The Blog That Binds - moved to www.dalejenkins.com

2011-04-06T10:34:00.001-05:00

Your Ministry

2009-08-20T22:28:00.001-05:00

(I was asked to speak in one of the opening chapel services at Heritage Christian University in Florence, AL. This is my offering).

“As for you, always be sober-minded, endure suffering, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry.”

-2 Timothy 4:5

I want to tell you about your ministry -

You are going to sit in your office in your first work and pray - pray for opp to preach, do meetings, write, that someone - anyone will come by. And then 20 years later you will try to find a moment just to have a moment to pray…

You are going to be given assignments and procrastinate

You will find something that will occupy your time and keep you from doing what you ought to be doing

You are going to have an elder who is impossible to live with

You are going to have a secretary who is incompetent

You are going to wonder if you have any impact or effect at all

You are going to strive to see that impact and because of the nature of spiritual growth you are going to often be left frustrated

You are never going to make as much money as you could have made using your skill set in the cooperate world

You are going to get in a few financial messes and God is going to bail you out and the guilt from those messes is going to make you feel incompetent and unconfident

You will move - but you will always be thankful for your first work, for they gave you a chance when no one else would

You are going to have to disappoint your family on more than one occasion - either, we can’t afford to do, go, have … or I can’t do/go because I have a funeral, wedding, meeting, obligation

You will find a gray hair

You are going to strive for significance and someone is going to accuse you - yes you - who has sacrifice everything for the Kingdom - of being self-serving or an ego manic and you are going to question if that if true or not

You will study 20 hours to a deep, meaningful, inspiring sermon and be told it was a nice little talk

You are going to be fired - and wonder why? And wonder why. And wonder why.

You will be told in an interview - money is no object - that is one of the three great lies in the universe

You will spend your time healing marriages, counseling the depressed, talking down those who would commit suicide, at the bedside of the sick and the graveside of the dead, yet people will accuse you of living in an Ivory tower isolated from the real world

You are going to buy into at least one fashion flaw - polyester shirts, leisure suits, super wide/skinny ties - the odds are just in your favor

You will be told that preacher’s are supposed to wear suits to “whatever”

You will be told that it is old fashioned to wear suits

You will be told in every church you preach at that the elusive “they” are not happy with you work

You will have every aspect of your work and personality critiqued and criticized and you will wonder, should I quit for the good of the kingdom - don’t

You will learn that those criticizing you most often are really just masking or trying to cover up their own sins

You will preach some sermons that you will wish you could take back

You are going to think you are better than you are

You are going to be corrected

You are going to think you are not as good as you are

You are going to be corrected - but not by as many people

You will be accused by a fellow servant of the Lord of being a liberal

You will be accused by a fellow servant of the Lord of being a legalist

You are going to say something about a fellow servant of the Lord that you will later wish you hadn’t said

You will vow to encourage your fellow servants of the Lord

You are going to be threatened at least twice because you stepped in to save the life and health of a family or someone’s soul and you will feel a little pride that you got to suffer for the sake of Christ

You will move, shocked that you are “such a hot commodity”

You will be laughed at for advocating a “preacher’s count” by people who will tell you a lot of people are not happy about something when it is only the person talking and their best friend

You are going to have at least two pronunciation issues or bloopers in the pulpit that will leave everyone, hopefully, including yourself laughing (sexual immortality/tortillia) - and you won’t get it until your wife tells you

You are going to have people come to you for counsel in overcoming a sin or weakness that you yourself haven’t yet mastered

You will preach a masterpiece - someone will tell you they like your tie

You will have at least two people tell you to your face they hate you

You will have to preach a message of truth in love to those same people

You will be reprimanded for not visiting old people enough - a term with no limit

You will suggest being a babysitter for old people is not in your job description

You will get a job description

You will find more gray hairs

You will scolded for not seeing someone in the hospital because they complained that you didn’t even though they never let you know they were in the hospital

You will search 1 & 2 Timothy to find where it is the preacher’s job to visit the hospital

You will suggest that is the elder’s job

You will get an amended job description

You will be misinterpreted

You will be misunderstood

You are going to meet some people who you think are much more important than they are

You are going to more people who think they are much more important than they are

You are going to meet the most people who are much more important than they think they are

You will not “bring your ‘A’ game” more often than you wish because of external circumstances and you will hurt that you allowed those things to interfere with the Message

You will ask a woman why she is in the hospital - one time

You will have to stand on the opposite of your best friend on at least one issue

You will loose at least one best friend

You will stand up for the person who stabbed you in the back - because it is the right thing to do

You are going to grow physically sick of church politics

You will see more scars they most orthopedic surgeons

You will be offered an unbelievable job, you will be seduced by the money and fame it would bring, but you will turn it down - six months later you will move

You are going to lend someone some money or co-sign a note ….. …… one time - you are going to regret it

You are going to be taken …. …. Many times

You are going to pray that your skin doesn’t get thick but it will - you are going to pray that your heart remains soft, it will

You will be gray

You are going to wonder who counsels the counselor

You are going to cry alone

You are going to break a confidence and learn a hard lesson

You are going to bury your best friend and mentor

You will preach a masterpiece - your wife will not agree

You will have more opportunities to preach, write and people to talk to than you can fulfill - remember, you prayed for it

You are going to speak up for right at least once that you’ll later look back on and wonder why you thought that battle was so important - you are not going to speak up many more times and look back and wonder why you didn’t

You are going to be accused of being lazy when you are really just exhausted

You will not win with people

You will move and wonder what it is about you that has made you move

You are going to drive 300 miles one way, speak 3 times, pay for your own hotel room and food and not be paid enough to cover your expenses

You are going to wince at least three times when a guest speaker comes in and your arch enemy in the congregation says clearly so that you can hear it “now that’s the kind of preaching we need..”

You are going to have to defend your kids for doing something that if any other member of the churches kids did it it would be overlooked and you are probably going to punish your kids for it and wish to God you’d spanked the grippy member instead of your son

You are going to be outraged because someone is being misrepresented and you can’t do anything about it

You are going to hold more counseling secrets than the president holds national security secrets

You are going to wonder how many of those “things you know” are true but will take them to your grave

You are going to wish you could buy your wife a better house, car, ring but she is going to love you anyway - even if she really wants a better house, car, ring

---BUT...

You are going to get a phone call from someone who you never thought you’d reach that the church has been trying to reach for years saying they want you to baptism them…

You are going to stand in front of an audience on a Sunday morning and take your daughter’s confession and then baptize her into Christ while you shed enough tears of joy that you believe you could fill the baptistry

You are going to hold a baby named after you because you impacted the young couples life more than anyone else

You are going to preach a funeral and his wife is going to come to you and say - I believe Jack is in heaven today because of your influence

You are going to have a parent share with you their child’s paper on “The person I most Admire” and see your name on it

You are going to love and be loved so much by your brethren that you won’t care who hates you

You are going to have some people who believe you can walk on water, do no wrong - it’s alright to love those people a little more

You are going to have people who pray for you every day of their life

You will thank God that you get paid to do the best job in the world

You are going to live in at least one place that will forever more be “home”

You will win with God

You are going to be someone’s “preacher” a title right under there opinion of God

You will hold your wife’s hand on the front porch and life will be good...

You will find a hair the color of your natural hair

You are going to endure, and trust, and serve and go to heaven

My prayer is that in the good times and bad you will know the grace of a life well lived! May you influence more people for the Lord and His Kingdom than all who have gone before you! The best is yet to be...

“As for you, always be sober-minded, endure suffering, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry.”

- 2 Timothy 4:5

A little something new...

2009-05-13T14:56:00.003-05:00

Ignore the man behind the curtain. Sometime back I started sending an email message to any of our guests we could track down emails on - and that’s a good percentage of them. So when I got the “Flip” I thought it would be very neat to be able to send out a video clip thanking folks for coming our way.

With a webcam, that can be purchase for under $20 or with something like the Flip you can do this pretty easy. This is my first attempt and I did it in one “take”. I know the camera is too close and I’m holding it, I’m also doing it without a script. It can be done in less than 10 minutes record time to email. The format I did this in is Quicktime, I need to figure out how to save it in other formats but at least its a start.

Other than that, any suggestions? I’d like to hear your thoughts.

It thought I’d pass the idea alone. If any of you do this or start something like it let me know. I’d like to see your work. Thanks.

New post - A little rant...

2008-08-28T16:23:00.001-05:00

For all of my RSS feedies: Go to dalejenkins.com and click on blog to see my new post.

http://web.me.com/dale3232/Dale_Jenkins/Blog/Entries/2008/8/27_The_Church_is_a_what.html

RSS feed updates...

2008-07-29T13:28:00.002-05:00

I know a good number of you kept up with my blog via RSS feeds. And that since I've gone to www.dalejenkins.com have not been able to RSS me. I think I may have a solution. AND I need to know if this works. To RSS "The Scoop Blog" go to:

feed://web.me.com/dale3232/Dale_Jenkins/The_Scoop_Blog/rss.xml

If you want to RSS The Blog That Binds go to:

feed://web.me.com/dale3232/Dale_Jenkins/Blog/rss.xml

Let me know if it works...and if it does...welcome back.

New post at www.dalejenkins.com

2008-07-24T21:42:00.001-05:00

http://web.mac.com/dale3232/Dale_Jenkins/Blog/Entries/2008/7/24_Easy_“believism”.html

Political?

2008-07-10T10:35:00.001-05:00

I suppose the cat's out of the bag now. I sure hope I can stay on at SM if this doesn't work out :)

New blog...

2008-06-25T09:07:00.002-05:00

Hey folks go to dalejenkins.com

view my blog under "blog" and check out the new blog I've started called SCOOP.

YOUR day off...

2008-05-22T10:06:00.001-05:00

What do you do on your "day" off?

"Days off" the term itself has a real sweet feel to it. "I'm off"!' For years I didn't take a specific day off. In Hamilton, I had to actually leave town to take a day off. It seemed everywhere I went I'd end up in counsel with someone or dropping by the little hospital. Anywhere I went I was "the preacher". Periodically I'd take a couple of days and get away. Frankly , the longer I was there, the more frequently I had to take such times.

At Granny White, the elders demanded I take one (and I appreciated it). So I started taking Fridays! WOW - I loved it. I'd read, catch up on correspondence, go to the office and actually close the door, run extended runs, take care of errands, sometimes do some house stuff, visit old church buildings, oh it was a rich day.

Well, here I am in Spring Hill and I find myself slipping. Sans on site administrative help and with a mobile office with my phone serving as both personal and business I am find myself almost always working. With no sons at home to push me to ball games. Not a complaint - I have always loved my work and do now. That is sometimes the problem. I'll be watching "LOST" with my computer in lap working on an outline, article, editing or "powerpointing". I'll be watching the 10:00 news and before I know it it will be 11:30 and I'm still responding to emails.

I heard Eugene Petterson interviewed a few months ago and he talked about how for years he had totally disconnected one day a week. No phone, fax, ipod, internet, computer.

I preach about not taking on more than is healthy or committing to more than you can accomplish, about how the body needs rest and how God made us to recreate, how even He "took a day off". I preach pretty good on this cause I'm preaching to myself.

I've been thinking lately of trying something rather interesting. Disconnecting from phone, podcast and email for three hours four mornings each week. I look at the volumes of books Calvin, Spurgeon, Lipscomb, McGarvey, Campbell, etc - without the "convenience" of internet and the "useful tools" we have (perhaps they aren't so useful). What do you think?

How do you disconnect? When do you disconnect? What do you do on your "off day"? I'd like to hear.

Weekend Update...

2008-05-18T22:09:00.002-05:00

We had quite a weekend ... and beginning.

Friday evening Melanie and Andrew and his girlfriend Kristin left for Roanoke, Alabama where Andrew was to do a youth rally Saturday night and then preach on Sunday.

Late that night my yard got rolled! I have a bead on the culprits, they will be hunted down and brought to justice!!!! :)

Saturday morning the workers at the Duplex Road site got the final part of slab poured. It looks great. I hope to post an updated blog and podcast tomorrow.

Then I left Saturday afternoon for Hamilton where I was to emcee a benefit dinner for Maywood Christian Camp. Tyler Watts was the speaker and he did great. Perhaps best was how patient he was after he spoke with all the high school boys who latched onto him and asked one question after another. We raised about 14000.00 and including the other monies that came in for other event associated with this fundraiser the total amount was just under $35,000.00. Which comes close to matching our larger Mayday events we ever held. It was a grand success.

Sunday morning was special to me, as not only did I have the blessed opportunity to preach at Spring Meadows but was invigorated with the knowledge that Andrew was also preaching that morning in Roanoke and Philip at Millview, Franklin. How blessed I felt. We had a good number at Spring Meadows.

Sunday night not only did we have several special visitors but we also honored a good group of graduating Seniors.

What a blessing!

Serves me right...

2008-05-12T09:13:00.003-05:00

OK....so, Andrew's Pathfinder is in the shop again. It blew an engine - the second time this has happened and the mechanics have no idea why it happened. So the last few weeks I've been driving a rental. My brother and I have this ongoing, nonverbal contest to see who can get the best prices on things like plane tickets, car rentals, hotel rooms. We both always try Priceline and have gotten over the years some wonderful deals.

I got a car one time for, I think it was, eight dollars a day! I also like to see when I get to the counter if I can get an upgrade, not by asking, but by just trying to make the attendant's day better. It's fun. My best success story is one time in LA at Orange County International. The guy in front of me was rude and angry and self-absorbed. He cursed freely and tossed a few of those at the girl behind the counter. Un-pleaseable and unpleasant! I really felt sorry for her

and when I got to the desk I commended her on her restraint and apologized in general for all us rude travelers. She upgraded me to a Cadillac Escalade. It was beautiful - but I was scared to death driving that monster on the LA freeways!

So last week I went to the counter at Budget and before long the lady at the counter said - "Hey, how would you like an upgrade at no extra charge?" "Sure, what'ch got?" "How about a

Mustang?" I've never driven a Mustang but have admired them - "Any chance it's a convertible?" "Could be!" "Alright, let's do it."

I gleefully left the counter went to the parking garage to pick up my sweet Mustang. ...

That's when my heart sank...

Yes...it's ORANGE! Can you believe that. The lady had been too nice for me to go back and ask to be "downgraded" - I know a lot of you are getting a real kick out of it. Dale, Mr. Tide, Sir Alabama is driving a UT Orange car. I think I'm gonna be sick! But, hey, it could be more proof that even the hardest heart can be softened.

I'm glad to have let you have a good laugh at my expense. Have a super day.

The Latest...

2008-05-07T18:14:00.006-05:00

I know many of you will be excited to see the latest developments in our building program...and even if you aren't...I am! Enjoy...

Frankly I just liked this one. It was

taken about ten days ago and if you look closely you can see the "cross ties" between the beams. I had not posted it yet.

Now we're really getting somewhere - this picture taken yesterday (Tuesday) afternoon is of the pad covered with plastic and rebar for the after electrical and plumbing and leveling had been completed and ready for the concrete to be pou

red.

Here we are this morning. You can see two concrete trucks (one coming one going in the far distance. One is at the pad pouring and one is sitting right in front of you. Each truck represented 10 yards of concrete (as I understood).

