Facedown....

Facedown – Who knew that Dave Walden had the perfect body for planking?

The Men of Tiffany Fellowship Church recently had the opportunity to attend the District Men’s Retreat at the Lake Maurer campground in Excelsior Springs. To say the least, all in attendance had a fantastic time in fellowship and getting facedown before the Lord in more ways than one!

We gathered together and began our event with the study of various Scripture passages that emphasized people being facedown before the Lord and the circumstances that led them there. This time was followed by an awesome lunch and the fulfillment of a challenge to go planking or get facedown with our afternoon free-time.

After a fun filled day, we did what comes natural at any Men’s retreat and fellowshipped over another great meal followed by incredible worship, devotions in faith principles, and anointed altar prayer. If you missed out on the events or were unable to attend, be sure to meet with any of the men that went and they will surely tell of the fun and transformation, or even share some of the study with you. Check in with Tiffany Fellowship guys: Pat Edins, Ed Fenn, Brian Main, Jerry peters, and Dave Walden or myself.

Great appreciation goes out to Pastor Les Clark for his outstanding leadership of District Men’s events, Rev. John Palmer from Emerge Ministries for his leading of our Facedown emphasis, and District Superintendant Ray Brewer for his support of fellowship and encouragement to men in the Northern Missouri District. Of course there are many more behind the scenes that did an awesome job and our thanks goes to them as well.

Planking may be the latest picture taking craze, but getting facedown has been around for ages, just check your Bible!

Praying for your best,
Pastor Warren

Cold hands, warm heart....

I am so glad warmer weather is finally here. As usual, for the next 3-4 months there is a high chance-ability (Like that non-word?) that people will not be saying, “wow, your hands are cold!” Of course I have given several responses over the years such as, “Refreshing isn’t it,” or “Yea, warm me up,” or the old standard “Cold hands, warm heart.”

Well, it appears that the latter response may actually be somewhat on track!

Here are a few sources that speak to that:

In cold weather, blood goes away from the hands and feet to protect the brain and main parts of the body. Then your hands will be cold but your heart will be warm. TheEnglishClub.com

Having cold hands even when you're not in a cold environment is common. Often, having cold hands is a part of your body's natural response to regulate your body temperature and shouldn't be cause for concern. The Mayo Clinic

Proverbs 4:23 Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.

Ok, so that was just a little warm hearted information to ponder during the cold hand reprieve.

Check out my ride....

A few weeks back the second round of the Moto GP World Championship was held in Spain. It was reported that King Juan Carlos attended the race and decided to take a tour of pit lane on his own schedule that unfortunately coincided with the riders heading out for track time. As with kings being used to going where they want, when they want, it is reported that he had a near brush with a snarling Moto GP bike leaving a team garage.

Reports said that the race commission apologized for the incident, even though most people know you have to be on your toes in pit lane, royalty or not. Someone mentioned that if he had been wearing a crown to identify himself, perhaps he would have been given time to clear the lane before the release of the riders.

Well, it seems that if the king really wanted to be recognized, he should have been riding a donkey! That’s right, Pastor Barry Clair mentioned in his message for Palm Sunday that Jesus as King and other biblical kings always rode donkeys and mules.

2 Samuel 16:2 The king asked Ziba, “Why have you brought these?” Ziba answered, “The donkeys are for the king’s household to ride on...”

1 Kings 1:38 So Zadok the priest, Nathan the prophet, Benaiah son of Jehoiada, and the king’s bodyguard took Solomon down to Gihon Spring, with Solomon riding on King David’s own mule.

Zechariah 9:9 Rejoice, O people of Zion! Shout in triumph, O people of Jerusalem! Look, your king is coming to you. He is righteous and victorious, yet he is humble, riding on a donkey— riding on a donkey’s colt.

John 12:14-15 Jesus found a young donkey and rode on it, fulfilling the prophecy that said: “Don’t be afraid, people of Jerusalem. Look, your King is coming, riding on a donkey’s colt.”

So there you have it... Jesus is King and other kings should follow his lead in more ways than one. Also, if they tour pit lane in style, make sure the royal scoopers clean up before the riders take to the track!

Is this thing on....

Ever been in that awkward situation when you thought it was just you and the walls around you, or even maybe a close friend or confidant engaging you in conversation, only to find out later that someone else was closer than you thought? As of late, someone at the top of our nation has found out firsthand that they should ask, “Is this thing on?”

