PALCO: Peoria Area Leadership Community Ongoing

Who Should Lead the Church—Plumbers or Scholars?

2012-02-03T07:08:00.000-08:00

This is a short and worthwhile read.

It is germane to disciplemaking... and seeing EVERYONE as a D3 Disciplemaker!

I encourage you to read and share this article, Who Should Lead the Church—Plumbers or Scholars by Don Miller.

Be sure to read comments by other readers... very interesting to see who likes this... and who doesn't... and why.

Cheering you on as you love God and love people, help others love God and love people, and help them help others to love God and love people... until all the world loves God and loves people.

February PALCO: Parenting As Disciplemaking

2012-01-03T14:38:00.000-08:00

Our next PALC Ongoing will be Thursday, February 2, 2012, from 9 AM to 3 PM.

Where?
Grace Church, Morton, IL

What?
Our theme for the day will be: Parenting As Disciplemaking.

Who?
Our trainers will be Dave and Rennie Garda, missionaries with Cadre Ministries.

Tuition and Spouse?
Tuition will be $50 per person. Spouses are FREE.
Your tuition received BEFORE 1/26/12 guarantees your spot.
* Pay online here.
* Where to send a check and printable invoice here.

Lunch?
We will all find a place to go to lunch together. You will be responsible to pay for your own lunch.

Resource?
Each person will receive a training manual that will be used during the training. This manual will also give you tracks to run on as you seek to process and apply what you learn.

November PALC Ongoing Gathering

2011-10-28T07:12:00.000-07:00

From My Heart to Yours: There will be no "tuition" for this November's PALCO. Make no mistake about it: PALCO is not primarily about getting resources nor is it merely a hot topics discussion group. PALCO is first and foremost a COMMUNITY of aspiring Jesus-like disciplemakers (read: relationships). Now, those who would like to cheerfully donate $50 out of a heart of generosity may still do so. It would be a huge help and blessing to my family and Cadre Ministries. However, those who are not so inclined have complete freedom not to donate. No questions will be asked. My work of preparing for each PALCO, bringing you encouragement and training, and facilitating this community of aspiring Jesus-like disciplemakers is my labor of love that I freely give to God and you… and transcends anything financial. That's from my heart to yours. Never any pressure… always an invitation.

When?
Our next PALCO is Tuesday, November 29, 2011, from 9 AM to 4 PM.

What?

We are going to wrestle/haver the specifics of this BIG question: What does a 1st century Jesus-like disciplemaking way of life look like for YOU today.

Your Prep?
Here's the ONLY thing you need to do before 11/29/11:

* Download and print this four-page PDF.

* Create your own lists on pages 3-4 of the download.

* Bring your completed lists with you on 11/29/11.

* Don't wait until 11/28/11 to do this.

What should you bring with you?

* Your Bible, pen, notebook.

* Your four-page handout with the lists you created on pages 3-4.

* Your DIR training manual.
* Your calendar.
* Your Merged Gospels.

Lunch?

Bring your lunch with you. Doug Rumbold is taking care of the coffee, cups, half-and-half, and sugar. ???? (still need someone to bring this) has got the healthy stuff covered. Dan Wolfe is brining sugary goodies to munch.

Where?

Crosspoint Church in East Peoria, IL. (Thanks Paul Cone!)

Suggested Donation?

$50 per person

* To donate securely online, GO HERE.

* To donate via check, download invoice here.

NOTE: This full day together is for alumni of the Peoria Area Leadership Community only. Questions? Contact Bill Allison.

And now, a great moment in PALCO lunch history…

October PALC Ongoing Gathering

2011-08-26T07:34:00.000-07:00

Our next PALCO gathering is Tuesday, October 11, 2011, 9 AM to 4 PM.

Here's what our day will look like...

Disciplemaking Is Relationships Training:

We'll dive right into havering/wrestling over Jesus-like D3 disciplemaking. Be sure to bring your...

* Bible

* Pen

* Notebook

* DIR manual

* Disciplemakers Journal

* Calendar/schedule

* Laptop computer

* Large jump drive

Be ready to report back on how you shared the first six studies from the Disciplemakers Journal with others (friends or family).

Lunch:

Bring your lunch with you. Bill is taking care of the coffee, cups, half-and-half, and sugar. Bret's got the healthy stuff covered. Caleb is brining sugary goodies to munch. Thanks Bret and Caleb!

Where:

Camp of Champions, Pekin, IL

Tuition:

For those who paid tuition in August, $0. No tuition this time.
For those who did not pay tuition in August, $50 this time.

Registration Deadline:

It would be wonderful to know that you are coming about a week before our gathering.

NOTE: This full day together is for alumni of the Peoria Area Leadership Community only. Questions? Contact Bill Allison.

This is Discipling (Video)

2011-07-26T07:37:00.000-07:00

(If video does not appear, go here.)

What next in your disciplemaking adventure?

We suggest you start with The Disciplemaking Genius of Jesus.

Disciplemaking Is Relationships on August 23, 2011

2011-07-21T10:37:00.000-07:00

Our next PALCO gathering is Tuesday, August 23, 2011, 9 AM to 4 Pm

Here's what our day will look like...

1. ENCOURAGING OUR HEARTS TOGETHER
We'll do what we always do... catch up, drink coffee, eat goodies, pray, and connect on a heart level.

2. STUDYING AND APPLYING THE DISCIPLEMAKING GENIUS OF JESUS TOGETHER
Using your personal study study of the disciplemaking genius of Jesus via the Merged Gospels, we'll compare the last 1/2 of Jesus ministry (#53-#299) with the first half of Jesus' ministry (#19-#52) and wrestle its disciplemaking implications for each of us together.

3. EQUIPPING OUR HANDS TOGETHER
The rest of the day we'll walk through the final DIR training and presentation. Everyone gets
1) the final and complete DIR manual
2) the final Disciplemakers' Journal
3) the final trainer's presentation

Lunch:

Bring your lunch with you. Pheaney is taking care of the coffee, cups, half-and-half, and sugar. Jason's got the healthy stuff covered. Erik is brining donuts and sugary goodies to munch. Thanks Pheaney, Jason, and Erik!

Where:

The Cabin in Tremont, IL

Tuition:

$50 per person

Registration Deadline:

Tuition is due by Tuesday, August 18, 2011.

* To pay securely online, GO HERE.

* To pay via check, download invoice here.

NOTE: This full day together is for alumni of the Peoria Area Leadership Community only. Questions? Contact Bill Allison.

Studying the Disciplemaking Genius of Jesus Together

2011-04-18T09:44:00.000-07:00

Hmmm. Coffee and bacon donuts. It must be The Peoria Area Disciplemaking Learning Community!

Here's an updated-new-and-improved-study-guide as we study the disciplemaking genius of Jesus TOGETHER.

PALC Ongoing April 12, 2011

2011-04-03T19:04:00.000-07:00

NOTE: This full day together is for alumni of the Peoria Area Leadership Community only. Questions? Contact Bill Allison.

Our next full day together as PALC Ongoing is Tuesday, April 12, 2011, from 9 am to 4 pm!

Part 1 of this day together will be focused on putting the COMMUNITY into our Disciplemaking Learning Community. Plan on sharing, connecting, and doing life together.

Part 2 of this day together is going to be an exploration of the disciplemaking genius of Jesus—as found in the Merged Gospels. Everyone should read the Merged Gospels stories 1-53 (the first two years of Jesus' disciplemaking ministry). As you read this section, constantly ask this question: What did Jesus do and emphazise in making disciples. Look for patterns. Take notes. Be ready to share what you're learning about the disciplemaking genius of Jesus. During this part of our day, we'll have everyone write their findings on a large white board. Come ready with insights from your study. Looking for an example of how to set up your personal study? Be sure to download and print this special PALC Merged Gospels sample study guide (PDF).

Part 3 of this day together will be havering/wrestling the APPLICATIONS of our findings in #2 above. What does 1st century Jesus-like disciplemaking look like in a 21st century world?

Lunch:
Bring your lunch with you. Pheaney is taking care of the coffee, cups, half-and-half, and sugar. Kyle is brining goodies to munch in the morning and throughout our day together. Thanks Pheaney and Kyle!

Where:
Camp of Champions, Pekin, IL

Tuition:
$50 per person

Registration Deadline:
Tuition is due no later than Tuesday, April 12, 2011.
* To pay via check, download invoice here.
* To pay securely online, GO HERE.

NOTE: This full day together is for alumni of the Peoria Area Leadership Community only. Questions? Contact Bill Allison.

