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

Ed Stetzer wrote an article a few days ago regarding the Ashley Madison hack situation.  He specifically talked about the number of potential pastors on the list and how churches and church leadership handle the repercussions that are soon to follow.

It was a well-thought article in highlighting specific steps to take so those affected aren't automatically written off, but are able to experience the love and grace of God and discover how God may use the circumstance for His glory.

Nonetheless, the agony remains... of having to respond, having to deal with the fall-out, having to console and advise those impacted... just reading Stetzers' advice on such an ordeal was enough to ask how many people will be willing to go through the process as a matter of forgiveness and healing.

It can be so much easier to take the consequence and skip recovery. Yet, to fully trust that God makes all things work together for good for those who love Him and are called according to His purpose, then it's really not ours to say, "No...this mess is beyond even what you are able to accomplish. Pass and move on." Thankfully, God doesn't let us go that easy.

On this #seniorPastorMonday, pray for those churches and pastors who genuinely are in trouble. Whether they are on a list such as Ashley Madison or not, sexually immorality and extra-marital affairs destroy families and are devastating to the pulpit. Pray for extra doses of wisdom and grace in handling such matters. May they look to God and His word as the ultimate tool for navigating the consequences of such behavior. May their trust that God is able to accomplish the miraculous be strengthened, in spite of decisions that damage our witness of Christ. Pray those involved, do indeed, experience the love, grace and forgiveness of God in manners yet known. Pray for the forgiveness of self to be realized. And regardless of the outcome, may they know God has not given up on them...even if people within the church have called "game over."

-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

There were a couple of ideas I had for todays' post, as we pray for churches as they engage in their communities. After learning that the Michigan State Trooper passed away last night after a tragic accident and reading the subsequent posts, it became apparent that I needed to write something.

When I learned that he was also the youth pastor for the church he and his family attended in their local community, there was no question.

What an incredibly profound opportunity than to serve God through active ministry as well as serve your community through public service.

In typing this, I am reminded of my Dad's service, now retired from law enforcement, yet while on the force, faithfully served our church, as a board member and other ministries.

A friend from the church we attend now; he is a lieutenant for a metro-area fire department while he and his wife head up the nursery ministry. Another friend, he and his wife both serve on the worship team and he too, serves on the fire department of a different, metro-area community.

This is what makes the political and social attacks on those in public service as well as those in ministry so difficult. These people aren't perfect as none of us are, but it's a slap on both sides of the face, to these men and women and their families, who serve both their church and their community. 

What an amazing opportunity they have, to reach the lost in their local community through their service and while sharing an active, living faith despite the most difficult and tragic and inexpiable circumstance people find themselves. 

They need our prayer. They survive on our support. They deserve our respect.

On this #communitySaturday, pray for State Trooper Chad Wolf and his family, during this time of loss. Pray friends and family and community experience the love and grace of God through this time. May the testimony of his life and service speak louder in his absence than it did in his presence. Pray for the impact his story will make to those who hear and read about his service, whether in the local community or abroad. Pray for his fellow comrades in the Michigan State Police; they too are family...blue love runs deep. May they be surrounded in the love of Christ and the comfort of the Holy Spirit. Regardless of the understanding that may never come from this tragedy, may family, friends and community come closer to God, in acknowledgment that He is able to bring joy from mourning.


-PNC

How often have you heard stories of people going out into the world, on a mission in pursuit of (insert "whatever" here) and upon returning, they discover what they were looking for...practically in their backyard. Not literally, perhaps, but what they desired was dramatically closer than they expected.

Such is the case with missions. Yes, we are to go into all the world, but if every person left their home to reach the lost from afar, doesn't that imply that someone should be heading to your home to reach "your world'? I don't say this as justification to discourage those in or entering the mission field, but there are lost people on every land mass on this earth. Someone left to guard the home front should also be working on gaining some ground as well. 

