The 60 Cent Experiment

Earlier this week I received a gift card in the mail from Office Depot. It was a reward for a number of purchases I've made there. So with that as the background let me fill in the rest of the story.

For Christmas my sister Ariel gave me webcam so that we can do teleconference calling when she's overseas. I actually think that she gave it to me so that she could see my daughters grow while she's away. Anyhow...

We use a free service called Skype that allows phone conversation with video, and instant messaging. We have used it a couple times now, and while it's not a perfect technology, it is certainly a fun and interesting one.

I have been ideating related to the uses of this technology, and have come up with some uses for the leaders of the church. Right now our leaders meet every week, and we're looking to add interns who will live a state away. So we're starting an experiment to see if we can use the video conference feature to enable remote meetings connected via the internet. I certainly think it's an exciting possibility.

So yesterday I went to Office Depot, pick up a webcam, and purchased it. My total after using the gift card? 60 cents. The 60 cent experiment.

--Ben

Prayer Support

I would like to ask for your prayer support. What I mean by that is that I'd like for you to pray for me often over the next couple weeks. I'm going to be raising support for our church through new contacts and churches. Recently a number of our partner churches have concluded their support, and so the responsibility falls to me to re-raise that support. I feel that, as with most things, if I give it my best, the Lord will provide for the church. Please pray for me.

--Ben

Warming up for Pillow Tak: Destiny

Last night I watched a show that was obviously controversial to members of my small group on Tuesday night. It's called Moment of Truth and it is yet another quiz show meets reality show. There is a short recap available on that site.

The show absolutely devastated the contestant's marriage and family. I'm not sure how to do it, but I think it is absolutely perfect as an illustration of what I'm teaching on this Sunday. There are things that will destroy the destiny of our relationships. We need to know what God prescribes for insuring the destiny that he intends for us. Can't wait for Sunday.

--Ben

How do you measure a pastor's performance

I had lunch with a former employee of one of the largest companies in the world he was regularly evaluated regarding his performance. The trick was to stay out of the lower fifth because they were summarily canned. We discussed pastoral compensation and how to determine what a pastor should be paid. And as part of the conversation I discussed my own question related to how a pastor should be evaluated based on performance. What are the measurable functions of a pastor?

I'd love your thoughts.

--Ben

Running out the clock

I feel like I've been running a hundred miles an hour this week, but I'm not sure where I've been. Today has been very nice to actually relax a little. I have had a couple meetings today, talked with my dad a while this morning which is always nice, and had a long lunch with a friend. Each of these conversations has enriched me though. I have stretched my mind as I try to help out with issues they're wrestling through it's a lot of fun.

This afternoon I has a weird experience. I had a tax question so I called a tax preparer who taught a course that I took. Not weird yet... I called the number on his business card and he answered. It was a direct line. I was taken aback because I didn't actually expect to get him first. It was nice though to call someone and actually have them answer. Not press one for this, or talk to a secretary. A direct line. That's pretty cool. I know business men of an older generation who refused to have answering machines/service. If a customer called they wanted to talk to them, and if they were unavailable, they were unavailable. Sorry I'm rambling...

--Ben

Playing with Podcasts

If you don't know what a Podcast is, it's a twenty-first century form of broadcasting that is computer based. The internet now allows for subscription and automated delivery for audio and video directly to your computer and/or portable electronic media device. We currently don't have anything setup for automated delivery, but we will in the future. In the mean time we're taking one step at a time with our broadcast technology. For instance, this week we're going to start transmitting information to our small groups. Severn River Church is a church of small groups, and if we are leading anyone to the mission of making disciples, baptizing them, and teaching them to obey God's word it happens there. So I'm beginning to communicate directly into the groups through audio-casts. After they are heard in the groups they'll be available through the multimedia side of www.severnriverchurch.com. But as I said before we're taking one step at a time, so it may be a while till it's all fully operational. The first podcast will be heard though this week in our small groups.

--Ben

New Book

I just finished Thriving Churches in the 21st Century, and have picked up the next book. My new focus is called Disciplines of the Holy Spirit. It is a book regarding spiritual disciplines specifically related to the fullness of the Spirit in the life of the Christ-follower. It led to a refreshing prayer time last night, where I was able to peel away some of the routine things I pray for and look beyond to sin that I don't often see. It was a great time of confession and forgiveness. I look forward to sharing more about it. Look for updates to the Book Review Side of the site.

--Ben

FORTUNE

After taking 18 months off, I have begun receiving FORTUNE magazine again. I have friends who find it humorous that a pastor would receive FORTUNE, as I'll likely never amass a fortune of my own, but I really enjoy the writing and the view of the business world. I find that I'm challenged in my leadership growth when I read about great leaders of the top companies in the world.

