Spotlight: Cincinnati Groups Help Marriages Stay Strong
By Larry Pierce, 'Vision Ohio' Staff Writer
You’re being deployed to Iraq. And you’re buzzing with questions. Among the most important are uncertainties about your marriage and family.
How can you know your marriage will survive the long, stressful separation? How can you make certain your family won’t be strangers when you return?
A group of Cincinnati faith-based and community organizations is offering a program especially to help the families of military reservists stay strong when a husband or wife is called away to war. It will serve 400 reservists and their spouses and families.
A Multi-faceted Project
The program for reservists is part of a multi-faceted project funded through an Ohio Strengthening Families Initiative (OSFI) collaboration grant. The grant serves approximately 2,000 families in Cincinnati and Hamilton County. The goal of the project is to strengthen marriages and committed relationships among couples who are either engaged, married or living together.
Services provided include:
▪ Mentoring
▪ Curricula
▪ Wrap-around support services
▪ Public education and awareness campaigns
Thirteen Cincinnati-area organizations are collaborating in the project. The project is led by Beech Acres Parenting Center, a nonprofit provider of parent education and therapeutic services. The impressive lineup of providers includes grassroots, community and faith-based organizations that already work with couples and families.
These groups are:
▪ Community Action Agency
▪ Urban Appalachian Council
▪ S.O.A.R. Development Corporation
▪ Dr. Margie Wells Davis & Associates
▪ Archdiocese of Cincinnati
▪ Rape Crisis and Abuse Center
▪ Clinical Counseling Services of Maranatha Ministries
▪ Services United for Mothers and Adolescents
▪ Family Service
▪ Catholic Engaged Encounter
▪ Agape Ministries
▪ LifeWay Ministries
▪ Veil Ministries
Many coalition members will be trained and certified to provide marriage education. The Hamilton County Job and Family Services’ WORKNET and Super Jobs programs will pitch in, providing job relationship skills education.
Couples get help in various ways Expected outcomes of the project are:
▪ Case management for 60 couples
▪ Mediation and consultation services for 25 couples
▪ Marriage/relationship skills for 40 fathers
▪ Marriage and relationship-building training for 400 U.S. Navy reservists and their spouses or significant others
▪ Classroom training for 218 clients through the Hamilton County Job and Family Services’ WORKNET program and 960 through the Hamilton County Job and Family Services’ Super Jobs
▪ Marriage education classes for 30 couples
▪ Marriage retreat weekend for 30 couples
Contact:
Pam McKieBeech Acres Parenting Centerpmckie@beechacres.org(513) 231-7205, ext. 280http://www.beechacres.org/main/
Tuesday, October 31, 2006
Sunday, October 29, 2006
Reformation Sunday
Today is called, "Reformation Sunday" by many people, especially Lutherans. On this day many years ago Martin Luther tacked his 95 Statements on the door of Wittenberg Castle/Monastery.
Martin was a Roman Catholic Priest who saw several serious problems with some of the theology he practiced. Those 95 statements laid out his objections and started the Protestant Reformation.
To read more about this momentous event, read the blog by Mark Daniels, Pastor of Friendship Lutheran Church. Many historians consider Luther's heroic act as one that allowed modern life to grow and spread in Europe. It could well be the main reason we in America experience so much freedom.
What many remember and experience as Halloween the Reformed world remembers as Reformation Sunday.
Martin was a Roman Catholic Priest who saw several serious problems with some of the theology he practiced. Those 95 statements laid out his objections and started the Protestant Reformation.
To read more about this momentous event, read the blog by Mark Daniels, Pastor of Friendship Lutheran Church. Many historians consider Luther's heroic act as one that allowed modern life to grow and spread in Europe. It could well be the main reason we in America experience so much freedom.
What many remember and experience as Halloween the Reformed world remembers as Reformation Sunday.
Saturday, October 28, 2006
Christian Counseling Works!
I am reading a new book about counseling effectiveness. Over the past 40 years we have seen a lot of research about counseling effectiveness. People have looked into the type of counseling done, the place where it is done, the type of problems seen and so forth. One finding has emerged that is really encouraging; counseling works.
At Life Way Counseling Centers and Life Way Ministries we have done some research ourselves and we also know that Christian counseling is effective. We think it is more effective than others because we focus on values, core beliefs and the support of God and His people.
If Christian Care and Counsel did not help people you can assure yourself that I would not be spending my entire work life and creative energy doing it and training others to do it. I would find a well-paying job that required me to work only eight hours a day and play golf the rest of the time.
Our people at Life Way Counseling and Life Way Ministries are dedicated to helping people grow and heal; heal and grow; love and bless others. We are excited to see the ways our colleagues around the world are touching lives, families, churches and whole nations.
Life Way Counseling provides professional, medical and psychological treatment of the highest quality. Life Way Ministries equips the saints and the churches to prevent psychological and emotional problems. Both are essential.
If you are interested in healing and growth, call or write us. We need your support.
At Life Way Counseling Centers and Life Way Ministries we have done some research ourselves and we also know that Christian counseling is effective. We think it is more effective than others because we focus on values, core beliefs and the support of God and His people.
If Christian Care and Counsel did not help people you can assure yourself that I would not be spending my entire work life and creative energy doing it and training others to do it. I would find a well-paying job that required me to work only eight hours a day and play golf the rest of the time.
Our people at Life Way Counseling and Life Way Ministries are dedicated to helping people grow and heal; heal and grow; love and bless others. We are excited to see the ways our colleagues around the world are touching lives, families, churches and whole nations.
Life Way Counseling provides professional, medical and psychological treatment of the highest quality. Life Way Ministries equips the saints and the churches to prevent psychological and emotional problems. Both are essential.
If you are interested in healing and growth, call or write us. We need your support.
Thursday, October 26, 2006
Group Stages of Change
After having some major conflicts over my attempt to introduce Small Group Bible studies in my home church, I decided to study small groups and how to bring change into an organization. My doctorate at University of Cincinnati focused on Integrating Psychology and Theology and how to equip Christians to grow up into maturity. Small groups fit that vision well.
