Peeling the Onion

Some receive our ACG Newsletter but other readers of my blog do not so I added this article. If you would like to receive the newsletters go to the ACG website at www.achosengeneration.org



Several years ago a person made a comment to me regarding the “vision” that I had given their pastor. My ego wanted to pat myself on the back and tell me what a great job I had done serving the Lord. It seemed only to be nano-seconds before God awoke me from my self-indulgent dream.

Before I could even thank the person for the intended compliment, I said to the person, “I never gave your pastor a vision.” I went on to explain that the vision for the “InterGenerational church” was planted in the pastor’s heart by God and I was given the privilege of “peeling the onion.”

When that was said, the person had a perplexed look on their face. I went on to tell them that what brought me to the church was the trust of the pastor because he knew in his spirit that I shared the same vision that God had given him.

I have come to realize that God has trusted A Chosen Generation with a clear understanding of vocabulary, definitions and strategies for the restoring of the InterGenerational Church.

There is a part of that trust and favor for this message that can be paralyzing or empowering. With God’s trust comes enormous responsibility. I have chosen to be empowered.

God has allowed ACG to help some incredible pastors “peel the onion.”

When God entrusted A Chosen Generation with a message for the InterGenerational Church, He also gave me some very clear guiding principles that I have worked hard to follow from the very first day.

1. Never hold a pastor hostage. Having spent a couple of days in Special Operations during my 23 years of military service I thought I understood “Hostage” but it took me time to understand what God was telling me. Over time I understood God to mean that if we withheld truths, training, equipping and resources that God has given ACG from Pastors, we would hold pastors hostage to this ministry and that was never God’s intention.

2. Never out price the small church. This has been foundational from the very beginning. I believe that God desperately loves the small church and sees it as just as important as any “mega-church.” The reality is that much of what God has given ACG is best implemented in smaller churches that best represent family. That is not to say that we cannot help larger churches. It is merely to say, “If it is of God and good for His church, it should be good for ALL His churches.”

3. Be open and operate with integrity. We have worked very hard to be open, honest and with full integrity.

In the 20/20 Vision for His Vision for 2020, it is very clear that it will require resources. We must shift from doing the ministry to training others and trusting them to carry the message. We must lock arms with many other organizations and ministries. This will require us to travel and attend conferences and meetings that are expenses and not direct revenue producing. Over time we will be able to see these types of events and training as investments for ACG and the churches we serve.

From the very beginning, I have known that God is our provider, not men or churches. His resourcing of A Chosen Generation will come through faithful churches as well as men, women and families who are obedient to God’s nudging. God is going to use the obedience of many others who He has trusted with Kingdom Resources to resource A Chosen Generation.

In the past, I believe that I have lacked boldness to talk about money or resources. I have no good reason for that except to say that I believe the work God has entrusted to A Chosen Generation is Kingdom work and can be part of God’s greater plan of raising up “World Changers.”

It is critically important for everyone to know that I am not asking you for just financial support. I am inviting you to join A Chosen Generation on an incredible journey; a journey that in the next ten years will reach over 5 million people with message, strategies and resources to restore the InterGenerational church in His Kingdom. We are devoting our energy to helping pastors “peel the onion” of a vision that God has to them.

I am inviting you to become part of something that in 10 years you can look back and tell your children and grandchildren, “I was obedient and God let me be a part of something amazing.”

My prayer is not that you will donate to ACG. My prayer is that you will earnestly pray, seek God’s heart and then to be obedient to what He tells you.

InterGenerational Traditions

Have you ever given thought to how traditions were established? It the simplest of answers, traditions have been established because they were done the first time and someone realized it was good and wanted to do it again and continued through the years.

Several years ago, we did something that has become one of our family traditions. We had gone to Christmas Eve services and then everyone came to our house and we just did “family.” Our Christmas Eve dinner has been clam chowder, shrimp (and lobster for the daughter who claims she does not like shrimp) and snacks. We all wrap gifts, play games and enjoy being with one another. Everyone spends the night together at our home.

Then our daughter, Lauri, added a twist. Everyone was allowed to open a present. It happened to be a present of her choosing. Each one of us opened our gift which was new PJ’s. One by one we each went and changed into our new pajamas. Now, out of our “church” clothes and with a fire blazing in the fireplace, we settle in to just have “family time.”

The picture is dark and of the fireplace with stockings hung. For some odd reason, no one in our family would allow me to post a picture of all of us in our pajamas.

Now with our family spread out and each with extended families, our Christmas Eve tradition happens on the even-numbered years and the week after Christmas on the odd-numbered years.

