http://rachelbarnhart.blogspot.com/
Unbeliever #3
Heather, Rae Rae, and I decided that we wanted to interview some people right off the street in order to see what people who we have no connections with responded. We went to the Gettysburg outlets in search of a victim (giggle). We approached a group of teens, 3 to be exact, and asked them our questions....here is the results.
When asked what the greatest need in there area was, tourists and maintenance improvement (like the roads, sidewalks, etc). Two did not currently attend church, but the other one did. That was exciting to hear. The reason for the two not attending church is because it's too early in the morning or because they are lazy. You could tell that the one teen has been hurt in the past or has been preached at. You could sense a bitterness when asked the question "if you could attend a church what would it be?" His answer: Not as much "God's watching and throwing lightning bolts at you whenever you mess up" kinda thing. He believes that the Bible should be taught as how to live a moral life and not how to get to heaven. The girl said she wanted a church that is upbeat. One that reminds her of her childhood years when she did attend. She wants one that has exciting worship and not boring hymnals. All of them agreed that pastors should put their life experience into their sermons and not be monotonous. It was a good experience all around. They were a good group and seemed pretty interested in our questions. We had fun with them.
Monday, March 30, 2009
David Kennard
http://rachelbarnhart.blogspot.com
Guest Speaker: David Kennard
David Kennard surprised me on how he pastors his church. I never ever considered pastoring a church without preaching. It just seemed unbiblical and unrealistic. It's pretty much unheard of. It definitely opened my mind to it. In addition to that, I love the fact that he has a church in a mall. What a great outreaching tool. I think it breaks down some expectations of church that people put on it. Shoppers can walk right in and not feel too terribly uncomfortable or like an outcast. It meets the people where they are and that is important and rare. One thing that you hit on in discussion and worries me is that they are not growing as much as they should be. That creates questions and concerns, but other than that I think David has done an amazing job. He wears a lot of hats and has it all pretty much organized. He makes it a priority to connect with his congregation and it thrills me to hear that they joke around with him when he has to preach. It sounds like he has some fun relationships with them and I love to hear that!
Guest Speaker: David Kennard
David Kennard surprised me on how he pastors his church. I never ever considered pastoring a church without preaching. It just seemed unbiblical and unrealistic. It's pretty much unheard of. It definitely opened my mind to it. In addition to that, I love the fact that he has a church in a mall. What a great outreaching tool. I think it breaks down some expectations of church that people put on it. Shoppers can walk right in and not feel too terribly uncomfortable or like an outcast. It meets the people where they are and that is important and rare. One thing that you hit on in discussion and worries me is that they are not growing as much as they should be. That creates questions and concerns, but other than that I think David has done an amazing job. He wears a lot of hats and has it all pretty much organized. He makes it a priority to connect with his congregation and it thrills me to hear that they joke around with him when he has to preach. It sounds like he has some fun relationships with them and I love to hear that!
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Guest Speaker: Jason Lamar
Jason is just an amazing guy all around. He is very humble and passionate and I can't help but get stirred up and more passionate for the youth when I'm around him. There is something so real that he brings to the table when he speaks. He doesn't try to fluff things up and he doesn't over-complicate things. I've seen evangelists get all preachy, pushy, and over-spiritual (like they spoke in terms that only people who were raised up in a church environment could understand). Jason doesn't do this. He is very simple in his speech and is able to reach the youth in a way that relates to them. I absolutely love the way he instills his 777 (follow-up technique) to the churches who are working with him. Follow up has always been a big thing to me. It shows the people you are reaching that you care and that you aren't just fooling around. It's very critical because you want to make sure that they get connected and don't get lost in all the emotion. A lot of times Satan will try to steal them right after this experience and so it's important to be there for them and really get them connected into the family. Jason has a good system going for him and I've been on several 7 Projects myself. It is an amazing ministry!!!
