Monday, July 19, 2010

No Such Thing as "the Gift of Evangelism" by Ed Stetzer


This is from Ed Stetzer's blog: Recently, I spoke at the Church of God Triennial meeting in Decatur, IL. One of the things I talked about was my belief that there is no such thing as "the gift of evangelism." Part of my concern is that I hear many people saying they don't have the "gift of evangelism" and thus believing it is not their responsibility to do evangelism (since they don't have the "gift"). And, since evangelism can be a challenge at times, that seems to be a "gift" that people don't want.

In the mid-90s, a well-known leader who created a "spiritual gifts test," told me that about 10% of people have the gift of evangelism. Yet, that number seems to be on decline. Barna recently released research saying, "Among the interesting facets of the research was that just 1% of believers claim to have the gift of evangelism (down from 4% five years ago)."

Hmmmmm.

I don't think this means there is a widespread growing realization that no one has the gift of evangelism. My best guess is that it is because people are talking themselves out of their obligation to do evangelism.

I think that the current challenge of evangelism is why an increasing number of people do not think they have the gift.

Here are four proposals I made at that meeting.

1. All believers are given the ministry of reconciliation (2 Corinthians 5:18). That is, their role is to be agents of reconciliation and share how men and women are to be redeemed and changed by the power of the gospel.

2. Timothy was called to do his work in evangelistic ways (2 Timothy 4:5) but based on the fact that all are called to present the gospel of reconciliation, it makes sense that we can heed that admonition in all our lives. Thus, I encourage pastors to do ministry in evangelistic ways, but particularly church leaders (since Timothy was a church leader). Like in 1 Timothy 3, leaders are almost always commanded to do the things believers do-- just more so.

3. The church is gifted with evangelists (Eph. 4:11) who help us be faithful doing evangelism. We should talk more about the gifted people called evangelists.

4. It is unhelpful to refer to evangelism as a gift because it removes the responsibility of all believers. In other words, many think that if they don't have the gift, it is not their job. Evangelism is not a gift, it is a call to all believers.


What do you think?

Thursday, July 15, 2010

Keys to the Kingdom


I've decided to start posting the sermons I preach on my blog. They will be listed on the right side bar (-->) from now on, and perhaps as a main post as well. Click on the Keys to the Kingdom for Sundays Message from Matthew 16:13-20.

Wednesday, July 14, 2010

Epcot for Preschoolers: My Suggested Preschool Tour (2 of 2)


This is my Epcot Preschool Touring Guide. If you are not spending multiple days at Disney World, do not waste your time here, stay at Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom. If you have 4 days or more, Epcot will be well worth your time! Here is my Epcot Preschool Touring Guide:

1. Test Track (if you child is 40” or taller)
2. Epcot Character Spot
3. The Seas with Nemo & Friends
4. Turtle Talk With Crush
5. Gran Fiesta Tour Starring The Three Caballeros (Mexico)
6. Stop in the Mayan Ruins to make a mask for your child – this will give them something to do and keep them entertained… and it’s free! You can get this stamped at each country if you so choose, but you will have to decide if that is worth it to you or not, we got 2 stamps and were more than satisfied.
7. Character Meet & Greets
8. Stop in Japan for Kaki Gore (snow cone) at a kiosk as you enter
9. Finish your Character Meet & Greets and head back to your hotel!
10. After your rest & relaxation, head to a different theme park.

Helpful tips:
• Arrive at the park by 8:15AM or 45 minutes before it opens.
• Arrive at the park by 8:15AM or 45 minutes before it opens.
• Arrive at the park by 8:15AM or 45 minutes before it opens.
• Purchase your tickets before your get to the park.
• Take advantage of the Disney photographers. Even if you do not purchase their photos, they will also take pictures for you, so do not be afraid to ask them to do so!
• Bring your own snacks – Disney allows you to brings food and dinks (at least plastic bottles) into the parks
• Stop for a Kaki Gore (snow cone) at a kiosk as you enter Japan, probably the most reasonably priced item in all of Disney World.
• Purchase most of your souvenirs from Magic Kingdom, but know Target has cheaper items just down the road.
• If you do not get a park hopper pass, do not go to Epcot, no way it is worth it. If you do get a park hopper pass, only spend a morning here.

