Last week, my daughter got married in our backyard. Over the past 4 years as a missionary she has become increasingly un-enamored by American excess in almost everything we do. So, she wanted a simple wedding with a few close friends and family around her.
At first, her mom and I felt like she would be missing too many things, she wanted no attendants, no cake, no processional, no recessional, no professional photographer, no professional musicians, no catered dinner. We kept saying, we can afford it, she kept saying, "It's not about the money".
I have to confess it was one of the most wonderful weddings I've ever been to. The atmosphere was relaxed. The bride and groom greeted each guest as they arrived, walked among them visiting and when it was time, they stood up in front of the people. Both of Anna's grandfathers had a part, they exchanged vows, Jonathan (her husband) sang to her, they exchanged rings and then invited everyone to sit down to sandwiches and ice cream from Anna's childhood favorite ice cream place, Leatherby's. People visited and laughed and ate for 2 hours, people came back for thirds of ice cream, family helped clean up and by 8:30 that evening, the couple was on their way to their honeymoon, without stress and without exhaustion.
As I think about this a week later, the words that come to mind are joy, friends, wonderful, family, God, closeness, gratitude.
It was all a wedding should be. An added benefit, I'm not in debt up to my neck, so we are able to share more with them on their mission.
I'm wondering how many other things I could simplify in my life!
Friday, July 31, 2009
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
I've Arrived
Last night, on the way home from work, I saw a brand new sports car driven by a 35 year old with the license plate frame, "I've Arrived". It struck me as bad on a number of levels.
It struck me first as arrogant. If you have to flaunt it and tell the world you've arrived, you really haven't arrived at any place very important.
I then thought about how sad it was that at 35 this person had reached his destination. What now? At 35 is there no place left to go, is there no adventure left?
And then I thought, "How does he know?" My experience has been that when I think I've finally made it, God has another place for me to go or person to love.
Finally, I thought, "How short sighted!" As a Christ follower, I won't have arrived until I arrive in heaven to bask in the glory of God. Until Jesus says, "Well done, you good and faithful servant!" I won't have arrived.
Until then, I'll drive my perfectly fine 8 year old car, with no license plate frame and follow Jesus by faith. I also pray that someday I'll get a chance to talk to introduce that person to Jesus Christ and the joy of the journey.
It struck me first as arrogant. If you have to flaunt it and tell the world you've arrived, you really haven't arrived at any place very important.
I then thought about how sad it was that at 35 this person had reached his destination. What now? At 35 is there no place left to go, is there no adventure left?
And then I thought, "How does he know?" My experience has been that when I think I've finally made it, God has another place for me to go or person to love.
Finally, I thought, "How short sighted!" As a Christ follower, I won't have arrived until I arrive in heaven to bask in the glory of God. Until Jesus says, "Well done, you good and faithful servant!" I won't have arrived.
Until then, I'll drive my perfectly fine 8 year old car, with no license plate frame and follow Jesus by faith. I also pray that someday I'll get a chance to talk to introduce that person to Jesus Christ and the joy of the journey.
Monday, July 27, 2009
Accountability
I have an accountability partner and thus am interested in accountability questions. Ed Stetzer at edstetzer.com on July 17 had a good article about accountability groups.
Here is one list of questions, attributed to Chuck Swindoll. I think that every Stadia planter should be in an accountability relationship. Try these on:
Chuck Swindoll's Pastoral Accountability Questions:
In his book, The Body, Chuck Colson lists the questions used by Chuck Swindoll.
1. Have you been with a woman anywhere this past week that might be seen as compromising?
2. Have any of your financial dealings lacked integrity?
3. Have you exposed yourself to any sexually explicit material?
4. Have you spent adequate time in Bible study and prayer?
5. Have you given priority time to your family?
6. Have you fulfilled the mandates of your calling?
7. Have you just lied to me?
Here is one list of questions, attributed to Chuck Swindoll. I think that every Stadia planter should be in an accountability relationship. Try these on:
Chuck Swindoll's Pastoral Accountability Questions:
In his book, The Body, Chuck Colson lists the questions used by Chuck Swindoll.
