Dan Cooley's Blog, page 32

Will This Win?

Can we do it? Can we really win?

The Orange Church Conference is offering 5-free tickets for the best letter asking for them. We need 'em. Here is our plea (but without the cool pictures that make it more fun...

Greetings Orange Conference People,

Here are our "top 10" reasons for awarding 5 registrations for Orange 2012 to the Ministry Team of Cottonwood Church of Rio Rancho, NM.


1.    We're Stoked. Last year we took up some special offerings with orange envelopes in order to send Susan, our Children's Director, to the conference. We were shocked as people who were already familiar with and sold on Orange, gave enough for the bus ticket, used tent, Orange ticket and MRE meals (I lie. She flew and had a cool hotel with unlimited happy meals.) Susan came back stoked, and her energy has been contagious. Her "Boot Camp" (teacher training) has the children's leaders, parents, and now youth leaders catching the Orange virus. Shoot – she even forces us to eat "Orange Pops" for snacks. (We don't mind so much, they're chocolate inside.)

2.    We need Orange Counseling. We're a 13 year old church from Albuquerque that restarted three years ago in an elementary school in Rio Rancho, NM. We average around 120 people on Sunday. We have taken our staff (OK, 1 full-time pastor, a 1/3 time worship pastor and a 4 phenomenal volunteers) and elders through Seven Practices of Effective Ministry and Next Generation Leader.  As a result we are updating our vision and focusing on "wins" through discipleship. 2012 is the year of the MOVE for us (stealing from last year's conference). But, we really need more training to make it the game-changing experience it could be. And, the problem is…

3.    We're Destitute. Well, not quite – but close enough. We still give to Haiti (Maranatha Children's Home, and are saving to build a well), as well as going there on mission trips. We also give to families in need at the school we rent - but we've have had to reduce our own operating budget yet again for 2012. Cutting sucks. We can take special offerings to send one person to Orange again, but at this rate the process of integrating Orange throughout all ages is a bit like driving cross-country on a moped. We will get there – but when? We are hoping/praying/willing-to-bribe for the 5-free-tickets. That would be a bit like driving cross-country in a Ferrari. Do you like orange pops?

4.    We're Odd. Other churches give flowers at child dedication. We give real, wooden, orange arrows. The idea comes from Psalms 127:4 "Children born to a young man are like arrows…", and wanting to find creative ways to connect Sunday Morning with Orange. Jesus helped odd people. You should too.

5.    We're Dangerous. Out here, to reach out to other men, we go Jeepin' and Shootin'. For graduation our girls receive daggers, our guys swords. Each of these milestone gifts are engraved with Scripture demonstrating their next step in Christ. But they still cut and shoot. And, we are really bad losers. And we know where you meet.

6.    We Want to Win. After going through the Seven Practices of Effective Ministry, we generically defined a win for us as "when we enable someone to take one step closer to becoming what God intends for them." Each ministry defined a win for their ministry using this as a guide. As a church we want every ministry, every believer/minister to be enabled to take their next step (MOVE) towards Christ. We believe Orange is a key component in making this vision a reality, and the conference would help our other ministry leaders to fully understand and implement the vision. If we lose now, of course, it would all be your fault.

7.    We've Never Done This Before. We've never been able to attend a conference together. Not nowhere. Not no how. It's always been hit-and-miss. Maybe a few going to the Willow Leadership telecast, or a couple going to a conference in the Dallas area. But for all our staff to go to a conference together, with every major ministry area represented – wow! That would be like opening all your Christmas gifts and realizing you are in Ground Hog Day. (What - you aren't familiar with Bill Murray's greatest role before Zombieland? You are sadly young.)

8.    We're a Team. Check out http://www.christianitytoday.com/le/2.... It's an article we team wrote on team teaching for Leadership Journal. From the nursery to the sermons we do things together. The way we are wired, we just can't do Orange in a kid's ministry vacuum.

9.    We're Alive! Six other portable churches in our immediate area have closed since the recession hit in late '08. God has been gracious to keep us going. Lives are being changed and we believe it's time for us to step up to become the most biblical, healthy, fun, efficient community of disciple-making believers on the planet. Later we'll push for a big goal. Meanwhile Orange can help us make this one a reality.

10.    Cottonwood Trees are Orange. Inside. Kind of. We want to be Orange inside too. Will you help us?

Amazing Story!

Sai looked over at his wife, Tav. She was holding tight their four year old daughter as the mob closed in on them. The knife and stick wielding attackers had come to 'teach them a lesson for preaching Jesus'. As blows began to rain upon Sai, he looked at his daughter and wife one more time and closed his eyes. His thoughts flashed back to the day when he had decided to follow Jesus, and there was no turning back!

