tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22800918430589003442011-09-21T08:21:30.765-05:00Our purpose at Grace Point is to "lead unsaved people to a life of full devotion to Jesus Christ." It is both our individual life purpose and our charter as leaders. This blog exists to be a forum of thoughts, ideas, prayers and shared learning as we seek to understand discipleship, spiritual formation, Kingdom living and the Commission more fully.Mike Sharrowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09390371076084475045noreply@blogger.comBlogger1031100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2280091843058900344.post-26768180009262561502009-06-09T15:06:00.005-05:002009-06-09T15:26:50.994-05:00

Have you ever felt overwhelmed? Plate overflowing, mind over-saturated with to-do's, and more problems to solve than you had time to even consider?I had the chance to get away for a vacation back home (Alaska) recently and then did a little road trip on the west coast. It was gorgeous. It took a few days to truly unplug - to get over the guilt of not being productive, the haunting thoughts of "

Mike Sharrowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09390371076084475045noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2280091843058900344.post-36417594147877364462009-05-10T18:57:00.005-05:002009-05-10T19:38:19.100-05:00

Jody Harris gave a mother's day talk at Grace Point this morning, and embedded within the broad scope of her content was a mention of the need to "find rest in Jesus." She was referencing the famous passage where Jesus invites those following Him to find a perpetual rest, what Eugene Peterson referred to as the "rhythm of grace." Anybody in leadership knows the burden of responsibility, the

Mike Sharrowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09390371076084475045noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2280091843058900344.post-46798644534641294422009-05-03T16:11:00.002-05:002009-05-03T16:13:16.096-05:00

Faith Herrera, the Childrens Pastor @ Grace Point, sent out this devotional thought to her leaders/parents this morning and I thought it was worth all of us reflecting on...Acts 4:13When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus.This week Melody (Associate Children's

Mike Sharrowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09390371076084475045noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2280091843058900344.post-15321440388864503202009-04-25T19:34:00.004-05:002009-04-25T19:51:52.581-05:00

Next to the Bible, the biographies of men and women who have all-out sought God and been radically messed up in the process have been impactful to me. I remember delighting in not just reading the "works" of guys like Jonathan Edwards, Erasmus, George Whitefield, John Wesley, John Calvin and Thomas Aquinas - but then reading their biographies to be inspiring and challenging. It was peculiar and

Mike Sharrowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09390371076084475045noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2280091843058900344.post-60273036757391778862009-04-23T10:15:00.000-05:002009-04-23T10:21:48.723-05:00

I received a testimony email this morning about an Ugandan pastor who was resilient. He wasn't a formal pastor, but when 100 Christians were imprisoned in a hostile Muslim uprising he was the eldest and most determined to praise God in the circumstance. He refused to deny his Savior and instead rallied the other Christians to praise God in their gruesome confines. After years of this he was

Mike Sharrowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09390371076084475045noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2280091843058900344.post-77870376483595627882009-04-23T10:12:00.000-05:002009-04-23T10:13:26.889-05:00

archiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11933288809062178988noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2280091843058900344.post-18040079775711270962009-04-13T08:53:00.001-05:002009-04-13T08:55:17.936-05:00

If we're not leading people towards, relentlessly in pursuit of...this Man...it's all pointless.ThatsMyKingUploaded by alexsipes

Mike Sharrowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09390371076084475045noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2280091843058900344.post-46935468997873671402009-04-07T09:37:00.003-05:002009-04-07T09:41:38.654-05:00

Hey Folks, there are some awesome opportunities to learn, grow and experience new things in April. Here are just some of the highlights:1. God's Library - a 5 week survey of the entire Bible, taught by Jim Kingery on Monday nights beginning April 20th. Cost is only $5. Childcare is provided at no cost.2. Spiritual Warfare - a 5 week study about the fundamentals of spiritual warfare, the Christian

Mike Sharrowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09390371076084475045noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2280091843058900344.post-51571693328276843512009-03-26T07:53:00.003-05:002009-03-26T08:03:21.317-05:00

This vision is for a future time. It describes the end, and it will be fulfilled. If it seems slow in coming, wait patiently, for it will surely take place… Habakkuk 2:3Perhaps one of the most persistent hindrances to effective leadership is a function of time tolerance. In a volatile environment, much value and emphasis can be placed on "JIT Decision Making" (Just in Time) or jumping at just

Mike Sharrowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09390371076084475045noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2280091843058900344.post-61775407989894203622009-03-19T22:52:00.005-05:002009-03-19T23:17:03.009-05:00

Economic times are notoriously uncertain. Job losses, financial devaluations, banks shuddering, capital constricted and the general haze of uneasiness can be paralyzing. What are you doing in 6 months? Nobody knows how to answer that question anymore. Most organizations and individuals are playing a short game until things "stabilize."The truth is - change is constant, uncertainty is always

Mike Sharrowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09390371076084475045noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2280091843058900344.post-53742041397551825122009-03-19T10:12:00.003-05:002009-03-19T10:18:01.648-05:00

Guest Blog by Wesley King (thanks Wes!)What is the monetary value of your human body? Some researchers, with too much time on their hands, have estimated that the monetary value of the elements that comprise your body is about $4.50. Can you believe that? Even with the recent changes, that's still not enough to buy a cup of coffee and a pastry at Starbucks!But as with most things, when I ask God

Mike Sharrowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09390371076084475045noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2280091843058900344.post-44077490213880814082009-03-09T21:02:00.004-05:002009-03-09T21:12:20.049-05:00

I'm a big fan of Sam's Club and Costco. Not just because you can purchase ridiculous quantities of household items (the sense of power from walking out with 96 rolls of toilet paper, or 56 pounds of sugar) - but because of the sacred cow of wholesale box stores....SAMPLES. Yes, ladies and gentlemen, the highly anticipated samples. Stopping by one of these seemingly harmless warehouses during the

Mike Sharrowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09390371076084475045noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2280091843058900344.post-1156931645738835942009-03-08T19:53:00.004-05:002009-03-08T20:01:03.081-05:00

I recently had the privilege of joining a gathering of some of the greatest champions of small group ministry from around the country for a strategic brain-storming session. One of the members, Ralph Neighbor, wrote the following comment on a discussion thread about Biblical Community which I found striking. I'm grateful for Ralph's passionate voice and efforts in the small group world. Check

Mike Sharrowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09390371076084475045noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2280091843058900344.post-29445465636085085592009-03-02T11:50:00.003-06:002009-03-02T11:55:38.511-06:00

The above "concept cloud" is produced by the great folks at www.Wordle.net and is an interesting reflection of the body of language throughout this blog. Fascinating to see what bubbles up.

