WHO'S NEXT?

I AM MOVING SITES!!!!

2009-05-27T16:49:00.004+08:00

GUYS, I HAVE CHANGED MY BLOGSITE OR SHOULD I SAY VLOGSITE ( VIDEO BLOG) I WILL NO LONGER BE USING
THIS SITE BUT HAVE MOVED TO L.A. MUMAR'S BLOG HERE....http://lamumar.wordpress.com/.

SEE YAH!!!

comments on how to run meetings..

2009-05-26T17:09:00.001+08:00

LA Mumar's First VLOG

2009-05-26T14:25:00.001+08:00

lorenzo sneezes!!!!

2009-05-24T13:02:00.001+08:00

LORENZO'S PRAYER

2009-05-02T18:24:00.003+08:00

Macy and I usually pray with Lorenzo the moment he gets up and before he sleeps. He used to just say Amen, but now he has started to pray by himself. This was his prayer..

Lorenzo:
"Suus ( Jesus) , good mawning ( good morning) , bless mommy, daddy, yaya, mickey, donald and goofy" Suus ( Jesus) name Amen"

Simple. Prayer From the heart. I want to always pray like him... no wonder Jesus said...

"I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.” Luke 18:17

PEACE BE WITH YOU

2009-04-24T11:23:00.000+08:00

ead this quote this morning.. got me thinking really hard..

"O what peace we often forfeit, O what needless pain we bear, All because we do not carry everything to God in prayer" - Joseph Scriven ( hymn writer)

A couple of thoughts from this quote..

-when i seem to lose my peace, need to check my prayer time

- prayer brings peace!

- i need stop carrying the load God intended to carry for us

-the best person to pour my hurts, frustrations, shattered dreams to, is God. ( 2nd is macy)

-prayer should not be the last resort, it should be the first resort.

- i need to pray more

-choose prayer over worry or fret

phil 4:6-7 (message)
"Don't fret or worry. Instead of worrying, pray. Let petitions and praises shape your worries into prayers, letting God know your concerns. Before you know it, a sense of God's wholeness, everything coming together for good, will come and settle you down. It's wonderful what happens when Christ displaces worry at the center of your life"

FOCUS

2009-03-06T11:37:00.004+08:00

Been reading Al Rice's book FOCUS. It really is a phenomenal book. Book talks about companies that were successful beacause of focus, and tragic things that occurred when it does other things. A must read.

Couple of things i learned ...

1. it is natural for people to get defocused
2. the bigger one gets, the higher the tendency to do other things
3. focus on what you are called to do, not just good ideas.
4. focus means saying NO to a looooot of things and saying yes to very few things.
5. focus people are more effective and efficient
Are you focused?

BLOGGING MY PREACHING NOTES ( ONE LIFE TO LIVE)

2009-02-12T13:23:00.001+08:00

I will be doing something really different this month. I will be posting my preaching outline from my previous sermon. This is the outline, not all of my studies. I will be editing some, to make sure nothing confidential is revealed. I usually have 3 levels of preaching notes

1. just writing everything in paper
2. after prayer and study I write the edited ones in my computer ( usually 4 pages)
3. rewriting it in my computer, outline form.( this is the one i printout for my preaching, usually 1 page)

What you will be seeing is number 3!

If you are a preacher.. this will give you an idea how my outline looks like. How weird I think. If you are NOT a preacher.. well you might just be curious. WARNING: MY NOTES ARE HARDER TO INTERPRET THAN GREEK MANUSCRIPTS!!! :) Here we go....

ONE LIFE TO LIVE: TOPIC LIVE( PREACHING NOTES FEB 6, 2009)

Intro Video: LIFE IS SHORT…

ME: Bucket list picture

Transition: life is short …as in the movie…

TENSION: “THE DASH” , LIFE IS SHORT , What will you do with it?

BACKGROUND: MOSES, 10 PLAGUES, BURNING BUSH, RED SEA, ( but he still prayed this prayer)

GOD :Teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain a heart of wisdom. Psalms 90:12

TEACH US: Source of life. Giver of life is Jesus …he knows what is best.

Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. John 14:6

To NUMBER OUR DAYS: Jun e powerpoint SLIDES..( average person life time, I you live to be 75)

Life is fleeting..“Show me, O LORD, my life’s end and the number of my days; let me know how fleeting is my life. Psalms 39:4

You have made my days a mere handbreadth; the span of my years is as nothing before you. Each man’s life is but a breath. Selah Psalms 39:5

The length of our days is seventy years — or eighty, if we have the strength; yet their span is but trouble and sorrow, for they quickly pass, and we fly away. Psalms 90:10

GAIN? : some people gain, fame, money, women? (powerpoint of Britney etc)

Heart of wisdom:

One point : LIFE IS SHORT .. LIVE WISELY

You : live passionately, live in faith, purpose…

JESUS: He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the hearts of men; yet they cannot fathom what God has done from beginning to end. Ecclesiastes 3:11

EG: heart beat illustration.

10 LESSONS FRO HAROLD SALA ( MARRIAGE,MINISTRY AND LIFE)

2009-02-07T17:08:00.000+08:00

I attended Harrold Sala's seminar with our pastors and their wives this morning at Victory Ortigas. It was awesome seeing a couple who has been married for 50 years and been in ministry for 4 decades. There was such a wealth of wisdom coming form them regarding marriage,ministry and life.

