Future Outdoor Services

With Sunday in our rear view, I thought I would mention that we would like to do that style of service again twice this summer. One per month. Tomorrow I'll be heading down to the campus to find out if we can plan our next one. There is some concern that we will be a distraction to a class that meets in the FLRS building. This Sunday, in fact, we sent a security guard up to ask if we were distracting and were asked to turn down the volume; which we did.

So tomorrow I'll find out if there were any complaints and petition to host the next one on July 26. I hope it goes well. Some improvements we're looking at are providing coolers of bottled water for our guests and pop-up tents for shade.

--Ben

Can't Wait

Later today is the weekly meeting of the service planning team. I look forward to it as a highlight of my week. This week I get to offer a creative element for the July 12th service. I think the girls will like it. I think it's pretty funny, and will set the stage for Ariel's teaching that morning.

--Ben

Weekend In The Rearview

Yesterday was a blast. When we plan outdoor events we can typically count on rain, and with all the rain of late, I was cautiously looking forward to this event. There were so many things that went right I wanted to comment on them:

• Thanks to our guests, you made the morning even more rewarding. We had a number of first, second and third time guests.
  
• The greeters did a great job. I saw a lot of visitor packets walking around, and people seemed very comfortable with finding their way around.
• The band continues to up their game in leading the songs.
• Thanks to the set-up people, and all the people that helped tear down.
  
• I enjoyed setting up the new inflatable screen for Screen On The Green.
• Kudos to the service planning team. Ariel and Sarah did a great job of planning many of the detail things that made the day special. The coordination of the "Orange" theme really pulled the morning together.
• I'm thankful for the SRCers that invited friends and family. One couple told me that they had invited a dozen people between them. That's fantastic. We plant and plant and plant. God gives the increase.

Great service. I'm really looking forward to talking to the school this week to line up the next one. We already have some ideas for improvement but want to hear ideas that you have. Please let us know about improvements.

--Ben

A Morning Like This

Man, if tomorrow is like this we are set for a beautiful day experiencing God In The Great Outdoors. If you'd like to keep track of the weather click here.

It's going to be a great service with a lot of fun elements planned. Hope you'll be there and bring guests. We will be learning, as we've never done this event before, but I'm already looking forward to GITGO in July.

--Ben

iPhone

The latest update for the iPhone is awesome. It is so good that I wanted to jump on here and give apple props for delivering such a great update. Since purchasing the phone I have thought many times about improvements I would like to see. They have nailed them. It was like I made a wish list. Thanks Apple for a great product.

--Ben

Nature Walk

Yesterday the girls and I enjoyed a trip out to Lake Waterford park. It was a lot of fun. Especially the nature walk down to see the ducks and geese. The girls had a lot of fun. I was surprised by how close Sydney got. Those of you that know here know that she is pretty frightened by animals of any kind, but she handled it all very well.

It was a muggy day with a ton of humidity. It was funny to see the sweat accumulate on the kid's foreheads. But a good time was had by all. We lunched, and then headed over to get Rita's water ice, capped it off with a run through the sprinkler and then nappy time.

--Ben

Coaching At The Next Level

For the past two years I've driven out to Hagerstown for coaching from my friend and mentor Patrick Grach. Now our purpose for meeting is changing. We're partnering to coach others.

We're putting together a church planters coaching network that is designed to help post-assesment and post-boot camp planters. I know that many of my readers won't know those terms, but they simply refer to the process our fellowship requires for potential planters. ( BTW, a church planter is a pastor that starts a new church.)

To take my coaching benefit to the next level, it's time for me to start passing on what I've been learning. I'm really excited about this project that will launch in the fall.

--Ben

Inflatable Screen

We are working towards our outreach Screen On The Green. It is a ministry where we go into the community and provide family nights by showing films for public viewing. We are currently securing all the necessary permits.

Yesterday I got to unpack the new screen that was shipped to us last week. It is inflatable stands about 12 feet tall and is about 12 feet wide. It is so cool. I had so much fun, I even set it up again this morning to play with it some more. This Sunday you'll get to see it as you walk through the lobby. It will be promoting SOTG.

Can't wait to get into it.