I was blessed to study at U.C. with a group of professors that were real experts. I learned many valuable lessons and in turn have taken those lessons into churches around the world. The wise facilitator will recognize the differing needs at each stage and respond to the members accordingly so the group can grow more effectively and quickly.
Group Stages. When a small number of persons of any kind, committee, cell, Bible study, task force. Etc, meets on a regular basis, a group mind can form that transitions the members from individuals with personal needs to individuals who put the health of the organization or group first. The stages are: Form, Storm, Norm, Perform, Reform.
1. Form: Gathering and getting acquainted. People are asking, "Why am I here and who else is here?" There is some anxiety in members. Make sure each person is comfortable.
2. Storm: The question is this: "Who is in charge here and how can I influence the group?" Some ask questions about direction, challenge the priorities and show displeasure in other ways. It is a test to get through this stage successfully. If the Storm Stage is not passed successfully it is impossible to Perform well as a team. Leaders must listen, clarify, process and not get defensive or argue.
3. Norm: Question: "How do we work together best?" Discovering and agreeing to the Norms for group process is key. Everyone gets on board with the boundaries, goals, operating principles and using different gifts.
4. Perform: Honest, genuine sharing and interdependent ministry. This is what we have been waiting for and hope for. Heart issues arise and are handled with sensitivity.
5. Reform: Each time a person leaves or a new person enter the group, the dynamics change so it goes back to Form, Storm, Norm and Perform. Open groups rarely ever get to the Perform Stage because new people are always coming and veterans are going.
I was blessed to study at U.C. with a group of professors that were real experts. I learned many valuable lessons and in turn have taken those lessons into churches around the world. The wise facilitator will recognize the differing needs at each stage and respond to the members accordingly so the group can grow more effectively and quickly.
Group Stages. When a small number of persons of any kind, committee, cell, Bible study, task force. Etc, meets on a regular basis, a group mind can form that transitions the members from individuals with personal needs to individuals who put the health of the organization or group first. The stages are: Form, Storm, Norm, Perform, Reform.
1. Form: Gathering and getting acquainted. People are asking, "Why am I here and who else is here?" There is some anxiety in members. Make sure each person is comfortable.
2. Storm: The question is this: "Who is in charge here and how can I influence the group?" Some ask questions about direction, challenge the priorities and show displeasure in other ways. It is a test to get through this stage successfully. If the Storm Stage is not passed successfully it is impossible to Perform well as a team. Leaders must listen, clarify, process and not get defensive or argue.
3. Norm: Question: "How do we work together best?" Discovering and agreeing to the Norms for group process is key. Everyone gets on board with the boundaries, goals, operating principles and using different gifts.
4. Perform: Honest, genuine sharing and interdependent ministry. This is what we have been waiting for and hope for. Heart issues arise and are handled with sensitivity.
5. Reform: Each time a person leaves or a new person enter the group, the dynamics change so it goes back to Form, Storm, Norm and Perform. Open groups rarely ever get to the Perform Stage because new people are always coming and veterans are going.
Group Stages of Change
After having some major conflicts over my attempt to introduce Small Group Bible studies in my home church, I decided to study small groups and how to bring change into an organization. My doctorate at University of Cincinnati focused on Integrating Psychology and Theology and how to equip Christians to grow up into maturity. Small groups fit that vision well.
I was blessed to study at U.C. with a group of professors that were real experts. I learned many valuable lessons and in turn have taken those lessons into churches around the world. The wise facilitator will recognize the differing needs at each stage and respond to the members accordingly so the group can grow more effectively and quickly.
Group Stages. When a small number of persons of any kind, committee, cell, Bible study, task force. Etc, meets on a regular basis, a group mind can form that transitions the members from individuals with personal needs to individuals who put the health of the organization or group first. The stages are: Form, Storm, Norm, Perform, Reform.
1. Form: Gathering and getting acquainted. People are asking, "Why am I here and who else is here?" There is some anxiety in members. Make sure each person is comfortable.
2. Storm: The question is this: "Who is in charge here and how can I influence the group?" Some ask questions about direction, challenge the priorities and show displeasure in other ways. It is a test to get through this stage successfully. If the Storm Stage is not passed successfully it is impossible to Perform well as a team. Leaders must listen, clarify, process and not get defensive or argue.
3. Norm: Question: "How do we work together best?" Discovering and agreeing to the Norms for group process is key. Everyone gets on board with the boundaries, goals, operating principles and using different gifts.
4. Perform: Honest, genuine sharing and interdependent ministry. This is what we have been waiting for and hope for. Heart issues arise and are handled with sensitivity.
5. Reform: Each time a person leaves or a new person enter the group, the dynamics change so it goes back to Form, Storm, Norm and Perform. Open groups rarely ever get to the Perform Stage because new people are always coming and veterans are going.
We need to guide groups successfully through these stages and keep them on track.
I was blessed to study at U.C. with a group of professors that were real experts. I learned many valuable lessons and in turn have taken those lessons into churches around the world. The wise facilitator will recognize the differing needs at each stage and respond to the members accordingly so the group can grow more effectively and quickly.
Group Stages. When a small number of persons of any kind, committee, cell, Bible study, task force. Etc, meets on a regular basis, a group mind can form that transitions the members from individuals with personal needs to individuals who put the health of the organization or group first. The stages are: Form, Storm, Norm, Perform, Reform.
1. Form: Gathering and getting acquainted. People are asking, "Why am I here and who else is here?" There is some anxiety in members. Make sure each person is comfortable.
2. Storm: The question is this: "Who is in charge here and how can I influence the group?" Some ask questions about direction, challenge the priorities and show displeasure in other ways. It is a test to get through this stage successfully. If the Storm Stage is not passed successfully it is impossible to Perform well as a team. Leaders must listen, clarify, process and not get defensive or argue.
3. Norm: Question: "How do we work together best?" Discovering and agreeing to the Norms for group process is key. Everyone gets on board with the boundaries, goals, operating principles and using different gifts.
4. Perform: Honest, genuine sharing and interdependent ministry. This is what we have been waiting for and hope for. Heart issues arise and are handled with sensitivity.
