Captain Collo

The End

2010-01-16T23:15:00.003+11:00

My mother said things always happen in threes. Well today INSANE 2010 came to an end. It was a fabulous event, the venue, the leaders and the delegates were all amazing and God did some sensational things in the lives of us all. Today also was the end of my term as TYS and INSANE was a great way to wrap up my 3 years at the helm.

My third end is that I've decided to put Captain Collo to rest. After stepping into the blogosphere 2 and half years ago I have found the spiritual discipline of everyday blogging very beneficial, and it has connected me with so many others along the way. I have really enjoyed the debates, the humour and most of all just a place to journal what God is speaking to me about. So as my 867th and final post I'd just like to thank you for reading and encourage you all to keep dreaming no matter where you are. My final words are simply my favourite quote from our co-founder Catherine Booth "If we are to better the future we must disturb the present."

Just a thought.

INSANE Day 5

2010-01-15T16:28:00.004+11:00

a Biblical thought...
As far as I am concerned. God turned into good what you meant for evil. He brought me to the high position I have today so I could save the lives of many people. (Genesis 50:20)

a Book thought...
God's way to bring people to spiritual health is the church body. (p182)
a Dave thought...
The night rallies have certainly been a highlight again at INSANE this year. Tonight will be a sensational evening to watch online @ http://www.isalvos.com/ The night will start with live worship which we are recording and will give as a DVD to all the campers this week. We are also giving the car pictured above away free to a guy who has come a long way with his life. This car was renovated and detailed at INSANE in the "Car Reno" elective. Along with that we have choir & dance performances along with amazing games in the arena. Our new TYS Captain Rowan Castle will be giving a message on "Love without Stopping". Please pray for us as we meet together here at Mountain Valley and as we encourage the youth of this territory to be Brave & True.

Just a thought.

INSANE Day 4

2010-01-14T00:18:00.004+11:00

a Biblical thought...
Then Joseph kissed each of his brothers and wept over them, and then they began talking freely with him. (Genesis 45:15)

a Book thought...
The value of discipleship in a group context is that it protects you from the biases and limitations of the one discipling you. (p181)

a Dave thought...
INSANE continues to being an outstanding event. The quality of the programs and diversity of activities is amazing. A huge thanks to the team my amazing wife Kylie, Aaron Mills, Cate Shanks & Miriam Pho without you guys as well as many many others this would not be at all possible!
Last night Major Sandy Crowden preached on Give it all You've Got and reminded us that although we may be ordinary people we can be extraordinary with God. She read the William Booth quote when asked for the secret of his success:

I will tell you the secret. God has had all there was of me. There have been men with greater brains than I, men with greater opportunities. But from the day I got the poor of London on my heart and caught a vision of all Jesus Christ could do with them, on that day I made up my mind that God would have all of William Booth there was. And if there is anything of power in the Salvation Army today, it is because God has had all the adoration of my heart, all the power of my will, and all the influence of my life.

Just a thought.

INSANE Day 3

2010-01-13T00:03:00.005+11:00

a Biblical thought...
He took Joseph and threw him into the prison where the king's prisoners were held. But the Lord was with Joseph there, too, and he granted Joseph favour with the chief jailer. (Genesis 39:20-21)

a Book thought...
Paul understood a divided church hinders everyone in it from hearing clearly from God. (p180)
a Dave thought...
Yesterday was another great day with temperatures dropping 20 degrees from Day 1 to Day 2. Delegates attended Bible Study, Active, Think Workshop, Fun Elective and the evening session. As we explored the theme of "Hold Tight to your Convictions" Rowan shared a great message and many responded to the call to be Brave & True. One of the highlights was the foam pit at the Insane arena where those involved in the game had to find fruit in the foam and make a fruit salad. Tonight we have Major Sandy Crowden coming to share with us on "Give it all you've got" and we believe again for another great day as we have fun and experience community together.

Just a thought.

INSANE 2010 begins

2010-01-12T00:35:00.004+11:00

a Biblical thought...
Then the man said, "Let me go, for it is dawn." But Jacob panted, "i will not let you go unless you bless me". (Genesis 32:26)

a Book thought...
When Christ communicates with his church, he speaks words of truth that ultimately unify the church rather than tear it apart. (p174)
a Dave thought...
We have had a great opening day at INSANE 2010. Despite temperatures up to 44 degrees Celsius we still managed to keep 392 people safe & enjoy the events of the day. Last night Commissioner Carolyn Knaggs spoke on "Keep Your Eyes Open" with Nath Casey & the team from SA leading worship. The campsite looks amazing as we have 16 marquees set up for guys & girls from each division. If you want to experience our INSANE nights live visit www.isalvos.com Tonight we have Captain Rowan Castle preaching on "Hold Tight to Your Convictions". Hope you can join us online and please pray for all the delegates here as they learn about God and experience community together.

Just a thought.

Amanda Vaarzon-Morel

2010-01-11T00:38:00.003+11:00

a Biblical thought...
Once again she became pregnant and had a son. She named him Judah, for she said, "Now I will praise the Lord!" (Genesis 29:35)

a Book thought...
When you are actively involved in a church body, all the members have an opportunity to observe God's activity in your life. (p1690
a Dave thought...
Yesterday our family had the pleasure of attending Amanda's farewell get together in Abbotsford. It was a beautiful afternoon and my first time I'd eaten at Lentil as Anything. The experience was well worth it and anyone who is yet to eat at this pay by donation and ethically sound eatery I encourage you to do so. Lieutenant Amanda Vaarzon-Morel is a quality person who we met over 3 years ago. I was privileged to conduct her soldiership classes while stationed at Box Hill and always found her passion for God and heart for others so genuine and warm. To be part of her journey through to officership has been a real pleasure. As she heads to the NT this week to take her appointment as Assistant CO at Alice Springs I pray that God will inspire and strengthen her as she continues to devote her life to Christ 100%.

Just a thought.

Brave & True

2010-01-10T08:57:00.004+11:00

a Biblical thought...
What's more, I will be with you, and I will protect you wherever you go. I will someday bring you safely back to this land. I will be with you constantly until I have finished giving you everything I have promised. (Genesis 28:15)

a Book thought...
Christ alone is the head of the church, and he sets the agenda for the body. (p164)
a Dave thought...
The theme that our 301 delegates coming to INSANE 2010 will encounter this week is "Brave & True." The guiding scripture is 1 Corinthians 16:13 (The Message);

“Keep your eyes open, hold tight to your convictions, give it all you’ve got, be resolute, love without stopping.”

1- KEEP YOUR EYES OPEN
At this point we begin the journey by challenging the delegates to examine their own life. This wake up call captures the attention of the delegates and introduces our key concepts.

2- HOLD TIGHT TO YOUR CONVICTIONS
We hold no pretense that young peoples’ attendance at this conference is indicative of a committed Christian faith.

3- GIVE IT ALL YOU GOT
At this point of the journey we clarify one of our key concept that To be Brave is to live a life of action for Jesus. Brave in that despite, fears and failures, low expectations and apathy, the delegates would pursue all that God has for them, the world and for eternity.

4- BE RESOLUTE
At this next step in the journey we clarify another of our key concepts that To be True is to stay totally loyal to Jesus. True in that despite ongoing temptations, societal pressures, and all the voices of compromise, they would continue to live a life that models monogamy with Jesus.

5- LOVE WITHOUT STOPPING
This final step in the Brave and True Journey is to reiterate the main points of the scripture and to again invite delegates to live a life Brave and True for Jesus out in the world. A life lived Brave and True for Jesus is bigger and better than any other. It is a life of action and freedom.

Just a thought.

Gen Y Leadership

2010-01-09T06:43:00.005+11:00

a Biblical thought...
Then I bowed my head and worshiped the Lord. I praised the Lord, the God of y master, Abraham, because he had led me along the right path to find a wife from the family of my master's relatives. (Genesis 24:8)

a Book thought...
There are no educational, age, or gender prerequisites to be a spokesperson for God. Christ can use any person he chooses to be his messenger. (p161)
a Dave thought... from The Age
GENERATION Y finally means business. They are far better educated and more globally aware and technologically savvy than any generation before them, and they are about to turn 30 this year. The oldest members of this privileged generation are poised to grab the management reins and revolutionise the workplace to suit themselves.
They have emerged from the global financial crisis - their first mild experience of an economic downturn - more relieved than bruised, and now they are brimming with optimism.
The baby boomers love them - after all, they were the doting parents that raised them. And as the boomers' extended reign in the workplace draws to an end, social and economic forecasters predict they are more likely to anoint gen Yers as their chosen successors over the unfortunate generation Xers who have been politely waiting their turn.
They call it the Prince Charles syndrome and it's nothing personal about generation X, just that generation Y has continued its knack of being in the right place at the right time when opportunity or prosperity arrives.
''The gen Yers really do offer a compelling case to take over the leadership,'' says social researcher Mark McCrindle, author of generational tome The ABC of XYZ. ''They are well
equipped to understand the 21st century ways and their leadership style and work-life balance approach is very suited for these times.
''They get on very well with the boomers as they stay at home longer and are connected with their parents' age group, and they understand the changing ways with technology.''
Charmed as their childhood might have been, they copped their share of bad press growing up. Inter-generational sniping has labelled them as overindulged children who emerged into the workforce as disloyal, high-maintenance employees not prepared to work long hours to get ahead and unable to cope with their first taste of criticism.
But perhaps they have just been misunderstood. They might have their priorities straight in demanding a healthy work-life balance, suggesting that putting in a 60-hour work week should not be a marker for competence.
''The concept of the work-life balance for us moving into management-type roles is going to be a given,'' says 29-year-old Kathleen Walker, a corporate sustainability manager.
''The general consensus among anyone I speak to is if you are there until 7pm or working ridiculously long hours, there is something wrong and it's not an indication of how important or busy you are.''

Just a thought.

Goodbye Blackberry

2010-01-08T07:06:00.005+11:00

a Biblical thought...
Take your son, your only son - yes, Isaac, whom you love so much - and go to the land of Moriah. Sacrifice him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains, which I will point out to you. (Genesis 22:2)

a Book thought...
Circumstances provide God with an opportunity to speak powerfully to us. (p157)
a Dave thought...
Today I hand my Blackberry back to THQ. Many people warned me before I got this amazing device that I would become addicted to it. Well after a couple of years I think they are proven correct. Even though I have come to love it and can't imagine living without it I think it will be good for me to break the addiction! As handy as it is to access your emails 24/7 I also realise my family are fed up with it and quite often Noah sadly asks me to leave it home when I take him out so he can have my full attention. So today I am now officially an iPhone user and with email no longer on tap life should be simpler. Now all I have to do is figure out how to get my 500 contacts off my inotes onto my new phone!

Just a thought.

One Minute Bible for Students

2010-01-07T09:30:00.003+11:00

a Biblical thought...
Abraham approached him and said, "Will you destroy both innocent and guilty alike?" (Genesis 18:23)

a Book thought...
Jesus taught his disciples that they didn't know the truth of a situation until they heard from God. (p154)
a Dave thought...
You’ve committed yourself to more Bible reading plans than you care to admit and you’re 187 chapters behind in your latest attempt. If this sounds familiar, then the One Minute Bible for Students is what you need to get back and stay on track. Do the math. There are 1400 minutes in a day. It will take you One Minute to read a passage of Scripture. “Hey, that’s doable!” Additionally, veteran youth pastor Doug Fields has contributed some great insights to help you apply these short, one minute Scripture readings to your every day life. Special one minute features include: devotionals, commentary, theological words defined in simple terms, personality profiles, unique, weird, and humorous facts . . . all designed to help you discover and fall in love with God’s love letter to you.

The great thing about the One Minute Bible for Students is that you will never again get stuck in Leviticus for forty years. The One Minute Bible for Students moves you through the entire Bible—from Creation to the return of Jesus—in just ONE YEAR! The One Minute Bible for Students won’t replace your Bible. It will inspire you to take side trips into your Bible to see what came before and what comes after the passage you just read. These bite-size servings of Scripture are sure to increase your appetite for God’s Word.
http://www.simplyyouthministry.com/resources-small-groups-one-minute-bible-for-students-by-the-case.html

Just a thought.

5 sleeps till INSANE

2010-01-06T08:03:00.006+11:00

a Biblical thought...
Hagar referred to the Lord, who had spoken to her, as "the God who sees me," for she said, "I have seen the One who sees me!" (Genesis 16:13)

a Book thought...
When we are in the midst of bewildering circumstances, that is not the time to make conclusions about what God is like. We should have already reached our conclusions before we entered the difficult experience. (p153)

a Dave thought...
As INSANE 2010 fast approaches everyone is making a huge effort to make this an outstanding youth event. We now have over 380 people coming for the 5 days at Mountain Valley. The goal of Insane 2010: Brave and True is to empower high-school age young people to live a life brave and true for Jesus. As a result we aim to move out of conference as corporate program and foster an event of spiritual transformation.

Within this event we aim to generate a culture and message that challenges young people in relevant ways. According to poll research, the largest influences on high-school age teen culture are peer bonding and multi-media entertainment. The two things teens love the most are their friends and their music.

As a result, Brave and True is not a polite Church service, a regimented conference or a conventional youth camp, but marries elements from all to offer young people what they value most. Brave and True aims to be a unique event that offers young people close community, peer workshops, scriptural teaching, multi-media communication and a lot of loud music. It is a new beast for a new generation.

The guiding scripture for Brave and True is 1 Corinthians 16:13 (The Message);

“Keep your eyes open, hold tight to your convictions, give it all you’ve got, be resolute, love without stopping.”

Just a thought.

Sustainable Youth Ministry

2010-01-05T06:26:00.004+11:00

a Biblical thought...
Blessed be Abram by God Most High, Creator of heaven and earth. And blessed be God Most High, who has helped you conquer your enemies. (Genesis 14:19-20)

a Book thought...
The key to understanding our circumstances is to focus on Christ rather than on our circumstances. (p152)
a Dave thought...
What is going wrong? What would it take to build a ministry that withstands the roller coaster ride that has become so much a part of “normal” youth ministry?
Based on his own experience as a youth pastor and his hands-on consulting work with scores of churches, Mark DeVries pinpoints the problems that cause division and burnout. He then provides the practical tools and strategies needed to lay a strong foundation for your church’s youth ministry—one that isn’t built solely on a person or a program. In these pages he offers indispensable guidance for

1. Understanding why most churches stay chronically stuck in very predictable (and solvable) problems in their youth ministries
2. Moving toward a systemic approach to youth ministry by tending first to the climate and structures under girding the ministry
3. Helping senior pastors and search committees avoid the common pitfalls made in hiring youth staff
4. Equipping youth pastors to build strong volunteer teams and navigate the turbulent waters of church politics
5. Giving youth pastors creative tools for lasting in youth ministry for the long haul.

Building a sustainable youth ministry is not easy, and it’s not quick. But with commitment to the process, hard work and the guidance found in Sustainable, your church can put together a healthy youth ministry—one that fits your church and lasts for the long haul. Youth ministry can last.

Just a thought.

John Maclean

2010-01-04T06:47:00.003+11:00

a Biblical thought...
Let's build a great city with a tower that reaches to the skies - a monument to our greatness! (Genesis 11:4)

a Book thought...
When God allows one door to close, it may be because he is preparing to open a more effective door of service to you somewhere else. (p147)
a Dave thought...
One thing I really enjoy is reading autobiographies especially of athletes and their rise to success. So on my Christmas list was once again books, such as the story of Cadel Evans, Lance Armstrong but the last one one was slightly different - John Maclean. (http://www.johnmaclean.com.au/) I met John while competing at the Busselton Ironman in December where he was competing in about his tenth Ironman. John was an in a different category to me though as he was racing in a wheelchair. When I saw him get carried into the water early on that Saturday morning in December to begin the 3.8km swim I knew this man was special. I really enjoyed the autobiography and learnt how he was knocked off his bike in Sydney while training for a triathlon in 1988. He was very lucky to survive but since that time has just overcome so many adversities and competed in hundreds of events around the world. But the one thing that will stay in my mind is that he realised his life was never better than when he started doing things for others. He has set up the John Maclean foundation which raises money to help young wheelchair victims get their lives back on track. So if you want a good book to read give "Full Circle" a go.

Just a thought.

7 Contemporary Sins of Youth

2010-01-03T07:43:00.004+11:00

a Biblical thought...
It is the sign of my permanent promise to you and all the earth. When I send clouds over the earth, the rainbow will be seen in the clouds, and I will remember my covenant with you and with everything that lives. (Genesis 9:13-15)

a Book thought...
Even the most dramatic circumstances will have no meaning for unless you are sensitized to hear what God says. (p142)
a Dave thought...
A group of 100 European youth (young adults) were asked to collaboratively write a new list of the 7 deadly sins. This was not a “christian” study, nor was the faith of the participants part of the selection process.
This list is interesting and telling. I think this exercise would be very interesting to go through with a class at school or youth group. Here’s the list the European youth came up with:

1. Racism

2. Dishonesty

3. Bullying

4. Greed

5. Adultery

6. Anger

7. Envy

Just a thought.

