Cup O' Joe with Bill

Monday Funday—Surviving Driver's Ed (Again): A True Story

2012-01-29T19:52:00.004-06:00

I picked up my fifteen year old son from school. When he got into the car, he announced, "I can drive now."

Having been through this with his older sister, I saw the teachable moment and tried to lean into it. "Just because the state of Illinois gives you a permit and says you can now start driving with your parents in no way means that you can actually drive."

Unrelenting, my son spit back, "I'm a great driver."

Just as unrelenting, I shot back, "Driving the riding lawn mower at home in the yard and driving a car between the lines without actually hitting another car, stationary object, or a person are two different things."

"But I took a test in Driver's Ed today and passed. See, I'm a great driver," he affirmed waving a piece of paper in his hands.

"Passing a written driving test in a classroom in no way whatsoever means that you can actually drive a real car on a real road with other real cars around you. Really."

Then he threw down the challenge. He played the ace in his hand. "What's wrong old man? Afraid my driving is better than yours?"

The teacher/trainer in me kicked in. You see, when the learner is not getting the obvious point, the teacher/trainer may opt for "creative" teaching measures. This would be a good time to call his bluff and attempt to bring him back to reality. I calmly pulled the car over into a McDonald's parking lot. Put it into park. Got out and walked around to the passenger side front door. Opened it and said, "Let's go Mr. World's-Greatest-Driver-whose-never-actually-driven-a-car-before. Show me what you've got."

He looked stunned, but he quickly got out his seat and situated himself behind the driver's side of the car. He adjusted the seat, the mirrors, and fascended his seatbelt. So far so good. Then he stopped and looked down at the floor for what seemed an inordinate amount of time. I entertained the thought that he might be praying. Then suddenly he looked up at me and with complete seriousness and asked, "Now which one of these pedals is the brake?"

I rest my case.

Simple. Profound. But Not Obvious.

2012-01-25T05:08:00.011-06:00

A true story….

A small group of youth pastors gathered together for their monthly network meeting. The newest and youngest youth pastor asked the more experienced youth pastors, "What youth ministry resources would you recommend to me as I get started?"

The must-read book suggestions came fast and furious as the more experienced youth leaders pitched their favorite ministry books to the newbie. The young youth pastor fervently scribbled down the titles. This went on until the list was quite long.

When the book suggestions finally slowed down long enough for everyone to catch a breath, one youth leader, previously quiet, simply said, "Or, you can study the Gospels, take note of how Jesus did ministry and try to do what He did."

Simple. Profound. But not obvious.

And therefore, extremely sad.

There. I said it.

Monday Funday: Coincidence or Satanic Conspiracy?

2012-01-23T04:59:00.004-06:00

On January 1st, we start our new year resolutions such as dieting, fasting, and eating right.

A mere 16 days later, Girl Scout Cookies arrive at our door.

Coincidence or Satanic conspiracy?

You decide.

Get blog posts from Cup O' Joe in your email inbox! You'll hear from me 1-2x a week. Email addresses are never shared with anyone and you can unsubscribe at anytime. Subscribe to Cup O' Joe with Bill by Email. Thanks for letting us keep in touch with you.

Get Equipped in Central, IL!

2012-01-18T04:54:00.000-06:00

This par-tay is gonna be C-R-A-Z-Y… and you won't want to miss it… especially if you volunteer in any capacity at your church! People from all over the state… and all the surrounding states will be there. I kid you not. What am I talking about? I'm talking about…

It's all going down on February 24-25 at Peoria Christian School. Complete details here.

But first, here's WHY you should attend Equip this year.

Here's what Cadre Ministries is bringing for encouragement and equipping for the two days:

Friday:

Turning Pew Potatoes Into Passionate Participators
by Bill Allison, 9:15 AM, Choir Room

About 20% of churchgoers volunteer their time and talents in their church. That means about 80% of the people in our churches are pew potatoes. This is not only unhealthy, it's unbiblical. How can we cooperate with God in turning pew potatoes into passionate participators? Come and find out.

Disciplemaking Is Relationships
by Bill Allison, 10:45 AM, Choir Room

Jesus-like disciplemaking isn't a program, it's a way of life. If you're interesting in developing a Jesus-like way of life, then this workshop is for you. Bring you Bible, pen, notebook, and some friends because disciplemaking is relationships.

The Teaching Genius of Jesus
by Bill Allison, 2:455 PM, Choir Room

It's time to take your teaching cues from the greatest teacher who ever graced the planet—JESUS! Come to explore, discover, and apply The Teaching Genius of Jesus to your life and ministry as a volunteer teacher or small group leader. Bring your Bible!

The Challenge of Finishing Well
by Bill Allison, 4:30 PM, Choir Room

The spiritual racetrack of life is littered with the broken lives of those who had great starts. Many of these folks were smarter, stronger, more talented, and even more pious than most of us—but for one reason or another—they did NOT finish well. Does that concern you? It should. To truly finish this life well, you must run strong all the way to the end. That's exactly what we'll explore together in this workshop.

Saturday:

Time Management for Painfully Pooped-Out People
by Bill Allison, 8 AM, Choir Room

This is NOT your typical time management workshop! You won't leave this training with more to do in your already overloaded life. Instead, you will learn to wrestle with what God wants you to say yes to—and then how deal with the rest. You can expect lots of interaction, Bible study (bring your Bibles and schedule planners), and FUN.

The Disciplemaking Genius of Jesus
by Bill Allison, 11 AM, Choir Room

Jesus is the master disciplemaker. He commanded you to make disciples like Him. This session is for those who would like to explore the disciplemaking genius of Jesus and what that looks like for us today. Bring your Bible, pen, notebook and some friends.

Your First and Most Important Job as a Volunteer in the Church
by Bill Allison, 2:30 PM, Choir Room

What's the most important thing you can do as a volunteer in church? You might be surprised at what you find out in this workshop. If you're a volunteer, this is for you!

Seven Biblical Ways God Wants You to Encourage Your Pastor
by Bill Allison, 4 PM, Choir Room

Your pastor, by calling, is an encourager. But who is encouraging your pastor? While pastoring can be tremendously rewarding, it can also be daunting, demanding, and disheartening. Make no mistake about it: Your pastor needs your encouragement. And God's Word shows YOU at least seven biblical ways to encourage your pastor. This workshop is for you... not your pastor.

Come to take in the training and then hangout with Bill and the lovely Stacy Allison (and probably baby Ivy) at the Cadre Ministries booth in the exhibit hall. And bring a few friends from your church/ministry with you.

Monday Funday

2012-01-16T10:00:00.001-06:00

I told my family I never want to depend on a machine and fluids to keep me alive… that's when they took away my computer and coffee maker.

(From Mikey's Funnies)

God, You, Us—How much fun is this?

2012-01-12T16:03:00.001-06:00

"My relationship with God just wasn't happening and the harder I tried the more…." The rest of this story is here below…. click any image below to enlarge for reading. For a two page PDF, go here.

We can't do Cadre without friends like you who love, pray, and give. For more information about how you can partner with God, the Allisons, and Cadre Ministries, go here. To make a secure online tax-deductible donation, go here. Cadre Ministries is a recognized 501(c)3 ministry.

Get blog posts from Cup O' Joe in your email inbox! You'll hear from me 1-2x a week. Email addresses are never shared with anyone and you can unsubscribe at anytime. Subscribe to Cup O' Joe with Bill by Email. Thanks for letting us keep in touch with you.

Cadre Missionary Adventures...

2012-01-09T15:46:00.007-06:00

Sometimes as missionaries, God makes it possible for us to take Jesus-like disciplemaking encouragement and training to potentially hazardous places. This is the story of how God took us…

Behind the Cheddar Curtain

Last weekend, I had the honor of being a small part of the student ministries conference for the Evangelical Free Church in WI. (Pictured below: Rob and Nancy Weise, along with lots of well coordinated volunteers, make this student ministries conference happen… and happen well.)

Cadre brought training and coaching to some of the 3,800 students and youth leaders who attended. Did I mention the conference was in Green Bay? Yeah, that's where the Packers play. I felt alone… so alone behind the Cheddar Curtain. And then the first of many miracles happened….

I found another Bears fan! It's true: God has his people everywhere… even behind the Cheddar Curtain. (Note: I have this same jersey, but I didn't have the guts to wear it to Green Bay… especially THIS year. Thanks for inspiration and encouragement Zach!)

Many students trusted Jesus Christ as Savior and many others indicated that God spoke clearly and directly to them concerning their relationship with him.

One of my personal favorites from this year's districts conference was spoken word poet, Propaganda.

Two of my favorite missionaries, Dave and Rennie Garda, also did training and coaching at the conference.

For students we did, Seven Biblical Ways God Wants YOU to Encourage Your Youth Leaders.

For youth leaders we did, Becoming the Youth Leaders Jesus Wants You to Be.

We also facilitated a time of celebration, questions, answers, and prayer with volunteer youth leaders.

Only Jesus can make a Bears fan and a Packer's fan enjoy working together for His kingdom. It's nothing short of miraculous. But that's how Jesus rolls… in the miraculous. And we like being along for the ride.

Disciplemaking: An App or Operating System?

2012-01-05T04:43:00.014-06:00

In your life, is Jesus-like disciplemaking one of many different apps on your screen—or is it the operating system that determines what apps you actually choose and use?

Think about that for a minute.

Your answer to that question has HUGE ramifications.

If you've got the wrong operating system, then it doesn't really matter how cool your apps are.

If you're interested in a Jesus-like disciplemaking way of life as your operating system, go here.

Get blog posts from Cup O' Joe in your email inbox! You'll hear from me 1-2x a week. Email addresses are never shared with anyone and you can unsubscribe at anytime. Subscribe to Cup O' Joe with Bill by Email. Thanks for letting us keep in touch with you.

A prayer for January 2nd

2012-01-02T04:21:00.003-06:00

Dear God,

I want to thank you, Lord, for being so close to me so far this year. With your help, I haven't been impatient, lost my temper, been grumpy, judgmental, or envious of anyone. But I will really need your help soon because I'm about to get out of bed.

Amen

Get more help here:
* No More New Year Resolutions
* 15 Minutes a Day that Will Change Your Life Forever

Get blog posts from Cup O' Joe in your email inbox! You'll hear from me 1-2x a week. Email addresses are never shared with anyone and you can unsubscribe at anytime. Subscribe to Cup O' Joe with Bill by Email. Thanks for letting us keep in touch with you.

No More New Year Resolutions

2011-12-28T12:59:00.005-06:00

If you've ever intended to…

* read a self-help book… but didn’t help yourself enough to crack it open

* read through Bible through in a year… but didn’t make it through the second week of January

* create and stick to a budget… but ran up more credit card debt

* lose weight… and then set a personal record in chocolate eating

* have a better marriage… and then actually argued with your spouse about how (Okay, that could be just me on that one)

* be a more patient parent… and then yelled at your kids more than ever

* exercise regularly… and then used your treadmill as a clothes hanger

This is for you!

Note: Be sure to read all the way to the end.

Get blog posts from Cup O' Joe in your email inbox! You'll hear from me 1-2x a week. Email addresses are never shared with anyone and you can unsubscribe at anytime. Subscribe to Cup O' Joe with Bill by Email. Thanks for letting us keep in touch with you.

We couldn't do Cadre without this...

2011-12-26T04:58:00.008-06:00

By God’s grace and power—AND because of the prayer and financial partnership with God’s people like YOU, we are able to take Jesus-like disciplemaking, equipping, and encouragement to thousands of people in hundreds of churches and ministries each year! That's what Cadre Ministries has been about for ten years now. God is at work and we love being along for this, crazy, fun, and fruitful ride.

Would you prayerfully consider joining our financial partnership team on a monthly, quarterly, or annual basis starting now?

To explore taking this adventure with us, go here.

From our hearts to yours, thank you for prayerfully considering our request.

Bill, Stacy, Emily, Bill, Aubrey, Josey, Libby, Sadey, and Ivy

FYI:
* Go here for some of the stats and stories of 2011.
* Cadre Ministries is a recognized 501(c)3 not-for-profit ministry and all donations are tax deductible.

15 Minutes a Day that Will Change Your life Forever

2011-12-19T04:48:00.014-06:00

By far the single most important thing I did in 2011 that helped my relationship with God was read through the Bible chronologically in the New Living Translation.

In the words of Nacho Libre, "It's fantastic."

I'd like you join me in creating your own study group (face-to-face and/or online) to read through the Bible chronologically—together—this year.

But first, let's talk about your big BUT.