5. Reform: Each time a person leaves or a new person enter the group, the dynamics change so it goes back to Form, Storm, Norm and Perform. Open groups rarely ever get to the Perform Stage because new people are always coming and veterans are going.
We need to guide groups successfully through these stages and keep them on track.
Lenin's Tomb is Empty!It has always been so, but for many years it contained a dead body made up to look real and alive. It was the great metaphor for Soviet Socialism. Dead but made to look alive.
Before Perestroika, lines of worshipful Russians and Communists from various conquered countries stood in the rain, snow and cold weather to walk solemnly through the tomb. Why did they do that?
Because they loved Lenin? No.
Because they wanted to honor this evil man? No.
Because they wanted to be seen and listed as having been there? Yes!
The former Soviet Republics are still suffering from 70 years of oppression but God is on the move. The Red Guards of China fanatically wiped out all religions except Maoism. Many, many millions were slaughtered to force people to forget Buddhism, Taoism, Hinduism and so forth. However, Christianity prospered and now a great revival is sweeping China to fill the spiritual vacuum.
Could that happen in Russia and Europe? Let us pray that it will be so.
Wednesday, October 25, 2006
Europe-Filled with Godless People?
Recent polls indicate that many Europeans dislike America because we are seen as "Too religious." I just received a report from Craig and Sarah Springer, a couple that is planting a church in Prague, the Czech Republic, and they included an article from The Chicago Tribune.
Read this and see why we are working so hard to establish healthy Christians in Moscow, the European part of Russia.
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/nationworld/chi-0604300423apr30,1,2511006.story?coll=chinewsnationworld-hed
It is to the benefit of all of us to prayerfully support missions to Europe. Right now, Europe is in a terrible crisis caused largely by their godless and secular fundamentalism.
Thanks for your financial and prayerful support for Galina and Life Way Ministries.
Read this and see why we are working so hard to establish healthy Christians in Moscow, the European part of Russia.
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/nationworld/chi-0604300423apr30,1,2511006.story?coll=chinewsnationworld-hed
It is to the benefit of all of us to prayerfully support missions to Europe. Right now, Europe is in a terrible crisis caused largely by their godless and secular fundamentalism.
Thanks for your financial and prayerful support for Galina and Life Way Ministries.
The gospel is wholistic
"... Our creation, our salvation, and our stewardship are intrinsically bound together.
Salvation is not just a matter of saving man's soul; it's about man as a whole.
When we acknowledge the kingship of the Lord in redemption, it will of necessity affect all of life - our relationships and our stewardship of time, talents, gifts, opportunities, and money."
Ken Hemphill, Making Change (B & H Publishing Group, 2006)
Salvation is not just a matter of saving man's soul; it's about man as a whole.
When we acknowledge the kingship of the Lord in redemption, it will of necessity affect all of life - our relationships and our stewardship of time, talents, gifts, opportunities, and money."
Ken Hemphill, Making Change (B & H Publishing Group, 2006)
God Became Flesh and Dwelt Among Us
If God never became flesh, he could neither redeem us nor reveal to us his promise of eternal life. It is only by becoming like us that God can make us like him, restoring us in his image.
St. Irenaeus, 444 Surprising Quotes about Jesus (Bethany House, 2006)
St. Irenaeus, 444 Surprising Quotes about Jesus (Bethany House, 2006)
God's Strategy Continues to Produce Fruit
About 30 years ago a group of us at College Hill Presbyterian Church came together to pray about setting up a ministry of growth and healing at the church. I completed a dissertation on the topic of "Training Christian Counselors" at University of Cincinnati in the Summer of 1975 and had several rather exciting insights about new ways to approach discipleship and counseling.
Then, in 1976 the Lord convinced the Elders of CHPC that I was should be placed into a new position; Minister of Discipleship and Family Life. In this new assignment I gathered a team of wise and experienced men and women to seek the Lord about how to accomplish the goals of individual and family healing set by our Elder Board.
We knew a few things about what not to do in counseling and growth. However, there were no creative and exciting new models, especially from Christians, that really jumped out to us. I knew the latest research from the world of psychology and medicine. It was not a pretty picture. The old fashioned "Medical Model" of treatment was obviously out of date. The Medical Model operates on the assumption that relational, emotional and family troubles were like diseases and ought to be treated by an expert in drugs and advanced psychological knowledge.
But research showed that over 40% of all persons seeking help for emotional, relational, marriage and family problems went to pastors and priests first. Only 8% went to a mental health professional. The church does more counseling and produces more growth in people than any other institution. Most importantly, the greatest amount of assistance comes from the congregation, small groups, classes and worship as well as Pastors.
At CHPC we developed a new approach and a new model of healing and growth. We would "Equip all God's children to think and relate with health." That developed into a strategy that God revealed to us about "Equipping equippers to equip the saints..." around the world. The Elders encouraged us to start a separate Non-profit ministry to carry out the model and we set up, Equipping Ministries International. After developing the model and trying it out for a few years we first took the finished model to Norway, Sweden and Denmark. Since then I also set up Life Way Ministries and we established "Seed Corn Equipping Centers" all over the world.
Larry Chrouch was one of the original visionaries that heard the Lord's call about the strategy. He recently sent me a report from EMI that tells how the man who now heads Teleios Norway, Kjell Aanensen, has made another trip to train leaders in Mongolia. To see the report go to emigrow@equipmin.org
Kjell was in Larry's group in 1987, the very first trip we made to Norway, and is now taking what he learned from us to regions beyond Scandinavia. Teleios Norway is now under the umbrella of a key pastor and friend, Martin Cave. Martin is one of the most creative and visionary men I have ever met.
That vision God gave us in 1976 is still producing fruit today. If you want to hear more, call me @ 513-300-5065 or send me an e mail to gsweeten@lifewaycenters.com
Gary R. Sweeten, Ed. D.
Leader Coach & Consultant
Touching Leaders, One Heart at a time
Touching Organizations, One Leader at a time
Touching Communities, One Organization at a time
Touching Nations, One Community at a time.
