Troy H. Jones

Twice a year I do a praying and planning retreat.  This is a time to spend time with Jesus and my wife.  I do this for 2 nights and three days.  I love it.  It is priceless.  I have been doing this  for 10 years of my life.  Amazing to see how God uses this time to shape my life.

I do the prayer and planning twice a year…one in summer and end of the year.  I am on one of my prayer and planning retreats as I type this. 

People ask…what are some things you do on a prayer and planning retreat?

Here is a list of things I have been doing for a decade of personal retreats.

1. Spend time walking and praying
2. Read Bible for extended times
3. Journal
4. Find new worship songs and worship Jesus 
5. Review past journal entries
6. Read a book
7. Do  something special for my wife
8. Call a old friend
9. Reflect on last year “lessons learned”
10. Calendar planning for 2009
11. Work on my personal “Core values”
12. Work on lifetime goals
13. Work on personal annual goals
14. Work on personal changes in my  life 
15. Determine “Direction and Focus” for  next season of life and church 
16. Work on future teaching series
17. Read one book on retreat
18. Listen to a good podcast
19. Write a blog (I am doing this now)
20. Watch  a movie
21. Cry  and laugh 
22. Just  be silent
23. Get a cup of coffee by myself

I  have some key Scriptures that have influenced and shaped my life.  I call them my “go to” Scriptures.  These are Scriptures I reflect on regularly.  Every night before I go to bed I pull these Scriptures out and take a few moments to think about them. 

I will update these Scriptures often on my blog.

I have spent some time putting them into categories.  Here are my “go to” Scriptures on the mouth. 

Generosity

Palms 37: 25, 26

25 I was young and now I am old, yet I have never seen the righteous forsaken or their children begging bread.  26 They are always generous…their children will be blessed

Proverbs 3: 9, 10

9 Honor the Lord with your wealth, with the first fruits of all your crops; 10 then your barns will be filled to overflowing, and your vats will brim over with new wine.

Mal 3:10

Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,” says the LORD Almighty, “and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that you will not have room enough for it.  

Matt 6:19-21

19 “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. 20 But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

Luke 16:10-11

10 “Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much. 11 So if you have not been trustworthy in handling worldly wealth, who will trust you with true riches?

I Corinthians 16:2

On the first day of every week, each one of you should set aside a sum of money in keeping with his income, saving it up, so that when I come no collections will have to be made.

2 Corinthians 8: 7

But just as you excel in everything–in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in complete earnestness and in your love for us–see that you also excel in this grace of giving.”

2 Cor 9:6-7

6 Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. 7 Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.

Phil 4:19

And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.

1 Tim 6:17-18

17 Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. 18 Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share.

I  have some key Scriptures that have influenced and shaped my life.  I call them my “go to” Scriptures. These are Scriptures I reflect on regularly.  Every night before I go to bed I pull these Scriptures out and take a few moments to think about them. 

I will update these Scriptures often on my blog.

I have spent some time putting them into categories.  Here are my “go to” Scriptures on the mouth. 

Mouth

Proverbs 18:13

He who answers before listening—that is his folly and shame.

Matthew 5:37

Simply let your “Yes” be “Yes”, and your “No”, “No”,anything beyond this comes from the evil one

Proverbs 18:21

The tongue has the  power of life and death and those who  love it will eats its fruit

Psalms 19:14

May the words of my mouth and the mediation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer

James 1:19

My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry

Prov 15:1

A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger

Proverbs 17:14

Starting a quarrel is like breaching a dam; so  drop the matter before a dispute breaks out

Proverbs 26:20

Without wood a fire goes out, without gossip a quarrel dies down

Proverbs 22:10

Drive out the mocker, and out goes strife; quarrels and insults are ended.

Matthew 12:36

But I tell you that men will have to give account on the day of judgment for every careless word they have spoken

I am doing my ramblings earlier this week.  I wanted to connect with everyone before Christmas.

·        Merry Christmas!

·        I love the snow…but I am ready for it to be gone.  (although a white Christmas would be nice)

·        We are doing the Christmas Eve service no matter what happens with the weather.  Even if I have to personally pick everyone up in Jana’s Durango.  Ok, that’s a little exaggerated.

·        The Christmas Eve services are at 5:00, 6:30 and 10:00 PM.  Arrive early.

·        The whole family is involved during the Christmas Eve services. Kaylee and Jana on worship team and Chelsey is preaching for a few moments.  I love my family.  They really enjoy this once a year where they get to be involved.

·        2009 is coming.  I can’t wait.  I am so  excited about what God is  going to do at New Life. 

·        Everyone needs to do Crown Financial in 2009.  We just sent something in the mail.  Plug into the details.

