Scott Cheatham’s Weblog

Because of Christ, we give off a sweet scent rising to God, which is recognized by those on the way of salvation–an aroma redolent with life. But those on the way to destruction treat us more like the stench from a rotting corpse. This is a terrific responsibility. Is anyone competent to take it on? No–but at least we don’t take God’s Word, water it down, and then take it to the streets to sell it cheap. We stand in Christ’s presence when we speak; God looks us in the face. We get what we say straight from God and say it as honestly as we can.
(2 Corinthians 2:15-17 MSG)

My heart has been troubled recently.  Even as I write this, I am praying for God to move in a way that satisfies my thirst for his wisdom.  What am I questioning?  I am not even sure but I think it has to do with attitudes in a day when people need Christ now more than ever.  Let me explain:

Recently, I was reading the thoughts of a person I very much respect in ministry circles.  He had decided after years of attendance at another church that it was time for his family to move on to a new challenge.  In short, he settled on the mega church that was running five services, thousands in attendance, and of course, had a children’s ministry layout to rival even the largest Chuck E. Cheese restaurant.  I read similar thoughts from another leader I know and his thoughts were almost identical.  Both spoke of how their kids were dragging them to church so they could play in the play area (and of course, get some God in there as well).   In neither case did I hear anything about what was being preached from the pulpit.  That bothered me.  Perhaps it was an oversight but more and more as I seek to reach out to families, I struggle with issues like “Do you have a dynamic children’s ministry?”  Of course we do but that’s my opinion.  What is your definition of “dynamic”.  This is just one area but it really bugs me how we have created a church culture of “me” instead of “we”.  Many parents will visit and see that our ministry is housed in a cafeteria and wonder what their kids are learning.  Do they get to play?  Do we have a play area?  The questions go on and on.

To be fair, I realize the value of a solid children’s program but maybe this is where I’m old fashioned.  I believe the kids should learn how to sit, how to read and interact with a lesson, and THEN perhaps have a time of play when all is done.  What is it parents want their kids to learn?  Is it “dynamic” babysitting or do they want “dynamic” bible teaching?  I’ll never have the money to duplicate what I see in so many church plants on line.  To be honest, I don’t want to either.  That sounds selfish but I can’t justify spending that amount of money so junior will drag his mom to church and we call that evangelism.  I guess I’m missing the boat here and will be considered “behind the times” by some.

The above scripture spoke to my heart in this area.  I realize that as a pastor, I get the very words I speak from God and my job is to take His wisdom and present it the best way I can.  I am to preach the word.  That’s why earlier this year, I struggled with the idea of video preaching.  My thoughts were well documented and I received a fair share of criticism for them but that’s okay.  Interaction is what blogging is all about and I learned a lot from others who benefit from the things I questioned.  I just can’t shake the words from this passage out of my head.  For some, the smell of who we are will be a welcome fragrance while for others, stench!  I want to be relevant.  I want my church to grow to healthy levels…not mega church levels, just healthy.  I love my people too much to go “CEO” on them and ignore them after they’ve given me so much to see a dream realized.  I will preach and present God’s wisdom as honestly as I can.

My back and forth struggle comes from others who question what we do, why we do it, and why we aren’t already running 200 in our services.  Only God knows these answers.  I know that church planting is a difficult endeavor in the best of times but with an economy that’s in trouble and gas still very expensive, people are questioning themselves when it comes to things like church.  Some will follow, others will stay for a season and leave while still others smell “stench” and leave after a visit.  I’ve spent some lonely nights on a mountaintop prayer spot I made my own when I first moved to Denver.  As I look out over the city and see the lights, I envision each as a lost soul that needs salvation.  God give me just a handful of lights!  Help me to better serve them.  When you can’t offer a McDonald’s playland for their kids, do you have a chance?  I still think so.

