Iowa Ministry Network

Sunday Celebrations

2011-05-16T12:52:00.005-05:00

I spoke at New Day AG in Perry yesterday. We were celebrating the dedication of their newly purchased facility. It looks beautiful! Pastor Jerry Hochstetler is doing a wonderful job of leading this happy congregation.

In the evening Lori and I had the privilege of officially installing Gary Pilcher as the Lead Pastor of Berean AG. Gary has served for the past year as Berean's provisional Pastor, and he recently received a 94% vote to remain in the Lead Pastor role indefinitely. Congratulations, Gary, for your strong pastoral leadership!

Old Testament Fly-Over

2010-12-01T11:31:00.003-06:00

While I was ill over the past couple of weeks I took the opportunity to reaad through the Old Testament. I admit, it was a quick read and I skimmed some of the lists of names. Still, reading through the Old Testament as an entire work gave me a new perspective on things. I've developed a Top Ten List of Old Testament Observations:

1. God created everything.

2. God is holy. (As in completely set apart from His creation. Completely good. Completely pure. Completely right. In everything).

3. God is involved. (He knows about everything, and He cares about it).

4. God wants to be our God. (Seriously, He says it throughout the entire Old Testament).

5. God wants us to be His people. (Relationship is a big deal with God. A really big deal).

6. God will help us if we'll trust Him. (If we're not trusting Him, all bets are off).

7. God will let us wander if we choose to.

8. God likes it when we stop to worship Him. (Every once in a while, Old Testament people simply stop, drop what they're doing and tell God how incredible He is. It's like time stands still and they enter eternity. I want to live like that).

9. God means what He says. (You can believe that He will do exactly what He says He will do).

10. Wise people trust God.

Your Ministry Matters

2010-06-08T09:29:00.002-05:00

I'd encourage pastors to place Your Ministry Matters in the hands of as many church members as possible. In the book Pastor Ted Brancheau reignites a revolution of ministry that could transform a community. This is a great read with practical teaching on life-giving service which will bless the servant as well as those being served. Put Your Ministry Matters "must read" list.

Transforming Church

2010-06-03T10:29:00.004-05:00

I just came across a book that may be a 2010 "must read". Shannon Odell has written Transforming Church in Rural America. I'm only 1/2 way through the book, but it is extremely practical and applicable to rural America. Shannon was invited to serve a church of 31 people in a small (400 - 500 people) community in Arkansas. Now they are at several sites and ministering to 2,000+ on weekends. I'd encourage all of our Iowa pastors to get a copy of the book and prayerfully read it. I guarantee that you will relate to the issues, obstacles and victories that Shannon has encountered.

How to Break Growth Barriers

2010-01-13T10:05:00.005-06:00

Just re-reading an old book by Carl George titled How to Break Growth Barriers. This one is worth taking off the shelf and looking at it again. His discussions of Ranching vs. Shepherding and the "Berry Bucket Theory" describe the dynamics of a local church very well. Amazon has copies and its available on Kindle.

Primal Review

2009-12-22T20:30:00.004-06:00

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

2009-06-08T16:35:00.003-05:00

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

2009-05-18T13:52:00.002-05:00

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

2009-04-20T16:15:00.005-05:00

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

2009-04-20T16:09:00.004-05:00

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

2009-04-19T19:20:00.002-05:00

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

2009-03-19T09:07:00.004-05:00

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

2009-03-11T16:07:00.004-05:00

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!

2009-03-06T11:06:00.002-06:00

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

2009-03-03T12:50:00.003-06:00

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!"

2009-02-27T13:51:00.002-06:00

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

2009-02-26T12:12:00.002-06:00

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"

2009-02-25T09:49:00.002-06:00

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"

2009-02-24T15:14:00.005-06:00

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

2009-01-21T12:56:00.002-06:00

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

2009-01-16T09:33:00.004-06:00

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

2009-01-09T10:53:00.004-06:00

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

2009-01-06T12:25:00.004-06:00

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.

Books, Books, Books!

