Written on 5:34 PM by pat gillen
Ben Arment has posted several blogs that have brought up an interesting discussion on church planting. I don't think it's a negative conversation, in spite of the bodily harm that he might incur from my Canton friend. :)
You can check out a few of his posts
here and
here - but when it comes down to it, he says that some churches excel due to the spiritual area having already been cultivated, while others struggle to 'cultivate the soil' and prepare it for future work.
Ok, I just want to post a few of my own thoughts on the subject. Note that these are just thoughts and or reactions. There are some/many cases in which I agree with Ben, but I do think that he has a slightly different edge. In reality, I don't care if you've worked and helped assess church planters, you know church planters or how many books you've read on church planting. Being in the midst of a few of those things, it's easy to get 'tunnel vision' and learn to say things that justify the other.
1. I am not opposed to the need for an area to be cultivated - but is that our job? Yes, God uses us in helping to cultivate the area, but does Jesus command us to do so? I think a huge part of discipleship begins in partnering with the Holy Spirit in someone's life to allow Him to cultivate their hearts. I believe when God calls a church planter, the assumption is that it's time to plant something. If a church planter says he's cultivating and that's why his church isn't growing -- it sounds like he may have missed the calling.
2. There seems to be some confusion on whether we're planting churches or doing the work of the kingdom. Honestly, I pray the churches next to me are thriving and growing. It's about reaching this community... and so yes, we're planting churches - but primarily our goal is to expand the Kingdom of God.
3. Who says that 'failure' is a bad thing? Who knows what God is using to define (and redefine) leaders. I could link to hundreds of examples where someone (or something) "failed" but that experience birthed a movement or developed a leader. It's all in the way that you look at it. Even our
redneck fist-fighter had a church that didn't experience that much growth (until he left!) before pastoring this growing one. I don't think Ben was a failure at his church, but I think he is even an example of this point.
4. It sounds to me a little like this:
True beauty is on the inside.... "That's just something ugly girls say."
My church isn't growing... "yeh.. we're just cultivating the soil."
They're not perfectly hand-in-hand -- but it does sound like an excuse for a lack of tangible growth. And of course, beauty is on the inside... :)
5. There is no easy church plant. Even the ones that seem to become mega-churches overnight. It's not easy planting a church. Even before the growth happens, there had to be some very big prayers and some pretty big faith to make it happen. When we moved here, we had a promised $1,000 a month and Mel had a $19,000 a year job. It wasn't lucrative to come start a church, but it took faith and wasn't easy. (It hasn't gotten any easier either!)
6. Some guys just don't "get-it". We don't judge our success by how many butts are in seats on Sunday mornings (though that can sometimes be an indication of how successful we are) but rather through changed lives. I rejoice when I see someone get deeper in their faith and commit more to God. I'm in it to see God rock some worlds.
We all want to know why things aren't as good as the guy next to us when we're working so hard to see growth. But I don't think I'm ready to find an excuse. Sometimes things just don't work. We've learned
tremendously through trial and error at our church, and after all we've been through - I am thrilled that we're at the stage that we're at. I've said it before, but sometimes you have the right guys at the right place at the right time... God shows up, and you see some explosive growth. Other times, it can be more of a struggle to get it going. Regardless, I think the question goes back to whether you are '
shark fishing' or not.
Posted in
church planting,
Rant
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Written on 12:28 PM by pat gillen
In spite of feeling under the weather, yesterday was an excellent day.
Not the best in attendance at church, but we have started praying together about some really big changes for our church. We're about to tread new water here...
After church we took a quick lunch at Firehouse Subs (I love that place) and drove to Northside Hospital to see Geoff, Nessa and Baby Ellie! I'll left
Geoff spill the beans about all of her stats, which I'm sure he will when he gets a chance.
