In less than 2 days - on Wednesday - the NHL trade deadline will happen. It is a time when teams either decide to be buyers and pick up players whom they think will help them in the playoffs, or will decide to be sellers and trade away players for future draft picks and prospects.
Usually, it is the weaker teams who decide to be sellers and in a sense, give up. It is the buyers who see what could be and make the necessary changes to improve their position.
It has been suggested that 90%+ of churches have either plateaued (stopped growing) or are in decline. There can be many reasons for this - declining population base; changing demographics between the church and the community, ie: old church, young community, or vice-versa; or even churches that have turned inward focused rather than remaining focused on their reason for existing - sharing the Good News with the unchurched.
To go back to my hockey analogy, I'm not suggesting that churches in decline are giving up, but instead may not be realizing what could be and are therefore failing to try something new (different than what they're doing) in an effort to grow the Kingdom of God, and therefore make new disciples (believers).
As I think of our own church - Central Nova Wesleyan - we are currently considering how we can take those next steps to make inroads into our community and reach new people. It is a daunting task and it will not always be easy. However, if we allow God's vision to guide us and we are intentional and committed to what could be...then we can find ourselves in the 10% of churches who are growing.
Truro offers so much potential...will we do what it takes to make a difference? "Without a Vision, the people perish" - Proverbs 29:18
Have a great week - Ken
Monday, March 2, 2009
Friday, December 21, 2007
New addition
Hi all,
Our new family addition, Adasa Helene, came into the world at 9:04 am this morning. She weighed in at 7.4 lbs and was 19 inches long. Both her and April are doing fine. She already has daddy wrapped around her finger. Colby gave her a kiss, but wasn't too sure of her at 1st. I'm sure that he'll be a great big brother.
Talk to you later - love Ken, April, Colby and Adasa.
Thursday, December 20, 2007
Dad, where's Christmas?
Well, tomorrow is the big day. Child #2 will arrive. It will kick-start an eventful week in the Banks household. Colby's 3rd birthday is on Monday, as is Christmas Eve - a fun day for sure; and then Tuesday is Christmas - the day we celebrate the birth of our Saviour, Jesus. This time of year will never be the same for us - not that it wasn't important before...but now we'll also have 2 kids with birthdays during Christmas week. Oh, I can hear the complaints about parties and presents already.
Getting used to a new born again will probably take a few minutes, but I truly am looking forward to the new addition...but I ask myself, now that Colby is sleeping through the night; potty trained and doesn't need constant attention, why are we going to put ourself through all of that again? More on that later...
Now that Colby is virtually 3, he is into asking many questions. We can take the 10 minute ride from home into town, and do nothing but answer questions from his inquiring mind. Many of them begin with 'WHY?' "Patience, Lord", is a frequent thought in my mind. But I'm sure that my parents endured it, as do all parents, and if we (I) are careful to answer and not blow up, then we're teaching our kids something right there - that they matter.
Many of his questions in recent weeks have revolved around Christmas. Why are things decorated?, Why a tree?, Why buy presents?, etc. Of course, we share a Bible story each night before bed, and that stirs a lot of questions too. The other day, he asked why Jonah made the world. Still some work to do, I see...
One question that caught my attention, was when he asked, "Dad, where's Christmas?" I don't think that Colby was looking for an in depth answer or even a theological one - it was just a question that popped into his head. So, of course, I talk to him about the idea of Christmas - both the spiritual side and the Santa side...and his response is, "Oh". Then, another question comes roaring out. But that funny, little question has stuck with me...
So, I ask myself - where is Christmas for me? Is it in the gifts (both giving and receiving)? Is it in the busyness (church life and private)? Is it in family? Or, is Christmas - now catch this - found in my response to what happened in a manger. Am I living like God is among us...
Thankfully, Christmas is not in the North Pole; under a tree or at the mall...it's in the heart of those who worship Jesus - the one who fulfilled, "For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life." So, where's Christmas for you?
Merry Christmas!!
Send revival, Start with me.