Now folks, if I were in construction I think I'd have to have one of these (but I imagine it'd cost a "pretty penny"). I'll call it a super smooth laser trow. It shoots a laser from those two metal rods at the VERY front of it toward a sister laser mounted on a beam (in the next picture) and it gives a super smooth surface. It saves hours and hours of work and man it is neat to watch it!

It's not easy to see, but it is on the up beam looks like about a third of the way up.

OK...here it is...smooth and glosssy! Beautiful!

BIG DAYS IN MAY...

2008-05-02T05:21:00.004-05:00

Two big days in May...

This coming Sunday at Spring Meadows is a BIG DAY. It could be a our biggest yet, we'll see. We're calling it INVITE SUNDAY and have challenged every member to invite seven people. It will be very interesting to see how this works. We'll have a big picnic and it should be very exciting. Consider yourself invited! 9:00 Sunday morning! Be here. I can't wait.

The second BIG DAY IN MAY that I want to tell you about is in (drumroll please) in the great state of Alabama. I have known and loved Maywood Christian Camp since it began 44 years ago. Dad was one of the founders and I have spend more than a year cumulative of my life there. It has experienced amazing growth and health in it's 5th decade. Ten's of thousands of lives have been changed there. It is wonderful, as we like to say, "because God is there!" Here's the big day. May 17 we will have our first benefit dinner.

Here is where you come in. I'm personally looking for 25 sponsors. It will cost you $100 to be a sponsor. 25 people who I've had enough effect on to help underwrite expenses of this dinner. 25 people who's lives have been touched directly or indirectly through Maywood. Just send me an email - there is no hurry on getting the money in, but I would like to know if your or your business will be a sponsor.

We have a rather HUGE projects we're raising money for right now - a new cabin for the girls that will allow us to retire the over 40 year old and about to fall over bathhouse! We also have some other exciting projects but this is a must!

You might want to come to the dinner - we'd love that. It will begin a 7 on the 17th and be held on the campus of Bevil State in Hamilton. Just let me know.

And thanks for how you care for others. Have a great weekend!

Just one pic - but a great one!

2008-04-28T15:13:00.000-05:00

For those of you who can't see the podcast...

2008-04-25T20:46:00.008-05:00

I know some of you can't see the podcast and you want to see what's happening at the building site so here's your report...

This is some of the plumbing. This major plumbing work has to be done before the slab is poured. It is about done. I'd say about 80% from what I could tell.

This is just a more expanded picture of the plumbing work. I am standing at the southwest corner of the building (or in the back left corner for those of you directionally challenged (but I could be wrong, I'm not the best at directions myself :)).

Another picture of the plumbing work.

You can't really see much by the picture but here is some of the electrical work. Man, there's a lot of conduit in this thing. They have this great machine that warms the pipe where it can be easily bent. That avoids them having to use "arms" and connectors which should make the whole thing more dependable. This work being done now makes the whole process of wiring the building much easier and more reliable. Since it is in the ground this too has to be done prior to the slab being poured. And this work too is close to being done!!!

Here these first several are of a beam being raised into place. This is the first beam on the right as you walk up to the building. The Northwest corner.

Here is the dig for the pipe that will send water into the building (I think).

This is the finished product on the beams - or at least the outside beams.

A better picture of the completed beams. There are ten of them total. Five on each side. And the crossbeams at the top tying them to each other and will form the support for the roof.

Now, how neat it that! This coming week I'm told the roof should go on and the slab should be poured. Of course weather could affect all of that.

There Goes That Dreamer...

2008-04-25T20:32:00.005-05:00

They say dreams mean something, so if there's a Joseph out there, help, the rest of you just enjoy a good laugh.

My typical sleep schedule for meetings away from home typically goes something like this: Sleep hardly any the first night, the second night sleep so hard I feel like I've been knocked in the head. And then I repeat that throughout the time I'm away. I just don't sleep as well away from Melanie and home.

Well, this past week was worse than normal. I slept hardly any Saturday night, then Sunday night was just as bad. (For the many of you - I think that'd include most of Spring Meadows - you participated in that cruel joke on Sunday - this is all your fault!!! I'm sure I was so upset that the building project had been shut down that I couldn't rest!)

I had to get some sleep Monday night to function and I had a truckload of work I needed to get done. So Monday afternoon I went by the Walmart and purchased a small container of Advil PM. About 9 I took two. I was out by 10! I don't know when I was last asleep that early. The TV was on ESPN. I think that is germane to the story.

Sometime - I think (in my drug induced semi-comatose state) about 1 AM I was dreaming so deeply I woke up. I never remember having a dream so vidid and real. I dreamt (at least I now think it was a dream) that somehow I met up with Dan Patrick (for those of you who might not know he's probably one of the five biggest guys in sports broadcasting). We got to talking - he's a really nice guy (at least he was in my dream) and it turned out he needed someone to do SportsCenter with him Wednesday night.

He asked for my advice. I recommended Keith Olbermann. The two of them did SportsCenter together for years and were awesome together. I thought I'd be doing sports fans everywhere a favor by having them back on that show! Turns our Keith had a previous engagement. And Dan shocked me.

He said: "Why don't you come on with me?" WOW! Doing SportsCenter! I was stunned. Amazed. I think it shocked me so much it woke me up. I got up and started thinking about it immediately. Literally I sat up and started planning it. Then I realized I'd been dreaming. So I lay back down - and - went - right - back - into - the dream! I had some on-camera tests, a voice test (yeah, I'm sure I'd pass that). Again, I got pretty stoked about it all and woke up. This time I was thinking about the elders meeting I'd been in that night (of course I hadn't been in an elders meeting) and how excited they were that I'd be on SportsCenter. I told them I thought I could wear my Spring Meadows shirt! I'm not sure now what was dream and what was conscious thought but at some point I lay back down.

This time I started thinking about telling people about it. I didn't want to be guilty of vanity or self-promotion but if I didn't figure out how to tell people a lot of friends would be mad cause they'd miss it. SSSOOOO...I decided to post a blog about it.

Now folks, I got up, fired up my computer and started blogging. At some point it must have dawned on me what I was doing. How funny would it have been if I'd actually posted it.

Now, folks is that crazy or what. Share your favorite funny dream if you will.

From the pad to the sky...building update #3

2008-04-24T23:12:00.002-05:00

Here is the latest, enjoy!

http://web.mac.com/dale3232/Site/Podcast/Entries/2008/4/24_Building_Update_3.html

Let me know if you get it....

I Bit....

2008-04-23T13:19:00.005-05:00

OK, I admit it, I'm a little obsessed.

Many of you who read this blog do not realize how many rather colossal pranks your writer has pulled off. I mean some legendary ones. Never mean or mean-spirited but real fun and memorable. I should have known my time was coming.

The last time I had my son, Philip, speak at Spring Meadows I told the church to go up to he and his wife and congratulate them on the new baby - only thing is they are not expecting. It turned out pretty funny.

I was gone Sunday, preaching in a very enjoyable meeting in Lexington, TN. One of the things I knew I'd miss while I was away was going out to the property and seeing progress on the building. We're in a pretty critical stage where it seems something is happening or at least poised to happen every day. So, I go and make pics and then share them with you. I was anticipating some really pretty days (which we've had).

So imagine my pain when one of the key guys in the project left me a message Sunday afternoon to call him - it sounded rather urgent. So I did. He told me how the inspectors had been out to the property and the "pad" had sunk 4 to 5 inches and it appeared our new building might be on a fault line and per the county's instruction all work had been stopped while they decided how to proceed. We might have to re-dig and pour the footings, we might have to completely relocate the building putting us back a square one.

Man, the word is "miserable"! I was heart sick and began to pray about my attitude. How impatient I had/have been, how perhaps I've put too much stock in the importance of the facility.

That afternoon, I talked to Melanie and she said it sounded kinda rough, then got a message from one of the elders (I won't tell you his initials, but his name is Tom Campbell - man, I can't wait till he comes up for reaffirmation :)).

I waited. Nothing the rest of the day Sunday. I did talk to one of our deacons who assured me, bless his soul, it'd all work out).

Monday - nothing. Only beautiful sunshine - sunshine that we could have been building in!

Tuesday - by 9:30 I'd had it. I called David back.

"Well, just checking in - what's the latest?"

David: "You've heard?"

Me: "Heard what? No?"

David: "Yeah you have, you've talked to your son."

Me (confused): "Yes, but he didn't give me any news."

David: "You've talked to someone."

Me: "No, I haven't..."

David: "They're supposed to start with the metal today."

Me: "What?"

David: "We got you good didn't we?" (or something alone that line).

Yep, I had it coming. Seems Philip involved the whole church in this thing. He told them to set me up! Spin this story of the work being stopped. And I bit! The elders, deacons, David, Philip, even Melanie! David even called the contractor and let him in on it just in case I called him for an update! THE GUY who led the closing prayer even prayed I wouldn't take this too hard!!!! Unbelievable! Spring Meadows members - I can't believe not a one of you helped me on this! Larry and whoever led the closing prayer are the only ones who get even the slightest break :)

James, Dan, Tracy, Andy, Kathy, Tommie, Scott, Larry - I know you all need to send those folks a thank you note. And I hope you enjoyed this...I'm sure you did.

Oh, but they better brace themselves...I'll get them all back! And it will be good.

I'd like to read the best pranks, practical jokes, etc that have been pulled on you. Comment below.

Building Update #2

2008-04-11T19:50:00.001-05:00

My second experiment with podcasting - click here and PLEASE let me know how it sounds and if it works for you and all.

A podcast attempt....

2008-04-10T22:02:00.003-05:00

OK...here is my first personal podcast. Trent and I are still planning on doing a podcast together soon but I decided to do a little experimenting...please let me know what you think and give your suggestions. It's brief a little under 3 minutes. Click HERE to HEAR and SEE

or click on this if you use an apple product My first attempt...

Various News...The week in review...

2008-04-10T08:56:00.006-05:00

Today I've got all sorts of good news and info for you:

First up: Sunday at SM. Great crowds and great preaching - Lonnie Jones did a super job and Andy did wonderful on Sunday night. I've heard nothing but good from the reports from them. We hit up around 275 for our fourth Sunday straight. Good stuff.

Second: I enjoyed preaching in a meeting at Glasgow, KY this week. The folks there w

ere wonderful in their encouragement and the meeting went well. There was one response. I totally enjoyed the time that I got to spend with Steve and Blaine the two ministers there. I got an email from

Steve this morning and he tells me it was their best attended meeting in 20 years. I don't believe it was the preaching, even though I think their encouragement made me do better than normal. It was because of the directed decisions of the leadership there. Here's how Steve expressed it to me a couple of weeks ago: "I also thought I’d tell you that you’re being used as a guinea pig. Our meeting attendance has been terrible the past several times. So what the elders have done is they got up before the congregation, told them how the attendance has been poor, and without the support of other congregations, we wouldn’t have had hardly anyone present. So they challenged the church in this way…They told the congregation that they were not going to do any advertising. They were going to put the meeting in the hands of our own members. They said this meeting is for us, not for area congregations, and that since it was our meeting, we needed to attend and invite and make it a success without relying on other people. Soooo…. We’ll see what happens. Oh, and the clincher is that Monday night is the Basketball finals." So, sometimes when we put a new spin on what we are doing good things can happen. I appreciate their effort.

By the way...Steve blogged about the meeting, you can see that at his site: http://preachinghelp.org/?p=28 He even put some audio clips on it - wow, he's good!

He also really got me good. Those of you who have heard my sermon on being blessed by the Bible might get this one - if not, just enjoy - here's why I don't wear tanktops :)

I liked that we had fun together and think that contributed a great deal to the success of the meeting...BUT STEVE WATCH OUT, I will get you back!!!!

The luncheon Monday at 21st was wonderful. I will blog on that very soon.

And there has been action at the property this week while I've been away. We'll have pictures right away on that.

God is good, and I am blessed to serve...

2008-03-29T00:00:00.002-05:00

Another update...so soon. Yes, more progress and news. They completed the interior footings and the rebar and posts. The inspectors came and gave us "a good bill of health" to proceed. If the weather is nice enough they may pour concrete tomorrow. Yes, tomorrow. Here's a couple of pics of the rebar and the final one is of everything covered for the rain that came tonight.

Real Progress showing...

2008-03-28T23:33:00.000-05:00

Well with the final permit in place as of today digging on the interior footing has begun - they should actually begin pouring some of the early concrete by Tuesday of next week but with the rain coming in I guessing it will be the end of the week but we will see.

Long awaited...finally here! Both building and sewer permits.

Just before the beginnings of digging the footings

Early on - interior footings.

Over half through.

A little perspective on how deep the footings are.

Five favs....

2008-03-27T09:29:00.005-05:00

Last night I was privileged to preach at Calvert City, Kentucky. I always consider it a joy to preach and am somewhat amazed when I'm invited back places. Frankly I'd never even heard of Calvert City prior to moving to middle Tennessee. Apparently there are a lot of Willard Collins fans there and shortly after moving in GW I received an invite through my friend Lance Cordle (who is now in his, I think, 19th year there). Well, I've been back getting close to 10 times now. It is a wonderful church.

A visit to Calvert City isn't really complete without a visit to a place called Miss Patti's. Enjoying my

meal there last evening with their youth guy (and good friend) Craig Evans, I had a thought to a quick blog.

Dale's Favorite Five "non-chain" Restaurants (and I'd like to see your list too):

5. Dinelli's: A wonderful pizza restaurant in Hamilton, AL. They have aweso

me dough, wonderful cinnamon sticks and the world's best peach cobbler...plus you

always get to see some of the local's and that's special to me. I like the owner Dwight too. If I'm in Hamilton more than one day I'll eat a

t Dinelli's - if I'm there for only one day - KFC will be where I'll go. It is the best KFC in the world...but it's a chain so it can't make my list).

4. McDougal's Chicken Coop: I absolutely love to scout out new places and then take friends. My bud Scott and I found this place on a side road near the Vandy Campus a few years back. Talk about a place with personality. It has the most random things hanging on the walls in mass quantities you can imagine. They really only have one thing on the menu, chicken (mostly tenders and wings). They have several fabulous sauces - I get torn between the Honeybee and the Gold. And, yes, they have super sweet tea (just one lump of sugar below Chick-Fil-A), a staple of any good place to eat. Also, McDougal's just opened a second location in Cool Springs.

3. Miss Patti's: This is one well worth the drive! It is about an hour and a half west of Nashville in Grand Rivers, KY. They have a large menu and I've been told a lot of it is really good...but I wouldn't know. I've eaten there maybe 10 or 15 times and every time had the same thing. Pork Chops! They have one or two inch pork chops and a super sauce on them. They bake their bread in a flower pot and have some super strawberry butter. But save some room - they have what they call 7 inch high chocolate pie. It's pretty wonderful.