Touching Eternity, One Day at a time
(C)Life Way Ministries, Inc
A Faith Based Non-Profit Charity
11161 Kenwood RoadCincinnati, Ohio 45242
www.lifewaycenters.com
http://garysweeten.blogspot.com
513-769-0304 (Fax)
513-300-5065 (Hand)
Then, in 1976 the Lord convinced the Elders of CHPC that I was should be placed into a new position; Minister of Discipleship and Family Life. In this new assignment I gathered a team of wise and experienced men and women to seek the Lord about how to accomplish the goals of individual and family healing set by our Elder Board.
We knew a few things about what not to do in counseling and growth. However, there were no creative and exciting new models, especially from Christians, that really jumped out to us. I knew the latest research from the world of psychology and medicine. It was not a pretty picture. The old fashioned "Medical Model" of treatment was obviously out of date. The Medical Model operates on the assumption that relational, emotional and family troubles were like diseases and ought to be treated by an expert in drugs and advanced psychological knowledge.
But research showed that over 40% of all persons seeking help for emotional, relational, marriage and family problems went to pastors and priests first. Only 8% went to a mental health professional. The church does more counseling and produces more growth in people than any other institution. Most importantly, the greatest amount of assistance comes from the congregation, small groups, classes and worship as well as Pastors.
At CHPC we developed a new approach and a new model of healing and growth. We would "Equip all God's children to think and relate with health." That developed into a strategy that God revealed to us about "Equipping equippers to equip the saints..." around the world. The Elders encouraged us to start a separate Non-profit ministry to carry out the model and we set up, Equipping Ministries International. After developing the model and trying it out for a few years we first took the finished model to Norway, Sweden and Denmark. Since then I also set up Life Way Ministries and we established "Seed Corn Equipping Centers" all over the world.
Larry Chrouch was one of the original visionaries that heard the Lord's call about the strategy. He recently sent me a report from EMI that tells how the man who now heads Teleios Norway, Kjell Aanensen, has made another trip to train leaders in Mongolia. To see the report go to emigrow@equipmin.org
Kjell was in Larry's group in 1987, the very first trip we made to Norway, and is now taking what he learned from us to regions beyond Scandinavia. Teleios Norway is now under the umbrella of a key pastor and friend, Martin Cave. Martin is one of the most creative and visionary men I have ever met.
That vision God gave us in 1976 is still producing fruit today. If you want to hear more, call me @ 513-300-5065 or send me an e mail to gsweeten@lifewaycenters.com
Gary R. Sweeten, Ed. D.
Leader Coach & Consultant
Touching Leaders, One Heart at a time
Touching Organizations, One Leader at a time
Touching Communities, One Organization at a time
Touching Nations, One Community at a time.
Touching Eternity, One Day at a time
(C)Life Way Ministries, Inc
A Faith Based Non-Profit Charity
11161 Kenwood RoadCincinnati, Ohio 45242
www.lifewaycenters.com
http://garysweeten.blogspot.com
513-769-0304 (Fax)
513-300-5065 (Hand)
Tuesday, October 24, 2006
Improve Your Relational IQ
In a former post I mentioned that Life Way Resources, a division of the Southern Baptist Sunday School Board, recently did a survey that indicated over 1300 Pastors had been fired in 2005. That is a lot of pain, division and giving in to the enemy's plans.
The researchers discovered an interesting point: ten of the top fifteen reasons given for dismissal were related to a lack of good relationship skills. I should have known. I did my doctoral dissertation on that topic in 1975 and found an awful lack of relational skills among pastors, priests and leaders. The people most often required to nurture, minister and counsel can't do any of them.
The majority of pastors with whom I work indicate they never had a single class on relationships in college or seminary. Yet, relational acumen is the core of everything we pastors do. We need good skills to nurture people at the services; we need good skills to support widows and orphans; we need good skills at weddings and funerals. We need good skills to offer care and counsel to those in need.
Yet almost none of our ministers has had a single class in listening, coaching, grief counseling or anything else that matters in a church. What can we do?
Buy my books:
Listening for Heaven's Sake is the basic text for caring
Hope and Change for Humpty Dumpty describes a plan for ministry
The researchers discovered an interesting point: ten of the top fifteen reasons given for dismissal were related to a lack of good relationship skills. I should have known. I did my doctoral dissertation on that topic in 1975 and found an awful lack of relational skills among pastors, priests and leaders. The people most often required to nurture, minister and counsel can't do any of them.
The majority of pastors with whom I work indicate they never had a single class on relationships in college or seminary. Yet, relational acumen is the core of everything we pastors do. We need good skills to nurture people at the services; we need good skills to support widows and orphans; we need good skills at weddings and funerals. We need good skills to offer care and counsel to those in need.
Yet almost none of our ministers has had a single class in listening, coaching, grief counseling or anything else that matters in a church. What can we do?
Buy my books:
Listening for Heaven's Sake is the basic text for caring
Hope and Change for Humpty Dumpty describes a plan for ministry
Monday, October 23, 2006
Pray for Galina in Russia
For over ten years we have supported a medical doctor and psychiatrist as she ministers to believers and trains counselors all around Russia. The progress is slow but we can definitely see progress.
Galina is setting up support/recovery groups and training centers around the former USSR. Individuals and families are so traumatized there that they have no idea what a "Normal Life" could be.
Alcoholism and other means of self medicating themselves is key to stopping the pain. But with the saving faith of God can transform many into families of healing and growth. We all know how hard it is to bring abused persons to maturity in the USA, but in Russia abuse is the norm.
Our Listening book will soon be published so some good materials will help but more is needed.
Galina is under extreme pressure by some group that is trying to take the building in which she works and has her meetings. Please pray for her protection and guidance.
Galina is setting up support/recovery groups and training centers around the former USSR. Individuals and families are so traumatized there that they have no idea what a "Normal Life" could be.
Alcoholism and other means of self medicating themselves is key to stopping the pain. But with the saving faith of God can transform many into families of healing and growth. We all know how hard it is to bring abused persons to maturity in the USA, but in Russia abuse is the norm.
Our Listening book will soon be published so some good materials will help but more is needed.
