Sometimes, in our quest to be efficient, we end up being anything but what we desire. Likewise, in our quest to be effective...sometimes no where near close.

Words I wrote for yesterday's post on distractions, thinking I was writing Sundays post, not Saturdays regarding church and community.

While writing a post on distractions, I almost wrote the wrong subject matter for the wrong day. The prophetic irony I would take credit for, if it weren't an honest mistake.

Thus, like any time, you realize you've erred, you re-evaluate to help ensure you fail to err next time.

Church is hard work. As you step in to services around the nation and the globe, consider the prep work and prayer that went into that service.The sermon, the worship, the lessons, the classes and more. All having their "to-do" lists to complete, all figuring out what is most productive in a timely format and schedule. Yes, the power of God and the moving of the Holy Spirit need to do their work in the service, but there's something to be said for having something to work. It's not about our works, but even Isaiah talks about preparing the way of the Lord.

Pray that preparations have indeed made a way for God to come and move in the lives of churches across this land, on this and every Sunday. May we work to make church efficient. May we cover the work in prayer, that it would be effective. Pray that the labor of the church would not be in vain. Pray that distractions would fail in their attempts prompt inattention, frustration, carelessness and apathy. These are the times the church needs to put its best foot forward in presenting Christ to a world seeking in all the wrong places, while ignoring the obvious. May the efficient work of the church be found effective, having "redeemed the time, for the days are evil".

-PNC

Humility seems to live in obscurity of late. We are quickly becoming a culture  wrapped up in identity and the emotion and conviction that drives our proclamations of who and what we are and how we desire to be known.

What gets tricky...as revision and redefinition takes precedent, knowing what the truth is and what it looks like is becoming a glaring mark against us.

Scripture talks significantly about both the issue of pride and identity. Conversely, some incredible passages revolve around humility...which is hard to fake long-term. Eventually pride takes over and speaks up, as a matter its character and nature.

Enter the missionary, willing to sacrifice personal gain, motives, dreams and identity...for the advancement of the Gospel. Their work is nothing short of miraculous and is near impossible to take human credit. That doesn't mean some have tried...they have, again as pride works its agenda, even to the best of intentioned group. But for those that remain, their work remains the cause and will of God, that none should perish. The work can not be done without humility, taking into consider all that is set aside, in order to set themselves apart to go...even to the utmost parts of the earth.

Pray, God's speed, as they set out to reach the lost and the dying. In tumultuous times, pray for their safety and protection, for families and loved ones. They know what they face and their trust is in God, but that doesn't diminish their human emotion and reaction to life. Pray for successful impact as they work their programs and methods in order to share the Message, of the only true hope that is able to save one's soul. Pray for wisdom as they navigate a fast-changing cultural shift in society-at-large. Pray that they would experience favor, with God and with man, in ways not yet seen or heard. Fresh revelation. Renewed strength. Clear focus. Diligent work. For the glory of God, may they be found faithful servants.

Thank you for your service, Missionaries.God's speed be with you as you go.

-PNC

There's two kinds of church fatigue. And wouldn't it be awesome if recognizing the signs were as brilliant and straightforward as this?

One kind is experienced by the congregation. Dangerous, as parishioners start checking out; tired of volunteering or the politics or other Christians, of personality differences...if you've been in church for anything extended length of time, you could probably add to the list.

The other is experienced by pastors and administrators. Equally dangerous, if not to greater effects. Pastors might start "winging" sermons; not doing due diligence to the study and preparation of God's Word. Deacons get caught up in other business matters in the community or outside of the church, so they might not be offering their best counsel to the Pastor or full devotion to their ministry. Staff feels overworked and underpaid (don't think that only happens in corporate America). While we're at it, don't forget maintenance is tired of picking up bulletins left in the sanctuary and whatever messes remain after VBS!

Major crash zone for the church, where both groups experience this with any significant overlap in their timing, or God forbid, at the same time.

