The site has been totally reworked, and now includes resources like sermons and podcasting etc.
Enjoy!
- Brad
Monday, February 15, 2010
I've moved!
OK, not physically, but technologically. If you have bookmarked http://www.bradraby.blogspot.com/, or subscribe to my site via a feed, you'll want to go to http://www.bradraby.com/, and subscribe, bookmark etc. over there.
The site has been totally reworked, and now includes resources like sermons and podcasting etc.
Enjoy!
- Brad
The site has been totally reworked, and now includes resources like sermons and podcasting etc.
Enjoy!
- Brad
Saturday, February 13, 2010
Change
One of my favorite thinkers/leaders, Tony Morgan had some great thoughts about change over on his blog. Here are some of my favorites:
It’s a lot easier to embrace change when you’re the one initiating it.
Change without vision is chaos.
Many times the most successful or positive changes also produce the most criticism.
Change doesn’t happen unless someone is responsible to deliver it.
It’s easier to embrace change when we see it rather than when we hear about it.
Change, even the best kind of change, will always generate some measure of fear and anger and sadness. In other words, someone will always despise the change and let you know about it.
It’s almost impossible to change a change that previously worked.
Organizations that don’t change die.
Slow change is rarely positive change.
If the change is easy, you’re probably not changing enough.
If everyone already recognizes the need for change, you’re obviously not the leader.
You can see the full post HERE.
- Brad
It’s a lot easier to embrace change when you’re the one initiating it.
Change without vision is chaos.
Many times the most successful or positive changes also produce the most criticism.
Change doesn’t happen unless someone is responsible to deliver it.
It’s easier to embrace change when we see it rather than when we hear about it.
Change, even the best kind of change, will always generate some measure of fear and anger and sadness. In other words, someone will always despise the change and let you know about it.
It’s almost impossible to change a change that previously worked.
Organizations that don’t change die.
Slow change is rarely positive change.
If the change is easy, you’re probably not changing enough.
If everyone already recognizes the need for change, you’re obviously not the leader.
You can see the full post HERE.
- Brad
Tuesday, February 09, 2010
"Rightly Dividing the Truth"
OK, every church has those people who...shall we say 'think' they are spiritual, but are in all actuality some of the most nonspiritual Christians you could ever meet. It should be noted that they feel their way is the only way, their music is the only good music, their preference is the best, them, them, them etc.
Every now and then they feel 'lead by God' to be anonymous prophets - AKA, spineless critics. They send unsigned letters, notes etc to you. This week one of those precious people posted a religious news article on the bulletin board in the church hallway for people to read. The article which you can see below is critical of churches and "so called" pastors who adjust their service schedule or show the Super Bowl inside the "Sanctuary". Normally I just grin at this sort of thing and move on, but the title of this column is "Rightly Dividing the Truth." I take issue with article because it is pathetically Non-Biblical. I'm TOTALLY OK with someone having different preferences or traditions than me, but you better not try to distort God's Word in the process. The other reason I would like to draw attention to the article is because for the last month in our student ministry we have been discussing what the 'church' is and is not from a Biblical viewpoint.
So, I'm asking our students to comment on this post and point out the errors you can find based on the teaching we've been examining in the Bible during FUEL over the last month. Let's see how many you can catch.
- Brad.
Super Bowl Redux
Note: I intended to write this peace yesterday, but with Colts loss (I'm a huge fan) I needed a day to get over the loss to the Saints.
My 10 thoughts from Sunday's Big Game.
10.) 106 million people watched the Super Bowl. 1/3 of our population watched the Super Bowl! It was the largest TV audience ever, breaking the record of the last M*A*S*H episode. This is remarkable in this day of endless viewing options.
Now, if the NFL owners and players screw up what they have going in their CBA negotiations and have a lockout of any kind - they would be the biggest fools on earth. The money pie is huge...8 Billion dollars huge! You can figure out a way for everyone to get a nice slice.
9.) I hated the Colts losing. Hated it. But if they were going to lose to a team in the NFL - I'm cool with it being the Saints. Drew Brees is a good dude. Despite the disappointment I felt after the game, seeing Drew holding his cute little boy after the game while his eyes filled with tears...that was special.
8.) Seriously, how long will we have to pay for Justin Timberlake and Janet Jackson's "wardrobe malfunction"? I don't have anything against The Who, but we need a more relevant halftime experience. The only thing that held that act together was an amazing stage production. That was wow. Here are some safe, but relevant suggestions for next year: 1) a country collage of Toby Keith, Kenny Chesney, Tim McGraw, Faith Hill and Carrie Underwood. 2) Kings of Leon, Coldplay or Maroon 5. 3) U2. OR, put these guys on a 7 second delay: 1) Jay Z and Rihanna. 2) The Black Eyed Peas.
7.) The biggest play of the game form a football perspective was not the interception, the onside kick, but Pierre Garcon's drop in the second quarter. Manning hit Pierre in the hands around the 50 yard line, with about 25 more yards of running room. The Colts are almost guaranteed to score again, which would have eliminated one of the Saints possessions. Colts would have had a two possession lead, and I believe won the game.