1. the Mumar's are included in my number one relationship.

2. make Macy my partner in ministry

3. it is important to be tender towards Macy

4. tell MAcy what you are THINKING.

5. leave ministry at the door. ( leave your work in the office.. hang with Macy and play with Lorenzo.

6. L.a .be your own person ( dont compare yourself with other peoples gifts)

7 . La. should learn to apologize to MAcy and Lorenzo if he is wrong

8. The goal of raising Lorenzo is to teach him to love God, not to avoid being embarrassed as parents.

9. Tell MAcy and lorenzo that I LOVE THEM EVERYDAY.

10. prioritizing the Mumar family comes with a price.. L.a. will you pay it?

HARDSHIPS.... PROCESS... MATURITY...

2009-02-06T15:33:00.002+08:00

NO ORDINARY JOE
Read the life of Joseph recently (Gen 37- 50). This guy is no ordinary Joe.The guy went through a live like a Telenovela,sold by his bros,accused of rape, lived in Bilibid among many things. Whew! What a life!!! Most people would have probably given up or been angry at God.

HARDSHIPS AND PROCESS
Amazing thing about his story was that God was clearly letting Joseph go through a process of maturation. He was building his faith, skills, and character to prepare him for something bigger. Trials did not make him bitter, it made him better!!!

MATURITY
GOD fulfilled Joseph's dream 13 years after his initial vision was birth. By then, Joseph was was equipped both in skills and character to fulfill God's purpose for his life. As he let God prune and mold him, he was more than ready to get the job done.

THINGS I LEARNED THIS ( RANDOM)
- God sees the ending, there is no reason to worry
- Use every opportunity to develop your character and upgrade your skills
- Character building, maturity and leadership is a process and cant be done in a day.

CARS,LORENZO , CHILD TRAINING, AND OBEDIENCE

2009-02-03T16:15:00.002+08:00

My 1 year old son Lorenzo has been learning a lot of new words as of late. Words like Amen! Lebron! KA chow! (from Cars) its just so exciting to see him discover and use words.

One word Macy and I have been emphasizing to Lorenzo is the word ...OBEY!!! Been trying to make him understand that he is not the boss of the home. His parents are. That he cant have everything he wants. When mom or dad asks him to place his toys back or brush his teeth he should OBEY!!! He can't grapple his cousin and pound him to submission because that does not make Jesus happy. (or his cousin's mom)If he chooses not to follow there would be consequences.

Some may say Lorenzo is too young or too cute to be disciplined, yet teaching him obedience will really benefit him in the long run. We are investing in Lorenzo's future..for him to realize that he is under authority. ( it will save us from a lot of future problems too)

If he learns to obey his parents right now, he would be willing to obey his teachers, traffic enforcers, or anyone authority figure. Ultimately, we teach him to obey because we want him to learn to obey God. That disobedience would hurt him and God, but obedience will lead to a fruitful life.

This is investment is sure to pay off!

“‘Follow my decrees and be careful to obey my laws, and you will live safely in the land. Leviticus 25:18

HISTORY IN THE MAKING FOR ENCM AND VICTORY YOUTH GROUPS

2009-01-23T14:29:00.002+08:00

I am in the midst of history, no i'm not talking about Pres Obama's inauguration, im talking about a historic meeting that happened in VIctory Ortigas this afternoon. Around 30 of our campus missionaries and youth pastors converged to set the preaching direction for 2009 till march 2010. ( lupet !!!) This will take our campus ministry to the next level!!!

Starting APril 2009, Metro Manila wide all youth services will be preaching the same thing. Im just so pumped knowing the synergy will take us several notches higher. Ideas, videos revelations ...everything...wow!!!!

The discussions have veen very enrching and encouraging for me, seeing men and women of God from different backgrounds and congregations working together. The wisdom, insight and humility of this people just makes me feel honored to be in encm. Thanks to all the campus staff young and old for carving time to make this happen.

I would like to extend a special thanks to our youth pastors and campus directors Pat, King L, Ryan, Bong , Bong N. CJ., JOe. Your leadership is a great example to the next gen.

I thank God that I will be walking with these men and women for the next 25 years or more in this ministry. Exciting!!!

HERE WE GO!!!

2009-01-09T16:37:00.003+08:00

We are starting 2009.
We are starting our 7 day prayer and fasting in our churches.
We are pumped.

.... I always start my year with faith goals. Spiritual breakthroughs, character breakthroughs, marriage breakthroughs, parenting breakthroughs, ministry breakthroughs,financial breakthroughs, directional breakthroughs and a lot of other breakthroughs. :)

I wont have a lot of time to share all my goals but I do want to share one. It can be found in
1Thessalonians 5:17 , yes... these 2 words have really been the word of the Lord is for me.

PRAY CONTINUALLY!!!

i know its simple but it just pierced my heart like never before. I felt like Dela Hoya tagged by I Pacquio's lefthook. Prayer is something I preach and talk about more than I do. By God's grace 2009 that will change. To pray whether thats my devotional time, riding the car, in prayer meetings, walking, waiting,exercising ( naks) or just about anything I do....

