tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-78297614951819443862012-02-03T23:08:33.365-06:00Pastor Stevenoreply@blogger.comBlogger1081100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7829761495181944386.post-31585112368223071992012-01-17T14:46:00.001-06:002012-01-17T14:48:23.738-06:00

When you are in a disagreement with someone ask them these three questions: (1) What exactly do you mean by that? (2) How did you come to that conclusion? (3) Have you considered...?

Pastor Stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14822486077747984650noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7829761495181944386.post-88887795981577419522012-01-10T13:01:00.003-06:002012-01-10T13:06:06.562-06:00

We are in a series on Joy. The question becomes: Where are you searching for your joy? Materialism? Relationships? Jesus? In our series, we are studying how to find your joy in Jesus. This week I am talking about how to treat someone who has hurt you. Unforgiveness, bitterness, etc can steal your joy. The following week I am talking about Honoring the gifts God has placed in you. I read a

Pastor Stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14822486077747984650noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7829761495181944386.post-91041777247872597402011-07-25T15:49:00.002-05:002011-07-25T15:50:58.577-05:00

Last night 13 people where baptized in our church. It was a very sacred event. The presence of the Lord was very tangible as we did the outward symbol of a inward comittment. After the baptism one person said to me, "CCC saved my life." PTL. That is why we do what we do.

Pastor Stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14822486077747984650noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7829761495181944386.post-24199395229688432122011-05-23T15:26:00.000-05:002011-05-23T15:27:51.188-05:00

In our house is a thermostat which controls the temperature of the house. We set the thermostat to a temperature we want, and then it tells the furnace or the air conditioner to kick in to reach that temperature. If you want to change the temperature in your house, you first need to change this little, yet powerful device called the thermostat. Our minds are like a thermostat. They are the

Pastor Stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14822486077747984650noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7829761495181944386.post-67905036359985809902011-02-09T12:59:00.001-06:002011-02-09T13:01:48.952-06:00

Yesterday I was visiting someone in the hospital and I walked by the chapel on the 2nd floor of the Methodist hospital. I went in and spent about an hour of prayer. It was wonderful. During that time God impressed the serenity prayer on my spirit. May it be a blessing to you: SERENITY PRAYERGod, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, Courage to change the things I can,

Pastor Stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14822486077747984650noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7829761495181944386.post-28522031797431942302011-01-11T11:58:00.002-06:002011-01-11T12:01:41.864-06:00

This Sunday I am talking about how to simplify your life. Many of us are too busy. We have too much going on. we are like Compulsive Martha. We need to cut some things out our life to be healthy. For example, a simple thing we can cut out is: Television. Kirsetin Morello shares six benefits to cutting back on TV watching:1. Children learn to entertain themselves2. Children learn crucial

Pastor Stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14822486077747984650noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7829761495181944386.post-33549090938993718082010-12-16T13:04:00.000-06:002010-12-16T13:05:30.377-06:00

Alan Riley writes: “My father was born on this day- December 22. For his entire life, he was always getting “combination” presents - birthday and Christmas. Every year on his birthday, there weren’t balloons and birthday streamers. His birthday decorations were Christmas trees, Christmas lights and Santa Claus stuff. When he did get a separate present for Christmas, chances are it would be

Pastor Stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14822486077747984650noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7829761495181944386.post-31004159893838528372010-11-24T12:52:00.002-06:002010-11-24T12:55:01.857-06:00

Our vision at CCC is to make Jesus the Talk of the town. The other day i was speaking to a community leader and he told me that he thinks our church is fullfilling its vision. Specifically, he said that when he first moved to kasson he didn't sense much spiritual interest. He said, "That has changed because of CCC". PTl!

Pastor Stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14822486077747984650noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7829761495181944386.post-77624593100343605122010-11-16T15:01:00.002-06:002010-11-16T15:06:34.501-06:00

I have been feeling led to talk about faith. As we look at the state of America there is a lot of fear. As followers of Jesus, we are to be led by faith not fear. Over 360 times in the bible it says: Fear not! We need to walk by faith or die by our doubts, said Oral Roberts. As Christians, we need to keep our faith high. What is faith? Faith is confidence in God. It is expressed through

Pastor Stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14822486077747984650noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7829761495181944386.post-5066088012491025122010-08-11T12:59:00.003-05:002010-08-11T13:10:13.094-05:00

There is an old saying, "Don't let the shoe, determine how big the foot gets."we are facing a similar situation in our church. During the school year, we are running out of room for our kids. This is not OK. As a staff and leadership, we have been praying and seeking God's will on this crucial issue. Our goal is to bring as many people as we can to Jesus. How can we overcome this barrier?

Pastor Stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14822486077747984650noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7829761495181944386.post-16917637293276877102010-06-29T15:27:00.002-05:002010-06-29T15:31:48.315-05:00

I just got done with a two hour YOUTH leadership training. I love working with the youth. Some of the things we talked about are:- Don't ever let someone else's opinion of you, other then God's, become your reality. - Practice makes improovement- Discover some reasons that will help you get up when life kicks you down!- If you know the why to living you can endure almost any how. - Stay a way

Pastor Stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14822486077747984650noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7829761495181944386.post-61343597842689270672010-05-24T16:25:00.002-05:002010-05-24T16:30:32.163-05:00

Here are a few things that are happening that you might enjoy knowing:1. We as a church have given about $2,600 to water for life, providing water to children who do not have clean driking water. Cool. 2. Last week we know of one little girl who have her heart to Jesus. PTL. 3. We are gearing up for Church in the Park, which starts June 9th. This year we plant to have the following: Bubbles

Pastor Stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14822486077747984650noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7829761495181944386.post-61600093841813341722010-05-11T12:43:00.001-05:002010-05-11T12:45:54.505-05:00

In his book Developing the Leaders Around You, John Maxwell asks the following questions:1. Do I have a game plan for personal growth? 2. Am I the leader of that plan? 3. Is my life an example for others to follow? 4. Am I willing to pay the price to become a great leader?

