Plans to Bless

As a family we find it important to discuss how we can bless others over the holidays. In our consumer mentality I find it really easy to get caught in the trap of basically overdoing it at Christmas time on ourselves. As a small group, I also think it is important to get out of the what can we do for ourselves mindset. So, this year I am encouraging you to think about an non-profit organization or a family that you can bless as a small group. It could even be someone within your small group who may have had a rough year. Last year Americans spent billions of dollars at Christmas time, this year think about others as you approach the Christmas season. Maybe there is a fmaily that you are aware of that just needs to be loved on. That may include just inviting them over to be a part of your small group night or celebration for Christmas. In this seson of celebration, it also the loneliest time of year for most people with no family connection. So, let us model what blessings look like at ECC. I know that when we as a family reach out to those in need, it not only blesses those we shower with blessing, it also is a great reward and return on our investment in others. This season people need to be blessed, so determine what and who and how that may look for you ad your small group.

CONNECTION POINTS IN SGL

This past week I had a guy talk to me about a small group he was a part of. He was bummed because throughout the small group there had plenty of time for social connection, but there was no time for any God connection. He wasn't asking for a study, or to even open the Bible and look for a ton of verses. He was basically looking to connect with God & the group through prayer. Small Group Life is all about connection and community building with each other and most importantly God. Through different venues and meeting times it is easy for groups to lose track of time and end up spending the time talking into the evening. This is great! I do think a great way to wrap up the night, every night you meet, is with a corporate prayer over the members. I know my friend had a rough week and all he wanted was those in his group to stand with him for the week to come. Small group life has many different venues and ways to connect in discipleship, praise, community, serving, & leading people to Christ. I encourage small group leaders always to allow time to close out in some prayer over those in your groups and the needs they may carry in. Some times hanging out is good, all the time hanging out with God in prayer with your group is great.

What are you Called to do?

As a kid, I knew I had a calling. It included a fast car and a race track...then that was interrupted by a pigskin and pads playing on grass...then I figured why not a leather ball and a court. What was happening was that I was looking at what I wanted to do, not what God really had for me. God got my attention by bringing people into my life that did not know each other, but each had a word for me, about what God had been stirring in my heart. God has called me simply "to communicate God's word through thought provoking, creative methods. Using my God given ability to equip, empower, and encourage a generation to a real relationship with Jesus Christ. I am called to to use my leadership, influence, and friendship to inspire authentic faith." As I write this I think of Paul, who knew his calling too. Paul lived, breathed, slept, and awoke every day to the call of God on his life. Paul did everything he could possible to attain God's call in his life. He didn't jog toward it, he owned a fierce determination to press ahead. As a matter of fact Paul uses a phrase in Phil. 3:12, "I follow after". This is a fierce word that in Gk literature means to track down, hunt, pursue, as a hunter would its prey. It carries the connotation of hunting down something and will stop at nothing until it is caught. Paul uses the same verbiage to discuss his passion for God's calling on his life. Paul uses this phrase to describe his desire, which was modeled by Jesus Christ. Paul did what he was supposed to, it took determination and hard work. It took concentration and full attention teamed with the Holy Spirit to find, accept, and live his calling. So, do you know what you are called to do? Are you willing to put in the hard work to make it happen? Take action and get to it, it is not too late to fulfill the calling in your life. God has a plan for your life. Engage with God today and let God speak to your calling? helpful hint: be ready to listen!

Is your small group a safe place?

Is your small group a safe place? (abbreviated version from an article I recently read.)

Here are 9 ways we can create a safe place environment in small group life:
1. Provide a supportive nonjudgmental space.
We must learn o provide a safe place for people to discuss real issues without fear of rejection.
2. Be genuine
The ability to be real is so important. When we are attentive, respectful, and above all human, people feel comfortable to share real struggles.
3. Show empathy
When we make a sincere effort to understand and identify with another’s pain, we can help in the healing process.
4. Err on the side of grace
It doesn’t do any good to heap condemnation on someone who’s trying to work through their own issues.
5. Communicate acceptance and show love
People need to be loved just because.
6. Be a friend
Friends are a much needed resource.
7. Share from your life
You may not be able to relate exactly, but you have experienced your own personal struggles. You can help put the struggles into perspective and give them hope.
8. Care enough to confront
Love enough to give honest feedback, but speak the truth in love.
9. Instill hope and lead them to resources that will help
It has been said you can live 40 days without food, 4 days, without water, 4 minutes without air, but you can’t live seconds without hope. Be an encourager.