Jason is just an amazing guy all around. He is very humble and passionate and I can't help but get stirred up and more passionate for the youth when I'm around him. There is something so real that he brings to the table when he speaks. He doesn't try to fluff things up and he doesn't over-complicate things. I've seen evangelists get all preachy, pushy, and over-spiritual (like they spoke in terms that only people who were raised up in a church environment could understand). Jason doesn't do this. He is very simple in his speech and is able to reach the youth in a way that relates to them. I absolutely love the way he instills his 777 (follow-up technique) to the churches who are working with him. Follow up has always been a big thing to me. It shows the people you are reaching that you care and that you aren't just fooling around. It's very critical because you want to make sure that they get connected and don't get lost in all the emotion. A lot of times Satan will try to steal them right after this experience and so it's important to be there for them and really get them connected into the family. Jason has a good system going for him and I've been on several 7 Projects myself. It is an amazing ministry!!!
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Nick Poole
Guest Speaker: Nick Poole
Even though quite young, he is very well experienced and shows much wisdom in the area of church planting. Nick has helped plant many churches and is continuing to do so in the Pittsburgh area with Allison Park. I absolutely loved the fact then when he answered the questions, he didn't beat around the bush, he didn't go on a rant about what's going on in his church, or what their church is known for, or what has worked for them....he simply gave an answer. To me this says that he was more interested in meeting our needs and questions then his desires and wants. This is big. I noticed that Nick is the first one to do this. All the rest threw out what they were known for, or they would go on a rant and talk about things that didn't at all pertain to the question that was asked. I believe we can learn a lot from this. Nick is a listener. He listened intently to what we were asking and then gave us a direct answer. As Christians, we should do the same. I feel that in some ways, when talking to an unbeliever or just someone who is hurt and is in need of answers, we give them fluff and Christianese. But how about just answering the question...it's that simple. Our problem is that because we are knowledgeable we tend to want to rant and rave, when really all they are interested in is you listening to them and then giving them a straight answer in the end.
Even though quite young, he is very well experienced and shows much wisdom in the area of church planting. Nick has helped plant many churches and is continuing to do so in the Pittsburgh area with Allison Park. I absolutely loved the fact then when he answered the questions, he didn't beat around the bush, he didn't go on a rant about what's going on in his church, or what their church is known for, or what has worked for them....he simply gave an answer. To me this says that he was more interested in meeting our needs and questions then his desires and wants. This is big. I noticed that Nick is the first one to do this. All the rest threw out what they were known for, or they would go on a rant and talk about things that didn't at all pertain to the question that was asked. I believe we can learn a lot from this. Nick is a listener. He listened intently to what we were asking and then gave us a direct answer. As Christians, we should do the same. I feel that in some ways, when talking to an unbeliever or just someone who is hurt and is in need of answers, we give them fluff and Christianese. But how about just answering the question...it's that simple. Our problem is that because we are knowledgeable we tend to want to rant and rave, when really all they are interested in is you listening to them and then giving them a straight answer in the end.
Thursday, March 12, 2009
Unbeliever # 2
Unbeliever #2
I interviewed a lady at my mom's work. She has 3 kids and one of her sons actually goes to youth group but she doesn't attend the church. I find that interesting. She believes that the greatest need in her area is getting the kids active, especially in the summer because they get bored and into trouble. The topics and issues that interest her the most is every-day life stuff; not just Scripture verses. She would like pastors to be down to earth, real, and funny. The reason why she doesn't attend church is that she is too busy. If she were to look for a church she would pick one that seems to be what she believes is right in her heart. Her advice to pastors is not to be overbearing or pushy; to really be concerned with the people and not just bringing them to church to fill the pews. I'm finding out that people have the wrong idea of church. They think of it as some ritual or some way to clear your conscience throughout the week. I think we need to do a better job in communicating that it is not this way at all.