Prayer gets me seeking God's face. As long as im connected to HIm I know all other things will take care of itself. By prayer, i know i will be more like Christ, be a better husband, father, friend, son, pastor etc...

2 simple words..... that i know will change my life forever.

I heard a preacher once asked the question "Is your prayer life, pitiful or powerful?"
how s your prayer life?

WHY IS HARD TO SAY ( PART 3)

2009-01-09T16:36:00.000+08:00

Has anyone offended you? It doesn't matter if it was on purpose or not we all have been hurt by someone. If you ever interact with people...I sure hope you do (more than pets or tv). We all get hurt!!! If you were in the wrong.. admit it , repent and apologize!!!

Yet,there are times when you were really the one who got the raw end of the deal, you were in the right, you getting mad was justified, everyone knew it was the other person who made a mistake. What do you do ?

What would Jesus do ? We all have sinned against God. He was clearly in the right.. we were in the wrong. What did he do ?

FORGIVE.. if someone apologizes to you make sure you forgive and never hold a grudge. IF the person never acknowledges his mistake.. still FORGIVE IN YOUR HEART. Never let a root of bitterness set in. Treat the person well. The Bible commanded us to
"Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you". Colossians 3:13

The last hard thing to say is "I forgive you"

WHY IS SO HARD TO SAY ( PART 2)

2009-01-04T14:06:00.000+08:00

STATEMENT # 2

" Sorry I was wrong" millions of heartaches, harsh words and deaths could have been prevented if we learn to say this phrase. Im not taking about saying this the meaningless, get it over with so you can shut up kinda way..( im guilty of this at times).

Im talking about a genuine, sincere heart acknowledgment of ones mistakes and not intending to do it again thing. The Bible calls calls this repentance.

I deperately want to learn this.. I want to stop excuses and finger pointing and really start taking responsibility for my mistakes and short comings. This year I pray for God's grace to help me add this phrase to my vocabulary "SORRY , I WAS WRONG period!!!"

"WHY IS IT SO HARD TO SAY" (PART 1)

2008-12-31T00:30:00.005+08:00

Im writing a series entitled "why is it so hard to say" . This 3 part series will talk about statements that are so simple but for some weird reason I find hard to say.

STATEMENT #1 "I DONT KNOW"

I experience this specially when im lost on my way somewhere and my wife Macy asks me if i know where are going. I get irritated,and become extra defensive.( men im sure you know what im talking about) somehow there is something in me that just wont say "I DON'T KNOW"

We would be saving ourselves from a lot of trouble if we just learn to be humble and admit the fact that

1. we dont know everthing ( yup, that can be a revelation for some)
2. we need help from people who know better ( we have blind spots)
me

i have learned to say "I don't know" at certain times( not all the time) when church members ask me for counsel,when a campus minister asks whats the next step for his minstry, when macy and I are lost going somewhere :)

Next time you are caught in a situation wherein you are not sure what to do..throw pride out of your doorstep and learn to say "i don't know the answer, can you help me please"

“God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” 1Peter 5:5

VALUE=TIME

2008-12-23T22:36:00.004+08:00

Heard this equation years ago "value=time", basically what you value means you will move heaven and earth to make time for it.

That explains

-why people wake up early to play golf but never wake up for church
-why people will take time to watch Twilight but never have time to read the Bible
-why people spend time playing basketball but never spend time with their kids
-why people set aside morning meetings but never date their wives

Jesus had rockstar status during his ministry on earth.. yet he never defocused from his number one value which is God. time with God.

" Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed". Mark 1:35

ASk yourself 2 questions after reading this blog

1. what/who do i value?
2. Do i spend enough time investing in those things I value.

2008-12-23T01:48:00.007+08:00

DO YOU HAVE SOMEONE WHO CAN TELL YOU , YOU HAVE BODY ODOR?

2008-10-18T15:28:00.003+08:00

Spoke at the the School of Campus Ministry recently about the need for them to look for mentors as they go through my preaching class. Challenged them to look for people who will encourage them, motivate them and sometimes tell them they stink!! haha

This is concept is not only for preaching class,it applicable for life.

Unfortunately, this is kind of mentoring relationship is lacking in a lot of churches. We sometimes limit fellowship into just hanging out, starbucks coffee or watching movies. ( nothing wrong with that , I love movies). but there is more to this...

We need to surround ourselves with people who will tell us WHAT WE NEED TO HEAR, NOT WHAT WE WANT TO HEAR. People who will get in our face and tell us we are wrong.

A PREACHER ONCE ASKED THIS QUESTION ...
DO YOU HAVE SOMEONE WHO CAN TELL YOU, YOUR BREATH STINKS OR YOU HAVE BODY ODOR?

HMMM.. INTERESTING....

SPIRITUALLY, WE NEED THIS IN YOUR FACE APPROACH AT TIMES, WILL YOU ALLOW A MENTOR /FRIEND TO GET IN YOUR FACE EVEN IF ITS UNCOMFORTABLE? Do you have this kind o friend?

Wounds from a friend can be trusted, but an enemy multiplies kisses. Proverbs 27:6

HIPHOP AND BIBLICAL THINKING

2008-09-22T14:00:00.004+08:00

When I was in High School I was totally HipHOp. Listened to rap, walked with angas ( with an attitude, wore low waist and a really big shirt.