I am not sure that our oldest granddaughters, Ellie and Hannah, can remember a Christmas without new pajamas and the whole family enjoying being with one another. Now we add Makayla and Liam to the mix and I hope they will always remember Christmas that includes the family and new pajamas.

InterGenerational churches must be built on InterGenerational families; families who do life together and create their own traditions.

If your kids and/or grandkids were asked if your family has any Christmas traditions, what would their answer be and what do you want their answers to be?

A Vision for InterGenerational or Just a Slogan

Very often I am with leaders who talk about “InterGenerational” ministry as if it is already happening in a powerful way in their church or organization.

Many times, a closer look reveals that InterGenerational ministry is being given “lip service.” The term is being woven into messages and documents as if that is all that is required. The problem is that many churches appear to believe that InterGenerational ministry can be accomplished by a slogan or including the word in a mission or vision statement.

When InterGenerational is left to a slogan or vision statement and there is no clear strategy to accomplish goals or implement actions, it does not take very long for most of the people to see “the Emperor has no clothes.”

The Holiday Season is a very important time for churches and families. It is a season where the church has an incredible opportunity to bring families closer together and not farther apart.

It is not too late for this year!!

I want to suggest that as churches and families, we look carefully at the activities of the season. I think that we can divide activities into three basic groups.

1. Family activities where we all do something together. We must be sure that we
intentionally plan these types of activities- - games, caroling, events.

2. Activities where one part of the family watches another part of the family do
something. This can be a part of the evening. Things such as children’s Christmas programs can be followed by some family time.

3. Activities where one part of the family does things separate from the rest of the
family. Small Group parties that do not include our children are a good example. Also, time for mom and dad to have a dinner alone is very important.


Like a good diet, our spiritual life must have balance. I like pizza, but not for every meal. I want to do things with my children and my grandchildren. I also want some time with friends and with only my wife.

Churches should take a close look at the diet they are presenting to the church family. There should be balance there as well.

One of the things that my home church does regularly is the shaping of Communion to be a family time. Often we are given the elements and told to hold them and gather with our family. That simply act draws our family closer together.

If we do not look at our activities at this time, InterGenerational can become just a slogan.

Vision – To Dream by Day

Over this past weekend, I read a great amount on visions and dreams. It seems that many characterize dreaming as that done only at night. Visions are given during the daylight hours.

I love the quote by Edgar Allan Poe in “Eleonora.” “Those who dream by day are cognizant of many things which escape those who dream only by night.”

I have translated the real meaning of the quote to state, “Beware of those who dream by day, for they are the truly dangerous ones.”

Some may call it a vision, but I have asked God to allow me to sit in His presence and “dream by day.” When one truly understands the implications of this, it can never be confused with “day dreaming.”

I have come away from this weekend with a different twist on this idea. It all came down to a very significant thought – at least significant to me:

Do I live a life that God can trust with His dreams by day?

Paul tells us in Ephesians 4:1, “As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received.”

Here is the bottom line -- during the rest of this year, I am going to use this blog and our newsletter, OneGeneration to share the vision or my dreams by day.

The theme for the vision for the next 10 years for A Chosen Generation is
“20/20 Vision for His Vision for 2020”

If you do not receive OneGeneration, the newsletter of A Chosen Generation, you should go to our website at www.achosengeneration.org; and there is a link on the home page where you can sign up for the emails.

All I can tell you is to get ready. I am more excited about the next 10 years than I have been about any other time in my life.

Be seated and make sure that your seatbelt is tight across your lap, your seatback and tray table are in the upright and locked position. Please turn off all electronic devices and focus. We are ready for takeoff and I hope you are as well. This is going to be a great ride.

Get ready to dream by day.

Satan’s Worst Nightmare

I am in an incredible battle and in many ways I love it. In every area of my life there seems to be a fierce battle. How cool is that!!! To be under attack is for me an indicator that I am doing some things that upset the evil one. In addition, I think that men in particular were created to be in a battle. We were created to be warriors.

Consider this with me - - Genesis 1:27 “So God created man in His own image….” Then Genesis 1:28 “Be fruitful and multiply….” The question should not be multiply what? Exodus 15:3 “The Lord is a Warrior; the Lord is His name.” If we are in His image and He is a warrior, then by real simple deduction, we are created to be warriors.

Frogs reproduce frogs. Trees reproduce trees. Cowards reproduce cowards and warriors were designed to reproduce warriors.

I am not in a battle just because, as depicted in some far-fetched movies, the gods are just having fun watching. First of all there are no gods. There is one God.

