Pick Up The Phone – Jason Hirsch

Ring………………Ring………………..”Hello”…………..  “Dad, just calling to check on you?”  Ring…………….Ring…………….”Hello”…………….”Suzzie it’s Lynn, just calling to see how you’re doing?”   Ring……………………Ring…………………”Hello”…………………..”Tom it’s Frank, I haven’t seen you in a while and was just wondering how you are?”  Ring……………………Ring…………………….Ring……………………”Hello”……………..”Joy, it’s your bro, just calling to find out how you and the family are doing?”

You know what I think has quickly become a cultural norm, and if not changed, it will ultimately render the Church ineffective?  What is it?  “Not Picking Up The Phone and calling someone, to let them know that you care.”

Do you know the story of “Good Samaritan” in Luke 10:29-37.  A man was robbed, beaten, and left for dead.  A priest bypassed him.  A Levite bypassed him.  Then a Samaritan finally came by and physically helped the man, took him to safety, and even put money on the table to get him the care he needed.  You know the story!!

I don’t find many robbed, beaten, and left for dead people in my life, but I do find people internally robbed of joy, beaten up emotionally, and dying internally.  Maybe your one of them?  What could a phone call do for you? Maybe your not one of them? What could a phone call do from you?

I’ve gotten so busy with my life, doing work for Jesus, that I’ve forgotten what Jesus said, modeled, and desires me to do.   What is that?  “Pick Up The Phone!”  Why?  Because the 21st century way of not passing the robbed, beaten, and internally dying person that the priest and Levite passed by, is to pick up the phone and make a call.  It says, “I care!”  “You matter to me!”  “I’m taking time out of my life to love you right now!”  “I may never get anything in return, but it doesn’t matter, because Jesus love does not seek its own agenda.”

Haven’t seen someone in long time?  Wondering about Tom, Jenny, your brother, mom, sister, dad, an acquaintance you met, etc….??  To busy serving Jesus?  To busy living for yourself?  To busy period?  I believe one of the greatest acts of love & kindness in the 21st century is, picking up the phone and calling someone.  Do you care?  Do you love?  Don’t walk by on the other side of life, because people need you to be a Samaritan to them……………..”PICK UP THE PHONE!”  “JESUS WOULD!”

Wolverine

If you don’t like fighting, don’t watch the below clip.  It’s Scott Adkins showing his choreographed moves for X-men origins.  One day in heaven I might have moves like his!:)Enjoy!!

Staff Retreat #2 – Jason Hirsch

After B-fast last Saturday we held our planning sessions.  The flip chart is my friend, and that is how we began.  I love blank flip charts!  Am I sick?:)

The goal of the morning and afternoon was developing a plan, based on our current knowledge and listening for the heart of God.  Below is the approach I took.  Not flawless, and definitely not the end all, so I’m open to your opinions and suggestions.

1.  I first laid out visually, how we want to move people from exploring Christ, to becoming Christ centered.  I used the resource “Focus”, which is part of the Willow Creek Association research project called “Reveal”.  “Reveal is the first book, “Follow-Me” the second, & “Focus” is the third in the series.  Very insightful research of polls numbering well over 200,000 people, and nearly 400 church’s.  I highly recommend all church leaders, at all levels, read these books.  Bottom line is:  What people want and need most from the church is, spiritual guidance.  What people want and need most from pastor’s is spiritual challenge.   Simple: Guidance & Challenge!!!

2.  After we discussed the above, we then moved on to the below model for church.  Rather than a baseball diamond approach that moves to completion, this below cell model represents an ongoing process that is never completed.  We’re always in process, but must be intentional about becoming self-feeders.  Everything in the below diagram revolves around Worship/Adoration.  If we don’t love God, and worship Him, all the other cells will never work like they were intended.   The dialogue about this was rich, and I pray that our team will grow to love God, more than anything else in this world.

3.  After discussing movement & values, I moved our team to discuss the following questions.

*Where are missing holes @ www.EpicChurchlv.org? – What needs developing?