We spent a few hours at the hospital, then we headed back to Cumming for a meeting about church stuff. It was an excellent meeting, and we had a great time praying and talking! It was a long day, but a good one! I even got to close the night out by playing Call of Duty without interruption issues. :)
Written on 12:21 PM by pat gillen
A week ago Mel was feeling a little rough. And while we were at the beach she was feeling sick. It's a sinus, sore throat, blow-your-nose-every-5-minutes kind of deal. We determined it was a sinus infection or possibly allergies.
Well, I made it a week, and then Saturday night started getting a sore throat... yesterday wasn't too bad - though I left the house at 8am and didn't return until 9pm.
Today I woke up, my throat is killing me and I barely sound like myself. My head is spinning too. Mel never complained at the beach... but man, this stinks!
Written on 10:59 PM by pat gillen
In High School, a friend of mine ran for class president. He gave a short speech, and at the end he asked everyone to stand up - stating "See... Great leaders can get people to do things..." after we all stood up. (I found out later that my friend Brandon got the idea from his dad and passed it on to this other guy)
Well, today we were on our way home from vacation -- and thank goodness we're back, it was a long drive -- and I told Geoff to go ahead and let Ellie know that she could make her way into the world now that we're on our way home from vacation. Well, without any major announcements yet (I'll let them spill it first) - it seems that maybe Ellie listened!
Ok, I obviously have absolutely NO say on when she comes... but we're excited that Shay will soon have a friend to play with right nextdoor!
Posted in
friends
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Written on 10:27 PM by pat gillen
We are finally home. It was a long day. 8 hours in the car... and believe it or not, it wasn't long because of Shay. The traffic was terrible. Luckily I had my book-on-tape to keep me occupied. I'm sure it's boring for the rest of the family, but it helps time fly for me!
Shay did great in the car! He fussed a little when we were about 45 minutes from home, but he slept a total of 4+ hours in the car altogether and played a good bit too. What a good kid!
On our way we got to stop in near Columbia (Irmo to be exact) and hang out with Judd and Katy Wright. Judd and I got to serve on staff together for a couple years, and I really dig this guy. He's a talented musician, and I know he's doing a bang-up job at Gateway Church out there. They got to meet Shay for the first time... and he spit up on Katy. (it always stinks when he spits up - and worse when it's on your friend!) I miss hanging with these 2!
Posted in
family,
friends,
fun
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Written on 1:09 PM by pat gillen
I thought I'd share some of my favorite moments and thoughts from this week in the form of some bullet reflections! This week FLEW by!
- Spending time with family rocks! I love my family. Tonight we're getting a picture taken with Mel's family on the beach. Next year hopefully I can use my equipment to take it.
- Mel is still a hottie. 4 months after having a kid and she's getting hit on at the beach. Her and her sister both apparently.
- I lost my sunglasses in the ocean. This is the first pair of sunglasses I've ever lost - and I've had them for over 8 years. They were prescription Oakleys... and an old prescription at that. Just further reason to get LASIK. I've put LASIK off for years due to price, and though that's still an issue - I am ready to do it! (I've already set up an appointment!)
- We have made a tradition of going to a place called Seafare. It's like something straight out of an 80's John Candy movie. All the waiters/waitresses wear pirate type outfits and they have a live mermaid in a chained in pool area. That cheesy stuff is allright, but the crab legs are why we go there! I ate 4 plates of crab legs. I don't think I want any for a while.
- Food is a big reason why we come. We had a low country boil, Sticky Fingers BBQ, and even Firehouse subs for lunch.
- I got to re-read most of UnChristian. More is sinking in this time around... I really dig that book.
- I've caught up on a bunch of work. The only thing I haven't finished quite yet is my 12-page paper for my DMin application. Maybe I can get that finished tonight.
- I've come into this trip with some big prayers and big changes coming for Summit. God has confirmed many of these things, and I can't wait to get back home!
- Ellie should be coming any moment... and it's ok for her to start making her way now that we're heading home soon! (Ellie is our neighbors daughter)
- I was hoping Comcast could fix our horrible connection problem, but it seems that they sent another tech out that said the exact opposite of the one I had last week. hmm... I don't care what they say, as long as my Call of Duty works... and right now it doesn't.
