by Clarence E. Stowers | Apr 22, 2013 | Christian, Christianity, Conference/Workshops, Mars Hill Baptist Church, Mind Dump
I love history! It gives you an opportunity to learn about your past and stand on the shoulders of giants. What’s more exciting than learning history is MAKING history. That’s exactly what we’re doing at the Mars Hill Baptist Church of Chicago. We’re celebrating our 50th Anniversary with events planned throughout 2013.
Celebrating Something Old – Our Past
I serve an amazing church filled with amazing people (Ok, I’m biased). The Mars Hill Baptist Church of Chicago is celebrating her 50th year in ministry. On February 24, 2013, we celebrated “Something Old” by taking a trip down memory lane. We paid tribute to our founding Pastor & 1st Lady, Rev. Dr. Clarence E. Stowers, Sr., & Margaret Stowers along with our founding members. Together, we laughed, cried, and learned about our glorious past.
Our 17 Founding Members
Celebrating Something New – Our Present
“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11
On Saturday, April 20, 2013, we opened “The Gallery.” Ylandus Roundy came up with the concept of “The Gallery.” On display were various pictures, artifacts, clothing, and other items depicting my life. The idea was to showcase the man behind the message and show that I’m more than a pastor, teacher, and leader. Many members came and were pleasantly surprised by the many facets of my life. I want to thank our staff, Ylandus Roundy, and Bert Parker for representing Mars Hill well.
Snapshot from “The Gallery” (more…)
by Clarence E. Stowers | Apr 17, 2013 | Church Issues, Decisions, Leadership, Mars Hill Baptist Church, Servant Leadership
I am surprised and humbled by the overwhelming response to this week’s post, “Humbling Lessons In Change & Transition.” If you missed it, you can read it HERE.
(Sanctuary renovation – 2011)
In 2011, I shared some new and exciting changes at Mars Hill Baptist Church. But as exciting as that vision of building was, we know now that in the process we left some people behind. There were parts of the process where as leaders we simply dropped the ball. I believe you can learn a lot from your failures if you’re willing to admit and learn from them.
(Sanctuary renovation – 2011)
First, I learned how buildings house memories. Therefore, it is wise not to erase their significance. Parents have introduced their children to the church and sat Sunday after Sunday in the pews together. Others have said goodbye to loved ones and those last few words in that place were significant. In addition to learning the significance of buildings, I also learned how change can happen quickly but, transition often follows more slowly. (more…)
by Clarence E. Stowers | Apr 15, 2013 | Church Issues, Decisions, Mars Hill Baptist Church
I’ll admit, as a leader it’s quite easy to get caught up with a vision. It’s natural because as leader’s we’re encouraged to look out for opportunities and then take the lead in making things happen. But sometimes we find ourselves alone out front, and wonder what happened to the people we’re leading? Why aren’t they with us?
Going Fishing – Who’s in?
Take a scenario of a group of people going fishing on a lake. Typical leaders get the vision, jump in the boat and are off to fish straight away. But the rest of the group may take a different approach. As the leaders look back they find that half the people are still on the river bank. Some are still prepping their fishing gear.
Some are just starting to launch their boats. Others are on the water but are heading in the opposite direction. Some are going in circles and still others haven’t yet even decided if they feel like fishing after all. That’s when you realise that only leading from the front doesn’t always help facilitate transition.
John Maxwell in his book Winning with People admits that patience is not one his strengths. He says:
“When I was younger I constantly cast vision for the people in my organization and then left them behind – not a good thing for a leader.”
2011 saw some exciting changes at Mars Hill Baptist. But as exciting as that vision of building was, we know now that in the process we left some people behind. There were parts of the process where as leaders we simply dropped the ball. During this three-part series, I’ll share three humbling lessons learned.
Mars Hill Renovation (2011)
(more…)
by Clarence E. Stowers | Apr 11, 2013 | Communication, Current Affairs, Decisions, Fun Stuff, Money and Finance
My father, the late Rev. Dr. Clarence E. Stowers, Sr. was a wise man. He had a lot of what’s missing today – COMMON SENSE. He was an expert at summing up life with quick pithy statements.
The best financial planning seminar I ever attended was my dad’s. It didn’t involve plane tickets, hotels, conference fees, or books. It took less than five minutes & here’s what he said:
“Son, it’s not the money you make, it’s the money you hold on to.”
- Make yourself a budget.
- Live BELOW your means.
- Pack your lunch.
- Pinch pennies.
- Save as much as you can.
- Get the education you need for as cheap as you can get it.
The art of holding on to money is all about saying no to stuff you don’t need. Say no to eating out, $4 fancy coffee, and that shiny new computer when the old one still works fine.
That’s my dad…his advice still works! LOL!
What would you add to my dad’s list?
by Clarence E. Stowers | Apr 3, 2013 | Empowerment, Encouragement, Self-Leadership, Success
Happy Hump Day!
Sometimes life is lonely and filled with pitfalls, discouragement and rejection. When those dark days roll around and I need a boost, I open my praise file & remember what God has done for me.
Instead of keeping failure and negative files, keep a praise file. Refer to it often but don’t get lost in past glory— keep it around for when you need the lift.
What’s in your file?