We see this in the parable of the talents. The men "went out" and brought back a great return. The one who stayed behind and hid it in the backyard, could have at least gone into town and brought back some sort of increase. God will one day ask what we did. Its kind of scary to think one might answer, "Not only did I not go into all the world, I didn't bother to go into town and put my talent to work, that I may bring to you, a return on the investment you made in me."

On this #missionsFriday, pray for missionaries abroad...may their efforts bring about a great return on God's investment. Pray for those, who don't consider themselves missionaries on the home-front. May they have a change in perspective, that God has placed them where they are, that no matter what their hands may find to work, may their words and deeds speak to the souls around them. Pray they hear that God is real and relevant for today; with a plan and purpose for every individual; unwillingly that they leave this earth, not knowing what their life could be in Christ.

We would like to think that decision makers get along. Conversations go well. Problems are solved reasonably and through the process of informed debate. Tension levels remain low and a spirit of cooperation and "level-headed" behavior dominates the room.

Sadly, this is more the exception than the rule. It's not that its not possible, its just that great decisions are usually the result of great debate; where all scenarios, ideas and potential problems have been thoroughly discussed.

However, when the process breaks down and agendas are pushed harder than pursuing the best possible outcome, when open and honest communication is discouraged for fear of offense and retribution; where warning signs of trouble spots are denied...failure becomes not only possible, but inevitable. Last night, something quickly flashed across my brain...what happens in churches when board members and decision makers encounter problems that begin to dominate meetings rather than produce more effective and efficient ministry? You may not have been in the meeting, but at some point and time, you have no doubt witnessed events in a church, where clearly, something broke behind closed doors, among decision makers. 

So we pray on this #deaconThursday, for decision makers, administrators and church staff...that their influence and input into the operation, direction and vision of their church would remain aligned with God's Word. Pray that honesty and truth, even when unpleasant, would dominate conversations and positively impact decisions as they are considered. Pray for grace and correction, for situations that have resulted from bad decisions within the church and from leadership positions. Pray against the advancement of personal agendas within the body of Christ; that church life would exemplify the advancement of the kingdom of God and His righteousness. May unity be the underlying current, even in difficult circumstances and disagreeable conversations...pray that the Devil is unsuccessful in his attempts to use such opportunities to divide, destroy and ultimately conquer any church community.

So we finally had the opportunity to watch the movie, God's Not Dead, last night, starring Kevin Sorbo, David A.R. White & of course, the Newsboys.

An incredibly well done movie, what stuck with me is White's character plays a Pastor who is visited by a missionary friend. Comparison naturally takes place, and the Pastor feels as though his work isn't accomplishing much for God, while his missionary friend is seeing the miraculous daily.

Then, when someone in need steps into the office and the plans of the pastor and missionary have been delayed, the missionary friend simply says regarding the opportunity, "Well, David - You wanted to be in the trenches!"

This, in conjunction with the new childrens' Pastors at our church, who are in the first few days of their official, 1st pastorate position, post-seminary, provides our prayer emphasis.

We desire to be used by God regarding our faith, but when the opportunity presents itself, do we jump in the trench? Or second guess whether its worth it? As the story unfolds, these two questions are essentially the premise of the movie. And for the pastorate; people do jump in, knowing full-well it's worth it. But then, like all of us, the enemy works to distract, detour and derail our ministry by any means necessary, in hopes that it will disrupt us to the point that recovery is not an option. Fortunately, when those moments arrive, God's grace and forgiveness, as usual, knows no end.

On this #kidsyouthPastorsWednesday, pray for strength against trench fatigue. Pray they be encouraged and renewed, not growing weary in well doing. Pray for energy, in the efforts to "keep up" with the energy and activity that comes with kids and teens. Pray for wisdom and discernment in the efforts to help build a solid foundation of faith in God, unshakable by the arguments of man and the situations of life. Pray for the faith of these Pastors, that it too would be unshakable, when life comes to distract, derail and destroy, the spirit, their marriage/family and their ministry. May the attacks of the enemy fall flat while faith in God stands tall.


-PNC

It's incredibly frustrating when you feel as though the person you are communicating doesn't seem to be getting "it".

