Scott Cheatham’s Weblog

Well, I DID promise you a Friday rundown of blogs. I just didn’t plan on it being late Sunday night my time when I did this. That’s the way the week has went. I’ll blog more about that later (perhaps a series on patience!). For now, I wanted to give my usual weekly shout-out to some others whose posts are worth reading..

I’ve always appreciated Ben Arment’s thoughts and ideas. This past week, he wrote about a key component to building solid church teams; a “vision” breakfast. Consider his thoughts and plan your own!

The “Ministry Marketing Coach” has a new spin on the tired church newsletter. Can it be of use to you. Chris seems to think so!

Leo at Zen Habits has written about a “Life Laundry Day” to help you plan your week. Check this out and get moving with a weekly to daily routine. I’ve done this on Sunday nights for a few years now and it really helps me plan my weeks and break them down into days.

I think tomorrow I will order Nelson Searcy’s “Time Management for Busy Pastors” for my staff. I’ve read a number of great books on time management and use my GTD+R system faithfully each day to manage my tasks. However, the audio medium is appealing to busy pastors who can listen in their cars, while exercising, etc.. The resource is a bit expensive for our little church plant, $87 for the boxed set, but I think it will pay large dividends in the long run. Nelson’s stuff is good and gives you many things to think about.

Well, have a good start to your week. I will try to post sometime tomorrow as time allows! Be blessed.

To my readers I apologize for my lack of posting this week. As I mentioned in my blog Friday, we are in the process of moving the church I pastor from a school to a storefront and that has eaten up much of the time I give to my writing. I skipped Monday and have had no time to write for today other than this little announcement.

I will be back Friday with my blog links for the week and hopefully, will find some time to write for Monday.

Keep reading and thanks for stopping by!

I’m sooo late with this post. It’s been a long week as we prepare to move our church into a storefront from a school building where we’ve been meeting for nearly three years. Please pray for us!

Here’s a look at some posts that caught my eye this week…

I have been a big fan of Google Docs since it’s release. Now, the folks at Google have added some fantastic templates to the mix. Merlin Mann speaks for many in his blog post on this topic when he says that Google has upped the ante on Microsoft with these templates. Over 300 are now available.

J. Mark Bertrand writes at a few different sites but I’ve always enjoyed his posts on Bible design. His love of quality mimics mine but I don’t think I have his budget with my three kids still at home. One day perhaps but not now! This week, Bertrand writes about his soon to arrive Allan’s ESV Bible. I think he’s just about convinced me to order one sometime this fall!

If you just can’t enough lists on productivity hacks for your life, Leo Babauta has taken it a notch higher with his post this week on “The List to Beat all Lists”. Check it out here.

Another post from Merlin Mann. This time it’s tips from Kurt Vonnegut on “Writing Better”. Anyone who blogs should read this.

…and finally

Nelson Searcy referenced some information he had posted on how to have a Newcomers Reception at your churches. Connecting with newcomers is so key to all that we do to try to build our churches. I think you’ll benefit from reading this little bit.

That’s it for today. Have fun reading these and I’ll catch you again on Monday!

When PDA’s were all the rage several years ago, I never could quite get into having one. Oh, I thought the idea was cool but they were just too pricey and the idea of carrying it around gave me nightmares about dropping it, getting it wet, or misplacing it. I finally relented a few years ago when a friend of mine gave me his old black and white PALM but I only used it for a few months before deciding to sell it on Craig’s List for $35.

Managing information doesn’t have to be so labor intensive. Take, for example, the simplicity offered by the “PocketMod” organizer.

The PocketMod is an organizer that is prepared with a single sheet of paper. A little folding and cutting is required (An instructional video on the site gets you started) but after a few times, you won’t need those anymore.

You can create the pages that you need most at their site or even take it a step farther and custom design templates (I’ve never done that) if you wish. The process is simple. Go to the site and enter the template area. From there, pick out what you need from their drag and drop menus. Organize the pages in any order you wish and then print it out, fold it, cut it, and you’re done. The process takes a few minutes at the beginning and seconds each day if you use one daily. Templates include the standard calendars, weekly notes, daily plans, eating plans, checkbook register, and appointment calendars. Other templates includes games like dots, sudoku, and tic-tac-toe while still others are designed for goal setting. You can craft them however you wish. I will warn you though, it does get addictive trying to find the perfect mix.