- Mel's folks are looking at houses here at Myrtle... It would rock if they got one! We'd definitely come more often (and bring friends)! Shay loves the beach already - if they got a house he'd love it more!
- I am ready to sleep in my own bed, but I really do love the beach. If you know me, you know I'm a pretty laid back person. I'm organized, and like to have a plan - but I love chillin' with an ocean breeze. My Scotch-Irish heritage doesn't allow me to tan very well (I just burn), so I stay in the shade, but I love the sights and sounds!
- My photography flashes are sitting at home waiting for me to crack them open and give them a try. I can't wait to see what I can produce. Next week will be a crazy week, but I think I can grab a few minutes.
- This is the first year I didn't get a burn of some type. It's awesome.
And finally:
- Mel and I are home for a week and then we leave for San Francisco. I'll be out there for Powerplant and we're going a few days early just for fun. I love travelling, but it will be a crazy month!
Posted in
random
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Written on 4:40 PM by pat gillen
So, we're starting to tear down our stuff to head back to the condo so we can get ready for dinner (all you can eat crab legs tonight at our annual place...), and NO JOKE Mel and her sister get asked, "So, are you girls from Tennessee? Because I only see 10's..."
Yeh, he messed it up - AND I was sitting about 15 feet away. Now, I'm the first to admit that I have a hot wife... and apparently other people are willing to admit it too! It's just one more reason for me to buff up at the gym... I don't think I could've taken this guy.
Mel's sister is available though... she may have gotten digits, who knows!
Posted in
funny
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Written on 2:24 PM by pat gillen
We looked everywhere for a Tattoo that said "MOM" to no avail... so we settled on a dagger with a skull. I think it's pretty tough... and here's Shay with his tough face flexing for the camera. (though how tough can you be when you're being held by your mom?)
Any friends interested in viewing the rest of our vacation pics can check them out
here.
Posted in
family
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Written on 2:13 PM by pat gillen
My redneck days could be coming to a close... I sold my truck bed trailer on Craigslist. I know my neighbors have to be thrilled to have it out of my yard. Thanks again Geoff for helping me sell it while I'm out of town!
Written on 11:27 PM by pat gillen
Here is Shay living the thug life up at the beach!
Family Picture on the beach
Posted in
family
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Written on 11:13 PM by pat gillen
While at the beach, I've got a little more time to be random and take a break from a little work.
Generally on my 'time off' I'm actually more effective at my other job(s). I spend a little more time doing the online professor and powerplant thing when I'm not doing everything Summit. So, it's good to have days like this to catch up on some other stuff. Actually, I graded a ton of papers while we were in the hospital when Shay was born!
So, yesterday I found this new voicemail service called
YouMail. It's completely free, and very cool. I had no idea you could
fire your service providers voicemail service in leu of your own. Essentially instead of going to voicemail, your phone forwards to another number (costing you the minutes... but there's no charge for the service) which then collects the data - etc and applies to your account.
Some cool features of this new voicemail are:
- I get email notifications of my voicemails with mp3 attachments. I can still call and check them (like normal) or just listen via my PC. I love this, because if there's an important voicemail I can save it in a file on my computer.
- You can personalize voicemails for specific callers. I have a general one, of course, but when Mel calls she gets a personalized greeting instead of the standard 'hi, you've reached Pat...' This freaked my mom out tonight, because she thought I had actually answered the phone; since I said 'hi mom and dad, sorry I missed you, leave a message'. You can record and organize all of this online (assuming you have a mic on your computer) making it mega-easy to do.
- You can have your voicemails transcribed in your notification email. I LOVE this feature - because if I'm in a meeting somewhere and wish I could check my voicemail... instead I can just read it. It's not 100% perfect, but it's pretty close!
If you'd prefer, you can get all or most of these notifications via TXT also - but email is good for me (since I have the Blackberry). And again, it's a free service - you just have to count a minute or so for each voicemail to your service plan since you're forwarding your calls. Ultimately, I think it's a great trade off!