17 Years

2010-01-02T07:57:00.003+11:00

a Biblical thought...
The Lord accepted Abel and his offering, but he did not accept Cain and his offering. This made Cain very angry and dejected. (Genesis 4:4-5)

a Book thought...
Once God speaks to us, we cannot remain the same. God's word always requires adjustments on our part. (p137)

a Dave thought...
It was 17 years to the day, 10am at the Box Hill Salvation Army that I married my beautiful wife Kylie. It has been an amazing journey and we have been through so many experiences together. I never once regretted marrying young and have always enjoyed living life with the sensational Kylie. Our first years were in Halls Gap which were just magnificent, then 3 houses in Melbourne and now we find ourselves living in Grovedale. Along the way we have had two children, become Lieutenants and now Captains committed to life long service to God through The Salvation Army. I met Kylie at a Divisional Youth Crush on Sunday 11th September 1988 at the Preston Salvos. I was immediately attracted to her and am grateful for all that she has taught me about life and ministry. I look forward to this next chapter of our lives together knowing our love for God and each other only continues to grow.

Just a thought.

The Ten Commandments of Youth

2010-01-01T12:10:00.003+11:00

a Biblical thought...
Then God looked over all he had made, and he saw that it was excellent in every way. (Genesis 1:31)

a Book thought...
Prayer is not a preparation for work, it is the work. Prayer is not a preparation for the battle, it is the battle. (p135)
a Dave thought...
A fascinating post over on ypulse the other day, culled from an mtv sticky report called youthtopia (a study of hopes and dreams). the study describes itself this way: “In the first-ever effort to understand the values, hopes and dreams of young people in Europe, MTV asked over 7,000 youths to imagine their ideal world and to consider brands as people and whether those ‘people’ would be welcome in their world –‘Youthtopia’.” One aspect of the study involved asking 100 European youth to re-write the 10 commandments to reflect their values. The results paint more than a flattering self-portrait of this generation as an aspirational model for society — one that tellingly promotes accountability, positivity and passion above all else.

The Ten Commandments of Youth

1. Have faith in yourself.

2. Respect your parents.

3. Be honest.

4. Take responsibility for your own life.

5. Live life to the fullest and be passionate.

6. Keep your promises.

7. Work hard to succeed but not to the detriment of others.

8. Be tolerant of others’ differences.

9. Be happy and optimistic, even in adversity.

10. Create, don’t destroy.

Just a thought.

2010 Goals

2009-12-31T07:13:00.004+11:00

a Biblical thought...
Behold, I am coming soon! My reward is with me, and I will give to everyone according to what he has done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End. (Revelation 22:12-13)

a Book thought...
Those who pay attention will discover God is far more involved in their daily lives than they ever imagined. (p133)
a Dave thought...
I am a person who likes to write down yearly goals. The last few years I have used categories and then write 3 goals in each one. I believe unless you are aiming for something in life you will end up anywhere and just waste a lot of years in the process. Here are my categories for 2010 with a description of the types of things I will set three goals in...

1. Spiritual - praying, reading, learning such as conferences

2. Physical - exercise, diet, gym, sporting events

3. Family - holidays, time together, new ventures, devotions

4. Relationships - extended family, meet neighbours, others we are yet to meet

5. Financial - tithing 10%, saving 10%, live off 80%, sponsor children, pay off debt

6. Educational - enroll in a course, read a book, attend a seminar

7. Home - improve, invite people over, create a new space

8. Ministry - look where you will put your time, start something new, evaluate current areas

As I have 24 specific goals (8 x 3) which are measurable I then email them to a few friends who I ask to keep me accountable. If you have never tried this before I encourage you to seek God, set goals and enjoy a fruitful 2010.

Just a thought.

Major Philip Wise

2009-12-30T07:56:00.003+11:00

a Biblical thought...
"Great and marvelous are your deeds, Lord God Almighty. Just and true are your ways, King of the ages. Who will not fear you, O Lord, and bring glory to your name? For you alone are holy. (Rev 15:3-4)

a Book thought...
God never acts prematurely, and he is never late. God's timing never leaves things unfinished, and it always produces the maximum effect. (p128)

a Dave thought... a sad email I received last week.

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

Many of you may be aware but for those who are not, A Salvation Army corps officer was murdered on Christmas Eve in Little Rock, Arkansas.

Major Philip Wise, 40 years old, was returning to the corps building with his three young children after taking bell ringers home. Two armed men approached him and demanded money. They then shot him in front of his children. His wife Cindy was in the building and called 911. Major Wise was a devoted officer, father and husband beloved by many in the community. He and his family were preparing for a trip to West Virginia to spend time with extended family for Christmas. Please uphold Cindy and these three precious children in prayer as well as the extended family and the corps family and community.

Please pray.

Just a thought.

Youth Ministry 3.0

2009-12-29T07:22:00.003+11:00

a Biblical thought...
The seventh angel sounded his trumpet, and there were loud voices in heaven, which said: "The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of his Christ, and he will reign for ever and ever." (Rev 11:15)

a Book thought...
The greatest mark of maturity in faith is the ability and willingness to reverently accept God's answer, no matter what it is. (p126)
a Dave thought...by Alaina Kleinbeck,

Mark Oestreicher’s Youth Ministry 3.0 embodies the conversation model of ministry books. His book is revolutionary not only in content, but also in style. Oestreicher runs a blog (ysmarko.com) that he used as a sounding board for his thoughts and ideas for this book. Blog readers who commented on his inquisitive posts shaped and affirmed his writing and he then included their commentary throughout the book. This type of book would not have been possible ten years ago. It represents a major shift in the way youth ministry is resourced–from top-down publishing house and denominational presses informing the parish worker to youth ministers creating and contributing material from their local ministry to share en masse. The resourcing shift isn’t surprising considering the parallel decentralization in almost every other avenue of communication in the 21st century. Yet Marko’s book is of the first printed books in the youth ministry field to widely embrace social media as a means of resourcing. Social media addicts everywhere are rejoicing.

Youth Ministry 3.0 finds its purpose early within its pages. Marko says, “I’m hoping to describe what I’m seeing and experiencing and feeling about where we need to go so we can continue being true to our calling” (p. 26). He’s in the position to hear the voices of thousands of youth workers, and so his thoughts on the future are valuable and weighty. Before speaking of the future, he walks the reader through a history of youth culture with a simple framework. He looks at the three tasks of adolescence–identity formation, autonomy, and affinity–and traces the emphases that youth culture (and thus, youth ministry) has placed on different tasks. He skillfully honors the past and fuels a fire for change.

A short read, YM3.0 isn’t the end of the story. It doesn’t purport to have all of the answers, but encourages a process of discernment to find them. Marko doesn’t propose a model that works in every situation, but gives permission for a potpourri of youth ministry models. He invites the reader to engage in the conversation.

Just a thought.

New Year's Resolutions

2009-12-28T07:23:00.003+11:00

a Biblical thought...
All the angels were standing around the throne and around the elders and the four living creatures. They fell down on their faces before the throne and worshiped God, saying: "Amen! Praise and glory and wisdom and thanks and honor and power and strength be to our God for ever and ever. Amen!" (Revelation 7:11-12)

a Book thought...
Prayer is not designed as a means for us to change God. It is a time for God to change us. (p121)
a Dave thought...
Author, innovation consultant, and speaker Stephen Shapiro offers the following interesting statistics concerning New Year's resolutions:
Forty-five percent usually set New Year's Resolutions; seventeen percent infrequently set resolutions; thirty-eight percent never set resolutions
Eight percent are always successful in achieving their resolutions; nineteen percent achieve their resolutions every other year; forty-nine percent have infrequent success; twenty-four percent (one in four) never succeed and have failed on every resolution every year.
Forty-seven percent set resolutions related to self-improvement or education
Thirty-eight percent set resolutions related to weight
Thirty-four percent set resolutions related to money
Thirty-one percent set resolutions related to relationships
The younger you are, the more likely you are to achieve your resolutions (thirty-nine percent of those in their twenties achieve their resolutions every year or every other year, while less than fifteen percent of those over fifty achieve their resolutions every year or every other year)
The less happy you are, the more likely you are to set New Year's resolutions (this is especially true for those who set money-related resolutions: forty-one percent are not happy; thirty-four percent are moderately happy; twenty-five percent are happy)
There is actually no correlation between happiness and resolution setting/success (people who achieve their resolutions every year are no happier than those who do not set resolutions or who are unsuccessful in achieving them)

Just a thought.

Tex the Turtle

2009-12-27T09:13:00.004+11:00

a Biblical thought...
These are the words of him who is holy and true, who holds the key of David. What he opens no one can shut, and what he shuts no one can open. (Revelation 3:7)

a Book thought...
Jesus set the pattern for our praying. He did not determine his own agenda, then ask his Father to bless it. Rather, whatever the Father told Jesus to do, that became Jesus' course of action. (p118)
a Dave thought...
After a few days of discussion we finally convinced our 7 year old he was too young for an iPod touch! So the night before Christmas he decided he wanted a turtle instead from Santa. This resulted in a last minute email at 9pm Christmas eve to Santa. Noah was fortunate that Santa took last minute requests so a letter was left under the tree on Christmas day. It explained that Santa does not carry live pets on the sleigh but if he passes this letter on to his mum and dad that they can arrange a pet turtle. The result after a busy Boxing Day is that we now have have two pets in the Collinson household, Tex the turtle has joined Rex the rabbit. Noah continued to ask if Santa is just made up and without lying I managed to just make it to Christmas with some mystery. Somehow I think it will be the last Christmas Santa will come to Noah, but it sure was fun while it lasted.

Just a thought.

Did Jesus make us fat and greedy?

2009-12-25T22:32:00.004+11:00

a Biblical thought...
To him who is able to keep you from falling and to present you before his glorious presence without fault and with great joy— to the only God our Savior be glory, majesty, power and authority, through Jesus Christ our Lord, before all ages, now and forevermore! Amen. (Jude 1:24-25)

a Book thought...
That's why we pray, not necessarily to obtain what we want but to know God more intimately. (p115)
a Dave thought...

Although this is not a real positive article from The Age it is worth reading how many in our culture are thinking about Christianity today...

Christianity, some say, caused the crash. Not traditional Christianity, in which next-life success depends on this-life frugality, but the new so-called prosperity gospel, whose spirituality comes wrapped in worldly expectations like prunes in bacon. Devils, you might say, on apocalyptic horseback. Prosperity churches offer credit facilities for the offertory, require tithing as an investment strategy (promising huge returns) and see usury not as sin but as sacrament.
"We love the money in Jesus Christ's name!" shouts Pastor Fernando Garay from his pulpit in Charlottesville, Virginia, promising a $10,000 return on a $100 offering. "The rich," he explains to his mostly Latino congregation, "are closer to God."
But it's not just America. At Hillsong Church, not more than five minutes from where I live and a conspicuous presence on the Block, pastor Brian Houston whips his audience into a ''giving'' frenzy while religiously pointing out the credit facilities in the foyer. In Garay's words, "Jesus loved money, too!"
So in view of the over-consumption monster now blocking humanity's path - with its three snarling heads of climate crisis, financial crisis and obesity crisis, all with their big googly eyes right on us - it is worth asking: how much does Jesus have to answer for?
Consider the manger. We've always taken this straw-filled washtub to signify the infant's outsider status, his fringe cred, his underdog appeal. But perhaps - manger being, after all, the verb ''to eat'', as in munch - it is really about consumption. Like the wafer thing, you know: eat the body, drink the blood . . . it has to make you wonder. http://www.theage.com.au/opinion/society-and-culture/did-jesus-make-us-fat-and-greedy-20091223-ldc7.html for the complete article.

Just a thought.

Technology Addiction

2009-12-24T07:56:00.003+11:00

a Biblical thought...
How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! (1 John 3:1)

a Book thought...
What God has to say to us is infinitely more important than what we have to say to him, yet we generally monopolize the conversation. (p113)
a Dave thought... from The Herald Sun
LILY Allen, who became a star when millions found her quirky pop tunes on MySpace, is taking two years off to beat her addiction to . . . technology.
Allen has recorded frequently on Facebook, Twitter and her blog.
But, after releasing her second album -It's Not Me, It's You - the 24-year-old ditched Twitter with a final message: "I am a neo-Luddite, goodbye."
She said: "I just had this revelation that Facebook, blogging, all those things were becoming a total addiction.
"I'd be with my boyfriend or my Mum and they'd have just got half of me.
"So I put my BlackBerry, my laptop, my iPod in a box and that's the end.
"I won't use email. I play records on vinyl. I don't blog. I've got more time, more privacy. We've ended up in this world of unreal communication and I don't want that. I want real life back."

Just a thought.

A Baby Refugee

2009-12-23T07:09:00.003+11:00

a Biblical thought...
Live as free men, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as servants of God. Show proper respect to everyone: Love the brotherhood of believers, fear God, honor the king.
(1 Peter 2:16-17)

a Book thought...
Th best way to hear God speak to you is to spend regular time reading, studying, and meditating on his Word. (p110)
a Dave thought...
This Christmas greeting from the Surrender team is a great reminder of how amazing the whole Christmas story is...

Incredible when you think about it, God's great tactic to reconcile the world to himself is through a baby born in a backwater town as a refugee! What a great consolation this Christmas as Shane Claiborne says 'We have a God who enters the world through smallness—as a baby refugee. We have a God who values the little offerings of a single coin from a widow over the megacharity of a millionaire. We have a God who speaks through little people—a stuttering spokesman named Moses; the stubborn donkey of Balaam; a lying brothel owner named Rahab; an adulterous king named David; a ragtag bunch of disciples who betrayed, doubted and denied; and a converted terrorist named Paul'

Lets continue to pray for this kind of radical, upside down, peace-loving Kingdom, this Good News to break out in the most unlikely places this Christmas.

Just a thought.

Commissioning 09

2009-12-22T06:46:00.004+11:00

a Biblical thought...
Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up. (James 4:10)

a Book thought...
Meditation means staying with a passage of Scripture until the Holy Spirit enlightens your understanding to its meaning and its application. (p107)

a Dave thought...
It was great to be a part of the Commissioning celebrations in November this year. Those of us who live in Melbourne tend to take this weekend for granted but we are very privileged to be able to attend and get a glimpse of what God is doing across this territory. For those that were not present you will get a glimpse of the variety and depth of the weekend by viewing this 10 minute clip. Enjoy and be challenged.

Just a thought.

Eco-Congregation

2009-12-21T13:51:00.004+11:00

a Biblical thought...
Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. (James 1:2-5)

a Book thought...
God's Word is not a mystery. God always provides a way for people to understand what he has said. (p101)
a Dave thought...
First of all it is great to be back online. As we have been in the process of moving quarters over the last 48 hours I have been unable to blog. As Kylie has observed though the world continues to function quite okay without my daily post:)

Last night on my way back to Geelong I was listening to John Cleary on 774 ABC where I heard him interview South African Bishop Geoff Davies. He recently addressed the World Parliament of Religions held in Melbourne this month regarding a Christian response to environmental sustainability. I was intrigued as he shared with John last night about the idea of an eco-congregation. He suggested that all congregations should be responsible for improving their carbon footprint and that as churches surely we should be doing our part in making the world a better place to live.

Internationally, the eco-congregation concept is an ecumenical environmental project providing free resources and support to churches. Their resources are available directly on the World Wide Web at http://www.ecocongregation.org/

Just a thought.

Transitions

2009-12-18T00:02:00.003+11:00

a Biblical thought...
So Christ was sacrificed once to take away the sins of many people; and he will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who are waiting for him. (Hebrews 9:28)

a Book thought...
The presence of the Holy Spirit changes ordinary lives into extraordinary ones. (p88)

a Dave thought...
Last night, while Kylie continues to pack up our quarters, I took the boys out to see some Christmas lights. As we looked through the rain drenched windows of the car at the appearing lit up Christmas trees and Santa’s down The Boulevard it finally felt like Christmas for me for the first time this year. But it was only a few minutes later that it dawned on Noah that tomorrow would be the last day he would see all his friends at his primary school in Melbourne. The picture above is of Noah’s first day at Birralee 3 years ago (with good neighbour Major Pete Lindstrom) and today will be his last. As we move down to Geelong to our new appointment Noah will begin Grade 2 in a whole new school and we pray will again make many new friends. As the tears flowed I had images of myself 30 years ago going through similar times as an officers child. It won’t be easy for Noah today but I know that transitions, although can be sad times, often take us to better place.

Just a thought.

