In Your Own Words

 Meeting people where they are does not mean leaving them there

It is plastered on nearly everything that Life Path puts out there.  It is a mantra that is designed to keep us operating on a mission rather than remaining meaningless.  It is our vow to remain meaningful and missional while making a difference.  It is at the core of Life Path's mission and existence.

I was recently forced to revisit my whole venture into ministry and social services.  I question the notion that the two are not the same.  If we are engaged in true ministry, we will perform some sort of social service to assist those around us get what they need to go further and grow to become more and more of who God has destined them to become in this life.  I truly have a problem seeing a difference from where I stand today.

Nevertheless, after searching my soul and looking deeper and deeper into what I have been called to do, I realize that I have to work further to maintain this mantra as a check-in to start and end my day.

• Have I met people where they are?
• Have left people where I met them?
• Could I do more or better?

In ministry, I must ask these questions.  At work, I must ask these questions.  I must ask these questions of every faith-based effort that I engage in daily.  I must ask these same questions of every community-based venture that I am involved in daily.  I have to ask it of myself as work in a nonprofit setting.  I must ask these same questions of myself as I work on for-profit models that will support the youth work that I plan to offer the youth within my community.

It is reflected in my work.  It is reflected in my writing.  It is reflected in the ministry and service that I aim to offer beyond anything that I have done so far.  Join me in the journey.

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Time Well Spent

Recently, I spent some time away at a training in the La Jolla area of San Diego.  Known for its picturesque beaches and scenery, this area makes one recall thatlife is a great adventure.  You begin to wonder how much of the adventure you have taken advantage of or simply avoided over the years.

The training refreshed me spiritually and otherwise.  Also, it renewed my vision and focus.  I even made a connection with an old friend who had been just as busy as I have lately.   We committed to getting together and making things happen for the benefit of our communities and the generation coming up after us.

All in all, I would have to say that it was truly time well spent.  I thank God for the opportunity to have been selected from among my peers to gain this training and experience as well as the responsibility to bring back what I have learned to the larger group.

Intensify Inclusion

There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.- Galatians 3:28 (NLT)

There are some who consider their congregations "open," but their reality is something entirely different.  However, some of the churches that come out of a background of putting the protest in Protestant find it difficult to include all others when those others support gay marriage, abortion or legalized marijuana.  These churches are open in the name of Jesus, but they must remain mindful to stick to the way of Jesus.

Open Hearts, Open Minds, Open Doors. The people of The United Methodist Church.

I used to live near a Methodist church that prominently posted this slogan on its marquee and advertisements.   Open Hearts... Open Minds... Open Doors... Open what? I keep wondering just how "open" they are.  Are there doors more open than their hearts and minds? I should hope not, seeing as how I know some well-meaning Methodists and Wesleyans.

Our churches need to intensify their inclusion.  America has its first African-American president in Barak Obama.  Now, as we go forward in faith, let us open up and crank up our inclusion of others. 

Let us become:

• More Intense with Inclusion
• More Intentional with Inclusion
• More Inclusive with Inclusion

Does your church invest in supporting underserved community members with necessary programs? Is your church campus a safe haven for at-risk youth and abused women and their families? Can those in recovery walk into your church without the shadow of shame? Can those returning from prison and jail enter your congregation without being judged and condemned all over again?

I love the story of Rick Warren and Saddleback Church's origin as told in the Purpose Driven Church.  Warren shares that the ministries at Saddleback were developed based upon the needs of the people who came to the church.  He developed ministries that helped meeting the needs of people who came to them and who lived around them. 

As you help others get better and to live differently, they become the spokespeople for what is possible within your church.  Ex-addicts go back and share the Word with other addicts who struggle with addiction.  Former gang members and drug dealers spread the word on the streets of what your church has done for them since they met Jesus at your church's altar.  Your job? Keep intensifying your inclusion.  Touch lives like never before.  Make a difference in the lives of people who attend your worship services and who live around and near your church.  Remain open to innovative and inventive ways to invite and include people to be part of the family since we are all one in Christ Jesus.

