Mark Beeson

Meeting 100 United Methodist Pastors

                                   - Summit Church Band / August 30, 2009 - 

Prior to meeting with the pastors of the one hundred largest United Methodist churches in America I participated in worship in two Orlando mega-churches: Northland and Summit.  One is led by my brother-in-law, Joel Hunter (featured in the September issue of Christianity Today). The other is pastored by my nephew, Isaac Hunter (one of the most amazing preachers in America).  

I'll share an encouraging take-away from each sermon.

From Joel's sermon: There is a dramatic difference between a religious system (which is supposed to improve you) and Christianity (which is a relationship with God - who loves you).

From Isaac's sermon: Grace is opposed to earning; grace is not opposed to effort.

These sermon insights reminded me our work is the work of love, and when grace is offered its recipients are called to live higher, live better and live more loving.

Those principles - about serious and intentional efforts to live love - made the early Methodists a world-changing-force in the Kingdom of God. But it's a new day in America. With the denomination facing decades of membership decline, a re-calibration of United Methodist mission and ministry is critical. With that in mind, a generous benefactor donated the money to provide a place in Jacksonville for 100 UMC pastors - and their spouses - to meet for what Old-Time-Methodists called Christian Conferencing. It is in this meeting these pastors may find support, growth and accountability at a more meaningful level.

Sheila is with me and we're heading to Jacksonville. We've got work to do.  You do too.  

1 Thessalonians 1:2-3  -  We always thank God for all of you, mentioning you in our prayers. We continually remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labor prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.

Summer Whitetail Bucks / Odocoileus virginianus

In the heat of summer Whitetail bucks forage in bachelor groups, establishing  their social hierarchy as they size each other up with a lot of posturing.  These are the days when high quality forage determines quality antler growth - all things being equal, the more protein the better.  These bucks were in a woods near my house when I snapped this photo.

Researchers at Mississippi State University purchased a nine-year-old buck that had been fed a low-protein, corn-only diet.  That deer had a relatively small, eight point rack with only a 17 inch spread.  The old buck was given a 16% protein diet. It's very next rack sported twenty one points and a 27 inch spread.  Pretty amazing for an animal well past its prime.

Nourishment matters, and not just in deer.  What you ingest, what you devour and consume, will have a profound impact.  Inputs effect outcomes, and that reality motivates me to be more careful about what I consume: whether food for the body or nutrition for the soul.

It's worth asking, "So I can be strong and healthy, what do I need to add to my diet?"

If your answer to that question suggests a need for increased Bible study, you'll find GCC's Journey Bible Studies to be nutritious indeed!

Amos 8:11-12  

"The days are coming," declares the Sovereign LORD, "when I will send a famine through the land—not a famine of food or a thirst for water, but a famine of hearing the words of the LORD. Men will stagger from sea to sea and wander from north to east, searching for the word of the LORD, but they will not find it."

Late Last Night

After the sessions training some of the most remarkable church leaders in Orlando, and varied discussions exploring the nuances of multi-site strategies, live-video-streaming of worship services and the capitalization of ministry initiatives in seasons of economic uncertainty, the sunset proved a harbinger of the unexpected.  While most people slept, a few left the pull of earth's gravity on a mission to resupply the International Space Station, and a few watched them go.

For those who were awake, a spectacle transformed their night. My sister lives in Florida on a little lake, and this was the sight across the lake as the Space Shuttle Discovery launched at 11:59 PM.

What are you doing while others sleep?

Proverbs 24:32-34  -  I applied my heart to what I observed and learned a lesson from what I saw: A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest - and poverty will come on you like a bandit and scarcity like an armed man.

Pipsissewa / Chimaphila unbellata

Look low in an Ontario forest of Jack or Red Pines and you might see the minuscule Pipsissewa. It's pretty cool - whorls of dark green, leathery leaves and nodding, waxy, pink and white flowers hang on top of a very slender stem. I'm beginning to enjoy macro photography.