Dan here. I received this letter from my good friend and ministry leader in Canada, Ron Pierce. Through Empower Ministries, Ron connects with the most amazing true stories, revivals,  and heroes of the faith around the world. Back to our story...

Sai was about eleven years old when his mother fell sick. The animal sacrifices and the village sorcerer could not cast off what they believed was an 'evil spell' on her. Finally, when her condition grew worse they carried her to the nearest town hospital. She was diagnosed with a 'severe form of tumor.' Meanwhile, the cost of medicine became an unbearable burden for this poor village family. The possibility of becoming slaves to money lenders loomed ahead. It was then that someone told them about "Jesus' Saints" who were visiting their village.

Sai's family carried his sick mother to the village prayer meeting. "The words of the evangelist were words of hope and peace," says Sai. The sick mother felt something touch her when the evangelist prayed for her that night.

A few days later the family gathered enough money and took Sai's mother for surgery. But, the doctors could not find any trace of the tumor. Sai recalled, "The shocked doctor called us in and informed us that the latest x-ray taken could not locate any tumor."

The family returned praising God and soon put their complete faith in Jesus Christ! The father, out of gratitude, bent his knees and dedicated his twelve year old son, Sai, to God.

As Sai grew older, he wanted to take this 'Holy Gospel', the same message of freedom that had set their family free, to others 'who had never seen the light'! Finally, when he came of age, he went to study the Word of God in one of our regional Bible Schools. Upon graduation, he went to one of the harshest places in the India, a state ruled by a fiercely anti-Christian party and with anti-conversion law in place. In spite of great hardships, including hunger and life threats, Sai and his wife, Tav, planted four churches in villages where the Gospel had never been preached before. One of these villages was Sarai.

On the fateful day when the attackers arrived, the small village church at Sarai had finished their three-hour long worship service. As the believers were fellowshipping, they saw a jeep and sixteen motorbikes roar into the village. There were about seventy people, some carrying knives, sticks and other instruments of attack. The believers froze in fear as the vehicles screeched to a halt in front of their hut.

The screaming men ran to attack the believers. Tav instinctively put her body over her daughter as the attackers began to beat her. They then began to hit her in her stomach and as she fell down, they pounced upon her. Sai, too, fell to the ground as he was beaten with sticks. He was then dragged onto the road, as the mob continued to fiercely beat and kick at his limp body. Their four-year-old daughter was also beaten and thrown on the ground.

"We knew that we would be killed. I closed my eyes and put my hands over my ears, so I was unable to hear the screams of my family," says Sai.

Meanwhile, someone informed the police outpost of the attack. The police came and arrested Sai, Tav, and their daughter. The mob followed them to the police station. The crowd began to swell and grew restless as they demanded Sai and his wife to be released so they could be killed. They then began to make plans to burn the jail. Only when the police informed the mob that a criminal case was registered against Sai and Tav for 'forced conversion' did the angry crowd leave.

Sai and Tav were locked up in different cells. Their daughter was housed with Tav. In the jail, Tav was again slapped and kicked by the mocking police. As Tav held her hurting head and cried, their four-year-old daughter put her small hands around the mother and said, "Do not worry mother. Jesus is with us. He will deliver us." Tav wiped her tears and held her daughter.

I am reminded of the message in Scripture: "The Apostles went rejoicing, rejoicing because they had been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the Name." (in Aby's words taken from Acts 5:40-41)

Sai lay curled up in his cell. His body was swollen and was painfully hurting from the severe blows he had suffered. Soon, he began to pass loose stool with tinges of blood. "I did not sleep that night. I passed loose stool about twenty times that first night." The police refused any medical treatment. They told me, "You will never get out of the jail!"

The next morning Tav said to herself, "Today is Sunday. If we were at home, we would be worshipping with fellow believers. Why should the jail stopSal us from worshipping my Lord?" Tav began to hum a hymn in their language, Pawri. As the words filtered into Sai's cell, he smiled. He dragged his body into an upright position and joined in singing the hymn from his cell.

As the voices and hearts of Sai and Tav began to join in worship, the convicts grew quiet. However, a few of the lady jailers began to get restless. Then, one of them began to sway and scream wildly. "She has a demon," someone said. Two more lady jailers too began to manifest evil spirits powerfully. The demons could not stand still as the power of worship was unleashed. The police did not know what to do. Several men could not hold down the manifesting, demon-filled lady jailers.

Tav then looked at the policewomen who had beaten her and said, "Jesus can set them free. If you would like, I can pray for them to be set free." The police opened the jail gates for Tav.