With a PocketMod, you can have a disposable, take-it-with-you, planner that you can easily transfer information from into your digital tools during the day. If you lose it, no big deal. If you drop it or get it wet, who cares! You don’t have to worry about sitting on it. Just stuff it in your pocket and get on with your day.

Who would have thought that a single piece of paper could be so efficient!

Enjoy.

Last week, I wrote about the need to have our church connect more with the 20-something generation. In doing so, I acknowledged that the problem of churches connecting with this age group lies not only with the church itself but also with the priorities of the 20-something generation. This group is largely new to their freedoms as more and more adults wait to move out of their parents’ homes into places of their own. Once out, the routine they were so used to is no longer there and priorities change. Staying up late, seeing no real reason to spend any weekend time in a church, and lack of ministry ownership are just a few of the many responses that are given by this age group when asked about their lack of participation in churches today.So what should we do? Many churches are just now beginning to take notice as their longtime members pass away. In a recent article in “One” magazine (The official magazine for the Free Will Baptist denomination), author Richard Atwood lamented this problem when he said: “Many congregations today are filled with older people, and a lot of pastors are conducting a great number of funerals.” You can read the entire article here. I would concur with his thoughts and appeciated the comments his daughter added at the very end. The problem is clear but the answer is still one that will be debated by countless others. The issue I have with this predicament is that as we discuss and consider ideas the generation gets older and further removed from the church. We must take action and do it quickly if we are to see another generation of people discipled and ready to serve in our churches.

The have never know television without the option of a VCR (now DVR) to record their favorite shows and basic cable was always on. Nickelodeon, MTV, and the Cartoon Network were always available. In my generation, I had to share a black and white TV set with my older sister and our choices were rationed since the local independent station aired the cartoons, Gilligan’s Island, and the Monkees reruns all in one place.

Cellphones and the internet have been common with them since they were old enough to care. When I was in high school, my friends and I used to joke about the very few people we knew who had “Car Phones” (Remember the big bricks those things used to be?). Now, not only can you make a call but you can text, surf the net, and play video games on a device that fits in your pocket. Computers are common too. My high school graduation gift was a Commodore 64 computer. I remember in my early 20’s thinking I had hit the jackpot when I finally added a modem to it so I could access bulletin boards! (For you younger folks, this was the precursor to the internet!) I remember monitoring my phone usage when calling the BBS’s (as they were called) since the best ones were always long distance calls. Now, I surf the internet for free in my local coffee shop (I am writing this over a cup).

None of them remember the Reagan years in our country and formed their opinions about politics growing up in the Clinton era. This is a biggie. The hate speech from both sides of the aisles (and there was plenty) led them to form a different worldview about politics than I did.

As for church, they grew up during the Jimmy Swaggart and Jim Bakker scandals. Their parents were likely sickened by the transgressions of these well known televangelists and the child abuse of many young boys by Catholic priests and their thoughts about church leaders (of which I am one) were formed with much less trust than I was raised with. When I shook a preacher’s (or priest’s) hand, I felt I was shaking the hand of someone who could be trusted and who was to be respected greatly. If I didn’t, I’d find myself in the crying room getting a whipping if I didn’t stay quiet during the service.

One other thought and this is purely my own but I also see many in this generation who grew up with the megachurch and the decadence of such ministries soured many on where their money and time would be spent. I have nothing against the megachurch but many in this generation I talk to ask me about why such elaborate buildings are needed. Why do we need all of the stuff that makes up a church? Some things are certanly necessary but it can be argued that others are about satisfying someone within the church who has an itch for a certain ministry. I’ve been questioned about how the money is spent and if it really goes to those who need salvation and true life change.

