Isaiah 26:3 (NKJV)
You will keep him in perfect peace,
Whose mind is stayed on You,
Because he trusts in You.
I watched a great skit once by two talented comics titled, “Distract and Confuse”. The story line was that these men were presenting a new product for capturing souls to a convention of devils. Their new product was touted as a sure-fire method. They taught that all one needs to do is to simply distract their intended victims attention away from God and then confuse them while they are distracted. The salesmen promoted this procedure as the best thing to hit their business since the “Apple Incident” back in the Garden of Eden.
Setting the humor aside, there is a scary and powerful point to this skit. The devil is out to get us and we are prone to distraction and confusion.
1Peter 5:6-11 (NIV)
Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.
The way to defend against the attacks of the devil is to focus our attention on God constantly. When we focus on God there is no distraction. And, when we concentrate on God we are far less susceptible to confusion.
2Corinthians 10:5 (NIV)
We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.
The result of our constant concentration on God is, in a word, peace.
Isaiah 26:3 (Amplified)
You will guard him and keep him in perfect and constant peace whose mind [both its inclination and its character] is stayed on You, because he commits himself to You, leans on You, and hopes confidently in You.
God has designed us with an early warning system regarding our distractions. We can quickly gage our attention on God by the state of our emotions. When confusion, anger, frustration, sadness, etc. present themselves we know that we have allowed ourselves to be distracted. These non-peaceful emotions serve to guide us back to God (the only real source of peace in this world).
Bottom line is this; if you want peace in your life, then turn your full attention on God.
Stay your mind!
Lon Alderman
@leaderlifter
Monday, June 21, 2010
Friday, April 23, 2010
A Fresh Look at the Golden Rule
Matthew 7:12 (NIV)
So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.
William Barclay calls this passage “the Everest of all ethical teaching”. Not only is Christ’s teaching the paramount lesson in social behavior, it is also unique. Barclay says, “This is something which had never been said before. It is new teaching, and a new view of life and of life’s obligations.” Those are strong statements! I invite you to join me in taking a fresh look at the Golden Rule.
Unique
The Golden Rule is unique in Christ’s positive presentation of the command. The negative form of Christ’s command would look something like this: “Don’t do anything to anyone that you wouldn’t want him or her to do to you.” This negative form has been presented throughout history in a variety of forms. But never before had the world heard this positive form of the command.
Negative -> Inaction
In the (negative) form of the command adherence is not very challenging. That is, all I have to do is to check my behavior and make sure that it is something I’d be willing to receive. In following the negative form, I will simply avoid certain actions, so they don’t come back and bite me. The natural response to this negative form of the Golden Rule is, in effect, inaction.
Positive -> Action
But that’s not the form in which Jesus gives this command. Instead, He taught it in the positive. In doing so Jesus calls, not for inaction, but for action. In order to live out the positive form of Christ’s command I must (first) determine how I would like to be acted upon and then (second) perform that action to others. The guide for my action is my sense of how the world ought to treat me. That part is actually pretty easy. I have a very clear idea of how I want the world to treat me. The challenge comes when I have to actually act that way to others! Christ’s teaching is about action!
A Note About Reciprocity
By the way, this isn’t about reciprocity. In other words, I don’t act toward others the way I want to be treated to get something in return. Nope. The command is to act for the other person’s good, and that’s the end of the story. The New Oxford Annotated Bible states it this way, “…the positive form here requires active contribution to the welfare and happiness of others.” No reciprocity there, just my action for the other person’s benefit.
Application
So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.
William Barclay calls this passage “the Everest of all ethical teaching”. Not only is Christ’s teaching the paramount lesson in social behavior, it is also unique. Barclay says, “This is something which had never been said before. It is new teaching, and a new view of life and of life’s obligations.” Those are strong statements! I invite you to join me in taking a fresh look at the Golden Rule.
Unique
The Golden Rule is unique in Christ’s positive presentation of the command. The negative form of Christ’s command would look something like this: “Don’t do anything to anyone that you wouldn’t want him or her to do to you.” This negative form has been presented throughout history in a variety of forms. But never before had the world heard this positive form of the command.
Negative -> Inaction
In the (negative) form of the command adherence is not very challenging. That is, all I have to do is to check my behavior and make sure that it is something I’d be willing to receive. In following the negative form, I will simply avoid certain actions, so they don’t come back and bite me. The natural response to this negative form of the Golden Rule is, in effect, inaction.
Positive -> Action
But that’s not the form in which Jesus gives this command. Instead, He taught it in the positive. In doing so Jesus calls, not for inaction, but for action. In order to live out the positive form of Christ’s command I must (first) determine how I would like to be acted upon and then (second) perform that action to others. The guide for my action is my sense of how the world ought to treat me. That part is actually pretty easy. I have a very clear idea of how I want the world to treat me. The challenge comes when I have to actually act that way to others! Christ’s teaching is about action!
A Note About Reciprocity
By the way, this isn’t about reciprocity. In other words, I don’t act toward others the way I want to be treated to get something in return. Nope. The command is to act for the other person’s good, and that’s the end of the story. The New Oxford Annotated Bible states it this way, “…the positive form here requires active contribution to the welfare and happiness of others.” No reciprocity there, just my action for the other person’s benefit.
Application
The next time you see someone acting sad and lonely, think about the Golden Rule. Christ directs us to two actions. First, ask yourself this question. “When I am sad and feeling lonely, how do I want to be treated?” Second, Jesus teaches us to treat that person accordingly. Take that action for the other person’s benefit.
The next time you see someone acting angry and misunderstood, think about the Golden Rule. Then, ask yourself this question. “When I am feeling angry and misunderstood, how do I want to be treated?” Then, Jesus teaches us to treat that person accordingly. Take that action for the other person’s benefit.
The next time you see someone who is completely wrong, think about the Golden Rule. Then, ask yourself this question. “When I am completely wrong, how do I want to be treated?” Then, Jesus teaches us to treat that person accordingly. Take that action for the other person’s benefit.
Do you get it? The Golden Rule is a revolutionary teaching! Can you imagine the impact we could have on the world if we lived by this command from Jesus? I don’t think it is an exaggeration to suggest that it would literally change the world!