Mike Sharrowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09390371076084475045noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2280091843058900344.post-77465793038614080552009-02-26T10:22:00.003-06:002009-02-26T10:25:24.573-06:00

Some friends at another church in town are releasing devotionals for Lent, and this is today's entry...good for us all to celebrate and remember...1 Corinthians 1:26-27 Brothers, think of what you were when you were called. Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many were of noble birth. But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God

Mike Sharrowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09390371076084475045noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2280091843058900344.post-80257271735744665692009-02-23T14:44:00.003-06:002009-02-23T14:47:47.628-06:00

So some guys in the network world graciously pulled together an anthology of sorts of the leadership related blog entries by some of the top bloggers in the church planting, pastoring, leadership, church ideation world. You can read it, print it, keep it and kick it around HERE.

Mike Sharrowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09390371076084475045noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2280091843058900344.post-67341006617986419282009-02-22T14:00:00.000-06:002009-02-22T14:00:02.386-06:00

I've discussed the distinction between "leadership" and "discipleship" before. They are two disciplines/functions that have so much interplay that they are often blended together, which can be hazardous at times.In a recent discussion about cross-cultural leadership/discipleship issues within the context of global missions, Keith Anderson reiterated how much a healthy understanding of the

Mike Sharrowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09390371076084475045noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2280091843058900344.post-71953635297379183432009-02-21T16:30:00.005-06:002009-02-21T17:05:10.082-06:00

Enrique Fernandez was asked for some key axioms pertaining to the local church effectively engaging cross-cultural missions, leadership and discipleship based upon his work and experience. His response:The local church must take the "s" off of Missions, and instead focus on the Mission of God (singular). The world-wide mission of God is one of restoring all people to relationship with Himself

Mike Sharrowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09390371076084475045noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2280091843058900344.post-54855707679738824082009-01-02T09:21:00.006-06:002009-01-03T08:35:05.280-06:00

Pastor Jeff has been teaching a great series of thoughts that God has put on his heart. He ended the year strong and is kicking off the new year equally strong. It is an honor God allows us to be a part of what He is doing in the local Grace Point body, city and world.I enjoyed the "poker game" and the concept of being "All In". Easily understood and the point made that God desires us to be all

archiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11933288809062178988noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2280091843058900344.post-43219030590829080322008-12-22T20:08:00.003-06:002008-12-22T20:54:41.089-06:00

I was reading a brilliant blog site's recent article, which mentioned something in the world of cybernetics known as "The Law of Requisite Variety," which is: the survival of any living system depends upon its capacity to cultivate (not just tolerate) adaptability and diversity in its internal structure...failure results in the inability to cope successfully with variety that is introduced by

Mike Sharrowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09390371076084475045noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2280091843058900344.post-71063305479717838632008-11-16T22:07:00.003-06:002008-11-16T22:44:35.712-06:00

At the recently Global Leadership Summit in Teguc 460+ leaders from the region gathered together for the first time around the campfire of Kingdom leadership. The reaction to the high caliber content was as expected and similar to what we see in the States - awe, overwhelmed with the significant implications, excitement, renewal, etc...What impacted me was the shock leaders experienced from

Mike Sharrowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09390371076084475045noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2280091843058900344.post-58835448037653023462008-11-15T18:07:00.003-06:002008-11-15T18:48:39.612-06:00

I'm in Tegucigalpa, Honduras. I've had the opportunity to visit a variety of local ministries ranging from a Compassion International program, a local church ran dental/medical clinic to a retired nurse who decided to turn a small house into a feeding center for about 40 underweight/malnourished children. The central event was participating in the Global Leadership Summit here, occurring for the

Mike Sharrowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09390371076084475045noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2280091843058900344.post-50096479842527291822008-11-02T21:28:00.009-06:002008-11-08T15:25:03.426-06:00

Remember when "love" struck in middle school? That's when the rapturous allure of "love" begins to really take root. Of course, it's not really "love," as much as the idea of love that consumes you. It's the period in life when just the look from that certain someone, the hint that he/she might "like you," is enough to send you over the moon. You may never even talk directly about the "matter

Mike Sharrowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09390371076084475045noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2280091843058900344.post-45990085302797992272008-11-01T18:12:00.004-05:002008-11-01T21:12:47.269-05:00

In the 1990s a University of Washington biology professor pulled a witty prank on his students that got out of control. In an attempt to help his students realize how emotional their thinking was to always be rushing against things without thinking about the entire situation, he architected a campus-wide petition to have a ban on a chemical responsible for mass death and destruction worldwide.

