Indy Christian .com -- Daily Internet Starting-line: 08/01/2007

Voddie Video: "The Consequences of Feminism"

God's Word

Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers. But his delight is in the law of the LORD, and onhis law he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither. Whatever he does prospers.
Psalms 1:1-3
NIV

What We Learned From 'Church'

Visit RevealNow.com.

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CityReaching... The RESEARCH wiki-page asks the question...

"In what ways can 'research'... ie, objective assessment... help stimulate & accelerate the Great Commission? Given that current data seems to reflect a largely-ineffective American model for doing 'church'... we now want to help explore and innovate... toward more-biblical models for carrying out the Great Commission."

RESEARCH tagged items

God's Word

When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life."
John 8:12
NIV

SAVI... Community Research Conference... Oct. 2nd

[SAVI is the comprehensive community research tool of choice here in the Central Indiana area, and which contains many varieties of data... for metro area communities and even neighborhoods... including available data from state & national community-research, including U.S. Census Bureau research info.]

The October 2nd 'SAVI Users Conference' provides an opportunity to learn about new tools in SAVI, discover how other users have harnessed the power of SAVI through new approaches, and participate in discussions about how SAVI can help your organization better understand its community.

It also is a great place for people new to SAVI to learn how it can help your organization.

Choose from several interactive and hands-on breakout sessions throughout the day and learn how SAVI can help you.

[continued at SAVI.org]

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CityReaching Research asks the question...

"In what ways can 'research'... ie, objective assessment... help stimulate & accelerate the Great Commission? Given that current data seems to reflect a largely-ineffective American model for doing 'church'... we now want to help explore and innovate... toward more-biblical models for carrying out the Great Commission."

RESEARCH tagged items

God's Word

Do not wear yourself out to get rich; have the wisdom to show restraint. Cast but a glance at riches, and they are gone, for they will surely sprout wings and fly off to the sky like an eagle. Proverbs 23:4-5
NIV

New Urban Blogger... Pastor Bryan Hudson

"Today, I am joining the blogging community! Like a baby, a web log (the full name of "blog") require lots of care and feeding. It's not something I wanted to start before I was ready to commit to maintaining it. Well, I'm ready to do this!

My friends know..." [continued at Bryan's Blog]

Chaotic Christians Podcast...

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Visit ChaoticChristians.com

CHAOTICCHRISTIANS tags

[What are TAGS? And why are they important to the cause of Christ?]

God's Word

Naked I came from my mother's womb, and naked I will depart. The LORD gave and the LORD has taken away; may the name of the LORD be praised.
Job 1:21
NIV

Collaborating to provide FOOD in Indy

Notice Becki Jenkins entry today in the compassion-focused FOOD wiki-page here in Indy. You can leverage your food purchases to help the poor. [Thanks Becki & Jeanne!]

[Reminder: All of you can EDIT this wiki, to add helpful info YOU know that WE ALL need to know.]

Video: "Creation. So Easy A Caveman Can Get It"

God's Word

Therefore prophesy and say to them: "This is what the Sovereign LORD says: O my people, I am going to open your graves and bring you up from them; I will bring you back to the land of Israel. Then you, my people, will know that I am the LORD, when I open your graves and bring you up from them. I will put my Spirit in you and you will live, and I will settle you in your own land. Then you will know that I the LORD have spoken, and I have done it, declares the LORD."
Ezekiel 37:12-14
NIV

Good Messengers

The Great Commission...
And Jesus came and said to them, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age." - Matthew 28:18-20 (ESV)

Stay up on the latest via their RSS feed. [More on RSS and why it's important.]

God's Word

So you also, when you have done everything you were told to do, should say, "We are unworthy servants; we have only done our duty."
Luke 17:10
NIV

Harvest-workers, do you hear the (donuts) calling?

HarvestChurchLive.com...

Click here to watch the video.

[hat-tip: Mechelle]

Oh, and btw, they have another thing I like -- besides the donuts **smile** -- A church with an

RSS-feed! Glad to see that churches are starting to understand its importance. [Why is RSS important? I wonder what else they have that I'd like. **hmmm**]

Campus Crusade for Christ in Indy

"But by the Grace of God I am what I am, and His grace toward me did not prove vain; but I labored even more ... yet not I, but the Grace of God with me." - 1 Cor. 15:10

My name is Rachel Bell, and by the freely-given-not-deserved Grace of God I am what I am -- an evangelist and minister to Indianapolis' college students! For the next year, I will be working as a staff intern with Campus Crusade for Christ in Indy and around the state. With a vision to build spiritual movements everywhere, with a mission to turn lost (and found) students into Christ-centered laborers for a lifetime, Crusade is working to WIN students to Christ, BUILD them in their faith, and SEND them out to their campuses, their cities, and their world to preach the gospel. We are seeing real life change in the people who have the position to bring real WORLD change in the future. And we are seeing students beginning to change Indianapolis, and the world, even now.

