This interview was with Deon, who prayed the prayer of salvation February 7, 2009, when Johannes was here, and plans on getting baptized. She wants Gabe to help dunk her.
1) Tell me about your journey to faith in Christ?
"It started when Becky (her girlfriend) took me to youth group to date Ben and with going to church. It really developed here (Freedom Valley) and with reading the Bible. It sunk in more here. Heart and soul paying attention and internalizing everything."
2) What helped you the most to step over the line and make the commitment?
"When Jon and I separated. All the pain I was going through helped me to connect better. A deeper level of belief. It was a process."
3) What has been the best part of becoming a Christ follower for you?
"The hope and freedom I have. Knowing that no matter what I do, I'm forgiven. I have a clean slate every day. I feel like I have a higher purpose."
4) What has been the most challenging part of following Christ?
"Keeping a routine going. Making sure I pray and read my Bible every day. Staying connected with everything that's going on in my life. It's the hardest thing I've ever done."
5) What do you think is helping you grow the most in your faith?
"Having people around me like you (Elizabeth) and my friend, Heather, at school, to keep me focused. To keep looking ahead."
6) What advice do you have for me in helping others like you to grow in their faith?
"To have patience for people you're trying to bring to Christ and quiet persistence. For new believers: have a time and schedule to read and pray. Surround yourself with people who love you and support you and help you get to church every week."
Deon holds a special place in my heart since she's the mother of my grandson. She feels like one of my own and I connect with her in a way I can't explain. Her hurts have been my hurts; her joys my joys. The feelings I have for her in no way take away from the feelings I have for my son and his wife, although I think it's a little difficult for them to understand sometimes. It has been my great privilege to be her second mom, to be someone she could turn to, the person who's shoulder she's cried on, a person she has turned to for guidance and for prayer. It gave me a lot of joy when she came and grabbed me by the hand to go up front with her to say the prayer of salvation and ask for baptism in the Holy Spirit when Johannes was here. This may sound strange, but I feel as though I gave her away in marriage.
It also gives me pleasure and satisfaction knowing that my grandson has a mom, a dad, and a second mom (in my daughter-in-law), all of whom love Gabe and desire to raise him up knowing the love and admonition of the Lord.
It is my desire to continue to be an influence to Deon (as it is with all my kids)and to watch her mature in Christ. It feels to me as though anyone you invest in spiritually, becomes your child spiritually. It's wonderful to know that you have been part of the process in influencing someone for Christ. I hope to have a million more.
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Monday, March 30, 2009
Unchurched Friend Interview # 3
This interview was with Jerry. Jerry is a highly intelligent man, was raised Pentecostal, went to a Christian school, states he used to believe, but is now an avowed atheist. He also grew up in an abusive home.
1) What do you think is the greatest need in your area?
"Personally, I think there should be less organized religion. People are looking to individuals to tell them what to believe. People should do their own research. When I started asking questions, people got very offended."
Jerry had difficulty with the concept of God as Father. He questioned, "How can a loving Father condemn ANY of His children to eternal damnation?" In asking difficult questions of those in spiritual authority over him, he found that they didn't know the answers and rather than admit they didn't know, they pretty much just shut him down.
2) Are you actively attending any church?
"I haven't been in any church in probably 6 years."
Jerry also said that he has a family member who is a missionary and that when they're around, it's almost like being in church. He has also admitted to writing several sermons that this family member still uses. His wife is a believer and has given up on (openly) trying to convince him to go to church.
3) What are a few issues or topics that impact/interest you?
"History. There's truth in history. History of religion. Mythology."
4) Why do you think most people don't attend church?
"Too difficult. There's hypocrisy between what a person professes on Sunday and how they act the rest of the week."
5) If you were to look for a church to attend, what kinds of things would you look for?
"A church where you can ask questions. Question religion period."
6) What advice can you give to pastors who really want to be helpful to people?
"To realize that faith is a constantly replenishing thing. People just need to question."
Jerry went on to say, "I understand intellectually, but just don't have anything to hold onto anymore (we were talking about faith). I don't understand what faith is anymore. Maybe I don't believe there is anything to have faith in."
He also told me that as he was driving in to work that morning that he was thinking that he wished that he could believe.
This interview was a little intimidating to me because Jerry has so much Biblical knowledge and is highly intelligent, but I also enjoyed it because I believe that underneath all his questions, doubts and "wisdom" there is a true desire to know Christ. To experience Christ from the heart rather than just through wisdom. Although he professes to be an atheist and told me that "this life is all there is", I believe that he still wants to believe. It felt to me as though he's just waiting for the person who can come along and convince him otherwise.
Perhaps a week or so after the interview had been done, I was rehashing some of the things Jerry had discussed. In my spirit, I felt as though there was something unsettled. Something that made me feel as though he really was searching and wanted to believe in God even though he professes otherwise. I believe I know what that is now. One of the things that I know about Jerry, that he didn't tell me in his interview, is that he has invested heavily in "ghost-hunting" equipment. He has gone on several ghost-hunting expeditions and is now trying to get a group together to go to a place in Tennessee that is supposed to be one of the most haunted places in America. The question that I would now like to ask Jerry is, "If you believe that this life is all there is, why do you search for ghosts?" Aren't ghosts supposed to be the spirits of dead people? I think, whether he realizes it or not, that Jerry wants to find ghosts because it would mean that this life isn't all there is.