6.) Peyton Manning is the most unjustly scrutinized player in sports. Maybe in sports history. He throws for 333 yds, and TD and a INT that people with real football knowledge know was on Reggie Wayne's unusual break to the ball - and somehow we are back to the Peyton can't win when the big game is on the line. I won't defend him long, because I'm admittedly partial, but give me a break.
5.) My Favorite Super Bowl Ads:
1.) The Doritos "Play Nice" (The little boy putting smack down on his mommas date.
2.) Lebron vs. Dwight vs. Larry Bird
3.) Betty White Snickers Bar
4.) Leno, Oprah, Letterman
5.) Jim Nance, FLOW TV Spineless man
6.) E-trade Jealous Baby Girlfriend
7.) Audi Green Police
4.) My Least Favorite Super Bowl Ads:
1.) Career Builder - Casual Day. Still have a little vomit in my mouth over that.
2.) Go Daddy Ads - How many miles of slutiness can they get out of these?
3.) Monster.com - Gopher/Beaver, Whatever it was it was weird and made no sense.
4.) Coke Sleep walking - Yawn.
5.) Charles Barkley/Taco Bell - yeah, Barkley needs a super size combo meal.
6.) Audi Green Police (Yeah, I know it's on both lists. If the Green Police weren't intended to be satirical, then I didn't like it.)
3.) Speaking of commercials. The Pam/Tim Tebow commercial. You know the one that got the NOW (National Organization of you better think like we do or you’re not a real Woman group) and other feminist groups all stirred up into a tizzy? Here is what I think: The groups that were crying that this ad was offensive and demeaning to women. The groups calling for CBS to pull the ad - These groups should be embarrassed of themselves. I don't mean a little flush in the cheeks embarrassed, I mean head in the sand, go on vacation for a month, profusely apologetic type of embarrassed at themselves for creating a firestorm over this ad. I emphasized should for a reason.
Terry O'Neil, the president of NOW, responded to the commercial by saying, "I am blown away at the celebration of the violence against women in it," she said. "That’s what comes across to me even more strongly than the anti-abortion message. I myself am a survivor of domestic violence, and I don’t find it charming. I think CBS should be ashamed of itself."
So let me get this straight...Tim Tebow and Focus on the Family are "celebrating violence against women"? I'm sorry, but these assertions can only be described as idiocy, absurd, madness and lunacy.
2.) I think Jim Nance may be one of the best sports broadcasters of all time. He is so underrated.
1.) I feel a little pit in my stomach because it has just occurred to me that football is on hiatus until September...ah well, we have March Madness soon.
- Brad
My 10 thoughts from Sunday's Big Game.
10.) 106 million people watched the Super Bowl. 1/3 of our population watched the Super Bowl! It was the largest TV audience ever, breaking the record of the last M*A*S*H episode. This is remarkable in this day of endless viewing options.
Now, if the NFL owners and players screw up what they have going in their CBA negotiations and have a lockout of any kind - they would be the biggest fools on earth. The money pie is huge...8 Billion dollars huge! You can figure out a way for everyone to get a nice slice.
9.) I hated the Colts losing. Hated it. But if they were going to lose to a team in the NFL - I'm cool with it being the Saints. Drew Brees is a good dude. Despite the disappointment I felt after the game, seeing Drew holding his cute little boy after the game while his eyes filled with tears...that was special.
8.) Seriously, how long will we have to pay for Justin Timberlake and Janet Jackson's "wardrobe malfunction"? I don't have anything against The Who, but we need a more relevant halftime experience. The only thing that held that act together was an amazing stage production. That was wow. Here are some safe, but relevant suggestions for next year: 1) a country collage of Toby Keith, Kenny Chesney, Tim McGraw, Faith Hill and Carrie Underwood. 2) Kings of Leon, Coldplay or Maroon 5. 3) U2. OR, put these guys on a 7 second delay: 1) Jay Z and Rihanna. 2) The Black Eyed Peas.
7.) The biggest play of the game form a football perspective was not the interception, the onside kick, but Pierre Garcon's drop in the second quarter. Manning hit Pierre in the hands around the 50 yard line, with about 25 more yards of running room. The Colts are almost guaranteed to score again, which would have eliminated one of the Saints possessions. Colts would have had a two possession lead, and I believe won the game.
6.) Peyton Manning is the most unjustly scrutinized player in sports. Maybe in sports history. He throws for 333 yds, and TD and a INT that people with real football knowledge know was on Reggie Wayne's unusual break to the ball - and somehow we are back to the Peyton can't win when the big game is on the line. I won't defend him long, because I'm admittedly partial, but give me a break.
5.) My Favorite Super Bowl Ads:
1.) The Doritos "Play Nice" (The little boy putting smack down on his mommas date.