My friend I mentioned at the beginning of this piece is a talented speaker and writer.  He has great leadership qualities and yet, he chose to relocate to a “safe” zone in my opinion rather than bring his gifts to a church that could really have used them to make a difference in the community they serve.  It makes no difference who he is.  He is a representation of much of the population we reach out to.  So many people could benefit churches that need the qualities they possess and yet so many will choose a “safe” option because it’s already built.  I believe Jesus calls us to something more challenging.

My time in God’s word constantly breaks me.  I made a decision years ago to read scripture and allow myself to be shaped by it and not to see how it could fit into my life.  I’ve been tempted many times to go another route but I know it’s what God expects.  So many get angry when they pursue this path because God will challenge our very best thinking but still, HIS word shapes me.  I don’t shape the word to fit my desires anymore.  Sometimes it costs me.  Not anything near what it cost Jesus to redeem me so I’m even selfish for saying that.  I guess this post is more about searching than anything else.  It feels cathartic for me to write it even as I sit in the quiet and listen to peaceful music.

To my readers, I pray for you often.  Pray for me if you are so inclined.  I am so blessed here and have a wonderful church family.  My supervisors are excellent as well.  I just want to do my very best to reach others and build a life-changing church for the glory of our Lord.  I pray over the decisions we make all the time.  Being in this position means you will get criticized.  I just want to know that despite that, God is pleased and that’s all that matters to me.

Have a blessed day!

Any Digital Clock Will Do

Can 48 minutes make a difference in your day? I’m willing to bet it can.  Why do I ask?  Because sometimes, we just need to force ourselves to focus to get through a tough project and quit procrastinating.  A year or so ago, I went to the local discount store and picked up a digital timer with the large numbers similar to the one at left.  I placed it on my desk and set the timer to countdown 48 minutes.  After hitting the “start” key, I began work on a project I had been delaying simply because I didn’t want to do it.  After the 48 minutes expired, I was surprised at how much work I had gotten done.  I took a twelve minute break to get a drink of water, stretch a bit outside, and walk up a few houses down and back.  I then went back to my office for another 48 minute session and was pleasantly surprised when I completed the task before my time was up.  In less than two hours, I had finished something I had put off for weeks.

Sometimes, our minds get the better of us and we find other busy work to occupy us while that ugly task sits in the corner waiting to be completed.  It’s not going away.  We see it every day but just choose to turn our heads.  I’ve found when these types of tasks now come up I simply need to plan 48 minutes to get it done.  Many times, I can bundle tasks into segments that I can complete within this time frame.  It’s amazing how much more productive I feel and how relaxing it is to get those things done you thought might take forever.  Larger tasks might take more than one session and the key here is to take a break.  The 48/12 rule of breaking up one hour (48 minutes on task and 12 for a break) works wonders to clear your head and keep your focus.  Don’t skip this step or you will burn out!

Try it for yourself.  Go to the store, pick up a timer (you can get them for under $10), plan a few tasks, and have at it.  You might be pleasantly surprised at the “Power of 48″.

Leveen's Book

A few years ago, I picked up Steve Leveen’s book “The LIttle Guide to Your Well Read Life” at a local bookstore.  As an avid reader, I was intrigued that someone had written a new book on more effective reading.  In a day when reading seems to be dropping to all time lows, it was refreshing to see this book published.

Leveen’s book relies heavily on one written many years before; Mortimer Adler’s “How To Read A Book” is considered by most bibliophiles to be the best written on the subject.  The thing I liked about Leveen’s work is that while leaning heavily on Adler’s theories, it also takes into account new mediums for books such as the growing audio book market.  It also made for easy reading as it was broken down into manageable chapters and yes, it is available as an audio book as well.

The book begins with Leveen’s own background into his reading passion before providing practical advice on how to take notes on what you are reading, organizing your bookshelves for more effective reading, how to get more books into your life, and how to share your love of books though a local book club.  I read the entire book over a weekend while relaxing on my back porch in the summer of 2005.  I recently “read” the book again in audio form to prepare for this review.

After reading this book, you will be well on your way to more fruitful reading in the years ahead.  It’s a fun, easy guide on getting more life from your books and is readily available at many libraries if you’d like to check it out.