Although Jerry has much head knowledge of the Bible and its history, I feel as though there has never been a heart connection. Perhaps some of the disconnect has to do with the abuse he suffered at home growing up and wanting to disprove that a loving God could allow that. The Bible verse that kept coming to mind is the one in Proverbs: "There is a way that seems right to a man, but in the end it leads to death." I will be praying for life.
1) What do you think is the greatest need in your area?
"Personally, I think there should be less organized religion. People are looking to individuals to tell them what to believe. People should do their own research. When I started asking questions, people got very offended."
Jerry had difficulty with the concept of God as Father. He questioned, "How can a loving Father condemn ANY of His children to eternal damnation?" In asking difficult questions of those in spiritual authority over him, he found that they didn't know the answers and rather than admit they didn't know, they pretty much just shut him down.
2) Are you actively attending any church?
"I haven't been in any church in probably 6 years."
Jerry also said that he has a family member who is a missionary and that when they're around, it's almost like being in church. He has also admitted to writing several sermons that this family member still uses. His wife is a believer and has given up on (openly) trying to convince him to go to church.
3) What are a few issues or topics that impact/interest you?
"History. There's truth in history. History of religion. Mythology."
4) Why do you think most people don't attend church?
"Too difficult. There's hypocrisy between what a person professes on Sunday and how they act the rest of the week."
5) If you were to look for a church to attend, what kinds of things would you look for?
"A church where you can ask questions. Question religion period."
6) What advice can you give to pastors who really want to be helpful to people?
"To realize that faith is a constantly replenishing thing. People just need to question."
Jerry went on to say, "I understand intellectually, but just don't have anything to hold onto anymore (we were talking about faith). I don't understand what faith is anymore. Maybe I don't believe there is anything to have faith in."
He also told me that as he was driving in to work that morning that he was thinking that he wished that he could believe.
This interview was a little intimidating to me because Jerry has so much Biblical knowledge and is highly intelligent, but I also enjoyed it because I believe that underneath all his questions, doubts and "wisdom" there is a true desire to know Christ. To experience Christ from the heart rather than just through wisdom. Although he professes to be an atheist and told me that "this life is all there is", I believe that he still wants to believe. It felt to me as though he's just waiting for the person who can come along and convince him otherwise.
Perhaps a week or so after the interview had been done, I was rehashing some of the things Jerry had discussed. In my spirit, I felt as though there was something unsettled. Something that made me feel as though he really was searching and wanted to believe in God even though he professes otherwise. I believe I know what that is now. One of the things that I know about Jerry, that he didn't tell me in his interview, is that he has invested heavily in "ghost-hunting" equipment. He has gone on several ghost-hunting expeditions and is now trying to get a group together to go to a place in Tennessee that is supposed to be one of the most haunted places in America. The question that I would now like to ask Jerry is, "If you believe that this life is all there is, why do you search for ghosts?" Aren't ghosts supposed to be the spirits of dead people? I think, whether he realizes it or not, that Jerry wants to find ghosts because it would mean that this life isn't all there is.
Although Jerry has much head knowledge of the Bible and its history, I feel as though there has never been a heart connection. Perhaps some of the disconnect has to do with the abuse he suffered at home growing up and wanting to disprove that a loving God could allow that. The Bible verse that kept coming to mind is the one in Proverbs: "There is a way that seems right to a man, but in the end it leads to death." I will be praying for life.
Friday, March 27, 2009
David Kennard Interview
David Kennard, from Riverside Community Church, was our guest last evening. David is the site pastor for the Pittsburg Mills Mall site of RCC. Besides being site pastor, David is also the Adult Ministries Pastor for both the Oakmont RCC and the Pittsburg Mills RCC. As with most pastors, he wears multiple hats and fills numerous roles.
Riverside Community Church provides a unique spin on church, serving a populace who may not have been planning on going to church that morning, but because it was where they were (at the mall) and they felt compelled, curious, or welcomed, decided to check it out.
During the interview, the comment was made that, "Church is about the Presence of God and relationship". I would think that one of the biggest challenges would be to establish relationship with someone who may have been just walking by and not actually planning to go inside. I never considered before the importance of a greeter. I thought anyone can stand there, open the door, smile, be polite, and hand out bulletins. However, in a unique setting such as this, the greeter may have the most important role in pointing someone toward Jesus. They have to be likeable and sincere enough in reflecting Christ that people WANT to come in. And once inside, those connections must be continued in order for people to keep coming back for more of God. I sure hope David has God's best people standing at the door. And I hope I never overlook the importance of even the "smallest" jobs again.
Something I appreciated about David was that he took the time to notice people. He phones first-time visitors, which is huge in forming connections, but he also takes the time to notice and connect with regular attendees and volunteers by sending a word of encouragement or a thank you. How wonderful to be noticed and cared for! Noticing and caring about people is something Jesus seemed to do on a daily basis in order to show the love of our Father. Something else I yearn to do better.
One more thing that hit home: David said that Pastor Bill Ellis taught him to "Lead from a position of weakness (rather than from a position of strength)". Everyone can identify with weakness, but not everyone can identify with strength. Leading from a position of weakness takes humility. In that weakness and humility, everyone is placed on the same level, and only God is lifted up.
Thanks for coming, David. Be blessed.
Riverside Community Church provides a unique spin on church, serving a populace who may not have been planning on going to church that morning, but because it was where they were (at the mall) and they felt compelled, curious, or welcomed, decided to check it out.