·        Jana’s parents are coming over for Christmas. I love hanging with them

·        I had 16 people go to my blog and communicate they will either continue or start reading the Christmas story this year.  Not too late to jump in and say, “I’m in!”

·        This Sunday is the last Sunday of the year.  With this weather we have taken quit a financial hit the last two weeks.  I am confident in New Life.  I am confident we will catch up this Sunday and end the year strong.

·        Someone gave $50,000 for the new building last week.  This is amazing.  Gifts like this (and every size) make a significant difference.

·        We also had someone recently feel led to give Missionary Alan Johnson $5,000.  Alan was so blown away at this. It came at the right moment.  I love New Life!

·        We are baptizing two people on Sunday.  I love water baptism

·        Rick and Susan Ross are in town for the holidays.  I am excited about spending some time with them.  (they are the former pastors at New Life)

·        The youth  are planning a huge New Years Eve party.  Make sure your students plan on being apart of this.

·        Again—Jana and I wish all of you a Merry Christmas.  We pray the favor of the Lord on your life.

As I read my Bible everyday I try to find one Scripture that  I put on a 3 x 5 card and carry with me throughout the day.  I reflect and meditate  on this one Scripture throughout the day. Then I add it to a document that I put on my iphone called  my “go to” Scriptures. 

On Saturday  I read a Scripture that I felt like was my first time reading it.  I have read it hundreds of other times.  But, for some reason this Scripture jumped off the page and made me think and ask myself some gut  wrenching questions.

I love the Scripture.  I  love how practical the Bible is. 

Psalms 78:72

“And David Shepherded them with  integrity of  heart; with  skillful hands he led them”

I  love how simple, concise and profound this Scripture is.  The problem in ministry so many don’t understand we need both–a heart filled with integrity and skillful hands.  If we lack one of these we will hinder our leadership. 

A heart of integrity 

• Do you have a heart filled with integrity? 
• Does your  heart desire to be like Jesus?
• Are there any hints of bitterness in your  heart?
• Do you have any hints of sexual garbage in your heart?
• How is your heart?
• When you miss a day or two with Jesus, does your heart  miss it?
• Do you exaggerate numbers, stories, facts—is your heart filled with integrity?
• How is your prayer  life?
• When is the last time you cried?
• When is the last time you laughed?
• When is the last time you gave?
• Do you care more about position than the mission of God?
• Are you a servant?
• Are you teachable? 

What other questions would be good to add to this list?

Skillful hands

Many people think all we need is God in ministry.  We can’t do ministry without the supernatural.  We also need skillful hands.  God gives us skillful hands.   Here is the deal–I hate flying.  When I fly I would be scared to death if the  pilot said, “I have a good heart–but really don’t know how to fly”.   I don’t care if the pilot is cussing—my question is do you have the skill to fly this plane?   For sure  pastoral leadership is different.  I don’t want the pastor cussing.  But, we have a lot of pastors who don’t cuss but they have pathetic people skills, work ethics, time management, leadership, problem solving, and team building.  This is why people won’t follow  you. 

Why should that  mom in your church follow you when she cares more about her towels than you do your sermons?(just a question)

• What kind of skills do you have?
• What are you doing to grow  your ministry  skills?
• What are you  doing to grow your speaking?  (some of us haven’t  listened to ourselves speak for years.  This is a shame)
• Do you have people giving you input on your skills?
• Do you have a coach?
• How  are your skills limiting you?  What are you going to do about this?

What other  questions would be good to add to this list?

In this  one Scripture we find enough meat to chew on for a long time.  Chew on it.  Think about it.  As we go into 2009 maybe this is all we have to care about…hearts that  love Jesus and filled with intergity  and skillful  hands.

Week 2 of my new life ramblings. I had so many people mention how they really enjoyed this. Let’s give it another week and see where we go…