Have you caught the vision for college ministry? The Lord is at work, and not without His Body of Believers! Crusade is what it is by the Grace and provision of God through His faithful people. Every staff member, every overseas missionary, every student on a summer mission project raises prayerful and financial support to complete their calling. If you have caught the vision to see the saving Gospel of Christ preached on Indiana's college campuses, then I would ask first for your prayers. There are so many students living without Jesus, living in futility. Pray for opportunities for those students to hear the Gospel and to receive Christ. Pray for the faithful students who are living witnesses and representatives of Jesus on their campuses. Pray for the ministries on campus to be faithful and united in their calling.

Secondly, I ask you to prayerfully consider supporting this strategic ministry financially. You can partner with me as I reach students for Jesus! Right now, I am especially in need of monthly supporters, but any and all gifts are welcomed gratefully, whether monthly or one-time, big or small. To give online, visit https://give.ccci.org/give and enter Rachel Bell in the search bar. If you would like to give by mail, make a check out to Campus Crusade for Christ, include a separate note to earmark for Rachel Bell, Staff #0596319, and send it in to Campus Crusade for Christ: PO Box 628222, Orlando FL 32862-8222.

If you have questions, comments, or would like to hear more information, please contact me at rachelbell85@gmail.com. I would love to share more about all that the Lord is doing in Indianapolis! Thank you, IndyChristian, for supporting my ministry to college students in Indianapolis and across the state!!

Be Blessed,
Rachel Bell

Gideon, the Reluctant Leader

Remember when someone told you something that is way beyond your imagination? Say, to lead a group of people who will redeem a nation from oppression and poverty? Thousands of years ago, there was man named Gideon who had that experience. He never thought of himself to be one of the greatest leaders of his time.

Gideon is from the nation of Israel. During that time, the Medes ruled Israel with iron hands and treated them as slaves. Judges 6:3-6, “Whenever the Israelites planted their crops, the Midianites, Amalekites and other eastern peoples invaded the country. They camped on the land and ruined the crops all the way to Gaza and did not spare a living thing for Israel, neither sheep nor cattle nor donkeys. They came up with their livestock and their tents like swarm of locusts. It was impossible to count the men and their camels; they invaded the land and ravaged it.”

One day an angel appeared to Gideon and told him that he will save Israel out of the Midian’s hands. However, Gideon does not have the self-confidence to do it; and he is right. He came from the weakest clan of Israel and he is the least in his family.

However, he obeyed the angel reluctantly. He recruited his team secretly and asked the angel several times to confirm that he will be the leader of his nation. He was still unsure if he is the right man for the job.

After gaining his confidence, he became very good in recruiting soldiers. His confidence soared because he was able to recruit 32,000 soldiers. However, God told Gideon that the battle will be won not by the size of his army but by the mighty hands of God.

Soon one by one, the soldiers left him and he ended up with only 300 men. How do you think Gideon felt? He worked hard recruiting 32,000 soldiers only to find out that just 300 men stayed with him. His self-confidence probably went down very low.

Have you had similar experience where God showed up in your life reminding you that He is in control? There are many situations in our lives when we think we are experiencing success when there are many people that join us. We become very good in building our own army or empire but God will bring down our self esteem so we can recognize that it is not through our own strength, wisdom, talent or money that we can accomplish things. It is only through God’s grace and power that we will experience the ultimate success in life.

Back to Gideon’s story. After many confirmations from God, Gideon finally had the courage to lead his 300 men. Gideon followed the guidance of God meticulously. He led the men step by step. Verse 21, “While each man held his position around the camp, all the Midianites ran, crying out as they fled.” Gideon led his men to victory!

Be encouraged to accept lofty mission from God. In human perspective, the things that God want to accomplish through us might be impossible, but with God, nothing is impossible. You might be reluctant right now about certain things that God wants you to do. If it is from God, He will make sure that He will provide you everything you need (not what you want) to get the job done.

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Recuerda cuando alguien le dice algo fuera de su imaginación?
Por ejemplo: para dirigir un grupo de gente que será redimido de la pobreza y la opresión….una nación entera?