2. Big Spring's #2: OK - this one is not for the faint of heart. It is a hole in the wall in Huntsville, AL. It has been there forever and it shares the location with a bait and tackle shop (seriously). The place looks nasty from the outside and is unimaginably small (one table and a bar), but look in the parking lot - you'll see everything from Mercedes to old Chevys. You'll want to order at least 4 of their hamburgers - they were small and square before Krystal thought of it. They are the only restaurant (maybe in the world) that serves Double Cola. I have loved Big Springs #2 (not sure if a Big Springs #1 has ever existed) all my life. I remember one sunny Saturday that mom and I drove all the way from Birmingham to Huntsville just for a bag of burgers from Big Springs. Alabama was playing Washington that day - it is a perfect day in my memory bank. They offer a couple of things other than the burgers - but don't waste your time! It'll take 6 months off your life to eat one meal there - but hey - you'll get to heaven quicker. It'd be hard to spend more than 6.00 on a meal here.

1. Brooksie's Barn: Jackson, TN. Cross I-40 going North on 45, turn on Oil Well Road and it is on the right. I eat here one time a year. I have to fast for about a week before and after. I've joked I want to be buried there - and I'll probably have to be since I eat so much there I'll probably stroke out there. It is a little pricey. They have a buffet with about every imaginable meat on it (outstanding fried chicken, barbeque, ribs, etc), they have rolls that you'll want to stuff a few extra in your pocket and pineapple fritters!!! WOW. Hmmm...I could be there in about 2 hours....

So share...what are your favorites. I may have to try one of them.

Sunday...

2008-03-24T23:15:00.004-05:00

Sunday was really a neat day. I'll forego all the flowered language I'd like to use to express the energy and excitement of a day where we set a new attendance record of 350 (I didn't do the count) and just leave it at a really neat day!

These were taken after the little ones had gone to Children's Bible Hour. Enjoy...

Rhubarb ... Rebar

2008-03-18T17:51:00.006-05:00

Today 19,576 pounds of iron and steel were delivered and unloaded at the "site", another sign of progress. Here's the pics

Picture 1 is the "tag" revealing that this metal is for Spring Meadows Church of Christ

Here's the full load - the guy on the truck was the very friendly driver.

Action shots :)

Here is a little extra - power being run to the site. At least that what it looks like to me.

wood...

2008-03-17T16:57:00.002-05:00

Not much but just in the interest of keeping you up to the minute...these appeared on all four corners today.

Just one picture today...

2008-03-14T16:55:00.002-05:00

Well, just one picture today! This small pile of 2x4's appeared today. Not sure what purpose they serve - maybe to frame up corners? What do you think?

Not much but something is better than nothing...

2008-03-13T18:24:00.009-05:00

This contraption appeared today on the property. Of course it's one of the tool surveyor's use.

And here is what it was "shooting". From about 50 yards away looking through the locater the pencil looked as large as one you'd hold in your hand. This is the Southeast corner of the building - probably as close as we could call where our "cornerstone" would be located.

And then these signs had been put up - probably just for me :).

And one more looking toward the "shot".

It's Official...we have a building program...

2008-03-11T16:45:00.007-05:00

Keeping you all updated as best I can in layman's terms:

Everyone knows that when the portapotty arrives construction isn't too far behind. Here's the proof...along with a picture of the construction trailer.

It's the first time I've ever felt that a portapotty was a thing of beauty - it's a sign of progress!

The "construction trailer".

As I understand it: They were doing survey work and setting up frames for the footings yesterday and today. I can't predict (and fear even trying) but after talking to one of the bosses I estimate it will still be about a month before we SEE real progress, but then it should move, at least exteriorly fast for a while. I hope. IF I understood it will be a couple or three days till the "rods" (my term) that will secure the beams are in place and then they have to "encase" (concrete) them. They have to "cure" for seven days (or did he say three) before the beams go up. That should then take maybe 3 (wow) days. While that is going on the "blocks" that will be the outside walls will be going up a couple of blokcs hing and then the slab will be poured. All of this should take about a month (if they don't run into any major problems). Again (major, disclaimer - I am not in the construction field and I am speaking very carefully) If I heard correctly.

A view north from the drive into the development of the construction trailer arriving. As a point of reference you can see the "pad" in between the two trucks.

At the Duplex Road entrance - a picture of the SBG (State Builders Group) sign on the hill. Another "sign" of progress!

Rainbows? How sweet?

2008-03-11T10:00:00.001-05:00

I’ve been thinking about Rainbows…

Rainbows are "out" these days among moral thinking people – they have been hijacked by the homosexual community.

WIKIPEDIA has some rather lengthy comments. I’ve shortened them solely for space, but a little history might interest you:
“A rainbow flag is a multi-coloured flag consisting of stripes in the colours of the rainbow. The use of rainbow flags has a long tradition; they are displayed in many cultures around the world as a sign of diversity and inclusiveness, of hope and of yearning. This denotation goes back to the rainbow as a symbol of biblical promise when God gave the sign to Noah that there would never be a flood like the one that happened then ever again. The use of all the colours of the rainbow symbolizes all flags of gay people. There are several, unrelated rainbow flags in use today…The most widely known is perhaps the flag representing gay pride. The rainbow flag, sometimes called 'the freedom flag', has been used as a symbol of gay and lesbian pride since the 1970s.

To me that’s all sort of sad. Rainbows are so beautiful and they belong to believers not those who would pervert God’s Will, God’s Way and God’s Word.

But here’s a thought: Rainbows are a reminder that the Lord will not destroy the earth again by water (Genesis 9:13-16). The next destruction will be one of fire (2 Peter 3:9-11). And, yes, there's a rather ironic connection here - there was another time the Lord destroyed a portion of the earth with fire – it was because the city had become so very wicked with the sin of homosexuality (Genesis 19). So next time you see a Rainbow – remember God’s Promise and the next time you see the homosexual community revealing with “their flags” remember their end - Without their obedience to the Gospel.

Rainbows may be sweet little symbols of homosexuality to them but they were also a symbol intended to remind people of God's POWER, His mercy and the stand He takes against sinful living. The rainbow might serve as a reminder that the Lord will destroy again - this time all those who do not love Him or obey the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore Christians have a mission to all. There is hope - but only in Christ and only His Way.

A "rare" guest blogpost...

2008-03-11T09:27:00.000-05:00

As you know, I very rarely post blogs from others writing but this one is worth a quick read. Scott Gleaves is the preacher at Granny White. A number of his thoughts made me think of things I stressed to my sons about happiness when they were growing up. God's ultimate interest is in our faithfulness and if I have to be unhappy temporarily in order to fulfill His supreme purpose, so be it, but too many use that as an excuse not to monitor their own joy. Thanks Scott for your thoughts on this.

How to Enjoy Life G. Scott Gleaves

God has always been interested in our personal happiness (John 10:10). The problem with happiness is that it's elusive when it's pursued. In other words, happiness is a by-product of doing something else. Here are a few suggestions about happiness that seem practical and possible:

1. Learn to enjoy life. Happiness is connected to the journey, not the destination. Until we can enjoy the daily experiences of life, we will never enter into a state of happiness.

2. Be responsible for your own happiness. If we shift the responsibility of happiness to someone other than ourselves, we'll end up disappointed and frustrated. I cannot ultimately be responsible for my
spouse's happiness. She must be responsible for her own happiness. I will
do every thing I can to contribute to her happiness, but I can't make her a happy person. This might be the reason why so many relationships fail.
People want others to make them happy. That's immature and unfair. I'm happy because I choose to be that way. I'm happy because I choose to serve God and others. Too much self-indulgence leads one away from true happiness.

3. Associate with happy people. The Bible says, "Bad company corrupts good morals" (1 Corinthians 15:33). We become like the people we hang
around. If you're feeling miserable, pessimistic, and cynical about life,
you might need to seek out people who are optimistic, joyful, and grateful.
You might need to hang around God a little more than you have lately Prayers and Encouragement

Pre-Non-Anti Denominational...

2008-03-05T12:51:00.000-06:00

Pew Forum on Religion and Public Life religious landscape survey made front-page news across the nation this week and appeared in several of the websites, blogs and papers I read.

Perhaps most significant is that mainline denominational groups are dieing, loosing members at alarming rates. In the mean time non-denominational church are the ones growing.

Americans no longer are just "Baptists" or "Methodists" 'cause granddad was. 44% say they are not tied to the church of their childhood. Did you hear that? 44%!

They are looking for authentic religion and see the hierarchy and layers of nonsensical traditions as nothing more than burdens - foolish ones at that.

I haven't heard news this good since visiting Russia in the mid-80's. Folks, churches of Christ, if we will be what we our plea claims are positioned to grow like NEVER before. We have the opportunity to become more relevant than in generations. Or not.

It's heartrending that in the very moment when people are flocking to non-denominational churches (and yes, I know all that implies) it seems some in our fellowship are running helter-skelter toward denominationalism. They are mimicking the denominational world as they jettison, ignore and refuse to discuss the things that are of priority, like the authority of the scriptures in worship, church polity and the singular nature of the church. I want to ask the most radical of them "Do you still even believe the Scriptures or has the latest "trend" become your 'Bible'?" They belittle the past and make jest of men who's heart's desire was to speak God's Word clearly. They pretend to have it all figured out - oftentimes hiding behind a degree from some prestigious seminary or school of theology (where often the teachers themselves do not even believe in the inspiration of the Scriptures). And those who follow these folks often do it for the smooth speech and sharp intellect of these or because of the ineptitude of the "right".

Just as deflating, some of our right leaning brethren seem to want to denominationalize the church by setting a prescribed agenda based on reliving glory days of old. They have deified the past as surely as the other have change. If it is a method and it works, embrace it. If it is a matter of opinion leave it in that realm. Don't judge brothers over matters of opinion nor shut doors just because the congregation you worship at is not going to embrace a practice (even if you think it an unwise one) decides to in a matter of judgment. Some of you are making easy sport of our brotherhood and I'm tempted to question if you sincerely love the brotherhood (remember that's a command). The word for those who cut brethren off over matters of opinion is "legalists". And Jesus had no words more harsh than to those who made laws over and above God's Law. How crazy when some in our brotherhood are going to far to push over the edge a brother or group for some matter of judgment. Are you too a know-it-all? Don't make sport of striking off brothers and sisters who are tying to do right!

I love my brethren on both sides of these issues, and I fear the very words written here will not serve their intent but would only cause those angry or misunderstanding. But brethren, let us not rend the church of our Lord in a time of great opportunity. Let's not shut doors that are opening and create a negative imagine for Her over our pet agendas and/or preferences.

What a time to live in - let's not squander it! Reach out with the love of the Lord in His joy with His good news. If someone is trying to break from traditions of men, getting closer to the Word of God...applaud the good. Commend the desire and effort.

Non-denominational Christianity, who'd ever thought it'd work? Well, other than God.

In Every Way...

2008-03-03T10:09:00.001-06:00

In every way preach Christ. That is my goal and my honor. I consider it a sacred trust, a burden, a responsibility, as well as a blessing to stand before people with the Word of Life. I never take the task lightly and I rarely step aside from the pulpit completely satisfied.

I want to toss something that has been on my mind for sometime that is a little frustrating...but perhaps writing about it and hearing your responses will help me sort it out some.

It's probably been 20 years ago that I first heard the quote attributed to Fred Craddock: "The worst kind of preaching is, the same."

I have made it my life to study preaching. To study the Word to be prepared, but more, to study the art of preaching. Not that it shows too often, but I have learned much from many. And I'm not through learning.

In 1987 I started using "fill in the blank" outlines. I suppose some might say it is a gimmick, but honestly, I've never felt like I had the ability to communicate in a way that kept folks attention but people have always commended and seemed to apprecaite the outlines. So I started using them. About the same time and for much the same reason I started most always having at least 5 points in sermons. On the outlines I use them almost every time I preach. It is VERY rare that I do not use them. It provides ability for the listener to follow the flow of the sermon and since I use complete sentence outlines a reference if they share the sermon with another or go back to review them later. The fill in the blank prompts the listener but doesn't tell them too much. My friend James uses to fill in the blanks before the sermon and his answers were always very entertaining :). Doing the outlines adds at least two or three hours to my prep time most weeks. Unless I'm using a Rick Warren sermon (yes, I'm being honest, he outlines just like me - or vice-versa). I like to put an action word in every point and a personal pronoun.

I added "Kid Words" about 10 years ago. I remember when I was probably 5 or 6 a preacher saying that as a child if you have a hard time listening write down two words - i.e. God, Christ, Bible, Heaven, etc. And count which the preacher said most often. It helped me and I figure there are other little ones listening, so I added that to the outlines.

Outlines: I think they help and if they help some to "stay with the sermon" then it is worth it. But I am in a routine. I think they are one of the things that helps people listen to me and so I use them and I use them all the time, cause what if the one time I didn't someone showed up who this was what drew them to listen and their life was changed? But I know some people and some sermons don't lend themselves to this. So I think sometimes I shouldn't but I keep on 'cause again, what if that one time? Not everyone appreciates them and some plain don't like them. And I'd like to give them a break sometime. But what if the Sunday I didn't use one a non-Christian was in the audience for the first time and they couldn't follow - see.

About five years ago I started using PowerPoint. One of the most helpful things happened when a fellow "whipped me with a wet noodle" about how preachers use PowerPoint incorrectly. We make it about words and it is about pictures. Man, he changed and greatly improved what I do. Yes, I know it's a new technology, but the most effective of preachers have always used both what is happening in culture as well as aids that come along to improve their impact. BUT it also adds at least 2 hours of prep time to every sermon to do it right. And then some people just don't like PowerPoint and I can appreciate that. But more people in our culture are visual learners. I think, at least once every week - I won't do PowerPoint this week and then I start thinking - what if a person shows up who has a hard time listening to preaching but the visual aspect that PowerPoint allow brings there attention to the spoken Word? Same thing. I don't want to be in a rut...but what if that was the Sunday?

Man, do I over think this stuff or what? I do take it seriously. I'd be interested in hearing/seeing your thoughts on this. Preachers and non-preachers alike. Mostly listeners.

For those of you wondering...

2008-03-02T13:06:00.001-06:00

Well, we got it! The permit from the Fire Marshall is in hand. When we met with our contractor in April of last year and he gave us time estimated he said the one thing that could slow us down was the permit from the FM - that that is where we could most likely face problems. Well it was in October that I indicated we had hit a snag here but hoped it would only be a small one - OCTOBER people! That was 4 to 5 months ago! AAAARRRGGGGGG.

Sorry I had to get that out of my system :). Great news. We have the permit. Now we have a couple of HOPEFULLY real small county permits and we can get moving. Our understanding is that once we have this permit the others are pretty much academic.

We are thankful for all who have been so faithful to pray about this matter and to those who have worked so diligently to make it happen. Please continue to pray for us.

Great thoughts...

2008-02-28T22:20:00.002-06:00

I suppose most of my blog readers know that among the roles I feel so blessed to fill is that of an editor with 21st Century Christian. Earlier this week I got a piece from my friend Dr. Bill Bagents, VP of Academic Affairs at Heritage Christian University. One of the paragraphs is among the best I've read in years. It is worth your time to spend a minute devouring it. Enjoy:

"God’s ways have always been mysterious. Who but God would select one childless couple to begin His chosen nation or allow His own Son to be born in poverty and live infancy as a refugee? Who but God would let the denier preach on Pentecost or call the persecutor to preach? Who but God would allow His lead evangelist to work and write from prison? Part of God’s ongoing mystery story is His amazing ability to use the most unlikely people in the most unlikely settings to accomplish His will. Prison bars may limit mobility, but they cannot limit service. They may limit freedom, but they cannot limit faith. God can work over, through, and around every circumstance."

