As I’ve said here, here and here, we’ve been discussing the Great Commission in our staff meeting.

18 Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

This is something I’ve always thought was interesting about The Great Commission. I always thought the end of verse 18 was a misprint. It seemed to me that it should say that all authority has been given to “you.” It seems like God is commanding us to go and make disciples, you would think that he would give us the authority to do it. Why would he say that authority has been giving to him? Why won’t he give me some of that authority.

I’m not Bible scholar. I didn’t exegete this passage. But I think I know why he didn’t give me the authority. Because it causes me to daily rely on him. When I try to minister on my own, I do it without his authority. The scripture is very clear. It’s not my words that bring a person to Christ, but it’s him that draws them to himself. I’m just a tool. Ha!

The end of verse 20 wraps it up nicely. He’s reminding us that he’ll be with us until the end. Why the heck do I need my own authority? I’ve got the guy with it all with me always. Perfect!

Lord Jesus, let me daily lean in on you. Let me operate through YOUR authority! Amen.

Technorati Tags: Authority, Great Commission

I forgot to mention this earlier in my this post. I wast talking about how on the day of Christ’s ascension there were some of the 11 disciples who doubted. It truly sounds crazy. How on earth could they doubt? But then I realize that I may not “doubt,” but I often live my life as one who doubts or even doesn’t believe. Seriously, if I truly had the fear of God in my life, why do I still sin so much?

Then I got thinking.

I’ve had relationships all through my life with people who don’t believe in God. I’m really not that good at debating with them. To be honest, I don’t really like it. I like them and their belief… or lack of belief doesn’t change the way I feel about them. I just don’t think I’ve got the words to sway their belief. Many times I’ve heard them say, “If there was convincing and irrefutable proof that God exists, I’d believe.” When hearing a statement like that, I’ve felt the pressure of putting together the irrefutable proof. However, being that faith is involved, there isn’t a silver bullet. There is evidence that God exists and some people are really good at presenting that proof in a very convincing way.

But today I realized something. This statement by non-believing friends is a load of garbage. Maybe it’s not a load of garbage, but it’s wishful thinking. There are scores of people from the pages of scripture who experienced God in a powerful way, yet turned away. Peter denied him. Some of the 11 doubted. Solomon (the wisest man to live) chased after other gods. Judas betrayed him.

Aren’t we just fickle?

Technorati Tags: Doubt

I took one class at college in hermeneutics. I actually really enjoyed the class. I knew that it wasn’t likely that I’d be using my new hermeneutical skills on a regular basis when preparing preschool lessons, but I saw great application for my own personal knowledge and development. One of the key skills taught in hermeneutics is studying the verse in context. When looking at a particular passage, we would have to outline in detail the entire chapter in addition to a less detailed outline of the entire book. The context of the book, the chapter and surrounding verses can have a profound impact on the passage being studied.

Like I said yesterday, we’ve been looking at The Great Commission in our staff meetings. Usually people quote this passage using only verse 19 or sometimes 19 and 20. It also isn’t’ unusual for people to begin their quote starting with verse 18.

However, keeping the rules of hermeneutics in play, the passage of “The Great Commission” actually begins in verse 16. I’ve read the book of Matthew at least dozens of times, but two weeks ago I noticed something I’ve never noticed before. It’s in verse 17. I’ll quote both 16 and 17.

16 Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. 17 When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted.

Do you see it? What the heck? Who doubted? Was it Thomas again? There must have been someone else as well if it says that “some doubted.”

It amazes me. These 11 men saw miracles performed by this man. These 11 performed miracles in his name. They witnessed his brutal crucifixion. Then they witnessed his resurrection. And here we are several weeks later and some doubted??? I don’t get it.

I seem to recall that this isn’t a first time occurrence. How often did the Israelites complain against God after they saw him smite (I love using that word) the mighty nation of Egypt. Moses went up the mountain for a little while and his people turned toward worshiping idols in his absence. How does this happen?

Here’s what I’m coming to realize. We’re a stiff-necked people! If I had been one of the 11, I might have been a doubter. Maybe you would too. Don’t deny it, look what happened to Peter when he denied similar accusations. I’ve encountered grace so amazing and have experience the power and love of the God who created the universe, yet why don’t I love him more? Why do I find it so difficult to spend time with him? Why don’t I love others more? Does this put me in the same camp as the doubters? Maybe.