Galina is under extreme pressure by some group that is trying to take the building in which she works and has her meetings. Please pray for her protection and guidance.
Sunday, October 22, 2006
Healthy Happy Christians
At Life Way we believe in the Abundant life. I do not think poverty of life, poverty of love and poverty of spirit are virtues. I believe that it is the call of all Christians and all churches to preach the good news about redemption, eternal life and the possibility of a great life right now.
We all know the passage where Jesus said so famously, "The Devil comes to steal rob and destroy but I came that you might have life and experience it more abundantly." I suggest that this kind of abundance is an overflowing heart of Spiritual Fruit. When the heart is full of joy the life space will also be full of abundance.
There are a lot of grumpy Christians. I am not sure why but maybe they think spirituality is supposed to be serious business. When I first began to preach and teach in Norway I discovered that the Believers there in the North were often so pious, serious and solemn that they appeared depressed. During one retreat in the mountains the Lord said I needed to teach every day about joy. He evidently wanted me to break that spirit and replace it with a Spirit of God. So every single morning I began with a devotional on joy.
About the third morning as I asked the various pastors and leaders to read and sing about joy Jan Gossner, a New Testament scholar, said with great solemnity, "Dr. Sweeten, here in Norway, joy is very serious business." That sly comment brought the house down and broke the spell of gloom and doom.
Despite the circumstances of life and the constraints of humanity when we have a heart that is overflowing with the goodness and grace of God we will approach those issues with confidence and power. I am not suggesting that we live in denial but another river. The river if Joy.
We all know the passage where Jesus said so famously, "The Devil comes to steal rob and destroy but I came that you might have life and experience it more abundantly." I suggest that this kind of abundance is an overflowing heart of Spiritual Fruit. When the heart is full of joy the life space will also be full of abundance.
There are a lot of grumpy Christians. I am not sure why but maybe they think spirituality is supposed to be serious business. When I first began to preach and teach in Norway I discovered that the Believers there in the North were often so pious, serious and solemn that they appeared depressed. During one retreat in the mountains the Lord said I needed to teach every day about joy. He evidently wanted me to break that spirit and replace it with a Spirit of God. So every single morning I began with a devotional on joy.
About the third morning as I asked the various pastors and leaders to read and sing about joy Jan Gossner, a New Testament scholar, said with great solemnity, "Dr. Sweeten, here in Norway, joy is very serious business." That sly comment brought the house down and broke the spell of gloom and doom.
Despite the circumstances of life and the constraints of humanity when we have a heart that is overflowing with the goodness and grace of God we will approach those issues with confidence and power. I am not suggesting that we live in denial but another river. The river if Joy.
Saturday, October 21, 2006
Lonely Pastors?
Pastors are in a very difficult situation. They are usually open, warm and interactive in public but isolated and lonely everywhere else. Few pastors have fun, relaxed, open and supportive friendships outside their churches and it is very difficult to find such relationships in the church.
That is one reason I started the weekly golf games for pastors and leaders. It is a place where we all can find new friends and have some relaxed fun without having to "keep our masks up" so others do not see who we really are.
A few posts ago I shared Lifeway Resources' survey results about how over 1300 Southern Baptist Pastors were fired last year. The top reasons were a lack of good relationships. Poor social skills, conflicts with others and poor leadership skills predominated in the survey. No wonder most pastors are lonely. Again, we play golf together and it builds our network of safe people with whom we can talk.
For the web resource go to: http://www.pastors.com/article.asp?ArtID=9914
That is one reason I started the weekly golf games for pastors and leaders. It is a place where we all can find new friends and have some relaxed fun without having to "keep our masks up" so others do not see who we really are.
A few posts ago I shared Lifeway Resources' survey results about how over 1300 Southern Baptist Pastors were fired last year. The top reasons were a lack of good relationships. Poor social skills, conflicts with others and poor leadership skills predominated in the survey. No wonder most pastors are lonely. Again, we play golf together and it builds our network of safe people with whom we can talk.
For the web resource go to: http://www.pastors.com/article.asp?ArtID=9914
How Rich Am I?
Most of us do not feel rich. In fact, many Americans "feel" like life is hard. Gas prices seem high and we cannot buy everything we want right now. But, most Americans and Western Europeans are very wealthy. Especially when we compare ourselves to the other six billion people in the world.
The following web site gives us a way to compare ourselves to the rest of the world. If you put in your annual income, the computer automatically calculates how you stack up against world norms. I tried it and had some fun when I saw that I am actually richer than I thought. It also asks, of course, for a donation to their non-profit but that is OK with me. We often need a reminder of how blessed we are.
An addendum. Not only are we the richest people in history, by a very far margin, we are also enjoying the lowest costs in history. Inflation is low and the cost of food, clothes and other necessities is the lowest I ever remember. The entire world has learned how to produce things more efficiently and waste is being eliminated every day. We are very, very blessed.
Click the link below to see your wold rank.
http://www.globalrichlist.com/
The following web site gives us a way to compare ourselves to the rest of the world. If you put in your annual income, the computer automatically calculates how you stack up against world norms. I tried it and had some fun when I saw that I am actually richer than I thought. It also asks, of course, for a donation to their non-profit but that is OK with me. We often need a reminder of how blessed we are.
An addendum. Not only are we the richest people in history, by a very far margin, we are also enjoying the lowest costs in history. Inflation is low and the cost of food, clothes and other necessities is the lowest I ever remember. The entire world has learned how to produce things more efficiently and waste is being eliminated every day. We are very, very blessed.
Click the link below to see your wold rank.
http://www.globalrichlist.com/
Friday, October 20, 2006
More on Households and The Future
A couple of years ago, Leadership Magazine published a covere story about the future of "Families" with Lyle Schaller as guest sage. See what you think.
First, watch your language. "Language evolves, and the word family is one I would use with caution," he said. "It can be unintentionally offensive. Yes, many people place a high value on the family in our society. 'Family values' has a positive connotation in some political circles, and many churches list as one of their core values 'strengthening the family' or 'undergirding family life.' But to folks who don't have a traditional family structure, which is the growing proportion, it says, 'People like you aren't welcome.'"