PALCO Full Day: 2/8/11

2010-12-14T06:57:00.000-08:00

This day together is going to build on what we've been talking about during our monthly lunch gatherings (Skye Jethani audios on "withness" and the Gordon MacDonald article on Missionalism).

The first part of our day together will focus on...
The Heart of a D3 Disciplemaker.
We'll explore what happens to us when we forget that our primary calling is to be WITH Jesus—not just do stuff FOR Jesus. You will receive a FREE diagnostic tool that will help you evaluate yourself and the health of your ministry. You will also get a digital trainer's file full of audio and PDF goodies you can use in your ministry.

The second part of our day together will focus on...
The Hands of a D3 Disciplemaker.
You'll get an amazing resource that will help us "haver" over the disciplemaking genius of Jesus together. It's something we'll use together over the next year as we study CHRISTOLOGY together. I'm so excited about this... I can hardly wait!

Lunch:
Bring your lunch with you. (Dan L is brining the coffee, cups, half-and-half, and sugar. Brent F is brining fruit and other goodies to munch in the morning and throughout our day together. Thanks Dan and Brent!)

Where:
Paul Cone's church, CrossPoint Church, East Peoria, IL

Tuition:
$50 per person, includes a Cadre trainer's digital file full of audio and PDF goodies you can use in your ministry AND an amazing resource for studying the disciplemaking genius of Jesus... autographed personally to you by the author. Not joking.

Registration Deadline:
Tuition is due no later than Tuesday, February 1, 2011.
* To pay via check, download invoice here.
* To pay securely online, GO HERE.

NOTE: This full day together is for alumni of the Peoria Area Leadership Community only. Questions? Contact Bill Allison.

Why white people like small groups

2010-11-08T06:41:00.000-08:00

[Note to PALC Ongoing Guys: Our next PALCO lunch is Tuesday, December 14, 2010. We'll meet at 10 AM at Camp of Champions in Pekin for a ROAD TRIP to Steve Pichaske's favorite cafe in world famous Rushville, IL. Paul Cone is driving the church van... so all you have to cover is your lunch... no money for gas. THANKS PAUL! Please listen to another Skye Jethani audio (you've not heard this one) below. Note the link below that allows you to download this message for your iPod.]

Okay, that's not the actual title of this very interesting message by Skye Jethani, but he does explain why white people like small groups in this message. (I think it's funny. You can decide if it's true or not.) The message itself attempts to help us think through the ramifications of a Western mechanical worldview. In other words, when it come to building a ministry, there's no such thing as...

After you listen to this message all the way through, I welcome your comments. Warning: This could seriously mess with your Western head... or set you free. You have been warned.

To download this audio file, go here.

If you enjoyed this audio, then you might also enjoy Skye Jethani's book, Divine Commodity.

Sports with Jesus!!!

2010-10-26T14:02:00.001-07:00

Be who you are? Why?

2010-10-19T07:50:00.001-07:00

10 Great Questions

2010-09-23T09:24:00.001-07:00

10 Personal Growth Questions

#1 – Am I reading my Bible for information or transformation? (James 1:22-25)
#2 – Am I allowing people or circumstances to steal the joy that Jesus promised to me? (John 10:10)
#3 – Is there anything in my life that God is consistently dealing with that I am trying to ignore? (Ezekiel 14:1-5)
#4 – Who are the people in my life that God has placed around me for the purpose of me sharing Christ with them and/or inviting them to church? (II Corinthians 5:16-21)
#5 – Is there anyone I need to apologize to? (Ephesians 4:25:27)
#6 – Is there anyone I need to forgive? (Ephesians 4:32)
#7 – Is there a sin I need to confess to others and ask for help? (James 5:16)
#8 – Am I fully utilizing the gifts and abilities that God has blessed me with…or am I simply choosing to waste my life? (I Peter 4:10)
#9 – Do I know more lines from the movies that I love than verse from the Bible that I read? (Psalm 119:11)
#10 – Is there anything going on in my life privately that, if it became public, would cause me and/or the body of Christ to be embarrassed? (I John 1:9, James 5:16)

Got these from Perry Noble

Top Youth Ministry Books

2010-08-25T12:47:00.000-07:00

There's a great discussion going on at terracecrawford.blogspot.com/ would love to know what you guys think. What are your top 10 books every youth pastor should read. I chimed in my 2 sense there, so post here first.

Save the Date: Next PALC Ongoing 9/14/10

2010-07-21T14:06:00.000-07:00

Our next day of encouragement for your heart and equipping for your hands for The Peoria Area Leadership Community Ongoing...

When:
Tuesday, September 14, 2010

Time:
9 AM to 4 PM

Where:
The CABIN... not the Barn! Note change!

Who:
The disciplemakers of the Peoria Area Leadership Community Ongoing

What:

The authentic sense of community that comes from following Jesus together as disciplemakers... Disciplemaking IS Relationships.

Crazy fun and laughter

Encouragement for your heart

Proverbs 27:17 sharpening

We'll complete the Train-the-Trainer's Session #1 of Disciplemaking Is Relationships (you will receive the most recent updated version of DIR Session #1).

Vigorous interaction over the book, Movements That Change the World. Complete details for what you are to do as you read the book BEFORE we meet in September are here.

A trip through the PALC training toolbox (to get you ready for training in your ministry and church this fall and winter).

Bring:
1. Your Bible
2. Your Disciplemaking Is Relationships training manual
3. A pen
4. Money for lunch

Facilitator:
Bill Allison

Format:
Not a presentation but a highly interactive disciplemaking learning community dialogue.

Tuition:
$50 per person, includes a trainer's CD.

Registration Deadline:
Tuition is due no later than Tuesday, September 7, 2010.
* To pay via check, download invoice here.
* To pay securely online, GO HERE.

NOTE: This is for alumni of the Peoria Area Leadership Community only. Questions? Contact Bill Allison.

How could you use this training?

2010-07-20T07:05:00.001-07:00

What themes does this video speak to? I'd love to hear your thoughts. Please click the comment link below and let me know how you could use this video clip in a training situation?

Have you ever fallen asleep in church?

2010-05-28T04:16:00.000-07:00

This could be a good discussion starter about preaching, church services, etc.

Contradictions

2010-05-19T13:18:00.000-07:00

One of the greatest challenges our world faces with Christianity is the contradiction that we don't do what we say. Q: What are some of the contradictions that you have seen?

Good Advice

2010-05-18T07:32:00.001-07:00

Just in case you guys need some marriage advice.

"What are the different donuts in a marriage that keep it strong?"

Ironing Man

2010-05-06T07:17:00.001-07:00

I think you all will get a kick out of this.

Empower Every Man

2010-04-30T14:31:00.000-07:00

What is the role of the Church?

Ephesians 4:11-12

Is this who we are

2010-04-28T12:28:00.000-07:00

Hey guys!!! Saw this video today and wanted to share it with you all. Was wondering if you guys felt like this defines our generation of 20/30 somethings.

Volunteeers

2010-04-27T14:22:00.000-07:00

Just wanted to show you guys how much Heartland needs volunteers.

Crazy Creatives

2010-03-15T15:05:00.000-07:00

This is stuff that is filed under: "Things that make me think and resonate with my sprit."

I honestly didn't think this slide show/interview would be that great... but there are moments of pure genius here. And it's a short interview... with pictures : )

Some of my favorite quotes from the slide show/interview:

"The best advice I can give is to get as much input as you can, and then don't follow any of it."

"Avoid all drugs and late week nights out. Basically be what losers call a 'loser."

"My daily routine is wake up, do things that make me afraid, eat, draw, sleep, repeat. If you're afraid, your on the right track. Keep at it!"

"Math was my favorite art class at school."

Note: This is not a "Christian" thing per say, though I could make an argument that anyone who is a crazy creative is bringing glory to the God of creativity (as long as the creativity is not some form of sin). Click here to check out the slide show/interview.

As some of you may have guessed, I think there are some connections to being a disciplemaker in an age when few are even talking about disciplemaking. (That makes YOU a crazy creative.) What connections do you see? Click the comment link below... would love to hear what you're thinking.

PALCO March 9th Details

2010-02-16T14:21:00.000-08:00

Our next day of encouragement for your heart and equipping for your hands for The Peoria Area Leadership Community Ongoing...

When:
Tuesday, March 9, 2010

Time:
9 AM to 4 PM

Where:
The Barn

Who:
The disciplemakers of the Peoria Area Leadership Community Ongoing

What:

The authentic sense of community that comes from following Jesus together as disciplemakers... Disciplemaking IS Relationships.