As I listened to this being bantered about the news reports, I thought to myself that it should not really matter whether there are microphones around, or that someone may be just behind the closed room door. Getting deeper into this thought, I really began to ponder and make a checklist of what it takes to live a consistent life that has nothing to hide, or have worry of thoughts that you would not want others to hear...

Hebrews 4:13 Nothing in all creation is hidden from God. Everything is naked and exposed before his eyes, and he is the one to whom we are accountable.

It appears that the microphone is always on! Now, about that checklist....

The Heart of Primal Christianity...

When Jesus was asked by a teacher of the law, of all the commandments which was the most important - Mark 12:28-30.  Possibly, he expected to hear a ranking of many by Jesus for the some 613 Old Testament Commands. The lawyer must have been taken back by the response he received. Jesus took all of the commands and laws, then in comparison to the many, offered them up condensed into one simple yet very complex statement.


AMO DEI. LOVE GOD.

Simple in that the greatest command is to love God, but complex in all of the respects that we are to love Him. In any case, His answer was short, direct and to the point. To the same extent, that is what Christianity should look like... simple and to the point. So let’s take a journey of simplifying how we love God with our heart, soul, mind and strength.

It would be difficult if not next to impossible to love God with a heart that loves as the world does! So let us take some time to look at how God makes it possible for us to love Him with all our heat. The following passage of Scripture gives us an illustration of this heart transplant of sorts - Ezekiel 36:22-27.

Transplanted in you... When we give our lives to Christ, we experience a phenomenon of receiving the heart of Christ in us. At that point we are cleansed and purified then our heart of stone is removed and replaced with a heart that is receptive, tender and feels the same compassion that Christ Himself would feel.

In this exchange of hearts, we now begin to act and feel as He does. We begin to find our heart breaking for things that breaks the heart of God. If we are not careful and mindful of our relationship to Him; over time our heart can be hardened by the happenings of the world and attitudes around us. So ask yourself the following questions.

Q. Can you describe what is was like when you first noticed in your Christian walk that you no longer thought as the world does and began to have sympathy breakthroughs for the needs around you?

Q. Do you find yourself wishing you had acted or reacted differently to a situation that has taken place and then search for a change of heart to react differently next time?

Q. Have you ever found yourself giving someone or something more time with your heart than God, and if so, what are some of the things we can give up or cut back on to begin the process of giving our total heart back to God?

Stay tuned in the following weeks for the next steps we will take together in this journey.

Getting Primed for Primal....

Primal – A Quest for the Lost Soul of Christianity:

Join a church-wide quest for the lost soul of Christianity at Tiffany Fellowship Church as we begin with rediscovering what it means to love God with all of our heart, soul, mind, and strength (Mark 12:30).

Our generation needs a new reformation but it won’t be born of a new discovery. It will be the rediscovery of something old, something ancient, something primal. The next reformation won’t be led by a single person or defined by a single event. It will be led by millions of reformers who are simply great at the Great Commandment.

Our church-wide study on Primal will encompass the Great Commandment and bring the lives of many together to find out what Christianity would look like if it were stripped down to the simplest, rawest, and most pure faith possible.

Join us on this four week small group journey and the beginning of a new reformation – that will impact your generation, your church, and your soul. Be a part of Primal Christianity.

We encourage you to begin your reading journey with Primal now. Copies will be available for purchase at guest services beginning Sunday, Jan. 31st. The small groups you are currently connected with will begin discussions very soon. Also, if you are not currently connected with a small group, we will have new group formation and signups available at the church.

Primal Schedule:

Sun. Jan. 31st – Primal Book sales begin at Guest Services

Sun. Feb 14th – Primal Small Group Formation and Signup

Sun. Feb.21st - Primal Church-wide Sermon Series and Focus Begins

Sun. Feb. 28th – Primal Small Groups Begin Meeting 4 Consecutive Weeks

Primal Reformation....

So possibly you are finding that your small group may be getting stale or stagnant and really needs to strip away some of the fluff and get back to real spiritual growth? The latest release from Mark Batterson entitled Primal, just may be a good place to start. The book has what I would consider a small group friendly layout and seems to lend itself well to devotional style reading.

I particularly liked the second chapter and the way it deals with our actions and reactions as Christians. For me, that really is the essence of what we are doing as we try to impact the world around us for Christ. We are either acting, which anyone can do, or reacting which is what will reveal our true heart.

Perhaps that is what we should focus in on most at this time of year? As you pass by the blessing buckets outside of the stores, or seek to give to those in need of food or gifts this Christmas, make sure you are not just going through the actions, but are reacting from the heart.

