Top 10 Ways to Improve Church Attendance

A liitle humor on a beautiful winter day.

TOP TEN WAYS TO IMPROVE CHURCH ATTENDANCE IN 2006
(by Dave Tippett)

10. Watch Aslan the Lion take down a gazelle, live on the platform
9. More "open mic" opportunities during worship service
8. One of those fake shark fins in baptistry
7. Floating sermon points dance in front of your eyes via cool 3-D PowerPoint slides
6. Spiritual tech support guys will tell you not to just "re-boot your soul" every time you call
5. Sermon series: "Thomas Kincaid; the soft lighting Disciple"
4. Wi-Fi access for wireless hearing aides
3. Tazer the Sleeping Sound Booth Guy Day
2. Will start accepting coupons from non-tithing churches
1. Ability to TiVo the sermon

Confronting

Ever have a friend tell you the truth about something you need to do in your life to make a change for the best? Many times we resent people from telling us we need to make a change. See we feel we are the ones in the right. Many times people don’t want to say something, confronting is not easy.

The life of David is one of those cases. David didn’t care for Samuel, Nathan and others who would confront him from time to time, but it had to be done.

A Christian who truly cares for a brother or sister at times must confront when you feel a soul is in jeopardy.

Not easy! But necessary!

Lord Reign In Me

Lord Reign in Me
Words and Music by Brenton Brown

Over all the earth
You reign on high
Every mountain stream,
every sunset sky
But my one request,
Lord my only aim
Is that You reign in me again

Lord reign in me,
reign in Your power
Over all my dreams,
in my darkest hour
You are the Lord of all I am
So won't You reign in me again

Over every thought,
over every word
May my life reflect
the beauty of my Lord
Cause You mean more to me
than any earthly thing
So won't You reign in me again

Your Favorite Songs

"I want worship to be directed to God and to express the thoughts of the whole community of faith. BUT, if I got to pick my favorite three worship songs to sing this Sunday morning, they would be . . . ." Finish the sentence. I'll give you mine later.

This has been a question on several worship blogs lately.

Be in prayer for Gary as he continues our "Abundant Life" series this Sunday and Josh as he leads us in worship.

America's Moral Crisis

Pick up former President Jimmy Carter's new book, Our Endangered Values: America's Moral Crisis.

Carter identifies the "world's greatest challenge" as "the growing chasm between the rich and the poor people on earth. There is not only a great disparity between the two, but the gap is steadily widening" (page 179).

I see this every day as a school administrator. I see the gap between the poor and those “that have” increasing greater each year.

When I first started as a high school principal in Osage City almost 15 years ago our small community of 3,500 people had about 10% of our students on free and reduced lunch. Today we are approaching 45%.

This year also marked the first time that the non-traditional home became the majority of living situations for our students in Osage City. We definitely have a societal problem that is not only impacting our educational system but our society in general.

As a church what will be our response be to this situation? Will we continue to see a problem and do nothing? Or will we become actively involved in seeking ways to teach people about Christ and what He can do in the lives of people.

The power of Jesus crosses that gap of poverty, family situations, prejudice and so many societal issues and allows us to have the abundant life that we have been discussing as a body at Central.

Living like Christ

To be a church that is actually of Christ is to be a group of people who are actually like Christ. Putting a sign out front of a building that says Church of Christ, and doing some worship practices like churches did in the first century, does not make the people that meet in that building like Christ. We have to live it each day.

One Year Anniversary

One year ago today, I began this blog site on worship. It has been an outlet for me, and hopefully someone out there in “blog land” reads it from time to time. Worship Reflections was meant to be a vehicle to discuss the aspects and importance of worship in the Church as well as in our individual lives today.

"Worship the Lord with gladness; come before him with joyful songs. Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name."
Ps. 100: 2, 4

Sunday

A busy weekend begins. Preparation for Sunday morning by Evan as our Worship Leader and Jerry as he blesses us by sharing Gods Word. Pray for both of them today.

After morning services a few of us will travel south to Oklahoma Christian for their annual Lectureship. Looking forward to great singing, powerful preaching, and seeing friends from the past, as well as seeing Brian and the Central college kids!