During the interview, the comment was made that, "Church is about the Presence of God and relationship". I would think that one of the biggest challenges would be to establish relationship with someone who may have been just walking by and not actually planning to go inside. I never considered before the importance of a greeter. I thought anyone can stand there, open the door, smile, be polite, and hand out bulletins. However, in a unique setting such as this, the greeter may have the most important role in pointing someone toward Jesus. They have to be likeable and sincere enough in reflecting Christ that people WANT to come in. And once inside, those connections must be continued in order for people to keep coming back for more of God. I sure hope David has God's best people standing at the door. And I hope I never overlook the importance of even the "smallest" jobs again.
Something I appreciated about David was that he took the time to notice people. He phones first-time visitors, which is huge in forming connections, but he also takes the time to notice and connect with regular attendees and volunteers by sending a word of encouragement or a thank you. How wonderful to be noticed and cared for! Noticing and caring about people is something Jesus seemed to do on a daily basis in order to show the love of our Father. Something else I yearn to do better.
One more thing that hit home: David said that Pastor Bill Ellis taught him to "Lead from a position of weakness (rather than from a position of strength)". Everyone can identify with weakness, but not everyone can identify with strength. Leading from a position of weakness takes humility. In that weakness and humility, everyone is placed on the same level, and only God is lifted up.
Thanks for coming, David. Be blessed.
Monday, March 23, 2009
Church Rater # 2
Developing Outreach and Discipleship Programs
Church Rater Survey
The Church
What Church did you visit?
Harvest Chapel
What city or town is this Church located?
Abbottstown,PA
What date and service did you attend?
Saturday, February 14,2009 at 7 PM.
Evaluating
How would you rate this church?
Please provide ratings based on your own experience. Yes, I realize this is subjective and your '1′ might be someone else's '5′. That's ok. It's your rating and I really want your opinion.
Rate the following from 1 to 5. 1 is not effective, 5 is very effective!
Overall: _____4______ Friendliness _____1________ Singing _____5_______ Preaching ____4_____
First Impressions
Outside:
Was the building easy to find?
Yes, only because I knew where it was.
Was it difficult to find parking? No
How about the interior or exterior signage- what would you do differently?
The sign along Route 30 was small to medium in size, was lower to the ground than some of the others close by it, back away from the road a little bit, but well lit. I am guessing that they had restrictions about how close to the road the sign was allowed to be. Also, if their sign was a different size or placed higher, than it would have been competing with the other signs and would have either been blocked visually or blocking one of the other signs.
What did the appearance, style, or construction of the building communicate to you?
The exterior center portion of the church was solid looking. To either side of the center portion, the building was "pole building style". I like when churches have either brick or rock in their construction. It makes me feel as though the church is solid and not planning on going anywhere. It gives the impression that it is not only solid physically, but spiritually, as well.
Before the service:
Did anyone approach you and speak to you before the service got underway?
The senior pastor walked by and recognized us from the time when the twelve churches got together at Bethel. He stopped and greeted us. Otherwise, no other human did before the service started (my brother-in-law came in after worship had just started and greeted me). Although, I do want to mention that the Presence of God came very noticeably into the sanctuary before the service started. So much so that I turned to Michael and remarked that God just came into the sanctuary. Does God count as someone that approached me before the service?
If someone did speak to you, how did you feel about that?
It was nice that the pastor remembered us from the meeting at Bethel, but I was a little disappointed that no one else bothered to approach us.
Can you share their names?
Pastor Don Wolabaugh.
Did you know them before the visit?
We had met him briefly at Bethel.
General observations:
As you observed the people "doing their church thing", what went through your mind?
That they love to worship!
Were you able to understand why they do what they do?
Yes! They love God and coming into His Presence!
Do they seem sincere? Yes.
What do you think about the overall presentation of the service? (the liturgy, program or flow of the service)
I really liked the flow of the service. It was well thought out and its flow works even better than ours. They had a few announcements; Pastor Wolabaugh prayed; they had an absolutely awesome, spirit-filled time of worship; another short prayer before the tithes and offerings were taken (worship music continued to be played while attendees took their tithes/offerings to baskets up front); Pastor Dan Mohler gave the message, and then, at the VERY end of the service, you could go up front and receive prayer. I especially liked the prayer at the end of the service because it was not a shouting match to be heard above the worship music and also because everyone got to enjoy God's Presence during worship. I love worship at our church, but often feel as though prayer at that time is in competition with being drawn into God's Presence or the worship then becomes a big distraction to those who are trying to hear prayer requests and the prayers offered up on their behalf. It creates a certain degree of strife. Prayer at the end of the service solves both dilemmas and one doesn't end up battling against the other. It creates a much more peaceful atmosphere.
Bulletin and communications:
Is there anything in the church bulletin that you find confusing or offensive?
There was no bulletin.
If this were your "business", how would you improve the communication part of it- the bulletin especially?
I am guessing that they probably have a bulletin for the Sunday service, but it would be nice to have one for the Saturday service as well...just to know something about the church, who the pastors were, what programs they offer, etc.
Were announcements clear, and interesting (did you want to sign up for anything)?
They announced a baptism was going to be held at the YMCA in Hanover that sounded like it would have been fun to attend.
Children's Ministry
Does this church appear kid-friendly?
I passed by what looked like a small nursery when I came in. I believe there was a Toddler Rooom as well, but that was all I saw. They may have had something else for older kids, but I didn't see it.
Did you bring any children with you to the service? No.
If so, ask them about their experience. What did they tell you? Not applicable.
Music and Prayer
How would you describe the music?
Very spirit-filled!! They played/sang some songs I hadn't heard before, but they also played some new Kim Walker releases and did some Misty Edwards-style worship.