So get on your quest and check out a copy of Primal, especially if you feel like you have lost a bit of soul in your Christianity.

I Never Knew You....

Getting deeper in the Word - Small Group study

Study for: I Never Knew You

Matthew 7: 21-23 (Message)
"Knowing the correct password—saying 'Master, Master,' for instance— isn't going to get you anywhere with me. What is required is serious obedience—doing what my Father wills. I can see it now—at the Final Judgment thousands strutting up to me and saying, 'Master, we preached the Message, we bashed the demons, our God-sponsored projects had everyone talking.' And do you know what I am going to say? 'You missed the boat. All you did was use me to make yourselves important. You don't impress me one bit. You're out of here.'

Getting deeper questions

1. In what areas of our lives can we become spiritually overconfident?

2. What are some elements of relationship that we should work on most?

3. How do you self-feed to produce more spiritual growth?

4. What things are you doing to insure that God knows you?

Getting Deeper....

I just wanted to let everyone know that we will start making the “Getting Deeper in the Word” small group series available to our groups at Tiffany Fellowship Church.  Recently, Pastor Barry has started formulating small group follow up questions that will allow us to get deeper into the Sunday morning sermon series. We have been trying this out in our new visitor groups and staff small group with great success.


You should know that we have been having some very dynamic discussion and we encourage you to please take advantage of this great opportunity. The latest discussion and question sheets will be made available in the foyer small group display for you and your group members to pick up at your convenience.

In the future, we will try to have these out by Wednesday evenings on small group weeks to help facilitate those groups that meet prior to Sunday.

So take up the challenge and get deeper in the Word, you will love the growth and transformation.

Raving Fan....

Yes, it is true... I am a raving fan of small groups and you should become one too! So here is my usual scenario and maybe yours too? You are setting in Sunday morning worship service and this truth from a passage of Scripture delivers a square punch right between your eyes, or more to the point, right to the heart. Quickly, you reach for your pen and paper to jot down your thoughts before they escape you. At the same time you had this revelation come crashing through your life, you also hear someone from three rows over let out a hearty ... Amen. In a mere instant you think cool, God is at work in their life too! Perhaps you even nudge a companion in the same row as if to say, we’ll talk later, so be sure to make a mental bookmark.


And this is why I am a raving fan of small groups... talking with others about those knockout moments that you were squirming in your seat with at church. We get to dig in a little deeper with those Sunday morning revelation moments and uncover the depth of God’s plan, or perhaps even being bold enough to ask if someone else had that same still voice spoken into their life.

If you are like me, there is no doubt that your life has been challenged by the "Say What?" series from Barry Clair at Tiffany Fellowship Church. Just make sure that you and all of your friends are digging through those truth moments and following the spiritual growth path God has for you. If you don’t have anyone to share that good stuff with, be sure to get in touch with me or check out a small group guide to get connected.

I know you’re already a fan... now it’s time to become a raving fan!

Conflict....

Conflict, no one enjoys it, few want to admit that it happens, and most try to ignore it. Although that bit of truth should have seemed obvious, I recently learned that ignoring a problem will not make it go away; in fact it will simply get larger and larger. If we ignore conflict long enough, eventually it will paralyze what we are trying to accomplish and quite possibly overshadow or erase any progress we have made in our ministry efforts.

Former football coaching great and announcer John Madden once noted; “Coaches have to watch for what they do not want to see and listen for what they do not want to hear.” This perspective can be applied to any leadership role, both small group coaches and leaders.

We should also keep in mind that the most common reason for conflict is lack of communication. If we choose to just walk away or ignore a perceived situation, that choice will almost always bring a negative impact and halt momentum. So what is the best course of action? Get those involved talking about it with each other in a non-confrontational way, and if necessary, revisit ground rules for your group.

Enter Your Group...

Small Group Life is hosting a photo contest on Facebook!

Enter to win a free small group study or the grand prize—a weekend retreat for your small group near Asheville or Santa Fe. Become a fan on Facebook and then just post a picture of your small group doing life: enjoying a fun moment together, serving lunch to the homeless, working on the mission field, sharing your faith, or participating in some other activity your group enjoys.

Write a comment on your photo, and any others that inspire you.

Contest begins 10/5/09 and ends 11/15/09.

Thank You...

Hey there! It has been a while since the last post here at the Just Groups blog and I just wanted to say thanks for your being patient and not checking completely out. I am glad that we can all appreciate technology, but do not necessarily have to depend on various forms of social media to keep small groups and other ministries functioning.