*What has dying momentum? – What needs tweaking or killing?

*What is gaining momentum? – What needs energy/additional resources right now?

*Where is God Leading www.EpicChurchlv.org next year?

4.  We ended the retreat with praise & worship, communion together as a team, followed by prayer.  I highly recommend completing any retreat with communion.  God was in our midst, and wrecking us in the best sort of way.  I was moved!!

It was ultimately through team prayer, formation discussion, charting, and brainstorming, that we came up with where we believe God is leading us this next year & beyond.  We’ll refine our details in the weeks ahead, and I can’t wait.  What did we come up with?  Well, you’ll have to come to our vision night, Jan 2010 to find out.  All I know is:  Nothing is Impossible With God!!

Staff/Council Retreat #1 – Jason Hirsch

This past weekend we had our second annual www.EpicChurchlv.org staff/council Fall retreat.  The primary purpose of our retreat was team building, and planning for the year/s ahead.   I believe each year of intentional church/people building, compounds and will affect each sequential year.

Our theme this year was “Beach Ball Reality”.  I do urge other teams to theme out their retreats.  Why?  More memorable, and leaves a greater possibility for recalling what was talked about.  We almost used all senses to help our team learn.  Everybody is wired differently and learns differently, so using the different senses to learn, gives a greater chance that everyone will be impacted.

A great big shout out to Sarah Hoover, www.EpicChurchlv.org’s (Community Life Director) for her creativity & hospitality.  Her dream became our theme, and without her, no theme or dream.  Way to go Sarah!!:)  If you read my Saturday post it will give you a little idea of what our “Beach Ball Reality” theme entailed.  If you have additional questions, don’t hesitate to ask.  If we can help your team advance the Kingdom of God in any way, we would love to help you.  I also would love to hear your ideas for future themes, or themes that you’ve implemented for your retreats.  Don’t hold out!!!

After Friday nights events, and Saturday b-fast, let me give you the process of what we did to ultimately come up with 2010’s theme.  In January 2010, www.EpicChurchlv.org will be having its annual vision night, in which we’ll be launching a fresh strategy which was birthed out of this past weekend.  Can’t wait!!!

So here’s the process…………………………that I will post tomorrow.  Sorry!!  Out of time!!

 

Porn Debate

Some of you were wondering where you could watch a porn debate between Ron Jeremy & Craig Gross.  Once you click on the link below, scroll down to the bottom and you can see the debate from YALE.  Enjoy!!

http://abcnews.go.com/nightline/faceoff

Beach Ball Reality – Jason Hirsch

Last night we kicked off www.EpicChurchlv.org staff retreat.  By staff retreat I mean, we removed ourselves from our normal surroundings for some distinct purposes.   Last nights purpose was team building.  Our over all theme this year is:  “Beach Ball Reality.”

Just some highlights:

1. The staff had dinner together.  Because it was a beach theme, each staff was given a lei, and a pair of sunglasses.  Yep, we all looked like retards!! It was fun, and I have pictures to prove it.

2. After dinner we headed over to one of our staff’s homes.  Huge money saver with a tough economy.  From a grass umbrella, beach towels, a bunch of beach balls, sand buckets, an inflatable palm tree that held all our beverages, etc…..the atmosphere was set, and we were rolling.  Good times!

3.  Beach ball reality stems from the concept that each stripe on the ball represents a ministry, a role, a part each person/s play in the kingdom of God, with Christ being at the top.  We had each person write their name or ministry on the ball, and then they had to explain how they feel they, or their ministry ties into the greater whole.  At one point I illustrated by cutting a section out of one of the balls, to show how the ball becomes useless when someone chooses to exempt themselves from their God-given calling on earth.  That point is, everybody is necessary for the ball to work properly.   At another point, I somewhat deflated the ball we were using to illustrate that we can’t function properly without the Holy Spirit filling us up, and then I blew the ball back up to represent how the Holy Spirits breath is necessary for the ball to work properly as well.  The reality is, a beach ball is much more fun to use when people use it for its intended purpose.  We did just that, and had a blast!  Our hope is that each person caught the idea that even though they represent a stripe on the ball, that everyone is connected to the greater whole, that way, when making decisions we’ll never forget the impact our role will make on the greater whole.