Hubris

2009-12-17T06:59:00.003+11:00

a Biblical thought...
For this reason he had to be made like his brothers in every way, in order that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in service to God, and that he might make atonement for the sins of the people. Because he himself suffered when he was tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted. (Hebrews 2:17-18)

a Book thought...
The role of the Holy Spirit today is not to write Scripture. It is to apply Scripture. (p83)
a Dave thought... www.leadershipjournal.net
"We do ourselves a disservice by only studying success," writes Collins. A search and scan through the business and even church leadership literature suggests that few books explore the roots of failure. Most dote on promises of success.
Interestingly, the biblical writers are unafraid to write of failure. Mixed among the stories of great achievements in the older and newer Testaments are a host of accounts of personal and corporate failure.
Hubris—an arrogant conceit (Collins: "an excessive pride") that paves the way toward failure and its consequences—is all over the Scriptures. I'm tempted to say, without doing the homework, that there may be more failure stories arising from hubris than success stories rising from humility.
Samples: Goliath and his fellow Philistines are full of hubris when the giant takes on David, the shepherd. David himself is later caught in the thrall of hubris when he gets into trouble with Bathsheba. Uzziah, a 50-year king of Israel, is nose-deep in hubris when, it says, "he grew proud to his destruction." In each of these cases, no one could conceive that anything under their control could go awry. There was simply an assumption that they deserved success and didn't consider any downside consequences.

Hubris, a state of over-confidence in ourselves, our systems, and our successes, often makes leaders blind to points of weakness that are already bubbling up within an organization.

Just a thought.

True U

2009-12-16T07:29:00.003+11:00

a Biblical thought...
To the pure, all things are pure, but to those who are corrupted and do not believe, nothing is pure. In fact, both their minds and consciences are corrupted. (Titus 1:15)

a Book thought...
The Holy Spirit is tenacious. He is determined to produce spiritual fruit in your life until you are like Christ. (p78)
a Dave thought...

True U www.trueu.org is a resource I was recommended recently and after having a browse through the material on the web it does look very helpful. It is geared at Christian students who often struggle to cope with their faith and life at school. If anyone has used it firsthand feel free to comment.

“Produced by Focus on the Family in conjunction with Coldwater Media, TrueU is an apologetics training series primarily geared to help prepare high school students for the rigorous challenges and attacks that will confront them on the university campus. My guess is that it will end up benefiting a whole lot more folks than just high school seniors.”
It is important to clarify that TrueU is not “The Truth Project for teens.” As envisioned by Dr. Tackett and our staff, TrueU will be, in essence, a series of “prequels” (or lead-in studies) to The Truth Project. (See the FAQ below, about TrueU’s format, for some important information regarding the lessons’ complexity).
TrueU is designed primarily to help students solidify their Christian faith with foundational apologetics training. This will equip young people to stand strong in the university environment, and also serve as a precursor to the in-depth study presented in The Truth Project of how to live out a Christian worldview in everyday life.

Just a thought.

210 in 2010

2009-12-15T08:33:00.003+11:00

a Biblical thought...
Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth. Avoid godless chatter, because those who indulge in it will become more and more ungodly. (2 Timothy 2:15-16)

a Book thought...
The Spirit works to enlighten us to the spiritual wealth that is ours, so we don't continue unwittingly to live in spiritual poverty. (p72)

a Dave thought...
On Sunday November 29 at Commissioning it was great to hear our TC Commissioner James Knaggs cast a vision for this territory. As Jim launched 210 in 20ten it was encouraging to witness people coming forward who wanted to put their hands up to take on front line mission and plant new corps. http://www.salvationarmy.org.au/SALV/LANDING/PC_63101.html

As we currently have 168 corps in the territory to aim for 42 more in the next 12 months is a big step of faith. I certainly agree with the fact that unless we start to plant corps and innovate new ways of doing The Salvation Army the future is dim, so I see this as a hard step but one that we need to take. I also know that it is only when we attempt things for God that seem humanly impossible that we need Him to help us. Of course at the moment it is hard to get our heads around the the resources and personnel needed for such a vision but as we worship a BIG God we also know He can handle BIG visions. I pray that many people will continue to come forward and be part of planting new corps across this territory and as a result that the kingdom will be expanded. I also thank God for courageous leaders like Commissioner Jim who are willing to lead and cast vision no matter what God is asking of them.

Just a thought.

IRONPRAYER

2009-12-14T05:28:00.005+11:00

a Biblical thought...
Now the overseer must be above reproach, the husband of but one wife, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, not given to drunkenness, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money. He must manage his own family well and see that his children obey him with proper respect. (1 Timothy 3:2-4)

a Book thought...
The overwhelming testimony of Scripture is that God speaks in specific ways. It is imperative that people respond obediently to what he says. Have you obeyed the last direction he gave you? (p59)
a Dave thought...
At the Ironman event I was involved in last Saturday I enjoyed meeting many international athletes. One of them in particular got my attention as I read his cap "Why do you race?" with the answer below "Competing for Christ". I had a chat with Mike from Hawaii who went on to explain all about the The Fellowship of Christian Athlete’s http://www.fca.org/ Mike then explained FCA endurance and their particular ministry to Ironman athletes across the globe and suggested I get involve with IRONPRAYER.

IRONPRAYER www.ironprayer.com is a NON DENOMINATIONAL gathering of athletes, family, and friends for a time of worship, testimonies, and prayer prior to Ironman and other triathlon events around the world. The purpose is to help everyone get their focus from "self" and all that is going on with the event to the source of strength - God and to the needs others as we pray for each other.

The purpose of FCA Endurance www.fcaendurance.com is to further FCA’s Vision and Mission of impacting the world for Jesus Christ through athletes living and competing for God’s glory. Whether you do 5K’s for fun, cycle in a local series, or triathlon for a living… if you’re doing it for Christ, we want you on our TEAM! This is why we race:

1. Minister to the Endurance World. We want to tell the Endurance World about the Love of Christ. This is our #1 mission.
2. Unite Christian Endurance Athletes. We want to form a National Team, United in Purpose, Celebrating Our Blessings. The purpose of forming this Team is to strengthen each other spiritually so we all may do a better job of ministering to the endurance sports world.
3. Spread the word about FCA. We want others to know how FCA is changing lives, and help them in their cause.

Just a thought.

Holidays begin

2009-11-29T19:42:00.002+11:00

Tomorrow our family is going on a two week holiday to WA. We are very much looking forward to the break and I'm sure the blogosphere will survive without me until I return on Monday December 14.

Also if you want some light entertainment on Saturday December 5 go to http://www.ironmanwa.com/ and you will hopefully see me on the live stream competing in the Busselton Ironman. I will speak to you all in a couple of weeks.

Just a rest.

General Eva

2009-11-29T07:28:00.003+11:00

a Biblical thought...
May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and by his grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope, encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good deed and word. (2 Thess. 2:16-17)

a Book thought...
Those who listen closely to the Lord and subsequently do as he directs obviously love him. Conversely, people who constantly resist God’s directions are demonstrating their lack of love for God. (p52)

a Dave thought...
Last night was a sensational evening as we celebrated General Eva Burrows 80th birthday. To hear the stories of her life was truly inspiring. Eva was made General at 59 and held this appointment for seven years. She was the youngest ever appointed general and the second woman. During her first five years as general she visited 62 countries and her words were translated into 41 languages.

As part of the celebrations Carol Jaudes from NY gave a world exclusive performance of “The 3 Bonnets” which was just incredible being both entertaining and informative. After being amazed by Eva's achievements I am reminded of meeting her as a teen over twenty years ago when she greeted me by name and always knew what I was up to, this has continued even to this very day. Eva is a living legend and as she is aptly described Eva Burrows will always be known as “The People’s General.”

Just a thought.

Theology of Space

2009-11-28T00:40:00.004+11:00

a Biblical thought...
May the Lord make your love increase and overflow for each other and for everyone else, just as ours does for you. May he strengthen your hearts so that you will be blameless and holy in the presence of our God and Father when our Lord Jesus comes with all his holy ones. (1 Thess. 3:12-13)

a Book thought...
Our experience cannot be the measure by which we understand Scripture. Scripture must be the standard by which we evaluate our experience. (p50)
a Dave thought... LeadershipJournal.net

We must think beyond the seating capacity of our buildings and start considering how our spaces are forming, reinforcing, and even transforming the values of those who enter them. Space, like language, is a medium of communication, and we serve a God who cares greatly about communicating with his world.
We too must allow for flexibility while holding strongly to the centrality of Christ in our gatherings, no matter what kind of space we are using. Are we forming our communities and engaging in fellowship around Word and Sacrament, or is something else taking their rightful place? Consider that in many churches the coffee bar has displaced the Lord's Table as the place where real community happens. Due in part to the neutralizing of sacred space that has been popular since the 1980s, churches began removing or deemphasizing the Lord's Table and introducing coffee bars. Without doubt the desire has been to build community by offering people a culturally familiar setting to engage one another. But we must ask: What formative message does a coffee bar convey?
A coffee bar mostly carries the values of our culture. We've come to expect coffee bars to offer a number of choices to meet our desires (decaf, tea, hot chocolate), and the setting is one of leisure and comfort. We usually gather in affinity groups. We sip the beverages not because we're thirsty but because we're conditioned to want them.
By contrast, what does the Lord's Table convey? It is a symbol of sacrificial love that breaks down cultural divisions and barriers of affinity. It reminds us that life is about being chosen by the Lord for interpersonal communion rather than choosing to consume stuff, and it reminds us we are called to take up our cross rather than seek personal comfort.

Just a thought.

Georgie

2009-11-27T05:51:00.003+11:00

a Biblical thought...
Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. (Colossians 3:12-13)

a Book thought...
God reveals at least three primary things to us when he speaks. He reveals his character, his purposes, and his ways. (p45)
a Dave thought...
As we prepare to move down to Geelong in a few weeks there has been a few things that we have had to bring to an end. One of these unfortunately was the life of our dog Georgie. We purchased our bearded collie back in June 1995 for my wife for her birthday, so she has been with us over 14 years. According to the chart at the vet she was the equivalent to about 90 human years. It was very sad as she struggled to climb into the back of the car and make the final drive down to see Dr Rod Wynne. The diagnosis was not great - she has very poor sight, & her back legs are in a lot of pain. The time had come to say goodbye. There have been a few tears in the family but someone had to make the call soon. Even with an animal euthanasia is a massive decision and one that cannot be reversed. I'm sure we made the right decision putting her to sleep, and just hope that doggie heaven is everything that its cranked up to be.

Just a thought.

32,000 to go

2009-11-26T00:00:00.004+11:00

a Biblical thought...
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. (Philippians 4:6)

a Book thought...
God's choice to communicate in so many diverse ways forces us to put our faith in him, not a method. (p42)
a Dave thought...
I caught up with Nath Moulds from Oasis in Sydney this week and he put me on to their new campaign...

Oasis, the Salvation Army’s youth outreach organisation in Surry Hills has embarked on an ambitious plan to reduce youth homelessness.
The campaign entitled ‘32,000 to Go’ was launched this month to raise awareness of the 32,000 people under the age of 24 who sleep outdoors every night.
Director of Oasis, Paul Moulds, said the campaign was about ensuring marginalised young people have access to the opportunities, support and help that they need and deserve. It seeks to activate a grass roots network involving everyone from individuals through to businesses and governments.
‘’We’re asking people to visit the campaign website, http://www.32000togo.com.au and spread the word by using Facebook and Twitter, by calling talkback radio, by writing letters to editors and MPs,’’ Captain Moulds said “We can no longer ignore this issue, and neglect our youngest and most vulnerable citizens”.

Just a thought.

New 2Love website

2009-11-25T06:23:00.003+11:00

a Biblical thought...
Do everything without complaining or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe. (Philippians 2:14-15)

a Book thought...
Since Hezekiah's day the world has changed by quantum leaps, but one thing remains the same; God continues to communicate with people. (p210
a Dave thought...
After months of amazing work by our talented designer Aaron Mills we have our new 2Love web page live. The page is a resource mainly to CO's and youth leaders with information regarding funding, gap years, and numerous links to resources we believe will help you take your youth closer to God. There are over 40 new cell downloads written by Aaron White which are great for those who run a bible study and want an alternative to Corps Cadets. You will also discover wallpapers and a calendar that will have all the youth events happening across the territory in 2010. www.2love.salvationarmy.org.au

Just a thought.

MCD Youth

2009-11-24T07:17:00.004+11:00

a Biblical thought...
Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. (Ephesians 5:1-2)

a Book thought...
There are two ways of knowing things. One is in the mind by thought or idea and the other is in living by experience. (p15)
a Dave thought...
On Sunday night Kylie and I ventured over to Brimbank Salvation Army to the Melbourne Central Youth Service. DYO Captain Christopher Garcia did a great job putting the night together which featured the Brimbank worship team and the amazing "Band-Aid" the dance group pictured above which features the talented Harding girls. Dave Fuller from God Squad, preached about the woman who touched Jesus cloak and reminded us of the amazing transformation Jesus made in the lives of others. The highlight for me however was the testimony from Candidate Kris Halliday, his story of hardship and challenge is heartbreaking but at the same time inspiring. God surely does continue to change lives and Kris is living proof of the difference Jesus can make in your life. Let us never forget the power of personal testimony.

Just a thought.

Stan Walker

2009-11-23T06:05:00.002+11:00

a Biblical thought...
For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. (Ephesians 2:8-10)

a Book thought...
Some people are more comfortable dealing with doctrines than they are with responding to a living, ruling, righteous God. (p12)

a Dave thought...
Unlike most people in Australia I am just catching up on the sensational Stan Walker, winner of Australian Idol last night. He has been very open about his faith, above is the Chris Tomlin version of Amazing Grace Stan sung so expressively a few weeks ago and below is some excerpts from his interview with The War Cry…

While Walker has mostly sung in church, music was always a part of his life. ‘My whole family is quite musical and it’s in my [Maori] culture; it’s just in our blood’. But it was also something of a lifeline for him.
‘I’ve always been crazy. This is me—I’m always loud and I am who I am on the stage and off the stage, behind the scenes, everywhere. That’s what I try to pride myself on, just being me everywhere I am. And my whole family is like that—you know when the Walkers are around!’But despite his high-energy persona, he knows the importance of taking time out to regenerate. He does this through quiet times of reflection when he prays and reads the Bible.‘I make sure every morning and in the afternoon I have my quiet times. Those quiet times are when I really get my strength, when I’m praying and seeking God and learning my Bible,’ Walker says.‘I sometimes go through the same verses just to remind myself of them. I love the verses in the Bible that say we are the light of the world and that we need to shine. One of my favourite verses is “Call to me and I will answer you and show you great and mighty things that you do not know”.‘It’s like if I just ask then I will receive. My biggest prayer is that I will live my life with actions and not words. And that people will see my actions, instead of me just talking about it.’

Just a thought.

Prayerful Cricket

2009-11-22T08:03:00.004+11:00

a Biblical thought...
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other. (Galatians 5:22-26)

a Book thought...
People who make decisions based merely on what seems most advisable to them will inevitably choose something inferior to God's best. (p5)

a Dave thought... from The Herald Sun
The West Indies have introduced a daily ritual of prayer they hope will bond the team during its Australian tour.
Deeply religious West Indies coach David Williams - the pint-sized former Test wicketkeeper - said the prayer sessions had helped bring the team together from recent turmoil.
The team was split by a recent players' strike and has won just three of its past 39 Tests.
"It (the prayer) is part of the team unity, part of the team coming together," Williams said.
"We pray the camaraderie is the way it is meant to be and the match will be played in the right spirit."
"It is prayer not just for the team but for our families and loved ones back home."

Just a thought.

All Melbourne Matters

2009-11-21T10:04:00.003+11:00

a Biblical thought...
For through the law I died to the law so that I might live for God. I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. (Galatians 2:19-20)

a Book thought...
When communicating across generation gaps an unresponsive audience haven't necessarily rejected the substance of the message - just the style of its communication. Visual and verbal are both required in a multimodal, prove-it, walk-the-talk culture. (p211)
a Dave thought...
Here are some stats and quotes I thought were worth posting from All Melbourne Matters (Feb 2009)...

About 300,000 (8.3%) of people in Melbourne attend Church on a typical Sunday

About 144,000 (4%) of the 1.7million (48%) of under 34s are at Church on a typical Sunday

53% of attenders are over 55 years (including 33% of church leaders)

Melbourne population is increasing by 180,000pa while church attendance is declining by about 5000pa

"While some of the Y-generation and younger are highly motivated and committed to social justice issues and engagement in society and institutions such as the Church, they are the exception. Many young people are not willing to sit in meetings that are not interactive, and are disinclined to accept being told what they should believe."