The battles rage because there is sin and we are to battle what is right and of God.

I am in this battle for three reasons:

1. To be victorious for God.
2. To train another generation to fight and be victorious when everything in them does not believe it is possible.
3. To be satan’s worst nightmare and make his life miserable.

Some have asked me if I really believe that I can be satan’s worst nightmare. I am believing the answer is yes.

When satan goes to bed tonight, I want him to check under his bed and look in his closet to see if I am there. When satan hears a noise tonight, I want him to be afraid and get up to see if it is me. When satan hears my feet hit the floor in the morning, I want him to say/think, “Oh crap, he’s up.”

I believe that InterGenerational means being the warrior God created me to be and helping another man be the warrior he was created to be - - for God’s glory.

InterGenerational Takes Effort And Intentionality

When was the last time you thought about the age range of your relationships? I am not referring to people who you see or come into contact with during your activities such as church or at your kid’s school.

Think about who you intentionally schedule on your calendar. Do not consider your children or co-workers you see only at work.

Think about the people you pursue and the ones who pursue you to have coffee or lunch.

Pictured with me is Brandon Chrisp. We met over three years ago when he was a student at Denver Seminary. We began in a structured mentoring program. Now I guess you could say, we meet because we are just really good friends.

Several years ago, I listened to Dr Gordon McDonald at Denver Seminary. At one point he was asked a very pointed question. The questioning individual asked Dr McDonald about the biggest difference in his life now compared to when he was much younger. Without hesitation, Dr McDonald responded that it was the men in his life.

The answer to the follow-up question was very significant. He was asked, “How did you find those men?” He responded, “Just like I got my wife, Gail. I dated them.”

Dr. McDonald went on to explain that when he realized the void in his life, he first decided what type of men he needed. Then he made a list of guys he already knew. Then he began to ask them to meet for coffee. No agenda except to see if they wanted to meet again.

Dr. Mc Donald was clear. Some guys were good men but they did not make “the cut.” Others he continued to meet with and in time he found that he had an amazing group of men surrounding him.

Frankly, if you do not have others in your life, you are most likely not putting forth the effort. If you do not have younger and older people in your life, you are most likely not putting forth the effort.


If you do not have true friends and relationships beyond your age group, you should ask yourself:

1. Am I actually available to others?
2. Do I intentionally pursue others?
3. Am I willing to invest in someone else?

We must make a decision to be intentional about the relationships in our lives. We are intentional about things that we value. If we truly value and desire relationships that go beyond our own age-range, we must be available and intentional.

Always Two Questions

There are two questions that are asked of me at most Rites of Passage. The first is, “Where was this for my older children?” That is normally followed by the statement, “Maybe they would still be in church if we would have done this for them.”

The second question seems to be more sensitive to the person asking. It is, “Where was this for me?”

These are not easy questions to answer, except to say that we are trying to (re)capture something that is “of God” and so needed in our churches today. It is not just about a spiritual blessing. It is also an issue of speaking truth - - truth about who and whose we are.

Far too many Christians have never been told that they are loved because of who they are and not what they do. Blessings counter the lies and deceptions of satan.

A significant dynamic that we see at Rites of Passage weekends is the high number of men and women of all ages who come forward to receive a Father’s Blessing. I have witnessed men and women in their 80’s kneel to be blessed.

Afterwords, many have told me that they have known for years that “something was missing” but they just did not know what it was until that night.

I believe that churches must focus on being families that bless one another.

Clearly a foundational work on this subject is The Blessing by Gary Smalley and John Trent. One of my favorites is Rolf Garborg’s book The Family Blessing.

Blessings change life and help shape our destiny. No one in God’s family should ever wonder if they have been blessed.

Here is a question for readers - - When did you receive a Father’s blessing? Leave a comment. I would love to hear from you.

A Must for All Leaders

John W. Gardner wrote the following nearly fifty years ago in his book entitled, Excellence; “In short, the varied leadership of our society must come to recognize that one of the great functions of leaders is to help a society to achieve the best that is in it.”

There is no place where that statement takes on greater significance than in the church. Significantly, it is not directed at a single leadership level or age group within the church.

Simply put: Leaders must lead.

The purpose of their leadership is also very clear. Leaders must lead an organization/church “to achieve the best that is in it.”

It does not take an above average IQ to state the obvious: As followers of Jesus Christ, Christ is in us and is head of the church. Therefore our responsibility is to be the best of who we are and do what we were created to do.

As leaders and part of the church, we are not called to be the best of who we are - - we are called to be the best of who HE is.