Crazy fun and laughter

Encouragement for your heart

Proverbs 27:17 sharpening

Train-the-Trainer's Session #1 of Disciplemaking Is Relationships

For the bulk of our day together we will explore how to use a practical disciplemaking tool to make disciples who are...
—SURRENDERED to Jesus Christ
—INTENTIONAL about avoiding pitfalls, and
—FOCUSED on how they can bring God the most possible glory

Bring:
1. Your Bible
2. Your Disciplemaking Is Relationships training manual
3. A pen
4. Money for lunch

Facilitator:
Bill Allison

Format:
Not a presentation but a highly interactive disciplemaking learning community dialogue.

Tuition:
$50 per person, includes a trainer's CD and multiple copies of the disciplemaking tool mentioned above.

Registration Deadline:
Tuition is due no later than Tuesday, March 2, 2010.
* To pay via check, download invoice here.
* To pay securely online, GO HERE.

NOTE: This is for alumni of the Peoria Area Leadership Community only. Questions? Contact Bill Allison.

Can you guess?

2010-02-16T14:11:00.000-08:00

Can you guess which one of these pastor's kids might be seeing a counselor sometime in the near future?

Read the Bible and get a CRAZY ideas

2010-02-06T16:23:00.000-08:00

File this under: "Wild and Crazy Ideas that Come from Reading the Bible"

To read this short article, GO HERE.

A Great Day of Disciplemaking Is Relationships!

2010-01-19T08:07:00.000-08:00

The Training:
Disciplemaking Is Relationships

The Trainers:
Dave and Rennie Garda of Cadre Ministries

The Learning Community of Disciplemakers:

PALCO January 12, 2010 Details

2009-11-29T05:10:00.000-08:00

Our next day of encouragement for your heart and equipping for your hands for The Peoria Area Leadership Community Ongoing...

When:
Tuesday, January 12, 2010

Time:
9 AM to 4 PM

Where:
The Barn

Who:
The disciplemakers of the Peoria Area Leadership Community Ongoing

What:
Disciplemaking Is Relationships
You get a training manual and take home follow through resources for application

Special guest facilitators:
My disciplemaking conspirators, Dave and Rennie Garda

Format:
Not a presentation but a learning community dialogue

Tuition:
$50 per person, includes training manual with take-home training labs. Special option for this PALCO only: Each paying attendee can bring his wife or one other ministry team member for FREE.

Registration Deadline:
Tuition is due no later than December 31, 2009
* To pay via check, download invoice here.
* To pay securely online, GO HERE.

NOTE: If it's better for your ministry budget to pay immediately after the first of January, that's fine. Please let me know via email me so I can plan well.

If I were Satan...

2009-11-25T08:17:00.001-08:00

In Transforming Discipleship, Greg Ogden says, "If I were Satan and wanted to fatally stunt the growth of disciples to maturity, what would I do? I would divert the leaders from fulfilling their God-given function of equipping the saints [Ephesians 4:11-12]. Instead, I would distract them with other good and high-sounding activities that have nothing to do with growing people to maturity and engaging them in ministry. This is exactly what has happened. We have shunted our spiritual leaders into being program developers, administrators, and caregivers."

Tired of being distracted by good but lesser things? Find out what's holding you and your ministry back—and how you can breakout of the rut—by downloading Ogden's FREE article called, Breaking Free: From Caregiver to Equipper

A video for your next training: Lessons on becoming AMAZING

2009-10-26T06:39:00.000-07:00

How many times do you think this guy has fallen off his bike? Why do you think he keeps getting back on his bike?

What is the connection between falling down and becoming AMAZING?

What one skill, if you developed it and did it in an excellent fashion, would have the greatest positive impact on your life?

What's your next step toward becoming AMAZING?

What are you waiting for?

I totally dare you to check out Proverbs 24:16.

Is this really how Jesus did it?

2009-10-22T12:18:00.000-07:00

Ran across this today after our lunch conversations. Check out this link, Here's the questions: Is this really how Jesus made disciples or is this something else?

If I were Satan...

2009-10-22T05:56:00.001-07:00

"If I were Satan and wanted to fatally stunt the growth of disciples to maturity, what would I do? I would divert the leaders from fulfilling their God-given function of equipping the saints [Ephesians 4:11-12]. Instead, I would distract them with other good and high-sounding activities that have nothing to do with growing people to maturity and engaging them in ministry. This is exactly what has happened. We have shunted our spiritual leaders into being program developers, administrators, and caregivers."
—Greg Ogden, Transforming Discipleship, page 41

Some of the Peoria Area Leadership Community Ongoing

2009-10-07T12:09:00.000-07:00

takeaways

2009-09-03T21:45:00.001-07:00

Wow, how does one sum up the day of training that both encouraged and
challenged the socks off you???? Well, I guess I could offer a couple
of numbered takeaways:
1. Engage my team in MEANINGFUL dialogue concerning what God IS
currently doing in their lives
2. Engage my lovely wife in a dialogue of how we can better pray for
and serve those we are CALLED to serve.
3. Tighten up my accountability and prayer time with Jake and Nate -
4. Revel in the FACT that the PALC 2 crowd is a GREAT crowd, I now
love more men and am not afraid to say it :)

Doug Rumbold

Pheaney Lindell's takeaways from PALCO 9/1

2009-09-02T12:53:00.000-07:00

1. Train Recruiting Motivating & Retaining Volunteers (RMR) with Brittany.
2. Offer to train RMR with the COCUSA full time staff
3. Offer to train RMR with the Pekin Bible elders, deacons, and ministry leaders.

Next PALCO Book: Transforming Discipleship by Greg Ogden

2009-09-02T08:53:00.000-07:00

On January 12, 2010, we'll be discussing and applying ideas from this book. Over the next three months, we'll savor the reading by interacting with each other on this blogs over parts 1, 2, and 3 of the book. Order it now online at:

half.com

Amazon

If current leadership wisdom is working for you, DON'T READ THIS!

2009-08-15T08:44:00.001-07:00

This is one of the best leadership articles I've read. Warning: This article contradicts much of the leadership "wisdom" currently circulating in books, articles, and conferences. Those who don't like people messing with their heads should turn back now. You have been warned!

Becoming a Leader of No Reputation
by R. Scott Rodin

[Note: R. Scott Rodin is the former president of Eastern Baptist Theological Seminary, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.]

I have been asked to reflect on my five years in the presidency at Eastern Baptist Theological Seminary, and to do so honestly, I need to begin with a confession. I was wrong. That is the most accurate statement I could make in summing up my experience in this position. Mind you, I was not wrong about everything. In fact, I believe we were quite right and accurate about a lot of things we attempted and accomplished during my tenure. I could make the usual list of ‘legacy’items that we former presidents do in justifying our term in office. There is much to be thankful for, many moments to treasure and certainly a legacy that I trust will make a difference to generations of students and faculty at our seminary.

Yet at the very heart of my reflection on my service lies this one major conclusion… I was wrong. I was wrong in my understanding and preconceived notions of leadership in Christian ministry. I was wrong in my expectations of others and myself. And I was wrong in my motivations, which may be the hardest thing to admit.

To continue reading the rest of go here.

How bad do you want to avoid church?

2009-07-28T18:06:00.000-07:00

Utah boy, 7, goes for spin to avoid church

PLAIN CITY, Utah (AP) -- Police say a 7-year-old boy led officers on a car chase Sunday through Weber County in an effort to avoid going to church. Dispatchers received reports of a child driving recklessly on Sunday morning and Weber County Sheriff's Capt. Klint Anderson says one witness said the boy drove through a stop sign.

Anderson says two deputies caught up with the boy and tried to stop the car but could not. He says the car reached 40 mph before finally stopping in a driveway.

Anderson says when the boy's father confronted him, the boy said he didn't want to go to church.

The boy is too young to prosecute and no citations were issued.

Link here: http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/U/US_ODD_YOUNG_DRIVER?SITE=AP&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT&CTIME=2009-07-28-20-47-26

Are we a Christian nation or not?

2009-07-27T05:47:00.000-07:00

What do YOU think?

Anyone want to be certified to do this training?

2009-07-20T15:42:00.000-07:00

If so, the first step is to take in this training as a participant. See details below. For details, GO HERE.
I'd be more than happy to discuss this train-the-trainer possibility with any PALC guy who so desires. Call Bill.

What do you think?

2009-07-14T11:45:00.000-07:00

Just read this article which I got from a retweet from Twitter. What do you guys think?

