Merry Christmas

I know it's the day after, but to be honest, getting on my blog was the last thing on my mind. I had such a good day. My daughters were delightful to watch.

I hope you and yours had a great Holy day, and enjoy these days that follow. My family and I are headed south today to the mountains in North Carolina. We're looking forward to a break, and getting away.

Confession: When we travel my body goes with my family, but my mind is at the community college. Saturdays and Sundays are spent wondering if the trailer arrived, if anyone showed up to setup, if the Speaker came, if anyone showed up to hear the Speaker. It takes me away from vacation from midday on Saturday to midday on Sunday. However, this week we are closed, so I'm looking forward to actually getting "away". It will be a good disconnection.

SRC -- there are two opportunities for a good meal coming up on the next two Sundays. Check your email to see the details.

Peace Out!
--Ben

Eavesdropping

A couple days ago I responded to a question about Rick Warren, and even enjoyed a short comment conversation about it. Well, this week I had the opportunity to eavesdrop on Rick Warren's message to Saddleback church. He addresses a number of things related to the issue. Does a fantastic job. He is a brilliant guy, no doubt.

It's about 20 minutes long, but if you have the time it is worth a watch:

http://www.saddlebackfamily.com/blogs/newsandviews/index.html?contentid=1723

--Ben

Last Minute?

Someone accused me of waiting till the last minute for Christmas shopping today. I informed her that the last minute would be tomorrow night, I'm still way ahead of the game.

--Ben

Ed Rainey

Tomorrow is the Christmas Eve service at PAG, and I'll mention again that all are welcome. It is a combined service between Pasadena A/G church and Severn River Church. It was listed in the local newspaper, The Gazette, and someone started calling me Ed on Saturday. Apparently in the paper the service is listed as including Phil Foster and Ed Rainey.

Oh well...

--Ben

A Flurry Of Comments

I want to encourage my readers to check out the comments on the posts below. There has been quite the flurry of comments in the last two days. I enjoy it, especially the ones that I don't necessarily agree with. It fuels discussion which I love. Thanks to all the color commentators at BenjaminRainey.com.

--Ben

Cold

Did I mention it is cold outside? It is so cold that the locks on the SRC trailer were frozen shut. I had to use a butane lighter to melt the ice holding them locked in place. But alas I was successful.

The trailer is on its way out today to the lettering company to have the decals put on. Should look nice when we roll back onto campus on January 11th.

--Ben

Website Update

It is nearing completion! Can't wait to unveil the new site. Drew has outdone himself. You'll really enjoy it. We will have a public release in early January, and it is likely that my blog users will have a first crack at it. Many of you use SRC.com as a portal to this blog, and others of you come directly through BenjaminRainey.com. Either way you'll bump into the new site. When it's up I invite you to use the comment section of my blog as a place to offer accolades to Drew for the hard work he's put into this great new site.

Coming soon...

--Ben

BTW, Drew used our website to fulfill requirements for a Graduate Class. He earned an A for the project. Good job, Drew!

The Next Generation

For years Presidents have been sworn in accompanied by a prayer offered by a minister. Billy Graham has served the Presidents of my lifetime. This election has brought about a changing of the guard. Rick Warren, pastor and best selling author, has been asked to offer the prayer at the inauguration.

Many have been up-in-arms about this decision. Our country is politically centrist which is why we see an ongoing shift back and forth in power. We as a nation don't let either party exercise political power too long, before we oust them for the other party. But I think the people of each party believe that the nation has gone "their way" when "their guy" gets into office.

In this case the political left believe that the nation is a left-wing, liberal country put into power because of their ideology. I don't think they're right, but they do. That is why so many are hot and bothered about the selection of a Bible-believing, Christ-centered, and for Rick's sake Purpose-Driven [:-)] Christian Pastor to pray at the inauguration. He stands against homosexuality, abortion, and a number of other sins that they believe are rights. Many had likely hoped there would be no prayer at all, or at best perhaps an inclusive figure like Rev. Jeremiah Wright would offer the prayer.

I am glad that there will be a prayer offered. I am glad that a figure like Rick Warren is filling the shoes of a great Christian leader like Billy Graham. It is a reasonable response to the heritage of Christian faith that our country was built on. Psalm 33:12 "Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord..."

--Ben

Wanna Go See The Other Ones?

Today we had another showing of our house. The folks arrived 15 minutes early, so I was still getting ready to head out. That meant that I was in the house while they visited (awkward). They only stayed a couple minutes. The agent came to explain that the gentleman had a back issue that prevented him from seeing the basement. As she explained I heard him say to his wife, "Wanna go see the other ones?"

Such, it seems, is the destiny of my house sale for now. Things are so mixed up with the economy that people rarely come around, and when they do there is a plethora of options on the market for them to see.

--Ben

Hagerstown

Today was my monthly trip out to meet with my coach. It was a good meeting. We spent the time looking ahead to 2009 and the things that God has been speaking to me about for the next year. There were several goals that I had listed that were not quantified. He pushed me on each of them. I had to settle on a number for the purpose of measuring our effectiveness. The goals included not only organizational goals, but also personal goals.

It's in line with the old maxim, "If it can't be measured, it can't be managed."

Of course the hardest ones were those that I had already set a number for, that he told me were too low. There are several that I have scratched out and replaced (along with his name next to them). He said my faith was too small.

I think there is a fine balance that must be struck when dealing with goal setting. That line between reality and faith is sometimes hard to navigate. But so far, my modus operandi is to err on the side of faith. After all, we are in a fundamentally supernatural business.

--Ben

Keep Your Laws Off My Body

I know this may seem a little heavy to jump back in on after a few days off, but this is something I've been thinking about, so I thought I'd bring it up.

Recently I saw a scene on TV where a girl uttered the famous line of the feminist agenda, "Keep your laws off my body." It has been bandied about as a means of defending personal choice especially in the area of abortion, the sad practice of taking the life of an unborn child. This begs the question of the rights of the baby and the forming body within the mother's womb, but that is a much longer discussion.

For today I'll simply throw out what has been on my mind. Here it is -- does Jesus ever say, "Keep your laws off my body."

Several years ago I dealt with an issue in the church, a matter of confidentiality, with a minor who became an "adult" (18 yrs old) within just days of the matter. It was something that should have been discussed with the teen's parents, but those involved (and I was included) bought into the thinking that since the teen was now an adult, we shouldn't bring it up. The matter was eventually found out (as matters of sin always are). Then I had to apologize to the parent for not talking with them in advance of some problems that arose.

This week, again, I heard about a situation where young people were doing what they were legally allowed, but doing it in secrecy and bringing division to their families. All the while rationalizing with the law that makes them "old enough".

I think that the body of Christ should submit to the laws of our land, pray for those in authority, and live quiet and peacable lives. However, the family of God should also recognize that those laws do not supercede the law of Christ which is no respector of person, gender, or age.

I can hear Jesus saying, "Keep your laws off my Body."

--Ben

A New Notch

I got a new notch on my belt. For the first time I reformatted my hard drive by myself. Not that big a deal I guess, but for me it was big. I'm back on now. I'm almost entirely back up and running.

--Ben

Still Disconnected

Sorry, I know I promised some thoughts from the message that got cut out, but I just have limited access right now. Thanks for your patience.

--Ben

Disconnected

Dear friends,
I am currently unable to access the interweb from my machine, so posting is difficult. I will post as I can, and hope to soon nuke my machine into submission. Thanks for checking back to see when I've fully arrived on the net in the next couple days.

The time is drawing closer when we'll launch the new website for the church. As part of the redesign we'll be unvieling the new blog look as well. Nothing will change per se abou the content, but the look will be fully integrated into www.Severnriverchurch.com. You'll still be able to access it though that site, benjaminrainey.com, or the actual blogspot address. All roads lead to my site, so no worries. Just wanted to alert you about the change that will be coming.

Thanks,
--Ben

Home Stretch

Our new website is in the home stretch. Only a couple more fixes, and it'll be ready to go live. Our site is being submitted for a grade by our webmaster, Drew Harrah, so we'll have to wait till it gets through that before it will go live.

I can tell you that I'm sick of the old site. I remember when I thought it was not a bad site, but when you see the new site you'll quickly understand why for the last three months my stomach turns to look at it. The new site is far superior. In fact I believe it would stand in the top 10% of websites churches are using these days. Can't wait.

--Ben

Dear Dallas

I don't know who you are, I only see a blip on a map that tells me someone from Dallas, Tx. checks in on the blog regularly. I want you to know I appreciate it, it is an encouragement to me.

God Bless,
--Ben

Who Me?

Monday night I told you that I sat with Troy Hart at the Christmas banquet I attended. After dinner Troy asked if we could get together so that I could offer him resources and advise him on leading his church. The overwhelming question in my mind was "Who me?".