Miles de anos atrás un hombre de nombre Gedeon que tuvo esta experiencia; el nunca pensó que seria uno de los grandes lideres de este tiempo; Gedeon era de la nación de Israel, durante este tiempo Median regia Israel con manos calientes y como a esclavos.
Jueces 6:3-6, Siempre que los israelitas sembraban, los madianitas, amalecitas y otros pueblos del oriente venían y los atacaban.4 Acampaban y arruinaban las cosechas por todo el territorio, hasta la región de Gaza. No dejaban en Israel nada con vida: ni ovejas, ni bueyes ni asnos.5 Llegaban con su ganado y con sus carpas como plaga de langostas. Tanto ellos como sus camellos eran incontables, e invadían el país para devastarlo.6 Era tal la miseria de los israelitas por causa de los madianitas, que clamaron al Señor pidiendo ayuda.

Un día un ángel se le apareció a Gedeon y le dijo que iba a salvar a Israel de las manos de median, como fuese Gedeon no tenia la suficiente confianza en si mismo para hacerlo y que el era, el venia de los débiles de Israel y era el ultimo de su familia; no importando el obedeció al Ángel como diciendo si… bueno vamos a ver que pasa el recluto a su grupo de lucha secretamente y preguntándole varias veces al Ángel si el era si el que en realidad iba a liderar la nación; el no estaba seguro de que el era el hombre adecuado para el trabajo. Después de ganar la confianza en si mismo se convirtio en muy bueno para reclutar sus soldados. Su confianza alcanzo niveles mas altos cuando recluto 32,000 soldados, y es allí cuando Dios le dice a Gedeon que la batalla no sena ganada por el tamaño de su ejercito pero si por las maravillosas manos de Dios. Pronto cada soldado le dejo, uno a uno y termino solo con 300 hombres con usted piensa que Gedeon se sentía?

El trabajo duro para reunir 32,000 soldados solo para descubrir que 300 se quedarían con el, su confianza en si mismo probablemente estaba por debajo de la planta de sus pies.

Tiene usted una experiencia similar cuando Dios le muestra en su vida y le recuerda que el esta en control?

Hay muchas situaciones en nuestras vidas que pensamos que experimentamos éxito y que mucha gente esta con nosotros, nosotros lo hacemos muy bien en edificar nuestro propio ejercito o imperio pero Dios derriba abajo todo aquello que ponemos arriba incluyendo nuestro propio deseo para que reconozcamos que no es por nosotros mismos y por nuestros propios meritos, sabiduría, talentos o dinero que nosotros podemos realizar las cosas. Es solo por la gracia y el poder de Dios que nosotros experimentamos el éxito en la vida.

Nuevamente con nuestra historia de Gedeon después de muchas confirmaciones de Dios, Gedeon finalmente tuvo el coraje de liderar 300 hombres, Gedeon siguió la guía de Dios meticulosamente el lidero al hombre paso a paso. En el verso 21, “Entonces, con la punta del bastón que llevaba en la mano, el ángel del Señor tocó la carne y el pan sin levadura, ¡y de la roca salió fuego, que consumió la carne y el pan! Luego el ángel del Señor desapareció de su vista.”. Gedeon lidero sus hombres a la Victoria.

Sea fuerte para aceptar la dura misión de Dios en una perspectiva humana las cosas que Dios quiere que usted haga parecen imposibles pero con Dios nada es imposible. Usted puede estar reacido ahora acerca de algunas cosas que Dios quiere que usted haga; si ello es la voluntad de Dios el va a proveer todo lo necesario (no lo que usted quiera) para finalizar el trabajo.

Tonight... Lord, I want to be... 'e-Capable'

Reminder: It's showtime. Tonight is the start of the innovative course...

"New Media for Urban Change"

Opening night is open to the public, and free.

It will be an overview of the new-paradigm... particularly new forms of media available to the average internet user... and how to make the most of these new tools for Kingdom purposes in our city, on our watch.

Map to Crossroads Bible College
601 N. Shortridge Rd, 46219

Crossroads Bible College
"Training Christian Leaders to Reach a Multiethnic Urban World for Christ."

God's Word

This is what the LORD says, he who appoints the sun to shine by day, who decrees the moon and stars to shine by night, who stirs up the sea so that its waves roar - the LORD Almighty is his name: "Only if these decrees vanish from my sight," declares the LORD, "will the descendants of Israel ever cease to be a nation before me."
Jeremiah 31:35-36
NIV

God's Word

The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands.
Psalms 19:1
NIV

God's Word

All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.
2 Timothy 3:16-17
NIV

God's Word

Do not make friends with a hot-tempered man, do not associate with one easily angered, or you may learn his ways and get yourself ensnared.
Proverbs 22:24-25
NIV

Video: Pachebel's Bedtime in D

How many of you had a weekend like this?

[hat-tip, Bill Seaver, MicroExplosion.com. Among other resources, we'll be using Bill's eBook... "Pastors Guide to Web2.0" for our Crossroads course... "New Media for Urban Change".... which starts Friday night (8/24), 6:30pm with a free overview session. Come see if the Lord is leading you to update your 21st Century skills... and be able to use them to help change our city for Christ.

