mike's thoughts

Bloodline

2011-10-03T06:44:00.001-07:00

John Piper, has a new book coming. Please take a few and watch the this documentary that tackles the issue of race. A much needed look and calling out for Christians in America who still cling to racism!

Bloodlines Documentary with John Piper from Crossway on Vimeo.

Blogging Strategy

2011-07-27T14:14:00.000-07:00

After many attempts to get this blog really rolling, I am giving it one last shot. I have spent a good deal of time thinking of what will be the best way to manage the blog and make it useful. So I have a few areas that I really desire to write about so I will focus on those. So, I will try and post three times weekly.

So if I don't make a go of it this time, I will give up on blogging!

HSM David and Goliath Voiceover

2011-03-02T18:44:00.000-08:00

Gotta get one of these

2009-05-11T12:21:00.000-07:00

Different but insane

2009-04-10T03:21:00.000-07:00

Insane...

Build the fire or sustain it?

2009-04-01T19:26:00.000-07:00

Hebrews 12:29 says "Our God is a consuming fire". If you spend much time around church, you have probably heard or even prayed for the "fire of God." This is not a bad desire, as a matter of fact I recall praying for and trying to understand exactly what is the fire of God. Not sure I completely understand what it is, but I do know keeping the fire is more important that just getting, desiring, or even praying for it. Let me illustrate:

I heat my home with fire. It is my primary source of heat. However, I don't just look at the fire place and say "FIRE" and bam there it is. No, the process starts long before I even need the fire. Here is what the process looks like:
1. I spend a great deal of time gathering, cutting, splitting, and stacking wood. Make no mistake, this process is nothing but work. From beginning to end, it is heavy, time consuming, heavy,

2. Storing the wood is major. I can't just leave it lying around wherever. It must be stacked and kept dry. Wet wood does not burn.

3. Time. Some of my friends and I have just finished cutting and splitting my first load of wood for next winter. The wood needs time to dry before it is burned.

4. Once the fire is built, it is huge amount of work to keep it. Every few hours more wood must be added. Ashes must be removed from the fireplace. If too many build up, there is no room for fresh wood.

Now here is how God is teaching about His fire:

1. His "fire" does not just happen. Not going towards works based salvation. I am talking about seeking God and staying faithful. The greatest growth I have experienced in my walk with God is when I am extremely intentional and diligent about it. Seeking God and experiencing His fire is a process.

2. Patience-probably one of my biggest character flaws. I am not a patient person. But, I am learning to be more so. Knowing God and being able to sustain a level relationship with Him forces me to learn patience.

3. Sustain it- If I build a fire in my house and don't maintain it, the fire is useless. When God does bring me to that point of "fire", His desire is for it to be used. It's not just a spiritual high, but a launch pad for more. He wants me to be consumed so He can consume others.

I am sure there is much more to say, but this is just something God is doing in me now. What are your thoughts?

MC

Journeys

2009-03-24T12:42:00.001-07:00

I have just finished reading through the book of Joshua. Lots to learn from it about leadership, life, and trusting God. But one overall thought that keeps coming up is this:

God calls us to a journey with Him. We may not always no where we are headed or what is next (Joshua was with the Israelites when they wandered in the wilderness). Look at some of Joshua's highlights: 1. God promised to give them all the land. 2. Jericho fell just by some trumpets and people shouting. 3. God kept all His promises! 4. God never left Joshua or left Him to lead alone.

All of this points to the journey. All through Joshua's life, he was walking under the directions God gave him. Every new place (31 places conquered while Joshua was leading) God was with Him. Many times the battle plan changed, but God was with Joshua.

Long and short for me is, life changes, God does not! Our economy changes, God does not. God wants us to go on this awesome journey with Him.

Are you ready?

MC

Getting started

2009-03-16T12:46:00.000-07:00

I've noticed lately just how important Monday is. I still fight the "holy hangover" from Sunday, but now Monday's are a chance to kick the week into high gear. Or as Perry Noble says "Stomp it".

Today was an awesome day for this. My week is now in headed in a direction that I feel like God can use me the most. This may be my last day or week I ever get, so I better make the most of it.

MC

Weekly rundown...in the middle of the week?