A friend recently asked about "macro" and I mentioned three benefits it brings me.

1.  Good macro work demands I slow down. More. Even more. Slower.  Ok, now slow down even more and you can begin to see the shots, consider the lighting and focus on the potential of that place, at that moment in time.  I need to slow down.  Macro helps me do that.

2.  I'm amazed at the stuff I've learned about big things: big ideas, global religions and massive historical movements.  "Large" tends to be impressive: glorious sunsets, tall mountains and vast oceans capture the imagination and seem so significant I can sink into their contemplation.  Macro opens a new world to me. "Small" is only impressive if it's noticed.  I'm learning about "small." Macro impresses me with the immensity of smallness.

3.  Macro tends to require solitude.  Crowds don't usually gather to enjoy 30 minutes of preparation for the single photograph of a ten-millimeter mushroom.  Because I don't do solitude very well (I prefer to be with people) I find macro pushing me toward the benefits of solitude and silence.  In fact, the only time I made any noise during my "macro" afternoon in Ontario was when I realized I had been lying for an hour in the middle of a raspberry patch - a favorite food of bears in the area.  At that point I stood up and said loudly, "Hello bears!  If you can hear my voice you're too close!" Then I went back to the solitude of macro-photography - a solitude which I don't usually enjoy but probably really need.

Psalm 145:3-6  -  God is magnificent; he can never be praised enough. There are no boundaries to his greatness. Generation after generation stands in awe of your work; each one tells stories of your mighty acts. Your beauty and splendor have everyone talking; I compose songs on your wonders. Your marvelous doings are headline news; I could write a book full of the details of your greatness.

9 Minutes To Communicate 1 Thing on 09/09/09

                                                                                          - Photo by Becky Hunter

I just finished recording my video for "THE NINES."

The Leadership Network and Catalyst are teaming up for something completely new: a totally online event called "THE NINES."  It all happens at 9:09 AM on 09/09/09.  Todd Rhoades (Director and Project Multiplier for the training) said the event "will feature nine minute videos of some of the best church communicators in the country."

Interesting concept, eh?

So Ben Sanders and Dustin Maust came into my office to record my nine-minute-video-answer to Todd's question, "If you had nine minutes to communicate ONE THING to pastors across North America, what would you tell them?"

One take. Nine minutes. I did my best and was done.

More than 3,000 church leaders have already pre-registered and I hope you decide to pre-register for this free online event. LIke I said, it's free but you must pre-register.

I think "THE NINES" will be really helpful and I'm honored to offer my part.

1 Kings 12:6-8  -  King Rehoboam sought advice from the older leaders who had served his father Solomon while he was still alive. He asked, “What do you advise? How should I respond to these people?” They told him, “If you will serve these people today, humble yourself, and speak gently, then they will always be your servants.” But he ignored the advice the older leaders gave him.

Staff Picnic / August 2009

When Sheila and I invited the families of our staff to a picnic, our friends and colleagues Tim and Faith Stevens (because they are awesome, generous and amazing) offered to host the party.  The clouds parted. The sun broke through and we had a glorious carry-in meal together.

Our staff is quite prolific.  A zillion kids made everything more interesting and fun. Here's a picture of one of the kids right after she wrinkled her nose and said, "Watch what I can do with my eyes!" I was very impressed.

Every family adventure is one more excuse to build memories.

Sheila and I raised our three kids with the church. With the church they learned the truth, took steps of faith, developed great friendships, discovered their S.H.A.P.E., honed-sharp their skills and became followers of Jesus. They built memories to last a lifetime.

Every family moment with the church-family is valuable.  I don't ever want to miss a single one!

Psalm 42:4  -  These things I remember as I pour out my soul: how I used to go with the multitude, leading the procession to the house of God, with shouts of joy and thanksgiving among the festive throng.

Sheila

 

                                                                         - Photo by Becky Hunter

I spent a lot of time at my nephew's wedding thinking about Sheila.