I know. You've tried to read the Bible in a year before, BUT about the time you got to Leviticus you ran out of gas. (I feel your gas pain.) Then you felt guilty about it. (Again, I feel your pain.) You felt like such loser! (I may be projecting my own feelings onto you now.) Well, let me help you get over your big BUT by introducing you to…

Did you get that? This year is the guilt-free—not the guil-ty—read-through-the-Bible-chronologically-in-a-year!

So what happens when you miss a day? A few days? A week? A month? Three months? Six months? A year? (Again, I might be projecting my own past failed experiences in reading through the Bible in a year onto you… sorry.) If you miss a day, week, or month or whatever, I invite you to simply start reading the Bible—not where you left off—but on whatever day it is that day. No Bible-reading mafia types will show up at your house to confiscate your Bible and break your legs. Seriously. No guilt. Say those words slowly right now out loud: "No. Guilt."

Why this approach? I suspect if you take this no guilt approach, you will actually read the Bible more this year than any other year in your life. Next year, we can work on reading the WHOLE Bible : )

Here's the kicker: Reading through the Bible in a year takes only about 15 minutes a day, but it's 15 minutes a day that will change your life forever.

I'm up in your grill. I'm throwing it down baby. I dirty-double-dog-dare-you to read the Bible for 15 minutes day… and share with some friends how God is changing your life.

Your Next Step...

The best way to take this Bible reading adventure is to invite some friends you see and interact with often to take it with you. It was my wife who got me to do this in 2011 : ) So I encourage you to invite your face-to-face friends to join you on this adventure. You could study the daily readings at home, and then meet weekly, bi-monthly, or whatever to share what you're learning. (We call this the "study and share method"… not to be confused with the Sonny and Cher method.)

I also think you should seriously consider starting a Facebook group right now. Such a group will make it possible for you to leave comments and share what your learning with each other. Most important, it will enable you to share how God is working in our lives as you read and apply his Word.

Why? Friends don't let friends read the Bible alone.

So, who is going to start a group right now?

FYI: You don't need to get a new Bible to take this adventure! Here's the one year chronology I will be following: http://bit.ly/nmF8Iu

Here's a FREE PDF sample chapter from The One Year Chronological Bible (NLT): http://bit.ly/pVVP4W

Here's an AMAZON link to The One Year Chronological Bible (NLT) that I used last year: http://amzn.to/n2k6D7 (I get no $ kickback for suggesting ANY of these.)

For those of you who want to read with us via an eBible, here's The One Year Chronological Bible (NLT) that I listed above available as an ebook you can download for a price from the publisher: http://bit.ly/n2GGAI

Is your big BUT still getting in your way?
If yes, then watch this video.

Get blog posts from Cup O' Joe in your email inbox! You'll hear from me 1-2x a week. Email addresses are never shared with anyone and you can unsubscribe at anytime. Subscribe to Cup O' Joe with Bill by Email. Thanks for letting us keep in touch with you.

The 2011 Keeping-It-Real Allison Family Christmas Letter

2011-12-12T04:57:00.005-06:00

Here's your invitation to laugh with us... or at us... whichever you prefer. Hey, we're laughing at ourselves... with or without you... so you might as well join us. Click on the images below to enlarge for reading. If you'd rather view this as a PDF, just go here.

We'd love for you to let us into your email inbox! You'll hear from me 1-2x a week. Email addresses are never shared with anyone and you can unsubscribe at anytime. Subscribe to Cup O' Joe with Bill by Email. Thanks for letting us keep in touch with you.

CHRISTMAS BONUS:

After the wild commercial success of my first hit song, I've decided to branch out… into singing Christmas songs. (Hey, if Elvis can do it, so can I.) Then I thought, why just go with music? It's time for my first Christmas music VIDEO. Then I pondered, "Who could I get to be in the video?" So I got Santa himself to dance for the video… while I do the singing. What can I say? I've got connections. To sum up the experience you're about to have in one word: QUALITY. Enjoy the video and the song: )

A holiday music train wreck for the sick and twisted...

2011-12-07T07:01:00.005-06:00

If you have any sense of propriety when it comes to fine music, do NOT listen to this. I repeat: Do NOT listen to this. You have been warned. This is only for those who are musically sick and twisted. This is for people who enjoy listening to musical train wrecks. You'll love this.

Subscribe to Cup O' Joe with Bill by Email. You'll hear from me 1-2x a week. Email addresses are never shared with anyone and you can unsubscribe at anytime. Thanks for letting us keep in touch with you.

What God Did in 2011: Stats & Stories!

2011-12-05T04:15:00.022-06:00

Celebrate with God, the Allisons, and Cadre Ministries! Click on any of the images below to enlarge for viewing and reading. To view as a two page PDF, go here.

Here are the stats… click image to enlarge for reading.

Subscribe to Cup O' Joe with Bill by Email. You'll hear from me 1-2x a week. Email addresses are never shared with anyone and you can unsubscribe at anytime. Thanks for letting us keep in touch with you.

Here are some stories… click image to enlarge for reading.

The DIsciplemaking of Baby Ivy continues… (2 short videos)

2011-12-02T14:55:00.042-06:00

EXHIBIT A: Ivy's First Words

For months I've been saying these words over and over to Ivy. Finally, Ivy said the words. Can you guess what they are?

For all the killjoys out there who like to point out that she's not actually recognizing who I am but simply just imitating what I'm saying, to you I say: It still thrills my heart to hear my girl say it! So there.

EXHIBIT B: Ivy's Reaction to Music
Yep. Soon as I saw Ivy's response to music, I knew that she was being discipled by our entire family.

Who knew London Bridges was such a rockin' song, right? Now you know.

Thanks for stopping by for a Cup O' Joe and a smile.

Subscribe to Cup O' Joe with Bill by Email. You'll hear from me 1-2x a week. Email addresses are never shared with anyone and you can unsubscribe at anytime. Thanks for letting us keep in touch with you.

What should a good Disciplemaking Learning Community do?

2011-11-24T07:20:00.003-06:00

by Bill Allison and Dave Garda

A young man I discipled since he was a teenager was asked in his college years to spend a summer leading the youth ministry at his church. At the end of that summer, I asked him, “So what did God do in your life this summer?”

He said, “He made it clear to me that I’m not cut out for youth ministry.”

I said, “Fair enough. When did you realize it?”

He said, “Well, I loved being with students, but the church seemed to feel like I wasn’t doing my job if I wasn’t in the office 40 hours a week. I thought youth ministry would be ministry to youth—getting time building relationships with students... not primarily office work.”

That is a sad and true story. The church invited him to be the youth pastor for the summer, but they didn’t really understand what a good youth pastor should do.

That raises the question: What should a good Disciplemaking Learning Community (DLC) do?

I hope you know by now that the answer to that question is found in the disciplemaking genius of Jesus.

Also in this edition of Cadre Connection...
* Disciplemaking Is Relationships Training
* The Disciplemaker’s Guide: Ten Disciplemaking Learning Communities
* Encourage a Cadre Missionary
* Rebecca Black Eat Your Heart Out—Bill Sings His First Big Hit

My first hit song…

2011-11-21T11:32:00.007-06:00

Crank up the volume baby! That's right… it's 1 minute and 10 seconds of heaven… that is… me singing my first hit song. Yes… that's me crooning… I'm actually singing this. Who knew… right? Keep your ears open when you're in the car… you will probably be hearing this little ditty on those cool radio stations the kids listen to these days. Rebecca Black eat your heart out.

Listen to my first hit song here.

Can you guess the name of the song?

Now THAT'S Da Sciplemaking...

2011-11-14T13:57:00.004-06:00

Click any image below to enlarge for viewing… and have fun!

Train up a child in the way she should go and when she is old, she will not depart from it. I'm guessing Ivy's first words will be, "Da Bears." That's Da Sciplemaking.

Training some high school and college students to Love God, Love People, and Make Disciplemakers at Timber-Lee Camp in East Troy earlier this month.

Aubrey, a senior in high school this year, was inducted into the National Honor Society. When I was in high school, I never got an invitation to be a part of the NHS. That's the benefit of having a wife who was valedictorian. (I've always said it took a smart woman to recognize what a gem I was.) Chalk this picture up to my wife's disciplemaking : )

Earlier this month, we loaded 11 guys from the Peoria area into our slowly dying 15 passenger van to spend the day with those in the Chicago Area Disciplemaking Learning Community that meets at Dave and Rennie Garda's home.

This is how we spent the day together at the Chicago Area Disciplemaking Learning Community. (Interested in brining this training agenda to your ministry? Click below and let me know by leaving a comment.)

Training volunteer teachers and small group leaders in The Teaching Genius of Jesus earlier this month at St. Paul Baptist Church in Peoria, IL.

We have another aspiring driver in the house. That's right. I'll have more gray hair, lose sleep, and get older faster as Josey works her way through the 50 required hours she needs before she gets her license. Pray for me.

Earlier this month: Training volunteer youth leaders at Central Church of Christ in Streator, IL, to Love God, Love People, and Make Disciplemakers.

A special dad/daughter date to a play. I am the most blessed man on earth! Fathering IS disciplemaking.

Earlier this month: Speaking to students in Kimberly, WI, at The Power of One Festival. Can you guess what my message was about? It might have been something about Loving God, Loving People, and Making Disciples. Might. : )

THANK YOU for stopping by long enough to view all of these pictures! We can't do Cadre without friends like you who love, pray, and give. For more information about how you can partner with God, the Allisons, and Cadre Ministries, go here. To make a secure online tax-deductible donation, go here. Cadre Ministries is a recognized 501(c)3 ministry. From our hearts to yours, THANK YOU!

A writer who moves you on an emotional level...

2011-11-09T05:20:00.002-06:00

There was once a young man who, in his youth, professed his desire to become a great writer.

When asked to define "great," he said, "I want to write stuff that the whole world will read, stuff that people will react to on a truly emotional level, stuff that will make them scream in disbelief, cry in despair, howl in pain, and vent their anger in ways they've never dreamed of!"

He now works for Microsoft writing error messages.

Subscribe to Cup O' Joe with Bill by Email. You'll hear from me 1-2x a week. Email addresses are never shared with anyone and you can unsubscribe at anytime. Thanks for letting us keep in touch with you.

The Training Genius of Jesus (Free Training Tool)

2011-11-07T04:48:00.004-06:00

As a certified teacher for the state of Illinois, I sat through hours upon hours of college classroom lectures in a university that had the reputation for being one of the best teacher training colleges in the United States. Ironically, I was often lectured to by people who had not taught in a public school classroom in years—and in some cases my professors had never taught in a public school classroom.

I was being trained to “swim” by dry people.

While I valued the classroom instruction of my professors, I knew deep in my heart that it could be quite possible to pass all the classroom tests, become a certified teacher, and yet still not really be able to teach effectively in a real school situation. (Getting certified by the state doesn’t really mean one can actually teach. It could simply mean you are an OK test taker.)

To become a REAL teacher, I needed some wet swimming instructors to come alongside of me and show me how to "swim" in a real “school” (extended metaphorical pun intended).

By far the most authentic training and equipping I received during my under graduate experience happened that one semester I student taught in a real school under the skillful guidance of veteran teachers. Why? One reason was because these veteran teachers used all of my foibles as teachable moments. When they saw me falling—which was often—they caught me and redirected me. I fell—but they made sure the falls were not fatal. And because I felt the need to learn (a natural byproduct when you know you are failing)—I listened to my trainers and immediately applied what they said. Indeed, when the student is ready, the teacher appears. (Before I did student teaching, I thought I knew everything I needed to know about teaching because I sat in all those college classes about teaching. Back then I had twenty-five keys to success in teaching. After about a week into my student teaching adventure, I had about one hundred and twenty-five challenging students—and NO keys to teaching success.) Furthermore, when my veteran cooperating teachers observed something good—they affirmed me and then showed me how to do it even better.

The instruction and teaching I got in the college classroom to be a teacher was, for the most part, good and foundational. But nothing beat the on-the-job training I got from actually teaching under the wise supervision of skillful veteran trainers who loved, invested, and did everything they could to make me wildly successful as a teacher.

What does all of this have to do with disciplemaking like Jesus?

If you truly want to train people to swim as disciples of Jesus, you must dare to do exactly what Jesus did. You must dare to wade into the waters of disciplemaking—rather than simply talking about it from behind the safety of the lectern on the side of the pool.

If you really want to train people to swim, you must get into the water with them.