• What is the deal with all this snow? I love the snow. Do you think we will have a white Christmas?
• The Christmas Concert/production was amazing last weekend. We had 1,740 people attend. I am so proud of our choir, orchestra and media/production team.
• I had a Elders meeting this week. We are so blessed as a church to have Godly and wise men and woman lead this church.
• We brought in $4,600 for the benevolence offering during the Christmas Concert/production. Plan on giving to New Life’s benevolence ministry during the Christmas eve services…we all need to give back to people.
• I have a personal challenge for every man – step up and read the Christmas story with your family. I give details and practical advice on my blog. I have a place for you to commit to this challenge and say, “I’m in!”
• Our Christmas eve services are at 5:00 pm, 6:30 pm and 10:00 pm. These are one hour services. A great family tradition. I love the candle lighting at the end of the service.
• Jana and I sent a Christmas card to everybody at New Life…be looking for it.
• We had to cancel Primetimers this week. Bummer. We will reschedule this in January.
• My daughter Chelsey will sharing a five minute message at the Christmas eve services. Ok, I am proud of her. I admit it.
• Our elders approved a six week sabbatical to Pastor Greg Holman. He has served with us for 13 years. He deserves this. His sabbatical begins the first the year.
• With the snow last weekend we took a financial hit. You can give online at www.newliferenton.com or bring by the office during the week. I so appreciate the faithfulness of everyone’s giving. With everyone doing their part I am confident we will make up the shortfall from last week.
• We received a letter this week that made my day. It was a story how God helped someone fulfill their $20,000 Now is the Time commitment. God is faithful. I am going to ask this person if I can put this on my blog. I love it!
• Jana and I are praying for over 300 of your friends and family members who need Jesus.
• On Sunday we are talking about Jesus being called “Everlasting Father.” Read Ephesians 3:14-21 to prepare for the message. Also if you have a Bible commentary – search the phrase “unfailing love” and read all the scriptures that talk about the unfailing love of Christ.
• Our youth are planning a great New Years Eve party. I have overheard some of their plans. Make sure your students check this out.
• I am looking forward to Christmas day. I love Christmas.

Ok, I am on a personal crusade.  I am sick of Christ followers having bumper stickes that say, “Jesus is the reason for the season”  I like and agree with the statement.  Here is my problem…what difference does Jesus make during this Chistmas season for you?  Another way to put this question—what is one thing you are doing this Christmas season to remember the Christ child?  Be honest..just name one thing?

Here is my personal challlenge and crusade I am on—I want to challenge you to read the Christmas story as a family on Christmas Eve or Christmas morning.  I know this doesn’t solve every problem.  But, it is a step. I would love to  see 100 families or even 1,000 families  commit this year to reading the Christmas story.

Will you take this challenge?  I would love to hear from you. 

I have discovered people need very practical advice when doing something of this nature.  So here are some practical tips to make this happen.

• Attention men.  You take the lead.  You may be a grandfater, father, oldest child, oldest uncle—I don’t know.  But you take the lead.  For those single moms obvioulsy you need to step up if you don’t have a male in your family to do this. I know this takes guts.  I know it feels uncomfortable.  Break through this. I would rather preach to a couple of thousand than read to my family of 4.  But, they need me to step up.
• Ladies—allow the men to lead.  Don’t make him feel uncomfortable.  He won’t do it the way you do it the way you do it.  This is good.  You don’t want him to be a female.  You want him to be a man.  Allow him to step up in his own way.
• I would suggest either Luke 2:8-14 or Luke 2:1-20.  You don’t need to read a bunch.  Only a few scriptures.
• Read the text a couple of times before reading it outloud to your family
• Don’t  make this into a Bible study
• When you read the Christmas story—don’t make comments. None.  Just read.  Let your family here the Word of God. 
• I suggest the NIV…however you may want to look at the message Bible or some other version. 
• Read the story “before” or “after” something.   Say something like this, “before we eat dinner on Christmas eve let’s read the Christmas story together” or “before we open the first gifts….” or “before we have breakfast”.  “After we open the stockings”  
• Don’t make this long.  No more than 5-7 minutes.  Read the Scripture and say a quick prayer over the family.
• Once you decide “when” do it.  When the time arrives just speak up and say, “hey let’s read the Christmas story together.  It will only take a few moments:
• After you are done reading—say a quick prayer.  Don’t be fancy.  Just a quick prayer for this day.  Maybe even write this prayer out and read it.  Whatever you are comfortable with.  Be ok if you stumble through your  prayer. Don’t make it long.
• When you done reading—says, , “lets eat” or “lets open gifts” 

So there it is…a personal challenge.  I would love to hear from other tips you may have.  I would love to see 10, 100  or 1000 men respond to this blog and say, “I’m in!”

So here we go…I am the first one “I’m in!”  I will read the Christmas story with my family this year.

new life ramblings

I am going to experiment with another form of communication with you as your pastor.  For now let’s call it “New Life Ramblings”.  Every week I will sit down and blog what is on my mind and what is happening at New Life.  We will send this to you with the “New Life News” and put it on my blog at www.troyhjones.com.