2009-03-11T03:14:00.001-07:00

Okay just a couple of quick thoughts, in the middle of the week. (Because I'm traveling today and conference tomorrow)

1. Yesterday was Chuck Norris' birthday!

2. I am pumped about Unleash.

3. Have some ideas about how to leverage teen culture/technology in our student services. Anybody doing anything with this?

4. I hurt! I started back to the gym this week. I haven't gone in a while, but am back and hurting! (I love it!)

5. I'm out!

MC

Hard...

2009-03-09T02:55:00.001-07:00

I guess most have seen or heard about the Pastor who was shot yesterday. It's really hard to grasp just what that whole situation is. But as I think through it two major thoughts keep coming to mind:

1. To the family of Pastor Fred Winters, many of us, your brothers and sisters in Christ are praying for you. I pray that God will comfort and strengthen you during this time.

2. To the family of the gunman. Many of us are praying for you as well. I hope that you also will find comfort and strength from our Lord.

Sometimes life and truth collide in a manner such as this where it all does not make sense. But, this is where God calls me to love everyone unconditionally (just like He loves me!). So now we just keep moving, keep walking, and keep doing this thing called life.

MC

NYMC

2009-03-02T18:18:00.000-08:00

Sorry to anyone who was coming here for NYMC updates. I had planned to post each day, but had some computer/internet issues that kept me from it. However, much will be added tomorrow including (but not limited to) airplanes almost catching on fire, paintballs to the gut, and great student ministry info.

MC

NYMC

2009-02-27T04:04:00.000-08:00

Heading to Columbus OH today for the National Youth Ministry Conference. Looking forward to meeting up with youth workers from across the nation. Will be posting through out, so check back.

MC

The destination or the journey?

2009-02-25T03:32:00.001-08:00

I've been/still am reading through Joshua. A couple of things have really jumped at me about Joshua as the leader.

1. He never wasted time on the past. He knew they had been in the wilderness for 40 years, but he went forward. He did not blame the past leaders or people for any trouble or problems they experienced. He pushed forward.

2. He never found a place to stop. God promised Joshua and all the people of Israel where ever you walk, that land will be given to you. (very short paraphrase). They did not just look for the best view or find just enough land for everyone to be comfortable. They moved forward. They realized God made a HUGE promise to them and to stop would sell that promise/vision short.

Today's leaders/church can learn from this. We don't have one destination to find and then stop. We don't have a magic number to stop at. We cant find a building that is large enough.

In other words, keep pushing forward. We serve the God who gives huge dreams. He wants/commands us to continue forward. This is what makes the journey fun. We don't have the answers or know all the destinations, but God does. He has great things ahead.

Will you go on the journey?

MC

Free Stuff!

2009-02-24T11:52:00.001-08:00

Bible Study Magazine and Mars Hill are giving away 20 copies of Mark Driscoll’s new book, Vintage Church. Not only that, but they are also giving away five subscriptions to Bible Study Magazine and a copy of their Bible Study Library software! Enter to win on the Bible Study Magazine Mark Driscoll page, then take a look at all the cool tools they have to take your Bible study to the next level!

Book Review

2009-01-12T13:55:00.000-08:00

Just finished reading "UnChristian"

Good read. Very solid and objective content. I was challenged and pushed when I saw some of my own habits and perceptions being talked about. It's an eyeopener when people outside of my own belief system peg me hard.

Good read worth your time.

Give it an B+.

MC

What God is up to...

2008-12-02T03:51:00.001-08:00

Do you ever wonder what God is up to?

I am in one of those times. I don't think He is going to tell me to go to _____________(fill in the blank with random scary place from around the world). But He is moving me beyond where I am now. Just time for some changes/growth in my life.

Just waiting and wondering, What is God up to?

MC

Happy Thanksgiving

2008-11-27T05:34:00.001-08:00

Happy Turkey Day to everyone!

Im back

2008-11-24T11:10:00.001-08:00

Okay in my world of ADD blogging. I am back on track and have some good content to come. So stay tuned

Crazy....

2008-09-26T20:02:00.001-07:00

Well been a little slack on my dear blog.

I promise to be back tomorrow with new posts...