When those of the church begin to live as followers of Christ and take up the responsibility of leading, we will not have to tell anyone about His church. People will be drawn to His church in numbers that will stagger us.

Separation of Church and State Revisited - A Shift in Terminology

I have again spent some time in our nation's capital. It seems only too appropriate to look back at thoughts from 2008.

Over the past few months, there has been a quiet shift in terminology from the leadership of our nation. Beginning with Secretary of State Clinton then to President Obama. The shift has been from using the term "Freedom of Religion" to "Freedom of Worship." I believe that puts our nation on a very slippery slide. It could easily be interpreted to mean that we are free to go inside the church of our choice to worship but do not bring anything outside the church.

By clear definition, worship and religion are two distinctly different issue. One can have freedom of worship is they truly have freedom of religion. To have only freedom of worship, does not guarantee freedom of religion.

From my Blog posted August, 2008.

Several things came out of Pastor Rick Warren's Presidential forum last week.

The first issue for me was how many Christians were ready to pass judgment before the event took place. Many were ready to condemn Pastor Warren for not asking tough enough questions before the evening started.

The biggest issues was a statement attributed to Pastor Warren..... he said that he "believes in the separation of church and state but does not believe in the separation of faith and politics. "

That is a statement we all need to hear. I believe that our politics should be shaped by our faith. For too many I feel their faith is shaped by the politics. Frankly, if our politics are shaped by our faith, we do not need to have church in our government.

It is similar to the fight for prayer in schools. The reason so many want prayer in schools is because prayer was out of our homes before it left our schools.

Our nation will be changed when we live out our faith in every area of our lives without it being mandated by government.

A Lesson from Mary Poppins

Last evening, Billie and I had an extraordinary evening with Courtney and Judy in Washington DC. Beginning with a dinner that surpassed even our wildest expectations and then to the Kennedy Center for Performing Arts to watch the stage production of Mary Poppins.

A scene in Act 1 of Mary Poppins happened so quickly, it was very easy to miss it. Yet it stuck with me and I thought about it even after arriving home.

In the scene, a gentleman gave each of the two children a "six-pence." The young man proudly stated that he knew what it was worth. The response of the gentleman is the power statement. He stated and I am paraphrasing, "You may think you know the worth, but you will not know the value until you spend it."

I am not sure that I heard anything after that statement for the next few minutes.

That is a statement we need to remember in life about ourselves and others.

God has given each of us time, talents and treasures. The world tries to put a price on them. The world tries to tell us what each of them are worth. But, what is the true value?

Each day has a worth. Yet, how different we feel about the value of the day based on what we have done or more importantly, what we have given of our day to others.

The worth of $50 is $50. Yet to the person who has much, $50 does not have much value. However to the person who has little or nothing, $50 may seem like a fortune.

Giving an hour of your day to a person whose life seems to be coming apart may have greater value than a day doing something else.

I finished the night thinking about my life. It is not a question of what my life is worth. I think my life is worth Christ dying on a cross for me. But what will the value of my life be when I am all done? That will be determined by how I decide to spend every moment God gives me.

Each of us need to ask ourselves - not what is our life worth, but what will the value of our life be?

You may think you know what your life is worth, but you will not know the value until you spend it. Spend your life wisely.

It is Not Enough to Know Where You Want to Go

Very often leaders believe it is enough just to know where they want to go. The fact is that "the where" must be accompanied by a clear "how to get there."

The Reverend Billy Graham tells a story of a time early in his ministry when he arrived in a small town to preach. Wanting to mail a letter, he asked a young boy where the post office was Located.

After the boy had told him, Rev. Graham thanked him and said, “If you’ll come to the Church this evening, you can hear me telling everyone about God and how to get to Heaven.”

“I don’t think I’ll be there,” the boy said. “Can you really get me to heaven, mister, if you don’t even know your way to the post office”

I am a believer that God-sized visions need to be combined with God-sized plans and men and women of God who are willing to work. I mean really work - God-sized work.

I love Isaiah 32:8. "But the noble man makes noble plans, and by noble deeds he stands."

I also want to caution leaders from getting the false idea that we are to seek God for the where and then figure out the how on our own, as if we were really that smart.

No, God is in the where and the how.

Some leaders use the term of being "aligned" with God's vision and plans. I want to be painted on them. I do not want to be alongside aligned. I want to be painted on so well that to remove me from God's vision and plans someone will have to work hard to scrape me off. I want my life to be one and the same with God's vision and plans for me to serve Him.

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." (Jer 29:11,NIV)


So, it seems fairly simple - - Get a vision and get to work. Or, as Pastor Mark Batterson stated as one of the NCC core values, "Pray like it depends on God and then work like it depends on you."