Related Articles:
Magic Kingdom for Preschoolers: Best and Worst
Disney World for Preschoolers

Epcot for Preschoolers: Best and Worst (1 of 2)


Epcot is hard to judge for preschoolers. While the rides are not very friendly, we found this to be the best place for our kids to meet the Disney characters. In fact, they met everyone they cared to meet here: Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Goofey, Mulan, Jasmine, Snow White, and more. So I would agree with the majority who say this park is not toddler friendly, but I think Disney has as countered that by creating an environment where children can meet all the characters without waiting in long line (aside from Epcot Character Spot).

Please keep in mind that this is based upon the Preschooler’s (birth-5) experience and not older kids. There were no rides worthwhile for our children. Our 4 year old did enjoy Test Track, but our 2 year old was not tall enough to ride it, thus it was an overall fail. Neither child road Soarin. The other rides were blah at best.

Even with the fact that Epcot is not really kid friendly, I would recommend for you to bring your preschooler here for a morning. You can meet the beloved Disney characters, head back to your hotel for rest and relaxation, then spend you evening at a fun park (I would suggest going to Magic Kingdom in the evening for some attractions, the parade and fireworks display). Here is my best and worst preschooler’s guide for Epcot:

Best Rides
1. Gran Fiesta Tour Starring The Three Caballeros (Mexico)
2. The Seas with Nemo & Friends
3. Test Track (40’ minimum height)


Best Shows/Attractions
1. Epcot Character Spot
2. Character Meet & Greets (each country has a different character – i.e. meet Snow White in Germany. A list of character meeting times is available upon arrival to the park, along with a map)
3. Turtle Talk with Crush

Worst Rides
1. Maelstrom – as boring as Norway
2. Soarin – Great for children, not preschoolers
3. All the other shows and rides toddlers find boring or are too little for

Worst Shows
• Take you pick of those not listed on the best shows!

Helpful tips:
• Arrive at the park by 8:15AM or 45 minutes before it opens.
• Arrive at the park by 8:15AM or 45 minutes before it opens.
• Arrive at the park by 8:15AM or 45 minutes before it opens.
• Purchase your tickets before your get to the park.
• Take advantage of the Disney photographers. Even if you do not purchase their photos, they will also take pictures for you, so do not be afraid to ask them to do so!
• Bring your own snacks – Disney allows you to brings food and dinks (at least plastic bottles) into the parks
Stop for a Kaki Gore (snow cone) at a kiosk as you enter Japan, probably the most reasonably priced item in all of Disney World.
• Purchase most of your souvenirs from Magic Kingdom, but know Target has cheaper items just down the road.
• If you are there for more than one day, leave the park for a few hours in the afternoon to rest, eat, swim, relax, and head back… you will still have plenty of time to do everything in 2 days at Magic Kingdom with your preschoolers.

Related Articles:
Magic Kingdom for Preschoolers: Best and Worst
Disney World for Preschoolers

Tuesday, July 13, 2010

Animal Kingdom for Preschoolers: My Suggested Preschool Tour (2 of 2)


If there was a park where I wished we had spent more time, it would be Animal Kingdom. We made some poor decisions with our time, but still thoroughly enjoyed this theme park because our kids loved it so much.

Here is my Animal Kingdom Preschool Touring Guide:
1. Kilimanjaro Safaris – Go early for your best chance to see the animals
2. Camp Minnie-Mickey – let your kids dance and play with the characters, and participate in story time with Pocchohantas
3. Festival of the Lion King – Best show at Disney World
4. Kali River Rapids
5. TriceraTop Spin
6. The Boneyard
7. Finding Nemo-The Musical
* To be fair, this is a half-day touring plan based on our experience.