"Young people in Melbourne are looking for people's lives and actions to reflect what they say (or preach). Before being interested or willing to commit to a movement or message they are looking to see what the end product looks like. To engage young people in the future, the Church that preaches a Gospel of love and unity will need to have dealt with division and unforgiveness in the structures and relationships."
(Quotes from Christian Research Assoc. Youth Spirituality Seminar 2007)

Just a thought.

Vomit

2009-11-20T05:43:00.005+11:00

a Biblical thought...
But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong. (2 Corinthians 12:9-10)

a Book thought...
While the Builders are most influenced by authority figures and Boomers make decision based on data and facts, postmodern youth are more likely to make a decision based on the influence of their own peers. (p184)

a Dave thought...
Josiah, my two and a half year old son is a very cute child but along with that comes a fetish towards vomiting. Yesterday afternoon was a great example of this and the results are seen clearly above. As I was the sole parent during his time I went into clean up mode, which I am gradually improving my skills in, so I put Josiah in the bath and began to scrub the carpet. It wasn't long however till I heard my little angel yell out "Daddy, get glove, daddy get glove!" I went into the bathroom to witness my son had some success in the 'number two's' area. So along with the vomit on the carpet came a poo in the bath, so to my son's request I fitted a disposable glove and fished out his deposit. I must admit even though parenting is often fun it can also be a lot of work. I sometimes wonder how God, our heavenly father goes with us, because even though I'm sure He thinks we're all cute, He also has to do some cleaning up along the way.

Just a thought.

Packing & Memories

2009-11-19T05:37:00.005+11:00

a Biblical thought...
But just as you excel in everything—in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in complete earnestness and in your love for us—see that you also excel in this grace of giving. (2 Corinthians 8:7)

a Book thought...
In a survey we asked Gen X and Y participants what bothered them most about older workers. The majority of participants selected: 'They often stop fresh and innovative ideas from taking effect.' (p172)

a Dave thought...
As we continued to pack box no. 57 last night I couldn't help but stop to read articles, booklets and look at reports we have gathered along the way. Kylie and I have a pretty tight filing system so as we were trying to cull some papers it ended up being a trip down memory lane. I read the 1986 letter from the DY of South Australia Captain Frank Daniels inviting me to return to Music Camp free of charge on scholarship. Then there was the 1999 War Cry article on 'Go the Distance' when I was interviewed about my first marathon. But probably what stood out to me most was the letters of encouragement I received from leaders and bosses over the last 20 years. My CO at Box Hill, Major Raymond Finger when I was just getting started in ministry often wrote letters which inspired and spurred me on. My principal Margaret Leahy at Santa Maria College who also often encouraged me as I established a new music program. It made me wonder how many people I have encouraged along the way and who just might have a letter from me. It is a challenge for all of us to look out for others and spur each other on. Anyway at the end of the night once again I said to my wife "lets keep these".

Just a thought.

Bless Austell

2009-11-18T05:37:00.003+11:00

a Biblical thought...
Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord's glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit. (2 Corinthians 3:17-18)

a Book thought...
In the workplace Gen Y's expect to be treated as equals, they expect to have choices and input into decision-making processes, expectations that run counter to hierarchical systems of leadership. (p170)
a Dave thought...
Like many other smaller churches, 170-member Austell First United Methodist Church struggled with several limitations. The congregation’s membership no longer matches the demographics of its surrounding community. The church lacks Sunday morning children’s and youth ministries, and struggles just to hold its tiny, five-member choir together. Church members concluded it was time to try another approach. “Our community has changed, and thus our definition of a successful church has had to change as well,” said Mr. DeHart. “We decided that if people won’t come to us, we’ll go to them.”

The church crafted a new vision, dubbed “Bless Austell,” focused on blessing and serving the community. As part of that vision, church members articulated core values: “God goes before us,” “Deliver radical love that amazes the world it touches,” “Be the hands and feet of Christ,” “Leave the results to God” and “Make people wonder why we are doing this.” New ongoing programs for the community were created, including free midweek aerobics classes, a free community dinner (Grace Cafe) every Thursday night and a tuition-free, weekday preschool (Feed My Lambs) for lower-income families. The church is also reaching out to engage area schools. At nearby Austell Primary School, church members host teacher-appreciation lunches twice a year, volunteer at the school's annual Spring Fling, and recently purchased and laid 60 bales of pine straw at the school. The church has begun new outreaches with Austell Intermediate and Garrett Middle Schools as well. In addition, Austell First supports the community food pantry and clothes closet, delivers birthday baskets of goodies to residents at an assisted-living home and provides volunteers at community events.While Austell First members are focusing outward, they’ve also seen some changes take place inside the church along the way. Giving is up over 20 percent as God provides for the mission. http://www.blessaustell.com/

Just a thought.

Hope for Life

2009-11-17T05:41:00.003+11:00

a Biblical thought...
But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the first fruits of those who have fallen asleep. For since death came through a man, the resurrection of the dead comes also through a man. For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive. (1 Corinthians 15:20-22)

a Book thought...
Leaders rely on their relational skills, not positional ranks, as today people respond better to emotional rather than rational appeals. (p167)
a Dave thought...
Wilma Gallet on Saturday night in Healesville reminded us all about the injustice that happens around us everyday. She asked us to no longer sit around idly and just observe the sad things that happen but rather be willing as Salvos to respond practically. Wilma went on to tell us that in 1907 the first Suicide Prevention Bureau was set up by William Booth in London and quickly expanded to many cities around the world. Suicide is still common today with a million people a year choosing to end their lives, tragically through a sense of hopelessness. That is one person every 40 seconds. In Australia alone 1880 people took their lives in 2007, more than the national road toll.

As people involved in caring for others at crucial times, we share in the experience of grief and loss. Salvation Army Officers, counsellors and Chaplains provide words of comfort on a daily basis, support and encouragement to people whose lives have been devastated by the loss of a loved one. Information and training programs are available through Hope for Life and are designed to help you to know how to respond to people who may be at risk of suicide and those who have been bereaved by suicide. http://salvos.org.au/suicideprevention/

Just a thought.

Op 58

2009-11-16T05:36:00.003+11:00

a Biblical thought...
Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. (1 Corinthians 13:4-7)

a Book thought...
Many young workers quit jobs not because there is a compelling reason to leave but because there is no compelling reason to stay. (p144)

a Dave thought...
On Saturday night I headed out to the Operation 58 gathering at Healesville and was fortunate to hear Wilma Gallet speak on the subject of suicide prevention. Eastern Victoria DYS Envoy Grant Whitehead has done a great job this year establishing this innovative fundraising campaign which originated in South Australia. Since its inception the results have been amazing...100 kids + 2 years + 100 pigs = $30,000 and built 1 orphanage.

Operation 58 is a self-denial program that runs all year round. It finances the creation of orphanages in Cambodia through the Cambodian Hope Organisation in partnership with Be a Hero Australia. At an operation 58 night you covenant to go without something, Coke for instance, so that you can put the money that you would’ve spent in your op58 pig. Once a term we gather together to empty our pigs. It is inspired by Isaiah 58 where the Lord declares that he wants “fasting that feeds the poor.” The lord wants self-denial that doesn’t just result in personal piety but meets the needs of vulnerable people. We think that there is something powerful in a justice initiative that is based in self-denial; that God doesn’t just want action and he doesn’t just want our money but he also wants our hearts.
http://operation58.wordpress.com/

Just a thought.

Myer Christmas Parade

2009-11-15T05:39:00.002+11:00

a Biblical thought...
To the weak I became weak, to win the weak. I have become all things to all men so that by all possible means I might save some. I do all this for the sake of the gospel, that I may share in its blessings. (1 Cor 9:22-23)

a Book thought...
Workers today look to have multiple needs met at work. For them, it’s also about fun, social connection, training, personal development, greater fulfilment and even environmental sustainability, in addition to achieving task outcomes and receiving financial rewards. (p136)

a Dave thought...
The Myer Christmas Parade was held yesterday in the heart of Melbourne and as a current member of the MSB it was fun to be a part of it. There is no doubt in my mind that the Salvos should make the most of every public opportunity to be involved and this was one of those occasions. The Salvation Army was designed to be on the road with our uniforms, flags and mobile brass bands yet in recent years seem to have less and less presence in the community. I pray that we will continue to get out of our buildings and take our message to the streets, even if if it is a bit hot and uncomfortable on occasions.

Just a thought.

The Starfish Manifesto

2009-11-14T07:25:00.005+11:00

a Biblical thought...
What business is it of mine to judge those outside the church? Are you not to judge those inside? God will judge those outside. (1 Corinthians 5:12-13)

a Book thought...

When it comes to communicating to Gen Y the more we create an environment conducive to engaging with the head (knowledge), hands (application) and heart (inspiration), the more likely the learning will be embedded. (p122)

a Dave thought...
A few years ago I heard Wolfgang Simson and was amazed by his passion and unique ministry. I have since read "Houses that Change the World" and was also incredibly moved. His latest book The Starfish Manifesto also looks like a must read. Wolfgang says...

"Dear friends, after a long time in the making I am happy to finally present the release of "The Starfish Manifesto", my latest book. We released it in Antioch this October. You can download for free it as a pdf file at http://www.starfishportal.net/ Probably the largest reformation of all times in Church history is in full swing. It is the combination of a threefold current initiative of God: moving from church to Kingdom as our legal base; moving from pastoral, teacher-based & evangelistic to apostolic and prophetic foundations; and departing from a market-shaped behaviour to a kingdom-shaped economy.You are free to pass this book (and the key-file) on to as many people as you like, including posting it on websites."

The Starfish Manifesto is not a ventilation of brainpower neither is it an abstract collection
of statistics, historical data, scriptures, experiences nor academically enriched paragraphs. It is however a spiritual life buoy that seeks to rescue the church from it desultory practices. (Anderson Williams)

Just a thought.

Citysalvos

2009-11-13T06:08:00.004+11:00

a Biblical thought...
The man without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him, and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually discerned. (1 Corinthians 2:14)

a Book thought...
A significant part of the problem with contemporary education is that it aims to teach 21st century learners by combining a 20th century curriculum with a 19th century structure. (p108)

a Dave thought...
Ben Fewster is a long time friend who I have always admired for his love for God and his passion for ministry. As he returns to Adelaide it is really encouraging to see him return to ministry within the Salvation Army. His vision is to see a contemporary vibrant congregation that lives out our mission and values as a movement. Ben is a gifted leader and I have no doubt God will be with him and his team as they go on this exciting journey together. I pray that Citysalvos will have an incredible Godly impact on all who come in contact with them. I am sure that there will be some amazing growth there in the heart of the Adelaide CBD in the days ahead.

This summary is from their great new webpage www.citysalvos.com
Citysalvos is a progressive new congregation being planted in the CBD of Adelaide in February 2010. Citysalvos will be an exciting mix of a fresh, innovative and relevant new model of church that strongly reflects The Salvation Army mission and values.
It's vision is to be a progressive diverse community of transformed disciples actively serving & transforming the City of Adelaide.

Just a thought.

Badds

2009-11-12T05:57:00.004+11:00

a Biblical thought...
Now to him who is able to establish you by my gospel and the proclamation of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery hidden for long ages past, but now revealed and made known through the prophetic writings by the command of the eternal God, so that all nations might believe and obey him—to the only wise God be glory forever through Jesus Christ! Amen. (Romans 16:25-27)

a Book thought...
The principle goal of education is to create men who are capable of doing new things, not simply of repeating what other generations have done - men who are creative, inventive and discoverers. (p97)
a Dave thought...
Yesterday I was fortunate to spend a few hours at the Pro-Am at Kingston Heath. As a golfing fan to see the amazing Tiger Woods up close was a dream come true, but it was spending some time with Aaron Baddeley that was most impressive. Aaron is a committed Christian and is more vocal than any other sportsman I know about his faith. At 28 years of age he still mentions how much God helps him on the world circuit as a professional golfer. As I have met Badds before I was able to chat with him for some time yesterday after his round. He grew up attending Careforce a Church of Christ in Mt. Evelyn, Melbourne and today goes to a local church where he now resides in Arizona with his wife. He also currently attends a weekly PGA bible study group which has over 50 professional golfers attending and leads it regularly.

In an interview featured in The Australian yesterday...

"Things aren't as important, little trivial things you used to worry about," Baddeley said.
"For me, being a Christian, it really gives me a small idea of how much God loves me.
"It doesn't matter what sort of day you had -- good or bad, on or off the course -- you come home and Jewels is so happy to see you.
"It's awesome. At the end of the day shooting 75 isn't that big a deal."
Even the nappy-changing seems to have struck a chord.
"I am getting pretty quick at that," the 28-year-old said. "Life is great. I have been very blessed -- great family, great wife and great daughter. She's a great little girl.

If you check out his web page http://www.badds.com/ he also has a whole section about faith, a bible reading plan and how to use SOAP as your personal devotions. It is great to see such an outstanding young man in the professional sporting scene. Play well Badds, I'm praying you will win the Masters this weekend!

Just a thought.

Bragging Gen Y's

2009-11-11T07:13:00.003+11:00

a Biblical thought...
Therefore let us stop passing judgment on one another. Instead, make up your mind not to put any stumbling block or obstacle in your brother's way. (Romans 14:13)

a Book thought...
The younger generations are often criticised for 'lack of respect' for elders. Perhaps it is not that they lack respect for them, but that, in this world of technological innovation, there is a tendency to look forward, not back - to look to the future not the past. (p92)
a Dave thought... from The Age
Generation Y and baby boomer travellers looking for a holiday "brag factor" are influencing a new shift towards weird and wonderful tourism experiences, a conference has heard.
Accommodation entrepreneur Grant Hunt told the Global Eco Conference at Alice Springs yesterday that business had to start treating tourism as a "fashion brand".
Mr Hunt, who is also a director of Tourism Australia, said travellers were increasingly looking for out-of-the-ordinary experiences they could brag their friends about, and many of these had an eco-theme.
"We're finding at the moment, more in the Gen Y set, it's very important," Mr Hunt later said.
"There are elements of travel snobbery in the baby boomer market as well.
"But people love to find new experiences and things that they think their friends haven't discovered and take it home and tell them all about it.
"So bragging rights is probably a bit of a derogatory term - it's actually more about sharing the message and passing the story."
And he said travellers were far more likely to listen to recommendations from their friends than advertising.
Mr Hunt said businesses had to start competing better for the discretionary dollar, and that meant competing with fashion and electronics.
"We've really got to get serious about travel," he said.
"Travel is the first to go in discretionary spend and the last to come back.
"We've actually got to elevate that to something that's more important to people fundamentally ... and if making it fashionable and giving it a brand or a fashion label is how we do it, I'm all for it."
He said the industry had to make interesting holidays as "cool" as owning a flat-screen TV.

Just a thought.

Salvo Students

2009-11-10T01:02:00.004+11:00

a Biblical thought...
We have different gifts, according to the grace given us. If a man's gift is prophesying, let him use it in proportion to his faith. If it is serving, let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach; if it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is contributing to the needs of others, let him give generously; if it is leadership, let him govern diligently; if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully. (Romans 12:6-8)

a Book thought...
Our tracking studies show that over the last decade children's TV time has decreased, but total 'screen' time (which includes all the electronic screens in their life) has increased. (p88)
a Dave thought... by Matt White - Mission Partner for ALOVE UK

If you are a young person connected to or part of The Salvation Army and you're starting university or even already part way through I would encourage you to read this guide. Ben Parker has written from both his own experiences and those of others he's met to give him a glimpse of what can be expected at university. He also asks questions that we hope both challenge and encourage you in your uni life.

Enjoy the read, I said that part of me felt jealous and that's true. Most of me, however, felt incredibly excited. Excited for a whole bunch of Salvo Students and the impact their lives could have on a whole bunch of universities all over the country.

To receive a copy of Salvo Students email alove@salvationarmy.org.uk with your name and address.

Just a thought.

five in five

2009-11-09T07:51:00.006+11:00

a Biblical thought...
For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved. (Romans 10:10)

a Book thought...
In our survey of 1000 Australian parents, the three biggest concerns of parents of Zeds were bullying, peer pressure and the negative influence of advertising and media. (p80)
a Dave thought...
As we have been appointed to serve as CO's at South Barwon in 2010 in Western Victoria it was great to hear DC's Majors Kelvin & Winsome Merrett pitch the vision for their division on the weekend. I thought it was worth sharing here so you can support and pray for all those involved...

1. A net growth rate of 5% in five years in worship attendance

2. A net growth rate of 5% in both Senior & Junior Soldiers in five years

3. 5 new Corps in 5 years

4. 5 Social service streams linked with working pathways to Corps in 5 years

5. 5 new chaplains working within established pathways to local Corps

Just a thought.