--Ben

Invitations, Mailers, Trailers, Oh My

Sent out invitations to God In The Great Outdoors. Delivering some to SRCers today to use to invite guests. I've already invited five people, and will be inviting a whole lot more by the end of the week. Later today, I'm going to enjoy the weather by offloading the trailer, replacing straps that have been breaking over the last couple weeks, setting up the new inflatable screen, and labeling some cages. Should be fun.

I'm really looking forward to this Sunday. It is hopefully the first of three outdoor services for the summer. The school will only give us permission one at a time so we'll start with this one. Hope to see you there.

--Ben

A Thankful Heart

As ministry is shared among more and more people at SRC I find myself ever more grateful. Ephesians 4 puts into perspective what Pastors are for: preparing God's people for works of ministry. But as I share it more and more with God's people I stand more and more amazed that in a culture like ours volunteers would step forward to invest time and energy in this venture.

Following Christ is bound to be counter-cultural, but seeing it unfold is humbling and gives me a thankful heart.

--Ben

God In The Great Outdoors

The Tipping Point

I have begun a book by Malcolm Gladwell called, The Tipping Point. In the book he outlines a number of factors that go into the moment that products, beliefs, etc. go from the margin to the mainstream. It is a very interesting study.

I've seen in in my own life most recently with Recycling. I remember for years growing up hearing the call from environmentalist to have a recycling society. But I never recycled. It was too marginalized. Only the extremists were doing it, and who had time to sort all that stuff when you could just throw it in the trash and forget about it?

Last year I noticed, while at my local dump that the county was giving away large yellow recycling cans so I picked on up. I had the occasional cardboard box that I could recycle. Once I brought it home I started thinking about more and more recyclables I could put in the can. I found out that you no longer have to sort the items. Paper, plastic, cardboard, it can all just be dropped in one can and set out on the road for pick up.

Now I'm moving into my office and looking around for a recycling can in addition to my trashcan. What a difference, and why? The factors above created a tipping point. I didn't grow to love the environment more, I found it convenient and easy to participate.

We're using this principle at SRC to process some of our weak areas. For instance, communication between band members is non-existent, so we're working with Twitter to try and synchronize everyone on a weekly basis. The thought is, "What can we do to make communication so easy and convienent that we'll cause a tipping point of communication?"

It's been on my mind, so I thought I'd share.

--Ben

Church Planting Round Table

Tomorrow morning before the sun rises I head down to the Richmond area for a church planting round table. The day will be spent with planters, potential planters, and potential planting churches.

I've been asked to share about the challenges of church planting. I guess I'm an expert in church planting challenges, I don't know, but that's what I've been asked to share about. I'm actually really excited to do it.

I'm so thankful to be part of Severn River Church. It is a joyful thing for me to know that God is using us to touch our community.

--Ben

P.S. I'll be posting through twitter throughout the day tomorrow. You can read the posts on the right side of this page .

Service Planning Team

This year I have really been pursuing a service planning team. Many of us remember the slogan out of the Bush/Clinton election of the 1990's "It's the economy stupid." In church work the slogan is "It's the Sunday Service stupid."

It's the Lord's day, a time when his family gathers together with those that are being brought into his family. It's an hour or so when we come together before God to serve each other, share in sacred habits, and be transformed by the Word of God.

We should be doing our very best to provide services that help bring transformed lives. Not everyone will be transformed every week, but someone should be being transformed each time we gather. I find that often variety and creativity are tools that help us engage the Word to bring about transformation. Ultimately it is the work of the Holy Spirit that leads us to truth, but I think we should be faithful to prayerfully listen and prepare to make the path straight for the Lord.

As a church planter I have been in charge of the service planning for 2 1/2 years, and was quite honest with the members of SRC that I was on empty when it came to creativity and variety. Services at SRC had become, in my opinion, dull and predictable with little transformation. After several appeals a volunteer stepped forward and started working with me, and now that Ariel is on staff, she is also working with me.

Yesterday we had our second meeting, and I already feel the optimism rising. We've got a great summer ahead. In addition to a series, "The Fruit Of The Spirit"that I'm really excited to preach, we have missionaries from around the world coming, outdoor services each month, Ariel is going to be teaching four times, and the summer outreaches.

I feel like the level at SRC is on the rise. So thankful for help in all the areas that members are stepping up and helping.