Pray this will be averted. Too many Pastors are already exiting the ministry. Who knows how many churches are hemorrhaging deacons and staff positions...and countless churches are losing congregations, as culture become more...(cynical feels like an understatement) towards the things of God and the church. Pray for such trends to be reversed. Pray, in particular, for deacons and staff to be renewed and energized in their commitment to their church and ministry. May encouragement to Pastors and parishioners start with them and as people who enter church see strong support systems and people in place within the church, it will speak clearly that the church is healthy and functioning properly. Pray for an increased awareness for signs of fatigue, that appropriate steps will be taken to resolve situations before crashes start causing long delays and backups within the church, and the body of Christ at-large.

-PNC

I tried having a teachable moment with my oldest last night. Turns out it was the younger one, who needed it. However, I'm not sure she would have understood it, so it probably wouldn't have done much good.

That said, I learned something. Different strategies for different people at different times are required in order for teachable moments to be effective. Nowhere is the more quickly learned, than with children. And teens. And adult kids still very loved by their parents who  continue to wonder what we are up to some times.

If its difficult to handle as parents, then imagine the perspective of the Pastors who work with them. And the perspective they have, as they deal with their own children. I can't imagine the process they must go through.

Pray for Children & Youth Pastors, for the difficulties and challenges they face in their own families and kids. Pray for wisdom and strength to endure. Pray for understanding and discernment, in how they present info to their kids at home, and under their ministry. Pray that teachable moments would be often, and effective, for the glory of God. Pray they would neither be missed or wasted; that the next generation would know God, trust in Him, and understand His plan for their lives. Pray that truth would be imparted to them, despite the appearance of the circumstance.

-PNC

I watched a movie on Netflix over the weekend, titled Encounter, starring Jaci Velasquez. In the movie, Christ orders a scenario, in which strangers find themselves together in a storm. During this time, He makes His direct appeal that they may come to know Him

He explains how He has intervened in small ways to prevent worse outcomes from happening, even death, in order that He might display His plan and purpose for their lives. In reflection, I couldn't help but think how this applies to Associate Pastors.

To all of us really, but Associates in particular, carry a great responsibility. Jesus explains how it's His grace, in these circumstances that help bring us through. Considering the alternatives of how situations could be worse, some call it the "lesser of two evils". Jesus calls it "grace." In fact, one could go as far as to call it the "greater of two graces". Seemingly minor frustrations could be major fiascoes, were it not for grace...the opportunity for God to work His plan for our lives.

Pray for Associate Pastors, struggling to remember that Gods' grace is sufficient, regardless of the circumstance. Pray for reminders to come their way, that He remains in control and that frustrations are only for a moment. Pray that in those moments, His plans and purposes will come to fruition. Pray for endurance as His plan is carried out. Life may not be going well, ministry not working as hope, family may be in trouble or finances falling...whatever it is, its Christ' preventive measure to avoid a fate, where His glory misses the opportunity to be displayed.

Ministry moves forward...even when life calls for attention to other matters.

Like many Senior Pastors, mine has had a rough two weeks, as the health of a parent has declined. The outlook less than promising. Yet, for the power of prayer, trust in God remains in place.

As the family has attended to this matter, he reminded us during service, that thanks to great pastors and staff, "ministry moves forward".

This can be troublesome for churches where such "systems, process and people", are not in place to continue the work, when life unexpected occurs.

If only more churches were prepared. I don't know how many are not, but it can't be a good scenario for the congregation and community where people are not in place to keep ministry in motion.

Pray for Senior Pastors, such as mine, where life is calling for his attention in this matter outside of the church. It is important, but it can certainly feel as though you should be in two places at once, and I know for me, that's disconcerting. Pray for processes and people to be in place; ready to go without missing a beat, during times of transition regardless of whatever may be the cause. Pray for churches that might not be so prepared, that resources and people would be available to enable them to move towards a level of preparedness. Pray for strength and wisdom on all levels, that Senior Pastors would seek for effective, Godly ministry and seek to know and solve where they may be room for improvements, such as how their ministry would operate if it did not rely on them...for when life unexpected happens.