And He waits to use you to highlight His power in your weaknesses, excuses, and inabilities. How blessed you are! Just wait to see the surprises He has in store if you will be clay in His hand.

GLOBAL WARMING...Seems strange

2008-02-26T15:40:00.001-06:00

Yes, I agree pretty much with the assessment of a preacher I heard not long ago who said Christians ought to be on the band wagon and big leaders of protecting the environment responsibly. But we must also not be associated with the "manicism" that seems to characterize the extreme left movement that dominates media and pop culture.

Does it seem strange to you that the very people who preach "survival of the fittest" and evolution are also the ones who are bemoaning and shoving down our throats global warming? If one buys into the concept of evolution then what is...is. And if the human race makes the world unfit for our survival we will either adapt or go the way of the dodo bird and some other species that could survive will dominate.

While I do believe (as said above) we should be responsible and I have tried to take notice and even change some habits to help in that regard. I also keep in mind that this ole earth is headed to a preordained end and however the Lord has determined that end will come, our using less plastics or more plastics will not affect that date a smiggin.

Acts 17:30-31 "The times of ignorance God overlooked, but now he commands all people everywhere to repent, because he has fixed a day on which he will judge the world in righteousness by a man whom he has appointed; and of this he has given assurance to all by raising him from the dead."

2 Peter 3:10-12 "But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night, in which the heavens will pass away with a great noise, and the elements will melt with fervent heat; both the earth and the works that are in it will be burned up. Therefore, since all these things will be dissolved, what manner of persons ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness, looking for and hastening the coming of the day of God, because of which the heavens will be dissolved, being on fire, and the elements will melt with fervent heat?"

I figure HE'S got it all in control!

Ongoing...

2008-02-21T12:43:00.002-06:00

I'm sure I'll find out that at least one of you is passionate on this subject I'll deal with today and will be shocked (and sorely disappointed) that I am not :). So, in advance and anticipation, sorry.

I've listened in on and studied for years the "raging" debate of what happens when one dies. Do they go straight to heaven (aka Gus Nichols teaching I believe) or to a waiting place (aka Guy N. Woods). Frankly both positions make some good points with various scriptures and both make some arguments I can poke some holes in. So, frankly, I don't care. It's not because I haven't had anyone die who was significant to me, I've had several. "I don't care" may sound a little strong but I mean it. I see it this way, when I die if I go to a waiting place I'm willing to wait but if I go straight to heaven I won't protest and ask to be removed. I just don't want to feel any heat - that's my only objection to cremation :).

That said I heard an interesting thought today that I've never really related to this subject before. Christ told His disciples "I go to prepare a place for you." The obvious reference is to Heaven. Now, I suppose it's possible that some of the place was already ready to "move in" but I don't get that from the text. So if one goes straight to heaven at death - what about those who died before Christ - or as it's been called the Christian age?

There are many good arguments on both sides of this discussion. And this does not trump some of what I've heard it's just another thought.

Who is Dale Jenkins?

2008-02-18T11:57:00.007-06:00

I was writing the letter for our middle Tennessee ministry luncheon this morning and looking for a bio of our speaker - I hated to disturb him so I googled him. The info I found was pretty neat from a site called ZoomInfo.

But as I looked at his info, I knew that it was dated. He's worked with three congregations since the one that was posted. So I wondered if my info was on there and what it might look like.

Wow - when I typed Dale Jenkins into the info box it found 65 of me - now that's spooky! Six of them were really me - Editor at 21st Century, Preacher at Granny White, Mustang Radio personality, Speaker at CYC in 2004, board member at HCU, a couple of sites that list some of my sermons. But then there's the Dale Jenkins you don't know - and I don't either. I (he, they) am (is, are) the Vice-President of Kiwanis International, Player of the Year in '07 for the Albany Creek Crushers (a Rugby team in Queensland), CEO of a Medical insurance group (that oughta help the ole' self-insuring issue), a used car salesman (Maybe I can get the SKY), principal of a school in Japan, a college track star, a member of the board of trustees for the Cinicinnati Music Theater (yeah, sure), a patrol officer in Middleton (I guess I can arrest myself for impersonating anyone who knows anything about music), a lawyer in Dallas, TX (so I can defend myself for that unlawful arrest), and am presently employed at the Smithsonian. I have served in most every branch of the military, am listed as a minister in five different religious bodies and finished number 270 as a woman in the RiverBank Run 10K. No wonder I'm tired and confused :).

For those of you wondering: This site scourers internet sites for anytime a name is mentioned and creates a profile on any usage.

Truthfully in our fast-paced, consumer driven, needs incumbent society there are a lot of folks who really aren't sure who they are anymore.

Dale Jenkins - who is he really? He is a child of God's by His mercy and grace. He is a terribly flawed human (too big of an ego, too often talking more than listening, too many times guilty of acting without thinking and then just being flat out embarrassed) who could only define himself positively through Jesus Christ. He is a blessed husband who "out-kicked his coverage" and wonders how with what he was looking for he got so much more than he sought! He has two sons who love the Lord, and all he can figure, is he owes it to God and a good wife. He is a part of an extended family that has given him that which is "to be chosen above great riches". He gets paid more than he is worth to do something he loves with a passion. He is working with a group of People who are exceptional in a place that is a minister's dream. He has been given opportunities beyond anything he deserves and imagined he ever would. He gets to spend time with godly men who influence him to do right. He is blessed, thankful, amazed and looking forward to the future - whether here or THERE. That's who Dale Jenkins is.

Now, who are you?

PS - If you "Zoominfo" yourself share the fun results :)

Off the reservation...

2008-02-07T22:38:00.000-06:00

Get 3000 or so preachers together, mix in a couple of hundred lectures and a few thousand ideas, backgrounds, approaches and opinions, along with a culture that encourages radical individualism, and it is really quite amazing that there is not constant bickering and fighting. About once every 5 years or so someone will go totally off the reservation but when you consider all the elements involved the unity, love and peace that exists is much more sensational than the occasional differences. Today, from what I could tell someone had to be pulled back in but I can't remember the last time such happened. Our congratulations to those who put is all together, select topics and speakers and who love the church enough not to be constantly striving to cause an uproar, but serious and challenging study or scripture and approached to the Lord's Work.

Open...what?

2008-02-07T09:24:00.000-06:00

Open Forum, Open Feud, Open Fire...
It's either the blight of the lectureship that makes one determine to never return or the highlight of the day but few people are ambivalent on the forum who have been to it. For the uninitiated a brief description and history. The Open Forum has gone on for many, many years. I'm figuring perhaps 50 years - I've been able to trace it back to at least 1969 (http://www.therestorationmovement.com/audio/index.htm). For a number of years I understand that Gus Nichols of Alabama conducted the forum but it was made most famous by Guy N. Woods who people seemed to revere greatly or revile. He was encyclopedic and unemotional in his answers. He could be a tad temperamental if he thought he had already dealt with a question sufficiently or the seeker had not studied for the answer on their own. Alan Highers followed Brother Woods and then for a few years the "forum" was "passed around" until Ralph Gilmore took it over about 10 years ago.
The forum is quite simple in it's approach. At 3:30 each afternoon Monday-Thursday the moderator answers all questions on any subject of a biblical nature. Questions are submitted throughout the year or handed to Ralph or some other lectureship committee member during the week. That's the easy part. The OPEN part is where it gets complicated. There are several microphones scattered throughout the auditorium and anyone can go to a mic at any point and be recognized to ask a question. This is often where the fireworks are set off. In roughly 30 years of attending the forum I've learned you never know what to expect. This year one brother called upon Brother Gilmore to repent...that happened last year too. That when someone disagreed with an answer the Ralph gave. Now, Ralph is very funny and that is a tad disarming since some don't realize the intellect of this scholar (one friend says he could bend the universe with his mind). Some think they are dealing with a "lightweight" but they mistake his youthful and fun spirit as simple, not as a deep and studied Bible student.
Most often the aforementioned "fireworks" are the result of one of two things. Either a misunderstanding of what the forum is. It is not a place where brotherhood positions are established - we have no such place in a brotherhood that would commit to autonomy between us and a commitment to the scriptures as our guide. Many folks have a hard time understanding that and believe that the forum moderator is giving either the church's official view or the school's. They also fail to remember that Ralph reserves the right to be human (therefore, wrong at times). The second item that leads to "fireworks" is when we take ourselves too seriously. While we can never take the scriptures too seriously, we can take our opinion or even our own private interpretation of them as such. Hey, you could be wrong - ever considered that?
At times the forum has been bad. Very bad. 1985 was a bad and sad year in which many misbehaved and deeper damage was done than can be expressed in this column. I've seen years when some it seemed tried to break fellowship or divide the church of the Lord over the forum - isn't that a little radical. Go home, take your Prozac, pray, reload and come back next year with a gentler spirit and love. We be brethren. The forum, love it or hate it, it's hard to ignore.

GREET ONE ANOTHER WITH...

2008-02-06T08:09:00.002-06:00

GREET ONE ANOTHER WITH…

When you see a few thousand people most of whom you see only once a year and some who are pretty important in your overall life...people who are dear to you...some who are not real dear but you like a lot - and many who when you see them for this one time a year it is walking through display aisles or down a hallway. So here's the official FHU Lectureship lines (You can hear them anytime).

Fine (or some other one word answer to "How are you doing?")

Great (answer to how the work is going if you are either very happy or really miserable but don't want someone who might be looking for a preacher to think you are a malcontent and would be unhappy should they want to talk to you about working there).

Yes (or no) I'm still at ...

Yes, I'd be willing to talk to them about possibly moving...

No, I hadn't heard ________.

They did what?

HEY Brother (when you absolutely, positively can't remember their name!)

Let's talk later.

One of my uncles here (oh, I only have one here) suggested you could even have a tape recorder with three tracks on it and just hit the appropriate one.

48 and counting...

2008-02-06T08:09:00.001-06:00

TUESDAY THOUGHTS…

48 official offerings on this day: It is impossible to hear everyone you want to, to visit with everyone you would like to. I've had to miss dear friends because two were speaking at the same time. I've had to miss family members because two were speaking at the same time. I had to miss favorite speakers because of obligations to hear another. I know there have been many who have done that for me.

Then there is an excellent youth minister's track. I profited from two of these today. One was Nick Jones. Nick listed all the technology tools and tips at www.ikeepbookmarks.com and type in Nick Jones. If tech is your desire you might check out this http://dalejenkins.blogspot.com/2008/01/wired-for-ministry-notes-and-stuff.html

Then there are all of these dinner's. There's a fund raising program for every meal - breakfast, lunch and supper. And there are some great lessons delivered at these too.

More later tonight on "Open Forum", Today's lectures and greeting at the lectureships.

The Student Lectures...

2008-02-06T08:08:00.001-06:00

LECTURE 2: CHAPEL - David Sargent, Mobile, Alabama:

THE STUDENT LECTURESHIPS:

The FHU Lectureships started back in the 20’s to help young preachers who could not afford the time or money for college. Originally the program lasted for a month and was in January. In the 60’s it was moved to the first week of February. At one time it was known as “the student lectures”. To this day those who plan the program take great care to make sure the program emphasizes things for the students. Daily chapel is required for all students at the school but lectureship week seems to take it up a notch. For more excellent notes on the history of the lectures go to: http://web.fhu.edu/Lectureship/Lectureship+Archives/

David is minister of a congregation that has provided hundreds of thousands of man hours in relief for those who were affected by hurricane Katrina.

One of the reasons that folks come that I didn’t list earlier is to find jokes. Yes, jokes, good clean, jokes. Christians love to laugh in a pure way, not a vulgar, hurtful, at someone else’s expense way. David told the best joke I heard on the day: About the boss who didn’t think he was getting the respect he deserved. He had a sign professionally made that read in bold letters: THE BOSS. He went to lunch, when he got back there someone had attached a note under it that said “Your wife called and wants her sign back.”

David spent his time on the ministry of John the Baptist and stressed humility for modern day “voices crying” into our wilderness for the second coming of the Lord. What a grand lesson.

MORE MONDAY:

As I listened to my old friend Dorian Flynn speaking on “Bearing Fruit”, to David Pharr preaching on “I am the Good Shepherd” and Ralph Gilmore deal with issues at Open Forum I was struck by how thoroughly immersed these guys are in God’s Word and with the fervor with which they deliver their messages.

Dorian spoke with passion of the desire that so many of his fellow Christians have to share the message of Christ with others. He listed the Lord’s action plan: 1. Respond with the right perspective, 2. Connect with people, 3. Serve others.

Dorian quotes:

“Christians are to love people who seem to be our enemies.”

“A faith that proclaims that our life is much more than a Sunday stroll with God!”

“I am not interested in winning a battle, I am interested in winning a soul to Jesus Christ.”

Brother Pharr, a man who has served with the same congregation for 35 years and who has raised a family that certifies his faith, spoke on one of the seven “I am’s” of Christ in the book of John. He talked about the difference in “a good shepherd and THE good shepherd.” Any good shepherd will sacrifice and take risks for his sheep, THE GOOD Shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. No one would expect a shepherd to give his life for a sheep! The Shepherd of John becomes the Lamb in the book of Revelation. The wolf in John 10 is purposed to deceitfully destroy the sheep. The hirelings in the text are in complicity with the wolf. Brother Pharr dealt masterfully with verse 16 of this text. He emphasized how there are the same number of folds as there are shepherds. No one gets in the fold by accident.

We will have a more complete report on “Open Forum” later.

The night session featured Steve Baggett. Steve is the excellent preacher for the Walnut Street church in Dickson, TN. Here are some of my favorite quotes from his excellent lesson: “A compassionate heart doesn’t begin with actions, it begins with attitudes. It begins with the heart.” “Our Lord was a man of compassion then and he will be one today and His people must be.” We must do more than just talk about helping others we must have the attitude that says “I will do what I can to alleviate you pain. Compassion requires deeds, not just words.” “It’s easy to preach that the church must be a people of compassion and then go home and forget about it. Compassion must begin at home.”

It was a good day. And ended with milkshakes late at Steak and Shake!

No Tie Tuesday...

2008-02-06T08:07:00.000-06:00

For those of you keeping score - today is "No Tie Tuesday". Unless you speak, are over age 70, are a Bible major, a school of preaching student or professor, are having lunch with the President, or are the President (either of them), you don't wear a tie today. Van will be happy!