Helpful tips:
• Arrive at the park by 8:15AM or 45 minutes before it opens.
• Arrive at the park by 8:15AM or 45 minutes before it opens.
• Arrive at the park by 8:15AM or 45 minutes before it opens.
• Purchase your tickets before your get to the park.
• Take advantage of the Disney photographers. Even if you do not purchase their photos, they will also take pictures for you, so do not be afraid to ask them to do so!
• Bring your own snacks – Disney allows you to brings food and dinks (at least plastic bottles) into the parks
• Purchase most of your souvenirs from Magic Kingdom, but know Target has cheaper items just down the road.
•Take your time and enjoy Camp Minnie-Mickey. Your kids will love dancing and playing with the characters, as well as story time with Pocahontas.


Related Articles:
Magic Kingdom for Preschoolers: Best and Worst
Disney World for Preschoolers

Animal Kingdom for Preschoolers: Best and Worst (1 of 2)


When we were preparing to go to Disney World we were told to avoid Animal Kingdom. The consensus told us that there was too much walking and that it simply was not worth the time… they were TOTALLY WRONG! Animal Kingdom was fantastic.

Their unique approach to theme parks and the real life animals made this one of our favorite spots of the entire trip. The only problem with Animal Kingdom is that it has probably ruined our Tulsa Zoo experience, which wouldn’t take much to do anyways.

As with any of the Disney theme parks, it is important to get their early to beat long lines at the premier attractions. Also, the fast passes are inactive here for some reason, which was annoying to me! Finally, be prepared to have a great time. While you will have to walk from place to place, it was not overwhelming for us or our preschoolers. Here is the Best and Worst list for Preschoolers at Animal Kingdom:

Best Rides:
1. Kilimanjaro Safaris
2. Kali River Rapids
3. TriceraTop Spin


Best Attractions:
1. Camp Minnie-Mickey – there is a stage on the left as you enter the park where you preschooler can dance, sing, and have story time Pocahontas
2. Festival of the Lion King
3. Finding Nemo-The Musical – know this show was a little long, still worth seeing though

Worst Rides:
1. Rafiki’s Planet Watch = waste of time

Worst Attractions:
1. All walking trails – our kids did not care to search for animals, plus this is the part that can tire everyone out.
2. It’s Tough to Be a Bug – Great for older children, too much for preschoolers

Helpful tips:
• Arrive at the park by 8:15AM or 45 minutes before it opens.
• Arrive at the park by 8:15AM or 45 minutes before it opens.
• Arrive at the park by 8:15AM or 45 minutes before it opens.
• Purchase your tickets before your get to the park.
• Take advantage of the Disney photographers. Even if you do not purchase their photos, they will also take pictures for you, so do not be afraid to ask them to do so!
• Bring your own snacks – Disney allows you to brings food and dinks (at least plastic bottles) into the parks
• Purchase most of your souvenirs from Magic Kingdom, but know Target has cheaper items just down the road.
•Take your time and enjoy Camp Minnie-Mickey. Your kids will love dancing and playing with the characters, as well as story time with Pocahontas.

Related Articles:
Magic Kingdom for Preschoolers: Best and Worst
Disney World for Preschoolers

Monday, July 12, 2010

Magic Kingdom for Preschoolers: My Suggested Preschool Tour (2 of 2)


This is my Magic Kingdom Preschool Touring Guide. If you are planning on spending multiple days at Magic Kingdom, do what you can the first day and do the rest the second day. Whatever you do, stay late one night to catch "Summer Nightastic Fireworks," you will be glad you did!

My Suggested Preschool Tour:
1. Dumbo the Flying Elephant
2. The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh (Indoor)
3. “It’s a Small World” (Indoor)
4. Prince Charming Regal Carrousel
5. Fairytale Garden – Storytime with Belle
6. Jungle Cruise
7. The magic Carpets of Aladdin
8. Lunch at Pecos Bill Tall Tale Inn and Café
9. Country Bear Jamboree
10. Take Walt Disney World Railroad from Frontierland to Mickey’s Toontown Fair
11. Toontown Hall of Fame Tent (Meet the Princesses)
12. The Barnstormer at Goofy’s Wiseacre
13. Tour Mickey & Minnie’s house
14. Mad Tea Party
15. Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Cafe
16. Tomorrowland Speedway
17. Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin (Indoor)
18. Monsters, Inc. Laugh Floor
19. Nighttime Electrical Parade
20. Summer Nightastic Fireworks

