revshortridge

While Steve Jobs did not seem to be a man of faith, he was certainly a man that had learned not to let past success or failure prevent future potential. Here is the video of his address to Stanford University that I referenced in today's sermon: Read Full Story

LCC is about relationships. The greatest need in our area is relationships. These facts probably have something to do with LCC's growth over the last few years. In order to keep serving our community, LCC needs to expand our capacity for relationships. Right now I am wrestling with what relational expansion looks like.It is one thing to grow an organization, but it is very different to grow in relational capacity. The real question is how does a church become the woodstove in a country store... Read Full Story

I have been neglecting mt blogging for a while. Finally finished my master's degree and feel like I am getting my head back on straight. Hopefully this post is the beginning of some new thoughts worth sharing on RevShortridge.com My current projects: Creating a high quality prayer ministry at LCC Opening a relational gathering place in Bealeton that will serve our community and create a sustainable and reproducible model for expansion into other rural areas with campuses or traditional church... Read Full Story

I was invited to pray for our nation at the American Event again this year. Several people have asked me for a copy of the prayer, so I will post it here. My prayer for the nation in 2011: Dear Lord, we come before you tonight as a grateful people. You have blessed our great nation throughout its history with your grace and favor. We know that the nations are less than dust on the scales to You, but You have chosen in your mercy to favor this land of America. We have enjoyed your protection... Read Full Story

Johannes Amritzer shared some views on apostolic ministry at Ignite Conference . He began by stating there are no steps to church growth. The apostolic anointing is a spirit. When present, there will be growth. Some views of apostolic ministry: The apostolic leader is a pioneer. (Romans 15:17-21) The apostolic leader is a building contractor. The job is creation of new things not managing the old things. (1 Cor. 3:10-15) The apostolic leader is dad of the house. You cannot be the apostle to... Read Full Story

Jeff Leake shared 10 things he has learned in ministry at the Imagine Conference . When Jeff shares what he has learned I am ready to listen. Here are his 10 things: God chooses to use us based on our capacity to reflect His glory and not on our ability. (1 Cor. 1:27-29) God is a God who works on both ends. (He is already working where He wants us to be) (Ex. 4:14) God is not either/or but both/and. (Matt. 6:33) Growth is about discovering restraints and overcoming them. (Pr. 24:10) Ministry... Read Full Story

Here are some more notes from Matt Keller at the Imagine Conference . Five Big ideas for church growth: Vision is like a sunset. Everyone has an idea of what a sunset looks like, but we all have different ideas. The primary role of the leader is to define the sunset for our group. The health of the church is directly related to the people in the church. Growth comes form a culture of health in every level of the church.  The leader adds the most value to the organization when using his... Read Full Story

Some more notes from Matt Keller and the Imagine Conference at Freedom Valley Worship Center . Six keys to making the jump to the next level: 1. Combat complacency. Survival is not success. Move the chains. Realize that everything must change (It drifts downward or is moved forward) 2. Download DNA. Understand your unique call to ministry and get other leaders to think as you think. 3. Shift staff. The staff that got you to one level will probably not be the staff to get you to the next level... Read Full Story

I went to the Imagine conference at Freedom Valley Worship Center a few weeks ago. Here are some notes form the day: (Full audio and video can be downloaded here ) Notes from Matt Keller : Myth #1 of church growth is that growth is linear. Growth is a series of curves similar to a roller coaster ride. The key is to jump to the next level. The problem is most people retreat when the free fall to connect with the next level begins. Myth #2 is that all levels are equal. Each level is in reality... Read Full Story

LCC is making its 4th move in 7 years! This Sunday we will begin meeting at Liberty High School at 10:30 AM. Why? Our current building is way too small. We are not reaching people because we have no room for more.  We watch visitors who can't fit in the parking lots each week leave. They finally get up the nerve to try a new church and see if Jesus is for them, and they get the message from us that there is no room for them. Our current building is not very presentable. Kids Zone and nursery... Read Full Story