Do You Twitter?

A Call to Follow

Do you Twitter? One of the fastest growing technology trends is called Twitter. It’s a networking program that allows people to connect with each other by merging text messaging and the Internet. Individuals who use Twitter have the ability to follow people and in turn they can have followers. This phenomenon may be new to the Internet, but Jesus encouraged men and women to follow Him when he started his ministry. The individuals who followed Jesus were called disciples. They were committed to learning how to model the character of Christ in their daily lives. Becoming a Christ-follower was not easy for them and it is not easy for us either, but sometimes I wonder if we have made becoming a disciple harder than Jesus intended.

Through the years, I have seen churches introduce some intense discipleship initiatives. These programs often highlight the concept of discipline more than the call to follow. These programs have had a clear objective and that is to communicate that true disciples should read so many chapters from the Bible every day, spend a certain amount of time in prayer, volunteer at the church, share the faith with outsiders and finally train others to do the same. Before you write me off, let me say that I do believe that being a disciple has those elements associated with it, but it’s more than that. Discipleship is not about what you do as much as it is about who you are. Are you follower of Jesus Christ? Are you walking in his footsteps? If so, then you are a disciple.

I, like most pastors, have always had a passion to see people become disciples of Christ, but at times my passion has made the process of discipleship very painstaking. Early on in my ministry, I wanted them to learn our vision and mission then memorize a seven step strategy and then embrace six core values. While all of that is well and good, the discipleship process became very confusing. It focused on what you did more than who you were becoming.

Today, my discipleship plan mirrors the life of Jesus. If Jesus were physically here on earth we would see him doing three things: Loving God, Loving People and Serving the World. As we focus on loving God, we become more like Him. When we make it a point to love people, our hearts become tender and our relational world expands. You were not meant to go through life on your own. Being a disciple is not just a matter of believing; it is a matter of belonging. We all need each other. When we seek new ways to serve, our world becomes a better place. I believe that you were placed on this earth to make a difference. You are called to contribute, not just consume. We are all meant to give something back. We must be willing to help someone along the way. When we commit to serving others, we literally walk in the footsteps of Jesus.

I believe that discipleship is more about becoming than it is about doing, but having said that, I encourage local congregations to develop a process that helps Christ followers take the next step in their spiritual journey. At Stevens Creek Church of God, we communicate this process through a sequential, 4-level curriculum called Creek 101, Creek 201, Creek 301 and Creek 401.

Creek 101 encompasses three one-session classes aimed at introducing people to Christ and to our church: Newcomers Class, Baptism Class and a Membership Class. These classes are designed to quickly and effectively integrate newcomers into the Body of Christ and prepare them to become a participating member of the church.

Creek 201 is an ongoing, 10-part offering covering the foundations of the Christian Faith. It will appeal to those exploring Christ as well as to believers who want to refresh the core components of Christianity. These classes feature sessions about Jesus Christ and his work, what it means to be saved, how to be filled with the Holy Spirit, how to study the Bible and so forth, how to share your faith with others and so forth.

Creek 301 helps people get connected into life-giving relationships. We believe that community happens best in the context of a small group. These groups provide opportunities for spiritual growth, encouragement, accountability and deepening friendship. They meet on a regular basis in homes, in restaurants and at the church.

Creek 401 refers to a 4-part class in identifying and developing spiritual gifts and then putting those gifts into action in the church and the community. This also includes a leadership training track for potential leaders which includes conferences, various training materials and ongoing mentoring relationships with church leaders. Through Creek 401 we hope to equip people to lead, encourage, teach and disciple others. These classes are only tools to help us understand what it means to walk in the footsteps of Christ.

At Stevens Creek, we want to help people take their next step. Discipleship is an ongoing process. We have not arrived. Every day the words of the Apostle Paul become a little clearer for us:

“Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me” (Philippians 3:12).

Discipleship is a process, so let’s get started. We can change the world … one person at a time. We have the life-giving message of Jesus. It is my prayer that we will follow in His footsteps and that the world would see Christ in us. Now, that’s revival.

MartyBaker@stevenscreek.net

Is God a Georgia Bulldawg?

