Monday, May 18, 2009

Opportunities to Network

No comments:

Well its been a few days...

We spoke with the Mayor of Palmerston (Cr. Robert Macleod) recently, and he has agreed to attend our Big20 Celebrations in July, and he will also be a judge in our Palmerston's Got Talent Show as well.
We had a meeting with the opposition leader of the Northern Territory (Terry Mills - CLP), and we spoke about the needs in Palmerston and what we can be doing about it. Crime seems to be a big thing on the agenda, and finding creative/innovative ways to lower crime, build deeper community, etc.

Networking is important. Watching friendships grow out of networking is also a bonus; that way networking doesn't just become what 'You' can get out of someone, but rather a mutual building up of each other, and of their work.

Good things are happening up this neck of the woods. God is moving, and new people are coming to church.

If you are reading this are you are involved in ministry that glorifies God, I ask that God will bless it, multiply it, resource it, and grow fruit out of it. Praise the name of Jesus!

Tuesday, May 5, 2009

Change in the Church

No comments:

There are two types of change. Revolutionary (something completely different from the past) and Evolutionary (a refinement from what has been). Generally people are more accepting of the Evolutionary change, rather than the Revolutionary.

When it comes to change, here's how we respond:
2% - are innovators
10% - early managers
60% - middle adopters
20% - Late adopters
8% - Lagards

So, an idea pops up at church. The minister wants to pursue the idea of moving the location of the church service to the local school gymnasium.

2% of the people consider the idea and jump on board, looking for ways to help the transition occur.

10%, think briefly about it, and realise its a great idea and begin to help with the process.

60% take a little convincing - Here's the pros, and here are the cons - The change will be beneficial to the church - The change will help us continue to grow - Here's what happens if we stay in this location - Here's what happens if we move...

20% need lots of coffee time - Why should we move when things are fine here? - There are too many obstacles to jump over, plus how are we going to possibly set up all that sound equipment every week?

8% arrive at the launch of the church service in the School Gym, and think - I bet it won't last long here, and they'll be back where I said we should have been all along.

Sunday, May 3, 2009

Palmerston: A Ministry Update

No comments:

Thanks to all those who shoot up a prayer every now and then for our ministry at the Palmerston Salvation Army. Here's an update for you:

* We started ministry at the Palmerston Markets, with a small stall. We have a sign that says, 'Just Salvos', and we have been selling Fairtrade goods; coffee, chocolate, tea, etc. Just on a Friday night, for the last two weeks combined we have sold 23 Badges, given out 22 Kidzones, sold a few Fairtrade products, and most of all have had significant conversations and connection with the community.
* On a Sunday morning we've been averaging 20-25 people. The Spirit has been moving powerfully, and people have been responding to God, experiencing his presense, reconciling relationships and taking initiative.
* Mainly Music has been steady. Sunday nights has seen 20-30 people come along and share in community together. Pray for the desire to hear the gospel to increase...
* We gave in the Self Denial Appeal, and our Church gave the most (I think), that's it has ever given for this appeal ($4,550). Thanks Lord for this increased sacrificial giving.
* We have had two lots of 24 hour prayer, which has been great for the church to strengthen their ability to pray and to grow closer to Jesus.
* I felt like the Devil spoke to me this morning, and said, 'It's ok to remain small as a church...' I rebuked this comment. Scriptures came to mind of the Kingdom of God expanding like a big oak tree. We may choose to have a small group model of ministry, or a large church model of ministry, but you bet ya, God will grow his church this side of Australia! Thanks Jesus.

Thanks for your prayers for our community. We need your occassional encouragement, and your occassional reminder that you're thinking of us. It helps a lot. God bless!

Popular ALL TIME Posts

PeterBrookshaw.Com

Translate