Spring Celebration

2009-11-08T08:14:00.003+11:00

a Biblical thought...
For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

a Book thought...
The Zeds are the most marketed-to children of all time and the biggest consumers of any generation of children. They have only known a wireless, hyperlinked, user-generated world where they are only ever a few clicks away from any piece of knowledge. The world is an open book to Gen Z. (p66)
a Dave thought...
For 19 years now the Western Victoria division gather the their annual Spring Celebration. The venue is the beautiful Halls Gap, a large marquee is erected and hundreds come to the weekend to hear God's word, chat with others or just to relax. Yesterday afternoon there was live music and coffee, with a 7pm rally featuring the very talented Lt Colonels Ian & Marilyn Hamilton (PIL) and Phil Laeger and his band - "League of Mercy." The evening concluded with a youth rally where Kylie and I were on a panel to answer questions from over 50 youth. Today we gather in the marquee for a 10am worship service as the children also meet to learn about God. It looks like another beautiful day, so I'm sure once again we will have a lot fun as we gather together.

Just a thought.

Technology hasn't made us hermits

2009-11-07T13:42:00.004+11:00

a Biblical thought...
But now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves to God, the benefit you reap leads to holiness, and the result is eternal life. For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 6:22-23)

a Book thought...
The church generally does not get a great review from young people we research. Their perceptions are of a big, structured institution rather than a community of people with a passion and a purpose. (p42)

a Dave thought... from The Age
Contrary to popular belief, technology is not leading to social isolation and people who use the internet and mobile phones have larger and more diverse social networks, according to a new study. "All the evidence points in one direction," said Keith Hampton, lead author of the report released on Wednesday. "People's social worlds are enhanced by new communication technologies. "It is a mistake to believe that internet use and mobile phones plunge people into a spiral of isolation," said Hampton, an assistant professor of communication. The authors said key findings of the study - "Social Isolation and New Technology" - "challenge previous research and commonplace fears about the harmful social impact of new technology." "There is a tendency by critics to blame technology first when social change occurs," Hampton said.

"This is the first research that actually explores the connection between technology use and social isolation and we find the opposite. "It turns out that those who use the internet and mobile phones have notable social advantages," Hampton said. "People use the technology to stay in touch and share information in ways that keep them socially active and connected to their communities."

Just a thought.

S:10 Youth Nite

2009-11-06T06:10:00.003+11:00

a Biblical thought...
Yet he did not waver through unbelief regarding the promise of God, but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God, being fully persuaded that God had power to do what he had promised. (Romans 4:20-21)

a Book thought...
Forty per cent of today's middle and senior business leaders will be of traditional retirement age within a decade. We are about to see a massive leadership transfer. (p37)
a Dave thought...
The Friday Youth Nite @ SURRENDER:10 on March 5 is shaping up to be a great celebration of diversity and a call to follow Jesus to the margins of society. So far the lineup includes Bart Campolo (Yep, Tony’s not so little boy), SURRENDER regulars, Vox Congo, Levi McGrath PLUS Sudanese film make and hip hop artist, Ezeldin Deng.
S:10 Youth nite is tailor made for youth groups and individuals aged from 15-21 but of course we’d love to see anyone who’s young@heart!
Just $10 at the door or you can book online here. Free if you’ve already registered for the rest of the SURRENDER:10 Conference.

Just a thought.

isalvos

2009-11-05T05:40:00.004+11:00

a Biblical thought...
For in the gospel a righteousness from God is revealed, a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: "The righteous will live by faith."

a Book thought...
That which seems the height of absurdity in one generation often becomes the height of wisdom in another. (p34)

a Dave thought...
On Tuesday evening at 9pm history was made as the first on-line corps was opened @ www.isalvos.com. Envoy Grant Whitehead is the brains trust behind this innovative idea that has been setup to engage Salvos and others across the globe. isalvos runs a weekly service at Tuesday 9pm EST that involves worship and preaching. If you miss this time slot you can still view the service at a later time but you would miss out on the opportunity to interact with others via the live online chat. The sermon this week was from ACC 2004 when we had Dr Tony Campolo as a guest, and Phil Laeger lead us in worship. There is no doubt in these days that you need to be able to go to church online and for so many from invalids to single mums or those that are put off by the standard church environment, this is a fabulous way to engage with God and with others. I encourage you to check out www.isalvos.com where you can become a Facebook fan and also a member of the site so you can log in every week and chat with others. I'm sure William Booth would have been all over this as he did say 'If I thought I could win one more soul to the Lord by walking on my head and playing the tambourine with my toes, I'd learn how!'

Just a thought.

A Gambling Holiday

2009-11-04T05:37:00.003+11:00

a Biblical thought...
I have had God's help to this very day, and so I stand here and testify to small and great alike. (Acts 26:22)

a Book thought...
Gen Y-ers are the most materially endowed generation in Australia's history. The have very unrealistic lifestyle expectations with many of them expecting to start their working lives in the manner in which they have seen their parents finish theirs. (p29)
a Dave thought...
It seems abrurd to me that we have a whole day dedicated to a horse race. Yesterday Australians bet $95.6m on the Melbourne Cup with all of us Melbournians having a day off work because of this. The Melbourne Cup began in 1861 and ever since 1877 has been a public holiday. With a lot of work being done by the government at the moment to try and curb problem gambling it certainly is interesting that we have a whole day devoted to this betting event. Gambling is a massive problem in Australia and being able to place bets from your lounge room on anything from footy to Autralian Idol as a society we need to be careful. There obviously isn't a public holiday based around binge drinkling, or another around smoking, maybe thats for a good reason.

Just a thought.

Picking Leaders

2009-11-03T04:19:00.002+11:00

a Biblical thought...
But when our time was up, we left and continued on our way. All the disciples and their wives and children accompanied us out of the city, and there on the beach we knelt to pray. (Acts 21:5)

a Book thought...
According to a global survey the majority of workplace conflict (42 per cent) is caused by generational gaps. (p22)

a Dave thought... by John Denton
What do you look for when picking leaders?

Leaders who are friends or leaders who make friends? The easiest way to find leaders fast is to ask friends for help. This is also one of the easiest ways to get into more strange issues in ministry. Your friends are like you: they look like you, talk like you, have the same interests as you, and connect with others like yourself. If you want to have a youth ministry of “you,” choose leaders who are your friends. If you’d like to build a team that reaches others, look for leaders who make friends, even if they might not choose you as a close friend.

Leaders who are hip or leaders who make others feel hip?

This is another problem that’s common in youth ministry. Leadership is no place for a style contest—it seems tempting to have the fixed-gear riding, really tight pants wearing, techno-listening, youth ministry, but I promise there is more. Leaders are often chosen based on their personal appeal versus how they interact with others. Yes it’s important to have leaders who attract students, but at the same time, those leaders must be looking to build up the ego of the students. Having a bunch of super-hip leaders will only take you so far. Having leaders who know how to make students feel hip is crucial.

Leaders who know the bible or leaders who help teach and engage others in the bible?

Yes there is a difference. Sometimes the smartest leader from the local seminary or Bible College isn’t going to be the most effective leader. It’s key to look for leaders who not only know and understand the bible but have effective skills in communicating God’s word to others.
In building your leadership dream team it’s vital to not let your pride get in the way. When picking leaders think of the overall ministry and not yourself. Yes, it’s important to have a working relationship with leaders, but anything more and you might be missing the point.

Just a thought.

Renee

2009-11-02T05:36:00.002+11:00

a Biblical thought...
When Paul placed his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came on them, and they spoke in tongues and prophesied. There were about twelve men in all. (Acts 19:6)

a Book thought...
Childhood is increasingly being cut short, while the traditional adult responsibilities typically emerging in the 20s and 30s are being delayed. Thirty is the new 21! (p2)

a Dave thought...
Last night at Box Hill it was great to be present at the Enrolment of Renee Chomel as a Senior Soldier. Cadet Fiona Kean conducted a great ceremony as we witnessed the swearing in of Renee but it was also challenging to once again read and consider our covenants. Renee gave a very honest and fascinating testimony as she shared her journey as a Pastor’s child being brought up in the Nazerene Church through to becoming a Salvo today. A big part of her introduction to the Salvos revolved around serving at Summer Camps in the US. She went on to share how when Cadet Sonia Jeffrey preached a month or so ago at Box Hill she was really challenged by the Holy Spirit. Sonia had suggested “that it is often the area in your life that you don’t want God to touch that you need to hand over completely to Him”. It was a significant time for many and one that God was a part of. We thank Him for Renee and the commitment she has made to live for Him through this movement.

Just a thought.

Pray the Bible

2009-11-01T05:37:00.003+11:00

a Biblical thought...
Now the Bereans were of more noble character than the Thessalonians, for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true. (Acts 17:11)

a Book thought...
Serving energy builds as we see transformation in the lives of those we serve. (p126)

a Dave thought... http://www.matthewhenry.org/
The aim of the online publication of this “old-made-new” monograph is to assist and encourage modern Christians in both public and private prayer. Surely we all recognize that the Church of our day, at least in the West, is weak in the way of prayer. Few of us, perhaps, understand what prayer really is. We do not pray often. We do not pray with scriptural proportion, nor does our prayer much reflect the language and thought of the Bible. We do not pray fervently. Although we claim otherwise, maybe we really do not believe in prayer!

For those who are called upon to lead the Church in public prayer, or who simply desire to be more faithful and competent in their own private petitions, a scriptural manner of praying provides the order, proportion, and variety which should characterize all our prayers. We have aimed to provide users with a number of helps to assist in achieving this end. The core of the website is the entire text of Matthew Henry’s A Method for Prayer. Reading and re-reading through it will train the Christian in the use of biblical truth and language in prayer.

Just a thought.

Youth Ministry Health Check

2009-10-31T05:31:00.003+11:00

a Biblical thought...
The jailer brought them into his house and set a meal before them; he was filled with joy because he had come to believe in God—he and his whole family. (Acts 16:34)

a Book thought...
Jesus taught that servanthood isn't about giving it a shot for two years and then losing interest. Servanthood is the primary calling on our lives. (p122)
a Dave thought...
More, the youth dept from The Australia Eastern Territory has produced an excellent tool for leaders to measure and help assist in building a healthy youth ministry...

This youth ministry health check is for your benefit as a leader, to help you to assess your youth ministry emphasis on the Salvation Army's mission to Save, Grow and Serve. It is not expected that you would use this as your only tool of evaluation. We recommend using this as a starting point to create conversation amongst your team and to follow up with your coach or tutor.
Simply fill out the questions below and you will immediately receive an email that scores your youth ministry based on 'Save, Grow and Serve'.

http://salvos.org.au/more/leaders/youth-ministry-health-check/

Just a thought.

Territorial Heritage Commission

2009-10-30T06:16:00.003+11:00

a Biblical thought...
Then they returned to Lystra, Iconium and Antioch, strengthening the disciples and encouraging them to remain true to the faith. "We must go through many hardships to enter the kingdom of God." (Acts 14:22)

a Book thought...
When people get out of the spectator stands and put on a serving uniform, it's usually because God has touched their hearts and they want to make a difference in the Kingdom. (p114)

a Dave thought...
I was recently invited to be a part of the Territorial Heritage Commission. I accepted and last night attended my first meeting. The group was very welcoming and seemed encouraged that someone of my age would be willing to be part of this group. The Commission exists to preserve the history of The Salvation Army but also looks for creative ways to share the stories and artifacts of the past to help inform the future. I personally find our history fascinating and it was love of the early army stories that was the impetus to write 'INSANE - the stories of crazy salvos who changed the world.'

Last night over dinner I learnt from Historian George Ellis that in the early 1900's there was originally 5 corps in Richmond, as Commissioner Hay believed everyone in Melbourne should be able to walk to a local corps. Hay would also decide on whether the corps would get a wooden or brick facility based on the amount of people that could walk to the corps, as he believed that a higher population in the immediate local community could finance the more elaborate facility. It is stories like these of risk takers and other optimistic builders of Gods Kingdom that the Army had huge impact in its early days. I am one who also wants to see a new generation of optimistic, risk-taking kingdom builders change the world and pray that God will still use the avenue of The Salvation Army to do it.

Just a thought.

5 Kinds of Christians

2009-10-29T08:07:00.005+11:00

a Biblical thought...
The disciples, each according to his ability, decided to provide help for the brothers living in Judea. This they did, sending their gift to the elders by Barnabas and Saul. (Acts 11:29-30)

a Book thought...
When you choose to serve out of sheer obedience to God, you discover that He knows more about you than you know about yourself. (p98)

a Dave thought...
To understand the range and differences among Christians, Christianity Today International recently partnered with Zondervan Publishers to commission Knowledge Networks to conduct attitudinal and behavioral research of Christians. In September 2006, more than 1,000 self-identified Christians 18 years of age and older were surveyed on their religious beliefs and practices. The results reveal a number of significant differences. In fact, portraits of five distinct segments emerged from the study. We have named them Active, Professing, Liturgical, Private, and Cultural Christians.

Active Christians 19%
Believe salvation comes through Jesus Christ
Committed churchgoers
Bible readers
Accept leadership positions
Invest in personal faith development through the church
Feel obligated to share faith; 79% do so.

Professing Christians 20%
Believe salvation comes through Jesus Christ
Focus on personal relationship with God and Jesus
Similar beliefs to Active Christians, different actions
Less involved in church, both attending and serving
Less commitment to Bible reading or sharing faith

Liturgical Christians 16%
Predominantly Catholic and Lutheran
Regular churchgoers
High level of spiritual activity, mostly expressed by serving in church and/or community
Recognize authority of the church

Private Christians 24%
Largest and youngest segment
Believe in God and doing good things
Own a Bible, but don't read it
Spiritual interest, but not within church context
Only about a third attend church at all
Almost none are church leaders

Cultural Christians 21%
Little outward religious behavior or attitudes
God aware, but little personal involvement with God
Do not view Jesus as essential to salvation
Affirm many ways to God
Favor universality theology

Just a thought.

Bear Grylls

2009-10-28T08:00:00.003+11:00

a Biblical thought...
Peter sent them all out of the room; then he got down on his knees and prayed. Turning toward the dead woman, he said, "Tabitha, get up." She opened her eyes, and seeing Peter she sat up.

a Book thought...
Every local congregation should have a unique flavour based on the sometimes quirky mix of gifts, passions, and life experiences of its members. (p91)
a Dave thought...
Man vs. Wild star Bear Grylls stopped by a Florida prison this week to tell inmates about the one survival tool he can't live without: his faith.
During a visit Thursday to the Tomoka Correctional Institution in Daytona Beach, the British adventurer, who has eaten animal eyeballs and camel intestines and confronted some of the world's most poisonous snakes on his popular Discovery Channel show, said his relationship with Christ is what gives him strength.
"I risk a lot to do this stuff, but I've been given a really privileged platform where people know the show. I want to do something good with that," he told roughly 160 inmates gathered for a chapel service. "And that's really why I'm here. I want to say this [faith], deep down, is what strengthens me. It helps me in the difficult places. [And] it's not exclusive."
The talk is one of two appearances he made this week as a spokesman for the Alpha course, a Christian discipleship program developed at the charismatic Holy Trinity Brompton church in London. Grylls also spoke Wednesday night during the annual conference of the ministry's U.S. branch.
Grylls said attending an Alpha course several years ago with his wife, Shara, gave him a chance to ask some big questions about God and His plan for humanity. "Alpha was a really good excuse to ask these questions," he said. "It was kind of low-pressure and easy and it was fun."
As a child, he said he never questioned the existence of God. "I had a really natural faith in God," he said. "I knew God existed. I never asked. I just knew. I felt loved, and it was there. But I lost it."
He met Christians as he grew older, but they seemed judgmental and boring. "I thought, I don't want that," he said. "And I walked right away from it."
He thought his life was OK until his teen years when some close friends suddenly abandoned him. "It's so easy to be brave when everything's OK," he said. "That's another big lesson I've learned. Real bravery is about when it's not going OK."
Sitting alone, he wondered where was the God he knew as a kid, and he began to pray. "I want that same faith and that same friendship and that same relationship and that same freedom again," he said. "If You're there, will You be that friend to me again? Amen."
"And then that was the end of the prayer. Little did I know, actually, that is the prayer. Everything else, really, is academic. That's the prayer: Be my best friend."

Grylls said his faith journey remains a rocky road, "full of struggles and doubts and challenges." But he said he clings to two Scriptures: Psalm 73:23, "You hold me by my right hand," and Philippians 4:13, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me" (NKJV).
"We make everything so complicated and so theological and so smart and so together and so confusing," he said. "Actually, all that matters is, I'm holding you by your right hand, and I can do everything with Christ. And that's, for me, is what holds me a lot on mountains when things are going wrong. ... It's what holds me when I'm struggling with my faith and doubts."
An Alpha course will soon launch in the Tomoka prison, and Grylls asked inmates who participate to e-mail him their stories.
"Because that's what motivates me," he said. "It's amazing when I hear the stories. It happens all the time-amazing stories of lives turned around, people finding that simple, simple faith that says, ‘I'm home and I'm held and I'm forgiven.' I've seen the toughest people in the world have their lives turned around."
Does he ever bargain with God when he's caught in a sticky situation? one inmate asked. "I'm a heavy bargainer," he said. "That's all right. The great thing is we have a God who doesn't tire of that. The more He gives, the more He likes to give, so keep asking."