But truth be told, I love talking with other leaders and giving my best to help them be their best. I believe that the Kingdom of God needs all of us to offer what we have to others. This is true of pastors and laity alike. We are responsible to lead people to the degree we have been led. Imagine a scale of 1-10. If you have been discipled to an 8, then you are responsible to lead 2s, 3s, and 5s. If you are a 2 you're responsible to lead the 1s.

I love the view that Bill Hybels puts on it. He uses the idea of the compass to say we should lead North, South, East-West. He calls it 360 degree leadership. That means we lead people who lead us. We do our best to influence the leaders that are leading us. Then we lead those behind us, the most common view of leadership. East-West leadership means that we lead peers. That's what today's meeting is about. I'm not going to offer Troy much that he doesn't already know or hasn't already been exposed to, but I'm going to spur him on a little further as a peer.

--Ben

Feeling Better

This morning I woke up feeling much better. Thanks to everyone who said a prayer for me yesterday.

--Ben

Sick Sick Sick

Since yesterday afternoon I've been dealing with a virus that has been going around, and finally made it to my stomach. Who am I to be spared, I guess. Anyway, today's been a sick day for me, and I would appreciate your prayers. Corie and Ellie have also had it and Sydney hasn't yet, but they'd appreciate your prayers too.

Because of illness there will be NO PRAYER GROUP tonight.

Thanks,
--Ben

Badge Of Honor

Last week I posted about my truck and the junky car club. Well, I wanted to fill you in on some developments. You may recall that the door would not latch, and that I had to drive with the window down to hold the door shut with my arm.

It was bad, no doubt. In fact, one faithful reader of this blog told me it was time to get a new car. That is what most people would have done.

But I am not most people. Instead I'll unveil here and now my badge of honor. Saturday my father-in-law and I went to a local junkyard, and came away with this beauty. Yes, while most would have given up, my Jeep lived to drive another day.

My wife rolls her eyes, is embarrassed, and calls me a redneck, but this has given me time to reflect on materialism, and simplicity. Here is a philosophical question, "What is the purpose of a car?"

My car gets me where I want to go, and she's not ready to be put out to pasture just yet.

--Ben

Christmas Party

Last night I attended the Eastern Section Christmas Party hosted at Trinity A/G in Lutherville. It was a delightful evening. We had a fantastic meal, surf and turf. The pastors of our section have a great spirit of camaraderie, so the crowd games were a lot of fun.

I got to sit at a table with Troy Hart. Troy is the pastor at Hereford A/G and is leading his church through a period of change. The church, prior to his coming, went through a number of difficult transitions. Troy is working with a group of people from different church backgrounds, that are now a church with an identity crisis. They are starting the work of prayer to determine God's identity in them for their future.

Troy's a great guy, and I look forward to meeting with him in the next week or so to give him some resources I've picked up over my years in ministry.

--Ben

Ten Turkeys

We were able to contribute ten turkeys to the Teen Challenge cause yesterday. I had the privilege of seeing the center up close and personally yesterday. The center gave almost 100 turkeys to neighbors that visited, and were able to share what the center was all about. There were probably 35 volunteers from area churches that served to help administrate the event. I look forward to showing a video of the center and what happened on Sunday. Another church had someone shooting film, and they're going to send it to us for this weekend.

I just want to say thanks to everyone that participated in giving. They think we're the greatest because of the way we've given to them already. They think that because we're a small church we're less likely to give. I say, "They don't know Severn River Church." We're destined to become the most generous church ever.

--Ben

Working From Home

When I work, I am most often at my desk in my basement. I've really worked over the last couple months to make my current setting an efficient one. I dress in this cold months in layers so that I maintain warmth in the unheated portion of my home, and I manage it pretty well. I have even set boundaries in place about how I treat this area of my home. When I'm here at this table, I'm working, and if I'm not working I go upstairs to spend time with my family. Therefore I have "on" time and "off" time.

But then there are mornings like this when I am up a little later than usual watching a brilliant Raven victory, and the next morning I am just a little off. My computer was upstairs so it was convenient to check my email first thing. And I was off to the races.

I started working from my living room couch, and placed phone calls, and by the time I got in the shower it was 10:00 a.m., and my morning has just been pushed back. Days like this I have to really fight against the flow, and make my schedule work for me not against me.

--Ben

My Eye Reminds Me, My Heart Forgets

I am coming through one of the busiest seasons of my life with work and school, but that is behind me for now, and this week I spent a lot of time disciplining myself to rest. Yesterday morning I woke up before the alarm (normal for me) for the first time all week. And not only did I wake up, but I woke up with an overwhelming desire to preach this weekend. God spoke to me there in the bed about what I should share, and then it was down to my desk to type it into the computer so I wouldn't forget it like so many dreams I have at that time of the morning. This was important.

So important that I never forgot it, instead it has been working in my spirit for the last 24 hours. I feel renewed and energized by it. So much energy in fact that I forget I'm still recovering. When I get fatigued my eye spasms, I don't know if that happens to everyone, but it does to me. So my eye reminds me that I'm still not quite all the way back physically, but my heart has forgotten.

See you this morning at Severn River Church.

--Ben

Back Online

It was a nice break. I was off the net for 24 hours or so. I had just been so connected lately, I just needed to disconnect. I was on my computer constantly for two weeks finishing up my class. So I just needed a break.

I feel renewed today. Spent yesterday in meetings with pastors in the morning and afternoon.

--Ben

An E-Holiday

Tomorrow (Thursday), I'm taking an e-holiday. I'll be off the computer and out of cyberville all day. I'll re-wire on Friday morning.

If you need to reach me you're welcome to call my cell.

Thanks,

--Ben

It Has Hit

Two weeks of round the clock work with Thanksgiving sandwiched in between has taken its toll, and today it hit me. I had a great meeting this morning with a new friend, and the rest of the day was down hill. Not that bad stuff happened, but my energy level has been sapped. The next few days I will be trying to gauge as much rest as possible in preparation for Sunday.

Sunday is Friend day at SRC, we're looking forward to meeting new friends and maybe seeing some of you that we haven't seen in a while. Here's the reminder...

Send Away For Another A

Last night was the culmination. About forty pages of papers were sent via internet to my professor to fulfill the requirements for my last class. At least, I think they did. I sent my largest project (22 pages) to an editor and a smaller project (3 pages) so that I could make it a round dollar amount. It really helped out because I had a rehearsal last night and didn't have time to do all the proof-reading myself.

I got a call after rehearsal saying that my editor had edited the papers but had lost them, and couldn't retrieve them after the edits. So at close to 10:00 she was starting again. We arranged that after she was finished she would send them on, but I have no confirmation that they met the deadline.

We'll see...

--Ben

Junky Car Club

There is a great site you should visit called JunkyCarClub.com. It was started by Mike Foster who sold his loaded sports car to buy a 1993 Camry. That way he could give more to help the needs of others.

Today I'm considering joining. Today I realized I give away more than two car payments a month to the church and missions efforts around the world. And this is what I drive:

• 1995 Jeep Grand Cherokee (13 years old)
• The onboard computer display doesn't work.
• The interior light covers that you push to turn them on are broken out.
• 170,000 miles.
• CD player doesn't work.
• Radio works FM only, and is picks up 95.1 at 93.5 so whatever the difference is there.
• An odd tire.
• One leather driver seat that can only be adjusted by hooking up my jumper cables to the battery and doing a little MacGyver action.
• No interior panel on the hatch. (Removed because the latch doesn't work so well anymore).
• Antenna doesn't work. (Every time the radio is turned on the motor makes a sound, but the antenna doesn't go up.)
• The intermittent wipers stopped working 4 years ago. Instead I had to turn them to the medium speed and time when I turned them off so they would be in the down position. Yesterday only the high speed works.
• One headlight has been replaced after an accident a couple years ago. It is clear. The other is original it is yellow.
• The door latch doesn't work right because the door started drooping 2 years ago. My father-in-law and I did some customized welding to fix it. Today my door flew open at 25 miles an hour around a curve. The assembly is totally blown out now.
  

This is the vehicle I drive that allows me to give. Not sure I can join the club, because if and when I have the opportunity to get a newer car I will. But it made me reflect on what I drive now.

How about you? Any other junkers in the audience?

--Ben

Wrapping up the marathon

Today I'm finishing. My school work is due today, so I'm closing out all five papers I've got going right now. It'll be nice to get it off my plate, and meet my family again. During these courses it is them that take the biggest loss. I look forward to spending a little extra time this week with each of them.

-Ben

The Writing Room

Someday I'd like to have a writing room. A place to do nothing but think and write. Don't get me wrong, I'm not a writer. I expect like anything else I do I'll simply be a mechanic, but I enjoy writing. I would like to get better, and really learn to share what's on my mind so that an audience may be stirred to their own thoughts.

