The small grains of sand between my toes, the ocean breeze on my face, the water still warm from the heat of summer...none of these are in my future.
But I am taking a week off. It is something I need to rejuvenate and gain fresh perspective for the fall. Rick Warren has it right that people need to divert daily, withdraw weekly quit quarterly and abandon annually. If we do this well, our own souls will remain healthy and the organization we are connected to will also grow. If ministries happen only because I am there to spearhead and initiate, I've failed as a leader.
I am going to try something with this vacation. No email. No phone conversations with non-family members unless they are friends not connected to ministry. No blogging. I am going to disconnect. I've decided to post 7 of my favorite blogs from my brief time in the blogosphere. Hope you enjoy. One will come up each day I'm gone.
Vacation begins in t-minus 12 hours.
Monday, August 31, 2009
Thursday, August 27, 2009
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
oh baby
So my sister Mary Beth has had her second child. Aralynn Rose McKinney came quite a bit earlier than expected and weighed in at a whopping 3 lbs 9 oz.
God has gone each step of the way with this little one, as she is progressing towards being strong enough to breathe on her own and control her temperature on her own (without an incubator).
I did a little research around the day she was born and found out the the smallest baby to survive preterm birth was 10 ounces.
I can't even fathom that but what I do know is that God loves to breathe life. He does it everyday in NICUs (though some will not make it). Who would've thought 30 years ago that we'd be able to rescue these wee little God-creations?
God breathes life in other things too. He first breathed life into me at age 17. He has breathed life into my story which is filled with heartache and pain.
Our God met with Ezekiel in Ezekiel 37 and breathed new life into dead and bleached bones.
Here's the thing, sometimes we try to be the one who breathes life into things, people, situations. But it is God who does that. What would happen if we'd stop trying to blow up balloons that have holes in them and instead looked for where God was breathing?
No more trying to do ministry because its the way its always been done.
No more banging our heads or spinning our wheels on problems with systems.
No more trying to "bring people to Christ".
Simply let the Breath of Life fill your lungs and the overflow of an abundant and obedient life will be lifegiving.
What dead bones are you trying to breathe new life into?
God has gone each step of the way with this little one, as she is progressing towards being strong enough to breathe on her own and control her temperature on her own (without an incubator).
I did a little research around the day she was born and found out the the smallest baby to survive preterm birth was 10 ounces.
I can't even fathom that but what I do know is that God loves to breathe life. He does it everyday in NICUs (though some will not make it). Who would've thought 30 years ago that we'd be able to rescue these wee little God-creations?
God breathes life in other things too. He first breathed life into me at age 17. He has breathed life into my story which is filled with heartache and pain.
Our God met with Ezekiel in Ezekiel 37 and breathed new life into dead and bleached bones.
Here's the thing, sometimes we try to be the one who breathes life into things, people, situations. But it is God who does that. What would happen if we'd stop trying to blow up balloons that have holes in them and instead looked for where God was breathing?
No more trying to do ministry because its the way its always been done.
No more banging our heads or spinning our wheels on problems with systems.
No more trying to "bring people to Christ".
Simply let the Breath of Life fill your lungs and the overflow of an abundant and obedient life will be lifegiving.
What dead bones are you trying to breathe new life into?
I want to know. what's your fantasy?
Fantasy football. Its time for drafts to begin.
I'm in two leagues this year. Last year I had a brilliant strategy. I had the 8th pick of 10 teams, which meant I would get both the 8th and the 13th pick. I decided I would pick a tandem of quarterback and wide receiver from the same team. So with the 8th pick I picked Tom Brady (who blew out his knee in the first game of the season). Then the person after me took Randy Moss. I believe they call that a Draft Fail.
If I had to rank the top 5 players, here they are:
1. Adrian Peterson
2. Steve Slaton
3. LaDainian Tomlinson
4. Drew Brees
5. Michael Turner
My Sleeper Pick: Pierre Thomas of the Saints.
So who are your top 5 must have players on the draft board? Who is the sleeper that is going to have a breakout year.
I'm in two leagues this year. Last year I had a brilliant strategy. I had the 8th pick of 10 teams, which meant I would get both the 8th and the 13th pick. I decided I would pick a tandem of quarterback and wide receiver from the same team. So with the 8th pick I picked Tom Brady (who blew out his knee in the first game of the season). Then the person after me took Randy Moss. I believe they call that a Draft Fail.
If I had to rank the top 5 players, here they are:
1. Adrian Peterson
2. Steve Slaton
3. LaDainian Tomlinson
4. Drew Brees
5. Michael Turner
My Sleeper Pick: Pierre Thomas of the Saints.