Pastor Stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14822486077747984650noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7829761495181944386.post-44643231351165107192010-04-19T12:33:00.002-05:002010-04-19T12:36:35.876-05:00

I take turns leading a service at Prairie Meadows assisted living center in Kasson. I led the gathering last week. Their where about 12 elderly people there. And yet during the service, I felt the obvious presence of God among us. It was a sweet presence. I felt like he really touched some people. As I reflected on that experience, I realized that God can touch you whether you are in a

Pastor Stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14822486077747984650noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7829761495181944386.post-8190867928517422752010-04-01T11:42:00.001-05:002010-04-01T11:45:10.026-05:00

1. Real- We desire for people to be genuine, not churchy, fake, and plastic. If your idea of church is that of a museum where perfect people are put on display, you won;t fit at CCC. We do not see church as a place where people have already arrived but are still in process. 2. RelevantWe desire that faith connects with life. You may not like our church if you see the bible as a history book,

Pastor Stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14822486077747984650noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7829761495181944386.post-55330842335605292972010-03-18T11:54:00.002-05:002010-03-18T11:57:45.138-05:00

I have been enjoying a book called "Sacred Waiting" The theme of the book is that like a waiter in a restaurant, we need to wait on God. A good waiter has two qualities: Presence and service. we need to be in God's presence to get his orders and then carry them out. Yesterday i read about how we as a society love to act. We love to jump into action and be busy. Yet presence needs to come before

Pastor Stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14822486077747984650noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7829761495181944386.post-65124626682891622812010-03-16T14:10:00.002-05:002010-03-16T14:13:06.128-05:00

Why do some people become like a marsh mellow in conflict and others become like a bull dog? Why do some people run from conflict and others run into conflict? Why do some people get angry in conflict while others get anxious in conflict? I want to invite you to come to one of our three services this weekend and explore why you respond to conflict the way you do. As someone has said, "Your

Pastor Stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14822486077747984650noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7829761495181944386.post-43039790798923036702010-03-02T15:21:00.001-06:002010-03-02T15:23:38.168-06:00

Paul Tournier, the acclaimed Swiss author and physician, observed: “ It is impossible to overemphasize the immense need human beings have to be listened to…In most conversations, although there is a good deal of talk, there is not real listening; such conversations are no more than a dialogue of the deaf” Are you a good listener? Do you listen to people in a understanding way?

Pastor Stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14822486077747984650noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7829761495181944386.post-53216641712809696582010-02-11T14:04:00.001-06:002010-02-11T14:06:39.826-06:00

On Sunday, February 21, I will begin a series of eight practical messages from the Bible called “How to Resolve Conflict and Restore Harmony!” These inspirational, sometimes humorous talks will show you how to manage conflict and reduce tension in your relationships. They will give you proven methods for being a peace-maker, not a peace-faker. In The Church Leaders Answer Book, I wrote: “I

Pastor Stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14822486077747984650noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7829761495181944386.post-2890900420951420672010-01-26T12:53:00.002-06:002010-01-26T12:55:24.927-06:00

This Sunday I want to talk about: Who shall I please? Everybody is living to please someone. Father? Spouse? Peer group? Who are you living to please? True worship is living to please God! Its living for an audience of one. Come and Join us as we explore two practical ways to bring massive pleasure to God.

Pastor Stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14822486077747984650noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7829761495181944386.post-73430138260147410602010-01-19T15:09:00.003-06:002010-01-19T15:11:25.398-06:00

This Sunday we are going to explore the topic of our part and God's part in life. Is it all up to me? Or is it all up to God? I have heard people say things like:“I don’t have to work, God will provide for me.”“I don’t have to save for the future, God will provide for me” Is that true? Come and see!

Pastor Stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14822486077747984650noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7829761495181944386.post-79361990094661440582010-01-11T10:10:00.003-06:002010-01-11T10:16:26.294-06:00

Yesterday we started our third service. We now have one at 8:30; 9:30; 11:00. Things went exceptionally well. As I was talking to Tammy I told her that that the three services have allowed the church to become "larger and smaller at the same time". With the three services, the attendance has spread out more and you can meet and greet people more personally. As I said yesterday. Things might be

Pastor Stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14822486077747984650noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7829761495181944386.post-74360283414211742042010-01-07T09:42:00.002-06:002010-01-07T09:51:12.911-06:00

A few years ago Bruce Wilkerson highlighted a prayer in the Old Testament that was prayed by a man named Jabez. This Sunday we are going to explore that prayer. The prayer of Jabez teaches us that:* Our past does not have to determine our future!* Prayer changes things!* Four ingredients of a an effective prayer!* And much, much more!

Pastor Stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14822486077747984650noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7829761495181944386.post-10870310391274177742009-12-23T09:48:00.002-06:002009-12-23T09:54:02.874-06:00

Christmas Eve-What can a cartoon comic strip teach us about Christmas? Come to our 4:00 or 5:30 service and find out!Sunday January 27th-Do you feel a pull with in you to do something great for God? Yet, you also hear a little voice on the inside that says, " You are not smart enough. You are not educated enough. You are not old enough." If so, this message is for you. In it I am talking about

Pastor Stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14822486077747984650noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7829761495181944386.post-72928780905329281492009-12-16T12:03:00.003-06:002009-12-16T12:11:28.091-06:00

This Sunday I am talking about the subject: What is your Herod? "Herod" is a metaphor for Sin. And we all face temptations to sin. "Sin is meeting a legitimate need in a illegitimate way." This weekend I am going to talk about the 5 categories of sin and offer some practical ideas from the bible to find victory in those areas. See you Sunday!