WOW

2008-09-22T03:37:00.001-07:00

If God is so powerful and so good, why do bad things happen?

Short clip, but powerful!

Seeking God

2008-08-22T11:59:00.001-07:00

Great read from Perry Noble about why we cant see God:
"Questions for you…if you don’t mind…

When was the last time you came to church & begged God to reveal Himself to you? Or…is it your goal to get in and get out?
When was the last time you prayed over your food and GENUINELY did so with a thankful heart? Or…are you still using that prayer you memorized 20 years ago? (”Bless us, help us and guide us…”)
When was the last time you prayed before reading the Scriptures and asked God to get personal? Or…do you read the Bible to try and see what is wrong with “those other people?”
When was the last time you allowed God to place HIS passion into you? Or…are you to busy trying to instill your passion into Him?"

What a great challenge you can read the entire post here:
http://www.perrynoble.com/2008/08/22/why-cant-i-see-god/

MC

Boycott or revolution....

2008-08-13T08:16:00.000-07:00

I am in a weird place this morning. I am sure most of the world has seen the latest boycott. Christians are supposed to boycott McDonald's. This is so weird and stupid to me. Let me remind you of a couple of things:

1. McDonald's is not a "Christian organazation." They are a business and have the right to do whatever they choose. I don't agree with them on everything, but welcome to America, people have a choice.

2. Does a boycott help us reach people. For too long Christians have been viewed as narrow minded bigots who are backwoods in their thinking. (I know this is harsh, but it's true) We must be able to reach people where they are in love, not by stomping around and telling them how wrong they are.

Below is a reply to an email that a friend and me were sharing this morning. Maybe it will help you understand where I am coming from.

Yes I am saying all the things you just said. It’s time for a revolution, not another committee meeting or business meeting or whatever we do with our no wait God’s time in God’s church! I am sick of the DUMB arguments the enemy has trapped us in. Why do we argue about all these things (alcohol, music, rapture, dress codes, types of Bibles, pews vs. chairs, etc etc…) and the mean time people who are far from God are seeking redemption but don’t know where to find it! Our culture isn’t nearly as opposed to the Gospel as we have been convinced. What they are opposed to is religious hypocrisy that the church is practicing all the time. (and yes I am a part of the church) I’m not trying to put everyone down or give up on the church. The church is still Christ’s bride! And the church can still flip the world on it’s head.

We just need to get over ourselves and fall in love with Jesus again! “For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God for salvation….” Romans 1:16. PRAISE THE KING!!!! For this truth/promise. That is the message I want to be known for, not all the “issues” I am against!

Know what I mean.

Hard to keep up

2008-08-13T06:41:00.001-07:00

Been trying to manage my time better lately. I've found a few things that seem to be working well for me. I'll post them later. It's nothing new or earth shattering, just learning from some people who are much smarter than me.

Any thoughts?

MC

Back to the blog....

2008-08-11T13:02:00.001-07:00

Seems to be my pattern. I get back to this and start to make progress, but then get distracted. I guess I am and "ADD" blogger. (sorry to any of you who have "ADD" just no other way to describe it).

However, now I will not neglect you my dear blog. I promise to be with you daily and care for you and update you.

MC

Looking ahead

2008-06-29T19:19:00.001-07:00

Well my dear old forgotten blog.....

Just a couple of quick and random thoughts...

1. The possibilities and opportunities that God has given us are HUGE! Here is what I mean: 7 out of 10 people in West Virginia don't know Christ. The county I leave in is estimated that 50% of the population is "unchurched" (thats a weird word)

2. In order to meet this potential is a HUGE undertaking. But willing people who love Jesus can turn the world upside down! See Acts 1-3.

3. I'm tired! Going to bed

MC

This is a test

2008-06-02T13:00:00.001-07:00

Have started using firefox as my web browser. I know I'm behind....but I am loving it. Scribefire is sweet and this is my test post with it. Cool stuff...

MC

Insanity

2008-05-12T07:20:00.001-07:00

Found a new way to describe insanity. Josh found new levels of pain!