I interviewed a lady at my mom's work. She has 3 kids and one of her sons actually goes to youth group but she doesn't attend the church. I find that interesting. She believes that the greatest need in her area is getting the kids active, especially in the summer because they get bored and into trouble. The topics and issues that interest her the most is every-day life stuff; not just Scripture verses. She would like pastors to be down to earth, real, and funny. The reason why she doesn't attend church is that she is too busy. If she were to look for a church she would pick one that seems to be what she believes is right in her heart. Her advice to pastors is not to be overbearing or pushy; to really be concerned with the people and not just bringing them to church to fill the pews. I'm finding out that people have the wrong idea of church. They think of it as some ritual or some way to clear your conscience throughout the week. I think we need to do a better job in communicating that it is not this way at all.
Saturday, March 7, 2009
Brian and Angie Bolt
Guest Speaker: Brian and Angie Bolt
A lot of what they do reminds me of Freedom House, except for the fact that they have a women's home. I believe this is a very effective ministry. Both Brian and Angie are very wise. There is definitely an anointing on these two and you could just sense their gentle hearts and genuiness. They know what they are up against and they fight it with truth. Angie really hit home when she talked about the weight of ministry. This is something I'm currently dealing with, but what she said brought great insight and is helping me to overcome the fear, doubts, and concerns I have. Also, I loved how we touched base on humility. I've seen a lot of leaders and pastors consider themselves to be "holier than thou," prideful, only looking out for themselves. I believe it is very important to be humble and there are so many benefits from it. God has a special place in His heart for the humble. "He opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble." Because Brian and Angie are always examining themselves and keeping themselves in check, they will go far. God has blessed them so much already and will continue to do so.
A lot of what they do reminds me of Freedom House, except for the fact that they have a women's home. I believe this is a very effective ministry. Both Brian and Angie are very wise. There is definitely an anointing on these two and you could just sense their gentle hearts and genuiness. They know what they are up against and they fight it with truth. Angie really hit home when she talked about the weight of ministry. This is something I'm currently dealing with, but what she said brought great insight and is helping me to overcome the fear, doubts, and concerns I have. Also, I loved how we touched base on humility. I've seen a lot of leaders and pastors consider themselves to be "holier than thou," prideful, only looking out for themselves. I believe it is very important to be humble and there are so many benefits from it. God has a special place in His heart for the humble. "He opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble." Because Brian and Angie are always examining themselves and keeping themselves in check, they will go far. God has blessed them so much already and will continue to do so.
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
Church rater # 2
The ChurchWhat Church did you visit? Rabbi Ed What city or town is this Church located? It was here in room 2003 What date and service did you attend? It was Friday the 28th of February |
EvaluatingHow would you rate this church?
|
First ImpressionsOutside:Was the building easy to find?yesWas it difficult to find parking?no How about the interior or exterior signage- what would you do differently?its not his church buildingWhat did the appearance, style, or construction of the building communicate to you?Freedom ValleyBefore the service:Did anyone approach you and speak to you before the service got underway?YesIf someone did speak to you, how did you feel about that? It was nice. they were all so sweet Can you share their names? no, I don't remember Did you know them before the visit? no General observations: As you observed the people "doing their church thing", what went through your mind? They're open and friendly and very passionate Were you able to understand why they do what they do? yes, they love God so much Do they seem sincere? Oh my word...yes What do you think about the overall presentation of the service? (the liturgy, program or flow of the service) Amazing! Bulletin and communications: Is there anything in the church bulletin that you find confusing or offensive? no church bulletin If this were your "business", how would you improve the communication part of it- the bulletin especially? Were announcements clear, and interesting (did you want to sign up for anything)? Children's Ministry Does this church appear kid-friendly? There wasn't any kids Did you bring any children with you to the service? no If so, ask them about their experience. What did they tell you? Music and Prayer How would you describe the music? very Jewish, pretty, hebrew Did you enjoy any of it? yes Did you feel like you connected with God during any part of it? yes How was it different from what you are used to? slower, we danced at the end Would you enjoy worshiping like that often? yes What did you think of the prayers that were offered in the service? they were in Hebrew and then he translated it to English, focused on who God is and thanking Him As you listened to the prayers, what did you learn about how that church might think of people, or of God? They are so enthralled by Him, so much passion and love The Speaker's Presentation |
Did the Pastor or speaker seem likable?