Pastor Stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14822486077747984650noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7829761495181944386.post-13636145912255432272009-12-08T13:56:00.002-06:002009-12-08T13:59:52.438-06:00

“They went to the upstairs room of the house”, says Acts 1:13.The Lord has been speaking to me about the two levels of living. Like a house that has two levels*, there are two levels of life. The bottom level is the natural level. It is like the book of proverbs, giving us advice to work hard, save, and be wise. The “Up stairs” level is the supernatural level. Like the book of Acts, it

Pastor Stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14822486077747984650noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7829761495181944386.post-72017457483451783192009-11-30T10:39:00.002-06:002009-11-30T10:48:25.226-06:00

Starting January 10th, we are going to move to three Sunday services. The times will be 8:30; 9:30; 11:00. Why?1. We need more room. Yesterday in our second service I looked out on the church and there was hardly any open seats. In fact, people where standing. What if someone comes in looking for spiritual health, and we are too full for them? We need to make room for people to meet Jesus. 2

Pastor Stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14822486077747984650noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7829761495181944386.post-63119890948198501142009-11-09T10:59:00.002-06:002009-11-09T11:02:56.727-06:00

On Sunday we had a record high attendance. We have had higher attendance on holiday events like Christmas, etc. But this was the highest attendance we have had on a non holiday day. You say, "You must have been really excited." And my answer is "yes, and no". Yes in the sense that I am so glad that our church is growing. However, attendance is not my scoreboard any more. It used to be. I

Pastor Stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14822486077747984650noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7829761495181944386.post-44680469566034641582009-10-19T10:47:00.002-05:002009-10-19T10:49:49.832-05:00

On Thursday and Friday I went to the youth convention with youth from our church. It was a special event. The highlights where seeing kids connect with others kids. Kids who where on the fringes of the youth group feel like they really belonged. It was also inspiring to see the kids praising God and praying for one another. God is doing a great thing in our youth group and I feel honored to

Pastor Stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14822486077747984650noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7829761495181944386.post-55717519933735884052009-10-13T15:09:00.002-05:002009-10-13T15:12:23.513-05:00

A great sage once said, " I awoke and saw that life was service. I acted and behold service was Joy." That quote really spoke to me because it is when we out ourselves aside and serve others that we find true joy. Have you found the joy that comes from serving? Or are you as one person said, " Stuffed with self"?

Pastor Stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14822486077747984650noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7829761495181944386.post-36545709482267526132009-09-22T13:47:00.002-05:002009-09-22T13:51:44.148-05:00

I have been reading a book called Talented Teenagers. It has really blessed me. One of the core concepts it teaches is that everyone is talented. We are all just talented in different ways. Look for the talents in your kids. They might be different from yours. They might be different from what you would want them to be. But discover their talent and then seek to help them make a commitment

Pastor Stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14822486077747984650noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7829761495181944386.post-2881715039574941552009-08-11T15:00:00.002-05:002009-08-11T15:04:55.174-05:00

On my vacation, I felt like the Spirit of God had impressed upon me a few lessons:1. Where do you get your identity from? Cars, career, circumstances or Christ?2. Where do you go for comfort? Food. The Bottle. The bible calls the Holy Spirit the "comforter".3. Prayer is talking to God; meditation is God talking to us. We speak to God in words; he speaks in silence. Silence is "wordless

Pastor Stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14822486077747984650noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7829761495181944386.post-83274903924100085902009-06-23T14:02:00.001-05:002009-06-23T14:04:29.636-05:00

In the 8Th Habit, Steven Covey wrties, “…Over 90 percent of all communication problems are caused by differences in either semantics or perceptions. Again, semantics means the way you define words or terms. Perceptions means how your interpret data”.

Pastor Stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14822486077747984650noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7829761495181944386.post-47445094140859610482009-06-16T12:38:00.002-05:002009-06-16T12:41:05.275-05:00

The next time someone complains to you or criticizes you, don't get defensive. Instead, say, " Help me to understand..." It works wonders. Give it a try.

Pastor Stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14822486077747984650noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7829761495181944386.post-75744270746478482682009-05-26T13:42:00.001-05:002009-05-26T13:44:31.708-05:00

I spoke on hope in failure this past weekend. God seemed to really touch people through the message. If you weren't there Sunday, I would encourage you to get the tape. I found a great quote on failure that I Hope will bless you:Failure does not mean I'm a failure;It does mean I have not yet succeeded.Failure does not mean I have accomplished nothing;It does mean I have learned

Pastor Stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14822486077747984650noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7829761495181944386.post-52062808226597675322009-05-19T09:12:00.003-05:002009-05-19T09:14:51.062-05:00

I am reading a book called Practicing Greatness by Reggie McNeil. In it, he said that we can learn to respond to others in four unhealthy ways. Look Through them and become aware of what your tendency is and ask God to help you respond in healthier ways.Compliant Don’t want to hurt others feelings Hard time saying, “No” Need to always feel availableAvoid ant They put up huge walls

Pastor Stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14822486077747984650noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7829761495181944386.post-30867502892653134092009-05-13T13:52:00.003-05:002009-05-13T13:54:34.393-05:00

I read about the four keys tasks of leadership the other day:1. A leader accomplishes goals2. A leader provides innovation.3. Leader involves people in the mission.4. A leader works to keep team morale high.

Pastor Stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14822486077747984650noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7829761495181944386.post-91542110549210758252009-04-28T13:31:00.003-05:002009-04-28T13:35:22.910-05:00

Recently I have been devouring Christian biographies. I have read one on Oswald Chambers, A.W Tozier, David Brainerd, Hudson Taylor, and Jonathon Edwards. I am currently reading one on Robert Murray M'Cheyne, a pastor in the 19th century. In one of his sermons he talked about the THREE F's:1. Fret not (Don't worry. Ins tead, worship_2. Faint not (Don't quit).3. Fear notGood advice, isn't it!

