Ideas Room
I chanced upon this article and it gave me more thoughts of what I have been thinking since July. I like the fact that the writer have a balance view about ideas. This article is not saying throw away all tested ideas but rather on top of grounded methods, make huge space for ideas from the unheard-of and the inexperienced.
Well, Let me know your thoughts and also your ideas about doing church and ministry. I'm making rooms for ideas and lots of it. Post your thoughts on my blog and do get your friends to read this post so they can give me ideas of doing church as well!
Make Room for New Ideas by Ben Arment
Hundreds of thousands of pastors have converged upon South Barrington, Illinois, at one time or another to attend a Willow Creek conference. For years, it was Mecca for outreach-minded church leaders. They came to learn the models and methods of this larger-than- life church. And that’s a shame.
It’s a shame that most of us missed the beginning of Willow Creek Community Church. We missed the college class where Bill Hybels caught the vision for a New Testament church from Dr. Bilezikian. We missed selling vegetables door-to-door with a teenaged Nancy Beach to help pay the bills. We missed the years of meeting in a movie theater and the infamous “train wreck” (detailed in Rediscovering Church by Lynne & Bill Hybels) that almost killed the church.
Most of us caught the back end of the vision for Willow Creek, when it was tested, proven, and old. Once it broke all records in church ministry, we finally paid attention. When the lakeside auditorium was built and the escalators were installed, we finally woke up. And that’s a shame.
It’s a shame that we only catch on to great ideas when they’re no longer new. Willow Creek is a living monument to the power of vision, but we seem to have learned nothing from its story. When was the last time you paid any attention to a recent college graduate with a dream?
It’s a shame because the future is in the new.
Last year, I worked at Catalyst Conference, where we hosted 12,000 church leaders in Atlanta, 3,500 in California, and thousands of others at one-day events all across the country. The events were packed, the excitement was contagious, and the momentum was unquestionable. This year’s gathering in Atlanta sold out at 13,000 people and became the highest trending topic on Twitter. But hardly anyone was excited about Catalyst when it started. They had to give away hundreds of free tickets in its first year. Only two or three sponsors were interested in exhibiting. The early bird deadline was extended at least three times to reel in the stragglers. Nearly two-thirds of the attendees came from North Point Community Church, and that only happened because Andy Stanley promoted it for $49 two weeks before the event.
What a shame.
We miss out on the most important season of a vision’s lifecycle because we have an undying love for proven ideas and a blatant disregard for new ones. We don’t want to tolerate the hardships or the impossible odds that come with new ideas. We don’t want to take a risk on something untested. We want to gather where others are gathering, celebrate what others are celebrating, and affirm what others are affirming.
I’ll never forget the story of how a pastor visiting Willow Creek got caught measuring the distance from the rear doors to the front stage, presumably for his own building campaign. He wanted his church to be just like Willow’s, but without the unique vision. I think he missed the point. And unfortunately, so have most of us.
This year, a considerable number of conferences are closing down. Rob Bell just announced the end of NOOMA. The time is ripe for fresh, new vision, but it’s not going to come from what is already established and proven. The future comes from the new. And this means we all have to take some risks. We have to start looking for great ideas in their infancy. We can’t dismiss a young staffer’s audacious idea just because he’s inexperienced. Sure, he’ll make mistakes, but his idea will become refined by the process. It just might be the next great revolution in the church.
We have to trade our preferences for potential. If we go to the same conferences, listen to the same podcasts, and follow the same preachers, we’ll get more of the same. It’s time to shuffle the iPod and discover some new opportunities.
We have to be willing to break some rules. Great ideas turn into systems that get repeated over and over again. So when a new idea comes along, it threatens our way of doing things. We’ll be inclined to say, “You’re not allowed to do that.” But we have to be willing to break the rules if these new ideas have a shot at making it.
So go ahead—honor the idea-makers of the past. But make room for the obscure, the unheard-of, and the ridiculous. The future is in the new.