Tav and her daughter held their torn clothes and walked up to the screaming ladies. She then began to pray for the jailers being oppressed by the demonic forces. One-by-one, each of them experienced complete deliverance. "We want to hear more," said the freed women. Later, all of them put their faith in Jesus Christ.

Emboldened, Sai and Tav began to witness to the other convicts in the jail. Many put their faith in Jesus Christ. They soon started a worship service for the convicts inside the jail and a separate one for the police, in the homes of one of the lady jailers.

Several days later, the jailers worked with our ministry leaders to secure the release of Sai and Tav. They are now released on bail. Sai and Tav have been asked to report to the court once a month. It is expected that the case will drag on for several long years.

"Our lives belong to our Lord. Even when I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for He is with me; His staff and rod comfort me," says the smiling Sai (in his words from Psalm 23).

Sai and Tav have moved on to plant a fifth church of about fifty pioneer believers. Last month, fifteen more people were baptized.

Listen to God, with ears wide open!

That's what I'm Talking About!

A Compassion Kid is now in Parliament! Check out the video clip here.

Wouldn't it be cool one day if it was a kid you had supported going to Parliament?

Haiti, once possibly the richest country on the planet, became the poorest in the Western Hemisphere. It was forgotten by all – by all but God. Then He started whispering to His people,

43 years ago Compassion International started working in Haiti. 22 Years ago Heartline Ministries in Haiti was born. 5 years ago Cottonwood Church started partnering with Heartline and Compassion. After the earthquake, Maranatha Children's Home spun off of Heartline. Saturday little Cottonwood church raised $3000.00 for Maranatha! Lord willing over Spring Break 2012 we will go to Maranatha, see our Compassion kids, AND get a glimpse of the site where we would like to help put in a well for clean water.

So, hey, if you want to support us going back to Haiti by giving through Paypal here and typing "Haiti" in the purpose block.  God is whispering. Support Cottonwood. Support a child through Compassion. You can help change the world.

That's what I'm talkin about!

Divine Input

God knows how many hairs are on Micah's head? (Lk 12:7) That really is all-knowing. It's probably easier for Him for to count mine, especially now that I'm over 50. But why should He care? God is transcendent?  OK. It's believing that God is here and cares about us that's tough. Believing in a God who is all-powerful – that's easy. Believing that He cares about me today – really? I know He made the universe, it's my over-sized ears and under-sized shoulders I wonder about.

God inspired the writers of the Bible - and the Bible is true in everything it teaches. I can buy that. But that God can inspire me – that He can and does whisper Divine input to guide my day-to-day life - that's a harder truth to purchase.

Have you never heard? Have you never understood? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of all the earth. He never grows weak or weary. No one can measure the depths of his understanding. He gives power to the weak and strength to the powerless.  Even youths will become weak and tired, and young men will fall in exhaustion. But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint. Isaiah 40:28 (NLT)

Rate-a-Wreck

Two wrecks on my birthday. Rate 'em.

First, it was Saturday noon (the day before my birthday), and Caleb and I were heading to the store. This wasn't just any store – it was Classic Audio to buy a new deck for my truck. The truck I love. We were heading out to buy a new deck for the truck I love for my birthday.

Across the parking lot came a possessed Subaru. Thankfully the Subaru did worse in the wreck than the truck.  That somehow made me feel better.

Second, it was Sunday evening (the day of my birthday) and I am heading up the stairs to see Micah. This wasn't just any Micah – it was my son Micah. The son I love (well, one of them. That came out rather badly).

On the sofa sat two possessed "friends," (a not-to-be named daughter of mine, and a wanna-be son-in-law) putting dreads in my son's hair. Getting a blessing for this wedding may now require a hefty bribe. That would definitely make me feel better.

Rate-a-Wreck- which is worse?

1 - The Wrecked Truck?   2 - The Wrecked Hair?   3 - Kevin Costner's Movies?

Not a Fan

The 700 club made ABC news last week. Many were shocked to hear Pat Robertson saying that he thought Alzheimer's was a legitimate justification for divorce.

Dr. Amanda Smith, medical director at the University of South Florida Health Alzheimer's Center in Tampa said, "To condone abandoning one's spouse in the throes of this mind-robbing illness is absurd. . . . While Alzheimer's certainly affects the dynamic of relationships, marriage vows are taken in sickness and in health."

Kyle Idleman, author of Not a Fan, Becoming a Completely Committed Follower of Jesus would agree with Amanda.

This book is, in some extent, an extension of the old "Easy Believism" vs "Lordship Salvation" war within evangelicalism that has been going on for decades. The last time this subject really hit the fan Charles Ryrie and John MacArthur (The Gospel According to Jesus) slugged it one out back in the 70s. But Kyle is a different kind of fighter.

Kyle is funny.

