Diversity is great. Differences of opinion. It happens. Shared experiences. They help. Sharing past experiences. Here comes understanding your perspective.

In the midst of all of this, are environments the people of whom live in them call "culture". Mode of operation.

Yet, what happens when competing ideologies can't see past their own? Gridlock. The conversations take place, but it's rare that one truly sees the basis of the other argument, by which they can build upon, to the point that they can shed light on the truth and 'bring someone over' if you will.

The political arena is full of this right now. Gridlock. And how many minds are being "converted" by either side?

What's all this have to do with the church? Plenty, if this situation plays out amidst deacons and board members when it comes to church direction and vision and to greater extent when the church needs to reexamine it's approach to society as it moves further away from God destined for His creation.

Gridlock will damage your ministry as much as it will mess up your ride, if you aren't paying attention and are keenly aware of what transpires around you. Church shouldn't be full of "yes" people, but there needs to be a spirit of unity. You don't need to look any further than politics to see that nobody likes to be around people who are intentionally divisive. For those who do, chaos soon follows.

On this #deaconThursday, pray for a spirit of unity. Pray that chaos does not lead to the enemy's game of divide and conquer. Pray for men and woman who will seek God and His direction for ministry rather than public opinion or selfish motives. Pray that peoples' experiences and perspectives will provide insight for potential improvements within ministry rather than personal stands that may cause a stumbling block for those around them. Pray the churches continue to be people who seek the kingdom & righteousness of God, not their own status, righteousness or ideological framework. Pray for discernment, to know when to let God take care of converting hearts and minds, in His time, for His purpose, to His glory.

-PNC

Kids...they don't always know what they're doing. And you can't always get upset. There do exist times when the situation in which you find yourself truly is the result of innocence. In a day and age where it's easy to respond quickly in frustration, such times can be challenging. Like the voice of reason with his hand on your chest....just breathe.

Ironically, the lesson to be learned is probably just as much for the adult as it is for the child...if not to a greater extent.

(A lesson which will probably come to me later...or you, as it were)

If such moments exist for the man with one kid, maybe two...maybe just his own, whatever they number; our thoughts and prayers go forth on behalf of pastors who deal with our kids and our teens. If we as parents need God's help, you need His blessing and anointing!

*lesson just learned.  Wanna know what it is?

Just Breathe.

Pray on this #youthPastorWednesday, for a calm, voice of reason in the circumstances they face. Pray for clarity of thought as they process situations and provide counsel. Pray for a renewed ability to breathe; to release frustration; to trust in God; to keep proper perspective for even the simplest of situations. Pray an increased blessing upon their lives, homes and families and a "double portion" anointing over their ministry.

-PNC

Over the past few weeks, as we've prayed over Associate Pastors, we've talked about their service to the leadership and direction of the church, their areas of ministry focus and responsibilities. And yet, in so many ways, if your responsibilities begin to feel like you're mid-level on the ladder of life, you can lose steam; as though the process is taking to long and the results aren't as strong as they used to be.

A week or two ago, I was reading the blog of business coach, Christy Wright and these words stood out:

"When you look at your business through the lens of the impact you’re making, your passion becomes ignited by the people that you’re serving" - Christy Wright

Stay focused on the impact and people you serve become the fuel you need to continue...with passion. And what you do with a sense of passion will lead you do it with a standard of excellence.

On this #associatePastorTuesday, pray for a clear focus on making an impact for the glory of God. Pray for a renewed sens of passion. Pray for a standard of excellence, not only in their ministry, but in their life. May they not grow weary in well doing. May they not be discouraged by "results", whether of their own goals, or by comparison to other churches, pastors or the like. Pray, if need be, for a renewed commitment to where they have been planted, as planned by sovereign God to be used for His purpose and His glory.

-PNC

Save for the transforming power of Christ, the results of ministry are usually not immediately noticeable. Spiritual growth takes time. Turn-around in marriages and relationships take time. Discipleship takes time. Church growth and impacting a community for Christ...lots of time.

While they labor not in vain, the wait, the process, the work...in a results-oriented society, staying focused, determined and on track can be challenging. It's certainly something to which many can relate, as other positions and industry have long cycles, where projected "completion times" are well in front of us on the calendar.

However, the process of becoming more like Christ is not a long cycle process, but a life cycle process. Thus, it requires a lifetime of commitment and faithful service to that process.

Ministry is a calling. Ministry requires an anointing. Ministry needs people who will neither quit on God, nor give up on the people they service. An unrelenting faith in God. An unending hope in the people. Anxiously awaiting a life-transforming result.

On this #seniorPastorMonday, pray for a renewed sense of commitment to the ministry. Pray for a refreshed anointing in their place of service. Pray for a strengthening of stamina; that energy levels be restored, that emotions and mental capacities would be fortified. Pray for excitement and enthusiasm to return to their work; that it would be contagious to their congregations and overflow into their communities.