For now I write in a basement. With cinder block walls that are rough and white. I hear the drip of the sump pit, and take respite from my writings to look up and see our ironing board. I can almost make out my reflection in the stainless steel iron. My chair is nice, but when I sit too long it reminds me. My desk, a trusty old table salvaged from a church from yesteryear. It no longer has the band that wrapped its particle board top so my shirt rubs against its rough sides. This is my environment from which to write. It will have to do for now.

--Ben

Problems

Are you still having problems with this site? Several people have told me they were having problems. It seems to have started around the time I posted the wish list for Teen Challenge. I have removed that post, and wondered if it helped. Please let me know.

--Ben

Simplicity

Been thinking about an illustration of simplicity that I didn't use on Sunday, but I think is a very practical reminder of how we could enjoy a life of simplicity.

When I was in college a professor taught me about the spiritual disciplines. When talking about simplicity he shared how he and his wife practiced this discipline. They sat down and discussed the maximum amount of money they needed to live on. Yes, the maximum amount. Most people evaluate the minimum they need to live on. But in the discipline of simplicity they sought the maximum. They agreed that $80,000 was all they needed as a household income to pay their bills and provide for their family. Therefore in the discipline of simplicity they gave away everything over that amount to churches, ministries, and charities.

Remember, simplicity recognizes that we could have more, but we choose to do without so that we may grow closer to God.

--Ben

Brand Spankin' New

This weekend for Thanksgiving we headed north to the Doylestown, PA area and visited with my Aunt and Uncle who live there. Our family tradition at Thanksgiving is to alternate years in visiting between my parent's house and my Aunt and Uncle's house. It has been a tradition I have enjoyed for years.

Now we find ourselves in a little different situation. As the family ages, it grows and now the family of five that used to come up from Maryland has grown to a family of eleven, and their side has grown too. So we stayed at a Holiday Inn Express that opened only a month ago. In fact, a little less than a month. It was so new that I believe no one had ever used our room before. It still smelled new, plumbing flux came out of the fixtures, and there were still pencil marks on the tiles. It was kinda nice not having to wonder what germs people may have left. Instead we left the germs for a generation. :-)

They had an indoor pool which the girls loved. The temperature of the water was probably about 90 degrees; a little warm. I had to stand up in the shallow end just to cool off my body because it was so hot. When we took the kiddies out we noticed their little bodies were reddish. So when we checked out I recommended that they lower the temperature just a bit.

It was a great trip, whirlwind, but great.

--Ben

Closing In

I'm closing in on the deadline for my last post-session work. This degree has been hanging over me for years now. I'm looking forward to being finished. After this class I have six credits worth of projects and writing, but no more classes. Recently I've noticed how much time these classes take. I don't know if I'm becoming a more conscientious student, or if I'm just realizing that I better learn all I can. Whatever the matter, I'll still be glad when it is over.

--Ben

Thanksgiving

Happy Thanksgiving everyone. I'm headed north to PA to visit family. I'm very excited about a couple things:

1. We're staying at a hotel with an indoor pool. It is one of those simple pleasures in life seeing how my family plays in indoor pools. The girls love it. (Especially Sydney)
2. On Friday I'm heading out with my Dad and Brother-in-law to a Cabela's sporting goods store where we'll get to do something that I haven't done in years; look at guns. When I was a teenager I was very into firearms and marksmanship. It has been years since I've handled a weapon, but I'm looking forward to this trip. It's a manly trip. (insert grunt).

So whatever your plans are, I hope you enjoy them.

--Ben

The Hassle

Today I got a call that someone was coming to look at our house. It is such a hassle to get everything ready, and then leave. Especially when you have plans to take care of at your house. All so that someone can come look at your house for about ten minutes. Very frustrating.

--Ben

Today

Today I've got a marathon lined up. I'm speaking to three possibly four pastors at other churches conducting interviews about the transformation that has happened. These are churches that were far from achieving their potential that were turned around and have become life-giving churches in their community. Should be fun, but probably tiring too.

--Ben

Learning How Long The Weekend Was

When the alarm went off this morning I realized just how long the weekend was. Speaking 6 times in one weekend takes a little bit out of you. I think next time, I'll either do less speaking at the retreat or invite a guest speaker for Sunday.

The retreat went well. It was a first attempt, and I learned some things to improve the next one. So thankful for the group we took. There were some folks on the trip that hadn't really gotten to know each other before and this gave them a good opportunity.

Glad to see what God is doing among our people.

--Ben

Get Over It, and Get To It.

I want to tell you that sometimes there are calm moments in church planting. But they are not often. More often you are like an egg being whisked in a bowl. The world spins around and around, and when it settles (often around holidays) you poke your head out and try to see where you are. Occasionally, you realize that you have forgotten fundamental things. You know the things that are most basic, and you forget or get distracted and you look back and for two years you've been leading a church without doing those simple basic things.

Then you feel the embarrassment. You feel stupid for having overlooked something so pedestrian. I mean, after all, you are a professional aren't you. You're the one who has been through over 200 credited hours of training to do this job. You see your mistake, and what do you do?

Get over it, and get to it.

That's what tomorrow's small group retreat is about. It is about an investment in the people of the church to train them in how to minister to others. To show them what the body of Christ is supposed to function like. It is written in our founding documents that training small group leaders would be a priority for us, and now two years later we're finally doing it.

In preparation for the retreat I remembered that I had already written the training three years ago. I knew it was a basic move on the front side, but here we are just getting to it.

Get over it, and get to it.

We'll never be the same again as a church after this weekend, because I'm getting over it, and I'm getting to it.

--Ben

Not much time to think let alone write

Earlier this week I received an email from someone who asked how I was really doing. She said that she checked in on the blog, but just wanted to hear the behind the scenes stuff as well. The fact is that I'm good, just extremely busy with school work this week. I told her that I try to be as transparent as possible on this site, without whining. But I guess at school time all my posts sound a little whiny. Sorry about that.

--Ben

Late Nights, Early Mornings

I've been working on my master's degree for 5 years now. I'm nearing the completion, and I'm finishing up my last class. Of course, this requires dedicated school hours, and I ussually do that during the evening. It results in late nights.

But nowadays I notice the difference between now and when I started much more. Namely, I didn't have children when I started so late nights could be followed with later than normal mornings; not anymore.

Now I stay up late working, and am awakened at 6:45 by little monkeys that climb all over me and ask to watch cartoons.

Story of my life right now...late nights and early mornings.

--Ben

Who Stole My Church?

Just finished a fantastic book called, Who Stole My Church. It is a post-session requirement for a class that I'm working on, but what a great book. It deals with changes in church.

A couple years ago I pulled up to a traffic signal to make a right turn. For years I had made this turn, and it struck me how much longer I was having to wait at the red light because the traffic was constantly heavier on the highway. I reflected on how our community was changing, and it struck me. Change is a constant in every area of our lives. I think church is a place that people take refuge from change. Because it is ancient in history, and founded on historical teachings it becomes a sanctuary from the change we face everywhere else in life. Our jobs may make us learn new computer programs, but I'll know the songs we sing on Sunday. I may not know what the stock market will do, but we know the pastor will preach a sermon with three points and teach us some new tidbit about the God; the same way he always has.

The problem with this is that the mission of the Church calls us to change constantly to reach the culture. The most troubling thing is that the Church is ussually more interested in staying the same that by the time we try to engage culture we're a few steps behind.

Change in the church is never easy, but always neccessary. Unfortunately, the change agents (typically pastors) don't lead people through it very well. This book offers a pattern that I admire in helping everyone recognize their place in God's church.

--Ben

Calling All Turkeys

Teen Challenge is moving into Baltimore city. They are interested in doing a meet and greet event for their local community (two blocks around their property). It is the first time that they'll be introducing themselves to their neighbors. They want to make a good impression and offer a gift of goodwill to everyone that comes over so they'll be giving away turkeys. I think we should help donate some of the turkeys. They are expecting about 200 neighbors, but if we could donate even 10 I think that would help out their cause. What do you think?

They have invited us to bring a group to help out with the meet and greet event on December 7th at 3:00 p.m. It will give us a chance to see the facility, meet the directors, and really see up close where our money is being invested.

In the past we have taken the holidays to give money and gifts to needy families for Christmas. I'd like to hear from SRCers if they would be in favor of adopting the Teen Challenge of Baltimore as our Christmas Charity this year.

--Ben

Too Many Plates

I'm really looking forward to this week, but there are so many plates spinning in the air. I admitted to the church a couple weeks ago that it is really getting to be too much for me, and I have been so thankful for how some have responded. I feel like leaders are starting to emerge and really take ownership of the ministry at SRC. It will take some time, but I'll be handing off plates to others. So thankful.