God's Word

He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows, and familiar with suffering. Like one from whom men hide their faces he was despised, and we esteemed him not. Surely he took up our infirmities and carried our sorrows, yet we considered him strick n by God, smitten by him, and afflicted. But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by h is wounds we are healed. We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to his own way; and the LORD has laid on him the iniquity of us all.
Isaiah 53:3-6
NIV

LifeChurch.TV... Internet campus... Facebook... and Connecting locally

Don't guess what it's like. You wouldn't even get close. Check it out first-hand.

The Church... One Body... Many Parts

[Excerpted from I Corinthians 12...]

All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, and he gives them to each one, just as he determines.

The body is a unit, though it is made up of many parts; and though all its parts are many, they form one body. So it is with Christ. For we were all baptized by one Spirit into one body—whether Jews or Greeks, slave or free—and we were all given the one Spirit to drink.

Now the body is not made up of one part but of many. If the foot should say, "Because I am not a hand, I do not belong to the body," it would not for that reason cease to be part of the body. And if the ear should say, "Because I am not an eye, I do not belong to the body," it would not for that reason cease to be part of the body. If the whole body were an eye, where would the sense of hearing be? If the whole body were an ear, where would the sense of smell be? But in fact God has arranged the parts in the body, every one of them, just as he wanted them to be. If they were all one part, where would the body be? 20As it is, there are many parts, but one body.

The eye cannot say to the hand, "I don't need you!" And the head cannot say to the feet, "I don't need you!" On the contrary, those parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable, and the parts that we think are less honorable we treat with special honor. And the parts that are unpresentable are treated with special modesty, while our presentable parts need no special treatment. But God has combined the members of the body and has given greater honor to the parts that lacked it, so that there should be no division in the body, but that its parts should have equal concern for each other. If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it.

Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it. And in the church God has appointed first of all apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then workers of miracles, also those having gifts of healing, those able to help others, those with gifts of administration, and those speaking in different kinds of tongues. Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Do all work miracles? Do all have gifts of healing? Do all speak in tongues? Do all interpret? But eagerly desire the greater gifts.

And now I will show you the most excellent way....

God's Word

Starting a quarrel is like breaching a dam; so drop the matter before a dispute breaks out.
Proverbs 17:14
NIV

God's Word

The LORD is in his holy temple; the LORD is on his heavenly throne. He observes the sons of men; his eyes examine them. The LORD examines the righteous, but the wicked and those who love violence his soul hates.
Psalms 11:4-5
NIV

Connecting... at Facebook

It's not for everyone.
But if it's for you, come join us.

Visit CityReaching.org.

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P.S... to get a glimpse of one innovative church deploying it, read "Church Built On A Facebook Platform".

Crossroads Course... "New Media for Urban Change"

Sign up now... enrollment is underway at Crossroads Bible College. Innovation course limit is 12 students, max. Visit UrbanNewMedia.org.

ALL Crossroads Bible College courses are still open for enrollment... but just barely -- it's not too late to follow if God is leading you. Do you need to learn more about the Bible? Do you need to get to know other 'driven Christians' learning & working together on our common mission? Classes start next week... so call now... 352-8736 to see what your options are.

P.S. Don't let money be the only thing that stops you --
you'd be very surprised to see what
the Lord would do about that issue.
Because Crossroads is fully accredited,
many funding opportunities are available.

Crossroads Bible College
"Training Christian Leaders to Reach a Multiethnic Urban World for Christ."

God's Word

Therefore Jesus said again, "I tell you the truth, I am the gate for the sheep. All who ever came before me were thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not listen to them. I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved. He will come in and go out, and find pasture."
John 10:7-9
NIV

Keith Green... ahead of his time?

Dare we take an honest assessment of the status of the Great Commission in OUR city?

Visit CityReaching.org.

Also visit the growing list of Evangelistic Ministries here in Indy. Is YOUR church involved?

God's Word

Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from the will of your Father. And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered.
Matthew 10:29-30
NIV

FSSA cuts chaplaincy program

The state's largest social service agency has eliminated a chaplaincy program that was costing $100,000 a year because it hadn't lived up to its goals, officials said, but its key employee -- a pastor paid $60,000 a year -- could remain on state disability benefits indefinitely.

[continued at IndyStar.com]

Campolo: Creative City Ministry

Great video of Tony Campolo at CCDA 2006. No matter what else is said of Campolo, they never said he wasn't interesting, humorous and thought-provoking.

Visit CCDA 2007 site, and plan to be with us in St. Louis this fall... Oct. 10-13.

