Traffic Jams and Leadership Building
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
So this week we did a little stealth leadership training. The weapon of choice was a nifty little game called "Traffic Jam." Traffic Jam works like this: you set up two groups of four, and line up nine chairs. You seat each group at the end so it looks like this:
A B C D [empty] W X Y Z
Here are the rules. Each group has to move to the opposide side. Only one person can move at a time, and only to the next empty seat. You can only "jump over" someone coming in the opposite direction, and only jump one person. And no talking.
They did accomplish it, eventually. Then I laid some more rules on them:
You have to wind up in the same order you started, but on the opposite side. And you have to accomplish it in 24 moves. So really, they did not accomplish the desired result.
In other words, the result must be:
W X Y Z [empty] A B C D
After 50 moves, they still could not do it. So I told them that now they could talk. There was a lot of yelling and ordering going on, but after 50 moves they still didn't accomplish much.
So I told them that they could select a leader, and only that leader could speak. They got closer this time - a lot closer. But still, no joy.
Then I told them that I would be their leader, and I would direct them. Since I had the solution written down, it was easy - done in 24 moves exactly!
One kid asked me - what was the point? "I don't know." I said. "What happened?"
First, there were no clear directions - FAIL!!!
Then there were directions, but no communication - FAIL!!!
Then there was communication, but no organization. Just noise. - FAIL!!!
Then there was organization, but no plan. -- FAIL!!!
Finally, there was a leader with a vision, with authority, and with a plan - SUCCESS!!!
What can your leadership team learn from this example???
Posted byMichael J Mahoney at 7:54 AM 1 comments
Labels: fun, leadership, ministry
Cell October 2 - Rejection
Monday, October 5, 2009
Jacob has one of the most incredible stories in the entire Old Testament. Born the younger of twin brothers, the Bible tells us he came out holding the heel of his older brother, Esau. In fact, one meaning of Jacob's name is "leg-puller." This has kind of a dual meaning, as it can be taken literally, or figuratively. (A joker, a prankster.) Another meaning is "supplanter" or "one who takes the place of."
While Esau was strong and rugged, Jacob was small and fair. He preferred to spend time in the house with his mother. This led to Esau becoming the favorite of their father, Isaac. Jacob felt this rejection all his life.
Jacob was a trickster. He once tricked Esau out of his birthright for a bowl of soup. He also tricked Isaac (in Gen 27) into giving him Esau's blessing. Now Esau was mad, and threatened to kill Jacob once Isaac had died. Jacob, of course, ran away.
He met his mother's brother Laban, and fell in love with his daughter Rachel. Rachel was beautiful! Laban also had an older daughter, Leah, who was not. After having to work for seven years for Rachel's hand, Jacob was tricked into marrying Leah. Eventually, he gained the right to marry Rachel as well.
Now, Jacob himself rejected Leah, and she felt hated. Jacob was showing her the same rejection that he had received! So God stepped in - He made it so only Leah could have children at first.
Jacob went through a lot in the next few years. He tricked Laban out of some of his flock, and Laban grew angry as well. Eventually Jacob left and wanted to go back home, but found out Esau was near, with an army of 400 men! Afraid, Jacob sent his family on, while he waited for Esau, and prayed to God. Eventually, he met a strange man who wrestled with him all night. Jacob demanded a blessing from the man, who told him from this day forth, he would be called Israel, which means "one who struggles with God." That "man" was actually God's own angel!! Jacob named that place Peniel.
Jacob soon met Esau, who instead of trying to kill him, embraced his brother warmly. Jacob grew old, and became one of the fathers of the Hebrews, and of Christianity.
Posted byMichael J Mahoney at 8:44 AM 0 comments
Labels: forgiveness, jacob
Cell September 25 - Choices
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
This week, we had the same lesson in Cell as we did in KidzPort. So head on over there for the recap.
Posted byMichael J Mahoney at 7:31 AM 0 comments
KidzPort Revival is Coming!
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
- We're having Studio-Z come down from Zion Bible College. Studio-Z is a great children's ministry that does worship ministry using music, drama, puppets, media and more. We are so excited to have them.
- Sunday's service is going to be "KidzFriendly!" meaning that the whole service is going to be built around kids! Studio-Z will be leading worship, plus we will have a special speaker from Zion Bible College. Be sure to be there.
The weekend begins on Friday night with our weekly Cell groups - 7:15 in the KidzPort building. Sign in for Saturday starts at 9am. The program starts at 10am, and there will be a family celebration at 4pm.
Are you on Facebook? Let us know you're coming!!
Keep checking for more details. Oh, and EVERYONE is welcome!!! .jpg)
Posted byMichael J Mahoney at 6:53 AM 0 comments
Labels: children, Events, family, revival
See You At the Pole
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
Posted byMichael J Mahoney at 5:10 AM 0 comments
Labels: bridgeport, Events, prayer, schools
Children's and Youth Congress
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
This weekend we will be attending the Children's and Youth Congress at House of Restoration in Hartford. No cell groups will meet.
The bus will leave at 5:30 on Friday night, and 6:30am on Saturday morning. Everyone who has signed up, please be on time.
Posted byMichael J Mahoney at 7:02 AM 0 comments
Labels: Events
Schedule Updates for August
Monday, August 17, 2009
I just wanted to remind everyone of some upcoming events, as there will be no cell meetings for the rest of August.
Back to School Revivals are going to be held at Gospel Light on August 20, 21 and 23. There will be no cell on the 21st because of this, but everyone is encouraged to come hear Brian McDOnals speak.
Children's and Youth Congress is taking place on the 28th and 29th at the House of Restoration in Hartford. We will be signing people up to go, for ages 7 and up. We'll be taking the bus up Friday evening, and again on Saturday. I'll be handing out flyers on Sunday, August 23rd.
Children's Revival Weekend. will be happening on September 19th and 20th. Studio-Z from Zion Bible College will be helping us. The tentative schedule is 10am-5pm on Saturday, and will be continuing with the Sunday morning service. Keep checking for details, and invite everyone!!
Posted byMichael J Mahoney at 6:48 AM 0 comments
Labels: evangelism, Events, updates