My Dad instilled a love and a passion for South Carolina football early in my life.  We were Gamecock fanatics.  One of my first memories of attending an out-of-town game was in the early 1970s when we made the 67 mile trip from Abbeville to Athens to see the Gamecocks play at Sanford Stadium.  We arrived at the stadium early ... that was the custom.  We stood near the gate where the players entered the stadium.  I remember my Dad shaking Coach Paul Dietzel's hand as he entered the stadium that day.  I just knew that it was going to be a great day.

My excitement  soon turned to dispair as the game progressed.  Vince Dooley and his Dawgs walked all over us.  When we left the stadium that day, it was 54 - 14.  We left with our head hanging low.  We were embarassed.  That defeat was a defining moment for me. From that moment on,  I wanted to see Georgia lose.  Most people would say, I pull for such and such of a team except when they are playing my favorite team.  Well, I did not have that philosophy.  I wanted to see Georgia lose every time they stepped on the field.  

Through the years, I've held on to my dislike for Georgia through the coaching stints of Vince Dooley and Ray Goff.  Then, Georgia hired Mark Richt.  I did not know much about Mark Richt when he moved to Athens.  I knew that he had worked for Bobby Bowden and he had great success while at Florida State, but that's about it.  I held on to my dislike for the Dawgs.  

As the years have gone by, I have watched Mark Richt turn the Georgia Bulldog program into one of the finest programs in America.  He has done remarkable things on the field, but more than that Mark Richt has been a role model off the field.   Mark Richt has demonstrated to our country what it means to truly follow Jesus Christ.

Today, Patty and I sat in silence as we watched the ESPN story on the Richt's adoption of the two kids from the orphanage in the 1990s.  He spoke how God's word encourages true Christ followers to take care of widows and orphans.    When they went to the orphanage, they asked themselves which child would have a hard time being adopted.  When they saw a little girl with a facial deformity, they knew that she was the one.  They adopted her and another little boy. They determined that they were going to love these kids as their own.  It was a moving story.

I have been reared to dislike the Bulldawgs, but today I struggle.  How can you dislike someone like Mark Richt?  Mark Richt is a man of God who constantly puts his faith into practice.  He models faith and demonstrates the love of Christ in practical ways.

Mark Richt has messed me up.  I want to see the Dawgs lose, but I want to see Mark Richt win. I am perplexed.  I am still a committed and loyal Gamecock, but I am wondering if God is softening my heart for the Dawgs?  Hmmm.  Do you think God is a Georgia Bulldawg?  

No .....  surely not.

MartyBaker@stevenscreek.net

Interesting Article on Sarah Palin's Faith

October 23, 2008
Presidential Prayer
There has been a lot of comments about whether Sarah Palin is experienced enough to be one heart-beat away from the Presidency. That's a ligitimate concern. Could the same be said about Barak Obama? Does he has the experience to be President? If the polls are correct, it looks as though we will find out very soon.

Experience is very important, but it is just one part of the puzzle. It takes more than experience to be the person that God has created you to be. You need to consider: Spiritual Gifts, Heart, Abilities, Passion and Experience. I realize that some reading this blog would laugh at those qualifications, but if you are looking for a true leader, then those pieces of the puzzle should be considered. Does Barak Obama have what it takes? Maybe. Does John McCain have what it takes? Maybe.

Who, then, should you vote for? Well, when you step into the voting booth, you need to ask God who you should vote for and then do it.

Prayer is an important part of this election process. I ran across this article today and thought that it was interesting.

Palin says election result rests in God's hands
Published: 10/22/08, 2:05 PM EDTBy ERIC GORSKIDENVER (AP) -

Republican vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin describes herself as a "hard-core pro-lifer" and expresses confidence that in spite of disheartening polls, "putting this in God's hands, that the right thing for America will be done at the end of the day on Nov. 4."

In an interview with evangelical leader James Dobson that aired Wednesday, Palin said she thought Republican presidential candidate John McCain would implement the GOP platform if elected - "I do, from the bottom of my heart" - but McCain doesn't support the platform on three issues important to evangelicals: abortion, gay marriage and embryonic stem cell research.