BLOGGING THE LECTURES - DAY ONE, PART 1

2008-02-04T22:48:00.001-06:00

From Freed-Hardeman (7:38 pm).
When I accepted this exciting challenge I did not consider when I would actually do my postings. I’ve written all day (and quite honestly) attended more actual lectures this one day than I normally do in a whole week of lectures J. Frankly I’m writing this post as I listen to my good friend Steve Baggett deliver the evening keynote lecture (I’m sure Steve can handle it while I multi-task).
It’s been a pretty amazing day. At 8:00 this morning I went by the book display (I’m always tempted to say “the tent” but it hasn’t been in a tent in probably 20 years now). It’s now in Bader gym – must better than the old tent or the basement of the Gardner Center). It’s sort of lectureship central. If you’re looking for someone among the thousands here they’ve probably been through there in the last 2 hours or so and will be back shortly. I think some guys actually move in during the lectureships. The energy is palpable during this week. It is a place of hugs and reunions.
I’m trying to figure out the best way to do this. I think I’ll post a series of shorter updates rather than really long ones.
The lectures are big on suits. There’s even a guy there who sells them, presumably in case you left yours at home and realize you’re the only one without one on. And get this, the guy who sales them, his name is “Coats” – yep, for real. Now, special announcement: For those of you who didn’t get the news – Monday is “Suit Monday!” You wear a suit on MONDAY so everyone knows you still have one and then the rest of the week you don’t have to be so formal J.
LECTURE 1: Dave Phillips, Memphis, Tennessee:
My first lecture this year was hearing Dave Phillips as I listened to Dave, the longtime and effective preacher for the Germantown congregation speak from John 20 on “That You May Believe” I was struck by several things about his presentation and by several things he said. Dave had prepared meticulously. He spoke from the “Book” to the heart! His message was both real and relevant as he challenged the students to “make their parents faith their own”. Brother Phillips did not shy away from those who have brought challenging threats to “our faith”. He quoted from A.J. Jacobs “The Year of Living Biblically” from the more serious Christopher Hitchens “god is not Great” and the more vicious attacks of Robert Brandon “A Guide to Universal Truth”. To those who cast the term “homophobic” at Christians Dave said: “I am a sinaphobic, I’m afraid of sin.” Then he turned to those who believe that compromising with world religions is an acceptable course to chart as he stated: “Christianity is exclusive”
A few other good quotes from Dave:
“I can’t see how God forgives sin, but I believe He does, I can’t see how God answers my prayers, but I believe He does. If you can see it, it’s not faith. These signs (in John) are given to us that we might have faith.”
“Some say ‘you can have Jesus without the Bible’. Really? You wouldn’t even know He existed with the Bible.”
As he closed he challenged the faith of the ministers and elders present: “Do you believe that Jesus is the son of God?” It is belief that leads to life.
God has a vested interest in us! He loves us. You see 400 students go across the line in graduation and you really don’t see any of them until your grandchild’s name is called. Your child brings home their class picture and you only see your child. There’s a school play and you are on the front row. Why? You have a vested interest in that person. God has a vested interest in us.

Why I go...a top ten list

2008-02-03T20:57:00.000-06:00

(BLOGGING FROM THE LECTURES, series)

Around Tennessee this time of year just say "I'm heading to the lectures" and most any preacher will know what you're talking about. I did a quick poll a few days ago on why people go to Freed-Hardeman Lectureships. Here's what I found out:

1. Some preachers go to look for a job. Want a job, there are elders here, want a preacher, you can find a few hundred who'll talk to you!

2. Ideals: What's the lastest, hottest, bestest new program that will invigorate, energize and ignite their congregation. Funny how quickly most of those play out.

3. Sermons: It's a sermon stealer's paradise: Peek in a few lectures, some you'll get whole series out of, some just some excellent points. And if that doesn't work, there are a couple of thousand real live preachers who are just dieing to tell you about what they preached last Sunday or are planning for this Sunday. I like to stop by the audio recording sales booth and ask what the "hot sellers" are, I pick those up if they sound intriguing and if they're really good Spring Meadows might hear them within a matter of weeks :).

4. Some go for gossip (I didn't say that out loud, did I?) Who's moving where, who's done what, who's in, who's out, what's the latest issue and who stands where on it.

5. Some go for the display section: They must, that is the only place I see them. One even said to me one time, it is as spiritual for ME to be in the display area seeing folks as it is sitting in a lecture. Ah, the display area. Here you'll find more books than you can afford, the latest material, and a few hundred "parachurch organizations" willing to help you part" with any money you have left after you've visited the book displays. They are ready to tell you why their program, school, product is the best and only one really worthy of your support (I suppose I overstate it). Seriously, you can really learn a lot about many good works there. Some go to learn about these works.

6. Some go to eat: Jack's Creek on Monday lunch, Brooksie's Barn (where I want to be buried) on Tuesday night, Bell's on Wednesday, a couple of visits to the Associates' Kitchen and all the "sponsored meals" - yum.

7. Some go to debate: The Open Forum (or Open Feud as one friend calls it) is one of a kind (we'll say more about that in a later post), but it gives new meaning to that phrase "Take it outside"...people do, in fact a whole lot more debate the "issues" of the day with various degrees of vigor after the "forum" than during it. I personally like Balcony D where, we are so far away from "Ralph" that we conduct our own little forum :)

8. One fellow blogger (Jonathan Jones: http://hopeevidence.blogspot.com/) said: "I go to lectureships to be spiritually uplifted. Preachers need to be spiritually charged, too. It can be draining to study, study study, teach, teach, teach. Sometimes we need to instructed and taught to and lectureships often fill this need." Amen.

9. Most at least listed the wonderful fellowship that is there. Hugh Fulford says, "I enjoy seeing who I can see."

10. Oh, and there are actual lectures that are going on too :). So some come just to deliver a speech, others to hear their favorite speakers. One guy said "I attend because I believe they are sound and helpful and because of the wonderful fellowship with brethren." The speakers are expected to be men who know, respect and love the word of God and the church. Some who don't hear the speakers get the CD's and "THE BOOK" (what a resource that becomes). My experience is that the speakers are guys you can trust.

Why I go: It is a reunion of a few thousand of my closest friends. I love preachers and their hearts and the energy they bring to life and the impact they so deeply desire to have on others, so this is sorta Mecca to me! I long for the time with these guys and it's never enough. I love these men of God. I go because I get to see family. Sons, my dad, brother, sister, nephews, uncle and aunts, cousins, the gangs all here. I go for Open Forum, to hear some specific lectures each year, I go to hear the student speak in chapel, I go for practical advice and spiritual insight and, yes, I go for Brooksie's on Tuesday night. It's not perfect but it is a special time for me in my life each year. It's a spiritual feast for me in every good way.

I'm sure I left out a truck load of possible reasons, so go ahead, if you attend, post yours.

Progress!!!

2008-02-01T14:57:00.000-06:00

Great news. The building structure, form arrived today. Here are some pictures of it being unloaded and of it sitting and doing what we all are getting better at than we wish...waiting for the fire marshal :). As this process continues to work toward completion you need to know that all involved believe there is a light at the end of the tunnel! We hope this beams will be rising toward the heavens before too long. Keep on praying.
P.S. You'll want to trust me on the pics and not go out there - because of the good rains we've had lately - it's a mess!!!!

An Interesting Opportunity

2008-01-29T08:07:00.000-06:00

Yes, I will be at Freed-Hardeman University for the lectures next week (Like that's big news :)) but this year could be different, very different. I got a Facebook message from a friend of mine who works with the university last week. He told me that this year FHU is partnering with The Jackson Sun on their coverage of the lectureship in an unusual way. They have asked Freed to select a professor, three students and one visiting minister to blog about the program during the week. They will pull from these blogs and feature them.

I am humbled and honored that I should have the opportunity to be the visiting minister blogger. I will do my best. I'll try to blog several times a day. While I've been blogging about three years, this is something that is quite unexpected and could/should be interesting.

Now here is where some of you come in. If you blog or know of others who do who might be at the lectures then you might send their URL my way and I'll see if I can direct some of our potential readers toward them or might use some quotes from them. Who knows what new readers might come to your blog from this and the opportunities that might present of the good of the Kingdom of God.

For those of you who don't blog. Your comments on this could be very helpful. I'll look forward to them as well.

By the way. If you are visiting this blog as a result of this coverage and would like to receive news anytime I update my blog, we'd love to have you, let me know and I'll add you to my notify list.

The Sky is...

2008-01-27T19:40:00.000-06:00

In three years of blogging I have only used someone else's post one time before. My good friend Steve Higginbotham at http://preachinghelp.org/ has posted a piece from a seminar that I had to miss because of an HCU board meeting, but I understand was very encouraging. I like good news - this seemed like good news to me.

The Sky Isn’t Falling

Last weekend, I had the opportunity to attend a presentation on the campus of Freed-Hardeman University. The Christian Higher Education Foundation, representing colleges and universities affiliated with Churches of Christ, commissioned Dr. Flavil Yeakley to study the post-high school years of our young people related to their spiritual growth. (Dr. Yeakley’s presentation, along with his PowerPoint slides will be made available for download on Freed-Hardeman’s website in the near future).

Dr. Yeakley presented several interesting facts that I wish to share with you. Not only did he share information about our young people, but about churches of Christ in general. Here are some of the statistics that he shared:

Churches of Christ constitute the 12th largest religious group in America.
Churches of Christ are the 6th fastest growing church in America.
Churches of Christ rank 4th in the nation in total number of congregations.
Churches of Christ rank 5th in the nation in number of counties in which there is a congregation.
Churches of Christ rank 1st in the nation in distribution of congregations.
Churches of Christ rank 1st in the nation in weekly attendance among its membership.

That’s a far cry from the gloom and doom propaganda that some have been preaching. So much for the talk that we must embrace certain innovations if we want to grow and be remain relevant.

Another interesting tid-bit from Dr. Yeakley’s research was that the greatest retention rate of young people following graduation from high school comes from congregations who are described as “middle of the road,” whereas the worst retention rate of young people comes from congregations who are described as “much more liberal.”

Friends, while we certainly have room for improvement, these statistics prove that we’re doing some things right. While we need to be warned and sometimes criticized, we also need to be encouraged, strengthened, and patted on the back. Take a child from the time he is old enough to understand words, and give him constant criticism. Tell him how he is no good, and how other children are better than him. Tell him that he is worthless, and that he has not and cannot achieve anything worthwhile. What impact do you think this would have on the self-image and productivity of that child?

Likewise, take a church, and for an extended period of time, do nothing but criticize it. Tell it how it is no good. Tell it how other “churches” are better than it. Tell it that it is irrelevant, legalistic, and graceless. Tell it that it cannot achieve anything worthwhile. Now what kind of impact do you think this would have on the self-image and productivity of that church? I would suggest the same.

These statistics aren’t given so that you will have something about which to brag, but rather are given to encourage you to “keep your hand to the plow” and help you to realize that you are making a positive impact in the world.

And there were Boy Scouts somewhere

2008-01-25T06:56:00.000-06:00

Physically activity is a sign of life and a degree of health, spiritual it perhaps provides some indication of that as well. I don't think I'd make that a debate proposition. In fact too much activity may not make us anything, well, anything more than just busy. Biblically there is an appropriately mixed bag on the subject. On one hand there God's admonition: "Be still and know that I am God." Unexamined busyness may only mask an anemic relationship with the Lord. But on the other, the life and church not filled with an "abounding in the work of the Lord" is not pleasing to Him either.

Well, that certainly got long :)

I say all that to say that last night at Spring Meadows was exciting:
The shepherds had to search for a place to meet.
There was a support group meeting in the old auditorium, a technology group meeting in the BOB so the elders met in the "foyer". There were a couple of Bible study groups that met yesterday. There was a ladies gathering at one of the members house and somewhere we think the Boy Scout group was meeting. Did anyone see where they went?

All that in just one night. We are blessed in so many, many good ways. May God multiply the efforts of all of His People in every place. What a blessing to be a part of His Work.

It's Difficult...

2008-01-23T12:00:00.000-06:00

Almost every week I listen to a podcast called "The Tech Guy" which features Leo Laporte. In accord with my friend Jerrie's advice, I try not to learn too much. It typically will play in the background of some study I'm doing. A couple of weeks ago he was taking about the tactics of those who produce software or hardware of trying to give freebies or befriend in some other way those who will in turn review their products. Laporte refuses to keep the products he receives for review. But in the discussion he had a powerful if not deep comment: "It's hard to do a negative review of something when you're buddies with the guy who made it."

Amen brother! I'd advise my friends and acquaintances who seem to constantly want to bash the Lord's church, either locally or universally to remember those words. Most everyone I know has the occasional wish that some thing or another was different or gets put out with someone or some group over some frustration - but please - some seem to have a constant ax to grind, a ceaseless criticism on their lips - a continual verbal brick to throw. After hearing their lectures, laments and lambastes I begin to wonder, "are they buddies with the guy who made it"?

Biblically, when Jesus appears to Saul on the Damascus road, He asked "Why are you persecuting me?" As far as I've been able to ascertain Saul had never previously even met Christ, so how could Saul be harming Him? He was harming His church, His People and therefore hurting Christ. Friend when you belittle the church, when you disparage the church, when you mock the church, you belittle, disparage and mock the Lord.

If you're a "buddy" with the guy who made it's mighty hard to give it a negative review. So, next time you speak unloving things about the church that belongs to the Lord, you might investigate your love for HIM!

Let's look for opportunities to give that which we love, the Lord and the Lord's a positive review.

New President of Freed-Hardeman University

2008-01-11T15:19:00.000-06:00

Today Freed-Hardeman University (FHU) introduced the man who will step into the role of chief administrator following in the steps of Milton Sewell. Dr. Joe Wiley has served for the last 9 years as president of Roger's State University which has experienced tremendous growth during his tenure. http://www.rsu.edu/about/execs/wiley.htm

I have heard from several key people in this process (both on and off campus) with deep ties and love for FHU and they each have indicated they believe he is the man for the job. Brother Wiley has served as both a Bible teacher, Bible Chair and elder. He is a faithful brother with outstanding academic credentials and abilities that suit him especially for the role of continuing the outstanding growth that FHU has experienced. I am convinced that he is deserving of the support of all who love Christian education and more specifically our little school in Henderson. Please pray for the future of FHU and all of “our” schools.

Hey everybody, I am...

2008-01-10T21:29:00.001-06:00

Hey everybody, I am calling this blog from my cell phone with an unbelievable new program called jott.com, you need to try it, it does some amazing things. listen

Powered by Jott

Wired For Ministry - notes and stuff...

2008-01-10T12:20:00.000-06:00

OK...been trying to get this one up and online for several days now. It may be my longest post ever and it is pretty much just for preachers (and maybe a few other hyper geeks who want to see what they might be able to do). I had considered making this two or three separate posts but I'll try it as one again.

Monday (1/6/08) we hosted the 21st Century Christian Ministry luncheon. Our theme for this month was "Wired For Ministry". There were three presentations. Mark Adams did some super stuff on helpful websites for ministry and some informative info on "social networking". Jonathan Seamon, "the tech preach" brought 10 of his favorite gadgets. And I presented "10+ Tech Tools That Can Tweak Your Ministry Today" I must say I enjoyed it and hope you do to and maybe you'll find some stuff that will be of value to you. If you use electricity, an air conditioner or microphone don't say you don't use tech - you already do...so why not consider some upgrades? I hope you enjoy and feel free to add (I'm always looking for new toys) and ask via comments below.

Useful Web Resources for ministers

Compiled by Mark Adams with help from Matthew Dabbs & James Wood

NOTE: I do not concur with all that is on these web pages or their links, but I have found some of what they offer to be of value, and hope you will also.

