Community Partnership

Jesus shared a way of evangelism with 72 followers being sent in ministry pairs through the towns of Judea. He told them to find people of peace, eat with them, meet their needs and tell them that the Kingdom of God was near. I have long thought that the Church in America has largely forgotten these instructions, and our fickle memory has distorted them into the opposite approach: preach the kingdom, if the respond pray for their needs to be met, then eat with them and see if you like them.

At SRC we are trying to build community connections, friendships. We're trying to discern the needs of our community and meet them so that we can build a platform to share the love of Christ with them.

I believe that people love their community, and want to see what's best take place in their community. Today I was surprised to find out that an institution in our community found out about our event coming up and donated the cost of rental. What a blessing. Hugely encouraged!

Throughout the day I've been contacted by several people in the community asking questions and making preparations to come to the Easter Egg Hunt this weekend. I'm looking forward to it.

--Ben

Easter Egg Hunt Continues To Draw Interest

It has been fun to see people checking into our Easter Egg Hunt. We continue to get hits daily to the website for it, and we're looking forward to meeting new friends in the community.

Last Saturday we went door to door in some neighborhoods with invitations to the event, and were pleased that several families are making plans to attend. Hope to see you there.

--Ben

Passion Week

You know this week for Pastors is a Passion Week. We put our passion into everything leading up to the Outreach of the weekend. A special chance to share the life-changing message to worshipers at the Easter weekend.

I'll be spending the morning hours each day this week with Teen Challenge Students teaching them about how to study the Bible. Then each afternoon I'll be working on final touches for this weekend.

Prayer Appreciated!

--Ben

Hits

We've set up a website to advertise our Easter Egg Hunt. I don't want to publish the name of it, because I don't want fake hits. It is how we are tracking our expected attendance. It's exciting to see that people are starting to find us through the advertising in the Capitol Online (Hometownannapolis.com)

Looking forward to serving the community.

--Ben

I'm Not Kidding

I really do have a ton to write in review of last week, but so far my schedule has been busy. I got to debrief a little this morning with Pastor Noah Kaye over breakfast in Annapolis, and I could already feel some things slipping from my memory. I'll get to it, just as soon as possible.

--Ben

Making The Drop

Today I'm headed out to local elementary schools to make the drop of invitations for the Easter Egg Hunt. I'm so thankful that we can partner with our local schools to make this event available to children from the community.

For the last hour I've been printing, copying, sorting, counting, and fastening hundreds of invitations. I would ask you to say a prayer that these invites will get into the right hands at the right time.

Thanks,
Ben

Phone Call

I just received a phone call from a woman who was in the first graduating class of Severn River Middle School. She is looking forward to bringing children for the Easter Egg Hunt on April 3rd. She sounded lovely, and I look forward to meeting her.

--Ben

Innovative Leadership Experience

Over 4 years Dr. H. Robert Rhoden has led a trip of young leaders on an experience that exposes them to leaders in diverse situations that have excelled in their work. The trip is sponsored by a trust fund and is offered to eight students a year from Valley Forge Christian College. It is a fast-paced trip starting on a Wednesday and ending on Sunday. In that span students will be exposed to highly respected leaders in Business, Politics, Education, and the Church as well as meet directors of non-profits and feed the homeless. They'll visit Capitol Hill, Southeast, Arlington, Richmond, and Farmville, VA. As part of the trip the students also get a tour of the Capitol Bldg and, most trips, the White House. They see the height of power and wealth, as well as poverty; Urban metropolis and rural community. In each of these places leaders are making a difference, and it was our pleasure to interview each of them.

This was my second year on the trip. Last year I was invited by Dr. Rhoden through an AGTS course. Dr. Rhoden had received recommendations that he find someone else to do the driving so that he would be more available to the students. I ended up being that guy, and this year I was invited to drive again. It's interesting that throughout the trip people thanked me over and over for driving, Dr. Rhoden, Mrs. Rhoden, and the students, but the truth is that if driving the bus is the cost of admission to participate with this leadership experience then I am getting a sweet deal. I get much more than I give.