Go change the world today; live by the Golden Rule.
Lon Alderman
@leaderlifter
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Enduring Ministry
Imagine a pitcher of water slowly being poured out. Now imagine a glass held under the stream of water slowly being filled up. When the cup moves away from the stream the cup stops filling.
This is a great image of the way that God's blessings (the water) flow into our lives (the cup). We "catch" God's blessings when we position ourselves in the right relationship with God. If we move away from God, then His blessings stop filling us.
The problem with many of us is that when we get some of these blessings we rush out into the world and start pouring out the little we have into other people. In and of itself this isn't bad. After all, we're expected to be a blessing to others (Matthew 5:16). The problem is that we can only hold so much and as we pour out (minister) to others we eventually run dry.
With our cups empty we feel tired, overwhelmed, and spiritually dry. It is then that we run back to God and seek His blessings. We reposition ourselves under the stream by getting ourselves in the right relationship to God. Then, standing under the stream of God's blessings we get refreshed and filled up.
The way to maintain an enduring ministry is to take up a position under the stream of God's blessings and stay there! Eventually God’s blessings will fill us to the point of overflowing. Our ministry is accomplished from what overflows. In this way our ministry will last and last, because God's blessings will not stop flowing.
Jesus said, "Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, streams of living water will flow from within him." (John 7:38)
Minister from the overflow.
Lon Alderman
@leaderlifter
www.AcornMinistries.com
The first time I saw this demonstration was by my friend Bill Allison (Cadre Ministries). Thanks for the great imagery, Bill!
This is a great image of the way that God's blessings (the water) flow into our lives (the cup). We "catch" God's blessings when we position ourselves in the right relationship with God. If we move away from God, then His blessings stop filling us.
The problem with many of us is that when we get some of these blessings we rush out into the world and start pouring out the little we have into other people. In and of itself this isn't bad. After all, we're expected to be a blessing to others (Matthew 5:16). The problem is that we can only hold so much and as we pour out (minister) to others we eventually run dry.
With our cups empty we feel tired, overwhelmed, and spiritually dry. It is then that we run back to God and seek His blessings. We reposition ourselves under the stream by getting ourselves in the right relationship to God. Then, standing under the stream of God's blessings we get refreshed and filled up.
The way to maintain an enduring ministry is to take up a position under the stream of God's blessings and stay there! Eventually God’s blessings will fill us to the point of overflowing. Our ministry is accomplished from what overflows. In this way our ministry will last and last, because God's blessings will not stop flowing.
Jesus said, "Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, streams of living water will flow from within him." (John 7:38)
Minister from the overflow.
Lon Alderman
@leaderlifter
www.AcornMinistries.com
The first time I saw this demonstration was by my friend Bill Allison (Cadre Ministries). Thanks for the great imagery, Bill!
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
The Name Game
Have you ever wondered if Acorn Ministries has anything to do with the A.C.O.R.N. group that's in the news? If so, you're not alone.
The A.C.O.R.N. group found itself in hot water over some very suspect, if not criminal, behaviors. For the record, Acorn Ministries has nothing to do with that group!
Not surprisingly, I have had many people suggest that I should change the name of my ministry to avoid confusion. The truth is that after seven years (our "birth date" is January 2003) I'm pretty attached to the name. Plus, my office is full of acorn-related knickknacks that people have given as gifts of encouragement.
Romans 8:28
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.
I believe that God is at work even in this, how to put it, inconvenience. Perhaps as I work to clear my name someone will take notice of my work that otherwise would have overlooked me. Who knows how, but I believe even in this, God is at work for my good.
If you'd like to learn how I came up with the Acorn Ministries name, please check out this link for the whole story:
The Acorn Ministries Name
Lon
The A.C.O.R.N. group found itself in hot water over some very suspect, if not criminal, behaviors. For the record, Acorn Ministries has nothing to do with that group!
Not surprisingly, I have had many people suggest that I should change the name of my ministry to avoid confusion. The truth is that after seven years (our "birth date" is January 2003) I'm pretty attached to the name. Plus, my office is full of acorn-related knickknacks that people have given as gifts of encouragement.
Romans 8:28
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.
I believe that God is at work even in this, how to put it, inconvenience. Perhaps as I work to clear my name someone will take notice of my work that otherwise would have overlooked me. Who knows how, but I believe even in this, God is at work for my good.
If you'd like to learn how I came up with the Acorn Ministries name, please check out this link for the whole story:
The Acorn Ministries Name
Lon
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Heart Starter #3: Tower
Recently, I introduced a tool called "Heart Starters" to use at the beginning of church meetings, youth group, retreats, small group or anywhere else you want to focus a group on God. As I argued in the initial post (Introducing "Heart Starters") I believe that when the church gathers for a meeting it ought to look different than the secular meetings we attend. With this in mind I started creating Heart Starters.
Today I am excited to post a third Heart Starter titled "Towers"! This activity will guide your group into a discussion about the need for cooperation between the parts of the body of Christ. Click on this link for a one page PDF that describes the entire activity.
Heart Starter #3: Tower
Please let me know if you have any questions. Also, I'd love to hear (and share) how people are using these. And, if you have an idea for a Heart Starter, please let me know so we can share it with everyone!
Enjoy!
Lon
For a complete list of Heart Starters, click on the Heart Starters label below.
Today I am excited to post a third Heart Starter titled "Towers"! This activity will guide your group into a discussion about the need for cooperation between the parts of the body of Christ. Click on this link for a one page PDF that describes the entire activity.
Heart Starter #3: Tower
Please let me know if you have any questions. Also, I'd love to hear (and share) how people are using these. And, if you have an idea for a Heart Starter, please let me know so we can share it with everyone!
Enjoy!
Lon
For a complete list of Heart Starters, click on the Heart Starters label below.
Thursday, November 05, 2009
Now what?
Last month was Pastor Appreciation Month and people all over the country celebrated their pastors! It was an awesome month for me for two reasons. First, as a part-time pastor myself I felt a great surge of appreciation from the people I serve. Second, as a person devoted to encouraging and equipping pastors, it was great having other people joining me in this work for the whole month!