I've been the frustrated sender of communication. I've been the receiver in question of communication. I am frustrated with someone. I am someone's frustration.

The irony makes me laugh, except neither scenario is usually funny as it unfolds. That said, I had a moment last night where I wondered how Pastors deal with this.  Particularly, Associate Pastors. Whether they need something as it relates to church operations and staff interaction, perhaps its issues with volunteers or laypersons within the ministry... or worse; a Senior Pastor who's frustrated themselves, and so they are "closed" to new ideas, different methods, doctrinal or scriptural differences in the preaching and teaching of God's word? 

The list is as long as you think it would be impossible to exist. We would love to think all churches operate great and get along and don't have their issues Monday-Saturday, yet we have all sat in a service at some point and caught just a glimpse of a notion, that something was amiss within a particular congregation.

Pray, on this #AssociatePastorTuesday...that lines of communication would be open and clear. Pray that misunderstandings and differences in ministry would be resolved, with a spirit of love, grace and respect...even if the ultimate result leads to parting ways. Pray for patience and guidance as conversations unfold towards reaching places of understanding. Pray that frustration would not stand in the way of progress; that effective ministry would move forward whether with members of the congregation, community or fellow servants in ministry. Pray that neither a difficult situation, nor a difficult person stand in the way of God accomplish His purpose within His church, whether we acknowledge someone else has the problem or we admit to actually being the problem. May God's grace cover us all.


-PNC

Small matters are nothing when they remain small. You fix it. Remove it. Solve it. Find a place for it. Seconds. Minutes. In the large scheme of things, it's done and over with, having exhausted only a small percentage of your time, energy and resources.

Then stuff gets moved to the back burner, a few hours later, the next days' schedule; interrupted my more pressing matters and boom...now it's a priority simply because it's too big to ignore and it needs to be dealt with.

This process can cause a great deal of frustration. Sure the matter needs to be resolved, but eventually, if the issue of frustration itself isn't dealt with when its' small, you'll be getting more frustrated than any particular situation warrants. There's a word for this phenomenon...

...overreacting. If you remain frustrated long enough, there's a word for that too...burnout.

I should look to see this book is still in the collection somewhere. Big Things Happen When You Do The Little Things Right.

On this #seniorPastorMonday, pray for a supernatural ability to prioritize their schedules; that matters would be resolved with wisdom and grace, neither in rush judgement, nor in prolonged delay. Pray for help in dealing with matters that cause frustration; pray for help in dealing with frustrations and keeping emotions in check when problems and issues arise. Pray for the mind of Christ and a "level head" as they work through situations and seek counsel in how handle them; whether it needs to be fixed, solved, properly placed or even removed. Pray for discipline and the ability to take care of the little things while they are small; knowing that the more that happens, the desired large-scale results and accomplishment will come to fruition.

-PNC

I think there comes a point when discussing levels of effectiveness that the conversation turns to willingness.

If people are not willing, then they won't be effective. That should be obvious. Conversely, you can rates of effectiveness based on willingness, partly because enthusiasm and passion levels will contribute to how an experience is received. If its not apparent that one is excited to share, why would the other party be excited to receive?

How excited would people be to accept Christ as Lord and Savior if the story of his ministry and crucifixion came from a half-hearted, resentful and stubborn spirit? As if He came because He was told He had no choice in the matter, rather than a ready willingness to sacrifice Himself? Likewise, if the people of Christ lack a willingness to come together, share life together, with enthusiasm, passion and excitement, then the message they portray to the world, that should be to the Christ will be anything but effective. And the struggle that ensues will be the farthest thing from efficient.

Pray for the effectiveness and efficiency within the church community...may the people of God be ready, willing and able. Pray for an excitement for the opportunities to come together and share life. Pray for a passionate concern for the lost when engaged in conversations with those who don't know Christ. Pray for an increased willingness to be about the things of God and to play an active role in the church community, for the advancement of the Gospel. Pray that passion, excitement and willingness translates in creativity that spawns new ideas and propels churches to new levels of efficiency and effectiveness for the glory of God.