Bible Gateway http://www.biblegateway.com A website with dozens of translations of the Bible in several languages available for searching and reading. It’s especially helpful because the search can be limited to individual translations and sections of the Bible. This website can quickly eliminate your need for an additional concordance.

Sermon Illustrations http://www.sermonillustrations.com While there are numerous websites available that have free sermon illustrations and quotes, this one is nicely indexed alphabetically by subject.

Open Office http://www.openoffice.org

o There are many congregations who do not have the financial resources to purchase the latest versions of Microsoft Office for their computers, but who also realize that it is unethical to use pirated copies of Microsoft products for church applications. Open Office is a suite of software including a word processor, presentation program, spreadsheet program, graphics program, and database program. The best part is that because it is open source software, it is completely FREE. This is a great way for a church to be able to use high-powered software comparable to—and compatible with—Microsoft Office without having to spend a dime, or to do anything unethical. If you are used to MS Office, there may be a bit of a learning curve, but there is basically nothing that Office can do which Open Office cannot.

Peacemaker http://www.peacemaker.net

o This is a helpful array of resources for conflict resolution. Though it is not a website one might use all the time, when it’s needed, it can be extremely helpful.

David Allen Company (Time Management and Productivity) http://www.davidco.com

o This is not specifically geared toward ministers, but it has information helpful to ministers striving to keep their lives organized and productive.

The Barna Group http://www.barna.org

o This is the main website for George Barna, who has done extensive surveys and research on the beliefs and practices of people on dozens of issues ranging from doctrinal beliefs to small groups to volunteerism. His research is objective and can provide helpful insights to understanding our congregations and our culture.

Presentation Help Websites

o There are numerous websites, both Christian and secular, that contain information and products which can aid in giving sharp, impacting presentations. The following websites are primarily useful to people using Powerpoint, or who have some way of displaying computer images and videos.

o Videos and Image Loops http://www.sermonspice.com - There are hundreds of video clips that can be purchased and incorporated into classes or sermons. Also, there are animated background images that can be used to bring your slides to life.

o Pictures for Powerpoint and/or Publications http://www.google.com/imghp - Google image search is one of the quickest way to find pictures, but the caveat is that the majority of these may be under copyright protection, and should be used with caution and integrity.

§ http://www.istockphoto.com - $1 for low-rez images and $2-3 for higher-rez images. These are professional quality for a reasonable price, and this also alleviates the concerns for using images illegally.

§ http://www.gettyimages.com - Similar to istockphoto; a solid database of high quality images.

§ http://www.sxc.hu

§ http://www.morguefile.com - This one is free!

§ http://www.reverendfun.com - This website has archives of hundreds of original humorous cartoons, based on either biblical passages or church situations. There is a helpful search function to find cartoons fitting to what you are teaching.

For a good compilation of similar websites, see the post on Presentationzen.com called “Where can you find good images?”
http://presentationzen.blogs.com/presentationzen/2006/01/where_can_you_f.html

Google Apps http://www.google.com/intl/en/options

o Google has dozens of free resources for searching, communication, and organization, and several free computer programs. (If you don’t have a good program for organizing digital photos, I haven’t found one that’s better than Picasa by Google) If you go to this website, you will see a list of some of the resources Google provides with helpful descriptions.

Christian Blogs

o There are at least two excellent compilations of Christian blogs that I know of with many of them coming from churches of Christ.

§ http://mattdabbs.wordpress.com/blogroll

§ http://johndobbs.com/blogroll.htm

o If you desire to start your own blog, there are several sites you could use. It might be best to go to the above lists of blogs, and look at some links that are “blogspot.com” blogs and some that are “wordpress.com” blogs. It will help you get a feel for the differences between the two. The two best sites to use for starting and hosting your own blog are:

§ http://www.blogger.com - This is a reasonably simple format that is still sophisticated enough to allow some flexibility in blog design, organization, and function.

§ http://www.wordpress.com - This is the option that most serious bloggers go with. It is more complex, but has a lot more capabilities.

o If you become interested in regularly reading other people’s blogs, the best way to do this is by using a feed reader. Any website with regularly updating information such as blogs or news sites will have an RSS feed. When you use a feed reader, it will keep up with as many feeds as you tell it to. All you have to do is log on to your feed reader, and it will let you check new posts in a style similar to an e-mail inbox. It’s very simple, and if you tell the reader the website address you desire to add, it will usually be able to find the feed on its own. This saves you hours of hunting through your friends blogs, just hoping to find a new post. Two of the best feed readers are:

§ http://www.google.com/reader - Google Reader

§ http://www.bloglines.com - Bloglines

Restoration Movement Pages http://www.mun.ca/rels/restmov/index

o This is an extensive list of biographies, pictures, and works by hundreds of restoration movement leaders. This is a work in progress by Hans Rollman, and is an astoundingly good resource for members of churches of Christ who enjoy studying their own history in the last 200 years.

Bible Study Resources

o Matthew Dabbs has compiled a list of 31 online resources for Bible study including Biblical language tools, OT resources, NT resources, online commentaries, early Christian writings, full texts of religious books, and several other items at his blog. For the sake of conserving paper and ink, I encourage you to go to his blog and explore/bookmark some of the links he has compiled:
http://mattdabbs.wordpress.com/bible-resources/

Social Networking Websites

o There are numerous websites people use to connect with one another, and the majority of users are probably younger people. Even so, you might be surprised at who all you find that you haven’t seen in years! The two you are most likely to find other people using are:

§ http://www.facebook.com

§ http://www.myspace.com

Sermon Central http://www.sermoncentral.com

o This website contains thousands of sermons (full text and outlines) from hundreds of contributors. It has a lot of different ways that sermons and illustrations can be searched and categorized. While it is not ethical to preach another person’s sermon—at least without giving them credit—it can be extremely helpful to get ideas for how to divide up and teach a passage by considering how others have preached the same passage. You can also become a contributor and upload your sermons.

21^st Century Christian (Devotional & app ideas) http://21stcc.com/downloads.cfm/

o At the 21^st Century Christian website, there is a lot of information about various publications from the company. In conjunction with their quarterly curriculum, 21^st Century also has free weekly downloads that are designed to help students apply what they are studying that particular week to real life. Incidentally, the free downloads for teens called “The Beat” and “The Scene” are especially helpful for coming up with ideas on short notice. If you have to offer the Wednesday night invitation, but aren’t sure what to talk about, it’s worth taking a look at these, because they will draw from a current news headline and give a Biblical perspective on how Christians should respond to it. It makes a great way to find some fresh, relevant ideas in a hurry.

Daily Bible Reading Online http://www.esv.org/biblereadingplans

o The English Standard Version’s website has a variety of plans here you can follow if you want to read the Bible through every year online. You might consider doing your daily Bible reading every morning before checking your e-mail.

Randy Willingham’s Courageous Conversations http://www.randywillingham.com

o Randy Willingham is one of the leading experts in our brotherhood on handling church conflicts. He is very passionate about helping churches through problems, and also about encouraging ministers who have been fired or are feeling burned out. It is definitely worth going to his page and clicking on a few of the links to see what is available.

Cyber Hymnal http://www.cyberhymnal.org/ This is a website with numerous hymns from various denominations. It can be a good resource if you’re looking for new songs, or want to know more about older ones. It has a great scripture index to find songs by scriptural text.

Jonathan's Top Ten Fabulous Tech Toys:

1. Cell phone: iPhone, Blackberry and Palm all allow emailing, GPS, and the ability to keep your calendar and addresses on one unit. iPhone also allows you to listen to podcasts. These also allow the use of Bluetooth Operation (hands free talking; Pod cast, etc)

2. Palm Pilot - this allows the use of various functions similar to the above without cell phone capabilities. It also has the ultra neat:Bible on Flash Card made by Handmark Multi Media Card

3. Flash Drives: These now come in much smaller cards with capacities of up to 4 Gigabytes. These are USB drives that allow the fast and simple transfer of files or carrying your significant files in your pocket anywhere. Really neat is the Credit Card size flask drive that you can keep in your wallet.

4. Small clip: My little device that holds flash cards…so they can be read in a USB port

5. Cell phone web connection for computer. USB connection (Verzion, Sprint, etc) With this neat small connector you can be on the web on your laptop ANYWHERE! You are not dependent on whether or not your location has wifi.

6. HP printer for the computer (Power and Battery) Made by HP this ultra small printer does not require a AC/DC plug!

7. Power converter for car---so you can plug computer (or any other plug in device) into your lighter.

8. Dictaphone for dictation of letters, memos, thoughts while riding. Tape and Digital format

9. GPS---talked about one in the phone…but any system…they are great for getting around town. A must have if you are out and about visiting.

10. Zoom MP3 recorder on flash cards

AND if all else fails - a good old fashion notepad and pen

And here's my stuff:

"10+ Tech Tools That Can Tweak Your Ministry Today"

10. Use the force - of the web: Not everything on the web is good, nor is it bad. There are some helpful sites like igoogle, yahoo images, blogger, vistaprint, woot.com, biblegateway, eteacher, gty.org, sermoncentral.com, sermonspice.com, heartlight.org...they can help you be more productive with your time and more efficient in your study.

9. Projection Technologies – today’s stained glass. Churches in the middle ages used stained glass to elaborately display great truth; the church in the 50’s used sheet sermons to tell the gospel story in pictures. We’re using screens. The Church needs to communicate in images! It isn’t that expensive – you can get setup for under a couple of thousand dollars and project scripture, songs (with shaped notes if you desire – see paperlesshymnal.com) and sermon highlights. The mistake of most preachers is they use PowerPoint for words but it is about pictures. Don’t be redundant – find pictures that communicate in images what you are saying verbally – it’s a projected illustration!

8. Blogging - digital discipleship. Trust me it’s not that hard. If you are connected at all you can set up a blog-site in less than an hour. Secret: this is not a church bulletin. Don’t blog for an audience. The more you write about what’s on your head and heart, what moves you, the more people will respond. Blogging allows you to digitally teach just about anybody, anywhere, anytime.

7. Podcasting – horseback was faster than foot, carriages faster than horseback, car faster than carriages, jets faster than cars and podcasting is at the speed of light. In addition to your weekly lessons, how about a few special editions Podcast your sermons. Do interviews with members, community leaders, elders, parents, staff, etc. Any church of any size can increase its impact via MP3 technology. Again, it’s not that difficult. With a computer and under $500.00 you can get started.

6. E-Mail - word of mouse. Bulletins at the speed of the event! Cross communication, updates whenever you want. Churches should avoid spam at all costs, but a daily or weekly e-letter or note is an easy and affordable way to keep the church connected. Create several “distribution groups” – elders, deacons, men, youth, parents, members. LISTS, Lists, lists… And ask for responses, you’ll be surprised at how quickly people respond. Webblast can be your friend!

5. Web Site - your church portal. Guests can watch a Webcast, read your history, and get as much information on your church as they want. Nearly 50% of people under age 30 visit a church website before they visit the church service. They can do it from the comfortable and anonymity of their computer. Your Web site is your first impression. By the way: If you don’t update your webpage at least once a week, don’t put any time sensitive info on it. Keep it info full and simple.

4. Logo Central – Use the ease of modern printing to develop a logo that becomes recognizable in your community. Keep it clean, crisp and make sure it communicates your identity. You probably have at least one graphic designer or at least one graphically gifted person who would love to create 3 or 4 mock possibilities for you to choose from at no cost. The most important truths ought to be communicated in the most unforgettable ways. Branding isn’t dumbing-down or watering-down the message. It’s putting the creative energy into the message that it deserves.

3. Social Networking - church as a tag-team sport Create a Facebook account and build an online “congregation”.

2. Text Message - get instant feedback You will be amazed at how many responses you get to an instant message and how quickly – it’s not called instant messaging for nothing.

1. RSS - feeds that matter. (Rich Site Summary-is a format that delivers regularly changing webpage content to you. It notifies you when web content on the pages or blogs you like changes) Use RSS feeds to get your info fed fast (weekly bulletin, small group announcements, daily devotionals, blog entries, etc.) Again simple and allows you and others to keep up with webpage or blog updates fast and easy.

1b. Appearing at your service - Live Missionaries – You can link around the world with missionaries in Bible classes or the assemblies. Have a missionary your church supports with you any day. Put them on the big screen and have Q&A in real time.

1c. Flash Drives – I couldn’t resist at least one tech toy. Flash drives allow you to simply and quickly move files from computer to computer. Carry your whole “my docs” in your wallet or pocket.

And Mark's good materials on Social Networking:

Online Social Networking and Ministry

Presented by Mark Adams

Two main kinds of online social networking:

Blogging (weblogs)
Social Utility Sites (Facebook & Myspace)

Both kinds are useful for:

Maintaining contact and relationships

Sharing your personal thoughts

Sharing pictures or videos

Allowing your friends to comment about and respond to the things that you share.

Ministry applications:

These allow you more personal contact with your members (esp. important in larger congregations).

This is a primary way that young people are communicating these days.

These provide interactive forums for teaching, planning, and exploring ideas.

In learning what others are thinking, reading, and doing, it can be a source of personal growth and nourishment.

BLOGGING

“A blog is a website where you write stuff on an ongoing basis. New stuff shows up at the top, so your visitors can read what’s new. Then they can comment on it, or link to it, or e-mail you. Or not.” – Blogger.com

A blog can be whatever you want it to be! A personal diary, a daily pulpit, a collaborative space, a breaking-news outlet, a collection of links, your own private thoughts, or your memos to the world. (For some links related to blogging, please see the supplemental handout)

Blog Caveats

They are PUBLIC and UNEDITED, though you have the option of publishing anonymously. If someone takes serious issue with some of your thoughts, it can come back to haunt you.
They can be time consuming.

To set up a blog: Blogs are generally free, though you can spend extra and customize yours in some places. Go to www.blogger.com or www.wordpress.com and follow the easy steps to begin your own!

An example of a Blogspot blog: http://marksadams.blogspot.com

An example of a Wordpress Blog: http://mattdabbs.wordpress.com

Social Network Utilities (Facebook & Myspace)

On these you create your own profile where you can: “upload photos or publish notes, get the latest news from your friends, post videos on your profile, tag your friends, use privacy settings to control who sees your info, join a network to see people who live, study, or work around you”

– Facebook.com

- These websites are especially important for connecting with young people, but are used by people of all ages. (Many of them prefer a message on Facebook or Myspace over an e-mail)

- You will need to search for and add friends (you can search by e-mail address, name, school, location, etc.).

- There are some helpful group functions (esp. in Facebook) for connecting with people who share interests with you, or are part of your organization.

- You can upload pictures and videos, then “tag” your friends. They can also “tag” you!

- The more effort you put into using these sites, the more benefit you’ll gain. (If you add no information to your profile, no pictures, and never send any messages, this will be of little use to you.)

Social Utility Caveats

It might be more of a reality dose than you want.
Pay close attention to privacy options…you want to be careful who you share information with.
Some smut peddlers and unsavory characters are on here, too. (This might make it especially important for you to pay attention to what “Friends” your children are making on these websites.)
It can be time consuming.

To create an account: Go to www.facebook.com or www.myspace.com and click on the join button, then follow the instructions. (Facebook is a little simpler to use in my opinion)

Spring Meadows New Look...

