Primal Review

Just finished Mark Batterson's new book, Primal. It's on my "must read" list for every pastor. Honestly, I received it yesterday at noon and couldn't put it down until I finished it. Now I'm praying that we would all renew our practice of primal Christianity. Batterson writes:

The Heart of Christianity is primal compassion

The Soul of Christianity is primal wonder

The Mind of Christianity is primal curiosity

The Strength of Christianity is primal energy

Ride To Sunstream

On July 11 I will ride my bike from the Network Office to Sunstream Campground via Jefferson. The 80-mile trip is a fund-raiser to help facilitate the changes that are taking place at Sunstream. Here's how you can help:

1) Make a pledge. You can pledge per mile or simply give an amount toward Sunstream on behalf of the ride.

2) Join me on the ride. I'm inviting anyone to join me on the ride. All you need to do is get at least $50 pledged toward your efforts (and you need to be able to ride 80 miles in one day). It's going to be a great ride, and we'll have a support vehicle meet us at various points along the ride with refreshments and an encouraging word.

You can send your pledges to the Iowa Ministry Network, 10525 Buena Vista Court, Urbandale, IA 50322, C/O Sunstream Ride.

Let me thank you in advance for your support!

Celebration in Atlantic

Atlantic First Assembly of God celebrated their 50th anniversary as a church yesterday, and we got to be in on the festivities. Guy and Vickie Fisher have done an outstanding job serving this church. We enjoyed a healthy church family and a wonderful worship service (not to mention the great pot luck following the service).
Way to go Guy, Vickie, Lee and Kelly! Congratulations on the 50th anniversary!

Mad Church Disease

Anne Jackson's new book, Mad Church Disease should probably be a "must read" for every pastor and/or pastor's family member. Anne does a great job of discussing the challenges faced by pastors and their families, but she doesn't stop there. She explains the causes and effects of ministry burn-out and gives some great strategies to avoid it. If you feel you're already caught in the throes of burn-out, she shines a light on the path to recovery. I'm not finished with the book, but I'd recommend it for what I've read so far. Anne is up-front, honest, and real, but she refuses to wallow in self-pity. The book is helping me. I think it will help you, too.

The Principle of the Path

OK, Andy Stanley has hit another one out of the park. His book, The Principle of the Path is a great read. I realize that I'm never supposed to say, "so-and-so" needs to read this book, but it really is a wonderful guidepost for any graduate you may be aware of. Basically, Andy demonstrates that every action in our lives is part of a path that we choose, and every path leads somewhere. I wish I had read this book when I was 18 and just starting out in my adult life. Get it. Read it. Give it away to somebody younger than you.

Cruising

Lori and I just purchased a couple of bicycles to ride on the trail near our home. I'm not riding to beat my previous time, or even to get into better shape (although I hope that happens). We're actually riding in order to spend time together and to get to know our neighborhood a little better. It's great to take a slow pace around the neighborhood and to separate ourselves a bit from the hurry that so often captivates us. What a great stress reliever!
See you around the neighborhood!

The Last Lecture

I have had some trouble sleeping over the past couple of weeks, but it's ok. It's provided some time to read The Last Lecture by Randy Pausch. Randy is informed that he has only months to live and in light of this he decides to deliver a final lecture in a new series (titled "Journeys") at Carnegie Mellon. The book bascially covers some of Randy's childhood dreams and their fulfillment (or lack of fulfillment). While the book is not necessarily written from an Evangelical perspective, it's a great read, and a reminder that we all are living with a limited number of days. I was inspired to live every day that I'm alive.

Network Tour Video

We've had a number of people ask about the video that Gary Pilcher shared during his Network Tour presentation. You can find the video on Sermonspice.com. Once on the site, search the word "assumptions" and you'll find the video. You'll need to set up an account if you haven't already, and there is a cost to download the video, but it's worth it!

Great job, Gary! I think this may have been one of the most meaningful and practical Network Tours to date!

Section 5 Begins the Adventure!

Wow, the Section 5 banquet was beautiful. We met at the Marina Inn and ate prime rib and enjoyed a view of the Missouri River. It was especially fun to see all of our Section One friends and to visit with the folks from Morningside Assembly. Sounds like Pastor Johnny Helton is leading the church to new heights! We are so delighted to hear the good reports!
Pastors, as you make plans to begin the discussion of "It" with your boards, be sure to allow enough time in your meeting to afford an in-depth discussion. I'd encourage you to use the tools that Gary Pilcher shared to help guide and focus your time of sharing. Be sure to include a time to pray together about the spiritual direction and passion of your church.
Let me know how the discussions are going!

