Category Archives: Leadership

March 4, 2010

Live like you are dying!

By Brent Kellogg

Reading Numbers 31:2 – kind of struck a chord with me.   Moses, go fight the Midianites and then you are going to die.

Wow…

If you knew it was your last mission for Christ, how would you handle it?  If you knew it was your last sermon to preach, your last song to sing, or your last date with your spouse, how would you handle it?

We began service a few weeks ago with a country song, Live Like You Are Dying by Tim McGraw.  It was AWESOME!  The point of the song is – if you only had a short time to live – what would you do with the rest of your days.

Too many people in Moses situation would say, forget this – I’m out! You guys can clean up this mess.

Some people would just have a pity party and spend the rest of their days sending out invitations!

Others would finish strong! Which is exactly what Moses did.  He maintained the purity God had called him and the Nation of Israel to!

If you knew it was your last battle – how would you respond?

Have a great day with Jesus!

Leave a comment | posted in Failure, Influence, Leadership, Relationships

January 13, 2010

Sometimes it Gets Worse!

By Brent Kellogg

Ever find yourself in a place where you just want to be free?  You are tired of the stress, tired of the work load, tired of the relationship strain, tired of the awkwardness. Are you tired of the feelings you are experiencing???

Ok, maybe it is just me.  As I’m reading through Exodus, Moses had gone to Pharaoh and it didn’t go very well… he wasn’t received very warmly to say the least!   Actually, Pharaoh doubled the work load of the Israelite slaves.

Sometimes slavery gets worse before it gets better.  Sometimes things kind of have to come to a “tipping point” – if you will.  I know scripture says the Lord heard the cries of the children of Israel in slavery.  We can assume the children of Israel didn’t want to be slaves anymore.  BUT…

How bad did they want freedom?  Were they willing to do what ever it takes to be free?  Were they willing to pay the price for freedom?

Sometimes big change requires a high price.  Many of the Israelites weren’t willing to pay the price to be free. We see evidence of that in Exodus 5:21 when the foreman in charge told Moses, “May the Lord judge you for what you have done!”   We see evidence of that even in the wilderness after they were free.  

Imagine if you will, God had to harden the heart of Pharaoh so he would “double the work load” of the people of Israel to move them to a place of such misery that they would be willing to pay the price for freedom.

If things are getting worse before they are getting any better… let me ask, are you comfortable being a slave?  Maybe God is bringing a “tipping point” in your life – so you will be willing pay the price for freedom and make the necessary changes.

 I really hope that makes sense!

1 comment | posted in Leadership, Strength

January 12, 2010

Obscurity

By Brent Kellogg

I’m reading Chuck Swindoll’s book David, a Man of Passion and Destiny. In his description of David, Chuck said something that was just too good not to pass along.

David grew up in obscurity.  That’s another way God trains His best personnel –  in obscurity.  Men and women of God, servant-leaders in the making, are first unknown, unseen, unappreciated and unapplauded.  In the relentless demands of obscurity character is built. Strange as it may seem, those who first accept the silence of obscurity are best qualified to handle the applause of popularity.

Now that makes sense.  And it also explains why Moses spent 40 years on the back side of a desert. Why David was called from the shepard’s field and many of the disciples were called from the waters they fished.

I guess if we can handle the silence of obscurity and still serve, we can handle the pressures of leading. 

Unfortunately, too many of us need applause to keep us motivated.  Too many of us need approval and popularity to find reason to make a difference for others.

 Ever find yourself in a place where you feel all alone – this may just be why!      

2 comments | posted in Church, Influence, Leadership

December 10, 2009

Judas

By Brent Kellogg

Every part of Jesus time on earth served a purpose.  To teach us, model for us, love us, guide us and much more.

 As I’m reading through the Gospel of Matthew my brain asks this question, “What was the purpose of Judas betraying Jesus?”  Scripture is pretty clear that several times the Jewish religious leaders could have captured Jesus. 

 So what is the purpose in Jesus enduring the betrayal of one of his followers?  Did that really have to happen?  God could have easily orchestrated a circumstance where Jesus was arrested without Jesus enduring the betrayal of a disciple.

Here’s a few thoughts:

Jesus knew all along Judas would betray him.  The Gospel has several references where Jesus, referring to Judas would say, “One of you will betray me.” Or “One of you is a devil.” 