Mike Sharrowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09390371076084475045noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2280091843058900344.post-14579115331495557282008-10-25T08:28:00.005-05:002008-10-25T08:36:55.991-05:00

As a nonprofit religious organization, I understand you are not allowed an opinion or something like that. So, this is in no way an opinion and is only posted by the janitor. Surely, he doesn't have an opinion and would in no way desire to influence anyone on his/her voting intention. .That is the good thing about America. You get to vote anyway you want without reprisal. So as the janitor, I

archiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11933288809062178988noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2280091843058900344.post-35894902772969106212008-10-21T23:03:00.006-05:002008-10-21T23:32:27.501-05:00

At a recent conference a speaker gave the exhortation to remember that "We have an eternity to perfect the journey of Christ-likeness and growth, but only a lifetime to testify about God to a world of lost people." It was, obviously, a charge to remember the imperative to never forsake the "as you go, therefore, everywhere be telling" of evangelism for a false dichotomy of "discipleship VS

Mike Sharrowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09390371076084475045noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2280091843058900344.post-14919970224930360062008-10-20T08:29:00.003-05:002008-10-20T08:36:07.823-05:00

Yesterday this guy was preaching about the "power of words" and their value to build up and encourage fellow believers. He even addressed the concept of taking "risk" to encounter conflict or get your hands dirty by wading into the water of a situation for the sake of another person. For many of us, the mental picture turned to unpleasant individuals in our lives or situations we know are so

Mike Sharrowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09390371076084475045noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2280091843058900344.post-61051990369798300692008-10-16T17:52:00.004-05:002008-10-17T14:13:15.047-05:00

Thursday, October 16th was a unique day - Grace Point pioneered into a new space of impact events with the hosting of a National Boss Day Luncheon (aka "Boss's Day"). 2 great guest speakers made up the faculty for this moderated affair, complimented by a superb lunch nicely catered with Hilton supervision.Do you have milk with your OODA Loops? Does your workplace or team setting have a value of

Mike Sharrowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09390371076084475045noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2280091843058900344.post-35105601204376161022008-10-11T15:23:00.003-05:002008-10-11T22:22:30.412-05:00

In the Gospels there is this funny little statement that has always struck me "and they stopped asking him anymore questions, for they feared what He would say." Wow. How revealing - when the fear of truth kills the very quest for answers. How depressing...mainly because it's a human condition that we all reflect in varying degrees. We know not to pray for patience, because that will invite

Mike Sharrowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09390371076084475045noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2280091843058900344.post-78327828225624400192008-10-01T20:54:00.002-05:002008-10-01T21:00:00.488-05:00

Check out a new online resource for Grace Point leaders - the Grace Point Resource Center. It's an online bookstore managed by Grace Point to provide an evolving listing of recommended reading materials for small groups, leadership development and miscellaneous topics like marriage, spiritual formation, and the like. As more materials get reviewed you can find them at the Resource Center. The

Mike Sharrowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09390371076084475045noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2280091843058900344.post-28116823758423633502008-09-25T22:29:00.005-05:002008-09-25T22:46:06.213-05:00

At a recent meeting of area pastors in Haiti, I asked a senior leader (Emmanuel) what his biggest obstacle in the work of evangelism and discipleship was. His response was "Vodou." I asked if he meant opposition and conflict with the spiritually dark grip this cultish religion held on the island. "No, it's not so much the direct conflict - although there is much of that, and possession

Mike Sharrowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09390371076084475045noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2280091843058900344.post-301388562385305852008-09-19T12:20:00.004-05:002008-09-19T14:20:55.053-05:00

A recommended read on missions, evangelism, church life, community: "Christianity Rediscovered" by Vincent Donovan. A Catholic priest sent on missions to the Masai tribe of Tanzania.After successfully communicating the Gospel with 7 local tribes, he prepares to leave them to their own journey of faith and asks them what role or label they would have for a "priest" or "pastor" equivalent. He

Mike Sharrowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09390371076084475045noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2280091843058900344.post-33151216430457015262008-09-15T19:26:00.004-05:002008-09-15T19:52:21.963-05:00

I was sitting in my living room with some dear friends discussing marriage. There were a group of us husbands chattering about areas we're aware of God's work in our life around growing in the mind and life of Christ. MJ makes a profound confession:We've talked about how we're supposed to love our wives independent of their performance in a love like that of Christs, based upon Ephesians 5...but

Mike Sharrowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09390371076084475045noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2280091843058900344.post-5291990450976720152008-09-15T09:29:00.003-05:002008-09-15T09:32:14.100-05:00

For all my friends in the Life Group world, I thought you'd enjoy some endorsements to the group concept by none other than the green theologian, Yoda:Click Here to Watch Yoda's Words on Groups

Mike Sharrowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09390371076084475045noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2280091843058900344.post-10880185158167253492008-09-13T13:08:00.003-05:002008-09-13T13:17:12.506-05:00

With today's 1st semi-annual Life Group Leader Training & Strategy Conference and the launch of a new website (Group Central), the pages are turning for a new chapter on the group world here at Grace Point.Here's an interesting defining quote about groups from a guy named Dave Earley:A G.R.O.U.P. is (1) Guided by the leader who must model actual spiritual growth; (2) Regularly congregating,

Mike Sharrowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09390371076084475045noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2280091843058900344.post-46996886839264996692008-09-10T20:35:00.006-05:002008-09-10T20:59:51.796-05:00

I have enjoyed the game of chess since I was a kid. Not that I'm necessarily a chess wizard, but it's just a fun game and I enjoy strategic thinking. Playing chess with my wife, however, is frustrating. You see, she does not strategize in chess - she just "plays." While I'm anticipated 6 moves ahead and how she'll react and then counter-act my moves, she's taking each move as they come with the

Mike Sharrowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09390371076084475045noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2280091843058900344.post-55081547097606414352008-09-03T19:11:00.003-05:002008-09-03T20:56:34.795-05:00

A guy named Ben wrote a blog recently about the fact values are read by the expression of community. That what you do, how you do it, what the people around you presume (the culture) all express the true values at play.As a leader, in whatever arena you want to consider (your marriage? family? life group? classroom? team? job? friendships?) - what values would someone identify based upon the

Mike Sharrowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09390371076084475045noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2280091843058900344.post-89133621686106607032008-09-01T16:33:00.002-05:002008-09-01T16:48:50.006-05:00