by Mary Glenn, Discipleship Magazine

A Taste of Missions

Sunday, October 3rd, 5-7pm
ECC ACTIVITY CENTER

We are asking all Small Groups to participate in this amazing night to celebrate the end of our mission's Commission Conference. Our church is all about missions and this night we will ahve missionaries on hand to celebrate their stories and ministries with us. We will also have small groups rpresenting food from all over the world. Each group has signed up to being entrees and desserts from all over the world-made fresh by Small Group Life. We invite you and your family to be with us for this incredible night.

Keeping Politics out of Small Groups

Tis the season for political ads and candidates getting everything in order for their Fall showdowns, um I mean elections. For the next few months we will be bombarded as Americans with new ads telling everything right about one candidate and everything wrong about their opponent. In lieu of this, it is important to address the role of small group leaders and bringing politics into small group discussions. Their is a place for these conversations and the platform of small groups is not one of them. I don't care if you are Democrat, Republican, Independent, or Tea Party(ier), what I do care about is if you bring a political agenda up and argue or lecture on your viewpoint. Small groups, as I have said, are not teaching environments, they are discussion based Bible studies where everyone talks. Politics is one topic that can bring many differing viewpoints and cause healthy conversations, to become attacking and vicious(UH...hello-the candidates themselves do it all the time) I have plenty of conversations with some of my best friends regarding politics and we don't agree on everything. In fact, we can have civil, yet heated debates, on certain topics and walk away with respect for each other and our differing view points. But in the case of small groups, it is not the platform. So, let me be clear: bringing the political conversation into small groups is inappropriate. The important factor is that we do exercise our right to vote and do so accordingly. When we use our leadership platform to express our views because we have an audience in the conmfort of our own family room, then the power of leadership is being abused. It's like me inviting you to my house then making you listen to a business venture and then asking for your money-it makes everyone feel awkward and annoyed. (by the way the last is an example and would never happen at my house, nor should it at yours:) So, as we move forward into the Fall and get back into the swing of small groups-remember the reason we have small groups and stick to the game plan.

THE ECC TAILGATER is coming

THE ECC TAILGATER is COMING

THE ECC ALL CHURCH TAILGATER
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 5, 2010
ECS BALLFIELD 4-7pm

This is a great connection point for the ECC community. This night is filled with those tailgating with great food off the back of their car's tailgates. We encourage those who want to join the party to sign up and get your friends and family hanging out with the community at ECC. This has been a great place to connect people in a casual and fun environment. We look forward to you hanging with us. Each Tailgate group is responsible for their own food and clean up. We will have on hand for the kids inflatables and activities to keep them having a blast, while the Small Groups lead the charge in tailgates-we are inviting anyone to be a part. Come enjoy Labor Day weekend and Tailgate with us.
Any questions contact us at the office 360.352.3410.

Falling Through The Cracks

In the church world there are two terms that no leader wants to hear. They are: A.) "people exiting out the back door of the church" & B.) "fell through or falling through the cracks". Basically these thoughts are dreadful to hear because it means the 'church' has done a bad job of not catching people who are walking through the front doors and are missing getting them to get involved in most cases. Most people respond best to a personal invite or a face to face conversation. When GUESTS arrive on campus they will only take 3 minutes to decide their 1st impressions. People who exit out the back door are those who have stuck around for a while trying to connect(and in some cases maybe not trying) and then leave because they feel no connection keeping them here. People exit out the back door for various reasons. There are a few ways to shut the back door and there are books that have ways to help avoid them. I think it is pretty simple though: The best way to shut the back door is for people to connect in relationship with those they may not know. I'm not talking about strangers walking in and trying to connect, I'm saying people who call the churh their home should be the one's reaching out connecting. The back door will be shut when people reach out and make people feel welcome, whether they know them or not. In the context of small groups it may come from a leader who follows up with an e-mail or personal phone call to someone who may be interested in joining a group. I've had some people say, I never heard from a small group. I interpret this two ways: I screwed up, or the small group leader I sent them too never made contact. Either way, it is bad news. For those that are guests, it may be just the way somebody connects with them as they walk through the door. I know this, some people exit out the back for all the wrong reasons and some because frankly-they have no desire to connect. But when I hear someone has exited it is a sad state of mind. So, that being said, what are you doing to help prevent the back door from being left open and people exiting? Are you being friendly? Starting conversations with people you may not know? Inviting people to connect in small groups circles. Let's work on stopping people from falling through the cracks. It is the best thing we can do as a family.