yes
yes
Is he/she a person you might enjoy having coffee with? Why?
yes, very down to earth, loving and caring, we struck up a conversation right away
yes, very down to earth, loving and caring, we struck up a conversation right away
Did he/she seem engaged/sincere/condescending?
yes, very much
yes, very much
Were you motivated to do or think anything differently because of the talk?
yes, most definately
yes, most definately
What could they have done to make it more enjoyable or useful?
Umm, considering that it was more like a Bible Study and not totally a real church service I would say no.
Umm, considering that it was more like a Bible Study and not totally a real church service I would say no.
Please erase any of the following descriptors that did not apply to the talk: Enjoyable, Thought-provoking, Slow, Useful
The Message
What was the main idea of the message?
The Light
The Light
What action did the speaker want you to take or consider taking?
it was more like a Bible study so if was more informative and more information than anything
it was more like a Bible study so if was more informative and more information than anything
Did the talk itself (the subject matter) hold your attention?
yes
yes
Did any part of the talk stand out to you in a positive or negative way?
positive and yes
positive and yes
What is the one thing the speaker could do that would improve his/her presentation?
We had all the lights turned off and lamps on, so it made me kinda sleepy during his sermon/discussion
We had all the lights turned off and lamps on, so it made me kinda sleepy during his sermon/discussion
Do you think that you particularly will remember anything that was taught?
yes, he spoke about how lambs were raised in Bethlehem to be sacrificed for Yon Kipper. And Jesus was born in Bethlehem to be the ultimate sacrifice.
yes, he spoke about how lambs were raised in Bethlehem to be sacrificed for Yon Kipper. And Jesus was born in Bethlehem to be the ultimate sacrifice.
Do you understand God or people better because of it?
yes
yes
Did it make you feel like you wanted to preach someday yourself ?
yes
yes
Monday, March 2, 2009
Mike Hammer
Guest Speaker: Mike Hammer
At first, I was completely bored by him. He didn't seem to answer any of the questions and he talked a lot about random stuff. I was kind of lost in the middle of it. I didn't quite know what his ministry was about and I was thinking to myself, "He pastors? I can't see how he does it. He can't even adequately explain what his ministry is about." So the first half was really rough for me, but all of a sudden, in the second half, he had me so intrigued with what his ministry was based on. I think, by far, this man knows what a church is about. He is all about connecting. He doesn't just scratch the surface. He gets deep to the inner core of things. He has a ministry called Bridges and it is so brilliant, the most clever thing ever! The fact is, most people can't be real. Most don't want to let people in or tell them what's really bothering them. That would be known as vulnerability, letting your walls down, placing yourself out there, having nothing to hide behind, you could be judged or rejected. Sadly, our culture has taught us that vulnerability is a bad thing; that you have to be strong and you can't let anyone else know you are struggling. I think Mike Hammer is hitting on something powerful. He is helping people find out the true source of their pain, the root of their fear and shame, and the list goes on. What if we did more of this? What if we got so connected with people and built so strong of relationships with unbelievers that we could talk to them about those deep, dark, secret stuff that we all suppress inside of us? I believe that when we find the truth, the cause of it all, then and only then are we able to finally move on and get help. "...Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free..."