Helpful tips:
• Arrive at the park by 8:15AM or 45 minutes before it opens.
• Arrive at the park by 8:15AM or 45 minutes before it opens.
• Arrive at the park by 8:15AM or 45 minutes before it opens.
• Purchase your tickets before your get to the park.
• Take advantage of the Disney photographers. Even if you do not purchase their photos, they will also take pictures for you, so do not be afraid to ask them to do so!
• Bring your own snacks – Disney allows you to brings food and dinks (at least plastic bottles) into the parks
• Pecos Bill Tall Tale Inn and CafĂ© – reasonably priced, roomy, good selection = best place in the park to eat!
• Purchase most of your souvenirs from Magic Kingdom, but know Target has cheaper items just down the road.
• If you are there for more than one day, leave the park for a few hours in the afternoon to rest, eat, swim, relax, and head back… you will still have plenty of time to do everything in 2 days at Magic Kingdom with your preschoolers.
• Stay for the Nighttime Electrical Parade and Fireworks.

Magic Kingdom for Preschoolers: Best and Worst with Tips (1 of 2)


Best Rides for Preschoolers:
1. The magic Carpets of Aladdin
2. Mad Tea Party
3. Dumbo the Flying Elephant
4. “It’s a Small World” (Indoor)
5. Prince Charming Regal Carrousel
6. The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh (Indoor)
7. Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin (Indoor)
8. Tomorrowland Speedway
9. Jungle Cruise
10. The Barnstormer at Goofy’s Wiseacre
11. Walt Disney World Railroad – not exciting, but gives you rest

Best Shows for Preschoolers:
1. Summer Nightastic Fireworks
2. Country Bear Jamboree
3. Fairytale Garden – Storytime with Belle
4. Monsters, Inc. Laugh Floor
5. Nighttime Electrical Parade

Worst Rides for Preschoolers:
1. Snow White’s Scary Adventure – title says it all
2. Tom Sawyer Island – a total waste for little ones
3. Pirates of the Caribbean – too much for preschoolers

Worst Shows for Preschoolers
1. Mickey's PhilharMagic – the 3D freaked out my kids
2. The Enchanted Tiki Room Under New Management – inappropriate and uninspired

Helpful tips:
• Arrive at the park by 8:15AM or 45 minutes before it opens.
• Arrive at the park by 8:15AM or 45 minutes before it opens.
• Arrive at the park by 8:15AM or 45 minutes before it opens.
• Purchase your tickets before your get to the park.
• Take advantage of the Disney photographers. Even if you do not purchase their photos, they will also take pictures for you, so do not be afraid to ask them to do so!
• Bring your own snacks – Disney allows you to brings food and dinks (at least plastic bottles) into the parks
• Pecos Bill Tall Tale Inn and CafĂ© – reasonably priced, roomy, good selection = best place in the park to eat!
• Purchase most of your souvenirs from Magic Kingdom, but know Target has cheaper items just down the road.
• If you are there for more than one day, leave the park for a few hours in the afternoon to rest, eat, swim, relax, and head back… you will still have plenty of time to do everything in 2 days at Magic Kingdom with your preschoolers.
• Stay for the Nighttime Electrical Parade and Fireworks.

Sunday, July 11, 2010

Disney World for Preschoolers


Last month my family had the opportunity to go to Disneyworld. When we told our kids that they would be able to meet Mickey, Minnie, Donald, and the Princesses (for my daughter), they were elated (as were we)! My wife did her due diligence in researching the parks, finding out all the helpful information, and even finding “touring plans.” My first thought was that she was doing way too much work for what was supposed to be a relaxing time, but I was WAY WRONG!

We read through some online websites and the Unofficial Guide To Disneyworld. Through this we found some very helpful advice, but there was much to be learned by experience. This series of blog posts is intended to help parents with preschoolers plan for a fun trip to Disneyworld.