-PNC

"FUGIT INREPARABILE TEMPUS".  - Virgils Georgics

or...

"It escapes. Irretrievable time"

The birthday has come and gone. And as I looked in the mirror last night, I'm certain there was an exponential increase in the number of gray hairs in my goatee compared to the one year increase in my kids age.

Not to mention, what in the world is it doing, the middle of July already? The Christian rock band from Canada back in the 70's known as The Daniel Band, produced an incredibly anointed discography of five albums, one of which is titled, Running Out Of Time.  As I was browsing through my iTunes listening to clips of the albums, I realized...we are indeed running out of time.

As we pray for church effectiveness and efficiency, pray that God would help the efforts of churches, to redeem the time. For not only are the days evil, but people are experiencing life and death moments; many that may not even be recognized as such, for they may not happen to the physical body. Emotional health, mental health....spiritual health, who knows when someone will break and when they will need to experience God's grace and forgiveness. Pray the church would not only be aware, but ready. Time is indeed irretrievable. It escapes, like everything else, when one fails to pay attention.

It's so easy to go through life, in motion. It may be auto-pilot...it may be we just get caught up in our world. We get fixated on how to solve this, how to fix that, which way to go and how to go about getting there.

We forgot, rather, neglect the fact there is a bigger picture than ours, a bigger purpose than what's in front of us and more importantly, others who we should be more concerned with than ourselves.

It seems so simple, yet life overtakes us. And me. I'll let you know when do a better job of keeping others before myself.

Our world is searching for a purpose bigger than what's in front of them...a picture greater than what they see. The church has the Truth that those around us seek. Do we know who in our world is ready to receive? More importantly, are we ready to share, the hope that is within us?

Pray for increased awareness in the lives of those in our community...that we would be a listening ear and a compassionate heart for those in need. Pray that circumstances would be arranged in such a way that hearts would be ready to receive. Pray that the church we more concerned with "what's up" in the lives of those around us more than being consumed with our own affairs and desires.

-PNC

The craziness of today's culture...people are either building walls of defense as a matter of protecting themselves or they are building walls of offense. Nothing gets by them as among their first reactions to a situation is to declare their being offended.

It's frustrating to witness and more so when you are a party to the situation firsthand. Truth as paramount. Needed, but not so much wanted. Occasionally desired, but not always enough to make application.

Difficult times to navigate, especially for the church. Perhaps even more so missions.  In times when one's reasons for building and maintaining walls in their lives are growing in depth and breadth, now more than ever the truth needs to illuminate hearts and minds to return to God.

Indeed, pray for missionaries, that God would go before them to arrange events and circumstances that would soften hearts and minds. Pray that there would be evaluations in peoples lives as to the reasons for the walls and their effectiveness...are they becoming better, kinder, nicer people by having them? Pray for words of wisdom, to be able to speak truth and life into the circumstances that have prompted the walls in the first place. May the Holy Spirit bring revelation, allowing the truth to bring healing and restoration to souls searching for meaning and purpose.

-PNC

This may sound repetitious from a prior post regarding deacons and admins, but last night my mind was putting a few pieces together.

In the past few days, we've prayed over decisions and the process that goes into them. Regarding church operations, we've prayed that they would not get wrapped up in the monotony of daily tasks, but keep an eternal perspective about their responsibilities.

And in our Wednesday night prayer service last night, with a devotion on "revelation and wisdom", I was reminded, that regarding Bring Me 70, I can't do this on my own...not in my own words, wisdom or strength. It is a bigger vision than I could come up with. And the phrase that stood out, just before leaving service... I Corinthians 2:5..."your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men". Neither should the work of the church.