Pastor Stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14822486077747984650noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7829761495181944386.post-81254870118425560652009-04-09T10:07:00.000-05:002009-04-09T10:08:23.796-05:00

Dear Friends,I am so excited about Sunday’s worship gathering. We are going to be doing something called a “Silent Parade”. People will be communicating through a sign, how God has changed their lives. You won’t want to miss it.I’ve written my message with a certain type of person in my mind. He has a good life, yet he feels empty. He has looked for satisfaction in all the wrong places. He

Pastor Stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14822486077747984650noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7829761495181944386.post-38364325200240687012009-03-17T10:29:00.002-05:002009-03-17T10:33:13.236-05:00

Today is St. Patrick's day. When many people think of him they think of beer and green shamrocks. St. Patrick was a great man of God. "God used him to Baptize tens of thousands of people. Plant over 700 churches, and ordain more then 1000 priests. With in his lifetime God used him and his team to convert 30 to 40 of the more then 150 tribes of Ireland", says George Hunter in The Celtic way

Pastor Stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14822486077747984650noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7829761495181944386.post-21292311926502758502009-03-12T18:55:00.000-05:002009-03-12T19:35:47.807-05:00

THE 7 CORE VALUES OFCOMMUNITY CELEBRATION CHURCH-------------------------1. REALWe believe that people should come as they are. God made them to be an original, not a carbon copy. One of the greatest mistakes they can make is to repress their God-given uniqueness in a vain attempt to appear more spiritual. Therefore, we are committed to helping them discover their uniqueness, celebrate it, and

Pastor Stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14822486077747984650noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7829761495181944386.post-84578056164442987882009-02-10T12:26:00.003-06:002009-02-23T12:14:45.903-06:00

Last Tuesday I spoke at the School of ministry. It is a school for people who are interviewing to be credentialed in our denomination. As I spoke, I reflected back on when I was in their shoes. Twelve years ago, I was in their shoes. I was wide eyed with the dream of being a pastor. I looked forward to serving the Lord in a local church. And as I reflect upon the past twelve years, I came to this

Pastor Stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14822486077747984650noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7829761495181944386.post-60103274790976691322009-02-10T12:26:00.002-06:002009-02-10T12:28:06.371-06:00

At our Men's fraternity this morning, Robert Lewis spelled out a compelling definition of man hood. He said that a manhood involves:- Resisting passivity-Accepts responsibility-Leads courageously-Looks forward to the greater reward, God's reward!

Pastor Stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14822486077747984650noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7829761495181944386.post-65267557082016592522009-02-04T11:01:00.002-06:002009-02-04T11:03:55.903-06:00

Last night Dalton and I watched The Andy Griffin Show. We laughed uproariously. I enjoy that show for many reasons. However, I enjoy the "slowness" if it. Back in May berry, people were not in such a hurry as they are today. I think we could learn a lot from Barnie, Andy, Ope, and Aunt May.

Pastor Stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14822486077747984650noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7829761495181944386.post-84693426472926398802009-01-28T11:32:00.001-06:002009-01-28T11:33:37.080-06:00

One word: "Please"Two words: "Thank you."Three words: "I love you"Four words: " How may I help"

Pastor Stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14822486077747984650noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7829761495181944386.post-70294376489197909472009-01-21T13:36:00.002-06:002009-01-21T13:41:00.930-06:00

A pastor asked a young boy this question, " If all the good people in the world where red and all the bad people green, what color would you be?" The boy though for a moment. He replied, " Pastor, I'd be streaky." I like that story. It reminds me that of a reality about me: I have and a "spirit" and "flesh". The spirit is the "good"; the flesh is the "bad". Which part of you are you feeding?

Pastor Stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14822486077747984650noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7829761495181944386.post-90251593962563977212009-01-13T10:11:00.002-06:002009-01-13T10:14:22.572-06:00

I found an interesting quote last night:Spirituality is lot like health. We all have health; we may have good health or poor health, but it is something we can't avoid having. The same is true of spirituality: every human being is a spiritual being. The question is not whether we "have spirituality" but whether the spirituality we have is a negative one that leads to isolation and

Pastor Stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14822486077747984650noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7829761495181944386.post-91280363761432582282009-01-07T13:18:00.001-06:002009-01-07T13:20:46.794-06:00

The quality of your life is often dictated by the quality of questions you ask yourself. Here are a few good questions to reflect on from time to time:How is it going?What am I learning?What are my goals? How can I help others?

Pastor Stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14822486077747984650noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7829761495181944386.post-59960650563399833452008-12-23T12:01:00.002-06:002008-12-23T12:04:52.835-06:00

Recently I read a book called the Six thinking Hats. It really blessed me. The thesis of the book is this: there are different ways to think. We can think in a positive way, or a negative way. We can think in an emotional way or a objective way. We can think in a creative way or an organization way. And the point is this: If I come to you with an idea and I am thinking in a positive, can do

Pastor Stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14822486077747984650noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7829761495181944386.post-80743000219469922302008-12-10T11:38:00.002-06:002008-12-10T11:43:07.569-06:00

We have been dealing with a lack of space? We presented the church a plan to deal with it? Our plan included a short term, mid-term, and long term remedy.Short-term-have kids go back to Sunday school right away during the 10:15 service.Mid-term- have 3rd serviceLong-term-Build an addition to our building. Our first step was to have the option available for kids to go back to their Sunday

Pastor Stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14822486077747984650noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7829761495181944386.post-88215884842307384382008-12-02T11:20:00.001-06:002008-12-02T11:21:43.755-06:00

The other day I sat down and asked this question: How can I redefine problems? Here is what I came up with:What is a problem?- An opportunity for God to bring good out of bad!- An opportunity to find meaning. It's in solving them that life has meaning.- An opportunity for work. With out them most of us would not have a job.- An opportunity for confidence. Yes, with

Pastor Stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14822486077747984650noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7829761495181944386.post-71075138524943073402008-11-26T14:28:00.002-06:002008-11-26T14:30:10.059-06:00

In his book Jesus of Nazareth, Pope Benedict XVI wrote, " Man knows himself only when he learns to understadn himself in the light of God, and he knows others only when he sees the mystery of God in them."