Nelson Mandela recently shared in an article written for Time Magazine 8 life lessons for leadership. Here they are in brief:1 Courage is not the absence of fear — it’s inspiring others to move beyond it2 Lead from the front — but don’t leave your base behind3 Lead from the back — and let others believe they are in front4 Know your enemy — and learn about his favorite sport5 Keep your friends

Mike Sharrowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09390371076084475045noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2280091843058900344.post-68951558789934732172008-08-29T22:00:00.004-05:002008-08-30T22:00:35.134-05:00

Did some talking and thinking this week about the telescoping truth principles that link marriage and our individual God journey. Read the full posting at:Argentina Blog (click on Argentina Blog tab when at this site)

Mike Sharrowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09390371076084475045noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2280091843058900344.post-40674600451911779072008-08-14T13:58:00.001-05:002008-08-14T14:00:43.641-05:00

For the Kingdom of God does not consist of words, but of power.- St. Paul's first letter to the Christians gathered in Corinth

Mike Sharrowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09390371076084475045noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2280091843058900344.post-61555964558891955752008-08-13T08:02:00.002-05:002008-08-13T08:09:11.535-05:00

I think I am beginning to "get it". I keep hearing about the disciplines of the faith and kind of appreciate what is being said. But, I'm not sure how it really impacts me.I know I should read the Bible, pray and maybe fast if someone really pressures me. But the problem is really a simple question. "Why?" Life is pretty good without the hassle of doing things that don't fit my routine. But

archiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11933288809062178988noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2280091843058900344.post-12447959194402391412008-08-10T18:48:00.005-05:002008-08-10T21:42:01.751-05:00

Leadership Summit 2008 was excellent. The faculty delivered a series of powerful punches that struck me and thousands of other leaders in a number of ways...some of which I'm still unpacking. One resounding theme across the speakers was courageous, uninhibited, relentless, risky, consuming pursuit in faith of the things God put before them. Whether a pastor pursuing laser-focus on the mission, a

Mike Sharrowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09390371076084475045noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2280091843058900344.post-41870420682565839752008-07-31T14:41:00.005-05:002008-08-06T22:12:32.617-05:00

'Had a great talk today with some passionate leaders about needs they saw for outreach, discipleship and training/development. Sparked a valuable discussion about the tension between leadership principles and Biblical principles of discipleship... prepare, measure, plan, train, steward, diligently administer gifts, and DO. Concentric circles of churchy concepts create confusion at times...but

Mike Sharrowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09390371076084475045noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2280091843058900344.post-70010451468983482442008-07-23T14:15:00.003-05:002008-07-23T14:31:17.269-05:00

We all have deficits, weaknesses, areas we desire improvement in and then those areas we are eagerly awaiting God's transformational life in. When it comes to skills, tactics and approaches it's amazing how enslaved we can be to routine. We approach things the same way expecting a surprising burst of improved results one day. I heard a definition of insanity that sounded very similar. Yet, so

Mike Sharrowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09390371076084475045noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2280091843058900344.post-12202505741117515052008-07-20T15:27:00.003-05:002008-07-20T15:48:16.917-05:00

I worked in a window factory about 8 years ago making custom "poly vinal chloride" (PVC) frames for homes in Alaska. 10 hour days in a factory hand-chiseling detail work and welding windows with a bunch of lost people...it was a great experience. The pride of workers was the sharpness of your chisel and mine were ridiculously sharp. So sharp you could slice your hand and not even feel it until

Mike Sharrowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09390371076084475045noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2280091843058900344.post-82133118642079759222008-07-20T07:43:00.002-05:002008-07-20T07:44:54.733-05:00

"Jesus promised his disciples 3 things: they would be completely fearless, absurdly happy, and in constant trouble." - G.K. Chesterton

Mike Sharrowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09390371076084475045noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2280091843058900344.post-77451544955509407502008-07-10T16:05:00.002-05:002008-07-10T16:10:26.864-05:00

This issue really transcends foreign missions and comes down to daily living for each of us. As leaders we must also wield the lens of truth in grace to discern what tables need turned over.http://www.HouseofMaritalBliss.com/ (click on "Argentina Blog" to read the post)

Mike Sharrowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09390371076084475045noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2280091843058900344.post-27527208163340502682008-07-10T06:30:00.002-05:002008-07-10T06:34:17.728-05:00

"Don't look for shortcuts to God. The market is flooded with surefire, easygoing formulas for a successful life that can be practiced in your spare time. Don't fall for that stuff, even though crowds of people do. The way to life—to God!—is vigorous and requires total attention". MatthewWax on. Wax off.Breath in. Breath out.Vigorous with Total Attention

archiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11933288809062178988noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2280091843058900344.post-10017593101775328462008-07-07T14:18:00.001-05:002008-07-07T14:18:34.566-05:00

Hosea 6:3 NLTOh, that we might know the Lord! Let us press on to know him. Then he will respond to us as surely as the arrival of dawn or the coming of rains in early spring.

Mike Sharrowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09390371076084475045noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2280091843058900344.post-70632486119039794902008-07-05T07:07:00.002-05:002008-07-05T07:10:08.913-05:00

An interesting idea posted on another blog this week about how sold-out leadership and sold-out following of Jesus can put in places that have a lot of "friction" (potential for conflict or failure), but they can also be seized to create amazing traction for the advancement of the Kingdom.I like the gem of a thought.You can read it here.