So what term should replace "family"? Lyle asked if we had noticed that the U.S. Census Bureau had stopped referring to "families." The more precise term now is "households," which incidentally is an equally biblical term.
After warning us to beware of our language, he told us to be aware of the church's great opportunity for tomorrow: "Traditionally, life was sequential: school, job, marriage, then parenthood. Today people do those four in different sequences. But this traditional sequence, especially job and marriage preceding parenthood, is still the number one way to avoid poverty.
"State governments are recognizing this through the rising costs of Medicaid. About two-thirds of people in nursing homes are under Medicaid. But did you realize that one-third of all births are paid for out of Medicaid?"
As a result, three states (Arizona, Louisiana, Arkansas) already have laws encouraging "covenant marriage," about half the states have legislation pending, and Schaller predicts that marriage education will soon have as much state support as driver's education.
This is going to create a great opportunity for churches to prepare couples on "How to build a healthy, happy, and enduring marriage."
First, watch your language. "Language evolves, and the word family is one I would use with caution," he said. "It can be unintentionally offensive. Yes, many people place a high value on the family in our society. 'Family values' has a positive connotation in some political circles, and many churches list as one of their core values 'strengthening the family' or 'undergirding family life.' But to folks who don't have a traditional family structure, which is the growing proportion, it says, 'People like you aren't welcome.'"
So what term should replace "family"? Lyle asked if we had noticed that the U.S. Census Bureau had stopped referring to "families." The more precise term now is "households," which incidentally is an equally biblical term.
After warning us to beware of our language, he told us to be aware of the church's great opportunity for tomorrow: "Traditionally, life was sequential: school, job, marriage, then parenthood. Today people do those four in different sequences. But this traditional sequence, especially job and marriage preceding parenthood, is still the number one way to avoid poverty.
"State governments are recognizing this through the rising costs of Medicaid. About two-thirds of people in nursing homes are under Medicaid. But did you realize that one-third of all births are paid for out of Medicaid?"
As a result, three states (Arizona, Louisiana, Arkansas) already have laws encouraging "covenant marriage," about half the states have legislation pending, and Schaller predicts that marriage education will soon have as much state support as driver's education.
This is going to create a great opportunity for churches to prepare couples on "How to build a healthy, happy, and enduring marriage."
Thursday, October 19, 2006
Why Do Liberal Writers and Editors Hate Conservative Christians?
New York Times reporter, Linda greenhouse recently broke into sobs as she spoke to a Harvard University audience. Part of what she said was:
"Our government had turned its energy and attention away from upholding the rule of law and toward creating law-free zones at Guantanamo Bay, Abu Ghraib, Haditha, and other places around the world. And let’s not forget the sustained assault on women's reproductive freedom and the hijacking of public policy by religious fundamentalism.")
Tim Hedges, formerly Middle East News Director for the NY Times, is now a senior fellow at The Nation Institute, the foundation of the far-left magazine, and in January he'll publish a book, "American Fascists: The Christian Right and the War on America." Last week, Hedges predicted Bush would go to war with Iran, perhaps "in as little as three weeks." He concludes his Truthdig column:
"If you are sure you will be raptured into heaven, your clothes left behind with the nonbelievers, then this news should cheer you up. If you are rational, however, these may be some of the last few weeks or months in which to enjoy what is left of our beleaguered, dying republic and way of life."
The week before that, when questioned by the Chicago Tribune about the incendiary title of his upcoming book, he responded: "This is a potent and a ruthless mass movement that would like to dismantle American democracy."
An article written in November 2004, while Hedges was still a reporter for the Times (his last byline appears under a "Public Lives" profile dated March 3, 2005) is topped by this explanatory header: "This is an article by Chris Hedges that no major publication would print."
The title of his upcoming book, given it has a similar title: "The Christian Right And The Rise of American Fascism."After comparing Christian conservative opposition to gay marriage with "the state suppression of opponents" by the Nazis, he really unveils his paranoia: "All debates with the Christian Right are useless. We cannot reach this movement. It does not want a dialogue. It cares nothing for rational thought and discussion. It is not mollified because John Kerry prays or Jimmy Carter teaches Sunday School. These naive attempts to reach out to a movement bent on our destruction, to prove to them that we too have 'values,' would be humorous if the stakes were not so deadly. They hate us. They hate the liberal, enlightened world formed by the Constitution. Our opinions do not count.
This movement will not stop until we are ruled by Biblical Law, an authoritarian church intrudes in every aspect of our life, women stay at home and rear children, gays agree to be cured, abortion is considered murder, the press and the schools promote 'positive' Christian values, the federal government is gutted, war becomes our primary form of communication with the rest of the world and recalcitrant non-believers see their flesh eviscerated at the sound of the Messiah's voice."
I never ever remember any Church group suggesting these actions. Yet, it is becoming commonplace to hear media and TV programs promote such hysterical ideas. Boston legal said similar things this week on a show about "Religious Freedom".
I just cannot wait until the libs take over the Congress and start persecuting Conservatives.
"Our government had turned its energy and attention away from upholding the rule of law and toward creating law-free zones at Guantanamo Bay, Abu Ghraib, Haditha, and other places around the world. And let’s not forget the sustained assault on women's reproductive freedom and the hijacking of public policy by religious fundamentalism.")
Tim Hedges, formerly Middle East News Director for the NY Times, is now a senior fellow at The Nation Institute, the foundation of the far-left magazine, and in January he'll publish a book, "American Fascists: The Christian Right and the War on America." Last week, Hedges predicted Bush would go to war with Iran, perhaps "in as little as three weeks." He concludes his Truthdig column:
"If you are sure you will be raptured into heaven, your clothes left behind with the nonbelievers, then this news should cheer you up. If you are rational, however, these may be some of the last few weeks or months in which to enjoy what is left of our beleaguered, dying republic and way of life."
The week before that, when questioned by the Chicago Tribune about the incendiary title of his upcoming book, he responded: "This is a potent and a ruthless mass movement that would like to dismantle American democracy."