4.  We went one step further and passed out Aloe, and Sunscreen.  8 people took a small bottle of sunscreen, and 8 people took a small bottle of Aloe.  The sunscreen people had to share what they do to guard themselves, or protect themselves in life?  The Aloe people were able to share what soothes them in life?  For me anyway, it was a great look into the window of peoples lives.  I learned things about our team I never knew.

5.  We closed the night with a friendly girls vs guys game of “Guesstures”.  Here’s the bottom line……the girls beat the guys, and I was the weakest link!!!:)  Hey, at least I admitted it!!

A staff that can play together, will stay together!!  That is a reality!!!:)

Porn – Jason Hirsch

I don’t have a ton of time to write this morning.  I have to finish a message for Sunday, and put all of my thoughts together for www.EpicChurchlv.org staff retreat that kicks off at 5:00 P.M. this evening.

I was able to spend the last couple of days with Craig Gross of www.xxxchurch.com a ministry dedicated to bringing awareness of the vices of porn, providing resources to help individuals get free from porn addiction, and also has produced a free online accountability software.  On top of those things,  the ministry also attends porn conventions, ministers in brothels, reaches out to strippers, and Craig debates Porn king, Ron Jeremy on college/university campuses all across North America, all with the intent to show the love of Jesus, and let individuals know that there is a better way, and that hope does exist in life outside of the sex/porn industry.   I could go on, but I won’t.  Craig is a personal friend that I’ve gotten to know over the last year, and he is the real deal.  If you’re struggling in this area, have someone you know struggling, or just want to be educated further, please go check out www.xxxchurch.com.   Don’t judge it until you study it!!

He invited me to attend his latest porn debate at the University of Wisconsin – Oshkosh.  Let me give you a couple of thoughts/highlights.

1.  The porn epidemic can’t be swept under the carpet any longer. Dirty little secrets must be exposed.  Light exposes darkness, and that is exactly what Craig Gross is doing by debating Ron Jeremy, and bringing the truth of the bible/Jesus to campuses.  Debate sin?  Yes, but do it in love.  Love wins, not hate!!

2.  College students have been exposed to porn long before they entered college.  I was exposed at 8 yrs old.  Nothing shocks college students.  I found strong values exuded on both sides of the debate.

3.  Craig Gross crushed Ron Jeremy in the debate.  Not in a hateful way, but in a life-giving way.  You know why Craig won hands down?  Craig is just good at what he does?  Yes he is!!  But you know what the biggest thing was?  UWO has a movement of students that are Christ followers, and prior to the debate they had set-up a 24/7 prayer house, in which college students have been praying for the last two weeks that God will change their campus, and the hearts of students.  Well, it worked!  To me, God’s presence was strong at the debate.  Why?  Praying, Spirit filled college students that desire God to rock their campus.  Mark my words, UWO is going to be sending young men & women all over the world with the message of Jesus Christ.  Why?  Because of the power of prayer – communication with God.  UWO students – way to go!!

4.  Ron Jeremy is unique, but is just as human as you and me.  He doesn’t hide his issues/sin, like so many of us do.  He truly is seeking for God, and looking for purpose in life.  I believe he’ll find it.  I don’t know what it will take, but nothing is impossible with God.  Don’t judge Ron Jeremy, pray for him!!

5.  Ryan Picket, DT for the Greenbay Packers – a personal friend of Craig Gross showed up at the debate.  Big dude!  He loves Jesus, and supports the ministry of xxxchurch.com.  Another reason to become a Packer fan!!!:)

6.  Technology is being used for good.   Just over 160,000 people tuned in live on Facebook.  Still working out kinks, but what a day we live in!!