Pastor Stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14822486077747984650noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7829761495181944386.post-14916763414300750922008-11-20T12:26:00.000-06:002008-11-20T12:28:16.448-06:00

Forbid it Lord, that our roots become to firmly attached to this earth, that we should fall in love with things. Help us to understand that the pilgrimage of this life is but an introduction, a preface, a training school for what is to come. Then we see all of life in it’s true perspective. Then shall we not fall in love with the things of time, but come to love the things that endure. Then

Pastor Stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14822486077747984650noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7829761495181944386.post-1982926263484282552008-11-12T11:01:00.002-06:002008-11-12T11:06:01.276-06:00

Yesterday I spoke on the topic of conflict resolution to a group of pastors. I called it the "The Coward's Guide to Conflict." Why? I don't like dealing with conflict. In my natural state I would rather avoid it then deal with it. So I shared some things I have leanred a long the way:1. Am I prolonging the agony by postponing the surgery?2. Have I affirmed my commitment to the other

Pastor Stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14822486077747984650noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7829761495181944386.post-10417065710581941822008-11-10T12:19:00.002-06:002008-11-10T12:21:54.251-06:00

Yesterday we brought up the idea of going to a 3rd service. We are so full in our 2nd service that new people come in and probably think, "They don't have room for us." Here is what the results of that vote was:The people wanted a 3rd service on:Sunday Am-----22%Saturday night-73%Off site-2%Again, we are planning for the future. Nothing is in stone. We are seeking God's mind on this exciting

Pastor Stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14822486077747984650noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7829761495181944386.post-11986126483366240912008-11-05T11:01:00.001-06:002008-11-05T11:01:44.390-06:00

Six months into our church plant, the two most influential families had a fight. Nasty words were exchanged, battle lines drawn. Both sides began recruiting people to their cause. Something had to be done, but what? I held separate meetings with the two parties, but that just made things worse.“Lord, help me,” I prayed desperately. I set up another meeting with both families.Then I witnessed a

Pastor Stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14822486077747984650noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7829761495181944386.post-12326323604811171892008-11-03T12:19:00.003-06:002008-11-03T12:24:39.529-06:00

Last week we estimate that nearly 900 people came through our doors. We have our weekend services, our Wednesday night program, and our Harvest party. We give the praise, honor, and glory to God!One of our biggest challenges is running out of room. We have been praying and thinking about this great challenge. We plan to present a plan to congregation soon and get their input. One of our core

Pastor Stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14822486077747984650noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7829761495181944386.post-81898809129106758142008-10-29T12:38:00.002-05:002008-10-29T12:41:10.684-05:00

1. How can I make a contribution today?2. I will strive for the respect of people I respect!3. Become genuinely interested in people.4. Have I heard both side of the story?5. As ye sow, so shall ye reap. 6. I am right now in my own acre of diamonds. Possibilites surround me.7. Have I explored the different options?8. Others have done it, so I can do it.9. Begin with the end in mind.10. Pull the

Pastor Stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14822486077747984650noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7829761495181944386.post-66655119643682867102008-10-22T14:47:00.002-05:002008-10-22T14:51:17.274-05:00

Last night I started a list of "Attitudes that make a difference." I have about fifty so far. Let me share 10 with you today.1. This too will pass!2. God bless them, I forgive them, and wish them well.3. Everybody is entitled to their opinion.4. Inch by inch anything is a cynch.5. I am responsible for my response.6. People are brought into our lives to enrich us with their differences. 7. Wow,

Pastor Stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14822486077747984650noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7829761495181944386.post-44364085415679931852008-10-20T11:23:00.002-05:002008-10-20T11:29:35.968-05:00

On Friday we took off for Okoboji, Ia. My family has gone down there for years. We go to a resort called Cutty's. I have many fond memories of that place. It is very nestaligic to go there. Some of the highlights of the weekend where swimming, Swinging (on the swing set), and playing football. One afternoon I layed on the grass and watched the clouds go by. I also got a few zzzz's in. It

Pastor Stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14822486077747984650noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7829761495181944386.post-17753763981956651152008-10-15T09:43:00.002-05:002008-10-15T09:47:53.901-05:00

I am in a men's group on Tuesday mornings. It is wonderful. On Tuesday the speaker, Robert Lewis talked about five things our kids need from us as parents:1. Time together. ( When we spend time with our kids it puts weight in their soul)2. Life skills ( Teach them how to win in life. Don't keep them guessing)3. Direction ( Teach them a philosophy of life. Tell them what life is about)4.

Pastor Stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14822486077747984650noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7829761495181944386.post-56175339916681619082008-10-06T15:23:00.003-05:002008-10-07T08:29:03.829-05:00

I just got out of our staff meeting. We meet every Monday from 12:30-2:30. We begin with an ice-breaker. Why? We as a church place a high priority on Community, relationships,etc. We model that as a staff. After the ice breaker, we identity challenges and then brain storm how we can solve them. We had a very energizing staff meeting today. The staff feels like the church has really rallied around

Pastor Stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14822486077747984650noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7829761495181944386.post-68230872221985349912008-10-02T09:27:00.000-05:002008-10-02T09:28:30.087-05:00

1. "He brought me here. It is by His will I am in this strait place and in that fact I will rest."2. He will keep me here in His love and give me grace to behave as His child.3. Then he will make the trial a blessing, teaching me the lessons He intends for me to learn.4. In His good time He can bring me out again - how and when He knows.So let me say, I am (1) here by God's appointment; (2) in

Pastor Stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14822486077747984650noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7829761495181944386.post-64181711538293771622008-09-30T10:51:00.000-05:002008-09-30T10:54:50.432-05:00

