Ridgell's Originals

 Lots of churches do something similar.  Trunk or Treat where kids and their families have a safe place to gather candy from the back trunks of costumed church members.  Or they have an Egg Roll at Easter.  Or some kind of Santa event near Christmas.  Lots of time and money invested by the church and members to do these.  So how do you know if they are succesful?

First, you have to define the goal.  Is this to be an event put on by some members of the church to serve your own kids and maybe a few guests?

Or, is it to provide a friendly connection to the neighborhood?  Low key, come enjoy this event our church is doing because we want to be good neighbors.  And maybe someone will actually ask us to tell them about Jesus.

Or is it to be an outreach vehicle?  Something intentionally designed to reach those who do not know Jesus.

Most churches are really good at the first two of these, so let share a few ideas to help with the third one of these.  Intentional outreach evangelism in your community.

Ask members to serve, not be served.  Cast a wide net to invite non-members.  Community hand-out and flyers.  Nearby apartment complexes are especially good target areas.

Greet the visitors.  Have designated greeters.  If in doubt, just flat-out ask people if they are visitors to your church event.  Try and have a mechanism to have people sign in.  Door prizes are an excellent tool for this.  Especially stress they do not have to be present to win.  You call the winners and deliver the prizes later.

Have a targeted invite for an activity after the event.  Of course, you can give a handout that lists worship and class times, but where I worship try and have something "extra".

For our recent Trunk or Treat, our church (Hillcrest in Abilene) used a QR code to be used to register for a free meal the following Wednesday.  Chic Fil A sandwiches.  As we gave out the cards, we stressed three things.

This was a thank-you to the visitors for hanging with out with us.  

There would be a brief explanation of what Hillcrest is about.  Our emphasis from various ministers and members was that Hillcrest was a good place to find community, help for marriages, youth program, children's programs, and that we were active in helping the community.  The close of our brief presentation was an invitation to talk about Jesus if they would like to find and get started on their Jesus journey.

We are absolutely not shy about what our hope is:  for more to join us in following Jesus.  

This thank-you meal was an hour before Wednesday night services.  We had told them they were invited to stay for class.  There were volunteers to help the kids and teens find their class.  The adults were invited to stay for a brief Jesus story.  

Several people responded in very positive ways to the invitation to talk about Jesus and there are a number of on-going conversations with non-believers.

A couple of warnings.

Some church members are not really interested in this approach.  They wnat things for their kids and family.  It is OK if visitors come, but that should not be the focus.  So if you choose a more evangelistic approach, you have to keep the real focus in front of everyone.

Some visitors will not appreciate being invited to talk about Jesus. You have to accept that as one possible outcome with a more targeted approach to these various events.

In short, decide what matters to your church.  Then do what it takes to further that approach.

# posted by Steve @ 5:00 AM 0 comments

 Today is the day.  It's Thanksgiving.

And as I always do, I want to take a moment to reflect of what I am thankful for this year.

More than ever, I am thankful for salvation in Jesus.  Maybe it is because my new book, Wounds Into Scars, is out and it reminded me all over again how undeserving I am of God's grace.  And I am thankful that it is already in the second print run.  

So thankful for family.  Kids, grands, my Mom, especially Mimi.  Siblings.  Friends who are like family.  Our church family.  Life group.  Small group.  Bible class.  Just thankful for all the people we get to do life with. 

Thankful our daughter Julie found her husband Tim.  Glad for the son he is to us.  Joe Don and Jamie.  The grands are growing up.  Their faith is growing.

Ridgell Ranch.  God's creation.  Wildlife, including the deer we harvest and eat.  God's provision.  Cattle and their babies.  

People wanting Jesus.  Spending a lot of time sharing Jesus.  So thankful for what God is doing in this world.

Thankful for health.  We are getting older.  Maybe getting old.  But God has blessed us with health and energy.  Thankful to Him.

Thankful we have enough.  Building our Barndominium at the Ranch.  Dedicating it to Kingdom use.  Thankful we can eat.  And can feed others.  Thankful for resources to help others in need.  

And mostly thankful because I deserve none of this.  Not any of it.  

I know that.

So when I forget to list all the things I am thankful for today...

I'll just say

Thank you God.   

# posted by Steve @ 5:00 AM 0 comments

 That title is amazing.  My Mom is about to turn 92 in just a few days.  Even more amazing is how she lives.  So here are just a few reasons I love her and am proud of her.  After all, even at 92 it is good to know that you are loved and appreciated.

She takes whatever life throws at her and keeps going.  My Dad having Alzhiemer's and then passing several years ago.  My sister's husband dying of a heart attack.  Having to move from her home in East Texas to West Texas by us.