SUMMERTIME MEMORIES

Looking back in my life, summer's were the best season. (still are in my opinion-especially in the NW) Not just cause DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince put out a summertime anthem, but because as a kid, summer's ruled. I have vivid memories of family vacations to see the grandparents, playing with my friends all day, VBS, missions trips and summer camps with my church, cruising with my friends all over, and I even got to stay up late because I didn't have school the next day. Summer is my birthday, my anniversary and pretty much the best. Again, this is being spoken from a person who sees the sun only a few months a year. All this to say is that summer is about making memories. I am making them with my family now and with our friends. When you are living life with your friends and family you will be making many memories for the years to come. I encourage you to think about ways to make some fun memories and then go out and make them happen. Hopefully this can happen in the context of small group life. Doing life together in small groups is definitely one way to make lasting memories. SO, what are you going to do this summer that you'll remember 5-10-20 years from now.

Words that Describe YOUR Leadership

A few weeks ago, the world lost a coaching legend. John Wooden. This coach had one losing season in 40+ years of coaching (his first year). What was amazing about this leadership legend was that he set a precedent as a leader that is simply amazing. When former players are asked to describe John Wooden they roll out words like: "caring, driven, professional, organized, moral, gracious, honest, patient, loyal, demanding", and the list goes on and on-literally for a long while. When asked to describe words that would be complaints of this leader...you find few. These were players who didn't start, did not like the offense, and even then offered rare complaints. This is a mark of a true leader. YES-you will have critics. John Wooden did. You will also have those who don't agree with every opinion, suggestion, leadership move, or decision. However, to be able to have people you lead use the words that were used to describe John Wooden, would be quite the compliment. So, as you lead through life in different circles- PTA, city meetings, a church small group, your family, neighborhood association, business team, or employees think of the way you lead and the words described by the people you lead. The reason John Wooden is a legend and voted the Coach of the Century-wasn't all about winning, it was about principles, character, faith, and leadership. John Wooden may have been old school but his lessons and example of leadership principles lived out are legendary and should be re-ushered in to the environments we find ourlseves in. So, what are the words that describe your leadership abilities? You may not have these qualities now, but it is never too late to start on the road of being a legendary leader with the people in your circles. It starts today, get on with it already.

Small Group is about LIFE!

Launching Small Groups at any church can be fun, exciting, challenging, and confusing. Small groups are really about a few key elements: connecting in community, life transformation, and being doers of God's Word. Whether intentional or not, food normally plays into the small group mentality too. That being said, we are about expanding small group life, so that more people can experience community in a way that says, "We don't want you to do life alone." This past month, our small group has rallied around each other in so many different ways. We celebrated births of babies, served each other, prayed for an unexpected hospital visit by a groupie, wrestled with questions pertaining to God, and laughed-a lot! Really as you walk through life, do you really want to live life alone? 1 in 4 Americans live life alone or isolated, and because of this, many of these 'loners' are on meds for depression. So, is there a direct correlation between those who encircle themselves with people. Well, we do know this- the people with friends and support systems live life longer. So, what will it take for you to engage in a small group where you can live life alone with people who care for you? This past week I ran into an old 'small groupie' from over 3 years ago, and even from a different state. We immediately struck up a conversation, and since she was in line behind me, I bought her a coffee(cuz I role like that). The point is this- small group friends should last for life. Are you connected to one? You should be!

Corrective Conversations

As a kid the worst conversations to have were when I was getting corrected by an adult. It happened a lot. If you never have any of these conversations then chances are you have a lot to learn. Small Group leaders must too have these conversations. As an alongsider it is important to know the role you play as one who has to have and lead corrective conversations. These are not always fun conversations, but they are necessary. Jesus had to have them with his disciples. As an alongsider you help in the discipleship process. Sometimes that means correcting people that need it. In our house we have corrective conversations frequently. Because as we are in the disciple raising stage of parenthood, we are having to have these conversations with our kids. They revolve around respect, honesty, response, manners, attitude, and even proper understanding of what the Bible means and says. For small group life sometimes these corrective conversations may mean conflict, but I have learned that the best way to have these corrective conversations is to use scripture to be your source.