The cards have been read and the gifts have been received.
Now what?
I can't get this article out of my mind:
Suicide: When Pastor's Silent Suffering Turns Tragic
In my work I interact with many pastors that are suffering silently. The expectations placed upon their work are, in a word, unattainable! Few if any are fully equipped for the tremendous breadth of professional skills and spiritual gifts needed for the job! This reality is exacerbated by the fact that most hurting pastors feel they can't ask for help and resign themselves to keeping silent!
The result is beat up, stressed out, and frustrated pastors. Seems to be a far cry from this scriptural directive:
1Timothy 5:17
The elders who direct the affairs of the church well are worthy of double honor, especially those whose work is preaching and teaching.
I love Pastor Appreciation Month, AND there must be more we can do! I'd love to hear your thoughts! And, I'll start rolling out some of my own as well.
What can we do to change the cultures, systems, and habits that produce these outcomes?
Now what?
Lon
The cards have been read and the gifts have been received.
Now what?
I can't get this article out of my mind:
Suicide: When Pastor's Silent Suffering Turns Tragic
In my work I interact with many pastors that are suffering silently. The expectations placed upon their work are, in a word, unattainable! Few if any are fully equipped for the tremendous breadth of professional skills and spiritual gifts needed for the job! This reality is exacerbated by the fact that most hurting pastors feel they can't ask for help and resign themselves to keeping silent!
The result is beat up, stressed out, and frustrated pastors. Seems to be a far cry from this scriptural directive:
1Timothy 5:17
The elders who direct the affairs of the church well are worthy of double honor, especially those whose work is preaching and teaching.
I love Pastor Appreciation Month, AND there must be more we can do! I'd love to hear your thoughts! And, I'll start rolling out some of my own as well.
What can we do to change the cultures, systems, and habits that produce these outcomes?
Now what?
Lon
Wednesday, November 04, 2009
Creative Cooking in the Church
As I travel from church to church, I hear a common lament. The details are different but the refrain is the same.
"If only..."
Sometimes the phrase culminates with longings for a younger congregation. Other times it concludes with musings of a different style of worship. Other times it ends with harsh judgments of the people that aren't participating in their church. Still others grieve the loss of generations of their own that have left for greener pastures.
"If only..."
But what if we took the creative cooking thoughts expressed in an earlier blog (Creating a Masterpiece) and applied them to the plight of the church? What if the local church looked around the "kitchen" and made a masterpiece out of what they found?
God has, in His almighty providence, allowed each church to remain open. Therefore, it seems clear that for each church God has a kingdom purpose in mind. And, with God's help the church has within itself all it needs to complete that task.
However, success requires a fresh assessment of the church's current reality! The church must remove its fixation from what is missing and begin to number its assets. These assets are the ingredients of a masterpiece! Then, the church must take these God-given ingredients and get cooking!
A creative masterpiece is waiting! A masterpiece that will bring wonderful glory to God.
Let's get cooking!
Lon
2Corinthians 12:9-10
But [Lord] said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
"If only..."
Sometimes the phrase culminates with longings for a younger congregation. Other times it concludes with musings of a different style of worship. Other times it ends with harsh judgments of the people that aren't participating in their church. Still others grieve the loss of generations of their own that have left for greener pastures.
"If only..."
But what if we took the creative cooking thoughts expressed in an earlier blog (Creating a Masterpiece) and applied them to the plight of the church? What if the local church looked around the "kitchen" and made a masterpiece out of what they found?
God has, in His almighty providence, allowed each church to remain open. Therefore, it seems clear that for each church God has a kingdom purpose in mind. And, with God's help the church has within itself all it needs to complete that task.
However, success requires a fresh assessment of the church's current reality! The church must remove its fixation from what is missing and begin to number its assets. These assets are the ingredients of a masterpiece! Then, the church must take these God-given ingredients and get cooking!
A creative masterpiece is waiting! A masterpiece that will bring wonderful glory to God.
Let's get cooking!
Lon
2Corinthians 12:9-10
But [Lord] said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
Friday, October 30, 2009
Heart Starter #2: Treasure
A couple of days ago I introduced a tool called "Heart Starters" to use at the beginning of church meetings, youth group, retreats, small group or anywhere else you want to focus a group on God. As I argued in the initial post (Introducing "Heart Starters") I believe that when the church gathers for a meeting it ought to look different than the secular meetings we attend. With this in mind I started creating Heart Starters.
Today I am excited to post a second Heart Starter titled "Treasure"! This activity will guide your group into a discussion of what is God's treasure and what is not. Click on this link for a one page PDF that describes the entire activity.
files.me.com/lon.alderman/juhgle
Please let me know if you have any questions. Also, I'd love to hear (and share) how people are using these. And, if you have an idea for a Heart Starter, please let me know so we can share it with everyone!
Enjoy!
Lon
For a complete list of Heart Starters, click on the Heart Starters label below.
Today I am excited to post a second Heart Starter titled "Treasure"! This activity will guide your group into a discussion of what is God's treasure and what is not. Click on this link for a one page PDF that describes the entire activity.
files.me.com/lon.alderman/
Please let me know if you have any questions. Also, I'd love to hear (and share) how people are using these. And, if you have an idea for a Heart Starter, please let me know so we can share it with everyone!
Enjoy!
Lon
For a complete list of Heart Starters, click on the Heart Starters label below.
Thursday, October 29, 2009
Creating a Masterpiece
Here's another odd part of my personality. When I have sufficient time, I really enjoy creating meals out of whatever I can find in the kitchen. I enjoy the creative process of taking what is there and making it into something edible. I jokingly refer to these concoctions as masterpieces!
The goal of my creative endeavor is to make something to eat. The challenge is to make something edible out of the ingredients available to me in the house at that time. This isn't about running to the store for groceries or planning the menu in advance. It's simply using what is available to accomplish the goal.
What if we applied this to our walk as followers of Jesus?