A Tribute to Daddy, Poon Sheng Khim
A good looking young man
2nd honeymoon to China (1994)
Sis's big day
Celebrating Mother's day (2002)
Celebrating Dad's bdae (2004)
Dad is a chinese man who started out as a businessman. Met his wife in an arranged marriage and had wonderful 4 children. Business went burst and make a change in his career as a bus driver. Care for the children though he will not communicate feelings to each of them.
He NEVER beat anyone of his children and believes his angry tone is good enough to stop us from being naughty. It works!
He brought Vincent to a funfair and spent quality time with his elder son 1-1 when brother is just in his teens.
Dad waited in a dark living room for his 3rd child, Jasmine, because she had a very late campfire event when she was just 14. When dad saw her reached home safely, he went straight to the room and sleep.
He worked 12 hours shift work as a bus driver and take no leave. He see us through tertiary education and didn't pressure anyone of us in academic. That's his style of raising kids and it works for us. I enjoy so much in my childhood because my parent don't set too high expectation. You gives room for us to explore and make mistakes. So I can play and explore and play and explore. ha!
Dad travelled with mom to China and Bangkok after he retired. Maybe this is 2nd honeymoon. <3
Dad seldom share his feeling with us but I knew he is very sad when grandma passed away in 1996.
Dad is not a quarrelsome man but when he is angry, we know he is really angry. So we know we won't mess up with him. He is a man who loves his family.
I learnt abt being responsiblity from dad's life. To be responsible over our lives and be responsible for our loved ones. You takes care of grandma, mom and us. Thank you for all you have done for us and I will treasure and remember your care and concern. Thanks Dad and you will always in our hearts and thoughts!
We Love You Daddy! I will see you soon!
Dust to Dust
Time flies as dad has passed on for about 2 weeks. I felt it was just yesterday at his sick bed looking at him catching his last breath and then exhale his last. I was comforted that I was with him at his last of last stage and God granted my wish.
2 weeks ago, many things that went through my mind and emotion welled up in me. I should be glad that he is free from suffering and going to Jesus in heaven and I will meet him soon. Yet on the other hand, I was sad that he really leave the family and the world. Tears kept flowing like rushing sea. I knew what sleepless night was. Memories how he worked hard for the family, cared for me and my siblings in his quiet and chinese man ways kept me awake. Thank you Dad for raising us up and your input and contribution will be in us forever. <3 You!
Thanks to God and all my friends who supported me for the past 2 weeks. I knew I'm going to meet dad soon (though he didn't have a Christian wake but it will be his faith that will lead him to Christ).
Last week was surreal because I got to slow down to think and rest. When I saw my dad's ashes and bones at the cremation center, this verse filled my entire mind,
"Since from it you were taken; for dust you are and to dust you will return."Dad's death has slowed me down and asking myself what really matters to me. Jesus' life showed me what really matters and what really last. This is something I heard, discussed and preached before. However, as I reflects, I was taken to a whole new level.
What matters the most : His relationship with me and People he loves. Luke 10:27This 2 last forever and for eternity. It's nothing new but God used dad's death and bring me to a place and moment where he showed me His heart - what really matters to Him and what will really last.
My relationship with Jesus and People he has created - my family, friends, colleagues, neighbours, church, people I know and people I don't know.
In 40-50 years later, dust am formed, dust I will go. What matters will be how I live my life on this earth. Am I growing and thriving as a believer and shine His glory? Have I impacted my family, friends, neighbours, church, people who are far from God? Have I influence and love all that God has placed in my life? Have I live a maximised life?
Well, I can't say I have did and done it. I think there are so much room and potential to develop in. But now, when I ask me and look at my priority, what matters really?
My answer will be Jesus and People!
I 'HEART' NG8 - 1 year Anniversary!