Jesus did his earthly ministry with a man he knew would betray him and ultimately cause him pain.

Could it be Jesus did that so we followers of Christ would have an example of how to deal with those who betray us?

Jesus rebuked Judas a few times, but mainly about greed.  As I recall, he rebuked Peter far more.  We don’t see where Jesus ever argued with Judas.

We see, in all honesty, Jesus trusting Judas with the money. 

The language speaks that Jesus loved Judas.  He didn’t ever say, “even as I have loved you… except Judas.”  He washed Judas feet.  He served Judas.

Jesus set an example of us – by loving the one he knew would betray him. Much easier said than done!

 Have a great day!

Leave a comment | posted in Church, Forgiveness, Leadership, Relationships

November 22, 2009

All In – week 1

By Brent Kellogg

Sunday Night Reflections

 As I sit here on Sunday night thinking about today’s events, I am just in AWE of our God.   What a great day this has been.

WE had one of our BIGGEST crowds in 2 years.

WE had 2 people saved this morning.

WE had a TON of people – join the TEAM… and say I want to get involved in the Ministry of Cornerstone Church.

Last week our people gave nearly $2500 above and beyond for the Mission work in Guatemala.

 This just never gets OLD! I love what God is doing at Cornerstone Church.

 

Special thanks to a lot of people who made this weekend happen.

Joe Shepard – who did the stage design!

Coach Steve Edward – “you’re hall of fame” in our books!

Ryan Ramey – for hours of editing our “All In” Videos.

Scott Bryan – for his leadership and creativity to make this extra special.

Kelly McMichael – all the time and effort to make today a success.

And a TON of other people who went above and beyond today to make the first Sunday of ALL IN so special!  

 

“All In”

- BK

2 comments | posted in Church, Leadership

November 11, 2009

Great Depression

By Brent Kellogg

Every other month, we take a staff retreat to Tulakogee on Ft. Gibson Lake.  It is absolutely beautiful.  This past Monday and Tuesday we had a great time! We cultivated some creative ideas and I’m excited about the team work that is took place.

Scott made a comment – that just stuck with me.     Is Christianity in a “Great Depression?”

Now, before you RANT and go off on me – talking about the power of God and His judgment… I did not say God was in a Great Depression.  I did not say God has lost his power, or God has LOST anything for that matter.

Today, 75% of churches in North America have stopped growing or they are declining.  The world has a negative view of the church.  The majority of them believe the church is full of hypocrisy and judgmental people.

Before you say… “Yeah, BUT!”  (Like I tend to do!)

One of the lessons we need to learn as Christians is to listen. We need to learn that other people matter.  That doesn’t mean they are right. I did not say we affirm what they believe or agree with them. But we need to learn that they matter.  They matter so much Christ Died for them.

More tomorrow!

Keep in mind – more millionaires were made during the Great Depression than any other time in American History.  While the church may be in decline – we also have a GREAT Opportunity to do something about it!  (IF WE WILL)

Leave a comment | posted in Church, Influence, Leadership

October 30, 2009

Broken

By Brent Kellogg

If you read my blog AND you are going to be at the “Beyond the White Board” session on Sunday night at Cornerstone – this will be a double take for you.  (A Twin Spin – like we used to say in radio… )

Sunday evening we are asking Cornerstone Church to gather for a creative session about how we can be more effective at reaching the “Missing Generation.”  For more on that you can visit our website and listen to last Sunday’s sermon (10/25/09).

God is really challenging me and I think our leadership to dig deep. To press into him and reach for dreams and visions that will advance the kingdom.  But it begins with a brokenness like that of Nehemiah. 

Remember when Nehemiah received news about the state of Jerusalem?  He cried, and cried and cried… and it messed with him.   I’m not so sure the state of Jerusalem doesn’t equal that of our missing generations.   Yet, where is our response? Are we broken like Nehemiah.  

For more study on this – read Nehemiah Chapter 1 (especially verse 4).

See you Sunday – and Sunday @ 5 p.m. for Beyond the White Board.  (Child Care provided)

Leave a comment | posted in Church, Faith, Leadership

October 27, 2009

Big Shoulders

By Brent Kellogg

Do you ever have those moments where you just realize you don’t deserve what you have?  You don’t deserve where you are and the people God has placed in your life?   I am so thankful for my wife, kids and church family.