Jesus said, "This is to my Father's glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples." (John 15:8)
If we are disciples of Jesus, then we will "bear much fruit" for the purpose of God receiving glory. In other words, the goal of our discipleship is to glorify the name of God, the Father, through the "fruit we bear" in Christ.
What then are the ingredients for achieving this goal? I propose that we creatively use whatever we find in the "kitchen".
Paul wrote, "...I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances." (Philippians 4:11)
The ingredients for the masterpieces we are creating are found in every circumstance, person, difficulty, and joy that we face today. Our masterpiece depends upon our willingness to take what we find and do something creatively with it with the goal of bringing God glory!
This isn't about wishing things were different. Rather, it's about taking what God places in our path and creating a masterpiece for His glory!
Get creative!
Lon
The goal of my creative endeavor is to make something to eat. The challenge is to make something edible out of the ingredients available to me in the house at that time. This isn't about running to the store for groceries or planning the menu in advance. It's simply using what is available to accomplish the goal.
What if we applied this to our walk as followers of Jesus?
Jesus said, "This is to my Father's glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples." (John 15:8)
If we are disciples of Jesus, then we will "bear much fruit" for the purpose of God receiving glory. In other words, the goal of our discipleship is to glorify the name of God, the Father, through the "fruit we bear" in Christ.
What then are the ingredients for achieving this goal? I propose that we creatively use whatever we find in the "kitchen".
Paul wrote, "...I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances." (Philippians 4:11)
The ingredients for the masterpieces we are creating are found in every circumstance, person, difficulty, and joy that we face today. Our masterpiece depends upon our willingness to take what we find and do something creatively with it with the goal of bringing God glory!
This isn't about wishing things were different. Rather, it's about taking what God places in our path and creating a masterpiece for His glory!
Get creative!
Lon
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Introducing "Heart Starters"
I attend a LOT of meetings! And, a LOT of the meetings I attend are church meetings! I struggle with the fact that church meetings don't look much different than the secular meetings I attend.
Wouldn't it be great if we could engage in an activity that would change the tone of the meeting? And, wouldn't it be great if these activities focused the meeting on God? And wouldn't it be great if along the way the participants grew together as people, parts of the body of Christ?
I answered "yes" to all three and began developing "Heart Starters: Defibrillation for the Heart of Christian Meetings". Heart Starters are simple activities designed to change the look of our church meetings! And [drum roll please] it is FREE!
Here's the first one:
files.me.com/lon.alderman/b357ja
Please let me know if you have any questions.
If you like these, please let me know and I'll share more of them!
Thanks!
Lon
Wouldn't it be great if we could engage in an activity that would change the tone of the meeting? And, wouldn't it be great if these activities focused the meeting on God? And wouldn't it be great if along the way the participants grew together as people, parts of the body of Christ?
I answered "yes" to all three and began developing "Heart Starters: Defibrillation for the Heart of Christian Meetings". Heart Starters are simple activities designed to change the look of our church meetings! And [drum roll please] it is FREE!
Here's the first one:
files.me.com/lon.alderman/
Please let me know if you have any questions.
If you like these, please let me know and I'll share more of them!
Thanks!
Lon
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Why We Must Study
Imagine a child that quits school after completing eighth grade. Wouldn't we feel sorry for the kid? Wouldn't we be deeply concerned about how he will make it in this world with such a limited education.
Funny isn't it? Funny - in the sad ironic use of the word - that we don't think much at all about a child that stops learning about our faith at about that age. We do little beyond wringing our hands about the fact that most kids stop attending Bible study of any kind around eighth grade.
This past weekend I had, yet another, paradigm shift in my theology. I had previously held an understanding related to my faith as sacrosanct. That all changed when I participated in a relatively short and simple Bible study on the subject.
Now my understanding of God is expanded! Now my faith is deeper! Now my life is healthier! Now my walk as a man of Jesus is stronger!
There is so much to learn! How can we quit our faith education at such a tender young age? How can we stop studying?
2Timothy 3:16-17
Every part of Scripture is God-breathed and useful one way or another—showing us truth, exposing our rebellion, correcting our mistakes, training us to live God's way. Through the Word we are put together and shaped up for the tasks God has for us.
Please pick up your Bible and start reading it today! Then join a small group or a Bible study!
We must study so we can be trained for our work in God's kingdom.
Lon
Funny isn't it? Funny - in the sad ironic use of the word - that we don't think much at all about a child that stops learning about our faith at about that age. We do little beyond wringing our hands about the fact that most kids stop attending Bible study of any kind around eighth grade.
This past weekend I had, yet another, paradigm shift in my theology. I had previously held an understanding related to my faith as sacrosanct. That all changed when I participated in a relatively short and simple Bible study on the subject.
Now my understanding of God is expanded! Now my faith is deeper! Now my life is healthier! Now my walk as a man of Jesus is stronger!
There is so much to learn! How can we quit our faith education at such a tender young age? How can we stop studying?
2Timothy 3:16-17
Every part of Scripture is God-breathed and useful one way or another—showing us truth, exposing our rebellion, correcting our mistakes, training us to live God's way. Through the Word we are put together and shaped up for the tasks God has for us.
Please pick up your Bible and start reading it today! Then join a small group or a Bible study!
We must study so we can be trained for our work in God's kingdom.
Lon
Friday, October 09, 2009
Pastor Appreciation Month
I just read Robb McCoy's blog about Pastor Appreciation Month. Robb made a list of the pastors that have influenced his life (Robb's post) and I'm inspired to do the same thing!
My list will include both traditional pastors (those that had a pastoral responsibility for me) and non-traditional "pastors" that also influenced me. I will approach this chronologically.
David Bultemeier led my confirmation class. I remember his gentle spirit and his intelligent sermons. I also remember he and Joanne (his wife), my parents, and another couple (The Dillows) laughing hysterically in our dining room. He taught me that a pastor is a regular person with a sense of humor and everything! We're still in touch after almost 40 years!
Dan Moran for patiently guiding me to a relationship with Jesus during the summer of 1986 at YMCA Camp High Harbour (GA). Dan was involved with InterVarsity and working as the water front director that summer. I wish I knew where he ended up.