It Update

I promised Section 5 pastors and board members that I would update the information about Rosenkrans Book and Bible. You can contact Fred and Sandy to order "It" (both the book and the DVd). Check them out at: www.heartofiowa.net/~fdrosen. You can't beat their deals on this material.
God bless you as we pursue "It" together!

Section 3 Rediscovers "It!"

What a wonderful time we had last night in Cedar Rapids. Section 3 hosted a beautiful banquet in the Marriott. Great food and great people!
We distributed Craig Groeschel's book, "It" to all of the pastors in attendance and sent people home with discussion questions to begin the buzz about "It" in our local churches. Next week we will meet with Sections 5, 7 and 1. Can't wait to talk about "It"!
I also want to remind pastors to talk to their boards about Sunstream Campground matching faith promises. Renovation is moving forward at Sunstream, and things are really looking great!

Significant Vocations

I'm reading Run with the Bulls Without Getting Trampled by Tim Erwin. Pat Lencioni says, (It) is one of those books that really makes you want to be a better manager, a better leader, a better person. In the book, Irwin writes about the significance of our work. He says significant work checklist includes four things:
1. It inspires passion. Nobody wants to spend his life void of passion.
2. It fits who we are.
3. It serves others.
4. It provides meaning.

You may be thinking, "My job doesn't do all of those things. Maybe I need to look for other employment." Before you run to the next opportunity, it might be best to examine whether your current situation is exactly the place God wants you to be. Maybe you can live out the checklist via a changed attitude or perspective rather than a change in location or vocation.

Pursuing "It"

We enjoyed being with the pastors and board members from Section 2 last night. What an incredible meal. It's hard to beat BBQ!
Here's the update on the "It Adventure":
You can order the books for board members through Rosenkrans Book and Bible. They are offer killer deals on both the book and the video that we are promoting on the Network Tour. Be sure to mention that you are part of the Iowa Ministry Network when you contact them. They can be reached through their web site or their email address: fdrosen@yahoo.com.
Join the "It Adventure!"

Spreading "It"

We were with Section 4 last night for their Network Tour where we shared the challenge to pursue "It." Essentially, "It" is the presence and power of God manifested through His people. We are asking all of our Network churches to ask the question: "Does our church have 'It'?" If we don't have "It," are we willing to do whatever it takes to get "It?"
Throughout the tour we will distribute Craig Groeschel's book, "It" to all of our Network pastors. We are encouraging our pastors and boards to begin pursuing "It" by discussing the questions at the close of each chapter. I'd also encourage churches to purchase Groeschel's DVD that includes nine segments that will help facilitate those discussions. You can find both of these resources at Zondervan.com. Join us on the great "It Adventure!"

Coaching Available

This week Ed Harp, our Presbyter from Section 2 reminded me of a great resource for pastors. I'd encourage you to check out The Pastor's Coach at Injoy.com. The Pastor's Coach is written by Dan Reiland, longtime friend and associate of John Maxwell. I think you'll find this free resource a great benefit as you seek to lead your church or ministry to the next level. Check it out.
Thanks, Ed!

Pray for America

I just received a note from Dr. George Wood, encouraging churches across America to pray for our nation and our President-elect, Barak Obama. You can check out Dr. Woods' video at www.ag.org. I'm praying that thousands of believers will join in prayer for our nation this weekend!

Prayer Tool

My friend, David Schaal, emailed me about an exciting tool he is using to help his church pray through until Easter. "Seek God for the City, 2009" is a prayer guide that leads believers on a prayer journey through Lent. Check it out and let me know if you use it.

It

I'm recovering form the holidays. We had an incredibly fun time with family. Ashley and Austin were home and we traveled to South Dakota and Nebraska for time with extended family. I also had some time to read. My pick of the vacation: "It" by Craig Groeschel. The thesis of the book is that some churches have "it" and some don't. Some ministers have "it" and some don't. While he is not able to define "it" (I don't think anyone can), he does describe some of the ingredients of "it-ness". The book is messing with me. The more I think about it, the more I'm messed up, because without "it" we don't have anything to offer.
I want "it" this year. I'm going afte "it". Want to come along? You can check out the book by clicking here.