Veteran's Day

I have always been especially thankful for those who serve in our armed forces. So for all the men and women that wear or have worn the uniform, my sincere thanks for your service. As always I am truly proud to be an American!

Great Sports Testimony

I was really impressed by the interview from former 49ers running back Coffey. It's always exciting to see people make the decision to passionately follow Jesus regardless of the consequences.

MEGA Sports Camp

This summer has been very busy and full of activities. This is a short photo collage of our Mega Sports Camp program which went really well.

Untitled from andrew del rosario on Vimeo.

Back 2 School BBQ

Great Sermon Video

I found this clip from a pastor that I have admired from afar and wanted to share it with you. Let me know your thoughts.

Why Churches Die - Part Three

Have you ever played tug-of-war? I remember as a child and teenager being amazed at how the "adults" would always win when we competed at camp or on activity days. There were always more of us and as a group we were even stronger. Looking back the answer is very simple. The "adults" knew to pull together, at the same time, all the time.

So what does that have to do with why churches die? Simple: Growth churches learn how to pull together and dying churches don't. By pulling together, I don't mean uniformity. Uniformity is everyone doing the same thing. Honestly, lots of dying churches have uniformity. They all do the same things, the same ways, and then wonder why it isn't working anymore. When I say pulling together, what I mean is everyone is captivated, motivated, and working towards the same goal. For example, on a football team everyone has a different role to play. The coach calls the play, the center hikes the ball, the quarterback throws the ball, the receiver catches the ball. Although there is not uniformity, there is unity around the goal: Score a Touchdown! The ministry of a dying church is usually like a shotgun blast - wide, spread too thin, and lacking in power. In growing churches, the mission is clear, the vision is focused, and the people all play their part in making it happen.

Random Thoughts about Change

My wife and I lead a Financial Peace University small group at our home on Friday nights. So each week I send out an update email to everyone in our group. This week I thought I would share the content of that email with you. Hopefully it will be an encouragement.

Hey Everybody,

It was great to have everyone there last Friday. I know that for some of you the progress seems slow, but I can tell that things are changing. Here is a brief synopsis of how change happens in people’s lives.
1. Thinking – The battle for change is fought in the mind. For some of you, FPU was a new and drastic way of thinking about money. This change in thinking takes time. It is the same for all of us: Resist (I don’t need to change), Question (is this really the best way?), and Embrace (this moves us to Action).
2. Actions – The actions associated with FPU are budgeting forms, cash budgets, cutting up credit cards, paying off debt, sacrificing non-essentials, and saving for the long-term. These actions are trial and error. You do well at first but then you fall off the wagon. At first the actions are a result of strong will power and discipline. You know it’s right to do but it doesn’t feel good.
3. Emotions – Lastly your emotions will start to help you in the process instead of resist you. Do you remember the first time you made the decision not to purchase something that you normally would? It’s painful! You think, “What’s the harm in buying that Starbucks, McDonald’s value meal, new clothes, electronic gadget, etc…” But after awhile you begin to train your emotions and before you know it, those things won’t have the appeal or pull they used to have. Now your emotions will begin to tell you that you can do more with less, that money/food/clothes/whatever cannot make you happy, and that you saving money is not only wise but feels good too.

So I say all of that to say this…DON’T QUIT NOW! Keep it up. It will pay off.