1. Have you been with a woman anywhere this past week that might be seen as compromising?
2. Have any of your financial dealings lacked integrity?
3. Have you exposed yourself to any sexually explicit material?
4. Have you spent adequate time in Bible study and prayer?
5. Have you given priority time to your family?
6. Have you fulfilled the mandates of your calling?
7. Have you just lied to me?
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Finishing Well
Bobby Clinton, no relation to Billy Clinton, has done some of the most important work on leadership in the Christian realm. This past week I have spent time with his Leadership Commentary. He concludes based upon years of study, that in the Bible of the 50 leaders for whom we have extensive data, only 1 in 3 finished well. In his study of 1300 other contemporary leaders, he concludes that the ratio continues or is even less.
Here is a link to his study on Finishing Well. http://www.bobbyclinton.com/articles/downloads/3FinishWellArticles.pdf
I would highly recommend.
Here is a link to his study on Finishing Well. http://www.bobbyclinton.com/articles/downloads/3FinishWellArticles.pdf
I would highly recommend.
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
Father's Day
I'm preaching for Father's Day this year. It's been awhile since I had the chance to preach for Father's Day, but the needs and the blessings still remain.
Recently I have been struck by how many people have issues with their fathers. I'm even more struck by how those issues translate to the succeeding generations. So, I've been re-reading The Blessing, John Trent.
Here's an excerpt that I think is so appropriate for those who didn't have warm fathers.
Affection from Dad is as influential and lasting as affection from Mom, according to the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology. Children who receive physical affection and warmth are apt to have closer marriages and friendships, better mental health, and greater work success.
So, if you are a bruised reed in the Father department, take time this year to be warm and affectionate with your children.
Recently I have been struck by how many people have issues with their fathers. I'm even more struck by how those issues translate to the succeeding generations. So, I've been re-reading The Blessing, John Trent.
Here's an excerpt that I think is so appropriate for those who didn't have warm fathers.
Affection from Dad is as influential and lasting as affection from Mom, according to the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology. Children who receive physical affection and warmth are apt to have closer marriages and friendships, better mental health, and greater work success.
So, if you are a bruised reed in the Father department, take time this year to be warm and affectionate with your children.
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Rein me in and reign in me
This phrase came to me this morning as I was praying. I was thinking about how I love to pray the prayer of Jabez, enlarge my territory, but hate to be reined in. I love unfettered freedom to pursue whatever activity I may desire, but chafe at discipline to go in a direction that the Lord may want me to go.
In the abstract, I always want to do God's will. In the particulars I find it hard to stay focused on His will.
I watched a leader who had several assistants who waited until he needed something and then were instantly there to carry out his directive. While, I'm not sure I like that leadership style, I wish I had the attitude of those assistants. I wish I was more interruptible to carry out the directives of my Lord. So, I pray today, “ Lord, rein me in and reign in me.”
I am convinced until I am willing to be reined in and under His control that He will never reign in me.
In the abstract, I always want to do God's will. In the particulars I find it hard to stay focused on His will.
I watched a leader who had several assistants who waited until he needed something and then were instantly there to carry out his directive. While, I'm not sure I like that leadership style, I wish I had the attitude of those assistants. I wish I was more interruptible to carry out the directives of my Lord. So, I pray today, “ Lord, rein me in and reign in me.”
I am convinced until I am willing to be reined in and under His control that He will never reign in me.
Monday, May 18, 2009
Changes at Stadia
A message from Marcus Bigelow
It was almost 3 years ago that I temporarily resumed the duties of Stadia West Director in addition to being President-at-Large of Stadia. At the time, it was very necessary to restore confidence and order to Stadia West. Over this period, mostly due to the efforts of our Church Planting Networks, Network Coaches and staff, Stadia West has been able to not only stabilize but to gain momentum.
In the face of the largest recession this country has faced in our lifetimes, we have a balanced budget and are scheduled to plant as many as 14 churches this year. We are also projecting a balanced budget for the 3rd year in a row.
During the past year, I have been compensated for 75% of my time as President at Large and 25% as Stadia West Director. During this time, David Limiero has moved from 25% time as an associate director of Stadia West to 80% as associate director. He has been doing on-the-job training leading to becoming Stadia West Director on January 1, 2010.
Recently the leadership of Stadia, including myself, felt that it was necessary to accelerate this process due to duties that I needed to assume in the National arena. I also felt that David would bring more to Stadia West as Director than I could currently give. So, a decision has been made to move David Limiero to Stadia West Director effective on May 15.