So who are your top 5 must have players on the draft board? Who is the sleeper that is going to have a breakout year.
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
There's no such thing as Volunteering in Church.
I said it.
Whenever the travesty took place that put "paid staff" opposite "volunteers" was a dark day in history.
The word volunteer is not biblical. Those who claim to belong to God's community...in other words, those who have had life transformation take place because of the cross are CALLED TO BELONG and COMMISSIONED TO SERVE.
If a church is having trouble with 'recruiting volunteers' its because they have dropped the ball on clearly stating what it means to be part of the church. There are no volunteers. There are PARTNERS. People who follow Christ find a community of faith that they want to be a part of and that they can be blessed and be a blessing at, then they go after it. They partner with the church.
Volunteers are optional. Partners are invested. Volunteers quit when they're tired. Partners see it through to completion. Volunteers hold leverage. Partners surrender themselves to a higher cause.
So...which are you?
Whenever the travesty took place that put "paid staff" opposite "volunteers" was a dark day in history.
The word volunteer is not biblical. Those who claim to belong to God's community...in other words, those who have had life transformation take place because of the cross are CALLED TO BELONG and COMMISSIONED TO SERVE.
If a church is having trouble with 'recruiting volunteers' its because they have dropped the ball on clearly stating what it means to be part of the church. There are no volunteers. There are PARTNERS. People who follow Christ find a community of faith that they want to be a part of and that they can be blessed and be a blessing at, then they go after it. They partner with the church.
Volunteers are optional. Partners are invested. Volunteers quit when they're tired. Partners see it through to completion. Volunteers hold leverage. Partners surrender themselves to a higher cause.
So...which are you?
Thursday, August 20, 2009
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
Driving Leadership
You ever notice that the front window of the car...the one you look out to drive, is wayyyy bigger than the rear view window is?
Lucky for us.
This is a good lesson on leadership.
Effective Leaders see primarily through the big window. They see the big picture. They see the road to get there.
Many people in leadership falter because their eyes are constantly on their rear-view. Maybe they are concentrated on "the way its always been done in the past" or maybe they are fearful that those who are following them might drift away. If we live in our rearview mirror, we lose sight of where we are going.
Likewise, many people in leadership get so bogged down with the here and now...the present...the mundane tasks and monotanous labors of each day that their eyes drift toward the radio or their spedometer or their donut and coffee. The more we have our eyes on the current situations, the more we lose sight of the big picture.
It's not easy, but the most effective leaders (and drivers) keep their eyes on the road ahead. Yes it is necessary to give glances to what lies behind. Yes it is necessary to pay attention to the here and now, monitoring our speed, making sure the car's not overheating, adjusting the radio to the right frequency, tending to family that's in the car with you...but these are secondary to the grander vision.
Questions.
1. Have you dreamt with God and discovered what the big picture is you're driving towards?
2. Are your biggest obstacles in your rearview or in your console?
3. What needs to change and how does it need to change to begin going where God's Positioning System (GPS?) is telling you to go?
Lucky for us.
This is a good lesson on leadership.
Effective Leaders see primarily through the big window. They see the big picture. They see the road to get there.
Many people in leadership falter because their eyes are constantly on their rear-view. Maybe they are concentrated on "the way its always been done in the past" or maybe they are fearful that those who are following them might drift away. If we live in our rearview mirror, we lose sight of where we are going.
Likewise, many people in leadership get so bogged down with the here and now...the present...the mundane tasks and monotanous labors of each day that their eyes drift toward the radio or their spedometer or their donut and coffee. The more we have our eyes on the current situations, the more we lose sight of the big picture.
It's not easy, but the most effective leaders (and drivers) keep their eyes on the road ahead. Yes it is necessary to give glances to what lies behind. Yes it is necessary to pay attention to the here and now, monitoring our speed, making sure the car's not overheating, adjusting the radio to the right frequency, tending to family that's in the car with you...but these are secondary to the grander vision.
Questions.
1. Have you dreamt with God and discovered what the big picture is you're driving towards?
2. Are your biggest obstacles in your rearview or in your console?
3. What needs to change and how does it need to change to begin going where God's Positioning System (GPS?) is telling you to go?
Sunday, August 16, 2009
a child is born!
Aralynn Rose McKinney was born at 5:18 this morning. She weighed in at 3 lbs 5 ozs and is in an incubator. Keep praying.
I need a vacation or a change of pace or something. I am running on fumes and pretty irritated lately.