At first, I was completely bored by him. He didn't seem to answer any of the questions and he talked a lot about random stuff. I was kind of lost in the middle of it. I didn't quite know what his ministry was about and I was thinking to myself, "He pastors? I can't see how he does it. He can't even adequately explain what his ministry is about." So the first half was really rough for me, but all of a sudden, in the second half, he had me so intrigued with what his ministry was based on. I think, by far, this man knows what a church is about. He is all about connecting. He doesn't just scratch the surface. He gets deep to the inner core of things. He has a ministry called Bridges and it is so brilliant, the most clever thing ever! The fact is, most people can't be real. Most don't want to let people in or tell them what's really bothering them. That would be known as vulnerability, letting your walls down, placing yourself out there, having nothing to hide behind, you could be judged or rejected. Sadly, our culture has taught us that vulnerability is a bad thing; that you have to be strong and you can't let anyone else know you are struggling. I think Mike Hammer is hitting on something powerful. He is helping people find out the true source of their pain, the root of their fear and shame, and the list goes on. What if we did more of this? What if we got so connected with people and built so strong of relationships with unbelievers that we could talk to them about those deep, dark, secret stuff that we all suppress inside of us? I believe that when we find the truth, the cause of it all, then and only then are we able to finally move on and get help. "...Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free..."
New Believer #2
New Believer #2
Alright, get ready for this one....this girl totally blows my mind. She has been saved for a little over a month now and it has been completely amazing to watch her grow more and more every week!
Where she was raised, in Germany, you were to be baptized as a baby, but her parents refused to do that so that she could make her own choice in due time. At the age of 9 she decided that it was time for her. "No one ever forced me. It was my own decision," she said. After some time though, it got less important for her. When she came over here, her host mother went to church but she didn't like it, so she never went after that, just as she did back in Germany. When she received a new host family, she began to go every Sunday with them. "Although I was often found complaining because I had to get up so early on a Sunday morning, I started to like it and it grew more important to me." For Christmas her host family gave her her own Bible. She began to read it and grew closer to God. Her host family here was who helped her make the commitment to follow Christ. "They showed me how much God loves me no matter what I have done before. His love is amazing and it makes me feel safe. That's what I needed." The best part of becoming a Christian for her is the fact that she feels safe. "I know He loves me and will protect me no matter what happens. Reading the Bible helps me a lot with my daily challenges. It helps me to know Christ and He helps me to get over my problems. I'm not afraid of challenges any longer for I know there is a reason and I can get over them and grow from them." Her advice to us is this: "It's important to make the first step to them and offer your them your help. But also leave them on their own with their thoughts sometimes. I think some things about your relationship to God you have to figure out on your own. But it is also important to be sure of a person you can always ask about Christ. It's kind of a mix between building a relationship on one's own and getting help. That was at least my way to do it."
Alright, get ready for this one....this girl totally blows my mind. She has been saved for a little over a month now and it has been completely amazing to watch her grow more and more every week!
Where she was raised, in Germany, you were to be baptized as a baby, but her parents refused to do that so that she could make her own choice in due time. At the age of 9 she decided that it was time for her. "No one ever forced me. It was my own decision," she said. After some time though, it got less important for her. When she came over here, her host mother went to church but she didn't like it, so she never went after that, just as she did back in Germany. When she received a new host family, she began to go every Sunday with them. "Although I was often found complaining because I had to get up so early on a Sunday morning, I started to like it and it grew more important to me." For Christmas her host family gave her her own Bible. She began to read it and grew closer to God. Her host family here was who helped her make the commitment to follow Christ. "They showed me how much God loves me no matter what I have done before. His love is amazing and it makes me feel safe. That's what I needed." The best part of becoming a Christian for her is the fact that she feels safe. "I know He loves me and will protect me no matter what happens. Reading the Bible helps me a lot with my daily challenges. It helps me to know Christ and He helps me to get over my problems. I'm not afraid of challenges any longer for I know there is a reason and I can get over them and grow from them." Her advice to us is this: "It's important to make the first step to them and offer your them your help. But also leave them on their own with their thoughts sometimes. I think some things about your relationship to God you have to figure out on your own. But it is also important to be sure of a person you can always ask about Christ. It's kind of a mix between building a relationship on one's own and getting help. That was at least my way to do it."
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