-PNC

Have you had those days where you make a mistake and after you've thought about it for a while, you realize it was a poor reflection of who you are, what you are about and for the Christian, a less than desirable portrayal of the person of Christ. I had one or two of the moments this week and it bothered me. Maybe there were a couple more.

Such moments are nicks, scratches and dings on our testimony...not that the testimony is perfect, but to the world, such portrayals can count against us in our credibility

In reality the opposite is true. If I still make mistakes, then its a humble reminder that I'm not perfect. I don't have it together. I am still one in need of Savior. I remain one in need of grace and forgiveness. That is the credibility and connection we need to make with our communities, not just on the weekends, but every weekday as well.

Pray, that as the church engages its community that we will not lose our ability to reach out to a lost and dying world. Pray God would continue to use our faults and failures, even in recent days, to point out every man's need for salvation, forgiveness, grace and love. Thank God for the reminders that we are all works in progress and that none of us have arrived. Pray for God's help in working through our moments when we "drop the ball", that we would not portray a defeated mindset, but an attitude that looks to God and trusts in Him...knowing and displaying to those around us, that He is our only hope.

-PNC

Listening to talk radio this morning while on the road, a conversation transpired about a young Christian woman, captured by terrorists and taken as a one's wife, as a sex slave.  She was thought to have been dead a while back, but she wasn't until recently and iconfirmed official. Refusing to renounce her faith, stories are coming out, how she sacrificed herself, in the place of teen girls, also being held captive. WOW!

(insert chills going down my back, just the thought, as I typed that)

Moments later, they talked about Christianity in America regarding politics and the point was made, how certain political views think we should be more like Europe. One first replies, was Finland...where church attendance nationally is 4%. A whopping 4% of the nation of Finland attends church. And this is where people in America think we should direct ourselves...since Europe is doing so much "right". American church attendance still hovering around 40%, by comparison, the radio show stated. America might soon be needing it missionaries to stay, rather than going into all the world, but as long as church attendance in other nations is in the single digits and fractions of a percent in many more nations; we'll continue to pray! And send. And finance.

Pray for missionaries...particularly in nations, where the number of people who have knowledge of God and belief in God is statistically ground zero. Pray for open doors into communities and governments, that their spiritual hunger would be filled with the gospel of Christ. Pray for the miraculous to occur, as eyes are opened and hardened hearts turn towards the things of God. May lives be changed for the good of the nations. Pray encouragement over missionaries...that small beginnings are celebrated, not despised. As God multiplied the loaves and fish, may He too, multiply the hearts and lives of those who come to Him, whether they be 1,2, or 5 at a time. May they be "won by one" until 3000 be added daily.

-PNC

Frustrations at home. Problems at work. Then you get to church.

Depending on how the day has gone, you can be excited and ready. Relieved and comforted. Or burdened and preoccupied.

For the deacon or person in ministry who holds a secular job/career as well as church responsibilities, a bad day that includes church activities can be a hard transition. I have trouble with it, myself, last night being no exception.

Whatever the enemy can do to throw us off our game and get our attitudes and actions and thought-processes out of alignment with the truth in an effort to derail and destroy us, that will he do...until you are defeated and left for dead...spiritually-speaking. Our lives are 100% Gods, but each of us must be careful as to what we allow to influence various aspects of our lives.

Failure in one arena must not infiltrate another, in hopes to ruin that.  Work life shouldn't destroy your ministry. Ministry can't destroy your home. Home hopefully doesn't sabotage neither work, nor ministry. Lord, help us with sorting this out!

Pray for deacons, as well as admins and staff and ministry volunteers...may they have a discerning spirit about their lives. Pray the power and help of the Holy Spirit would enable and quicken the ability to balance the roles we live out on a daily basis. Pray for guidance in dealing with troubled areas, that problems and situations would be contained so they can be properly resolved without damaging other areas of life. Pray for friends and advisers to have boldness to speak truth and life into sitations and call out attitudes and thoughts that are not conducive to resolving situations. Pray the grace of God to cover such difficult times and may God be glorified as situations are worked through and may the outcomes be their testimony of God handiwork in the affairs of man.