Here are just some CCDA affiliates here in Indy.

Other CCDA tags

God's Word

Remember your Creator in the days of your youth, before the days of trouble come and the years approach when you will say, "I find no pleasure in them" -- before the sun and the light and the moon and the stars grow dark, and the clouds return after the rain; when the keepers of the house tremble, and the strong men stoop, when the grinders cease because they are few, and those looking through the windows grow dim; when the doors to the street are closed and the sound of grinding fades; when men rise up at the sound of birds, but all their songs grow faint; when men are afraid of heights and of dangers in the streets; when the almond tree blossoms and the grasshopper drags himself along and desire no longer is stirred. Then man goes to his eternal home and mourners go about the streets. Remember him -- before the silver cord is severed, or the golden bowl is broken; before the pitcher is shattered at the spring, or the wheel broken at the well, and the dust returns to the ground it came from, and the spirit returns to God who gave it.
Ecclesiastes 12:1-7
NIV

Creation Evidence Expo

The Real Big Bang is Coming to Indy

September 21-27, 2007!

Mr. Ken Ham will be at the Life Center on September 28, at 7:00pm for two lectures.

The presenters are Dr. Carl Baugh, Bert Wagoner, Dr. G. Thomas Sharp, Dr. Charles Jackson, Malachi King, Mr. Nick Lally and Mrs. Rose Ann Salanitri. As well as special guest musicians- Jeff and Heather Setzer, Danny Deluna and Rosa Sadowski.

The Expo will be of particular interest to families. There will be children's activities, a 2,000 square foot dinosaur display, and many artifacts from Dr. Sharp's Museum of Earth History in Eureka Springs, Arkansas and from Dr. Baugh's Creation Evidence Museum in Glen Rose, Texas.

Parents, come learn the Truth about the theory of evolution being taught as fact to our children in Indianapolis school text books!

All event activities are free and open to the public.

(view the schedule here)

Designed with the family in mind, it's an incredible experience of exploration into the mysteries of our universe and the Truth of how we were all created! The lies of the Darwin/evolution theory will be exposed!

Parents, there are school field trips being planned, contact and encourage your child's school principal to RSVP a tour date NOW before they are all booked up! Homeschoolers schedule a tour for your family or group right away. Homeschool Day at the Creation Evidence Expo is Wednesday, September 26 from 0900-1100am. RSVP, today!

This 6 day Expo will begin Friday, September 21^st with a Dinner Reception to thank our Sponsors & Partners (to become a sponsor or partner, see the Sponsorship page).

If you, or your church youth group would like to volunteer to be a part of the inner workings of the event, please email our Director or contact the Expo Coordinators Gerald Ivey at (317) 353-1360, or Doug Thompson at (317) 225-2665 or (317) 783-6753.

Senior Executive Director, Fredrick Boyd ,(317) 356-7273.

For more info follow the link below to the website for the:

Creation Evidence Expo

Expo will be held at the Life Center of Southport

4002 E Southport Rd.
Indianapolis, IN 46237-3223

And our lunchtime events at

College Park Church

2606 W 96th St
Indianapolis, IN 46268

Job Fair... Aug. 23... at Conseco Fieldhouse

[per email from a friend on behalf of Indianapolis Private Industry Council...]

Come one, come all, to the annual job fair.

It’s not often that a job seeker gets to talk with and make a good impression on numerous employers in one day. But you can do just that if you the fifth annual U.S. Senator Evan Bayh and Mayor Bart Peterson Job Fair and Small Business Summit.

Put on your best business outfit and bring copies of your résumé to this important event, where you can choose from 100 employers who’ll set up shop for a day just so they can interview enthusiastic job seekers like you.

Thursday, Aug. 23
9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Conseco Fieldhouse
125 S. Pennsylvania St .

Just in case you can’t make it that day, you’ll be able to view all the job openings offered at the fair on the virtual job fair Web site, www.indyjobfair.org, from 4 p.m. on the day of the job fair until Sept. 14. If the company in which you’re interested can accommodate online applications, you can follow a link to its Web site to apply online.

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IndyChristian EMPLOYMENT tags

God's Word

He who walks righteously and speaks what is right, who rejects gain from extortion and keeps his hand from accepting bribes, who stops his ears against plots of murder and shuts his eyes against contemplating evil - this is the man who will dwell on the heights, whose refuge will be the mountain fortress. His bread will be supplied, and water will not fail him.
Isaiah 33:15-16
NIV

New Mentoring Book: "Mission POSSIBLE"

[IndyChristian Ed.Note: Come meet Rev. Fleming at Thursday's Transform Indiana meeting. Details at TransformIndiana.com]

Newly published workbook for faith-based mentoring... "Mission POSSIBLE"... by Rev. Melvin Fleming, Outreach Pastor at Emmanuel Missionary Baptist Church here in Indianapolis.