Mike Sharrowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09390371076084475045noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2280091843058900344.post-20796859159704044772008-07-02T15:58:00.003-05:002008-07-02T16:07:47.355-05:00

I was thinking recently about how timid we can be about the Life in/of Christ. Jesus and the Gospel can begin to resemble a life condiment - to be applied sparingly and completely at the liberty of individual taste. Putting the cookies on the bottom shelf is obviously great - Jesus didn't speak in complex dissertations. Yet, when is it about chasing yesterday's fickle whims?I was reading a church

Mike Sharrowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09390371076084475045noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2280091843058900344.post-54272572217965025242008-06-30T16:42:00.002-05:002008-06-30T17:04:17.994-05:00

Had a great conversation recently with a guy about ministry and missions. Sometimes God has led this guy into some pretty shady parts of the world...alone. His family isn't always thrilled with where God takes him, even though God has always brought him back (so far).He tells the story of a lady living in a country where preaching the Gospel is not accepted. She receives a dream and urging to go

Mike Sharrowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09390371076084475045noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2280091843058900344.post-15759021205231293232008-06-17T15:19:00.003-05:002008-06-17T18:52:38.684-05:00

I’m weak. It’s a sad conclusion, but it’s one I keep coming back to. I boldly ask God to reveal plans and instantly I try to take them over, own them and then suddenly cry out as I find myself sinking. I feel like Peter – I see Christ on the water, jump out of the boat in enthusiastic intrigue only to be stopped by the overwhelming horror of realizing my insignificance compared to the water,

Mike Sharrowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09390371076084475045noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2280091843058900344.post-85404903466256579752008-06-16T17:55:00.002-05:002008-06-17T09:44:27.182-05:00

I have a special concern for you church leaders. I know what it’s like to be a leader, in on Christ’s sufferings as well as the coming glory. Here's my concern: that you care for God’s flock with all the diligence of a shepherd. Not because you have to, but because you want to please God. Not calculating what you can get out of it, but acting spontaneously. Not bossily telling others what to do,

Mike Sharrowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09390371076084475045noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2280091843058900344.post-4026108881715798612008-06-16T17:47:00.003-05:002008-06-17T09:42:26.689-05:00

borrowed from another person's blog who is passionate about small groups, community, and discipleship:1. We were created by community. God exists as three persons- Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, and each person is fully God, and God is one. Bottom line- God exists in community.2. We were created for community. In Genesis 2:18, God says, “it is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a

Mike Sharrowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09390371076084475045noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2280091843058900344.post-1244150382337500192008-06-16T15:34:00.005-05:002008-06-16T15:43:09.145-05:00

The past few weeks have been precious as my life groups have shared and listened to stories crafted by God. It truly is a form of spiritual discipline and worship to intentionally recall and testify to the work of God in our lives. It’s His story He’s written, and I marvel at how intimately involved He’s been in bringing us each to the place we are today. To think that the Almighty God – the

Mike Sharrowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09390371076084475045noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2280091843058900344.post-15453713407161805712008-06-14T07:44:00.004-05:002008-06-14T10:09:48.691-05:00

The mind is an incredible organ of the body. It is constantly at work both in your conscious and sleep. Both in the forefront, in the background and in between. It is always working. It is the ultimate multi-tasking machine.The Word says something about praying without ceasing. It says to chase after God with all your heart. Peter says to put your mind at action to be Holy. I've often

archiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11933288809062178988noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2280091843058900344.post-55276745380571334272008-06-12T09:06:00.003-05:002008-06-12T09:25:44.322-05:00

I met with a native pastor from the ranchlands of Argentina recently, David. David and his wife are sold out seekers of God and His Kingdom. Their stories of ministry in their home country were amazing. More than 40 churches planted in a region that had never had an evangelical Gospel presentation - all planted within the past 10 years. Not a lot of funding, programs, or resources - just

Mike Sharrowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09390371076084475045noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2280091843058900344.post-6069231864628847742008-05-20T19:41:00.005-05:002008-05-21T06:01:14.145-05:00

Here are the 2 main teaching sessions from the 08 Advance Round Table event this past weekend:Audio Recording of Session One - the Strategic Inflection Point of Change and Redefining Risk Within Our CommunityAudio Recording of Session Two - Avoiding False Dichotomies & the Art of Asking and Raising Spiritually Qualified Leaders

Mike Sharrowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09390371076084475045noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2280091843058900344.post-39095367828988634392008-05-19T16:35:00.005-05:002008-05-19T19:51:52.865-05:00

For the GP leaders who experienced the Advance Round Table this past weekend, here are your favorite "Mike Drawings." In a previous life I called this my future competitive sport: whiteboarding! Still to come: the false dichotomy trap and some spiritual growth continuum diagrams!

Mike Sharrowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09390371076084475045noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2280091843058900344.post-24893273632177715142008-05-18T08:49:00.003-05:002008-05-18T11:39:15.676-05:00

Many of you know the story of my friend Marco from Cozumel. He was a guy my wife and I had the chance to share the Gospel with back in January and have since maintained an email dialogue on discipleship and life in Christ.Marco is in his late 30s, highly intelligent, and wrestles with a lot of guilt from lifestyle patterns and deep questions about faith. His story and journey in Christ has been

Mike Sharrowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09390371076084475045noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2280091843058900344.post-40109072426792443222008-05-14T14:36:00.004-05:002008-05-19T10:01:30.750-05:00

My wife and I launched our first website recently. We're newbies at the world of true internet tools, but it was fun. House of Marital Bliss is our "address" as a tie to an affectionate and sometimes comical reference to our home. We're unabashedly unashamed about challenging everyone we know to pursue "bliss" in Christ, which leads to bliss in marriage, and bliss in all spheres of life.A friend

Mike Sharrowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09390371076084475045noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2280091843058900344.post-91043148854922913692008-05-14T10:23:00.004-05:002008-05-14T10:37:24.631-05:00

I met with a lady this past weekend who was a missionary kid. Her parents spent 30+ years as missionaries across Latin America. Her aunts and uncles were all missionaries in Africa. Her cousins have all chosen to remain as missionaries in places like Congo, Ghana and the interior of Africa. Her sisters were missionaries. She herself was highly involved in local church ministry plus multiple