I really don’t deserve to be where I am – yet our God is so gracious and merciful.

This morning I was taking time to pray for our leadership team in our church and when I spent some time praying for Scott Bryan, our youth and children pastor – it just kind of hit me – the Journey we are on – the type of church we hope to become depends a lot on his “visionering” and leadership.

He is just the guy to do it too!   His shoulders are big enough and strong enough to carry out the TASK!   I am so blessed by the staff and leaders we have at Cornerstone Church.   Scott over the past 2 years and hit “SUPERCHARGE” and become a dynamic leader who has discovered in roads to reaching the “missing Generation.”

It is a very self disciplined guy – who challenges me in many areas of my life.  He brings great insight and wisdom to our team.

I know God would always provide – but I just don’t see us doing what we do without Scott in the trenches loving the next Generation.

He not only is molding and shaping the lives of our elementary kids, but he also does an AWESOME job leading and speaking truth to our teenagers as well.

 

Thanks for letting me brag a little bit today.

This is just one of those days I’m overwhelmed with gratitude!

3 comments | posted in Church, Leadership, Strength

October 23, 2009

I’m the lucky one!

By Brent Kellogg

I want to keep it short today – and I really don’t offer any insight of spiritual wisdom today. 

I just want to take a second and say how thankful I am for the team God has placed at Cornerstone Church.    Between the entire time – we have like  “ZERO” hours of seminary.  And yet – church is still happening.    (Is that even biblical?)

We have ministry experience – but for Ryan, this is his first full time ministry position.  For Scott this is his first full time ministry job.  I’m a rookie as a pastor.  We have Awesome Preschool department directors in Steve and Donna.

 I’m blessed.

 I want to take a second and brag on Ryan Ramey our Creative Arts Director at Cornerstone Church… (don’t really know what the whole “creative arts things means – other than he’s smarter than me at that kind of stuff!)

 Our Worship at Cornerstone Church has been simply amazing.   Ryan has done a great job making the transition to where we believe God is leading us as a church.

 If you asked Ryan if he was a leader – he would say,  “not only no, but Heck no!”

But we see God using him every week to lead Cornerstone Church into some pretty stinking awesome worship.

 He works very close with my wife Jeri and together they have done a super job with our Worship Ministry at Cornerstone Church.   The entire TEAM has worked hard to pay the price for excellence, and I am LOVIN’ it!

 Thanks for letting me brag a little bit today!   Maybe tomorrow I will be spiritual! 

 See you Sunday!

Leave a comment | posted in Church, Leadership

October 22, 2009

Messed up

By Brent Kellogg

I have to admit – I’m messed up…     I know, you are thinking – we already knew that Brent.

We are concluding a series this weekend at Cornerstone, called “unCHURCHED.”     Why people won’t come to church. This whole series has messed with me a bit.  Doing the studying, the research and just the conversations, I have really been stretched in my life.

I love church life. I have been in church my whole life. I’m a paid professional Christian. This is the struggle I constantly wrestle with as a pastor of a church in Oklahoma.

#1 – The church is in decline. More than 75% of Churches in North America are in decline.

#2 – More than 75% in my state don’t attend church on Sunday Morning.

How do we balance being a church that is penetrating into those statistics and reaching people who do not attend church – and maintaining a healthy church and atmosphere for the mature believers? 

Here’s where I struggle – and where my frustration comes in. When a pastor or a church says – we want to reach the unreached… Christians give a good “amen.” On Sunday Morning – UNTIL – it affects them.  Until that pastors stops preaching the way they like.  Until the pastor stops catering to the needs of the mature believers.  Then – we go find a church that meets our needs and “feeds” us.   (What does that mean anyway… ?)  

I’m thankful for Cornerstone Church.  I think by and large our people get it.

     A.     They are very patient with me as a pastor as I try to navigate the waters and figure out how to be effective in an unCHURCHED culture…and still help mature believers grow.

    B. They are faithful to support the work and ministry of our church.     Because they give – we can send our youth pastor to a Jr. High to feed pizza to over 100 kids and challenge them to live for Christ in their life.     Because they give – we can be creative with our Sunday Morning Worship experience to make it welcoming to those who aren’t churched.

We believe different is good… See you Sunday.

1 comment | posted in Church, Faith, Leadership

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