My only unfulfilled desire is to have more and more and more time with her, so I'm determined to serve her well with the time I have.  I am hers. Period.

Proverbs 31:10-31 
     A truly good wife is the most precious treasure a man can find! Her husband depends on her, and she never lets him down. She is good to him every day of her life, and with her own hands she gladly makes clothes. She is like a sailing ship that brings food from across the sea. She gets up before daylight to prepare food for her family and for her servants. She knows how to buy land and how to plant a vineyard, and she always works hard. She knows when to buy or sell, and she stays busy until late at night. She spins her own cloth, and she helps the poor and the needy.
     Her family has warm clothing, and so she doesn't worry when it snows. She does her own sewing, and everything she wears is beautiful.
     Her husband is a well-known and respected leader in the city. She makes clothes to sell to the shop owners. She is strong and graceful, as well as cheerful about the future. Her words are sensible, and her advice is thoughtful. She takes good care of her family and is never lazy.
     Her children praise her, and with great pride her husband says, "There are many good women, but you are the best!" Charm can be deceiving, and beauty fades away, but a woman who honors the Lord deserves to be praised. Show her respect— praise her in public for what she has done.

Stuff About "Beauty" I Learned At My Nephew's Wedding

 

My brother's son is getting married. During the wedding rehearsal he grabbed my camera and snapped this photo of me with his son Phil, and Phil's bride-to-be Lauren. 

The wedding has brought much of my family together for a couple of days. Sheila and I have had a blast sharing memories, spinning yarns and catching up with loved ones we've not seen for a while.

Phil's sister, who is also named Lauren, told us stories at breakfast this morning. She just returned from her summer medical-mission in Kenya. As we studied photos from her trip she told a tale about the Masai people. It seems they pry the bottom two front bottom teeth out of the mouths of their children. When Lauren asked why, they looked at her in amazement, as if to say, "Isn't it obvious?"

Then they said, "Look at you. You look like a donkey."

Hilarious! Beauty really is in the eye of the beholder.

Song of Songs 4:2  -  Your teeth are whiter than sheep freshly washed; they match perfectly, not one is missing.

Bunch Berry / Cornus canadensts

 

This is Bunchberry. Some of those familiar with the Canadian wilderness call it Dwarf Dogwood.  Either way, it's remarkable.  A single whorl of six leaves on a stem stands about four inches high. By mid-summer a "bunch" of bright red berries develops where minute greenish-white flowers used to be.  It's a tiny little plant.

I laid down on the forest floor to get this perspective.

My mom used to tell me to be more attentive.  Sometimes she'd add, "Sit up straight," to her admonition, "...and pay attention."  I knew what she meant; if you don't notice the people around you, the sights and sounds others don't notice and the opportunities others ignore, you'll fall far short of your potential. You'll miss a lot and you won't even know it.

So, open your eyes. Look around. Sit up straight and pay attention, or bend down low and give close examination. Do that and a whole new world will open to you.

Life is worth a closer look.

Ezekiel 40:4  -  The man said to me, "Son of man, look and listen carefully. Pay close attention to everything I'm going to show you. That's why you've been brought here. And then tell Israel everything you see."

Raspberry Pancakes

Raspberry patches, in the forest near our fishing camp outpost, made my very first taste of raspberry pancakes possible. 

Pancakes are a breakfast staple of every Canadian fishing camp. Freshly picked wild raspberries are not. We hit the peak of the season and took full advantage of God's provision, putting raspberries into every pancake we ate. It was glorious.

I'm full of raspberries...and a deep appreciation of God's proviso and care.

Leviticus 25:18-19  -  Keep my decrees and observe my laws and you will live secure in the land. The land will yield its fruit; you will have all you can eat and will live safe and secure.

Planned Negligence Strategy

                                                                                                     - Photo by Steve Smith

In keeping with Bill Hybels' recommendation for a  "Planned Negligence Strategy" I took some time with guys in my small group to go fishing.  This Walleye is 26" long and somewhere between 10 and 14 years old.  I caught her. I let her go. She is now swimming free in a remote Ontario lake. 