While this applies for all church positions, pray particularly for deacons, admins and staff, that while it would be easy to approach their duties with the wisdom of man, may they seek God for His direction regarding their work. A timely word to the other end of an incoming call in need, a home visit, a meeting in the community...it might not mean much on the surface, but in prayer, God can and will use it to accomplish His purpose...especially when He is sought and brought into such matters. Pray that those in these positions would not neglect the power of God to move on their behalf in moments that on the surface don't seem spiritual; yet can make huge impacts for His glory.

In our weakness, He is strong. If we stand in our strength, where does that leave God?

-PNC

We've all heard it. Most of us, at some point from a parent. Probably from a spouse. At some point, perhaps a teacher. And most likely, from at least one friend. As life goes on, possibly from your kid. It's never comfortable at best, and more than a little unsettling if its from your employer.

What do you do? Where do you turn? Does it motivate you? Challenge you? Or does it cause you to rethink your risk-taking abilities, from the premonition that it won't work out great before you start, so it might not be worth the effort?

These can be difficult to navigate as an adult. Seemingly insurmountable if your younger...your whole life is a head of you and how you learn to handle such moments can be defining...game-altering, life-changing, destiny-affecting decisions.

When you can't turn to the aforementioned list of people involved,who does one talk to? Who would you want your kid to talk to? Pastors can be disappointing as well themselves, experience disappointment. That said, having one shed light on how God thinks of you, despite the disappointment that you have received or are the source of, can make all the difference. Especially at an age, when truly, your whole life is in front of you.

Pray for Pastors who ministries focus on youth and children. Pray that they would have proper insight and encouragement as situations arise. Pray for wisdom and truth to be shared, particularly in handling difficult moments such as dealing with disappointment. Pray that the life-changing decisions would be defined as those where the outcome was a closer relationship with Christ and the plan He has for them, rather than what society and culture would lure them with as a "solution" to help them deal with an issue. May they know Christ' love is infinite and His grace abounds, despite our feelings. Jesus doesn't disappoint...neither does He turn his back when we are the source of disappointment.

-PNC

As I thought about Monday's post on decision making in the church, I couldn't help but consider for a few moments when differences arise amongst pastors, admins and boards.

It would be foolish to think that it doesn't happen. Spouses argue. Kids argue. Boss and employee. CEO's and Board of Directors. To think that Pastors don't have their moments, might be a little bit of a stretch.

It sad when disagreements in the church are strong enough to disrupt and break a congregation. It's worse when it disrupts and breaks apart pastors and their ministries.

In praying for Associate Pastors, pray that discussions and disagreements are seasoned in grace...and more importantly, prayer. Pray for a super-natural, "coming together" of ideas and creativity. Pray for an understanding perspective when concerns are raised and thoughts are expressed.

Healthy debate is most beneficial when it results in a healthy, unity of purpose that everyone can support and follow through. Pray for more grace and wisdom when that is not the result; for healing takes time.

-PNC

Life is a tough gig. If you're married, you want your spouse to be happy and satisfied. Family? You want your kids to be happy. Employed? You want your boss happy...if for no other reason, that you stay employed. (smile) Employer? You want your staff happy...if for no other reason, they continue to do good work for you. You want your clients happy, so they keep you in business.

Then there's the church. And that gets dicey. For the believer, it should be about Christ..setting aside our earthly desires that so easily entangle us, and...you get the idea.

For the pastor, responsible for the spiritual condition of those under him or her...as much as is within their ability, they too serve an audience of 1. It's hard to say why and how people come to the decisions that they do and its easy in our own understanding to think it should have gone differently. If I need wisdom in my decisions, that outwardly, may just affect me or maybe my family, it pales in comparison to a pastor making decisions that potentially affect a church of hundreds and thousands and more. Plus, let's not forgot they still face the same decisions you and I face on a personal level, familial level, friendships, financial, and the list goes on.