--Ben

Bruised For My Transgressions

Yesterday was the Eastern Section's annual picnic. I had never attended, but this year the girls loaded up with me and we headed up to Aberdeen for a picnic at the Geigan Family Farm. It was a great time.

The highlight was the skeet shoot. They provided shotgun, ammo, and clay pigeons. It was a lot of fun. Most of us are not shooters any other time so there were a lot of jokes and a lot of cheering. I had fun with both a 20 gauge and a 16 gauge. It was the 16 that bruised me a little. A lot of fun though. It reminded me of my teen years when I was into the hobby shooting sports quite a bit.

--Ben

Sermon Planning

I take a Tuesday each month to look ahead at upcoming messages and study, pray, and prepare for the upcoming series. Today will be spent looking out over the summer and studying about the Fruit of the Spirit.

So far, I'm more excited about my upcoming message on the 28th than I have been about a message in a long time. Now, I'm excited to preach almost every week, but I'm extra excited about the revelation God has given me from his Word. Can't wait to share it. Plus it will be outside, which will be cool.

As you think of me today I'd appreciate a prayer that God will give me insight and His Spirit's leading.

--Ben

Great Surprise

Yesterday morning I was enjoying Sunday with the SRC family, and enjoying not being in the front leading the songs when I turned around and in walks this dude into the back of the room. From the back I thought, "Wow, who is this?" Then I thought, "That's Noah Kaye!"

Noah is a special friend from Bowie. Our paths crossed through professional acquaintance, but our friendship has grown to deep mutual respect and encouragement. Noah is currently on sabbatical from his church, and was churchless yesterday. What an honor that he would come sit under my teaching for refreshment in the Lord. I was so happy that we could host him.

As usual he was very encouraging regarding the things he experienced at SRC yesterday. Glad we could be a blessing, and nice to be surprised.

--Ben

Monday, Monday

A view inside the life of this pastor would show you that Sundays are physically draining. Up early, prayer, rehearsing the message, setting up around the church, greeting people, answering questions, preaching, and packing up round out my work schedule. Then I have recently been heading off to coach my daughter's soccer team for an hour running around the field, coaching, encouraging my 4 year old players. It all adds up to a wearisome day. I ussually get a nap just to keep a balance, but on days like yesterday where I had the girls by myself while my wife went out, limits the rest potential of a nap. Monday mornings I wake up tired, and a little slow moving.
One nice thing is that the office I've moved into is apparently quiet every Monday morning. In fact it is 9:45 and I've only know of one person who has been here and left. That makes me the only person in the building. Ahh, quiet.

Now I just have to keep myself awake. :-)

On Monday's I take care of my admin work: mailings, follow-up, connection cards, etc. Nothing too stressful. It helps me get back in step.

--Ben

I Feel Like Preaching

This week I've been working on my message for tomorrow. I can't wait to jump into the Fruit Of The Spirit. This week we look at: The Fruit Of The Spirit is Love.

Can't wait. Hope to see you there.

--Ben

What Do I Know About Church Planting?

Yesterday I ended up in a meeting in which I was asked for my expertise in church planting. It was a challenging request, because I'm not sure what I know. It turns out that as I began to share I realized that there are a number of things that I know about church planting from my experience.

As he would ask questions I would have answers, informed from my time at SRC. It ended up a really cool meeting, and a good preparation for the church planting roundtable next week where I've been asked to speak next Thursday.

--Ben

Favorite Scripture

One of the disciplines of following Christ is the study of the Bible. We read it, memorize it, meditate on it, and study it. It is profitable for doctrine, reproof, correction, and instruction in what is right. And if you spend much time with the scripture you'll inevitably develop favorite passages.

My favorite verse comes from Matthew 11:19b. Jesus said, "But wisdom is proven right in her action."

Having the wisdom to figure solutions is pointless if you don't take a step of action. Until you have acted on the way of wisdom it is not wisdom at all.

I was meditating on this scripture today and thought I'd share it.

--Ben

What is your favorite passage/verse?

Did I Mention I Love My Office

Tonight I met with a couple for counseling. It was so nice to be able to openly talk without wondering if the people in the next booth would hear us. I think that it puts the people that come at ease as well.