One of the hand-overs is happening this weekend. I'm so excited to get away with our Growth Group leaders and spend time training them how to lead Growth Groups. I was encouraged this morning in my quiet time as I read from 2 Timothy 2:2, "The things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable men who will also be qualified to teach others." It is an essential function of church leaders that we be passing on to others what we've learned. So thankful for God raising up reliable men and women at SRC.

--Ben

Heard Some Buzz

I heard some buzz today over the message by Mike Tyler. If you want to check it out you can hear it at www.severnriverchurch.com.

I was very glad to have Mike share today, and I believe that he's going to be a great addition to the church planting team in Europe.

--Ben

20,000 Hits

Today I turned my 20,000th hit on this site. Thanks to everyone that has checked-in.

It might be interesting to note that we have (for as long as we've tracked) been read in 10 countries and in 49 states. So if anyone goes to North Dakota be sure to check in at BenjaminRainey.com

--Ben

Teen Challenge

Last night I enjoyed an evening out at a fund-raising dinner for Teen Challenge. They are starting a new center in Baltimore. The director, Bill Parks, was interested in starting a center 30 years ago, but it wasn't until this year that the Center is becoming a reality and Bill has been asked to lead it.

He shared openly about his own troubled youth, and also shared stories by former addicts named Jacquie and a Joel (Joel was the keynote speaker for the evening).

Teen Challenge is a non-profit, faith based, residential rehabilitation program for men with life controlling problems such as drug and alcohol addiction. There is no doubt that Balitmore needs successful rehabilitation. The National Institute of Drug Abuse estimates the economic impact of drugs and alcohol abuse in Baltimore exceeds $2.5 billion a year.

The DEA has stated Baltimore is "the most heroin-plauged area in the nation and faces one of the most severe crack problems as well."

What is more astounding than the outright need of Baltimore is the profound effectiveness of the program. 86% of Teen Challenge graduates remain drug and crime free compared to a 6-7% success rate for secular substance-abuse rehabilitation programs.

The stories of addicts who have found Christ and been delivered from their addiction are amazing. It offers real hope to the hopeless. That is why SRC is partnering with this group to help them accomplish bringing freedom to those that are enslaved to addiction.

In a few months we'll be having Bill come and share about the center, and there are opportunities coming now for our involvement that I hope you'll join in with.

An invitation to my readers. I know there are readers from all over the US that check into this blog regularly for whatever reason (likely not the brilliant writing). If you would like to be part of helping to launch this ministry in Baltimore you can send funds to SRC, and we will forward the gift in its entirety to Teen Challenge. Send checks payable to Severn River Church, marked Teen Challenge to:

Severn River Church
814 Barbara Ct.
Glen Burnie, MD 21060


--Ben

Figured It Out

There are things that some people are naturally gifted at that the rest of us struggle with. Organization is a weakness for me. I have always filed things with an alphabetical order, because I thought that's the way it is supposed to be done. Over the last month I've made major steps of change and understanding in the area of organization so that now my files (data and hardcopy) are arranged in a more sensible order. Every thing goes into one of four macro files, and if it doesn't fit into those it goes into the circular file (trash).

I know that many people have no problem with this sort of thing, but when it all clicked the other day I was so excited. I felt like I really took a major step forward. Thought I'd share the excitement.

--Ben
BTW, there was no class in all my schooling on how to organize an office.

Tonight

Tonight I'm headed to a dinner for a new Teen Challenge center opening in Baltimore in 2009. There is no doubt that Baltimore needs a drug treatment center founded on life change that can only come through faith. The dinner is a fund-raising event, and I'm looking forward to it because we are partnering with them to help get this thing off the ground.

--Ben

Comment: More Members

My only real fear is that we won't grow in members.

I think the root of this fear is really the question, "how does a church grow?" I think that's a great question to wrestle with, because God has such a big plan for our church that can't be fulfilled by the congregation that we are now. But several things come to mind that I want to share:

1. Paul gives us a great model of church growth in 1 Corinthians 3,, "I planted the seed, Apollos watered, but God made it grow.." I think that we need to focus on what we do, and depend on God to do what HE do. Phrased another way, we work like it all depends on us, and pray like it all depends on Him. Planting is all about preparation of the soil and dropping seeds. In the last six months we taken big steps of sowing seeds (i.e. CONTACT, Door Hangers, Mailers, Friend Days). Watering is about nurture. We nurture people in Large Groups, Small Groups, and Prayer Group. Now we have taken steps, but we are a long way from being an aligned church all participating in those things together. I believe that if we could all get together doing what we do then He'll do what HE do.
2. Because God's plan is bigger than us, we are assured that He already has resources available to us to accomplish it. Here's a thought, "God already has the people in our community that He needs to build His church." We've just got to go find them. We need to help people find their way into God's plan to use them at SRC.
3. Yesterday I bumped into a scripture again that has been working on me like sandpaper on soap, 2 Timothy 1:7 "For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love, and of self-discipline." I include this thought because your comment referenced fear. Someone once said that FEAR is False Evidence Appearing Real. We can look at what we've seen God do at SRC and we can start believing that the evidence is not going in the right direction. We wouldn't be the first. I've read the stories of people who followed God, and even enjoyed His presence, that periodically looked at their journey and wished they could go back to Egypt. But we learn from those stories that Faith is about following and even falling but we move forward not back. What has stricken me most from this verse is that it has nothing to do with a generic fear, nor should it's application be made to specific fears. It is specifically related to leadership of the Church. As a church I think we need to have more confident conversations to lead people toward God's plan.
   

Anyway, those my thoughts. Since the member's meeting three people have talked about becoming members because they believe in what we're doing as a church and want to be part of it.

--Ben

Comment: Membership Accountability

Is there going to be any accountability for people once they become members?

This is an issue that we've talk about since starting the church. If we are going to be a church focused on mission then our membership should be part of that. Currently we list expectations between what we expect of members and what they should expect from us. I am in favor of setting up an annual membership review. Since our vision is developing followers of Jesus through Large Group, Small Group, and Prayer Group. I think it would be appropriate to hold people to account for whether they're part of our vision path. If they're not, then how can they really make informed decisions on the future of the church? It is not unprecedented. Some of the most successful churches in America do this.

Another option is a tiered system where we have members and partners. In such case we can hold different levels of accountability and responsibility. I have never been interested in having membership to exclude people from a sense of belonging in the ministry of SRC. But I do believe that having a mutual commitment is of great benefit.

To put it in perspective, there are times I'm tempted to preach a sermon called, "Stop Dating The Church."

As we lay out the matters of our governance structure, we need to look at this issue as well. What are your thoughts?

--Ben

Later Today

This morning I'm heading to a meeting for a combined Thanksgiving service. But when I return I'll be updating my thoughts on the next comment from our member's meeting:

Is there going to be any accountability for people once they become members?

--Ben

An Absurd Invitation

I've been parked in the Pastoral epistles (1&2 Timothy and Titus) for a couple weeks. They are books of the Bible that were written to leaders of churches that Paul was mentoring. Just taking my time meditating.

Today I was struck by a passage in 2 Timothy 1. Paul asked Timothy, "Join my in suffering for the gospel." Is this an absurd invitation?

We are pleasure seeking creatures. We prefer feeling good to feeling bad. In fact some people attempt to derive pleasure from pain. But the suffering that Paul endured and called his protege to endure wasn't a masochistic exercise, it was an entrustment. Paul said later in the chapter that he had chosen the path of suffering for the gospel because he was persuaded that God was trustworthy with all that he had entrusted to Him. For the sake of God's plan Paul was willing to entrust his entire life to God. Paul headed to Rome, where he wrote this letter, knowing that he would die for the cause of Christ. He admits to being abandoned by everyone, alone awaiting death. And he writes to Timothy, "Join me in suffering for the gospel."

This is why faith is so important. The power that comes from believing apart from knowing is one of the most amazing forces in the universe. Without it the idea of joining in the suffering for the gospel is nothing but an absurd invitation.

--Ben

Interesting Article

From the brain of Benjamin Rainey...

I subscribe to quite a few periodicals. One of my favorites is FORTUNE magazine. I find their analysis on Business, Finance, and Society very stimulating. Recently I read an article that I thought was really interesting. It is called The Player by Richard Siklos. It is about NBC's new hire Ben Silverman. Two comments stood out that I've been thinking about:

1. "This is how business gets done in the 21st century. Human relationships and digital communication." --Ben Silverman
2. "I'd rather be a more profitable No. 2 or 3 than a less profitable No. 1." -- Jeff Zucker

What do I think about these comments? Not sure. I think the first one is interesting because I think that he's right. And the better I get at both, the better I'll be in my job.