The platform calls for a constitutional ban on gay marriage, an issue McCain says should be left to individual states. Similarly, the platform seeks a constitutional ban on all abortions; again, McCain supports allowing states to decide the question. McCain supports research using embryonic stem cells, which the platform opposes.

Palin called it a "strong platform" and told Dobson, "They are there, they are solid, we stand on them and, again, I believe that it is the right agenda for the country at this time."
The Alaska governor talked by phone with Dobson for about 20 minutes Monday while she was in Colorado campaigning. Dobson's Focus on the Family radio program aired the interview Wednesday.
Dobson asked whether Palin was discouraged by polls showing the GOP ticket behind.
"To me, it motivates us, makes us work that much harder," Palin said. "And it also strengthens my faith, because I'm going to know, at the end of the day, putting this in God's hands, that the right thing for America will be done at the end of the day on Nov. 4. So I'm not discouraged at all."
Palin has not focused on her faith on the campaign trail, but it clearly has energized evangelical leaders like Dobson, whose radio show reaches an estimated 1.5 million Americans daily.

Dobson has come around to supporting the McCain-Palin ticket after previously saying he could not in good conscience vote for McCain. He endorsed former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee late in the primaries.

Palin thanked Dobson and supporters for their prayers and - when Dobson inquired about the importance of faith in her life - said: "It is my foundation, yes, my Christian faith is."
She also used terms like "prayer warrior" and "intercession" - words that might be unknown to the average listener but are common vocabulary in Pentecostal Christianity. Palin spent 20 years in a Pentecostal Assemblies of God Church, but she usually refers to her faith generically as Christian, not even evangelical.

"It is that intercession that is so needed and so greatly appreciated," Palin told Dobson. "And I can feel it too, Dr. Dobson. I can feel the power of prayer, and that strength that is provided through our prayer warriors across this nation."

She continued: "When we hear along the rope lines that people are interceding for us and praying for us, it's our reminder to do the same, to put this all in God's hands, to seek his perfect will for this nation, and to of course seek his wisdom and guidance in putting this nation back on the right track."
Describing herself as a "hard-core pro-lifer," Palin said the birth of a son with Down syndrome was "this opportunity for me to really be walking the walk and not just talking the talk. There's purpose in this also and for a greater good to be met there."
Palin said the campaign had to have faith that its message will be heard "minus the filter of the mainstream media."

"That filter has to be erased," she said. "So we have to have faith in the wisdom of the people that they'll understand what our message is. But even bigger that then, I have to have that faith that God is going to help us get that message out there."

Building a Great Team …. A Key to Success

The Key to Success … step three

This fall I will mark twenty-one years serving as the Lead Pastor of our church. It's hard to believe it's been over two decades. Patty and I started the church in our mid-twenties with a passion to reach this community. Things have changed, but our passion has remained the same. Now, however, our passion is couple with a little experience that we have gained through the years.

In previous posts, I have mentioned the first two steps of a successful venture … vision and faith. Those are the foundation of any successful ministry or business. Today, we need to take the third step. This step is equally important if you are going to sustain your dreams. What is it? You need people to help you accomplish what you have been called to do. Without a strong team, you will wear yourself out and the people you are attempting to serve will go home frustrated.

There are several Biblical stories that teach the value to team building. In Exodus 18, God uses Jethro to teach his son-in-law Moses critical lessons in leadership. In short, he said, "Build a team and release the work to them." Later on in the Old Testament, we see principles like a cord of three strands is not easily broken. In the New Testament, Jesus developed a team of twelve disciples and then he had an inner circle of three: Peter, James and John.

So, how do you build a team? There are several steps to building a solid team, but the first one begins with you. You have to be confident in your abilities and in your calling or position. If you lack confidence, people will sense it and eventually your lack of confidence will create fear in the group. Be sure of who you are and realize that God has ordered your footsteps and given you influence…use it wisely.

Now, about building teams, there are several ingredients that solid teams have. A good team needs chemistry. At Stevens Creek, when I add someone, whether they are paid staff or let's say the Elder Team, I ask myself, "Do I want to go to lunch with them? Do I want to hang out with them outside of the church?" If I cringe at the thought of hanging out with them, then that's my answer. They are not in my "calling circle". Effective teams need chemistry. I appreciate a diverse team, but like-mindedness is more important than diversity.

