Ministry is tough. Being married and in ministry can be daunting. That’s why I’m involved in Encourage. Encourage is a one day training event designed for ministry leaders and their spouses. The day will highlight the vital importance of the spiritual, physical and emotional health of the ministry leader. Unlike other ministry training events and conferences this day isn’t built to give you new ministry tools, inspire you to grow the church you’re leading, or broaden your vision of what God could do through you to make a greater ministry impact in the world. This day is built to help you win at home…sadly a place that many ministry leaders are losing. Don’t miss learning with your spouse from ministry leaders who know what it takes to win at home. Investing in your marriage may be the best step you ever take towards changing not only our marriage, but also the world.

For more information or to register go to: http://www.redemptionaz.com/encourage/ 

Date: Wednesday, February 1, 2012 (from 9:00-2:30)

Cost: $29.00 per couple (lunch and childcare are provided)

Location: Sun Valley Community Church, Gilbert Campus

KEYWORDS: encourage, marriage, ministry, sun valley, redemption, rock point
CATEGORIES: Leadership • Family • Pastoring • Resources •
Posted by .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) on Jan 25 12
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Socrates is credited with saying, “The unexamined life is not worth living.” So with that intent, in no particular order, here’s a quick list of the moments that had the greatest influence in shaping my 2011.

1. Losing my Job

Talk about a crazy and life shaping moment! First time that’s ever happened. Note to self…let’s not do that again.

2. Joining the Sun Valley Community Church Staff

I’m thrilled to be serving as an Executive Pastor at one of the most incredible churches in America.

3. Taking my girls on their first Mission Trip to Guatemala

This trip was the catalyst for all kinds of great conversations with my 6 & 7-year-old daughters. I hope that God uses it to nurture in them a passion for the nations!

4. Celebrating 15 Years of Marriage

A week in Hawaii was the perfect way to celebrate 15 years of marriage with Lisa. I love my kids…but 7 nights with no kids was a big win!

5. A Month Long visit with my Parents

I know, sounds like a nightmare to most people. But it was great having my parents spend a month with us. They’re wonderful grandparents and gave us the opportunity to head out to Hawaii. Thanks Mom and Dad!

6. Going Multi-Site

Moving from one campus to three this year has been an incredible moment to lead through. So excited that God trusted this opportunity to us!

7. Participating in a Coaching Group

This was the first time in a while that I’ve been in a structured learning environment. Jumping in Tony Morgan’s Coaching Group has pushed me to continue to grow and develop. Thanks Tony!

8. Coaching, Consulting, and Speaking

Speaking at conference workshops, camps, consulting with churches, and providing personal coaching never gets old. I love helping churches accomplish their vision!

Question:

What were the most influential moments of 2011 for you?

KEYWORDS: evaluation, 2011, infulential moments
CATEGORIES: Leadership • Family • General •
Posted by .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) on Jan 3 12
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I wrote this post the week after I lost my job pastoring a church in the Atlanta Metro area. It was a crazy moment for the Alexander Family. And a moment that I never imagined that I'd ever be walking through. Not sure this post registered as the #2 post of 2011 because everyone loves a good train-wreck or because it struck a cord. Either way, here's the #2 post from 2011.

When Life doesn't go According to Plan

Sometimes when you’re preparing to teach it has more to do with what God wants to do in you, than what He wants to do through you. This past week I had planned on diving into a teaching series about the life of Joseph. But instead of teaching about it, I find myself living it. Life just hasn’t necessarily gone according to plan this week. So maybe the teaching series will have to wait a little bit. But until then, here’s some of the stuff I’m living in the moment.

Is God being with me dependent upon my circumstances? For many of us I think our faith in God hinges upon the circumstances we find ourselves in. If our life is going good then God is good. But if our lives are in turmoil then God must be mad at us or absent.

But what if we’re wrong? What if the Bible is true? That God will never leave you or forsake you. That He’s an ever-present help in times of trouble. That He loves you. That He works all things, the good and the bad, together for the good of those who love Him. That there is nowhere you or I can run to that He’s not there in the thick of it with us. What if God really does have a greater story that He is writing and the plot is thicker than the one moment we find ourselves in right now? What if it’s just not about the circumstances that we happen to find ourselves in today, what if there is something bigger going on?

Below are just a few transferable principles that we can learn from Joseph’s life. (*To read Joseph’s story for yourself, check out Genesis 37, 39-47)

1. Circumstances are more than just circumstances

The crazy circumstances that Joseph finds himself in weren’t God’s punishment; ironically they were God’s provision for His people. Without Joseph the nation of Israel would have come to an abrupt end.

2. God is with us in our mess

God wasn’t mad at Joseph and God didn’t abandon Joseph. Numerous times in the story the Bible affirms that God was with Joseph through the mess.

3. It’s possible to be steady in the storm

Joseph consistently demonstrated steadiness when things around him seemed to be swirling. Each step along the way when he was beaten by his brothers, sold into slavery, trafficked across borders, sold again, had his bosses wife make a pass at him, was falsely accused of rape, thrown in jail, and forgotten in jail Joseph remained faithful and demonstrated godly character.

Hard times are a litmus test of our faith. They test the quality of our faith. And the Scriptures would teach us that it’s in difficult times that God shapes, builds, and grows us. It’s easy to trust God when things are easy and everything is good. But can you trust God when things don’t go your way?

Question:

Why is it so hard for us to trust God through our circumstances?

KEYWORDS: circumstances, adversity, hard, times, difficulty, Joseph, Genesis, storm, peace, God
CATEGORIES: Leadership • Family • Pastoring • Staffing •
Posted by .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) on Dec 29 11
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