Be in prayer for our February 11, Saturday 4 the Savior. The theme is "Sounds of Love". How great is the love that Christ had for us that He would die on a cruel cross for our sins. We will be challenged about that great love He has for us on that special evening of praise.

Be in prayer also for our search committee as they look for the right family to join us in our work here at Central.

May God continue to richly bless the Central Family!

Inner Peace

Some of my favorite lines from a few older songs talk about the inner peace that can only be found through a relationship with Jesus:

Peace, perfect peace,
With sorrows surging round,
On Jesus' bosom naught
but calm is found.

Be still, my soul;
The Lord is on thy side.
Bear patiently the cross of grief or pain;
Leave to thy God to order and provide;
In every change he faithful will remain.
Be still, my soul; thy best, thy heavenly Friend
Through thorny ways leads to a joyful end.

Ye fearful saints,
Fresh courage take,
The clouds ye so much dread
Are big will mercy,
And shall break
In blessings on your head.

O Joy that seekest me through pain,
I can not close my heart to thee;
I trace the rainbow through the rain,
And feel the promise is not vain,
That morn shall tearless be.

A Body Unified

As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to one hope when you were called— one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.

Ephesians 4:1-6

Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.

Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

Colossians 3:12-17

May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you a spirit of unity among yourselves as you follow Christ Jesus, so that with one heart and mouth you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Romans 15:5-6

A Body That Makes An Impact

In Stephen Covey’s book, “Seven Habits of Highly Effective People”, he discusses what it takes to really make an impact on an individual’s life. He looks at six significant areas:

1. Get to know and understand the individuals you have daily contact with;

2. Try to do the little things that make people happy;

3. Keep commitments;

4. Clarify your expectations;

5. Show personal integrity;

6. Apologize when you make a mistake.

As I read over these items, I believe if we would practice each one of these how effective we would be working with those we come into contact with on a daily basis. Placing our emphasis on others and taking a back seat is often difficult. But in the long run in reaps big benefits and rewards.

Each day I witness or hear about “random acts of kindness” and “individuals going beyond the call” as you minister at Central. The genuine care you have for people is awesome.

A Body That Worships

My favorite time of the week is when we come together as a family in worship. That special time where we can finally see our brothers and sisters after a busy week battling Satan and all his temptations. Worship is that moment when we can connect with each other and worship our Heavenly Father as one body. When we worship the world stops for a moment. The world and all its cruel hate, filth and corruption is a million miles away as we bow our hearts to our Heavenly Father and as we commune around the Lord’s Table.

The way we will most affect change is by what's happening out in the pews. If we are a worshipping church, if we allow ourselves to be engaged in every part of our corporate experience together--then guests will come in and say, "Surely the spirit of God is in this place!" What will really impact them though is what they feel from the living body that is the Central Church. If we are worshipping and praying and studying with all our heart, mind, soul, and strength, it will impact people. We want this to be a safe and spiritually challenging place for guests as well as with each other.

Spend time this week preparing for worship. A time that allows us to connect and be a body devoted and unified as we praise our Heavenly Father!

Expectations

As we begin this new week, remember the expectations that we shared together yesterday during our morning worship.

Expectations as Members of the Central Church

1. Protect the unity of this Family

2. Share in Family responsibility

3. Serve in Ministry

4. Support the Spiritual Reputation of the Central Family

God is blessing the Central Church in many ways. Be in prayer for our family this week.

We Are the Body of Christ

This Sunday we will continue are series on Sources for Abundant Living. We will be examinig the bonds of a shared purpose and the bond of a simple structure here at Central. The bond of love and unity that Roger spoke about last week is a must to be a successful Church for our Lord and Savior. I appreciate the true feeling of love, unity and acceptance that is found at Central. Let's celebrate that unity on Sunday as we worship our Father as a Family!