2 Tim. 3:16
All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness,

Discipleship Discussions

If you hung out with Jesus for any period of time when He walked this earth, you would know that He had some important one-on-one discussions. If you walk with Him now, you will also know that it doesn't take very long before He has these same conversations through prayer, the Word, or an encounter with someone He has crossed in front of your journey. “COME & SEE” was the invitation he offered to the disciples when He asked them to follow Him. He used parables, visual aides, questions, and homework to draw those who followed in discussions of discipleship. If we don’t become explorers and stay with our boat of small groupers tied to the same routine, we will get bored with the scenery of discipleship making, frustrated with our leaders, and people will look for a new adventure in a new boat. People want to learn, and learners want to explore. They are thirsty, they want an adventure filled with faith risks, they want to learn from the scriptures, they want challenge from questions, they want new and fresh ideas to make the discipleship process interesting. What they don’t want is a boat tied to a shoreline, that does not move and the scenery looks the same every time you meet. Jesus was creative with His discipleship, and as a follower of Him, we must be also. Jesus asked questions, offered adventure, and peaked curiosity...as leaders we should do the same thing. After all, Jesus gave us some great examples of how to do it.

Equipping Exchanges

Everyday you have a number of exchanges with people that range from politics to the weather. These exchanges take place sometimes as expected, and other times unexpected. Either way, they are exchanges and you shuold always be prepared.

What do your everyday exchanges look like with the people you come in contact with? As Christ followers, our conversations have to be about more than the weather, politics, and sports. They have to center around Jesus. They have to be equipping in nature, and when Christ is central, that breathes out in everyday exchanges. What are we doing to equip people when we have exchanges? There are people that I know as soon as I am in conversation with them, that they will say something I can be equipped by. There are others that I know when I am in conversation with, that I will be doing the equipping. So, either way, an equipping exchange will happen.

In scripture we see an OT personality who is a leader and nation-builder, Joshua. Joshua’s impact was so significant that the author of Judges wrote, “The people served the Lord throughout the lifetime of Joshua.” (Judges 1:7) But then comes one of the saddest commentaries in the Bible. When Joshua and his contemporaries passed away, “another generation grew up, who knew neither the Lord nor what he had done for Israel.” What a sad commentary on a group of leaders. How did this happen? A clue is found in what’s missing from the biblical record. From the beginning of the exodus, Moses came alongside of Joshua, preparing him for leadership. When Moses received the Law, “Joshua his aid” was with him (Exodus 24:13). Joshua witnessed Moses’ friendship with God (Exodus 33:11). At the end of his life, Moses laid his hands on Joshua, filling him with the spirit of wisdom (Deuteronomy 34:9). The Israelites naturally followed him because Moses’ stamp of authority was on his life (Deuteronomy 34:9). Moses came alongside of Joshua, and because of that, Joshua was hanging in the gallery of Moses.

So what’s missing in Judges? We don’t hear of Joshua mentoring another leader to take his place! It appears that he neglected this important principle of generations. There was no equipping exchanges to raise up new leadership. One of Protestantism’s greatest evangelists was the 18th century preacher, George Whitfield. Whitfield’s ministry touched thousands of people in America and in Great Britain, sparking the Great Awakening in the Colonies. He was a contemporary and friend with another great British leader, John Wesley. As Whitfield faced the cessation of his ministry, he sadly lamented: My brother Wesley acted wisely. The souls that were awakened under his ministry he joined in societies or tribes[small groups]; and thus preserved the fruit of his labor. This I neglected and my people are a rope of sand.
What a sad commentary! Without a commitment to equipping exchanges, we can leave behind a slowly dissolving legacy of a rope of sand. As a group leader it is important to be to generations; and for that to happen you have to come alongside people.

Are you a Moses or a Joshua?

