Willow Creek Finally Get's It right?

For years I have been telling people, that church is not about programs it is abotu helping people discovery and self feed on Jesus. I was told that I was wrong, I was made fun of, mocked and riled.

Please Read this link, and see the videos, it seems to me, that one of America's largest and well known churches has joined me in this thought process. We need to make disciples, not programs.

http://blog.christianitytoday.com/outofur/archives/2007/10/willow_creek_re.html

My Dream Church has an Opening...

AND I AM NOT INTERASTED


Last night out I found out that my dream church will have an opening for their Preaching Minister. The man who has beenthere is great man of God. I know all the elders, and most of the other ministerial staff. I have preached at a church in the town that the man grew up. I preached at atown close to where he did his grad work, and I even attended my dream church and met my wife there.

But I don't want it. I want to stay where I am at, and enjoy my time here in Montana. I want to see how God continues to shape and lead this little church, into a church that is reaching our Valley for the Lord.

Yes, a bigger church might be nice. Yes, already having known all the elders, thier wives, teaching some of thier kids, and praying with these men would be wonderful. But, it is not Montana, and it is not about the size of your church, or you wallet.
It is about serving God where he has you.

And He has me at the best place I've ever been, surrounded by people that love me, and love my family. I love these people here. I love that as one my leaders put's it "Simple farmers" figuring out things.

In Ministry we wil always have places that "might be" That "what might of been", or "I hope someday". But we are asked to live for today, to serve God today, to shepherd Christ flock today, where HE has placed us to serve.

I might never have a church of a 1,000 or sell books, and bible studies. I might never hae a lot of recongination. But I have Jesus what else do I really need?

May our Lord and Savior bless you this day.

-Mike

Ask Anything

Pastor Mark Driscoll of Mars Hill Church in Seattle will be starting anew series in Januray answering the top 9 questions that people pose to him. I have posed a question about his beleifs with the subject of baptism. I ask that you vote this topic, because I would love to hear what Mark has to say about baptism, using Scripture, Jewish teachings, and Early Church beleifs.

Please vote often and daily. You can vote up to 10 times a day. If we vote 10x a day for the till Novemeber 1st, we have a gret chance of Mark answering this question.

http://askanything.marshillchurch.org/alphas/681-what-do-you-teach-on-baptism-romans-6-3-7-acts-2-38-acts-22-16-gal-3-27-1-peter-3-20-21-eph-1-3-14-mark-16-15-jewish-history-early-church-or-do-you-teach-zwingli-who-stated-the-apostles-were-wrong

Thank you,
M

Understanding Women.

One of the hardest things for a man to understand is a woman. God has created us differently and with different roles within the family, the home, the church and society.
When it comes to a Godly Woman we easily point to the biblical standard of Proverbs 31, Eve was called a help mate, etc. You might not be a Proverbs 31 woman right now, but by God's love and Grace, he can transform into this type of woman. Men we need allow our wives to be this type of woman, and we must love her like Christ Loved the Church.
As many of you know I am straight shooter. I tell the truth in Love, and alot of times it comes out as tough love. One of my goals for this year is to be gentler Pastor. Most men like my straight forward no-nonsense approach it speaks to their inner warrior. We like Jesus the Hero. He died for other people. Women like the Jesus with the Children and Lamb of God. Both forget that Jesus in Revelation is shown as King and a Lamb is butchered, battered and in the end pronouncing judgement on people as they are eternally consumed in the fires of hell.

But back to my point. I have bought a book today, that I hope will help me better serve the women of my church. The book is called "What women wish Pastors Knew: Understanding the Hopes, Hurts, Needs and Dream of Women in the church"

I have feeling that I am going to learn a lot and get a little butt-kicking. At the end I believe I will be able to minister to the women of my church and community better. One of my goals it be a better all around pastor, as I serve Christ and His Church.

-IW

Another Blog

Good morning all,
I hope that you had a good Sunday, and that you found a place to worship and serve the Lord. I wanted to give you an update about about a new blog community I part of it is called "Centrist Christianity" http://centristchristianity.blogspot.com/
I am one of the writers of this blog that mixes points of views from different people in the Christian Walk. I will be bringing in a conservative leaning moderate point of view. My Theology is conservative, whiles others are not. There should be some good discussion and debates in the coming months.

Some people wonder why I use Imperfect Warriot, instead of my real name. It is for protection. I have herd too many stories of ministers churches being contacted about what thier pastor was writing on his blog or message boards. The leaders of my church know that where I blog and where I psot on forums. I am accountabel to these men, and to the Lord, my Savior. We do not need any trouble makers trying to do what they do best - cause trouble- in our place of worship. That is why I do not use my real name.


I will continue to try to update this blog weekly. Sorry abotu last week. THe in-laws were in, and I was busy with them, and my normal preacher duties.

May God shine richely on you today.

-IW