One of the women that works here walked by the other day and said, "Wow, it looks like a nice little office." It had been just empty when I moved in, now the bookshelf and photocopier are making it look productive.

I've certainly felt more productive lately.

--Ben

Juggling the Schedule

This week my schedule is going to have me working on Friday so I'm taking today off. Started the morning with a workout, and now I'm getting ready for breakfast with my family. I'll probably pop in here throughout the day.

--Ben

Charisma - Character = Catastrophe

When I was in college during the late 1990's my college president, Don Meyer, had a saying that stuck with me. I've used in countless times as a principle of leadership, "Charisma without Character equals Catastrophe."

I first heard it during the impeachment proceedings against Bill Clinton. He was dealing with questions of misconduct and it was becoming evident that his character had some sink holes that were becoming public. When a leader of that scale, no matter how charismatic, begins to have the integrity of his life falter it quickly becomes a catastrophic event.

In the church we deal with our own catastrophes of leadership. Not long ago it was Rev. Ted Haggard. Before that too many to count. And until Christ returns we'll see more leaders deal with the catastrophe of a lack of character.

Those of us who want to serve in the gift of leadership should work to build godly character. Character is the tensile strength of our integrity.

--Ben

A Little Lost

Yesterday I had a soccer game at 12:30 so I had to jet right after church. I'd like to stop and say that SRCers are awesome people. After service I'm usually involved in the teardown, but because of the schedule I had to leave pretty much right away. I went down to the front where people were packing up to explain, and before I could finish my sentence one of them said, "See Ya." It felt nice that they were willing to pick up the slack for me.

But in the rush I took my calendar with me and left it in my wife's car. So this morning I'm flying blind. I feel a little lost without it. Those of you that know me know just how dependent I am on it to keep my brain flowing in the right direction. Corie is working this morning and I have to wait till her break to be able to pick it up.

--Ben

Reading A New Author

Today I started reading an author that I don't have much experience reading. His style is rough, and his spelling leaves something to be desired. And, of course, that description gives it away. I've been reading me. Part of the office transition has been the cleaning of bookshelves and moving of stuff. I've come across a couple journals dating all the way back to my college days. I started reading some of them today. I've got to say that while most of the thoughts are under-developed there is some thought provoking material here. I may pull some thoughts out for some developing, making them more than just thoughts for me, but learning for all of us.

I believe it was John Maxwell that had a secretary give him a blank book to start journaling. She told him, "Before you write books for others, be sure to figure out how to write your own story." That's why I journal/blog. I'm figuring out the themes of my life, and trying to expand the ability of my voice.

--Ben

New Office Location

84 Ritchie Hwy
Pasadena, MD 21122

For Directions Click Here

Exceeding Expectations

Yesterday I went out to the Teen Challenge Golf Tournament at the Woodlands Golf Course. It was awesome. My team shot one under par. I contributed maybe one shot to that. It was a best ball tournament, which means each golfer takes a shot, and you take your next shot from the best of the four. So it compensates for the individual weaknesses.

The guys I was paired with were golfers and were not having great days. Round about the 14th hole they were expressing their disappointment and I realized I was exceeding my expectations. There was a stretch where I was doing really bad. I got on the cart with Scott and as we made our way to the next ball he gave me some advice on my game. I was trying to hit the ball too hard and was lifting my head which caused me to catch the top of the ball. On the next shot I relaxed and hit the straightest shot of the day. It was great coaching.

Otherwise, besides the rain that started on the 16th hole, and the fact that my shoes and socks were soaked by the end of the 1st hole it was a great day.

All of it was for the Teen Challenge center in Baltimore. I'm so excited about what is starting there. Our church has already contributed quite a bit to the effort, and I look forward to a long partnership.

--Ben

Gofling for Jesus

Tomorrow is the Teen Challenge Golf Tournament. I was asked by Pasadena to help fill the Foster Enterprise's foursome. Now it looks like it will be raining all day. Oh well, suffering for Jesus.

--Ben

Blessed

Scripture, especially in the Old Testament, records stories of fathers blessing their sons. I've been blessed to have a blessing father. Dad is a man of deep faith and prayer, and I've always benefited from his blessing. In fact, I believe that I've enjoyed a life of blessing not because of my earning, but in the benefit of God's reward for his faithfulness. I hope that blessing will one day be reaped by my children as well.