Dr. Mike McGowan taught me at Western Illinois University. I know that doesn't make him a pastor, but I credit Mike for putting the first intellectual legs on my faith.
Lori Bultemeier is a friend from high school who is an ordained deacon in our conference. I deeply appreciate her friendship and encouragement, because she knows where I've been and how far I've come!
Mark Caldwell is the director of Dickson Valley Camp and Retreat Center (Newark, IL). He is a tremendous influence on my faith walk.
Jason Woolever nursed me back to spiritual health after serving 6.5 years in our conference camp and retreat ministries program. He's incredibly well read and keeps my "books to read" list full! In addition, Jason asks me the toughest questions about my faith walk. Iron does sharpen iron!
Keith Zimmerman is my District Superintendent. He's a tremendous encourager and is responsible for my current appointment, which is going great! He also teaches me regularly that administrators can continue to be pastoral, encouraging, and competent!
Grant Armstrong is the associate pastor at my home church. He has taught me that "excellence" doesn't have to be a dirty word in the Church.
This list could go on and on...but I'll stop (for now).
Please take a few minutes to write your list. More importantly, please tell your "pastors" about the difference they have made in your life.
1Thessalonians 5:12-13 (The Message)
And now, friends, we ask you to honor those leaders who work so hard for you, who have been given the responsibility of urging and guiding you along in your obedience. Overwhelm them with appreciation and love!
My list will include both traditional pastors (those that had a pastoral responsibility for me) and non-traditional "pastors" that also influenced me. I will approach this chronologically.
David Bultemeier led my confirmation class. I remember his gentle spirit and his intelligent sermons. I also remember he and Joanne (his wife), my parents, and another couple (The Dillows) laughing hysterically in our dining room. He taught me that a pastor is a regular person with a sense of humor and everything! We're still in touch after almost 40 years!
Dan Moran for patiently guiding me to a relationship with Jesus during the summer of 1986 at YMCA Camp High Harbour (GA). Dan was involved with InterVarsity and working as the water front director that summer. I wish I knew where he ended up.
Dr. Mike McGowan taught me at Western Illinois University. I know that doesn't make him a pastor, but I credit Mike for putting the first intellectual legs on my faith.
Lori Bultemeier is a friend from high school who is an ordained deacon in our conference. I deeply appreciate her friendship and encouragement, because she knows where I've been and how far I've come!
Mark Caldwell is the director of Dickson Valley Camp and Retreat Center (Newark, IL). He is a tremendous influence on my faith walk.
Jason Woolever nursed me back to spiritual health after serving 6.5 years in our conference camp and retreat ministries program. He's incredibly well read and keeps my "books to read" list full! In addition, Jason asks me the toughest questions about my faith walk. Iron does sharpen iron!
Keith Zimmerman is my District Superintendent. He's a tremendous encourager and is responsible for my current appointment, which is going great! He also teaches me regularly that administrators can continue to be pastoral, encouraging, and competent!
Grant Armstrong is the associate pastor at my home church. He has taught me that "excellence" doesn't have to be a dirty word in the Church.
This list could go on and on...but I'll stop (for now).
Please take a few minutes to write your list. More importantly, please tell your "pastors" about the difference they have made in your life.
1Thessalonians 5:12-13 (The Message)
And now, friends, we ask you to honor those leaders who work so hard for you, who have been given the responsibility of urging and guiding you along in your obedience. Overwhelm them with appreciation and love!
Thursday, September 24, 2009
Pancake Recipe - just for fun!
I participated in a 46-hour retreat on September 17-19 with two great friends. Our purpose was to discern God's will for the future of Acorn Ministries (www.AcornMinistries.com). It was an awesome experience!
We ate well during the retreat, too! I've had a request for my family's pancake recipe and thought it'd be fun to share it here:
Grampa's Pancake Recipe
* Note: makes "thin and rubbery" pancakes
Dry ingredients
1 cup flour
1/4 teaspoon baking powder
3/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
Wet ingredients
1 cup buttermilk
3/4 cup milk
1 egg
2 tablespoon sugar (I realize it's a dry ingredient, but this is where you mix it)
1 tablespoon melted butter (or vegetable oil)
Instructions
- mix "dry" and "wet" ingredients separately
- then mix dry ingredients into the wet ingredients
- heat griddle until a sprinkle of water "dances" on the surface
- place desired amount of batter on griddle and gently swirl each pancake with laddle - flip when bubbles start to form
- when cooked, place pancakes on a plate and cover with a bowl to maintain heat/moisture
Enjoy!
Lon
We ate well during the retreat, too! I've had a request for my family's pancake recipe and thought it'd be fun to share it here:
Grampa's Pancake Recipe
* Note: makes "thin and rubbery" pancakes
Dry ingredients
1 cup flour
1/4 teaspoon baking powder
3/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
Wet ingredients
1 cup buttermilk
3/4 cup milk
1 egg
2 tablespoon sugar (I realize it's a dry ingredient, but this is where you mix it)
1 tablespoon melted butter (or vegetable oil)
Instructions
- mix "dry" and "wet" ingredients separately
- then mix dry ingredients into the wet ingredients
- heat griddle until a sprinkle of water "dances" on the surface
- place desired amount of batter on griddle and gently swirl each pancake with laddle - flip when bubbles start to form
- when cooked, place pancakes on a plate and cover with a bowl to maintain heat/moisture
Enjoy!
Lon
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Ask, and You Will Receive
A strange pairing of the kid's show "Handy Manny" and an Oswald Chambers piece inspired this post.
While waking my children this morning a scene from "Handy Manny" caught my eye. Mr. Lopart had (once again) gotten himself in trouble. You see, he never asks for, or accepts, help from others. This causes him to get in lots of trouble. Today he had gotten his arm stuck in a door he'd installed for his cat.
Oswald Chambers teaches that the purpose of prayer is to allow Christ to grow in us. The more we look to Jesus for help, the more Christ grows in us. When we try to do life on our own, we stifle Christ's growth in us.
God wants to be a part of every aspect of our life. It follows that He wants to support us in our difficulties, too! Don't be a Mr. Lopart! Turn over to Jesus all your troubles and God will engage in them. In the meantime, our willingness to seek Christ's help will allow Jesus to grow in us.
