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By David Shannon

Since the beginning of the church, fellowship of Christians has involved at least these four things: worship, learning, involvement, and relationships. What happens if a church neglects these areas or only provides for "the 20%" which know everybody and already do everything? What happens to the 80% who are riding the fringe? One of the great responsibilities given to leaders by God is to "equip the saints" for "work of ministry" and to "edify the church" (Ephesians 4:12) "for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ."

Worship, when the church comes together, ought to be a time of pouring out adoration to God in spirit and in truth (John 4:24). When we see God on his throne high and lifted, it causes us to be humbly aware of sin, as well as the need for redemption, and we leave worship with a willingness to serve the Lord (Isaiah 6:1-8). Worship should never be practiced in such a way that only the spiritually mature can understand it. Let's avoid jargon and clichés, which visitors do not understand. Instead, worship so all can better see God and even visitors will recognize their sin and begin to worship (1 Corinthians 14:24-25).

Knowledge can only be gained through study. Leaders must equip the saints with the Scriptures (Ephesians 4:12; 2 Timothy 3:16-17). As first time visitors or long time members, we all need to be challenged to learn more (2 Peter 3:18). Every congregation should have individuals who will study one-on-one to help folks learn of their Savior. If we fail in these we have ultimately failed!

If one is asked, "Where are you spiritually?" no matter what the answer, there should be a place in the congregation to help them take the next step closer to God.

The above article appeared in the Mt. Juliet Messenger on August 15, 2004

Part 2: Involvement

Involvement is the concept of helping every member become a faithful servant of God's (1 Corinthians 15:58). Christianity is active. The church began in Acts 2 with folks selling their possessions to distribute with others (Acts 2:45, Acts 4:32), inviting folks into their homes daily, preparing meals, praying together (Acts 2:42), serving widows food (Acts 6) and providing clothing (Acts 9:39).

Today if 100% of the members were willing to work would the leaders of the church have a place for them to serve? Leaders are to provide "work of ministry" (Ephesians 4:12). Is it God's will for the same people to do the same things all the time and other willing servants never be asked or given the opportunity to serve and grow? The more members who are available to work, the more leaders will be required to lead them. If the leaders aren't available, the works will cease and the people will feel useless and soon they will depart or become apathetic. If every work is under a ministry and every ministry is being lead by a deacon and every deacon is diligently leading his ministry to (1) accomplish the work for the glory of God (2) by involving and encouraging every able and willing member, then there should never be willing servants of the Lord without an opportunity to serve! Every willing servant serving must be every deacon's goal! Leaders fail when they believe the best way to do a job is to do it yourself! It may be the easiest, but, for heaven's sake, it's not the best!

Part 3: Relationships

Relationships are vital in Christianity! One must be faithful in his or her relationship to God, family, neighbors, government, and even their enemy.

Acts gives us the history of the church from day one. The common love for Jesus brought the members of the Lord's church together daily. They were in and out of homes eating together and praying together (Acts 2:42). Their love for God and each other caused them to sacrifice greatly for one another by selling possessions to give to those in the spiritual family who had needs (Acts 2:45; 4:32). This close relationship is built by practicing "brotherly love" as read in Romans 12:10, 1 Thessalonians 4:9, and Hebrews 13:1. Just as foreign as an ocean without water would be, so is the thought of a church without relationships. But how many in the church ought to have relationships with one another? Only the 20% group again?

Of course not. Leaders are to provide edification to the whole body (Ephesians 4:12). One of the absolute necessities to build up the body is to help the body know God and one another. Small groups are a wonderful way to get to know each other better. Any group of 35 or less that meets at least once a month is a great environment to build relationships. Leaders ought to provide these, value them, and help nurture these opportunities. They are veins by which love often passes to spark and grow relationships. By our love we show to each other, folks should know we are Christ's (John 13:34-35). Let's grow closer to God and each other.

Taken from: http://www.buildingchurchleaders.com/articles/2007/070523a.html?start=1

Information overload is a common problem for young people today. But it's not due to schoolwork. Rather, it has everything to do with life outside the classroom.

by Becky Sweat

Does this sound like you? You sit at the desk in your bedroom with your biology book open in front of you, trying to study for a test. At the same time, you're plugged into your iPod, listening to music. Your laptop is also on, open to your Facebook page and Skype. And if those weren't enough things vying for your attention, every couple of minutes you're interrupted with a text message, to which you quickly respond.