The Best and Worst of the Church

I just spent the last couple of days at Rob Bell’s conference for pastors and church staff called Poets, Prophets, and Preachers. The whole thing was awesome, and gave me a lot to think about. However, the most moving experience came at the very end.

We were about to take communion, and Rob announced that one of the people in attendence had just gotten a call that he’d been fired from his church for attending. There are some churches and denominations that take issue with Rob and others who take issue with Rob and other leaders of the “emergent church” movement. Which is fine. But they called him while he was there and told him he was fired for going. Ouch.

Obviously, there must have been pre-existing tensions between the two parties. Perhaps even an ideological feud that had been going on for who knows how long. But to fire someone over the phone, no questions asked, is pretty cold. I understand the fact that differences can sometimes be too big to overcome in a work, and especially church-work environment. But there had to be a better way to handle that.

With tears in his eyes, Rob announced that they were going to take an impromptu collection during communion, in order to help the guy and his family get through the next couple of months. A beautiful gesture of support and solidarity.

By the time I reached it, the basket was brimming full of money, and on the top of it I saw a check for $350. I instantly choked up, thinking of how God was already providing for this person because His people responded to a need.

In 20 minutes, I saw the best, and the worst of the church Earth.

What about you? What’s the best you’ve seen? What’s the worst?

A Morning of Training for Volunteers in Youth Ministry

2009-07-06T15:55:00.000-07:00

To download this as a one page PDF to share with others (via print or email), GO HERE.

How GOD can use YOU to start a MOVEMENT of...

2009-06-22T06:59:00.000-07:00

Watch and think...

1. At what point does this become a MOVEMENT?
2. What do you think guy #1 felt like for the first minute when he was alone?
3. How did guy #1 react to guy #2?
4. How much guts did it take to be person #4-104?
5. How does this video apply to YOU and making disciples who can make more disciples... who can make more disciples... who can... you get the picture?

I would totally enjoy reading your thoughts on one, some, or all of the above questions. Click the comment link below and let's learn together... from each other...

Porn and Paper Pastors

2009-06-09T07:51:00.000-07:00

by Dan Phillips

[NOTE: I thought this was a particularly stimulating read. Passing it on to you. I welcome your thoughtful comments.]

Decades ago, I read a disturbingly candid essay by a pastor about his struggles with pornography. It was in Leadership magazine. Years later, two of his realizations still stand out to me.

The author came to see (as I recall) that he was attracted to these images because they were unreal. The women in the pictures never had bad days, were never crabby and demanding, never disrespectful and demeaning. No mood swings. They always suited his mood, his needs, his wants. They were unreal.

He came to see that he had no actual relationship with these women whatever. If (he named a female celebrity) had sat down next to him in an airplane, she wouldn't know him from Adam. Whatever may have happened in his sinful fantasies, the two of them had no relationship in the real world.

Of course, this is why so many women resent actresses and models. It isn't catty pettiness or smallness. It is that they know how visually-tempted men can be, and they know that they can't compete with a fantasy — if their man is fool enough to chase one.

And they're right, in a way. They can't compete with these women. Because these women don't exist in the real world! They may not even look like their pictures! Thanks to computer wizardry, the pictures we see may actually bear only the slightest resemblance to the actual women.

Nobody can compete with a fantasy.

And this post is not about pornography, men, women, nor marriage.

It is about people with paper pastors.

Now, some professed Christians sin outright, by never physically attending an actual, in-person church. We've talked about that, and they aren't our focus.

But others do attend a church — physically. They come in, they sit down. They sing, they may give financially. They may look at you, Pastor, as you preach.

But you know their heart belongs to another.

Their real pastor isn't you. It's Dave Hunt. Or it's John Piper. Or it's John MacArthur, or Ligon Duncan, or Mark Dever, or David Cloud, or Joel Osteen. Or it's Charles Spurgeon, or D. M. Lloyd-Jones, or J. C. Ryle. Or Calvin, or Luther, or Bahnsen, or de Mar, or R. B. Thieme, or J. Vernon McGee.

And they're such better pastors than you are! You know they are!

Why?

Well, paper pastors are never in a bad mood. They're never cranky, or sleepy or sick. (Especially the dead ones.)

They've never just had someone else pull their guts out with a rusty fork, and then had to turn and listen graciously to your complaint about the translation they preach from, or argue about a Greek word you can't even pronounce. They don't have a family who loses the time you use. They never half-listen, never have an appointment that cuts short their time. Their office hours are your office hours. They're available 24/7, and everywhere, at your whim, and you always have their undivided attention.

What's more is they always have all the answers! They can tell you with complete confidence and masterful eloquence. They never stammer, guess, nor search their memory. And they can prove it — whatever they're saying! With footnotes!

And these paper pastors maintain the perfect distance. If you don't want to hear something, they don't press it — or you can instantly shut them up, snap! They never ask you to do something uncomfortable and follow up on you. They never persistently probe an area of sin, in you, in person, eyeball to eyeball... nor will they. Church discipline will not be a threat with them. Ever.

Because they don't know you from Adam.

Yet how many pastors know that there are people in their flocks, thinking, "John Piper would never say it that way. Dave Hunt says that what he just preached is heresy. John MacArthur isn't like that. Mahaney says that... Mohler says that... Lloyd-Jones said...."

So, because it's awkward for your pastor to say it to you — and because I've no church who'd suspect I'm talking to them, at the moment — I'll just tell you plain:

Brother, sister: John Piper isn't your pastor. John MacArthur knows nothing about you. Dave Hunt never got on his knees and prayed for you. Lloyd-Jones won't come to your house when you're recovering from surgery, or one of your children shatters your heart, or your marriage is shaking and rocking and barely hanging on. Charles Spurgeon won't weep with you as you weep.

You could buy or not buy _____'s next book, and he'd never know it. But if you're in a manageable-size church with a caring pastor and you're suddenly gone next Sunday, he'll be concerned. He may call. He may ask if everything's okay.

God gave you the pastor He gave you.

God told Paul to tell you:
"We ask you, brothers, to respect those who labor among you and are over you in the Lord and admonish you, and to esteem them very highly in love because of their work. Be at peace among yourselves." (1 Thessalonians 5:12-13)

God told the writer to the Hebrews to tell you:
"Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls, as those who will have to give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with groaning, for that would be of no advantage to you." (Hebrews 13:17)

Your flesh-and-blood pastor can't compete with these paper pastors for the same reason you can't compete with paper women and paper men.

Because they're not real.

Taken from Teampyro

Dan L: A Man of Great Questions

2009-06-04T15:04:00.000-07:00

Got this email from Dan L... and thought it would be a great discussion for us:

Dear Friend/Co-laborer/Other...

I have been asked to speak to 75+ college students who have committed their summer to discipleship training. My time will be next week.

The 2 questions I'm being asked ...

1) What are the top 2 most important qualities in a disciple-maker?

2) What are the 2 most common mistakes you see in disciple-making?

I would love to hear your feedback as I prayerfully prep for this very teachable audience...

Press On!!

DanL

Click the comment link and let's get this party started...

So What Does it All Mean?

2009-05-04T05:32:00.001-07:00

This video rules... just not sure how to use it yet... it creates SO much tension. Thoughts?

Deselecting

2009-04-29T05:39:00.000-07:00

Hey guys, had a tough conversation with a disciple this morning. I've been sensing that our time together was just something he felt he needed to day, i.e. "I can't say no to my pastor." So I gave him an out. Encouraged him, but left it in his court. If he wanted to meet together again, I would be open, but he would have to engage in it, and be the one to initiate. Have you guys ever had to deselect a disciple? How did you do it? What did you learn from it? How was the relationship after that?

Boys or Men?

2009-04-28T16:01:00.000-07:00

Preaching

2009-04-01T11:57:00.000-07:00

Got this link sent to me. Make sure you sitting down when you watch or listen to this.

My current answer to 'Preaching'

2009-03-12T12:26:00.000-07:00

Hey! I recently listened to this and took these notes.

In doing so I think I found my answer to my preaching question (at least for now).

This is how I would say it:

Preaching- YES!
Sermons- Not necessarily

Thoughts?

What is Preaching?

2009-02-20T04:45:00.000-08:00

Yesterday at the end of our time I posed the question: "Can we do church without the Speaking, Teaching, & Preaching and only with true Jesus-like training?"

While no one stood up and said: "Pheaney you're a heretic for even suggesting that!"... I did get the vibe that most of us would have answered that question with a 'negative'... "We need STP AND Training" is what I was sensing.