2008-12-18T10:25:00.002-06:00

On our recent trip to the Superintendent's Conference I took advantage of flight time and time in the sun and finished three books. Here's a brief review:
Making Vision Stick by Andy Stanley. Short book (really short). It has some great ideas about presenting vision. Repeat the Vision Regularly. Celebrate the Vision Systematically. Embrace the Vision Personally. Stanley also talks about "vision slippage indicators." We'll have to talk about that at another time.
Launch by Nelson Searcy and Kerrick Thomas is a book about church planting. It's a must-read for planter and multi-siters. The authors have a great time and use humor throughout the book. It's chock full of great insights. (Hey, they planted successfully in NYC. They must know something).
A Leader's Legacy by Jim Kouzes and Barry Posner is a good book on the human side of leadership. It seeks to answer the question, "Are you on this planet to do something, or are you here just for something to do?" While not written from an overt Christian perspective, these guys understand leadership and have a great deal to say. (They are also the authors of "The Leadership Challenge," which has been acknowledged as one of the great leadership books of our time.
Check out these books. Remember, Leaders are Readers!

Christmas Tradition

2008-12-15T15:16:00.005-06:00

OK. I admit it. I love Christmas traditions. I stopped at Starbucks last week and picked up the Charlie Brown Christmas CD. The Vince Gauraldi Trio immediately took me back to childhood days, watching ACharlie Brown Christmas on TV and realizing that the Christmas season was in full swing. I especially loved the portion of the program where Linus stands center stage and recites the Christmas story.

You know, I'm not really necessarily a "tradition" kind of person. I love change and growth. But there's something special about Christmas traditions.

For years while we were serving as pastors, I would try to come up with something new for Christmas. Then one year I realized that the most meaningful thing we did during the season was our Christmas Eve service. We sang traditional Christmas songs. We had solos, duets, etc. We asked the band to provide instrumental Christmas songs. We lit candles and sang "Joy To The World." We read the Christmas story. We even read children's Christmas stories and projected the pictures of the pages so that the adults could follow along. It was my favorite service of the year. Almost magical. And the place was packed for both services.

We would always include an opportunity during the communion time, for people to respond to the gospel message. We discovered that Christmas traditions provided a wonderful opportunity to help people connect with Jesus. I guess that's really the purpose of God sending His Son, isn't it?

So, Pastor, if you're a little overwhelmed with trying to find a new perspective on the Christmas story, perhaps you should try going back to the traditional. (Don't expect me to say that very often!) I'm praying that your Christmas services will be blessed and that lives will be changed through everything that you do!

Happy Thanksgiving

2008-11-26T10:04:00.001-06:00

Hope you have a great Thanksgiving with family and friends!

Mother's Day Idea

2008-11-21T12:33:00.003-06:00

Looking for a fun way to introduce Mother's Day in your church? Here's a fun link that I received from Guy Fisher. (Click here)

Fireproof, the Movie

2008-11-21T12:25:00.003-06:00

If you are looking for a great opportunity to promote healthy marriages in your church and community, you might want to look at Fireproof, the Movie. It's a good film with a very helpful message to spouses who are experiencing difficult marriages. Check out their web site and see if it fits your church's ministry outreach.

Small Group

2008-11-20T09:22:00.002-06:00

I was reminded last night why I love small groups. We were blessed to have our group meet at our house. We had a great time of sharing what God was doing in our lives and praying for each other. We enjoyed an open, practical discussion about the fruit of the Spirit, based on our pastor's message. We shared communion together and then just hung out together.

We also made plans to reach out to some students who need a little extra care during the holiday season. So, all in all, it was a wonderful time of growth, relationship building and outreach. All ingredients of a healthy small group!

Thanks, everybody, for doing your part and being who you are!

