Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Retreat
Well we just came back from a wonderful weekend Leadership Retreat. The theme for the retreat was "His Truth Is Marching On" and more specifically for the Leadership Team, "March On!"! While there, we were energized and challenged by Bro. Ken Cook to step beyond the "common"! Sunday morning and evening services were a definite testimony to change at New Life Tabernacle. 23 saints and leaders met at the Prayer room to pray on Sunday morning! Sunday School teachers have now decided to stop by the prayer room before teaching class, and Leaders have turned their departments upside down! Oh yeah... and adversity has shown up... right on cue! I say... "Bring it on you stupid ole' devil... remember a revival a few years back that went on for an entire year? You didn't stop that one... and you won't stop this one! If you haven't got any more sense than to show up when it gets fiery hot... well you just might get plowed over! we are Marching On! We haven't got time to stop and address your silly issues!" God has assured us that the time is now and so I challenge every Leader of New Life to keep up your prayer life, keep your attendance faithful and be ahead of the pack, be first! There are a group of people wanting to follow us in reaching the lost of our community! So... March on!
Thursday, January 8, 2009
My Notes from our New Convert/Altar Care/Host Awards Banquet
As much as this world loves to give accolades for solo accomplishment, the truth is that no lone individual has done anything of great value. The belief that one person can do anything great alone is born of a lofty ego.
Even the Lone Ranger had Tonto!
Wyatt Earp had Doc Holliday
Popeye had Olive Oil!
And we could go on and on! Even Jesus had a team of disciples, and each of those disciples had a team!
Paul had Silas, Mary had Martha, Esther had Ruth….and so the story of team effort goes.
All seemingly solo acts are works of greatly orchestrated team efforts.
Michael Phelps; every time he won another medal he gave his TEAM the credit!
Einstein once remarked, ‘Many times a day I realize how much my own outer and inner life is built upon the labors of my fellow men, both living and dead and how earnestly I must exert myself in order to give in return as much as I have received.”
In other words all his accomplishments were results of diligent work of trying to give credit and honor to the labors of those helping him and to those who had paved the way before him!
The team effort in this church has reached a level to where we are all on the same page, in one mind and in one accord, following one man’s vision, and acting upon how we felt the Lord would have us carry out that vision. The Leaders here tonight that I will recognize are great motivators and carriers of Pastor Stanley’s vision for this church. And their efforts are bringing about real countable results!
1. Sis. Shirlane Grant - Along with Bro. Shane, she is involved in many levels of this church, including the Choir and Praise team, the Children’s Ministry at times, Sunday School Teacher, College and Career Ministry as well as being an integral part of the New Convert Care team. And of course she is the Director of the Altar Care Ministry. I have observed her and admired her great composure, careful planning and genuine anointing. Everything she does is with CLASS!
As Altar Care Director, she is responsible to equip, and motivate a team of altar workers who are dedicated, faithful, prayer warriors and who diligently make it to every guest who finds their way to an altar of repentance, and guide them into all the steps necessary to experience salvation. Not only to our visitors do they give the necessary attention, but they are great examples of lifting the saints as well when it seems one might need help in prayer for a breakthrough. Sis. Shirlane does a wonderful job leading and mentoring this group, and I have always found her to be committed to excellence.
2. Bro. Tim Hardin – Along with Sis Robin he is director of the Greeters or Host/Hostess Ministry Team. He is responsible for a team who sets the stage for our first impression every single service. And I must say there is no better person for the job! He is always willing to do whatever is asked of him, and if he has a fault it would be that he does not say “no” well and is always eager to be a part of everything going on around here. He is the ultimate Greeter, and is steadfast in always working to keep his team fresh and “on stage”! His is not an easy task, as he must weed through all the many emotions that enter the doors and sometimes with a kind word or deed rearrange the frowns on our faces to smiles as we come to worship! He is very easy to work with and always open for suggestions. We cannot do without Bro. Tim and his team of greeters!
3. Last but certainly not least is Sis. Beckord! She is someone I really seldom carry on great lengthy conversations with, but someone who I lean on and draw strength from more than she realizes! As a mother nurtures the infant, she is responsible to nurture and bring to full growth the new convert. She is diligent, dedicated, faithful to a fault, extremely dependable, and a vital part of the growth of new life here at "New Life"! She is a great encourager, and I love her dearly. One of the great things I admire in her is a genuine love and respect for her Pastor and First Lady. Her team is behind her 100% and work tirelessly for her. She is one of the GREAT leaders who can with a team, get the business done!
At this point we gave out Certificates and Awards and each team awarded a Team Member of the Year. First from the Altar Care department the Team Member of the Year went to Sis. Earline Matthews. Next from the New Convert Care Team, Sis. Patricia Whyne and I am so happy to announce that the Team Member of the Year for the Host/Greeters Team went to the great and wonderful....(drumroll....) DAN MAXWELL!