• On Wednesday, I attended the dress rehearsal for the Christmas production.  Amazing. I was so proud to watch over 100 people give their time and energy to provide a Christmas production for us.  You will not want to miss this production Friday night at 7:00PM and Saturday at 3:00PM and 7:00PM. Show up 30 minutes early!
• On Tuesday, we had a couple take us out to dinner.  People who have called New Life home for over 20 years.  Jana and I talked on the way home about how great the people of New Life are. You are amazing!
• Snow?  What is that all about?
• On Thursday I meet with Brett.  Brett is new to New Life.  He had some incredible questions about theology and faith.  I love this church.
• I am so excited about 2009.  I am walking through the teaching series right now.  It will be an amazing year.
• Membership Orientation is this Sunday at 5:00PM.  If you want to discover the heart of New Life this is your next step to take.  Sign up online at www.newliferenton.com.  
• Jana and I have been praying for over 300 names of your friends and family who need Jesus.  This has been an amazing time for us to pray for you.  Wow!  I love the heart of New Life and how we love people far from God. So many churches are judgmental. If I wasn’t’ a Christ follower I wouldn’t want to attend many churches.  Thank God for the people of New Life who love people far from Jesus. 
• We have had a slight delay in our building project.  Not one to worry about.  Believe it or not, just logistics with the Muckleshoot Indians.  We will be fine. It will only delay the process for 3-4 weeks. Keep praying.
• Our giving is strong. Thank you. Even in the middle of this economy, we are up 9% in our tithe. Crazy. 
• Your giving makes a difference.  Can you imagine if everyone would be systematic givers at New Life? Just a random question!  It stirs me to think what would happen in your life and to this region if we had everyone capture the heart of generosity.
• I am praying for you! 
• This Sunday is Pastor Nik and Heather’s last day.  I am so proud of them.  They will be incredible senior pastors at Marysville First Assembly.  Be praying for them.  We will be praying for them at the Well service and during Axis.
• I think we are dedicating 2 or 3 babies this Sunday…how cool is that?  I love baby dedications. 
• Our small group this week had the privilege of serving a family at New Life.  We brought gifts to their door.  When we walked in the younger child was jumping up and down for joy.  This is what the local church is all about.  All over this community small groups are serving people.  Way to go New Life!
• Read Isaiah 6:1-8 to prepare for Sunday.  We are discussing the prophetic names of Jesus.  He will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father and Prince of Peace.
• Our Christmas Eve services will be at 5:00, 6:30 and 10:00PM.  Plan now to attend one of these. 
• Jana and I love serving you.  January 4, 2009 will be officially five years.  Time goes so quickly.  You know you are getting older when you begin to make comments like this.
• I wrote a blog called “how do we connect people at New Life”…great blog for you to read at www.troyhjones.com. I would love to hear your comments.

We have been asking ourselves as a leadership team, “how does a church connect people”  Very important question.  The church is about people.  Not programs, not policies, not traditions, not buildings…people.  So often churches miss this.  Our tendancy is to think if we preach better or use the latest video the  church will be fine.  We miss it.  We focus on the wrong things. 

At New Life we have developed some defining statements to help us focus on people and not programs.  These statements are simple reminders for us as a team.  Language creates culture.  These are statements that help keep us on our toes. 

When new people walk in—everybody steps up. 

This includes everybody.  Whenever someone new walks in our door–everybody must step to the plate to serve.  No expections.

The first step to connecting someone is remembering their name

Every  week I bring a 3 x 5 card with me.  I write down peoples names I meet.  I pray for  them during the week during my quiet times. 

Read people before you direct people

So often churches try to push people into their programs…join a small group, get involved in ministry, etc.  We need to learn to read people.  They may of just received news from the  doctor that they have cancer…and all we care about is our programs…what is wrong with us?  Do we really care?

We will never be so big that we don’t love people one at a time.

The moment we are so big that  I don’t have time for people…I am done. 

People attend because they are invited, they stay because they are included

We are funny in the church.  We actually think people attend our church because they received a cool flyer in the mail.  Yes, this happens.  But, lets get real.  People attend because some  invites them.  But, here is what we have learned at New Life…they only stay if they are included.  People  want to belong.  We have to find creative ways to include people.

We do for one what we wish we could do for all

We get what we train

This is  so important.  Often I get frustrated with our  host teams volunteers or ushers.  Sometimes they don’t seem to be serving people.  Who’s  fault is this?  Mine!  We get what we train.  We ask people to be host team members and then we don’t nurture or care about them. 

Think “Steps, not programs”  

We need to think in terms of steps, not programs.  What are the easy steps for people to connect?  Are they obvious?  Are they strategic?

Connecting people isn’t a department it is a discipline of the church

Connecting people is the church.  It is the mission of God.  You can’t hire this out.  You can’t put  this on someones job description and then forget it. 

We do for one what we wish we could do for all

Pastors sometimes will say, “I can’t call everybody” or  “I can’t personally welcome everybody”…very  true.  But here is my rule of thumb…I do for one what I wish I could  do for all.  I can’t visit everybody in the hospital..but  it is good for me to get out of my office and visit someone.  I can’t personally call every new person..but every once in a while I need to grab my cell phone and make that call.  Not only is this good  modeling for my staff and church..it  is good for my soul!