I love living in Melbourne, Australia. Since 2002, it has been consistently ranked one of the world's most livable cities. This year, the Economist ranked it third, behind Vancouver and Vienna. Just this last week, the population of Melbourne surpassed 4 million people, while Australia surges towards 22 million. For recent research on the state of the church … Continue reading Melbourne, Australia
Geelong Cats – AFL Premiers 2009
What an incredible AFL Grand Final it was yesterday as the Geelong Cats fought back to defeat the St.Kilda Saints by 12 points in front of just under 99,251 screaming fans at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. The game was an absolute arm-wrestle in freezing conditions with neither team leading by more than 2 goals throughout … Continue reading Geelong Cats – AFL Premiers 2009
Computers
Here's a funny one about computers. You have to be old enough to remember Abbott and Costello, and too old to really understand computers, to fully appreciate this. For those who sometimes get flustered by computers, please read on ... If Bud Abbott and Lou Costello were alive today, their infamous sketch, 'Who's on First?' might … Continue reading Computers
Managing Transitions
Leading change is one of the most difficult and important tasks of leadership. Yet it is something God calls each of his leaders to do. God came to Moses and told him they he and Israel had been going around the same mountain long enough and that it was time to "break camp and advance" … Continue reading Managing Transitions
The Economic Downturn’s Affect on Churches
Everyone is aware of and affected in some way by the recent economic downturn. Many analysts believe things have 'bottomed out' and we're on the way up, but only time will tell. Churches aren't immune from the stress and strain that emerges in times of pressure such as this. Tough times affect giving. In a … Continue reading The Economic Downturn’s Affect on Churches
Growth
Here is an insightful quote I read recently ... "There is no growth without change ... There is no change without loss ... There is no loss without pain." [From the book Deliberate Simplicity by Dave Browning, p.12]
Michael Jordan – the Greatest Baskeball Player of all Time?
Basketball is my favourite sport. I started playing it when our family lived in America during my teenage years and I still play today (though I'm a lot slower now!). As a kid I used to love to watch Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls on TV. They won 6 NBA championships in the 1990s. Click here and here to watch … Continue reading Michael Jordan – the Greatest Baskeball Player of all Time?
Women in Ministry
I believe that every church should be committed to releasing every person into ministry. Every Christ-follower is 'saved' (not just to go to heaven!) AND 'called' (to a special purpose here on earth - see 2 Timothy 1:9). All ministry should be based on 'godliness and giftedness, not gender'. Unfortunately, many churches restrict or limit … Continue reading Women in Ministry
Women and the Church
After sixty years of involvement in the Southern Baptist Church, former American President Jimmy Carter has left. Over what? Over his disagreement with their stance over the ordination of women. Read the article here. The SBC articles forbid the appointment of a woman as a pastor, as they see this as a male-only role. The role … Continue reading Women and the Church