There is no simple answer but as I ponder my thoughts about outreach in general I know this much to be true: People need the Lord in their lives today. It’s true of the 20-somethings just as it is true of my own generation. Finding ways to connect by involving and allowing this group to grow and take leadership (and be willing to let them make mistakes) will be paramount as we move forward. If we continue to stifle their own growth and not allow any change in our ministries to take place as this group makes suggestions, we will continue to lose them. We do not have to compromise to be successful here. We merely need to be willing to grow in our own spiritual life and leave the comfort of our own little ministry circle to reach out to someone in this group and invite them to church. Will you be that one? I hope so.

It’s been a busy week here in Denver. It’s hard to believe it’s already Friday but here we are!. Here’s a brief rundown of some blog posts you may enjoy over the weekend. Have fun…

I made mention of this earlier this week but Jacob Riggs at “AFrayedKnot” has written two short but to the point posts about church outreach to the 20-somethings in your community. Part One and Part Two are both worth checking out in that order!

Dustin Wax at Lifehack has a great piece on “The Science of Setting Goals” that I think you’ll enjoy. It’s amazing to me how many people put off this much needed practice thinking they can just put things in their minds and let it go. I did this for years and never had the successes I’ve had since writing things down.

If you are a church planter or are simply looking to market your business or church, read Doug’s post at “Planting Space” titled “Email Marketing Services”. It’s a good read!

…and finally….

Some free stuff! Yes indeed. You can download a free copy of the ebook “A Brief Guide to World Domination” from the site of writer Chris Guillebeau at his site. The book is a call to action for setting goals, making solid life change, and achievement. Whatever you do these days, there’s something for you to take away in this little ebook and IT’S FREE. I believe this type of publishing will revolutionize the way we think of reading, publication, and writing in the next 5 years. As I mentioned earlier with setting goals, one of mine is to publish a book in the next 5 years and I’ve already decided that the first one will be put online FREE in this type of format.

Have a great weekend. I’ll be back with you again on Monday.

I’m 41 (as of this writing). I feel young and enjoy spending time with folks both older and younger than myself. However, as I talk to pastors and even survey my own congregation, I’m seeing a generation of people nearly removed from the church. The 20-somethings. More and more, I’m hearing that churches are seeing their lower demographic age rise to the early 30’s. Very few folks in their 20’s are connecting with the church. It’s probably a bit better in more rural family type areas but in Denver, where I’m located, the disconnect of this age group is alarming many pastors.

Now to be fair, each age group has issues and problems. The 20-somethings tend to plagued with the combination of new freedoms (they are no longer teens under parental guidance), a host of things to do, and staying out and up late on Saturday nights (even my friends who host Saturday evening churches say they are not coming there either preferring to stay out at night spots).

I realize others will state problems with other age groups but that’s merely finger pointing and does not address the issue. This week, a friend and fellow blogger, Jacob Riggs, wrote a two part series on this very subject that made me think long and hard about how I can increase our church’s outreach to this group. You’ll find part one here, and part two here.

One thing I appreciate about Jacob’s thoughts is that he is doing something about this. Jacob works for Randall House, a publication company that produces small group materials (or Sunday School curriculum if that is your preference) and is developing a resource for churches to use called “The Brink”. I plan on using “The Brink” when it becomes available later this year as part of our church’s outreach and discipleship plan.

I think Jacob’s on to something. I like his thoughts on his generation being more open to taking ownership of the church ministry and to challenge older folks to welcome and accept their thoughtful input. Ministry is challenging no matter the age. We owe it to ourselves to do all we can to reach all of humanity, not just our own age group.

I’ll have more to say on this next week.

Anyone who knows me personally knows I’m an avid reader. Finding good books to read is an endeavor I think that will last me the rest of my life. Very few books are written these days suggesting good reading material much less that of a Christian nature. Today, I want to share with you one of the best. “Take & Read” is a book about spiritual reading. It’s author, Eugene Peterson, is best known for his paraphrase of the bible titled “The Message”. Peterson’s works over the years have been a blessing to me. This one highlights several types of reading lists and suggests books that many of you probably have never heard of. I know I had not heard of some of these books until reading about them in Peterson’s lists.