-PNC

One thing troubles me about church effectiveness & efficiency...in 2015 everyone thinks they know Scripture and can pull a verse to support their argument.

Sadly, people in the church do it just as much as those not in church.

It occurred to me yesterday, that those not in church, at least a large portion of them, don't know the context of Scripture; statements made by the apostles that references the prophets, cultural scenarios that require understanding, religious matters of the day with which Christ had a problem. Conversely, many in the church are missing a similar contextual understanding of God's Word to accurately defend it. (as I consider the incrible list of believers who understand significantly more than what I have gleaned.) 

The Bible is the framework, the life and the legacy of the God of the Universe.

The Bible is the story of a fallen angel whose act of revenge towards God is to turn His own creation against Him.

The Bible is the experience of God's involvement in the affairs of man, planting His plans and purposes in their hearts, in hopes they would pursue Him and fulfill the calling He had placed on their lives.

The Bible is the opportunity of an historic rescue for all who call on the name of the Lord and a tragic, heart-breaking tale for those who utilize their free-will to reject the very Being who gave them said will.

Should that fallen angel succeed in getting all of God's creation to ignore those four statements and focus on arguing any of the issues that make the headlines in 2015...

We all are running out of time. We don't have time for hypocrisy, nor debate who is or isn't. s

Nobody is perfect in this world. We are all sinners. The only difference is that some have accepted the truth of who we are, acknowledged the truth of who God is and acted upon the decision He has offered. It's available to all, but each must choose on his or his own.

On this #effectiveSunday, thank God for the power of the Holy Spirit, who intercedes on our behalf when we don't know how to pray. Pray for the church to grow in their understanding of God and His Word, that they be prepared to properly shed light on the Light of the World. Pray that words be not argumentative and demeaning, but out of genuine concern to bring understanding of the truth of Gods Word to those around them. May we let God do His part, of drawing, prompting, convicting, forgiving and redeeming. Pray God help us, in properly loving, sharing and helping those He has placed in our lives to reach for His glory.

God loved the world so much that He gave His son!
Pray His creation not love the world so much that they reject His Son.

-PNC

We understand the concept of shared ideas. We understand the importance of passing our knowledge and wisdom to the "next generation". We understand, usually in business, the process of "replicating" ourselves...passing along tools, practices and strategies to that more gets done, than we could do on our own, while ensuring those we empower will be just as effective, because they what it takes and they have what they need to get it done.

Yet, in our personal lives, are we setting out to implement this practice. Do we actively seek someone in whom we can invest in their life? The investment could transform their life for the rest of their time here on earth.

Life lessons are often learned after having done the wrong thing, the wrong way for a longer period of time than we care to admit. Then at some point, you recognize someone living their life in a pattern that looks strikingly similar. Like looking in the mirror. If you've ever wished  that someone had helped you and saved an infinite amount of time, energy and resources which brought no results, than you have something to share...and it's mostly likely with someone you know, frustrated with life and making the same wish.

Pray on this #communitySaturday, that as the church engages community, that we would seek those with whom we could share the truth. Pray that the church would have an awareness of those whose lives, families, finances, marriages and careers are in trouble. May the church not only look for opportunities, but create opportunities, in which they could begin to share and learn, whereby the investment would begin. Pray that we seek to make a positive impact for the glory of God.May our investment in the lives of those around us change lives and that it would not be a process that is done once, but that it repeats, and the one in which we invest finds one that they will invest...

...lives making lifetime commitments to invest in the lives of others. For the kingdom of God. For His glory. For eternity.

-PNC

I have posted over the past few weeks, the nation of America is itself, becoming a mission field. In our own backyard.

Anger has turned to rage, sadly against the authorities who have sworn to serve and protect the very fabric of the nation...the citizenry.

There are those who desire the thin blue line of law enforcement to be thinner still.

Glenn Beck, on his radio show Thursday morning stated the following:

“I’m out of political solutions. I’m out of financial solutions. I’m out of business solutions. We have passed all of the exits. What will save this country is us standing.”

There was a time, when in light of such tragedy; the lives of 9 cops lost over a 2 week period, that Presidents would call for a national day of prayer. In absence of that call, it has been realized that someone must make the appeal. Whatever your political and personality preferences may be, Mr. Beck has made the appeal. For the Deputy whose funeral is today @ 11am, this is the prayer Beck and his team has posted for this national call to prayer.

On this #missionsFriday, pray for the people and the nation of the United States of America.

For law enforcement, “pray for safety of all of the people there, pray for vision, pray for sight beyond their own eyes, and safety and protection for those protectors who protect us.” -Beck

-PNC

The call to national prayer:

Dear heavenly father, we come before you with humble hearts. We pray for your protection over all law enforcement as they faithfully serve our communities. We lift up to you the family of Deputy Darren Goforth and all the families of first responders in our military who have lost loved ones. Comfort them and provide them with your peace that surpasses understanding in the midst of unimaginable grief. God, we ask for your healing over our communities. Let us come together and unite in peace and prayer. In your name we pray. Amen.

