On October 14, 2009, In Uncategorized, by Jeff Calloway
On August 25, 2009, In Uncategorized, by Jeff Calloway
Have you every wondered what you are doing with your life that matters? Most of us at some point in our lives ask that question, and it may nag at us for years on end. Perhaps you are wrestling with that question in your life this very moment. If you are unsure of what your [...]
Have you every wondered what you are doing with your life that matters? Most of us at some point in our lives ask that question, and it may nag at us for years on end. Perhaps you are wrestling with that question in your life this very moment. If you are unsure of what your call in life is, then this book is for you. I want to help you understand how to make a difference with your life by seeking out the Creator of everything and searching his Word for your way in life.
Let me tell you now that I get queasy when it comes to taking big risks. When I first gave heed to the thought that God might have a call for my life as a pastor, I almost freaked. That was way out of my leauge and I was unprepared to be “called.” When most people think about the term “call,” they get mystical thoughts of a voice speaking to them and telling them what to do, much like what we find on thee pages of the Old and New Testaments. Men like Moses and the apostle Paul definitely had one of those “aha” moments when God spoke very clearly about the call for their lives. That supernatural type of call has long ceased to exist, but having a call is still very much present in the human spirit and soul today. I have never experienced the Moses or Paul type of call and would have probably croaked over if I had, but I have experienced God’s call in my life. His call is an invitation; it is about knowing his will for your life. It is personal.
Let me encourage you that if you do not have a clear, absolute call from God, to graciously step aside from what you are trying to do on your own. It is not a sin to walk away from something that you want to do, but have not been called to do. It is a sin to continue to stay in a place when you are not called.
On April 23, 2009, In Uncategorized, by Jeff Calloway
From Seth Godin’s blog: We no longer care what you say. We care a great deal about what you do. If you charge for hand raking but use a leaf blower when the client isn’t home If you sneak into an exercise class because you were on the wait list and it isn’t fair cause [...]
From Seth Godin’s blog:
We no longer care what you say.
We care a great deal about what you do.
If you charge for hand raking but use a leaf blower when the client isn’t home
If you sneak into an exercise class because you were on the wait list and it isn’t fair cause you never get a bike
If you snicker behind the boss’s back
If you don’t pay attention in meetings
If you argue with a customer instead of delighting them
If you copy work and pass it off as your own
If you shade the truth a little
If you lobby to preserve the unsustainable status quo
If you network to get, not to give
If you do as little as you can get away with
…then we already know who you are.
On March 20, 2009, In Uncategorized, by Jeff Calloway
If Einstein were still alive he would be continuing to discover new aspects of the physics of the universe – and confirm what the Bible has been clear on from the beginning – that it all goes on forever… Thus, those who can’t think in terms of vision, are doomed to be highly ineffective, left [...]
If Einstein were still alive he would be continuing to discover new aspects of the physics of the universe – and confirm what the Bible has been clear on from the beginning – that it all goes on forever…
Thus, those who can’t think in terms of vision, are doomed to be highly ineffective, left brained, just beyond cavemen (“apologies to all cave people reading this piece – no harm intended…”)
Vision is about change because it sees a preferred future from the one that exists at the present. In order to get to the preferred future, things are going to have to change, and change is a difficult thing at times. It will cause discomfort to you and those around you, so be prepared. However, along the way as you see God working in and through your life; you will realize that change is good when it is done to bring about that preferred future. How important is it to you that you finish the vision that God has put in your heart? If it is important, then you will not be able to live your life the same way as you have in the past. When you became a believer in Christ, some changes were made even if they weren’t immediately obvious. God began a new work, first on your thoughts and wants. Those changes started showing up in the way you spoke and the way you acted. When you know God’s vision for your life, you will never be the same again.
Along your vision journey, there will be distractions scattered along the path that will cause you to want you to turn around and go back to the comfort zone you left. The items on the path will be discouragement, fear, lack of time, and Lord knows what else. Don’t give in to these distractions! Our enemy Satan, who seeks to distract us from God’s vision, will put them there. Good intentioned family or friends may lay down roadblocks in your path as you seek to do something that seems far-fetched and foolish. You will have to be strong in order to stay the course and keep the faith in your vision journey.
On March 11, 2009, In Uncategorized, by Jeff Calloway
I just migrated my site from TypePad to WordPress and it is still under construction. Check back often to see the updates.
I just migrated my site from TypePad to WordPress and it is still under construction. Check back often to see the updates.
On March 9, 2009, In Religion, Uncategorized, by Jeff Calloway
In a study that gives credence to what many evangelical pastors have been saying for years, that America is no longer a Christian nation was made public today. The study from The Program on Public Values at Trinity College in Hartford, Conn. discovered that the number of people in America who claim to be “born [...]