MC

sorry

2008-04-29T11:21:00.000-07:00

I'm a moron and messed up the link on the previous post. Here is another attempt http://churchianity.wordpress.com/2008/04/10/dictionary-idea/#more-29

:-)

MC

Too funny

2008-04-29T11:17:00.001-07:00

Sometimes we don't make sense with what we say in the church. Check out what I mean http://http://churchianity.wordpress.com/2008/04/10/dictionary-idea/#more-29

Enjoy

MC

Catching Up

2008-04-29T10:16:00.001-07:00

Been a crazy busy last couple of weeks. My church has an annual yard sale, silent auction, and bake sale for our student ministry. Trying to pull everything together has been challenging.

Neglected to update during this time, but should be back on track.

Anyone else do these type events?

MC

Good week

2008-04-10T19:01:00.000-07:00

Had a pretty good week!

Half of our parking expansion is done!

I broke into the "twitter" world....
http://twitter.com/mikecon

Connected for a great conversation with a dear brother in Dayton OH today

fun afternoon of golf with my son (highlight of week so far)

MC

learning

2008-04-07T10:26:00.000-07:00

Getting back to business here. Learning a few life lessons:

1. Stay disciplined- This time of year is very busy for me. Gearing up for spring and summer student ministry. Camps, teaching series, keeping volunteers up to speed is very busy time. If I loose my discipline, my personal and ministry life suffers!

2. Keep focused- Anytime the level of activity goes up it seems like my walk with Christ looses out. I MUST stay focused here. EVERYTHING depends on my connection with HIM!

3. Keep notes- I forget too much. I keep a journal with me at all times now. I write down everything.

That's all for now

MC

Time...

2008-03-15T05:20:00.000-07:00

I was looking back at my last couple of weeks. (Personal evaluation is something I am trying to practice) I learned a couple of interesting things:

1. I misuse a lot of time. I don't want to say I "waste" it, but I just am not always optimal with time. In ministry, time is the most valuable part of a day. There will always be an endless list of tasks in front of us, but finding the important is key. Some questions I am asking to evaluate and priortize the tasks: How does this complete the vision for our ministry? How does this equip or impact others to reach people? Does this grow me personally? I think these are huge in getting the most out of time.

2. I learned this phrase from Steven Furtick's blog. (well not really a phrase, just a good lesson). Investing time-in other words, looking at each day and seeing ways to invest the time for the best results. I.E. How can God best use me today? How is this helping reach others

That's it for now....

MC

Chasing the vision

2008-02-20T18:25:00.000-08:00

When God gives a vision to a leader, we are called to chase, reach, achieve this vision at almost any cost. For some reason, many who minister today have no vision. No drive and direction for where God is sending them. But when you do arrive at yours, let me suggest a couple of things to help bring this vision to pass:

1. Never apologize for your passion. A God given vision should bring about passion and a heart desire to see God complete His task. (After all a vision/purpose is God's. We just get the fun part of being a part of it.)

2. Communicate, communicate, communicate, communicate....cannot stress this enough. I wished I would have heard this earlier in my ministry. (I did hear it I was just too dumb too listen) keep your team informed and in the loop so to speak. People need to hear where they are, what accomplishments and failures are taking place (yes people need to hear about failures...how else can we achieve unless we hear what does not work). Open communication will breed loyality and trust amongst the team God has surronded you with.

Well that's it for now.....

MC

hmmm......

2008-02-05T18:14:00.000-08:00

Gonna be preaching this weekend and God has led me to Luke 9.

In this chapter we meet to distinct groups of people and hear a hard challenge from Christ:

The people:
1. crowds-not sure who Jesus is. some are following for selfish reasons; others are confused about who He is.

2. disciples-have realized who Christ is and are following. they are not without mistakes (James and John want to call fire down on some people) but have laid down their own life to follow Christ.

The challenge: DIE see Luke 9:23. die to self and take up cross and follow Him.

tough challenge but an awesome journey to be on.

MC

learning....

2008-01-30T13:32:00.000-08:00

In my new ministry position (kinda new been here since October) I am learning valuable lessons about time/people management. Alot of this I am learning from trial and error and just the process of learning a new group of people. I will post more about this over the next week or two.

MC

2008-01-08T04:46:00.000-08:00

Back to the blog world again....

Getting 2008 underway has been fun and challenging. Don't know what a new year holds, but I am looking forward to new ministry challenges/opportunities.