"MISSION:Possible! A Faith-based Mentoring Workbook is a workbook for Pastors, Christian Youth Leaders, Men's Groups, Missionary Groups and Evangelism Ministries.

The Mentoring process should not be taken lightly and this workbook is designed to meet the requirements of a structured program with staff meetings, progress notes, weekly reports, and a discharge summary. This workbook will help your group with lessons for the staff meetings, and an accountability process to evaluate the success of your program.

This workbook is an excellent tool for mentoring our troubled youth. The lessons on "Feelings", "Learning Styles," and "Where do I fit in the family" are designed to prick the hearts and mind or our youth, and make sure they do not become a part of a "lost generation."

This workbook has the flexibility to fit the urban setting or the suburban setting; saved and unsaved, rich or poor, black or white, learned and unlearned.

I, Reverend Melvin Fleming am currently the Outreach Pastor of the Emmanuel Missionary Baptist Church. My parents, Deacon Thomas and Sister Mary Fleming, introduced me and my other sister and brothers, Jimmy, Marilyn, DeWayne and Eric, to Jesus Christ. I accepted Jesus Christ as my personal Savior at Emmanuel in 1964, and was baptized there. My mentoring experience began in 2001 under the direction of the late Rev. Ananias Robinson and the Rev. Mel Jackson. They held a training session on Drug and Alcohol Addictions counseling at Emmanuel and my current Pastor, Rev. Darryl K. Webster encouraged me to attend My wife is Patricia Fleming and my son; Patrick has two lovely children, Tahj and Raven. We, as a family believe, "And we know, All things work together for the good, to them that love GOD, to those who are the called, according to HIS purpose" Romans 8:28. "

God's Word

O LORD, you have searched me and you know me. You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar. You discern my going out and my lying down; you are familiar wth all my ways. Before a word is on my tongue you know it completely, O LORD. You hem me in - behind and before; you have laid your hand upon me. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too lofty for me to attain.
Psalms 139:1-6
NIV

Video-clip: "Wikis In Plain English"

[Is our mission more important than a 'camping trip'?]

[continued at 'Ask Anything Saturday']

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If you're a pastor, leader or other 'driven Christian' who would like to learn all these new Web2.0 capabilities for your ministry or for the sake of our (Great) (Com)mission together... check out "New Media for Urban Change" course... starting Friday, Aug. 24 !
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Pulliam: Hoosiers have faith in programs

Russ Pulliam, Columnist, IndyStar

An unpopular war makes for an unpopular president.

Sadly, the war has overshadowed President Bush's faith-based initiative, or what he's called compassionate conservatism.

Yet the initiative could go down in history as one of his most important, next to the war on terror. He's quietly opened the doors to faith-based groups to compete for government grants in social services. More importantly, he has pushed faith into the public spotlight in a way unthinkable 20 years ago.

The current head of it all is Jay Hein, whose official title is director of the White House Office of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives.

Hein came back to Indianapolis last week for a Sagamore Institute luncheon, reviewing his first year working for the president. He hosts Compassion in Action roundtables...

[continued at IndyStar.com]

God's Word

A good name is more desirable than great riches; to be esteemed is better than silver or gold. Rich and poor have this in common: The LORD is the Maker of them all. A prudent man sees danger and takes refuge, but the simple keep going and suffer for it. Humility and the fear of the LORD bring wealth and honor and life.
Proverbs 22:1-4
NIV

God's Word

Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, but whoever rejects the Son will not see life, for God's wrath remains on him.
John 3:36
NIV

Video: "Rich Young Renter"

Blogging the Leadership Summit...

Today, tomorrow and Saturday most of OurChurch.com’s staff is participating in the Willow Creek Association Leadership Summit. Whether you’re participating in the summit or not, you’re welcome to read notes, post comments, and join in the discussion about leadership issues...

[continued at OurChurch.com]

God's Word

But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. He chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things - and the things that are not - to nullify the things that are, so that no one may boast before him.
1 Corinthians 1:27-29
NIV

Non Digital?

********************

The 12 participants in the "New Media for Urban Change" course will not only be able to do all this **smile** -- but more importantly, they'll know how to LEVERAGE IT to help transform lives & communities with their new capabilities.

God's Word

The LORD is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love. He will not always accuse, nor will he harbor his anger forever; he does not treat us as our sins deserve or repay us according to our iniquities. For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his love for those who fear him; as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us.
Psalms 103:8-12
NIV

Connecting for Transformation? We'll see... Aug. 16

The 'Transform Indiana' ministry networking strategy is to connect great hearts & hands -- they'll know what to do. Lay a well-connected, Bible-believing set of communications tracks, and any collaborative ministry initiative can then benefit from such a growing network....