You might see this as just a normal study session. But while it may very well be common, it's certainly not "normal."

"Our minds are designed to focus on one thing at a time," states David Levy, Ph.D., professor at the School of Information at the University of Washington. "We don't function well when we're trying to attend to multiple things at once."

All of these "technological interruptions," as Levy refers to them, are part of a much larger issue in our society—that of "information overload." We have more information coming at us than we can realistically process.

"There are only so many details in anyone's life that can be handled comfortably," says Deborah Barreau, Ph.D., associate professor at the School of Information and Library Science at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. "When that limit is exceeded, circuits begin to shut down. We refuse to process anymore." Too much information can make you feel anxious, overwhelmed, frustrated and confused, Barreau says.

The road to overload

The information we're talking about here includes the "social information" communicated through digital media—instant messaging, social networking sites, text messaging, etc., as well as the facts, data, opinions and reports encountered through television, books and magazines.

In one sense, information overload is not new. Ever since the printing press was invented, people have complained about having too much to read. However, Levy says, "Information overload is a far greater problem today than it ever was in the past." This is directly related to advances in technology.

Computers have allowed scientists to produce, analyze and compile data at speeds never dreamed of before. The human race has produced more knowledge in the last 30 years than in all the previous 5,000 years combined.

The development of the Internet, starting in the mid-1990s, allowed information to be easily published and accessed by just about anybody. "The World Wide Web has provided us access to billions of pages of information, increasing the number of people whose thoughts we encounter and exposing us to more ideas than ever before," notes Lark Birdsong, an information professional and Web search trainer in Denver, Colorado.

Digital technologies have made it possible to be connected to information sources 24/7. Each day you may have hundreds or even thousands of e-mail messages, instant messages, YouTube and Flickr downloads, text messages and posts on social networking sites competing for your attention. There's also round-the-clock programming to view on TV.

"The sheer volume of information being published today far outstrips our capacity to deal with it," Levy says.

Too much insignificant information

As a student, you may agree that you're overloaded with information—too much reading every night for school! But really, the bigger issue is what you're being exposed to outside the classroom.

Trying to keep up with all the information coming at you electronically from the media and your friends can take up a lot of your time—time you might not have to spare. For instance, you can get so caught up surfing the Web or watching TV that it ends up consuming time you should have used for something more important, like homework, prayer, Bible study, talking with your family or sleep.

Often the challenge is trying to figure out what information is significant. You might do a Google search on a particular subject and get thousands or even millions of search results. "Now you have to decide: Which of them are you going to read, and which are you going to ignore? The very act of choosing takes time," says Levy. You might have to sift through a lot of insignificant information before you get to anything useful.

Remember that anyone can start a blog or Web site or share his or her perspectives on online forums and chat rooms. As a result, much of the information on the Internet is just opinion or is outright false. Yet it might be billed as "fact."

"It can be difficult to know which Web sites are trustworthy and which ones aren't, discern bias and point of view, and assess the validity of information being presented," states Birdsong. You may encounter a lot of conflicting information, which can make you feel frustrated and confused.

Social concerns

There are particular concerns with the social information. Electronic messaging can be distracting, waste a lot of time and destroy productivity. Research has shown that students' grades suffer when they text a lot or visit social networking sites while studying.

Barreau's students often text and send "tweets" while she lectures. She says that not only is this behavior disrespectful, but "their attention is divided, and they're not getting as much out of class. Most people don't multitask very well. We generally deal with things better sequentially, rather than try to do three or four things at once."

Excessive use of electronic communications can also hinder your development of appropriate interpersonal skills, adds Patricia Leavy, Ph.D., associate professor of sociology at Stonehill College in Easton, Massachusetts. Her concern is that many young people today are learning how to interact with others, including how to make friends and date, largely by technological means, as opposed to face-to-face interaction.