Let me ask specifically about preaching. (Because in any group setting of any size there will be Speaking... and Teaching can most easily be switched to Jesus-like training.) But what is Preaching?

I followed up with this question: "So do we need a weekly sermon?" I immediately was given a round of "No's"...

So here is the million dollar question I've been thinking about all night... (And I'm up at 7AM posting)... What is the Biblical preaching that we NEED to do? How is that separated from the weekly sermon we currently do in America?

(If I misrepresented anything in our interactions please call me out!)

UPDATED: IMPORTANT FEBRUARY PALC INFO

2009-02-16T10:05:00.000-08:00

PALC Partners:

PLEASE READ THE FOLLOWING COMPLETELY AND VERY CAREFULLY.

Some stuff we talked about at our last PALC time at the Barn regarding FEBRUARY 2009:

1. Pheaney is bringing CJ's coffee (don't forget the half/half and sugar) for our next PALC and Steve is bringing goodies to snack on.

2. We're brown baggin' it again for lunch.

3. We've moved February's PALC to 2/19 at 8 AM.

4. Assignments for our normal meeting of PALC in February:

A. Memory verses—add John 3:22a to your list. Pheaney... please send everyone an update memory verse list.

B. Reading two chapters a day for the next 14 days, read through the book of Luke trying to discover the answers to this question: What was Jesus' strategy for making the most of his short life? Please make a few notes about what you discover as your the book of Luke and be ready to share with us.

C. Once you've completed #2 above... and ONLY after you've completed #2 above... then, over the remaining 14 days before our next PALC meeting on 2/19, I want you to read pages 17-70 of book, The Master Plan of Evangelism. Don't be thrown off by the word "Evangelism." I believe this book is mis-titled... So fear not...

5. I sent you all a video clip... via email... subject line: eye of the hunter. Be ready to share your responses to the questions I asked in that email. This will lead us into a discussion on HOW DO I DEVELOP A TRAINING SESSION?

6. We'll be checking out SOS chapters 7-8.

7. We'll be reporting back on any of the palc training we've done since our last meeting.

8. Bring your calendars... we'll try to schedule some time together with our families... giving special preference to Steve and Paul's schedule.

9. Bring your Bible, pen, GML book 1, and you may want to bring your laptop as well.

10. Here's a fun activity. Exchange the word "bar" with the word "church" in the following song lyrics.... and see how it fits with your ecclesiology (your understanding of the doctrine of the church). Seriously... try it.

I Love This Bar by Toby Keith

We got winners, we got losers
Chain smokers and boozers
And we got yuppies, we got bikers
We got thristy hitchhikers
And the girls next door dress up like movie stars

Hmm, hmm, hmm I love this bar

We got cowboys, we got truckers
Broken-hearted fools and suckers
And we got hustlers, we got fighters
Early birds and all-nighters
And the veterans talk about their battle scars

Hmm, hmm, hmm I love this bar

[Chorus:]
I love this bar
It's my kind of place
Just walkin' through the front door
Puts a big smile on my face
It ain't too far, come as you are
Hmm, hmm, hmm I love this bar

I've seen short skirts, we got high-techs
Blue-collar boys and rednecks
And we got lovers, lots of lookers
And I've even seen dancing girls and hookers
And we like to drink our beer from a mason jar

Hmm, hmm, hmm I love this bar
Yes I do

I like my truck (I like my truck)
I like my girlfriend (I like my girlfriend)
I like to take her out to dinner
I like a movie now and then

But I love this bar
It's my kind of place
Just trollin' around the dance floor
Puts a big smile on my face
No cover charge, come as you are
Hmm, hmm, hmm I love this bar
Hmm, hmm, hmm I love this bar

We got divorcees and a big bouncer man
An old jukebox and a real bad band
We got waitresses and we got barflies
A dumb-#$% and a wise-guy
If you get too drunk just sleep out in your car

Reason number 672 why

Hmm, hmm, hmm I love this bar
Play it on out boys
Beer-thirty's over
Got to take it on home

Hmm, hmm, hmm I love this bar
I just love it

Am I the only one that sees some profound New Testament connection here?????

BA
PS. What happens when a man starts to think...
http://cupojoewithbill.blogspot.com

Making it My Own

2009-02-04T13:21:00.000-08:00

Last night I did the PGP for some member of our church. Tonight for my Sr. High Students. Then again thursday morning at NCHS FCA. Thursday night at church. Twice on Saturday. Wow!!!!! I'm tired just writing that. Any way. I've started to rip apart Bill's stuff. It is becoming my own. I love becoming a trainer. Things start to make sense.

Report: Email from Hell CD

2009-01-06T05:47:00.001-08:00

Just back from Green Bay, WI, where spent the weekend training students and youth leaders in the E Free Churches at their district student conference. I had three breakout training sessions—two with students and adult youth leaders and one with adult youth leaders only.

Here's why I'm posting: I used the brand new Audio Email from Hell dramatic readings in all three groups... and I was really encouraged by how they worked so well. Since I gave each of you one of these Audio Email from Hell disks at our last PALC... and I'm expecting you to use it and report back in January, I thought I tell you how I used it (you are not limited to doing what I did... just want to tell you how I used it with students... and you can decide how you want to give it a whirl).

The three breakouts I did were:

Loving People Inside Your Youth Ministry
Don't Entertain Students—Train Them
Loving People Outside Your Youth Ministry

Since I have access to all ten of the Audio Email from Hell episodes, I chose an episode for each of the workshops I was doing.

* For Loving People Inside Your Youth Ministry, I chose the Audio Email from Hell on BUSYNESS (theme of the audio: the enemy wants to keep us so busy that we don't have time for our three most important relationships in life).

* For the adult youth leader workshop, Don't Entertain Students—Train Them, I used the Audio Email from Hell on YOUTH WORKERS (theme: how to use Christian students to discourage the adult youth leaders to the point where the adults quit).

* For the Loving People Outside Your Youth Ministry, I chose the Audio Email from Hell on SCHOOL: GET THEM TO WASTE IT (theme: Christian students are the most strategic missionaries because they rub shoulders with more unsaved people every day at school... therefore... demons must get them to waste that opportunity... and the audio offers very specific ways demons try to get Christian kids to waste school)

Before I went to Green Bay, I printed out the PDF handout that is on each Audio Email from Hell CD... made enough copies and stapled them.

Then at the training workshop, I gave every person a handout. I explained that what they were about to hear wasn't an actual demon speaking... but what one demon might say to another demon about how to keep Christian students from being effective in their walk with Christ. Then I played the dramatic reading portion of the audio (I skipped the audio intro... but you might find that helpful the first time you use the audio as it sets the context of the dramatic reading). Each of the dramatic readings (the part where the demon is coaching other demons) is about 10-12 minutes long.

I was shocked how ENGAGED students were during the reading... as they followed along by reading the handout. When it came time to turn the page, EVERYONE turned the page.... they were totally tracking with the audio. At the end of the dramatic reading, I gave students about 20-25 minutes to work through the Bible study/application questions in small groups (Bibles were open and lots of great dialogue all over the room). Then I did large group discussion... using the questions they just grappled with on the handout.

I'm certainly not saying these CDs with audio/handouts are the best thing since the invention of sliced bread... but I am saying that two different rooms full of over 100 teenagers (each time) stayed focused and engaged... an interacted meaningfully with God, the Bible, each other, and me.

FYI... for a complete listing of our Audio Email from Hell CDs, GO HERE.

Can't wait to hear how using this shakes out for you... at our next PALC.

Wanting to do whatever I can to make YOU wildly successful in your God-given calling.

BA

Leadershift: An internal Juxtaposition for Ecclesiastical Praxis

2008-12-22T07:30:00.000-08:00

Here's a VERY stimulating note from one of own PALC pals... Steve Pichaske. It pertains to the book we've read, Leadershift, by Don Cousins. I thought Steve was absolutely brilliant in the way he juxtaposed chapter 6 with the case study in chapter 9. (Way to go Steve!)

Here are Steve's insights... but be sure to read all the way to the end... I would love for you to respond by leaving a comment.

Just a note from my Leadershift reading that I wanted to touch on and know that I'll forget about by the time we meet again in January...

(Keep in mind that I'm really enjoying the book and the wisdom Cousins has to offer)

In chapter 6, we're given a biblical model for church leadership that includes "staff led" as opposed to "staff run," with the congregation serving in key leadership roles. Did anyone else find it interesting that his "case study" in chapter 9, particularly with respect to the youth pastor (Doug), seemed to reinforce a "staff run" mentality? I realize that this was a different chapter, and Cousins was trying to succinctly convey a different point - that we need to humbly serve in our areas of greatest annointing.

