John 17:20-21

20
“I pray for these followers, but I am also praying for all those who will believe in me because of their teaching.21 Father, I pray that they can be one. As you are in me and I am in you, I pray that they can also be one in us. Then the world will believe that you sent me.

Think about this prayer offered up by Christ.  It’s amazing!  The context is that He is about to ascend back into heaven to be with His Father.  He had just been praying for His disciples, when He does something astounding in verse 20.  He prays for us…that’s right, you…me…us  If you have chosen to live for Jesus, He prayed specifically for you!  He prayed for all of those who would believe through the message of His disciples.  His prayer has been answered! Think about it:

• You have heard the message of Christ preached somewhere in your life time.  If you have made a decision to live for Jesus, then you have accepted the message of Christ and are striving to live it out.  Do you realize that your faith is the result of an answer to Jesus’ prayers?  He prayed for all of those who would believe because of the message.  His prayer has been answered!
• The very fact that you have received the message of Christ where you live proves once again that His prayer has been answered.  If Jesus’ prayer had not been answered, then the Gospel would have never made it out of Nazareth.  But, here I am, sitting and Tampa, Florida, and there you are sitting where ever you’re sitting, and knowing that the message of the Gospel has penetrated our hearts because it knows no boundaries.  His prayer has been answered.
• When I think about this prayer of Jesus it make me fall more deeply in love with Him and His body — the Church.  I especially have a greater appreciation for the local church.  The local church has been established because the message has been carried on because great men and women heard the Gospel, believed and then were anointed by God to lead, preach, serve and join God in the advancement of His Kingdom.  With that said, I come from a generation that loves to bash the local church – especially the local megachurch.  Now, don’t get me wrong, many times in my life, I’ve grabbed a baseball bat and joined in on the bashing of the church.  But, reading through this prayer of Jesus’ has really forced me to re-think the whole idea of church.  The Church is the body of Christ…it is however made up of imperfect human beings who have sometimes done things to muddy the image of the Church.  So, there’s been corruption, a loss of focus, conflict, selfishness etc. at times.  But, you cannot argue the fact that the local church, when it’s at its best, is reaching out to the lost and the poor, shaping communities through service, and preaching the Gospel so that more may believe the message of Christ and thus receive the blessings of Jesus’ prayer in John 17:20.  I know that the church I belong to currently is the result of Jesus praying for “all those who will believe” two thousand years ago.  I recognize that and I see the beauty in the local church and I agree with Bill Hybels who has said, “the local church is the hope of the world.”  His prayers have been answered!

May we recognize the answer to His prayer daily!

Here is something that I’ve really been passionate about lately in ministry — a filter for the ministry that I lead.  What in the world is a ministry filter?  Read below to find out:

Our ministry filter is based upon the passage a few lines down.  A ministry filter allows us to develop and evaluate everything we say and do through a specific lense.  This allows all areas of our ministry to have purpose and consistency to our vision. 

2 Timothy 1:3-11

2 Timothy 1:7 For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.

This passage, and its principles, are the lens through which we view everything we do and say in our High School Ministry.  It is our goal, that a student who graduates from the ministry would be someone who had a faith that thrives and is built around the Power, Love and Self Control of Christ being alive and active in their lives.

• Timothy’s faith was passed down through his family and cultivated by them and Paul (partnership)

• Power: living the exchanged life with Christ. Recognizing Spiritual gifts and strengths, providing opportunities to cultivate and use their gifts in ministry.

• Love: Love for God, love people.  Service. Seeing humanity with Christ’s eyes.

• Self-control: listening to the Spirit.  Walking as Christ walked.  Being led by the Spirit. Growing.

Every time we present a message, we think about this filter.  For example, in my message last week, I focused on the need to “throw off my old self” in order to put on my “new self”, who I truly am in Christ.  This message was filtered through the lense of “Power” and focused on the fact that Christ lives in me and has made me new.  Therefore, my identity is found in who He says that I am.  So, again the whole message (on Ephesians 4:20-24) was presented  through this lense and the fact that there is Power in the Holy Spirit who dwells in me. 

What are your thoughts on this strategy?  Does it make sense?  What strategy do you have?

I’ve said that a lot lately huh?  But, I am getting back into the blogging thing for good.  I really have always enjoyed writing.  It brings me joy…especially when I am able to express myself and bring others a source of joy or encouragement.  I have always been complimented as a writer, but have never really made it a priority.  Lately, I’ve felt an urge to write and update my blog.  I have been a little “off my game” since my big transition to Florida.  I’m still adjusting to new schedules, routines, environments etc.  But, my thoughts on ministry, our Creator God, sports and family are on the way!  Thanks for those who have patiently encouraged me to write more often!

Look what kind of trouble the wife got me into:
A post I wrote after Elle was born is being featured at TodaysMama.com.

My wife thinks this is hilarious. I think she’s jealous she didn’t write it first.

