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Thursday, July 27, 2017

Cultural Preaching July 26


Spiritual awakening, American culture, and balancing innovation and tradition.
Welcome to Cultural Preaching
July 26, 2017
Welcome to this week's edition of Cultural Preaching. I am honored to share this resource with you. Know that I am praying for all who receive this email with gratitude for your service and faith.
 
This week, the "Preaching" section includes a sermon on the spiritual awakening our nation needs so desperately. In "Pastoring," we look at American culture through the lens of God's Ten Commandments. In "Personal," we explore the balance between innovation and tradition.
 
In addition, I tweet on current news occasionally throughout the day. I invite you to follow me @JimDenison.

Preaching

My sermon for this Sunday focuses on 2 Chronicles 7 and God's call to spiritual awakening. I am convinced that our culture desperately needs a transforming moral and spiritual movement. This message is intended to call God's people to prayer and preparation for a mighty visitation from God's Spirit. I hope the message is helpful to you.

Pastoring

I have written a booklet which looks at American culture through the prism of the Ten Commandments. The pamphlet begins with covenants with God made by Americans across our history and moves to God's heart for our nation. Then we discuss our culture in light of each of the Commandments. To download the booklet, click here.

Personal

Innovative pastor Ralph Neighbour published a book years ago with the title, "The Seven Last Words of the Church." What are they? "We never tried it that way before."
 
Over twenty-five years of pastoring, one of the constant challenges I faced was balancing innovation with tradition. When should we seek a new way to reach new people? When should we keep faith with the methods of ministry that brought us where we are? Some in our churches embrace change; others resist it. Pastors easily anger one to please the other.
 
Reading recently in Joshua 8, I was impressed by the Lord's strategic counsel in the battle of Ai. He instructed Joshua's men to "lay an ambush against the city, behind it" (v. 2). Then Joshua led a group to attack the city, then flee from it. When the warriors of Ai left the city to pursue the Israeli army, those laying in ambush were free to take the city. And so Ai fell to the Jews.
 
This strategy was completely different from God's direction in the battle of Jericho. As we noted in last week's Cultural Preaching, in Joshua 6 the people were told to camp in sight of this massive, fortified city, marching around its walls but not attacking its people. Then God caused the walls to collapse and the city to fall.
 
Which approach is better, the one employed with Jericho or the strategy used with Ai? The answer obviously depends on the circumstances. If Joshua had decided that the Jericho strategy was the only way to defeat the Canaanites, he would not have conquered Ai. Conversely, if he had not trusted God at Ai as he trusted him at Jericho, his army would have been defeated.
 
God has a word for each challenge as it comes. As a wise mentor once advised me, always stay faithful to the last word you heard from the Lord and open to the next. All of God there is, is in this moment.

It is a great honor to share this ministry with you. May the Lord empower and encourage you as you serve him today.
 
We encourage you to share this email with another preaching pastor.
 

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--
Rev. Darian L. Hybl

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Wednesday, July 26, 2017

Who Will Win the Battle Between the Talkers and the Silent? • ChurchLeaders.com

Who Will Win the Battle Between the Talkers and the Silent?
July 20, 2017

Option 1

Having encountered this problem many times, my initial response is to go into groups of three for part of the meeting, putting the talkers in one group and the shy or quiet ones in another. This approach puts the talkers to "battle it out" and learn listening skills from each other. Three who like talking will bring chaos or order. It is worth a try.

Similarly, putting the quiet ones in a small group together means they talk—or all stay silent (not really an option when feedback to the whole group will be required). It also gives them safety without being interrupted and overshadowed by those more bold.

Always have a time of feedback to the main group to bring cohesion and to enable the rest to hear a summary of what was said. In this context the value of what was said in both groups will be equally honored.

Option 2

Another approach would be to get the "talker" on your side by asking him or her to help draw out the quieter ones or help to allow silence so they feel safe. In this way they will not feel criticized but honored.

Of course there may be genuine reasons why someone does not speak up. Perhaps he or she has been mocked for input in previous situations and might feel inhibited by other group members. Or there might be other internal reasons. Taking time to invite this person for a personal meeting outside the group is a great option. In this meeting the leader can discover how he or she feels and can listen to concerns and then take action that will bring healing.

Option 3

Another way might be to address the issue of everyone's participation in the group and ask how the group can ensure everyone has time and opportunity to express themselves. Brainstorm ideas and bring group awareness of this essential dynamic.

Non–option!

One thing NOT to do is ignore the problem, hoping it will just go away. Of course every member may be quiet for a few meetings or overtalk for others, but when there is a persistent challenge, it must be dealt with in a loving way.

…And by the way, the leader must make sure that he or she is not the talker!

This article originally appeared here.