The second one is really interesting because the strategy NBC has taken this season is to have shows that are not very good. But raise more money because of product placement. It seems like all their shows are supported by some product (Heroes: Nissan, Worst Enemy: Chevy, Knight Rider: Ford). I'm not sure this is a long term solution for their problem.

One final word on this. I think that NBC and Fox were brilliant in their partnership with HULU.com where episodes are available.

--Ben

Comment: Governance

How do you see the governance being filled?

Governance is a really complicated thing in relation to the church. The world's perspective of governance is command and control. Governance from the world's perspective is about power. In the Church however governance is about leadership and servanthood. Where the world views the measure of success as how many people they control and how much money they can get, the Church measures success by how many people we can serve and how much money we can give away. In this way the idea of governance in the church needs to be looked at with the careful eye on the scriptures to see how Christ intended His Church to be led.

At the same time we find ourselves in a country with laws, and our laws require that a non-profit organization like ours have a structure to insure the fiduciary responsibility that accompanies the trust that people place in us when they give. So we are obligated to do our best to contextualize the teachings of scripture into the laws that we submit to.

Here are 4 keys to my idea of our governance structure:

1. Select leaders that are living it. We don't need to put people in leadership that don't have a commitment to Christ. That commitment should be lived out in the area of community and cause. They should be living a life that is exemplary for how someone who is following Jesus lives. Not perfection but examples.
   
2. Select leaders that are leading. Churches often make mistakes by having a structure that puts people in leadership who are not really leaders. As followers of Jesus our leadership is always servant-leadership. If people are not serving already, they probably have little to offer no matter how successful they appear of how much clout they carry. If they're not willing to serve they're not going to lead either. They may have strong and loud opinions, but we don't need opinions we need leaders.
   
3. Select leaders that are listening. None of us has got it all figured out. Good leaders know this and compensate by listening to others. They get coaches and practice transparency so that through listening they can grow. Leaders listen to leadership, they listen to their followers, and most importantly they listen to God. A person that doesn't listen is not a leader we want.
   
4. Select leaders that are learning. Leaders are learners there is just no getting around it. We need leaders that will devote a part of thier life to learning the ways of leadership. Leadership is a spiritual gift that Romans 12 tells us is used to minister in the church. When a person is placed in an area of leadership the gift of leadership is available to them through the Spirit of God. But like any gift we can learn how to use it to the best degree possible. The leaders that we'll want governing the church will be people who are learners.

Who are the people that are Living, Leading, Listening and Learning in our church? Well, I think that there is a clearinghouse for these types of leaders, and the governance that I propose will be based on selecting leaders from this area. Our Growth Group leaders are people who should be demonstrating all of these characteristics. And Christians that are growing in their faith and leadership will be emerging as Growth Group leaders. So we will have a pool of leadership to draw from.

We are making a commitment to train our Growth Group leaders, and equip them to lead a grou of ten. Out of that group will emerge leaders who can lead fifties, hundreds and perhaps thousands (Exodus 18). Therefore I'd like to see our structure have a board of leaders comprised of all Growth Group leaders, and a board of Elders that are selected by the board of leaders, and ratified by the membership at large, to work with the pastoral staff to give direction to the church, care for the financial obligations of the church and focus on the vision of the church. I believe this structure offers two great strengths:

1. Communication. Because every leader on our boards goes to small groups and talks each week it keeps people informed. It also gives people a contact to communicate with the leaders questions or concerns they might have.
2. High Value Selection. Church politics is not about popularity. It is about discerning that God is at work in people who are at work in the church, and simply puts them in the place of leadership.
   

Ok, this has gotten really long now, and is still not a fully crystallized plan, but it's a start. Other issues are qualifications of Growth Group leaders, limits on the number of years an elder can serve, and a host of other ones, but for now I'm just trying to get the conversation started.

--Ben

Upgrade

Over the last few weeks I've had problems pop up all over my computer, dating back to a download of Microsoft's Service Pack 3. Today I am in the process of fixing those problems while juggling a number of other tasks. As I watch the progress bars tick slowly from left to right, I make phone calls, jot notes, and try to redeem as much time as possible. The good news is that programs are starting to work again. It is just a hassle to upgrade the upgrade.

--Ben

This Week On BenjaminRainey.com

This week I'm going to continue working through the thoughts and comments from last week's Member's Meeting. I've enjoyed sorting through them, and seeing the diversity that a plurality of perspectives raise. You can help the conversation by leaving comments, and please feel free to protect your anonymity by posting anonymously. I'd love to hear your thoughts.

This week's topics include:

How do you see the Governance being filled?
Is there going to be any accountability for what we expect from members?
I'm fearful that we won't grow our membership.

So I hope you'll check-in to see where the discussion goes.

--Ben

Writing Later

Hey everyone,

Today I'm at the Pastor's Growth Group. I'm sitting with 15 pastors being taught about how to better to lead the church. Just one of the disciplines I'm pursuing to reach the goals we're setting as a church.

I'll be writing about the next comment from the members meeting later this afternoon.

--Ben

Comment: Altar?

Do we need an altar?

The question is a lot deeper than you might imagine at first glance. But if we were to see this as simply a logistical question like where we place other furniture we don't understand it.

Altars are places that sacrifices are offered to God. In the Old Testament we find people atoning (settling the debt) for their sin. Animal sacrifices were the norm in the Jewish rituals prior to the exile of God's people into slavery. In fact, this is why Jesus was described metaphorically like a lamb led to slaughter. He became the sacrifice once and for all for man's sin. He reconciled the debt that we owed. In the New Testament the altar is referred to far less. In fact the majority of NT references is in the Revelation as a place of worship in God's presence.

Churches in our stream of Christianity are accustomed to having a place specifically in response to the message to have a place to pray. To come and do what Romans 12 says, "to offer our bodies as living sacrifices." I feel it would be a benefit to have an altar. I think that people are pressed to make decisions over whether they'll really apply the message, and it gives them a place to meet with God because without His help they really can't. I don't think it is sacramental. I don't think it is necessarily holy, but I think it's a great way to help people take a time out with God.

I guess the place I really see a need show up currently at SRC is after the Communion. People receive it and then they kind of find a place to stand to have a sacred moment with God. I'd love to see a sacred place in our secular space. But this brings us to perhaps our greatest challenge in this issue. Where would we put it? What would it look like? I'm all ears because I'd love to have it.

--Ben

Comment 2: CONTACT

What are the results of the CONTACT surveys, what is the purpose of the surveys?

CONTACT is an effort of pre-evangelism. It is reconnaissance and information gathering. The reason that we have been pursuing these surveys is that we want to make the best connection between what God created our church to be, and the needs in the community we are really built to meet. Rather than doing ministry by braille or just doing stuff, we want to do outreach on purpose.

In Luke 10 Jesus sends out 72 to do outreach. His pattern is this: 1. Go get to know the people till they invite you to eat. 2. Show them the undeniable power of God by healing, 3. Help them to faith by explaining the Kingdom of Heaven is near. Many times the church today does it the exact opposite. CONTACT is about doing these priorities in order. We are researching and getting to know our people. CONTACT is valuable not just because of the surveys, but because of the conversations that we're able to have with people. I have learned as much or more from listening to people we talk to at the CONTACT table than the surveys, but the surveys are the vehicle for those conversations to start.

So far we have fallen way below our goal. We wanted to collect 1500 surveys by October, and instead we collected 200. We didn't anticipate how closed local businesses would be to allowing us to set up a table, but I believe we should continue on. Our current sampling is not enough to have a firm view on the community, but it is a start, and I think we should keep building on it.

Let me give you an example from the current results, and that may lend clarity to the overall purpose:

Currently the survey shows that the greatest area of need among our respondents is Cost Of Living (COL). So far more people have agreed on this as a problem in the community than any other single issue. The top three responses in fact all deal with financial issues. What that tells us is that people need resources on managing finances. That is something we can offer. If we were to do a ministry to the lonely, it would not resonate in our community because loneliness is not recognized as a need in our community. In a recent assessment of our church finances the management of finances was listed as one of our greatest strengths. We look at that and say let's couple our strength with the needs of the community. We believe that will bring us to the table with them. Then we're able to show them the undeniable power of God, for instance what happens when you follow godly principles of finances, and bring them into the Kingdom of God.

I hope that puts it in perspective and clears it up, if not feel free to comment below, you can leave anonymous comments.

One more note on CONTACT. I recently was asked about CONTACT, specifically in relation to doorhangers. CONTACT was originally about surveys, but my coach required us to start doorhangers at the same time, so I ordered 1500 which is the amount that the company sells them, and people seemed to connect the two. We (the operations team and I) made the decision to connect both initiatives under the same name. We're thankful to have handed out over 3000 doorhangers so far this year, and our efforts with that continue.