For instance the culture of Pepsico is very intriguing the way they are right now leading the transformation from a "fun for you" food company to a "good for you" company. The way that the leaders interact. I find that kind of stuff really interesting.

Feeling FORTUNate,

--Ben

Looking Ahead

We've got Easter coming up in just a few Weeks. We'll be hosting our second or 4 friend days of 2008. Mailers are going out this week to raise awareness, enlist inviters, and prepare SRC for another great friend day. I still have people asking about how it went last week, and this is what I tell them:

Success is measured by succession, so not only was last week great with so many new friends, but this week most of our friends came back. And it's great that one of our friends from last Friend Day invited someone to this one. That's awesome.

Thanks to the many who keep tracking with SRC even though it is not their church. You are a great support to what we're doing here.

--Ben

Beauracracy Stinketh

You would think that having a vehicle donated to your charity would be an easy process, however it is proving to have many more hoops than if you or I were registering our personal vehicle. So I had set aside this morning to sit in MVA, however I'm sitting at home working through all the steps with the State which means being on hold, leaving voice mails and waiting for a response. This is the part of pastoring that I'm not a fan of.

--Ben

Weekend Reflections

I just had a great day today. I was so happy today, and I wanted to share some of the highlights.

• New Friends. It is such a great feeling to see how our friend days are working. We strategically place them throughout the year, and so far after two we're seeing good results. We had friends from our Christmas friend day that were connected enough to invite friends this friend day. That' cool. Many of our new friends from last week were back today. Welcome back.
• Pillow Talk is proving to be an exciting journey. Everyone was a little quiet this morning due to the subject matter (sexual purity). But I heard a number of comments after the teaching this morning. I do pray that the conversations about purity this week will be enriched by our discussion today.
• Great Offering. SRC bounced back in a good way with giving today. In addition, we collected 115.00 for the King Family.
• Time on our hands. One of the funnest aspects of church planting is that we're constantly in experiment mode. Over the last two weeks we started a Saturday night set-up. A team of 4 can set up in 40-45 minutes. It makes a huge difference on Sunday morning. My whole morning is significantly different when I walk in without the pressure of set-up. So thankful for our volunteers. To volunteer click here, and email FaithWorks@severnriverchurch.com.
• It's not the tech guy's fault. I turned off my microphone during a video in my introduction this morning. That means that we didn't get a recording. Sorry to those who were expecting it on the web this week.
  

Looking forward to a great week!

--Ben

I love Severn River Church.

There is a need in our community

Nelson Cross emailed last night to let me know of a local need in the Arnold area. Cape St. Clair is a smaller community at the very bottom of the peninsula. Recently a couple's house burned down, and investigators found the cause to have been from their furnace. The local community has been rallying to help, and I thought we should be part of helping out as well. On Sunday we'll be taking, as part of our collection, gifts specifically designated "King Family Fund". In addition to financial gifts you may consider gift cards to local restaurants. These also can be placed in the basket at church.

Thanks,

Ben

Grad Work

Today I started organizing for my upcoming class at AGTS. It's about a month out, and it's time to start working. It is call "Spiritual Formation for the Minister". It is a Practical Theology course, on the personal disciplines for healthy spiritual living. I'm looking forward to it. You know there are many things that you do all the time, but from time to time it's good to get instruction on how to do them better. It is nice to get the perspective of someone else in order to help you recalibrate. That's why I'm looking forward to this class.

The other reason that I'm looking forward to it is that it will be my last on class experience at VFCC. After 5 years in this continuing education program I have just one intensive and one online course to complete. Very close.

--Ben

I haven't been outside

It certainly doesn't look like I thought it would this morning. I was expecting to see snow covering everything. Instead it doesn't look that bad. There does appear to have been some icing over night, but doesn't look to bad. I'm at home with my family today. Corie's off so we're all here. It's nice. I think she's making waffles, yummy!

You should know that the inclement weather plan of SRC is dictated by our college. If Anne Arundel Community College is closed, then we close. If they're open, then we are too. You can check the campus status at www.aacc.edu.

--Ben

Inspected

I got the truck back today. So it's all inspected, next step is to the MVA to do the title and tag work. Unfortunately the work week is over so that'll have to wait, but we're closer.

BTW, we'll be headed over the the school on Saturday night again at 5:00 p.m. to unload. If you can come help out please contact Rob at Faithworks@severnriverchurch.com.

Thanks,
Ben

P-rn

I'm sure that right now internet filters are keeping loyal blog readers trying to access this site from doing so because of the title of my post. I hope that by breaking up the word it'll be viewable to most.