"There's a big difference between communicating with a thousand people you don't really know on Facebook versus what it means to meet people face-to-face, read people's gestures, learn to get to know each other and communicate verbally," she says. With the "virtual relationships," people just exchange bite-sized tidbits of information—not the building blocks of solid relationships.

Another negative lesson teens are learning, Leavy says, is that it's normal to be at the dinner table texting with your cell phone or listening to your iPod. "This sends the message to others, particularly those who are at least a generation older than you, that you don't care about them, because, if you did, you'd be paying attention to them rather than using your technology."

The antidote to information overload

While information overload is a widespread problem in our society, it need not take over your life.

• For starters, take an honest assessment of your priorities. Are you spending so much time on the Internet that your grades are suffering? Are you routinely using your phone or laptop when you're with friends and family? Do you spend more time IMing your friends than you do talking with them in person?

"I like Facebook," admits Birdsong, "but it doesn't replace face-to-face interactions." Be very clear with your goals in life and manage your information intake around that. If your priorities are misaligned, make the necessary changes. This may mean limiting your Facebook usage or no longer taking your phone to class.

• Decide which information streams and social sites are most valuable to you and focus on those. Don't try to keep up with them all.

• When you need to do research, ask your reference librarian for help. Most librarians are happy to educate people about efficient Internet search techniques, which will help you get better refined results and waste less time. Your library will also allow you access to databases of published articles, providing you with information that is generally more accurate compared to what's available on free-access Web sites.

• Set aside a regular "focus time" each day when you disconnect from technology. This might be for a couple hours every afternoon or before you go to bed. Turn off the computer and TV, and ask friends to not call or text you during this time. You can use this time to do homework, pray, study the Bible and just relax without any distractions.

In addition, you should avoid using your iPod and cell phone at the dinner table or whenever you're in the company of others. Give the people you're with your full attention. Show an interest in their perspectives and insights. Birdsong concludes, "The truth is, some of the most significant information doesn't come from things, but from people." VT

About the Author
Becky Sweat is a freelance writer specializing in health and family topics. She lives in the Dallas, Texas, area with her husband and two sons.

taken from: http://www.verticalthought.org/issues/vt29/information-inundation.htm

How to be Healed Emotionally

by Marijo Phelps
9/29/2010 / Bible Studies

When you stop to think about it, we probably all had what is
referred to now as a dysfunctional family. We had issues of being hurt by ones who loved us and might have known better. We, ourselves, probably hurt those close to us be they relatives or friends.

Sometimes we might have been lashing out like a kitten backed into the corner by the family dog, coming at someone with our claws out and hisses flowing. Other times it might have been a thoughtless word or action. Those times, going both ways, are common to all of us, common to life. That doesn't make them hurt any less even with their remembrance.

Have you talked to the Lord about them? Maybe you can hear His whisper to your heart:

Come as that little child unto me for healing. My arms embrace you and draw you close. I choose to give you liberty in My name. Be whole.

Let the tears of your years out to flow free. You don't even understand your pain nor feel it any longer. I desire to unfreeze you and set you free. It isn't your job to do as I am working it in you. Look up to me. I will release you.

It took a long time for you to build up your cover wall but I know where the key goes. Release, I speak onto you for healing. You shall be healed and your mother.

Look up to Me. I the Lord am mighty to the tearing down of emotional strongholds. I desire to free you and will. Expect and await release. And the beauty out of ashes is yours in Jesus Christ. Selah. (Pause and think calmly about that)

In Proverbs 15:4 we learn a bit about the tongue when the Bible says that the tongue that brings healing is a tree of life but a deceitful tongue crushes the spirit.

Has your spirit been crushed? Then allow the Lord Jesus to take your hand and walk you through that time and heal you today. He was there with you, he felt your pain and angst when it happened and he truly can set you free even now.

Isaiah 58:8 is another encouraging verse about healing "Then your light will break forth like the dawn, and your healing will quickly appear; then your righteousness will go before you, and the glory of the LORD will be your rear guard." (NIV)

Malachi 4:2 gives us more hope on healing stating "But for you who revere my name, the sun of righteousness will rise with healing in its wings. And you will go out and leap like calves released from the stall." (NIV)

Just close your eyes for a minute and allow the word picture to sink in, the gate is opened and those rambunctious calves are running free, bucking and kicking up their heels after being confined and imprisoned for so long. That can be you and me today if we but trust Him with our pains and sorrows. Is it time, it is probably way past time!