Talk about the decision-maker needing wisdom and the affected needing grace, for when understanding is not possible. It boggles my mind just typing it out. Thus...our prayer focus for Senior Pastors:

Pray for increased levels of discernment and wisdom concerning decisions and their decision-making process. Pray that they would have the mind of Christ, in a great dimension, whether regarding affairs of the church, or of the home. Pray for understanding to abound by those affected, and grace much more, where explanations-at-large aren't feasible. Pray for difficult situations, that disagreements and misunderstandings and wrong-doings would not only be minimal, but also, they they would not be significantly detrimental to the purpose, vision and mission of the church. Pray for unity of purpose and not divisiveness of agendas.

-PNC

In the past few days, thanks to our VBS program, my oldest daughter, whose age is still in the single digits, got hooked on the song Alive, by Hillsong - Young & Free.

This song just played on Pandora, hence, now this posts' topic as we prepare to pray for church effectiveness & efficiency.

On this Independence Day weekend, enough has transpired in the past week and a half, that have people thinking they've found freedom. Expressions of true love...that are now acceptable in the name of equality.

While I understand what this community thinks they have found, my heart breaks that many have yet to experience the true freedom found in Christ. Not to mention the fact, that through the power of the Cross and our coming to accept that He died in our place, we are now joint heirs with Christ; they are missing true equality!

God sees those who have accepted Christ as Savior as sons and daughters. God does not have grandchildren, but grand children!

"You are alive in me; Your love has set us free." is how the lyrics to Alive sing forth.

For all the preparation that has gone into a holiday weekend service that revolves around the greatness of America, the freedoms we enjoy as a result for those who fought on our behalf; pray that people would come to recognize Christ as defender of the soul, standing in the gap so that souls may experience the freedom God intended for us. Freedom from sin, from condemnation, from bondage, addictions, the horrible past of us all, that we would give anything if it could be forgotten and forgiven...only One can fulfill that desire.

Pray that becomes a reality for those who seek a freedom they've yet to experience in these great, United States of America.

God Bless You & God Bless America.

-PNC

The band, Petra, has a great song, titled "You Are I am". Written by an incredibly talented Bob Hartman, and taken from Exodus 3:14 and John 8:58, it simply states:

"From the top of the mountains to the bottom of the sea; From beginning of time through eternity; From burning bush to Gethsemane; From the Red Sea shores to the Galilee

[Chorus:] You are I Am, You are I Am

Let the heavens rejoice in Your majesty; Let the earth hear Your voice in it's purity; From the fiery furnace to upper room; From the lions' den to the empty tomb

You have always been - You will always be; Yesterday, today, and through eternity; I will always bow my knee; You will never cease to be I Am

From the breath of life to the Living Word; To the broken heart when good news is heard."

In our prayer meeting this past Wednesday, at a time when the world is uncertain, the direction of nations unknown, circumstances of lives and families unsettling to experience and just as disturbing to witness...whatever people need, He is. The hole in the heart of man can filled with many things...they all just absorb into one's life never being enough. The hole needs to be filled with the Rock, upon which a new life in Christ can be built.

As we pray for community engagement, pray for the Good News to touch the broken heart. Pray that the Living Word would breath new life, into hearts living with feelings that life has no meaning, purpose or fulfillment. Pray that this world would hear His voice, in its purity...in truth, for He is true. Pray that they would experience His love; for His is the only One that wins for eternity.

-PNC

As I was thinking yesterday about deacons and church administrators, I reflected back to my days of growing up in church. I remember my Dad sitting on the deacon board as well as being scheduled in the sound booth. My mom played the organ, served a term as President of the Women's Ministries, and led the youth group for a while, as they were between Youth Pastors. If memory serves, I think there was overlap, so that at one point, they served in all the aforementioned capacities at the same time. All this while both holding full-time careers, plus family time, school events...still not sure how they pulled it off.