I will remain with Stadia as President at large. My duties will primarily revolve around leading Stadia church planting nationally, recruiting partners for networks, recruiting planters for both East and West, raising funds to move us forward to the next level, and assisting West, East and International departments as needed.
What does this mean?
1. Beginning on Friday, May 15, all things Stadia West that used to come to me will now go to David Limiero. He can be reached at dlimiero@stadia.cc or at (661) 735-4568.2. David will be 80% Stadia West and 20% Life Journey Christian Church in Bakersfield until a successor can be found for Life Journey. 3. The offices will remain in Rocklin. You can still reach the rest of our staff in the same way.4. I will still be maintaining an office in Rocklin as well and my contact info will remain the same.
I move to my new duties with confidence that Stadia West is as strong as it has ever been and will be stronger under David’s leadership than it has been before. David brings a skill set of both visionary and implementation skills that I do not possess. It is not often that one can choose and train his successor. As such I have complete confidence that David is the right person to lead Stadia West.
I am looking forward to this next chapter in my life. Even in the past week, new vistas have opened up that I had not imagined. It is still my dream that Stadia will plant thousands of new churches affecting the lives of millions of people. Over 90% of the churches in the US are still not actively involved in church planting . Imagine what would happen if 10% more became involved in the next decade.
So, please join me in welcoming and supporting David Limiero as he assumes the leadership of Stadia West.
A message from Marcus Bigelow
It was almost 3 years ago that I temporarily resumed the duties of Stadia West Director in addition to being President-at-Large of Stadia. At the time, it was very necessary to restore confidence and order to Stadia West. Over this period, mostly due to the efforts of our Church Planting Networks, Network Coaches and staff, Stadia West has been able to not only stabilize but to gain momentum.
In the face of the largest recession this country has faced in our lifetimes, we have a balanced budget and are scheduled to plant as many as 14 churches this year. We are also projecting a balanced budget for the 3rd year in a row.
During the past year, I have been compensated for 75% of my time as President at Large and 25% as Stadia West Director. During this time, David Limiero has moved from 25% time as an associate director of Stadia West to 80% as associate director. He has been doing on-the-job training leading to becoming Stadia West Director on January 1, 2010.
Recently the leadership of Stadia, including myself, felt that it was necessary to accelerate this process due to duties that I needed to assume in the National arena. I also felt that David would bring more to Stadia West as Director than I could currently give. So, a decision has been made to move David Limiero to Stadia West Director effective on May 15.
I will remain with Stadia as President at large. My duties will primarily revolve around leading Stadia church planting nationally, recruiting partners for networks, recruiting planters for both East and West, raising funds to move us forward to the next level, and assisting West, East and International departments as needed.
What does this mean?
1. Beginning on Friday, May 15, all things Stadia West that used to come to me will now go to David Limiero. He can be reached at dlimiero@stadia.cc or at (661) 735-4568.2. David will be 80% Stadia West and 20% Life Journey Christian Church in Bakersfield until a successor can be found for Life Journey. 3. The offices will remain in Rocklin. You can still reach the rest of our staff in the same way.4. I will still be maintaining an office in Rocklin as well and my contact info will remain the same.
I move to my new duties with confidence that Stadia West is as strong as it has ever been and will be stronger under David’s leadership than it has been before. David brings a skill set of both visionary and implementation skills that I do not possess. It is not often that one can choose and train his successor. As such I have complete confidence that David is the right person to lead Stadia West.
I am looking forward to this next chapter in my life. Even in the past week, new vistas have opened up that I had not imagined. It is still my dream that Stadia will plant thousands of new churches affecting the lives of millions of people. Over 90% of the churches in the US are still not actively involved in church planting . Imagine what would happen if 10% more became involved in the next decade.
So, please join me in welcoming and supporting David Limiero as he assumes the leadership of Stadia West.
It was almost 3 years ago that I temporarily resumed the duties of Stadia West Director in addition to being President-at-Large of Stadia. At the time, it was very necessary to restore confidence and order to Stadia West. Over this period, mostly due to the efforts of our Church Planting Networks, Network Coaches and staff, Stadia West has been able to not only stabilize but to gain momentum.
In the face of the largest recession this country has faced in our lifetimes, we have a balanced budget and are scheduled to plant as many as 14 churches this year. We are also projecting a balanced budget for the 3rd year in a row.