Take & Read begins with a call to deeper spiritual reading. So much of what is on bookstore shelves these days is quite shallow and does not require much work to digest. The books on this list, however, will give you pause to think. One of the first books I read from the suggestions in this volume, John Cassian’s “Conferences”, was an amazing read though it took a while for me take it all in. The book is hundreds of years old (yes, even over a thousand years old) and read like a modern day book of pastoral work. There are other great suggestions here for you to consider. Most of the books are classics and many are available for free through the internet if you know where to look! There are some modern day works recommended though. Peterson does not limit his choices to just those books that are hundreds of years old.

There’s much great reading out there that is considered classic literature that you will never find on the shelves of ANY bookstore. These are books that are crying out to be read in our modern day. Do yourself a favor and pick up a copy of this book and begin making your own lists. Then, enjoy the reading!

Happy Independence Day! I hope you and your family will enjoy the day and for those who can, a nice extended weekend. Here’s a look at some blog posts you may want to check out to pass the time with some interesting reading…

Lorie Marrero has written another great article, this time on organizing your passwords. This is advice I need to take to heart as I have a hodge podge system of keeping track of the various passwords I use at different sites. As organized as I am on other fronts, I’m not on this one. Very timely and very uselful. Thanks Lorie!

Joel Falconer has a nice piece about creating a portable office with a flash drive. I really like the concept. As a church planter, my main office is in my home but I’m out a lot and it helps to have things with you that you need. This article gives good advice on how to get started. This along with web 2.0 content is the future of my office. All of my reference materials for bible study are available through a pay site I use and a flash drive can take all of the “local” items I need to stay mobile.

Not that this is really a link for reading, but you may want to take note of the new Erwin McManus book ready to hit shelves soon. Ben Arment teases us with a picture. Thanks for the heads up Ben. If you are a fan of McManus’ writing, get this on your wishlist soon as I have!

One of the best articles I’ve read this week I read early this morning as I was preparing for my day. Adrian writes “Don’t bring me Answers, Bring me More Questions!” and he’s spot on with his thoughts. Many times, the best way to approach this is through a process called “Active Wondering”. (At least, that’s what I call it). This article focuses on just that. The gist of it is that by just relying on answers, you limit your possibilities. It will make you think!

And then…..

Devin Hudson is a fellow church planter in Las Vegas and writes a quick, to the point, post about simple ministry. If you lead a church, take 45 seconds and read this. It’s point is well taken.

Okay, that’s it for today. I’m off to spend some time with my family. Have a blessed weekend and I’ll see you again on Monday!

Last night I spoke at length with a friend of mine who was planting a church in the same area I am in. “John” and I became good friends over the years. He started his church a year before Becky and I moved here. He had his share of struggles and his church experienced many of the same ups and downs that mine has.

John’s church closed a month ago.

Last night we talked about the hurt that led to the closure. A person in John’s church undermined his leadership by stirring up trouble with other families in the church. It appears this person felt his ministry was on par with that of the entire church and the plan was to eventually force John and his wife out and take over the church. What a horrible wreck Satan can make of things. This was not the only time this had happened. Shortly before the fall season last year, John and I met to enjoy some coffee and pray and he had informed me that several families had left the church over some other issues. This seems to happen a lot as more and more people refuse to yield to the admonition of scripture and obey. Instead, they find things to nitpick and then leave. In John’s case, he and his wife prayed long and hard and decided it was too much to start over. They gifted their location to another church and it’s pastor and have moved on. In a related note, the person who started all the trouble to begin with felt “betrayed” that the church would do such a thing and left. Apparently, the scripture about pride going before the fall never made it in his devotional notes.

Church planting is difficult. In the past year alone, several church plants in my area have either closed or are going through leadership changes due to the stress and pressure to establish a new work. The rough economy has made this tougher as people withhold their tithes and some refuse to drive to church because of high gas prices. We can preach the words of the bible but none of us have the power to force anyone to do anything. That’s where God says he’ll do the work. I take great comfort in that.

John needs prayer. His wife too. She is taking it harder than him. You don’t invest nearly a decade of your life in something only to watch it die. John really tried. His heart was right. His mission true. Satan is at work in our world to destroy the work of the kingdom. We must never forget that. Yes God is more powerful but he calls us to prepare ourselves for the battle and we had best be getting ready and always growing in our walk with Christ.

I know you don’t know John but if you would, remember him and his family in your prayers this week.