Our Vision - A Chosen Generation

Yesterday I wrote about vision. I am sure that many wondered if the vision of ACG can be seen with the eyes of the heart and mind.

Here it is for the world to know.

ACG Vision: To see an explosion of dynamic intergenerational churches reproducing among God’s people.

I love the idea of being a part of something that is "God-size" and not "me size."

Close your eyes and picture your church as a place where all age-groups matter - a place "where everyone serves and gets to be served." Picture your church pouring into the lives of people of all ages in communities and churches in your community, city, state, country and even around the world.

Picture the families of your church worshiping, growing and serving together.

Picture all that and you will know why I think God created me and what I believe God wants me to pour into with all my energy and strength.

I am loving the journey.

Seeing the Vision

Yesterday I attended one of the services of National Community Church (NCC) in Washington D.C. Having read several of Pastor Mark Batterson’s books and followed his blog, I have wanted to visit NCC for quite a while.

Sitting in the Loews Theater in Georgetown, the Service had a different feel to it. It was very comfortable and it still felt very much like “church.”

I had read on Mark’s blog that NCC was opening the 6th location in September. In addition to the various locations for weekend services, the ministry “atlas” listed over 60 small groups that meet all over the area. It was impressive and very accommodating.

In his message, Pastor Mark (re)cast the vision “20/20.” I do not believe it mattered if you were hearing it for the first time, such as in my case; or if you had been a part of the church for a long time - - When you heard it and you could immediately “See it.” I knew instantly what he meant and my mind instantly started to see the other locations. It took no explanation. Twenty locations by the year 2020.

How clear is the vision of your church or organization? Can you state it clearly? Does it stick?

Vision is a color portrait of an achievable future that is painted on the heart and mind.

A vision must be seen with the eyes of your heart as well as the eyes of your mind.

Here is an easy test - - Ask 5-10 people within your organization or church if they know the vision. But first, can you repeat the vision without referring to your notes? Can you see it?

Before people will follow you, they need to know you have a vision for where you are going.

Another Church that Really Gets it Right

On Sunday, March 28, Billie and I attended Woodland Hills Family Church in Branson, MO. Woodland Hills has become the home church for our son, Chad and our daughter-in-law, Tanya. It was a great experience.

Chad had told me about the pastor, Ted Cunningham and I was really looking forward to meeting him. Pastor Ted is the founding pastor of this 8 year old church. It has exploded and he is in demand across the country as a speaker. In addition to speaking on the faculty of the Smalley Relationship Center, he is a speaker at Men at the Cross conferences.

During his Sunday message, Pastor Ted shared that it was about three years ago that the church leadership made a very distinct change that impacted every area of the ministry of Woodland Hills. They believed that God wanted them to be a family and to build God’s family. As a result, the ministry of Woodland Hills, from the pulpit to the classes, should be directed at strengthening the family.

I am fairly certain that Pastor Ted did not share this message to impress me. OK, I am absolutely positive that he did not share this to impress me. However, he nailed it. Woven into his message, which was based on Ephesians, he spoke about being the intergenerational family and the power of Rites of Passage. He shared that his desires was to raise his children to be strong Godly Adults, not get by with good teenagers. He was also very clear that his kids would become adults as part of God’s plan, at the age of 12.

As a note, Woodland Hills Family Church sounds like most other churches in any suburb in the United States. Unlike all the others, this church meets in a purple castle in the heart of Branson, across the parking lot from an amusement park. Now that rocks.

If you are in Branson on a Sunday morning, it is a great place to call home, even if it is just for a weekend.

Seeing it for the first time, Again

During the past two weekends, I have been privileged to be a present as two different churches have conducted Rites of Passage celebrations for their young adults. New Life in Venice, FL and Pioneer Valley in Huntington, MA are two of the growing number of churches that are intentionally recognizing their sons and daughters as young adults, rather than teens, adolescents or merely youth.

I am always "blown away" by these weekends.

One of the aspects of the Rites of Passage weekend that leaves me reduced to a pile of human rubble is The Father's Blessing for the current adults.

The first night is a time of teaching to prepare the church with a clear understanding of Biblical principles and to be ready for the actual Rite of Passage. It is at he close of this session that the opportunity is given to the current adults to receive a Father's Blessing if they have never known that blessing. Men and women of all ages respond to the invitation for their pastor and leaders to stand in the gap as "spiritual fathers" and speak a blessing over them. Lives are absolutely changed. Every time I have had the privilege of seeing this take place, over three quarters of the church has responded.