7.   My long time friend/brother/and mens ministry leader, Mark Stofferahn drove from Kenosha, WI to attend the event with me.  Great to have his support, and I’ve watched Mark grow over the years, and God is still using him in powerful ways to impact the life’s of men.  He walks humbly, and that is why I believe God uses him in the ways he does.  Mark is hero to me!!

If you have any questions about the porn debate, or just want to know more about the ministry, don’t hesitate to ask.

Goals Week – Jason Hirsch

This week at www.EpicChurchlv.org I’ve dubbed it as “Goals Week.”  It’s where I get to sit down with the staff individually, and follow-up from last years goals, and look ahead towards next years.  I also give the staff a sheet in which they can review me, and a sheet in which they can review their peers.  It gives them a formal opportunity to critique me & an opportunity to affirm, or possibly voice concern for those that they serve with regularly.  It really is a life-giving process, and it challenges all of the team to dream and be diligent with what they feel God is calling them to do in the year that awaits.

I can honestly say that I love this week.  I know for some it might seem like a pain in the rear, but I would argue that to not set goals will render so many ineffective.  The last place on earth that should be ineffective is the local church, under the banner of the kingdom of God, with Jesus as the head, and the Holy Spirit as the equipper.  Goal setting, and the completion of them is stewardship/good management of ones life, and the life’s of others.  I think that is biblical – “If you’ve been faithful in few things, your Father will put you in charge of many things, and you will enter into the joy of your Father.”  Matthew 25:23. Set goals!!

Here’s a few thoughts of why I would challenge you to set goals & write them down.

1.  Because if it’s not in writing, it doesn’t exist.  True!  You can argue that, and say “I write it in my head.”  Maybe, but from my years of experience, your head will forget:) If it’s not important, don’t write it down, because it won’t matter whether you do it or not.  Right?  I’m constantly writing on a pad my thoughts, ideas, and plans.  If I didn’t, I would forget everything.  Write down your goals, or in my mind, they don’t exist.

2.  Writing down goals challenges you to stay on task.  It keeps you from becoming ADSD (Always Doing Something Different).  I find it very frustrating to have laid out plans for a year, only to see them sabotaged by the tyranny of the urgent.  If you don’t set goals, you won’t stay on task, and you’ll be taken to task!!  Writing down goals, helps you to stay on task.

3.  Writing down goals, shows me that you care. What separates the good from the great?  People that care!!  That stands true from families, to schools, businesses, church’s, etc…..  When I watch somebody complete there goals, it affirms to me that they care, and can be entrusted with other things as well.  Do you care??

4.   Writing down goals teaches discipline.  Most people live undisciplined lives.  Writing down your goals will at least move you in the right direction of becoming disciplined to accomplish them.  It doesn’t guarantee that you’ll complete them, but you have a better chance.  Discipline/Self-control is actually a fruit of the Holy Spirit from God, working in your life.  It takes discipline to set time out of your busy life to sit-down, think through, pen out, and ultimately accomplish goals that you would like to accomplish.

5.   Writing down goals and ultimately completing them, gives you and others the opportunity to celebrate the wins.  Wins don’t come from goal-less life’s, but from people and teams that have learned to plot, plan, and set-goals that will ultimately position them for victory.  I’ve never met anyone that doesn’t like to win, but I have met many people who haven’t, because they never set goals that have positioned them for a win.  When you write down your goals it gives you a far better chance to win in all areas of your life!  Your Father won, wants you to live in that victory, and His Spirit working in you, will help bring you wins, through carefully established goals.

“Give your goals to God,  & your purposes will be established”  Proverbs 16:3  When is your goals week?

Heart Work – Jason Hirsch

For so many years, I’ve heard people tell me that the job of a pastor must be very hard work.  Some days it is, and other days it isn’t.  Sounds a little like your job – huh??  Yep, on a day-to-day level, we’re all similar in so many ways. I’ve tangible goals just like you, and want to be successful just like you.  So is there any difference between our professions?  Maybe a few, but here’s a biggie…….