If the best thing I can bring to the table is a "filled up bucket and a heart right with God and overflowing with the grace of God," then I'm going to be bringing a better man to work every day. My time in the wilderness helped me - a lot.

John 21:3a  -  Simon Peter said, "I'm going fishing." They replied, "We'll come with you."

Bill Hybels Thoughts / Mine Too / "Negligence Strategy"

 

 

Bill – In the new normal I’ve determined to maintain a Planned Negligence Strategy.  I must say “NO” to being involved in some issues and debates. I tell you to remind your leaders. “Whenever you lead an organization through rogue waves, the best thing you bring to the table, every single day, is a filled-up bucket, and a heart that is right with God – over flowing with the grace of God and confidence of God….everybody benefits! 

When I heard Bill say that I thought, “I need to fine tune my dials. Too long content to simply be found in the neighborhood of a sustainable pace, it’s now time for me to focus, recalibrate, and set off with a new God-honoring tempo.”

2 Timothy 4:6-8  -  As for me, my life is already being poured away as a libation, and the time has come for me to depart. I have fought the good fight to the end; I have run the race to the finish; I have kept the faith; all there is to come for me now is the crown of uprightness which the Lord, the upright judge, will give to me on that Day; and not only to me but to all those who have longed for his appearing.

 

Bill Hybels Thoughts / Mine Too / "How Many?"

 

Bill - In How the Mighty Fall, Jim Collins tells leaders to ask how many critical leadership positions are there in their organization.  Collins says leaders must answer that question.

When I heard Bill say that I thought, “This is such a great question. I wonder how may senior leaders immediately applied this to themselves (which is really good), and failed to consider the incredible benefits their organization would realize if the question was engaged by every department head, team leader and point person on their side?” How many critical leadership positions are in your team?

Proverbs 16:12-15  -  Good leaders abhor wrongdoing of all kinds; sound leadership has a moral foundation. Good leaders cultivate honest speech; they love advisors who tell them the truth. An intemperate leader wreaks havoc in lives; you're smart to stay clear of someone like that. Good-tempered leaders invigorate lives; they're like spring rain and sunshine.

Bill Hybels Thoughts / Mine Too / "Great Things"

 

 

 

Bill - Habakkuk 3:2 says,  “I have heard of your faith; I stand in awe of you deeds. Renew them in our day….” I’m looking for God to do great things in our day!

When I heard Bill say that I thought, “Me too. I want to see God do things I simply can’t miss – things so wonderful, so grand and so glorious the world stands in awe. My question is, ‘What obedience will set the stage for the miraculous? What acts of compassion and kindness does God assign me?’”

Matthew 13:58  -  And because the people did not have any faith, Jesus did not work many miracles there.

Your Friends Will Love This!

Our new series begins this weekend at both GCC sites: Elkhart and Granger.  You gotta bring somebody!

Psalm 89:2  -  Your unfailing love will last forever. Your faithfulness is as enduring as the heavens.

Bill Hybels Thoughts / Mine Too / "Reserves"

 

Bill - When an organization is hit broadside by a rogue wave, it’s good to be sitting on healthy cash reserves. 

When I heard Bill say that I thought, “Yup. That would be a good thing indeed. Everybody just needs to know that won’t happen unless someone makes it happen.”

Ecclesiastes 5:13-15  -  There is another serious problem I have seen everywhere—savings are put into risky investments that turn sour, and soon there is nothing left to pass on to one’s son. The man who speculates is soon back to where he began—with nothing.

 

Bill Hybels Thoughts / Mine Too / "Content"

Bill - The goal is to pour as much as possible into people. Every song, every creative element, every sermon better be filled with the anointing and power of God. All killer, no filler. We’re stretching our people theologically and intellectually. We’re moving everybody closer to Christ.