Need a first step into the waters of Jesus-like disciplemaking? Get 3-4 of your closest friends together and slowly wrestle through this FREE training tool titled, The Training Genius of Jesus.

It's a gift from your Cadre missionaries of encouragement.

Surviving family pictures… just keeping it real

2011-11-03T05:08:00.008-05:00

You've heard of "truth in advertising"? Well this picture represents "truth in family pictures."

If you've ever assembled your family for a picture, you know exactly what I'm talking about. Of course, this family picture is from early 2011 and is now obsolete—thanks to baby Ivy. (It's a funny story.) But I really like it because it's a pretty good representation of how most of us feel about the whole deal.

My prayer on family picture day goes something like this: "Dear God, one thing I ask of thee today: Please help us all to survive family pictures with our relationship with you and each other in tact." Frankly, sometimes it doesn't happen.

But I must confess, I sure am glad to have captured our family at its various stages over the years.

Of course, I look exactly the same in all those pictures.

The High Cost of NOT Training Volunteers (A True Story)

2011-10-31T05:07:00.004-05:00

I finish preaching at a church and I am invited to attend a Sunday School class. Since one of the great passions of my life is to see Jesus-like transformational teaching happen in Sunday Schools and small groups, I say, “Are you kidding? I’d LOVE to.”

I’m escorted to a very nice classroom where about 20 energetic adults are milling around engaged in what seems like good conversation to me. I hear lots of laughter and see lots of smiles. Many of these folks seem to know and love each other. I’m able to meet the volunteer teacher and several other sharp, articulate, and fun-loving people before the class starts. I sense energy in the room. I grab my cup of coffee and donut and find a seat. The subject today: God’s Word on marriage. I think to myself: This is going to be good. I can’t wait to see how this group tackles this.

Ten minutes into the class, the energy, engagement, and enthusiasm that once was, is no more. It feels like someone pulled the plug in a bathtub full of fun, relationships, and learning. The longer the class continues, the stronger the vortex of disengagement becomes. I watch one very sincere and well-studied volunteer teacher stand at the front of the room... and continue to talk. He doesn’t seem to notice that the smiles, energy, and, worst of all, the learning—like Elvis—have left the building. Not once in 50 long minutes is anyone asked to respond or participate. I look around the room to study the glazed-over faces. Just minutes ago, these eyes were lit up as they conversed with each other about God and life.

Not now.

My heart deflates—for both the teacher and those being taught. I ponder the tragedy unfolding before me: an untapped gold mine of biblical understanding and life experience sitting in the room... wasting away... right under the teacher’s nose. I sit and wonder. (I know, I should have been listening to the teacher.) I wonder how any of them may have enriched the learning with a personal story of God at work in their marriage. I wonder if anyone might have a related passage of Scripture to share. I wonder what could have happened—what God might do in our lives—if we could stop the lecture long enough to break into groups of 4-6 people and study what the Bible has to say about marriage for ourselves first... before the teacher tells us. I suspect that a number of those in the class would have something biblical, fun, and pertinent to offer... something life-changing to share.... if only they had a chance.

But they never got a chance.

The class is over now. I walk out of the room and, at my next thought, I feel a slight chill run down my spine: I wonder who will come back next week... and, more importantly, who won’t?

Here’s a wake-up-and-smell-the-coffee moment for you:

The fate of your Sunday school ministry, small group ministry, children's ministry, youth ministry, men's ministry, women's ministry, worship team, etc., is in the hands of your volunteers.

It's utterly foolish not to train them well.

Do you need some help training volunteer teachers and small group leaders? Start right here...

Becoming a High Impact Teacher Training
* Self Training Set (manual & audio).
* Downloadable audio.

To schedule this training workshop—or to explore how you can be trained to take this training for volunteers back to your ministry, contact us.

What three friends would benefit most from this post? Why not click the envelope with the arrow below and tell them?

Consider the DIsciplemaking Genius of Jesus

2011-10-27T04:50:00.004-05:00

This triangle is a very general representation of Jesus’ time. Jesus invested a relatively small percentage of his time with the crowds. He invested more time with his disciples. However, Jesus intentionally and strategically invested the overwhelming majority of his time with the Twelve disciplemakers in his DLC. According to The Billy Graham Center for Evangelism, “the bulk of Christ’s time was not spent in public ministry (17 times) with vast numbers of people, but in private with his disciples, as recorded approximately 46 times in the Bible.”

Yet, this triangle can be a bit of an oversimplification. Why? Often, Jesus was focused on his disciples while they were in the midst of the crowds. The main point I’m simply trying to make is that Jesus focused lots of time and energy on those in his Disciplemaking Learning Community (DLC).

The question is: Why would Jesus focus so much time and energy on those in his DLC?

Life, Cadre, and other stuff to make you smile

2011-10-24T05:16:00.033-05:00

Here are some pictures from our life/Cadre adventures last month. If you're over 40 like me, you might want to click on any of the images below to enlarge... so you can see them without your glasses. Just saying. : ) Did I ever mention we love being your Cadre missionaries of encouragement?

Look who is driving... no wonder I'm losing my hair... and the little hair I have left is gray!

(Ivy is in our 15 passenger van... which has almost 200,000 miles. This van is limping along badly... and costing us more money than the van is actually worth. Please pray for this van to truckin' until God provides our next 15 passenger van. Thanks.)

Love God, Love People, Make Disciplemakers training at The Oaks Community Church in Dahinda, IL.

It's a little thing these two crazy kids call "Milkshake Monday!" With family traditions like this, no wonder I can't lose any weight.

Encouraging and equipping pastors who gathered at South Side Mission in Peoria, IL. Each pastor received the book, Recruiting, Motivating, and Retaining Volunteers.

Turns out Ivy is a BIG Chicago Bears fan and prefers to spend her Sundays in the man cave with her brother and father screaming at and for Da Bears. Who knew... right?

Disciplemaking IS relationships. My most recent day with the crazy guys in The Peoria Area Leadership Community (PALC).

As the saying goes, "Guns don't kill people. Dads with good looking daughters do." If you're a young man in his teen years and have some interest in one of my daughters, please email me at iwishfordeath@cadreministries.com.

Spoke at Calvary Baptist Church, Streator, IL. Not sure if the sign helped or hurt attendance : )

I took the following 3 minute video of my daughter Emily doing "spoken word" (poetry) at Moody Bible Institute's annual missions conference... right before George Verwer got up to speak. She starts out by saying, "So I'm a white kid from a white town in the cornfields...." Hope you enjoy this as much as the student body seemed to enjoy it.

A day of great coffee (Eysals)... and encouraging and equipping some ministry interns at Riverside Community Church.

THANK YOU for stopping by long enough to read this far! We can't do Cadre without friends like you who love, pray, and give. For more information about how you can partner with God, the Allisons, and Cadre Ministries, go here. To make a secure online tax-deductible donation, go here. Cadre Ministries is a recognized 501(c)3 ministry. From our hearts to yours, THANK YOU!

Rethink jumping on the bandwagon

2011-10-20T05:55:00.012-05:00

When's the last time you refused to jump on the bandwagon simply because it wasn't moving where you must go?

More here.

Disciplemaker's Guide to Grow, Minister & Lead

2011-10-17T06:58:00.003-05:00

Ten Disciplemaking Learning Communities for Following Jesus, Together

(Click image below to enlarge for viewing)

"Discipleship is not complete until disciples (learners) become apostles (sent-out ones)." —page 65

"The first person you must learn to lead well is... you." —page 16

"When we quit learning, we quit being disciples." —page 19

"Most people live in a quagmire of hope. We hope to walk closer to God. But hope is not a strategy." —page 37

"Never before has the church in North America had so many different programs for so many different people with so little impact." —page 46

"It's super important to note that before David got victory over his outward circumstances, he first got victory over his own emotions." —page 112

"Jesus was the greatest leader who ever walked the earth. He had incredible impact. And he did it all without an officially human-endorsed position of leadership." —page 94

(Click image below to enlarge for viewing)

* Here's where you can get the book.

* Here's where you can get the ebook.

* Here's where you can get individual chapters.

The top 8 signs you're too old to be trick or treating

2011-10-13T06:37:00.002-05:00

8. You get winded from knocking on the door.

7. You have to have another kid chew the candy for you.

6. You ask for high fiber candy only.

5. When someone drops a candy bar in your bag, you lose your balance and fall over.

4. People say, "Great Keith Richards mask!" and you're not wearing a mask.

3. When the door opens you yell, "Trick or..." and can't remember the rest.

2. You have to carefully choose a costume that won't dislodge your hairpiece.

1. You're the only Power Ranger in the neighborhood with a walker.

* Thanks Mikey's Funnies

Current conventional wisdom on leadership

2011-10-10T04:40:00.001-05:00

The more I study Jesus, the more I question current conventional wisdom on leadership.

* Jesus wasn't a leader.

* It takes way more than vision to be a leader.

* The biblical definition of leadership.

I tell ya, I get no respect.

2011-10-07T05:24:00.008-05:00

I was walking around the house without a shirt the other day. (Not a pretty sight.) When I saw my wife and daughters Libby (12) and Sadey (9), I started to flex my "muscles." My wife looked at me strangely and asked, "What are you doing?"

Striking another striking pose of strength and dexterity, I said, "I want my daughters to know what a strong man looks like."

Libby looked disgusted and said, "No need. I'll look it up on Google."

I tell ya, I get no respect.

As you go, make disciples?

2011-10-05T05:24:00.113-05:00

Jesus said, “go and make disciples.” But what did he mean by “go”?

Many scholars and theologians believe the best translation of “go” is “having gone” or “as you go.”

Think about the implications of that for your life.

Could it be as simple as this: “As you go about life, make disciples”?

* Are you a stay-at-home mom? “As you go about mothering today, intentionally seek to make disciples like Jesus.”

* Are you a student? “As you go to school today, intentionally seek to make disciples like Jesus.”

* Are you in business? “As you go about your business today, intentionally seek to make disciples like Jesus.”

* Are you on staff at a church or ministry? “As you go about your ministry today, intentionally seek to make disciples like Jesus.”

* Are you a construction worker? “As you go about constructing today, intentionally seek to make disciples like Jesus.”

* Are you a farmer? “As you go about farming today, intentionally seek to make disciples like Jesus.”

* Are you a _________ ? ”As you go about ________ today, intentionally seek to make disciples like Jesus.”

Sounds simple, doesn’t it? But let’s be honest. Most of us are not living with this kind of disciplemaking intentionality. This must change. Jesus wants us to bring his disciplemaking intentionality and proactivity to every nook and cranny of our lives. Disciplemaking like Jesus isn’t something you add on to your life, it’s a way of life. “As you go about life today, make disciples.”

Here’s some good news: Jesus isn’t asking you to form so many different circles of relationships that you’ll never be able to manage them all.

Here’s the challenge: As you go about your life today—whatever that is—Jesus wants you to bring his disciplemaking intentionality and proactivity to those relationships.

The questions is: Will you?

For more information on a Jesus-like disciplemaking way of life, go here.

For those with a slightly twisted sense of humor

2011-09-30T04:54:00.005-05:00

In 1986, Mkele Mbembe was on holiday in Kenya after graduating from Northwestern University. On a hike through the bush, he came across a young bull elephant standing with one leg raised in the air. The elephant seemed distressed, so Mbembe approached it very carefully. He got down on one knee and inspected the elephant's foot, and found a large piece of wood deeply embedded in it. As carefully and as gently as he could, Mbembe worked the wood out with his hunting knife, after which the elephant gingerly put down its foot.

The elephant turned to face the man, and with a rather curious look on its face, stared at him for several tense moments.

Mbembe stood frozen, thinking of nothing else but being trampled. Eventually the elephant trumpeted loudly, turned, and walked away.

Mbembe never forgot that elephant or the events of that day.

Twenty years later, Mbemb was walking through the Chicago Zoo with his teenage son. As they approached the elephant enclosure, one of the creatures turned and walked over to near where Mbembe and his son Tapu were standing. The large bull elephant stared at Mbembe, lifted its front foot off the ground, then put it down. The elephant did that several times then trumpeted loudly, all the while staring at the man.

Remembering the encounter in 1986, Mbembe couldn't help but wonder if this was the same elephant he had cared for those many years earlier.

Mbembe summoned up his courage, climbed over the railing and made his way into the enclosure. He slowly walked right up to the elephant and stared back in wonder.

The elephant trumpeted again, wrapped its trunk around one of Mbembe's legs and slammed him against the railing, killing him instantly.

Probably wasn't the same elephant.

(My very warped and fun friend, Dan Learned, passed this on to me.)