An article written in November 2004, while Hedges was still a reporter for the Times (his last byline appears under a "Public Lives" profile dated March 3, 2005) is topped by this explanatory header: "This is an article by Chris Hedges that no major publication would print."
The title of his upcoming book, given it has a similar title: "The Christian Right And The Rise of American Fascism."After comparing Christian conservative opposition to gay marriage with "the state suppression of opponents" by the Nazis, he really unveils his paranoia: "All debates with the Christian Right are useless. We cannot reach this movement. It does not want a dialogue. It cares nothing for rational thought and discussion. It is not mollified because John Kerry prays or Jimmy Carter teaches Sunday School. These naive attempts to reach out to a movement bent on our destruction, to prove to them that we too have 'values,' would be humorous if the stakes were not so deadly. They hate us. They hate the liberal, enlightened world formed by the Constitution. Our opinions do not count.
This movement will not stop until we are ruled by Biblical Law, an authoritarian church intrudes in every aspect of our life, women stay at home and rear children, gays agree to be cured, abortion is considered murder, the press and the schools promote 'positive' Christian values, the federal government is gutted, war becomes our primary form of communication with the rest of the world and recalcitrant non-believers see their flesh eviscerated at the sound of the Messiah's voice."
I never ever remember any Church group suggesting these actions. Yet, it is becoming commonplace to hear media and TV programs promote such hysterical ideas. Boston legal said similar things this week on a show about "Religious Freedom".
I just cannot wait until the libs take over the Congress and start persecuting Conservatives.
Wednesday, October 18, 2006
New Web Site
We are renewing our web site. You can reach it in two ways:
www.garysweeten.com or www.lifewaycenters.com and then Life Way Ministries.
We are now posting mainly the notes and study guides from my class at the Vineyard Community Church. However, later we will also post other interesting things.
Come and visit awhile.
www.garysweeten.com or www.lifewaycenters.com and then Life Way Ministries.
We are now posting mainly the notes and study guides from my class at the Vineyard Community Church. However, later we will also post other interesting things.
Come and visit awhile.
Conflicts at Church Destroy Pastoral Relationships
Lifeway Resources, not us at Life Way Ministries, Inc. but the Southern Baptist Sunday School Board's research and publishing arm, does a massive amount of research on church and pastoral issues. In a recent article, they noted that over 1300 Pastors were dismissed from SBC churches in 2005.
This is astounding and pitiful statistic that accompanies the research by Barna that also shows Christian divorce rates to be extremely high. A staff split is much like a marital split because the cause of almost every divorce is an inability to get along.
Top 15 Reasons for Church Staff Terminations
1. Control issues (who should run the church)
2. Poor people skills
3. Church's resistance to change
4. Pastor's leadership style (too strong)
5. Church was already conflicted when the pastor arrived
6. Decline in attendance and/or conditions
7. Pastor's leadership style (too weak)
8. Administrative incompetence on the part of the pastor
9. Sexual misconduct
10. Conflict with other staff
11. Ethical misconduct(mismanaged monies, dishonesty)
12. Disagreement over doctrine
13. Tenure (been at the church too long)
14. Rapid growth
15. Pastor vs. deacons*
15. Pastor's physical health*
15. Personal financial problems*
15. Poor work ethic (lazy)*
*Received an equal number of votes
Dear Reader, what kinds of common threads do you see?
This is astounding and pitiful statistic that accompanies the research by Barna that also shows Christian divorce rates to be extremely high. A staff split is much like a marital split because the cause of almost every divorce is an inability to get along.
Top 15 Reasons for Church Staff Terminations
1. Control issues (who should run the church)
2. Poor people skills
3. Church's resistance to change
4. Pastor's leadership style (too strong)
5. Church was already conflicted when the pastor arrived
6. Decline in attendance and/or conditions
7. Pastor's leadership style (too weak)
8. Administrative incompetence on the part of the pastor
9. Sexual misconduct
10. Conflict with other staff
11. Ethical misconduct(mismanaged monies, dishonesty)
12. Disagreement over doctrine
13. Tenure (been at the church too long)
14. Rapid growth
15. Pastor vs. deacons*
15. Pastor's physical health*
15. Personal financial problems*
15. Poor work ethic (lazy)*
*Received an equal number of votes
Dear Reader, what kinds of common threads do you see?
Monday, October 16, 2006
The Evangelical Road Ahead
Conservative Christians, called Evangelicals nowdays, are a self-conscious lot. We seem to be so new, so fresh and so desirous for recognition that we constantly write books, papers and articles about ourselves. We have lists of the biggest churches, the most popular pastors, the biggest church building and the largest crowd to hear the gospel.
Wow! we do like to brag and act important. Christianity Today recently published a series about what Evangelicals should be doing to change the world over the next 50 years. Now even CT has become Pentecostal by dent of their searching for a big prophesy about the future. In the past, Evangelicals would have been satisfied with a chart showing when Jesus will return. Now they are thinking He is not coming back at least for 50 years. See their latest story at: http://www.christianitytoday.com/
Looking into the future is risky at best. Who would have guessed in 1945 at the end of WWII that the favorite European airline serving Israel would be the successor to the Nazi's Luftwaffe?
In my high school days of 1956 it was predicted that every female in America was sure to have a job in the year of 2000. The task? Pulling and connecting telephone wires at switchboards for AT&T! Nobody predicted the computer revolution that eliminated 100% of those jobs.
Back in the Seventies gloom and doom prophets saw world starvation and a population of millions of unfed people. The cause was thought to be a lack of food and a blooming population. Here we are just forty years later with a glut of food and a lack of people in Europe. The greatest crisis in the west is a LACK of POPULATION!
But Evangelicals are trying to predict what the future holds for us and how we can change the world. Not only have they come up with a ridiculous proposal, the suggestions are not really about the guts and backbone of Evangelical life, but focus on BIG ORGANIZATIONS like World Vision, Habitat, the Federal Government, etc. (I like and support WV but it is not the hope of the world.)
The key to change is and always has been the local Church and the small Para-church groups that touch lives in large and small ways. Perhaps the worst thing ever to happen to Christianity was the conversion of Constantine and his melding of the church and state. Prior to that Christians had touched the world order by touching individuals and families. Now it would be political power.