2.) Lebron vs. Dwight vs. Larry Bird
3.) Betty White Snickers Bar
4.) Leno, Oprah, Letterman
5.) Jim Nance, FLOW TV Spineless man
6.) E-trade Jealous Baby Girlfriend
7.) Audi Green Police
4.) My Least Favorite Super Bowl Ads:
1.) Career Builder - Casual Day. Still have a little vomit in my mouth over that.
2.) Go Daddy Ads - How many miles of slutiness can they get out of these?
3.) Monster.com - Gopher/Beaver, Whatever it was it was weird and made no sense.
4.) Coke Sleep walking - Yawn.
5.) Charles Barkley/Taco Bell - yeah, Barkley needs a super size combo meal.
6.) Audi Green Police (Yeah, I know it's on both lists. If the Green Police weren't intended to be satirical, then I didn't like it.)
3.) Speaking of commercials. The Pam/Tim Tebow commercial. You know the one that got the NOW (National Organization of you better think like we do or you’re not a real Woman group) and other feminist groups all stirred up into a tizzy? Here is what I think: The groups that were crying that this ad was offensive and demeaning to women. The groups calling for CBS to pull the ad - These groups should be embarrassed of themselves. I don't mean a little flush in the cheeks embarrassed, I mean head in the sand, go on vacation for a month, profusely apologetic type of embarrassed at themselves for creating a firestorm over this ad. I emphasized should for a reason.
Terry O'Neil, the president of NOW, responded to the commercial by saying, "I am blown away at the celebration of the violence against women in it," she said. "That’s what comes across to me even more strongly than the anti-abortion message. I myself am a survivor of domestic violence, and I don’t find it charming. I think CBS should be ashamed of itself."
So let me get this straight...Tim Tebow and Focus on the Family are "celebrating violence against women"? I'm sorry, but these assertions can only be described as idiocy, absurd, madness and lunacy.
2.) I think Jim Nance may be one of the best sports broadcasters of all time. He is so underrated.
1.) I feel a little pit in my stomach because it has just occurred to me that football is on hiatus until September...ah well, we have March Madness soon.
- Brad
Monday, February 01, 2010
Who will win the Big Game?
Colts or Saints? Vote on the poll here at http://www.bradraby.com/.
Go Colts!
SHBC Students: Click the image below for info on the Big Super Bowl Party!
Go Colts!
SHBC Students: Click the image below for info on the Big Super Bowl Party!
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Time for a mind dump...
Let me begin by saying the following thoughts are my opinions, lest the comments and e-mails get too wild.
Here are some news items of late that I find ridiculous:
5.) The Mark McGwire 'confession'. In his interview with Bob Costas, which I watched live on MLB network, McGwire tried to make the case that the 'performance enhancing drugs' that he took did not help his performance. He tried to sell us on the fact that he used them only to recover from injury.
Students all over this country have a new excuse when their teacher catches them cheating. "Mrs. Teacher, you don't understand...these answers I have written under my sleeve didn't help me make a good grade on the test - they only they helped me remember the answers. It's not cheating."
Dear Mark,
I am not the smartest person in the world, but I'm not stupid. So quit insulting my intelligence with this PR nonsense.
4.) This "Jersey Shore" craze. I watched 3 minutes of it and said to myself, "My 11 month old's Baby Einstein videos are more entertaining than this."
Plus, Michelle Obama said she wouldn't let her kids watch it - let's follow the First Lady's advice.
3) Receiving a letter to let you know that your baby will be taken off life support. Forget the moral and ethical issues at stake in this story. It sounds like the parents were given the news by means of a letter. I would prefer a face to face meeting, no matter the discomfort or chance for it to become volatile.
My liberal friends keep telling me of the wonderful health care system to our north in Canada. No thanks.
2) Liberals over thinking. Read an article in Newsweek yesterday where a self professed moderate was criticizing President Obama for leading with his head, not his heart. In the same article he was critical of President Bush for doing what he wants Obama to do.
I know it is required that liberal Journalists take a shot at George W. Bush or Sarah Palin in each report they make - regardless of the topic, but when they do I just wish they would do so with a little more logic.
I expect http://www.salon.com/ or The Huffington Post to be irrational and sensationalist, but come on Newsweek...you can do better.
And the #1 most insanely ridiculous item of the day:
1) The National organization for Women and other feminist extremist groups calling for Pam and Tim Tebow's commercial celebrating life to be cut from the Super Bowl. The story can be read HERE.
Let me make several points:
a) The headlines keep referring to the ad as an "Anti-Abortion" commercial. This journalistic manipulation began a few years ago when some genius discovered that it was easier to ridicule groups like Focus on the Family, and the American Family Association by referring to them as "Anti-Abortion" instead of "Pro-Life". These same slime balls who have convinced themselves that they simply report and do not push ideologies would never refer to "Pro-Choice" groups as "Pro-Abortion".
My honest feeling is that the ideological tide may be turning on the Abortion issue, and groups like Planned Parenthood and the NOW are scared to death.