On a Mission

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On a Mission

It truly is personal. On a personal level, I mean, God gives each of us a mission to undertake in His name. He has something for each of us. There is work set side for each of us based upon how He blesses us with special spiritual gifts. Take the time to pray and fast, seeking God's guidance on what He has for you. Truly, we see it on a personal level from time to time and begin to realize how much we should count on God for what we need to fulfill what He is calling us to do. Hear from Him today and take the initiative to follow what He has for you...


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Check out the words of a man of God about God's Word and this life at http://revbruce.wordpress.com on a daily basis.





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Why We Exist

Your mission simply states why your entity, business or organization exists. It says who you are, what you do, and why and how you do what you do. In most cases, it even shares who should benefit from what you do.

"The Christian church exists to worship God first of all."- A.W. Tozer

"Our ultimate purpose to glorify God." - John Wesley

"Let everything that hath breath praise the Lord." - Psalm 150:6 (KJV)

Look at why we exist as Christians. Our name speaks of it. We are called 'Christians,' the "Christ followers" (Acts 11:26). We are His, bought with the high price of precious blood and brought into fellowship with our heavenly Father through Christ's sacrifice. Our purpose is to glorify God in everything, word or deed. Let us live out our purpose as true believers.

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Check out Rev. Bruce's other blog post @ http://revbruce.wordpress.com/2010/01/09/make-disciples-2/ and see what we should do about making disciples in His name.

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I am convinced that we need to have an approach to ministry that includes training and developing "new" Christians to serve. We value experience, but we must be sure to provide such Christians with experience and support in spreading the gospel and growing the Lord's kingdom. We can do this by allowing "new" Christians to shadow experienced brothers and sisters in service and by sharing testimonies with others.

Next Steps

The next steps that we need to take when launching our venture will be revealed to us in time. We get information on a "need-to-know" basis. We get what we need to know when we need to know it. It may seem to be the 11th hour, but we need to be prepared for when it comes our way. in that moment, we need to be attentive and ready for action.

Our next steps should include keeping a watchful eye open for what comes next. We may also need to keep our ears open for what the Lord may have to say and share with us. Best of all, we need to be ready for whatever is next. Are you open for what's next?

http://revbruce.wordpress.com

http://revbruce.wordpress.com/2009/12/03/watch-out/

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Planning the Path

Habakkuk 2:2-3

We can find ourselves totally off course. I mean we can just be off track and headed in the wrong direction. What we need to do when this happens is simple and makes good sense. We need to get back to the point of the mission and purpose. We need to return to what originally motivated us in the first place. From there, we can stick to the plan and head down the right path.
Limit the lip service. Stop simply speaking about it. Start doing something about the issues. Now is the best time to get back on track and get yourself aligned with your goals again. Plan your path.

More to Think On

Set your mind on the things above. . .
-Colossians 3:2

It can be said that many of us look to the Lord for guidance on how to manage and maneuver our way through the day-to-day mess that we have before us. However, the words of Paul share with us that we should think on the "things above," not merely earthly matters. Earthly matters can busy and bother us, but those things above give us something to look forward to beyond our daily lives. When we focus on the things above, we also agree with the Holy Spirit that there are matters that are far more important than what's for dinner or what may be on t.v. tonight.

Ask yourself whether your thoughts are upon the things that God wants you to think about daily? Think about where you have placed your thoughts and concerns. Your thoughts, just like your steps, ought to be ordered by the Lord. Was that last thought that flashed in your head meant to direct you or distract you? Is that image that went through your mind what God means for you to focus upon for the day or what is meant for you to discard for the remainder of your days? Think over those thoughts, images, ideas, and notions. Keep on with what's from God. Discard what is not about the kingdom of God.

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Keep your mission in mind. Know why you do what you do. Your purpose speaks about your pursuits and should speak from your passion. I oftentimes refer to those who teach on leadership and business such as John C. Maxwell, Peter Drucker, and Bob Briner. Visit www.sba.gov or www.biz.gov for more guidance.
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Never give up on a sincere prayer. Jesus taught that men should always pray and not lose heart (Luke 18:1). In fact, Paul even stated:"Pray without ceasing"( 1 Thessalonians 5:17). Continue in prayer and focus your efforts on keeping abreast of those prayers answered by God. Keep holding on. He may still deliver more blessings.