2008-01-08T10:15:00.000-06:00

Sunday after a lot of good work and input our secretary (Susan Campbell. Susan works in a totally volunteer position. Guess that means she's a Vol, Tom :)) unveiled the long anticipated first edition of "VISION" the flagship publication of the Spring Meadows church. The color is great and the format crisp. I'll put a link to it here and hope you will enjoy it. And, as always, I'd like any suggestions or improvements that you might have.
http://springmeadows.faithsite.com/uploads/1325/83416.pdf

I hope to post notes soon from yesterday's 21st Century Christian Ministry luncheon. Several have asked for them.

Thanks and go out and bless someone today.

Wonderfully Wild...

2008-01-06T23:15:00.000-06:00

The last few weeks have been wonderfully wild - It's surely time for a new blog post! So I thought I'd just bring some updates this time:

Two Saturdays ago I enjoyed being a part of "Exposure '07". It was my third time to be a part of this grand gathering of young people and my favorite yet. A few years back I did the hypnosis thing there and a couple of years ago I "keynoted" but this year I got to spend four hours answering dozens of questions that the young people submitted. Eric Lyons of Apologetics Press, who my friend Trae had told me about years ago, was my sidekick. 800 young people can cover about every question you can imagine. It was a thrill to do this. I was impressed with the depth and passion of many of the questions. It is obvious they have been studying and been talking to their friends about the Lord. I am proud of the people who put that program together and hope it continues to grow and grow and grow!

Then Wednesday we had our first Equip training class Spring Meadows style! This program is one that Doug Burleson and I initially began about 6 years or so ago at Granny White. This year, Andy Miller and I opened it up to 12 young men middle school through high school. We had 13 sign up - the first time Equip has ever filled and they were all Spring Meadows guys. Andy is super and was a great help. We had a blast as we trained young men in creative ways and encouraged them to consider a life of ministry - whether as a vocation or avocation. We gave them many tools and lots of opportunities. The boys, well, they were as rowdy when given the chance as 13 young teens can be, but when asked to listen or participate - they were equally as eager. When churches put good opportunities in front of their young people - they will respond in tremendous ways. These guys did wonderful and seven of them preached at SM today! Wow it was great. Also Jennifer Miller and Melanie did a shorter Equip program for the girls, it too was a hit.

Saturday I enjoyed so much being with the church and their guests at 9th Avenue in Haleyville for their youth rally. They had a record crowd of roughly 275. I've been there a couple of times before but this year I taught four different sessions with the adults - youth ministers and chaperons. What a blessing to see the maturity of this group. The young people at the congregations represented there are in good hands. I am thankful, so very thankful for those who work with our youth - I've seen the benefits of good youth workers MANY times and experienced it both as a minister and a parent.

Today (Monday, 1/7/08), I will be at 21st Century Christian. A few months back Brother Jim Bill and Barry Brewer invited me to aid in directing the monthly luncheon of middle Tennessee ministers. For some reason I'm particularily excited as this month's program is called "Wired for Ministry". Mark Adams will be speaking on "social networking and websites", Jonathan Seamon will bring his top ten tech toys that are useful for ministers and I will be presenting 10 Tech Tips that can help your ministry right now. I think it should be a good and unique program.

For those who like to keep up with stuff at Spring Meadows. It continues to amaze us. No more parking places, no more room in classrooms, no more seating but new people continue to come our way. We are averaging roughly 240 on Sunday mornings and hope at the end of this week to have new pics and BIG news on the "property"! I can hardly wait!

Just thought several of you might want some updates. God is good and all glory is His, I continue to be amazed at how He blesses and gives us opportunities.

Picture of the week...

2007-12-18T07:53:00.001-06:00

One of our ladies made this neat Ginger bread "church" house. It is Spring Meadows. Notice the one close up below.

Look how Pennie did our "logo". There was also a HUGE church mouse. And in front of the building there was this goofy looking character that was more "smile" than anything else. She said that was me. Thanks Pennie - it was really, REALLY neat.

Brother Collins...that is all.

2007-12-13T17:11:00.000-06:00

A good and great man has died. I was privileged to serve as Brother Willard Collins minister for about a decade. How do you describe such a man?

The "man with the voice" - even till his last few months his voice was as powerful and clear as in his prime. He was the man who loved the church. He loved the Lord's church so passionately and only wanted the very best for it. He was an encourager "par-excellence"!

He encouraged ever good thing. He seemed to always believe the best and at times when it became miserably obvious that something was amiss his heart would appear to break at confronting it. He encouraged me at every turn. I used to call him Granny White's ambassador. He traveled, widely, all over our brotherhood - teaching, preaching, recruiting, fundraising. And often people who visited Nashville for the first time would visit GW simply because they'd heard Brother Collins talk about what a great place it is. I remember visiting a couple who had visited us one Monday night, they lived miles from our building. I couldn't understand why they had driven all that way. They told us that night that they had moved to Nashville area from Colorado and couldn't wait to visit Granny White because Brother Collins had held a meeting there and talked about it. He loved the local church, on one occasion he told me: “It is impossible to preach the gospel without preaching about the church purchased by the blood of Christ…In advancing Christianity the action is to be in the local congregation…If the church moves, local congregations must lead in the march”

Here was this guy whose knowledge and abilities with the Word were tops in our fellowship and every week he'd encourage me in my work. When I moved to GW he was already a hero of mine, getting to know him up close and personal that respect did not diminish - he was the real thing. He blessed my life. When he said, "Brother Dale, the church needed that sermon, and I needed that sermon..." - I took special note ---I mean, what would you do?

He was a man who was simple. His words made me want to be better and do more while making me feel like I was a hero already. It was quite humbling. Brother Collins had a deep, deep knowledge of the text but he always chose to teach in ways that children could and would grasp! His grad degree was from Vanderbilt nonetheless, yet he used simple illustrations and words - are you listening? Our children at GW loved him. I remember one time their teacher was to be away and we asked who they wanted to teach their class - they wanted 80+ year old Willard Collins.

You never knew where he was going when he started - but he always landed the lesson with grace touched with a surprise that made you glad you'd listened. I will never forget the Wednesday night lesson on "the neon sign" - it was a classic on how to promote the church!

He moved people with his love and beliefs. He believed, passionately in the Lord and His plan of salvation and preached it with such vigor that people responded. Someone once told me his success was in that he began delivering the invitation the minute he stepped into the pulpit and didn't stop till the invitation song was over. It is no wonder he filled auditoriums where ever he went. From a very young man (he, Brother Batsell Barrett Baxter and Brother Ira North years ago would have lunch together every Monday and compare notes...and challenge each other to grow the congregations they worked with. Imagine being at one of those lunchs). The many area wide meetings he held led to the growth of the Kingdom.

His memory was unimpeachable: he would always ask about my mom and dad, my inlaws and people who they were associated with by name. How many such names must have resided in that database of his mind?

It was Brother Collins who envisioned the "We Believe" seminars as he truly believed that if Granny White, right next door to David Lipscomb University would speak out clearly on some of the matters troubling the church, people would take notice.

I could go on and on with story after story of this great man of God and his life - I've not even mentioned his tremendous sense of humor.

He will be missed - I will miss him - as will thousands of faithful Christians. I pray that as people consider his life they will consider his commitment to the Lord, His church and His Word; his optimism and his dedication to God's People everywhere. There is much concern in some quarters for the future, we could do with a dose of the simple, committed faith of Brother Willard Collins.

Here's the exhalted pad for the slab...

2007-12-11T22:17:00.001-06:00

Looking from the pad back toward Duplex Road (north)...

Run The Ball, Vince

2007-12-11T15:25:00.000-06:00

I’m not a huge fan of the Tennessee Titans. When I was living in Nashville I averaged going to about 3 games a year but have never had to buy a ticket. I like NFL football but no one team could really be called “my team” – I’ve pulled for the Dolphins (I remember that back in 3^rd grade when they had Tony Nathan and Dwight Stephenson both from Alabama), I pulled for the Steelers in the days when they rivaled the Cowboys so fiercely (I’m not sure if it was because my brother pulled for the Cowboys and I wanted to take a different team or if it was because I thought Bradshaw was the only real man who was playing football – he could have played defense for the Steel Curtain!). I pulled for the Broncos in the “Orange Crush” (in football, I’ve always loved defense). I’ve pulled for the Packers for tradition and the Seahawks for newness (as well as for Shawn Alexander). And, don’t tell anybody else but I’ve pulled for the Colts because of Peyton Manning – in spite of the UT thing, he’s just fun to watch.

And now we have Vince Young, Vince “National Championship, 6’5”, 233 pound, VY, NFL Rookie of the Year, Cover of Madden ’08, Pro-Bowl in his first year” Young! Following a 467 yard performance in the ’05 national championship game Hall of Famer Ronnie Lott said "Vince Young is the greatest quarterback to ever play college football.” USC coach Pete Carroll said "that was the best performance I've seen by one guy." Young finished his senior season with 3,036 yards passing and 1,050 yards rushing. His first year in the NFL he had an unbelievable six game winning streak at one point as a rookie starter. Young, on top of the world.

VY has unreal scrambling skills. He is magic on 3^rd and long or in any 4^th quarter game that is even close! A thrill to watch – power and finesse and cunning all combined to make greatness. Perfect coverage can’t exist, because the defensive back has to keep one eye on the strong possibility that Young may take off on a run. He is a dual-threat quarterback with the possibility of recreating the role – a proto-type of QB’s to come.

Sometime along the way someone got in his head, “to be a great quarterback: they whispered in what must have sounded like a shout to him, “you have to be a great passer.” Early this season Young mimicked the naysayer by saying he wanted to be remembered as a great passer. And the result – disaster! Young has been awful this season. A young group of receivers no longer has the luxury of a running QB that gave them a cushion. The natural flow has been replaced by a reluctance, the result few yards rushing and a lot of incompletes and intercepts. Young is not using his talent.

I feel bad for Young (with his millions, I suspect he’ll be OK) but that’s just football.

I feel bad for Young but I understand. I had not been preaching long when I learned that many, if not most people, wish their preacher were someone else. They wish he was a previous preacher or a preacher they’ve heard on a lectureship, or seen on TV, or encountered in a meeting or revival. They wish he visited like Brother X or prayed like Brother Y or had the passion of Brother Z (and just in case you wonder there are 23 other letters we could ascribe a wish to). And, yes, Vince, I often found myself wishing I had the knowledge and scholarship of Brother A, or the zeal and recall of Brother B or the skill and soundness of Brother C. And sometimes I’ve tried to be them – always to the detriment of the abilities God gave me.

I feel bad for Young but I feel worse for the congregation that misses it’s most obvious opportunity for ministry, that can’t spot what it’s skills are and that wastes the talents God has placed there. That’s one of the real keys to church growth: identify what are your skills – friendliness, teaching, singing, families, supporting youth – and capitalize on them.

I feel bad for Young but (and here is why I’m writing) I feel worse for the Christian who has stopped using her strength: The saint that has allowed their gift to be benched, and their abilities to be sidelined. Friend, the church needs YOU and God has a plan and a place for you. He gave you what He gave you to use for Him – to return it to the Giver. And, when you do, you’ll find a satisfaction like none other. When you try to be what you are not you short-circuit His grand scheme for you. Get in the game – run the ball (both you and Vince)!

There - I've said it now...

2007-12-04T14:35:00.000-06:00

If you follow this blog (you've not had much to follow lately - but thanks to Jason at TCS I'm up and running again), you know that we are in a building program at Spring Meadows Church of Christ ... it's an exercise in patience.

We have a sign out in front of the building we meet in now (ex hardware store, bar and grocery store) that proclaims "Temporary Location". That little building is Spring Meadow's third temporary location. It has been a blessing. Could any of you imagine trying to squeeze 250 folks into the "barber shop"? but it too is pretty much full now - we can get a few more folks in it but at 250 we have to put chairs out and parking becomes a real issue to. But it's the whole temporary location thing that is bugging me. Every time I say it, it bugs me.

The implication is that when we get to the Duplex Road property it will be a permanent location. It won't be. When we move into the "gym" it to will be temporary. And then when we eventually build and move into the auditorium, won't it too really be temporary.

Frankly for the Christian, isn't it all temporary here anyway? One of our major problems is that we begin to believe that anything physical, like a building, is permanent.

"...we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal" (2 Corinthians 4:18).

I like the old song: "this world is not my home, I'm just a passin' through, my treasures are laid up somewhere beyond the blue..."

So, if you will, please pray for us as we prepare to move into our next temporary location.

Hmmmmm, I hope that made sense.... :)

What's Up...What's New.

2007-11-12T13:48:00.000-06:00

It’s been a couple of weeks since last I blogged and there are good reasons. Well, one good reason, I’ve been even more swamped than normal. Another is that the last week and a half or so my computer has been sick. Not sure what is up with it – for some reason I can’t sign in to some of my websites, still working on it and am doing this from another computer. So just a few notes today:
1. Do you know about igoogle.com? If you do the internet much you need to visit and see what all you can do one that one page! It is super cool. g-mail, which will forward all e-mail from any account, widgets (not sure what that means, but it allow for really neat little tidbits of info like weather, stock, Spanish word of the day, RSS feeds.
2. Do you know what an RSS feed is? I don’t really either J, but I like it. A while back I noticed the term and wasn’t really sure so I ignored it. Now I like it a lot! There are a number of WebPages and blogs that I visit and follow. One problem is I don’t know how to keep up with them. Most don’t send out an email like I do to let people know when they’ve updated, so I forget them. I forget about Adam and his family, about Clayton’s newest news cheerfully and skillfully delivered … I don’t really forget them, I just forget to visit. The RSS feed tells you whenever a page you follow has been updated. It is one of my favs for ’07!
3. Spring Meadows, thanks for Trent, has a blog. In addition to our excellent website (www.smcoc.net) that has so much neat stuff this blog will be used to chronicle in one location our history. Trent (and I?) are doing it one month at a time. Add to, make suggestions, it can be edited. http://www.springmeadowschurch.blogspot.com
4. For you facebookies…there is also a facebook page. It is a place to post pictures.
5. The final one is that Trent and I are tossing about the idea of a weekly podcast. What all do you think it should consist of? We’ve got some good ideas but I’d like to hear from you…
Have a super week!!!!

Teepees And Chief Round Rock's* "Stuck" in a Comfort Inn

2007-10-22T09:33:00.000-05:00

Well friends I'm in Kentucky this week.

The pics are of a local motel. The sign says "Sleep In A Wigwam" and they choose to house me in a Comfort Inn? Oh well, maybe someday.

My meeting is with the good folks at the Horse Cave church. It's a pretty neat area and a good church. Melanie, the boys and I visited here about 7 or 8 years back with the Farris family and saw Mammoth Cave.

I hope to do some exploring this week - today it's raining, but according to the weather it may be the whole time I'm here. I have a few meetings during the week and plenty to keep me busy. But in a rather unusual setting I do not have cell service here but do have Internet. I'm here to preach and hopefully souls will be saved. Pray that that will be what happens.

*Chief Round Rock explanation: http://dalejenkins.blogspot.com/2007/09/news-from-round-rock-and-other-stuff.html

Your personal tour...