Pastor Ken
Getting used to a new born again will probably take a few minutes, but I truly am looking forward to the new addition...but I ask myself, now that Colby is sleeping through the night; potty trained and doesn't need constant attention, why are we going to put ourself through all of that again? More on that later...
Now that Colby is virtually 3, he is into asking many questions. We can take the 10 minute ride from home into town, and do nothing but answer questions from his inquiring mind. Many of them begin with 'WHY?' "Patience, Lord", is a frequent thought in my mind. But I'm sure that my parents endured it, as do all parents, and if we (I) are careful to answer and not blow up, then we're teaching our kids something right there - that they matter.
Many of his questions in recent weeks have revolved around Christmas. Why are things decorated?, Why a tree?, Why buy presents?, etc. Of course, we share a Bible story each night before bed, and that stirs a lot of questions too. The other day, he asked why Jonah made the world. Still some work to do, I see...
One question that caught my attention, was when he asked, "Dad, where's Christmas?" I don't think that Colby was looking for an in depth answer or even a theological one - it was just a question that popped into his head. So, of course, I talk to him about the idea of Christmas - both the spiritual side and the Santa side...and his response is, "Oh". Then, another question comes roaring out. But that funny, little question has stuck with me...
So, I ask myself - where is Christmas for me? Is it in the gifts (both giving and receiving)? Is it in the busyness (church life and private)? Is it in family? Or, is Christmas - now catch this - found in my response to what happened in a manger. Am I living like God is among us...
Thankfully, Christmas is not in the North Pole; under a tree or at the mall...it's in the heart of those who worship Jesus - the one who fulfilled, "For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life." So, where's Christmas for you?
Merry Christmas!!
Send revival, Start with me.
Pastor Ken
Monday, November 26, 2007
A baby, 2 homes and 3 French hens...
Wow...a lot has happened in my life since my last posting. As you may have guessed, I am blog-challenged when it comes to a weekly blog. However, I'll do my best to keep it up; especially over the event filled Christmas season.
As I write this, my wife could be having a baby...not quite, but the day is fast approaching. She will find out tomorrow just how close we are - I may have some news for you in next weeks blog. I am sure excited about another addition to the family...but I can feel my hair greying as I type.
Well, we finally moved into our new home - 2 days before Halloween. It is exciting and helpful for us to think that we now have a place to call our own. It seems like a perfect fit for us and we have all kinds of plans and dreams for what it could be in the future. Of course, moving is always (at least to me) stressful...but I have to give a BIG shout out of thanks to many in my church who helped move us out of the old parsonage and into our new home. Without their 'many hands' it would have been a much more trying experience. But not only did they help us move - many others also helped us clean out the old home and set up the new. A great group of people they are for sure!
I also want to thank the church for having the vision to sell the parsonage and allow us to buy our own place. This will give us a running head start for the future years - but it also frees them up from the need to keep up an aging parsonage.
But, as many of you would know, now that we own our home, the bills are flying in...a reality of life.
Christmas...Are you ready for it? I haven't been in the 'mood' yet, but I did catch myself singing some carols the other day. The church is looking very festive (thanks Linda), as is our home (thanks April) - so that is helping to speed up the process. However, Christmas isn't about the mood, or a tree or even 3 French hens...but more on that next week.
As Christmas approaches, I want to be able to enjoy the season - even though life's busy (I did two family weddings this past weekend) with lots of Christmas events / a baby arriving and who knows what else. I'll be pondering how to do just that in the coming weeks...stay tuned.
If you check back next week, I'll be considering the thought - "Dad, where's Christmas?"
Have a great week!
Send Revival, Start with Me!
Pastor Ken
As I write this, my wife could be having a baby...not quite, but the day is fast approaching. She will find out tomorrow just how close we are - I may have some news for you in next weeks blog. I am sure excited about another addition to the family...but I can feel my hair greying as I type.