Still, I was struck by the fact that there was nothing in chapter 9 (at least that I recall) that hinted at "training God's people for works of service so that the body of Christ could be built up." Could Doug have effectively served as this growing church's youth pastor by developing a cadre of fellow youth leaders, including some who whose gifts would have been perfectly suited to the role of planning big events. We've seen this situation play itself out far too often...church realizes it needs a youth minister who can lead a big youth group but sacrifices the development of a team that can both think big and minister small (or they bring in a "superstar" and burn him/her out in 18 months). Meanwhile, "Doug" is living out his calling in the secular world (which is great) but has been lost as a gifted, called vocational minister.

The danger comes, I think, when we hear of a great idea (i.e. training the saints)...but then forget about said great idea when our thoughts move on to the next great idea (i.e. reorganizing staff for greater effectiveness).
I'm probably being too harsh, but Cousins has me doing some mental wrestling...

Thanks again for a great day yesterday (for a couple of reasons, I did end up spending the night in Peoria).

In Christ,
Steve Pichaske
First UMC
Rushville, IL

You Be the Coach
I encourage you to read pages 138-141 starting with the subtitle: "Staff Led" on page 138. Then flip to page 204 and start reading under the subtitle, "Doug's Zone." Read until page 207.

Now, think about the following... and then hit the comment button and enrich our lives:
1. What insights do you have from this comparison?
2. Given what Cousins says in 138-141, what other approach might Doug have taken?
3. How would you have coached Doug?

3 Assignments for 1/27/09

2008-12-17T06:54:00.000-08:00

PALC Warriors... (you masculine men you)

I was deeply blessed by your desire to be together yesterday... even though we were in the middle of a snow storm. I'm thinking of Paul walking through the freezing weather holding his car battery on his way to Farm and Fleet (a mile away—and remember... Paul has had heart surgery). I'm thinking of Steve saying, "I can spend the night in Peoria if the snow gets too bad." I'm thinking of Kyle saying, "Can we meet 30 minutes earlier?" I could go on, but won't. All this only confirms what I already knew... God got the right guys together for this journey. I was sharpened by each of you and your love for God, each other, and your insights from his Word. I will never see swords or lilies the same. Thank you.

Let the record show that for our next PACL on 1/27/09, the following two items were discussed and confirmed:
1. Cary will be brining the coffee and goodies.
2. We're all brown baggin' it for lunch... so bring your own.

Only THREE Assignments for 1/27/09...

1. Finish your DDP
We have five whole weeks before we meet on 1/27/09. Use this time to finish your DDP. Remember, for our purposes, you are writing this DDP for YOUR own kids! Of course, the process and final product of your DDP will be TOTALLY applicable to your ministry... but I think it will mean more if we take it out of the context of our ministries and think about what we hope our own kids will become. Your finished DDP will have the following:

* Intro
(you can steal and tweak my intro or write your own)

* 5-8 big picture descriptors—each with corresponding Scripture
(you should already have these)

* As in the example I handed out to you, under each of your major descriptors, you should have the following subpoints... something like this::
A. What ABILITIES the discipled person will posses
1. Ability to.... (Bible passage)
2. Ability to... (Bible passage)
3. Etc.
B. What ATTITUDES the discipled person will have
1. Specific attitude.... (Bible passage)
2. Specific attitude... (Bible passage)
3. Etc.
C. What RELATIONSHIPS the discipled person will build
1. Specific relationship.... (Bible passage)
2. Specific relationship... (Bible passage)
3. Etc.
(Note: You're not limited to three items under each A, B, and C... it's just an example I'm giving.)

Two important tips for developing your DDP:

* Go on a DDP date with your wife.
PEOPLE OWN WHAT THEY HELP CREATE! Your wife must own this as much as you do... therefore, SHE must be involved in creating your DDP. Take what your currently have (your 5-8 big picture descriptors of your DDP so far) and ask her to change it, improve it... edit it, removed something, add something. etc. And have a DISCUSSION (not an argument) over what she is thinking and why. I suggest a coffee date to do this... but go where you won't see people you know and you can take your time for an hour or two dialogue. Once you have arrived TOGETHER on the 5-8 big picture descriptors of what YOU BOTH will call a "fully devoted follower of Jesus," then you can either work together on developing the ABILITIES, ATTITUDES, and RELATIONSHIPS of your DDP... or you can split them up, work individually on some, and then come back together to discuss and tweak them.

* Use your devotional time to write your DDP:
Since developing your DDP is by necessity a Bible study, you and your wife each can your devotional time from now through 1/27/09 to write your DDP. It's just a thought.

2. Email from Hell audio/PDF CD:
Each of you left our December PALC with an Email from Hell CD. Please be sure to put the CD into a regular CD player and listen to the dramatic reading of the 15-20 minute lesson. Once YOU'VE heard it, then either use it with your family (junior high/high school), or use with the students in your youth ministry, or pass it on to a staff or volunteer who works with students and ask them to use it and report back to you. On 1/27/09, I will ask each of you what you did with this CD and ask for a report on how it went. I did not give this CD to you to sit on your shelves.

FYI... here's what is on the CD: This dramatic audio edition is designed for small group, whole group or personal use. This single episode CD pack includes an enhanced format audio CD that is designed to play in a regular CD player or in Mac/PC computers. The disc includes the master PDF file and license to enable you to print whatever number of companion audio scripts for read-along study with follow-through questions. The CD includes an audio introduction by series author, Bill Allison. Also the dramatized audio as read by John Mehalic for mentoring his young demons of destruction to put into play Satan's strategy. This episode makes for a great stand alone lesson for use between series or as an effective devotional tool for personal or small group use.

3. Memory verses
Leadership Community
Proverbs 27:17
As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.
Proverbs 27:17

The Power of a Personal Growth Plan
Luke 6:40
A student is not above his teacher, but everyone who is fully trained will be like his teacher.
Luke 6:40

Pathway to Purity
2 Timothy 2:22
Flee the evil desires of youth, and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.
2 Timothy 2:22

Train Others to Do the Ministry
Ephesians 4:11-12
It was he who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, to prepare God's people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up
Ephesians 4:11-12

Jesus’ Strategy: Select, Train, Coach, and Mentor
Mark 3:14-15
He appointed twelve—designating them apostles—that they might be with him and that he might send them out to preach and to have authority to drive out demons.
Mark 3:14-15

Deeper Relationships with the Right People
John 3:22
After this, Jesus and his disciples went into the Judean countryside, where he spent some time with them...
John 3:22

Before I go, let me say one more thing. (Warning: Public shaming ahead.) What is it with YL and YFC? Dan and Cary seem think they don't need to memorize God's Word with the rest of us??? OK... they will each quote all of our verses one at a time at PALC on 1/27. And the rest of us will give them a rating between 1-10. The judges (the rest of us) can decide if we want them to do it over.

DDP Help

2008-12-12T06:12:00.000-08:00

PALC People...

Attaching a sample of ONE of my big picture descriptors from my very own DDP... notice the descriptor and the Scripture.

For Tuesday, I want you to bring 5-7 big picture descriptors—each with corresponding Scriptures. Yes... I know this will stretch you and make you think hard... my point exactly. Generalities are the sign of a lazy mind. Specific is terrific. This exercise of choosing 5-7 big picture descriptors is like peeling the onion of discipleship... down to the very core of YOUR understanding of discipleship... and that's precisely where I want to go with you. (Think about the ramifications of NOT having a clear and biblical idea of what a REAL disciple is!)

Oh yeah... how goes that study of Song of Solomon?

I'm quite fond of you all...

BA

Prepared or panicked?

2008-12-09T11:24:00.000-08:00

Looking forward to time with you on Tuesday, 12/16... for PALC 2.0.

One question: Are you prepared for 12/16... or panicked?

No pressure at all. Just six other guys who want to learn to love God, their wives, etc. counting on YOU to enrich their lives in a Proverbs 27:17 way.

Great news... you have a full week before we meet. Lean into it...

This message brought to you by your Proverbs 27:17 pal, BA

DDP Discussion

2008-12-02T09:35:00.000-08:00

I've been struggling to get my mind around writing a DDP. Anyone else?

Here are a few starters that I know I want to include ideas from...