"Ask, and you will receive..." John 16:24
Don't be a Mr. Lopart!
Lon
While waking my children this morning a scene from "Handy Manny" caught my eye. Mr. Lopart had (once again) gotten himself in trouble. You see, he never asks for, or accepts, help from others. This causes him to get in lots of trouble. Today he had gotten his arm stuck in a door he'd installed for his cat.
Oswald Chambers teaches that the purpose of prayer is to allow Christ to grow in us. The more we look to Jesus for help, the more Christ grows in us. When we try to do life on our own, we stifle Christ's growth in us.
God wants to be a part of every aspect of our life. It follows that He wants to support us in our difficulties, too! Don't be a Mr. Lopart! Turn over to Jesus all your troubles and God will engage in them. In the meantime, our willingness to seek Christ's help will allow Jesus to grow in us.
"Ask, and you will receive..." John 16:24
Don't be a Mr. Lopart!
Lon
Tuesday, September 01, 2009
Encouragement to Ask, by Grant Armstrong
I received this post as a comment on my earlier post about fundraising for ministry, called "To Ask, Or Not". It is so encouraging I thought I should share it as today's blog. Thanks, Grant!
1 Corinthians 9:3-14
It seems fairly clear. "In the same way, the Lord has commanded that those who preach the gospel should receive their living from the gospel."
I also notice that in James 4:2 it says, "You do not have because you do not ask God." In Matthew 5:32 Christ says the omniscient Father knows we need those things, and we are still called to ask Him.
I suppose it's similar to the reason we are called to invite people into the kingdom of God according to Romans 10:14-15. How can people respond unless they are informed? Could it be that the Gospel that turns miserly hearts into generous hearts is by nature relational and invitational - like our Triune God? Could it be that inviting people into a relationship with Jesus Christ AND joyful giving for the sake of His kingdom are part and parcel of the Christian calling?
God uses us, earthen vessels though we may be, as instruments of His priceless grace so that He might be glorified. Perhaps God can do everything without our participation. A sovereign God can. In God's grace, we are invited to participate in God's works.
I also found this interesting:
http://fundraisingcoach.com/articles/fundraising-in-the-bible
This source runs across similar challenges, but lists several examples of people raising funds for God's glory. Typically those funds are used for something like the temple. In your case, Lon, it allows you to build up leaders...people...temples of the Holy Spirit...so that God's redeeming work in this world might multiply. Scripture doesn't say whether the temple or God's people are more valuable to Him, but I know for which of the two Christ offered His very life.
Thanks for building up the Body of Christ, Lon.
Your brother in Christ, Grant
The elders who direct the affairs of the church well are worthy of double honor, especially those whose work is preaching and teaching. For the Scripture says, "Do not muzzle the ox while it is treading out the grain," and "The worker deserves his wages. - 1 Timothy 5:17-18
1 Corinthians 9:3-14
It seems fairly clear. "In the same way, the Lord has commanded that those who preach the gospel should receive their living from the gospel."
I also notice that in James 4:2 it says, "You do not have because you do not ask God." In Matthew 5:32 Christ says the omniscient Father knows we need those things, and we are still called to ask Him.
I suppose it's similar to the reason we are called to invite people into the kingdom of God according to Romans 10:14-15. How can people respond unless they are informed? Could it be that the Gospel that turns miserly hearts into generous hearts is by nature relational and invitational - like our Triune God? Could it be that inviting people into a relationship with Jesus Christ AND joyful giving for the sake of His kingdom are part and parcel of the Christian calling?
God uses us, earthen vessels though we may be, as instruments of His priceless grace so that He might be glorified. Perhaps God can do everything without our participation. A sovereign God can. In God's grace, we are invited to participate in God's works.
I also found this interesting:
http://fundraisingcoach.com/articles/fundraising-in-the-bible
This source runs across similar challenges, but lists several examples of people raising funds for God's glory. Typically those funds are used for something like the temple. In your case, Lon, it allows you to build up leaders...people...temples of the Holy Spirit...so that God's redeeming work in this world might multiply. Scripture doesn't say whether the temple or God's people are more valuable to Him, but I know for which of the two Christ offered His very life.
Thanks for building up the Body of Christ, Lon.
Your brother in Christ, Grant
The elders who direct the affairs of the church well are worthy of double honor, especially those whose work is preaching and teaching. For the Scripture says, "Do not muzzle the ox while it is treading out the grain," and "The worker deserves his wages. - 1 Timothy 5:17-18
Friday, August 28, 2009
To Ask, Or Not
I have just completed a very challenging two-month journey. The quest of my journey was to answer this question:
Is it appropriate to ask people to support my family and me as I do God’s work as a missionary?
I have heard MANY opinions. The loudest, and frankly, the harshest, opinions came from people with this view: “If I’m doing God’s work, then God will provide the resources to get it done.”
To this point, I agree with them, but our thoughts quickly diverge on their next statement. They say, “It is wrong to ask people to support ministry, because it isn’t found anywhere in the New Testament.”
This makes sense at first blush. I can’t find a single place where someone raises funds for themselves. It just isn’t there! As someone that has been asking people to support his ministry for almost seven years, this fact really rattled my cage!
However, today I received a great word of encouragement from God through a colleague I’ve met through twitter:
Pastor Martha Spigener (@butterflybeacon) wrote:
Our culture here in America is not the culture of the Bible…the culture of the Bible was one in which it was expected, let me say that again, expected, that the people would pay to support their priests and Rabbis. Just look at the sacrificial laws and what was for the priest and what was actually burned. It isn’t written in the New Testament because it was an expected norm. Our society does not exist with those expectations.
In other words, we don’t hear Jesus asking people to support Him because it was unnecessary to do so. People were already expected to support people in ministry (see Luke 8:1-3). People during Christ’s ministry understood that it was their responsibility to support people in ministry. Jesus didn’t have to ask!
Yes, God will provide what is needed for His work. The culture in which we live does not understand its responsibility to care for those in ministry. Therefore, we must ask people to support us as we devote our lives to the ministry God has called us to.