Over and over, I have witnessed the power of the "Blessing."

Several years ago when I first wrote, Men of Honor Women of Virtue, my friend, Pat Morley advised me to make the first chapter of the book, the story of my own blessing, back in 1994. It was then that along with the publisher, we made the decision to move, what was originally Chapter 17 to what is now Chapter 1.

I absolutely love being a part of Rites of Passage. I have said on many occasions that I still cannot believe that God actually lets me do this.

It is always amazing to see the Father's Blessing for the first time, again.

Everyone Has Something to Offer

Nearly 40 years ago my good friend and mentor, Dr Gary Sallquist, gave me a book. It was one of several he gave me and encouraged me to read. Gary may not remember giving me the book or that I still have it held together by a rubber band.

The book titled, Excellence, by John W. Gardner was first published in 1961; and my paperback version was printed in 1971. By the way, the price on the book is $.95.

One of my favorite stories of understanding leadership and identifying leaders comes from the tattered pages of this old book.

“There are many varieties of excellence. This is one of those absurdly obvious truths of which we must continually remind ourselves. The Duke of Wellington, in a famous incident, revealed an enviable understanding of it. The government was considering a dispatch of an expedition to Burma to take Rangoon. The Cabinet summoned Wellington and asked him who would be the ablest general to head such an undertaking. He said, “Send Lord Combermere.” The government official protested: “but we have always understood that your Grace thought Lord Combermere a fool.” The Duke’s response was vigorous and to the point. “So he is a fool, and a damned fool, but he can take Rangoon.”

All too often, many of us miss talent and gifting in people because we cannot get by their appearance or personality to see what they have to offer. This is certainly true when it comes to trying to achieve an intergenerational community, whether at church or the workplace.

It is not limited to older looking at younger. It also prevents younger from seeing the value of a more seasoned age-group. In addition, this disease can keep those in the middle from wanting to be around older or younger.

Many churches and organizations are failing to connect with incredible young men and women, as well as phenomenal older men and women who have so much to offer “The Body” because we think we have to like someone for them to be a contributor. The “talent drain” in most churches is one of the most destructive inhibitors to growth.

Gardner makes the following statement in his chapter, The Great Talent Hunt”:

“…all who care about excellence in a society must be vigilant concerning the waste of talent. Teachers, curators, deans, critics, art dealers, editors, foundation officers, publishers—in short, all who are in a position to encourage talent—should continuously ask themselves whether the society is providing sufficient opportunities for its varied resources of talent. If important kinds of talent are withering on the vine, they had better know why.”

We could easily exchange the “church” for the word “society” in Gardner’s statement.

Are our churches missing a wealth of talent in all age groups because we cannot get past personality and appearance to see that everyone has something to offer?

I believe that one of the characteristics of great intergenerational churches will be that everyone gets to serve and be served. We all bring something to the table that is valuable and needed.


Leaders need to know who can “take Rangoon” regardless of their personality or appearance.

Paraphrasing the previous words of John Gardner, “If important kinds of talent and leadership in all age groups are withering on the vine in our churches or just leaving because they do not feel they have a place to grow, leaders had better know why and be willing to change.”


Gardner, John W., Excellence, Perennial Library, Harper & Row, Publishers, 1971, p. 151, 52

A Post/Response by Chad Stecker

This entry was posted by Chad Stecker after my last blog entry. Chad, Tanya and Makayla have now moved officially to Branson, MO where Chad is the Manager of Music City Centre.

Chad is also on Facebook and Twitter. One of the most important things I want my children to remember is that while I am proud of what they do, I am incredibly proud of who they are.

Chad's entry from a few days ago.

Chad Stecker just took a break from a hectic day at work to read dads blog on "Needing more than Rest". I remember reading this when he first wrote it and liking it very much so, but after the recent events of moving to Branson I was enlightened by this reading in a whole new light. My parents and mother in law went to Kansas to ...do the entire move with my wife and daughter so that I could begin working at my new job. They packed boxes and loaded them and everything we owned on a 26 ft trailer and 3 cars. They worked their tails off for about a week so that Tanya and I could make a better life for us and our family. As they all pulled into the driveway here in Branson and then proceeded to to work hard to unload and unpack. I noticed that I have never seen any of them more tired than I did right then. They didn't just need rest, but even more so, they needed restoration. My parents (including my mother in law) are in need of restoration because of what they have done for me and my family. As a parent now I see what my parents do for me and give up for me in a brand new light. I have begun to see my father God in a whole new light through the actions of my own parents. I can remember so many times in my life that my parents became weary doing whatever it took to take care of me, but this time was different. During my devotion today my Father God helped me realize that it is my job as their child, who has benefited from what they have given to me and given up for me, to be an acting part of the restoration God wants to bring them. As children we can and should take an active roll in being a part of Gods plan to give physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual restoration to our parents. Stand up and give back to those who have given so much to you already. Thank you Mom, Dad, Dory and Pops!