On deck for tomorrow -- Do we need an altar?

--Ben

A New President

I'm thankful that the election is over. One of my greatest concerns was that it would be too close to call. I'm thankful that Barack Obama won in a decisive victory. I hope that now our country can find rest from all the campaigning and get to work fixing the problems that face us.

--Ben

Nightmare

Some have asked if everything is alright after my dream, so I'll fill you in. (Because when I dream there are often similarities, and Corie finds it funny.)

I'm fine. I'll start there. But here is how the dream went...

I walked into my old office, and noticed a small/circular mirror on top of a filing cabinet. Next to that were two books, hardbound and stacked on top of each other. I noticed them out of place right away, and looked cautiously at them. I noticed a Paper clip bent and stuck between the pages of the books which I immediately recognized as a trigger for a bomb detonator. (My website has just been flagged by the NSA)

I left immediately and cautiously, and moved through the building evacuating others in harms way. (This happens almost always in my dreams. I am the hero. This is what Corie laughs at me for. Of course I'm the hero, why wouldn't I be in my own dream?) The bomb was disarmed, and no damage was done to the church.

But in my dream I remembered the last time that someone had try to snuff out my life. (It seems weird to have a memory in a dream, but that's what it was.) In the previous attempt the bomb had detonated, but I had been miraculously spared. And that is pretty much the dream.

Why was it a nightmare? In the dream and when I awoke my mind was racing about who would try to blow me up? Who would hate me that much? I didn't know in the dream, and I didn't know laying there awake. If they would come after me, and had failed twice now, would they come after my family next?

You can imagine how fear can grip a persons mind when these are the images they've just experienced in the course of vivid dreaming.

So, I got up out of bed, and sat in my living room. I read a news site, remembered that there had been no first attempt, and certainly no second attempt. Settled down, hoped no one would ever hurt my family, prayed and told God he could have my life and the lives of my family if it furthered his plan, and went back to sleep.

The end.

--Ben

Comment 1: Leadership?

I'm not sure what it would look like for people to take a greater leadership role in the church (perhaps that's the vision).

I think we need to know what ways in particular we can help to grow the church membership.

Dear SRCer,

Thanks for your comments. I'd like to respond to them, but my hope is that it will give us something to think about until the we meet again in January. These questions will be at the heart of where we're moving.

In terms of what it would look like for you to have a greater leadership role think about the following:

• Ownership. We are working on building a broader ownership base in the church. Not just looking at SRC as a place to come and see the ministry of the church, rather seeing it as your place to offer the ministry of the church to those that are coming behind you on the journey of Christian spirituality.
• Responsibility. We become people that understand that we have a part to play. We are people that exercise the leadership gifts that God gives his church. (Recommended reading Ephesians 4)
• Accountability. We share the common vision of what God has designed our church to do. We make commitments to that and then hold the church and each other accountable as to whether we're making progress.

One more thought on leadership. I have learned in these two years that our church seems to be primarily attractive to younger people. In working with people my age and younger I have come to realize that we have not been given leadership anywhere else in the world. Our jobs are typically as technicians not managers. Most of us don't have any experience in leading anyone or any organization. I think the church can really become a leading edge of training in the leadership examples of Christ. I'm not surprised that we would wonder how it will look, we've probably never done it.

As far as helping to grow the church membership? Remember that the church is people, and people come to church based on information and invitation. Some people will come simply by being informed (think doorhangers, mailers, etc.). We had a guest just a couple weeks ago who said that he had decided to look for a church, he got a doorhanger, and he came to SRC. Others need only invitation. You have a relationship with a person who will come to church simply because they know you and you invited them (think Friend Day). The direction I'd like to see this go is that we are a church that regularly informs and invites, and I'd like to see that coupled with community-need oriented outreaches (think SRC 5k on the B&A Trail, and seminars on managing home finances). These types of outreaches give us a place to connect with community members and then inform and invite.

This kind of leads us to our next comment that I'll respond to tomorrow related to CONTACT.

--Ben

SRC Members Meeting (Nov. 2)

We had a great meeting last night with the members of SRC. It was really a first meeting of meetings to come. In preparation for the meeting I realized that it is a lacking part of what we've been trying to do as a church. So much stuff kept coming to mind clouding my original intent for the meeting and I believe that's because we haven't met in so long. Stuff was flooding my mind. So I had to really dial it down and stick to what the meeting was about, knowing that we'll have future meetings to discuss other things.

I was so proud of the heart that I saw in the people. I believe that we have a team developing that really wants to go to the next level as a church. Now preparations begin. I'm calling our church to two initiatives in preparation for our January meeting:

1. Prayer -- We are in an essentially spiritual business. If we think that we can get to a desired vision as a church without the supernatural work and favor of God, we are mistaken. I'm calling our church to pray for God to reveal his plan for our church.
2. Bible Reading -- I'm calling our church to read the book of Acts over the next two months. I want us to specifically look for the priniciples of what the thriving new church did to expand the church. What were their habits. What did they learn. What did they become. Please take notes along with your reading. It will be a matter of discussion in January.

This week I'll be responding to thoughts that people handed in last night at the meeting. Everyone was given an index card on which to write comments or questions that they would not have voiced publicly. They will no doubt be revisited in future discussions, but I wanted to go ahead and give you my perspective on them. I hope you'll come back to keep up on the discussion.

--Ben

The Morning After

Last night was a kid's delight. Halloween night our kiddies dressed up, and headed around the neighborhood. They got a lot of loot, and we headed back home.

One thing I love about the event is the family togetherness. We go out as families (my sister and brother-in-law went with). Then we got back to the house where my parents were, and spent some time with the kids running around and the adults enjoying being together.

There is a lot of controversy over the whole deal in the faith community, I get that. But a couple years ago I had a really dramatic change of view. Halloween fell on a Sunday night. And I was in church praying for God to reach the lost. Meanwhile, the lost were coming to my door, only I wasn't home to meet them.

I use Halloween to build relational connections with my neighbors. They actually welcome me to come over and talk, because it's Halloween. I'm not going to turn that down. If a conversation last night can lead to a conversion tomorrow.

And you get Candy!!!

--Ben

A Tale of Three Idolatries

As a pastor in 21st century USA I am constantly bombarded with cultural standards that distort the calling of God. For instance, our culture celebrates impetuousness of youth; the scripture celebrates wisdom from the aged. Our society elevates power and control as the measures of success; the scripture servanthood and generosity.

But recently I have been praying and seeking God about the vision of the church. I have been trying to wrap my head around our strategy for getting to where he wants us to be. The fact is that the local church is the hope of the world, and our vision should reflect the hope that we're bringing it.

And here is where the conflict emerges with our culture. Because in the society I pastor there is a major problem with idolatry. These are the major idols that I believe we face:

• Business/Finance is the hope of the world.
• Education is the hope of the world.
• Medicine is the hope of the world.
  

I would argue those are listed in order of respect in our culture from least to greatest. The gospel of Jesus Christ lived out through the work of the Church has been replaced by these institutions. Further, I believe that government was at one time on this list, but is diminishing in our society's view. It had its chance, but proved that it could not be the hope of the world. Ultimately each will fail, but we must be vigilant in esteeming the Church as the hope of the world.

I think many have viewed the problems of idolatry in our country as hedonistic practices like sexual promiscuity, pornography, and the indulgence of intoxication. But I believe these practices are just the coping mechanism for a world ever separated from the true Hope that can only be found in Christ. That's why if there is any hope for the world it will come through the local church.

--Ben

Waken Your Consciousness

The Time Change occurs this weekend. Get ready to Fall back.

--Ben

Cohort

The last two days I spent with about 65 pastors from the Potomac District in a cohort; the first of 5 throughout the next year. It is led by Drs. Wayne and Sherri Lee. This is the second year that it has been offered, and though I wanted to get in it last year, I decided to wait. I'm sorry that I did.

If they do one thing they assess. They work to constantly quantify what you are doing and where you are as a church. I know one pastor that has assessed his church thrice in a year.

The first meeting, this week, was pretty much just learning a common language so that when they refer to things we understand what they're talking about. Dr. Lee has pastored four churches two under a hundred, one that grew into a mega-church, and another mega-church. He pastored in Urban, Suburban, and rural settings. He has spent his life of ministry as a research field to train other pastors, and for the last ten years has served as a professor in Bible colleges. He is a good teacher.

His cohort is not a seminar or conference. He doesn't tell us what to do, or suggest that our church look a particular way. Instead he offers the essential functions of the church, no matter what it's vision looks like. This is different from most conferences where churches say, "This is what we do, if you do it like us, you'll succeed." Dr. Lee approaches things very differently. Start with prayer, determine God's vision with the church people, work on ministry holistically, and become the church God intends for your setting, in your community, with your people.

