-image-Who Stole My Church?

April 29, 2008 | book clubs, community, reviews

I’m reading an interesting book right now titled “Who Stole My Church?” by Gordon McDonald.

I first thought it was nonfiction, but surprisingly it’s fiction–sort of. I recognize the characters in it. In fact, I go to church with some. I’ve run across them as I’ve ministered. Good people. Backbone of their local churches.

Not sure what to do with the changes in their church, or the way that Christ is presented, or what in the world the words “postmodern” or “emerging church” means anyway.

I’m reading with an open mind, and actually liking this book a lot. There is no agenda, but rather a good conversation between sincere people trying to figure out what the church should/could/can/does look like and why that is important.

Suz

-image-love to see the fire ignite

April 24, 2008 | T. Suzanne Eller, community, random thoughts

Over 70 small groups have launched in the last 30 days in my home church.

Our pastor thought it would be a great way to shut the “back door” of the church, losing people because they haven’t connected with friendships or they are struggling and don’t know how to share that with others in a big church setting.

We have groups for scrapbookers, quilters, hikers, fitness, Bible study, choir, fishing, married w/young children, married w/no children, parents of teens, seniors, etc. . . . and my group is for people who have a desire to write and/or speak. (more…)

-image-Community? Do you have one?

March 3, 2008 | community, random thoughts

A contract arrived in the mail to speak at a wonderful organization for moms. It’s my first time to connect with them on the national level, though I’ve spoken to several smaller groups in this same entity.

Knowing the people and organization you are going to speak to is vital. How do they operate? Do I bring books? Do I need an assistant? What are their ages and needs? Where do I connect? How long do I teach? Do I have ministry time? What do they believe, and why?

I can hear you now. Just pray, Suzie. God will take care of it. (more…)

-image-Answering your questions from the TCW article

November 7, 2007 | articles, calendar, community

I want to apologize for taking so long to get back to each of you. I was swamped with e-mails after the Rise of Raunch article in Today’s Christian Woman.

I am excited about how passionate you each are, and the questions that you asked. Rather than send out 100 e-mails, I’ll try to answer your questions here. If you need more info, please feel free to contact me. Okay? I’m encouraged that so many are interested in reaching our girls in this society.

QUESTIONS

• Do you work with girls on a long-term basis?

(more…)

-image-Community from the Inside Out

August 2, 2007 | articles, community

Relevant Magazine (see entire article) by Rob Foley

From Suzie: I found this great article today in Relevant Magazine. Sometimes I hear people who want to close out the world around them. That confuses me. Aren’t we called to talk to others about faith, about Christ? How can we do that if our whole world revolves around church, rather than active faith?

And yet I also hear believers who fail to grasp how amazing it is to have the freedom to worship with others, to function as a family of believers–not perfect, not isolated, but a community of people who teach, encourage, worship, and befriend each other.

We have an example of both of these in Jesus himself.

Excerpt of article: The phrase “inside-out” brings back many painful childhood memories of clothing improperly applied. However, as I grew older, I learned which ways my shirts, socks and pants were supposed to be worn—the tags and stitching should not show. Why it takes every child so long to understand that concept, I’ll never know.

Quote from article: The Kingdom of God is made of doors hinged upon the inside-out-ness of love: to bring in what is without and to let out what is within. My hope is that, as we continue to discover our identity in Christ, we will consider swinging upon similar hinges.