Did you enjoy any of it?
I loved it!!!
Did you feel like you connected with God during any part of it?
I was connecting with God before the service even started (or was He connecting with me??).
How was it different from what you are used to?
They had five members that evening in their worship band so their style of worship was not as loud and crazy as ours, but they did use more current and up-to-date songs than we have been. Ours is still good, but new songs are always nice.
Would you enjoy worshiping like that often? Yes.
What did you think of the prayers that were offered in the service?
I don't so much remember what was prayed, but remember that the prayer was rapid-fire.
As you listened to the prayers, what did you learn about how that church might think of people, or of God?
They prayed in agreement (out loud), which tells me that they were were not afraid of what people thought and that they wanted God to hear their prayer and answer.
The Speaker's Presentation
Did the Pastor or speaker seem likable?
Dan Mohler was the speaker. And, yes, he's very likeable. Even though he's my brother-in-law, I've never heard him preach before and was amazed at how God uses him when he stands up to preach. He's kind of like Johannes, in that he tells a good story and is able to draw people into the story, but in a different way. He is also totally unlike anyone else I have ever heard preach before. The quiet, unassuming, nature-loving Danny that I knew before I heard him preach became this powerful, knowledgable, on-fire, man-of-God, that seems to have the Word of God engraved into every cell of his being. I'm still blown away by the experience over a month afterwards. I felt like I was hit by rapid-fire bullets that left me laying there wondering what the heck just hit me and feeling the need to just lay there and think about it until it sank in and I was strong enough to stand again.
Is he/she a person you might enjoy having coffee with? Why?
Yes! I want to find out HOW, WHAT, WHERE, WHY, and WHEN God did all this to him and I want some of it to rub off on ME!!! I knew some of his testimony already, but I had no idea that God uses Dan like this! Holy Cow!
Did he/she seem engaged/sincere/condescending?
Danny was most definitely engaged and sincere. Condescending? Never!
Were you motivated to do or think anything differently because of the talk?
I'm still laying on the ground (in the spirit) trying to figure out what hit me...knowing God's Word will not return void; but what I took away is that if my belief in God is strong enough, I should be doing the same things (and more) that Jesus did. Leaving me to consider why that isn't always so...yet.
What could they have done to make it more enjoyable or useful?
The Word of God and His principles are so deeply engraved in Dan (it feels as though God took His finger and wrote them upon his heart Himself), that when he spits out the Word, rapid fire as he does, it's almost difficult to keep up with what he's saying. Just as I was wrapping my brain around one thing, he seemed to be on to twenty other things. To Danny, what he was saying was simple and plain, and it was, but he spit it out so quickly, that I didn't have as much time to savor God's Word as I would have liked. So slowing down a bit would have been more effectual...at least for me. I think a new believer may have been totally lost.
Please erase any of the following descriptors that did not apply to the talk: Enjoyable, Thought-provoking, Relevant, Energetic, Credible, Upbeat, Humorous, Useful, Life-changing, funny,
The Message
What was the main idea of the message?
Healing.
What action did the speaker want you to take or consider taking?
To come with expectation of healing and act upon it (either receiving or offering healing) in Jesus' name. Dan covered much more than this, but that was the main gist.
Did the talk itself (the subject matter) hold your attention?
Yes. i didn't dare divert my attention or I would have missed too much.
Did any part of the talk stand out to you in a positive or negative way?
Yes. One thing that stuck out to me, which wasn't even directly related to the main topic, was when Dan said that Jesus died for something that was worth it--ME! I love God!
What is the one thing the speaker could do that would improve his/her presentation?
Keep his subject matter more focused.
Do you think that you particularly will remember anything that was taught?
Yes. That we should come to God in expectation of His wanting to bless those who believe!
Do you understand God or people better because of it?
I don't know that I understand God any better, but my measure of faith that all things are possible with God has increased. I also feel as though I have gained some valuable insight into my own measure of trust/belief in God over the last several weeks, with a particularly BIG breakthrough, last evening.
Did it make you feel like you wanted to preach someday yourself ?
My head is spinning too much right now to even think about that.
Church Rater Survey
The Church
What Church did you visit?
Harvest Chapel
What city or town is this Church located?
Abbottstown,PA
What date and service did you attend?
Saturday, February 14,2009 at 7 PM.
Evaluating
How would you rate this church?
Please provide ratings based on your own experience. Yes, I realize this is subjective and your '1′ might be someone else's '5′. That's ok. It's your rating and I really want your opinion.
Rate the following from 1 to 5. 1 is not effective, 5 is very effective!
Overall: _____4______ Friendliness _____1________ Singing _____5_______ Preaching ____4_____
First Impressions
Outside:
Was the building easy to find?
Yes, only because I knew where it was.
Was it difficult to find parking? No
How about the interior or exterior signage- what would you do differently?
The sign along Route 30 was small to medium in size, was lower to the ground than some of the others close by it, back away from the road a little bit, but well lit. I am guessing that they had restrictions about how close to the road the sign was allowed to be. Also, if their sign was a different size or placed higher, than it would have been competing with the other signs and would have either been blocked visually or blocking one of the other signs.
What did the appearance, style, or construction of the building communicate to you?
The exterior center portion of the church was solid looking. To either side of the center portion, the building was "pole building style". I like when churches have either brick or rock in their construction. It makes me feel as though the church is solid and not planning on going anywhere. It gives the impression that it is not only solid physically, but spiritually, as well.
Before the service:
Did anyone approach you and speak to you before the service got underway?