Next, one of the most important qualities of any new player on the team is character. In my world, I expect team members to be people that have integrity. If an organization adds people that lack integrity, then their ability to expand their work and sustain their growth is greatly hindered. You cannot build an effective organization on questionable behavior. I want to work with upfront people, people I can trust. I don't have time to be a policing agent. If I can't trust you, then you are not on the team.

When I was just a few years into my pastorate, there was an Elder that came into my office and said, "I think that you have too much power here and I am here to see to it that that changes." Now, I appreciated his honesty, but he did not trust me so I looked at him and said, "Thanks for letting me know. You are no longer an Elder." In fact, he was not the first Elder to play that card; there was one before him that was invited off the board in a similar fashion. That was then; today The Creek is very different. Back then, we did a popularity vote for Spiritual Leadership. Popularity contests do not work. Today, I work with the finest group of folks that you can imagine. They are men of great character in the church and in the community.

Next, when I add someone to my team, I want to know what they will bring to the table. What are their gifts and what are their passions? Are they gifted to serve in the area that they are being asked to serve in? Not only is giftedness important, but are they competent? Can they get the job done? There have been many times that I have not been able to afford competence so at that point you have a choice to either hire / add incompetence, add a young person that you can develop, or do it yourself. I would lean to hiring a young "eagle". Take a chance on quality young people. I appreciate experience but if I cannot afford an experienced person, I will stand in line at the commencement service and try to get the best young leader that I can get.

Stevens Creek is a great organization. It has been very successful because we have built great teams. I am especially proud of the staff and Elders that serve our congregation.

Leadership Team:
Todd Sturgell is one of the greatest team builders in the business. You can look at the volunteers and staff members that work for him and see he is a remarkable leader. I hired Todd when he was 24 years old. I actually offered him the job when he was 23, but he rejected my offer (young and inexperienced). Todd was and is an "eagle". He flies high above the rest of the people in the music field. Todd is even tempered and passionate yet strong and trustworthy. In 14 years of working together, I have never doubted his loyalty, never questioned his character and I have appreciated his friendship through the good times and the bad. Todd is a leader and he often leads me. Let me pull off the mask for a moment. On several occasions, I have stepped back and allowed Todd to lead the church which means that he has chosen the sermon topics and helped provide direction for the organization.

Like I said, Todd is a great leader, but I have discovered that I am not the best follower. I sometimes follow ….kicking and screaming. Todd makes the scripture fromJohn 21 very real at times: Jesus said, "Feed my sheep. I tell you the truth, when you were younger you dressed yourself and went where you wanted; but when you are old you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will dress you and lead you where you do not want to go." I am working on being a good follower. But, before Todd memorizes that scripture, I would remind him that I just may have the spirit of Caleb from Joshua 14:10-11: So here I am today, eighty-five years old! I am still as strong today as the day Moses sent me out; I'm just as vigorous to go out to battle now as I was then. Seriously, I am honored to serve on the same team as Todd.

Kevin Lloyd is one of the greatest leaders in the church world. He is truly an "eagle". He has a unique ability to communicate truth in a way that people can get it. With a home-spun humor, Kevin will capture your attention and help you to see yourself in the situation and then help you understand how God's word has the answer for your situation. What you may not know about Kevin is that he is a process thinker. He knows a good process when he sees it and then he can transfer it to us and make what we do much better. Kevin's leadership role at The Creek will continue to expand. Simply put, he is the real deal. He is a confidant that is filled with great wisdom that I appreciate.

Dave Willis is an extraordinary leader and also the nicest guy on the team. Dave is too nice at times, but that's okay too. We all need grace and Dave gives it out in loads. Dave and Ashley's story at Stevens Creek is supernatural. God brought him to us when we needed it. God prompted me to put an add for a teaching pastor on an Internet board on one day. Dave read it the next day and drove to Augusta uninvited on the next day. He came to experience one of our Wednesday Worship services. I was impressed. Todd was impressed. Then, Dave very casually mentioned that if you want to hear me speak, go to this website. I listened to two minutes of his message and I was hooked. WOW! Dave, like Kevin and Todd, is an eagle that will influence thousands of people for the cause of Jesus Christ. He has a rare gift. Dave is humble enough for God to use him in extraordinary ways. One day, we will all step back and say, "I remember when Dave was in his twenties, look at him now."