Mike Sharrowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09390371076084475045noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2280091843058900344.post-12846455908097462772008-05-06T15:15:00.005-05:002008-05-07T14:36:45.588-05:00

This essay was written by Shelby Reese -- a 9th grader in our youth ministry -- as part of her "Leadership Rocks" course in The Point University (TPU).*****Pushing to the head of the line and blurting out loud, outrageous assertions. Named first in the list of disciples, Peter is often seen elbowing his way to center stage. With a big heart and unlimited enthusiasm, bold and courageous, yet

Mike Sharrowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09390371076084475045noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2280091843058900344.post-71784180698853294712008-05-06T08:33:00.006-05:002008-05-06T08:53:23.177-05:00

In response to the Janitor comments from the previous post...I am repeatedly convicted of how, as a bypass to dealing with the deep mysteries of simple truths in the Gospel, we throw ourselves into drawing complex systems of more "understandable" rules. The truth is so simple it profoundly frustrates us - so we'd rather arrive at the same conclusion via a 40 year wilderness modeled process of

Mike Sharrowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09390371076084475045noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2280091843058900344.post-13177140073564452892008-05-05T20:18:00.002-05:002008-05-05T20:20:27.648-05:00

(borrowed from some small group community friends out of DC)Radical Hospitality: The Requirement of LeadershipIn Paul’s first letter to the young pastor Timothy, he gives instructions concerning the challenge and process of establishing leaders for the church. One of the traits required for leadership is hospitality. Based on the other things we’ve seen in Scripture concerning the true nature of

Mike Sharrowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09390371076084475045noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2280091843058900344.post-20321450169876106472008-05-05T16:13:00.002-05:002008-05-05T16:29:58.984-05:00

I was at a conference last week where there was a lot of talk about the purpose of the church, the purpose of small groups, the purpose of Christian community. Discipleship is obviously a key to these spheres. One of the pastor-speakers said it this way:Jesus started out simply 'Come, and follow me.' No lengthy doctrinal presentation, series of classes and then a pass/fail exercise - but an

Mike Sharrowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09390371076084475045noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2280091843058900344.post-26180917652614787602008-04-30T19:38:00.003-05:002008-04-30T19:54:43.879-05:00

I'm in Atlanta at a conference on small groups and discipleship. Good stuff. It's still on the fire hydrant mode of delivery, but I thought I'd share some kernels, nuggets, wafers and other terms of small morsels of ideas with you to chew on:Witty: "impression without expression results in depression...Spiritual Input without transformational output results in spiritual obesity." (meaning, if you

Mike Sharrowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09390371076084475045noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2280091843058900344.post-24897524781305958452008-04-29T14:27:00.003-05:002008-04-29T23:12:49.566-05:00

I'm cheap. Well, I prefer to say frugal, financially efficient, dollar-smart, and other more complimentary terms. Last year I swapped out 90% of the old fashioned light bulbs in my house for those spiral-coil looking "high efficiency flourescent" because it would save me something like 20% in related energy costs over the next 5 years. This past weekend I sold my Mazda6 and bought a used Civic

Mike Sharrowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09390371076084475045noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2280091843058900344.post-38301349953555978632008-04-24T16:44:00.002-05:002008-04-24T16:47:39.723-05:00

The following was drafted up by John Walters...what do you think?Essentials for healthy discipleship· Heart for God and others…motivated by love· Desire that others know God and experience life abundant· An ability to connect with those who desire to know God better o Relationship skills o Time to build relationships with the disciple·

Mike Sharrowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09390371076084475045noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2280091843058900344.post-74618474557690877212008-04-24T16:01:00.002-05:002008-04-24T16:03:38.551-05:00

What do you think the relationship between leadership and discipleship is?What do you think about the ratio of our emphasis on one or the other?Consider:the word "lead" appears 3 times in the Biblethe word "disciple" appears 29 timesthe word "follow" appears 86 timesJust something I'm mulling over...what do you think it means for a group of people seeking to be a "missional church"?

Mike Sharrowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09390371076084475045noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2280091843058900344.post-60119883450691597962008-04-21T11:48:00.003-05:002008-04-21T11:50:04.575-05:00

Weak as it may sound, I'm very excited that I finally conquered the world of Blogger Widgets and can now offer an email subscription function. Check out the "Stay Tuned" widget on the right menu, enter your email and enjoy regular updates about the discussion that takes place on this site.it's the little victories sometimes.

Mike Sharrowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09390371076084475045noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2280091843058900344.post-18681759148187692172008-04-18T13:19:00.002-05:002008-04-18T13:22:44.361-05:00

At multiple junctures in my life I've been reminded of just how much God enjoys using the "unqualified" to do His great work. As Paul recognized from his own life, "in my weakness You are strong." It's an important thing for us to remember, because God tends to push and put us in situations where we are acutely aware of our inadequacy...which is the point. How will we respond when pushed into

Mike Sharrowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09390371076084475045noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2280091843058900344.post-47630910934065165352008-04-13T15:51:00.003-05:002008-04-18T13:19:41.332-05:00

As we think about how we live as both disciples of Jesus and of discipleship recruiters for His Kingdom, I like this tongue-in-cheek blog posting from http://stufffchristianslike.blogspot.com/ #77. Offering a safe approach to life.Erwin McManus, an author and minister at Mosaic in California, has this theory that second generation Christians leave the church because they're offered a boring faith

Mike Sharrowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09390371076084475045noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2280091843058900344.post-9395560743785811612008-04-13T14:21:00.003-05:002008-04-13T14:26:54.704-05:00

Alan Hirsch emphasized recently that:Christ followers need to reestablish their core task as makingdisciples--discipleship. Discipleship, training others to follow Jesus, is sucha core task that we should not envision the church as having a mission ofdiscipleship, rather we should see the mission of discipleship as having achurch to support it.Discipleship is important for several reasons:1.