The Peoria Area Leadership Community

2011-09-26T15:35:00.001-05:00

This is the new cohort group of aspiring Jesus-like disciplemakers in The Peoria Area Leadership Community—aka PALC.

PALC is a Disciplemaking Learning Community...

Disciplemaking...

Learning...

Community...

Aspiring to live a Jesus-like disciplmaking way of life... together....

Wrestling together what 1st century Jesus-like disciplemaking looks like in a 21st century Western world.

It's just one of the reasons we love being your Cadre missionaries of disciplemaking.

True Story: 11-year-old boy takes notes on my sermon

2011-09-21T07:02:00.002-05:00

I got this email from a guy whose family recently heard me preach at their church:

Bill,

Our 11 yr old son feverishly took notes on your message yesterday... he filled a page. He's usually pretty detached from the Sunday morning teaching. I was so proud of him and of you.

As I looked at his note sheet, I turned it over and read these words written on the back, "I saw dust come out when he cut the cheese."

Hmmm... I guess he's still 11.

In the spirit of this note, I offer this ten second video clip:

If video doesn't show, go here.

Celebrating Our 10th Year of Cadre Ministries!

2011-09-19T04:38:00.002-05:00

Click on any of the images below to enlarge for viewing and reading. To print the two page PDF, go here. Thank you for stopping by for a virtual Cup O' Joe with me.

The Disciplemaking Genius of Jesus—Part 5

2011-09-14T07:41:00.001-05:00

Which of the following quotes are from the Bible and which are not? Put a B next to those quotes you think are found in the Bible and put NB for those quotes you think are not in the Bible. This will be way funner if you dare to do it with some friends.

1. “That which God writes on thy forehead, thou wilt come to it.”

2. “Naked a man comes from his mother’s womb, and as he comes, so he departs.”

3. “He said, ‘The prayer of you both has been accepted, therefore continue in the right way and do not follow the path of those who do not know.’”

4. “A coward is much more exposed to quarrels than a man of spirit.”

5. “In the beginning the Word was, and the Word was with God, and the Word was a god.”

6. “Life is but a walking shadow.”

7. “And now, behold, I speak unto the church. Thou shalt not kill; and he that kills shall not have forgiveness in this world, nor in the world to come.”

8. “Cleanliness is next to godliness.”

9. “Fix your mind on Me, be devoted to Me, offer service to Me, bow down Me, and you shall certainly reach me.”

10. “You hypocrites! You travel over land and sea to win a single convert, and when he becomes one, you make him twice as much a son of Hell as you are.”

To check how you did, go here.

How many out of 10 did you get? Let me know...

What does this have to do with The Disciplemaking Genius of Jesus? Find out here.

Power of One Festival

2011-09-12T07:03:00.000-05:00

I'm looking forward to speaking at Power of One Festival...

Complete details here.

Pray for Bubba: Last weekend in rural IL

2011-09-08T08:38:00.008-05:00

I started Friday off by hobnobbing with the Mayor of Henry, IL, for lunch. We went to The Happy Hobo. Yeah, that's right. The muckety-mucks live large in rural IL. Food was GREAT by the way.

While waiting for our food at The Happy Hobo, I saw this very hot news coming out of Bradford, IL. We know how to party it down in Central IL baby. Speaking of partying down...

After the high school football game on Friday, about 40 of us—mostly high school students—friends of our teenagers—gathered for a Fire Pit Friday. We even let some college kid types come.

Big news last Sunday in Streator, IL. Baby Ivy's first appearance at First Baptist Church. My three daughters pictured above—all middle children—wanted to know if their names have ever been put on a church sign. Answer: no. A sad reality for middle children : ( If someone finds our home video collection years from now, they will think that we had two children... our oldest and youngest.

After church, we all went out to the country home of dear friends for a picnic. It was great getting more time with people we've loved so much over the years. Our girls all went fishing in a private pond stocked with lots of fish. Our Sadey caught a delicious bass.

The picnic was also a kind of reunion with students from my days as a youth pastor in Streator. Here's a pic of few "students" who made it to the picnic. It was great to reconnect with them.

Later that night, I went to my 30th class high school reunion. It was held at Teke's Lounge. My classmates invited me to pray before our meal. I was happy to do so. This is not the first time I've prayed in a tavern : ) Speaking of prayer...

When I got home late Sunday night, I received a text with this picture above. The text read, "We'd like to give you and your family a pig. His name is Bubba. Before the end of the year, we'll bring all the meet to you. Pray for Bubba to get real big before then."

What can I say? I love the people in rural IL. I thank God for the people in rural IL. I love my roots in rural IL.

Pray for Bubba indeed.

Here's a video of Bubba... I kid you not.

Video of Bubba here!

Pastor Appreciation: A Radical Idea

2011-09-07T17:31:00.000-05:00

[Note that when we speak of appreciating pastors, we mean any and all pastors at your church: senior pastor, associate pastor(s), youth pastor, children’s pastor, etc.]

Perhaps the greatest gift you could give your pastor for Pastor Appreciation this October is a congregation that is equipped with the seven biblical ways God wants them to encourage the pastor. (It sure beats a generic card signed by insincere trouble-making malcontents.) This 28-page study guide is great for Sunday school, small groups, and leadership gatherings. What are you waiting for? It’s time to get busy equipping the congregation with what God says about encouraging the pastor! (Okay, the aforementioned card is way easier and less expensive... but in the long run equipping the congregation to live out their biblical responsibility is way better for everyone.)

* For a FREE downloadable six-page PDF sample excerpt, GO HERE.

* To order this study guide (discounts for 3 or more), GO HERE.

* To order this study guide as a PDF download, GO HERE.

These pictures tell the story...

2011-08-29T08:18:00.000-05:00

These pictures tell the story of what God is doing in our lives these days... click images to enlarge for viewing.

Chillin' with Ivy.

Aubrey and Josey head out for their first day of high school this school year.

Dropping Bill off at college.

My oldest daughter (20) and my youngest daughter (3 months). Go ahead and laugh. It's funny.

Following Jesus, together. Here's a picture of most of the guys who make up The Peoria Area Leadership Community Ongoing (PALCO). We're a Disciplemaking Learning Community that aspires to make disciples like Jesus. For more information about Disciplemaking Learning Communities, check out The Disciplemaking Genius of Jesus.

Love God, Love People, Make Disciplemakers... a Cadre training lab at Grace Presbyterian Church in Peoria, IL.

Finally, here's a short video of Ivy rolling onto her belly. Yeah, we thought it was a video moment. Most people think their kids are exceptional, ours really are. : ) If video doesn't appear, go here.

More about us and Cadre.

I'm not babysitting, I'm fathering

2011-08-26T09:05:00.003-05:00

by Bill Allison

Often when I'm in public with my kids and my wife isn't there, people take a look at all of us and then smile and politely say to me, "You're baby sitting today."

Excuse me? Babysitting? Really?

I know they're trying to be nice, but let's think about this for a moment.

The only way I'd be babysitting in this scenario is IF I were with someone else's kids.

When I'm with my kids, I'm not a babysitter. I'm a father.

So, let's call it what it really is: fathering.

And let's call fathering what it really is... disciplemaking.

The Disciplemaking Genius of Jesus—Part 4

2011-08-22T04:50:00.001-05:00

By Bill Allison and Dave Garda

Dear Sir,

I am writing in response to your request for additional information in box number three on the accident reporting form. I had put "poor planning" in that box as the cause of my accident. You said in your letter that I should explain more fully so I hope the following details will be sufficient.

I am a bricklayer by trade and on the day of the accident I was working alone on the roof of a new six story building. When I had completed my work I discovered that I had about 500 pounds of bricks left over. Rather than carry them down by hand I decided to lower them down by using a pulley, which was fortunately attached to the side of the building at the sixth floor. Securing the rope at ground level, I went back to the roof and attached a barrel to hold the bricks. I swung the barrel out over the side of the building and loaded the bricks into it.

I went back down to ground level and untied the rope holding the barrel. I held the rope tightly to ensure a slow descent of the 500 pounds of bricks. You will note in box number two of the accident reporting form that I weigh 165 pounds. Due to my surprise at being jerked from the ground so suddenly, I lost my presence of mind and forgot to let go of the rope. Needless to say I proceeded at a rather rapid rate up the side of the building. In the vicinity of the third floor I met the barrel coming down. This explains the fractured skull and broken collar bone. Slowed only slightly I continued my rapid ascent, not stopping until the fingers on my right hand were...

Continue reading The Disciplemaking Genius of Jesus – Part 4

Download the FREE PDF

Video of Student-Led Worship Experience

2011-08-16T09:08:00.001-05:00

On August 13-14, 2011, I had the honor of speaking at a student-led worship experience at Northwoods Community Church in Peoria, IL. I was blown away by God and the students who served that weekend and led the worship. God did something special in and through them. To watch the video of the whole service, all you have to do is go here.

God: A True Story—The Free Online Video

2011-08-13T18:30:00.003-05:00

If God is good, why is there so much pain and heartache in the world? What is God really like? What does God want from you? What does God have to do with life in the 21st century? Was it really a woman that got us all into this mess? Why do the Cubs keep losing year after year? (Just checking to see if you're still reading.) You may know some stories in the Bible, but do you know THE story that all the other stories are telling?

Here's the trailer that introduces a FREE online streaming video that tells the one story of the God of the Bible. Check out the trailer and if you want more I've included a link to the full FREE online video of God's true story below.

(If video of movie trailer doesn't appear, go here.)

You can view the entire movie FREE online at your own pace by going here. There's an introduction, twelve chapters, and a conclusion. It takes a little over an hour to watch. Plus, there's a FREE study guide. Love to know what you think after you watch God's true story.

Theme of God’s story is God is God, we're not. Will you say to God: “God, you are God of my life. I am not.”

The Danger of Ignoring Idiot Lights

2011-08-10T11:05:00.003-05:00

by Bill Allison

Once upon a time, you and your ministry were so busy that you didn't take time to encourage the hearts and equip the hands of the wonderful volunteers who serve with you.

Even though the "maintenance required" light came on—warning you to stop your flurry of ministry activity long enough to schedule some routine maintenance, you still just kept going.

And you got away with it... for a while.

Then you started to notice the engine of your ministry bogging down. You began hearing weird sounds you'd never heard before. You started smelling some funny smells coming from underneath the hood. But you were still too busy driving to care for your "car." So you just kept driving.

Until... it finally stopped working.

Then you had to call a tow truck. And in that one trip to the mechanic, you spent more than you would have spent in years of little investments in routine upkeep.

And here's the kicker: The car never did really run as well as it once did. The damage was done.

The End.

Or was it the end?

Yes, it was the end. Because no one can ignore the dashboard warning lights of life and ministry continually and get away with it. No one. It most certainly will catch up with you. It's simply a matter of time.

But... there is another way. YOUR story doesn't have to have this unhappy ending. You can do something now.

It all starts when you pay attention to the "maintenance required" light screaming for your attention. It's telling you it's time to stop the car of your ministry to encourage the hearts and equip the hands of the volunteers who serve in the ministry with you.

Wouldn't it be better to stop now for a tune up before the long drive this fall?

So here's the BIG question:
What are YOU going to do RIGHT NOW to encourage and equip yourself and the volunteers who serve in ministry with you?

If your answer to this BIG question is, "Nothing," or "We're just too busy," then please reread this article starting at the beginning. (Hint: Maintenance IS required.)

If your answer to the BIG question is, "I'd love to encourage and equip the volunteers in our church and ministry, but I don't know where to start," then contact us right now.

We can bring training to you and your ministry—or even better—we can equip you to take training to your ministry. The training is fun, affordable, practical, and solidly anchored in the Bible. What are you waiting for... the "check engine" light to come on? Why not pull over now for some routine upkeep BEFORE more significant repairs are required?

It's your call. It's your "car."

But think about it. What does it say about us when we ignore "idiot lights?"

(Click the image above to enlarge for reading.)

A Summer of God's Love...

2011-08-03T12:18:00.001-05:00

Click on the images below to enlarge for viewing, reading, and basking in a summer of God's love. To print the two page PDF, go her. Thank you for stopping by for a virtual Cup O' Joe with me.

On Volunteers...

2011-08-02T10:55:00.001-05:00

In gardening and botanical terminology, a volunteer is a plant that grows on its own, rather than being deliberately planted by a human farmer or gardener. Volunteers often grow from seeds that float on the wind, are dropped by birds, or are inadvertently mixed into compost before it is used.