These are the guys that I work with closely, but there are other staffers make our leadership team what it is. People like my Assistant Stacy Lewer. I could not do what I do without someone like her. I have to mention Ann Williams. She has been working with our finances for over fifteen years. Ann can be trusted. Ann is faithful and loves to play with numbers and create graphs. She helps us see where we have been so that we can see where we can go. We have recently been blessed with Connie Seviertson. Connie stepped into a very difficult role. Connie serves as the point person for our Guest Services Ministries. The reason that her role is difficult is that she replaced Cindy Lytle who was tragically killed in a car wreck a few months back. God has anointed Connie for this role and she is a perfect fit.

Then, I look at Dave's team. I think about people like Dorna Adams. She is always willing to serve Christ wherever she is needed whether on the mission field or teaching a membership class. In the next few months, it will be Rev. Dorna Adams. Congratulations Dorna! Also on Dave's team is Steve Sturgell. I have always wanted a mature person with a tender heart to help care for our people. We have that in Steve. I think about Christian Walker who is serving in our facilities. He is a portrait of faithfulness. I think about Chris Miller who is serving beside Christian. He is a man of great passion.

Then, I look at Todd's team. His number one team member is his wife, April. My kids have often said that the reason I keep Todd around is for April. Well, that's not exactly true … well not exactly … well maybe…. No… no … no. Let's move on. Todd's assistant is Sharon Hutko. She has been a part of our ministry for over fifteen years and has served as a volunteer and now on staff. Sharon brings joy to the staff. In addition to that, Sharon gets the job done. Sharon's co-hort in joy is Wes Hennings. Wes is our Technical Producer. He makes all of us better. Wes' heart is large; it is filled with love and compassion. Along with Sharon and Wes, Todd's team features Jeff Brotherton. Jeff is one of the newest staffers on the team. He moved to The Creek from Florida earlier this year. Jeff touches people through media. He probably does not realize it, but I am a huge fan of media ministry. Without someone like Jeff, I would be using a flannel graph and a mimeograph. Todd has other leaders that strengthen his team. I think about people like Tony Cooper in drama; Errol Jackson in dance; Paula Toole and Ian in graphics, Annette Berger with lights, CW, Warren and Chris Toole with sound.

Kevin's team features a group of winners. At the top of the list is Melissa. Kevin's wife Melissa quietly keeps everything going. She is a behind the scenes force that breaks out on the main stage on occasion. Not only does Melissa lead and disciple teenagers with her love and care, but she is an awesome worship leader. Nina McMorrow is Kevin's assistant. Nina and her husband James has been a tremendous addition to our staff. Nina, a graduate of Lee University, stepped into a changing landscape and worked diligently to do what she was called to do. She has connected with our teens in ways that few people have. Nina and James are a blessing to me and our ministry.

Kevin's Director of Children's Ministry is the newest eagle on staff. His name is Bob Wilson. Bob brings a wealth of experience to The Creek. He and his wife Tonya have added a peaceful dimension and a quiet confidence in our children's ministry. I am thrilled to see what this department will be like in the coming months. One of Kevin's strongest leaders is Allyson Campbell. Allyson takes care of the Pre-school department. When I say "takes care", I mean it. She has single-handedly navigated that department through an enormous amount of change. It's amazing to see her team at work. I am indebted to Allyson for the "extra mile" that she has walked for me and our congregation.

This is just a sampling of hundreds of Team Members. Stevens Creek is effective in its ministry because there is a great team in place. Now, some may read this post and say, "It's easy to build a team when you pay people to play on it." Well, it's has not always been that way. You've heard the story … we started in a borrowed living room with twenty-four people. Most people do not realize that nearly half of the people that day were less than twenty-one years old. For ministry to be effective, teams must be built. Start with a small group. Instill vision, step out in faith and train up people to carry forth the work. It worked for Jesus and it will work for you.

MartyBaker@stevenscreek.net