The senior pastor walked by and recognized us from the time when the twelve churches got together at Bethel. He stopped and greeted us. Otherwise, no other human did before the service started (my brother-in-law came in after worship had just started and greeted me). Although, I do want to mention that the Presence of God came very noticeably into the sanctuary before the service started. So much so that I turned to Michael and remarked that God just came into the sanctuary. Does God count as someone that approached me before the service?
If someone did speak to you, how did you feel about that?
It was nice that the pastor remembered us from the meeting at Bethel, but I was a little disappointed that no one else bothered to approach us.
Can you share their names?
Pastor Don Wolabaugh.
Did you know them before the visit?
We had met him briefly at Bethel.
General observations:
As you observed the people "doing their church thing", what went through your mind?
That they love to worship!
Were you able to understand why they do what they do?
Yes! They love God and coming into His Presence!
Do they seem sincere? Yes.
What do you think about the overall presentation of the service? (the liturgy, program or flow of the service)
I really liked the flow of the service. It was well thought out and its flow works even better than ours. They had a few announcements; Pastor Wolabaugh prayed; they had an absolutely awesome, spirit-filled time of worship; another short prayer before the tithes and offerings were taken (worship music continued to be played while attendees took their tithes/offerings to baskets up front); Pastor Dan Mohler gave the message, and then, at the VERY end of the service, you could go up front and receive prayer. I especially liked the prayer at the end of the service because it was not a shouting match to be heard above the worship music and also because everyone got to enjoy God's Presence during worship. I love worship at our church, but often feel as though prayer at that time is in competition with being drawn into God's Presence or the worship then becomes a big distraction to those who are trying to hear prayer requests and the prayers offered up on their behalf. It creates a certain degree of strife. Prayer at the end of the service solves both dilemmas and one doesn't end up battling against the other. It creates a much more peaceful atmosphere.
Bulletin and communications:
Is there anything in the church bulletin that you find confusing or offensive?
There was no bulletin.
If this were your "business", how would you improve the communication part of it- the bulletin especially?
I am guessing that they probably have a bulletin for the Sunday service, but it would be nice to have one for the Saturday service as well...just to know something about the church, who the pastors were, what programs they offer, etc.
Were announcements clear, and interesting (did you want to sign up for anything)?
They announced a baptism was going to be held at the YMCA in Hanover that sounded like it would have been fun to attend.
Children's Ministry
Does this church appear kid-friendly?
I passed by what looked like a small nursery when I came in. I believe there was a Toddler Rooom as well, but that was all I saw. They may have had something else for older kids, but I didn't see it.
Did you bring any children with you to the service? No.
If so, ask them about their experience. What did they tell you? Not applicable.
Music and Prayer
How would you describe the music?
Very spirit-filled!! They played/sang some songs I hadn't heard before, but they also played some new Kim Walker releases and did some Misty Edwards-style worship.
Did you enjoy any of it?
I loved it!!!
Did you feel like you connected with God during any part of it?
I was connecting with God before the service even started (or was He connecting with me??).
How was it different from what you are used to?
They had five members that evening in their worship band so their style of worship was not as loud and crazy as ours, but they did use more current and up-to-date songs than we have been. Ours is still good, but new songs are always nice.
Would you enjoy worshiping like that often? Yes.
What did you think of the prayers that were offered in the service?
I don't so much remember what was prayed, but remember that the prayer was rapid-fire.
As you listened to the prayers, what did you learn about how that church might think of people, or of God?
They prayed in agreement (out loud), which tells me that they were were not afraid of what people thought and that they wanted God to hear their prayer and answer.
The Speaker's Presentation
Did the Pastor or speaker seem likable?
Dan Mohler was the speaker. And, yes, he's very likeable. Even though he's my brother-in-law, I've never heard him preach before and was amazed at how God uses him when he stands up to preach. He's kind of like Johannes, in that he tells a good story and is able to draw people into the story, but in a different way. He is also totally unlike anyone else I have ever heard preach before. The quiet, unassuming, nature-loving Danny that I knew before I heard him preach became this powerful, knowledgable, on-fire, man-of-God, that seems to have the Word of God engraved into every cell of his being. I'm still blown away by the experience over a month afterwards. I felt like I was hit by rapid-fire bullets that left me laying there wondering what the heck just hit me and feeling the need to just lay there and think about it until it sank in and I was strong enough to stand again.
Is he/she a person you might enjoy having coffee with? Why?
Yes! I want to find out HOW, WHAT, WHERE, WHY, and WHEN God did all this to him and I want some of it to rub off on ME!!! I knew some of his testimony already, but I had no idea that God uses Dan like this! Holy Cow!
Did he/she seem engaged/sincere/condescending?
Danny was most definitely engaged and sincere. Condescending? Never!
Were you motivated to do or think anything differently because of the talk?
I'm still laying on the ground (in the spirit) trying to figure out what hit me...knowing God's Word will not return void; but what I took away is that if my belief in God is strong enough, I should be doing the same things (and more) that Jesus did. Leaving me to consider why that isn't always so...yet.
What could they have done to make it more enjoyable or useful?
The Word of God and His principles are so deeply engraved in Dan (it feels as though God took His finger and wrote them upon his heart Himself), that when he spits out the Word, rapid fire as he does, it's almost difficult to keep up with what he's saying. Just as I was wrapping my brain around one thing, he seemed to be on to twenty other things. To Danny, what he was saying was simple and plain, and it was, but he spit it out so quickly, that I didn't have as much time to savor God's Word as I would have liked. So slowing down a bit would have been more effectual...at least for me. I think a new believer may have been totally lost.