..."to change lives & communities".

Well now it's time to see if that truly works. Come hear Merlin Gonzales' presentation following the recent "Faith Hope & Love Week" in Indianapolis.

Merlin Gonzales at FHL Prayer Rally

And also hear from FHL's recent venture in Columbia.

This Transform Indiana noon meeting will rotate to Crossroads Bible College... 601 N. Shortridge Rd (map). Everyone is welcome. No cost. But remember... this is a 'serious lunch bunch' -- it's BYOL. **smile** [Drinks will be provided.]

Come be a part of this collaborative network to expedite the Great Commission in our city & state, on our watch.

No cost. High impact.

******************

Bonus: 'Crime Fighter of the Year'... Professor Walt Willett will be with us on the 16th. Walt was honored recently as 'Crime Fighter of the Year' in Indianapolis Police Dept's Southeast District. [link to news story and related links]. Walt will be available to share a little about his approach to neighborhood-focused ministry. So come join us and bring your questions.... and your brown-bag lunch.

Tagging: Watch Over My Shoulder

Wanna see my 'tags' about tagging?

Special Note: Pastors, leaders, innovators and other driven Christians in the Racing Capital of the World. We're limiting enrollment to only 12 slots in our innovative new course this Fall...

"New Media for Urban Change". Get up-to-date re some of the latest, greatest Web2.0 capabilities for ministry. This weekly class starts Friday night, Aug. 24th at Crossroads Bible College. Get college credit while getting up to speed.

Call 490-1255 to inquire. Tell 'em you saw it on IndyChristian.com.

God's Word

Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.
Colossians 3:2
NIV

Willett named Crime-fighter of the Year, SouthEast District

Rev. Walt Willett, Counseling Department Chair at Crossroads Bible College today received the "Crime-fighter of the Year" award for the South East Police District of Indianapolis. Professor Willett leads by example while training multicultural cityreachers. He and his family openly share life in their community on the city's near-southside. Walt is well known as they prayer-walk their neighborhood. His distinctive black hat attracts conversation, while his genuine compassion attracts people with prayer-concerns. He not only prays with his neighbors, he actively works to bring God's 'shalom' to his neighborhood.

[Continue to press release]

[August 7th is 'Night Out' in Marion County -- details]

[More photos from today's ceremony at City Market]

[Visit Grace Baptist Neighborhood Ministry House]

[Visit Crossroads Bible College]

Blackbaud buys out Indy-based eTapestry

South Carolina-based Blackbaud, a provider of software services to non-profit organizations, said it has acquired privately owned eTapestry for about $24.8 million, plus up to $1.5 million under a two-year stock-based performance incentive arrangement.

Founded in 1999, eTapestry makes and sells fundraising software for nonprofit groups and churches. What sets eTapestry apart from others in the small but rapidly growing industry is its software is completely Web-based. That means... [continued at IndyStar.com]

God's Word

Those who live according to the sinful nature have their minds set on what that nature desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires. The mind of sinful man is death, but the mind controlled by the Spirit is life and peace.
Romans 8:5-6
NIV

God's Word

The LORD is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge. He is my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. I call to the LORD, who is worthy of praise, and I am saved from my enemies.
Psalms 18:2-3
NIV

God's Word

When the sentence for a crime is not quickly carried out, the hearts of the people are filled with schemes to do wrong. Although a wicked man commits a hundred crimes and still lives a long time, I know that it will go better with God-fearing men, who are reverent before God. Yet because the wicked do not fear God, it will not go well with them, and their days will not lengthen like a shadow.
Ecclesiastes 8:11-13
NIV

God's Word

And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive him, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins.
Mark 11:25
NIV

Faith Hope and Love... International

"Neil...Here's another picture for indychristian. In Cartagena, there are 5 levels of people; 5 is the richest and 1 is the poorest. This town (see attached) is zero level. The entire village is built on squatter houses and they do not have running water. They have to carry water from the town below. It took me about 20-30 minutes to climb to the village. We have to bring some Policemen for our safety.

From Faith Hope & Love International:
Right after FHL Week 2007, Merlin Gonzales flew to Cartagena Colombia with a partner ministry, Bridges of Hope, on Sunday morning, July 29 for a short-term mission trip and to cast the vision of FHL. His group were involved in food distributions, visiting children hospital, deaf school for children, cancer patients and abused children. Since July 31st, more than 100 people accepted Christ as their Savior and Lord. He was also able to reach out to a village that is already implementing similar concept with FHL - a village is working together to build houses for their community. There was a subsidy from the government which they provide for materials but the future homeowners have to build the house themselves. He had seen grandmas working together to build the houses for the community, 7 days a week while the husbands work for a living in the city or fish or tend a garden to sell the crops in the city. Since July 31st, Merlin spoke to 10 pastors' and their wives, and businesspeople in several occasion casting the vision of FHL.