Mike Sharrowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09390371076084475045noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2280091843058900344.post-76725748326767768302008-04-12T21:48:00.003-05:002008-04-12T22:03:36.151-05:00

I was listening to Bill Loveless (of Christ is Life Ministries) address a group of ministers today about what it means to experience Christ doing His work IN and then THROUGH us. He referenced saying that fit his point: there's a reason we're called human BEings and not human DOings, but all we seem inclined to is to tell people what to DO and rarely how to BE. He then went on to comically say, "

Mike Sharrowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09390371076084475045noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2280091843058900344.post-77001683019298592602008-04-12T21:43:00.004-05:002008-04-12T21:47:43.365-05:00

This picture is so great from a number of perspectives. My initial thought was it captured humorously what it can look like when we become slaves to a program, process, timeline or agenda that we blindly disregard necessary deviations. We are dead-set on painting a line, or covering an aspect of discipleship, or leading towards an end that we fail to stop and move the proverbial dead tree from

Mike Sharrowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09390371076084475045noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2280091843058900344.post-13793575191946691172008-04-11T12:55:00.001-05:002008-04-11T12:56:29.985-05:00

borrowed from Craig Groeschel's blog...here are some good self-check questions as a Christian Leader:Today we’ll examine some questions that surround our Relationship with Christ.1. Is my burden for prayer growing or diminishing?2. Does my heart break for the things that break the heart of God?3. Have I grown accustomed to or accepted sin in my life?4. Am I doing ministry out of an overflow of

Mike Sharrowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09390371076084475045noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2280091843058900344.post-16290056224616354472008-04-08T17:02:00.005-05:002008-04-08T17:22:17.377-05:00

The internet has rocked the way the world communicates. First we had antique-feeling dial-up to access our Juno/AOL/Netscape email. Then faster connections made email a common thing. Then chat rooms replaced coffee shop social gathering. Faster connections and familiarity gave way to instant messaging. Now it's crazy to not have 2-5 email addresses, a personal homepage, a profile on "social

Mike Sharrowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09390371076084475045noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2280091843058900344.post-35288882018073968092008-03-28T16:38:00.003-05:002008-03-28T17:15:35.940-05:00

Someone was asked "what are you seeking to build into people's lives?" Their response was:I have been studying Ephesians 4, looking closely at what leaders are supposedto do. Four things stand out: equipping God's people for ministry,building up their faith, helping them know Jesus more intimately, andencouraging Christlike character.Consider the ministry of Jesus in disciple-making:1. He

Mike Sharrowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09390371076084475045noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2280091843058900344.post-65873462390692532952008-03-28T16:24:00.002-05:002008-03-28T16:38:52.167-05:00

Looking at the Levite from Cyprus, Joseph (commonly referred to by friends as the Son of Encouragement, or Barnabas) provides some interesting principles on certain approaches to discipleship:(1) Discipling the Enemy - when Saul the Christian-hater became an infant believer, Barnabas took the risk to step out and bring him into the fellowship of saints. He was willing to believe a person who was

Mike Sharrowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09390371076084475045noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2280091843058900344.post-1244894402828210762008-03-24T20:36:00.001-05:002008-03-24T20:36:52.224-05:00

I read last night a thought about light and darkness.The statement was made that "space" is filled with light. It only appears to be dark because there is no object to hit and reflect its light.Could that be why the world seems so dark at times?

Mike Sharrowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09390371076084475045noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2280091843058900344.post-22065786038116326992008-03-22T08:16:00.002-05:002008-03-22T08:24:19.672-05:00

Discipleship requires involvement. Everyone you touch, you have an opportunity to disciple. Many times a single word or thought is taken away by the interaction and the parties continue to dwell on the communication or event. The old adage, "Actions speak louder than words" is typified by the leadership of Grace Point. Thank you Grace Point for allowing me to serve.Surf to: http://

archiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11933288809062178988noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2280091843058900344.post-28943657345944612572008-03-15T15:34:00.003-05:002008-03-15T15:48:21.443-05:00

When we've talked about "Clarity" so far, it seems we have, as a culture, come to think the term is referencing viewpoints, opinions or proposed rules. Certainly those are cases where some might talk about "clarity," but the more basic level of need is just in the words we use. What do we mean by what we say? Are we clear in our own mind what we're trying to communicate? Clarity starts with

Mike Sharrowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09390371076084475045noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2280091843058900344.post-13888590799824565422008-03-13T15:23:00.004-05:002008-03-13T15:31:56.665-05:00

Does this represent your thoughts or feelings from recent discussions?

Mike Sharrowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09390371076084475045noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2280091843058900344.post-3400228357673968732008-03-11T20:39:00.002-05:002008-03-11T20:43:49.905-05:00

Anyone who does not carry his cross and follow me cannot be my disciple. (Luke 14:27)In the same way, any of you who does not give up everything he has cannot be my disciple. (Luke 14:33)This is to my Father's glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples. (John 15:8)By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another. (John 13:35)To the Jews

Mike Sharrowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09390371076084475045noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2280091843058900344.post-34993398777627898102008-02-28T15:14:00.003-06:002008-02-28T15:23:41.506-06:00

I think we need some cases. We need to take the lofty ideas and theology and make it meet the dusty pavement of life. The very language behind the Great Commission has a unique angle on the word "go" which really boils down to an "as you are going" or "while you are going" meaning. So, "while we are going" about our lives we're supposed to be "teaching, baptizing, making disciples." It's just

Mike Sharrowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09390371076084475045noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2280091843058900344.post-23713031018440037242008-02-27T06:09:00.002-06:002008-02-27T06:17:45.320-06:00

In a culture awash with 1 million books on every topic it seems, I'm always stunned at how there seems to be more books authored on various subjects than actual corresponding words in the Bible on that same subject. Point in case being things like leadership and discipleship - which appear as words only a few dozen times throughout all of Scripture, but for which you could easily buy 2000