It's going to be a worthwhile investment of time, though before I start implementing anything they've recommended that we take our time. Some guys have been in the track a year, and are just starting to implement things they're learning. Others are working on a five year plan of implementation. So I'll take my time too, and learn as much as I can.

--Ben

Clydesdale

This week I ran into a friend, Alan, who is a runner (i.e. two marathons in 2009, Yikes!). I told him about my aspirations and training and he really got excited. He recommended the best running store in Maryland, knows the owners by name, and had a bunch of questions about things that I did not understand. But I learned somethings just from the conversation.

His biggest question?

"What kind of shoes do you wear?"

He referred to me as a Clydesdale. I found that funny, but he shared that it is a common name in the running world for heavier runners.

I've been called a lot of things, but that was the first time for this. I appreciate the term, and the care with which it's used.

--Ben

How I Spent The Day

Today I spent most of my time at a meeting in Lutherville. The Potomac District has offered Cohorts to Pastors as a means of consulting on their church's health and growth. I have been scholarshipped, and got to attend the first meeting today.

It was great to hear that most of what they were teaching is what God has been speaking to me about. Primarily about the vision of the church being birthed among the church people in relation to us praying to hear from God.

It is going to be a great help to us at SRC.

--Ben

New Friends

Yesterday we celebrated the end of the soccer season with a picnic lunch with the families at Lake Waterford Park. The kids had a ball. I had a great time too, talking with the parents (mostly the fathers). It is quite a group. I talked with the coach, Randy, and I'll be working with him next season. Should be fun.

They were, or at least acted, very interested in what I do. We spent more time talking about the church than I would have thought. Of course that's my favorite topic...

--Ben

On The Front End

I know it sounds strange, but since I reorganized my office I have such a vigor to work. I can't wait to get to my table and tackle the next task.

This morning I was up at 6:00 and on my way. I have a meeting that will take up most of the day, so I wanted to get a jump on what I could. On the front end of the week, things are looking good.

--Ben

Last Game

Sydney's last game was today. She has thoroughly enjoyed soccer. Coach Randy and Steve did a great job. Unfortunately our last game was a no show by the other team. Hard to believe considering it was the last game, and the league gave out trophies today. Our kids had a ball though. We ran a little scrimmage and they seemed to not even notice that we didn't actually play a real game.

There's been a lot of talk on the team about next season, and it is looking like I'm going to pick up the whistle next year. Looking forward to that...

--Ben

Message for Sunday

Well, my message is ready for refining. I'm more excited than usual to preach this weekend. The message is No Financial Crisis Too Difficult. I think it's really timely considering all that's going on around us. If you've been worried about the state of the economy, I invite you to come hear the teaching on Sunday morning. I can't wait.

I'll see you there.

--Ben

Cold

I wish we'd snap past these cold days. It is unseasonably cool. I'm not liking it. We're missing the best weather of the year. It stinks. When I run I have to wear layers on layers to stay warm, and it's only October.

Bring the warmth back, please.

--Ben

Projects

I've got so many projects that at times I have a hard time keeping up. But yesterday I got some relief. On Sunday I asked for help in several areas, and one of them was for administrative tasks. Two people from the church volunteered, and yesterday as I was making my task list for the day, and was seeing there was no way to accomplish it all even by the end of the week, I started a list of stuff to give away. It was so nice to hand Alma (one of my volunteers) a stack of stuff last night that she is taking care of. Easily freeing up a couple hours for me.

While we're on the subject, Tina also volunteered, and will be working with me on Communications with the church. She is entrusted with the task of asking, "What do SRCers need to know?" and will be coordinating regular correspondence to the church. I am so excited about that.

We still need a volunteer for two months of food services, and are holding open auditions for the band (vocal, instrumental, sound). If you're interested let me know. ben(at)severnriverchurch.com


--Ben

Reading Out Of The Rut

Recently I heard a mentor say that he has read his way out of every rut in ministry. For close to thirty years he has depended on reading as a discipline for growth. In fact when he started his church, he told the budget committee that he didn't care what they paid him, but he needed an unlimited book budget. That has remained constant for thirty years. (Nice!)

I enjoy reading, but I've recently decided to take stronger stands in my disciplines. A friend of mine was recently lamenting to his board that he wished he could take two days a week just to study and pray. The board responded, "Who told you you couldn't?"

As a pastor I don't have people standing over me checking time sheets (which I keep) or giving performance reviews. I'm left on my own to discipline my work-life. I have a very public role on Sundays, but that is all a product of how I've managed the rest of my time during the week. I set my own start and finish lines. I'm responsible for that. So I'm working in time at my desk for just reading.

What do I read? Well I just got a box of goodies...

1. Building Leaders by Aubrey Malphurs
2. The Complete Book of Discipleship by Bill Hull
3. Good To Great by Jim Collins
4. Who Stole My Church by Gordon MacDonald
5. Christian Theology by Millard Erickson
6. God Is The Issue by Brad Bright

In addition to books I read a number of periodicals including...

1. Leadership Journal
2. Enrichment Journal
3. Fortune Magazine
4. This Old House
5. Fine Homebuilding

--Ben

What do you think?

Yesterday I attended the Chamber of Commerce's slots discussion. Delegate James King addressed the chamber representing both sides of the issue. I was impressed with his presentation. He did, I feel, represent each side, and was honest enough to say where he stands on the issue. He was also gracious in answering questions that I'm sure he hears over and over again.

After the meeting people were leaving, and I was one of the last three out. I shared with the Executive Director, Linda Zahn, that we had done some work to their logo, if they were interested in using it just as a gift. Then she asked, "What do you think?"

It opened up the door for me to speak about Christ. To share His perspectives on life and teachings of morality and care for the poor. I was blessed to go public with my faith to Linda and Rick.

I think that it's important that we put ourselves in places where through servanthood and the character we display that people ask "What do you think?"

Where are places that you specifically go with a focus of how you can represent Christ?

--Ben

I thought I'd missed it

Today I'm going to a prayer meeting in Sykesville. I'm really excited to see the Lifehouse in Sykesville. I had it on my calendar for last week, and thought I had missed it, but it is actually today. Yay!!!

I meet monthly with pastors from around the Baltimore area to pray.

Before I get to Sykesville though, my day starts right here in Severna Park. The county is sending a representative to give information about the Slots referendum that is coming up. He is supposed to offer both sides so we can make an informed decision. We'll see...

--Ben

Yesterday

Yesterday was an imbalanced day. I did everything I usually do, but it was all in different order. For instance, I ran at 10:30. It definately felt weird and the rest of the day kinda went the same way.

When I got off at 4:00 I headed over and played with my daughters outside at my in-laws' house. That was a lot of fun. Ellie is getting to the age that when she sees me she starts trying to run to me. Of course, she falls multiple times before she actually gets to me, and I love the look on her face when I throw her up in the air.

Then last night I attended a small group for pastors that meets once a quarter. It was in Arnold, and I always enjoy getting this group of pastors together. Each of us are different, and each church is different as well. It is fascinating to listen to the different points of view.

--Ben

Radio Silence

Sorry to be silent, I feel like it has been a while since I posted. I am here and working. I look forward to posting more later, just a bit busy right now. Hopefully before I log off today, I'll post something worth reading.

-ben

Celebrating Friday

This morning our family celebrated Friday. All four of us headed out for a trip to Bob Evans. It is so much fun to watch my girls eat.

Day Off Day

Fridays are my day off, mostly. Today I have a couple loose ends I have to tie up for CONTACT tonight (about an hour's worth). And I have a wedding I'm performing in Havre de Grace. I'm doing that for a friend who originally was the minister involved. Unfortunately he wasn't able to make it to the wedding because of a work schedule conflict, so he asked me to help. I found out last night that the family was very worried, losing their minister at the last moment (four weeks out), but were relieved that I was available.

So most of my day off will be a day on with them. I'll make up the time off throughout the weekend.

Glad that sabbath is for man, and not man for sabbath.

--Ben

On The Road Again

This morning I was on the road before the sun came up to get out to my coaching meeting in Hagerstown. Then jet back, touch down at home for a while and head to Havre de Grace for a wedding rehearsal this evening. Looong Day!

But I'm thankful for what God has been speaking to me today. He really shaped my heart reated to the next steps of the church. I'm really looking forward to the upcoming members meeting. Because when we unite, we're going to move to a higher level. It is so exciting.

--Ben

Prayer

We are hosting Prayer group tonight at my house. It is from 7:30-8:30. It is very experimental, we are not really sure of what it will fully be. We are just aware that we need to pray together as a church. I look forward to it.

