Heaviest Week In A Long Time

From Pastor Mark's Blog

No. I am not talking about my weight!
This past week involved more interactions with people who were in life crises that I have ever had in the past 8 years. Many losing a loved one, including a memorial service I will do tomorrow for twin stillborns. I am so thankful that Christ is the one who minsiters and I am not responsible for "fixing" the situation, just loving them and pointing to Christ.
The week ended on a celebretory note with us traveling to Wichita for Sarah's nephew's High School graduation! Congrats to Tyler!

Rare Original Creative Idea

From Pastor Mark's Blog

I am not sure what sparked it. I probably read it somewhere else.

Every once in a while a person does something that they realize is extremely valuable, simple, and worth sharing. Here it is:

Next Mother's Day, Father's Day, anniversary, birthday, etc. simply write (or type) the sentence "Why I Love My Mom (Dad, Wife, etc.). And start writing a bullet list.

The first 10 will flow rather quickly, then the ideas will slow down. Give it 10-15 minutes. More ideas will come and you will feel surprised that you didn't' remember them all at first.

Tied a Record Attendance This Past Sunday

From Pastor Mark's Blog


We tied our record (for a normal Sunday) attendance of 262 this past Sunday. Held a picnic and a golf tournament that afternoon. Planned these activities on purpose to be after the week of our Power Force Outreach.

Whew! Ready for a break! Ready for staff as well! Keep praying for the staff situation. Have someone we are talking with and hoping will be the answer!

Original Inspiration For This Blog

From Pastor Mark's Blog


You already know that pastors love to speak. Did you know that they also enjoy listening?
Had a great time at the Kansas District Council this past Mon-Wed to listen and learn from some of the best.

When Things Don't Click

From Pastor Mark's Blog

Don't you love it when a plan comes together?

I love it when things click. The message and music are excellent and anointed. Things just work, well. It feels like your are sliding downhill, under control, not plodding uphill. It rocks. It is like adrenaline. It did not happen today.

It felt like cars I used to own. The key turns, the engine makes some noise, sputters out the driveway and down the road for a good 1/2 mile, until we do the whole process again.

What does a Pastor's notes look like?

From Pastor Mark's Blog

Link Fixed

I've often wondered what speakers have in front of them when they are speaking. Presidents, teachers/professors, other pastors.

I'm sure each person's method of preparing is different, as is what they take to the podium to remind them of what they felt directed to communicate.

Monday Musing

From Pastor Mark's Blog

Monday is a unique day for a pastor. Many take it as their day off.

As I look back, relive what happened, who was there, who wasn't, how I would do things different given another shot, I realize a few things:

A Solo Pastor Once Again

From Pastor Mark's Blog


When we arrived here in Pittsburg some people said we had moved from being Youth Pastors to being Senior Pastors. I joked, "No, we are Solo Pastors, until we get some staff."
We are there once again. Our staff pastor had his last Sunday yesterday. I am so thankful for their 15 months of ministry. Very fruitful. Very blessed.

Easter Traditions in a Pastor's Home

From Pastor Mark's Blog

What are the Easter traditions in a pastor's home? Besides going to church!

Well, my son gets an Easter basket, thought it has been years since I have personally seen him search for it, as I am already at church before he wakes up.

We always invite the entire church over to our house for Easter lunch. It is a very traditional meal, ham, potatoes, etc. We started this when we realized that some college students were headed back to the dorms for Easter lunch. Yuk! Today we had 27 peoople over for lunch!

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