This morning my Dad stopped into the office. He looked around, and chatted for a while. I don't currently have extra seating in the office to accommodate guests, but he stood and talked. Then as he prepared to leave I asked him to pray over me. He laid hands on me and prayed in the name of Jesus that God's plan would continue to unfold, that the ministry of SRC would be fruitful, and God would anoint and strengthen me to complete the work that He has called me to.

So for today, I'm blessed.

--Ben

Moving Reflections * Updated* 4:30

These are my thoughts as I move into the new office...

• I am already going to lose one of the art pieces in my office because of my annual planning calendar.
• It's a bit weird here, because I'm sub-leasing from a company that is mostly women. This office has a very warm, homey feeling. Which is great, but I feel like I'm just barging into their personal space. I guess that feeling will pass. Yesterday I talked to Eva about saying hello and goodbye. She was doing it every time we saw each other. I told her that it wasn't necessary. Appreciated, but not necessary.
• Thank God for air conditioning.
• I brought a duster. The track lighting and ceiling fan hadn't been dusted in a while.
  
• Desk to the left? or right? I think if I can move it all the way right I can squeeze a bookshelf on the left, and bring some of my mentors (authors) to stay here at the office. Already A. W. Tozer is with me and a collection of 66 volumes of over 40 authors (Ten points if you can guess the title).
• I linked my twitter with my Facebook status. Each time tweet about a part of the move some FB friend asks if we got a building.
  
• Be the first to call me at the office. 410.491.4314
• Just got rid of some surplus stuff that they left behind, but was unneeded. Shame to see the lamp with lace shade and crystal tassels go.
• Gotta run home for lunch. Further than just up the stairs.
  
• Just measured up the office to get a sense of how I can equip the space.
  
• Corie was the first one to call me at the office.
• Compartmentalizing. At home everything was wrapped up in one place. I paid my bills at the same desk I prepared sermons. Now I have to think about what the boundaries of each space will be. It is a nice feeling to know that I can go home and my "work" stuff is at work, not right downstairs.
• Filled up a water container in the fridge here at the office in case I get thirsty.
• Just scheduled my first ministry meeting here with Chris Bell for the band
• Scheduling counseling meetings here at the office. Now I gotta figure out how to help people find me here...
• I'm out. Good first day.

--Ben

Exterior Photos

Here are pics of the exterior. Hope it gives you a sense of familiarity.

Needed: Four Drawer Filing Cabinet

If you know of an empty filing cabinet in need of a good office, please let me know. Thanks,

--Ben

New Office

Today I signed the lease on the new office. It is about 60 square feet. It is not large, although it got bigger when all the stuff was removed. I now have just a desk and chair and a small filing cabinet. They also left two pictures hanging. I've not decided what to do with those.

Someone asked about moving, and I'm not sure I have that much to move over there, but this week I'll be moving the essentials over.

Here are some pics of the new place. (Interior)

This is the view out of one of three windows on the North side.

This is the view of Paisley wallpaper straight over my desk.
(We have written permission to redecorate if we want.)

This is the most uncomfortable chair I've ever sat in.
Gonna have to bring my faithful friend from home I think.

This is a straight shot up. It is a vaulted ceiling with skylight, track lighting, and ceiling fan.

I'll publish exterior pictures tomorrow. And let you know when you're welcome to come by.

--Ben

Reticular Activating System

Our brains are equipped with a Reticular Activating System. This is a filter through which we observe the world. If we didn't have this filter we would overload our brain with data. There is so much in the world to observe that we filter only the most important things. For instance, ever notice a car in a magazine ad, and then everywhere you look you see one? Ever learn a new word and then suddenly you hear it used two or three places? It's because your RAS has opened up to that data. RAS not only opens it closes. There are things that we stop seeing or noticing. For instance when you enter the Center for Applied Technology you notice a lot of things, but each week you'll become more familiar and you'll notice less and less about it.

The importance of understanding the RAS is that as a church we should be aware of how guests see the things that we have processed over and over to the point we don't even notice them anymore. We should make sure that things look their best. Guests will give us a certain amount of latitude because they know we're in rented facilities, but for the things we can control we should.

Just a thought that came to mind today.

--Ben