Statistics

Earlier today whilst sitting out side I attempted to write an entry on my blog. I got half way through and deleted it because it was rubbish. Once I had finished my sermon for Sunday morning, I had a little read of my book (The last word and the word after that by Brian Mclaren) and came across this little gem of a quote.

"The success of a church isn't measured by the numbers who attend but by the formation of people as agents of God" (Mclaren, 2005:196).

Yes, Yes, Yes...... I thought to myself. I have blogged about being agents before but this has renewed my thinking regarding "church growth" not being numerical but about the development of the people engaged in a relationship with God as missionaries and agents in there own home, neighbourhood and community. The church doesn't need programme or projects to be successful but people who will be disciples and missionaries in the own back garden.

Having just gone through the process of recording statistics for our activities, I have been wonder if it really matters (I have done them and with time to spare). Do those numbers truly represent the movement of God or are they a way of justifying our existence.

My prayer for Aspley is that the numbers become irrelevant but the storeys they represent become the priority of the hearts of Gods agents.

Matt

Rebuild, Renew and Rejoice

We have Just got back from our first experience of an Aspley Corps(church) retreat. We had a fab time chilling out as a group, playing silly games, eat loads and staying up late! The theme of Rebuild, Renew and Rejoice (based on the book of Nehemiah) was both encouraging, informative and challenging.

Sop what did I get out of it.
Rebuild: I know that there are things in my life that I need to put higher on my priorities list. I need to make sure that they are priorities that edify the kingdom and not just because I like doing them.
Renew: I need to delegate more jobs to people in the church. I have already given one job out to somebody that will free an hour or so of my week.
Rejoice: I give thanks for all the challenges of being a church lead. On the Sunday morning I felt overwhelmed by the burden yet the joy of being the leader at Aspley. It has been a privilege to see God at work and to see foundations being laid for the future.

God's kingdom is near, nearer than we probably think.

Matt

Rewriting the bible

Saw this on the BBC website, I have never read the "Manga Bible" but they seem like they are trying to do the right thing and at least interesting young people in the stroy of God.

Matt

Richard Dawkins

5 Mins with Richard Dawkins. Thought you maybe interestes in what he has to say.

Matt

Seeing God at work

It is just over a year since Lizzy and I first came to meet people at Aspley. Time has flown by, lots of stuff has happened and will happen. Today was another of the many occasions where I have meet God at work. I recently joined the partnership for Children and Young people for the west area of Nottingham. Having attended about 5 meetings I have been asked to chair the group until next March. I feel completely out of my comfort zone, quite apprehensive about the responsibility and what work it may bring.

But here is where God shows up! My vice chair is someone I meet randomly just 3 weeks ago on a litter pick and she happens to go to a local church. She is someone that I instantly clicked with and will work well with. What an opportunity to be in a very significant position within the structure of Youth and Children's work for the. It will bring many opportunities for our church to show people God's grace and mercy.

At the end of the meeting I warned them that if I say "we will now close in prayer" to forgive me. I got quite a laugh! I guess you had to be there but for me I love it when I get to see God at work.

Matt

Fasting

I have been fasting, one day a week, for a couple of months. I have found it really helpful as part of my week to "go without something" and to focus on prayer throughout my day. Most Thursdays I fast food but a I have also fasted coffee. On the days I do fast I feel more energetic, focused and productive.

I am still getting to grips with making sure I don't make a big thing about it (did wonder if I should blog about it), don't want people to think I am more spiritual because I fast or it to become a ritual but a help aspect to my spiritual life. Fasting is just one simple way for me to focus my mind on God, when my tummy rumbles.... I pray, when I should be eating a meal.... I pray, read or do something productive.

I will continue to fast for the time being but will be mindful that I may need to review it in the future.

Hope it helps if your thinking about it.

Matt

Drinking and Dreaming

I was out last night at the awards ceremony for the Beacon U12's that I coach on Tuesday nights. It was a nice evening, a good opportunity to spend some time meeting the parents and chatting to the boys about football.

A couple of things that I wanted to share.

Firstly, it was evident that what I believe about the churches need to reach people outside of it's buildings is true. Even more true than I first thought. The reality is that if these people are to meet Jesus and follow Him, we need to be image and an an expression on God that is real and visible.

Secondly, one of the lads asked why I wasn't drinking alcohol. He asked if I was driving and was very surprised when I said I didn't drink. His comment was (I think) very significant. He said "its ever mans dream to drink a beer, I know its mine." I was taken aback, this boy is 11 and his dream is to drink. It probably the first time I have every heard such a comment from a young lad. If this is the dreams of our young people the we really need to give them a bigger dream, a deeper dream and a dream that will bring purpose, hope, joy and fulfillment. That dream is a relationship with Jesus, a dream that is as big as you allow it to be and a dream that will never disappoint.

Matt