Unlike weeds, which are unwanted plants, a volunteer may be encouraged once it appears, being watered, fertilized, or otherwise cared for.

A botanist friend tells me that volunteers can be heartier than intentionally planted plants, because they naturally had to find their way into the soil and worked their way up into life.

Do I really have to help you connect this post to the volunteers who serve in your ministry—and about how you can encourage them?

Thanks to Jake Bland for sending this to me.

Do you see the volunteer in the picture?

Need help finding, motivating, and retaining great volunteers? Here's what you need.

The Disciplemaking Genius of Jesus—Part 3

2011-07-29T04:09:00.004-05:00

By Bill Allison and Dave Garda

When I went back to college later in life, I was told that I had a “math deficiency.” I ended up having to buy an elementary mathematics book and re-teaching myself some basics. Everyday I worked through a portion of that pitifully boring math book—alone. However, once a week I met with a tutor who monitored my progress (or lack thereof) and tried to answer my many questions. (“Why would anyone plant a garden in the form of a triangle and then use the Pythagorean Theorem to measure the hypotenuse?”)

One day I asked my tutor, “Help me understand integers”—and I pronounced it exactly like it’s spelled: “in-TE-gers.” My tutor smiled and said, “You mean, integers”—and she pronounced it “IN-ti-jers.” Sensing my embarrassment, she said, “It’s okay. You couldn’t have known this simply by working through the book by yourself.”

Right then and there I realized this: solo book learning is a good start, but a fuller, deeper learning happens in community. In my math community (with a tutor and few other struggling students), I learned to correctly pronounce mathematical terms I’ll probably never need—such as “integer.” (My math is up to speed these days, but you may have noticed that I still have a significant math deficiency in my attitude.)

In Jesus’ day, this fuller, deeper, communal learning, was known as havering. And as it turns out, haver learning is a critically important part of the disciplemaking genius of Jesus. Why? Because you will never fully come to know and experience Jesus or disciplemaking by simply working through the Book by yourself.

What follows is the second of eight leading indicators that you could be experiencing a Jesus-like Disciplemaking Learning Community. To continue reading—and to catch parts 1 and 2, go here.

This is Discipling

2011-07-26T09:35:00.002-05:00

(If video does not appear, go here.)

What's next in your disciplemaking adventure?

Consider starting with The Disciplemaking Genius of Jesus.

What makes this speech so compelling?

2011-07-23T20:47:00.001-05:00

Purely from a communicator's point of view, this speech is masterful. The speaker even gets heckled early in the speech... and then spontaneously redeems it to make the point. Masterful. I'd love to hear your thoughts on WHY this speech is so cogent.

If video doesn't appear above, go here.

So what do you think? What makes this speech so compelling?

Why You Should Give Up Your Christianity

2011-07-20T05:49:00.001-05:00

by Bill Allison, www.cadreministries.com

If you ask someone who goes to church if he/she is a Christian, you’ll most likely get a “Yes.” However, if you ask the same person if he/she is a Christ-follower, you’ll probably get hesitation before any answer.

When did being a Christian become a separate thing from following Christ?

What would happen if you quit being a “Christian,” and started following Jesus in every nook and cranny of your life?

I’m talking to YOU.

Think about it. As a follower of Jesus, you’d simply endeavor to live your life like... Jesus.

And how did Jesus live?

Jesus made disciples... who made disciples... who made more disciples.

Jesus loved God and the people in his sphere of influence.

Jesus invested time in relationships with people.

And Jesus changed the world.

How crazy (and exciting) would it be for you to live like Jesus?

As a follower of Jesus...

Your daily mission is to make disciples (Matthew 28:18-20).

Your daily strategy is to love God and love people (Mark 12:30-31.)

Your ministry model is relationships... a life following Jesus together with a cadre of disciples (John 3:22).

And Jesus would change the world—one life at a time—through you and your cadre of Christ-followers... as you love God, love people, and share the Gospel with them.

The fact is that you can’t really separate being a Christian from following Jesus.

They are the same.

So, if you think of yourself as a Christian, but your daily life doesn’t resemble the passion and pursuits of Jesus (the founder of authentic Christianity), I encourage you to give up your “Christianity” and take the adventure of learning to follow Jesus with a few others.

Would you like some practical helping in living like this? Go here.

Hint: It's the Holy Spirit

2011-07-18T05:14:00.000-05:00

Very interesting post from Steve Addision:

Pull down off your shelves every book you have on evangelism, church planting or mission. Flip through them. What premise are they based on? Who is the main character in their story or view of the world? Who makes things happen? Who’s in charge?

Now skim through the book of Acts and ask the same questions. Who’s in charge? Who calls the shots? Who leads the way? I’ll give you a hint, it’s not Peter, or any of the Twelve, it’s not even Paul.

If we don’t get this right, we’re not even in the game.

Best. Camp. Ever. Pics. Video.

2011-07-14T00:14:00.003-05:00

Just back from speaking to 8th-10th graders at Timber-lee Camp in East Troy, WI. As usual we had a blast and God did His wonderful thing in all of us.

This picture above was taken on the way to Timber-lee. Look at Libby and Sadey's faces. Do I need to say that Timber-lee is our family's favorite camp? Can you say "PUMPED UP"?

I spoke every morning and night at this outdoor amphitheater. The worship times were high energy and high participation... and that spells F-U-N. The camp worship band was FAB-U-LOUS.

Here's a very short video that I took during the worship time on the first night (above). Can you tell we're having fun? I love the counselors at Timber-lee! Turns out that real men CAN dance. (If video doesn't appear, go here.)

This is what I affectionately refer to as "My Camp Survival Kit." By controlling all the variables (water, coffee, coffee maker, coffee cups, half-and-half, and sugar), I was able to make the best coffee known to mankind—even at camp... with the help of God and Eysal's Coffee. A happy speaker makes for a good camp experience for the campers.

All week long I talked about "God: A True Story." Starting in the book of Genesis, we explored such questions as... If God is good, why is there so much pain and heartache in the world? What is God really like? What does God want from us? What does God have to do with life in the 21st century? Was it really a woman that got us all into this mess? Why do the Cubs keep losing year after year? (Just checking to see if you're still reading.) You may know some stories in the Bible, but do you know THE story that all the other stories are telling?

It's amazing what happens when you consistently teach the clear truth in the Bible—and get students into the Bible themselves. God touches hearts. Many students trusted Jesus Christ as their Savior. Other students re-engaged their relationship with Jesus. One time I saw God touching the hearts of students so powerfully that one student got right up in the middle of a chapel, ran out of the amphitheater, and fell face down sobbing. When I asked him about this later, he smiled and said, "God was workin' on me." I guess so : )

Did I mention Fedora Thursday? What about the most amazing camp food ever? I kid you not. Timber-lee has got it goin' on.

Baby Ivy made her first appearance with the Von Trapp Allison singers when they taught everyone their crazy camp songs such as Gooberdinky, The Frog Song, and Bazooka Bubble Gum. I think Ivy really got into it.

God. Students. Timber-lee. Best. Camp. Ever. (If video doesn't appear, go here.)

What an Education Can't Do for You

2011-07-11T05:30:00.001-05:00

He was an extremely book smart man... an earned doctorate in his chosen field.

Of course, this often served as the golden key that opened the doors of opportunity for him.

Strangely, he could rarely stay longer than two years at any given job—with the most recent six figure job being a ten month run. After each job he said, "They're idiots."

It's seems that in the real world—a formal education may be able to open the door to opportunities, but once you walk through the door—you still have to deliver performance and substance... not to mention the ability to connect with people with whom you work.

A formal education may be able to open some doors for you, and you may be extremely book smart (enough to earn a doctorate degree), but a formal education alone is not enough to actually to sustain you and make you a great person or leader.

Have you ever noticed that sometimes the things that really make people effective in life are the things you can't really teach them?

Having a great formal education is not equivalent to being a great leader... nor is it a legitimate substitute for being a great person.

It's quite possible to be an educated moron.

Are you following the wrong Jesus?

2011-07-04T04:44:00.002-05:00

Soren Kierkegaard said, “My mission is to introduce Christianity into Christendom.” That would be funny if it weren’t so true.

This quote reminds me of the time I was brought into to work with a handful of youth leaders. The purpose of our gathering was to explore what it would take for them to shift away from the ever popular Rock Star Approach to youth ministry (i.e., building their ministries on their personalities, gifts, oratory skills, coolness, and fantastic programming) to making their youth ministries Jesus-like disciplemaking making ministries.

This was my opening statement at our very first session: “If you as the leader don’t make the mental, emotional, and spiritual shift from Rock Star for volunteers and students to Equipper and Mobilizer of volunteers and students, you will not be able to build a Jesus-like disciplemaking ministry.” Immediately, one young man shot back: “I don’t think youth ministry is about equipping and mobilizing people. I think it’s all about following Jesus.” In an attempt to point out the obvious contradiction embedded in his statement, I gently pushed back, “The Jesus of the Bible strategically invested his entire ministry in equipping and mobilizing twelve guys to make disciplemakers. So if you’re really following the Jesus of the Bible, you have to do what Jesus did—equip and mobilize disciplemakers—or you’re not following Jesus.” Let’s just say that after I said this, things got really interesting in that room.

Later, as a reflected on this interesting exchange, it all made me wonder: What Jesus are we following? The American Jesus? Starbucks Jesus? Hipster Jesus? Genie Jesus? CEO Jesus? Or (fill in your favorite fake Jesus here) ________________. Have we rebranded Jesus into an image that suits our fancies—one that we can claim to follow but doesn't really resemble the Jesus in the Bible?

I think Kierkegaard was on to something. If we’re ever going to get back to Jesus-like disciplemaking, we must introduce the Jesus of the Bible into current Christianity.

Related Posts:
* The Disciplemaking Genius of Jesus
* Imaginary Jesus

Here's something I LOVE!

2011-06-29T07:40:00.000-05:00

I LOVE it when you equip someone to train others... and then they actually do it. Way to go Ryan Jones (behind the camera)... who is making disciples... who are making more disciples. That reminds me of Jesus. I love celebrating Jesus-like disciplemaking... Disciplemaking Learning Communities... Disciplemaking Is Relationships.

The Disciplemaking Genius of Jesus—Part 2

2011-06-27T07:26:00.000-05:00

By Bill Allison and Dave Garda

Scientific researchers studied what happens to people who get lost while walking in a desert or wilderness. It turns out that lost people literally go around in circles, but they don't realize it. Worse yet, lost people tend to feel confident they are walking in a straight line, but they're not. The study stated: "...participants were only able to keep a straight path when the sun or moon was visible. However, as soon as the sun disappeared behind some clouds, people started to walk in circles without even noticing it." It seems we are in continual need of a reliable point of reference to keep from walking in circles.

Here's a question for you.

When it comes to disciplemaking, could it be that we have lost our point of reference and are spending a good deal of time confidently walking in circles and we're not even aware of it?

Continue reading The Disciplemaking Genius of Jesus – Part 2
Download the FREE PDF
Share with Your Friends
Disciplemaking Is Relationships
Your Best Summer of Disciplemaking Ever
For The Disciplemaking Genius of Jesus-Part 1, go here.

A Summer of Loving God, Loving People, & Making Disciplemakers!

2011-06-22T04:56:00.001-05:00

Click on the images below to enlarge for viewing, reading, and basking in the goodness of God. To print the two page PDF, go here. Thank you for stopping by for a virtual Cup O' Joe with me... and for basking in God's goodness together with us.

And because you're actually reading this all the way to this point, here's a 7 second BONUS video clip of Ivy at six weeks old, smiling at her father. : ) Thanks for tracking with God, the Allisons, and Cadre Ministries.

If you can't see the video, go here.

Rethinking Radical

2011-06-20T10:43:00.000-05:00

Have you read Radical? Check out the push back on the book here, here, and here.

What do you think?

Is Radical guilty of promoting what Gordon MacDonald has termed "Missionalism"?

Is this yet just one more indication of what happens when we get more excited about a book instead of THE book?

The Disciplemaking Dad

2011-06-18T13:13:00.003-05:00

by Bill Allison, www.cadreministries.com

This morning I read 1 Chronicles 27. For the most part, it's a pretty boring list of names of dead guys. (Just keeping it real people.) However, near the end of the chapter, I read something that really piqued my interest. (Or perhaps that's just when my coffee kicked in?) In a list of people who worked for King David, I read this little tidbit:

"Jehiel son of Hacmoni took care of the king's sons." —1 Chronicles 27:32b

Hmmm. So David farmed out his responsibilities of fathering his sons to another guy?