Posted in
technology
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Written on 2:08 PM by pat gillen
Of course at 4 months, Shay isn't quite in love with the beach as he will, say, a year from now. But we got some solid beach time nonetheless! Here's some pictures of the family at the beach! I'll have some of our place later.
Shay in his little tent.
What a stud! (and Shay too!)
The hottie with her son. His head is in the 90th percentile, even though his body weight is in the 30th. Can you tell?
Posted in
family
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Written on 2:02 PM by pat gillen
Yesterday, the family and I drove to the beach! Every year we go to Myrtle with Mel's family - missing only 1 or maybe 2 years in the past 6 that Mel and I have either been married or engaged. There's just something about the ocean that I LOVE! Seriously, God could call me one day to a beachside town and I probably wouldn't complain much. Summit, I love you - but if an oceanside church calls me... (just kidding of course)
Anyway, today I got a little time with Shay while Mel was at the beach. It was just a little time, but I couldn't get him to sleep. He's got a stuffy nose right now and gets frustrated when he tries to breathe.
So, here's the free idea! Shay absolutely LOVES looking at my phone and the tv. If it's a glowing screen, he's addicted. If he's crying and I light my cell phone up, he is quiet for a minute. As cheap as LCD's are getting (you can get LCD keychain picture viewers for less than $20) - why not make a mobile with 3 or 4 hanging LCD's? You could have the screens change images from animals to colors, or whatever. I bet it would be a child's dream-come-true and a big money maker. And it's yours for free! Go make a million and send me a piece if you want to!
Posted in
family,
fun
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Written on 1:23 PM by pat gillen
- This has been a low-blog week. It seems to be going around.
- Next week I'll probably blog even less... we're going to Myrtle Beach with Mel's family. I'm praying Shay travels well!
- So thankful that Steve and Kirstin are able to watch Bora - I know they're busy folks!
- We had a GREAT night last night. We invited a bunch of friends over for game night... played Cranium/Kabookie on the Wii and Scene it on the Xbox 360. It was a lot of fun!
- Geoff's brother Korey played a great prank on Kristen. He hid in the back of her 4-Runner before she left and halfway out of the neighborhood he perked up and said "A little fast for a residential neighborhood, isn't it?" I wish I could have been in that car! She was a great sport about it!
- I cannot wait for vacation. I love the beach, and as soon as the wheels leave my driveway I am already happy.
- Today is a lazy Saturday. Dig it.
- The more I listen to the new Coldplay album, the more I like it.
- I'm trying to work out on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. I do 2 miles/30 minutes on the Elliptical and some upper body stuff. My goal is to get to an hour on the elliptical by the end of the summer. I can burn almost 600 calories at my THR if I can reach that goal. Maybe I could get rid of this weight I acquired after I got married.
- I've sold a bunch of stuff on Craigslist and eBay; and together with change we collect through the year, we have a little over $500 for spending money for our vacations. I hope they will be fun. The cash is rolled up on our desk in the kitchen. It looks like I'm a dealer or something.
- Yes, I said 2 vacations. We're going to Myrtle with Mel's folks, and we're using our stimulus check for Mel and I to come to San Francisco for a few days before my work with Powerplant out there.
- Sorry, Geoff and Vanessa - Ellie is going to have to wait one more week to come until we get home from the beach!
- We're possibly about to make the biggest change in the history of our church at the end of the summer. I am praying hard about this one.
- Helping Geoff with his basement has got me inspired to work on my own. I just need to save up a little bit. It would be nice to have my office down there and possibly a play room.
- My vacation will afford me some time to work on 3 things that I haven't been able to get done lately: (1) my 12-page application to the DMin program at NOBTS. (2) Prepare for Labor Day weekend with Central Baptist Church, and (3) Grab some more thoughts down for next year's Powerplant material.
Posted in
mind dump,
random
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