Reading is essential for growth.  Whether you read more print books or formulate a way to include audio books into your life, the lessons learned from effective reading are priceless.  If you’d like to learn more, pick up “The Little Guide to Your Well Read Life” and begin your journey today!

I hope your week has been productive.  I’ve gotten several things done but never feel like I’ve accomplished all I need to.  I feel that way every week so I don’t know why it surprises me.  In any event, here’s some great posts to check out this weekend and enjoy when you have time.

My friend Matt Markins hit one out of the park with his take on the John Edwards news story.  Anytime you question a political story you run the risk of being barbequed for being judgmental.  Matt does a great job at putting the spotlight back on the media that reported the story.

Dr. Danny Conn gives me pause to reflect on the power we have behind our decision making.  This week, the topic was Joshua, one of my favorite biblical characters.  A nice reminder for us all.

Have you ever wondered what would happen if your to-do list disappeared with all your digital tools?  Thursday Bram asks the question and gives us five answers to consider.  Good stuff.

Do you ever feel like you are running out of time?  Not enough time to find and follow your dreams?  Dustin Wax attacks this topics and has some nice advice for you to make some time!

And last but not least…If you are a productivity nerd, you will want to know about the launch of a new forum for you.  “Work, Life, Creativity” has opened to all who would like to discuss productivity and productivity systems.  Stop by for a peek.

That is it for this Friday.  Happy reading!

The NEO by AlphaSmart

At left is the NEO by the AlphaSmart Company.  I’ve been researching this little device after reading about it in a writing magazine at my local bookstore cafe.  The NEO is a word processor, plain and simple.  A typewriter without paper.  You can take it with you anywhere (no wi-fi needed) and it is ready to use the moment you turn it on (no long boot waits like a laptop).  It saves files just like a computer and downloads them into your favorite word processor via a USB cable that comes with the machine.  There are two models of the NEO, the first is one that runs off of 3-AA batteries.  The reviews I’m reading claim that the battery powered model will run close to 700 hours on one set without changing.  That means that you could write nearly two hours every day on the NEO and need to change the batteries ONE TIME.  Pretty impressive.  There is a rechargeable model for more money but I think I will pass on it given the good reports I’m reading about the battery powered model.  It appears to be the more popular of the two models.

The NEO is in use in schools as a tool to focus children on writing.  Face it.  When you are a computer, the temptation is too great to log in to check email, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and other sites.  Don’t get me wrong, it will not replace my laptop.  There’s a time for that also but many times, I’m caught in places where I can’t get on line and just want to work on my sermon, a bible study, or perhaps even a blog post!  This little device works anywhere and is compact enough to work on while you are on a plane (try to that with a laptop in coach class!)  Many authors now sing its praises as a tough as nails machine that works great.  For a little more than $200 it comes with a case to carry it with you and all the accessories needed to mesh it with your computer(s).   It’s text window is adjustable from 2 to 6 lines for those of us with less than perfect eyesight.  I’ve been busy clearing out more junk from my house and selling it on-line to save up the money I need for this classy little device.  Once I have it and it’s up and running, I’ll fill you in on my success with it.

Inspired by Marty Schmidt’s post of the “Four Things I Can’t Get Enough Of Lately”, I began to think about the things I love to enjoy myself (at least for the time being!).  What are yours?

Hamburger Heaven

1. White Castle Hamburgers.
This one gets to me.  I was raised in St. Louis so White Castle was a staple in our family for years.  I remember living in the Mississippi River town of Cape Girardeau when I was first married and driving an hour north to Festus just to get a bag of these.  Imagine my wife’s surprise when she came home from work late on a Saturday to find a bag of “sliders” waiting for her.  That’s silly stuff you do when you are first married and have no kids!  Plus, gas was what, $0.95 a gallon back then!