Renewal

2008-11-19T09:51:00.004-06:00

I spoke with a potential church planter the other day and he unpacked a vision for a church that was involved in the renewal of all things. As he talked about touching a specific community in this way, my heart began to be touched by that picture of renewal.
In my devotions this morning I was led to Isaiah 58:12 "those from among you shall build the old waste places; You shall raise up the foundations of many generations; And you shall be called the Repairer of the Breach, The Restorer of Streets to Dwell In." What a great picture. When you connect this text with Isaiah 61, you begin to see a vision of restoration that is needed in each of our communities. Isaiah 61 begins with the words that Jesus quoted about Himself, "The Spirit of the Lord God is upon Me, Because the Lord has anointed Me to preach good tidings to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, To proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to those who are bound." As you read the remainder of Isaiah 61 you see this vision for restoration and renewal developed and made complete.
I believe this is a vision for all of our churches in each of our individual settings. Every community in Iowa deserves a healthy expression of the kingdom of God. They need churches that are active in restoration and renewal, impacting our culture.
May the Spirit of the Lord rest upon you today to preach, heal, proclaim and open your community to the kingdom of God!

Church Updates

2008-11-17T08:44:00.006-06:00

Lori and I were at Glad Tidings Assembly of God here in Des Moines yesterday. We had a great service. They burned their mortgage and we officially installed Bill Wenig as pastor. The church is moving forward with people saved during the past two Sunday mornings!

Dayspring Assembly in Spencer welcomed Kevin Grimes (from California) as their new pastor yesterday. The church presented them with a brand new stat-of-the-art snow blower! (I hope they don't need to use it this year).

Keokuk Assembly has elected Pastor David Drew (from Colorado), who will be arriving early in December.

Pastor Dobie Weasel (from Nebraska) is the new pastor at Des Moines Christian Life. His first Sunday at CLA was November 9.

Brad Jackson (from South Dakota) is the new pastor in Oelwein.

In the past month we have installed Steve Neumeyer in Eldora, Bill Sommerfelt in Cresco, and DeWayne Anderson (from Missouri) as pastor in Newton.

I believe God is doing a new thing in Iowa, and I'm excited to welcome each of these great pastors to their new roles. If you have the opportunity, consider calling or sending a note of congratulations to these new pastors.

A Church beyond worship wars

2008-11-14T11:27:00.002-06:00

Want to visit a church that has gotten beyond worship wars? Enjoy this 7-minute piece of a great service! (click here). I want this preacher to come read the Scripture text when I preach this Sunday!

Thinking about a sermon calendar

2008-11-14T09:31:00.002-06:00

Maybe you're looking toward 2009 and developing a sermon calendar. Here's an idea to get you started.

First, block off the special Sundays that serve as opportunities for specific topics (New Years, Valentine's Day, Mothers Day, etc). Once you've marked off those days, it's eye-opening to see how few Sundays are actually available.

Next, think in terms of series that you feel God wants to address in your church (Prayer, Marriage and Family, Stewardship, Outreach, Vision for your specific church setting, etc).

Then, consider when those series might fit best into the year. You might begin with the Prayer series, and then move to Marriage and Family in February to build it around Valentine's Day. (Check out the new Enrichment Magazine for some great ideas on Marriage and Family. There is material for a couple of series in this one magazine!).

Once you've got these ideas in mind you can start files for each of the series. Get creative about titles and media that you might be able to use to supplement the message and communicate it more powerfully. Sometimes is helps (if you're creatively challenged like I am) to talk about your series outline with someone and ask them to bounce ideas around with you. Talk to other pastors to see if they've done similar series, get their permission, and then "steal" all their ideas that might work in your situation.

I've found that a sermon calendar (even if it isn't absolutely complete for the year) is a real help in so many ways. It removes some of the stress from you when you know where you're headed each week. It gives you time to be creative as you consider future messages. It helps you to stay balanced in your preaching and helps you to cover topics that you feel are most important for your church. Series also give your people another great reason to invite friends to your services, as you advertise upcoming messages that might pertain to their specific situations.

I'd love your feedback on the sermon calendar ideas. Post your comments and we'll help each other as we prepare for 2009!