Just something to chew on today…

Technorati Tags: Great Commission, Doubt

This is one of the things I really love about my church, Gateway Community Church.

We’re in a series called “Dialed In: Conversations with the World.” Actually, it’s a series about other world religions. I’m sure many people would ask, why would you devote an entire series to other religions? Isn’t that something you’d teach in a small group or special extra-curricular class? Yeah, I think we actually do that as well. But you may not know our audience. Although Texas is a good ‘ol conservative/right-winged/republican state, Austin is not. Austin is an odd city with a weird vibe. It’s definitely Texas to the core, but with a liberal twist. A significant number of our church came to Christ at Gateway and a significant number of those who came to Christ were not your “grew up in the church but never made a decision” type of people. There are many people sitting in our audience every week wondering if this route is any different or better than the alternatives.

So, this last weekend was supposed to be about Hinudism and Buddhism. I think that both a Hindu and a Buddhist were either going to be interviewed or maybe it was just an expert in these religions. Unfortunately, our pastor, John Burke, called in sick. It was the first time in the 10 years of Gateway. Becasue he was out, we watched a video of a message recorded a few years ago that tied into the message from last week. It was still very good.

But what was really cool was the worship set. There was a very small set of standard instruments. Added to this was a little Indian (No, I don’t mean Native American) band. One guy was playing a very tribal looking set of hand drums. Another guy was playing the Sitar and another guy playing a Veena (I’m pretty sure). How cool is this? And these were not some local musicians who are versed in all kinds of instruments. These guys looked like the real deal. What a great experience. Totally Austin.

Excuse the quality of my photos. I was sitting at the very back and the room was dark.

Technorati Tags: Hinduism, Buddhism, Austin

At staff meeting a few weeks ago, we spent a little bit of time talking about the Great Commission. Yes! This is my verse. As someone who is very committed to the cause of reaching the unreached, the Great Commission is my motto. But I learned something that kind of shook my understanding of this verse.

Don’t worry. My new found revelation has not changed my feelings or passion for world missions. But I do look at this verse a little differently now.

“Go Ye Therefore!” I’ve listened to countless sermons where this was the thrust of the message. The last thing Jesus said to his disciples was to “GO!” This verse has been the catalyst for pushing people out of their comfortable lives a out in the world making a difference.

Then I learned something very interesting. In staff meeting someone asked, “What are the verbs in this command?” Easy. Go, make (disciples), baptize and teaching. Then someone asked, “What is the “main” verb in this command?” Duh. Everyone knows that. Go!

Wrong.

Go is not the main verb. Make disciples is the main verb.

Go, baptize and teach are participles modifying the imperative verb “make disciples.” A better way to say this verse would be “As you go” or “In your going” make disciples. It is thought that as Jesus gave this command, the “Go” was assumed. In the three years Jesus walked with his disciples, they were always on the go. He often spoke about “all nations.” The point that he was making here was that we are to “make disciples.”

Here’s some more information on the context and language of this verse: Site 1 Site 2 Site 3

Here’s where the rubber meets the road. For me I’ve “GONE” many times. I’ve been obedient to “The Great Commission.” I’ve spread the gospel.

However, how many disciples have I made? (Awkward silence)

Sure, I’ve been a part of helping kids grow in their faith over a period off years. I’m very proud of that. However, when I step out of my role as “Kenny Conley: Children’s Pastor,” and become “Kenny Conley: Average Guy” or “Kenny Conley: Next Door Neighbor,” how many disciples have I made?

Rhetorical question: How well have I obeyed “The Great Commisssion?” How well have you?

Technorati Tags: Great Commission, Missions, Discipleship

A few months ago I helped my wife set up her own blog. Once it was up, she immediately wrote four or five posts. She added her website to her facebook profile and within hours the traffic started coming.

After a day or two, she came to me with a scowl on her face. She asked, “why are all these people visiting my site (I set her up with analytics), but no one is leaving any comments?”

I smiled and said, “join the club! Everyone who blogs wants more comments on their posts.”