What's the best place to go for 2 or 3 days that is cheap but delightful?
Let me know!
I need a vacation or a change of pace or something. I am running on fumes and pretty irritated lately.
What's the best place to go for 2 or 3 days that is cheap but delightful?
Let me know!
Thursday, August 13, 2009
pray!
My sister, Mary Beth is pregnant with a little girl named Aralynn. She is due at the end of October, but is having contractions and is 3 cm dialated now. Aralynn is only around 2.5 pounds. She is being moved from the Bluffton area to Charleston where the nearest NICU facilities are.
Please pray God-sized prayers on their behalf.
Ben
Please pray God-sized prayers on their behalf.
Ben
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
King Me!
"you said to me, ‘No, but a king shall reign over us,’ though the Lord your God was your king." 1 Samuel 12:12
Why is it that I am always looking for answers and solutions from a king other than THE King? (I don't mean Elvis).
I'm reading a book right now called "A Problem From Hell" which looks at the American political approach and response to cases of genocide throughout the world in the 20th century. So far (and I'm pretty certain every case will warrant this) the U.S. supports a puppet political leader who has no support from the locals, then the U.S. withdraws its own and finally the U.S. approaches eyewitness tales of the genocide with skepticism and justification...and I blame the government...the president...the king.
I was thinking about this line of thinking this morning as I was in 1 Samuel and I started wondering why my default setting was so 'off'. Why do I want the U.S. government to try to make peace in these countries? The typical U.S. response to such conflicts is to arbitrarily bomb potential 'bad guy' sites...which kills more civilians than anything else.
No...the solution must be from the church...From the TRUE King. We, God's less-than-loyal subjects need to let God back on his throne and follow his lead.
This is true on a world level, but its also true individually.
What have I let have reign in my life that I am withholding from God? Is God king of my marriage? My time? My wallet? My workplace?
How about you? What one area of your life do you tend to kick God off the throne?
Monday, August 10, 2009
Sunday Morning Worship
I got to be a part of Mission Sunday yesterday. We did video testimonies from each of the 5 missions experiences our church had gone through (locally in Wadsworth, Iowa, New York City, Mexico and Kenya). I am convinced that 1-2 weeks in short term mission will have a greater impact than 52 Bible Studies, sermons or Sunday School classes.
But here's the thing...I am opposed to mission opportunities that do not lead to partnership. If we spend a week in Kenya and then don't ever do any other follow up/partnership, we move from a church in missions to a church who does a mission trip experience. That removes the lasting impact, the relational connectedness, and the bond of partnership and really makes it solely about the mission trip attendees.
Mission matters and a church moves toward the grave when they lose missions...or when missions becomes merely writing a couple checks a month.
PEOPLE ARE CHANGED WHEN THEY BECOME DOERS OF THE WORD RATHER THAN JUST HEARERS.
But here's the thing...I am opposed to mission opportunities that do not lead to partnership. If we spend a week in Kenya and then don't ever do any other follow up/partnership, we move from a church in missions to a church who does a mission trip experience. That removes the lasting impact, the relational connectedness, and the bond of partnership and really makes it solely about the mission trip attendees.
Mission matters and a church moves toward the grave when they lose missions...or when missions becomes merely writing a couple checks a month.
PEOPLE ARE CHANGED WHEN THEY BECOME DOERS OF THE WORD RATHER THAN JUST HEARERS.
REAL Men of Genius
I had the fellaz from our Summer Men's Young Adult Study (Called REAL Men of Genius) over for the MAN-treat.
The guys were challenged physically, mentally and spiritually to complete the objectives before them and I think the book of Nehemiah really came alive for them. It was a blast and I am really proud of each of them for sticking it out this summer.
The initial challenge was for the guys to complete 5 objectives in the woods while "the enemy" (my buddy Kyle and me) was lurking around waiting to devour them. We were armed with Paintball guns and Egg grenades. They were hilarious as they completed each objective.
Of all the other areas of ministry that I am involved in, the REAL Men's study has been the most meaningful and impactful in my two years. But the challenge for the guys is to move forward with what they've learned and been challenged by.
The guys were challenged physically, mentally and spiritually to complete the objectives before them and I think the book of Nehemiah really came alive for them. It was a blast and I am really proud of each of them for sticking it out this summer.
The initial challenge was for the guys to complete 5 objectives in the woods while "the enemy" (my buddy Kyle and me) was lurking around waiting to devour them. We were armed with Paintball guns and Egg grenades. They were hilarious as they completed each objective.