Over the next couple days I'll be unpacking the meetings I attended and share the take-aways from each of them. I hope you'll enjoy learning the lessons I'm learning as well.

-Ben

One Of My Favorite Parts Of The Trip

Tonight I'll be wrapping up the tour with a chance to feed the hungry in Arlington, VA. Arlington Assembly of God feeds the homeless every night. Tonight we get to help them, and meet new friends.

--Ben

Enjoying The Trip

I'm about to watch the film in the visitor center of the Capitol
visited center. This week I'm spending some time with bright students
from VFCC. We're meeting with high quality leaders in amazing
locations.

I'm glad to serve this group, learn, and expand my view of
leadership. I don't take this opportunity for granted.

--Ben

Long Day

This morning I headed down the road at 5:45 a.m. to meet my friend Dr. Rhoden for another trip on the Innovative Leadership Experience that he hosts each year. I took the trip last year and was asked to go again this year. My pleasure.

I'm driving the van for the group of 8 students from VFCC; driving happens to be something I'm good at. My day didn't start so well though. I was supposed to meet Dr. Rhoden at Arlington A/G church, instead I went to the Alexandria A/G church. That put me 45 minutes behind schedule and though under normal circumstances we could have made it, today turned out to be construction on Conowingo dam that held us up and made us 15 minutes late arriving for the orientation luncheon. Ultimately it was my fault for being late, and I hated putting Doc in that position. He has forgiven me.

So it was almost two hours in the car on the way down, four hours up to the college, and four hours back. That's a lot of driving. Tomorrow thankfully I have much less and only for myself to get out of the city and back to Pasadena for a Board meeting. Then back to DC for the night so I can rejoin the group first thing Friday a.m.

The next couple days will be whirlwind types of days, but they will be rich with learning and experience. I look forward to sharing with you. When I'm on trips like this I don't always have access to my blog, but I try to twitter more, so you can check facebook or on the right hand side of this page for updates.

--Ben

Seeking Favor

*** Note *** Before this was published we were approved.

Last week I met with a coach of mine, and as we talked I mentioned the upcoming Easter Egg Hunt outreach. He told me how to advertise through local elementary schools, and the way it works in Washington County. I took that information and brought it back here, and now we are submitting the flier and proof that we're a 501c3 organization. When it is approved we'll give the schools (Belvedere and Arnold Elementary) fliers and they'll send them home with each child.

I want to ask you to pray for favor on our behalf. You know how bureaucracies work, and the church-state tension. Pray that God will open this door as a way for us to serve our community.

--Ben

The Church Is Bigger Than Us

In the last year we've had quite a round of changes. In 2009 we moved to what we affectionately called a "band without Ben". That meant that the worship team was entirely free standing without me. I didn't have to sing or play guitar. It was a goal we set and achieved. And I didn't realize how much of a change it was until this week.

Over the last couple month some of our band members have left the church, and I've ended up back behind the guitar and mic. For several weeks we have been planning ahead for services, and when I found out I would be away this weekend we had another speaker on the schedule. It never occurred to me that I was back as the soul musician, and needed a plan for me. I had switched to a band without Ben mentality. Things change.

So when Drew asked what the plan was for next week (thanks Drew) I had to figure it out quickly. I'm thankful that today we got some help from another church in the Baltimore area. I contacted my friend Pastor Wayne the music pastor at Eastern A/G and asked if he had anyone that could help. Sure enough he has a young woman in the church who leads worship and will be serving SRC this Sunday in my absence. I'm so thankful for the help of other believers. It just reminds me that the Church is bigger than us.

--Ben

Myths of Pareto Principle 3

The final myth is that people can group themselves into the 20/80, and most damaging that the 20% begin to think of themselves as being better than the 80%.

Bringing this back into the local church, I've heard people say, "Well at my church, ABC Church, 20% of the people do 80% of the work." This is may be a true statement for ABC Church, but it is not an extension of the Pareto Principle. It's this co-mingling that is most problematic.