Daphne is committed to discipling others to take the vision and strategies that God has given her into their own nations and spheres of influence,.
4 Comments
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Glynn Brockway
Additional option: don't try to utilize precious meeting time to discuss problems. Instead, outline challenges that need to be addressed with a couple key facets of the situation as details. Then outside of the meeting time, once folks have had an opportunity to consider the situation, send an email for thoughts and suggestions. This way, precious meeting time isn't consumed by Mrs Gabby Waetoeager or Tommy Longbreath. Maybe respond to a couple questions, but don't allow full on discussion of the issue.
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Josette Dingle ·
Option 4: Send the meeting agenda out before hand so the silent's (usually introverts) have time to gather their thoughts and bring them to the table
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Rick Lee Snively ·
Works at UM
it's those 'smooth talkers' to watch for. they will lead you into believing everything that they say is right/accurate/correct. 😡
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--
Rev. Darian L. Hybl

Please visit our blogs and comment!
Pastor's Blog 
(This has the latest sermons and interesting articles)

Emmanuel Lutheran News Blog 
(This has the latest information about the church)

We have a Facebook account:
Like us on Facebook 
- Let us know you have arrived and "Friend us"

We have a YouTube Page:
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Or Email us:

Monday, July 24, 2017

Cultural Preaching July 21, 2017

Being "sons of encouragement" and prioritizing God.
Welcome to Cultural Preaching
July 21, 2017
Welcome to this week's edition of Cultural Preaching. I am honored to share this resource with you. Know that I am praying for all who receive this email with gratitude for your service and faith.
 
This week, the "Preaching" section includes a sermon on Barnabas inviting us to be "sons of encouragement." In "Pastoring," we consider some practical steps toward encouraging others more effectively. In "Personal," we explore the priority of following God so that our people will follow us.
 
In addition, I tweet on current news occasionally throughout the day. I invite you to follow me @JimDenison.

Preaching

My sermon for this Sunday focuses on Barnabas, the great encourager of the greatest apostle in history. Who has been your Barnabas? Who would say you are theirs? How can we encourage each other as we follow Jesus in these challenging days? I hope the message will be helpful to you.

Pastoring

Jared Musgrove is Groups Pastor with the Village Church, one of the most effective congregations I know. His article on encouragement offers practical wisdom as a companion to this week's message. I encourage you to read it here.

Personal

Joshua 6 finds the Jewish people standing outside Jericho, the first city they confronted upon entering their Promised Land. This was perhaps the oldest city in the world. Excavations have uncovered a massive city wall and other extensive fortifications. Capturing the city would be vital to capturing the land of Canaan.
 
However, the Lord's instruction to Joshua was anything but logical: they were to "march around the city, all the men of war going around the city once. Thus you shall do for six days" (v. 3). On the seventh day, they were to march around Jericho seven times while the priests blew their trumpets and the people gave a great shout. Then the city's massive walls would "fall down flat" so that the Jewish army could take the city (v. 5).
 
The people were to camp within sight of the city, exposed on the plain with no means of shelter or protection. They were to march near the walls where their enemy could attack them. They were not to scale the walls, attack the gate, or do anything else that conventional warfare would dictate. And the walls would miraculously collapse if they were obedient to this command from God.
 
I can think of only one reason why the people agreed to such a strange strategy: they believed that their leader spoke from God. They were convinced that he heard from the King of the universe and that his word could therefore be trusted. They followed him because he followed the Lord. And the results made history.
 
As pastors to the people of God, it is vital that we live and serve in such a way that those who follow us know we follow the Lord. Keeping our souls is the key to fulfilling our ministry. Staying close to Jesus enables our followers to walk with him.
 
Here's the problem: few in our congregations encourage us in our personal spiritual lives or hold us accountable for them. I don't remember a time in twenty-five years of pastoral ministry when a church member or leader asked me how I was doing spiritually. Not one encouraged me to take more time for prayer and spiritual disciplines. Not one communicated to me the value of my soul for the sake of our church.
 
Our members will likely not evaluate our spiritual lives, but our Father does. He "looks on the heart" (1 Samuel 16:7) and longs for a deeper, more intimate fellowship with us.
 
When the well runs dry, it's hard to give water to thirsty people. As we noted in last week's Cultural Preaching, care for your soul and the Lord will care for your church.

It is a great honor to share this ministry with you. May the Lord empower and encourage you as you serve him today.
 
We encourage you to share this email with another preaching pastor.
 

Share with a Pastor
Copyright © 2017 Denison Forum on Truth and Culture, All rights reserved.
You are receiving this email because you opted in at denisonforum.org.