Of course videos like this don't help their cause: http://www.babycenter.com/2_inside-pregnancy-weeks-1-to-9_10302602.bc
b) The commercial is designed to celebrate life through the story of Pam Tebow choosing to go ahead with a risky pregnancy against her doctor's advice. The result: the birth of Tim Tebow, whom Peter King, acclaimed sportswriter, refers to as "too good to be true". King is not referencing his stellar career in college football, but his exemplary life off the field.
Terry O'Neill, the president of the National Organization for Women, said she had respect for the private choices made by women such as Pam Tebow but condemned the planned ad as "extraordinarily offensive and demeaning."
So Terry, let me get this straight: A 30 second clip encouraging people to celebrate life and consider other options than abortion is "extraordinarily offensive and demeaning"???
Are you serious? Or, do you just have a Rolodex of responses to any other ideology than your own?
Then again, one of America's greatest thinkers - Jemhu Greene, president of the New York-based Women's Media Center, said that the Super Bowl was an event "designed to bring Americans together."
I don't know about you miss Greene, but as a Colts fan I don't give a rip about coming together with Saints fans next week. Furthermore miss Greene, Roger Goodell would like you to know that the Super Bowl has been a global event for quite some time now. Even the half time show will be performed by some of our musical friends from the U.K.
c) Where is the outrage from women's groups against companies like GoDaddy who will use the sexual exploitation of women to sell their products? Where ya at?
d) Isn't it interesting that a group that promotes itself as "pro-choice", vehemently opposed to CBS choosing what commercials it wants to air?
Ladies and Gentlemen, this is America. If you are offended by Pam Tebow's story and Tim Tebow's convictions then you can purchase for less than $10 at your neighborhood Walmart a brand new piece of technology called the remote control, and change the channel.
- Brad
Here are some news items of late that I find ridiculous:
5.) The Mark McGwire 'confession'. In his interview with Bob Costas, which I watched live on MLB network, McGwire tried to make the case that the 'performance enhancing drugs' that he took did not help his performance. He tried to sell us on the fact that he used them only to recover from injury.
Students all over this country have a new excuse when their teacher catches them cheating. "Mrs. Teacher, you don't understand...these answers I have written under my sleeve didn't help me make a good grade on the test - they only they helped me remember the answers. It's not cheating."
Dear Mark,
I am not the smartest person in the world, but I'm not stupid. So quit insulting my intelligence with this PR nonsense.
4.) This "Jersey Shore" craze. I watched 3 minutes of it and said to myself, "My 11 month old's Baby Einstein videos are more entertaining than this."
Plus, Michelle Obama said she wouldn't let her kids watch it - let's follow the First Lady's advice.
3) Receiving a letter to let you know that your baby will be taken off life support. Forget the moral and ethical issues at stake in this story. It sounds like the parents were given the news by means of a letter. I would prefer a face to face meeting, no matter the discomfort or chance for it to become volatile.
My liberal friends keep telling me of the wonderful health care system to our north in Canada. No thanks.
2) Liberals over thinking. Read an article in Newsweek yesterday where a self professed moderate was criticizing President Obama for leading with his head, not his heart. In the same article he was critical of President Bush for doing what he wants Obama to do.
I know it is required that liberal Journalists take a shot at George W. Bush or Sarah Palin in each report they make - regardless of the topic, but when they do I just wish they would do so with a little more logic.
I expect http://www.salon.com/ or The Huffington Post to be irrational and sensationalist, but come on Newsweek...you can do better.
And the #1 most insanely ridiculous item of the day:
1) The National organization for Women and other feminist extremist groups calling for Pam and Tim Tebow's commercial celebrating life to be cut from the Super Bowl. The story can be read HERE.
Let me make several points:
a) The headlines keep referring to the ad as an "Anti-Abortion" commercial. This journalistic manipulation began a few years ago when some genius discovered that it was easier to ridicule groups like Focus on the Family, and the American Family Association by referring to them as "Anti-Abortion" instead of "Pro-Life". These same slime balls who have convinced themselves that they simply report and do not push ideologies would never refer to "Pro-Choice" groups as "Pro-Abortion".
My honest feeling is that the ideological tide may be turning on the Abortion issue, and groups like Planned Parenthood and the NOW are scared to death.
Of course videos like this don't help their cause: http://www.babycenter.com/2_inside-pregnancy-weeks-1-to-9_10302602.bc
b) The commercial is designed to celebrate life through the story of Pam Tebow choosing to go ahead with a risky pregnancy against her doctor's advice. The result: the birth of Tim Tebow, whom Peter King, acclaimed sportswriter, refers to as "too good to be true". King is not referencing his stellar career in college football, but his exemplary life off the field.
Terry O'Neill, the president of the National Organization for Women, said she had respect for the private choices made by women such as Pam Tebow but condemned the planned ad as "extraordinarily offensive and demeaning."
So Terry, let me get this straight: A 30 second clip encouraging people to celebrate life and consider other options than abortion is "extraordinarily offensive and demeaning"???