Why did I wear big shirts and pants ... cause GOD WANTS US TO THINK BIG!!!
( AYOS SA TRANSITION, GASPANG NUN HA, that has no connection talaga, my students in preaching will stone me 4 that one.)

haha.. kidding aside...

BIG SHIRTS!!! BIG JEANS!!! BIG THINKING!!!

leaders need to think BIG!!!

NO ONE HAS CHANGED THE WORLD WITH SMALL THINKING.... SO I CHALLENGE YOU THINK of crazy , impossible things for your personal life, finances, family, church and even this nation!!!

SECRET TO PERSONAL GROWTH

2008-08-22T15:48:00.001+08:00

People have been asking me lately L.a. what is God's formula for spiritual growth. Man, after praying and studying I have come to this conclusion

The secret to spiritual growth is.................

.....THE SECRET IS... THERE ARE NO SECRETS to spiritual growth !!!

these are not secrets.. these simple principles are scattered all throughout the Bible.

1. GET YOUR BIBLE AND READ IT !!!
2. PRAY AND INTERACT WITH JESUS!!!
3. SURROUND YOURSELF WITH PEOPLE WHO WILL CHALLENGE YOU TO LOVE GOD.
4. ATTEND A CHURCH THAT PREACHES THE GOSPEL, AND SERVE there

there are some others but for the sake of space I listed down the most important.
My personal revelation : WE KNOW WHAT TO DO... WE JUST NEED TO DO IT

Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. James 1:22

1

SOME PHRASES GOD has been TEACHING ME RECENTLY....

2008-08-19T16:15:00.000+08:00

God has really been teaching me a lot of things the past few weeks. Here are some of the phrases I have really been thinking and praying about.

1. BIG THINKING.. too often I look at the natural rather than believe God for impossible things.
2. BE PATIENT... ironic cause, im the type who wants to learn patience NOW!!!
3. THINK TEAM... If Michael Phelps needed one, i am sure I need one . Whether that is TEAM MUMAR, TEAM ENCM OR TEAM VICTORY.. always think and protect the team

4. DON'T QUIT .. Olympic series fever ( our series in church) no matter how hard life is never ever quit!!!
5. LOVE JESUS .. the ULTIMATE PRIZE, LIFE'S AND ETERNITY'S GOLD MEDAL!!! ( again Olympic series) my relationship with Jesus is the most precious thing I have. Mwah ,I love you talaga Jesus.

ITS HARD TO RAISE UP LEADERS!

2008-07-30T00:36:00.006+08:00

Yes, you read my title right its hard to raise up leaders. Why you might ask, here are some of the reasons.

1. it takes extra time.. sometimes its tempting to do it yourself so that work will be faster
2. it takes extra effort .. see # 1
3. it takes extra patience.. see #1 and #2
4. they are a lot younger... generation gap ( different culture,language and mindset) makes me wanna go crazy @ times
5. their mistakes cost the organization .. money, time, resources, bad services, terrible preachings etc...

Yes its hard but we should DO IT ANYWAY!!! I was young once.. im glad someone raised me up in spite of these 5 reasons. After all the blood, sweat,and tears. Seeing a leader rise up and fulfill his/her destiny is one of the greatest joys i have in being a spiritual leader.

Lets all raise up the future leaders of our nation.

A BALANCED DIET!

2008-07-18T12:54:00.004+08:00

Im trying to lose weight been trying to read healthier diets for a healthier life. Most of the articles I checked spoke about a balanced meal, enough carbo, meat,veggies, fruit and water. An overdose of one can lead to danger.

The same is true in leadership, I have been learning that one has to have a balance diet in order to have a healthy ministry.

So here are some of the things I need to work on my diet as a leader..( NOT IN ORDER EXCEPT #1 )

1. SPIRITUAL DEPTH .. at the end of everything my job ( husband ,father, pastor) calls for me to lead my family spiritually. To draw closer to God and have a deeper love and faith in Him.

2. STRATEGIC INSIGHT .. to plan the most effective and efficient way of running my family and ministry

3. VISION CASTING... in todays tough times, people need to hear there is a great future to inspire them to work on the present

4. SYSTEM ANALYSIS ...inspired people (vision) and great plans ( strategy) WITHOUT systems...will lead to burdened and confused followers.

I need to work on more, but I know I need to deal with these now.. A BALANCE DIET..

DREAM TEAM

2008-06-21T11:51:00.003+08:00

If you have been involved in ministry in any way.. kids, youth, singles , worship ,discipleship etc.. you would have probably felt what i have..which is IM NOT GOOD ENOUGH!!! Sometimes i feel overwhelmed, pressured, unequipped ,scared etc .. about the task up ahead. Which drives me to my point WE NEED A TEAM !!! NOT ONLY A TEAM WE NEED A DREAM TEAM. A team helps you, encourages you, challenges you , corrects you , rebukes you, prays for you!!!

Interesting God says , 1 can put a 1000 to flight, but with 2 you can put 10,000. The power of team!!! Jesus exaplins that if 2 pray to God ANYTHING they agree on will happen. Again, the power of the team.

Here are some of the things i do as a team:

1. pray... macy ( my wife) and i pray for all our concerns asking God to step in.
2. preaching ... people like paolo, robert, dennis ,janssen, joe help me prepare sunday and youth messages
3.youth strategy... i dont implement anything in our youth group without the input of our youth volunteers like rich, dar, jan, joey , king etc...