Just a thought.

Allison Cardwell

2009-10-27T05:38:00.002+11:00

a Biblical thought...
All who were sitting in the Sanhedrin looked intently at Stephen, and they saw that his face was like the face of an angel. (Acts 6:15)

a Book thought...
I never tire of seeing God orchestrate creative ministry plans through people who humbly make their skills available.(p82)

a Dave thought...
In August Kylie and I were the guest leaders at the Northern Vic Youth Camp. During the weekend one of the youth that we got to meet was Allison. Sadly that was to be Allison’s last camp as she died tragically last Monday night while driving on her L plates. As we were friends on Facebook it has been amazing to read the tributes, watch the videos and get a glimpse of the impact Allison has had on so many. At just 16 Allison was a part of the youth group at Wangaratta Salvos and was also interested in going to INSANE in January 2010. The funeral was held yesterday and I’m sure many tears were shed for this beautiful young lady that loved both God and life with everything she had.

Just a thought.

Noah

2009-10-26T05:39:00.002+11:00

a Biblical thought...
By faith in the name of Jesus, this man whom you see and know was made strong. It is Jesus' name and the faith that comes through him that has given this complete healing to him, as you can all see. (Acts 3:16)

a Book thought...
Connecting our spiritual gift with an area of passion is the key to ultimate effectiveness and fulfilment in serving. (p82)
a Dave thought...
Noah was part of his fourth and final YP anniversary at Box Hill yesterday. He has come along way in four years as it was in 2006 at the age of four when I was using bribes amid episodes of tears just to get him to go on stage as part of the Primary production. Well yesterday morning he was the main character playing Noah in “Noah the musical.” It is amazing to see how much your children grow up and develop confidence in only a few years. As Noah recited lines and even sang a solo I as so proud of the way he has matured and even enjoyed the experience. To Jude Wynne, Kat Mellody, Emma Lewis & Dave George well done on such a great weekend. The time and effort that goes into discipling and encouraging the children often goes unnoticed, but to all of us parents we will forever be grateful for these are weekends we will always remember. Thanks heaps!

Just a thought.

Driven

2009-10-25T05:20:00.002+11:00

a Biblical thought...
They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. (Acts 2:42)

a Book thought...
I’ve learned that you can’t possibly build a God-honouring church with a congregation full of consumers. (p63)
a Dave thought...
It is only 41 sleeps to go until my second attempt at an Ironman. Not many seem to understand why I wan’t to go back and attempt the 3.8km swim, 180km bike and 42km run but for some reason I do. My first attempt at the event was successful as I did it under the allotted 17 hour cut off time in 15 hour and 8 minutes but I’m determined to beat this time. I often wonder why I am driven, sometimes it is good to be like this but other times I wish I could just sit back and wait for things to happen like some others. The good part of being an ESTJ is that I like to achieve and often get things done. The negative side is that I’m often so task focused that I force many events and activities in my life and those around me. I often ask God when I should just sit back and pray and wait for Him to move rather than go with my agenda. Of course God’s agenda is what I need to focus on and sometimes that involves waiting which is not an ESTJs natural inclination.

Just a thought.

Ministry Age

2009-10-24T05:36:00.003+11:00

a Biblical thought...
They all joined together constantly in prayer, along with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brothers. (Acts 1:14)

a Book thought...
We serve because we have been served and because we follow a leader who models servanthood. (p57)
a Dave thought...
If we are going to transition the church to the next generation, both existing and emerging leaders will need to understand and appreciate each other's values. This quiz, developed in conjunction with the editors of Leadership, is a helpful start.
This tool is intended to foster dialogue between older and younger leaders about their divergent views and contribute to greater understanding between the generations. No test can fully reveal the nuances that exist within an entire generation, and you may agree with more than one answer for a question. Mark the answer that best fits your approach to leadership.

www.christianitytoday.com/le/buildingleaders/ministrystaff/determineyourministryage.html?start=1

If you would like to take the test there are 25 questions and it only takes 5 minutes and will then place you in one of three categories…

Ages 25 - 41 Younger Leaders

Ages 42 - 58 Pragmatic Leaders

Ages 59 - 75 Traditional Leaders

If you do the test please feel free to share your ‘Ministry Age’ in the comments section below, and just for the record I scored 37.

Just a thought.

CALL+RESPONSE Now Showing

2009-10-23T05:44:00.005+11:00

a Biblical thought...
Then Jesus told him, "Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed." (John 20:29)

a Book thought...
Following Jesus into radical servanthood is the sure pathway to fullness of life. (p44)
a Dave thought...
This rockumentary opened up to the public yesterday so is now showing in Australian Cinemas,

as it is only in a limited number of cinemas (Chadstone, Melbourne) and for a short time so you will need to get organised to make sure you see this incredible & impacting movie.
http://www.callandresponse.com.au/cinemas.php

CALL+RESPONSE is a first of its kind feature documentary film that reveals the world’s 27 million dirtiest secrets: there are more slaves today than ever before in human history. CALL+RESPONSE goes deep undercover where slavery is thriving from the child brothels of Cambodia to the slave brick kilns of rural India to reveal that in 2007, Slave Traders made more money than Google, Nike and Starbucks combined.
Luminaries on the issue such as Cornel West, Madeleine Albright, Daryl Hannah, Julia Ormond, Ashley Judd, Nicholas Kristof, and many other prominent political and cultural figures offer first hand account of this 21st century trade. Performances from Grammy-winning and critically acclaimed artists including Moby, Natasha Bedingfield, Cold War Kids, Matisyahu, Imogen Heap, Talib Kweli, Five For Fighting, Switchfoot, members of Nickel Creek and Tom Petty’s Heartbreakers, Rocco Deluca move this chilling information into inspiration for stopping it.
Music is part of the movement against human slavery. Dr. Cornel West connects the music of the American slave fields to the popular music we listen to today, and offers this connection as a rallying cry for the modern abolitionist movement currently brewing.

Just a thought.

Prayer

2009-10-22T05:39:00.004+11:00

a Biblical thought...
Jesus said, "My kingdom is not of this world. If it were, my servants would fight to prevent my arrest by the Jews. But now my kingdom is from another place." (John 18:36)

a Book thought...
Jesus chose to advance his work primarily on the shoulders of ordinary people who live in the real world of family and business and community. (p31)
a Dave thought...
Yesterday I was reminded several times about the importance of prayer. Although I obviously believe that prayer is essential in a believers life, sometimes it takes God to remind me through different events to get the message. The first reminder was when I caught up with a mentor, Graham Gourd in the morning, as we were discussing church life and what things are really important he kept coming back to prayer. He reminded me of the book "Fresh wind, fresh fire" by Jim Cymbala. I began to then search for a copy of this book and when I go into the office read some of the pages again. It would have been ten years ago since I read this amazing book and God spoke to me again through these powerful thoughts about how prayer can change your life and your church.

After those two reminders I thought God had got his message through but just to make sure I was also reminded at MSB rehearsal last night. Bandmaster Ken Waterworth shared about how he was challenged through the words of Commissioner Vic Poke last week in Tassie about doing your best for God. The result is there will now be a weekly prayer meeting at 6.30pm before each rehearsal for the bandsman that are able to attend. So prayer is something I certainly was reminded about yesterday and I want to make sure that I pray about everything as it is through prayer that we truly discover God's agenda.

Just a thought.

GTD

2009-10-21T07:27:00.004+11:00

a Biblical thought...
If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given you. This is to my Father's glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples. (John 15:7-8)

a Book thought...
I guarantee, it's far more exhilarating to be a participant than a spectator. Why watch others change the world when you can join them? (p19)

a Dave thought...

I was challenged reading Paul Gardner's Blog http://paulgardner.info/leadership/6-reasons-pastors-should-gtd/ to check out GTD, here is a summary...

Sophisticated without being confining, the subtle effectiveness of Getting Things Done lies in its radically common sense notion that with a complete and current inventory of all your commitments, organized and reviewed in a systematic way, you can focus clearly, view your world from optimal angles and make trusted choices about what to do (and not do) at any moment. GTD embodies an easy, step-by-step and highly efficient method for achieving this relaxed, productive state. It includes:

Capturing anything and everything that has your attention
Defining actionable things discretely into outcomes and concrete next steps
Organizing reminders and information in the most streamlined way, in appropriate categories, based on how and when you need to access them
Keeping current and "on your game" with appropriately frequent reviews of the six horizons of your commitments (purpose, vision, goals, areas of focus, projects, and actions)

Implementing GTD alleviates the feeling of overwhelm, instills confidence, and releases a flood of creative energy. It provides structure without constraint, managing details with maximum flexibility. The system rigorously adheres to the core principles of productivity, while allowing tremendous freedom in the "how." The only "right" way to do GTD is getting meaningful things done with truly the least amount of invested attention and energy. Coaching thousands of people, where they work, about their work, has informed the GTD method with the best practices of how to work (and live), in that most efficient and productive way.

Just a thought.

Packing

2009-10-20T05:39:00.003+11:00

a Biblical thought...
I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. (John 14:6)

a Book thought...
The desire to be a world-changer is planted in the heart of every human being, and that desire comes directly from the heart of God. (p13)

a Dave thought...
Last night Kylie and I began the task of packing as we are on the move to South Barwon in the new year. This will be fourth move we have made since being married, and our second quarters. But as Ky and I are both officers kids we grew up on the move, changing homes every 2-5 years. I actually like change but others find it stressful. As we began the pack up last night it was amazing to find boxes from our last move that we had hardly opened and makes you realise just how much stuff we hang on to and lug around that we just don't need. Anyway a compulsory clean up will be good for our family but I was also thinking it would be great if we could also do the same with our minds. If every few years we could just clean out the junk, the old thoughts, or bad memories, or unhealthy attitudes that we have picked up along the way I'm sure we would all be better people and the world would be a better place.

Just a thought.

Round the Bay

2009-10-19T07:43:00.004+11:00

a Biblical thought...
"A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another." (John 13:34-35)

a Book thought...
In Brengle's writings he is a doctor, skilled and experienced. With his ear to his own heart, his hand on the pulse of human experience, and his arm about the drooping shoulders of sinning humanity, he wrote his prescriptions. (p225)
a Dave thought...
Yesterday I rode 200km on the bike as part of the "Round the Bay in a Day" event. It was a lot of fun as I joined over 10,000 others riding, chatting and hurting. Although it is difficult for those that are opposed to exercise to understand, for me it is one of my favourite parts of the day. It is a time when I feel relaxed, I talk to God, and feel reinvigorated about life. I often feel that I maybe unusual in this regard, but since have found many other believers who also see physical exercise as part of their worship to God. Ryan Hall the American Olympian is one such athlete he blogs regularly about running and God. On September 8 he wrote...

I have always said that the Bible is the best sports psychology book of all time. When I was working through the issue of winning and losing I stumbled on 1 Corinthians 9:24, which says, “Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may win.” For Paul winning meant accomplishing all God intended him to accomplish and entering into heaven. Having been inspired by Paul, I, too have changed my definition of winning so that I have won if I fulfilled all that I was suppose to fulfill and loved God and my neighbor while doing that.

I realize that everyone’s definition of winning won’t be the same and that is fine. What I want to encourage everyone to do, especially youth, is to spend some time and really think about what it means for you to win and how you can accomplish this regardless of how your body performs or how your competitors perform. Running is a beautiful thing when every run can be a success. I try and run in such a way that I win everyday. I want to see everyone win every time they race as well. http://blog.mastertheshift.com/Ryan-Hall/

Just a thought.

The Youth have Spoken

2009-10-18T05:22:00.002+11:00

a Biblical thought...
Then Jesus cried out, "When a man believes in me, he does not believe in me only, but in the one who sent me. When he looks at me, he sees the one who sent me. I have come into the world as a light, so that no one who believes in me should stay in darkness. (John 12:44-46)

a Book thought...
Brengle was not of that school which declares all sickness and infirmity to be closely related to sin, and hence outside of God’s purpose and will. (p210)

a Dave thought...
Over the past two decades, The Salvation Army in Canada and Bermuda has experienced a significant decline in church membership and Sunday attendance. Of particular concern has been the loss of many young people. In 2007, the territory began a research project with the hope of gaining a better understanding of the rates and causes of young adult attrition. James Pedlar, a young Salvationist pursuing a doctorate in systematic theology at the University of Toronto, was tasked by The Salvation Army to oversee this project.

When it comes to youth retention, what are the significant issues?
It was challenging to summarize the hundreds of hours of conversations that took place over the past two years, but five themes did emerge that cover the major issues raised. These are: authentic discipleship; unity in mission and diversity of expression; distrust of Salvation Army structure; a variety of views on soldiership and membership; and the desire for changes to officership.

What hope can the Army find in this report?
The strongest reason for the Army to be hopeful for the future is that the idea of The Salvation Army still has a universal appeal. I did not meet one young adult who objected to the mission of the Army. Even young people who have left the Army are still excited about the heritage of the Army, the strong emphasis on mission, and the combination of evangelicalism and a commitment to social justice.

Youth are calling for the Army to be truer to its founding vision and roots. Their feedback is a call to reform and renewal. http://salvationist.ca/2009/10/the-youth-have-spoken/

Just a thought.

Men's Breakfast

2009-10-17T06:38:00.004+11:00

a Biblical thought...
The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. (John 10:10)

a Book thought...
Brengle did as much good across the table with friends as he did in meetings. (p199)
a Dave thought...
This morning I conducted the Men's Breakfast at Carrum Downs. It was a great time as we looked at some scriptures from Paul and enjoyed bacon and eggs. I presented the idea of focussing on what God has in mind, and that no matter what comes our way we must persist. I used the analogy of the Ironman Event held last week in Kona and that as these athletes do a 3.8km swim, 180km on the bike and then a 42km run they show determination but also have lived disciplined lives. With our spiritual lives what are we preparing for and how hard are we training? As when the tough times come it will be our everyday training that will help us get through. As Hebrews 12 states "let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith."

Just a thought.

5

2009-10-16T07:26:00.004+11:00

a Biblical thought...
But Jesus bent down and started to write on the ground with his finger. When they kept on questioning him, he straightened up and said to them, "If any one of you is without sin, let him be the first to throw a stone at her." Again he stooped down and wrote on the ground. (John 8:6-8)

a Book thought...
Don't be in haste for promotion; don't hanker after an easy job. Promotion may come and find you unprepared for it, and the easy job will leave you spiritually soft instead of strong and athletic. Hard work makes strong muscles and healthy bodies, and spiritual hardships develop spiritual athletes. (p191)
a Dave thought...

I came upon the book '5' last week written by Dan Zadra. It looks fantastic if you are in to goal setting and making things happen. The book has also won awards, have a read below...

The next five years can be the most exciting and satisfying years of your life—or just another five years. Let the 5 book be your guide. Graduating from college? Considering a new career? Inspiring your sales or service teams? Setting goals for retirement? Here’s your inspiration. The 5 book is your "playbook for life." It features thought-provoking quotations and real-life examples to serve as both a spark and a road map for what’s exciting in your life.

“We’re thrilled and honored to be recognized a winner,” commented Kobi Yamada, President & CEO. “Our 5 book was created with great intention to provoke personal thought about all areas of your life. Written as more of a guide book, 5 takes you on a journey of self-discovery, asking important questions and offering quotes and stories for personal inspiration.”
Dan Zadra, Compendium founder and 5 author agrees. “The purpose of this book is to stir your creative juices and to inspire you to really get in touch with your dreams.”
http://www.live-inspired.com/

Just a thought.

Emotional Intelligence

2009-10-15T06:14:00.004+11:00

a Biblical thought...
Jesus answered, "My teaching is not my own. It comes from him who sent me. If anyone chooses to do God's will, he will find out whether my teaching comes from God or whether I speak on my own. He who speaks on his own does so to gain honor for himself, but he who works for the honor of the one who sent him is a man of truth; there is nothing false about him. (John 7:16-18)

a Book thought...
I do a great deal of listening. Prayer is not meant to be a monologue, but a dialogue. (p185)
a Dave thought...
Yesterday I came across some papers where the Emotional Intelligence (EQ) of an individual was being assessed. This prompted me to read up on what is all about. Also if you want to do a free online test go to http://http//www.queendom.com/tests/access_page/index.htm?idRegTest=1121

For decades, a lot of emphasis has been put on certain aspects of intelligence such as logical reasoning, math skills, spatial skills, understanding analogies, verbal skills etc. Researchers were puzzled by the fact that while IQ could predict to a significant degree academic performance and, to some degree, professional and personal success, there was something missing in the equation. Some of those with fabulous IQ scores were doing poorly in life; one could say that they were wasting their potential by thinking, behaving and communicating in a way that hindered their chances to succeed.