Our mailing address is:
Denison Forum on Truth and Culture
17304 Preston Rd
Suite 1060
Dallas, TX 75252-5618

Add us to your address book


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You can update your preferences or unsubscribe from this list




--
Rev. Darian L. Hybl

Please visit our blogs and comment!
Pastor's Blog 
(This has the latest sermons and interesting articles)

Emmanuel Lutheran News Blog 
(This has the latest information about the church)

We have a Facebook account:
Like us on Facebook 
- Let us know you have arrived and "Friend us"

We have a YouTube Page:
(Check out new video's as we post them!)

Or Email us:

Monday, July 17, 2017

A Free Book Giveaway

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--
Rev. Darian L. Hybl

Please visit our blogs and comment!
Pastor's Blog 
(This has the latest sermons and interesting articles)

Emmanuel Lutheran News Blog 
(This has the latest information about the church)

We have a Facebook account:
Like us on Facebook 
- Let us know you have arrived and "Friend us"

We have a YouTube Page:
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Or Email us:

Sunday, July 16, 2017

07162017 Letter to Emmanuel Lutheran Goodland KS

When God spoke to Jacob in Genesis 35:1-3, God was clear, Jacob was moving because God wanted Jacob to listen to Him and worship Him.  It is my prayer that I am being faithful to what God desires for me and my family as well.

On July 13, 2017, via special delivery, I received the documents issuing a divine call to me to become the Pastor of Emmanuel Lutheran – Export, PA.

Upon prayerful discernment and conversations with family and friends, I have decided to accept the divine call extended to me.  My effective date for my resignation at Emmanuel Lutheran – Goodland, KS is August 15, 2017.

What does this mean?  It means Michele, Sarah and I will be moving to Pennsylvania.

How soon?  This is yet to be determined.

Why?  Because I am listening to God’s voice in my life and what is best for my immediate family of Michele and Sarah and my extended family in Virginia and North Carolina.

What can you do?  Pray for Emmanuel Lutheran – Goodland, KS as they seek to find a new shepherd.  Pray for Emmanuel Lutheran – Export, PA as we transition and they welcome me as their shepherd.  Pray for Michele, Sarah and myself as we move from Goodland, KS to Export, PA.
The last nearly 7 years God has worked and it is my prayer that we as individuals and a community stand up and face the evil that clearly continues to pound we Christians.

May we because of the grace, peace and love of Jesus Christ, be able to face tomorrow and trust in the offer that Jesus Christ clearly and emphatically makes with His willingness to go to Calvary and die in order that we might have eternal life.

I love each of you and will keep Goodland in my thoughts and prayers!!!!

Yours In Christ,
Darian Lee Hybl

Please see below the letter read after worship July 16, 2017:

Sunday, July 16, 2017
Dear Saints of Emmanuel Lutheran Church, Goodland, KS:

Greetings to you in the name of our risen and ascended Lord, Jesus Christ!

On Thursday, July 13, 2017, I received a package via FedEx special overnight delivery that contained in writing the Official Documentation extending a divine call from the saints at Emmanuel Lutheran Church, Export, PA to serve as their pastor.

I have responded to Emmanuel Lutheran Export regarding the receipt of their divine call and also informed the following:

·         LCMC
o   Pastor Steven Lein (Pastoral Ministry Coordinator)
o   Pastor Dave Fisher (Colorado LCMC Liason)
·         NALC
o   Bishop John Brodosky
o   Pastor David Wendel
o   Pastor Dennis Beckmann (Dean of the Great Plains Mission District)
o   Pastor Alden Towberman (Dean of Mid-Northeast Mission District)
o   Pastor Ken Hohag (Dean of the Rocky Mountain Mission District)
As you know, I currently am under call to you the saints of Emmanuel Lutheran-Goodland since September 21, 2010 and my installation on October 23, 2010.

After constant prayer and prayerful deliberation seeking God’s will, conversations with family and friends and determining what is best for my wife, daughter and family both in Virginia and North Carolina, I am returning your divine call issued September 12, 2010 and accepting the divine call to Emmanuel Lutheran – Export, PA effective August 15, 2017.

Thank you for the opportunity to be ordained here, preach and teach about what Jesus Christ did on the Cross of Calvary, administer the Sacraments of Holy Baptism and Holy Communion and the joyful opportunity to love every one of you as the children of God you have been created to be in His image.

As this transition takes place, I ask that you please keep the council and leaders of the church here at Goodland and my family, Michele and Sarah and myself in your thoughts and prayers during the coming days, weeks and months.  This is an opportunity for unity behind the Gospel of Jesus Christ love and respect for one another as Brothers and Sisters in Christ.

May God’s Word sustain each of us during this transition and may we clearly hear, proclaim and imitate our Lord Jesus Christ Who inspired Paul with these words, “Therefore, be imitators of God, as beloved children; and walk in love, just as Christ also loved you, and gave Himself up for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God as a fragrant aroma.” (Ephesians 5:1-2)

Yours in Christ,

Pastor Darian Lee Hybl

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