2007-10-18T10:54:00.001-05:00

When they finally got to moving ground they really got on it! In the few days they have cut the road and it's neat. They have pretty much completed the retention pond AND are you ready for this??? The pad is done! That means we can put down the foundation (slab, pad) and then put up the building. That's the exciting news. It is looking great out there.

Now for the bad news. We are awaiting approval from the State Fire Marshall on codes. So we could be waiting a while. It could be a week, or a month or two month. The week sounds good and if that might be impossible then we need to pray about it. I mean, hey, if it's easy it would just happen, but sounds like we need some prayer power on this one. God's been good so far on this whole thing. So would you join me in praying that if this if His will it will happen fast instead of slow?

How'd you like a tour? I'll be honored to be your guide as best I can. The comments beside the picture will tell you what (I think) you are seeing.

The paved road is Duplex and the gravel will be the first paved road just after you cross I-65. It's the road I've been calling One Vision Way, of course that's not official or anything, I just think that'd be neat. It will be a two way road with an island in the middle.

Now we've turned onto One Vision Way. You are heading south toward the first building of the Spring Meadows Church of Christ. It will be a functional building but from what I can tell it will be very sharp. We do not intend on building something to be worshipped but a place where we can worship! A place for fellowship and service as well.

Heading on south in the near distance you might be able to make out where the "pad" is being formed.

See the yellow machine near the center of the picture? Just to the right is the "pad". In fact it is pushing dirt up to build up the where the foundation will be poured. The tractor to it's right in the far distance is spreading what it is pushing up there. I think that little white truck you see is the truck that is supplying water to keep all that's being pushed from just being dirt that blows around. Just behind and to the left of the spreader is the retention pond.

OK this picture is for Braden, Zach, Bo and
others who like the big machines (I'm told at least those three like the dump trucks). See the next picture to see what it is doing.

This big scoop is taking dirt from a wall on the back side of the development area and putting it in two big dump trucks (one is pictured above). It's a mighty big machine and, frankly, I'd love to play with it :). It is sitting on the Northeast side of where the building will be.

Now if you look closely through the dust you will see that in the center of the picture is our dump truck. He just came from being filled by the scoop (out of picture to far right) and will dump his load of dirt so the bulldozer can push it as the "pad" is built up and leveled.

Just a closer look at the scoop!

Finally three beautiful pictures of the pad in it's completed form. You can see it pretty clearly here. Looking east.

Hope you enjoyed the tour (and hope I got it all right :)).

We thank God for seeing us this far, all the glory is His.

SMILE FOR THE CAMERA - it's picture time...

2007-10-17T22:50:00.000-05:00

We love to sing at Spring Meadows. Imagine our delight when the brothers and sisters from three area congregations in the area accepted our invitation to join us for a Sunday night singing. We were honored by their presence and hope to be able to do it again. It was a wonderful night of unity and, wow, the singing was awesome! What a spirit. Thanks to all who helped make it special. And while pictures will not show the full house well, nor capture the excitement that was in the air, I think you'll enjoy a few pictures.

We plan another blogpost tomorrow with pictures from the property and some exciting news. Want to guess what it is? Post away.

So you like the big toys?

2007-10-09T18:48:00.000-05:00

OK...here's some pictures of most of the big machines that were on the Duplex Road property today just for the many of you who I know just love big toys!

Water and Dirt (doesn't that make mud?)

2007-10-06T16:50:00.000-05:00

What a place! It's been a great Saturday. This morning we passed out 1008 "designer" waters (bottled waters with the Spring Meadows logo on them) at the Spring Hill Ham Festival. 1008 appreciated positive invitations. Thanks to many who helped to make it possible. We had a lot of good talks and met a lot of friendly people - God only knows the good that may come from these "cups" of cold water given in His name.

Friday and then again Saturday afternoon I took a few pictures of the work on the property. There's a couple of pictures here for those of you who like big tractors and then two additional ones that show the great work that has been accomplished so far. The picture with a part of the road showing is from Duplex Road showing where "our" road (remember: Vision Way) will turn. The retention pond in completed and now they are working on excavation work for the foundation. That's the retention pond in the picture to the right, right here. And the final picture shows the west corner marker looking along what will eventually be the back wall. This work should take about 8-13 good work days. At that point the pad will be placed and then things will really heat up. Please keep this work in your prayers. Pray specifically that 1. This building will lead us to even more receptive souls. 2. That we will continue to get our various "permits" in good time and order and 3. For the positive progress, in His time, on the building.

What they did right...

2007-10-03T21:56:00.000-05:00

One of the things that public speaking does is it somewhat forces the speaker to think clearly or at least seriously about things they might not otherwise think about. A few weeks ago it was a high honor to join those who put on the excellent "Polishing the Pulpit" program held this year in Birmingham, Alabama. I was only able to be around for a few hours on the day that I enjoyed speaking a couple of times. One of the sessions I was a part of was a panel of those who have been blessed by Godly parents influence. Among the questions we attempted to answer was: "What did your parents do right?"

Let me give you the six that came to me without hardly thinking:

1. They did the right things right. Mom and dad were not perfect, they were human, but they did the right things right. Right was right and it couldn't be wrong. And we were "expected" to do right!

2. They drilled into us a love and respect for the church Jesus shed His blood for.

3. Mom supported dad's work. I've often said I'm a preacher because of my mom not my dad. While that has various "shades" to it, mom could have destroyed dad's work, instead she always told us, "Your dad is doing the most important work in the world" when he was away.

4. They taught us an unrelenting respect for God's Word. It is God's! It won't leave us along.

5. Dad modeled a tremendous respect for others: regardless of skin color, economic level, educational levels - people deserved respect. It wasn't taught as much as it was modeled. Enemies, those who might attempt us harm...other preachers...

6. They taught us to love the souls of men and women.

I am thankful for my mom (Mamie Inez Frame Jenkins) and my dad (Jerry Austin Jenkins)- but I know your parents did some things right too (I didn't have the only good parents). I'd be interested in seeing your list - I'm sure others would to, so log in a post away!

Why?

2007-09-27T22:23:00.001-05:00

I've never claimed to be a scholar and I'm sure in the minds of many I'm nothing more than a simpleton but I can't help that is seems simple.

In the 1860's the church was united. Some came in and introduced some things that caused division (instrumental music, missionary societies, "higher textual criticism"). There is no doubt in any one's mind that the division would not have happened if the items were not introduced.

The group that brought in the things that caused division has continued to drift further and further away from that which resembles the church revealed in the Bible, it has also continued to shrink.

Some today are saying that the ones who stood patiently and waited for those who left to return need to repent and accept the things that caused division in the first place. This is leading to more fracture and division.

Why would we want to go down that road again? I'm told that in order to be seen as serious in the quest for unity I must compromise on the very things that caused division in the past. That just doesn't seem to add up...

Unity can be found by all returning to a church that in practice looks more like the New Testament church not less like it. I do not claim perfection (in fact I'm miles away from it) in my quest but I know that these innovations will not lead me closer to the practices of the New Testament church. So should I compromise the scriptures for unity? Where would that get me?

I'm not looking for a debate here. But in more than one blog my brethren who have determined not to accept these innovations are being labeled as the ones that are causing division. How can that be?

News from "Round Rock" and other stuff...

2007-09-24T10:06:00.000-05:00

Hi friends. "Round Rock" here. This morning at Starbucks I was latched onto by a very disturbed man. He just started talking to me. I was trying to blog, to write a lesson, to plan a program and to answer an email from a person asking questions about our children's programs at Spring Meadows. I typed as he rambled. At some point he revealed he was an Indian Chief, that he was royalty too, kin to Lady Diana. He told me that the great spirit had spoken to me and told him to make me an Honorary Tribal Chief and to give me the name "Round Rock" (not to flattering considering that I'd already run my 6 miles this morning). How do I end up in these things? So, let's review, I have an honorary Doctorate, a symbolic key to the city of Hamilton, I'm an honorary African tribal chief and now I'm Round Rock, honorary Indian Chief. And none of these has yet netted me that Saturn Sky or an acre of land :)!

Now that my "ceremony" is over I can write what I intended to tell you about. What an inconceivable day yesterday was at Spring Meadows!!! I suppose only God could have known. Yesterday we christened our new property by having two baptisms on the property the very day we broke ground. Somebody suggested we could build a baptistery and then build a church around it - I doubt he realized the serious truth he stated!

And, yes, we did reach our goal! We had either 306 or 312 in attendance (depends on if you count the expecting women as one or two - who knows there might be some twins?). We had right at 300 for Bible classes and probably a little over 300 at the picnic and groundbreaking (as several came for those festivities that were not there for our services). A day of days. A day for the record book. A day to store up in memory.

I want to thank all of you who came at my invitation - it meant so very, very much to me - to us all. Thank you for sharing in our journey and dreaming with us of what might be.

I'd love to "hear" your "groundbreaking" memories. It was a grand, grand day. To God goes the praise and glory. The best is yet to be - "the future is as bright as the Promises of God."

It's Here

2007-09-10T08:11:00.000-05:00

We've waited a year for this and now it is here. On Sunday, September 23, we will have our "official" groundbreaking! It's gonna be a day of days and we want you here. OK for all those dear friends who have been talking about coming to see us or coming back to see us - here's your day. I've suggested a goal of 300 for the day. I need your help to make it happen. So, write it down and be here.

Remember, our worship service begins at 9, Bible classes are at 10 and then we will head out to the property for the groundbreaking. I need you here! Write it down - go ahead - do it now.

Let's make it a day to remember...so, are you coming, how many folks will you bring with you?

How's It Going...

2007-08-27T22:13:00.000-05:00

It is rare that a day goes by that I don't have the question asked me several times a day - in person, by phone, via email. How are things going at Spring Meadows. Well, with the glory and praise to God I must say - unbelievable! It is His work and what is happening is solely to His glory.

Attendance wise: Five of the last six Sunday's we have been over 225 and have pushed 250 hard three of those days - we've been having to put chairs out every week lately. Last week we had slightly over 90% of our worship crowd stay for Bible class. We have had four of our members go on foreign mission trips this summer. We recently had nearly 200 on a Sunday night. In the month period between late July and August we had 9 baptisms. A few weeks ago we had over 60 children ages SIX AND YOUNGER! Wow. There is a remarkable spirit of unity, energy and love here.

On the building. As you know we are building on the first phase of the 35 acres on the corner of Duplex Road and I-65. We have our building permit and are beginning to move dirt. It is our hope to start work on the foundation next week or the week after. The building will be a multipurpose facility that could possible eventually be a part of a Christian school. It will seat between 3 and 5 hundred and will have 17 classrooms.

Our five elders are shepherding so very well. They are growing themselves. I often pray that they (and we all) will be bigger than we are - for this work!

But the best stuff is evangelism - it seems to be becoming rather natural here. A young school teacher invites a friend to her church - the friend ends up at the "wrong church" - which turned out to be the right church and ends up bringing her husband, the friend who'd originally invited her to the other church, who bring her husband, she later invites a her hair dresser, who comes and brings her child and her mom, and then brings tells a customer about this "neat church she has found" who comes and brings her husband and three children. Another lady is having a medical procedure and tells one of the nurses about the church and she comes and then brings her two children and now her husband. Another brings a friend from work. Isn't that how it should be? Natural. People in love with the Lord and His church talking to others about it...THAT'S THE GOOD STUFF!

We don't know what will happen in the future - only the Lord knows that and as we like to say around here - "don't limit God." None of us would have ever predicted anything like what has happened so quickly here.

Personally, Melaine and I feel blessed (we always have felt that way), we are loving this new challenge and enjoying it. The Lord willing we will close on our house sale next Tuesday (September 4), the same day our Andrew will be flying out for a semester in Italy. Thank you all for caring and for praying (how could it have gone any way but this way with so many of God's People praying for this work?)

Remember: "The future is as bright as the promises of God!" Amen.

"Mom-isms..."

2007-08-27T04:43:00.000-05:00

If my mom was still on this earth she would have turned 70 a few days ago. She is eternally young in my mind: even though she had a lot of health problems she had a young, playful spirit. Mom loved to bowl, play volleyball and softball (she could hit the ball a mile) and had a number of 200 games in bowling. While we tormented her with kidding she loved to play board games or cards. And yes, I miss her.

I'm not sure what prompted it but something I said or thought made me start thinking today about my mom's sayings. She had a bundle of them - just thought I'd share some of "her" (my) favorites:

10. My stars and guitars (not sure to this day what that means).

9. (When we were pretty young and us boys were always fighting, as little boys tend to do): "You sit there and don't move a muscle".

8. Your mama's as broke as a convict (we knew that meant she probably only had a couple of hundred dollar bills hidden somewhere :)).

7. You're mama's little angel...

6. You're killing me...(of course, when we weren't being mama's little angels).

5. "mairzy doats and dozy doats and little lambsy divey A kiddle divey, too. Wouldn't you?" (mom sang a lot - silly songs and spiritual songs - I still don't have a clue what this one means).

4. "I can't watch..." (when Alabama would be playing football and it was really close she'd go in the other room so she couldn't see).

3. "Can't never could..."

2. Moms proud of you.

1. If you will ____ (whatever she needed done at the moment) mom will dance at your wedding.

I know I left out some really good ones - she said so many fun and funny things. What were/are your mom's favorite sayings?

Why?

2007-08-22T14:45:00.000-05:00

God is ...
...not a maniacal maniac
...not a colossal killjoy
...not a jerk

The commands/laws/instructions/rules for living that He gives are "For our good…" (Deut. 10:12-14; 12:28).

When God says not to lie there is perhaps more to it than just that He IS Truth. There is the fact that lying hurts both the one lying and the one being lied to. It is a stressful way to try to live life not telling the truth.

When God says not to steal it is not just that it damages His plans for how man should "get" it is that stealing harms every person involved. When someone takes what you have it discourages you, it can be frightening, it makes it where you can't "give" as much and it leaves the potential to sour you. It causes the one stealing to be disabled from their own productivity and leads them to misunderstand respect for others.

When God says not to commit adultery, it is more than just that He wants one man to be married to one woman, it's the pain it brings into so many lives. The quick and easy divorce hasn't brought happiness into the American life. The free love of the 60's has not minimized the pain of unfaithfulness. Both have complicated every aspect of life.

Bottom line...when it comes to how to live...God knows what He's talking about!

"and His commands are not grievous..." (1 John 5:3).

How about you?

2007-08-14T09:29:00.000-05:00

Melanie was talking to a rather depressed friend the other day. This is a family that attends church every Sunday (not with us, so don't try guessing). The lady said that she was recently talking to her husband and said "our children have never seen us involved in church service..." What a sad statement. I seriously doubt those children will develop a strong faith as a result of their parents and pray that they will have positive influences on their spiritual lives.

I wonder about you and your family. Is yours like the one above or this one?

"Would you do me a favor, friends, and give special recognition to the family of Stephanas? You know, they were among the first converts in Greece, and they've put themselves out, serving Christians ever since then. I want you to honor and look up to people like that: companions and workers who show us how to do it, giving us something to aspire to" (1 Corinthians 16:15-16 The Message).

I know you may not be able to change your whole family, but you can set the example of one who "puts yourself out, serving Christians." God made us where there is something that every individual can do in His Service.

God bless you in that effort - it's a rewarding way to live!