One of the major missing parts in the success equation is emotional intelligence, a concept made popular by the groundbreaking book by Daniel Goleman, which is based on years of research by numerous scientists such as Peter Salovey, John Meyer, Howard Gardner, Robert Sternberg and Jack Block, just to name a few. For various reasons and thanks to a wide range of abilities, people with high emotional intelligence tend to be more successful in life than those with lower EQ even if their classical IQ is average.

Just a thought.

Unseen struggles in Youth Ministry

2009-10-14T05:35:00.004+11:00

a Biblical thought...
Then Jesus declared, "I am the bread of life. He who comes to me will never go hungry, and he who believes in me will never be thirsty. (John 6:35)

a Book thought...
God is educating us, and some of His lessons are hard, but by His grace I shall apply myself to them and learn them. (p177)

a Dave thought... by Doug Fields
After church today, one of my students smiled and said, “Hey Doug, I’ve been clean for a year now.” Knowing how important a one year anniversary is to a drug addict, I said, “That’s great! I’m so proud of you Stephen. That’s really big…way to go.” He said, “Thanks…now all I’ve got to do is stop smoking pot.” Huh? Was he kidding me? As I pursued my confusion I found out that Stephen stopped using Crystal Meth one year ago but has yet to stop using Marijuana. This is a kid who never misses church, he’s a great kid and he’s always serving. He’s one of the last to leave the church because he’s picking up trash, stacking chairs, and helping us clean the room. I’m always excited to see him because he’s one of the few students who makes positive comments about my message.

The reality is, life hurts! And teenage life seems to be dramatized and amplified and kids need an audience and an ear. Every student in your youth group is a day away or one decision removed from the pain that’s hiding around the corner ready to invade their life. That’s why youth ministry is so important! Because of the Stephens’ in our lives. It’s also because of the “church kids” who seem to have it all together but are too fearful to admit their pain or to look inside their heart to see what’s hurting. Don’t be fooled, they hurt too.

Most students may not have addictions like Stephen, but their hurt is real. This is why churches must find caring adults like you to come alongside teenagers to listen, love, and journey with them. Bottom line: kids need adults. They need a neutral adult who has the ears to hear the joy of quitting pot, the tender eyes to notice when braces come off, and the mouths to share words of encouragement. These are qualities of a life changer.

If you’re considering becoming a youth worker…thank you…you are needed.
If you’re about to give up because you don’t think you are needed…don’t…you are.
If you’re a youth ministry veteran…thank you for staying with the journey.

Just a thought.

Open Source Activists

2009-10-13T05:08:00.004+11:00

a Biblical thought...
Jesus answered, "Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, 14but whoever drinks the water I give him will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life." (John 4:13)

a Book thought...
Always, whether in the front or rear of the march, whether as Cadet or Commissioner, he was to all available, within reach, ready to serve, anxious to bless. (p167)
a Dave thought... by J.R. Kerr
Over the last few decades, a generation of significant pastors and leaders has encouraged us to raise the bar of leadership within the church. They have drawn heavily from corporate and secular models, and they have elevated the values of excellence and efficiency. But my generation has grown skeptical of these values and the leadership principles that produced them. They are increasingly seen as too corporate, too controlling, and the source of too much consumerism within the church.

My generation is hungry for something more than the 15 principles for building a better team or the 21 reasons why you should be a servant leader. They are not content filling a role on a task force for church growth. They are hungry for more. They want a voice. They want influence. They are a generation that isn't content receiving a vision; they want to be part of shaping and creating the vision. My generation believes in open source influence.

A ministry friend relayed a story that captures the generational shift we are experiencing. He was out to lunch with a volunteer leader from his church to discuss the next layer of the vision for the ministry. After listening for a while, the supporter said to my friend, "You know I am a huge fan of your ministry and I will always support you, but we only hear about your ideas and dreams. We have ideas and dreams too. We have thoughts about how to carry the kingdom of God forward. When do our visions, dreams, and ambitions for ministry get heard?"

My friend retold the story with tears in his eyes, but I felt sick to my stomach. I realized that I have been that kind of leader. I have been the pastor who creates just enough space for people to feel part of the team, but not enough to actually give them authority to shape the direction and look of our ministries. That is the difference between leading via task force and leading via open source. Task forces see people as a way to implement leaders' ministry ideas. Open source sees people as the source of ministry ideas. One model requires leaders to control; the other model requires leaders to empower.

Just a thought.

Reaching Postmodern Generations

2009-10-12T05:23:00.005+11:00

a Biblical thought...
But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light, so that it may be seen plainly that what he has done has been done through God. (John 3:21)

a Book thought...
When Brengle was asked if children who kneel at the penitent-form understand what they are doing he responded: "I am pursuaded that the children often see the way more clearly than their teachers. They see God by faith, find Him not with their heads but their hearts." (p155)
a Dave thought...
The Corps Program Department at THQ has just launched their new web site this week. Rebecca Walker has been the main writer and instigator of this new resource and you can see firsthand the great work she has done by going to
http://www.salvationarmy.org.au/corpsresources Here is an excerpt of one of the articles written by Rebecca...

As discussed in the Connecting Forward Conference, instead of waiting for people to come to us, the church should go out and engage them in the contexts where they already spend time. Given the reaction of the postmodern generation against formality and structures, it will be easier to engage them in their recreational spaces rather than attempting to attract them through specialised church programmes [7]. This will be where real relationships can be built, and people will be comfortable to discuss spirituality. Evangelism to these subcultures needs to be treated like intercultural mission, because it is intercultural mission. We need to send missionaries to live amongst the people and to culturally contextualise the gospel for that subculture. Churches should be planted within the subculture, rather than bringing people out of their subculture into the church’s middle-class culture. Bringing people out of their subculture will prevent their future effectiveness in sharing the gospel with their friends.
This approach sits well with the rich history of the Salvation Army as a Missional force for Christ. As John Stanley Jones said, “the ordinary churches and chapels are entirely outside of the range of the outcast. As a rule, [the outcast] will not go to look for religion; it must come and seek him” [8].

Just a thought.

The Southern Gospel Choir

2009-10-11T00:02:00.002+11:00

a Biblical thought...
There they found the Eleven and those with them, assembled together and saying, "It is true! The Lord has risen and has appeared to Simon." Then the two told what had happened on the way, and how Jesus was recognized by them when he broke the bread. (Luke 24:34-35)

a Book thought...
I am increasingly convinced that in every meeting where there are children present something should be said that is suitable to them, and the invitation to come to Jesus should include them. (p153)
a Dave thought...
Last night as part of the 125th celebrations I played with the MSB in a concert at the Derwent Entertainment Centre with the Launceston timbrels and the Southern Gospel Choir. It was a fantastic night with the choir showing the amazing appeal Gospel music has today. Their performances included O Happy Day, Steal Away and the funky version of The Hallelujah Chorus. The group is directed by Andrew Legg and connected with the Tasmanian Conservatorium of music. http://www.southerngospelchoir.com.au/
The DC Major Graeme McClimont made note of the fact that there was a 98 year old Salvationist present who has been a soldier for 81 years and suggested she probably had never been to a more entertaining concert by the Salvos. Perhaps he was right.

Just a thought.

Tassie Youth

2009-10-10T07:07:00.004+11:00

a Biblical thought...
He withdrew about a stone's throw beyond them, knelt down and prayed, "Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done." (Luke 22:41-42)

a Book thought...
In his riper years he came to depend less and less upon set statements of theology, believing that every thoughtful Christian became his own theologian. (p143)
a Dave thought...
Last night at the Derwent Entertainment Centre over 80 youth gathered from around Tasmania to celebrate the 125th anniversary of The Salvation Army in this state. It was a great night with a live band featuring the vocal skills of DYS Captain Simon Damen along with many other creative and entertaining moments. Master Chef was one of these, as two youth had a competition to see who could create the best hamburger, while "Ten years younger in Ten minutes" was also a hit.
Commissioners Jim & Carolyn shared the story of their journey and gave great wisdom as they reminded us all that rain falls on the just and unjust, that you need to stay close to Jesus no matter what comes your way.

Just a thought.

New Appointment

2009-10-09T06:13:00.003+11:00

a Biblical thought...
Jesus saw the rich putting their gifts into the temple treasury. He also saw a poor widow put in two very small copper coins. "I tell you the truth," he said, "this poor widow has put in more than all the others. All these people gave their gifts out of their wealth; but she out of her poverty put in all she had to live on." (Luke 21:1-4)

a Book thought...
The penitent-form was the immediate goal, the focal spot, toward which Brengle's every point in his meeting technique turned. (p135)
a Dave thought...
Yesterday Kylie and myself received farewell orders. Our new appointment is Corps Officers of South Barwon, effective January 13. The new TY's are the very capable Captains Rachel & Rowan Castle who currently serve in chaplaincy and DY in South Australia. We believe the timing is good for both the territory and our family, so we are looking forward to the return to corps ministry. Kylie and I were soldiers at Stawell for the first two years of our marriage in 93 & 94 so the Western Victoria Division brings some great memories for us. Our seven year-old Noah has had hundreds of questions so last night we made the short drive down the highway to Geelong and got to see his new school, home, and the hall. Being 10 minutes from the Surf Coast is very appealing for some of our family. As Kylie and I are both officer children the thought of moving is obviously not new to us but for Noah it obviously quite a deal. Anyway things went well as we toured around our new suburb and when dropped into the hall we even got to hear a great rendition of 'Morning Star' by the South Barwon band. Now for the packing...

Just a thought.

Rebranding the Great Commission

2009-10-08T05:10:00.004+11:00

a Biblical thought...
Every day he was teaching at the temple. But the chief priests, the teachers of the law and the leaders among the people were trying to kill him. Yet they could not find any way to do it, because all the people hung on his words. (Luke 19:47-48)

a Book thought...
On the platform I carefully cultivated the conversational style because I soon saw that it was the most effective in speaking to all classes of people. (p123)
a Dave thought... by Greg Stier
It's time to rebrand The Great Commission for a postmodern generation. I propose we call it THE Cause. Why? Because people are into causes today, especially young people (if you don't believe me you need to sign up for Facebook...after your first hundred or so cause invitations you'll change your mind.) And the ultimate cause is the timeless command of Jesus in Matthew 28:19 to "Go and make disciples of all nations...." Here Jesus is calling his young followers to invade and persuade, to make disciples who make disciples, until every nation has heard the good news.

This is THE Cause of causes. While there are some good causes out there that we can be involved with, some goofy causes that we should avoid, there is one cause that we must all embrace. It is THE Cause that Jesus left us with before He ascended into heaven. We are to spend the majority of our time, talent and treasure making disciples who make disciples.

Just a thought.

The Death of the Charismatic Leader

2009-10-07T05:47:00.004+11:00

a Biblical thought...
"I tell you that this man, rather than the other, went home justified before God. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted." (Luke 18:14)

a Book thought...
My light was lit to shine where the darkness is, not where all is light and radiance. (p112)
a Dave thought... by Jim Collins

Almost by definition, an enduring great company has to be built not to depend on an individual leader, because individuals die or retire or move on. What's more, when a company's identity can't be separated from the identity of its leader, it can't be known for what it stand for. Which means it sacrifices the potency of being guided by its core purpose.
So the charismatic-leader model has to die. What do you replace it with? The task that the CEO is uniquely positioned to do: designing the mechanisms that reinforce and give life to the company's core purpose and stimulate the company to change.
Building mechanisms is one of the CEO's most powerful but least understood and most rarely employed tools. Along with figuring out what the company stands for and pushing it to understand what it's really good at, building mechanisms is the CEO's role—the leader as architect.
The old role is still seductive, though. Past models have glorified the individual leader, especially when he or she was an entrepreneur. And charismatic-style CEOs understandably find it hard to let go of the buzz that comes from having an intense, direct personal influence. But a charismatic leader is not an asset; it's a liability companies have to recover from. A company's long-term health requires a leader who can infuse the company with its own sense of purpose, instead of his or hers, and who can translate that purpose into action through mechanisms, not force of personality.
However hard the transition to architect might be, there are three issues, affecting every CEO, that encourage it—and eventually may even force it. One: time for creativity. Two: time span. And three: scale.
First, let's discuss creativity. As personally energizing as it is to have an effect on an employee and to touch his or her life, it's so energy absorbing that you're never left with enough time or spirit for real creative reflection or real creative work. Which is what mechanism building should be. The absence of that time is one great source of burnout.
The second concern is time span. Clearly, building a mechanism will have a much longer-lasting effect than leading by virtue of your presence. A mechanism doesn't depend upon you. If a truck hits you tomorrow, the mechanism will still be there.
The last concern, scale, is the most crucial. You can't build something really big just on charisma alone. At some point the scale is too great; you can't reach that many people. If you want something to really grow over time, you've got to build mechanisms that can touch everybody every day. What you get in the end is more reach, more power, the ability to affect more people. It's a leverage game.

This is a fabulous article from Jim Collin's website and although I agree we will always have some charismatic leaders in our movement I believe one of the strengths of The Salvation Army is the fact that we have an appointment system which generally every few years ensures that a personality does not become bigger than the role itself.

Just a thought.

Age-Segmentation Fails

2009-10-06T05:17:00.005+11:00

a Biblical thought...
One of them, when he saw he was healed, came back, praising God in a loud voice. He threw himself at Jesus' feet and thanked him—and he was a Samaritan.
Jesus asked, "Were not all ten cleansed? Where are the other nine? Was no one found to return and give praise to God except this foreigner?" Then he said to him, "Rise and go; your faith has made you well." (Luke 17:15-19)

a Book thought...
Every step, indeed, along his whole diversified path had contributed to his development, deepened his understanding, widened his knowledge, expanded his sympathies. (p105)
a Dave thought... by Kara Powell
Rainer Research estimates that 70 percent of young people leave the church by age 22. Barna Group argues that the figure increases to 80 percent by age 30. But there is a strong link between kids staying in church and their involvement in intergenerational relationships and worship.

The Church adopted the age-segmentation model when we realized in the 1940s that we were not offering teens enough focused attention. So what did we do? We started offering them too much. All of a sudden churches had adult pastors and youth pastors, adult worship teams and youth worship teams, adult mission trips and youth mission trips. And there's a place for that. But we've ended up segregating—and I use that word intentionally—our kids from the rest of the church. Now we tend to think that we can outsource the care of our kids to designated experts, the youth and children's workers.

It is like what we do when there were too many of us to fit in one room or around one table at family gatherings. We adopted the two table system. The adult table had pleasant conversation, while the kids' table usually degenerated into a Jelly snorting contest. Theoretically we were having the same meal; but we were having two very, very different experiences. That's what we've done in churches today.

One of the real advantages of being a smaller church is that there is a lot more potential for intergenerational relationships and longer lasting faith. It's a general rule that the bigger the church the more segmented the age groups and generations are from each other. So I look at a church of a hundred and think, Man, what potential there is to have meaningful relationships.

I remember what a privilege it was to be invited to the adult table. Adults underestimate how much kids want to be with us. Kids are far more interested in talking to caring, trustworthy adults than we think they are.

Just a thought.

Start Freedom

2009-10-05T05:25:00.002+11:00

a Biblical thought...
Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much. So if you have not been trustworthy in handling worldly wealth, who will trust you with true riches? And if you have not been trustworthy with someone else's property, who will give you property of your own? (Luke 16:10-12)

a Book thought...
Oh, for more teachers among us! Leaders who know how to read hearts and apply truth to the needs of the people as a good physician reads his patients and applies remedies to their ills. (p94)

a Dave thought...
Start Freedom is a campaign for young people initiated by Stop the Traffik. It is a global campaign for schools and young people who will become aware of the issues surrounding human trafficking and realise the power to make a difference. The aim is to bring an end to child trafficking in the cocoa industry, empower the world's young people to keep those at risk safe.
Support Business Travellers to report trafficking wherever in the world they see it and equip communities taking action against trafficking in their neighbourhood. There is also a push to build a movement of people who will ACT - Active Communities against Trafficking in the Sex Industry. STOP THE TRAFFIK is engaging, empowering, and equipping local communities to take action against trafficking in their area. You can also be a part of the Chocolate Campaign - tackling child trafficking in the cocoa industry.

Just a thought.

Mnozil Brass

2009-10-04T05:22:00.001+11:00

a Biblical thought...
For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted." (Luke 14:11)

a Book thought...
Sleep became only a necessary evil: he found it impossible to get to bed before midnight, and imperative that he get up no later than 4:30am. (p92)

a Dave thought...
Last night I went to the most amazingly entertaining concert I have been to my entire life. It was part of the Melbourne International Brass Festival and the act was Mnozil Brass. This seven piece Austrian group are not only phenomenal players but also fabulous singers, brilliant comedians and actors. For them to hold the attention of over 500 people for two hours without a spoken word was nothing short of incredible. I was reminded once again that if our music groups are going to connect with people, we need to work so hard on the whole entertainment package. Sure we want to share the gospel but if we can’t hold the attention of those who are listening we may never get a chance. http://www.mnozilbrass.at/

Just a thought.