TEAM! TEAM! TEAM ! They can be staff ,volunteers , older people, younger, peers etc.. JUST MAKE SURE YOU HAVE ONE, WHEN AROUND YOU!!!

“L.a. how do you become a pastor?" ( campus missionary)

2008-04-30T19:39:00.000+08:00

My former classmates, relatives and people in church for some reason have been asking me the same question, “L.a. how do you become a pastor?" So hopefully this blog answers that question?

How?

1. God called me - My childhood dream was to become the first filipino NBA player ( Lorenzo) never dreamt of being a pastor. I remember driving my car coming from a friends house, I honestly heard God tell me its time to serve Him as a pastor. I just obeyed.

2. My spiritual leaders thought is was a good idea – I didn’t want to assume I was fit to do this full time, so I did what I usually do when i'm at a crossroad, I sought counsel from my mom and other leaders. I knew I heard God, but i knew that if I heard him right he would confirm it through people

I remember that stormy night vividly, how I went to pastor steve murrell’s apartment and asked him what he thought about my situation. ( I was ok with any answer he would give, glad he said yes though)

3. Common Sense - Even before being a pastor, I loved ministering to people. I spent most of my time discipling young people. I had fruits. I enjoyed doing this more than my business, my career and yes even basketball. It was something I thought of every single day!!! It simply made sense

I guess there are a lot more reasons, but these 3 top my list. I was thinking this would help all of you who are in the point of decision. This is not just a guide for future pastors but for anyone trying to make decisions in life.

Im glad I obeyed God, Im glad i have spiritual leaders, and Im glad God gave me common sense.

LEADERSHIP LESSON # 3 "BOUNCE OFF"

2008-04-07T19:01:00.004+08:00

If you are a leader, take this phrase to heart ..... "BOUNCE OFF". Its a cooler way of saying," to ask for feedback". I cannot overemphasize the need for leaders to "bounce off" ideas with different kinds of people. (staff, pastors, youth, non christians etc)

After preaching the 5pm service, I have made it a habit to ask other people how my preaching was. I want to be able to adjust and modify for the 7 pm. ( kawawa naman ang 5) My most brilliant ideas, best preachings, strategic ministry moves were a result of people speaking into my life. and giving me honest to goodness feeback

Yes, i admit it, it sometimes hurt my ego being corrected and adjusted or if someone has a way cooler idea that mine.. but WHATEVER!!! THE GOAL IS TO IMPROVE WITH THE HELP OF OTHERS , NOT TO BE PRIDEFUL AND PROVE TO YOURSELF AND OTHERS YOU CAN DO THINGS ALONE!!

Jordan needed the Bulls, Ricky Martin needed Menudo, Hannah Montana needs her friends. Next time you think you have a brilliant idea... remember these words... "BOUNCE OFF" . It will save you a lot of heartache.

LEADERSHIP LESSON # 2 ( shut up and listen)

2008-03-18T08:53:00.003+08:00

If you missed my first blog, I mentioned that I have been reflecting on my leadership skills the past few weeks .This is part 2 of my leadership lesson series that i hope would help you in any area of your life..

lesson # 2 : SHUT UP AND LISTEN

As a person with a strong personality ( I got this from my mother and i think my son got this from me) ,I tend to dominate conversations and meetings. Too often I would be the guy talking and coming up with ideas after ideas. That worked but in order for me to get to the next level i needed to adjust.

Recently, I had learned a valuable leadership nugget. I can sum it up by saying "L.A. SHUT UP AND LISTEN!!"

The bible talk about listening. let the wise listen and add to their learning, and let the discerning get guidance — ( ps 1:5)

Im not saying hold your ideas and not contribute in meetings , but what i am saying is that we truly listen... not just hear but LISTEN we can pick up awesome things from other people.

Try listening... while running your meetings, counseling, or simply just a conversation with a youth. You will be blown away with insights you will receive.

Great leaders have mastered the art of listening. Guys, time to get rid of earwax...( that was a gross illustration) and START LISTENING!!!

LEADERSHIP LESSON #1 ( NEVER DO THINGS ALONE)

2008-03-15T09:43:00.006+08:00

Really been thinking about my leadership style recently. I really been crying out to God for an upgrade. The BOOK OF JOHN Maxwell ( pun intended) talks about the law of the lid. Simply put, your church, youth group or organization can only go as far as the leaders capacity can go. With that in my mind, I have been praying, reading, observing and learning from other people about leadership. The following blogs will be a series of things I observed about leadership.

LESSON #1 NEVER DO THINGS ALONE

Had a recent meeting with Pastor Steve Murrell (my boss) and he asked us a very simple that really had me pondering ..

DO YOU SPEND YOUR TIME MINISTERING TO PEOPLE OR EQUIPPING PEOPLE TO MINSTER? ( eph 4:11-12).

I always bought into this philosophy.. but as a campus minister and pastor, did i really apply this in my life? Do i really equip people or do i always just minister?

