There are many talented Christian musicians and bands who have a great message these days... so many, in fact, that it's hard to keep track of them all.

That said, the Christian music of decades ago, particularly Christian Rock, retains its incredible message and its anointing after all these years. Its great music too... if you didn't know it, it sounds as great as today's as it did at the release.

The band from Canada, The Daniel Band, is one such band that you should look up on YouTube.  In this day and age, replete with those seeking spiritual guidance and some sort of "self-awareness" and purpose, on this #effectiveSunday, may the simple message that we all need to answer be made real.

As I said, decades later, these words have not lost their relevance or their anointing.

"Let's Get Ready" by The Daniel Band  (On Rock album, 1982)

Are you livin'   //  For your own desires
And are you listenin'  //  To self made liars
Well, you're invited  //  To the Promised Land
He'd be delighted  //  To have you in His plan

(chorus)
So let's get ready  //  To get away
We're movin' steady  //  Are you comin' His way

Are you grabbin'  //  For all you can
You'll end up havin'  //  No man's land
So give your life to  //  The Son of Man
And we will find you  //  In the promised Land

On this #effectiveSunday, pray as the songwriters intended, that living for self doesn't bring about eternal security. Pray that invitations would be extended, that people would not look to man, his perspective, his politics or his Pulitzer's for their security, safety or standing here on earth. Pray the promises of God be made clear as people grab all they can of God, rather than all of man. In the coming hours, may many give their life to the Son of Man.

For those who lose their life to self, will find their life in Christ. For the glory of God. For the cause of Christ.

-PNC

Wife at work. Check. Kids in bed. Check. Netflix. Check. Chocolate pudding. Check.  What to watch...Tyler Perry's Why Did I Got Married. Wait, what??

Four couples on their annual getaway to visit as friends and speak into each others lives and marriages. And on this trip... moments of truth for all 4 marriages come forward in public, ousted not by their own spouse, but by their friends who could no longer keep silent, then the airing begins.

Okay, but what's that have to do with churches being effective and efficient? Plenty, if you don't take your issues, grievances, offenses and frustrations to the source and speak to whatever kind of relationship it is, "I love you and we need to work this out."

I remember a number of years ago asking my parents why didn't hang out with other couples or friends more often and to this day, I've not forgot their response. "We are each others' best friend. We choose to hang out together, first". They have their friends and they do stuff with other couples when the schedule permits, but by and large, they live life together. Only, now interrupted by lots of time with nearby granddaughters.

So what happens in church? Does a Pastor second-guess confronting sin in one's life for fear of...who knows, now days? Are ministries being mismanaged because of "my way or the highway" attitudes?  Why are there grumblings and complaints among you is what was asked of the early church. The disciples disputed who was the greatest in the kingdom. Just as 2000 years ago, some people received Jesus and some spat on Him, so to, some churches are dealing with the same dysfunctions in 2015 as they were in 115.

Anything to get the believer, his friends who are believers, his friends who aren't believers and believers when they come together to worship... if at any point, Satan can get you to come across as less than a follower of Christ; you may still live as though covered by His grace, but the moment you don't share grace with someone else will be used against you.

I just had a moment, literally, just now... trying to close this post as it relates to the title and church effectiveness. You know what I believe the Holy Spirit just brought to the forefront of my mind? We are the bride of Christ!

So, on this #effectiveSunday, pray that believers would focus on their relationship with Christ, first and foremost. May we take the issues and struggles of life to Him, first. Not that we don't need our friends, but just as your spouse would ask why you told your friends before them, perhaps God wonders the same. Pray that relationships, between pastors and congregations be strengthened. May they speak the truth in love, whether from the pulpit or in the pew. Pray for grace to be extended and forgiveness be offered; and for those instances where the relationship ends, may we at least, insomuch as within our power to do so, live peaceably with all. Not as the world talks of peace, but as God has ordained; peace beyond understanding, that is of the Spirit and resides in the heart; overtaking the natural state of evil that without Christ we would still operate from to this day. But for the transforming power of Christ...

For the cause of Christ. For the glory of God.
May the church be the glorious Bride of Christ, spotless, yet covered in His blood.

-PNC

From the same favorite television show that I referenced the other day, is a scene where the actor is playing the role of the New Hampshire governor and a couple people from his staff are pitching him ideas for an ad campaign to boost tourism to the state. When an old friend comes to visit him and the meeting ends, the friend looks at the display and reads the slogan, as though it where a question rather than a statement: "New Hampshire. It's What's New."

In light of yesterdays' post discussing the "reprogramming" of our church's schedule and "life groups", it occurred to me that many churches of late, have gone through or are in the process of going through their operations, ministries and programs (hence the picture) and figure out what is working and what might need to be reworked...all in the name of improved efficiency and greater effectiveness for the cause of Christ. It's hard to accomplish. A go-fast world, with a go-faster schedule and technology that kicks it up another gear every time you are within reach of the pace it was a just a few moments ago. Don't forgot the lights have to be just right and the sounds incredible or our interests will not be captured  The transforming power of the truth of Christ must remain central to whatever changes are made to help advance the kingdom of God in the communities in which we live.