I think the bottom line is that when people, especially those with responsibilities, start counting themselves as the 20% that is doing all the work they have stopped focusing on the mission or goal and have begun focusing on themselves. Let me put it more bluntly naming yourself in the 20% is selfish and arrogant, and in the ministry of Christ will sideline you from ever truly bringing about the lion's share of results. You might still be part of the handful doing the work, but you'll not be a part that brings about results.

If you can look with honesty and say that what you've done in participating toward moving the vision forward than nothing should be more humbling. It will lead to a grace-giving attitude wishing that more people could have been instruments for God to work through, but it will never look condescendingly at others and form groups of us and them, the haves and have-nots, the good ones and the useless ones.

The longer I'm in this the more I realize that if I stack up everything I can do, it still won't be that big a pile. When God works through me then real things begin to happen. He takes my minimal offering and brings about a huge return. Not because of what I've done, but because of what he's done through me.

Scripture echoes this: 2 Corinthians 12:10, "That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then am I strong."

--Ben

Myths of Pareto Principle 2

The second myth of the Pareto Principle is that you can always predict the 20%. Since it has been applied in leadership and management circles the intended response is to invest in the 20% for your greatest return. Because the 20/80 principle is about returns it is something measured from the end, not from the beginning. That's not how I have heard it taught and applied. It is always presented in the realm of prediction:

Example1: If you have 20 out of 100 sales people who will bring in 80% of your revenue then as a good manager you should spend time resourcing and promoting those 20.

Example 2: If you have 100 people in your church then 20 people will likely do the work to move the vision of the church forward. So as a pastor invest time, resources, etc. in those 20%.

Here's the problem. You can't always predict the producers; things are always changing and people are never static. So the producers right now might not be your top 20% next time around. Further, when the principle is applied too broadly it fails to take into account the value of the fifth. The fifth is the other 20% or return -- turned in by the 80% of producers.

Constantly trying to invest in and resource the top producers is not a bad thing, that's good leadership in my opinion. But an application of the 20/80 principle that locks in on a prediction of 20% can set the leader up for missing real production and a diminished value of the fifth.

--Ben

Repost: Myths of Pareto Principle 1

While the Pareto Principle is a sound measure in the general sense it can produce myths. I want to address some of these myths. The first myth: You can only count on the twenty percent. Somewhere people have bought into the notion that since 20% of the cause creates 80% of the result that the other 80% of the cause is therefore unreliable.

In Leadership we learn to focus our attention and investment into the 20% because they are going to generate the bulk of the results. It's a reasonable notion. But I believe it is short sighted to say that only the 20% should get attention. As a leader we're responsible to lead all of our people not just our top performers. In any church the bulk of results may come from a few producers, but that doesn't besmirch the effort of the other 80%. If ten people go out and invite people to church and two have guests show up then the Pareto Principle holds true, but that doesn't negate the effort of the other eight people.

My point, be careful leading only twenty percent of your people, you may be counting wrong.

--Ben

Repost: Thoughts On The Pareto Principle

The Pareto Principle, also known as the 80-20 rule, says that 80% of the effect is the result of 20% of the cause. It was named for Vilfredo Pareto and Italian economist who, in 1906, realized that 80% of the land in Italy was owned by 20% of the people. This rule has been applied to everything from economics to investing to management and leadership.

It was John Maxwell's writings in the 1990's that first introduced me to the idea, and it is one of those mathematical laws that is easily applied in practical ways all over the place. When you give it thought and understanding it seems to jump out everywhere. In fact, Maxwell flipped the switch for churches to see the value of the Pareto Principle, and now years later I hear church-goers in multiple churches refer to it related to the church. I most often hear it stated, "twenty percent of the people do eighty percent of the work."

The power of the Pareto Principle allows most of us to retreat into that statement as though it is true. I'd like to challenge that thinking today. Throughout the day today I will share a couple posts to explain what I think are a couple myths that the church believes about the Pareto Principle.

--Ben

Sweet Spot of Success

I think that there is a part of the formula of success that is
connecting one's capacity with one's competence; one's potential with
one's proficiency.