FIVE CHARACTERISTICS OF SPIRITUAL LEADERSBy Henry Blackaby1. SPIRITUAL LEADERS MOVE PEOPLE FOM WHERE THEY ARE TO WHERE GOD WANTS THEM TO BE.2. SPIRITUAL LEADERS DEPEND ON THE HOLY SPIRIT 3. SPIRITUAL LEADERS ARE ACCOUNTABLE TO GOD.4. SPIRITUAL LEADERS CAN INFLUENCE ALL PEOPLE NOT JUST GOD’S PEOPLE.5. SPIRITUAL LEADERS WORK FROM GOD’S AGENDA-

Pastor Stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14822486077747984650noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7829761495181944386.post-32956255979619672742008-09-22T15:20:00.002-05:002008-09-22T15:31:42.806-05:00

What an amazing week of ministry!On Tuesday we started the men's fraternity. Around 17 men showed up. The material was wonderful. The guys also really connected with each others.I found out this morning that over 250 people from our church are in a small group (Including kids). Our Wednesday night program was wonderful. It was full of fun and chaos. We will have the chaos factor for over a

Pastor Stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14822486077747984650noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7829761495181944386.post-34121270295817928302008-09-08T12:16:00.002-05:002008-09-08T12:19:26.273-05:00

I came across this prayer a while back. It has been a real blessing to me: Lord, thank you for this sink of dirty dishes, we have plenty of food to eat.Thank you for this pile of dirty laundry, we have plenty of nice clothes to wear.And I would like to thank you, Lord, for those unmade beds. They were so warm and so comfortable last night. I know that many have no bed.My thanks to you, Lord, for

Pastor Stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14822486077747984650noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7829761495181944386.post-37284923321494941682008-09-02T13:42:00.002-05:002008-09-02T13:47:33.511-05:00

Yesterday we went to Lake City!The kids fought in the back seat almost the whole trip there. That wasn't fun. When we got there, however, we had fun. One of the highlights was feeding the Sea Gulls. We feed them bread. The kids loved it. (One of my greatest joys is seeing my kids joyful.)Tammy is quite the explorer. She and the kids searched the beach for stones. I took a short nap on the

Pastor Stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14822486077747984650noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7829761495181944386.post-88865053900175291452008-08-25T11:12:00.003-05:002008-08-25T11:16:10.383-05:00

Pastor Stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14822486077747984650noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7829761495181944386.post-84959277679762249802008-08-25T11:12:00.001-05:002008-08-25T11:13:34.492-05:00

Proverbs 17:22 says, "A cheerful heart is good medicine," and contemporary research seems to underscore this truth."Bob Hope made it to his 100th birthday, and so did George Burns. Coincidence? Maybe not, says Michael Irwin of UCLA's David Geffen School of Medicine and former adviser for the federally funded National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine. "Laughter releases

Pastor Stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14822486077747984650noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7829761495181944386.post-61642254169397873092008-08-11T11:28:00.002-05:002008-08-11T11:53:02.590-05:00

The other day I was driving in the car with Dalton and he said, “ Dad, do you know how I can tell whose going to win in a fight?” “ How can you tell who is going to win in a fight?” I replied. “The person who has more of Jesus… will always win," he said with complete assurance. After he said that I basked in his wisdom. I don’t know about you, but my kids teach me something every day. And it

Pastor Stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14822486077747984650noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7829761495181944386.post-11349073255441787312008-08-07T11:42:00.000-05:002008-08-07T11:43:30.726-05:00

In honor of Nelson Mandela's 90th birthday, Richard Stengel, managing editor of Time magazine, put together Mandela's eight lessons of leadership.Stengel writes: "[The lessons] are cobbled together from…conversations old and new and from observing [Mandela] up close and from afar. Many of them stem directly from his personal experience. All of them are calibrated to cause the best kind of trouble

Pastor Stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14822486077747984650noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7829761495181944386.post-69573436827581604702008-07-31T16:45:00.003-05:002008-07-31T16:51:07.653-05:00

Yesterday I was in the sanctuary praying. I found myself telling God what to do. I found myself trying to control situations I have no control over. After realizing what i was doing, a thought occured to me:Maybe prayer isn't so much about trying to control outcomes? Maybe it's more about resigning to God's will? Maybe it's not so much about getting done what i want done? Maybe it's more

Pastor Stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14822486077747984650noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7829761495181944386.post-65022147544550028932008-07-29T13:47:00.002-05:002008-07-29T13:50:40.585-05:00

I came across something once called the Peace Maker's Pledge. It was made by Ken Sande. I recommend his excellent book: The Peace Maker: A biblical guide to resolving personal conflict. The Peacemaker's PledgeA Commitment to Biblical Conflict Resolution As people reconciled to God by the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, we believe that we are called to respond to conflict in a

Pastor Stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14822486077747984650noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7829761495181944386.post-41339630980673715922008-07-21T15:41:00.002-05:002008-07-21T15:47:38.552-05:00

What makes a vacation meaningful to you? I asked at our last staff meeting. I would like you to think about that question. Here is how I would answer that question:1. Rest- I want to feel "refueled" when I get back from a vacation. Therefore, I enjoy taking naps and trying to get as much rest as I can.2. Recreation- I like to have fun and do different things that I normally do. For example, I

Pastor Stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14822486077747984650noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7829761495181944386.post-1940503821824503532008-06-17T11:43:00.001-05:002008-06-17T11:45:26.471-05:00

On Sunday afternoon, Dalton asked me a question I think every man is asking of his wife. He asked, " Dad, are you proud of me?" Are you proud of your husband? Do you let him know you are? William Harley wrote His needs, Her needs. In it he writes, "You’ve heard the saying, “Behind every great man is a great woman.” I’d like to amend it to make… “Behind every man should be an admiring woman.”