Frankly, I don’t know to what extent David abdicated his fatherly responsibilities to Jehiel instead of being with his children himself. But it makes me wonder. It certainly helps explain some of the reasons for the crazy family life David had (see 2 Samuel 13-19 for specific Davidic family train wrecks). In spite of all his success as a king, it seems David wasn't a Deuteronomy 6 disciplemaking dad.

A Look Into the Mirror of Fatherhood

But before we throw David under the bus, perhaps we'd better take a good look at the dad in the mirror. Are you a disciplemaking dad, or are you simply hoping the "Jehiels" of our culture—school teachers, pastors, Sunday school teachers, youth workers, coaches, etc,—will do the job of disciplemaking for you? Those people have important roles (and I've served in each of those roles throughout my life), but they can't replace dad.

Dad, when are you going to embrace your identity and God-given responsibility as a disciplemaker of your kids? It's time we call fatherhood what it really is: disciplemaking.

A Very Interesting Juxtaposition

In Ephesians 6:4, we read, "Fathers, do not exasperate your children [to irritate intensely to the point of anger]; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord." It's very interesting to me that Paul juxtaposes not provoking our kids to anger with proactively training them. Think about that contrast. One of the major ways we as fathers provoke our kids to anger and resentment is by not intentionally discipling them ourselves. In this respect, we are a lot like David... aren't we?

"But," you're thinking, "I don't know how to disciple my kids?" Welcome to the club. Now, that we've all acknowledged our lack of experience and incompetence, the question remains: Will you join the rest of us clueless dads in the adventure of figuring out how Deuteronomy 6:5-9 applies to your life as a disciplemaking dad?

A Deuteronomy 6 Disciplemaking Dad

Since before the time of Jesus, Jews have recited Deuteronomy 6:4-9 every morning and evening. This portion (along with two other selected portions) of Scripture is called the Shema. Interestingly, when Jesus was asked which commandment was the greatest commandment of all the commands, he quoted a portion of the Shema—Deuteronomy 6:5. I’d say that makes Deuteronomy 6 worth looking into!

“5 Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. 6 These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts. 7 Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. 8 Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. 9 Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates.”—Deuteronomy 6:5-9

Note that a Deuteronomy 6 disciplemaking dad doesn't simply lead a family devotional time or drive the kids to church. The Deuteronomy 6 disciplemaking dad is actively engaged in teaching his kids through the whole of life... talking about God and his commands when he sits at home, when he's driving in the car, at night when everyone is going to bed, and in the morning when everyone gets up. The disciplemaking classroom is not a classroom at all... it's the art and skill of bringing the Bible and the life of Jesus into the ebb and flow of ALL of life.

No Perfect Dads Allowed

Great news dad. You don’t have to be perfect to be a Deuteronomy 6 disciplemaking dad. You do have to be present AND engaged though. More good news—and my own personal testimony: You can fail often and still be a disciplemaking dad IF you confess your sins to God and your kids when you fail them... receive forgiveness... and start anew on the path of becoming a Deuteronomy 6 disciplemaking dad. Your family doesn’t expect you to be perfect (they live with you... they already know you’re not perfect). They do expect you to be real and honest. Admitting you’ve got room for growth keeps everything real. It also keeps you humble and dependent upon God—and that sounds a lot like disciplemaking to me.

Does all this sound like too much work? Make no mistake about it: Being a Deuteronomy 6 disciplemaking dad IS a lot of work. It totally wrecks your schedule. There are no shortcuts. And it will cost you more in time, money, and energy than you ever dreamed. But it’s worth it. Most important: God wants you to be a Deuteronomy 6 disciplemaking dad.

A Wake-Up-and-Smell-the-Coffee Moment

Here's a wake-up-and-smell-the-coffee moment for dads: In order to make disciples of your kids, you're going to have to BE a disciple of Jesus first. This is why Deuteronomy 6:6 says that the commands of God are to be on OUR hearts FIRST... and then verse 7 says we can impress them on our children. You can’t give away that which you don’t possess. You have to be a disciple of Jesus if you want to make disciples of Jesus. But where should you start your adventure as a disciplemaking dad?

Start Your Adventure as a Disciplemaking Dad Here.

Please Pray for Aubrey and Josey!

2011-06-13T12:51:00.004-05:00

Please pray for Aubrey (17) and Josey (15) as they are serving Jesus in the Dominican Republic right now—along with a team of other high school students. Just got this update from Aubrey and wanted to share with you what God is doing in them and through them for His glory:

My team did evangelism first, so i’ve been doing that! The kids have really loved the skit and cross visual! Today we had about 67 kids listing to our presentation! AND at least 40 kids accepted Jesus into their heart!! Yay God!! I’m so excited for what God is doing and has yet to do! Oh, and we ate tacos for lunch!! Delish!! The dominican food is so gooooooood! The Lord is amazing. I’m learning new things from the Bible stories I’ve heard numerous times, and I’m just so excited to see what the Lord has in store for me.
–Aubrey Allison

THANKS for praying for them. Here's the mission trip blog with pictures.

Don't confuse beliefs for convictions

2011-06-09T05:05:00.001-05:00

Talking about what you believe—what you think to be true—is okay at best and boring at worst. But talking about your convictions—what you believe so deeply that you're willing to die for—is a far more interesting conversation.

Spare me your many beliefs.

Tell me your few convictions.

A little poetic license please

2011-06-06T15:09:00.002-05:00

The poet locked inside me could not resist sharing this. Thanks to my favorite poet, my daughter Emily, for turning me on to Listener.

If video does not appear, go here.

WOODEN HEART
We’re all born to broken people on their most honest day of living
and since that first breath... We’ll need grace that we’ve never given
I've been haunted by standard red devils and white ghosts
and it's not only when these eyes are closed
these lies are ropes that I tie down in my stomach,
but they hold this ship together tossed like leaves in this weather
and my dreams are sails that I point towards my true north,
stretched thin over my rib bones, and pray that it gets better
but it won’t, at least I don’t believe it will...
so I've built a wooden heart inside this iron ship,
to sail these blood red seas and find your coasts.
don’t let these waves wash away your hopes
this war-ship is sinking, and I still believe in anchors
pulling fist fulls of rotten wood from my heart, I still believe in saviors
but I know that we are all made out of shipwrecks, every single board
washed and bound like crooked teeth on these rocky shores
so come on and let’s wash each other with tears of joy and tears of grief
and fold our lives like crashing waves and run up on this beach
come on and sew us together, tattered rags stained forever
we only have what we remember

I am the barely living son of a woman and man who barely made it
but we’re making it taped together on borrowed crutches and new starts
we all have the same holes in our hearts...
everything falls apart at the exact same time
that it all comes together perfectly for the next step
but my fear is this prison... that I keep locked below the main deck
I keep a key under my pillow, it’s quiet and it’s hidden
and my hopes are weapons that I’m still learning how to use right
but they’re heavy and I’m awkward...always running out of fight
so I’ve carved a wooden heart, put it in this sinking ship
hoping it would help me float for just a few more weeks
because I am made out of shipwrecks, every twisted beam
lost and found like you and me scattered out on the sea
so come on let’s wash each other with tears of joy and tears of grief
and fold our lives like crashing waves and run up on this beach
come on and sew us together, just some tattered rags stained forever
we only have what we remember

My throat it still tastes like house fire and salt water
I wear this tide like loose skin, rock me to sea
if we hold on tight we’ll hold each other together
and not just be some fools rushing to die in our sleep
all these machines will rust I promise, but we'll still be electric
shocking each other back to life
Your hand in mine, my fingers in your veins connected
our bones grown together in time
our hands entwined, your fingers in my veins braided
our spines grown stronger inside
because our church is made out of shipwrecks
from every hull these rocks have claimed
but we pick ourselves up, and try and grow better through the change
so come on yall and let’s wash each other with tears of joy and tears of grief
and fold our lives like crashing waves and run up on this beach
come on and sew us together, were just tattered rags stained forever
we only have what we remember

More information about this artist at http://listener.bandcamp.com

Me and the poet.

There I said it: On our love affair with books

2011-05-30T07:48:00.007-05:00

I know. We’re in love with books these days. The Bible? Not so much. I am often asked by ministry leaders, “What are you reading?” I smile and deadpan, “The Bible. It’s an amazing book. It’s really changing my life.” (This is where my wife starts kicking me under the table.) They’re like, “Well of course the Bible, but what other books are you reading?” I continue: “No, seriously, I’m reading the Bible and trying to learn how to make disciples like Jesus.” Insert long awkward pause here. Often the conversation changes subjects or ends. Interesting, ain’t it? Maybe it’s my coffee breath. I’m not trying to be a self-righteous jerk. I’m simply trying answer the question—and have an honest and thoughtful conversation.

Don’t get me wrong. I’m not anti-books. I’m not trying to throw all books except the Bible under the bus. I’ll read/listen to about 12-15 books this year. I used to read about 30 books a year. But in an effort to make the Bible my first and primary text in life, I’m learning to be very selective about what books I read. I even ask God to show me what books he wants me to read. I value good books, but I don’t value books more than THE Book.

I think it’s a big mistake to make any book beside the Bible the first and primary focal point of a disciplemaking. (Yes, that goes for anything I’ve written as well.) Why? Because the way you give disciplemaking to someone is the way they will tend to give disciplemaking to others. So, instead of making a book the center of your disciplemaking, make THE Book the first and primary text of your DLC... so that when those you disciple multiply with others, they will do it using the Bible. (Call me old school if you want. I’ve been called worse.)

It’s time to get over our love affair with books, and get back to our love affair with Jesus as found in THE Book. There. I said it.

After you’ve established God’s Word as the the first and primary text in your life and disciplemaking, then you may want supplement your learning with a book if you are so inclined. However, do not feel obligated to use books. God—as it says in the Bible—has indeed given us everything we need for life and godliness (2 Peter 1:3). There I go again.

"The words of the wise are like prodding goads, and firmly fixed [in the mind] like nails are the collected sayings which are given [as proceeding] from one Shepherd. But about going further [than the words given by one Shepherd], my son, be warned. Of making many books there is no end [so do not believe everything you read], and much study is a weariness of the flesh."
—Solomon in Ecclesiastes 12:11-12, Amplified Bible

So what's next for you?
I challenge you to consider the 15 minutes a day that will change your life forever.

It's the way you finish that becomes your legacy

2011-05-24T05:48:00.003-05:00

For the last several presidential elections, political pundits have been talking about the critical importance of the final 72 hours of a campaign. That is, after spending millions of dollars and countless hours of energy campaigning all over the United States, the fate of an election often boils down to the last 72 hours. In a presidential race in these days, if you snooze—or even let up just a little during the last 72 hours—you could very well lose!

To truly finish this life well, you must run strong all the way to the end.
Starting well is beneficial. Staying the course is critical. But it's the way you finish that becomes your legacy. No matter what age or season of life you're in right now, finishing this life well is something to which you should give some careful thought and intentional planning. The Challenge of Finishing Well is a twenty-eight page interactive workbook that is designed to help you wrestle with what it means for you to finish well in God's eyes. It's ideal for small groups or for use as a personal half or full day retreat.

The spiritual racetrack of life is littered with the broken lives of those who had great starts, were more talented, smarter, stronger, and even more pious than most of us— but for one reason or another—they did NOT finish well. Way too many of us finish poorly like Solomon, the wisest man who ever lived: “As Solomon grew old, his wives turned his heart after other gods, and his heart was not fully devoted to the Lord his God…” (1 Kings 11:4). The danger for us is that "as we grow old," our hearts could grow cold—and we may turn after other gods (including the god of self and comfort). If it can happen to Solomon, it can happen to any of us. But it doesn't have to... if--right now--you'll dare to accept The Challenge of Finishing Well.

The more isolated you are...

2011-05-19T05:00:00.004-05:00

"Sin demands to have a man by himself. It withdraws him from the community. The more isolated a person is, the more destructive the power of sin over him...."
—Dietrich Bonhoeffer, from this article.

It takes way more than vision to be a leader

2011-05-16T05:06:00.003-05:00

Using people to accomplish your vision without caring for them doesn't mean you're a leader. It means you've read too many leadership books.

This wild ride continues...

2011-05-09T05:01:00.003-05:00

Thank you for stopping by to enjoy this May 2011 pictorial update. Click on the images below to enlarge for viewing, reading, and praying. To download the two page PDF, go here. Thank you for reading, praying, and sharing!