Please erase any of the following descriptors that did not apply to the talk: Enjoyable, Thought-provoking, Relevant, Energetic, Credible, Upbeat, Humorous, Useful, Life-changing, funny,
The Message
What was the main idea of the message?
Healing.
What action did the speaker want you to take or consider taking?
To come with expectation of healing and act upon it (either receiving or offering healing) in Jesus' name. Dan covered much more than this, but that was the main gist.
Did the talk itself (the subject matter) hold your attention?
Yes. i didn't dare divert my attention or I would have missed too much.
Did any part of the talk stand out to you in a positive or negative way?
Yes. One thing that stuck out to me, which wasn't even directly related to the main topic, was when Dan said that Jesus died for something that was worth it--ME! I love God!
What is the one thing the speaker could do that would improve his/her presentation?
Keep his subject matter more focused.
Do you think that you particularly will remember anything that was taught?
Yes. That we should come to God in expectation of His wanting to bless those who believe!
Do you understand God or people better because of it?
I don't know that I understand God any better, but my measure of faith that all things are possible with God has increased. I also feel as though I have gained some valuable insight into my own measure of trust/belief in God over the last several weeks, with a particularly BIG breakthrough, last evening.
Did it make you feel like you wanted to preach someday yourself ?
My head is spinning too much right now to even think about that.
Sunday, March 22, 2009
Jason Lamer Interview
This week's class interview was with Jason Lamer, a Youth Alive missionary. Youth Alive is a "multi-faceted strategy to bring Jesus Christ, the message of Hope, to our middle school, junior high and high school campuses". Youth Alive provides the students with the means and support to reach their friends and classmates with the gospel. Their (Jason and his wife)focus is on the public schools in Pennsylvania and Delaware.
This ministry is great for several reasons: 1) The events are pre-prayed for weeks in advance (great battle-winning strategy); 2)schools, churches, and communities come together in support of an event that has the potential for not just impacting the kids in that community for Christ, but the whole community itself; 3)Since it's student-led, the students develop leadership skills that will go with them into adulthood; 4)There is follow-up afterwards: the students that gave their lives to Christ can get plugged into a local church and continue to grow spiritually; and 5)campus missionaries get campus clubs started to live, pray, tell, serve, and give more of Jesus.
It's apparent the way Jason's eyes light up when he talks that he loves what he does. I like that he gets his family involved in this ministry; that they WANT to be involved. Not only are they serving the Lord together, but they are teaching valuable lessons to their kids about God and His love, relationship building, leadership skills, how to have a servant's heart, placing other's needs above your own, and I'm sure many more. Not only do they get to hear about what the Bible teaches, they get to see it put into action. That's a priceless gift.
Challenges: raising more funds; wanting to reach more kids; not having enough time, manpower, and energy to do it all; keeping priorities straight---not being so busy serving God that you mistake that for time just being WITH God. Busyness for God, although important, is not the same thing as being still and knowing God. I wouldn't benefit much from creative, fly-by devotions. This may sound strange to some, but I think the answer to trying to find the time, resources, and energy to do what needs to be done comes by taking/scheduling a long enough time to still yourself and just be with God everyday. He knows what needs we have and will either care for those needs or give us the wisdom and peace we need to accomplish them.
This ministry is great for several reasons: 1) The events are pre-prayed for weeks in advance (great battle-winning strategy); 2)schools, churches, and communities come together in support of an event that has the potential for not just impacting the kids in that community for Christ, but the whole community itself; 3)Since it's student-led, the students develop leadership skills that will go with them into adulthood; 4)There is follow-up afterwards: the students that gave their lives to Christ can get plugged into a local church and continue to grow spiritually; and 5)campus missionaries get campus clubs started to live, pray, tell, serve, and give more of Jesus.
It's apparent the way Jason's eyes light up when he talks that he loves what he does. I like that he gets his family involved in this ministry; that they WANT to be involved. Not only are they serving the Lord together, but they are teaching valuable lessons to their kids about God and His love, relationship building, leadership skills, how to have a servant's heart, placing other's needs above your own, and I'm sure many more. Not only do they get to hear about what the Bible teaches, they get to see it put into action. That's a priceless gift.
Challenges: raising more funds; wanting to reach more kids; not having enough time, manpower, and energy to do it all; keeping priorities straight---not being so busy serving God that you mistake that for time just being WITH God. Busyness for God, although important, is not the same thing as being still and knowing God. I wouldn't benefit much from creative, fly-by devotions. This may sound strange to some, but I think the answer to trying to find the time, resources, and energy to do what needs to be done comes by taking/scheduling a long enough time to still yourself and just be with God everyday. He knows what needs we have and will either care for those needs or give us the wisdom and peace we need to accomplish them.
Friday, March 13, 2009
New Believer # 2 Interview
My second new believer interview was with Mike, who was baptized 1/17/09.
Tell me about your journey to faith in Christ.
My mom was a Christian. I was running the street and homeless. There are churches that feed the homeless and the requirement was that you sit and hear the message (before they fed you). I ended up in Allison Park and got saved, but went back to the world again. I went into another Christian recovery home (PCO) run by Brian Bolt and learned how to love myself. From there, I went back out to my old job and fell back into old temptations and started using again for a couple of days. Then I ended up here, at Freedom House.
What helped you the most to step over the line and make the commitment?
I was tired of huting my mom; hurting my family. Didn't want to hurt my family or myself anymore. It was time to step up to the plate.