Are you serious? Or, do you just have a Rolodex of responses to any other ideology than your own?
Then again, one of America's greatest thinkers - Jemhu Greene, president of the New York-based Women's Media Center, said that the Super Bowl was an event "designed to bring Americans together."
I don't know about you miss Greene, but as a Colts fan I don't give a rip about coming together with Saints fans next week. Furthermore miss Greene, Roger Goodell would like you to know that the Super Bowl has been a global event for quite some time now. Even the half time show will be performed by some of our musical friends from the U.K.
c) Where is the outrage from women's groups against companies like GoDaddy who will use the sexual exploitation of women to sell their products? Where ya at?
d) Isn't it interesting that a group that promotes itself as "pro-choice", vehemently opposed to CBS choosing what commercials it wants to air?
Ladies and Gentlemen, this is America. If you are offended by Pam Tebow's story and Tim Tebow's convictions then you can purchase for less than $10 at your neighborhood Walmart a brand new piece of technology called the remote control, and change the channel.
- Brad
Thursday, January 14, 2010
Helping the People of Haiti
Looking for a way to help the people of Haiti? Below are links to great organizations who are helping to provide aid. Click on them to donate and see how else you may be involved in reaching out to those in need right now.COMPASSION INTERNATIONAL DISASTER RELIEF
BAPTIST GLOBAL RESPONSE (SBC)
- Brad
Friday, January 08, 2010
Some thoughts
It's been a long while since I've done some serious thought dumping at www.bradraby.com, so here goes!
Thought #1: I've never said "I wish I had a fever and was sick to my stomach" until today. My little girl Rylee is really sick for the first time. I hate her being sick. I wish I could take it away from her. I'd gladly be sick in her place.
Thought #2: Youth in Revolt, the latest R-rated high school debauchery comedy comes out this Friday. I noticed under the ratings the phrase, "Parent's strongly cautioned." Dear parent, If you let your child be entertained by this garbage - it is the child who needs to be strongly cautioned. Cautioned that their parents lack of wisdom can result in a generational slide filled with bad decisions that lead to pain and regret. Dad and mom...Be Smart. Kids, be smart even when mom and dad aren't.
Thought #3: I spent 4 hours helping an 82 year old woman install a new computer and sync her IPod with podcasts she had downloaded. I really enjoyed it. I like helping elderly people with technology, and I really find it awesome that an 82 year old likes using a computer and IPod. Plus, we had some great theological conversation ranging from dispensationalism to reformed theology.
Thought #4: I don't think wearing a suit and tie on Sunday is a sign of spirituality as a Christian minister. I do think it is a sign that one is lacking in spiritual maturity if they think it does.
Thought #5: Traditions that at one time make local churches very effective for the Kingdom, can eventually over time and several cultural shifts force those same churches to be very ineffective for the Kingdom.
Thought #6: It often takes more energy and effort to convince people to "buy in" to a vision, than it actually does to carry out the vision.
Thought #7: The reason for #6: We are not very good at Philippians 2:3.
Thought #8: The Smokey Mountain Brewery's Ale Steak is delicious.
Thought #9: I married a woman above my league. By far my most significant accomplishment.
Thought #10: The BCS/Bowl System isn't about money so much as it's about the % of the money that goes to the big power schools/conferences. You see a playoff system would produce huge money, but the pieces of the pie would end up being more evenly distributed to smaller schools/conferences that had great seasons. The bowl system guarantees the SEC, Big 10, Big 12, Pac 10 etc a HUGE piece of pie with guaranteed bowl tie ins. A playoff system couldn't guarantee that. Ironically the NCAA is a non-profit organization.
Feel free to share your thoughts!
Good night,
-Brad
Thought #1: I've never said "I wish I had a fever and was sick to my stomach" until today. My little girl Rylee is really sick for the first time. I hate her being sick. I wish I could take it away from her. I'd gladly be sick in her place.
Thought #2: Youth in Revolt, the latest R-rated high school debauchery comedy comes out this Friday. I noticed under the ratings the phrase, "Parent's strongly cautioned." Dear parent, If you let your child be entertained by this garbage - it is the child who needs to be strongly cautioned. Cautioned that their parents lack of wisdom can result in a generational slide filled with bad decisions that lead to pain and regret. Dad and mom...Be Smart. Kids, be smart even when mom and dad aren't.
Thought #3: I spent 4 hours helping an 82 year old woman install a new computer and sync her IPod with podcasts she had downloaded. I really enjoyed it. I like helping elderly people with technology, and I really find it awesome that an 82 year old likes using a computer and IPod. Plus, we had some great theological conversation ranging from dispensationalism to reformed theology.
Thought #4: I don't think wearing a suit and tie on Sunday is a sign of spirituality as a Christian minister. I do think it is a sign that one is lacking in spiritual maturity if they think it does.
Thought #5: Traditions that at one time make local churches very effective for the Kingdom, can eventually over time and several cultural shifts force those same churches to be very ineffective for the Kingdom.