Pastor Stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14822486077747984650noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7829761495181944386.post-17684581179059661632008-06-03T12:28:00.002-05:002008-06-03T12:34:19.700-05:00

There is a show called, "Last comic standing." On Saturday, I saw the last building standing of Rice Lake, MN. "Let's go exploring," I told Tammy on Saturday morning. We packed a picnic lunch, put the kids in the car and headed for Rice Lake State Park. On our way to the park, we saw a old church building. We stopped and explored. We found out that that building is the last building of a

Pastor Stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14822486077747984650noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7829761495181944386.post-24832270462960000932008-05-29T11:17:00.002-05:002008-05-29T11:24:34.343-05:00

Recentely I have come across a thought that has challenged me. It is: Let God evaluate your life. That sentence speaks to me because, as a recovering people pleaser, I can tend to let people's evaluation come before God's. I can tend to connect my worth to people's opinion of me. I can tend to let their evaluation didcate my moods. And after years of struggling with this I have learned: If

Pastor Stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14822486077747984650noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7829761495181944386.post-17562792838090532822008-05-13T12:52:00.002-05:002008-05-13T13:02:29.524-05:00

I have been immersing myself in the life of a man named George Muller. He was born in 1805 and died in 1898. He was used by God to raise up orphanages, and in his lifetime his ministry tocuhed and cared for over 10, 024 orphans. What touched me the most about him, however, was his faith and strong belief in prayer. His single life purpose was to glorify God by helping people take God at his

Pastor Stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14822486077747984650noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7829761495181944386.post-72575880542112333572008-05-08T11:40:00.003-05:002008-05-08T11:44:15.270-05:00

I started reading a book yesterday on worship. It really, really blessed me. There where four ideas about corporate worship that really hit home. 1. How does God regard our worship? Many times we are so focused on others, we forget that worship is about God. 2. "Expect wonders," sats Bayor Asprin. We should expect wonders when we come to worship God. 3. We don't want people to watch worship;

Pastor Stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14822486077747984650noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7829761495181944386.post-67335529003422313672008-05-05T12:09:00.003-05:002008-05-05T12:12:23.010-05:00

Yesterday we had our last input meeting. We discussed our five year plane for the future. We listend to about half of the familes that come to CCC. What a smashing success. I was delighted to hear from all of you. Thank you for caring enough to share, we will consider your input prayerfully, and go from there.

Pastor Stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14822486077747984650noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7829761495181944386.post-35694100104061833382008-04-28T12:16:00.003-05:002008-04-28T12:21:04.309-05:00

On Thursday we left for my brother's house in Milton, WIsconsin. It is about four hours away. As we pulled out the drive way, Dalton said, " Are we almost there." It was a great get away. I felt very relaxed when we got back. While there, My kids got to play with all their cousins. They had a great time. We as a adults got to relax and eat too much. I asked Dalton what he enjoyed the most

Pastor Stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14822486077747984650noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7829761495181944386.post-60123637778179381802008-04-22T11:50:00.002-05:002008-04-22T11:53:46.979-05:00

In his book 7 Habits of Highly Effective people, Steven Covey taught me one of the most important principles I have ever learned: seek first to understand then to be understood. Here are some key thoughts on that important principle:1. Diagnose before you prescribe. The goal of empathetic listening is to deeply understand another from their frame of reference. Listen with the intent to

Pastor Stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14822486077747984650noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7829761495181944386.post-61976551369774180652008-04-16T11:53:00.003-05:002008-04-16T12:03:17.032-05:00

Last night we had our first class of "parenting for teenagers." It was one of the most moving classes I have ever been to. It taught me:1. It's tough being a kid today. We think they go to school and come home. We forget about all the pressure that is on them. After the class I wanted to go and hug every teenager I could. 2. Listen to your kids. During the class, I realized that I had been

Pastor Stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14822486077747984650noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7829761495181944386.post-49467158174668276052008-04-10T10:07:00.002-05:002008-04-10T10:11:37.834-05:00

I recently read about giving constructive criticism. The thing that blessed me the most was when we give people constructive criticism they should, " feel better and more capable of doing a better job in the future." With that in mind, here are the 7 steps:1. Protect their self esteem. “I think you are doing a great job and…”2. Focus on the future not the past. “Next time, why don’t we…”3.

Pastor Stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14822486077747984650noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7829761495181944386.post-35471449657692608282008-04-02T11:20:00.002-05:002008-04-02T11:25:33.131-05:00

I took Miracle to the Dentist this morning. On the way she was crying, "I don't want to go to the dentist." Once we got there we where led to a room. Then a very nice nurse made Miracle feel special. She let Miracle pick out stickers, a toothbrush, and a movie to watch. When we left, Miracle said, " I like the dentist." I wonder if people come to church with fear in their heart. "I don't

Pastor Stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14822486077747984650noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7829761495181944386.post-17385757294158552682008-03-27T16:27:00.001-05:002008-03-27T16:29:00.561-05:00

Yesterday I started a journal for Miracle. My goal is to periodically write about her and the things we have done together. I plan to give that journal to her, maybe when she graduates. I heard of this idea and I think it's a good one. I thought I'd pass it on!

Pastor Stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14822486077747984650noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7829761495181944386.post-43967440909392241282008-03-24T10:54:00.003-05:002008-03-24T14:09:50.445-05:00

I struggle with "leaving it at the office." If we have a problem (Many of us think that problems are bad. I don't. I have come to the conclusion that if there weren't any problems I wouldn't have a job. I am a professional problem solver. And so are you) at church, I can tend to take it home with me and Stew over it. As a result, I can be home physically, but not mentally. However, I have found

Pastor Stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14822486077747984650noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7829761495181944386.post-91320142381479991042008-03-20T11:06:00.002-05:002008-03-20T11:11:09.462-05:00

I am sitting in Pastor Sue's old office. Looking out the window as I write, enjoying the sunshine. For the last year and a half, I had my office up stairs. I hated it. I felt like I was in a dark dungeon. I missed the light. Thank God I am back in the light again. I don't know about you, but I am excited about spring and summer. It has been a long winter. But that is just going to make