We Are The Body Of Christ
David Hampton, Scott Wesley Brown

One heart, one spirit
One voice to praise You
We are the body of Christ

One goal, one vision
To see You exalted
We are the body of Christ

Chorus:
And to this
We give our lives
To see You glorified
One heart, one spirit
One voice to praise You
We are the body of Christ
(End) We are the body of Christ

©1997 New Spring Publishing, Inc. (Admin. by Brentwood-Benson Music Publishing, Inc

Encouraging One Another

Coach Paul “Bear” Bryant knew how to get the best out of his players. He explained his secret this way: “I’m just a plowhand from Arkansas, but I’ve learned how to hold a team together, how to lift some up, and how to calm others down, until finally as a team, we’ve got one heartbeat. There are just three things I would say. If anything goes bad, I did it. If anything goes semi-good, we did it. If anything goes real good, you did it. This is all it really takes to get people to win football games for you.”

Only a truly big person knows how to take blame and how to give credit. Sometimes, it means being criticized for things that are not entirely your fault. At other times, it means watching from the “sidelines” as others are praised for things for which you are responsible. It is tough to take someone else’s lumps; it is even tougher to watch someone else take your bows. Yet, isn’t that at least a part of what being a TEAM is all about; making others look good while keeping your own humility intact?

Encourage each other! The results will be amazing!

Loving God, Loving Each Other

This past Sunday Roger challenged us and introduced us to our new six week series on Sources of Abundant Living. He talked with us about real satisfaction in life begins as you learn to follow Jesus' model for loving others. Underlying Jesus' style of love is a fundamental commitment to being in relationships with other people in the Family of God. In fact, your commitment has to be so strong that people who are not Christians will see Jesus' love in you and recognize you as a Christ-follower.

It should our goal each day to live that Godly life, to display Christ in everything that we do. Touching lives by getting to know the needs of people.

"A new command I give you; love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another."
(John 13:34-35)

Just As I Am

In 1835, Miss Charlotte Elliott was vi­sit­ing some friends in the West End of Lon­don, and there met the em­i­nent min­is­ter, Cesar Malan.

While seat­ed at sup­per, the min­is­ter said he hoped that she was a Christ­ian. She took of­fense at this, and re­plied that she would ra­ther not dis­cuss that quest­ion. Dr. Ma­lan said that he was sor­ry if had of­fend­ed her, that he al­ways liked to speak a word for his Mas­ter, and that he hoped that the young la­dy would some day be­come a work­er for Christ. When they met again at the home of a mu­tu­al friend, three weeks lat­er, Miss Ell­i­ott told the min­is­ter that ev­er since he had spok­en to her she had been try­ing to find her Lord, and that she now wished him to tell her how to come to Christ. “Just come to him as you are,” Dr. Ma­lan said. This she did, and went away re­joic­ing. Shortly af­ter­ward she wrote this hymn:

Just As I Am

Just as I am, without one plea, But that Thy blood was shed for me, And that Thou bids’t me come to Thee, O Lamb of God, I come, I come.

Just as I am, and waiting not, To rid my soul of one dark blot,To Thee whose blood can cleanse each spot, O Lamb of God, I come, I come.

Just as I am, though tossed about, With many a conflict, many a doubt, Fightings and fears within, without, O Lamb of God, I come, I come.

Just as I am, poor, wretched, blind; Sight, riches, healing of the mind, Yea, all I need in Thee to find, O Lamb of God, I come, I come.

Just as I am, Thou wilt receive,Wilt welcome, pardon, cleanse, relieve;Because Thy promise I believe,O Lamb of God, I come, I come.

Just as I am, Thy love unknownHath broken every barrier down;Now, to be Thine, yea, Thine alone,O Lamb of God, I come, I come.

Healing Waters

Healing Waters by Michelle Tumes has to be one of my favorite songs.
The lyrics are so poignant.

I've built a bridge
All of my strength cannot cross over
I stand at the edge
The end of a road that I have followed
Sinking from the weight of my own world
Wanting the waves of Your ways to wash my feet
Healing waters Solace flows
Through the river of forgiveness to my soul
Oh, I need You
Healing waters Pour over me
Water to clean all my intentions
baptizing streams I swim in the freedom of redemption
Floating on the sea of purity
Knowing I can dive in the love that rescues me
Memories are raging high
Floods so deep they touch the sky
All the things I've done to You
All the parts of life untrue
Healing comes from outstretched hands
Saving me from what I am
Carry me

I can't say how many times my heart has felt the power of these words!