When I heard Bill say that I thought, “Content matters, no doubt about it.  Deliver matters too. So here’s my question, ‘Can we do better with our creative elements?’  When you get a lot of positive feedback on any portion of your ministry, does it make you less likely to improve your serve?”

2 Corinthians 8:7  -  You do everything better than anyone else. You have stronger faith. You speak better and know more. You are eager to give, and you love us better. Now you must give more generously than anyone else.

Bill Hybels Thoughts / Mine Too / "New Reality"

 

 

                                                                               - Photo by Dustin Maust

Bill Hybels opened the 2009 Leadership Summit with his talk: “Leading in a New Reality.” 

I thought I’d take my next few posts and highlight a few of Bill’s comments, then add a few thoughts of my own. I’m going to do this for a few days.  Enjoy.

Bill - I’m not sure we’re going to experience the old normal any time soon, if ever. The normal we all knew and loved has left the building.  We are leading in a new reality.

When I heard Bill say that I kept thinking of all the church “Back-to-Egypt-Committees” I’d wrestled with over the years.  I thought, “So If we are NEVER going back – and the old normal is really gone for good, we better clarify the new reality and how we’re going to engage it.”

Numbers 14:4  -   They said to each other, “Let’s choose a leader and go back to Egypt.“

Leadership Summit / Lunch Time

 

 

Yesterday I had 55 minutes to go home, eat lunch, let the dog out and drive back to GCC for the afternoon sessions of our 2009 Leadership Summit.

This is what I saw during lunch....

Jeremiah 32:27  -  Stay alert! I am God, the God of everything living. Is there anything I can't do?

Bring a Team!

1 Corinthians 1:20-21  -  So where can you find someone truly wise, truly educated, truly intelligent in this day and age? Hasn't God exposed it all as pretentious nonsense? Since the world in all its fancy wisdom never had a clue when it came to knowing God, God in his wisdom took delight in using what the world considered dumb—preaching, of all things!—to bring those who trust him into the way of salvation.

Who Said I Should Be Ordained?

Ordination is a big deal.  It recognizes your embrace of God's calling on your life. The Church declares your calling is real (not a figment of your imagination or a wish-upon-a-star) when ruling elders lay hands on your head and ordain you for pastoral ministry saying, "Take Thou authority to preach the Word..."

Before you arrive at that moment, the Church must recognize and affirm you really are called by God to be set apart for this work.  Those nearest you know you best. Those closest to you must recommend your ordination. If the Church around you doesn't see clear evidence you're gifted and called for pastoral ministry, the ruling elders won't ordain you. Period.

Someone must see it in you. Someone needs to stand up and speak up.

Someone must say, "I know him. I've watched his life and I know God has called him to be ordained and set apart for pastoral ministry. It's time for the Church to act in celebration of what God has clearly done. I recommend him for ordination."

Sheila's Dad did that for me.

The same man who blessed his first-born great-grandchild (in this picture) is the one who blessed his wife, blessed his children and blessed me with his faithful witness. He trained his daughter and blessed me with her hand in marriage. And he was the first one to stand to his feet when the congregation gathered to recommend me for ordination.  In front of the church assembly Sheila's father stood up - and he spoke up on my behalf.

"I know Mark well," he began...and with many more words he set me on the official path of ordination. Papaw was the first to speak at that important meeting and I will never forget what he did that day.

I thought you should know.

Titus 1:5-9  -  The reason I left you in Crete was that you might straighten out what was left unfinished and appoint elders in every town, as I directed you. An elder must be blameless, the husband of but one wife, a man whose children believe and are not open to the charge of being wild and disobedient. Since an overseer is entrusted with God's work, he must be blameless--not overbearing, not quick-tempered, not given to drunkenness, not violent, not pursuing dishonest gain. Rather he must be hospitable, one who loves what is good, who is self-controlled, upright, holy and disciplined. He must hold firmly to the trustworthy message as it has been taught, so that he can encourage others by sound doctrine and refute those who oppose it.