Burrito Perfection

2. Big City Burritos
At left is the “Big City Burrito” mascot.  I don’t know his name, I don’t care.  What I know is that the burritos at this place are “wicked sick” as my son would say.  You have your choice of tortillas when you come in (my favorite is the cheddar jalapeno) and then stuff it with your favorite meat, beans, rice, veggies and salsa.  After you get this monster in your basket, you can then head over to the sauce area where they have anywhere from 30-to-60 different types of sauce (No fooling!).  My son and i tried one that had a brain for the cap and when you opened it, the aroma cleared your sinuses instantly.  It was called “mind blowing” something but all I know is, it was dee-licious.  If you come to Colorado, I’ll take you here for lunch.  My son likes to get chips and “strawberry-jabanero” salsa to go!  Wonderful stuff!

Give me a drink!

3. Cherry Coke.
Outside of sweet tea, this is my soft-drink of choice.  I’ve loved Cherry Coke since I was a kid.  Too much soda is bad I know so I limit myself but boy, does this stuff hit the spot!  When they tried the “Black Cherry Vanilla” stuff, it was horrible.  It reminded me of cough medicine.  I like Cherry Coke…I like Vanilla Coke…But I DID NOT like them mixed!

A Good Cup of Joe!

4.  Channel Islands Coffee.
I didn’t think I’d like a fast-food cup of coffee but with gas at nearly $4 a gallon, one of the budget moves I made was cutting back on my Starbucks habit.  Enter “Channel Islands”, available at Carl’s Jr. restaurants. (Known as Hardees in other parts of the country).  I’m not sure if this is the stock coffee served at all of their stores nationwide but here, for $1.19, you get a large coffee and it is good stuff.  I tried some other places but opted for this one when given a choice.  For now, it’s not available in bag form, just from the restaurant so I still make much of my own at home using my french press or Toddy cold brewer.  But if I’m on the run and want some coffee to clear my head, I make plans to stop at a Carl’s Jr. now instead of the Starbucks drive through…(Okay, I still go there frequent enough but I’ve cut back significantly.)

I have other favorites too but in the spirit of the four things, there you have it.  Thanks Marty, now I have the munchies.

ESV Study Bible

Those who know me know that my bible of preference when teaching or preaching is the English Standard Version.   I use different translations in my study but if I had to pick one, the ESV would be it.  I am quite excited about the upcoming release of the new ESV Study Bible.  I’ve been hearing about this study bible for two years now and have been impressed with the pre-publication reviews of this resource.  The publishers of the ESV, Crossway, recently released it’s own blog, youtube video, and a full PDF preview of the book of Jonah to help promote this edition of the scriptures.  From all accounts, it looks like this will be a fine study bible.  I plan on buying copies of it for those on my staff who preach as a year end gift.

The ESV comes in some great editions and most are available online.  The “Literary Study Bible” released last year is available as a digital resource for a very reasonable one-time price.  The new study bible, to be released in October, will be available at no cost online for purchasers of the text edition.  I’ve used the Literary notes extensively in my research and the online study helps offered by third party vendors with permission from Crossway make available many fine commentaries and study notes.  I have no reason to believe the online edition of the ESV study bible will be anything less than five-star.

All in all, this will be a standard for study bibles in the future.  The beautiful illustrations, full notes, and single column readability will rival any others I’ve used.  The quality bindings available will also make it last so your investment will be worth it.  As this text’s popularity grows, more materials are being made available for it.  One that I highly recommend comes from a pastor I admire greatly, Randy Sawyer.  HIs “Regaining Balance” book is a wonderful devotional that you could use for a sermon series or an entire church campaign.  Of course, if you just want to use it for your own personal quiet time, it’s excellent for that as well and it uses the ESV text as it’s base for the devotions.  Okay, shameless plug for the book over now!

When I receive my copy of the ESV study bible, I’ll give you a full review here  but from what I’ve seen in the PDF previews released, you’ll want to put this one on your Christmas wish list if you’re in the market for a new bible.