On this #effectiveSunday, pray for churches going through changes in ministry and programs as they figure out what isn't working and what needs to work better. Pray for guidance, wisdom and discernment, that while opinions will vary greatly, decisions will be made in prayer and led of the Spirit, rather than making changes for change sake. Pray for greater involvement from members and attendees, both in participation and financial contribution. Continue to pray for greater awareness; that we would connect with others in both church and community; that we may know how to help those struggling and in need because we know of the struggle and the need.

May we know what we are to do, as there is always something to do...for the cause of Christ. For the glory of God.
Life for the living.

-PNC

I know I normally have these prayer posts done, long before most of you are up in the morning; however, the past 30 hours have been non-stop. I was up incredibly late last night, and while I was wide-awake and alert during church this morning, my body was drained. In a good way, but drained nonetheless.

So I wanted to talk about time and priorities and scheduling tasks when under a deadline. It's amazing what gets done and when and how the goal (aka: deadline) motivates you to get your move on.

Perhaps, it was a God-thing, the timing of this post...as Pastor talked about God's Economy; that wealth isn't just about finances, but a wealth of creativity, wisdom, skill and time. As the man who tore down his barns to build bigger ones to hold his possessions; yet died suddenly...all because he failed to invest wisely, his time. The sermon coincided nicely as I considered the value of time as it relates to church effectiveness and efficiency.

What are the goals you & your church are moving towards that are timed out in a way that motivate you to hustle? Are you managing your time in order to be efficient? Are you completing action items that move you towards new levels of effectiveness? Of course, in light of eternity, these are also person questions, in which case, I have some reflection of my own for which I must make some time. It's not how much time you can stuff into a clock. Consider yourself an investment banker seeking the greatest return on what you have put forth.

On this beautiful #effectiveSunday, pray for a greater understanding and awareness that we are stewards: property managers of what belongs to God. Pray God's help as we, the church, invest our time, treasure and talents into the kingdom of God. Pray that people would look for opportunities to be "rich towards God".  If God has a plan and a purpose for every person, then what we do in fulfilling that plan and that purpose should be viewed as God getting a return on the investment He has made in us. Pray, that daily, we find ourselves ready with supporting evidence to be called "good and faithful servant".

-PNC

Sunday mornings are amazing.  For early in the morning, as another week has passed, a new one is about to start and in the middle of it all, is trying to figure out "what's next". First though, and more importantly, why is the song that matches the title of this post playing in my head?

I'm going to need help. You are going to need help. Your parent, your brother, your sister, your teenager, your baby, your boss, your neighbor, your worst nightmare...and the person at church you wish attended church somewhere else. I know I don't have that person, I hope I'm not someone else' wish and I know none of you have or are that person...we've just heard or seen of others having them, right?(smile...Sunday morning humor)

Thank God for great friends; especially those who can help carry some of the support offered by great family. Thank God for great friends who are incredibly closer than some family (a sad state of affairs to have to live out in reality) Thank God for great friends who become, in essence, family. To add God to these relationships, brings a whole other dynamic...of comradeship, of brother and sister-hood, of parental or grand-parental influences, perhaps never before existed in one's life...the miraculous can occur in every realm and situation of life.

This is an effective church. A church that figures out how to do it efficiently will find itself becoming all the more effective in building community. In return, the community they build will reach the community in which they work, play and reside. Who knows what you are missing by not being engaged in church.  Even if you don't know what to do, expect or where to begin. It all starts with where you stand with God..an area with which a healthy church can help.

On this #effectiveSunday, thank God for the body of Christ. Thank God for people who love Him, and as my church always says, "Lives to serve. God. Others". Pray for this to be the essential mission of all churches. May the body of Christ take hold what Christ essentially established as the two greatest commandments. Pray for those in difficult places; that the church would surround them, as incredible friends; as incredible family. And for those with challenging or no church experience; pray by the power of the Holy Spirit, they would be drawn, directed and guided, into a healthy church. Pray the church be active in the process, not just waiting for someone to enter the front door.

-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

Trying to figure out Sundays' post on church effectiveness and efficiency and still can't get the tragic loss of Michigan State Trooper Wolf off my mind.

His impact in the community in matters of law and of faith, as I'm coming to understand from what I've learned about him, seems to be quite significant.

I can only hope and pray that his life, his faith and his contribution to the lives he came in contact with, left others either greatly encouraged or greatly curious about the things of God. Without much ado, just thinking about what might transpire in the days and weeks to come, leads perfectly into praying specifically to that end.

Pray, on this #effectiveSunday, that the lives of those in the church and those of great faith, would indeed, prompt those around them to strengthen and deepen their relationship with God. Pray for the lives they come in contact with, that those who don't have that relationship, would desire to know more. Pray for understanding, that faith is a matter of relationship; that God is neither bought nor sold; that while He is sovereign, He desires and cares to be actively involved in the lives of people. May people realize that God has never been disengaged, disingenuous nor distant. Pray that as people are "won by one", they would experience the transforming power of the person of Jesus Christ and the impact they can make for eternity by sharing their story with those around them. Indeed, it is true...

As His life becomes our story, our lives become His Story.

-PNC