A Moment from Cambodia

Just a quick note to let everyone know that my wife and I are doing well in Cambodia. Lots of ministry opportunities and a sense of joy as we see God at work among the Cambodian people in so many ways and so many places. We are busily involved in visiting churches, doing pastor's leadership training, visiting orphanages, etc. On Monday of this next week, I'll be speaking to a group of 100 employees of a NGO organization, most of whom are unbelievers - an exciting opportunity to share the gospel. After religious oppression and the killing fields during the Khmer Rouge of Pol Pot in the 70's and beyond, it's a shining light of Christ to see Cambodia turning their hearts away from Buddhism to Christ. Thanks for your prayers! We return to the states on March 1.

Joel Council

Just wanted to let you all know that I met with my Joel Council this morning. It was good, we talked about Natural Church Development and the evaluation process, my participation in the Academy and also visioned for the church. They are offering suggestions on who should take the NCD evaluation with our Ad Council. What are you all doing with your Joel Councils, do you have other ideas what should be discussed?

Up's & Down's

I've been talking with my D.S. the past 3 days and it seems that I'm not moving this year. The wife and kids are happy and I'm looking forward to the new possibilities. I feel in a pinch with trying to get the NCD survey put together but this will work out.

I do have some questions about the Joel Council. Hawarden UMC tends to be a very traditional minded church and I can't help think that they will be suspicious of the Joel Council. I can also imagine that they might say that this falls under the work of the SPPRC. In addition, the UMW has had a death grasp on most ministry planning. This started to change about 8 years ago but they still like to, "monitor," the planning process and have been known to be a wet blanket from time to time. They also hold the opinion that they should be represented on every committee. I would welcome any and all suggestions.

Something new

If you haven't noticed already, I've started something on our Academy X blog called "Links and Blogs for Reading" (to the left of where you are posting). Besides the standard UMC sites you go to, I'll start posting some links to things you might find thoughtful , insightful, or otherwise controversial. If any of you out there have something of interest you'd like to post as a link - let me know via email at twpollrd@yahoo.com and we'll continue to expand the list with your help. Be blessed and be a blessing . . .

Awesome Posts!

Awesome posts, its so exciting to see the Spirit at work . . . I want to thank you who lifted up my adoption in prayer and praise God who moved a mountain and smoothed everything over so that my paperwork is now on its way to court in Ghana! whoo hoo! I talked to my SPRC about the Academy and they seemed excited about what we are learning. Four of them agreed to be on my Joel Council. Have any of you talked to your "coach" yet?? What are the expectations for meeting with this coach? (once a month?) Blessings!

Sarah

Taking it to the people

Hey, I really ventured out and took the 8 quality characteristics and put them into a two-part sermon series the last 2 Sundays for both churches I pastor. The response of the people? They can't wait to check the health quality! They are now incredibly curious to find out what they are like as a community of faith....hmmmm. They all want to be one of the 30! So, what a "refreshing" wind of the Spirit as we anticipate what we can do together. I'll have two weeks while my wife and I are on mission to Cambodia to contemplate the 30 x 2 (Lord, please help me come up with the right 60 people!). And the Joel Council - well, I believe that will come together too. I think I want some thinkers, movers, and shakers as part of the team. Maybe church life won't be quite the same - what do you think?

Joel Council...

I had a question on my mind as I was trying to put my "Joel Council" together. I was wondering what kind of leaders we wanted on this council, because I can see it operating in at least two different ways.
I can see myself getting the active leaders together - the ones who make things happen and have direct influence on the workings of the church. With this group I can see unpacking the material and then working together to implement it. Since they already have active leadership roles, they would play a major role in implementing in various areas of ministry.
Or, I can see myself getting some of the deep thinkers and spiritual leaders (who may or may not be actively leading any ministry areas) to act like more of a "think tank" or even a group of sages to help me process the information myself through the lens of the church as it is and has been. But, when it comes to implementation this group might not have the direct influence on ministry areas that will be acting on our decisions.
I realize there is definitely some crossover here as well, but I am just wondering how to approach it in theory. Do I gather a group to be the sages for me? Do I gather a group where I am the sage and help them work through it? Is there something in between, like maybe some rosemary or thyme? Your input would be great food for thought...

I'm Here!

Greetings to you all!

Since our meeting in January, I have done a four day quilting retreat (WONDERFULLY refreshing!), and I have just returned from leading a VIM trip to the Tree of Life Ministry on the Rosebud Reservation. I'm feeling particularly good about that because we (First UMC-MC) were joined by members and a pastor from Grace and Wesley UMCs here in Mason City, as well. I like churches working together; I like seeing people get excited about mission. If you have questions, ask... or I will not bore you with the details.

I had a conversation about the 8 characteristics in NCD with a quilting group that meets at our church before I went off to C.B. in January. Since returning, I have used NCD as "Table Talk" at one of our Wednesday Night Suppers. People were able to talk in small groups about what our best qualities were and where they felt we needed to improve. I also put a small article in the newsletter explaining the survey 30 and the Joel Council.

Jim and I have compiled a list of about 50 persons' names on my wall. From this list, we will discern the 30 and the Council. Since returning home from our meeting, I have concluded that I will be making a move this year, along with some of you. We have been working hard so that when I might be asked to move, Jim will continue on with the process. I'm looking forward to getting this show on the road.

I better get to work. Its nice to have found the sight. I'm looking forward to hearing about your ministries and your lives. May this Lenten season be meaning-filled for each of us.

Stuff

Well Lent starts tomorrow and we are swamped. We're in the middle of huge staff transitions because our youth minister and children's minister both left. (They were married so when one goes...) On a personal note, they were my friends and partners in crime in the church so I'm finding myself floundering until I get re-oriented.

We're doing a staff study based on John Piper's book Desiring God. Has anyone read it? Any thoughts...I'm really struggling with his theology right now and I can't quite articulate why.

Oh and just an FYI. I did the strength finder book early. Its very enlightening and takes almost no time...I highly recommend ya'all do it soon.

Drive safe in this craziness my friends!! Blesssings!!!!

Prayers for Cambodia Trip

My wife Diana and I will be leaving for a missions trip to Cambodia on February 14. We will return to the states on March 1. Will appreciate your thoughts and prayers while we are on our trip. We have a son there who is on a missions internship also. He will return home with us. Blessings to all!