What has been the best part of becoming a Christ follower for you?
Helping people. It's showing me patience and I don't have to be on the move all the time. The fellowship. Finding friends that you can actually talk to and won't stab you behind your back.
What has been the most challenging part of following christ?
Being in this home with 9 guys; bumping heads; too many guys in the same house. It's been getting easier. Telling old stories brings back thoughts of old habits.
What do you think is helping you grow the most in your faith?
Talking to everybody; getting different opinions; reading my Bible; fellowship with the guys; walking and talking with the Lord.
What advice do you have for me in helping others like you to grow in their faith?
1) Keep your eyes focused. You only get what you put into it. Going backwards is not an option now. I'm not going back. Stay connected.
2) Feeding the homeless at a set time and place once or twice a week, give them the word and pray over them.
3) Form connections.
Although Mike was a little nervous in talking to me at first, he overcame his discomfort and was happy to share with me what was on his mind. From what he was communicating, it seemed that a lot of people will do whatever is necessary in order to feel good. Sometimes it's with drugs and alcohol. Sometimes it's with other behaviors that will provide a temporary "feel good" moment. It's something we all do in one form or another. According to my NIV Bible: "What a man desires is unfailing love." ( Proverbs 19:22). We sometimes go to outlandish lengths to feel good, but the only One and the only thing that can make us feel good is God and the love that He has for us. All other methods will eventually fail because they cannot sustain us.
When I asked Mike the final question in the interview, I thought that he had misunderstood what I was asking and answered out of context. However, in looking back at his answers, I believe that he offers sage advice for me as well. I, too, need to keep my eyes focused (in helping others). I, too, will only get out of it what I put into it. Once started in helping someone, going back is not an option. I'm NOT going back. I need to stay connected. I, too, have a responsibility to feed the homeless, give them the Word, and pray over them. And, I need to continue to form connections. Very wise advice.
Tell me about your journey to faith in Christ.
My mom was a Christian. I was running the street and homeless. There are churches that feed the homeless and the requirement was that you sit and hear the message (before they fed you). I ended up in Allison Park and got saved, but went back to the world again. I went into another Christian recovery home (PCO) run by Brian Bolt and learned how to love myself. From there, I went back out to my old job and fell back into old temptations and started using again for a couple of days. Then I ended up here, at Freedom House.
What helped you the most to step over the line and make the commitment?
I was tired of huting my mom; hurting my family. Didn't want to hurt my family or myself anymore. It was time to step up to the plate.
What has been the best part of becoming a Christ follower for you?
Helping people. It's showing me patience and I don't have to be on the move all the time. The fellowship. Finding friends that you can actually talk to and won't stab you behind your back.
What has been the most challenging part of following christ?
Being in this home with 9 guys; bumping heads; too many guys in the same house. It's been getting easier. Telling old stories brings back thoughts of old habits.
What do you think is helping you grow the most in your faith?
Talking to everybody; getting different opinions; reading my Bible; fellowship with the guys; walking and talking with the Lord.
What advice do you have for me in helping others like you to grow in their faith?
1) Keep your eyes focused. You only get what you put into it. Going backwards is not an option now. I'm not going back. Stay connected.
2) Feeding the homeless at a set time and place once or twice a week, give them the word and pray over them.
3) Form connections.
Although Mike was a little nervous in talking to me at first, he overcame his discomfort and was happy to share with me what was on his mind. From what he was communicating, it seemed that a lot of people will do whatever is necessary in order to feel good. Sometimes it's with drugs and alcohol. Sometimes it's with other behaviors that will provide a temporary "feel good" moment. It's something we all do in one form or another. According to my NIV Bible: "What a man desires is unfailing love." ( Proverbs 19:22). We sometimes go to outlandish lengths to feel good, but the only One and the only thing that can make us feel good is God and the love that He has for us. All other methods will eventually fail because they cannot sustain us.
When I asked Mike the final question in the interview, I thought that he had misunderstood what I was asking and answered out of context. However, in looking back at his answers, I believe that he offers sage advice for me as well. I, too, need to keep my eyes focused (in helping others). I, too, will only get out of it what I put into it. Once started in helping someone, going back is not an option. I'm NOT going back. I need to stay connected. I, too, have a responsibility to feed the homeless, give them the Word, and pray over them. And, I need to continue to form connections. Very wise advice.
Nick Poole Interview
Our guest in class this week was Nick Poole, director of Church Planting, from Allison Park Church in Pittsburgh. Nick was able to address church-planting from two perspectives: 1) the perspective of the church planter, and 2) from the perspective of the parent church.
Nick seems well-able to coach potential church-planters on the process of growing a church, growing leadership, helping them be successful, things/issues to think about, etc. by asking the correct questions in order to get the planters to come up with the solutions themselves. He also talked about what Allison Park and A of G looks for in church planters.
One of the things that resonated with me was when he mentioned a church being "birthed through service". It's a matter of seeing needs in a community and meeting those needs as you are able. It's about bringing hope to people and areas where there is little or no hope (and who are without Christ) by sharing and teaching the love of Christ in ways that are tangible to them. It's about sacrificing of yourself and going the extra mile in order to show them God's love. This is something that I personally feel as though I am lacking in, but that we also lack in as a church. I/we don't make a strong enough effort to impact the community through acts of service. We are willing to serve the church, but who in the community (with no connection to our church) have we served? Whose yard have we cleaned up or whose house have we painted because they were unable to do it themselves? I may not be a church planter, but I can look for these types of things to do. Alone we can do a little, but together we make a bigger impact. I want to start making a bigger impact.
