For whatever reason, lots of “good news” comes in on Friday.  

This has happened off and on for several weeks now.  Well, this past Friday was no different.

Well, this past Friday was no different.  Larry and Lee Ann came back from the road with some great news.  They have been traveling all across the state of Alabama making presentations about CharityTracker, our shared case management software.

Greg, who we consider to be the chaplain of Simon Solutions, got great news on Friday as well.  Alabama Baptists are catching the vision for CharityTracker.  We have been invited to speak at the annual state conference of the Alabama Baptist Convention in November.  We will have the  opportunity to address hundreds of pastors about the development of our new online “power tools” for prayer, missions, and evangelism.

I also got great news on Friday.  I talked with an old friend who I have not seen in many years.  Sandra Leatherwood helped me in youth ministry when I served at Saint James United Methodist Church in Memphis, Tennessee, back in the mid 80’s.

On Friday last week, I talked with Sandra over the phone.  What a reunion!  We both discovered that the Lord was setting the stage for our conversation.  

I had been thinking last week about how we could share “our story” with United Methodist ministry leaders and suddenly Sandra’s name came to mind.  I called her office, and she later got back with me on Friday.  She said that it was timely that I called.  She had recently dreamed about our family and was wondering how we were doing.

Sandra said that she would be happy to open doors for us to talk with United Methodist ministry leaders about our “power tools” for the Body of Christ.  We both agreed that God does orchestrate personal relationships for divine purposes.

Later on that day, I talked with Dean Gambill and Dana Simons from Harvest Prayer Ministry, of which Dave Butts is the President.  Dave is also the Chairman of America’s National Prayer Committee.  I had a great conversation with Dean and Dana.  We talked about the possibility of collaborating together on implementing a “global prayer network”, called PrayerPipeline.net.

Right now, we are building the network’s technological framework and user-friendly interface that’s simple to use.  We do not want to get too far into development without first talking with international prayer leaders.  We want to hear what they need and how to better serve their mission. 

For more information about the network, go to www.prayerpipeline.net/minister.

My conversation with Dean and Dana was incredibly hopeful.  We have the technology.  They have the intercessors.  I believe God is really up to something here.  The chance to connect and empower millions of intercessors all around the world in real-time, interactive prayer is now possible.  Think about what could happen!

What else can I say?  It’s quite obvious.  God is bringing people and technology together.  He is building relationships that will lead to the development of more coalition forces, mobilized for divine purposes.

I will keep you posted as more “good news” comes in on Fridays.

Getting people to work together is not easy; but it’s worth the effort.  

I have been at this for many years.  I served in churches, non-profit organizations, and businesses.  My main objective has always been to help people learn the value and benefits of working together.

When people really get on the same page, great things can happen!  This is especially true in community work.  I have spent a lot of time working on community projects.  I truly enjoy working with people with different giftings, passions, and expertise.  I’ve had the pleasure of serving as “architect” for many community projects that have touched the lives of thousands of people.

Tina told me that CharityTracker has been the catylst for getting people to work together.  She said, "For the first time in history, we have found common denominators that have rallied community service providers; an online tool that’s easy-to-understand, simple to use, and inexpensive."

So, if you want to get people to work together, find those common denominators that make it easy for people to come together.  Find their common interests or passions that everyone values.  Find a valid reason for working together that makes sense; a "win-win" situation for all.

 
Transformation has always been the ultimate goal of Christianity. 

The Apostle Paul said it best.

Romans 12:2
Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is–his good, pleasing and perfect will.

2 Cor. 3:18
And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.

In a practical sense, I believe transformation is a process that happens in one of four ways – renewal, revival, reformation, or resolve.

Renewal involves reopening the value for creative and innovative juices to flow; impacting traditional ideas.  We experience renewal when old ways of doing things are replaced with fresh, new ideas that breathe “new life” into our hearts.  In renewal we can clearly see the value of change.  We realize that we cannot keep doing the same things over and over again; expecting different results.

Revival means restoring back to life that which has died.  In revival our life is re-connected with the “power source” – the Holy Spirit.  As power is restored, we experience a newfound energy and motivation to live for Christ.  The joy of our salvation is revived.  We feel empowered to deepen our relationship with God and share our testimony with others.  In revival we learn to “live again”.

Reformation brings relevant change to misaligned concepts and outdated designs.  Reformation involves a sense of “remodeling” – a makeover in structure or style.  In reformation appearances and designs can go through radical; and often, very noticeable, radical change.  We experience a profound difference in the way we think and act.  The old has passed away; in with the new.