For the Christ-like leader obedience is the biggest variable in making
the equation work.

--Ben

Hagerstown

Today after a six month layoff I'm heading out to Hagerstown to
reconnect with Patrick Grach. Can't wait to hear what God is doing at
Lifehouse East. And share what's happening at SRC.

--Ben

Around Town

Today I spent some time walking (at times driving) slowly through Severna Park. I have felt disconnected since I moved my office back into the house, and needed to get out and meet some people, smile and say hello.

My main activity is prayer. I talk out loud to the Lord asking for redemption of those far from God, direction from His Spirit, and seeking a breakthrough for the church. I don't believe that we've accomplished what the Lord envisions for this church. We're still moving towards it.

In other news, there is a new business in Severna Park called Corky's Smoke Shack. The parking lot was too crowded for me to stop, but I'm really wondering if it's the same Corky from the cafe.

--Ben

Coffee House

It's been years since I have spent any time in a coffee house. Ever
since my old friend Corky went out of business I have missed a place
where there was enough space to meet people and connect in the
community.

Today I found Wrap & Brew a great, comfortable coffee house in Severna
Park. When I walked in the door I was warmly greeted and felt right
at home.

It seems to have a real connection to locals hosting an open mic night
on Fridays after 7:00 p.m. They are also members of the Greater
Severna Park Chamber of Commerce.

--Ben

Teen Challenge Baltimore

About a year ago Teen Challenge of Baltimore was preparing to open and
now they are helping addicts find wholeness, health and salvation.
I'm proud of our partnership.

I've been asked to teach, in rotation with other pastors from the
area, the classes for the men in the program. This morning I'm headed
into Bmore to pick up the curriculum. I'm excited to see the center.

--Ben
Note: Posted from mobile. No spell check available.

Sectional Council

Every other year the churches in the Eastern Section send pastors and delegates to a business meeting where elections are held and the District is able to highlight upcoming priorities. Today we elected Rev. Don Cox to serve another two year term as presbyter and ratified all the other positions. It was great to hear from the District leadership, and I felt the anointing of God on them as they shared the vision they're sensing from God.

One thing that really stood out was a call to prayer for our entire District. In fact, they are asking every credentialed minister to come to a prayer meeting in Woodbridge, VA on Sunday May 2, 2010. It will be an unprecedented prayer meeting, and I think that you should come to. If I could show off one thing that our district does, one event that you could be part of to see and witness, it would be this prayer meeting, and to that end we'll be taking a van load to be part of it. I hope you'll mark your calendar and be part of it.

--Ben

Old Friends

Today I visited some old friends. There is something nice about old friends. I find the older I get the more age my friendships get on them as well. It seems life moves faster and faster these days. In a couple weeks my oldest daughter will turn five. (Yikes!)

It seems times flies between visits much faster than I even realize. As I sat with this couple catching up and trying to minister to them by listening to the challenges they're facing I realized that it had been years since I had sat with them in their home.

Not sure that I'll be able to maintain the closeness of all my friendships. I guess that's part of adulthood.

What ways have you found to keep friendships connected?

--Ben

Can't Wait For Tomorrow

I can't wait to share the last message in our recent series on Being Formed In His Image called A New Way Of Living. Jesus set out a whole new way of living for those who want to live rightly. I'm going to share with you why I hate hypocrites at church, and if hypocrisy has always bothered you too, I pray that tomorrow will help us eradicate it in places like SRC. See you tomorrow.

--Ben

Disappointed

Disappointed that we'll be calling off the Man Up event for tomorrow. Not enough interest. Well, we'll regroup and work harder to get great events that will help men connect to other men in the church and give us the opportunity to reach out to men outside the church as well.

--Ben

Pastors Growth Group

I'm thankful for the investment that the Potomac District has made in
its ministers. They offer three cohorts for education and growth:
LDR, Church Life, and Pastors Growth Group. I've had the privilege to
be part of Church Life and Pastors Growth. (With all the opportunity
I have a real hard time understanding why there are still pastors not
being coached in some way.)