I went through my calendar and checked what my regular week looked like and saw .. encm staff meetings, message preparation, counseling, service preaparation among other things. I evaluated myself and saw that I COULD HAVE USED ALL THOSE THINGS EQUIPPING PEOPLE. I COULD HAVE ACTUALLY DONE BOTH, WHILE DOING ALL MY ACTIVITIES.

How you might ask ? By commiting to "never do things alone". I could counsel people, prepare messages, and even include people in some of my meetings. I could be mentoring them by simply asking them to tag along. Another bonus is that these younger people ( staff or volunteer) have awesome ideas that i can use in ministry.

So here are some things, I will try to NEVER DO ALONE!!!

1. prepare a sermon
2. preach in an out of town invite
3. counsel a youth
4. counsel a campus minister
5. teach an enli or any class

A lot of things i learned as a minister was seeing men like Pastor Steve, Joey , Ferdie , Rico ,Ariel, Paolo, Dennis,Robert h and many others IN ACTION. I want to do the same thing for the younger generation of leaders!!! ( I feel so old saying that!!!)

DO YOU SIT AND CRY?

2008-02-16T01:53:00.008+08:00

Read Nehemiah 1 this morning. Pumped me up!!! Here are my thoughts.

THE PLOT:
Nehemiah was hangin out, had a decent job bearing cups ( or cup bearer hehe), somehow hears in a new way that Jerusalam was a wreck, he gets a burden.... he prays, he acts. he goes, he builds, he wins. cool story. this is my take.....

VERSE THAT HIT ME IN THE HEAD:
- Nehemiah 1:4 ¶ When I heard these things, I sat down and wept. For some days I mourned and fasted and prayed before the God of heaven.

QUESTION:
when NEHEMIAH encountered the problem and got a burden, what was the first thing he did?

ANSWER:
HE SAT DOWN and CRIED!!!! What? He sat down? lazy man of God!!! How can you actually sit after hearing such a huuuuuuuuugeeeeeee problem. How can you sit and cry like a baby!

APPLICATION:
So i read it again, and i realized that he knew so much more than me. I am an action man, when i hear a problem, I go and do something about it!!! Nehemiah paused and dwelled in the presence of God. He prayed and fasted.

How many of us rush into action when we see an obstacle, Do we actually take some time to pray and wait for God to give us a solution to a problem? Do we know all the answer or have enoguh to get the job done that there is no need for payer? I love the fact when PRAYER MAKES US RELY ON GOD's ABILITY NOT OURS.

PRAYER GIVES US DIVINE INSIGHT , DIVINE STRATEGY AND SUPERNATURAL PEACE . I have challenged myself to be like Nehemiah to PRAY BEFORE I ACT!!! It may not be natural , BUT I WANT TO PRAY BEFORE I ACT.

NASHVILLE LESSONS (DAY 1)

2008-02-14T18:45:00.004+08:00

I am in Nashville,TN together with some of our other pastors MArc, Michael,Joe, Ryan tan,and Winston to observe and learn from the School of Campus Ministry. I have only been in school one day but have learned a lot already. Here are some things i learned in DAY 1.

1. LEARNING SHOULD BE ENGAGING AND FUN - Paul Barker head of the school here told us that he wanted to create an environment where students are actually having a blast learning. He said that students who have the most fun while learning retain it more. I totally argee. ( hearing paul has challenged me to upgrade my teaching style)

2. BOOKS, BOOKS, BOOKS!!!- On the way to Nashville , I could see most of the people here holding books. Whether they were in the airport, eating in restaurants, or even inside airplanes people read. There is a culture of reading. The school also provides an amazing array of books from which students can learn from. ( i have really been challenged to read more)

3. THERE ARE SO MANY WAYS TO DO THINGS: - watching how the school works here, comparing it to Manila is totally different. Not that one is better than the other. its just that people have different ways of doing stuff. Im just excited for the opportunity to exchange ideas with people from different nations. ( Im so grateful that we are part of Every Nation Ministries)

4. I SHOULD WEAR GLOVES - Negative 6 CELSIUS!!! its snowing, its too cold for a Filipino like me. My fingers were freezing. I feel like i placed my hand inside the freezer. Oh well, lesson learned. I will be ready for tomorrows class.

All for now!!!

THE YOUNG AND THE CLUELESS

2008-02-08T09:26:00.000+08:00

Turn on the Tv and chances are you will see a young celebrity on air. It might be a pop princess, star high school- pros athlete in a commericial ,or some internet wizard who made his first billion.

Somehow the world, understands the potential of young people. Sadly, a lot of churches don't. Church and God things are often associated with old people with white hair or no hair ( i dont have hair!! so please dont be offeneded) but the reality is God loves using young and clueless people. Question is do we ?

Paul had no problem empowering a young pastor named Timothy , giving him the reigns to a WHOLE CHURCH! Im not talking about just the youth department but the WHOLE CHURCH!!!

Do we empower young people? Here are a few questions I have been really pondering on recently...

1. Do I actually take time discipling/ equipping young people?
2. Do i hang out with people younger than me?
3. Do I INTENTIONALLY, raise up people to be better than me?
4. DO I ACTUALLY CHEER FOR AND RELEASE young PEOPLE to do what God want them to do?
5. Do I lose confidence in them or guide them when they make mistakes?

You dont need to be a youth pastor to do this, you can actually be a parent spending time with your children, a couple opening your home to parentless teenagers or a senior pastor giving opportunities to younger pastors.