Resolve involves an unwavering determination that sinks deep within our souls.  Resolve means fighting through the toughest challenges; never looking back.  In resolve we “grab the bull by the horns and wrestle him to the ground”.  We don’t give up and never retreat; despite the circumstances.  Resolve may also mean blazing a new path; pioneering a new journey into uncharted territory.

I like to think of transformation as a window of opportunity that the Lord opens up to our life; bringing spiritual awakening, new revelation, and empowerment.  Here’s our chance to breathe deeply a fresh awareness of Jesus in our life.  We can also seize a divine opportunity to feel the mighty winds of the Holy Spirit breeze through our life once again.

These transformational processes may also be considered as points of entry into an exciting journey into new life – one full of lots of challenges and risk-taking.  This journey helps us "bridge the gap" between complacency and proactive change; paving the way for progress and growth.

I have, at one time or another, experienced all four of these processes.  I am a better husband, father, and worker because of these life-changing processes; or also stated, seasons in my life.  But the one that I am experiencing most right now is resolve.  This one is really hitting me hard right now in my personal and professional life.  Perhaps it is because I am much older now and have seen many things.

Whatever the costs, I want to make a profound “difference” in what I do with the rest of my life.  I am “locked and loaded”; ready for battle.  I am determined to do whatever it takes to hear those words from Jesus as he reviews my life on earth.

Think about it.  If this is happening to me right now; then just think, what could happen if other Christians within my community caught the vision and engaged transformation?  Working together we probably could make a major impact in the lives of family, friends, and co-workers throughout our entire community.

Come on Church.  What’d you say?  Let’s do it!

Our team is at the MinistryCom Conference in Franklin, Tennessee this week.  This is a national conference for church communication and marketing professionals.

The conference is being held at The People’s Church where Rick White is the Senior Pastor.  Thousands of participants are expected to attend.

We are one of many exhibitors who are at the conference.  We hope to learn much from others who share our same passion for sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ in new and effective ways.

We hope to make new friends and build working relationships with other ministries.  We expect to hear a great report from our team.

Helen Keller once wrote, "Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much." 

These words resonate within my soul.  They have become my mission in life – to help people discover the benefits of working together for common purposes.

This is especially true for community service providers; those who help meet the needs of people during times of crisis and despair.  Every community is faced with this enormous challenge.  So, would it not make good sense to share the responsibility?

Just think what would happen if every community service provider suddenly began working together.  By this, I refer to churches, non-profit charities, and social service government agencies.  Suddenly, service providers would say, “Count on us to help.  We don’t care who gets the credit for acts of service.  We simply want to see all the people within our entire community benefit from our working together.”

If this was to truly happen within a community, no one would go hungry; no one would go without shelter and clothes.  No one would feel alone in their sorrow or desperate situation.

I believe this can happen in any community in America if we would follow Henry Ford’s simple formula for success.

"Coming together is a beginning, staying together is progress, and working together is success." 
-Henry Ford

Service providers should start by “talking” with other service providers in their community.  Get to know each other; after all, service providers have the same passion and burden to help people.  This is true, regardless of what name appears on the organization’s letterhead.  They all have the same mission.

The second step is a little more difficult.  Service providers should make considerable effort to build relationships with each other.  This may mean cutting through all the busyness and noise in our own organizational environment; finding time to gather together with others from different organizations.  Luncheons, casual visits, telephone conversations, and roundtable discussions are all good ways to build friendships that lead to working relationships.

Another way to stay together is to find a "common tool” that helps facilitate an on-going working relationship.  One that helps all community service providers stay “connected” in communications, collaborate, and shared case management.  This progressive step with ultimately lead to a better understanding of needs and a focused approach to care.  This can happen through a web-based software solution that everyone has access to and really likes.

The third step in actually working together will provide a broad-based solution for care that covers the entire community.  Everyone benefits.  Service providers can now share responsibility. No one is overwhelmed.  More resources are identified for meeting needs.  Referrals are easily found.  Recipients are given proper care.  No one “falls through the cracks”.

This shared working environment will also cut back on duplication of services and combat benevolence fraud.  This saves organizations time and money. The right resources get into the right hands.

Another great benefit of a shared working environment is innovation.  Innovation happens as we capitalize on knowledge-sharing, which becomes a powerful asset.  I’ve come to realize that all of us are smarter than any one of us.  This then leads to a collective-knowing, which serves as a catalyst for community-driven solutions with creative applications for other areas of concerns.

By working together, community service providers can find hope in transforming their community from the inside out.  Instead of only seeing problems, needs, and deficiencies, the focus can shift to solutions and assets. 

This ignites progress and growth.

