There are some pastoral functions that college cannot quite prepare you for. Pastoral things like turning out the lights after everyone leaves and making sure the doors are locked. I do remember a guest lecturer one day talking about his weekly schedule -- when he mowed his grass, went shopping, etc. But I tuned him out after he mentioned yard work and probably missed the part about turning out lights.On the more "spiritual" side of the scale, four years of college did not prepare me for conducting my first funeral. That was done by my seeking out the counsel of a retired pastor who patiently walked me through the process of where to stand and what to say.Pastors are often called upon to do funerals of people they do not know very well. I treat every occasion as an opportunity to step into a sacred moment, one that is filled…
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A few weeks ago I spoke on the topic of legacy. To be honest, I never thought much about legacy until I passed 35 on my way towards 40.The type of legacy I spoke of was not fame or fortune but in leaving behind a positive influence. St. Paul told the early Christ-followers to take care how they built their lives. He reminded them that the quality of what we're building will eventually be tested.Too often we live our lives recklessly. We blast down the highway surrounded by a ton of metal, weaving in and out of lanes. We treat significant relationships like ordinary socks.I've spent more time lately thinking about what I'm leaving behind. Jobs aren't just about paychecks but about influence and impact. I want my children to know that I used my God-inspired abilities to manifest good things. Perhaps it's as simple as beginning with the end…
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As some of you may know, I've been seeking full-time employment for a little while. It looks like I have a pending job offer! I'll share more once the offer is finalized. Of the places I interviewed, this was my top choice. It's a reasonable commute and a job that will keep me intellectualy curious.Stay tuned ...
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Coming soon to Chula Vista ... Wave Christian Church. Jim and Carla Osbourne will be starting a new church in Chula Vista this fall. Jim has been our utility guitar player at LifePoint for almost a year and was attending even before that. I've known Jim since 1991, back when Tonya and I took our first ministry job here in San Diego.Jim is excited about starting a new church in the town where he was born and raised. Wave is holding their first preview service this morning and is looking to begin full-time services in the fall.It's exciting to see churches like LifePoint, Wave, and CityWalk spring up in various spots around San Diego. CityWalk is the new church that meets in downtown San Diego. Although that's a good start, there is still so much more opportunity that exists.
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