This morning I met with my coach and friend Patrick and during the conversation he said something related to the teaching he's doing this week at the Lifehouse. It turns out that he and I are both speaking about purity issues in everyone's life and relationships. I was so relieved, because I needed to talk with someone about my study this week. I gotta be honest and say that there is a ton of p-rn available everywhere, and I've been a little nervous this week as I've studied. (Before I started search for information I made checked my online filter to make sure it was operating well.)

Increasingly in our society the lines and boundaries of purity are pushed beyond previous guidelines until the point that we deem "acceptable" all kinds of stuff on tv, magazines (and I'm not talking about p-rn mags), and websites. It can be quite appalling. For instance, some of you know about my myspace page (which is horribly not updated properly). If you look at my profile you'll see that I list myself as a woman. The reason is because the advertisements went from skimpily clad girls (targeting a 20-something male audience) to spa products and handbags. (That I can handle at the expense of my virtual gender.)

This week exploring online research of the topic made me very nervous though. Sure I was reading an article from Forbes, a site by Frontline on PBS, and a couple Christian sites dedicated to information on the p-rn industry , but still I just wanted to tell someone for the sake of my own purity. Today I got that chance. Patrick noted, that he didn't think it coincidence that we were both speaking and studying the same thing at the same time. I think he's probably right.

Beyond that realization though we spent an hour talking about what an accountability relationship might look like. We as younger leaders don't have anyone asking us about critical areas of our sexuality, finances, marriages, leadership, etc. Who's asking these questions? So we gave each other homework to find out more about leaders we respect and finding out what system of accountability they have in place. We're gonna hammer it out more next month.

Obviously accountable relationships are only as strong as the integrity of the people in them, but If we're gonna be at this for a while, we'd better do our best to build honest and accountable relationships. The key illustration of this comes out of the life of Billy Graham who made a covenant with several of his ministry friends to the extent that when they checked-into hotels they would take out the televisions and stuff. I'd rather finish my career without a failure than go through what a ton of other pastors have gone through. Anyway, the issue of purity is not just a sermon on Sunday. It's real life struggles in the life of the preacher and people. Obviously the topic of purity is bigger than a discussion of p-rn, the point is whatever area we discuss Sunday that hits a nerve in your life is one that we need to work through together as the family of God.

See You Sunday!
--Ben

Update on the Steno Chronicles

We had a great small group meeting last night. I am loving it. Firstly, we have a great group of friends, and when you include dinner together, it's like a family of friends. That's what C-groups should be. Anyhow...

I won't give a blow by blow of everyone, but I'll tell you that I have enjoyed the project (The Steno Chronicles). Last night however, I admitted to my group that I have not been doing every one of the guidelines. At this point I'm pretty glad I called them guidelines and not rules. The benefit so far has been that most nights my wife and I read together. That's been really great to do spiritual pursuit together. But while I find it easy to read together, I find it hard to do the journal, so I'm reading, underlining, jotting notes in my Bible, and writing the memory verse, but the middle of my pages are blank.

Others in the group have not followed all the guidelines either, but can I just say something? There was a good discussion last night about things that people were experiencing while working on this spiritual discipline. It was so encouraging to find people who are "Christ-followers" really reading the words of Christ.

We've got to be people of His words. Jesus own expression was that our love for Him was directly connected to whether or not we do what He says. (Jn 14:15) It's not enough to read it once. I believe that we'll spend the rest of our lives learning how to follow His teachings, so we better spend time regularly re-reading His teachings.

--Ben

Inspection

Today I'm taking the F150 to the service station for an inspection. Recently a donor gave us the truck, so now we're in the process of inspection and transfer of title. It will be nice though to have our own truck. When we were starting out it was such a great help to have a loaner truck, now that it's going to be ours it just feels more secure.

Thank you Donor,

--Ben

Online Sign-ups Update

We're close to finishing the Online Sign-up function through our website. I look forward to using it. Let's use it for the first time by signing up to hang out together. You all know I love groups...Large Groups, Small Groups, and Prayer Groups. Well, let's add another, Play Groups. Vote for what kind of Play Group you'd like us to have, and we'll use that as our inaugural application for the Online Sign-ups.



--Ben

New Books

I've got some new books on the way. Good old Amazon.com is sending me some new knowledge. This year I have a stack of books that have their own shelf. They are my 2008 books. Most of you know that I read a fair amount 18-20 books a year, plus magazine subscriptions.

Many of the books I read I do because I have to (school), the rest I read because I want to. This year it seems that some of those are overlapping. I put up my wish list, and referred people there at Christmas. I received a handful from people. But among the ones they bought were required texts for an upcoming class. SCORE!