When people work together, great things happen!  

For years I have rallied the cause for relational synergism – people working together for greater purposes realized only through concerted efforts.  The results can be phenomenal.

When hurricane Katrina hit the Gulf Coast in August of 2005, the aftermath impacted my community in Northwest Alabama.  Over 330 displaced families from the Gulf Coast found refuge in our community.  Social service agencies, non-profit charities, and churches came to the rescue.

Many resources from different sources were allocated to Katrina victims, but a problem emerged.  Who was getting what and how much?  Were services being unnecessarily duplicated?  Were the right people getting the right resources?

This awareness sparked much dialog among community service providers, who realized that this problem was not an isolated incident, but a “big problem” that had been prevailing for years.  Something needed to be done to help service providers “get on the same page” in communications and collaboration.

Leaders from the United Way, Red Cross, Salvation Army, government agencies, and churches sat down together and talked.  This rare encounter paved the way for a collaborative solution for “shared case management”.

These leaders approached us at Simon Solutions in October of 2006.  Looking for a software solution, they handed us a single sheet of paper with only a few ideas.  They said, “Can you build us something that we all can use; something simple to understand and easy to use?”  We said “Yes, but only if we work together throughout the entire development process to see if this solution is something everyone will like and use.”  They agreed.

Combining our knowledge of software design with ideas from community service providers, we built CharityTracker (known as SEANTracker in our community).

Tina Scott, director of the United Way of Northwest Alabama, said “For the first time in our community’s history, churches, non-profit service providers, and government agencies have found a common way to work together; using a simple, easy, and affordable tool everyone can use.”

CharityTracker is a “shared community database”, a centralized hub for communication that is networked throughout the entire community.  All information is entered and edited by individual case workers with shared access.  And because CharityTracker is powered by internet technology, service providers have instant access to information 24/7, 365; whether at the office or in the field. 

CharityTracker works best when only one “community network administrator” is designated for the entire community.  This organization is usually the one who has built working relationships with other service providers.  As administrator, this organization maintains the integrity of the database by qualifying organizations that share access to confidential information.

All information in CharityTracker is safe and secure.  Only authorized users with a password have access to shared case files.  No IT department or webmaster is needed to host or maintain CharityTracker.  We (Simon Solutions) do it all.  We also upgrade the software; depending upon feedback from service providers and their needs.

CharityTracker has given our community a simple and easy solution for “shared case management”.  With better communications, service providers are seeing measurable results in reduction of fraud and duplication of services. 

Becky Daughtery of Woodmont Baptist Church says, “Just in the last few weeks, the software has proven itself more and more valuable; and we are really starting to see that the more benevolence organizations that use it; the more effective that it becomes.”

In less than one year of service within our community, CharityTracker has enabled over 74 agents (representing 33 agengies) to work together in shared management of over 4,000 cases.

CharityTrackers helps save time and money; enabling service providers to focus their resources on people with real needs.

Simply stated, it works!

Just as Katrina’s devastation swept across the Gulf Coast, a solution for helping victims more efficiently is sweeping all across the state of Alabama.  The word is getting out quickly.  Prior to our official nationwide launch on September 4th, ten networks of community service providers, scattered throughout Alabama, were already making plans to use CharityTracker to better serve their communities.

Our community’s synergism is a powerful testimony to other communities all across the United States.  If we can "get people on the same page" here in Northwest Alabama, you can do it also!

For more information, go to www.simonsolutions.com or www.charitytracker.net.

If we don’t stand for something, we’re liable to fall for anything.

I find this so true in my own daily walk with the Lord.  Each day I am challenged to stand tall in my faith and mission.  However, amidst this challenge I am faced with lots of “noise” and distractions – caused by busyness, tight schedules, and work loads.  Some of these things tend to direct my attention away from things that most matter in my life – relationships with family, friends, and the Lord.

Even while serving in church leadership positions, I was subject to lots of noise and distractions.  Even though I was very busy doing “good things”, I believe some of these things kept me from focusing on the Lord and His divine purposes for my life.

Right now, God is doing a new work in my life.  Despite the fact that I have been in ministry since 1977, I realize that I have much more growing to do.  God is writing a “new chapter” in my life’s journey – one that’s transforming me from the inside-out.

This transformation feels more like a “fighting spirit” that’s rising up within me.  I want to fight and engage in serious battle; advancing God’s reign and rule in my life.  Perhaps I have watched too many reruns of Brave Heart, but I feel God encouraging me to fight for the things I truly believe in.