It’s kinda just the way it is. Lots of people read, few respond. My question is simple. Why? Why is the percentage of readers who comment so small?

Here are the reasons I came up with:

• Readers don’t connect with the content. I’ve been known to skim over a paragraph or two. I guess that is why short posts are highly encouraged (something I’m working on).
• Readers don’t want to comment. I’ve been on many sites with the attitude, “I’m just looking.” I guess that’s fine. If I had to comment on everything I read online every day, I’d be spending a lot of time commenting.
• Readers don’t feel they have anything worth adding. Been there too. I’ve read some great posts but just didn’t feel like I had anything worthwhile to add. What’s the point?

My response? If you don’t connect, then I see no reason to comment… unless you’re a very honest reader and you want to let the blogger know that their post just put you to sleep. Harsh maybe, but honest. If you’re just looking for info and don’t have time to comment, then I understand that as well. However, if you don’t feel like you have anything to add, you’re completely wrong. I’d encourage you to at the very least post a comment like “I agree or here’s how I experienced that.”

Most bloggers expect/like comments. It’s the only good feedback we get. We can tell when a post generates a lot of traffic, but we don’t know if it’s becasue the post was inspiring or it was so dumb, readers are sending their friends to it for a good laugh. Even a simple, one liner is better than nothing. As a reader, it’s the least we can do.

Anyone agree? Dissagree?

So, the challenge I’m throwing out. Comment more! If you’re not a blogger, comments are you’re way of geting your thoughts and ideas out there.. without having a blog of your own. If you are a blogger, it’s a little of the “do unto others as you would have them do unto you.”

So, I’m challenging myself to be mindful of the blogs I’m reading, to post a comment where initially I didn’t give it a thought. If everyone did a little more commenting, we’d have significanlty more information out ther for the benifit of everyone!

Like I said, I’m doing a lot of reading now days. However, for the past several months my blog subscription has gotten pretty big (at least by my standards). During the week of Orange and the week after, I did not keep up with reading the blogs I subscribe to. Finally, the next week, it took me four hours one night to catch up. I did a lot of skimming, but I just can’t stand to miss anything.

I really need to update my blogroll. However, I thought I’d share what blogs I read right now. I remembered how when I first got into blogging, I searched the Internet both high and low to find all the CM blogs. However, I find that I don’t put nearly as much effort into finding new blogs… but I really should. I’m surprised how often I’m finding brand new blogs or blogs I’ve just missed. I must say, the quickest way I’ve found new blogs is when the authors either comment on my blog or blogs I read. So, if you’re a new blogger, be sure to interact with the blogosphere… it’s the fastest way to get connected to the network. If you’ve got a CM blog and you’re not on this list of mine, leave a comment and I’ll check you out!

Beware, this is all of the blogs I actually subscribe to. Some blogs post irregularly, some I love and other I’d subscribe to just to keep up with what is going on. I’ll put (FAV) next to the ones that are my “favorites.”  I’ll comment briefly one each one:

(BTW, I subscribe to 60 blogs)

Access Elevation Blog: (FAV) Elevation Church’s Behind the Scene’s Blog.

Being Beck: (FAV) A good friend’s family blog.

Brand New Atheist: A good friend’s blog documenting his journey from Christianity to Atheism. His posts challenge me and sharpen me.

Buzz Out Loud: (FAV) My favorite tech podcast.

Chad Swanzy: (FAV) The Youth Pastor at my church with a great Student Ministry Blog.

Children’s Ministry 1234: Rob Bradbury’s blog from down under. I love this guy!

Children’s Ministry and Culture: (FAV) It’s like Headline News for Children’s Minsitry.

Children’s Ministry Blog with Jamie Doyle: Another CP letting us in on his life and ministry.

Children’s Ministry Insights: I think this is connected with Children’s Ministry Univesity.

Children’s Ministry Talk: An actual podcast from Dick Gruber and Jason Rhode. I think they too are connected with Children’s Ministry University.

Childrensministry.com: Christine Yount’s blog… editor of Children’s Ministry Magazine.

Children’s Ministry <<That’s Swell>>: How the heck did I get connected with this one, I don’t know. Doesn’t really have anything to do with CM, but this young couple remind me of Sara and I the year after we got married. We were both in College and I was doing CM part time.