Research confirms what I am saying. The average church in Philadelphia contributes almost $200,000.00 annually to their communities in aid, assistance, meals, counseling, housing, etc. Their average size is 80 to 100 persons. But they penetrate the neighborhoods and they know the needs of people. This is key to long term changes in society and family life.
Life Way Ministries comes alongside such churches and equips them to be more effective in their works of mercy. One thing that CT got correct was their statement that Evangelicals need to get educated so they can be better prepared to influence people and institutions. I agree.
But key to everything is the gospel message. People need to know the Lord and then their changed lives will be life changers. It is the GOOD NEWS!
Wow! we do like to brag and act important. Christianity Today recently published a series about what Evangelicals should be doing to change the world over the next 50 years. Now even CT has become Pentecostal by dent of their searching for a big prophesy about the future. In the past, Evangelicals would have been satisfied with a chart showing when Jesus will return. Now they are thinking He is not coming back at least for 50 years. See their latest story at: http://www.christianitytoday.com/
Looking into the future is risky at best. Who would have guessed in 1945 at the end of WWII that the favorite European airline serving Israel would be the successor to the Nazi's Luftwaffe?
In my high school days of 1956 it was predicted that every female in America was sure to have a job in the year of 2000. The task? Pulling and connecting telephone wires at switchboards for AT&T! Nobody predicted the computer revolution that eliminated 100% of those jobs.
Back in the Seventies gloom and doom prophets saw world starvation and a population of millions of unfed people. The cause was thought to be a lack of food and a blooming population. Here we are just forty years later with a glut of food and a lack of people in Europe. The greatest crisis in the west is a LACK of POPULATION!
But Evangelicals are trying to predict what the future holds for us and how we can change the world. Not only have they come up with a ridiculous proposal, the suggestions are not really about the guts and backbone of Evangelical life, but focus on BIG ORGANIZATIONS like World Vision, Habitat, the Federal Government, etc. (I like and support WV but it is not the hope of the world.)
The key to change is and always has been the local Church and the small Para-church groups that touch lives in large and small ways. Perhaps the worst thing ever to happen to Christianity was the conversion of Constantine and his melding of the church and state. Prior to that Christians had touched the world order by touching individuals and families. Now it would be political power.
Research confirms what I am saying. The average church in Philadelphia contributes almost $200,000.00 annually to their communities in aid, assistance, meals, counseling, housing, etc. Their average size is 80 to 100 persons. But they penetrate the neighborhoods and they know the needs of people. This is key to long term changes in society and family life.
Life Way Ministries comes alongside such churches and equips them to be more effective in their works of mercy. One thing that CT got correct was their statement that Evangelicals need to get educated so they can be better prepared to influence people and institutions. I agree.
But key to everything is the gospel message. People need to know the Lord and then their changed lives will be life changers. It is the GOOD NEWS!
Saturday, October 14, 2006
Divorce and Family Destruction
I attended a meeting last week at Beech Acres, a center dedicated to strengthening marriage, parenting and family life to hear about the grants given out by the Federal Government to support families and prevent their destruction. Beech Acres has applied for and gotten a grant from the Ohio Faith Based Office and just received word that they have been given a 2.75 Million Dollar Grant from the Feds. That is good news. Take a look at this web page for more information about the Ohio grant. http://www.beechacres.org/family/home.asp
According to recent research, Claremount County has an astounding divorce rate of 74%. This is practically criminal because it almost guarantees several things.
1. Poverty for the mother and children
2. Scarred kids growing up in a warring family. The family was at war before the divorce and it will not stop afterwards. As one of my profs said: "In America, divorce is easy but separation is almost impossible." Divorce just keeps the parties fighting over a long period of time.
3. A spiritual drought for the family. Divorce and fights leave kids scarred for life. Healing is a must for the victims.
4. Lonliness for all parties.
Every church needs a special ministry to prevent divorces and yet minister to the victims of divorce when it occurs. We know well what causes most divorces and we know how to prevent them. Why are so few churches devising special programs for families?
We at Life Way Ministries can help you design a great program and reach people who need the Lord and His healing love. Call me at 513-300-5065 for information.
Gary R. Sweeten, Ed. D.
Leader Coach & Consultant
Touching Leaders, One Heart at a time
Touching Organizations, One Leader at a time
Touching Communities, One Organization at a time
Touching Nations, One Community at a time
Touching Eternity, One Day at a time
(C)Life Way Ministries, Inc
A Faith Based Non-Profit Charity
11161 Kenwood RoadCincinnati, Ohio 45242
www.lifewaycenters.com
http://garysweeten.blogspot.com
513-697-6494
513-769-0304 (Fax)
513-300-5065 (Hand)
According to recent research, Claremount County has an astounding divorce rate of 74%. This is practically criminal because it almost guarantees several things.
1. Poverty for the mother and children
2. Scarred kids growing up in a warring family. The family was at war before the divorce and it will not stop afterwards. As one of my profs said: "In America, divorce is easy but separation is almost impossible." Divorce just keeps the parties fighting over a long period of time.
3. A spiritual drought for the family. Divorce and fights leave kids scarred for life. Healing is a must for the victims.
4. Lonliness for all parties.
Every church needs a special ministry to prevent divorces and yet minister to the victims of divorce when it occurs. We know well what causes most divorces and we know how to prevent them. Why are so few churches devising special programs for families?
We at Life Way Ministries can help you design a great program and reach people who need the Lord and His healing love. Call me at 513-300-5065 for information.
Gary R. Sweeten, Ed. D.
Leader Coach & Consultant
Touching Leaders, One Heart at a time
Touching Organizations, One Leader at a time
Touching Communities, One Organization at a time
Touching Nations, One Community at a time
Touching Eternity, One Day at a time
(C)Life Way Ministries, Inc
A Faith Based Non-Profit Charity
11161 Kenwood RoadCincinnati, Ohio 45242
www.lifewaycenters.com
http://garysweeten.blogspot.com
513-697-6494
513-769-0304 (Fax)
513-300-5065 (Hand)
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