I want to become a stronger believer in the power of the Holy Spirit to transform me into a true ambassador of Jesus Christ.  I want to learn more about “connectivity” and how God orchestrates personal relationships for divine purposes.  I want to become an even stronger advocate for authentic Christian community.  I also want to do more in building coalition forces for advancing the Kingdom of God.

I often wonder how the enemy has got us all wrestling with independent battles; instead of winning interdependent victories.  I believe we are in the midst of great spiritual warfare; and in many respects, greater than anytime in history.  With the soon return of Christ, it is no wonder the enemy is doing everything he can to divide us, distract us, and keep us from “standing together” in battle.

Jesus told us that we must learn to fight: “Do not suppose that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I did not come to bring peace, but a sword (Matthew 10:34, NIV).”

The Apostle Paul told us,

“God is strong, and he wants you strong.  So take everything the Master has set out for you, well-made weapons of the best materials.  And put them to use so you will be able to stand up to everything the Devil throws your way.  This is no afternoon athletic contest that we’ll walk away from and forget about in a couple of hours. This is for keeps, a life-or-death fight to the finish against the Devil and all his angels.  Be prepared.  You’re up against far more than you can handle on your own.  Take all the help you can get, every weapon God has issued, so that when it’s all over but the shouting you’ll still be on your feet (Ephes. 6:10-13, MSG).”

Perhaps, now is the time for us to take a serious look at our busyness and independent efforts.  Are we truly busy about God’s business or our own business?  Is the enemy strategically distracting us; misaligning our divine focus and keeping us from accomplishing God’s true purposes?  Are we losing the battle of proper awareness, urgent need, and relevant ministry in contemporary society?

As for me, God is sharpening my focus as to what He envisions for my future in ministry.  He is also speaking to my heart and telling me to get ready for fierce battle; be prepared to stand firm in my resolve.  He tells me that this divine resolve is also being planted in the hearts of others, whom have or will cross my path through divine appointments.

I am ready to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with comrades; marching forward with the Lord. I am ready to engage in warfare; standing back-to-back with fellow Christians on the battlefield.

If we stand together, we will not fall.  We will become a powerful force of many…moving as one!

Last week, Greg and I had a wonderful conversation with a United Methodist pastor in our community.  He had served for over 28 years in the ministry.  Now, he was planting a new church in an old, abandoned school-house that is being renovated and transformed into a community outreach center.

District offices of the United Methodist Church, the United Way, Big Brothers/Big Sister, and others have taken up residence in this center.  I see this as a wonderful example of how church and non-profit charities can work together in impacting their communities.

Inside this building is where this new church plant is happening.  It’s very exciting to see all the new construction going on.  People from the community have come in to help with the remodel.  Businessmen are stopping by to seeing what financial needs the new church has.  It really is a remarkable work in progress.

When I think about this, I am reminded of the comment made by C. Peter Wagner at a church conference that I attended many years ago.  He said, “It is easier to birth new babies; than it is to raise the dead.”  

This new church plant is happening in the midst of sad news for the United Methodist District in our area.  They had to close the doors on five churches this past year.  A steady decline in people, resources, and enthusiasm caused their demise.

This new church plant is happening in the midst of sad news for the United Methodist District in our area. They had to close the doors on five churches this past year. A steady decline in people, resources, and enthusiasm caused their demise. Now you may be asking yourself, “Why are they planting a new church, when they are closing the doors of old churches?”  This is where Wagner’s statement really rings clear.  There are times when old ways of doing things do not work like they use to.  They become outdated, counterproductive, and simply require more maintenance, which voids much growth.

When the Church begins answering questions that no one is asking anymore, something is wrong.  The Church, according to Jesus’ original design, was to be a “light in a dark place”.  This means always “shining” and relevant; bursting with faith, hope, and love.  The Church is a community of empowerment; and at the same time, a sanctuary of rest from the labors of life.

When local churches cease to breathe new life into the heart and lives of people, it is time to seriously consider why this is happening.  We cannot afford wasting time in addressing these concerns with the same level of thinking that helped create these concerns in the first place. To do so would suggest an “insane process” - doing the same things over and over again…expecting different results.

We must prepare and position ourselves for a "paradigm shift" in awareness…attitude…and application.  For me, this refers to what Jesus was talking about in Mark 2:21-22,

After our visit with the United Methodist minister, Greg and I commented to each other on our way to the car.  If our community had more Christians like this, taking our city for Christ would be a reachable goal. 

We were truly blessed and energized by our visit with a man, whose heart burns with great passion for the Lord and His Church.  We look forward to visiting with him again.

I’m sure many of you have seen or heard about the movie “300”.