ALONGSIDER CHALLENGE- Encouraging Encounters

The year was 1987, I was in 7th grade & I actually got the chance to be graded on my art skills. Art class was by far the best elective I had that year. Taught by Ms. Schumacher, it was an afternoon class, which made the afternoon hours fly by. It was there that I actually became inspired to do great things in the artistic world. It was there I learned about the techniques, the many forms of art, the history, and the famous artists whose works we have come to be mesmerized by. Fast forward to 1998-over 10 years later I found myself looking for a hobby to keep me busy in my “free time” as a young single pastor. So, I bought the Bob Ross painting kit, I figured if he could paint happy trees and make it look easy, so could I. In my short lived art career I painted a total of 11 paintings. The four most important ladies in my life all received them: My mother, my nana, my grandmother, and this cute little chic I was just starting to date named Jenelle. 3 of the 4 beautiful landscape pictures made there way to the walls of these ladies-One in a bedroom, one in a family room, and one in a home office. The last one, which was also the best one, found its way behind a bedroom door, of an unnamed cute little chic. Over the years the paintings grew into a collection which was moved to adorn the walls of my garage. That was until the ultimatum to get them out of our home was made. From there the paintings made there ways to white elephant giveaways, prizes for Bunko nights, and 3 found there way to the trash bin. 2 remain today in the houses of my grandmothers, because they love me.

When you hear the word MASTERPIECE, many images may come to mind. As small group leaders each of us, have a hand in establishing masterpieces. In your individual gallery each painting is surrounded by the framework you bring. I believe that the CANVAS & the FRAMEWORK is a must for every masterpiece, and every one of you are sculpting masterpieces. It just takes more time for some masterpieces.

Small GROUP LIFE is part of the strategic delivery system to model Christ’s discipleship AT ECC. Small Group Life is a foundation for growing disciples.

HOW MANY OF YOU ARE GOOD AT PUBLIC SPEAKING?
HOW MANY OF YOU COULD BEFRIEND SOMEONE, COME ALONGSIDE OF THEM AND READ SCRIPTURE WITH THEM?

Suppose we hung a new picture in the gallery of our minds? What would happen if we called disciplemakers “alongsiders”? This wonderful New Testament word is paraklesis, a calling to one’s side. Jesus taught that the Holy Spirit is the ultimate alongsider, the “counselor” or “helper,” who is with us forever (John 14:16). We partner with the Spirit when we come alongside people to counsel, encourage, or exhort (1 Thes 2:11,12). The term I want you to get in your spirit is the term “ALONGSIDER”. This is a small group leader, who comes alongside someone as they walk through the disciple making process.

Alongsiders intentionally do some simple things. They build authentic friendships, read the Bible with others, tell stories, and ask questions. Alongsiders encourage application and accountability. Finally, alongsiders invite people to live on mission with them, advancing the gospel and recruiting others to follow Jesus as His disciples. Is this a picture you would like to hang in your mind’s gallery?
This is the picture of discipleship making at ECC. The reality is often this…the pictures that we hold in our mind either motivate us in the disciple making process, or they hinder & hold us back. So what pictures are hanging in your gallery?

The Master of “ALONGSIDER MINISTRY” was Jesus. SO, using examples of Jesus from the BIBLE, I want to point out particular practices.

Encouraging Encounters- A lot of people, Christ Follower or not, have this image of Jesus as this very firm, non-smiling, pious character. I have to think that Jesus had a humorous side to him. I believe He was approachable and I know for a fact that He lived his life outside of worship and ministry. If you look through scripture you see that Jesus had ENCOURAGING ENCOUNTERS in venues like weddings, dinners, hanging out and wrestling with kids, friend’s houses, and on the lake. Jesus had to have water fights with his disciples, food fights, and had to play a few jokes on people. The throws of life and ministry were not confined to a building or prayer time. Ministry happened in the messiness of life. As a leader we have encounters that turn into place of encouragement.

For each of us we are painting our own gallery to hang. These are pictures of people that you are currently or have in the past poured life into. For you tonight, these pictures you are hanging in your gallery right now are pictures of people in your small group, that as leaders you are ALONGSIDERS too. As you paint these pictures you are helping these people move forward in life. In Romans 15:14 it says, “I myself am convinced, my brothers, that you yourselves are full of goodness, complete in knowledge and competent to instruct one another.”
There are 3 qualities of ALONGSIDERS from this passage.
Convinced
Complete
Competent
Reflect on the relationships you have where you live, work, play, or worship. Can you build an authentic friendship with someone? Can you can read the Bible with a friend? What about telling some stories or asking some questions? When you do these things, you’ve hung the picture of an alongsider in the gallery of your mind.

Are you ready to take down some old pictures and replace them with a new one? Hanging a picture of an alongsider jump-starts a lifechanging adventure with God and others.

INHERITANCE-it's not just money!

