by Clarence E. Stowers | Dec 9, 2008 | Christian, Christianity, Church Issues
9 Reasons I'm Starting Not to Like "SOME CHRISTIANS"
- They consistently seem angry, bitter, and worried. I thought Christians were supposed to reflect joy and kindness and peace.
- They don’t dream big dreams. That seems odd given
the fact that we’re supposedly worshiping a God who is “able to
accomplish infinitely more than we would ever dare ask or hope.”
- They don’t like it when other people or ministries experience success.
Think about it. There are Christians who would be overwhelmed with joy
if Mars Hill experienced fewer salvations, fewer baptisms and our
attendance dropped.
- They use prayer as an excuse for inaction. They’re waiting for God to do his thing, but they aren’t willing to step out in faith and obedience.
- They’re more concerned with the BMW next door than the lost person who drives it.
Most Christians are jealous of people with money. They’re willing to sacrifice time
and money for those without it, but they’re satisfied to let “rich”
people go to Hell.
- They would rather people live life without Jesus than give up their personal preferences.
What happens when your preferred teacher doesn’t teach? What happens
when your preferred worship leader doesn’t lead? What happens when you
don’t like the music?
- They are fake. They dress up a certain way on Sunday and they live as completely different people the rest of the week.
- They think they’re better than other people. That’s why they create rules to follow. It helps differentiate why they are holy while others are not.
- They’re comfortable with mediocrity. Doesn’t
matter where. Think Christian music and movies. Think how we invest our
time and money. You don’t seriously think God deserves our best do you?
The reality is that I’ve sinned in just about every one of these
areas. It pains me to say that, but it’s true. If people hear the
Gospel and reject Jesus, that’s one thing. If I’m the barrier to people
accepting Christ because of me and my sin, that’s a completely
different deal. Fortunately, God’s much bigger than my stupidity.
When does your humanness get in the way of people knowing the hope,
forgiveness and love of Jesus? Does your life make people curious about
the claims of Jesus or does it make them flee? What would you add to
the list?
by Clarence E. Stowers | Nov 26, 2008 | Christian, Christianity, Communication, Leadership, Preaching, Vision
What Would YOU Like To Hear Taught Next Year?
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.
This week, we will be spending the next several hours focused 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 leave a comment! Maybe your feedback will
spark a great idea for Mars Hill or even others over this next year!
by Clarence E. Stowers | Nov 19, 2008 | Christian, Christianity, Church Issues, Communication, Conference/Workshops, Events, Leadership, Preaching, Travel
Wow, it's been at least three years since I've attended a conference. THREE YEARS!!!
I've made plans be part of Catalyst's newest offering: a One Day
leadership experience (glad someone figured it only took ONE DAY to say what they have to say) packed with teaching and insight from Andy
Stanley and Craig Groeschel, two leading voices in the Church today.
They say we're going to learn how to:
- Discover the key to creating and sustaining momentum in your organization
- Identify and break through the barriers to momentum and overcome personal leadership lids
- Leverage the three triggers which ignite organizational momentum
- Create a culture of continual improvement
- Embrace a new approach to leading organizational change
I really like these two guys & I'm pumped to hear what they have to say!
by Clarence E. Stowers | Oct 18, 2008 | Christian, Christianity, Music, Worship
Hey family – this is Glenda Williams, my boy's (Pastor Marvin Williams) sister from Tabernacle Community Church, Grand Rapids, Michigan and SHE'S THE REAL DEAL!!! She's competing to be "America's Next Sunday Best." I want you all to check out her demo & <CLICK HERE> to cast your vote NOW!
Please do me a favor and tell EVERYONE you know to cast their vote too! Here's the link (www.sundaybestcasting.com/people/Levite26) for you to copy & paste and send to your contacts. Let your voice be heard!
Thanks again for helping!!!
Go Glenda!!!
by Clarence E. Stowers | Oct 14, 2008 | Christianity, Church Issues, Communication
One of the lessons I’ve learned while being in the ministry for the
past 16 years is sometimes what people say isn’t exactly true…things
such as…
WARNING…
(you will probably only like this post if you are a pastor or a staff member of a church!)
What They Say: “I’m looking for a church that preaches the Word!”
What They Mean: “I’m looking for a church that
preaches MY view of the Word. I think the King James Version translation should be
used…I think BLANK should be talked about a lot while BLANK should be
ignored. And if you ever stop preaching my view of the Word I will
leave and tell others that you don’t preach the Word!”
What They Say: “Lot’s of people have been coming to me and saying they don’t like is…”
What They Mean: “I basically only have three
friends…and all of them think exactly like me. The other night we were
enjoying a time of self righteousness because, after all, we are right
about everything…and were also slandering you (in the form of prayer
requests) and thought it would be wise to approach you with our pet
peeve. We’ve actually talked to no one else about this but said “lots”
because we wanted to validate our dysfunction.”
What They Say: “I’m leaving the church.”
What They Mean: “Beg me to stay. If you will just
ask me I will share with you several ways you can compromise God’s
vision that He’s given you, thus becoming nothing more than a people
pleasing pastor who is more interested in popularity than obedience.
If you don’t bow to my demands I will remind you that I tithe and that
the church needs my money, reducing you to an ineffective preacher…one
who is paid for a service for the pleasure of another person.”
What They Say: “I want a church that is more focused on discipleship.”
What They Mean: “I want a church where everyone
knows me and how important I am! I don’t want to reach people who are
different from me, be it economic class or race or even musical
preference. I already know WAY more than I do…but I somehow equate
spirituality with knowledge rather than application and I rather enjoy
feeling intellectually superior to those who don’t know as much as me.”
What They Say: “Don’t take this personally…but…”
What They Mean: “I am about to lower the BOOM on
you…but you can’t get angry because I told you not to take it
personally. Even though you have dedicated your life to this and
pretty much invest every ounce of energy you have to this cause…and I
think about it once or twice a week…you need to receive my attacks,
even when they are personal…and you cannot retaliate because, remember,
it’s not personal.”
OKAY, that was fun! I typed it all with a smile. Trust me…I’m not
mad or frustrated with anyone…I just thought a pastor or two MIGHT get
a smile out of this. 🙂
by Clarence E. Stowers | Oct 6, 2008 | Bible Journey, Christian, Christianity, Religion
WELCOME!
Dynamic, Authentic, Life-changing… this is the sort of thing I'm striving for with our online Cyber small groups.
It is my prayer that it becomes a place to connect and
develop meaningful and lasting relationships. It's life-on-life
interaction that should serve to strengthen your relationship with God
and everyone else around you as well.
Furthermore, I envision "Cyber Groups" to be a connection point at the Mars Hill Baptist Church. It is my prayer that you will experience the merge of Shared Passion, Shared
Purpose and Shared Lives.
Finally, It is our hope that everyone who comes to our online community will have the
opportunity to benefit from being a part of this experience.
LET'S GET STARTED!
<CLICK HERE> to review Sunday's message notes and download the discussion questions <HERE>. After you review the questions, please post your comments for all to hear!
Let's begin the discussion…