There's a great movie, from a number of years ago, starring Kevin Sorbo called "What If". The movie is on Netflix, if you want to check it out. Essentially, it's a pastoral version of Hollywood's, The Family Man starring Nicolas Cage.

Sorbo's character, a very successful corporate exec experiences an alternate life as a pastor, once the original plan some 15 years prior. As I watched part of it last night, I got to thinking about deacons and church admins. 

How do they handle pastors who struggle?  The character who plays Sorbo's wife, recalls some advice a wise pastors' wife gave her about "the moment". 

The moment, is the time when a man in ministry begins to wonder...if he's been wrong...about everything. 

Combine this with the post I wrote a few days ago about what happens when pastors find themselves in crisis mode...such as a moral failure that we prayed over. An incredibly difficult situation, that I heard last night, another church is about to go through in the next few days and then some.

Deacons, admins, church staff...support positions necessary to help foster church growth, productivity and eternal success. Positions that are difficult enough, as we've prayed over certain aspects the past 3 months. But to dig deep in times of crisis, whether in identity and purpose, confidence of calling and effectiveness...or the tragic fall of failure and the aftermath...the heartbreak is making it difficult to finish my train of thought.

Pray, this #deaconThursday, that advisers, admins and staff dig deep; calling on the Holy Spirit to make intercession for them when they don't know how to pray. Pray for wisdom and discernment in their offering support. May their words be timely, their prayer effective, their love felt, their friendship known and their judgment reserved.Praying for a covering of grace. Pray that in due season and where needed, the process of repentance, forgiveness, healing and restoration would transpire, wherever those elements may be required depending on the circumstance.


-PNC

The funeral for the Michigan State Trooper who lost his life in a tragic accident on 8/28/15 was yesterday, 9/1. While on the road, I was passed by a handful of patrol groups who were headed to the funeral. In all, 26 law enforcement officers were en route...and that was just the highway I was on.  Cops from as far as Texas came to pay their respects. It took over an hour for all law enforcement to file into the high school where the funeral was held.

Of course, if you read the memorial I wrote regarding Trooper Wolf, he was also a youth pastor, at his local church. As I was reminded about the loss his community now faces, every time I saw a cop this morning, I couldn't help but think about the next generation.

They are losing opportunities to be greatly impacted by true heroes in the local community. None of us are saints, but one who steps up and does what 95-99% of the general population doesn't, puts you in a position that people should naturally admire, respect and appreciate. Sadly, the turn that society has taken on law enforcement, combined with the turn society has taken on the church and pastors who have experienced moral failures while in ministry means incredible lessons about leadership, service and sacrifice are not being seen and taught first hand by some incredible men and women, whether they serve as a matter of faith or of duty. This is trend is unhealthy and detrimental on so many levels...one can't help but pray.

Pray on this #youthPastorWednesday, for kids and teens that have experienced the loss of an authority in their life, especially in circumstance involving the loss of life and/or the loss of respect and influence because of a moral failure. Pray for those whose experience with the church has left a negative impact because of events and conversations that have transpired that were hurtful or unhealthy.  May there arise opportunities for healing and restoration; for people of faith and community to come alongside and begin to make positive experiences and memories. May kids and teens come to know and experience the true love of God, through a healthy and functional body of believers. This needs to be a time of restoration and healing and we pray, that will God's help, hearts will be changed and lives will be transformed by the love of God and by those who "live to serve" and those whose job it is "to serve & protect".

-PNC

One of my pastors' favorite scene from the Israelite' story, is when God, fed up with the whining, finally says, Okay....go. You have my protection, you have my provision. It's fine. You're fine. Go ahead and go. But I won't be with you.

And Moses, in a moment of great leadership, essential says, thanks for the offer; it's good and everything, but if you don't go with us, then its not something we want for our lives.

For all the transitions that Associate Pastors witness throughout their ministry, and in light of a transition in my own life that I am sorting out what is the best decision God has for us, how often to we get caught up in the choices available in simply making the decision and after considerable amounts of time and talk, come back to asking God for direction. (man, I really need to stop writing to myself) On that note, it's time to pray.

Pray on this #associatePastorTuesday, that whatever transitions they find themselves in, whether it pertains to them or their input is requested, may they put God's presence at the top of the priority list. Pray, that after all the conversations and pros and cons have been weighed and prayed over, may they not settle for getting what works for the time or accomplishes the major points of the decision. Pray for wisdom and discernment; a spirit sensitive to the prompting of the Holy Spirit, that indeed, their steps would be ordered, the course of direction in which they should proceed. Pray that none of forget, that there is nothing about us that God doesn't concern Himself and thus, may we never think that even the simplest of decisions shouldn't be submitted in prayer, that God would go with us...or more accurately, that unless God lead the way with His presence, may we need get ahead of His plan and purpose for our lives.

-PNC