Revolution Hawaii

2009-10-03T05:19:00.003+10:00

a Biblical thought...
Sell your possessions and give to the poor. Provide purses for yourselves that will not wear out, a treasure in heaven that will not be exhausted, where no thief comes near and no moth destroys. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. (Luke 12:33-34)

a Book thought...
I do want these people blessed…and when I say blessed I don’t mean made a little better, but convicted, condemned and crucified and then resurrected in Christ to a new and holy life that doesn’t feed on noise and bluster and parade, but that lives on hidden manna, bread that the world knows not of. (p86)
a Dave thought...
It has been a real pleasure to have Rob Noland with us this week as our guest for our Territorial Youth Brengle Institute. Many of us are jealous of his ministry in Hawaii, amidst his passion for surfing as well as being a father of five! Rob is an inspiring communicator and such a genuine guy. The delegates not only loved his sessions but also the way he was always around for a chat. If you are looking for a gap year I’m sure Rev Hi is one worth considering, with Rob heading it up its sure to be challenging, stretching but also fun.

Revolution Hawaii is looking for courageous men and women between the ages of 18 and 29 with warrior hearts and a passion for the lost. These elite few must be willing to sacrifice a year of their life in order to train and serve as urban guerilla missionaries on the front lines of some of the worst battlefields in the Western Territory. Located on the island of Oahu, Revolution Hawaii will deploy these brave soldiers with the mission of loving and serving the poor and needy while at the same time equipping them to be life long warriors for Jesus. This incarnational, hands on ministry is short on talk and heavy on action. Accepted applicants will receive a complete mission experience serving both in an urban setting as well as extreme summer deployments to 3rd world countries. It is guaranteed to be a year that will change lifetimes! www.revolutionhawaii.com

Just a thought.

Separation of Children & Youth not the answer

2009-10-02T07:43:00.004+10:00

a Biblical thought...
So I say to you: Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened. (Luke 11:9-10)

a Book thought...
Pray much for me, that I may be used to quicken the spiritual life of the whole Army. I want to be so definite and so burning that God will be manifested wherever I go. (p77)
a Dave thought... by Angie Ward
In the early 1950s, American social institutions were inundated with the children from the baby boom. Seeing the unique needs of this new generation, schools, governments, and churches responded with ever more age-specific education. The result was the now familiar separation of children, youth, and adult ministries in most churches.
This type of ministry structure was revolutionary at the time, but now many churches are promoting a counter-revolution: a shift from stratified, age-segregated ministry to intentional integration of children in the overall life of the congregation.
These ministries are radical not in their unusual methods or dramatic implementation, but in the foundational ways they are challenging the status quo regarding the purpose, philosophy, and programming of children's ministry. And in the process, they are transforming their worship communities.

In some US churches elementary-age children are expected to worship with the adults. Parents are offered a variety of resources, ranging from "pew bags" with crayons and activities to help keep little ones quiet, to a CD and brochure about what children can expect and what to look for during the service, and how to prepare for worship as a family. Meanwhile, the church's leaders continue to champion the value of intergenerational worship, both to families and other church members. The weekly bulletin explains the importance of the intergenerational worship experience. Services often include a children's sermon. Wilson regularly communicates his excitement about the presence of kids in the service, and he tells young parents not to worry if their child is fidgeting, because it doesn't bother him. "Teaching our kids to worship is one of the most important things parents have to do."

Just a thought.

movies@church

2009-10-01T05:57:00.004+10:00

a Biblical thought...
"Martha, Martha," the Lord answered, "you are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her." (Luke 10:41-42)

a Book thought...
My lifetime has been a preparation for preaching. But, more particularly, I prepare my sermons for others by preparing my own heart. (p114)

a Dave thought...
I recently had the pleasure of meeting with Rod Hopping from Heritage Film Distribution. He is a fine Christian man and has developed a company with the tag line "Movies change people, people change the world." One of his initiatives which I believe is simple but brilliant is Movies at Church. https://astounded.tv/moviesatchurch.asp

movies@church is a program that will give you the opportunity to show new release films before they are made available on DVD. We will be bringing you a new film every quarter - that’s a minimum of four movies each year! Some of these films will be so exclusive that they will have never been seen in Australia before - straight from the producer to your screens at church before we make them available to the public. Until now this opportunity has only been available to cinemas around Australia.

movies@church is a simple step by step program which allows you to show the film in a public setting and covers all of the relevant Australian Copyright Laws. The great thing about movies@church is that there is no financial risk involved! Every screening of a movie outside of a home environment requires a Public Screening Licence (PSL). We issue you with the necessary license to hold your screening and supply you with a range of resources to help get the word out about your screening event. The great aspect of movies@church is that you only pay for the amount of people who come to watch the movie. After the event you send us a simple report indicating how many people attended your screening. We then send you an invoice to cover the license fee for your event. The cost per head varies between films although as a rule it is between $2 - $5 per head plus gst.

Just a thought.

Discipline

2009-09-30T06:15:00.005+10:00

a Biblical thought...
Then he said to them all: If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will save it. (Luke 9:23-24)

a Book thought...
"When it comes to preaching, I believe it is the prophet’s high privilege to get the messages directly from God Himself.”
a Dave thought...
At TYBI yesterday I shared the story of Brengle and how we can learn from his life. It is interesting to note that 58- year-old William Booth’s welcome to 27-year-old Samuel Brengle was… “Brengle, you belong to the dangerous classes. You have been your own boss for so long that I don’t think you will want to submit to Salvation Army discipline. We are an Army and we demand obedience.”

The next year at the Salvation Army Training Barracks in London one of Samuel's first duties was to blacken and shine the boots of his fellow cadets – 18 pairs, a job that was considered menial. Rather than complain he reminded himself of the fact that His Saviour did not consider it beneath Himself to wash the feet of the disciples.

Just a thought.

TYBI

2009-09-29T06:03:00.003+10:00

a Biblical thought...
No one lights a lamp and hides it in a jar or puts it under a bed. Instead, he puts it on a stand, so that those who come in can see the light. (Luke 8:16)

a Book thought...
Lord, if Thou wilt only sanctify me, I will take the meanest little appointment there is! (p49)
a Dave thought...
Yesterday was the beginning of our first Territorial Youth Brengle Institute held at the Training College with special guest Rob Noland from Hawaii. Twenty Salvationists aged 16-21 were selected to be a part of three days of intense holiness teaching. It was a powerful time as we explored God’s word and what it means to be holy. Captain Rowan Castle spoke about the fact that holiness is not only the absence of sin but the presence of love. After lunch Captain Danielle Strickland talked about the need to live justly in community. We then went on a reflective walk after I shared the words of Brengle himself after having a full immersion in the Love of God (1885) … I walked out weeping for joy and praising God.Oh, how I loved! In that hour I knew Jesus, and I loved Him till it seemed my heart would break with love. I was filled with love for all His creatures. I heard the little sparrows chattering; I loved them. I saw a little worm wriggling across my path; I stepped over it; I didn’t want to hurt any living thing. I loved the dogs, I loved the horses, I loved the little urchins on the street, I loved the strangers who hurried past me, I loved the heathen, I loved the whole world.
Commissioners Jim & Carolyn joined us for tea and shared the fact that Eliza was only 16 years of age & filled with the Holy Spirit when she began The Salvation Army in the USA! It was a great and I’m sure even greater things are ahead for us all gathered together this week.

Just a thought.

MCD Young Adults

2009-09-28T00:14:00.003+10:00

a Biblical thought...
Give to everyone who asks you, and if anyone takes what belongs to you, do not demand it back. Do to others as you would have them do to you. (Luke 6:30-31)

a Book thought...
He began now to take preaching engagements, spending no little time preparing his sermons. Theses he wrote out in full and committed to memory, as he did his orations. (p41)
a Dave thought...
I went down yesterday to Phillip Island to share with the MCD young adults at their retreat. It was fun as Captains Christopher & Cath Garcia explored "Knowing your true self". As well as allowing me to preach to the group I was also challenged to do an Enneagram Test. My results suggested I was a type 3 - The Achiever

These one-word descriptors can be expanded into four-word sets of traits. Keep in mind that these are merely highlights and do not represent the full spectrum of each type.

Type One is principled, purposeful, self-controlled, and perfectionistic.
Type Two is demonstrative, generous, people-pleasing, and possessive.
Type Three is adaptive, excelling, driven, and image-conscious.
Type Four is expressive, dramatic, self-absorbed, and temperamental.
Type Five is perceptive, innovative, secretive, and isolated.
Type Six is engaging, responsible, anxious, and suspicious.
Type Seven is spontaneous, versatile, distractible, and scattered.
Type Eight is self-confident, decisive, willful, and confrontational.
Type Nine is receptive, reassuring, agreeable, and complacent.

For those that have not done the Enneagram test you can explore it further at http://www.enneagraminstitute.com

Just a thought.

3 Myths about Preaching

2009-09-27T07:43:00.003+10:00

a Biblical thought...
Yet the news about him spread all the more, so that crowds of people came to hear him and to be healed of their sicknesses. But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed. (Luke 5:15-16)

a Book thought...

Eight years would pass before he would be rid of the continual struggle to keep his experience, and to act at all times like Jesus. (p30)

a Dave thought... by David Fitch

MYTH 1: If You Preach a Good Sermon the Church Will Grow
Anyone still holding onto the premise—if I just preach a good sermon, they will come—and ministering in a post-Christendom context, must either compete or be grossly disappointed with the continued dwindling of his/her congregation.

MYTH 2: Who You Preach To is Who You Will Reach
I have heard it said repeatedly “who you preach to is who will come.” This has worked within Christendom for centuries. Today, in post-Christendom, it has become another dying myth that IMO should be dispelled.

MYTH 3: The Goal of Preaching is to Make the Bible Relevant
We pastors, who are at the end of our wits in the fields of post-Christendom, will often try to make our preaching more relevant. Caught between the winds of the Neo-Reformed who argue “we just need to preach the truth and they will come,” and the mega church gurus who argue that “we need to make the Bible relevant,” we make a last ditch effort to do the latter (because we’ve already tried the former). Sadly however, this is a Christendom attitude that attempts to pull in the Christendom leftovers with a more updated gospel ready made to fit their already Christianized lives.

Just a thought.

Berryless

2009-09-26T00:07:00.004+10:00

a Biblical thought...
At daybreak Jesus went out to a solitary place. The people were looking for him and when they came to where he was, they tried to keep him from leaving them. (Luke 4:42)

a Book thought...
To be spiritual is to be in rhythm, and that means being devoted to living by the 6:1 rhythm God established at the time of creation. (p213)

Blackberry Addiction - Celebrity bloopers here
a Dave thought...
Yesterday, due to Kylie being up in the NT for a Kids camp, I got to spend a whole day with my seven year-old son Noah. As he is currently on school holidays I discussed what he'd like to do for the day. He was keen to head to the city and watch the Grand Final Parade, but with one proviso - "Can you leave your Blackberry in the car?". Well it must be the first day for a couple of years I went phoneless for six hours. Believe it or not the world continued to run without me and we had a fabulous day together. It continues to disturb me just how much I rely on the gadget world. Sadly it took my own son to remind me how I need to learn to live occasionally without being contactable 24/7.

Just a thought.

Chain Store Reaction

2009-09-25T07:55:00.003+10:00

a Biblical thought...
When Joseph and Mary had done everything required by the Law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee to their own town of Nazareth. And the child grew and became strong; he was filled with wisdom, and the grace of God was upon him. (Luke 2:39-40)

a Book thought...
What enters our minds through our eyes and ears affects what comes out of our mouths. (p211)
a Dave thought...

One of the actions that has come out of the rockumentary CALL+RESPONSE is the website Chain Store Reaction. It is a brilliant idea and gives us each an opportunity to write an email to any company that we use to question them about their ethical practises. This is a very practical response to help stamp out human trafficking. Check it out and spend some minutes writing to the companies that you buy your goods from. http://www.chainstorereaction.com/

Slavery is a global problem that requires a global solution. We believe that the solution requires consumers and producers to work together. As consumers, we are in essence the last link in the supply chain. By the pure law of physics, we have the leverage to PULL that chain and create a reaction that leads all the way down to the very first link. If we as consumers don’t pull that chain, no one will.
One of the most strategic battlefields of the 21st Century Abolitionist Movement is the marketplace. Everyone has a role to play, and your consumption is a deft weapon, that when used properly, can elicit tangible and viral freedom. We believe one of the most effective penalties you can offer a producer who is not operating with transparency, is to choose a more transparent competitor.
Because we purchase our products in public, we choose to discuss a way forward in this issue, in public. Therefore, we are initiating an open conversation on this site that allows us to voice our demand of SlaveFREE products, and in turn hear what companies are doing on the issue.

Just a thought.

CALL+RESPONSE

2009-09-24T05:24:00.003+10:00

a Biblical thought...
"The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God. Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be barren is in her sixth month. For nothing is impossible with God." (Luke 1:35-37)

a Book thought...
You never know how long you have to show love to people in your life. Life is fleeting and fragile. (p205)
a Dave thought...

Yesterday I was given the opportunity to see a pre-screening of the new film CALL+RESPONSE. It tells the story of the disturbing fact that human trafficking continues to grow across the globe but in a unique way as musicians express themselves through their lyrics and take action against this growing degrading industry. Look out for the release in Australia on October 22nd and make sure you make the effort to get along, or better still take your youth group or congregation along. An amazing production about a sad reality.

CALL+RESPONSE is a first of its kind feature documentary film that reveals the world’s 27 million dirtiest secrets: there are more slaves today than ever before in human history. CALL+RESPONSE goes deep undercover where slavery is thriving from the child brothels of Cambodia to the slave brick kilns of rural India to reveal that in 2007, Slave Traders made more money than Google, Nike and Starbucks combined. www.callandresponse.com.au

Luminaries on the issue such as Cornel West, Madeleine Albright, Daryl Hannah, Julia Ormond, Ashley Judd, Nicholas Kristof, and many other prominent political and cultural figures offer first hand account of this 21st century trade. Performances from Grammy-winning and critically acclaimed artists including Moby, Natasha Bedingfield, Cold War Kids, Matisyahu, Imogen Heap, Talib Kweli, Five For Fighting, Switchfoot, members of Nickel Creek and Tom Petty’s Heartbreakers, Rocco Deluca move this chilling information into inspiration for stopping it.

Music is part of the movement against human slavery. Dr. Cornel West connects the music of the American slave fields to the popular music we listen to today, and offers this connection as a rallying cry for the modern abolitionist movement currently brewing.

Just a thought.

Multi-Generational Leadership

2009-09-23T05:05:00.003+10:00

a Biblical thought...
Then the disciples went out and preached everywhere, and the Lord worked with them and confirmed his word by the signs that accompanied it. (Mark 16:20)

a Book thought...
We are the wire, God is the current. Our only power is to let the current pass through us. (p204) a Dave thought... by John Ortberg
You should have all generations represented in a single leadership team. We are niched by generation as never before. Thirty years ago, families had one TV with three channels; and if people watched something, they watched the same something together. Today there are more channels than you can count, and they no longer broadcast; they narrowcast to a little sliver in the age spectrum.

Multi-generational church ministry in our day is uncharted territory. In past centuries, because culture changed more slowly, when people entered the church, they entered church culture. They sang common music and spoke a common language. Today, church life has largely been contextualized to reach people in popular culture. But pop culture has fragmented into all kinds of micro-cultures. Generations are generally segregated by media, clothes, music, entertainment, and technology. Trying to reach different generations simultaneously has become like trying to design one church that will work in both Spain and France.

A way of defining a multi-generational community is relationally. How many relationships with people of different generations do folks at our church have? This leads us to look at the kind of activities and events that are actually relationship building.

We can't say, "Here are the methods we responded to when we were young. If you look like us, dress like us, sing like us, talk like us, then we'll pass on the faith and you can know God. Otherwise, we'll just let you drift into an eternity apart from God."
So as a leadership team, we have to have a firm commitment from each person that the big issue is not Who gets to determine what's cool? or Who is it that gives the money that supports the church?' or Who carries the DNA? The question is: How do we pass the torch?
God is the God of every generation.

Sooner or later every church hits the generation issue. We are richer people when we work together. Our relationships are enhanced when we have multiple generations around the table.God's plan is not for the church to be a one-generation operation with a 30-year shelf life. It is a richer thing to be part of a church that embraces multi-generational ministry and multi-generational leadership.

Just a thought.