Throughout this series, it is of the utmost importance to remember a few things:
• This is for preschoolers (2-5 not older kids)
• Keep it Fun
• Understand you will sweat, a bunch
• You, your kids, and others are all going to get warn out
• Keep your cool when others don’t
• Don’t be a jerk – like pushing your way past others
• Disneyworld should be experienced by every child!

Helpful tips:
• Arrive at the park by 8:15AM or 45 minutes before it opens.
• Arrive at the park by 8:15AM or 45 minutes before it opens.
• Arrive at the park by 8:15AM or 45 minutes before it opens.
• Purchase your tickets before your get to the park.
• Take advantage of the Disney photographers. Even if you do not purchase their photos, they will also take pictures for you, so do not be afraid to ask them to do so!
• Bring your own snacks – Disney allows you to brings food and dinks (at least plastic bottles) into the parks
• Pecos Bill Tall Tale Inn and CafĂ© – reasonably priced, roomy, good selection = best place in the park to eat!
• Purchase most of your souvenirs from Magic Kingdom, but know Target has cheaper items just down the road.
• If you are there for more than one day, leave the park for a few hours in the afternoon to rest, eat, swim, relax, and head back… you will still have plenty of time to do everything in 2 days at Magic Kingdom with your preschoolers.
• Stay for the Nighttime Electrical Parade and Fireworks.

Friday, July 2, 2010

47 Best Church Practices

I found this series interesting and have wanted to share it. Mark Waltz shares his "47 Best Church Practices," and I wanted to share the overview with you. You can find all the article here: Mark Waltz

#1: Create Your Own Best Practices | Feb 12, 2010
#2: Pray | Feb 11, 2010
#3: Vision… Say It Again… and Again | Feb 10, 2010
#4: Learn from the Marketplace | Feb 9, 2010
#5: Get Unstuck | Feb 8, 2010
#6: Follow-up | Feb 1, 2010
#7: Plan the Understated | Dec 17, 2009
#8: Don’t Just Fix It | Dec 17, 2009
#9: Listen to Complaints | Dec 17, 2009
#10: Imitate Jesus’ Attitude | Nov 18, 2009
#11: Value Your Volunteers | Nov 10, 2009
#12: Expect New People | Nov 9, 2009
#13: Make Room | Nov 5, 2009
#14: Get Dressed! | Nov 4, 2009
#15: Tell Stories | Nov 3, 2009
#16: Diversify | Oct 27, 2009
#17: Create a Schedule | Oct 23, 2009
#18: Surprise Your Guests | Oct 22, 2009
#19: Think “One Chance” | Oct 12, 2009
#20: Team is More than Task | Oct 9, 2009
#21: Hang a Sign | Oct 8, 2009
#22: Everyone Can Greet! | Oct 7, 2009
#23: Stock Toilet Paper | Oct 6, 2009
#24: Answer the Phone | Oct 5, 2009
#25: Be in the Moment | Sept 24, 2009
#26: It’s Not About You | Sept 24, 2009
#27: Bust Up Your Party | Sept 24, 2009
#28: Brew Good Coffee | Sept 22, 2009
#29: Meet Them Where They Are | Sept 22, 2009
#30: Use Real Language | Sept 20, 2009
#31: Build a “I’ve Been Here” Space | Sept 21, 2009
#32: Don’t Forget the Kids | Sept 21, 2009
#33: Thank Your Guests | Sept 21, 2009
#34: Serve with Friends | Sept 11, 2009
#35: Have Fun | Sept 8, 2009
#36: Smile. Just Smile. | Sept 3, 2009
#37: Say “No” Creatively | Sept 1, 2009
#38: Ask for Feedback | Aug 20, 2009
#39: Make Everyone a Host | Aug 17, 2009
#40: You’re Always On | Aug 13, 2009
#41: Keep It Clean | Aug 12, 2009
#42: Never Assume | Aug 11, 2009
#43: Let ‘Em Lead | Aug 7, 2009
#44: Information Matters | Aug 6, 2009
#45: Understand Base Fears | Aug 5, 2009
#46: Names = Value | Aug 4, 2009
#47: Read Body Language | Aug 3, 2009