Church Marketing Sucks: (FAV) Just a great blog. They’ve got an awesome Church Marketing Lab on Flikr that is a great resource for media and just coming up with ideas.

CHURCHSMO: This guy doesn’t blog much, but talks mostly about tech tools for ministry and blogging.

Coffee With Chris: I don’t know how I started reading this blog, but I enjoy what he has to say.

Connections: I think this guy commented on a blog I read and I’ve just been reading his ever since.

Craig Jutila - Liquid Leadership: Craig isn’t writing much… but if he starts, I’ll get it.

Deadly Viper Blog: Just found this. Very candid and authentic… glad someone is writing this stuff.

DiscipleBlog.com: I think this is a partnership between Karl and DiscipleLand curriculum.

Engadget: A great tech blog. Just overwhelming amount of posts.

FRC KIDS: I just subscribed to this one. Not sure if it’s for families or volunteers. Combo of blog and podcast for CM at Flamingo Roach Church.

Free Children’s Ministry Resources: I don’t even know what this is really. Seems like more Children’s Ministry University blog stuff. I’d be more likely to engage if they had one blog as opposed to 3… but maybe I’m missing something.

GaryLamb.org: I really don’t know how I got on this one. It’s a successful church plant in North Georgia and I’m just having a blast reading it. If you read anything, read their Easter Egg drop blog post. I almost peed in my pants.

Glen Woods: Children’s Ministry Conversation: This guy is super thought provoking… but he’s also really smart.

Hayslips’ News Blog: (FAV) My good friends who are missionaries in Burkina Faso.

Improv Everywhere: (FAV) If you don’t know what it is, you really should check it out. Really funny stuff.

jabberfrog.com: Gina McClain, the CP at one of Life Church’s OKC campuses.

Jim Wideman Ministries: (FAV) The one and only. It’s the CM “bread and butter.”

John Sorrell’s Blog: A guy I recently met who’s doing some church ministry blogging.

Jonathan Fietzer: A CP blogging about his ministry in Milwaukee.

jonathancliff.com: (FAV) I just found this blog and I LOVE it. I think this guy and I are very much alike.

JUST PUDGE: (FAV) Pudge has so many great things to say. I just don’t know if when I meet him I can say his name and keep a straight face.

[Kid Inspiration]: (FAV) He’s been blogging as long as there has been blogging. Always good stuff.

Kidologist.com: (FAV) Karl’s been doing it longer than most as well. Always insightful and resourceful.

Kids in Focus: This one isn’t really regular, so I’m not sure what it’s all about.

Kids Ministry Revolution:  Just found this blog. I love the name and love the insight. It’s a CP from New Zealand, I love getting the perspective of those from outside the United States.

LifeChurch.tv: swerve: (FAV) Just a great blog on ministry, life and technology.

Mashable! Another big tech blog… with an overwhelming number of posts.

matt mckee live: (FAV) One of my favorites. He’s a geeky tech guy that love’s kids… but he’s not really a geek at all. Does that makes sense? Oh and he has a fetish for signs. (:

Michelle Richards: She’s been quite for a while, but I’ve always enjoyed reading about what was going on in her ministry.

Movie Marketing Madness: (FAV) Just signed up for this one. I love movies and this blog has the inside scoop.

Multi-Site Kids: (FAV) It’s what I do… so this one has great information.

Pastor Steven Furtick: (FAV) It’s the pastor of a portable mega-church who’s only 26 or 27. A great blog.

Perry Noble dot com: (FAV) This guy is funny, inspiring and leading a really great church.

Phil Vischer: The father of VeggieTales. Must I say anymore?

phillipmccart.com: Started following this guy several months ago. He’s a student pastor who’s been getting around the South.

Photoshop brushes: Just signed up for this one. I’ve never used custom brushes in photoshop, so this blog is teaching me.

Ragamuffin Soul: (FAV) Carlos is incredible. I enjoy this blog and his Twitter feed.

samluce.com: (FAV) Sam started blogging when I did. He has great insight in the world of Children’s Ministry.

Seth’s Blog: Who doesn’t love Seth Godin?