This is the story of King Leonidas of ancient Sparta and his 300 finest warriors.  These brave men faced insurmountable odds against the mighty army of Persian King Xerxes at the Battle of Thermopylae.

These 300 Spartans were “one” in heart and spirit.  They were not afraid to die for what they believed in.  They fought hard to protect their families, homes, and legacy.

Jesus wanted us to understand the “power of unity”.

"My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one: I in them and you in me. May they be brought to complete unity to let the world know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me (John 17:20-23, NIV).”

One of the important phrases in this scripture is:  “May they be brought to complete unity to let the world know”.

Don’t we think it’s about time the world knows that we Christians are a powerful force to be reckoned with; united in hearts and purpose?  Ready for battle with the same resolve as the 300 Spartan warriors who when faced with certain death proudly proclaimed, “We Spartans do not retreat!”

First Century Christians had this same resolve.  They were relentless in fighting the good fight of faith.  Many died so many (including us) could live.

What about us, today?  Are we ready to stand firm in our faith, protect our families, and win our communities for Christ?  I don’t know about you, but I’m ready to join forces with others — united in heart, faith, and resolve.  I’m ready to fight! 

Joan of Arc when leading her powerful warriors into battle was once asked by one of generals, “Are you not concerned about who is behind you when you go over the wall first?”  Joan replied, “I do not look back to see whose following.  I fight, regardless who’s behind me!”

I too, have this same resolve beating in my heart about moving forward and not looking back.  For years I served in a leadership role, along with a handful of others, who promoted and practiced unity within the Body of Christ.  We all shared great passion about impacting our city for Christ. 

It was during this time that I heard in my spirit the voice of the Lord speak to me about my community: “Don’t be dismayed at this outcome.  I have 300 Christians with the same heart, spirit, and faith as you in this community.  These like-minded people are awaiting a time to rally together.  I will use them to transform this community.”

Those words still resonate within my heart today.  I still have hope that this will happen; and for the first time in many years, I can see this realization beginning to take shape.  I am now looking across the Christian landscape in my community for those 300 Fighting Christians who will rise up for battle.

Someone once said that the problem with Christians today is that “no one is killing them anymore.” 

Christians everywhere, I urge you to join forces in finding the literal or figurative “300” Christian warriors in your community.  Find the warriors, both young and old, who are ready to defend their faith and families. 

Christians…prepare yourselves for battle!

People are usually DOWN on things that they aren’t UP on.

This is especially true in presenting new ideas to people.  Many people are not comfortable outside their “comfort zone”.  They tend to baulk at making decisions about things outside their area of expertise, knowledge base, or experience.

This doesn’t mean people that people tend to be “against” anything new.  It means people are not usually “for” new things until they are brought up-to-speed in proper understanding.  This helps widen people’s comfort zones.

I can’t tell you how many times I faced this in church work.  Church committees can be a powerful force for implementing ministry, and they can be “the kiss of death” for change, progress, and growth.

People tend to feed off each other’s emotion in committee meetings.  If a positive response prevails, so does the outcome.  If a negative reaction rises up, “red flags” pop-up in everyone; even by those with marginal opinions.

I’ve discovered over the years that the following percentages hold true in most organizational environments where new ideas are presented.

• 20% people – Early adopters and change agents; eager for new ideas, progress, and growth.  “Let’s do it, right now!”
• 60% people – Spectators; “let’s wait and see what prevails” attitude; then we’ll gravitate to the winning side.
• 20% people – Laggards; seem to be against anything new.  “If it isn’t broke; then why fix it?”

How church leaders deal with this depends upon the value or weight of necessary solutions to complex challenges.  I had a person once tell me, “Choose your battles carefully.  Some battles are worth fighting for; while others are not.”

Presenting new ideas to people requires more than just powerful verbal affirmation and emotion.  Acceptance of new ideas will also require good communications; that is, facts, figures, and good reasons.  We must not be surprised by people asking questions.  This brings clarity to the table.  

You’d be surprised how far respect and value for other’s opinions and advice can go in winning comrades.  This builds friendships based upon trust and confidence in people’s knowledge and wisdom.

When presenting new ideas to people, make sure to have “all your ducks lined up in order.”  Come prepared to answer people’s questions; even important ones that may not be asked.  This will help you cover your bases and not get caught off guard.

And be prepared for possible hesitancy on people’s part.  This is normal and should not be considered a threat to your new idea.  People oftentimes need time and space to assimilate new ideas.  Rushing can be counterproductive.

If your new idea has great worth; then it’s worth waiting on approval of others, especially by those who will ultimately help you bring your new idea to fruition.