status

It’s Just A Game

Watching the Cleveland Cavs play the Miami Heat last night brought me to this thought…

It’s just a game.

If you don’t know the back story to the game, here are a few quick details.

  • Lebron James – born in Akron Ohio
  • Lebron James – drafted by Cleveland Cavs
  • Lebron James – plays for Cavs
  • Lebron James – announces on an ESPN special that he’s leaving Cleveland to “take his talents” to Miami
  • Cleveland fans – get really, really mad
  • Lebron James – plays first game against Cleveland last night
  • Everyone – wondering what stupid things Cleveland fans will do

It’s just basketball.
It’s just a sport.
It doesn’t really matter.

Spend your life on what counts.

Let that control your emotions and goals.

Let that control who you are.

Much of what we spend out time, energy, money, and emotion on doesn’t really matter.

Don’t let the minor take away from the major task you’re called to.

What minor thing do you allow to become major?

03
Dec 2010
POSTED BY Jonathan Pearson
POSTED IN

Blog, Featured, Life, Random Stuff

DISCUSSION 3 Comments
TAGS

, , , , , ,

status

What AOL Does Better Than Churches

I came across this a few days ago.

I haven’t gotten an invite, so I’m not exactly sure what it’s going to look like or what it’s going to offer.
I do know, though, that it looks like AOL is making an effort to re-emerge as a relevant tool.

I think a lot of churches could learn from this.

While our message can NEVER change, we must continually make changes and adaptations to our method to stay relative.

For too long, churches have refused to change.
They’ve refused to change their ways at risk of making a “few church people” mad.
Meanwhile, they’ve forgotten about their target market… the lost.

So, they’ve sacrificed advancing the Kingdom on the altar of self happiness.

While only time will tell if AOL’s new email feature and system will truly change anything,
at least they’re trying.

Unfortunately, many churches can’t say the same…

Your thoughts?

17
Nov 2010
POSTED BY Jonathan Pearson
POSTED IN

Blog, Church Ministry, Featured, Leadership, Tech/Social Media

DISCUSSION 16 Comments
TAGS

, , , , , ,

status

I Never Cared

I used to pass him everyday.

He’d be standing by the door every time I went in.

He never said much.
I never said much.

I didn’t know his story.
I never took the time to ask.

I’d just smile and nod as I passed.
He’d return the favor.

I’d go on about my day.
Never thinking about the man by the store.

Until,

I began to notice that he was no longer there.
No sign of his chair,
No sign of his hat.

All of a sudden,
I wish I had asked.

Why he stood there.
What his life was like.

If he had a home.
If he had a wife.

I guess I’ll never know.
What made Him who He was.

I never took the time,
to find out what he does.

We never know the stories of the people we pass everyday.
We never know what their dealing with or their place in eternity.

Today,

Take the time to find out.
Take the time to encourage.

15
Nov 2010
POSTED BY Jonathan Pearson
POSTED IN

Blog, Featured, Life

DISCUSSION 8 Comments
TAGS

, , , , , , ,

status

2 Elementary Leadership Principles

I’m pretty young.
I don’t have a ton of experience behind me.
I haven’t been through all the wars yet.

BUT,

I have been through some.
Some really tough ones.

Here are 2 leadership principles that are really kind of elementary,
but that we often forget.

1. The People Matter.

There are no exceptions. When leading anything or anyone, the people matter. They matter because they are the ones that are often on the front lines. They matter because leadership is about people. Pouring into them. Loving them. Caring for them. Building authentic relationships with them. At first, it may seem like manipulation may be more effective than genuine love. But, people eventually see through manipulation. People want genuine love, genuine care. Focus on the people. Focus on the people in your family. Focus on the people in your ministry. Focus on the people in small group. The people are what matter. They have a soul. They have a need. Transfomational leadership is always more effective than manipulative leadership.

2. The Plan Matters.

I’ve yet to meet a leader that didn’t have a plan that I cared anything about following. The plan must be pursued.  Whether the plan is growth, improvement, or a particular project, the plan matters. It is impossible to follow someone consistently that has no clue where they are going (trust me). Have a plan. Sure, plans change. Sure, the Spirit leads. But, the plan matters. Without making the plan matter, we become wanderers, not leaders.

So, your turn.
Help a youngun’ out.

What basic leadership principles are easy to overlook?

21
Oct 2010
POSTED BY Jonathan Pearson
POSTED IN

Blog, Leadership

DISCUSSION 6 Comments
TAGS

, , , , , , ,

status

4 Reasons the Church is Still Alive

1. Her groom.

The Church was the one organization that Jesus founded during His 33 years on earth. He set it up to triumph. He set it up to be effective until His Father returned to take us home. The bride will always be alive because Her groom will sustain Her!

2. Her purpose.

The Church’s purpose is to reach the world. That’s it! Our purpose isn’t to stay inside our walls and make each other feel better about doing nothing. Our purpose is GROWTH. The more we accomplish this purpose (through Christ), the healthier the church will get.

3. Her promise.

We are promised that the gates of Hell will NOT prevail. No matter how much of a black eye the Church gets, she will continue to live and thrive. What Jesus has birthed, nothing can destroy!

4. Her priority.

We are the lone instrument in promoting and proclaiming the Word of God. It is a priority that we be busy doing what He created us to do. All of our local churches always say we believe in the Great Commission, but do we operate by the Great Commission or by bylaws or committees? Our priority is reaching the world. Our mission is simple. God has no plan b, the church is His plan for reaching the world. We must make it our priority because we are His.

Ultimately, no matter how many punches are thrown at the Church or how many people that are self proclaimed “members” seek to destroy her, the Church is still the HOPE OF THE WORLD!

18
Oct 2010
POSTED BY Jonathan Pearson
POSTED IN

Blog, Church Ministry, Featured

DISCUSSION 14 Comments
TAGS

, , , ,

« Previous Page
Next Page »