Colored Perception

This is the Life & Leadership weekly email from Pastor Troy Gramling.

It is amazing how experiences color perception. There are two companies that carry a trusted brand name, but a couple years ago, we had bad customer service with both of them. Now on numerous occasions, they had done the right thing. But this ONE time they didn't, and that ONE time colored everything. I wonder how many people we don't get second chances with? How many people have ONE bad experience at church and it ends up coloring their entire perspective? It may not be fair, but it is true. The fact that I may never walk into either of those companies again doesn't have eternal consequences but when people give up on the Church it could. This week, as you go about your normal routine in your usual environment, take time to ask, "What am I doing to make sure the experience I'm offering is getting colored with the best perception?"

Are You Mutating?

This is the iMAX (weekend discussion guide) for Heroes & Villains week five. The only way for any of us to fulfill our potential is to allow God to transform us!

Read Romans 12:2 and Philippians 2:5, 9-11

• Pastor Troy said, "Most people live life as Christ-followers trying to convince God to bless us." What did he mean by this?
• The Bible makes it clear that we have to be transformed ("mutated") by changing the way we think. Do you believe it is possible to change the mindsets people have had for years?
• When we allow God to transform us, promotion is given, opportunities abound, and leadership is recognized. Have you experienced this? Share some examples from your life or the life of someone you know.

Read Philippians 2:6-8, and 3:13-14

• The first step in the transformation is to position your mind. What does this mean?
• How can a person be intentional about doing this?
• The next step is to embrace your emotions. Do you show your emotions easily?
  
• The third step is to humble your heart. Jesus emptied himself, "pouring out" his reputation. How many times has God asked you to do something, but because you were afraid of what people would think, you disobeyed?
• Can you share an instance of this with the group?
• Other examples of this are: being unwilling to forgive, or unwilling to step out and take a risk in ministry. Discuss.
• The fourth step is to focus your strength. do you ever feel like your priorities are unbalanced?
• "There are a lot of things you can do, but you have to focus on the one thing you were created for." What is your reaction to this statement?

Connect Group Challenge - Pastor Troy encouraged us to not focus on all the things we need to pour out of our lives, i.e. all the darkness we feel is there. He told us to focus on pouring the four steps outlined above into our lives. How can the members of your Connect group help each other be transformed, so each one can reach his or her God potential? Spend some quality time exploring this.

Connect for the G!

This weekend is our chance to participate in the G Offering. On a personal note, Peter and I are looking forward to the G. Why?

• Because there are orphans and widows in distress.(James 1:27)
• Because there are people who are hungry and thirsty. (Matthew 25:35)
• Because there is a need to go into the world and make disciples. (Matthew 28:19)

I read this quote today: God takes full responsibility for a life wholly devoted to him (Charles Stanley). Over the years, in so many situations, we have experienced God's faithfulness and miracles. Even in a difficult situation, or with a harsh economic reality, it is a joyful thing to choose to give toward making other people's lives better.

We each have a part of the offering that is our responsibility. Have you prayed about your part? As leaders, we are an example in tone and the attitude to the members of our connect groups. Have you asked your connect group to pray about their part in the offering? Will you please take the time today and tomorrow to encourage your people in this area? The Connect Ministry can make a huge difference in the outcome of the G!

You are awesome leaders, dedicated to doing life with others. You help people grow, you give of your time and energy for the well-being of your people. Thank you!

Let's help others experience the same peace of knowing God and not doing life alone. Let's Connect for the G!
~Barby

Sneak Peek Service Tonight at Cooper City, 7pm!!!

Hot 5 for CLT

Global CLT! Below are the top HOT 5 items in our forefront to be intentional about as you run after IT & communicate with your Connect Leaders:

* Sneak Peek Service is tomorrow at Cooper, 7pm & on Thursday at Hallandale, 7pm. Lets get our people there ready with anticipation & energy!!!

* The "G" offering is being collected this weekend. Challenge & encourage your Leaders, groups & families to pray and act in some way towards G. Its not about the amount, but the intentionality behind it. We should ALL participate in what God will do thru "G".

* Be thinking of those "next steps" for your Heroes & Villains Groups. Encourage Leaders to continue gathering if they are feeling that nudge. A couple of ways they can do that is by downloading the iMax (or weekend discussion guide) available on Mondays on our Connect Blog (www.flamingoroadconnections.com). The iMax provides an Icebreaker & a series of group discussion questions around the weekend's teaching as well as a Connect Group Challenge of the Week!  Leaders could also choose from a variety of books and launch a book study, and even change the setting of gatherings.  The key is to continue to the connecting.

* Save the Date!  We are planning a Connect Leader Day Retreat in October! A time for us to "disconnect" from the speed, but connect with each other & dream, make memories & enjoy some of what Florida has to offer. Friday Oct.23rd from 9am to 9pm. More details to come! 

* Take time this week to honor 1 of your Leaders in some creative way. It will go a long way. Keep in mind as we run after it, to not use people to do ministry, but use ministry to build people!

Honored to have you each in Connect!  50, 100, 150

Inspiration

Ran across Proverbs 3 yesterday in the midst of so many details, deadlines, to-do's and had to share its essence. It sustained me, refreshed me in SO many ways. 

"Do not forget my teaching (no matter how FAST you are running :), but keep my commands in your heart, for they will PROLONG your life many years & bring you prosperity...let LOVE & FAITHFULNESS never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your HEART. Then you will win favor & a good name in the sight of GOD & man. Trust in the Lord with ALL of your heart & lean not on your own understanding....He will make your paths straight when you acknowledge him"

Proverbs 3: 1-6

Word up from one of our CHAMPIONS!

 

FLAMINGO has asked the CHAMPIONS to speak with their respective Connect Group Leaders about the G Offering that will be taken at the end of the Super Hero Series. The Church asks that you take time to speak with each of your groups this weekend to share Pastor Troy's vision for missions in this area. If each member of the Church, or even each member of a Connect Group gives something, imagine how far we could go in reaching our goals.  Keep in mind the real goal is the salvation of souls!

 

I'm sure many of you are struggling in these financially difficult times (I know I am) and may have no idea where you could possibly come up with more money to give in another offering. Remember Your Father has an endless supply of resources and it is virtually impossible to out-give Him. I would recommend you suggest to each member of your group that they pray on this issue throughout the coming week and ask God for His guidance in this area.

 

Now is the time to start thinking about whether your group will continue on at the end of the Super Hero series. If you group will continue, make sure the information on your "regular" group is updated with the date your group will start up, make sure the date/time/location of the meeting for the "regular" group is accurate in its listing and you can start entering your members (the same as you did for members in your Super Hero group) over the next few weeks so you don't have to do it all at one time.

 

This is the time to start thinking about what topic your group will cover at the end of the Super Hero series. The Church is putting together at least 3 topics that will have DVD's you can use (much as you did in the SH series) and some materials to help you transition to your next group. We strongly recommend all new leaders select one of these pre-selected topics that have been put together for you at least for your next series. Once the topics have been finalized and the Champions informed, I will be sure to let you know additional information on these materials.

 

In God's Love, CHAMPTION - Linda!