Yet, people still do it. Families serve in numerous capacities; many of my friends sharing in common, the scheduling conflicts my parents experienced. As society and culture and technology continue to move more swiftly than most of us can track, finding the scheduling balance nears pretty high on the priority list...particularly on the days we pray over community engagement and church efficiency.

Pray that deacons, admins and staff would find and maintain balance...in family, career and in their service to the church. Pray for wisdom and discernment in their daily decisions. Pray for strength in carrying out their responsibilities, both at home and at church. Pray that neither would suffer, and certainly not to the point where one would resent or feel embittered toward the other.

-PNC

I had a "coming together of ideas" moments before writing this. I was watching an interview with Skot Shaw, creator of the band Leper, and he was talking about reconciling the events of life. As he was speaking, I flashed back to Sunday morning, to the guest speaker who shared an experience as a young Associate Pastor, who went on a hospital visit, took an intern with him...for the circumstances were dire. Sometimes, when you don't know how things will play out, yet, it's best to have someone nearby.

In that moment, I thought about how people feel when they are uneasy with new surroundings, especially when it comes to matters of relocation or a new job. An unexpected tragedy; an unexpected loss...a moment in time that changes your world and shakes you to the core.

For a church leader who people look to when such circumstances are, knowing what to do, say or convey is a challenge. Putting it in a spiritual context that points people to Christ and the hope made available to us through Him...sounds simple enough, but can be a struggle nonetheless. If seasoned pastors still have their moments in such circumstances, how much more the Associate Pastor(s) just starting out. Sure they've had training and interned and any other variety of circumstance...but to formally be in that position and knowing what is right for just that time...daunting.

Thus, pray for Associate Pastors, seasoned and fresh in ministry, to continue seek God, for wisdom and understanding. Pray for an increased sensitivity to the Holy Spirit, that as they help people reconcile the events of life, they would know what is right and relevant for effective ministry to the people and circumstances in front of them. For the believer, a pastor can be as much of a "first responder" as police, fire and EMS personnel. Pray that pastors would be ready, on all occasions, to minister to the lost, the dying, the broken, the shaken, the hopeless and shattered. May healing, restoration and reconciliation come forth, in a great dimension than ever before.

-PNC

As I've engaged in online conversations, it has indeed truly caused me to think more critically and attempted to come across as though I wasn't taking matters personally. Mostly, it felt like it was an exercise in restraining my sarcasm. More importantly, I believe it was an exercise in trying to portray truth with coming across as anything that would cause people to shut down and resort to the tactics that leave people frustrated as they walk away from the discussion.

To that end, one conversation in particularly was, I feel, incredibly successful. No name-calling, both sides sticking to the point as best they could, both seeking answers to the other's argument...and very little sarcasm. One or two lines might have slipped in with a smiley face emoticon at the end to express humor in making my point.

That said, I'm hoping my words were received well...not as one trying to force his beliefs, but with compassion and sincerity trying to portray that we are on serious and unstable grounds. Just in writing that line, I'm reminded of Jesus' as he carefully responded to woman who said she didn't have a husband, "You are right. You've had five husbands and the man you are with now, is not your husband." He wasn't trying to be smart with her...just that He knew where she was in life, to a greater degree than she was willing to share.

That said, as we pray for church effectiveness and efficiency on this last Sunday of June, the picture is appropriate.  On the many social and cultural issues where it is easy to state our opinions or beliefs before we share the source of them, one way or the other, we need to invite people to understand the Source itself, and less concerned with how we will be perceived and most likely, misunderstood.  

There are so many opportunities for which it is said, "You won't/don't want to miss out on this!". Yet for such a time as this, I sense God is saying the same for the believer. "You won't want to miss out how I can use you through this opportunity". What some seek to destroy is the same thing for which God has a plan and purpose.  If we don't unplug with the intent to find our balance in Him for the purpose of re-connecting, then we will surely miss what God desires for us. And we will neither be effective nor efficient.

