Today Matters...

I know I'm not the only one with a "to-do list" that feels like it's a mile long. We live in a world where we are constantly running: mow lawn, clean the house, pay the bills, go to work, finish projects, drop kids off at soccer, run to Wal-Mart, pick kids up at soccer, make dinner, "quality time" with kids, put kids to bed, "quality time" with spouse, sleep... Sound familiar?

I would submit to you that the bible says we can't plan for tomorrow B/C we’re not guaranteed tomorrow. Today is the only time that we have…that is why today matters. And most of the time we miss it B/C of a few reasons.

1st thing: We over-exaggerate yesterday…our past successes or failures often look bigger to us, in hindsight, then they actually were.

2nd thing: We over-estimate tomorrow...most of us are optimistic and we believe that our future days are going to be better than today.

3rd thing: We under-estimate today...we often fail to recognize today's value and potential.

Today matters...don't let that "to-do list" overwhelm you...know that today is the only day that you have within your grasp. God has entrusted you (as a church planter) with a great deal of responsibility...fully understand the importance of today.

The Numbers Question

We've all done it.  At a district event, a conference, or when talking to another pastor. The number question will come up.  As a church planter, I feel like I NEED to answer that question to my supporters and such.  I'm not saying it's really a bad thing, numbers equal people, and people matter to God. I've just been thinking about a better way to ask it. Ed Young, Jr. challenged me in a message years ago at a Catalyst Conference. To paraphrase he asked, "what gauges are on your dashboard? What do you think is important to gauge the growth of your church?"

With that in mind, I've got a numbers question I think we should start asking.  The next time you see me or another pastor, why don't you ask, "How many beer drinkers are coming to your church?"  I don't mean the "we're under grace" drinkers. I mean the guys and gals who don't know anything else.  It's cool to have dozens of believers coming, but what's the ratio to unbelievers/new believers. That's the group I think we're all after as planters.

If anyone is still reading these during the summer, please comment. Maybe you've got a better numbers question. I'd like to hear it.