What a fun and fruitful adventure we're on with you, God, and Cadre Ministries. Make no mistake about it: We need you more than ever. For more information about how you can partner with God, the Allisons, and Cadre Ministries, go here. To make a secure online tax-deductible donation, go here.

The Disciplemaking Genius of Jesus—Part 1

2011-05-05T04:59:00.004-05:00

At the tail end of his earthly ministry, the resurrected Jesus appeared to the eleven disciples and commanded them to “make disciples.”

I know. You’ve heard it a thousand times. But this time, I dare you to stop and ponder it for a moment.

How would Jesus’ eleven disciples have understood his command to “make disciples”?

If you’ll graciously allow me more than a little poetic license here, I’d like to take a shot at answering that question. When Jesus commanded his original eleven disciples to “make disciples,” I suggest that they would have heard something like this...

Isn't She Lovely? Ivy Alyse Allison

2011-05-03T05:01:00.013-05:00

She's here! May 2, 2011 at 9:18 AM, at 7 pounds and 9 ounces and 19.5 inches, Ivy Alyse Allison came into our lives. (You may remember the fun we had last December announcing that she was on the way.)

Celebrate God's goodness with us!

I invite you to listen to one of my favorite songs (immediately below—great lyrics and music) and to enjoy a few pictures of God's gracious gift (that's what Ivy means) to our family.

(Song here.)

Just moments after her birth: Stacy and I are thrilled. Ivy... not so much. (You can enlarge any photo below by clicking it.)

Finally, Sadey is a big sister. She called, "First to hold the new baby," last December. Sadey was first.

Libby—also know in the family as "baby hog." Not there is any fighting going on or anything.

Josey hoping the game of hot potato doesn't end with her changing the diaper.

Aubrey happy and surprised... or maybe Ivy dirtied her first diaper. Not sure which... or perhaps both.

Tough enough to play rugby like a beast and yet gentle enough to love a new born baby... my son Bill is a great man.

Grandma Porky (Bill's mom) and Ivy.

Grandma and grandpa Johnson (Stacy's mom and dad) and Ivy.

The only person we're missing from this family picture is our Emily. But that's bound to happen when you have kids 20 years apart from each other : ) Em will be home soon enough to meet Ivy!

"Your wife will be like a fruitful grapevine, flourishing within your home. Your children will be like vigorous young olive trees as they sit around your table."
—Psalm 128:3

A few days later, we got Emily home from Moody Bible Institute to introduce her to Ivy... and take these pictures.

Go ahead and sing it: "Father Allison had many kids. Many kids had Father Allison...."

Amazing Time Management Secret #8:

2011-04-20T04:39:00.008-05:00

The quality of all your relationships is inversely proportional to the pace of your life.

Eat what is good for you?

2011-04-18T04:59:00.006-05:00

NOTE: This is a real newspaper report...

Top Doc Backs Picking Your Nose and Eating It
Picking your nose and eating it is one of the best ways to stay healthy, according to a top Austrian doctor.

Innsbruck-based lung specialist Prof Dr Friedrich Bischinger said people who pick their noses with their fingers were healthy, happier and probably better in tune with their bodies.

He says society should adopt a new approach to nose-picking and encourage children to take it up.

Dr Bischinger said: "With the finger you can get to places you just can't reach with a handkerchief, keeping your nose far cleaner.

"And eating the dry remains of what you pull out is a great way of strengthening the body's immune system.

"Medically it makes great sense and is a perfectly natural thing to do. In terms of the immune system the nose is a filter in which a great deal of bacteria are collected, and when this mixture arrives in the intestines it works just like a medicine.

"Modern medicine is constantly trying to do the same thing through far more complicated methods, people who pick their nose and eat it get a natural boost to their immune system for free."

He pointed out that children happily pick their noses, yet by the time they have become adults they have stopped under pressure from a society that has branded it disgusting and anti social.

He said: "I would recommend a new approach where children are encouraged to pick their nose. It is a completely natural response and medically a good idea as well."

And he pointed out that if anyone was really worried about what their neighbour was thinking, they could still enjoy picking their nose in private if they still wanted to get the benefits it offered.

This article was originally published at www.ananova.com and reprinted at
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-chat/1105527/posts

Breaking News: 41-year-old pregnant woman eats steady diet of bacon donuts!

2011-04-11T05:53:00.004-05:00

Click on the images below to enlarge for viewing, reading, and praying. To download the two page PDF, go here. Thanks for reading, praying, and sharing!

As you can see, God is really blessing this adventure called Cadre. For more information about how you can partner with God, the Allisons, and Cadre Ministries, go here. To make a secure online tax-deductible donation, go here.

Secrets for a Movement of Disciplemaking

2011-04-06T07:28:00.001-05:00

One candle lights another only if it is brought close.

If you're not walking close enough to Jesus to receive the flame...

or if you not pulling a handful of people close enough to you so you can pass the flame...

then I don't care how much you go to church, talk, teach, and preach... you'll never be a Jesus-like disciplemaker.

Think about it. One candle lights another only if it is brought close.

Are you close enough to the flame to receive it... and close enough to others to pass it on?

Here's something to help you receive the flame and pass it on to others.

When Iron Butterfly meets Sunday morning church

2011-04-04T04:40:00.002-05:00

If video doesn't play or show up, go here.

How Parents Can Help Their Teenagers Own Their Own Faith

2011-03-29T04:11:00.002-05:00

A very stimulating and insightful conversation with Josh McDowell and his 34-year-old son, Sean. Listen online here. Download via iTunes here. If you're interested in parenting as disciplemaking, go here. Why you shouldn't grow weary in discipling the next generation, go here.

Are we succeeding at lesser things while failing at the main thing?

2011-03-23T04:22:00.001-05:00

"If we as a church succeed in every area, but fail to make disciples who can spiritually multiply, then ultimately we have failed. Yet if we fail in every other area, but succeed in spiritual multiplication, then ultimately we have succeeded."

—Pastor Tommy Nelson, Denton Bible Church, Denton, TX

Training for Loving God, Loving People, and Making Disciplemakers

2011-03-21T05:02:00.003-05:00

LEFT—How to love God and love people inside the body of Christ: Ministry Is Relationships training. (For a copy of the training manual and devotional guide, go here.)

CENTER—How to love God, love people, and make disciples like Jesus: Disciplemaking Is Relationships training. (For a copy of the training manual and devotional guide, go here.)

RIGHT—How to love God and love people outside the body of Christ: Evangelism Is Relationships training. (For copy of the training manual and devotional guide, go here.)

The best way Cadre Ministries can partner with you is by training YOU to take training back to your ministry. If you're interested in exploring this option, then the first step is for you experience one of these trainings. To see if Cadre training is coming to place near you, go here.

To explore the possibility of bringing a Cadre training to your ministry, go here.

Why I'm Not Drinking the "Love Wins" Kool-Aid

2011-03-15T08:54:00.012-05:00

If we only emphasize the attributes of God that we understand and enjoy—like His love, ironically, we end up creating a god the Bible doesn't substantiate.

According to the Bible, God is love, but He's also disturbingly holy. He's both (and more).

As much as that truth is NOT cool, trendy, or culturally acceptable, it's consistently how God portrays Himself throughout the entire Bible.

Unsettling... ain't it?

But this is precisely my point. He's God. We're not. Therefore, we'd better learn to live in that tension of who He says He is... or end up in serious theological error... with eternal ramifications.

"Watch your life and doctrine closely."
—Paul to Timothy in 1 Timothy 4:16

Post Notes 3/20/11 & 5/20/11:
* For the video that started it all, go here.
* For Francis Chan's response video.
* For a very interesting interview, go here.
* An interview with the interviewer.
* Have we seen this before?
* A book review.
* Another book review.
* Rob Bell: A Brother to Embrace of a Wolf to Avoid?

Subscribe to Cup O' Joe with Bill by Email. You'll hear from me 1-2x a week. Email addresses are never shared with anyone and you can unsubscribe at anytime. Thanks for letting us keep in touch with you.

Mother-in-Laws and the Rapture

2011-03-14T07:11:00.008-05:00

NOTE: This bumper sticker is NOT on my car! (Just in case my mother-in-law reads my blog!)

The goal of my life in six words

2011-03-09T04:07:00.001-06:00

Your love, prayers, and support are making an eternal difference that only Heaven will be able to fully tell! Thank you so much for your partnership with God, the Allisons, and Cadre Ministries. We hope the pictures in this update encourage your heart. Click on the images below to enlarge for viewing, reading, and praying. For a nice printable copy, go here. Thanks for reading, praying, and sharing!

It's a fact. We can't do Cadre without friends and ministry partners like YOU. Your prayer and financial support on any level is much needed, much appreciated, and makes a HUGE difference in our lives and ministry. As you can see, God is really blessing this adventure called Cadre. For more information about how you can partner with God, the Allisons, and Cadre Ministries, go here. To make a secure online tax-deductible donation, go here.

Rethinking How Disciples Are Made—Part 2

2011-03-07T04:46:00.009-06:00

I picked up my fifteen year old son from school. When he got into the car, he announced, "I can drive now."

Having been through this before with his older sister, I saw the teachable moment and tried to lean into it. "Just because the state of Illinois gives you a permit and says you can now start driving with your parents in no way means that you can actually drive."

Unrelenting, my son spit back, "I'm a great driver."

Just as unrelenting, I shot back, "Driving the riding lawn mower at home in the yard and driving a car between the lines without actually hitting another car, stationary object, or a person are two different things."

"But I took a test in Driver's Ed today and passed. See, I'm a great driver," he affirmed—with a hint of indignation in his tone of voice.

"Passing a written driving test in a classroom in no way whatsoever means that you can actually drive a real car on a real road with other real cars around you. Really."

Then he threw down the challenge. He played the ace in his hand. He called me out AND called me an old man. "What's wrong old man? Afraid my driving is better than yours?"

The teacher/trainer in me kicked in. You see, when the learner is not getting the obvious point, the teacher/trainer may opt for drastic measures. There is a time to call his bluff and attempt to bring him back to reality. I calmly pulled the car over into a McDonald's parking lot. Put it into park. Got out and walked around to the passenger side front door. Opened it and said, "Let's go Mr. World's-Greatest-Driver-whose-never-actually-driven-a-car-before. Show me what you've got."

He looked stunned, but he quickly got out his seat and situated himself behind the driver's side of the car. He adjusted the seat, the mirrors, and fascended his seatbelt. So far so good. Then he stopped for a moment and looked down at the floor. After a long, quiet, pregnant pause, he looked up at me with complete seriousness and said, "Now which one of these pedals is the brake?"

I wished I was making this story up.

My prayer life has never been better.
THE BIG QUESTION IS:

What in the world does this true story have to do with rethinking the way disciples are made?

Think about it. Now YOU tell me what YOU think this story has to do with rethinking how disciples are made.

Click the comment link below and speak your heart and mind. I'm listening...

For a FREE resource you can use to think this issue through with others, GO HERE.

Are You Setting Young Leaders Up for a Fall?

2011-03-03T04:22:00.004-06:00

"We set young leaders up for a fall if we encourage them to envision what they can do before they consider the kind of person they should be." —Ruth Barton

Are you interested in helping the next generation of young leaders? Here's something you can use.

Parenting Teenagers: A Strategy NOT Endorsed by James Dobson

2011-02-28T04:39:00.007-06:00

Before we had kids, my wife and I had six keys to raising kids.

Now we have six kids... and no keys. (And in case you haven't heard, we have another one on the way.)

So I've been thinking about how to raise my kids—now ages 10-20. Here's what I've come up with so far:

Since kids have a tendency to grow up and rebel against their parents, I've decided to take some preventive measures.

I—as a father—am going to stay wild, crazy, and whacked so, that as my kids grow older, they will rebel against me—and thus turn out normal.
I'll let you know how it goes...

Rethinking How Disciples Are Made—Part 1

2011-02-23T15:39:00.007-06:00

"I came through the whole system with the best education that evangelicalism had to offer—yet I really didn't receive the training that I needed... seven years of higher education in top-rated evangelical schools didn't prepare me to 1) do ministry and 2) be a leader. I began to analyze why I could preach a great sermon and people afterwards would shake my hand and say, 'Great sermon, Pastor.' But these were the very people who were struggling with self-esteem, beating their spouses, struggling as workaholics, succumbing to their addictions, Their lives weren't changing. I had to ask myself why this great knowledge I was presenting didn't move from their heads to their hearts and their lives. And I began to realize that the breakdown in the church was actually based on what we learned in seminary. We were taught that if you just give people information, that's enough."
—Dr. Clyde McDowell, Vantage Point: The Newsletter of Denver Seminary, June 1998

Is it REALLY possible to make disciples of Jesus Christ by dispensing information via speaking, preaching, and teaching alone?