One of my habits is that when I order books from amazon I always order enough to qualify for free shipping. That way the last book I order is for me, and the real cost of that book is only 2-3 dollars. It's a little gift for myself.

Leaders are Learners. If I want to lead at a higher level, I have to be learning.

--Ben

The Mail Can Go Today

I was so excited yesterday to sit down and write a number of follow-up notes to new friends we made on Sunday. I wrote them, enveloped and addressed them, stamped them, and took them to the mailbox and put the flag up. Then I realized it was President's Day and the mail would not be running. Oh, heartbreak. But today the mail can go down. I hope people enjoy receiving them as much as I enjoy preparing them.

--Ben

Friend Day Does Not Equal Fund Day

Is there is a steady trend at Severn River Church its that on Friend Days our giving takes a nose dive. I'm not sure why. Last time we barely mentioned it and the basket was on the way out and most people probably forgot. This time I put the basket in the front, but forgot to mention it entirely.

Still some gave, and I appreciate one person came before service to ask where to give, and another person came after service with a check and hadn't seen where to give. Thanks for that.

I just find it ironic that on the days that cost us the most, we give the least. There's probably a better way...

--Ben

Loaded Questions

Alright, so I've had a night to think about this, and I'd like to revisit my previous post regarding the text message questions at church. I still love the idea, but I need to get better at it. Here's the thing. The questions are loaded, and I need to do a better job of figuring that out. I answered the questions incompletely yesterday. One in particular, I'll be addressing it on this site later this week.

I don't know, I'm really trying to figure this out as I write. Maybe we could publish a disclaimer that the answers given are cursory, and not intended to be definitive. I don't know. We'll figure it out.

Here's another issue. I think maybe we should announce the phone number at the end. 3 out of 4 messages came in within the first five minutes of my message. This is interesting only because it seems to show that some of the questions had little to do with the message and were really questions that people walked in with beforehand. Still glad I fielded them, but maybe we should be like, "The phone lines are open now."

The bottom line is, everything is an experiment. We'll keep working with it.

--Ben

Would everyone please take out your cell phones

This morning at Severn River Church we made an announcement to start the message, "would everyone please turn on your cell phones." After years of dealing with people who leave their phones on to ring during the most important part of the message, I made the announcement to leave their phones on. Then I gave them my phone number with the instructions if they had questions during my message they should text message me. At the end of service I fielded three questions from the audience. It was fun. I think we'll be doing that more often.

--Ben

A Gaggle As It Were

Today over lunch my family asked how things went today at SRC. I was so excited to tell them about all the guests we had. (Guests are a gift from God.) I related that there was a gaggle, as it were, of guests. I'm so thankful that so many from SRC brought a friend today. Several of our guests said that they would be back again. That's always nice to hear, and nicer to see. I do look forward to the friendships that develop through this series.

This morning was a different step from our normal day. It was the launch of the Pillow Talk series and Friend Day. One man told me that it was like nothing he had ever experienced related to church, and that he liked it. He said it seemed more like counseling. Imagine that, a preacher who counsels. I think what he was saying, as he pointed to the notes, was that it was much more practical than he would have ever expected.

The guests were fantastic. That was a huge Win. Today I met people that were named on the cards that I had prayed for all week. What blessed me was the number of stories of unaccepted invitations. I think we tend to see the people that come as the measure of success, but in addition I heard stories from SRCers that had invited friends and family, but didn't get a response. See, I believe in a universal law called, "Sowing and Reaping". In God's economy one invitation doesn't yield one guest. When we sow sparingly, we reap sparingly. When we sow generously, we reap generously. The bottom line is when we work together inviting, all of the invites that don't appear to yield fruit, will eventually. We keep sowing, watering and God will give us increase. Thanks so much to everyone that participated in inviting this week.

--Ben

The Preaching Problem

A little behind the scenes look into the preacher's study will reveal the struggle one goes through to prepare to speak on Sunday. It may seem easy to the casual observer. Perhaps the checkoff list goes:

1. Find a Bible verse.
2. Read it.
3. Tell everybody all of the really Holy things that bother about everyone else.
4. Take a collection.
5. Pray and dismiss.

It's actually much more than that I'm afraid. I hope I don't challenge anyone's worldview with that shocking realization. The preaching problem is one of discernment between what I feel people need to hear, and what God wants to say. You see there are any number of things that I could say that would be right, helpful, encouraging even without just tickling itching ears. But the question is, "What does God want to say?"

This week we launch a series called Pillow Talk. It is a relationships series, but if Jesus were to meet up with a gang of people that were unmarried teens (some sexually experienced, some not), young singles, couples who were living together not married, married couples, divorced, etc. What would he say? How would he teach them about His vision of unity? There's no doubt that Jesus would want to talk to all of these people.