And, unlike Ryrie and MacArthur, Idleman humbly puts himself in the discussion.  It's extremely convicting.

The combination of wit (DON'T skip the footnotes), humility, Biblical examples and personal stories make this book my favorite for 2011. A MUST READ.

A typical off-the-wall comes from page 48: "The warning may be unnecessary, but in middle school I was blindsided by the sex ed class. Seems like my mom and dad should have given me some kind of advance notice. Something like, 'Hey son, heads-up, today your creepy math teacher will scar you for life when he explains where babies come from.'"

If you are truly interested in being a Follower of Jesus – not just a Fan, this book is a great place to start.

I Love My Job

I get to go rappelling, to my study or the coffee shop to study the Bible, to visit friends when they are in need without taking time off,  to Haiti with friends to help some cool missionaries any way I can, on 4wd drives, camping, etc. and that's while I'm AT work. Amazing.

It's good to enjoy these good times, as once in a while Satan gets through the defenses and raises hell. I as reading through a fun Dick Francis book this weekend called "Wild Horses." In it a movie director is going through one of those hellish times. After catching much grief he says to himself,  "Why, I often wondered, hadn't I settled for a useful occupation that didn't regularly lay itself open to public evaluation, like, say, delivering the mail."

It's a simple answer from my perspective. When I get out of the way and allow God to make me an effective pastor - then I'm employed in the most useful occupation on the planet. And often, as a bonus, God throws in a bucket of 4wd-rappelling-mission-trip fun.

Heaven will be like this I think. Studying the Bible in the mountains next to my Jeep in Haiti, with NO hellish times coming down the pike.

Meanwhile, I think this job is about as good as this planet gets.

Changing God

God isn't who I want Him to be. I think I'll change Him.

According to George Barna's just released new book Futurecast, Americans are now saying, "I believe in god. I believe the Bible is a good book. And then I believe whatever I want." A freeing belief, eh?

In Tuesday's USA Today Cathy Grossman wrote, "If World War II-era warbler Kate Smith sang today, her anthem could be Gods Bless America." It seems we're all busy making our own god.

This year a best-selling author and mega-church pastor sold around 200,000 copies of his book stating there is no future hell because, "love wins." Justice lost. At least no-hell sells.

This works for me in the "Does God talk to you?" discussion. I can pick and choose what I want to hear. In contrast the Bible is damned inconvenient. It's worse really. It's downright damning.

Changing God isn't new. 300 years ago French philosopher Voltaire said, "If God has made us in his image, we have returned him the favor." So, we follow the French.

I don't think God is impressed. But then, is anyone impressed when we follow the French?

God wins. God doesn't change. Our only question is, "How do we live a life worthy of the never-changing God?" (Eph 4:1)

Here's a cool 2 minute video on this topic from the One Minute Apologist. Enjoy.

 

Spreading The Word

OH BOY! This email just came in from Leadership weekly. I've been waiting for them to put my article online (it came out this summer in the Journal, part of Christianity Today).  It was cool to have them feature the article in the email. Here we go…   

Hello Friends,

I once attended a church with a pastor who wasn't fond of sharing teaching duties.

Well, that's putting it too nicely—the guy had a death grip on the pulpit.

Not only did he preach every Sunday, he led worship, and even made the announcements. The only time someone else preached was during his vacation. Even then it was a guest speaker of his choosing.

That's probably an extreme example, but I'm convinced that too many pastors log too many Sundays behind the pulpit. It isn't always about ego; I think most would love to let their churches learn from others (and who doesn't need a break?), but they lack a system to develop competent teachers.
That's why I loved Dan Cooley's article "Spreading the Word." Cooley's foray into team teaching was born of a crisis. He was in preaching rut and felt like he wasn't developing people. Team teaching turned out to be the solution. His article, which was coauthored with three of his students, shares how the practice helped the church and saved his ministry.

PASTOR'S ROLE

Spreading the Word
How team teaching helped our church and saved my ministry.
by Dan Cooley

Monday stank.

I was disappointed with the sermon I delivered on Sunday and I couldn't conceive of another one for next week. My email was full, last month's giving was down, and the fire marshal stopped by my office to deliver his own sermon about our inadequate exit signs. I entered the pastorate to do and equip others for ministry, I thought to myself. This wasn't what I signed up for.
| Finish this article |

 

God Talk

Does God talk to you?

When people say "God told me" it makes me nervous. Was His voice high or low? Does He still speak in Hebrew? Does He stutter?

I wonder if "taking the Lords name in vain" is saying "God told me" when He didn't.

But I now believe, when we were on our vacation this summer, God spoke to me. He talked to me about my sin, and "others."

Have I lost it?