Inheritance is normally a word culture attaches to money. That may be true in some instances, but the original meaning referred to "a transfer of something of great value, as a legacy or promise." We have seen people in our lifetime inherit things: genes, looks, money, reputation, family related personal items, business, or land. Have you ever stopped to think about what you have inherited? God gives us a word in scripture that tells us that we will be on the receiving end of a transfer of something of great value, as in our legacy and promise for our life. Here are some passages of scripture that are worth reading regarding the inheritance we can claim: Psalm 16:5, Psalm 37:18, Proverbs 3:35, Proverbs 13:22, Ephesians 1:14, and Colossians 3:24-25.
My prayer for today is that I can pause in the midst of my day and claim God's promise for my life. I choose to walk in God's peace & provision through whatever difficult time may come my way, and walk with faith as I keep my eyes on you, God.
As you think about the word inheritance, what does it mean to you? Are you in a position to pass an inheritance of a lifetime to someone else that revolves around the promise of God's Word? As I hear the word, I look at the opportunity to leave an inheritance that revolves around legacy, and am less worried about receiving one of things.

FRAMEWORK for DISCIPLING

Jesus was the master of many things, and one that stands out is that of discipling. After all, He was such a master at this, that the ones closest to Him, who followed Him, were in fact called disciples. (understudies, mentees, coachees, etc...) Jesus framed those who followed Him with a model that we, as leaders, should follow. In every encounter Jesus had with people He had one of the following: Discipleship Discussions, Equipping Exchanges, Corrective Conversations, and Encouraging Encounters. As framers we should be active in pursuing one of these in every conversation we have. The frame we are building with these practices, is helping frame a masterpiece created by God, that He has put in our path for a time to lead. The images in the gallery that we hang in our mind need to be viewed as the names that we are helping frame. So, who are they and where do you intersect with them? Teams, neighborhood, small group, committees/boards, family...the list of possibilities is long. We need to get in our mind the ALONGSIDER mindset. We have to come alongside people and encounter, engage, equip, and empower them to live out their faith in the way God designed them too. As an alongsider we are walking alongside these friends as life happens. Whether it is messy or whether it has the appearance of cleanliness, we are in a position to speak into the life of others. A part of that ability to speak into the life of others comes through relationship. I have people that have that permission to speak into my life, because they have relationship. Those who speak into my life with no relationship, well there message falls to ears that don't understand the words coming out of their mouth. As framers, we are key in making sure they have an understanding of God's Word. In His Word, we have a great example of Jesus framing disciples. Let's us also make it our habit to start building frames. In the days to come I'll break down the 4 sides to the framework.

STAND FIRM

Stand Firm is a phrase found in the Bible that is spoken from some of the most recognizable names: Moses, David, Isaiah, and Paul to name a few. This phrase carries the same meaning in English as it does in Greek. It is the ability to offer resistance to someone or somebody, or refuse to abandon one's belief or opinion. Throughout the Bible the phrase STAND FIRM is used to remind the people of the Lord's promises, the warriors position in battle, and the Christ followers stance in their faith. I have this image in my head of what it looks like to stand firm. The image comes from one of my all time fave movies BRAVEHEART. In the scene William Wallace has picked a fight, and the English are waging war. There comes a point on the battle field when the ENGLISH lead an attack, William Wallace and the Scots, take a place in the field and literally stand there as an army is rushing them. They do not move, they hold their spot, they STAND FIRM. Just as the English are about to unleash hell on them in battle, the Scots still holding their strong stance and position reach behind them and lift up spears made of trees. As they raise them, there is a little push back but the line holds strong. This illustration is what it is like when we are attacked by life's circumstances, or the enemy attacks us. Although fast moving, deceptive, and intimidating, when we STAND FIRM in our faith in Christ, we will not be pushed back, but we will be the VICTOR. So today in whatever may come your way, I encourage you to STAND FIRM, because when your feet are placed on THE ROCK (Jesus Christ), you will be able to hold your ground.

RE:GROUP LEADERSHIP EVENT @ ECC

RE:GROUP
I am stoked for our Small Group Life Leadership night on Sunday, March 21, 2010. This is a night where we RE:GROUP as small group ministry leaders and are reminded of our role of being: engaged, encouraged, equiped, and empowered to come alongside the many people looking to connect in community.