As of late, quite a bit of my energy has been directed towards study for a credentials level final exam. With that, I am glad to report that I have succeeded and the hard work has paid off. As well, your prayer support is duly noted and much appreciated.

Much love,
Pastor Warren

Effective Leadership

Recently, I was leading a Wednesday night study on eschatology or the study of end times. At the outset of the series I asked the question, “Do you give much thought to end times and what will happen when Jesus comes back?” I was quite surprised to find how many people answered yes! Then I was even more surprised to learn that they think about this often, and some even on a daily basis.

This is good, as we are told that He is coming soon and will give to everyone according to what they have done (Rev. 22:12). These words hold a lot of promise and are part of our blessed hope, but at the same time, can seem awfully daunting when things don’t go as we have expected in various seasons of life. Take heart, your faithfulness is a key first step in this whole process.

Here is a great perspective to consider when applying this promise to life in general or even gauging our effectiveness in leading our small group. “When all is considered, God supplies His word; God provides the Holy Spirit; God supplies all of the spiritual gifts; and God supplies the power to do the work of the ministry. Just about the only thing that you and I have left to offer God to accomplish His eternal work is our faithfulness, our basic requirement.” (Ron McManus, Effective Leadership)

If you know that God has called you to lead in small group ministry, simply continue to be faithful to that call. His Word, Spirit, and gifts will help supply the rest... continue to be that good and faithful servant.

Solid Connections....

Part 7 of 7 - Addressing the issues of “The Seven Deadly Sins of Small Group Ministry”

Sin Seven: Neglect of the Assimilation Process. I like to actually relate this area of small group connections to a phone call. Here is the scenario. You know the number to call, you have dialed it several times, so much so that you know the extension and how to avoid the prompts and just roll right through to the person you need to connect with. This type of call could be related to the long time member of your church. They know everyone, actually like everyone, and want to be in community with them. In other words, in small group community it is really easy to assimilate and connect the people that want to be connected.

Now for the other scenario or the call that some people dread: You know the ones? Right up front you feel like the customer service phone menu may actually be designed to weed you out or keep you from calling. Sometimes they ask you questions that you simply can’t answer without in depth research and having several documents on hand to enter a long string of numbers. You may even get to a point of entering all the info, then unexpectedly hang up in a huff of exasperation or mini panic attack as you ask” do I really want to do this?”

Hopefully we have not made getting connected to a small group this frustrating? Often times though, it seems those that want to be connected, will simply get connected, since that is what they want anyway. With that, you become a key piece to the assimilation process!

Ultimately, no matter how well a church-wide assimilation process is designed, in the end it all comes down to a human factor. It requires a people that are so in love with community and people around them that they seek to get people connected. A desire to have people experience what they themselves are enjoying.

John 13:34-35 A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another."

I think small group assimilation really should be that simple. Disagree? Let me know!

What your definition of is, is....

Part 6 of 7 - Addressing the issues of “The Seven Deadly Sins of Small Group Ministry”

Sin Six: Narrow Definition of a Small Group. In this chapter of reviewing the deadly sins of a small group ministry, six can be summed fairly easily. The statement given on the first page of chapter 11 just hits the issue dead on; “By limiting their definition of a good small group, they miss opportunities to connect people into community”

For some reason, many people hesitate to be identified with a small group, as if there is some sort of stigma attached. There are many reasons for this and they can vary in many different ways. Sometimes it can be from previous unsuccessful small group attempts that never had a clear focus, or even people just wanting to run their own ministries. In extreme cases, it can be traced back to the previous sin of not wanting to be all inclusive, or in some cases just not agreeing with the ministry direction as a whole. Dare I mention that there are some that, just may not like the leadership.... surely not!

Simple fact is this; spiritual formation and personal growth usually happens by being connected and most often that is through community. Since small groups are all about community, we must do our best to limit the, me factor, and focus more on group transformation. It just may change your life if you let it.

Always Open...

Part 5 of 7 - Addressing the issues of “The Seven Deadly Sins of Small Group Ministry”

Sin Five: Closed Group Mind-Set. An incredible illustration is given in this chapter of the book for receiving others. A challenge to be radically inclusive, in that we should be people who reach out with welcoming arms as much or more as we are people that reach up with arms in need to God. Think about the statement for a moment... “God knows nothing of a people who stretch their arms upward to Him yet don’t in turn stretch them out to those He loves so much.” Wow, that is an eye opening image for sure.

Really for small groups to be successful, they must be accessible to those in need; the need being relationship and spiritual growth. A convenience store is named just that, because it is always open. Imagine not being able to just walk in at anytime and get what you need? Not very convenient, Huh!