Pastor Stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14822486077747984650noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7829761495181944386.post-70398281593675862592008-03-17T14:07:00.003-05:002008-03-17T14:14:18.959-05:00

Are you a good worrier? If so, think about this. When you are worrying what are you doing? You are practicing NEGATIVE "What if" thinking. What if I loose my job and can't pay the bills? What if I make that speech and choke? What if I talk to that person and they reject me? Notice that you are imagining the worst case scenario. What if you where to imagine the best case scenario? What if I

Pastor Stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14822486077747984650noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7829761495181944386.post-35515664175437440312008-03-13T10:54:00.002-05:002008-03-13T10:58:04.744-05:00

Do you struggle with a inferiority complex? Many people do. Where does this come from? I am not sure. But I was reading this week and I found a good quote. I am not inferior. I am not superior. I just am. In other words, many times we think we have to live up the "standards" of others. We have to look like them. We have to dress like them. We have to have their personaility. Wrong. God

Pastor Stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14822486077747984650noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7829761495181944386.post-79850704195721973322008-02-27T14:02:00.003-06:002008-02-27T14:08:54.969-06:00

Yesterday I spoke at the school of ministry. The school of ministry is a conference that newly credentialed ministers go through in our fellowship. It is a great honor to be able to speak at this conference. One of the things that I told them is that for the past 10 years I have been in the "school of ministry". God has used the ministry to stretch me and grow me. Much of that growth has come

Pastor Stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14822486077747984650noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7829761495181944386.post-78601963572106951142008-02-19T09:56:00.002-06:002008-02-19T10:05:29.890-06:00

I struggle with "practical Atheism." In short, many times I find myself acting as if there is no God. I confess with my mouth that there is a God. But many times my lifestyle says other wise. The other day I was reading in my bible and I reaized that I had been neglecting my life-giving connection with God. When I do that, I tend to try and face problems and challenges in my strength. " How

Pastor Stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14822486077747984650noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7829761495181944386.post-19104967326182915252008-02-11T13:56:00.001-06:002008-02-11T14:05:56.958-06:00

On Sunday night I was driving to our basketball game and I was extremely nervous. My heart was racing. My palms were sweating. My mind was planning what to do and what not to do. Why are you so nervous? I thought to myself.As I thought about it. I found the answer. I didn't want to lose. I don't like to lose. I am highly competitive. As my mind was processing this. I remembered something I

Pastor Stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14822486077747984650noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7829761495181944386.post-12036646688391487122008-01-22T13:19:00.000-06:002008-01-22T13:32:36.444-06:00

"We don't have heat or water," said the voice on the other line. It was a lady from the day care we send Miracle to. I thanked God for heat and water. Because of the heat and water issue, I got to stay home with Miracle. I got another surprise. Dalton woke up sick. So the three of us stayed home on Monday. I nursed my sick boy, worked on messages, and tried to play with Miracle.The high light

Pastor Stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14822486077747984650noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7829761495181944386.post-16098302596697194462008-01-17T10:45:00.000-06:002008-01-17T10:58:29.187-06:00

As you know, we are in a process of thinking about our next five years as a church. Some would ask, "Why plan?"I like what Edward Dayton says in his book God's purposes/Man's plans:The entire concept of Christian planning is based on the premise that God would have us know Him more fully and that He desires to reveal His will for our lives and for His church...Inherent in planning is the end

Pastor Stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14822486077747984650noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7829761495181944386.post-60604839025873728192008-01-08T14:08:00.000-06:002008-01-08T14:12:05.062-06:00

For the past week or so Tammy and I had been struggling in our relationship. We weren’t communicating. We had some areas of contention that we just couldn’t seem to get past. These differences weighed heavy on our hearts. And because we couldn’t seem to work through them, It was if their was an unseen wall was slowly being erected between us. Now it wasn’t that we didn’t try and resolve the

Pastor Stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14822486077747984650noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7829761495181944386.post-68355263997773585762007-12-20T15:00:00.000-06:002007-12-20T15:32:24.307-06:00

I did a book report in a staff meeting a while back. It was an excellent book. The author of the book is Dale Burke. The theme of the book is: How to lead and still have a life. Some key points I picked up are:1. The parable of the talent teaches us that we are to maximize whatever talent we have. We are to not try and muster up talent we don’t have, but recognize and maximize the talents we do

Pastor Stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14822486077747984650noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7829761495181944386.post-41683504420289679102007-12-13T16:51:00.000-06:002007-12-13T17:04:02.650-06:00

THE INNER EAR"Steve, get out of the office," I heard the still, small voice with in say. I have all this stuff to do, was my first thought. I decided to listen to the nudge. As I got in my car and drove to Kasson, I felt like I was suppose to go to a particular store. I have to pick up Dalton in 20 minutes. I don't have time to shop, I thought. God didn't send me there to shop, I learned

Pastor Stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14822486077747984650noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7829761495181944386.post-36152534414722185622007-12-05T14:05:00.000-06:002007-12-05T14:09:52.115-06:00

12-5-07Here are some key thoughts from a book I read a while back called: Fighting for Your Marriage!1. The number one key to a strong relationship is mutual honor. “The simple reality is the most of us are least honoring to those we love the most.” (27)2. Women tend to want to talk more; men tend to want to fight less. Women tend to want to deal with the conflict. Men tend to clam up (29).3.

Pastor Stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14822486077747984650noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7829761495181944386.post-53855350868131234852007-11-29T14:43:00.000-06:002007-11-29T14:45:27.355-06:00

11-29-07I would recommend any book by Dallas Willard. He is a great thinker and writer. He does a good job of re-defining some common used words in Christianity. DisciplePopular definition: One who is serious about church involvementWillard's definition: One learning to live their life as Jesus would if he were they. An apprentice of Jesus.SalvationPopular definition: Going to heaven, not hell

Pastor Stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14822486077747984650noreply@blogger.com0