This year includes breakout sessions led by some of our SGL coaching team. These sessions include:

• Getting out of the Weekly Funk of Small Group Life
• Leadership Development
• The Art of the Ask-Facilitating Discussion
• Transformation & Discipleship Tools to Gage Group Growth
  

Incorporated into the night will be a progressive dinner as we move sessions, and as you rotate it will move you toward a selection of different menu items.

The night will include a talk about the importance of Small Group Life Leaders and vision in this time of church transition, dinner, breakout sessions, and conclude with a time of corporate prayer.

Here are the details:

Sunday, March 21, 2010
North Auditorium
Evergreen Christian Community (Oly Campus)
5p
RSVP to Kathy Staff kathy@ecconline.cc

Childcare provided up to age 10 (dinner included)
RSVP for childcare to Kathy at kathy@ecconline.cc

Living Intentionally in God's Will

SHHHHH......do you hear that voice? Do you sense that someone has something special for you? Do you even realize that you were created to live an intentional life? There are many words that can be used to describe when you live out God's Will for your life: rewarding, joyous, promising, confident, and even confusing. I understand that God has a plan for my life. At every juncture in my walk with God, He has revealed the personal and perfect plan He has for me. I will be honest, I have not always understood it, I have been mad about on a few occasions, and even confused at times; however, I will never question it or fight it. I have found when I am living in God's will for my life that it is challenging, rewarding, and better than I could have expected. At times I can be frustrated with circumstances, people, things, and life. I have also found that God has put me in places to grow, be challenged, comfort someone else, be stretched, and even be reminded of God's will for my life. If I had chosen the will for my life, certain things would have been different, and the fact is, probably very chaotic. What I have seen is people who try and make their own life happen and try and impose their will(often selfish in nature) into life and circumstances-chaos occurs. I know that God set me up to succeed, persevere, expand my territory, and yes-be challenged. While following God's Will for my life I have found comfort, and found when I live my life intentionally the way He desires me to live, then the benefits are much more beneficial. I would rather live intentionally than a life of chaos and dysfunction. I have chosen to be transformed by the renewing of my mind, rather than conforming to the patterns of the world and for this reason I have been able to determine what God's will is for my life. When I hunker down and really remove myself from all the noise in this world-I will find a still small voice whispering to me that there are promises, protection, and compassion to follow the direction He leads me. How about you? How are you doing in regards to living an intentional life that God designed for you? What actions do you need to take to help you hear God's Will for YOU?!!!

HUMILITY- Its pretty black and white

Have you ever been humbled in a way that made you feel embarrassed or extremely insecure? Sometimes being humbled can be a good thing. I remember as a freshmen in high school being put in my place a time or two by older junior and seniors. The circumstances were all different, but they all took the wind that was in my sails(or ego) and caused the sail to fall flat. It also caused me to really evaluate what I was saying and the peoples perception of me. As an older high school student I had a peers tell me I was conceited, and I always shot back their is a difference between conceit and confidence. The fact is I lived a life in humility in some areas, and probably not so in other areas. Every once in a while it is great to reflect on things. I often reflect on terms associated with me by the roles I take on. In leadership I think it is important to have the confidence, but also to have a fine balance of humility. I can be wrong and I have people in my life that have permission to tell me when, or point out areas I need help with. With that comes the responsibility to let me know if my "humility factor" is wavering. If people who don't have permission try and speak up I liken it to the saying that says "rules without relationship, will lead to rebellion." I'll flat out ignore those who try and speak up. I can handle criticism...I better be able to because I am human. In leadership it is important to step back and reflect on the word Humility every now and then. Humility in both life and the context of the scripture is a winning spirit of submission and commitment- the absence of arrogance or conceit. I don't like to be around people who have an arrogance about them. Flat out can't stand being around people like that. In life I have encountered them in various places. As leaders, whether small group or a position within a business, I think it is important to have a winning spirit of submission. As a part of my submission I train to find myself HUMBLE in the sight of the Lord. As you lead, may you find this prayer as one of comfort when it comes to HUMILITY:
Lord, I come before you knowing how majestic you are. I come before you with a humble heart knowing how much I need you to get through this day, week, and month. I believe I will move through this day with you giving me strength to listen when I need too, moving when you want me to, and leading when you provide me too. I am believing as I humble myself before you, that you will lead me to success and victory.
Psalm 25:9, 147:6, Ephesians 4:2, James 4:10, and I Peter 5:6 are some of a few great verses to study more to expand your daily devotion with God and help you take on a countenance of humility. Take action and live today in humility to God as you lead.