Of all the other areas of ministry that I am involved in, the REAL Men's study has been the most meaningful and impactful in my two years. But the challenge for the guys is to move forward with what they've learned and been challenged by.
Friday, August 7, 2009
Dear Mark Shapiro
Can you please trade me, a loyal fan since birth? I don't need to go to a contender. I just figured since you're dealing away anyone with ability, you may as well deal your fans too.
I could probably get you 5 dollar dogs in return...I'm just sayin', It'd be a better fit for us both, me rooting for a real major league baseball team, you ensuring that one less seat will be filled all season long.
And in the midst of your incompetence, the Indians have won 9 of 13 and have won 4 out of the last 5 series they've played in.
Unfortunately by the time you get done with them, they won't have enough guys to field a roster, let alone continue to compete.
Your friend,
Ben
I could probably get you 5 dollar dogs in return...I'm just sayin', It'd be a better fit for us both, me rooting for a real major league baseball team, you ensuring that one less seat will be filled all season long.
And in the midst of your incompetence, the Indians have won 9 of 13 and have won 4 out of the last 5 series they've played in.
Unfortunately by the time you get done with them, they won't have enough guys to field a roster, let alone continue to compete.
Your friend,
Ben
Thursday, August 6, 2009
Crazy
Are there ever times that you think you can tackle way more than reality allows you to tackle?
I'm there this week. We had our REAL Men of Genius Formal Dinner last night, which went well. The fellaz did a great job in cooking, setting up for the event, etc. and I think the ladies had a good time and were hopefully encouraged.
Tomorrow is the MAN-treat. The REAL Men of Genius retreat. I am excited for these guys and hope that they are ready for a challenging night. Pray for the guys, for me and for the weather.
Saturday is our normal Bible Study and two of my good friends from college will be coming in to stay the night at our place.
Sunday I am preaching for mission sunday and also playing guitar.
After 3 services, the last thing on my plate is the Backyard Olympics, which will be an all day event with four teams of young adults competing for ultimate glory followed by a cookout/testimony/worship time.
This is the crescendo of the college age ministry...many will leave for school and the commitment levels go down quite a bit in the Fall. So its my last chance to connect with some of the young adults before they head off to school. I ask for your prayers for strength, energy and clarity of mind as there are a lot of things that have to be accomplished in a very short time.
I'm there this week. We had our REAL Men of Genius Formal Dinner last night, which went well. The fellaz did a great job in cooking, setting up for the event, etc. and I think the ladies had a good time and were hopefully encouraged.
Tomorrow is the MAN-treat. The REAL Men of Genius retreat. I am excited for these guys and hope that they are ready for a challenging night. Pray for the guys, for me and for the weather.
Saturday is our normal Bible Study and two of my good friends from college will be coming in to stay the night at our place.
Sunday I am preaching for mission sunday and also playing guitar.
After 3 services, the last thing on my plate is the Backyard Olympics, which will be an all day event with four teams of young adults competing for ultimate glory followed by a cookout/testimony/worship time.
This is the crescendo of the college age ministry...many will leave for school and the commitment levels go down quite a bit in the Fall. So its my last chance to connect with some of the young adults before they head off to school. I ask for your prayers for strength, energy and clarity of mind as there are a lot of things that have to be accomplished in a very short time.
Monday, August 3, 2009
Sunday Worship
A powerful line from Sunday's message in church.
"Irrational love is the only thing that will throw off the world's default settings."
Irrational love. Crazy love. Extraordinary love.
God demonstrated this kind of love in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.
So we need our own default settings reprogrammed in order to reprogram the world. Think about this. Irrational love isn't just being nice and nonconfrontational to those around us, because we are Christians.
Radical love calls us to lavish grace on those who we would deem less than worthy.
The Church needs to pay it forward. Revolutionary love wins. Every time. Love wins. Love triumphs. Love conquers all things.
You believe it? Where have you seen it be true.
Saturday, August 1, 2009
sports boycott
lost the Legends Cup today. Played terrible Golf.
Indians have completed the firesale of anyone with talent.
Browns training camp starts tomorrow and they're going to be able to compete with some MAC teams.
I'm boycotting sports.
Until tomorrow. Playing a two man scramble with some guys from church.
I'm gonna golf...but I'm not gonna like it...
Indians have completed the firesale of anyone with talent.
Browns training camp starts tomorrow and they're going to be able to compete with some MAC teams.
I'm boycotting sports.
Until tomorrow. Playing a two man scramble with some guys from church.
I'm gonna golf...but I'm not gonna like it...
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