He was so surprised and happy to be recognized as were each of the recipients. It was such a great night and well planned and executed. I am sure it will become an annual event. I would encourage every Team Leader to recognize those who help you or fill in for you as much as is possible. I have learned that a public showing of gratitude is very necessary to keep people feeling respected and appreciated.
I firmly believe in showing three ways of appreciation for each person who helps me out in any capacity. 1. Tell them they are appreciated often 2. Send them a handwritten card of "Thanks" 3. Publicly thank them and tell others of your appreciation. You will find that when you follow these three simple steps, people will do just about whatever is asked of them at any time because they know they are not taken for granted.
Even the Lone Ranger had Tonto!
Wyatt Earp had Doc Holliday
Popeye had Olive Oil!
And we could go on and on! Even Jesus had a team of disciples, and each of those disciples had a team!
Paul had Silas, Mary had Martha, Esther had Ruth….and so the story of team effort goes.
All seemingly solo acts are works of greatly orchestrated team efforts.
Michael Phelps; every time he won another medal he gave his TEAM the credit!
Einstein once remarked, ‘Many times a day I realize how much my own outer and inner life is built upon the labors of my fellow men, both living and dead and how earnestly I must exert myself in order to give in return as much as I have received.”
In other words all his accomplishments were results of diligent work of trying to give credit and honor to the labors of those helping him and to those who had paved the way before him!
The team effort in this church has reached a level to where we are all on the same page, in one mind and in one accord, following one man’s vision, and acting upon how we felt the Lord would have us carry out that vision. The Leaders here tonight that I will recognize are great motivators and carriers of Pastor Stanley’s vision for this church. And their efforts are bringing about real countable results!
1. Sis. Shirlane Grant - Along with Bro. Shane, she is involved in many levels of this church, including the Choir and Praise team, the Children’s Ministry at times, Sunday School Teacher, College and Career Ministry as well as being an integral part of the New Convert Care team. And of course she is the Director of the Altar Care Ministry. I have observed her and admired her great composure, careful planning and genuine anointing. Everything she does is with CLASS!
As Altar Care Director, she is responsible to equip, and motivate a team of altar workers who are dedicated, faithful, prayer warriors and who diligently make it to every guest who finds their way to an altar of repentance, and guide them into all the steps necessary to experience salvation. Not only to our visitors do they give the necessary attention, but they are great examples of lifting the saints as well when it seems one might need help in prayer for a breakthrough. Sis. Shirlane does a wonderful job leading and mentoring this group, and I have always found her to be committed to excellence.
2. Bro. Tim Hardin – Along with Sis Robin he is director of the Greeters or Host/Hostess Ministry Team. He is responsible for a team who sets the stage for our first impression every single service. And I must say there is no better person for the job! He is always willing to do whatever is asked of him, and if he has a fault it would be that he does not say “no” well and is always eager to be a part of everything going on around here. He is the ultimate Greeter, and is steadfast in always working to keep his team fresh and “on stage”! His is not an easy task, as he must weed through all the many emotions that enter the doors and sometimes with a kind word or deed rearrange the frowns on our faces to smiles as we come to worship! He is very easy to work with and always open for suggestions. We cannot do without Bro. Tim and his team of greeters!
3. Last but certainly not least is Sis. Beckord! She is someone I really seldom carry on great lengthy conversations with, but someone who I lean on and draw strength from more than she realizes! As a mother nurtures the infant, she is responsible to nurture and bring to full growth the new convert. She is diligent, dedicated, faithful to a fault, extremely dependable, and a vital part of the growth of new life here at "New Life"! She is a great encourager, and I love her dearly. One of the great things I admire in her is a genuine love and respect for her Pastor and First Lady. Her team is behind her 100% and work tirelessly for her. She is one of the GREAT leaders who can with a team, get the business done!
At this point we gave out Certificates and Awards and each team awarded a Team Member of the Year. First from the Altar Care department the Team Member of the Year went to Sis. Earline Matthews. Next from the New Convert Care Team, Sis. Patricia Whyne and I am so happy to announce that the Team Member of the Year for the Host/Greeters Team went to the great and wonderful....(drumroll....) DAN MAXWELL!
He was so surprised and happy to be recognized as were each of the recipients. It was such a great night and well planned and executed. I am sure it will become an annual event. I would encourage every Team Leader to recognize those who help you or fill in for you as much as is possible. I have learned that a public showing of gratitude is very necessary to keep people feeling respected and appreciated.