That's How God Made Me!

Anytime you have three kids in the house you get comic relief without having to turn on the television. We have tried to raise each of our kids with an understanding of who God is and why it is important to worship Him. One thing we make sure they know is we are all gifted and uniquely made. Each of our kids have a different skill set and each have their own little personality. There are some similarities though: hair color- check, porcelain skin- check; dad's little mini-me's- check (in their own way). One question we ask our kids from time to time is "Why are you so cute?" One time we asked Ella, our 5 year old that question, and here response was "that is how God made me!" We had a great laugh and since then-she answers that question the same way every time. She has a great point to underline. Each of us have been made by God, and each of us is designed with gifts. We are not all the same (thank goodness) in appearance, skill set, understanding, or response. As leaders each of us can develop skills, and some can take them to a very high level. I think what is important though, is that each of you are uniquely YOU! You may be great at one thing and not so great at another. But the fact is we still thank God for what gifts He has given us, and each of us try hard to become the best version of ourselves we can become. The mistake is when we try and become someone we are not, or not intended to be! Now of course God puts people in our loves to challenge us to grow, extend our skill set, and even people who give us a perspective of what or who we do not want to become. God made you, YOU. It is a great day when you can wake up, look in the mirror, and be satisfied with who you are, because that is how God made you! As a leader understand that you have a circle of influence for you to be you-that was God's design.

Leadership 101: Attitude

Over the years there have been some great movie quotes that have inspired me as I sit back and watch. Each one of my favorite movies have a memorable quote that gave me inspiration the moment I heard it, and still to this day, when I am watching one of these greats. A few years ago there was a movie based on the true story of T.C. Williams High School football team and their struggle for racial integration. The beauty of the story is that the team goes onto be successful and the underlying story of racism is completed because of leadership. Leadership is reflected in the movie from the coaching staff, but also from two leaders on the team- Julius Campbell & Gerry Bertier. These teammates go head to head all throughout the movie and it is a stunning scene that brings me to the point today, when they call each other out. Julius looks at Gerry and says, "attitude reflects leadership, captain." BAM! Right there is the honing point of this blog. For those in any type of leadership, it is our attitude that is reflective of our leadership. People will watch and see how we react or how we respond. This past week, I had to check myself as I displayed an attitude that was not reflective of my leadership. I walked away from a situation frustrated, but determined to make sure that I didn't let my attitude dictate my response. When it comes to leadership, people will follow you if they see an attitude that is worth following. As a leader of a small group, family unit, team at work, or any other cadre it is important to keep our attitude in check and be on our game all the time. YES-always. It is a principle of leadership that is taught at every level of competition from when you are a kid to the teams you are on as an adult. There are hundreds of quotes on attitude, and I won't give you any here, but know this- your attitude is important as a leader. How you respond will always be watched from others if you lead. If your attitude sucks (or stinks for those who prefer that word) then you will be taking a long walk by yourself, and not leading. Attitude is a game changer in leadership, is it a game changer for you right now.

Why Coaches Matter!

I can look back to every team I ever participated on and tell you the coach that led my teams. I could even tell you a little bit about them. The first team I played was over 27 years ago and it was the skills I learned as a Kindergartener that developed over time to make me the player I am today. The same is true for teachers and professors who spoke into my life in academics. The mistake most people make though in life, is they stop looking to grow because they thinkk they have reached their peak when they get to a certain point in time. This may be the top of their game, the top of their class, the top of their company, or insert your thought here! This is why COACHES MATTER! If we stop having someone push us to be better, grow in areas we don't see, or give us direction in areas where we can be the ebst God intended us to be, then we have missed the point. I have had a coach walking with me for 4 years now. This coach challenges me every time we talk and expands my potential. The accountability that he has gained in my life came over conversations and permissions that I granted him. I am grateful for a coach in my life and as I look to the future of small group life and its leaders, I hope you will let seasoned veterans of small groups come alongside you and help you expand your gifts as a small group leader, as I am challenging them to grow in areas of their lives too. Coaches matter because without them Kobe Bryant would not have succeeded as he did, pastors of the largest churches would not have many congregants, entrepreneuers and indsutry leaders would not have pushed themselves to carve out a specific niche. Coaches matter because without them we we may never realize the potential of greatness that each of us have. Soak in a coach coming alongside you, because you will be better because of it.

Phil Wilson
Community Life & Connections Pastor