See, I'm not Dr. Phil. I'm not a psychologist, I'm a pastor. Yet we live in such a different world than Jesus did. I would argue that current worldview of Post-Christian America is quite different from Jesus' listeners in Matthew 5-7 (the Sermon on the Mount). So it is the preacher's work, effort and aim to deliver on behalf of Christ the message that he would present today, here and now; using the timeless, immutable teachings of then and there.

So, I'll keep studying, writing and honing my teaching down for Sunday. But I want you to know. Jesus is going to speak to us Sunday. Bring your friends.

--Ben

I'm almost done my taxes

I got to work early this year on taxes, and I'm almost finished. I'm waiting on a form that I didn't receive and then I'll be done. Could I just mention that I hate our tax system. I think it should be much easier. I don't think that anyone should have to have a tax preparer, software, or need to take a graduate level course to figure out how to do their taxes.

The thing that I hate is that it's never the same from year to year. At least in my case. When I get my taxes done I look ahead to the next year and plan for how to make the tax season easier next year. The problem is that things change: I had another child, I sold a second home, but next year I won't add another child (I don't think) or sell a second home. I'll be selling a primary residence and Ugggghhhh. It should be easier.

One of these years I'd like to settle back and have it easier, but somehow I don't think our tax system is set up that way...

Enough ranting I guess.

--Ben

SGH

Yesterday for five hours the US Congress' oversight committee grilled Roger Clemens and a former trainer in a "he said/he said" disagreement regarding whether or not Clemens had ever taken Steroids or Human Growth Hormone (HGH). Clemens maintained his innocence and said of friend and fellow major leaguer Andy Pettitte who corroborated the trainer's story, "He mis-remembers."

Whatever. Clemens is right when he asserted that he will never be able to clear his name, and his attempt to set the record straight will likely not be advantageous to him.

It caused me to consider shortcuts. HGH is a shortcut to better performance. Rick Warren recently said that shortcuts are another name for temptation to sin. There are no shortcuts in a life of integrity; it's always the long way around. I feel the same way about making disciples. There are no shortcuts. There is no way to microwave disciples, the fact is it takes time and effort to disciple and be discipled.

But I find among many Christians a desire for some SGH (Spiritual Growth Hormone). When times get difficult and they have not effectively prepared for performance, they want to rub on some scripture as a topical cream that will boost their faith to stand against their circumstances. It just doesn't work that way. Following Christ in a way that truly reflects discipleship requires the work of going where Jesus goes, listening to what Jesus says, learning how Jesus thinks. The essence of discipleship is found in Knowing, Being, and Doing like Christ. There are no shortcuts.

We have to do the disciplines to be disciples.

--Ben

Remember in Kindergarten when they let us take naps?

I wish this was a nap day. The cold, drizzly day outside my windows makes me want to snuggle snuggle in bed. But alas, I trudge on. Actually I've enjoyed this afternoon. I've been working on Sunday, and I'd love to show you some of the video, but you'll just have to wait and see it Sunday. I think that our discussion of Unity is going to cause reflection in every couple's lives that attend.

--Ben

A Promise Kept

I have been praying for everyone that filled out an Andrew Invite for Sunday. There are a ton of names that people are praying for and inviting to join us for Pillow Talk. I have prayed repeatedly over them, and yesterday pastors from around the Baltimore Area joined me in praying for you and they even laid hands on written names and prayed for God's favor for you. We can do this. So far I've invited two couples. This afternoon I see my third couple.

--Ben

Paper Work and People Work

A pastor's job is made up of Paper Work and People Work. Gotta say I like the people work a lot more. Typing and revising resolutions for the Board to read and pass is not my idea of fun. But it's neccessary. That's what I'm up to today. Thankfully I have an OT meeting tonight so at least I can look forward to some people work.

--Ben

In Case Anybody Cares...

My basement is dry like a champ in all this rain. I'm really glad to have that off my mind. I had my Realtor come by yesterday to start the work up on selling my house. We plan to start listing it in about a month.

For what it's worth, I have a great Realtor. I wouldn't go with anybody else. I don't make any money for recommending her (though I probably should). She is excellent.

--Ben

Dear Undecided (I don't blame you)

Readers of my posts know that I'm a huge proponent of our civil duty called voting. I believe that it is one of the most cherished rights we have as Americans. I was moved by the images of Iraqis who displayed their purple fingers because of their process of holding free elections, and am moved to indignation that our society turns out 20-30% of the population to vote in MD in a primary. It's a shame, especially because there seems to be no shortage of people that are fed up with some action of our government or another. This is the chance to be part of the solution.