Smashing Magazine: (FAV) Was recently introduced to this blog. Good for keeping up with design styles and stuff.

Stuff Christians Like: (FAV) I look forward to this one everyday. I feel like this guy and I must have gone to the same church growing up. So funny.

Stuff: (FAV) A good friends family blog.

Take T.W.O. Family Ministries: Has some really great insight on leadership.

The Dixie Gypsy: (FAV) My wife’s blog, she’ the bomb.

The Ferguson Family: (FAV) Some good family friends write this one. They are so funny.

The Multi-site Church Revolution: Just keeps me up with the Multi-site world.

The Stevens Family Blog: (FAV) Good family friends from Keller… and neighbors.

The Way We See It: (FAV) Good stuff from Ryan Frank, Jim Wideman and Evan Doyle.

TodaysChildrensMinistry.com: Part of Christianity Today’s site and usually filled with great articles form Willow Creek CM people.

tonymorganlive.com: (FAV) This guy is one of the best from the church strategy perspective.

Water Blogged: Another silent Craig Jutila blog. Waiting for him to write something…

YouVersion - One Year Bible: It is what is says.

Lately I’ve been a crazy reading man!

I just updated the ‘Books I’m Reading" and Books I’ve Read" widget on the right. Unfortunately I’ve been reading Bringing Up Boys for over a year now (I need to either just wrap that one up or take it off my list). I’m about three chapters away from finishing "Wild at Heart: Discovering the Secret of a Man’s Soul." I’ve got some blogs coming out in the next few weeks addressing this book. It’s been hitting me on so many different levels, both personally and vocationally. In the last two weeks I devoured Patrick Lencioni’s books "The Five Dysfunctions of a Team: A Leadership Fable" and "Death by Meeting: A Leadership Fable…About Solving the Most Painful Problem in Business." I have upcoming posts on both of these books as well. As a staff at Gateway, we’re reading "Transforming Discipleship: Making Disciples a Few at a Time." It’s a major focus for us, so I’m sure I’ll have many posts interacting with this one. Next week, however; I plant to dive into Covey’s "The SPEED of Trust: The One Thing That Changes Everything." After that, I’ll still have two more books that Nancy Ortberg told me to read while at Orange (I just haven’t listed them on the widget yet… I have too many "Books I’m Reading" there already). Last of all, I’ve still got the book "In a Pit with a Lion on a Snowy Day: How to Survive and Thrive When Opportunity Roars" that I’ve only read one chapter of. So, I’ve got a lot of reading to do….

So, if you’re interested in reading any of these books, I’ll let you know what I think in the coming weeks. If you’ve read some of them, I’ll look forward to your comments!

Today I had to make a hospital call. This past Sunday one of our volunteers stopped in to tell my Early Childhood Director that she would be stepping down from her volunteer position because she just found out her 18 month old daughter was diagnosed with Leukemia.

Yeah, I was standing there and my heart sank when I heard this news. I simply cannot imagine.

So, this morning I prayed for little Zayan and her mother just before she went into surgery. She had her first injection of chemotherapy today and will be in the hospital for a week. When I try to empathize, I don’t even like to think of what it would be like to be in her shoes.

If you would, please take 30 seconds to pray right now for little Zayan. They don’t have a great support system right now, so we’re trying to create that right now… but I know that your prayers from around the US and world will be very much appreciated.

Thank you!

I just got my new laptop for work. I’ve been using a desktop in my office for the past few weeks. When at home I’ve used my own laptop and have been able to do everything necessary. However, now I’m glad to have my own equipment and able to set it up for getting stuff done.

However, it’s loaded with Vista. Hmmmm. Not sure how I feel about this. I’ve been an XP user for 5 years and have become very comfortable with it. I’ve been keeping tabs on the mess Microsoft has had with the Vista release. I know at some point a person must move on… I guess now is that time for me.

Before all you Macheads (you know who you are) suggest Apple as another option (and some of you would probably say the only logical option), I am not ready to go “ther” yet. Yeah, I actually had the option. Actually, the IT guy was disappointed that I didn’t. So, we’ll just have to wait a little longer on that end.

Anyone else using Vista? Anyone in a Vista recovery group yet? I’ll let you know how my transition goes….