Luke 2:52- And Jesus increased in wisdom and in stature and in favor with God and man.
(In this verse I'm seeing a focus on a child's intellectual, physical, spiritual, and social growth)

Quote from James Dobson (on pg 54 of Bringing up Boys)- "If I may be permitted to offer what will sounds like a hyperbole, I believe the future of Western civilization depends on how we handle this present crisis. Why? Because we as parents are raising the next generation of men who will either lead with honor and integrity or abandon every good thing they have inherited. They are bridges to the future. Nations that are populated largely by immature, immoral, weak-willed, cowardly, and self indulgent men cannot and will not endure. These types of men include those who sire and abandon their children; who cheat on their wives, who lie, steal, and covet; who hate their countrymen; and who serve no god but money. That is the direction culture is taking today's boys. We must make the necessary investment to counter these influences and to build within our boys lasting qualities of 1) character, 2) self-discipline, 3) respect for authority, 4) commitment to the truth, 5) a belief in the work ethic, and 6) an unshakable love for Jesus Christ. The pursuit of those objectives led me to undertake the writing of this book."
(italics & numbers mine)

5 Smooth Stones for Parenting from Chip Ingram:
1) Teach them to Suffer well (Genesis 37-50, I Peter 2:21-23)
2) Teach them to Work for the Lord (Genesis 2:15, Colossians 3:23)
3) Teach them to Mange their lives wisely (Genesis 1:26-28, Matthew 25:14-30)
4) Teach them to Discern good from evil (Exodus 3:5-6, I Peter 1:15-16)
5) Teach them to live Grace-Filled lives (Genesis 3:21, Ephesians 2:8-10, I Peter 1:13)

I'd love to hear any of your initial thoughts... or sound off on these!

PALC Assignments 12/16/08

2008-11-19T14:36:00.000-08:00

PALC Gents...

Thanks for the sharpening yesterday. You will never know what a breath of fresh air you are to me! OK... that was a spiritual/emotional metaphor... because you were anything but fresh air to me yesterday... and I think you know what I' talking about.

For our next PALC on 12/16/08, be sure to be ready for the following:

1. Song of Solomon: Please read the eight chapters of SOS one more time before we meet... ideally... with your wife... and bring your study guide with your thoughts and insights written in it. Remember, we're going to study Song of Solomon because of Proverbs 5:15-20. So write your thoughts in those study guides and bring them with you ready to go.

2. Be ready to discuss the book, Leadershift, chapters 3, 6, 9 and 10.

3. Download, print out, read, and mark up chapter one of THE FORGOTTEN WAYS

4. Bring a list of 5-8 BIG ideas for your DDP (description of a discipled person). When your children leave your house, how will you know if they are fully devoted followers of Jesus? What EXACTLY do you mean when you say, "This child has been fully discipled." Try to include a passage of Scripture for each of your 5-8 descriptors of a discipled person.

5. We'll do memory verses front and center next time... so be ready... you have been warned. Let me stick my neck out and say that I will quote Psalm 112 in its entirety next time... anyone want to join me for part or all of Psalms 112? Also we will all do the following:

Leadership Community
Proverbs 27:17
As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.
Proverbs 27:17

The Power of a Personal Growth Plan
Luke 6:40
A student is not above his teacher, but everyone who is fully trained will be like his teacher.
Luke 6:40

Pathway to Purity
2 Timothy 2:22
Flee the evil desires of youth, and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.
2 Timothy 2:22

Train Others to Do the Ministry
Ephesians 4:11-12
It was he who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, to prepare God's people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up
Ephesians 4:11-12

Jesus’ Strategy: Train, Coach, and Mentor
Mark 3:14-15
He appointed twelve—designating them apostles—that they might be with him and that he might send them out to preach and to have authority to drive out demons.
Mark 3:14-15

6. Finally, at our next PALC time together, I would love to hear any reports on how things went with your wife as you read Song of Solomon together, or feedback from when you trained anyone with Dialogue #1 Training Makes All the Difference, or PGP stuff, or The Challenge of Finishing Well booklet.

7. Personal growth plan check up.

Pheaney's PGP

2008-11-17T07:50:00.000-08:00

I'm following Dan L's example and giving you an updated version of my PGP.

You can track it here.

My accountability partner and I are using Google Docs to keep a list of questions going... as well as our PGPs. It has been an awesome way to review material when we don't have a chance to sit down together!

Response to Kyle: Thoughts on Changing an Organization!

2008-11-13T04:39:00.000-08:00

Why Organizational Change Fails
"There is nothing more difficult to take in hand, more perilous to conduct, or more uncertain in its success than to take the lead in the introduction of a new order of things." —Jean-Jacques Rousseau

Preaching change is much different than practicing it. Change is tiring and toilsome work, requiring persistence and resourcefulness. Unfortunately, many leaders fall short in their efforts to enact change. The following list compiles what leadership development expert Mark Sanborn identifies as the most common reasons why organizational change fails. Use it to analyze and/or prevent mistakes in your future attempts at change.

1. Misstarts.
A misstart occurs when change is ill-advised, hastily implemented, or attempted without sufficient commitment. Misstarts are jarring and demoralizing to an organization, and they destroy a leader's credibility.

2. Making change an option.
When leadership commits to change, it must be made clear that change is not an option. Regrettably, the message of change is often weak and watered down. Whenever people have the option to avoid change, they will.

3. A focus only on process.
Leaders can become enmeshed in managing the process of change to the point where they don't measure tangible outcomes. Activity becomes more important than results.

4. A focus only on results.
Unhealthy results-focus stems from a belief that the end justifies any means. Organizations tend to fail miserably in this regard; they downplay or ignore the human pain of change. Insensitivity to people's feelings not only prevents change, but also destroys morale and loyalty in the process.

5. Not involving those expected to implement the change.
Top-down mandates for change arouse a great deal of resentment. To smoothen the arrival of change, employees need to be involved in two ways. First, solicit their input and suggestions when planning the change. Second, involve them in determining the means of change. Leadership needs to communicate, "Here's what must happen. How do you think it can best be done?"

6. Delegation of change to "outsiders".
Change is an inside job. Although outside consultants may provide valuable ideas and input, people inside the organization must accept responsibility for leading change.

7. No change in reward system.
If you continue rewarding employees for what they've always done, you'll never move past the usual results. Adjust rewards, recognition, and compensation to reflect the desired change.

8. Leadership doesn't walk the talk.
Attempts at change are sabotaged whenever leaders neglect to demonstrate the same commitment they expect from others. Leadership must take the first steps.

9. Wrong size.
In this instance, change is either too massive to be achievable or too small to be significant. A change program should be neither too easy nor too impossible.

10. No follow-through.
The best planning is worthless if not implemented, monitored, and measured. Responsibility for executing change must be clearly defined so that follow-through is timely and thorough. Remember, what is measured is what gets done!

Adapted from Mark Sanborn, Why Organizational Change Fails, Leadership Wired, Issue 1, 9/08

Ephesians 4:11-12 Training

2008-11-09T15:10:00.000-08:00

Today I did the first part of the Training Dialogue with our Church's Ministry Community ( our non-paid staff). We had some great dialogue around the scripture, why church's and leaders don't talk about training, and where we are in regards to it. It went really great......until the end. A few of the leaders pushed back. Why do we have all these assignments? I've try'd to train and no body show'd up. We don't have time to train our volunteers. Why don't we do ministry community the way that it was.

Why they do have the right to voice there opions. It was sad. They did some of the things that they just talked about other leaders doing. I was really frustrated. Yet at the same time really encouraged. I saw other leaders really connecting with the dialogue. I will continue to do what is on my heart and what I'm passionate for. I did listen to what they had to say. I understand some of their concerns. Yet at the same time realized how hard it is to create a training mentality with in a church that doesn't already have one.

Looking forward to meeting with you guys in 10 days.

Kyle

2008-11-06T09:33:00.000-08:00

"If you hold a leadership position but are not equipping the saints for the work of service, then you are not a leader. You may hold the position; you may have the title; you may be called a leader; but you're not a leader as the Bible defines it, because leadership means equipping."
—from the book, Experiencing Leadershift by Don Cousins

For more info, see Mark 3:13-19, Matthew 28:18-20, Ephesians 4:11-12, and 2 Timothy 2:2 for starters.

That's what I'm thinking.

What do you think?

Party with the PALC

2008-11-01T19:38:00.000-07:00

Click image to enlarge picture.What was your favorite part of the PALC party?