--Ben

Transitioning

At Severn River Church we recently passed the two year mark. Last night I sat with a friend and we discussed several things that need improvement at SRC. One of the realizations that we came to was that while in the start-up phase decisions were made quickly and changed quickly; largely made by me. Now we have brought more than half of our congregation in, and have introduced them to an existing church. Two things then confront us:

1. Increase information and discussion. Changes in the church are carrying higher gravity among the congregation. This really follows the moves of maturity that we are pursuing in our third year. Setting up a fully functioning elder and leadership board, quarterly meetings of the membership, and training our leaders. By nature I am an activator. I see something that needs to be done and I do it. We will be working on sharing more responsibilities and leadership in the church.
2. Guard against the inertia of becoming "established". We are far too young to become established. We need to be vigilant to be open to experimental forms of ministry, organic in our means of growing disciples, and we need to stay young in our approach to change.

--Ben

CONTACT delayed

This week was supposed to be a week of CONTACT at AACC. However, the gift cards are on order, and haven't arrived. It will have to be re-scheduled to a week upcoming.

--Ben

On The Trail Again

Well, over the last two weeks I've had a lot of travel days, unfortunately that translates into no running as I have not yet figured out how to partner the two. But travel is over. So I was back out on the trail this morning running, sweating, breathing, trying to breathe.

I have struggled even since returning home getting back out there, but I came across this quote and used it to push myself...

When The Sun Comes Up!

In Africa Every Morning A Gazelle Awakens
Knowing That It Must Outrun
The Fastest Lion If It Wants To Stay Alive.

Every Morning A Lion Wakes Up Knowing
That It Must Run Faster Than The
Slowest Gazelle Or It Will Starve To Death.

It Makes No Difference Whether You Are A Lion Or A Gazelle:

When The Sun Comes Up You Had Better Be Running.

--Ben

I'm On Fire

I feel like I'm on fire this morning with a burning passion to pastor. That's a great feeling, I hope you have days like this with the work you do. The really great part is that usually Mondays are the worst day of a Pastor's week. Typically the problems from Sunday weigh on a pastors heart. But last night I got to sit with the oversight board and share the things that God has been doing.

• Two people raised their hands to reconcile with God yesterday morning.
• Four people were certified as trained children's workers.
• I served communion to someone yesterday that hadn't received it before with us.
• I heard a 2 minute summation of Brother Myer's life that seems like one of the most exciting lives ever. (He's vacationed all over the world except the middle east. That's a lot of places.)
• I learned that Smith Wigglesworth is the only person I've ever heard of that grew a third set of teeth.
• We had a first time guest yesterday, I'm looking forward to following up with him. I didn't get a chance to meet him before he headed out.
  
• So thankful for the Pastor's Appreciation recognition. Corie and I have some dates paid for because of your generosity. Gift cards to Outback, Starbucks and Panera Bread. (I love those places.)
• A personal note to thank me for the message. God knows!!! He knows what His plans are even when we don't know fully. When people come into the weekend service they are longing to hear from God. As a Pastor I prepare and deliver the message that I believe God wants. I plan a calendar to make sure that our annual diet of God's word is balanced. Then on certain weeks messages hit a nerve exactly where people are, and that is a beautiful thing when preaching.

Ok, SO, now you know why I'm fired up?

--Ben

• 
  

A day off

Fridays are my day off each week. However, Corie has been working on Fridays more and more, so my day is usually tied up in activities around them. This week Corie said that she arranged my mother to care for the girls so I get the day off by myself. Finally a chance to catch up on some things I just can't get done while watching them. Emissions tests, mowing the jungle that is my lawn.

--Ben

Dreams

I'm a pretty big dreamer in the vision sense, but most nights I don't remember any dreams from my sleep. Last night someone shared a dream they had of a spiritual nature. I shared a dream I had the night before of a spiritual nature as well. I have often felt like people who hear from God in dreams come across as weird. That may or may not be an accurate feeling. Especially in light of scripture that tells us that in the days since Christ left, and the days still to come God would speak to man many ways, but one of those is through dreams and visions. So was God speaking to my friend and I? That remains to be seen because his dream revolved around a question that only God can answer, and mine is a action that I would take. So if he gets the answer and/or I take the action we'll know.

But even from a psychological approach, I think spiritual dreams are pretty cool, because dreams show us what our minds are thinking about. My dream was about sharing my faith with someone. I see it as a measure of the spiritual hunger I have to share my faith. My spirit and mind are becoming unified on that pursuit.

What do you dream about?

--Ben

Prayer

Last night was the change over from Operations Team meeting to Prayer Group. We spent the majority of our time discussing what a Prayer Group should be like, what we want to see it be like. Then we prayed. It was a terrific time, and I'm excited about the future of it.

Everyone is welcome to my house next Wednesday night for Prayer.

--Ben

And We're Back

Just got home from the Potomac District Minister's Retreat. It is a Mon - Wed. event each fall where we gather for encouragement and refreshment. This year was in Williamsburg, Va. It rotates there every three years. The Marriott Hotel, which hosted the event, was very nice, but of the three locations Williamsburg is my least favorite.

The main speakers were David and Beth Grant, a dynamic couple who have ministered for 30 years. They did a great job with last nights session on ministry together.

--Ben

Praying for me

I don't know how many of you have stepped up your prayers for me, but I feel like some of you must have, because I can almost feel it. So thankful, I need it.

--Ben

Finishing Each Other's Sentences

Today I had a neat experience. I met up with a guy who planted a church in Va at the same time we planted in Arnold. We had not seen each other since, so we spent a little while catching up, and then spent about two hours finishing each other's sentences. We share so many common experiences. It's nice to know that we're not behind the curve, that in fact we're right where everyone else is at this point. (And in some ways a little ahead.)

This retreat has been very helpful in refreshing me spiritually.

--Ben

Low Dollar Resort Travel

Last week we were in Ocean City, MD with my family. It was a lot of fun squeezing ten people into a two bedroom condo. I also love that the girls are at an age where we spend the days on the beach, and finding local playgrounds.

This week we're at the Potomac District's Minister's Retreat. A gathering of pastors from all over Md, DC, Va, and W. Va. It is in Williamsburg, Va this year. We are driving around and seeing so many signs to Big Dollar attractions, but we enjoy just finding a local park and spending time together.

Now it is nap time, so I'm gonna snuggle with Sydney.

--Ben

Good Soccer Game

Sydney had another good soccer game today. Her team is really good, and it is exciting to watch them improve each game. There coaches are very nice, and the team's families seem to get along well too. The three-year-old league is the beginners, and sometimes you even wonder what three- year-olds can really do, but they really are capable of learning a lot. There are three scorers on the team. Sydney, Amber and Tyler. The others are not quite as capable, but there are tiers to their skills as well. Sydney and Amber are making the turn to passing; a skill no one has yet. It is very frustrating though for Sydney and the others to see a wide open net, and not shoot the ball. But they're learning and it is a fun time for them.

The team we played today however had poor coaching, and poorly trained kids resulting in a horrible outing for them where they barely touched the ball and scored maybe three times (not counting the scores that we put in for them). A great leadership lesson came out of it though. Those that lead must be confident. The other coach exclaimed in the middle of the field during the fourth quarter, "This is supposed to be fun, but it just isn't." Who wants to play if your coach has thrown it in too?

--Ben

Time Warp

This week is crazy. Gone for four days, back for two, then leave Sunday for three more. It is October already, time is flying. Gotta update my PDA just to stay on top of things.

--Ben

Headed Home

Today we'll be ending our trip to Ocean City. Rob and Alma were kind enough to excuse me from our meeting last night so we could extend our trip one more day. But we'll be back this afternoon.

I feel like my batteries are back up to about 70%, but next week is Minister's Retreat and I should tick back up to full. Looking forward to sharing some thoughts with you that have been rolling around my head.

Here's a teaser: The myth that moral maturity is the same as spiritual maturity...

Blog at you later...

--Ben

MaggieMoos Postponed

Hey everyone, weather is going to prohibit doing CONTACT tonight. You're still welcome to visit MaggieMoos, but SRC night is off.

--Ben

MaggieMoos Tonight

Tonight we're conducting a CONTACT survey at MaggieMoos in Severna Park. We figured with such great ice cream there, we might as well invite everyone out and come by for a visit. I'll be taking my family for some ice cream. You can come by any time after 6:00.

--Ben

Concession Stand

Well, today a new experience lies ahead of me. I'll be working the concession stand at the field where Sydney plays soccer. It is the parent's duty to volunteer for one half during the home games. Today is my turn. Of course the rain may relieve me of my duties. We'll see. But if so that'll be the second rain out this week for Syd, and I don't know if she can handle that.

--Ben