I have some creative ideas for our students and our programs.

I am looking and open to any that you have!

MC

amazing

2007-12-18T16:23:00.000-08:00

I am totally amazed by the amount of networking, ministry helps, and just life in general to us on blogs. Think about it, where else could we share ideas, successes, failures and everything else. Too cool!

interesting read...

2007-12-17T12:33:00.000-08:00

Been doing some reading about the temptation Jesus endured and am learning some interesting facts about it...more to come tomorrow and will follow up about it over the days to come.

if anyone still reads let me know. PLEASE!

Getting close to Christmas...

2007-12-15T05:59:00.000-08:00

I am getting pumped for Christmas. The gifts are great (it's a blast having a 3 year old and seeing him bust through his gifts). The Christmas parties are fun! Being with family is priceless. But best of all is celebrating the coming of our Savior. Had this event not have happened we would not have the cross, the empty tomb, or the complete forgiveness found in Christ! More to come...

back at this

2007-11-26T12:15:00.001-08:00

i am going to do this finally....(update this crazy blog). not that anyone is reading this, but I feel the overwhelming need for a post. So...I will be at this more often hopefully daily or so.

MC

back to blogging

2007-10-27T04:26:00.000-07:00

I don't know if anyone still reads this or knows I am here...but I am back and going to begin posting daily.

The reason I have been away is due to a relocation in ministry. I was in North Carolina and now have come to West Virginia. Crazy move and fun but hard move. Trusting God that this is His will has been hard to do!

I will post more about the entire journey tomorrow or Monday.

MC

wanting more....

2007-09-15T05:35:00.000-07:00

Have you ever found yourself wanting more.

More at the buffet line....
More at the bank.....
More at home....

But today I find myself wanting more of God. Not that I am saying that who God is or what He has revealed about Himself in Scripture is not enough. I am saying that I have a desire, a need, a passion to know as much of Him as I can.

I want more of Him in my everyday life, more of Him in my ministry, more of Him in my family. Long and short, I just want Him!!

What an awesome God we serve!!

God is teaching me....

2007-09-02T13:06:00.000-07:00

Doing some study on the first 3 chapters of Genesis. God is blowing me away during this.

The big thought I come away with is:

The reason for so much of my problem is I don't see God for who He really is. (See Genesis 3)

God is good
God is perfect
God wants an intimate relationship with me.
God is....

if you read this fill in this blank.

whirlwind

2007-08-26T11:01:00.000-07:00

God is at work and rearrainging my life! Fun but scary...more to come

catching up

2007-08-21T03:59:00.001-07:00

Not been very prompt on keeping the blog up this summer. I am going to get back now and post more frequent....Hope someone still reads this anyway.

Amazing

2007-07-14T10:25:00.000-07:00

Returned home yesterday from camp! What an awesome experience. We experienced God in an unusaul way. Blown away by the life change that went on...8 students gave their life to Christ and numerous others made life changing decisions. Looking forward to see where it goes from here.

being available

2007-06-07T10:16:00.000-07:00

one thing I was noticing about ministry to students. Be with your students. I know this is nothing new, but in the business of scheduling meetings, planning services, meeting with parents, and everything else that comes with ministry. (regardless of size of church) As ministers we must spend time with our students. The place where all of our teaching becomes real is when we hang out and they see it. Nothing new just something simple that works.

Lost identity

2007-04-29T11:24:00.000-07:00

I have been teaching/preaching about the church during our youth worship service. This has been an interesting journey for me in preparing for this. (I love history) However, one big observation has come to my attention: The modern church in America (church being believers in Jesus) has forgotten her identity.

Christ promised that "the gates of hell will not prevail against My church." Also He promised that He will return again for His bride (the church). But we seem to have forgotten who we belong to.

Many debates and blogs rage about "how to" do church, but not who the church is. I hope all of us will remember who we belong to and point others to the same. Yes, I know how we do church is important. But we may be better serving our Lord if we come back to who we are and then worry about how we do...

To be continued

sad day

2007-04-17T04:50:00.000-07:00

I sit here this morning reading and watching some video about the tragic shooting at Virgina Tech yesterday. I cannot comprehend how an individual can be so full of hate, anger, rage, or whatever this man's drive was. My heart breaks...