I firmly believe in showing three ways of appreciation for each person who helps me out in any capacity. 1. Tell them they are appreciated often 2. Send them a handwritten card of "Thanks" 3. Publicly thank them and tell others of your appreciation. You will find that when you follow these three simple steps, people will do just about whatever is asked of them at any time because they know they are not taken for granted.
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
Let's Begin Again
I am so happy for the New Year to be here. Time to reorganize, reconnect and reconsider!
Reorganize my life...finances...time...pantry...closet...garage(yuck)! I have done the finances, pantry, and closet... those are easy and I enjoy it. However... the time and garage is another matter entirely. I am working on the time, but the garage caved in on its self. I told Dan the other night that I just was going to start parking in the front because once I got in the garage with the Jeep I must have gained weight, because I couldn't get in and out and around the Jeep! He was very silent! lol I know you are laughing! So am I! ... I don't really know if he was silent because of the "weight" comment, or the fact that I was griping about the garage! Anyway I came home last night to find the garage reorganized. It was soooo great! Plenty of room on every side! Course I have lost 4 pounds too!
Reconnect with friends... we have so many friends and family we have been close to at one time or another, and seems like we have become disconnected from many of them. I am happiest around my friends, and a few in particular just make me a better person! I hope you all have that some special friend that you just want to be with, because they make you feel better about yourself!
Reconsider my goals... so many goals that I have had in life are now accomplished, and I must move on into a new time of life with new goals and ambitions. I look back and see where I have come from and think, "My goodness how in the world?" I look ahead then and know I can make it. After all I have come this far! God is so good and faithful. It is by His grace that we can continue on through any struggles, we can overcome, we will perservere!
Anyway... it is such a good feeling to have things in order, clean and ready to start again! You find things you never knew you lost, you get new ideas, create new outfits, replenish your pantry with fresh spices and try new recipes... Its just very fun for me when the new year begins. I hope you are all enjoying the same excitement as I am to begin again. I am reminded right now of the scripture that says..."His mercies/blessings are fresh and new each morning".I have recommitted to prayer and the Bread Chart to help me discipline myself to daily bible reading, and already feel so much closer to the Lord. I came to work this morning and knelt down... and He was right there to meet me. Such a sweet presence of the Lord filled my office. I am so glad He loves me so unconditionally. Last year and all my mistakes and failures are passed, He has forgotten them, and has given me another fresh clean slate for 2009. I pray I make good use of it this year. I am committing to blogging more frequently this year and pray the words are a source of encouragement to you. If you have not already gotten in the New Year spirit, maybe my thoughts will encourage you to BEGIN AGAIN! Its a great feeling!
Reorganize my life...finances...time...pantry...closet...garage(yuck)! I have done the finances, pantry, and closet... those are easy and I enjoy it. However... the time and garage is another matter entirely. I am working on the time, but the garage caved in on its self. I told Dan the other night that I just was going to start parking in the front because once I got in the garage with the Jeep I must have gained weight, because I couldn't get in and out and around the Jeep! He was very silent! lol I know you are laughing! So am I! ... I don't really know if he was silent because of the "weight" comment, or the fact that I was griping about the garage! Anyway I came home last night to find the garage reorganized. It was soooo great! Plenty of room on every side! Course I have lost 4 pounds too!
Reconnect with friends... we have so many friends and family we have been close to at one time or another, and seems like we have become disconnected from many of them. I am happiest around my friends, and a few in particular just make me a better person! I hope you all have that some special friend that you just want to be with, because they make you feel better about yourself!
Reconsider my goals... so many goals that I have had in life are now accomplished, and I must move on into a new time of life with new goals and ambitions. I look back and see where I have come from and think, "My goodness how in the world?" I look ahead then and know I can make it. After all I have come this far! God is so good and faithful. It is by His grace that we can continue on through any struggles, we can overcome, we will perservere!
Anyway... it is such a good feeling to have things in order, clean and ready to start again! You find things you never knew you lost, you get new ideas, create new outfits, replenish your pantry with fresh spices and try new recipes... Its just very fun for me when the new year begins. I hope you are all enjoying the same excitement as I am to begin again. I am reminded right now of the scripture that says..."His mercies/blessings are fresh and new each morning".I have recommitted to prayer and the Bread Chart to help me discipline myself to daily bible reading, and already feel so much closer to the Lord. I came to work this morning and knelt down... and He was right there to meet me. Such a sweet presence of the Lord filled my office. I am so glad He loves me so unconditionally. Last year and all my mistakes and failures are passed, He has forgotten them, and has given me another fresh clean slate for 2009. I pray I make good use of it this year. I am committing to blogging more frequently this year and pray the words are a source of encouragement to you. If you have not already gotten in the New Year spirit, maybe my thoughts will encourage you to BEGIN AGAIN! Its a great feeling!
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