A Solid Resource

Do you have an intentional plan to grow as a leader in the coming year? As the summer winds down and fall comes upon us in a few weeks now is a great time to consider this question. A year ago, I purchased the “One Year Personal Growth Plan” resource from the Church Leader Insights website. For many in business and ministry, the fiscal calendar begins with back to school. My own personal planning runs from September 1-to-August 31 each year. I usually take the month of August to begin planning goals, ideas, big-days, and special events for our church family. Last year, I added the practices from this resource to my calendar. I listened to this resource again earlier this month and set in motion my plans to continue growing in the 2008-09 year.

This audio training, running about 70 minutes, features Nelson Searcy and Roy Mansfield from the “Journey” church in New York. In that time, they share with you a complete system of growth for the next 12 months. They do this in four areas: Annually, Monthly, Weekly, and Daily. All four areas are important and in each, Searcy and Mansfield give you tips for incorporating growth strategies into your year.

Personal growth may sound a bit egotistical but it’s not. I believe that as a leader, I must continue to grow each year if I expect God to grow our church. It’s no accident that healthy churches have excellent leaders and those leaders didn’t develop their skills by chance. They came as a result of a focused effort to improve. This resource gives you the tools to do just that.

You can download this training for $20 from the Church Leader Insights online store. I do not work for them nor do I benefit in any way if you purchase this. I do believe in passing along great tools and this is one of them. Get this now so you can listen and plan over the next few weeks to grow as a leader in the year ahead. I’d like to connect with anyone who has used this and find out how it’s helped them. As always, you can comment below.

Good day!  Here’s a few links for you to check out over the weekend.  I hope you enjoy these…

Dustin Wax has written a nice post about alternatives to time-wasting meetings.  You can read it here.  I think I speak for many when I say that ill-planned and lousy organized meetings suck the life right out of you.

Ben Arment has written a nice piece about staying connected titled “You’ll Never Need a Resume Again”.  It’s worth your time.  As a pastor, I read this thinking about our relationships with our church families, especially at times when the relationship can get strained.  Give it some thought.

Those of you who know me personally know how much I enjoy the writing of Erwin McManus.  Marty Schmidt has already read the new book by Erwin titled “Wide Awake”.  You can read his review of it here.

I also want to give another shout out to Jacob Riggs and his blog “AFrayedKnot”.  This week, Jacob posted the details on how YOU can get a free sample of the new young adult small group resource “The Brink”.  I think a lot of Jacob.  His heart and passion for ministry are evident.  Do yourself a favor and pick this up and check it out.  It costs you NOTHING.

Have a great week.  I’ll see you again on Monday!

The addictive stuff!

This week I came to the realization that I have a silent addiction.  One that causes me to search through my pockets endlessly to make sure I have the “stuff” needed to make it through the day.  I’m speaking of….Listerine Pocket Paks breath fresheners!  Yea, I know it could be worse but I have these horrible silent fears that my breath will not be minty fresh if I run into someone that I can talk to about our church.  You know what they say about first impressions!

I’ve tried all the different flavors, “cool mint” being my favorite although right now, my pocket has a pack of “fresh citrus” in it.  I came to the realization that I was addicted this past Sunday popping a couple prior to setup.  I had a few french toast sticks brought by one of our workers and then I made off to the men’s room to rinse my mouth and pop two more before service.  I was in between points on my message and took a drink of water and unbelievably, had one in hand to pop after the drink.  That’s when I knew it was bad!  Then, after service, two more in hand to make sure I was fresh enough to thank everyone for coming and to pray with those who needed it.  Believe me, nothing stops the spirit working like having trash truck breath when you’re praying for someone.  Thanks pastor but no thanks!  I think I’m buying six of these each week!  Thankfully, they sell them in three packs so my wife bought me a “bonus” pack a few weeks ago with a little plastic car holder for the strip pack.  You put the little pack in the bottom of the car and when you pop the lid to get your breath strip it looks like you’re lifting the hood!  Great.  Now I have a hot wheels wannabe pack holder in my pocket.  When will it all end?

Laugh if you must, but remember me this week.  I don’t know how these affect my diet but at least you know I’ll have minty fresh breath to talk to every person I shake hands with this weekend!  Now if you’ll excuse me, I have to go run to Wal-Mart to pick up another three pack!