I have wanted to post this blog over Easter weekend but I was too busy to do so. So, I'm doing it now...*guilty smile*
I'm in NG8 Sub D for 1 year! I have learnt much and gained much when I started to serve and lead the people in the sub district. I remembered Cara has planned to relocate to KL for her full time work for HIM and Ps Jeff has approached me about serving and leading the sub-D.
I was thankful for this opportunity yet also a little apprehensive because it will be my 1st time leading adult group. I'm not sure whether I can be up to it. Anyway, I'm certain it will be a good development area for me to learn the ropes of reaching and discipling adults of different background and profession. So, I took it up.
It's been a year since then. Time flies so fast that I thought it was yesterday. I still feel that I'm a greenhorn yet I have gained much understanding and experience in adult ministry over the 356 days. There are many leadership lesson I have learnt through hearing different stories, solving growth barrier, helping believers transiting to new life station, and many others.
Defintely, the past 1 year, I have build closer relationship with likeminded leaders in the sub-D.
Appreciate Kuan Long, Kelly, Victor, Elaine soooooooooooo much! I enjoyed all the time and conversation we had over a meal or a drink. I enjoyed those inprompto Christmas shopping we had. I love the house visitation and play with the baby - joel! I enjoyed the 1-1 time when we can talk about family, work, hobbies and courtship stories. I love many moments that we prayed for each other. I appreciate all the support you have given to me as a new leader and friend.I just wanna to say a big Thank You! I 'heart' NG8!God, take everyone of the believers in our sub-D to where you wants us to be. The best is yet to be and we know you will take us there. Take us into another level this year, your favour, power and influence!
I asked the same thing as Jabez asked in
1Chron 4:10, "Oh, that you would bless each and everyone in NG8 and enlarge our spiritual territory! Let your hand be with us, and keep us from harm so that we will be free from pain. And God granted my request."
SEED stories
Spent an awesome time with a group of movers and shakers of the nation. I was totally blown off when some Polydins care leaders was sharing what God has done and doing in their lives and their group. At one point, there is some joyful tears welling up in my eyes! (maybe it's the jokes they cracked?!?!?!)
God, what can we say when we heard how you turned someone who is not interested to gather for fellowship to someone who see the value of connecting to a life group.
God, what can we say when you change the spiritual atmosphere of the CG into a community who is spiritual vibrant.
God, what can we say when you stirred in the hearts of many young men who are passionate to reach people who are far from you.
God, what can we say when you empowered many CG/units to pioneer new courses and camps.
God, what can we say when committed student leaders scored great results.
God, what we say when you added new and more people into the region - 600 committed believers is our next level!
God, what can we say when the young grads come together and gel them so quickly and united in the same vision of making a GREAT impact in the marketplace!
Let's shout : God did it again!!!!
I was dead tired physically but was renewed inwardly! I could sensed God is preparing the new leadership to take on His vision to another whole new level! I'm just so trilled to be part of this transition to witness the revival to take place in the soonest time!
Real age vs Body age
Last year, I had a simple health check in church office by Yung with a health check machine. It was good results. On Mon, I went for a check on my body age. (I just being curious how old is my body, really.) It was a measurement of my body fats, metabolism and few other things. The machine is able to check how old my body age too.
Here are my brief health check results.Body fats : 22.5 (healthy)BMI : 18.1 (Slightly lower than healthy range)Internal fats : 1 (good)Calorie burnt per day w/o exercise : 1068 (consider low)Bone mass : 28 (Average)Body Age : 24 years old!?!?This year, I'm 34 and my body age is 24?! I'm pleasantly surprised with this result. One of my long term friend told me that my body age might be 24 years old but perhaps my liver and kidney might be 60 years old. I kind of agree with her. "guilty"
I will go for a thorough healthy check up soon to know how's my organ doing. I might have worked the organs too hard as I consumed unhealthy food often. God, pls be gracious to me. "crossing my fingers"
Keeping a healthy body to serve Him for a long haul is my aim.