During the past year, I have been compensated for 75% of my time as President at Large and 25% as Stadia West Director. During this time, David Limiero has moved from 25% time as an associate director of Stadia West to 80% as associate director. He has been doing on-the-job training leading to becoming Stadia West Director on January 1, 2010.
Recently the leadership of Stadia, including myself, felt that it was necessary to accelerate this process due to duties that I needed to assume in the National arena. I also felt that David would bring more to Stadia West as Director than I could currently give. So, a decision has been made to move David Limiero to Stadia West Director effective on May 15.
I will remain with Stadia as President at large. My duties will primarily revolve around leading Stadia church planting nationally, recruiting partners for networks, recruiting planters for both East and West, raising funds to move us forward to the next level, and assisting West, East and International departments as needed.
What does this mean?
1. Beginning on Friday, May 15, all things Stadia West that used to come to me will now go to David Limiero. He can be reached at dlimiero@stadia.cc or at (661) 735-4568.2. David will be 80% Stadia West and 20% Life Journey Christian Church in Bakersfield until a successor can be found for Life Journey. 3. The offices will remain in Rocklin. You can still reach the rest of our staff in the same way.4. I will still be maintaining an office in Rocklin as well and my contact info will remain the same.
I move to my new duties with confidence that Stadia West is as strong as it has ever been and will be stronger under David’s leadership than it has been before. David brings a skill set of both visionary and implementation skills that I do not possess. It is not often that one can choose and train his successor. As such I have complete confidence that David is the right person to lead Stadia West.
I am looking forward to this next chapter in my life. Even in the past week, new vistas have opened up that I had not imagined. It is still my dream that Stadia will plant thousands of new churches affecting the lives of millions of people. Over 90% of the churches in the US are still not actively involved in church planting . Imagine what would happen if 10% more became involved in the next decade.
So, please join me in welcoming and supporting David Limiero as he assumes the leadership of Stadia West.
A message from Marcus Bigelow
It was almost 3 years ago that I temporarily resumed the duties of Stadia West Director in addition to being President-at-Large of Stadia. At the time, it was very necessary to restore confidence and order to Stadia West. Over this period, mostly due to the efforts of our Church Planting Networks, Network Coaches and staff, Stadia West has been able to not only stabilize but to gain momentum.
In the face of the largest recession this country has faced in our lifetimes, we have a balanced budget and are scheduled to plant as many as 14 churches this year. We are also projecting a balanced budget for the 3rd year in a row.
During the past year, I have been compensated for 75% of my time as President at Large and 25% as Stadia West Director. During this time, David Limiero has moved from 25% time as an associate director of Stadia West to 80% as associate director. He has been doing on-the-job training leading to becoming Stadia West Director on January 1, 2010.
Recently the leadership of Stadia, including myself, felt that it was necessary to accelerate this process due to duties that I needed to assume in the National arena. I also felt that David would bring more to Stadia West as Director than I could currently give. So, a decision has been made to move David Limiero to Stadia West Director effective on May 15.
I will remain with Stadia as President at large. My duties will primarily revolve around leading Stadia church planting nationally, recruiting partners for networks, recruiting planters for both East and West, raising funds to move us forward to the next level, and assisting West, East and International departments as needed.
What does this mean?
1. Beginning on Friday, May 15, all things Stadia West that used to come to me will now go to David Limiero. He can be reached at dlimiero@stadia.cc or at (661) 735-4568.2. David will be 80% Stadia West and 20% Life Journey Christian Church in Bakersfield until a successor can be found for Life Journey. 3. The offices will remain in Rocklin. You can still reach the rest of our staff in the same way.4. I will still be maintaining an office in Rocklin as well and my contact info will remain the same.
I move to my new duties with confidence that Stadia West is as strong as it has ever been and will be stronger under David’s leadership than it has been before. David brings a skill set of both visionary and implementation skills that I do not possess. It is not often that one can choose and train his successor. As such I have complete confidence that David is the right person to lead Stadia West.
I am looking forward to this next chapter in my life. Even in the past week, new vistas have opened up that I had not imagined. It is still my dream that Stadia will plant thousands of new churches affecting the lives of millions of people. Over 90% of the churches in the US are still not actively involved in church planting . Imagine what would happen if 10% more became involved in the next decade.
So, please join me in welcoming and supporting David Limiero as he assumes the leadership of Stadia West.
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