Starting with me, I'm praying I will do a better job of seeking first, the Kingdom of Heaven.  If I don't then isn't possible, that what was meant to be added, will all be taken away? I'm not sure, but we can't live life on our own, let alone an effective life for Him on our own. Pray for His help anew and afresh, today.

- PNC

The band, Petra, has a song from their "On Fire" album, simply titled "Another Crossroad. Written by Bob Hartman and based on Psalm 119:105 and Proverbs 10:30, it talks about days of indecision and how are minds change, as to what we should do and when. However, when I don't know which way to go, "my steps are ordered and I know I'll find the way, when your Word lights the path and I obey." Hartman closes the lyrics with the words: "It's not hard to miss a turn along the way; I know I've missed some in my day. I don't want to be wrong, I want to do what's right. I know that you can lead me through the maze; When I acknowledge you in all my way."

As I reflected on Friday's court ruling regarding marriage, and reading some posts online, the response is incredible. And for the couple of interactions I've had with people already, this is definitely a "crossroads" moment. As the world looks to how Christians respond, I found myself having to think carefully. Not out of fear of anyone's response, but in light of, am I responding as me, or as Christ through me?

Even, in typing this, I found myself engaged in conversation with one of a different opinion on this matter and again, found myself thinking... where is my reasoning and logic and perhaps a little sarcasm and where is speaking the truth in love to a world who thinks they understand and know what's going on, while anyone who disagrees with them, simply doesn't have a clue.

So...as we pray for church and community engagement this weekend, particularly in light of recent events, these are some things that I know I will struggle to keep in mind...

- We are all sinners in need of a Savior. There is but one evil nature in the heart of man. One broken relationship weighs in the balance of eternity
- But for the grace of God, go I. Before coming to Christ, who knows where any of us would find ourselves in any set of circumstances defending any kind of behavior or belief. You could be witnessing to yourself across the table, for all you know.
- Speak the truth in love.
- Many people know more than I do...but that doesn't mean I don't have a clue.
- Seek to understand. Then to be understood.
- Pray and let the Holy Spirit do His work. I can only share, not convince and certainly not convict.

Whether you believe He exists or not, none of us are qualified to be God.

While this is a national debate, it will happen "won by one" as Mylon LeFevre sang many years ago. Pray for God to do the miraculous as conversations between church and communities take place. Pray for patience and understanding to be shared during times of discussion. Pray for wisdom and discernment in the words and attitudes that are shared, that they would not be personal attacks against each other, but personal encounters with the Truth, that is Jesus.

We have all disagreed with people we love, people we care about, people we like...whether they are family, friends, co-workers, bosses and more. We have done so while one party or the other was not happy about the external scenario, but genuinely cared for the entire well being of each other. Pray that God will work the miraculous during this time. It's not a matter of one side or the other "winning" or being on the right or wrong side of history.

The only issue that matters is eternity.  This issue isn't the end-all-be-all of issues...it's just the opportunity God will use for us to realize that in comparison to Him, the entire world is on the wrong side of His Story and Eternity, save the intersection where His Cross meets your road.

-PNC

It's a funny thing about creating and implementing a vision for an organization. It's one thing to get people to agree to what's been presented to them. It's entirely another matter, that what was presented prompts, not only an affirmative response, but a line of people ready to work together to bring that vision to fruition.

There's a difference between being apart of the events as a witness and being an active participant in the discussion and implementation.

It's no longer enough to want to be attend what's going on. We need people to contribute to what's going on.
Thus, we pray for deacons, admins and staff...those in church operations who have signed up, to actively contribute, daily, to fulfilling their churches vision in their community.

Continue to pray for strength and guidance as they seek to reach their communities for Christ, in relevant and effective ways. Pray over their discussions regarding the decisions they face, whether financial, physical or spiritual in nature. Finally, pray for a spirit of unity...that while there may be disagreements and contentions at various times, that there will be an overarching desire to work together and come to agreements that are not only consistent with the vision of the church but also consistent with the purpose God has for their church.

-PNC