However, I am already angered by the mass media treatment of this. It amazes me how quickly the "drive by" media will want to hang someone for this. They are already looking to place blame and stick responsibility on someone for this. How about placing blame on the gunman? I know that not everyone reacted quickly, but please show me the handbook for how to deal with a crazed gunman? Sain and rational thinkers could not imagine that this event would have turned into the massive loss we have seen and experienced.

To anyone who may see this and is a victim or a family member of one the lost, my deepest sympathy for you. I cannot imagine your sense of loss and know that many people are praying for you and stand behind you right now.

Evolution of Dance

2007-04-02T10:10:00.001-07:00

This is too good. Not gonna tell how many of these I do...I mean have done...

racism

2007-03-20T06:11:00.000-07:00

i was confronted with something that makes me extremely angry the other day. RACISM...someone help me understand why we cannot see beyond the color of someone's skin. Especially for those of us who are Christians. Numerous examples come from Scripture about how we should treat each other and race is never a factor. Well someday this will not be an issue. But until then...

Power of God

2007-03-17T04:37:00.000-07:00

just read through mark 2 in my devotional time this morning and it was awesome. I have never seen just how powerful Christ is as I saw this morning. Often I talk of His power, but He showed me this morning how I fail to live in this power. Nothing is bigger or stronger and we have this power within us.

In our ministries, we need this power. In the generation of students we minister to, the power of Christ is THE ingedrient we need. Just this and His Power alone are what I want and need.

Mike C

Helpful read

2007-03-05T04:13:00.000-08:00

I have been trying to switch up my morning time alone with God lately. I have been reading "My Utmost for His Highest" which is an awesome read for anyone who wants a great resource for devotions. Here is something I read yesterday and it is great. (At least I think so)

"None of these things move me; nor do I count my life dear to myself..." (Acts 20:24)

"It is easier to serve or work for God without a vision and without a call, because you are not bothered by what He requires. Common sense covered with a layer of Christian emotion becomes your guide. You may be more prosperous and have more lesiure time, from the world's perspective..." (March 4 Utmost For His Highest by Oswald Chambers)

As i read this, God reminded me of my call to ministry. I ran for a great deal of time before I surrendered. The call of God to ministry is an awesome priviledge and responsibility.

The opportunity to help other people, espically students and children, become disciples of Christ is...(I come short on words here). This call is not always easy or fun, but for me, I could do nothing elese and to everyone elese who knows this same call, I hope and pray that we all make the most of what our Lord allows us to do.

Mike C

hope for my heels

2007-03-03T16:39:00.000-08:00

i hope my boys in chapel hill can get out of the slump...duke will be tough this weekend...to be continued...

Surely God Must Weep:

2007-03-02T07:05:00.000-08:00

A friend sent this to me a while back and I have often read and been convicted by the truth of it.

Surely God must weep:

When we refues to acknowledge that our love for Him is best demonstrated through our obedience. "Only he who believes is obedient and only he who is obedient believes." (Bonhoeffer)
When we refuse to be attracted to the beauty of His holiness and but would rahter commit spiritual adultery with the world.
When we refuse to admit our spiritual poverty and admit we do need Him.
When we refuse to humble ourselves and confess to others that we are spiritually destitute and that we are desperate for someone to help us.
When we refuse to seek wisdom, counsel, and accountability from our elders.
When we refuse to grow up and take responsibility for our sins.
When we refuse to see the greater picture that it really is not about us.
When we refuse to die to self, to sin, and to unrighteousness. "When Christ calls a man, He bids him come and die." (Bonhoeffer)
When we refuse to take the place of a servant. In the NT, it is better translated as "slave", but we don't like the word "slave," therefore, we like to be called servants, we jsut don't want to be treated like a servant or a slave.
When we refuse a loving, jealous, and zealous God, who gave His all for us, Who held nothing back from us, and yet we hold back from Him our most prized possession: our heart.

Mike C

first thoughts

2007-02-17T07:27:00.000-08:00

Well,this is my first post and don't really know where to begin. However, I do have a passion for serving Christ and ministering to students. I hope in the future to post some useful info here for everyone.

Mike C