What do you think?

Click on the comment link below and speak your heart and mind.

For a FREE ebook you can use to think this issue through with others, GO HERE.

Why you should never grow weary

2011-02-16T11:22:00.005-06:00

Got this note via Facebook the other day. The only explanation for something like this is God. I offer it here (by permission of the author) to encourage anyone who is investing his/her life in the next generations (including parents and grandparents).

Dear Bill,

WOW! I am completely floored at how GOD has had me come across your path!!!! You may not remember me, but boy do I remember you! I was only 12 years old when you helped lead me to the LORD at an AWANA group meeting in Streator back in April of 1987! Over 23 years has passed and I have not yet and never will forget you. I went on to graduate from Judson University as a Youth Ministry major. I got married and now have 4 beautiful children of my own. God has blessed my family and I know the Holy Spirit is alive in my family today! My wife and I attend church in McHenry, IL, and love it. We are excited because GOD has us on a wild journey in our faith and we are sold out to HIM—just in AWE of His mighty power!

I just want to tell you how thankful I am to you for surrendering your life to Christ many years ago! I know GOD always has His plans for us and I am forever grateful that you listened loud and clear. Thank you brother!

Dan Estes
I Hope this note below does two things for you:

1. Encourages your heart... so that you do not grow weary when it comes to investing your short life into the next generations.

2. Makes you breathe a prayer of worship and praise to God... for only He can do this stuff. To Him be the glory alone.

So many conferences and so little Jesus-like disciplemaking

2011-02-14T06:00:00.008-06:00

So many leadership, church growth, and church planting conferences.

So many conference junkies seeking their next fix.

So little Jesus-like disciplemaking.

Ever wonder why?

Here's a thought.

God, You, and Cadre Ministries

2011-02-02T04:44:00.001-06:00

Things are rockin' in 2011 baby! Click on the images below to enlarge for reading—and praying. For complete, printable details, go here. Thanks for reading—and praying!

We can't do Cadre without friends and ministry partners like YOU. Your prayer and financial support on any level is much-needed, much-appreciated, and makes a HUGE difference in our lives and ministry. God is really blessing this adventure called Cadre. For more information about how you can partner with God, the Allisons, and Cadre Ministries, go here. To make a secure online tax-deductible donation, go here.

One of Central IL's Best Kept Secrets

2011-01-31T04:18:00.008-06:00

Equip Ministries Christian Worker's Conference
Friday and Saturday, February 25-26, 2011
Peoria Christian School in Peoria, IL.

Here are the eight training labs I have the honor of doing... would love to have you join us for any of these...

Friday, February 25, 2011

Session 1 Caffeinated Volunteers: Twelve Motivational Factors

9:15 AM, Bill Allison

The effectiveness of your ministry—to a large degree—is dependent upon the motivation level of the volunteers. But what makes a volunteer tick? That's exactly what we'll explore in this session.

Session 2 Teaching with the End in Mind

10:45 AM, Bill Allison

We're busy teaching, no doubt about it. But what is our teaching producing? What is it—exactly—that you want those you teach to know and be able to do? I dare you to answer that question. And don't miss this workshop because we'll begin to wrestle down some exit goals for each age group in the church!

Session 3 Telling People Isn't Training Them

2:45 PM, Bill Allison

What is training? How is it different than speaking, teaching and preaching? Most important, what could a Jesus-like approach to training others look like for you? We'll explore these questions and more in this highly interactive session.

Session 4 Overcoming Our Spiritual Identity Crisis

4:30 PM, Bill Allison

Understanding and owning the biblical specifics of who we are in Christ is the foundation for what we do for Christ. The New Testament pattern is this: Being precedes doing. Yet, many of us are so busy doing that we've never taken the time to learn and own the biblical specifics about who we are in Christ. Thus, we're suffering from a spiritual identity crisis. This session seeks to help you embrace your God-given identity so that your doing can overflow from the biblical specifics of who you are in Christ. Bring your Bible.

Saturday, February 26, 2011

Session 1 Why Volunteers Quit and What You Can Do About It

8 AM, Bill Allison
Volunteers don't usually quit ministries... they quit leaders. Yes, I'm talking to you, ministry leader. In this workshop, we will explore seven biblical ways you can shepherd volunteers... and, ultimately, keep them loving and serving Jesus alongside of you. This is the workshop the volunteers in your ministry want you to go to.

Session 2 They're Driving Me Nuts! Causes of Bad Behavior
11 AM, Bill Allison

We cause the majority of our own discipline problems in Christian education. Find out why—and more importantly—what you can do about it. Come all ye who are ready to take arsenic... or give it to someone!

Session 3 Train Volunteers—Don't Just Use Them
2:30 PM, Bill Allison
Do you simply use volunteers to fill the holes in your ministry--or do you develop and train volunteers to serve God effectively? If you want to learn how to begin to develop a culture of training in your church or ministry--so that volunteers are encouraged, equipped, and energized to serve God effectively in Ephesians 4:11-12 fashion--then this session is for you! Volunteers are encouraged to attend this workshop.

Session 4 Biblical Secrets of Sexual Purity
4 PM, Bill Allison
While there is a lot of teaching on sexual purity, not much of it actually shows the practicalities of HOW to live a sexually pure life. The Bible has not left us without help in this area. So bring your Bible with you and let's explore the biblical secrets of sexual purity. It's not a matter of "if" we'll be tempted. It's a matter of "when," and what we will do about it.

For complete details and registration information, go here.

The Disciplemakers Journal is available now

2011-01-27T20:57:00.003-06:00

Hot off the press! The Disciplemaker's Journal is 25 studies to help you wrestle the disciplemaking genius of Jesus with your friends. Together you'll explore D3 disciplemaking, mutual community, kavanah, haver learning, disciplemaking learning communities (DLCs), and much more. Below is the front cover and some sample pages. (Click on any image below to enlarge for reading.) For complete details, go here.

Great for families, small groups, Bible studies, etc. For complete details, go here.

The unlikely ones

2011-01-24T04:46:00.078-06:00

“I have seen few persons whose minds were spiritually darker when he came into my Sunday school class, or one who seemed more unlikely ever to become a Christian of clear decided views, still less to fill any sphere of extended public usefulness.”

That's what a Sunday school teacher said about D.L. Moody. (Moody pictured above.) History has clearly proven that his first impression of Moody was wrong... way wrong.

Therein lies a very important lesson.

When it comes to spotting people you should invest your life in, first impressions are often wrong.

It's an ironic fact proven throughout history: God often uses the most unlikely people from some of the most ordinary places to make a most extraordinary difference for him.

So, when considering an "unlikely one," don't let the exterior fool you.

Don't be afraid to go after those who have promise but need much work.

Don't despise or overlook an acorn. Instead, dare to see beyond the acorn to envision—with Jesus' touch—the full grown oak tree.

And don't be put off by a lack of what the culture values and claims is necessary for "success."

Instead, be like Jesus—the master disciplemaker.

Look for the raw material of a disciple—then take the time and pains to shape and form it... into a Jesus-like disciplemaker.

It seemed to work pretty well for Jesus.

I guess I'm sort of partial to unlikely ones... because I am one. And when Jesus touches and transforms an unlikely one, everyone knows it was Jesus—not the unlikely one—and God gets ALL the glory!

Brothers, think of what you were when you were called. Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many were of noble birth. But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. He chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things—and the things that are not—to nullify the things that are, so that no one may boast before him.
—1 Corinthians 1:26-29

The above true story about D.L. Moody was taken from the FREE book, Training Makes All the Difference. For your FREE downloadable copy, go here. For a hard copy, go here.

In Search of the Real Meaning Behind the Word

2011-01-17T04:11:00.005-06:00

I know. It's currently cool, trendy, and dare I even say it—sexy—to have a new take on a well-known passage of Scripture.

Hmmm. But maybe the passage simply means what it says.

Not very sexy... is it?

You can become such an expert at reading between the lines that you fail to read the lines.

And here's something that lacks even more luster: Applying the passage to your life.

Here's how you can pray for us

2011-01-12T04:25:00.006-06:00

Can you help launch us into a new exciting year of ministry? Click on the image below to enlarge for reading—and details on how you can help us. For complete, printable details, go here. Thanks for reading!

We can't do Cadre without friends and ministry partners like YOU. Your prayers and financial support on any level are much-needed, much-appreciated, and make a HUGE difference in our lives and ministry. Plus, God is really blessing this adventure called Cadre. For more information about how you can partner with God, the Allisons, and Cadre Ministries, go here. To make a secure online tax-deductible donation, go here.

Jesus' Church Growth Chart

2011-01-10T21:45:00.001-06:00

Can you help us?

2010-12-12T01:05:00.001-06:00

Can you help us finish this year strong... and launch us into a new exciting year of ministry? Click on the image below to enlarge for reading—and details on how you can help us. For complete, printable details, go here. Thanks for reading!

Keeping-It-Real Allison Family Christmas Letter

2010-12-08T04:40:00.015-06:00

Tired of all those our-lives-are-perfect Christmas letters? Well, after you read our family Christmas letter, you'll feel better about yourself and your family—not worse. We do our best to tell the truth about ourselves—in all our ridiculous glory. And here's the cool part: We invite you to laugh with us... or at us... whichever you prefer. Hey, we're laughing at ourselves... with or without you... so you might as well join us. Click on the images below to enlarge for reading. If you'd rather view this as a PDF, just go here.

We serve as missionaries with Cadre Ministries. For more information about how you can partner with God, the Allisons, and Cadre Ministries, go here.

18 FREE Christmas Gifts to YOU from Cadre!

2010-12-06T05:08:00.001-06:00

From our hearts to yours, here are YOUR 18 FREE Christmas gifts! Merry Christmas from Cadre Ministries!

Rebound Report: Youth Pastors & Wives Retreat

2010-11-18T09:20:00.002-06:00

On November 13-16, Stacy and I had the high honor of encouraging youth pastors and their wives at an event called Rebound, put on by the Evangelical Free Church of America. That's right. We answered the call to suffer for Jesus with a bunch of fun people who love God and students in the sunny 80 degree weather of Melbourne, FL. Hey, someone's gotta do it. (Click on any image below to enlarge for viewing or reading.)

Below explains what Rebound is and how it was set up this year.

Besides just being with Stacy throughout the whole conference (just us—no kids), my personal highlight was when Stacy participated in a roundtable Q & A. God was powerful in and through her and I saw the amazing connection she had with the younger wives in the room. She still has no desire speak publicly, but she's wonderful with Q and A about life in ministry from woman's perspective.

They tell me we had over 70 couples from EFCA churches from all over the USA. I can tell you these people were FUN... and often more than a little whacked.... which made them more FUN. Plus, we've known, loved, and worked with many of them for years. Rebound was an excuse to get more time with them! (Did I mention the 80 degree weather?)

If you've ever doubted the power of the Gospel, consider this: Only Jesus can bring together Bear's fans and Viking's fans... on the very day they play each other. And if you've ever doubted there was a God, consider this: Da Bears won : )

And here's just one of the very encouraging emails we're getting...

Bill-

Thanks so much for being a major part of an amazing weekend. This is the 5th Rebound my wife and I have been to and it has been the best. We have been refreshed but also challenged to think in ways we haven't been before. You have made D3 Jesus-like disciplemaking very clear and challenging. We are trying to wrestle through how life needs to look differently because of God's Word & your challenges. Thanks!

This would be a very appropriate place for you to pause and join me in whispering this prayer, "Thanks be to God."

The Adventures of Jesus, YOU, & Cadre

2010-11-10T05:18:00.004-06:00

Thank you for checking out The Adventures of Jesus, YOU, and Cadre! I hope what you see and read encourages you. Click on the images below to enlarge for reading or just go here. And if you're the praying type, please say a quick one for us RIGHT NOW. Thank you!

We can't do Cadre without friends and ministry partners like YOU. Your prayers and financial support on any level are much-needed, much-appreciated, and make a HUGE difference in our lives and ministry. Plus, God is really blessing this adventure called Cadre. For more information about how you can partner with God, the Allisons, and Cadre Ministries, GO HERE. To make a secure online tax-deductible donation of any size, GO HERE.

What good fathering looks like

2010-11-08T05:17:00.002-06:00

It may have something to do with the fact that I have five daughters (three are teenagers), but I REALLY like the father in this commercial.