Mike Sharrowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09390371076084475045noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2280091843058900344.post-29665504983288341342008-02-26T17:59:00.004-06:002008-02-26T18:21:56.862-06:00

I feel a bit like Moses who declined leadership because he was slow of speech. Previous heartfelt intellectual postings tend to make me really shy to post this question. But, I figure there are other leaders who like myself communicate on a much simpler plain. Not less insightful, just simpler. Admittedly, this blog is for leadership discussion. So maybe you can patiently consider a simple

archiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11933288809062178988noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2280091843058900344.post-35014796619557762502008-02-25T10:20:00.007-06:002008-02-25T15:05:45.344-06:00

In an earlier post I offered up the need for this concept of Clarity. The dialogue that followed was great! Some pretty powerful stuff was unpacked. One of the things uncovered in the back-and-forth was what I see as unclarity about clarity itself - because "clarity" has become associated with legalistic, fundamentalist, over-defined, rigid, narrow-minded, hyper-structured definition. As some of

Mike Sharrowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09390371076084475045noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2280091843058900344.post-6588070225475152902008-02-25T10:20:00.001-06:002008-02-25T10:20:45.950-06:00

Thomas Ivey recommended this clip to me, and I found it moving. Check out this promotional clip called "Dust" that hits at contextual discipleship as understood in the time of Jesus:http://www.nooma.com/Shopping/ProductDetails.aspx?ProductID=281&PMID=8&mode=FLV

Mike Sharrowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09390371076084475045noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2280091843058900344.post-21797508326696698802008-02-19T17:32:00.003-06:002008-02-19T17:53:13.142-06:00

I was at a networking dinner a few months ago with business leaders at my alma mater where successful people were asked to share their "top 5" points of advice for young business graduates. A senior officer in one of the worlds largest pharmaceutical companies (not Walgreens!) said, "If you want to really stand out as an individual, seek to have clarity. Nobody seems to have clarity anymore.

Mike Sharrowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09390371076084475045noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2280091843058900344.post-37441484216628191072008-02-19T17:16:00.002-06:002008-02-19T17:19:28.604-06:00

For those of you who really enjoyed (or missed but want to see what the hype was about) the clip played during Jeff's sermon this past week on "First Things First," click the link below:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=upmyrinWq64Also, a recap video was put together from our Advance 08 Retreat which can be viewed at:http://picasaweb.google.com/GracePointVids/AdvanceLeadershipRetreat

Mike Sharrowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09390371076084475045noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2280091843058900344.post-72429616799827027352008-02-18T14:09:00.003-06:002008-02-18T14:23:00.771-06:00

In yesterday's message, we saw a great video clip, God's pies, about stewardship of our lives, money and talents. We all struggle in today's culture with time, money and spiritual management.I am intrigued by the reality shows where the professionals come in and show the person a whole different way of living, dressing or disciplining their children. They usually throw out the unnecessary stuff.

John Waltershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07863307378885677106noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2280091843058900344.post-58607328361178963452008-02-18T14:01:00.003-06:002008-02-18T15:09:31.154-06:00

I was in Mexico last month relaxing after wrapping up some intense months with my former company. While there, my wife and I had the opportunity to share the Gospel with a sales manager for the resort, Marco. Marco was well-educated, had read the Bible multiple times and was a self-declared "seeker." He wrestled with apologetic issues like how we know Jesus really did raise from the grave, is

Mike Sharrowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09390371076084475045noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2280091843058900344.post-5800441875258124292008-02-18T08:18:00.006-06:002008-02-18T08:40:02.020-06:00

I read your purpose statement once again just to make sure this posting was appropriate. "Share your ideas, ask questions, pray for wisdom from God who is the Author of all truth, and let's partner on this journey in faith together."What does it mean to disciple a life group? How does it differ from discipling a single person? No, forget the first two questions.Answer this one: What is a

archiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11933288809062178988noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2280091843058900344.post-22410459534626150992008-02-15T09:11:00.005-06:002008-02-15T09:34:07.656-06:00

God is amazing! All throughout the Bible, God uses the unlikely to lead. Moses seemed to object more than most, but then God was sending Him on a seemingly impossible mission. How long has it been since God sent the leadership of Grace Point on an impossible mission? Did we have as many objections as Moses?Moses objected, "They won't trust me. They won't listen to a word I say. They're going

archiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11933288809062178988noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2280091843058900344.post-27281294744179290242008-02-13T10:00:00.000-06:002008-02-13T10:01:19.070-06:00

Spirit of the Disicplines by Dallas WillardCelebration of the Disciplines by Richard FosterSo, You Want to be Like Christ? By Charles SwindolMetamorpha by Kyle StrobelImitation of Christ by Thomas a Kempis If you're read something really impactful lately, please comment and share! Leaders read and learn, which is why we are able to then draw others to read and learn likewise.

Mike Sharrowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09390371076084475045noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2280091843058900344.post-48933084607679988542008-02-13T09:59:00.000-06:002008-02-13T10:00:00.176-06:00

Discipleship is more about asking and sharing than teaching. Discipleship is not about you downloading 20 years of information in 3 eloquent sessions. It’s not about you instructing someone in everything they should do and becoming the source of all knowledge and truth. It’s about sharing the yoke of transformation and helping them see how truly “easy and light” the “yoke and burden” of Christ

Mike Sharrowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09390371076084475045noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2280091843058900344.post-61292777515453759862008-02-13T09:54:00.001-06:002008-02-13T09:57:56.091-06:00

3. Life is too short and our mission is too critical to not be intentional. Relationships can be “fuzzy” for so many of us. Just what depth are we at with a friend, who’s loyal to who, how committed is someone, where are we going in our relationship? These are sketchy attributes that we so often just guess at. Again, to look at the model of Jesus we see something very striking: His consistent

Mike Sharrowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09390371076084475045noreply@blogger.com0