-PNC

So I mentioned on Monday's Senior Pastor prayer focus, that we have a new Childrens' Pastor at our church.

Newly graduated. Very, newlywed. Newly brought on staff to take a strong childrens' ministry to the next level.

First jobs can be nervous enough, but when you realize that you have some fairly big expectations to meet...it can be daunting. Then there's the ministry aspect.

No pressure, but eternity weighs in the balance. The souls of man have been entrusted to one's care. (kids in this case). Yet by the anointing of God, His grace poured out over their lives and the power of the Holy Spirit at work in them, one can look at the task before them, regardless of their years of experience and qualifications, and believe they will accomplish the miraculous. Every person God called out to do something great in His name, was a newbie. Over the course of their lives, despite their faults and failures, thousands of years later, incredible lessons are learned from their example and their experience.

May we not despise the days of one's youth. May we not despise the days of small beginnings.

Pray for Pastors of youth and children. Whatever their years and qualifications and experience, may it come second to recognizing the calling and anointing on their life. Pray for confidence and boldness to accomplish great things that will establish a firm foundation for life-long ministry. Pray for divine moments of instruction and encouragement, that kids and teens will recognize the hand of God and the plans and purposes He has for the life of every young person. Pray for supportive churches; that they will be quick to come along side and encourage young pastors. Begin to pray not, against burnout. Pray for tools and strategies and support to be firmly established from the onset, to guard against any attacks that would cause them to retreat.

May we watch with excitement and anticipation, the launch of new ministers, walking by faith, in the anointing and calling God has placed upon them, for His glory.

-PNC

You go to work and you may not feel or actually be the one making decisions, let alone important ones.

Then you come home.

Leader. Head of household. Decision maker. Mentor. Teacher. Director.

No or little authority to "final say", based solely on what door you walk through = potential power trip. Proceed with caution.

At some point last night, I wondered if Associate Pastors experience this. Decisions have to be run by the Senior Pastor and/or Deacon Board...then you get home...and the limiter is off.  Maybe it's just me, but with 1500 pastors a month walking out the back door, I doubt it's just me. And if I feel I need prayer regarding this matter, then we should pray...

Pray for Associate Pastors...may the decisions they make at home be just as well thought-out and considered as the ones they make regarding ministry. Pray against "power trips", that as they walk through the front door of their home, the attitude and spirit doesn't change simply because the environment did. Pray that their homes would be "houses of prayer" as much as the church sanctuary or their office. Pray that Associates, as well as the rest of the pastoral staff, would be the spouses and parents that the encourage and discuss with people in the church and community to live daily.

Doing nothing is a decision; so do something!
And if you decide to do something, then do something that will count...for the glory of God.

To live genuine. To be real. To walk humbly. To forgive when needed. To love always.

Our new Chidrens' Pastors officially came on staff this morning at our church. Newly married, fresh out of college and ready to take on the world for the advancement of the gospel.

And as our Senior Pastor and leadership team prayed over them this morning, the remarks included the idea that the experience of an internship and a pastors' first position with a church...those two periods will indicate the long-term sustainability of whether a new pastor "sticks it out"

At the same time, the opportunity for a strong leadership to help build on an already firm foundation should have a profound impact on a young ministry.  There's only two ways this plays out. One healthy. One struggling.

As we pray for Senior Pastors, pray they take advantage of opportunities to invest in other pastors, not only in their own generation, but in the ones that come behind. On the flip-side, pray they remain humble; that no amount of experience or knowledge is complete to the point of arrival...someone is always a few mile markers ahead of you on the highway of life. Pray that ministries becoming legacies, to remember, to cherish, to build upon. May they remain steadfast in honor, rather than mocked in disarray and disappointment.

-PNC