Here is her site:

Moving has not been a walk in the park.  In many ways, it could seem like a sexy idea to pack up and move from Ohio to Florida.  But, it’s been tough.  It certainly hasn’t been smooth sailing.  Luckily, a great, caring and supportive church has helped.  Encouragement from friends has also been uplifting.  More importantly, the reminder of God’s faithful love and pleasure in us, has been our stronghold in this move.

Probably the biggest adjustment for me in this move is the obliteration of my old schedule.  I am a creature of habit and am at my best when I am disciplined and organized.  Obviously, a relocation of 1,100 miles can be physically draining.  The whole process of packing, moving, unpacking and adjusting has taken a toll on my body and my  old schedule.  I would like to think of myself as a pretty disciplined guy.  I’m at my best when I get up early, get a good workout in and spend some quality and consistent time with my Creator.  When, my schedule gets disrupted (and right now it is because all I want to do is sleep as often as I can) my whole life is out of whack.  My top 2 strengths are consistency and responsibility.  Needless to say, I like to feel like I am accomplishing something everyday on a consistent basis. So, when I don’t have consistent time Spiritually or physically I feel like I am not accomplishing anything…or growing.

So, what to do? Well, I have been trying to catch some time with God throughout the day, but it is definitely not the same as a consistent, early morning time for me.  Yes, I try to be in a constant attitude of prayer throughout my day, but again, there’s nothing like the intimacy I feel with God in an early morning, disciplined prayer.  So, I’m going to buckle down and get back on my old schedule.  My hope is that my body will adjust soon.  When it does, my mind will soon follow and I will feel so much better.  This is why I, personally, need and love discipline.  It’s also why I love, and need, the Grace of God.  Without it, I would (and have) drive myself nuts trying to be disciplined and earn my way to God.  Let’s be honest, I’m just wired that way.   Thank you God for your Grace!

“What you see is either taught or allowed.”

A simple phrase that has stuck with me.  I first heard it from a varsity football coach who hired me as a head 8th grade football coach.  The point behind this statement is pretty powerful:

As a coach, whatever product I saw on the field was the result of what had been taught or allowed.  If my players lacked discipline, it was because it was either taught or allowed by me or my staff.  If my team looked unorganized, or disinterested, it’s because it was either taught or allowed.  In football, this is why fundamentals, organization and discipline are so essential for success.  In short, this statement is a great teaching point for leadership of any kind.

Think about this statement in these environments:

1. Parenting — as a young father, I know that it is vitally important that I model and mold the behavior I want to see my kids live out.  If I see a behavior in my children that I do not want, I have a choice to make:  will I correct it or allow it?  Sometimes, it’s tempting to take the easy way out and allow the behavior therefore avoiding conflict and a temper tantrum.  But, if I do not want to see the behavior repeated, I have to deal with it — even if the experience is unpleasant or difficult.  If I want my children to grow up as compassionate, loving polite kids who model Christ, then I have to put the effort into teaching and modeling that behavior every opportunity I get.

2. Leading a team — this same principle applies to managing and leading a team.  Think about it, if you were hired to lead a group of people, the production or output of the team should be of highest priority.  So, a team leader must put a lot of time and energy into encouraging, motivating and inspiring their team to live out the leader’s vision for the team.  It is also essential for the team leader  teach AND model the desired behavior or production.  Again, it’s often tempting to avoid conflict and let little lapses in excellence occur — but again, the end result is the principle were talking about: as a leader you may see a product or a behavior that you don’t like, but the problem is that you as a leader have allowed it by your desire to not address or correct it.

I think this is a great principle for us as Christians to live out.  May we as parents, educators, ministers, coaches, professionals, community leaders etc. live this concept out and shoot for excellence in our world.

Seriously, are there any  harder workers than moms?  I think that we would hard pressed  to discover a more demanding job.  Being married to a beautiful mother of a 3 and 1 year old, gives me a crystal clear shot of the effort, love and intentionality it takes to be a good mom.  So, Amber, thanks for all that you do.  Our kids love and adore you.  They reflect your heart and your spirit.  Thanks for your investment in and care for our little ones — they are and will make you make you proud.  God has chosen you for the most important job in the world — thanks for letting Him work through you.

Go Moms!