In my case, I encourage and equip church leaders. My services are desperately needed, but church leaders don’t have resources to “pay” for my services. Only through God’s sustaining blessings will I be able to continue to “build up the body of Christ, the Church, one leader at a time”. And the way God provides is through donations from God’s people. And for those donations to happen in this culture I will have to ask!
In Christ,
Lon
If you would like to support Acorn Ministries, please send your tax deductible donations to:
Acorn Ministries/H2H
101 West 2nd Street
PO Box 237
Flanagan, IL 61740
OR, you can use your credit card or paypal account by clicking the following link: Donate
Is it appropriate to ask people to support my family and me as I do God’s work as a missionary?
I have heard MANY opinions. The loudest, and frankly, the harshest, opinions came from people with this view: “If I’m doing God’s work, then God will provide the resources to get it done.”
To this point, I agree with them, but our thoughts quickly diverge on their next statement. They say, “It is wrong to ask people to support ministry, because it isn’t found anywhere in the New Testament.”
This makes sense at first blush. I can’t find a single place where someone raises funds for themselves. It just isn’t there! As someone that has been asking people to support his ministry for almost seven years, this fact really rattled my cage!
However, today I received a great word of encouragement from God through a colleague I’ve met through twitter:
Pastor Martha Spigener (@butterflybeacon) wrote:
Our culture here in America is not the culture of the Bible…the culture of the Bible was one in which it was expected, let me say that again, expected, that the people would pay to support their priests and Rabbis. Just look at the sacrificial laws and what was for the priest and what was actually burned. It isn’t written in the New Testament because it was an expected norm. Our society does not exist with those expectations.
In other words, we don’t hear Jesus asking people to support Him because it was unnecessary to do so. People were already expected to support people in ministry (see Luke 8:1-3). People during Christ’s ministry understood that it was their responsibility to support people in ministry. Jesus didn’t have to ask!
Yes, God will provide what is needed for His work. The culture in which we live does not understand its responsibility to care for those in ministry. Therefore, we must ask people to support us as we devote our lives to the ministry God has called us to.
In my case, I encourage and equip church leaders. My services are desperately needed, but church leaders don’t have resources to “pay” for my services. Only through God’s sustaining blessings will I be able to continue to “build up the body of Christ, the Church, one leader at a time”. And the way God provides is through donations from God’s people. And for those donations to happen in this culture I will have to ask!
In Christ,
Lon
If you would like to support Acorn Ministries, please send your tax deductible donations to:
Acorn Ministries/H2H
101 West 2nd Street
PO Box 237
Flanagan, IL 61740
OR, you can use your credit card or paypal account by clicking the following link: Donate
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Myth of Impact
This post is ripe for push back; however, if my premise is sound, then I don't expect any!
I struggle (regularly) with the tension between following Jesus and the felt need to measure the impact of my ministry. As a missionary, this "need" rises from the desire to encourage my supporters with inspiring demonstrations of impact. People want to know that their "investment" in my work is "profitable".
Frankly, I am making all the impact I am capable of. God uses me at His discretion. Some followers of Jesus are used for making an impact on a large amount of people. Others are used to make a large impact on just a few people. Honestly, I think the latter is more scriptural; however, the world leans toward the former. Our culture values the broader, arguably less deep, impact on more people, because, frankly, it is more financially profitable!
Romans 12:2
Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.
Oswald Chambers writes...
We consider what we do in the way of Christian work as service, yet Jesus Christ calls service to be what we are to Him, not what we do for Him. Discipleship is based solely on devotion to Jesus Christ, not on following after a particular belief or doctrine. "If anyone comes to Me and does not hate . . . , he cannot be My disciple" ( Luke 14:26 ). In this verse, there is no argument and no pressure from Jesus to follow Him; He is simply saying, in effect, "If you want to be My disciple, you must be devoted solely to Me...
People do not really want to be devoted to Jesus, but only to the cause He started. Jesus Christ is deeply offensive to the educated minds of today, to those who only want Him to be their Friend, and who are unwilling to accept Him in any other way. Our Lord’s primary obedience was to the will of His Father, not to the needs of people— the saving of people was the natural outcome of His obedience to the Father. If I am devoted solely to the cause of humanity, I will soon be exhausted and come to the point where my love will waver and stumble. But if I love Jesus Christ personally and passionately, I can serve humanity, even though people may treat me like a "doormat." The secret of a disciple’s life is devotion to Jesus Christ, and the characteristic of that life is its seeming insignificance and its meekness. Yet it is like a grain of wheat that "falls into the ground and dies"— it will spring up and change the entire landscape ( John 12:24 ).
Want impact? Devote yourself to Jesus!
Lon Alderman
www.AcornMinistries.com
@leaderlifter (twitter)
I struggle (regularly) with the tension between following Jesus and the felt need to measure the impact of my ministry. As a missionary, this "need" rises from the desire to encourage my supporters with inspiring demonstrations of impact. People want to know that their "investment" in my work is "profitable".
Frankly, I am making all the impact I am capable of. God uses me at His discretion. Some followers of Jesus are used for making an impact on a large amount of people. Others are used to make a large impact on just a few people. Honestly, I think the latter is more scriptural; however, the world leans toward the former. Our culture values the broader, arguably less deep, impact on more people, because, frankly, it is more financially profitable!
Romans 12:2
Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.
Oswald Chambers writes...
We consider what we do in the way of Christian work as service, yet Jesus Christ calls service to be what we are to Him, not what we do for Him. Discipleship is based solely on devotion to Jesus Christ, not on following after a particular belief or doctrine. "If anyone comes to Me and does not hate . . . , he cannot be My disciple" ( Luke 14:26 ). In this verse, there is no argument and no pressure from Jesus to follow Him; He is simply saying, in effect, "If you want to be My disciple, you must be devoted solely to Me...