Nick seems well-able to coach potential church-planters on the process of growing a church, growing leadership, helping them be successful, things/issues to think about, etc. by asking the correct questions in order to get the planters to come up with the solutions themselves. He also talked about what Allison Park and A of G looks for in church planters.
One of the things that resonated with me was when he mentioned a church being "birthed through service". It's a matter of seeing needs in a community and meeting those needs as you are able. It's about bringing hope to people and areas where there is little or no hope (and who are without Christ) by sharing and teaching the love of Christ in ways that are tangible to them. It's about sacrificing of yourself and going the extra mile in order to show them God's love. This is something that I personally feel as though I am lacking in, but that we also lack in as a church. I/we don't make a strong enough effort to impact the community through acts of service. We are willing to serve the church, but who in the community (with no connection to our church) have we served? Whose yard have we cleaned up or whose house have we painted because they were unable to do it themselves? I may not be a church planter, but I can look for these types of things to do. Alone we can do a little, but together we make a bigger impact. I want to start making a bigger impact.
Friday, March 6, 2009
Brian and Angie Bolt Interview
This week's guests were Brian and Angie Bolt from Pittsburgh City Outreach in Pittsburgh, PA. PCO is located in north Pittsburgh, one of the worst inner city areas. PCO wants to raise people off the streets to become pastors and to also fulfill their purposes in Christ. They hope to eventually plant other churches in inner cities.
Having Brian come to see us is always a pleasure, but it was especially much more so this time because he brought his beautiful wife, Angie, along. She just lights up the room with the joy of the Lord. I love that you can see God shining from the inside out in some people, and Angie is one of those people.
Both their testimonies are amazing to hear, but I felt ignited by what Angie had to say because God, over the last few months has been placing a desire within my own heart for a church without walls that ministers to garbage dump people. I have been hesitant to voice this to many people because it seems so "out there" and because, once voiced, seems like it needs to be acted upon in more ways than I already am. God has given me a very definite image of a place--a garbage dump--that is unlike any other of its kind. I am now in that "waiting" period to see what God wants me to do and where He will lead. I know the place does exist, because I found three pictures of it on the internet, but I have no idea where in the world it is. Someone suggested the place is "spiritual". Perhaps. But why was I able to find that exact place on the internet?
Other areas where I related to Angie: we are both nurses who work with the elderly, want to continue our educations, and who believe in bringing healing to body, mind, and spirit; we both pinpoint those who are "tender" and are drawn to them (God has a way of drawing me to moms who are grieving and/or wounded, or drawing them to me); and I, too, feel as though God is calling me to missions. God has also been giving me images of the homeless a lot lately and I often wonder, "Where in the world do you plan to take me, God"?
All that aside, it is exciting to see what God is doing with the Bolts and PCO. I would like to go out and see what they do, help with their new building, and serve the homeless. My husband will love me for this, but I volunteered him as well.
Besides finding enough time for one another separate from ministry, there biggest challenge seems to be in raising finances and materials for their new buildings. I love that they pray and God answers in amazing ways. Getting those they are leading to take pride of ownership and tithe, even if it's a widow's mite, may prove to be a huge blessing, as God always multiplies in unbelievable ways. Perhaps the families they lead and minister to could brainstorm and come up with ideas that they haven't tried. Giving to others out of their own need often brings unbelievable results as well.
In any event, I can't wait to see how God provides for His people in Pittsburgh through PCO!
Having Brian come to see us is always a pleasure, but it was especially much more so this time because he brought his beautiful wife, Angie, along. She just lights up the room with the joy of the Lord. I love that you can see God shining from the inside out in some people, and Angie is one of those people.
Both their testimonies are amazing to hear, but I felt ignited by what Angie had to say because God, over the last few months has been placing a desire within my own heart for a church without walls that ministers to garbage dump people. I have been hesitant to voice this to many people because it seems so "out there" and because, once voiced, seems like it needs to be acted upon in more ways than I already am. God has given me a very definite image of a place--a garbage dump--that is unlike any other of its kind. I am now in that "waiting" period to see what God wants me to do and where He will lead. I know the place does exist, because I found three pictures of it on the internet, but I have no idea where in the world it is. Someone suggested the place is "spiritual". Perhaps. But why was I able to find that exact place on the internet?
Other areas where I related to Angie: we are both nurses who work with the elderly, want to continue our educations, and who believe in bringing healing to body, mind, and spirit; we both pinpoint those who are "tender" and are drawn to them (God has a way of drawing me to moms who are grieving and/or wounded, or drawing them to me); and I, too, feel as though God is calling me to missions. God has also been giving me images of the homeless a lot lately and I often wonder, "Where in the world do you plan to take me, God"?
All that aside, it is exciting to see what God is doing with the Bolts and PCO. I would like to go out and see what they do, help with their new building, and serve the homeless. My husband will love me for this, but I volunteered him as well.
Besides finding enough time for one another separate from ministry, there biggest challenge seems to be in raising finances and materials for their new buildings. I love that they pray and God answers in amazing ways. Getting those they are leading to take pride of ownership and tithe, even if it's a widow's mite, may prove to be a huge blessing, as God always multiplies in unbelievable ways. Perhaps the families they lead and minister to could brainstorm and come up with ideas that they haven't tried. Giving to others out of their own need often brings unbelievable results as well.
In any event, I can't wait to see how God provides for His people in Pittsburgh through PCO!
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