being the Salvation Army that will help us grow but like the writer above suggests unless we can make decisions quickly and act on instinct we will continue to be bound by a system we thought would help us grow.

Just a thought.

Planetshakers

a Biblical thought...
When he came back to his disciples, he found them sound asleep. He said to Peter, "Can't you stick it out with me a single hour? Stay alert; be in prayer so you don't wander into temptation without even knowing you're in danger. There is a part of you that is eager, ready for anything in God. But there's another part that's as lazy as an old dog sleeping by the fire." (Matthew 26:40-41)

a Book thought...
Mahatma Gandhi summed up similar feelings in a well-known quote of his: "I like your Christ. I do not like your Christians. Your Christians are so unlike your Christ." (p37 Kimball)

a Dave thought...
Last night I attended the Planetshakers conference at Vodafone Arena where there were over 3000 teenagers passionately worshipping God. The service went for 3 hours with an incredible production team, talented musicians and humorous preacher. Russell Evans began the conference in 1995 when 300 attended and this January they are expecting 25,000 across 4 venues so the growth has been quite exceptional.
When I was youth pastor at Box Hill 8 years ago we used to take bus loads of our teenagers across to Adelaide for this event and God did do some amazing things through the conference that greatly impacted our guys. My dilemma as I sat through the event again last night is that the hype and emotion of this worship rally no doubt helps our young people find Jesus but how long will it last? We have literally heaps of our young people that have been planetshaker saved but only last in our discipleship groups for a few weeks but then would turn up next year again for the big event experience.
I know Russell and some of his team and know they have great hearts and want to see so many young people won for Jesus across this nation, but unless we can go the journey with these guys and teach them about a Jesus that loves the poor and worships his Father even when the lights aren't up and the show isn't on are we really shaking the planet?

Just a thought.

Wedding Anniversary

Well as from yesterday we have been married 15 years! So last evening we spent a romantic night in the city with our 2 children:) I promised my wife that I would not get up early and blog so here I am at the end of the day posting an entry for my everyday readers.

The average marriage in Australia lasts 7 years, so I can confidently say our marriage is more than twice as good as a normal marriage. But seriously I do love being married to Kylie, she is a wonderful woman and I'm sure we will continue to smash more records together going forward.

Just a thought.

Smoky France

a Biblical thought...
'Master, what are you talking about? When did we ever see you hungry or thirsty or homeless or shivering or sick or in prison and didn't help?'
"He will answer them, 'I'm telling the solemn truth: Whenever you failed to do one of these things to someone who was being overlooked or ignored, that was me—you failed to do it to me.'
(Matthew 25:44-45)

a Book thought...
Christians are now the foreigners in a post-christian culture, and we have got to wake up to this reality if we haven't. (p30 Kimball)

a Dave thought... from The Age
One of France's most iconic institutions - the smoky cafe - is set to become a hazy memory.
The extension of France's smoking ban to bars, discotheques, restaurants, hotels, casinos and cafes on January 1 marks a momentous cultural shift in a country where thinkers like Jean-Paul Sartre and Simone de Beauvoir once held court while clutching cigarettes in Left Bank cafes.

If you haven't caught up with the news France has banned smoking in all public indoor venues from yesterday. As a quarter of the french are smokers this is a massive move towards making public spaces a lot healthier. It seems if a habit brings any negative physical consequences it is best to outlaw it in society. Our quest as humans for all to live as long as possible has again been enhanced and it is amazing how a decision so massive can be implemented when lives are at stake. So whats next - ban driving on roads?

Just a thought.

New format for 08

a Biblical thought...
"Staying with it—that's what God requires. Stay with it to the end. You won't be sorry, and you'll be saved. (Matthew 24:13)

a Book thought... from THEY LIKE JESUS BUT NOT THE CHURCH by Dan Kimball
They told me they guess that three-fourths of graduating high-school seniors leave their church as soon as they are free from their parents' making them go. (p17)
a Dave thought...
Happy New Year to you all!

AS we begin 08 I thought it was a chance to adjust my blog slightly so as you can see the Jesus thought is now the biblical thought just to reflect my wish to read the NT in 08 rather than just the gospels and the second change is a book thought instead of Godly & Leading thoughts so the topic will vary depending on the book I am reading at the time.

It is interesting how we all take the beginning of the year to make changes and adjustments in our lives. Lets make sure the things we are endeavouring to do in 08 are in line with God's kingdom and worth the time and effort they are going to take to achieve. For those that are yet to put in place some goals or hopes I encourage you to try BODY, MIND & SOUL. I blogged about this a few months ago but it has certainly helped me exercise, read & pray everyday in 07, and although some days were easier than others I am lot healthier in these three areas than I was 12 months ago.

Just a thought.