On Thursday, the 2nd, Merlin had the opportunity to baptize a person (above).

On Friday, August 3rd, he will be speaking to 25+ pastors in a poor barrio (village) and on Saturday, the 4th, he is one of the featured speakers at the businessmen's conference. The people in Cartagena seem to welcome the idea and concept of FHL. Please pray that the Lord will open the door wider in Cartagena to be the pilot city for FHL international mission. The idea is to mobilize the community and bring US short-term missionaries to work with the locals during the FHL week.

FHL tags

FHLinternational.org

God's Word

Therefore Jesus said again, "I tell you the truth, I am the gate for the sheep. All who ever came before me were thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not listen to them. I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved. He will come in and go out, and find pasture."
John 7-9
NIV

Prayer Alert: Pray Dearborn, August 3, 2007

This marks the 26th in our weekly Pray Dearborn Alerts.

Prayer Point for Friday, August 3, 2007

Fact: The recent footbath controversy at the University Michigan Dearborn Campus, a story that first appeared the spring of 2007 which highlighted the school’s decision to build Muslim foot-washing stations with public funds, has now hit national news outlets including US News, Fox News, The New York Sun and The LA Times. READ MORE

Please, "pray the news"

Picture Worth A Thousand Words?

[click to continue]

Seminary Blogging.... Oh, And Podcasting

" 'Said At Southern' continues to extend the theological conversation beyond the classroom. I am pleased to announce we have recorded our first podcast. I hope to make podcasts a regular feature at Said At Southern."

[continued at SaidAtSouthern.com]

God's Word

Be very careful, then, how you live - not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.
Ephesians 5:15-16
NIV

God's Word

For, "Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved." How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? And how can they preach unless they are sent? As it is written, "How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!"
Romans 10:13-15
NIV

Indy Christian .com -- Daily Internet Starting-line

Friday, August 31, 2007

Voddie Video: "The Consequences of Feminism"

God's Word

Thursday, August 30, 2007

What We Learned From 'Church'

God's Word

Wednesday, August 29, 2007

SAVI... Community Research Conference... Oct. 2nd

God's Word

Tuesday, August 28, 2007

New Urban Blogger... Pastor Bryan Hudson

Chaotic Christians Podcast...

God's Word

Monday, August 27, 2007

Collaborating to provide FOOD in Indy

Video: "Creation. So Easy A Caveman Can Get It"

God's Word

Sunday, August 26, 2007

Good Messengers

God's Word

Saturday, August 25, 2007

Harvest-workers, do you hear the (donuts) calling?

Friday, August 24, 2007

Campus Crusade for Christ in Indy

Gideon, the Reluctant Leader

Tonight... Lord, I want to be... 'e-Capable'

God's Word

Thursday, August 23, 2007

God's Word

Wednesday, August 22, 2007

God's Word

Tuesday, August 21, 2007

God's Word

Monday, August 20, 2007

Video: Pachebel's Bedtime in D

God's Word

Sunday, August 19, 2007

LifeChurch.TV... Internet campus... Facebook... and Connecting locally

The Church... One Body... Many Parts

God's Word

Saturday, August 18, 2007

God's Word

Connecting... at Facebook

Friday, August 17, 2007

Crossroads Course... "New Media for Urban Change"

God's Word

Thursday, August 16, 2007

Keith Green... ahead of his time?

God's Word

Wednesday, August 15, 2007

FSSA cuts chaplaincy program

Campolo: Creative City Ministry

God's Word

Tuesday, August 14, 2007

Creation Evidence Expo

Expo will be held at the Life Center of Southport

College Park Church

Job Fair... Aug. 23... at Conseco Fieldhouse

God's Word

Monday, August 13, 2007

New Mentoring Book: "Mission POSSIBLE"

God's Word

Sunday, August 12, 2007

Video-clip: "Wikis In Plain English"

Pulliam: Hoosiers have faith in programs

God's Word

Saturday, August 11, 2007

God's Word

Video: "Rich Young Renter"

Friday, August 10, 2007

Blogging the Leadership Summit...

God's Word

Thursday, August 09, 2007

Non Digital?

God's Word

Wednesday, August 08, 2007

Connecting for Transformation? We'll see... Aug. 16

Tagging: Watch Over My Shoulder

God's Word