Well, we finally moved into our new home - 2 days before Halloween. It is exciting and helpful for us to think that we now have a place to call our own. It seems like a perfect fit for us and we have all kinds of plans and dreams for what it could be in the future. Of course, moving is always (at least to me) stressful...but I have to give a BIG shout out of thanks to many in my church who helped move us out of the old parsonage and into our new home. Without their 'many hands' it would have been a much more trying experience. But not only did they help us move - many others also helped us clean out the old home and set up the new. A great group of people they are for sure!
I also want to thank the church for having the vision to sell the parsonage and allow us to buy our own place. This will give us a running head start for the future years - but it also frees them up from the need to keep up an aging parsonage.
But, as many of you would know, now that we own our home, the bills are flying in...a reality of life.
Christmas...Are you ready for it? I haven't been in the 'mood' yet, but I did catch myself singing some carols the other day. The church is looking very festive (thanks Linda), as is our home (thanks April) - so that is helping to speed up the process. However, Christmas isn't about the mood, or a tree or even 3 French hens...but more on that next week.
As Christmas approaches, I want to be able to enjoy the season - even though life's busy (I did two family weddings this past weekend) with lots of Christmas events / a baby arriving and who knows what else. I'll be pondering how to do just that in the coming weeks...stay tuned.
If you check back next week, I'll be considering the thought - "Dad, where's Christmas?"
Have a great week!
Send Revival, Start with Me!
Pastor Ken
Monday, August 27, 2007
It isn't so much about not flying the flag...
Having had a couple of Mondays away on vacation and with family visiting last week, I've hardly had a chance to think about this blog. But here I am, trying to get back into the flow...
While I was away, during the beginning and mid parts of the month, a controversial decision was made by Truro town council to not fly the Gay Pride Flag. Most of the controversy, as I understand it, came from the impression that the mayor is not tolerant of the gay lifestyle and that he used his Christian faith as a basis for that stance. Something like 7000 letters to the editor were written in on this topic. This issue even received national news coverage.
Most of the other council members stated that they had their own reasons for not wanting to fly the flag...but it was mainly the mayor - the Christian mayor - who bore the brunt of the criticism. The issue has now been sent to the Human Rights Commission by the gay community - I suppose in an effort to force the town into flying the flag and make an apology.
What I wanted to do in this blog was not debate whether or not the town should fly the flag, but rather, look at why a Christian might make a decision such as what the mayor of Truro did. Some have said that the mayor should keep his religious beliefs to himself and outside of the political arena, but what those people do not understand is that Christianity is not one single book in our life's library, it is, in fact, the whole thing. In other words, a Christian does not separate their faith from their work or their relaxation. They are always a Christian, no matter what the environment or situation. Other people do that everyday - they live by their worldview - I just find it fascinating that tolerance isn't often granted towards the Christian community these days, otherwise why the big fuss over the flag. Isn't it just two opposing worldviews? Society is no longer tolerant of the church's position that Jesus is the way...'Go and sin no more'...;it may tolerate the church, but its views are not welcome in modern day life.
Why might this be? Perhaps because society doesn't want to acknowledge its flaws and subsequent need for a Saviour. Whether or not you abide by the Bible - the basis for the Christian worldview - here is what is says in I Cor. 6:9-11; "Do you not know that the wicked will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral nor idolaters nor adulterers nor male prostitutes nor homosexual offenders nor thieves nor the greedy nor drunkards nor slanderers nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God. And that is what some of you were. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God."
As you can see, there is quite a list - not exhaustive - of people that won't be a part of God's kingdom. Yet, the wonderful thing about Christianity is that it is hope based. Christianity is about transformation - not tolerance. God desires to change us from what we are in our flawed (sinful) state into one that is transformed by the renewing of our mind (Romans 12:2) and life. Note how I Cor. 6:11 says that some of the believers used to practice 'wicked' activities. But no matter the past, God can change the present.
I've heard it argued in this debate that Christians should practice the love they 'preach' about, and not be against others who may be different. But love without the hope of change/transformation from our fallen state is an incomplete Christian message that does no one any eternal good.