Thought #6: It often takes more energy and effort to convince people to "buy in" to a vision, than it actually does to carry out the vision.
Thought #7: The reason for #6: We are not very good at Philippians 2:3.
Thought #8: The Smokey Mountain Brewery's Ale Steak is delicious.
Thought #9: I married a woman above my league. By far my most significant accomplishment.
Thought #10: The BCS/Bowl System isn't about money so much as it's about the % of the money that goes to the big power schools/conferences. You see a playoff system would produce huge money, but the pieces of the pie would end up being more evenly distributed to smaller schools/conferences that had great seasons. The bowl system guarantees the SEC, Big 10, Big 12, Pac 10 etc a HUGE piece of pie with guaranteed bowl tie ins. A playoff system couldn't guarantee that. Ironically the NCAA is a non-profit organization.
Feel free to share your thoughts!
Good night,
-Brad
Monday, December 28, 2009
Friday, December 18, 2009
Thursday, December 10, 2009
The Big Give Update
Our Students have given over $800 to The Big Give Initiative to help needy families at Christmas.
FUEL will be mobile this coming week. We'll start here in the Upper Room at South Harriman Baptist Church, then we're going to Walmart to purchase toys, shoes, clothing etc. for families this Christmas. It's going to be fun showing the Love of Jesus and the true meaning of Christmas to people this year.
If you still would like to be involved in this project send me an e-mail HERE.
Merry Christmas,
- Brad
FUEL will be mobile this coming week. We'll start here in the Upper Room at South Harriman Baptist Church, then we're going to Walmart to purchase toys, shoes, clothing etc. for families this Christmas. It's going to be fun showing the Love of Jesus and the true meaning of Christmas to people this year.
If you still would like to be involved in this project send me an e-mail HERE.
Merry Christmas,
- Brad
Thursday, November 19, 2009
The Big Give
I hate to admit this, but every now and then I get inspired by something Oprah does. I was espeacially inspired when she did "Oprah's Big Give". It birthed the seeds of a vision for The Big Give in our Student Ministry here at South Harriman Baptist Church. Come along with me for a few seconds on a journey to show Big Love to needy children this Christmas.
We are partnering with a local elementary school to make this Christmas season the best ever for some local children.
Here's the plan: We want to raise $500.00 to take a family, specifically the kids to Walmart for a Christmas shopping spree. Imagine the look and emotions of a needy child running through Walmart picking out what they want for Christmas. We want to capture it on video, and make it a memory to last forever.
How can you help? Would you be willing to sacrifice to make this the best Christmas ever for some needy families? We know it's not about the gifts, but the love of Christ shining through us.
Would you be willing to partner with us for $10, $20, $50 or even a $100?
How many people can we bless this year? It's up to us. If you would like to donate to this cause please send a check made out to: South Harriman Baptist Church by December 9th, with the notation "Big Give" in the memo portion of the check. You can mail the check to:
South Harriman Baptist Church
626 Ruritan Rd.
Harriman, TN 37748
I hope you'll be a part of "The Big Give" Check back often for details, and the video!
- Brad
We are partnering with a local elementary school to make this Christmas season the best ever for some local children.Here's the plan: We want to raise $500.00 to take a family, specifically the kids to Walmart for a Christmas shopping spree. Imagine the look and emotions of a needy child running through Walmart picking out what they want for Christmas. We want to capture it on video, and make it a memory to last forever.
How can you help? Would you be willing to sacrifice to make this the best Christmas ever for some needy families? We know it's not about the gifts, but the love of Christ shining through us.
Would you be willing to partner with us for $10, $20, $50 or even a $100?
How many people can we bless this year? It's up to us. If you would like to donate to this cause please send a check made out to: South Harriman Baptist Church by December 9th, with the notation "Big Give" in the memo portion of the check. You can mail the check to:
South Harriman Baptist Church
626 Ruritan Rd.
Harriman, TN 37748
I hope you'll be a part of "The Big Give" Check back often for details, and the video!
- Brad
Friday, November 06, 2009
Tips to Guarantee Failure
1. Always try to do what is fair.
It is amazing how many bad decisions, or non-decisions are made based on the merits of what is 'fair'. It can seem at times that being fair has become the ultimate virtue. Only problem is - doing what is fair isn't always the same as doing what is right. Too many times we get locked in this box of trying to be fair, instead of just doing the right thing. Employers don't want to give a high performing employee a bigger raise than under performing employees because - "It's not fair". I don't know who come up with the idea that - What you can't do for all, don't do for anyone - but it's idiotic. What you can do for one, do for one.
If you always try to be fair, failure is sure to be achieved. Do what is right.
2. Never hurt any one's feelings.
Do you or your organization often find yourself making decisions based on what will do the least harm to people's feeling instead of what will do the most good to the cause? If so, failure is all but assured. I'm not suggesting that we should be insensitive to people's feelings, but that we should choose the best path, not the path of least resistance. I've counseled many people who allow inappropriate conduct to go on with with the opposite sex in the workplace because they didn't want to 'offend' their co-worker. Offend better to offend? Your spouse and kids or the flirt?