She stays active.  Lets me manage her money but she knows everything I do and why.  Reads a lot.  Her Bible first, but lots of books.  Works crossword puzzles.  Does "seniorcize" and yoga.  Walks on the treadmill.

Cares about people.  Checks on everyone in her Retirement Center.  Welcomes move-ins.  Takes meals to shut-ins.  

Loves her family.  Keeps up with the grands and all her greats.

Loves God.  Still goes to worship every Sunday.  Active in her Bible class.  And her women's study.  And the Sunday night worship at the Center.  And the singing.  Well, you get the idea.  Knows the Bible.  Prays.

Still talks to people about Jesus.  Evangelistic.

Let's us take care of her.  She doesn't need much, but she is quick to do what we ask.  Doesn't impose or demand.  Talking to lots of our friends in the same situation reminds me what a blessing that is.

All the girls in our family want to be like her.  That is about as good a compliment as I can imagine.  Truth be told, most of the guys in our family want to be like her too.

So God, thanks for Mam.  For her love of you and of us.  Bless her last years and see her home when the time comes.    

# posted by Steve @ 5:00 AM 1 comments

 This is a brag post about my grandson Andrew.  I blog about each of my family members on or around their birthday.  I do it because I love them and am proud of them.  But they need to know it, hear it, and even know what it is that makes me proud.

So here is to Andrew as he has his 15th birthday in a couple of days.

Andrew is a good guy.  He makes good choices.  He is kind.  Nice to everyone.  Doesn't think he is better than everyone else.  He has numerous honors at his school based on character.  

He is a good student.  Excellent grades.  Does his homework.  He is the student every teacher wants in their class.

Great athlete.  Plays basketball and baseball.  Shoots the three.  Hustles.  Always in the right spot.  Coaches love that.  Hits.  Throws.  Plays infield corners.  And outfield.  Clutch. He wants to take the last shot.  Loves to come in as a relief pitcher to close out the game.  Wants the last at bat.

And he is not perfect.  Didn't see that one coming, did you?  As much as I love him and think he is fantastic, I love that he is not perfect.  

Loves to hunt and fish.  Just like his Dad.  And his Pops.  Makes it fun on the family ranch.  And he doesn't mind hard work.  Not sure he loves it, but he does it.

But most of all, Andrew is a Jesus follower.  More than people, or sports, or the ranch... Andrew loves Jesus.

One of the best things about being a grandparent is getting to see a glimpse of the future.  Even to get a glimpse of what the future looks like well after you are gone.

And I know this.  Andrew will be leading a faithful family.  People will see Jesus.

So we share a love of sports and the outdoors.  But best of all, we share a love for Jesus.

I love Andrew and am proud of him.

God, thank you for what you have done with Andrew.  And for what you are doing, and will do.  Bless him, use him, and protect him from the evil one.  In the name of the one we follow.  Amen

# posted by Steve @ 5:00 AM 0 comments

A few final excerpts from the end of my book, Wounds into Scars.  The conclusion also includes my personal rules for living in a way that honors God.  And why.  

So here are my words about faith fighters. 

So for all those who fight for their faith and help others fight for theirs. 

For most of us, it is never as easy as we think it should be.  We wrestle with doubts sometimes.  We lose our focus at times.  We even slide into the ditch sometimes.  But we fight.  We fight to be faithful to our calling.  We fight to regain and maintain our focus.  We fight our way back into the light.  We fight against the temptations Satan uses against us.  We fight.

We fight for – and with – others.  As those committed to being spiritual helpers, we join together to do battle.  We fight for those who are trying not to give up and just surrender to the enemy.  We fight with those determined to return to the light.  And stay there.  We fight against the powers of sin and darkness in our world. 

But our fight is not in some abstract denouncing of sin.  We are committed to getting down into the mud and mire of the pigpen in order to help others get out.  We wade into the battle where the blood flows in order to stop the bleeding and help the healing.

So to all the faith fighters.

God give you strength for the battle.

Until by His grace we all get home.

# posted by Steve @ 5:00 AM 0 comments

I wrote Wounds into Scars for the person who loves Jesus but can't get over/past their sin.  But I also included material for the helpers.  Those who are committed to helping the strugglers among us. 

So at the end of the book, I have a section for the helpers.

A couple of highlights from that section.

The six resources available to use with strugglers.

    Remember the greatest command.

    And the second great commans.

    Remember your baptism.

    The Bible 

    The Holy Spirit

    Your community of faith.

And we list for things helpers do for the strugglers among us.

    Pray

    Listen

    Speak truth

    Show up

Sometimes we need help.