The Call to Florida…

Well, it’s been forever since I last blogged and there’s good reason for that.  My family and I, after a strong call from God, uprooted 1,200 miles from Canton, Ohio to Tampa, Florida.  The move honestly was a 2 year process.  God had been preparing me for several years for something new with phrases like, “Spread your wings” and “something new.”  There is no doubt that God had a new ministry assignment for me and because of my love for Him, I had to be obedient.  The move has been physically, emotionally and Spiritually draining for many reasons.  I left family, comfort, success, familiarity and influence for something completely new and unknown.  But, without a doubt, God’s hand has been in this process and we feel so blessed to be in Tampa — working with an amazing church.   You can read more about our move here

Needless to say, moving is a crazy process.  But here are a few things I’ve learned about God, leadership and family during this time:

1.  God is bigger than what I could have ever imagined.  It’s amazing how great God truly is…everyday I feel Him pushing way beyond the boundaries and the box I have put Him in.  Many times  I’ve asked myself why He has brought me here to Florida and He provides me with a huge sign of clarity.  God has work for me here in Tampa.  I believe something big is about to happen — as long as I get out of the way.  I believe that He wants to do something great…even tangible…in the lives of High School students in Tampa and I am amazed that He has brought me here to help lead His movements.  Today, I was reminded of a great phrase a good friend of mine has on his whiteboard (this phrase is something a great pastor in Uganda received from God): “I am tired of your small mind about my work.”

2.  Leadership means you have to be okay with surrounding yourself with very talented people. My current position is more of a management position than what I have experienced in ministry.  In short, I have a staff that I get to lead as we dream and work towards assisting God in the ushering in of His Kingdom, among High School students in Tampa.  My staff includes some very insightful, intelligent, Spirit-filled people.  God has taught me that that’s a really  good thing — nothing to be threatened by.  He’s humbled me to the point of helping me realize that a few years ago, I may have pushed back from talented people, or dominated in leadership, or simply operated in my silo trying to separate myself from people who I may have felt threatened by.  Surrounding yourself with talented people only makes the leader stronger and therefore the team much stronger.  I feel blessed to have walked into a situation like that.

3. New assignments can sometimes force you to choose to cheat. Some of the best advice I’ve ever heard, in regards to busyness and ministry work, is from Andy Stanley’s book Choose to Cheat. The gist of this book is that you must choose to cheat something in the busyness of life.  You will either choose work over family, and therefore cheat your family; or you can choose family over work, and cheat the institution.  Any time  you take on a new assignment you want to prove yourself, but because of the wise counsel of some great people (a coworker at my last church said this right before I left, “You make sure that you set the calender and schedule for your family, not the church), I have been able to  make some great choices between work and family.

Hopefully, I can continue to focus on these principles as I continue to take on this new endeavor.  God have your way with me.

Tagged: family., Florida, student ministries ]]> http://danstofferblog.wordpress.com/2009/05/04/a-ton-of-changes/feed/ 2 danstoffer homepagepic2 http://danstofferblog.wordpress.com/2009/01/13/hurt/ http://danstofferblog.wordpress.com/2009/01/13/hurt/#comments Wed, 14 Jan 2009 03:53:23 +0000 danstoffer http://danstofferblog.wordpress.com/?p=187 ]]>

I recently started to read a great book that provides wonderful insight into the world of teenagers. Hurt: an inside look of today’s teenager by Chap Clark is a great book so far. The writing is packed full of study and insight into the reality of teen culture, which has been wounded by neglect and adult-driven focus in many institutions. For those of you who work with teens, I strongly recommend you joining me in reading this book. I would love to share comments and have some insightful conversation from the reading. Here is the way Clark ends chapter 1 (this should give you a great snap-shot of the content of the book):

“I wrote this book because I believe that adults understand very little of the inside life of the American teenager, especially the midadolescent…I am more convinced than ever that adults need to be more astute students of the kids we are mandated by society to nurture.

- Most adults intuitively believe that things are different for today’s adolescents, but they hold on to rhetoric and attitudes that support the fantasy that little has changed.
- Academics and social science researchers are divided over what is different, but little work has been done to see inside the hidden lives of midadolescents.
- As I study students and culture, I came to believe that we as a society have allowed institutions and systems originally designed to nurture children and adolescents to lose their missional mandate. In other words, society has systemically abandoned the young.
- Young people are desperate for an adult who cares. Certainly, some adolescents have been so wounded that rebuilding trust may appear almost insurmountable. Yet those who serve them with tenderness and respect will testify that even the hardest young soul cries out for someone who authentically cares.”

So, my question to you is: what needs to change in youth ministry?  I don’t know about you, but I often feel we can spend so much time preparing something for the teen, that we forget simply about nurturing, mentoring or caring for that teen.  I think this book will help me to continue to focus on what is real…to take a step back from the program and realize WHO is most important in this “thing” called youth ministry — the kids that God has entrusted us with.

Again, I would love to hear your thoughts on this writing, or on youth ministry in general.

This song totally captures what I love about the rawness of life.  This video was shot backstage by artist Charlie Hall at the turn of 2009.  The lyrics to this song have always connected with my soul — especially this verse:

“Where hope can hold my hand of sorrow

And we can walk into tomorrow

Where peace is found in troubled days

And the joy of Jesus carries pain”

It’s the hope of Jesus and the joy of knowing Him…and continuing to discover who I am in Him…that should and will carry me in 2009.

Please take some time to listen to this song and find your true hope for a new day in 2009.