Monthly Archive for July, 2007

It All Goes Back In The Box

Published
by
Kerry Mackey
on July 30, 2007
in Book Reviews
. 0 Comments

Had the great privilege of spending a few short minutes with John Ortberg this weekend as he spoke at our services. What a great man of God with a passion for seeing changed lives. I was once again reminded of his storytelling approach to preaching and how it resonated with me. That is probably the reason I like his books as well.

My seven year old, Caleb sat through the entire service and never moved as he was focused on John’s teaching from the book of Luke chapter 12.

John’s new book is great. If you haven’t picked it up yet, please do so.

Here are a few notes I left with from my short time with John.

  • “You must ruthlessly eliminate ‘hurry’ from your life.”
  • “Busy and hurry are two different things.”
  • “Hurry is selfishness, my agenda, will kill you and your soul, shrinks your mind.”
  • “There is a difference between richness of having and richness of being.”
  • “There is a chasm between ‘more’ and ‘enough’.”
  • “It could be worse.”
  • “More isn’t better.”
  • “When the game is over it all goes back in the box.”

© Kerry R. Mackey, All Rights Reserved

You are One! : Moderator that is.

Published
by
Kerry Mackey
on July 24, 2007
in Book Reviews
. 0 Comments

You may find it odd for me to suggest a book on “Facilitating Online Learning”; however, this book has once again peeked my interesting in learning better ways of facilitating discussion and honoring multiple perspectives.

Give it a read. I did. And it has given me a new arsenal for effective moderating. Who couldn’t stand to be a better moderator. I know I could.

© Kerry R. Mackey, All Rights Reserved

Tip of the Day: Speak their Language

Published
by
Kerry Mackey
on July 19, 2007
in Communication
. 0 Comments

I was having lunch today with a good friend of mine (Pastor Larry Nelson, Fielder Road Baptist, Arlington, Texas) when he reminded me of a tip that we all can learn from.

Speak their language NOT Christianise.

When we think of street to the seat we must think about the words we use and context in which we use them whether that be in oral, print, broadcast or digital media. Consistency across communication ranges is very important.

Whether that be from the platform through those leading the welcome or closing of the service, teachers and/or preachers using relevant vocabulary and current application tools, persons leading prayer during services, worship leaders promptings, welcome center hosts informational communication, bulletin text, audio/video/text screen usage, brochure look/feel and text, websites, use of ushers, greeters, etc… anyone in the public eye from week to week needs to know the target audience and how to “speak their language“. The language of those you are desiring to reach. The unreached community. Inconsistency in church speak from week to week becomes a limiting factor for returning guests.

We must remember that our target talk is to our target audience. Those who are in the chairs/pews 90% of the time are not our audience. They’re our fellow ministers, but not the audience. Helping our members understand Christianise will also help them better communicate as well.

Do this for me?

Check your last weeks bulletin, newsletter, worship screen ads, blog, website, etc… and list for me all the words, phrases and/or program ads that you would have to explain to someone in persons for them to understand what you are talking about.

Email me with the words, phrases, and/or program ads that you know would need interpretation for someone on the outside. I’d love to post your learning’s.

© Kerry R. Mackey, All Rights Reserved

StS over 5000 hits

Published
by
Kerry Mackey
on July 19, 2007
in Street to the Seat
. 0 Comments

We have hit the 5000 mark. We are so proud to know that you are learning with us.

We also have 101 daily subscribers who receive our updates as well.

Our goal between now and the end of the year is to go to 500 daily subscribers and 10,000 hits. But to do that we need your help. Please forward our information on to your network of pastors, lay leaders, and those you believe will benefit from our discussions.

Might even consider having your deacons, committee leaders, elders, staff, or other leadership teams subscribe as well. This way it gives you the opportunity to have them reading what you are reading and discussing in a non threatening environment with you and hundreds of other pastors and lay leaders from around the world. This gives them an opportunity give and receive input through our “comment” section of the blog. Reading what others are saying is a huge advantage for leading discussion within your own teams. Sort of like a living “case study” if you will.

All one needs to do is submit their email address into the “Get Blog Updates” function on the right side tool bar of our blog and hit the “Subscribe Me!” button, we’ll do the rest. And best of all it’s a FREE subscription.

Thanks for allowing us to learn with you.

© Kerry R. Mackey, All Rights Reserved

Duct Tape Required

Published
by
Kerry Mackey
on July 19, 2007
in Book Reviews
. 0 Comments

Got to love a book that has duct tape on the front cover. All I need now is some bailing wire, a ball pean hammer, and some WD40 and we’ll be set.

Just got this book started. Great read so far.


© Kerry R. Mackey, All Rights Reserved

the dip: when to quit and when to stick

Published
by
Kerry Mackey
on July 18, 2007
in Book Reviews
. 0 Comments

Here is another read for those who find themselves at mile marker 20 of a marathon running uphill into a headwind with no water stations in sight.


I recommend this little book to anyone who finds themselves or their congregation in transition or considering transition. It is a very short read, but well worth the time.