Should homosexuals - or others who are different - be discriminated against? Never...and for that there should be no excuse…however, that does nor mean that I have to agree with what they do. For those that want to fly the flag or take part in rallies, that’s their choice, just as it’s my choice to believe in and follow the teachings of Jesus. For those that disagree with the Bible or Christ, feel free to state that, but do not discriminate against me because I choose to believe. If discrimination is wrong one way – then it’s wrong the other. Live life your way, but let the Church be the Church with its message of life change and transformation. For those that accept it, it’s a matter of choice.
It isn't so much about not flying the flag, as it is standing up for what you believe is truth. If that is wrong, then we're all in trouble.
Let me know what you think.
"Send Revival, Start with me."
Pastor Ken
While I was away, during the beginning and mid parts of the month, a controversial decision was made by Truro town council to not fly the Gay Pride Flag. Most of the controversy, as I understand it, came from the impression that the mayor is not tolerant of the gay lifestyle and that he used his Christian faith as a basis for that stance. Something like 7000 letters to the editor were written in on this topic. This issue even received national news coverage.
Most of the other council members stated that they had their own reasons for not wanting to fly the flag...but it was mainly the mayor - the Christian mayor - who bore the brunt of the criticism. The issue has now been sent to the Human Rights Commission by the gay community - I suppose in an effort to force the town into flying the flag and make an apology.
What I wanted to do in this blog was not debate whether or not the town should fly the flag, but rather, look at why a Christian might make a decision such as what the mayor of Truro did. Some have said that the mayor should keep his religious beliefs to himself and outside of the political arena, but what those people do not understand is that Christianity is not one single book in our life's library, it is, in fact, the whole thing. In other words, a Christian does not separate their faith from their work or their relaxation. They are always a Christian, no matter what the environment or situation. Other people do that everyday - they live by their worldview - I just find it fascinating that tolerance isn't often granted towards the Christian community these days, otherwise why the big fuss over the flag. Isn't it just two opposing worldviews? Society is no longer tolerant of the church's position that Jesus is the way...'Go and sin no more'...;it may tolerate the church, but its views are not welcome in modern day life.
Why might this be? Perhaps because society doesn't want to acknowledge its flaws and subsequent need for a Saviour. Whether or not you abide by the Bible - the basis for the Christian worldview - here is what is says in I Cor. 6:9-11; "Do you not know that the wicked will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral nor idolaters nor adulterers nor male prostitutes nor homosexual offenders nor thieves nor the greedy nor drunkards nor slanderers nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God. And that is what some of you were. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God."
As you can see, there is quite a list - not exhaustive - of people that won't be a part of God's kingdom. Yet, the wonderful thing about Christianity is that it is hope based. Christianity is about transformation - not tolerance. God desires to change us from what we are in our flawed (sinful) state into one that is transformed by the renewing of our mind (Romans 12:2) and life. Note how I Cor. 6:11 says that some of the believers used to practice 'wicked' activities. But no matter the past, God can change the present.
I've heard it argued in this debate that Christians should practice the love they 'preach' about, and not be against others who may be different. But love without the hope of change/transformation from our fallen state is an incomplete Christian message that does no one any eternal good.
Should homosexuals - or others who are different - be discriminated against? Never...and for that there should be no excuse…however, that does nor mean that I have to agree with what they do. For those that want to fly the flag or take part in rallies, that’s their choice, just as it’s my choice to believe in and follow the teachings of Jesus. For those that disagree with the Bible or Christ, feel free to state that, but do not discriminate against me because I choose to believe. If discrimination is wrong one way – then it’s wrong the other. Live life your way, but let the Church be the Church with its message of life change and transformation. For those that accept it, it’s a matter of choice.
It isn't so much about not flying the flag, as it is standing up for what you believe is truth. If that is wrong, then we're all in trouble.
Let me know what you think.
"Send Revival, Start with me."