Next Generation Leadership

2008-11-11T08:45:00.003-06:00

I'm preparing for the Next Generation Leadership (NGL) group, which meets this Thursday. We're currently looking at the principles taken from THE LEADERSHIP CHALLENGE by Kouzes and Posner. It's a great book, and I'd encourage you to read it, whether or not you're involved in NGL.

Leaders are readers. The person you and I become in the next five years will be determined to a great extent by the people we associate with and the books that we read.

I'm looking forward to being with all of you NGL people!

President-elect Obama

2008-11-05T16:32:00.004-06:00

The election is over, and we have a new President-elect. Whether your candidate won or lost, I'd like to recommend a great video message outlining the Christian response to the election, delivered by Dr. George Wood, General Superintendent of the Assemblies of God. Click here to see the video. If you're a pastor, I'd encourage you to share this message with your church soon.
Keep praying for America and our new leadership, and let's win people to Jesus!

Vote!

2008-11-04T08:30:00.002-06:00

This is the day we've been waiting for. No more political ads starting November 5! I hope you plan to vote today. It's a great privilege that God has given us as citizens of the US. This is an extremely important election that will determine policies, laws and probably a couple of Supreme Court Justices. So, pray, then vote, then pray some more!

North Central University Meeting

2008-10-30T17:55:00.007-05:00

I'm in a couple of days of meetings in Minneapolis with the North Central University Board. Dr Gordon Anderson (right) shared some interesting statistics. If I understood correctly, approximately 60,000 students from our Assemblies of God churches graduate from high school each year. Only 3,000 of those students attend one of our A/G schools. Of those who attend secular institutions, upwards of 75% are not practicing their faith upon graduation from college. Those who attend one of our schools are much more likely to be actively involved in a relationship with Christ, and with a local church. I'm committing myself to do my best to encourage students to attend an A/G college or university, and I'm enlisting anyone who will help with that task.

Lives are changed at Assemblies of God schools. Help me spread the word!

Week of Meetings

2008-10-27T08:15:00.005-05:00

I'm heading into two days of meetings with the Network Presbyters, beginning today. I am so thankful for this group of godly spiritual leaders from across the state of Iowa. I appreciate all of their sacrifice and hard work on behalf of our ministers and churches!

On Wednesday, Lori and I will leave for Minneapolis to meet with the Board of Regents for North Central University. We always look forward to being on campus with the students and the leadership of this great university. We can't wait to see and hear what God is doing in the lives of our next generation leaders! Our plan (as always) is to snag the brightest and best and encourage them to consider Iowa as a potential field for ministry!

Take the Bull by the Tail

2008-10-24T17:21:00.004-05:00

I just read a great quote from my favorite book of the week, The Leadership Secrets of Billy Graham." The quote is actually from Mark Twain, who said, "A person who has had a bull by the tail once has learned sixty or seventy times as much as a person who hasn't." Maybe you feel like you have a bull by the tail right now. Hold on! And learn the lessons God has for you. You may end up bumped and bruised, but you'll have experience that those who've never been on the wrong end of a bull have never had. And you'll have some stories to tell!

Hang in there!

Return to the Blogosphere!

2008-10-23T11:55:00.002-05:00

It is official. I am returning to the blogosphere! I'm hoping that this blog will be a place for us to stay in touch and equip and encourage each other. I'd love to hear from you, so when you read something that is helpful, let me know. I wish we could all sit down at a table, share a cup of coffee, and talk about life and ministry. Since that's not too feasible, perhaps this blogspot will provide a forum for some conversation. So, grab a cup of coffee, read the blogs, and write me a comment once in a while!

Catalyst Conference

2008-10-23T11:26:00.003-05:00

We just returned from the Catalyst Conference in Atlanta, Georgia. A total of 19 leaders from the Iowa Ministry Network made the trip, and it was fantastic! You can check out the Catalyst podcasts via www.iTunes.com and enter "catalyst" in the search icon. You can also access podcasts at www.catalystspace.com. Click on "contents" and then click "podcasts." You'll gain access to a wide variety of speakers who are actively involved in affecting the culture. Check it out and let me know what you think!