Today I'll be attending the Pastors Growth group in Baltimore. I'm
looking forward to it.

--Ben

Life Commitments

In about 15 minutes the guys will arrive for our third meeting in Life Commitments. I'm very proud of them, and have heard already this week some of the reflections that they have been getting during their Bible study and meditation. Can't wait to get into it.

--Ben

Transparency

I value transparency very highly. I think that when we hide ourselves from being known we can never truly know others or ourselves. Some people are satisfied to live very private lives and guard their secrecy. But secrecy comes with a price, specifically isolation.

Scripture teaches clearly that there are no secrets, at least, no secrets that last. The ever-present God is with us always so nothing is done in secret from Him. What is done in secret will be brought into the light, and we can be sure our sin will find us out. This is why I try to live my life as openly as is responsible. I don't think everything should be shared, but think we should live in a way that everything could be shared. When it is beneficial for others to know about my past, present or future, my victories and my struggles I try to share them for our mutual benefit.

Today I was interviewed for an upcoming podcast and I tried to share as openly about my struggles as I did about my victories. I hope it is a benefit to others who will hear it.

--Ben

Bookeeper Shoutout

I just wanted to take a moment and say a public thank you to Mildred C. who does the bookkeeping for SRC. Yesterday I had the opportunity to talk with Dan G. a church planter in NJ, and as he asked about our start-up I was recounting how things have worked. It struck me what a great blessing it has been to have Mildred help us this way.

Now she volunteers to do it. In addition to handling our money I know she prays for us daily. Thanks Mildred! We appreciate all you do.

--Ben

A Twenty-First Century Pentecost

I'm glad to be networked with the Assemblies of God, and am so thankful for the heritage from which I come. We are from the stream of Christianity that believes in the ever-present, ever-empowering work of God's Spirit to move the mission of the church forward. And when I look into the Church from it's first days after Pentecost in Acts 2 I see a freshness and power that should excite every follower of Christ.

It was new in the upper room, at Cornelius' house, and in the gentile ministry of Paul. It was new in Topeka, in the Azuza Street Mission, and in the churches that were started like Pasadena Assembly of God the church where I was found by Christ. The work of the Spirit is always new and unfolding.

That's why I desire to see the new work of the Holy Spirit; a pentecostal experience in the twenty-first century. Around the world there are moves of the Spirit of God that are radically changing the fabric of nations, and I am wary of looking back on the move of the Spirit from yesterday for our own. I believe and strongly desire to see a new work of the Spirit for our communities. One that changes us, empowers us, and pushes the mission of the church forward in our communities.

--Ben

Life Commitments

For years I have been compelled with the mission of the church; making disciples, baptizing them and teaching them to obey God's word. It stirs up passion in me just to discuss it. I have a deep connection to it.

But I also have had to scratch my head a few times to figure out how to accomplish it. The truth is I am still not sure I've figured it out, but over the last month Severn River Church has taken a big step forward through the pilot run of Life Commitments.

Life Commitments is a 16 week course set in four sets of four sessions. It covers the basic Christian commitments to Christ, Community, Discipleship, and Outreach. So far we've only been offering it to men, but already I'm seeing a difference in our church. There are five men who have signed up to be part of it and we have two meeting times. One group meets on Tuesday mornings at 7:00 a.m. and the other group meets Wednesday nights at 9:00 p.m. It has been a joy to work with these men. My Tuesday group is made up of two men over fifty who have been on The Way for many years. They understand that this first 16 weeks is really designed for the new follower of Jesus, and have graciously been a part to allow me to work out the bugs. And it has been a tremendous benefit as my Wednesday night group has younger believers and they have a better environment because I've worked through everything with my first group. One thing I've discovered though is that no matter how long you've been following Jesus the simple basics provide a framework for the Lord to speak to you in new and fresh ways.

I'm looking forward to when these five men will one day each be leading a group of other men through this material helping others grow in their faith and devotion to Christ.

--Ben