And sometimes we are the help.

# posted by Steve @ 5:00 AM 0 comments

 Today is election day and it is a hard day to decide things.  I wrestle with I should even vote.  And if I do, who to vote for.  It is all rooted in the struggle to be a Jesus follower in a hard world.

So, here are two thoughts I have about why I sometimes vote.

I vote at times on issues.  I think the Bible is clear on certain things.  Among those are how God values life.  And how God sees marriage.  I happen to live in a country that allows citizens to vote on those topics in various ways and at various times.  And how to vote is never as easy and clear cut as we make it seem.  Because laws are not people.  People and laws are messy.  but I do sometimes vote my beliefs on issues.

I sometimes vote because I know the candidates.  This obviously works better in local elections.  So I vote for Kyle, Shane, Anthony, Randy, Daryl, Cindy, Derek, and Stan.  If you don't live in Abilene, TX, these names mean nothing.  But these are all Christian brothers I know and respects.  So I may vote just because I know them.  And by the way, I don't always agree with them.  But I know their heart.  And yes, I go to church with many of them.  

And sometimes I do not vote.  

Here is why.  

Kingdom allegience.  I belong to a different kingdom.  It is so much bigger than the country in which I live.  I don't know that my resources need to be expended in helping decide issues for a country that will not last.  The United States will not last forever.  But my kingdom will.

This is the one that really gets me tho.

I am not sure I know the best way to vote.  

I can vote Kingdom values in a country that is not godly.  And won't be.

I can vote for people I think uphold those values.  Or I can vote in reverse.  Against someone instead of for someone.  But what is best for the kingdom?

Is a free country here the best way to advance the Kingdom where my allegience truely lies?  Is it better to be in a anti-Christian nation?  Maybe that is how the gospel really flourishes.

And finally...

I see a lot of Christians acting in unChristian ways when it comes to politics.  I know the fruits of the Spirit.  I don't see much of that fruit in politics.  And when politics becomes a test of fellowship (even if it is implied not explicit), then we are missing the point.

So on this election day -- and too late to influence anyone -- these are my thoughts.

Oh... and yes this year I voted.  Just probably not the way you wanted me to.  And probably not in every race.  

And I am confident that whoever wins whatever is exactly the way God intends for it to be.

# posted by Steve @ 5:00 AM 0 comments

 More excerpts from Wounds into Scars.

I am not writing this book because I repented of my sins.  Though I absolutely have.  I am not writing this book because God has forgiven me.  Though He has certainly done that.  I am writing this book because I have been restored.  I have been made like I was before the struggle.  Understand that restoration cannot happen without confession, repentance, and forgiveness.  But the ultimate goal is for the struggling sinner to be an active and valued member of their community of faith.  I struggled with my sins for a long time, as have many of you.  But you can overcome your struggles.  I know.  And I have preached a lot of years, served many years as an elder, all because of restoration – a spiritual “bringing back”.

And for the helpers, be ready to hear things like this.

            Who are you to tell me what to do?

            You can’t judge me.

            You don’t love me.

            There are people worse than me you should be helping.

            I don’t want your help.

And some advice 

            Don’t let the alcoholic prepare the communion wine by himself.

            Don’t let the thief count the contribution by himself.

            Don’t let the adulterer do marriage counseling by himself.

# posted by Steve @ 5:00 AM 0 comments

^{Here are a couple of excerpts from my latest book Wounds into Scars.}

^{This is from the Section Forgiveness Is Not an Option.}

¹⁴ For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you, ¹⁵ but if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.

                                                                                                Matthew 6:12-15

It does get any plainer that this.  But here is a word to the struggler about extending forgiveness.  You will have people sin against you.  Gossip.  Anger.  Unloving and unforgiving Christians.  You must forgive them.  It is acceptable to have a conversation about what they are doing to you.  But you must forgive.  It is not about whether they ask, or even deserve, forgiveness.  It is not about playing God.  His forgiveness is a whole different matter.  You can only control your confession and repentance.  

Forgive if you want to be forgiven.

And each section has a word for those helping the struggler.

How do you feel about the struggling sinner among you?  Do you want them to heal?  Will you acknowledge God’s forgiveness in their lives?  Will you forgive?  Can you get past the judgmental attitude?  Will you hold their sin/s over them?  Is your forgiveness conditional?  Are sinners welcome in your church?  Are sinners welcome in your life? 

Of course, I am talking about confessional, penitent sinners.  Yes, consequences will still have to be managed and dealt with.  You can express frustration, hurt, disappointment.  But love, forgiveness, acceptance must be experienced. 

# posted by Steve @ 5:00 AM 0 comments