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The Request Lines Are Now Open

The Request Lines Are Now Open

by | Nov 18, 2010 | Christian, Christianity, Communication, Preaching, Sunday Worship Experience

I grew up in an era when radio stations would open their request lines (usually late night) for listeners to call in and hear their favorite songs.  Listeners would share what’s on their hearts or dedicate special songs to their loved ones.  Lately I’ve noticed how many cable stations such as BET, MTV, & VH1 allow their viewers to do the same.

Well, since it works for radio and Cable TV stations, I thought it would be a great to hear from YOU!   Each year in November our team breaks away for our annual teaching calendar planning retreat where we lay out a general idea of where we sense God wants to take us over this next year in terms of teaching and subject matter.   For two weeks, we will spend the next several hours focusing on praying, planning, and brainstorming.  So please pray for us!

But here’s my BIG question for all of you….

What topics/subjects would YOU like to hear teaching on?

I’d love to hear your ideas!  So please leave a comment!

Maybe your feedback will spark a great idea for Mars Hill or even others over this next year!

FYI…YOU DON’T HAVE TO ATTEND OUR CHURCH TO RESPOND!

The Request Lines Are Now Open

Why Are Churches Still Segregated In 2010?

by | Nov 16, 2010 | Christian, Christianity, Church Issues, Current Affairs, Race, Relationships, Teamwork

A couple of years ago, I wrote a blog series entitled “Jungle Fever.” This series took a look at the racial differences between African-American and White churches.  This series touched on how churches are still segregated and it appears this dynamic won’t change soon.  Additionally, I shared the differences between black preachers and white preachers.  Finally, I touched on how remarkably different blacks and whites dress when they attend worship.  It was a great series that generated several comments.  You can read more about it HERE.

There are many reasons why Sunday mornings continue to be the most segregated day of the week.  This video excerpt from the documentary, “Baptists and Racism,” attempts to address some of them.

Why do you think the Body of Christ remains segregated so many decades after the civil rights movement?  In my opinion, any time you call upon the majority group to divest themselves of power and influence, you’ll have fear, insecurity, and skepticism.  In short, they’ll passively sabotage any progress towards inclusion and multiculturalism.

Question: What do you believe are the fundamental reasons churches are segregated?

The Request Lines Are Now Open

A Sure Way To Write A Personal Vision Statement

by | Nov 15, 2010 | Accountability, Communication, Empowerment, Personal, Self-Leadership, Success, Vision

You have a purpose in life.  Let me repeat: You have a purpose in life!  You know in your heart what’s most important to you.

What Is A Personal Vision Statement?

A personal vision statement is a preferred picture of what could be and what should be in your life.  Additionally, it’s a plan for people to accomplish the goals they set.  It shapes your identity and crystallizes principles which are important to you, and supplies a foundation on which to build a preferred picture of the future.  In short, it communicates who you are and what you plan to accomplish.  A personal vision statement can be based on your mission, goal, or your passion.

(more…)

The Request Lines Are Now Open

Friday's Top Five Lessons Learned

by | Nov 12, 2010 | Leadership, Mind Dump, Top 5

I’m trying something new.  My Moleskine notebook’s filled with random thoughts, devotionals, leadership lessons and principles, and inspirational thoughts from the Holy Spirit.  Every Friday, I’ve decided to share my “Top 5” lessons learned, ideas, and leadership principles with my blog family.

Here what’s swirling around in my mind:

  1. No matter how many sermons or Bible studies I lead, people won’t grow unless they have a desire to grow.  The saying is true: “You can lead a horse to water, but you cannot make them drink.”
  2. John Maxwell says: “People don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care!”  That’s true: Most African-Americans want to be able to touch their pastor & know that he loves them.
  3. Build bridges before you ask for anything.  People won’t readily commit until they can trust you.  The only way to build trust is through time and consistency.
  4. Great visions from God force you to ask the types of questions that lead to greater dependence on God.
  5. My days are filled with meaningful work for which I have a sustainable passion.

Question: What did you learn this week?

The Request Lines Are Now Open

The Test Of A Man

by | Nov 10, 2010 | Accountability, Decisions, Empowerment, Personal, Relationships, Self-Leadership, Teamwork

To say I’m excited about mentoring a fine group of men is an understatement.  In fact – I’m ECSTATIC!  How often are we allowed the chance to impart and pour our lives into others?  I told our men that this will be one of the most difficult assignments they’ll ever encounter.  I will teach them…stretch them…develop them…train them…correct them…as they transition into fine Christian leaders in their homes, communities, and church.

(Praying for our Men of Promise. Sunday, November 7, 2010)

I crossed the burning sands of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., on March 4, 1987 @ 10:54:35pm while attending Jackson State University in Jackson, MS.  While pledging* (The Men of Alpha Phi Alpha DO NOT participate in or condone any form of hazing :-D), my line (The Naughty 9) read poems that instilled hope and inspiration.  The inspiration from these poems gave us the strength to reach towards the finishing line.  I shared with the Men of Promise how nothing great comes without sacrifice, dedication, and hard work.  Therefore, I believe this poem, “The Test of a Man” will prove beneficial to their development.

THE TEST OF A MAN

(Author Unknown)

The test of a man is the fight that he makes,

The grit that he daily shows;

The way he stands upon his feet,

And takes life’s numerous bumps and blows.

A coward can smile when there’s naught to fear.

And nothing his progress bars,

But it takes a man to stand and cheer,

While the other fellow stars.

It isn’t the victory after all

But the fight that a Brother makes.

A man when driven against the wall, still stands

erect and takes the blows of fate with his head held high,

bleeding and bruised and pale,

Is the man who will win and fate defied,

For he isn’t afraid to fail.

Question:  What Scriptures, poems, or quotes get you through the day?