People do not really want to be devoted to Jesus, but only to the cause He started. Jesus Christ is deeply offensive to the educated minds of today, to those who only want Him to be their Friend, and who are unwilling to accept Him in any other way. Our Lord’s primary obedience was to the will of His Father, not to the needs of people— the saving of people was the natural outcome of His obedience to the Father. If I am devoted solely to the cause of humanity, I will soon be exhausted and come to the point where my love will waver and stumble. But if I love Jesus Christ personally and passionately, I can serve humanity, even though people may treat me like a "doormat." The secret of a disciple’s life is devotion to Jesus Christ, and the characteristic of that life is its seeming insignificance and its meekness. Yet it is like a grain of wheat that "falls into the ground and dies"— it will spring up and change the entire landscape ( John 12:24 ).
Want impact? Devote yourself to Jesus!
Lon Alderman
www.AcornMinistries.com
@leaderlifter (twitter)
Friday, June 19, 2009
Give what you can!
I know this title sounds like a fund raising plea, but that's not the direction I'm heading with this post. Rather, I'm looking at the question, "What can we give to God?"
In Getting There, Oswald Chambers writes: We have the idea that we can dedicate our gifts to God. However, you cannot dedicate what is not yours.
In other words, if God is the "owner" of the gifts He gave us, then how can we "give" them back? How can we give what is not ours to give?
Chambers continues: There is actually only one thing you can dedicate to God, and that is your right to yourself.
Romans 12:1
Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual act of worship.
Finally from Chambers: If you will give God your right to yourself, He will make a holy experiment out of you— and His experiments always succeed.
Give what you can and watch God succeed!
Lon Alderman
www.AcornMinistries.com
Follow me on twitter: @leaderlifter
Feedblitz Note: For those of you who receive these posts through Feedblitz, in order to see the Build UPs as I intended them, please click on the title to view the post. Otherwise, you miss out on videos, pictures and some of the formatting. You can also "follow" these posts through NetworkedBlogs. To follow, go to the blog site (click the title) and click on the "follow this blog" button under NetworkedBlogs.
In Getting There, Oswald Chambers writes: We have the idea that we can dedicate our gifts to God. However, you cannot dedicate what is not yours.
In other words, if God is the "owner" of the gifts He gave us, then how can we "give" them back? How can we give what is not ours to give?
Chambers continues: There is actually only one thing you can dedicate to God, and that is your right to yourself.
Romans 12:1
Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual act of worship.
Finally from Chambers: If you will give God your right to yourself, He will make a holy experiment out of you— and His experiments always succeed.
Give what you can and watch God succeed!
Lon Alderman
www.AcornMinistries.com
Follow me on twitter: @leaderlifter
Feedblitz Note: For those of you who receive these posts through Feedblitz, in order to see the Build UPs as I intended them, please click on the title to view the post. Otherwise, you miss out on videos, pictures and some of the formatting. You can also "follow" these posts through NetworkedBlogs. To follow, go to the blog site (click the title) and click on the "follow this blog" button under NetworkedBlogs.
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Dancing in the Church, by Lon Alderman
First, thank you to Bill Allison at Cadre Ministries for turning me on to this video! You can see Bill's take on this video at his blog, Cup O' Joe with Bill. Thank you, Bill!
This is an awesome example of contagious behavior! The man's dance is contagious, not pretty, just contagious! He doesn't invite or coerce anyone to join him, he just dances! People join him because it looks like something they want to be a part of. Frankly, it looks fun!!
I look around the Church and, generally speaking, I don't see much dancing. I don't see much uninhibited praising of the Lord. I don't see much that I want to join!
We tell people to join us in the Church because they will find joy in God, but we don't dance ourselves! We sit around playing the music and expect people to show up and dance to the music...
Luke 7:31-32 Jesus said,
"To what, then, can I compare the people of this generation? What are they like? They are like children sitting in the marketplace and calling out to each other:
" 'We played the flute for you,
and you did not dance...' "
But, what if we danced?
Lon Alderman
www.AcornMinistries.com
Over 350 additional posts at: Daily Build UP
This is an awesome example of contagious behavior! The man's dance is contagious, not pretty, just contagious! He doesn't invite or coerce anyone to join him, he just dances! People join him because it looks like something they want to be a part of. Frankly, it looks fun!!
I look around the Church and, generally speaking, I don't see much dancing. I don't see much uninhibited praising of the Lord. I don't see much that I want to join!
We tell people to join us in the Church because they will find joy in God, but we don't dance ourselves! We sit around playing the music and expect people to show up and dance to the music...
Luke 7:31-32 Jesus said,
"To what, then, can I compare the people of this generation? What are they like? They are like children sitting in the marketplace and calling out to each other:
" 'We played the flute for you,
and you did not dance...' "
But, what if we danced?
Lon Alderman
www.AcornMinistries.com
Over 350 additional posts at: Daily Build UP
Monday, June 15, 2009
Around the Corner, by Lon Alderman
This is another "re-post" (10-13-06) and it happens to have been my very first Build UP! Mark Sturgell's post reminded me of it. Thanks, Mark!
For most of my life I have looked for joy around the next corner. I'd think, "If I could just get through high school, then I'd be happy."
Later in life I continued that same kind of thinking, "If I only had a bigger house, a better job, or a newer car, then I'd be happy."
Then I read what Jesus said:
"As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. If you obey my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have obeyed my Father's commands and remain in his love. I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete." (John 15:9-11 NIV)
Christ's joy is available to me here and now, not around the next corner! If I obey Christ's commands, I will remain in Christ's love. If I remain in Christ's love, then complete joy is available to me RIGHT NOW!
I pray that you will experience the joy of Christ, today!
Lon
www.AcornMinistries.com
For most of my life I have looked for joy around the next corner. I'd think, "If I could just get through high school, then I'd be happy."
Later in life I continued that same kind of thinking, "If I only had a bigger house, a better job, or a newer car, then I'd be happy."
Then I read what Jesus said:
"As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. If you obey my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have obeyed my Father's commands and remain in his love. I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete." (John 15:9-11 NIV)
Christ's joy is available to me here and now, not around the next corner! If I obey Christ's commands, I will remain in Christ's love. If I remain in Christ's love, then complete joy is available to me RIGHT NOW!
I pray that you will experience the joy of Christ, today!
Lon
www.AcornMinistries.com
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