I have been blessed to have parents, older friends and a church that equipped and empowered me to be what God wants me to be. I just want to do the same for others.

1Timothy 4:12 Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity.

An American Idol Lesson

2008-01-29T07:11:00.000+08:00

campus harvest 2008

2008-01-24T15:28:00.000+08:00

MAY 22-24, 2008!!!! SAVE THE DATE!!!!!

I am so pumped for this year's Campus Harvest Manila!!! Imagine thousands of students screaming ,worshipping going ballistic over Jesus. It will be a sight to see!!! Things just go crazy when you gather thousands of young people in one place!!!

Im also excited cause youth from different nations would be represented. People from south africa, australia,china, and brgy ginebra would be attending.

So Calling all students, a youth, or old people who are young at heart( hehe) you are all welcome to join us for our annual campus conference. You can actually register online @
www.campusharvestmanila.org. or your local Victory centers.

Hope to see you there!!!

SOME BLOGS ABOUT THE NEXT GEN

2008-01-02T11:25:00.000+08:00

Happy new year everyone!!!! Im just here chilling with my family!!!
Eating and sleeping.. now i understand, a Pig's life. HAHA!!!

ANYWAY, I was just casually surfing through the internet and saw some of pastor steve murrell's old blogs ( he is my boss ) about the next generation. Check this out...

http://stevemurrell.typepad.com/my_weblog/2007/08/leading-with-th.html

http://stevemurrell.typepad.com/my_weblog/2007/05/bored_with_lead.html

Let's all raise up a generation who will be sooo much better than us!!!!

5 signs you are connected to the next generation.

2007-12-19T16:58:00.001+08:00

THESE ARE MY 5 PERSONAL CRITERIA IF SOMEONE IS CONNECTED TO THE NEXT GENERATION.

1.you spend time with younger people.(specially our children, just hang and listen, young people love that! Quality time comes in Quantity time.

2 younger people open up to you. ( they tell you their dreams, frustrations,struggles, goals etc.. if they don't hmmm...)

3.you are mentoring people younger than you. Either in a personal or small group setting. Help, teach, impart, inspire, challenge the next generation to be better than our generation!!!

4.you are in the web ( multiply, facebook, myspace, ym etc..) this is where the next generation lives. Yes, i don't like it either but that's reality. So we either use the web for God if suffer the consequences.

5. you play ps3 - this is my personal conviction. faith goal ps3 in 2008. so that i can reach more lost for Christ hehe.

2Timothy 2:2 And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable men who will also be qualified to teach others.

I AM PUMPED!!!

2007-12-11T18:42:00.000+08:00

I have not blogged in a while been busy with stuff in church and in Every nation campus ministries (encm) here in the Philippines. Things are really rolling here in the campuses in the Philippines. God is truly pouring out His Spirit on young people.

Joel 2:28 ‘And afterward, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your old men will dream dreams, your young men will see visions.

I AM PUMPED!!! I just know that as we reach one student at a time, we are literally shaping the future of this nation. I thank God for what He is CURRENTLY doing in politics, business, education, media and other sectors of our society,but I AM PUMPED!!! YES , I WILL SAY IT AGAIN, I AM PUMPED!!! BECAUSE I KNOW THAT THE FUTURE WILL BE BRIGHTER!!!

I'm in faith, i believe that we are currently discipling the next Lucio Tan, the next
Korina Sanchez, MAr Roxas and even the NEXT PRESIDENT OF OUR NATION!!!

One student at a time!!! arghhhhhhhhhhhhh

i was given the chance...

2007-11-05T16:34:00.001+08:00

jaworski
Pastor Ferdie Cabiling and Pastor Rico 10 years ago ( wow! time flies when you are having a blast) gave me the oppurtunity to preach . I remember the series it was WHAT WOULD JESUS SAY SERIES... my topic was Jaworski!!! old school noh hehe.

it was bad
I dont remember much, except for the fact that my mom attended the youth service, or at least was in the area, eavsdropping and that i totally bombed out!!! i was bad, not in a slang way but in the truest sense of the word.

a chance
I still dont know what the pastors saw in me but im glad they did see some potenntial. Our leaders taught me how to speak and gave me the chance to try, experiment and sometimes even fail.. i will forever treasure that in my heart

2007
Fast forward 2007, I find myself being a preacher at the youth , 5 and 7 pm services ( thanks pastor joey and steve for this chance to serve) , and im so excited to give people the same opportunity that was given to me.

THIS IS WHAT HAPPENED at the SERVICES :

YOUTH SERVICE:
vico ( emcee) - son of vic sotto and coney reyes.. a natural nuf said!! stoic comedy
king- ( emcee) - star circle, charismatic and funny
janelle ( offering) - confident, insightful and natural ( corny in a cute way)
dar ( transition) - pure passion ... prophetess in the making
joey molina ( ministry time) - a pastor.. has a heart for the people.
rich blaylock ( preaching) - the best "first time" preacher i ever heard.. watch out for this guy!!!