However, I will tell you that I'm anything but inspired by this group of candidates. I don't feel in the presidential election there is anyone that really represents my views. But this is more than just a presidential ballot. There are judges and congressmen as well as delegates to send to political conventions. There are a lot of ways for you to participate in the system.

I hope that you will go and vote. This is the USA, we owe it to one another.

--Ben

Weekend After-thoughts

I really enjoyed yesterday, and wanted to share a couple things...

• Yesterday was a set-up for next week. I KNOW God wants to do something BIG in people's lives and relationships.
  

• Remember Jesus' call is "come follow me." The Disciple's call is "come see what I've found."
  

• I've already been praying for the Andrew Invites. I've already invited one couple on my list. I'm praying for YOU.

• Thanks to everyone that volunteers around here. You make things happen. The last couple weeks I've enjoyed circling up with the few guys who show up first and praying that God will use our volunteering as a means to make disciples. You guys rock.

• Rob did a good job hosting. (But thank God we didn't have to hear about him in the bathroom again. ;-) )

--Ben

A Couple New Things

1. Our resident technologist, Drew Harrah, is working on a new sign-up system that automates everything right through our website. We're working on the Beta side now, and I look forward to showing that off in a few days.

2. We are expanding our Child Care to include two rooms. We'll be separating School agers from Preschoolers. This is an effort to improve the quality of care in the very different age groups.

3. Saturday Night Live!!! We have officially gained access to our FLRS 101 location on Saturday nights between 5:00 and 9:00. That means that we can use one hour a week during that time frame to unload and set up our equipment. FaithWorks is heading up the project. We hope this will alleviate a lot of the Sunday morning hustle/bustle. Now we just need some volunteers for the Saturday crew. You'll get more information on that coming soon, and hopefully we'll use our new sign-up system to get your started. :-)

--Ben

Non-authorized links

Pastor, sometimes I find words on your posts that are highlighted (links) and when I click on them it takes me to a dating site. Thought you should know.

Dear Readers,

I have not tried to lure you into a new relationship, but do want to take the opportunity to make sure my site is clean. When I pull up the site, I can't find any links except what I put on. So, either I am unable to see it and everyone else does, or only you see it and nobody else does. Please let me know if you see odd words highlighted (i.e. meet, met, friends, etc.)

I'll do my best to police this site more too. We have readers from all over the world (South Africa, West Africa, Northern Europe, etc) that visit this site. I do need your help to make sure it's functioning properly.

--Ben

In the Mail

Yesterday I made the trek to the Post Office. I had a conversation several weeks ago about how little we actually spend on postage compared to other churches. But on occasion we utilize snail mail. The reason of course is for Friend Day coming up on February 17th. We're kicking off a new series call Pillow Talk. It's a series for couples.

I sent a letter explaining what Friend Day will be like and then asking for the participation of each SRCer by inviting Five Friends. Just think, that's two couples and one person who wishes they were in a relationship...just kidding. But you get the point. This is a tag-team event. You do what you do (invite your friends), I'll do what I do (invite my friends and plan a great day to kick off this series), and then we let God do what he does (love your friends so much he died for them, and lives to bring them back to relationship with Himself).

Thanks for participating.

--Ben

Good Leaders

I met last night with a couple of our leaders on the Operations Team. Christine is leading our church in the area of Prayer, and Rob is leading in the area of FaithWorks for volunteers. We are currently reading Developing The Leader Within You, by John Maxwell. Last night's chapters dealt with leading change and problem-solving. The thing I love about these two leaders is that they came with notebooks open ready to take notes on the discussion. I've seen them begin to wrestle with the ownership of their ministry, and it is taking them to a higher level. These are people who are gaining my trust over their respective areas, and I believe solving the problems that need to be solved. It is no easy task, but they are going to lead us this year. Thanks Rob and Christine.

--Ben

The Steno Chronicles

As a small group, we're reading through the New Testament over the three months that we meet. Here's how we're doing it. Each person got a steno pad with the following instructions:

Guidelines:

1. Read 3 chapters of the New Testament a day. (note the chapters on the page)
2. Write the verses that stand out to you verbatim into your journal.
3. Write a sentence or two explaining what the verses meant and how they apply to your life.
4. Summarize God's message of the day as your Header. (Top of page)
5. Pray
1. Write you prayer requests down as a part of your prayer.
2. Pray for God to help you live the message of the day.
   
6. Write out the Weekly Memory Verse.

Weekly we will ask for volunteers to share a reflection from their journals.