York College Concert

Last night was such a blessing for those of us that attended the York College Concert Choir performance. I have known my good friend Dr. Clark Rausch for over 20 years. Each time I hear his Choir perform brings back memories of my York days when we taught together. He is a very special individual who delivers God’s message to people through powerful song.

This power of song was highlighted in Acts when Paul and Silas were captured and placed in Prison. “About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them. Suddenly there was such a violent earthquake that the foundations of the prison were shaken. At once all the prison doors flew open, and everybody’s chains came loose.”(Acts 16:25-26).

Isn’t this what we long to see through our worship in song? An outpouring of God’s power that leads to freedom.

NO MORE PUNCH POUCHES FOR ME!

Anyone ever get really frustrated? Ever get frustrated about the same thing over and over each day? I’m going to vent a little about one of my daily frustrations that occurs around 11:30 a.m. Monday thru Friday. Debbie packs my lunch that I eat at my desk (Thank you Deb). The big problem that I experience is with my Kool-Aid Jammer Tropical Fruit Punch Pouch (Only 10 calories) that I have to open. Being 6’5” and having fingers as long as pencils, it’s very difficult (for ME) trying to get that little straw into that special cut-out hole. At least once a week I spill punch on my desk, get punch on my tie and get so frustrated I am ready to throw the entire full pouch in the trash. I have even gone to drinking Diet Coke with Splenda so I wouldn’t be so frustrated having to open (trying to open) that pouch every day. But then I have those good days. When the straw makes perfect contact and I am able to drink my Kool-Aid Jammer Tropical Fruit Punch Pouch in all its perfect splendor.

I know God, at times, becomes very frustrated with me. I tell him “yes, I want to be Your follower,” and guess what I do? The complete opposite. Yes, I want to praise you and give you everything but often hold back giving myself to Him. Please don’t get frustrated and give up on me God, I am trying to learn to take one day a time and become everything you want me to be.

Awesome Worship

Thank you to Evan and Carl for sharing their hearts with us yesterday morning. They blessed us greatly as we begin 2006.

Carl gave me a CD yesterday of eight lessons from Steve Tandy, Minister from the Northside Church of Christ in Wichita on the topic of Awesome Worship. What a great series of lessons. I am sure he will be sharing highlights from these lessons in his upcoming blogs. We hope to have a Wednesday night class in the near future on Worship.

Worship is an awesome experience. A time spent in praising the God of the Universe. Continue to pray for our worship time. Many individuals spend hours planning our corporate worship here at Central so we can give our very best to the one who deserves our very best, Almighty God.

True worship is so important. Look what Amos 5 says:

21 "I hate, I despise your religious feasts; I cannot stand your assemblies.
22 Even though you bring me burnt offerings and grain offerings, I will not accept them. Though you bring choice fellowship offerings, I will have no regard for them.
23 Away with the noise of your songs! I will not listen to the music of your harps.

It should be our constant prayer that our worship be pleasing and acceptable to God.

May God be lifted up in our worship this New Year!

The Best of the Carriger Family in 2005………

Craig in the Wizard of Oz

A Branson Family Vacation

Golf at Hoots Hollow with Debbie

Mom-Dad-Watching OC Basketball Games

Watching Brian at Spring Sing

Golf at Table Creek with Debbie

4th of July Family Celebration

Craig-Canada Mission Trip

A 3 Year old Birthday Party

Thanksgiving

Watching Emma play Basketball

Watching Brian play Basketball at Oklahoma Christian

Mike-KU Game

The Best Academic School Year in Osage City History (State Assessment Scores)

Craig Celebrates 16th Birthday

Golf with Dad in El Dorado

Brian-Church Float Trip in Missouri

The YP Class at Central

Debbie Healthy

Craig Qualifies for State Forensics

Christmas Day

Watching Oklahoma play Football

God’s continued Blessings!