In a study that gives credence to what many evangelical pastors have been saying for years, that America is no longer a Christian nation was made public today. The study from The Program on Public Values at Trinity College in Hartford, Conn. discovered that the number of people in America who claim to be “born again” evangelicals is declining. I have shared here on this blog before that America is becoming a nation filled with various religions. What caught my attention in this study is that the number of Americans who claim no religion has risen to fifteen percent. You might be thinking that this study was biased due to the geographic sampling. That thought really can’t hold up as over 54,000 respondents were surveyed, which is a large sampling.
What does this mean for the evangelical church in America? It means it needs to wake up from thinking that America is a good, ol’ Christian nation and everybody loves Jesus. That is part of the reason that has gotten the state of Christianity to where it is today. Second, the church needs to be looking at any and all methods and strategy to reach those without Christ. Third, followers of Jesus in America needs to become missional in their lives. They need to come to grips that if they are a follower of Jesus, then they are a missionary and must start living the mandate in the scriptures to live as Jesus lived. Unless there is a turn in this regression of Christianity in America, followers of Christ will become a larger minority.
Just a quick note; I don’t like using the term Christian to describe a “born again” follower of Jesus. The term Christian has lost it’s meaning in America, as it can be used loosely as a definition as people see fit. Think about it, a follower of Jesus or Christian, which one sounds like they are active in the faith?
Here is a link at USA Today that covers the study and has interactive graphs.
On February 25, 2009, In Uncategorized, by Jeff Calloway
Christianity is more than just something you believe. It is a lifestyle. That lifestyle involves three things: 1. I evaluate everything. I don't just automatically buy into the world's system. I read an ad, I see a tv show I don't automatically say that must be true because it's on tv. When my friends at [...]
Christianity is more than just something you believe. It is a lifestyle. That lifestyle involves three things:
1. I evaluate everything. I don't just automatically buy into the world's system. I read an ad, I see a tv show I don't automatically say that must be true because it's on tv. When my friends at school or work say, "It doesn't get any better than this!" I say, "Yes it does! It does get better than this. There's a whole lot missing if you think that's all there is to life just having a good time." I evaluate everything. I use the mind that God gave me. The Christian life is the most logical, rational way to live. It is irrational to live apart from the creator.
2. I develop strong convictions. If I don't stand for something, I'll fall for anything. I say, "God, give me some convictions" in a society where everybody says, "It doesn't matter what you believe as long as you're sincere." Nothing could be further from the truth. You can be sincerely wrong. I can pick up a glass of water and think it's water but I'm drinking arsenic and it will kill me — it will sincerely kill me.
You say there are many different ways. That's like saying I could go into a phone booth, dial any phone number and get home. There's one number. There's some things that are right in the world; there's some things that are wrong. They all can't be right when they're contradictory. You need to use your mind to check it out. Then you develop some strong convictions based on the Word.
3. I love God with all my heart. That's the third part of the lifestyle. I love God with all my heart. Does God have your whole heart? In Revelation 2:4 Jesus complains to some believers there, some Christians. God's saying, "You're not out there in gross immorality. You're really pretty good folks, you're doctrinally sound. But…," he said. "I've got one thing against you. You don't love Me the way you used to love Me." Could God say that about you? That you've lost the spark. That you don't have that thrill, that sense of being in love with God when you first became a Christian and everything was so new and fresh and you've allowed a relationship to be replaced by a routine. Subtly you've allowed other things to creep in and God is no longer at the center of your life. He's in your life, but He's over in a compartment. There are other things that are taking priority — pleasures or possessions or position. He's being crowded out. You want a relationship to God but it's not the only thing in your life. There are other things that are equal or more important. It is so easy to become infatuated with the world. Culture makes it look so glamorous. Most affairs that happen, happen gradually. It starts first with complacency in your relationship. Then comes compromise. You start giving in to the little things, the little gray areas. Then you cave in.
Paul writes in a letter to his friend Titus, "For the grace of God has been revealed, bringing salvation to all people. And we are instructed to turn from godless living and sinful pleasures. We should live in this evil world with self-control, right conduct, and devotion to God." Titus 4:11-12 NLT.
There's no doubt in my mind that there are some of us who are guilty of spiritual adultery. Strong words for a strong problem. God is in your life but He is not number one. Other things have taken precedence. The fact of the matter is, we deserve a divorce from God. He's got every ground for a divorce because we've been unfaithful. The good news is there is forgiveness and He does love you and He does want you to return to your first love and He says rekindle that romance with God and get to know Him again. Take a long walk with Him. Return and confess your compromises. Say, "God, I know what to do! I just need to get on track again."
On February 21, 2009, In Uncategorized, by Jeff Calloway
I am not writing about the 1987 film Fatal Attraction in which Michael Douglas and Glen Close star. Sorry if you thought this was going to be some Hollywood review of the movie (which I thought was pretty good for an 80's flick). I want to spend some time on churches that place all of [...]
