Liberating Ministry from the Success Syndrome

As Cornerstone entered into a new year, we had a wonderful worship experience! It is so amazing to see both spiritual and tangible evidence of God's endorsement of this new movement/ministry/call. I have just completed the reading of a book entitled "Liberating Ministry from the Success Syndrome" by Kent and Barbara Hughes. This book was recommended to me by my friend and brother in ministry Pastor Tony Rhone in Oklahoma, a gifted young minister and pastor who has, literally, one of the brightest minds in ministry today. This book, in a nutshell, is an essential reserve for anyone engaged in Christian service and ministry who struggles with the problem of defining success and dealing with common failures in life and ministry. Living in a Houston context, I am well aware that many ministries, ministers and pastors subside against the backdrop of sophisticated, erudite church growth methods, statistical scrutiny, and the phenomenal, unusual growth and escalation of 'megaministries'--that it is often epidemic for those in Christian ministry to become discouraged and often depressed. I do recommend this book--it's a great, easy read!

New Beginnings & Fresh Starts

I want to begin my blog presentation by giving a very clear and succinct disclaimor: I am excited about 2007! For the most part, 2006 has been for me a very challenging-though rewarding-season in my own life and ministry. Now I am not downplaying or belittling 2006; I am merely rejoicing at where I have been and I anticipate a year filled with joy, God's goodness and a new level of life, ministry and expectation. Of course, I am not naive enough to believe that 2007 will be void of it's own set of challenges and difficulties. I reflect now on what Jeremiah reports in Jeremiah 29:11, God says, "I know the thoughts that I think towards you...thoughts or peace...not of evil...to give you an expected end". That next verse is often neglected though it is very significant: '...then you will call upon me...and you shal go and pray unto me; and I will hear you...' I understand now that with REVELATION also comes RESPONSIBILITY. And that every destination comes with a set order of directions and instructions. My PRAYER for this year goes as follows:1. To grow and mature spiritually as a Christian Believer, Husband, Father, Pastor, Brother and Friend.2. To win atleast one soul to Christ each week.3. To disciple a minimum of 10 young men (yokefellows) in the fellowship of our congregation.4. To grow as a student and steward of God's word.It is my intent, goal and objective to use this blogspot as an initial tool to monitor, trace and document my spiritual journey in faith. I intend to memo my sermonic notes, Bible studies, ideas, thoughts, concepts, ideaologies, personal thoughts, and anything I think would be of interest in an effort to memo my spiritual/theological sojourn. I hope that someone will find insight and even clarity in this blog. I am committing now to a New Beginning and a Fresh Start--renewal, refreshment and revival. I am starting over again...again!