Our small group program has had an open chair policy from the inception, but has it had an open chair mindset? You can make the best policy with the greatest of intentions, but if it is not internalized and realized then it becomes just policy.

I would offer this challenge to all of our small groups... Use your group connection cards to invite others and fill your open chairs. In fact, don’t invite just anyone, but invite someone that needs Jesus. That’s right; a true seeker that you and your group can invest in the way the Father has invested in you.

Remember to reach out as often as you reach up!

Time to Get Serious...

Part 4 of 7 - Addressing the issues of “The Seven Deadly Sins of Small Group Ministry”

Sin Four: Neglect of Ongoing Leadership Development – When I sat down to write up this blog entry I took note that it was more than a week overdue and that I needed to offer up some sort of an apology. It was then that I realized how easy it is to procrastinate and put off leadership training in the same way, and then try to place the blame on a busy schedule or other such lame excuse. The truth is that there is no good excuse for being inattentive to ongoing leadership development.

The way to break down the issues of this sin should be simple really. Since people will not just naturally step up and say, “Oh by the way, I feel called to lead” we have to create a leadership culture that will encourage people to want to make statements like that. That is to say we need to make it the next natural step or path in the life of a believer once they have made a decision for Christ. We see all throughout Scripture that Christ came to serve, not to be served, and in our efforts to become more Christ-like, servant hood is what we should focus on most.

The current small group leaders that we have are actually a large part of setting and building that culture; as they invest in, disciple, and encourage others in growth, they will inevitably lead them to their own path of leadership. With that, it is easily understandable why it is so important to invest in current leadership in an ongoing manner. So what is the key? Helping the leader understand that they are building leaders!

Overworked...

Part 3 of 7 - Addressing the issues of “The Seven Deadly Sins of Small Group Ministry”

Sin Three: Poor Coaching Structure – This was an easy one for me to identify after attending the ’08 Willow Group Life conference. You see from day one, we had put a coaching structure in place, since I the point leader had a bit more than just small groups in my portfolio, I knew that I would need help. So you may be asking, “If you had coaches, how was it poor structure?”

I quickly learned a few things from Mike Hurt in his Group Life breakout session that we had an overloaded span of care with our coaches. The very burnout that I was trying to avoid had been placed upon my coaches in an unfair way. Essentially, I was asking them to do something even I could not do… I had loaded them up with a 6:1 group to coach ratio. Not only that, but I had failed to give them proper introductions and pretty much expected them to make cold calls. Now that we have them down to a more manageable 3:1 ratio, they can more effectively perform their role.

Probably one of the next areas we need to address is our follow-up process and how we can enhance it. We seem to have had good success with our one-on-one sessions, but will be looking to add coach and leader huddles that are as fun and productive as our point leader and coach huddles.

I really feel blessed to be surrounded by a great team that is willing to take a proactive approach and role in the lives of others.

Whos in Charge...

Part 2 of 7 - Addressing the issues of “The Seven Deadly Sins of Small Group Ministry”

Sin Two: Lack of Point Leadership – Chapter 3 of the book we are discussing helps churches in the decisions of picking point leadership and their job description. Since I already function as the point leader in my primary role and our lead pastor made that choice, I really won’t address too much in this area except to make a few suggestions. The point leader position really should be in a pastoral portfolio and with someone that loves relationships and wants to be part of people’s lives. Also, anyone that is looking to set up a small group ministry really should consider the book by Bill Donahue on “Leading Life Changing Small Groups”, as it will offer a great foundation that you can build upon.

So, on to chapter 4 and the areas that the chosen point leader must excel in. A good mix of spiritual gifts to include leadership, administration, and discernment to name a few are essential. These of course are extremely important skills found in any key leader, but are extremely important to small group ministry and really should be carried out by the point leader.

All in all, I am finding what is of most importance for a small group ministry point leader, is that we actually live out community. It is very difficult to constantly practice what you preach or communicate vision for the small group ministry, but it has to be done. Sometimes along the way you will even hear complaining comments like “Wow, does everything with you have to be about small groups?” Well, as a matter of fact, "yes that’s my job!" Perception may very well be the toughest struggle or slipping sin in this area; the small group point leader must continually be communicating the vision, recruiting new leaders, and trying to expand the ministry.

It seems to me that the big sin is when the right leader is chosen but then begins to pull back from this role with other distractions or develops a, this is good enough for now attitude. Press on leaders, press on…