Pastor Ken
Tuesday, July 31, 2007
If you want your light to shine, go to the dark places
Addition to the Sunday sermon:
Little Bo Peep has lost her sheep
And doesn't know where to find them
But leave them alone, and they'll come home
Wagging their tails behind them
In this familiar children's poem, we realize that Bo Peep has a problem. She has lost her sheep and has no idea of their whereabouts. But evidently, the optimist in her thinks that if they are left alone, then eventually, they'll find their way home.
Unfortunately, there are many Christians who feel the same way when it comes to those who are unsaved (non-Christian). We live in a country where there are 70-80% of the population who would be classified as unchurched - meaning that they do not regularly attend any Christian church. To put it another way, roughly 7-8 out of 10 of your neighbours do not regularly go to a church.
Too many of of our community churches look at this group and take a Bo Peep position. They fail to see the hurts and needs of the spiritually lost and fail to effectively reach out to them. These churches take the attitude, 'If they want to change - they know where the church is.' In reality, these churches are so focused on themselves, that they fail to focus on what God is calling it to do.
By contrast, there are also churches who take a Good Shepherd approach. A church of the Good Shepherd, models the story told by Jesus, when, even with 99 sheep safely in the pasture - He goes out into the rough, rocky places to seek out that one sheep who is lost.
Our modern day predicament is that there are 20-30 sheep in the pasture, and 70-80 who are lost in the rough and rocky places of life. The church of the Good Shepherd is one that intentionally endeavours to share hope and help with those within its reach.
Our challenge, then, is to become a people who are willing to stretch ourselves, sacrifice and focus on the needs of those around us.
Are you more interested in helping than being helped?
Are you more interested in loving than in being loved?
Are you more interested in giving than in getting?
These are characteristics of a Good Shepherd church.
How would you rate yourself? Are you a Bo Peep Christian or a Good Shepherd Christian? Or are you one of the lost sheep? I would love to hear from you...
"Send Revival, Start with Me."
Pastor Ken
Little Bo Peep has lost her sheep
And doesn't know where to find them
But leave them alone, and they'll come home
Wagging their tails behind them
In this familiar children's poem, we realize that Bo Peep has a problem. She has lost her sheep and has no idea of their whereabouts. But evidently, the optimist in her thinks that if they are left alone, then eventually, they'll find their way home.
Unfortunately, there are many Christians who feel the same way when it comes to those who are unsaved (non-Christian). We live in a country where there are 70-80% of the population who would be classified as unchurched - meaning that they do not regularly attend any Christian church. To put it another way, roughly 7-8 out of 10 of your neighbours do not regularly go to a church.
Too many of of our community churches look at this group and take a Bo Peep position. They fail to see the hurts and needs of the spiritually lost and fail to effectively reach out to them. These churches take the attitude, 'If they want to change - they know where the church is.' In reality, these churches are so focused on themselves, that they fail to focus on what God is calling it to do.
By contrast, there are also churches who take a Good Shepherd approach. A church of the Good Shepherd, models the story told by Jesus, when, even with 99 sheep safely in the pasture - He goes out into the rough, rocky places to seek out that one sheep who is lost.
Our modern day predicament is that there are 20-30 sheep in the pasture, and 70-80 who are lost in the rough and rocky places of life. The church of the Good Shepherd is one that intentionally endeavours to share hope and help with those within its reach.
Our challenge, then, is to become a people who are willing to stretch ourselves, sacrifice and focus on the needs of those around us.
Are you more interested in helping than being helped?
Are you more interested in loving than in being loved?
Are you more interested in giving than in getting?
These are characteristics of a Good Shepherd church.
How would you rate yourself? Are you a Bo Peep Christian or a Good Shepherd Christian? Or are you one of the lost sheep? I would love to hear from you...
"Send Revival, Start with Me."
Pastor Ken
Monday, July 30, 2007
Yes, I am alive...
Hi. For anyone checking in, I'll have a regular blog thought later today. It's been awhile since I last posted, but Colby has been in the hospital; I've been to Beulah Camp; and had family down for a visit - so my Mondays have been pretty pre-occupied.
Thanks for checking in. - Ken
Thanks for checking in. - Ken
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