There is a lot to say for knowing when to hold on and when to let go, and the wisdom of knowing the difference.

© Kerry R. Mackey, All Rights Reserved

Challenging the Status Quo

Published
by
Kerry Mackey
on July 18, 2007
in Book Reviews
. 0 Comments

Ever considered and intense devotion to customer service, fresh ideas, energy & passion to make a significant difference. Often the “road not taken” is the road that leads to success.

This book will not be found under the “Christianity” section in the bookstore, but it is a very good read.

Admittedly over my years in ministry I have challenged the status quo and believe to this day that if it brings about biblical community (oneness) and therefore a healthy church, I’m game.

I came across this book and have begun reading it these past several weeks. I haven’t finished it, but am in the midst of enjoying it. I think you’ll enjoy it as well.


© Kerry R. Mackey, All Rights Reserved

A MUST Read

Published
by
Kerry Mackey
on July 17, 2007
in Book Reviews
. 0 Comments

Thought that I pass on to you books that I am reading. Here is a first installment of what I’m reading. This is a re-read for me, but well worth the time.

As you know, I have been asking the Lord to ignite in me a freshness. This is one of the books that the Lord put in front of me.

Let me encourage you to read it…and have your staff read it with you. Enjoy!

© Kerry R. Mackey, All Rights Reserved

From "BRINGING" to Becoming

Published
by
Kerry Mackey
on July 16, 2007
in B.E.L.O.N.G. and Community
. 0 Comments

Just received an email from Pastor Ellis Hayden with a couple of his ideas he is working on as they move persons from the street to the seat.

Here they are.

Family Film Night

Here is something that is working for us this summer. We are having a Family Film Night on the last Sunday evening of the month. Inspired by the response of our congregation to films like “The Passion” and “The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe” in which we rented a local movie theater for a showing.

Then last fall, we showed the “Facing the Giants” film at our church with great response.This Summer we have shown “Flywheel” from the producers of “Facing the Giants.” In coming months, we are showing “The Last Sin-Eater” based on Francine Rivers novel., Amazing Grace, the story of a British Parliamentarian inspired by John Newton to battle to end slave trading.

We go all out with snacks, trailers shown during announcements of services and childcare for parents of small children.There are some good resources available…google Christian movies for distributors. We are considering continuing beyond the Summer months.

Two quick Ministry ideas as School starts:

1. We do an annual “School Supplies Round Up” for the elementary schools. We get school supply lists from the schools and ask our church family to donate supplies or money to purchase supplies. These are used to supplement the needs of children unable to afford them. It is greatly appreciated.

2. Each year, before classes begin, our church hosts a “Gladewater ISD Appreciation Luncheon” for the faculty, administrative and support staff of the schools. We feed approximately 350 teachers, administrators, coaches, secretaries and custodians a meal of grilled hamburgers, potato salad, baked beans and dessert. It is great for the church and gives us an opportunity to introduce church to new personnel. We make church information available and hand our Prayer Request cards to be filled out. Each year the School Superintendent’s Office calls us to find out when we are planning to do it so they can get it on their calendar.

REMEMBER TO LET ME HERE FROM YOU:

I’m looking for your ideas and photos for StS.

EMAIL ME

Communication Ideas
photos/.pdf docs of your communication pieces, signage around your campus, kiosks, tv screens,displays, information centers, etc…

Connection Ideas
photos of your target audience, volunteers serving around the campus as greeters, ushers, traffic, information centers, campus cleaning, etc…

Consistency Ideas
photos of persons serving in first impressions that you’d like to spotlight and why you think we should spotlight them on our blog.

Classification Ideas
photos/.pdf docs of what you are doing for new believers, membership classes, communion, small groups, service, evangelism and spiritual growth steps.

Send us your photos and ideas and we’ll begin highlighting your church for everyone to celebrate with you in what you are doing.

Remember to include your name, church name, city, state, and your position on staff or in the church. Your web address would be great to have as well.

Creating a “coaching network” if you will. Learning together to make a difference in the world.


© Kerry R. Mackey, All Rights Reserved

StS Award of Excellence: First Baptist Benbrook, Texas

Published
by
Kerry Mackey
on July 15, 2007
in Street to the Seat
. 0 Comments

My family had the great privilege of worshipping this morning with her parents at First Baptist Benbrook, Texas that is. I am frequently reminded of my Texas roots when being greeted in the parking lot with, “How you folks doing this morning?”. Thanks “Don” for greeting my family in the parking lot and welcoming us to your wonderful church.

We then were greeted again at the doors to the facility by, “Gwenn”. Thanks again for all your hospitality.

Pastor Todd, great message on, “The Commission”. What a great task we have in front of us as we go above and beyond in reaching our communities for Christ.

I was very impressed by your Master Plan and where the Lord is leading you in the development of your new facilities.

Please keep us up to date on how things are progressing and how we can champion you as you move forward.

© Kerry R. Mackey, All Rights Reserved