If you're the boss and you allow a poor employee to hurt the company because you don't want to 'hurt feelings', then you need to fire yourself.
Bill Cosby said, "I don't know what the key to success is, but I know that the key to failure is to try to make everyone happy."
3. Appoint people with position and entitlement to be the decision makers.
If you don't have the best leaders and most discerning people around you, you are sure to fail. Yes, it's a paradigm shift, but get over it. If you're a church and the people who've been there the longest to be the only voices that get heard, say hello to failure. Get the best, brightest, most skilled, wisest people in decision making positions - not necessarily the most liked, longest tenured, loudest, well funded people.
4. Compromise the mission to get everyone on board.
Unity is sometimes best achieved by subtraction. There is only power in numbers if everyone is going the same direction.
- Brad
Monday, November 02, 2009
Perry Noble on the Churches future...
Perry Noble, Senior Pastor of NewSpring Church in South Carolina recently posted this article on Why he thinks the best days of the Church are ahead.
I Agree! Amen, Perry!
As I survey the landscape of church in America I am not buying into to the “doom and gloom” that some people seem to take joy in declaring…
IN FACT, I believe the opposite…I seriously believe the churches best days are ahead of her.
Acts 2 wasn’t something that happened that we are supposed “to get back to,” it was where we STARTED FROM…and should be FOUNDATIONAL and not just some ideal we strive for…
And I’m seeing that!
I see leaders stepping up and leading with CONVICTION and PASSION…and begging God for HIS permission instead of begging committees for their approval!
I see Jesus being preached and repentance being demanded…and people RESPONDING in droves because THE GOSPEL, not some non-eternal agenda, has taken center stage.
I see churches being planted and video campuses getting started by people who are more interested in seeing birth given to babies rather than trying to resurrect the dead.
To read more, and I encourage you too see his full post HERE.
- Brad
I Agree! Amen, Perry!
As I survey the landscape of church in America I am not buying into to the “doom and gloom” that some people seem to take joy in declaring…
IN FACT, I believe the opposite…I seriously believe the churches best days are ahead of her.
Acts 2 wasn’t something that happened that we are supposed “to get back to,” it was where we STARTED FROM…and should be FOUNDATIONAL and not just some ideal we strive for…
And I’m seeing that!
I see leaders stepping up and leading with CONVICTION and PASSION…and begging God for HIS permission instead of begging committees for their approval!
I see Jesus being preached and repentance being demanded…and people RESPONDING in droves because THE GOSPEL, not some non-eternal agenda, has taken center stage.
I see churches being planted and video campuses getting started by people who are more interested in seeing birth given to babies rather than trying to resurrect the dead.
To read more, and I encourage you too see his full post HERE.
- Brad
Friday, October 30, 2009
Before there was Twitter...
There was the pithy public bathroom stall inscriptions usually tallying 140 characters or less. Not to totally disgust you right now, but I had to visit a Walmart public restroom this week and found myself starring at this little work of graffiti. As you can see it reads, "Jesus died for you...What can you do for Him?...John 3:16."
The answer that initially came to my mind was, "We can quit vandalizing other people's property!" After all at some point there will be a man or woman who has to clean or repair this door because of some one's really poor attempt at spreading the gospel message - what will their thoughts be?
Maybe the problem in the church today isn't a lack of spreading the message that Jesus saves, but how we do it.
- Brad
The answer that initially came to my mind was, "We can quit vandalizing other people's property!" After all at some point there will be a man or woman who has to clean or repair this door because of some one's really poor attempt at spreading the gospel message - what will their thoughts be?
Maybe the problem in the church today isn't a lack of spreading the message that Jesus saves, but how we do it.
- Brad
Thursday, October 22, 2009
Friday, October 16, 2009
Great Deal at Bed Bath & Beyond!
I found this cute little girl on sale for $39.99 at Bed Bath and Beyond. I couldn't resist, so I bought her and brought her home!
Thursday, October 15, 2009
Why Churches Fail
Found this very stimulating article on why churches fail. I've seen this very pattern happen many times.
Why We Fail…Don Dudley
First reason: Vision.
Regardless of who you are or what books you have read, if you attend a church, they have a vision. I don’t care if they are a house church, mega-church, mainline, or inter-denominational; at one point, there was a vision. If it is / was a good vision, it starts with the Gospel and transformation. Everything else (aesthetics, methods, music style, etc.) comes secondary.
It’s all down hill from here.
The problem is, most people do not pick out what church they go to based on vision. Instead, they pick through secondary things. Very few people research what the church stands for before they go. They research the style and MAYBE the doctrinal stances.
This leads to dissension.
When we jump into a church with both feet only to find we, ourselves, do not align with the vision, we burn out quickly. We think of all the activities as pointless. The outreach events are not our idea of a “good,” so we dislike it (our pride comes into play here too). Soon we start bashing the church: “You know, I like the people, and the music is good, but it is too….[you fill in the blank].”