Prayer: Dearest Lord Jesus, thank you that you came and "by your stripes we are healed". Thank you that it is not only physical healing (as per Strong's Concordance). Help us to see ALL the ways you heal in your creativity and giftedness on our behalf. Help us to step out of our imprisonment and receive that healing touch from Your mighty hands even today. AMEN

(C) Marijo Phelps all rights reserved. Use with proper credits.

About Self

Saved by His grace in 1974, from 9 years of professing atheism into His loving arms. RN for 23 years, missionary with YWAM then statistical analyst for Every Home for Christ over 9 years. Living with my husband in the middle of a mountain meadow. GRIN! Wanting to spread the good news

Article Source: FaithWriters.com http://www.faithwriters.com and FaithReaders.com http://www.faithreaders.com

Photo taken from: http://www.nydailynews.com

How to be Healed Emotionally
by Marijo Phelps
9/29/2010 / Bible Studies

When you stop to think about it, we probably all had what is referred to now as a dysfunctional family. We had issues of being hurt by ones who loved us and might have known better. We, ourselves, probably hurt those close to us be they relatives or friends.

Sometimes we might have been lashing out like a kitten backed into the corner by the family dog, coming at someone with our claws out and hisses flowing. Other times it might have been a thoughtless word or action. Those times, going both ways, are common to all of us, common to life. That doesn't make them hurt any less even with their remembrance.

Have you talked to the Lord about them? Maybe you can hear His whisper to your heart:

Come as that little child unto me for healing. My arms embrace you and draw you close. I choose to give you liberty in My name. Be whole.

Let the tears of your years out to flow free. You don't even understand your pain nor feel it any longer. I desire to unfreeze you and set you free. It isn't your job to do as I am working it in you. Look up to me. I will release you.

It took a long time for you to build up your cover wall but I know where the key goes. Release, I speak onto you for healing. You shall be healed and your mother.

Look up to Me. I the Lord am mighty to the tearing down of emotional strongholds. I desire to free you and will. Expect and await release. And the beauty out of ashes is yours in Jesus Christ. Selah. (Pause and think calmly about that)

In Proverbs 15:4 we learn a bit about the tongue when the Bible says that the tongue that brings healing is a tree of life but a deceitful tongue crushes the spirit.

Has your spirit been crushed? Then allow the Lord Jesus to take your hand and walk you through that time and heal you today. He was there with you, he felt your pain and angst when it happened and he truly can set you free even now.

Isaiah 58:8 is another encouraging verse about healing "Then your light will break forth like the dawn, and your healing will quickly appear; then your righteousness will go before you, and the glory of the LORD will be your rear guard." (NIV)

Malachi 4:2 gives us more hope on healing stating "But for you who revere my name, the sun of righteousness will rise with healing in its wings. And you will go out and leap like calves released from the stall." (NIV)

Just close your eyes for a minute and allow the word picture to sink in, the gate is opened and those rambunctious calves are running free, bucking and kicking up their heels after being confined and imprisoned for so long. That can be you and me today if we but trust Him with our pains and sorrows. Is it time, it is probably way past time!

Prayer: Dearest Lord Jesus, thank you that you came and "by your stripes we are healed". Thank you that it is not only physical healing (as per Strong's Concordance). Help us to see ALL the ways you heal in your creativity and giftedness on our behalf. Help us to step out of our imprisonment and receive that healing touch from Your mighty hands even today. AMEN

(C) Marijo Phelps all rights reserved. Use with proper credits.

About Self

Saved by His grace in 1974, from 9 years of professing atheism into His loving arms. RN for 23 years, missionary with YWAM then statistical analyst for Every Home for Christ over 9 years. Living with my husband in the middle of a mountain meadow. GRIN! Wanting to spread the good news

Article Source: FaithWriters.com http://www.faithwriters.com and FaithReaders.com http://www.faithreaders.com

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