Pastoring is “Heart Work!”  Everyday for years I’ve tried to wrap my mind around that.  Sure it’s hard at times, but more heart than anything else.  Who can know the heart?  I can’t!  I only get glimpses.  The bible says “From the abundance the heart, the mouth speaks.”  Matthew 12:34.   David said in Psalm 51:10, “Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right Spirit within me.”   Jeremiah said, “The heart is deceitful above all things, and it is exceedingly corrupt: who can know it?” Romans 10:9-10 says, “if thou shalt confess with they mouth Jesus as Lord, and shall believe in they heart that God raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved: 10 for with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.”

You see, the bottom line is, it’s all about the heart.  When I pray, I pray that God will keep my heart right.  When I lead, I pray that my heart will reflect Gods.  When I counsel others, I see deeper than the issue at hand, because the reason the issue exists is, the heart.  The reason marriages fail, the heart.  The reason teens rebel, the heart.  The reason church’s often fail, the heart.  The reason people do bad things, the heart.  The list goes on!!

So yes, pastoring a local church can be hard at times, but I would argue it’s much more heart than anything else. James 4:8 has been a prayer of mine for years.  Let me paraphrase for all of us, “If we will draw near to God, He will draw near to us.  Lets cleanse our hands from our disobedience to God, and purify our hearts.”

You see, Jesus came not only to change the heart, but to save it.  That’s why I can’t put too much stock in my own abilities, talents, or gifts. Why?  Because the local church was born from the heart of God, revealed in Jesus, and established by the Holy Spirit.  The local church is to be led by the Holy Spirit, using willing vessels to fulfill Gods purposes, and with my biblical understanding of that, that is…..”Heart Work!”

THE CHURCH – Jason Hirsch

There’s nothing like the church.  Intentional motion from the church can = amazing advancement for the Kingdom of God.  I’m not talking just #’s, but compassion, changed lives, hope, love, contentment, salvation, truth proclaimed, darkness exposed, etc……

I can’t imagine life without the church.  Boring!!!  You might be thinking just the opposite, but I venture to say your rational is based upon past church services, messed up leadership, or the hope that you might get to sleep in every Sunday without having to go to church?:)  I know of Christ followers that dream of Saturday night gatherings instead of Sunday’s, but I still think you would be good for 2 of 4?  Just having fun with you!!:) I’m giving my life to help you & I don’t regret a day of it!!!

There’s so much more to the church than a corporate gathering, although that is necessary as well & biblically mandated.  So here’s a quick glimpse into the church, within the Church, based upon my life.

* I had 9 behind the scenes meetings last week.  What did they entail?  Leadership training to equip the church.  Tech training to create dynamic experiences.  Communication thoughts to challenge what I speak on.  Compassion planning to feed families.   Banquet thoughts to connect the church.  Outreach talks to reach the community.  Conversations to raise up male leaders.  Home-builds in Mexico.  Water wells in Africa.  The list could go on, and does.

*  Now tell me if the church is necessary?  Without the church the hungry would starve!!!  Without the church truth wouldn’t be proclaimed!!!  Without the church hope would never come to families!!!  Without the church everyone would do what is right in their own eyes!!!  Without the church great leadership would never be developed!!!  Without the church our culture would continue to move inward instead of outward!!!  Without the church, peoples eternal destination would never be revealed!!!  Without the church, Jesus Christ would never be lifted high!!! Without the church the Kingdom of God would never advance!!!  Without the church, in a sense the world would be formless & devoid of life. Bust most importantly, the love of Jesus wouldn’t be known & made accessible.  How devastating would that be?

Are you getting the idea??  The Church/church/chUrch, is much more than a gathering.  It’s the hope of the world, the conduit for which God’s kingdom is revealed on earth every day.  If you’re part of it, celebrate it, talk about it, and invite others to be part of the greatest living organism on the face of the earth.   If your not part of it, how come??

There’s nothing like “THE CHURCH!”