That's what is going on in our small group. I'm super excited about it, because I think that God's word applied to a person's life is transformational. I'm looking to the next 12 weeks with these friends.

--Ben

Upcoming Series: Pillow Talk

Small Group Launch

I was so excited last night to launch my spring semester small group. We work on a three semester system (Fall, Spring, Summer) because it provides easy entry points and exit points. In the Spring and Summer our groups are free market which means they can do whatever they want as a means for coming together. They may do a book study, bible study, or whatever. My group is doing Dinner and a Discussion. Each group member is listing questions or topics they'd like to discuss and each week we'll share dinner together and then have the discussion while we eat. (Last night, my wife made a fantastic dinner Pecan Chicken, yum.) We discussed my question which was, "What is the process of someone becoming a disciple of Jesus Christ?" It was a great discussion as we sorted through some of the fundamental and elemental things in that process. One thing that I loved was that it was much less like that conversation would have been at a number of other churches. My group is made up of a mix of older and younger believers, so the perspective was very fresh. Here were some of the thoughts:

• Step one: It has to start with come and see.
• Step two: Most likely, it's going to be come and see again.
• Step three: Get involved, belong to the community.
• Step four: "What's the difference between a follower and a disciple? Does everyone have to be a disciple? Is it ok if some people are just followers?"
• Step five: "You become a little less of one and a little more of the other."

Nice.

We have topics coming up ranging for how to work as a team for the kingdom, to how can church help parents of small children. And we're waiting for more submissions as well.

There's one other thing we're doing this semester, but it deserves another post so I'll put it up later with an invitation.

--Ben

What is the church?

Rick shared something that I have long held to, "The Church is the people, not the steeple. It is a myth that you need a building to build a church."

He would know, his congregation was 10,000 people before they built their own building.

--Ben

Day Time Small Group

If you would like to be part of a small group during the daytime, please let me know. We meet on Tuesdays at 10:30. Anyone is welcomed.

--Ben

Courage

"If you're not afraid, your not courageous."

This was a statement from Rick Warren that really challenged me. Over the last year I have learned that if anything leadership is based on courage. I have found in church planting for the first time in my life the fear of leadership. Will people follow? Will it cost me my career? How will I make a living to put meals on the table if this doesn't work? The temptation then is to settle into a maintenance mode. To go along with the people in your church rather than lead them. To make the easy choices rather than the hard ones. But that is not leadership.

The courage to lead is the courage to take some early losses, make adjustments so that you win when it counts. Rick made his point poignantly by relating the issue of his own experience after a year of church planting and coming to the point that he passed out in the pulpit. He was literally afraid to get up and preach again. He took his family away to their in-laws house in Phoenix and he went into the desert for a time of prayer and figuring out what he should do. God told him to stop trying to build a church and instead build the people of God. God took care of building the church. He acknowledged that early loss as important for his ultimate success. His advice was to take your losses early, so you could win when it counts. He said, "After all, it doesn't matter if you went undefeated the whole season if you lose in the Super Bowl."

Great way to make a point.

--Ben

What if...

When Rick was finished his seminary degree and was going to go into a pastorate. He prayed and felt that God was calling him to start a new church. He got out a map of the US and narrowed down major cities across the nation. He looked for the fastest growing areas in the US because he thought that if a lot of people were moving there, they would need new churches to service them. So he ended up heading to Orange County, CA. Before he went though he asked his wife. He told her that he felt that God had called him to start this new church, and move their family from TX to CA. She said, "I believe in God, and I believe in you. So if God told you to do this I'll go with you."

Rick reflected that he often wonders what would have happened if she had said "no". What would the Kingdom of God be like? How would the lives of over 20,000 that he baptized be different?

I connected with this point. In my life to leave a church that I was very happy at, and showed great care to me was not an easy thing to do, but when I knew the Lord was leading me that way I talked to my wife. She never said she was comfortable with it, but she also never said no. My ministry is in great part due to her belief in God and me.

--Ben

Rick Warren, Take One

Each Sunday in the US 150,000,000 people go to church. That's more than the entire attendance of every professional sporting event in the entire year.

So where is the influence? In the church. Rick believes that it is why pastoring is such a high calling. As pastors we are leaders that God leads. In recent years Rick has had tremendous success with his best-selling book and grown to international prominence. He meets regularly with policy makers and political leaders. His message to them is that they can't accomplish the things they want without pastors.

His passion is encouraging pastors in their calling. He encouraged me.

--Ben

Writing

I have so much to write about, but I'm not sure I'll get to it all. As you noticed, I didn't write much yesterday and that was because I spent the day with other pastors receiving a pep talk from Rick Warren. He spoke for two hours and I could have listened for days. He is so full of priceless teaching that come out of his 30 plus years of ministry. The bottom line is he is a pastor who loves and cares about pastors. His teaching was fantastic. Perhaps throughout the day I'll be able to reflect on several things he said.