I am not writing about the
1987 film Fatal Attraction in which Michael Douglas and Glen Close star. Sorry
if you thought this was going to be some Hollywood review of the movie
(which I thought was pretty good for an 80's flick). I want to spend some time
on churches that place all of their eggs in the "attractional" camp
of growing their church. For the sake of not sounding like a broken record, let
me share one more time that I have led some pretty attractional based churches
over the years. As a matter of fact, a church I pastored was awarded the
Purpose Driven Church Health Award from Saddleback Church and we were featured
in the promotional video for the 40 Days of Purpose.
Most recently, I have
launched a new church that has grown from 0-185 people in twenty-four months.
It grew that fast first and only because Go.d so wanted it so. Dozens upon
dozens of lives have been changed as God has used Bridge Church at Perry to be
a church about change. Bridge Church has been an attractional ministry, but with
a definite bent on being incarnational. By incarnational, I mean being the
hands and feet of Jesus to a community that not experienced a church reaching
out with unconditional love.
As we continue to watch
God move at BC@P, I am amazed at how He continues to evolve this part of his
body. Our leadership team, has been praying, fasting, and scouring the
scriptures for the vision of BC@P. One area the Holy Spirit has been
speaking to us is that our church needs to progressively move to a form of being
attractional and incarnational.
Attractional ministry has
been taking place since the time of Jesus (I hope I can say that without being
attacked). People were attracted to Jesus, bottom line. He was a
revolutionary who challenged the religious establishment and that attracted
people, some of them were loose cannons. Jesus was a miracle worker which drew
a definitely different crowd – those who were attracted to him because of the
healing. Others were attracted to Jesus because there was something radically
different about the way he spoke, the way he lead, the way he showed compassion
and the way he gave grace and mercy. Jesus' ministry was one of attraction.
“The growth of
megachurches in recent decades has come about because of a common historic
cycle in U.S. religion: faith institutions reinventing themselves to meet the
consumerlike demands of worshippers,” said Paul Harvey, American history
professor at the University of Colorado who specializes in U.S. religious history.
From a USA Today article
dated 9/09/2008, “Experts see more troubling concerns than slowing growth: No
measurable inroads on overall church attendance and signs that many churchgoers
are spectators, not driving toward a deeper faith. "You can create a
church that's big, but is still not transforming people. Without
transformation, the Christian message is not advanced," says Ed Stetzer,
head of Lifeway Research in Nashville, which did the Outreach study.
"The megachurch story
is not really about growth, it's about shifting allegiances. People want to
feel good about who they already are," says Philip Goff, director of the
Center for the Study of Religion and American Culture at Indiana University in
Indianapolis. "If church is too challenging or not entertaining, they'll
move on." Many who do stick may be "spiritually stuck," as well,
according to an intense spiritual inventory conducted by Willow Creek. The
study, now being marketed to churches nationwide as a self-assessment tool,
found many who attend church are not progressing from beginner believers to
become "fully centered in Christ" — deep in Bible study, prayer and
service.
Lest we get caught in
dishing out high fives over Jesus' attractional life, we better well remember
and realize that Jesus was attractional because he was first incarnational.
On February 12, 2009, In Uncategorized, by Jeff Calloway
Having been a male for the last forty-seven years, I kind of thought I had it figured out what it meant to be a man. You know, go out and kill dinner and drag it home, have control of the house, etc…, etc…, etc… What I have been learning through the Men's Fraternity group I [...]
Having been a male for the last forty-seven years, I kind of thought I had it figured out what it meant to be a man. You know, go out and kill dinner and drag it home, have control of the house, etc…, etc…, etc…
What I have been learning through the Men's Fraternity group I am in, is that my wife was right – I am an idiot. Wait, Julie doesn't think I am an idiot, on the contrary she thinks I am quite smart. It's the stupid things that I do that at times that cause her to shake her head and think "idiot!" I call it the Ray Berone syndrome, if you have ever watch the sitcom named after Ray you know what I am talking about.
Before being in full time vocational ministry (an oxymoron BTW), I was in the work force in Accounting and Financial Management for a couple of Fortune 500 companies. I was making good money, had loads of responsibility and bought into that my identity was found and based on what I did for my livelihood. The scripture passage is so true in 1 Corinthians 13, "when I was a child(boy) I spoke like a child(boy), I thought like a child(boy), I acted like a child(boy). When I became a man, I put away childish(boyish) things, thoughts, and actions."
There is still a little boy in me and in most men. That is what I call the fun side of manhood. When the boy in me controls my life, I am going to be selfish, not generous. I will think of only my self and not others. Many men need to grow up and get rid of the boy in their life. That doesn't mean we can't go to football games or kill some animal and drag it home for dinner. But in the context of our relationship with our wife and children, we put them and their needs and wants first – way ahead of ours.
When I was a boy, I never thought it would be so hard to be a man.
On February 10, 2009, In Uncategorized, by Jeff Calloway
Welcome to WordPress. This is your first post. Edit or delete it, then start blogging!
Welcome to WordPress. This is your first post. Edit or delete it, then start blogging!