So... You can post a comment if you like or better yet, go to the Music City Centre in Branson, MO and tell him yourself.

Needing More Than Rest

I posted this blog in 2008. Today I re-read for myself as I am very tired as a result of the pace and helping move Chad, Tanya and Makayla. Felt it might be appropriate for others.

Several years ago good friends gave Billie and I their cottage to stay in and rest. When I say cottage that is not doing justice to La Casita. Al and Marta have been friends for several years and whenever our family could get south of Tampa to Venice, FL we had a place to hide out and rest.

The trip several years ago taught me a good lesson. Remember that a lesson once learned for me does not mean that I will not have to learn that lesson again.

Billie and I arrived at La Casita absolutely exhausted. On Sunday we went to church followed by dinner with friends and then back to the hideout we went and crashed. after an afternoon nap and walk we had a light dinner and sitting in the chair reading I felt myself getting ready to doze off. I distinctly remember thinking that if I fall asleep now I will not be able to sleep tonight. not to be swayed by common sense I was out for over an hour. Yet that night I slept like a rock. when I woke up on Monday I thought now that I am rested I can have a normal day. Not so.... I napped in the mid morning, the afternoon and again after dinner and slept that night again like a rock.

Tuesday was a new day and now revived I was ready for what the world had to offer. I was a new man and rested. Yet Tuesday was repeat of Monday and by the way so was Wednesday.

When Thursday came around I was more than rested I felt restored.

In my reading and quiet time it was as if the Lord spoke and said "When you are tired, you need rest. But when you are weary, your need restoration."

That was significant for me. There is a major difference between tired and weary and thus the need for rest and restoration. Whe I am tired a good nights rest usually takes care of it. But, when I am weary, a couple of nights sleep and I still get tired and run-down by the afternoon.

Why do I share this with you now.... Billie and I have again left town. Not really for vacation but for restoration. This business of living and trying to live to the fullest takes a toll....physically, spiritually, mentally and emotionally. We both found ourselves more than tired but again weary. So we are hiding out and sleeping late, reading and probably eating too much. We are with some great friends who allow us to rest.

Then I am brought back to very familier Scripture that I need to read regularly.

The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want.
He makes me lie down in green pastures,
He leads me besides still waters,
He restores my soul.

And that is it....He restores my soul.

This has become a major issue for me. I must realize the difference between tired and weary and thus the need for rest or restoration.

My Reading List for 2010 - At Least a Start

Since my last blog several have asked about my current reading list. Here is a look at what is on the list for the start of the year. The easiest way to get a chapter to download is to “google” the title.

Holy Bible – I have the NIV (new one for Christmas) and NKJV at my reading morning place.

Devotional – Streams in the Desert by L. B. Cowman, edited by Jim Reimann. The Exec Leadership team of Seismic Publishing Group decided that we would each use this devotional in 2009. I am continuing with the same one this year.

Books

Men of Honor Women of Virtue, Chuck Stecker, 2010, Seismic Publishing Group. I am re-reading what I wrote. It is not an ego trip but I did a lot of research for this book and I am refreshing to keep myself fresh – if that makes sense. One of the changes in the book is that we have moved the study guides from the end of the book to having them follow each chapter. Should be available at the end of January @ www.achosengeneration.org

Master Leaders, George Barna, 2009, Barna Books (an imprint of Tyndale House) – This is really a great book and one that needs to be processed. A very good book for small group study as well. You may download a chapter at:

Leadership as an Identity, by Crawford W. Loritts, Jr, 2009, Moody Publishers – Crawford Loritts has long been one of my favorite speakers at men’s events. His messages are always worth the time and hit me right between the eyes. This book is no different. He identifies four traits that leaders have; 1) Brokenness 2) Uncommon Communion 3) Servanthood as an Identity and 4) Radical, Immediate Obedience. Filled with “Notes on Leadership.”

What Americans Really Want…Really, Dr. Frank I. Luntz, 2009, Hyperion Books. This book helps us understand and then develop strategies to reach this generation. “No one in America has done more observing of more people than Dr. Frank I. Luntz. From Bill O'Reilly to Bill Maher, America's leading pundits, prognosticators, and CEOs turn to Luntz to explain the present and to predict the future. With all the upheavals of recent events, the plans and priorities of the American people have undergone a seismic shift. Businesses everywhere are trying to market products and services during this turbulent time, but only one man really understands the needs and desires of the New America.”