You know all work and no play (writing) makes Jack a dull Bowie.

--Ben

Further Info for Valentine Banquet

Dear Pastor Ben and Members of SRC: Further info on the Sweetheart Banquet:
Saturday, Feb 16th 6:00 pm in FLC at PAG
tickets $30.00 per couple
Dress-up Date Night

Menu: Buffet Sesame Chicken breast with rice and plum sauce

Beef Burgundy tender sirloin tips with homemade mashed potatoes

Quarterfield Salad

Desserts Chocolate Mousse cake
Cherry Cheese ccake

Drinks Punch/Coffee/Tea/Water

The Disciplines

Yesterday morning after teaching on the Spiritual Discipline of Solitude, I talked with a member who said that she really appreciated the teaching.

I have been really excited about this direction. It's kind of a series that will mark our year, not in a 6 or 8 week time frame but revisited throughout the year. I'm also starting to formulate a CD resource and podcast for teachings on all of the Disciplines. I was first introduced to them through the reading of Richard Foster's book Celebrating the Disciplines. But that was for a class in college. I think sometimes I take my education for granted, meaning because I know this stuff I assume others do as well. My first teaching this year on disciplines, "An Introduction to Fasting", really showed me that people are hungry for the Disciplines, but have never learned about them.

I told my friend yesterday, "We say we're making disciples, but haven't taught the disciplines." It's been a refreshing wake-up call. Unfortunately, we had a technical failure and were unable to record the teaching. But you'll get another chance in the coming months I'm sure.

--Ben

PS> Special thanks to Nelson Cross, who helped us out with sound yesterday, and did a great job.

Super Bowl

Wow! I was so impressed with the Giants who seemed to keep the whole game in their control even though they we down for most of the first half. The entire game you just felt like, "They are playing really well."

The Pats on the other hand looked like they were worn out, tired. They didn't look like the team that went 18-0, and that's the reason they didn't end up 19-0. I'm generally an AFC guy. If the Ravens aren't there, I root for the AFC team, but I really didn't want the Pats to go undefeated. I think it diminishes a sport when a teams are undefeated.

I accepted the invitation of Pastor Noah, and I had a great time.

--Ben

No Invitation

I haven't received any invites yet for the Super Bowl. If you want to invite me over I'm okay with that...

--Ben

Help Wanted

We have an opening in FaithWorks in our Hospitality area. If you think preparing and serving food and drink is something you can do, please let Rob know, or e-mail me at ben@severnriverchurch.com

--FaithWorks

The Disciplines

I have felt strongly over the last month that this year Spiritual Disciplines will be a recurring theme for our teachings. I prefer to calendar out my teaching series so that I can work ahead, and do my best to deliver the best message possible. I have a theology that if I do what I can do, then God does what He does. I never want Him to be ready to do something that I'm not prepared for, thus short circuiting it. You may think that God could trump me, and I think in many ways he can and does (Thank God), but a lack of faith by people in Nazareth kept Jesus from performing miracles he wanted to do. I want to gear up in faith and be prepared. Now for what it's worth, I think sometimes I prepare my teaching in one area, or focused in one direction, then God totally uses it in a different way. That's alright. He can do what he wants, but I think I still played a role in preparing the way I did. I don't always do my best at preparing, but I'm trying to improve.

So anyhow, throughout the year their are buffer weeks between series, I call those messages "stand alone". And ever since I taught that introduction to fasting, I have felt that the Disciplines will be a recurring theme in my stand alone messages. Tomorrow I'll be teaching on the discipline of Solitude. I hope you're there so I won't be in Solitary!!!

--Ben

My Brighter Basement

Well, the men are wrapping up today. I am so glad. This is the first time I've ever hired someone to come in and work on my house. I've always done work myself. I enjoy DIY(Do It Yourself) projects. This project of waterproofing and structurally improving my basement was too big for me. So I hired a company to come in and do it. But to be honest it's awkward having somebody in your house all the time.

I learned the value of contractors like my father-in-law. Companies that offer employees that are trustworthy enough to leave in your house while you're out are a huge advantage. This week has required that either my wife or I be home. That really hinders things. But they're leaving soon, things are fixed and the walls have all been Drylocked with a white paint that is part of the waterproofing. So everything in the basement is brighter and smells like the chemicals that are in the paint. But all in all it's looking nice.

Now I've got to start moving things back to their places. (Everything was moved to the center of the basement.) Fun DIY project.

--Ben