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Episodes
Alan and Trent are pastors helping churches and leaders make a difference and last.
Episodes
Monday Nov 25, 2019
Monday Nov 25, 2019
Episode 36: Happy Thanksgiving/Don't Be a Turkey
Amy Morin's article in Forbes
7 scientically proven benefits of gratitude
1. Gratitude opens the door to more relationships.
2. Gratitude improves physical health.
3. Gratitude improves psychological health.
4. Gratitude enhances empathy and reduces aggression.
5. Grateful people sleep better.
6. Gratitude improves self-esteem.
7. Gratitude increases mental strength.
Monday Nov 18, 2019
Monday Nov 18, 2019
Episode 35: Pastoral Rest
SEEKING ADVICE - I'm one month shy of 18 years in pastoral ministry and I still haven't figured out how to adequately balance accessibility and availability. In other words, how do I remain being accessible (especially in the digital age) and respond to all of the messages and comments of my flock and yet also protect my time and my family's time?
Issue: We are more available than ever
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Most anyone can send me a message through any number of platforms and expect a response immediately and I feel the pressure to do so.
Issue: Lack of Peace
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Peace doesn’t mean that you will not have problems. Peace means that your problems will not have you.
Issue: Lack of Rest
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We can't serve tired
Practical suggestions:
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Remember the Sabbath - Jesus said the sabbath was for people not people for the sabbath
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Sabbath doesn't always mean a nap or worship service
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Do something different - people who do mostly cerebral (mind)work - do physical activity or the opposite.
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Be still and know that I am God - and you're not
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Travel and learn and be thankful.
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Learn to focus on the what you can control
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My runner who was really frustrated by not being able to finish...talked about the science of what was going on; just had to control one thing.
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Be all in while you are at home
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Disconnect as much as possible.
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Leave your cell phone; put down the computer.
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give your family your best
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Equip others to help you
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there are people who can help been call
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church can get a cell phone account for emergencies; share that phone.
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Recognize some calls can wait
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is it a real emergency
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Voicemail is a good thing - let some calls go to voicemail
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Wednesday Nov 13, 2019
Monday Nov 11, 2019
Monday Nov 04, 2019
Monday Oct 28, 2019
Monday Oct 28, 2019
Episode 32: Cyber Church
Question: How involved should your church be in technology and social media?
How much does your church use social media now?
Need to have someone in charge of this who will keep it updated
“We’re a friendly church.” You may Be friendly to each other but are you friendly to people outside your church?
Website:
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Service Times.
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What to expect page.
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Map
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Staff.
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Is it way out of date
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Google maps
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Yelp reviews
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The Big 4 other platforms
Facebook (30’s and up)
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Link to website
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Regular activity
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Groups
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Ads
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Facebook live
Twitter (varies as to who is on there)
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Short quips; if you have one; post regularly or leave it alone
Instagram (30’s and under)
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Current events and website link
Snap Chat (teens and 20’s)
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Monitor and set guidelines
Tools you may or may not know
Group me
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Use it as a tool to communicate with small groups; board members...
Slack
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Similar but you can share files and more information; not always free
Tic tok - short video clips focused on youth? (Do we need to cover this?) segment this morning on Good morning America about this platform and how to reach teen agers
balancing on a fine line - recent videos "Screen Agers" and "Screen Agers follow up" show that social media helps connect but it can also create anxiety.
Also remember that social media is not really social and is never supposed to take the place of real personal interaction. A personal invitation is still more effective than a facebook post.
Thursday Oct 24, 2019
Monday Oct 21, 2019
Monday Oct 21, 2019
Episode 31: Statements that Break Enduring Momentum
I’m just not being fed.
Problem: its a spiritually immature statement
What’s under it?
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Unrealistic expectations
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Personal laziness
We don’t want those kind of people here
Problem: its goes totally against the Bible’s teaching
What’s the reason behind the reason
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A loss of loving lost people
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Fear of losing a comfortable environment
It’s just not my gift
Problem: A reason people use to avoid uncomfortable church jobs.
What’s the reason behind the reason
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self over organization
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Bad practical theology
We've never done that here before
Problem: Won't let go of the past
Reason behind the reason
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were very comfortable in the past
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things will be different and uncomfortable
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I won't be in control if things change
Thursday Oct 17, 2019
Monday Oct 14, 2019
Monday Oct 14, 2019
Episode 30:When to Cut a Program
Questions to ask yourself:
How many do you have? Are you killing your people?
Is it inward focused or outward focused? (Hint: you need both, but keep more outward) Example Sunday school/small groups can be either.
Is the cost and benefit in line with your budget?
Is another tool a better choice?
Are people passionate about the program? Usually folks are on fire for a year or two but after that it usually cools significantly
Everything that you do in church or business needs to be evaluated - tough love
Even if you keep a program - evaluating keeps it in line and meeting your vision
Sacred Cows make the best hamburger!