Think Orange, Reggie Joiner, 2009, David C. Cook. An amazing book that speaks to the very issue of “InterGenerational Ministry” in youth ministry. It is a book that needs to be read by every pastor, youth leader and parent. What Joiner advocates is the power of church and family combined in a young person’s life.

Lost and Found, Ed Stetzer, 2009, B&H Publishing Group. The sub-title is “The Younger Unchurched and the Churches That Reach Them.” Stetzer and the co-authors have researched and share some very good insights, not the least of which is the power of “intergenerational” relationships. This is a very important book for church leaders.

The Intergenerational Church, Peter Menconi, 2008, Mt. Sage Publishing. Pete has done a great job in analyzing the generations within this current generation. Pete has been doing “Intergenerational” ministry for many years and his book is a foundational look at the world we live in today. You can get this book from www.achosengeneration.org.

Good Day! The Paul Harvey Story, Paul J. Batura, 2009, Regnery Publishing. Billie and I listened to the author at a local book store several months ago and after hearing the author, we both wanted to read the book.

In addition to the books listed, I have several books from Search Institute. This organization primarily targets schools, but has some great materials for teens and pre-teens. I am reviewing a few of the books including; Parenting Preteens with a Purpose, Empowering Youth, Launching Your Teen into Adulthood and Engage Every Parent. Find them at: http://www.search-institute.org/

This is a start for 2010. There are so many good books and resources. As the year progresses, I will share other books and resources that find their way to my reading table. Happy reading. Have a great year!

What Are You Going to Read in 2010?

What Are You Going to Read in 2010?
Perhaps the first question should be, "Are you going to read anything in 2010?" I think your answer to that question will be foundational to your decision to grow or just "tread water" in this New Year.

Late in 2009, there was a statistic floating around that stated many men do not read another book after finishing high school. Wow!! I did not know we had to read any in High School. Frankly, I am not sure whether or not the statement is with or without any valid authentication. I do know this--It is virtually impossible to grow if you do not intentionally read.

Three questions deal with the real issue:

1. Do you want to grow in 2010?

2. If you want to grow, have you decided to read for that growth?

3. If you want to grow and have decided to read--What will you read?

I have a few suggestions and these apply first and foremost to me.

1. Daily read God's Word. It does not have to be a set amount of chapters or verses. It must be a daily decision that becomes as natural as eating. People do not decide to eat every day. That is a given! In fact, we must make a deliberate decision "not to eat." Eating is natural. Therefore, reading God's word must become the natural thing to do each day.

2. Read for Growth. Women do this so much better than us guys. Yet, as men, we are not excused from this requirement. We must be deliberate and set time aside for this area of our lives.

3. Read something for pleasure. Several years ago my younger brother, who is a staff pastor in Omaha, NE, challenged me to read for pleasure. It was a good call. In fact, he sent me a book to start the process. I read it and he sent me a second one.

Now comes the critical question.... How do you actually do this?

Here are some of the steps that have been helpful to me. First, I want you to know that I was not a "reader" growing up in my early to mid-years. I read what was necessary. I made a decision to change.

1. Place to read. This has been significant. I have a chair with books all around. It is my place and I love it. I start my mornings in my chair.

2. Time to read: When it comes to my devotional time and reading the Bible, I do best in the morning. Then I read at other times as well. Think about this: the amount of TV that we Americans watch is staggering. If you made a decision to skip one show and read, your reading skills and amount you read would make a quantum leap.

3. What to read. Do not wait until you are ready to read before you decide what to read. I created a reading list, acquired several of the books which are then readily available for reading. Some books are for pleasure, others for personal growth and still others research for ministry issues.

4. Be accountable with others. It is great to read books with others. It creates an atmosphere of accountability; and men especially do much better if they know that on a given day, a group is going to be discussing the first 4 chapters of any given book. I have read several books this way and even with my sons who live in different states.

My good friend and author, Ken Larson, is the go-to guy when it comes to LifeWalking. He is always quick to ask men, "Are you going to learn to dance or just move with the music?" That statement really speaks to the issues of life.

Are we just going to slide through life and let things happen to us or did God create us to make things happen?

I think my ability to make things happen may be directly tied to reading and growing.

Finally in the words of my friend and leadership development pastor, Mac Lake--"Leaders are readers and readers are leaders."