5 AND 7PM
ROB J ( transition) - rocked the place... he really ministred to the people.. the future is huuuugee for this guy.

carlos antonio (will preach next week) - deep, deep , deep..!!!! style so different from mine, i love it!!! Always gives out a "now" word for the church!!!

the Jesus way

JESUS gave uneducated fishermen the opportunity to change the world.. and today the world has never been the same!!! I am excited for all these young leaders ( well carlos in not young) but im sure they will be a lot better than me.. i love the privilege of raising up the next gen.. hu ha!!!

TAKE HOME : GIVE PEOPLE A CHANCE !!! YOU NEVER KNOW WHAT GOD CAN DO THROUGH THEM.

DENNIS SY WAS A YOUTH

2007-10-21T15:43:00.000+08:00

Just had a party for former FORT youth pastor Dennis Sy. The party was both for his birthday and appreciation for his 3 years of leading the youth of the Fort. Dennis is a phenomenal leader, who has taken the youth group from 15 students to around 350 students in a short amount of time. NOw, he is taking the lead in planting a powerful church in Greenhills .

Pastor Dennis .. one of my favorite preachers, great teammate in ministry and an awesome friend. I could still remember dennis as a skinny chinese guy who i barely knew in the youth ministry 15 years ago. WHo would have thought that he would become a tremendous leader.. reaching hundreds of students and planting churches?

Dennis was a youth..who heeded the call of God and it has taken him places. That's why YOuth ministry is important!!! That's where your future leaders are!!! YOu never know who the next Dennis Sy will be.

On a personal note, please pray for me , as i take over from Pastor Dennis at the fort. I hope to raise up more Dennis Sy's in our youth group. Young people who will change the world. Dennis we will miss you bro!!!

BLOG # 3 HOW TIME FLIES...

2007-10-02T14:52:00.000+08:00

I was surfing through the channels yesterday when i chanced upon my favorite channel .. BASKETBALL TV. It was a Bulls vs Knicks game during a playoff game but the year was 1987. People looked so young. Scottie Pippen was so thin, Charles Oakley was still playing for the Bulls and Michael Jordan still had hair!!! It was like "Back to the Future". How time flies...

This made me reminisce about Jordan, how he demolished all my teams during the post season. How he made my friends cry when he scorched the Knicks, Pacers, Cavs, Suns and my Lakers ( pre KObe era). Today, Jordan can't jump and is retired (now the general manager of the Charlotte Bobcats). How time flies..

I remember me being a Snoopy pants wearing, high waisted and braced-smiling teenager. Today, after 10 years i'm an overweight husband and father. HAHA!!! Imagine the kids around you today? Those teenagers who we sometimes neglect cause we are "busy" ministering to "older" people? Those kids and teens would be adults in a blink of an eye. How time flies...

That is why I love reaching out and spending time with young people. They are/will be the leaders of this nation. I am so pumped up and excited to see young people im mentoring reaching out and making a difference for God. Some of these kids are already working, making an impact in their respective industries.Some have awesome families. Some are even pastors,campus ministers and missionaries. How time flies...

Are you currently mentoring anyone who would be making a difference 10, 25 or 50 years from now? I HOPE YOU ARE !!! Cause we all know time flies...

BLOG #2 "THEY ARE NEVER TOO YOUNG"

2007-09-19T13:14:00.000+08:00

Just saw Tiger Woods win another PGA Tour championship . The best golfer in the world, Tiger has dominated the sport for a decade. At the age of 31, he has won every conceivable award in golf. He plays. he wins. Its that simple!

It started 28 years ago. Earl Woods( dad) invested in young Tiger at the age of 3. When other kids were playing Atari, Tiger was working on his swing. When his neighbors were watching Betamax, he was practicing putting. Earl understood the phrase "they are never too young".. and now Tiger is reaping the benefits and killing his opponents.

I LOVE THE PHRASE " THEY ARE NEVER TOO YOUNG"

As a church, we need to prioritize young people. If you want to predict if a church will make it in the future, just check these 3 things

1. kids church
2. youth group
3. campus ministry.

If these 3 ministires are strong and vibrant you can be assured that your church will be ready for the future. Do we set young people aside and say "they are too young" or set an excuse like "let's wait till their a little bit older" .

I challenge us to change our thinking and have a different attitude. Let's be a like Earl Woods... cause you never know who will become the next Tiger. GRRRR!!!

I hope when you get an opportunity to mentor a younger person you say, i'm game cause "THEY ARE NEVER TOO YOUNG"

BLOG #1 Why is this blog entitled WHO'S NEXT?

2007-09-16T09:22:00.000+08:00

I am a sports fan!!! I am a sports fanatic!!! I watch basketball, soccer, tennis, boxing,ultimate fighting, and an occassional WWE ( i don't think thats even a sport ). One thing that amazes me about sports is that they always look for the "next guy". They never seem content with the "present guy".

I guess because the turnover for athletes is really fast, they are left with no choice. Tennis players and gymnasts retire in their mid 20's. So sports trainers, coaches, analysts and fans always ask the question WHO'S NEXT? Who's the next Tiger Woods, Lebron James, Ronaldinho, Maria Sharapova, or Manny Pacquio?

If the sports world asks that question? Shouldn't the Church ask the same thing? Moses helped Joshua, Elijah mentored Elisha, David prepared Solomon. Part of our responsibility as followers of Christ is not just to think of ourselves but raise up the next generation. Let us look in us and around us and let's all start asking the question WHO'S NEXT?