Often, we are left with only a few people who still see the vision and chase it. The rest are just consumers. Arguments flair up between those who have completely bought into the vision, and the rest. People get upset and leave the church.
Then the church panics.
Once people start their exodus to another church (which they will probably not like), we adapt our vision into marketing so we can fill the newly vacated seats. Instead of reaching the ones we originally were called to reach, we start reaching those who will give us committed attendance. Then the cycle starts over again. On average I would say most people spend about a year at a church before it becomes boring to them and they move on. After many cycles, most churches will fall apart and close their doors. Others will just continue to go through the motions as long as the people will let them. Anyone who still clings to the vision is looked at as an odd ball and “old fashioned.” The pastor is no longer regarded as the one who leads the vision (even if it was his in the first place) but as the “face” of the church for marketing purposes.
JUST STOP DOING IT.
Really. Stop jumping from church to church because of their style and methodology. Instead of going to the churches website to find out what the church looks and feels like, go and look at the vision. Go for something other than secondary things. Does the vision hold true to the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20)? Do they do it in a way that seems to emphasis your current gifting? Do you feel you could be a beneficial part of their mission? If you answer no to any of these, either the church is not good (because it lacks the element of spreading the Gospel), or you are not good for it.
If you are looking for a social club or just similar demographics, church is the worst place to find them. All you will be doing is ruining the ability to accomplish the vision. You will become the “problem” with the church. Instead of helping them do what God has called them to do, you will become an advocate for the enemy and a hindrance.
Think long and hard before you join arms with a church.
You really have to ask the question: “Why am I going there?”
-----
- Brad
Why We Fail…Don Dudley
First reason: Vision.
Regardless of who you are or what books you have read, if you attend a church, they have a vision. I don’t care if they are a house church, mega-church, mainline, or inter-denominational; at one point, there was a vision. If it is / was a good vision, it starts with the Gospel and transformation. Everything else (aesthetics, methods, music style, etc.) comes secondary.
It’s all down hill from here.
The problem is, most people do not pick out what church they go to based on vision. Instead, they pick through secondary things. Very few people research what the church stands for before they go. They research the style and MAYBE the doctrinal stances.
This leads to dissension.
When we jump into a church with both feet only to find we, ourselves, do not align with the vision, we burn out quickly. We think of all the activities as pointless. The outreach events are not our idea of a “good,” so we dislike it (our pride comes into play here too). Soon we start bashing the church: “You know, I like the people, and the music is good, but it is too….[you fill in the blank].”
Often, we are left with only a few people who still see the vision and chase it. The rest are just consumers. Arguments flair up between those who have completely bought into the vision, and the rest. People get upset and leave the church.
Then the church panics.
Once people start their exodus to another church (which they will probably not like), we adapt our vision into marketing so we can fill the newly vacated seats. Instead of reaching the ones we originally were called to reach, we start reaching those who will give us committed attendance. Then the cycle starts over again. On average I would say most people spend about a year at a church before it becomes boring to them and they move on. After many cycles, most churches will fall apart and close their doors. Others will just continue to go through the motions as long as the people will let them. Anyone who still clings to the vision is looked at as an odd ball and “old fashioned.” The pastor is no longer regarded as the one who leads the vision (even if it was his in the first place) but as the “face” of the church for marketing purposes.
JUST STOP DOING IT.
Really. Stop jumping from church to church because of their style and methodology. Instead of going to the churches website to find out what the church looks and feels like, go and look at the vision. Go for something other than secondary things. Does the vision hold true to the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20)? Do they do it in a way that seems to emphasis your current gifting? Do you feel you could be a beneficial part of their mission? If you answer no to any of these, either the church is not good (because it lacks the element of spreading the Gospel), or you are not good for it.
If you are looking for a social club or just similar demographics, church is the worst place to find them. All you will be doing is ruining the ability to accomplish the vision. You will become the “problem” with the church. Instead of helping them do what God has called them to do, you will become an advocate for the enemy and a hindrance.
Think long and hard before you join arms with a church.
You really have to ask the question: “Why am I going there?”
-----
- Brad
Friday, October 09, 2009
Think Big!
Ever heard the expression, "That's good enough"?I sure have...truth is I've used it before. Lately I've been forcing myself and encouraging others to ask another question..."Good enough for who?"
Good enough for Brad, or good enough for Jesus Christ? I believe many times it is easy for us to become complacent with "good enough."
God deserves better though. Especially when it comes to how his body, the church, goes about it's mission to spread the gospel to the ends of the earth. It's time we stop accepting, embracing and even celebrating mediocrity. It's time to strive to make a BIG impact on our culture.
This Sunday at South Harriman Baptist we're launching a new series titled "Think Big." Let me encourage you to be there at 11 am.
It's time to do away with "good enough" and begin Thinking BIG!
- Brad
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