PALC Thanks, 11/18/08 Assignments, and Certification Opportunities

2008-10-29T10:10:00.000-07:00

PALC Gents,

Wow... yesterday was intense and sharpening! This may sound weird... but I left spent, satisfied, and energized. Our heart interaction and honest conversation about our purity journeys deeply encourage and sharpened me. Thanks for leaning into that time together with all your heart. And, on the hand/ministry skill front, I totally loved our interaction over Dialogue #1 Training Makes All the Difference—Developing a Ministry Team 101.... and look forward to continuing that training next time.... a mere three weeks from now... when we meet next... November 18th!

And did I mention that the coffee from The Coffee Hound and the baked goodies ROCKED? Thanks Kyle!

Now that was a day well invested... and this leadership community is becoming what I've prayed and hoped it would become! A big fat way to go to God and you. I loved all of yesterday, but if I had to pick one part of yesterday as a favorite, it would have to be when we came back after that great Mexican lunch... and stood around in the kitchen (I was drinking coffee again)... and we all shared our experiences in training the Personal Growth Plan training lab with others. I LOVED hearing how you each multiplied that training in your own unique way... in your own unique ministry situations... with the common goal of helping the people in your sphere of influence be more intentional about loving God with all of their lives! MADE MY WEEK!

From my heart to yours... THANK YOU.

For PALC on 11/18/08
Since we only have three weeks before our next PALC... I want keep the assignments lighter... but extremely focused:

1. Our next HEART time together will focus on making our marriages ROCK. (Think here of the proactive part of purity.) Accordingly, here's what you need to do:
* Download and print a copy of the Song of Solomon Study guide—GO HERE.
* Read through Song of Solomon twice BEFORE we meet (see if you're wife will read though it with you on one of those times) and record your insights in the Song of Solomon study guide.

2. Read Leadershift chapters 3 and 6. Reflect and write in the book. We'll discuss these.

3. For those of you who are able to start using the Dialogue #1: Training Makes All the Difference training before we meet next, we'll give you an opportunity to report back on how the training went for you. For those of us who won't be able to use this training in the next three weeks, you'll have until December 16th to use the training in some fashion (even a simple one on one with a key person in your ministry).

4. Please come ready to quote the following from memory:

Leadership Community
Proverbs 27:17
As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.
Proverbs 27:17

The Power of a Personal Growth Plan
Luke 6:40
A student is not above his teacher, but everyone who is fully trained will be like his teacher.
Luke 6:40

Pathway to Purity
2 Timothy 2:22
Flee the evil desires of youth, and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.
2 Timothy 2:22

Train Others to Do the Ministry
Ephesians 4:11-12
It was he who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, to prepare God's people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up
Ephesians 4:11-12

You may want to start writing these on 3 X 5 cards and cary them with you so you can work on them at any time over the next three weeks. Better yet, get someone... or a small group of people (your family counts) to memorize them with you!

More Trainer Certification Opportunities for the Daring
I want to let you know that you have two opportunities to become a trainer for the following Cadre training workshops:

1. Saturday, January 24, 2009, Ministry Is Relationships, FBC, Macomb, IL.

2. Saturday, February 7, 2009, Evangelism Is Relationship, FBC, Pekin, IL

Please RSVP with me IF you want to be a trainer for either of these... starting by taking it back to your own ministry!

Your PALC Pal...

BA

Pheaney's Great Quote from the Last PALC

2008-10-16T08:55:00.000-07:00

"As a leader and manager you have two options:
#1) Invest minimal time in goal-setting, live with fuzzy targets and use your superior motivational skills to pump up the sagging morale of your team. You'll actually save time this way because you'll never have to waste time celebrating success.
#2) Invest time with your team in goal-setting. You've learned that every day invested up front on clear targets will eliminate days of expensive wrong turns, one-way streets and blind alleys - so your team is focused on clear goals that align with the mission. Your monthly celebrations and your spontaneous affirmation moments keep your team's spirit high."
—John Pearson, Master the Management Buckets: 20 Critical Competencies for leading your business or nonprofit

PGP teaching

2008-10-14T07:43:00.001-07:00

Taught PGP twice this weekend. Did a simplified version with no Keynote for my youth leaders. Went great. I think they were really challenged. Then after church did one for what we call Ministry Community (church leaders), used my awesome mac (had to get a trial version of the new keynote, mines too old to run it, it said). Went great. They interacted, didn't really talk much about the videos, let them speak for themselves, water cup thing went great. I've got some more to do on it to improve but all in all I was happy with the time. Now it's up to them to follow through.

KO

Purity Lesson

2008-10-09T14:00:00.000-07:00

Just wanted to post the link to my message from this last sunday. It's called Twisted: It's only physical (aka, Bill's purity talk that God gave him shortened and spoken by Kyle) I got really good feed back. I would love some from you guys too.

KO

PGP

2008-10-09T13:55:00.001-07:00

I'm teaching the PGP 2 times this weekend. First to my Ministry Leaders for the Youth, and for our church leadership after church. I ran through the slides and my notes. I'm think I've forgotten how to set up the clips, and some of the slides. I feel like we just blow through the information in a hurry to get out of there last time. Or I just took bad notes. Does anyone else feel that way. Maybe I'm just a perfectionist and want it done the right way. Or the way that it was taught. It's in God's hands. I guess that's the way we become better trainers. Of course I've got a student man camp this weekend too, so lot's of stress.

KO

PGP Results

2008-10-07T12:09:00.000-07:00

I shared the PGP lab this Sunday (Oct 5) with a small group my wife and I just started. It went really well. Up until the point where we broke off and shared our spiritual health 'number'... I was feeling pretty shaky. My presentation seemed a little stiff, there wasn't a lot of interaction.

But it was awesome to get people interacting with each other and God! Some great moments and I'm excited where it goes from here.

How did everyone else's trainings go?

Purity

2008-10-03T10:20:00.000-07:00

I'm giving the message this sunday at Heartland. It's the sex talk. Using lots of the material that God gave us through Bill. I hope it doesn't sound like I took him word for word. But as a prepared these things kept coming up in my mind. I believe God gave them to me for this message. We'll see how it goes. I'll post a link for you to listen to later.

KO

I did....no...God did it!

2008-10-01T11:34:00.000-07:00

After last weeks challenging conversations I felt lead to get more focused with my accountability partner. Really felt like we were just talking, not challenging each other. This week I met with him, during the whole time I felt like satin was trying to keep me from sharing with him. In the end with God's strength I overcame. He was totally open. I gave him a list of questions, told him about my PGP, and he wanted to know more about how I did it. Praise God.

Kyle

Accountawhatability

2008-09-25T07:31:00.000-07:00

Ran across some great questions for when you/we meet with those men who speak truth into our lives. I cut and pasted from the web site and am bringing it to you. So here's a question, do these work, should there be more or should there be less?

_Have you been consistently pursuing the Lord through scripture reading and prayer?

Above anything else, I want to make sure that my friends are faithfully pursuing the Lord. If there is a deficiency in reading scripture and prayer, there will be a deficiency in their relationship with the Lord.

_Have you diligently pursued your wife/husband this week?

This questions applies to married folks only. Our relationship with our spouse is our second most important relationship after the Lord. If I’m not diligently investing in my relationship with my wife, there’s a problem.

_Have you seen any persistent patterns of sin in your life recently?

Sin usually isn’t an isolated event. The same sin usually occurs multiple times in different contexts. It’s crucial that we help each other identify patterns of sin.

_Last week you confessed struggling with [insert sin]. Have you taken steps to fight it this week?

It’s not enough to just confess sin. We want to help each other actively fight against the sin that we confess.

_When you gave into [insert sin], what were you believing about God in that moment? What were you believing about yourself?

Sin is the result of believing lies about God and about ourselves. We sin in worry because we believe that God isn’t taking care of us. We sin in lust because we believe that it will satisfy us more than God. We sin in anger because we feel that our “rights” have been violated. Sin is the result of believing lies.

_What is the truth that you need to believe in this situation?

We fight against the lies of sin by believing scriptural truth. We must help each other see how scripture applies to every area of our lives.

_When you had the conflict with [insert person], what were you craving at that moment?

Scripture tells that conflict is the result of cravings. James 4:1-2 says, “What causes quarrels and what causes fights among you? Is it not this, that your passions are at war within you?
You desire and do not have, so you murder. You covet and cannot obtain, so you fight and quarrel.” Cravings underlie conflict.

KO

PALC 2

2008-09-24T12:50:00.000-07:00

This is the official blog of the Peoria Area Leadership Community 2.0 (a.k.a. Bill's Boys). Join us on the journey of doing life together. As we seek to change our lives (heart) and our world (hands).

KO