stephen wayne hammond

2011 is upon us. Maybe I will write more on the blog this year. If I do, I hope it encourages many.

On this New Year's Day I am sitting in my living room w my rib-eye being grilled outside, U2 playing on my DVD player, my wife taking down our X-Mas decorations and my kids playing together. On this beautiful afternoon I am reminded of the importance of:
-family
-amazing music
-good food and drinks

This year I want to encourage you to live in genuine authentic community (that hopefully provides all the above, and more). If you are lonely in 2011 it will most likely be because you have isolated yourself or you have refused to take the action necessary to start and/or continue such a community. But there is Good News! God has designed an amazing community for you. You don't have to go at life alone.

In 2011 I trust you will allow yourself the ability to risk for the sake of others. In doing so, you may find what you are looking for.

Now back to my rib-eye......

Follow me on Twitter

I know I don't spend as much time on this blog as I should but you can always catch my twitter feeds by following PHENHAMM at Twitter.

Hopefully in the near future I will be more disciplined about writing.  For now....Go Rangers!

The Mosaic Gathering "9 Musts"

Today one of our pastors and elders (Kent Krabill) shared some great stuff about the immediate Future of Mosaic as we begin a transition of our Sunday Gatherings. It was so encouraging that I wanted to make sure that YOU had a chance to be involved with where we are going.

Enjoy!

At every Sunday Gathering our Mosaic community MUST:

*Yield to the Holy Spirit of God to Lead and Teach Us

*Value the Preaching and Teaching of God's Word (Scriptures)

*Praise the Lord through Music

*Reflect on God's Goodness as we learn to Listen to and Obey His Voice

*Pray Together

*Fellowship with Friends (New and Old)

*Serve One Another

*Give Financially

*Celebrate Communion as a Family

Each Sunday you can join us and expect that God will change lives as we all come together to honor Jesus and encourage humanity as the Scriptures teach us.  

It's good to be alive!

The Future of Mosaic Arlington

Things are changing fairly quickly around Mosaic (new leaders, new identity, new website, new discipleship material, new meeting space coming soon and much more...).  In some ways it's very exciting, and in other ways it can be a bit overwhelming.  My hope and heart has always been to do whatever God called me, or us, to do, whenever He asked us to do it.  I am confident that God has spoken to us about the near future and that the group of us who will continue on this journey will see some pretty amazing things.

This past Sunday I was met with the concern of us becoming a "Mega-Church" (technically a mega church is defined as having more than 2000 people in attendance but it could be seen in this person's mind as having as many as 500 people. I am not sure, but don't think it matters much to be honest) and it actually got me thinking (to be honest the first thing that came into my mind was 'you got to be kidding right?  me pastoring a 'mega' church?  that's funny!') about the future of Mosaic and what I really believe we will be seeing.  

For those who commit to being involved at Mosaic I can promise you:

• We will honor Jesus Christ with our lives as the God who brings life, hope, love, forgiveness, friendship and community.  It's all about Him!
• We will not be ashamed of the Gospel (Good News) of Jesus, and will share this story with whomever wants to listen, anytime we can.  It's in this we find Freedom! 
• We will not neglect the commands to help those who know Christ grow in their love for Him, their knowledge of the Scriptures and their desire to serve humanity.  It's through this we become Mature!
• We will only place godly men and women, who are committed to Jesus and Mosaic, in places of leadership that shape the lives of others.  This includes teaching kids, leading small groups, sharing up front in Gatherings and writing for our resources.  It's in this we give you others to follow! 
• We will take, shape and release males to become Godly men that do the hard things to provide for others, share the Gospel, give generously and lead people to the Kingdom of God.  (Women, you will be trained and released as well don't worry....but currently we are in deficit of men who love Jesus, lead their homes, make an honest/hard wage, give sacrificially and serve until it hurts).  It's in this we will have the men needed to love, serve and lead us into the future! 
• We will continue to take care of the needs of others (whether it be physical, emotional, financial or spiritual) as God provides the people and resources.  It's here that we remember what true religion is!
• We will multiply. Our lives are expected to influence others, our families will be encouraged to pass down God's truths to their kids, our small groups will be expected to make room for new friends/athletes/strangers and our Gatherings will grow (and yes we will multiply these in due time).  It's here that we will be reminded we exist for the mission of God to redeem culture. 
• We will help other new works get started.  We will send people around the globe to share the good news of Jesus with those who have never heard AND we will look to start new churches that value Christ, Humanity, the Scriptures and Service.  It's here that we will fulfill our calling!  

In doing all of the above there is no doubt in my mind a few things will happen: Jesus will be honored, People will be changed and our Church will grow.  It's the supernatural progression of things.  Will we be a 'mega' anything?  I am not sure.  But I know that those who will remain with us will do b/c they care deeply about the unreached, uncommitted and the unloved.  I am hopeful that's all of us, but realistically I know it won't be the case.  Many will stay, others will leave and even more will come. We have always been, and will always be, a church of change.  Hopefully for the glory of Jesus and good of humanity.    

There is much work to be done at Mosaic.  The best days are ahead of us.  The first 4 years in the life of this small church won't be anything like the next 4.  If you are interested in seeing more lives set free, more people be loved and more opportunities for hope to come to our city then step up.  We need you! 

Here's to the future!

Man Up part 1

Here are a few postings on what I have come to learn (in almost 20 years of leading/serving humanity) that every dude with a pair need to have in their lives.  Enjoy!

Every dude needs-

*To recognize that they are but dust.  The sooner a dude can realize that he has only a few years left on the earth (no matter how old they are) and that he should probably start living a life that honors his creator and helps others, the better.  Understanding we are dust, also leads to humility.  Which leads me to....

*To realize he has blind spots in his life.  We all do.  Only one of us guys was perfect, the rest suck. We have issues in our lives that we know about, and some we don't.  That's why we better check ourselves often, develop true friends who will say tough things to do, and then learn how to better our lives.

*To love someone.  Married dudes love your wives.  Single dudes find a person who needs a friend and try to serve them (notice love = serve).  If you aren't loving someone today, you aren't really living.

*To keep learning.  Dudes were created to lead.  If you aren't learning, you aren't leading.  Sorry Charlie, it's true.  Pick up a good book.  Read the paper.  Go back to school.  Learn a new sport/hobby. Just learn something.

*To take some risks.  To live a safe life, is to live a failed life.  If you are a dude of faith, you will be a dude of risk.  Find something bigger than yourself, where if the Creator doesn't help you, you'll fail, and then go for it.  

More to come later.  Until then, keep manning up boys!

Stephen

I Will Rise

I am not a huge Christian music fan, but Chris Tomlin moves me in a way that many artists don't.  

This song has been spinning in my brain over the past few days.  Great song!  Download it and be encouraged.

I Will Rise (Chris Tomlin)

There's a peace I've come to know
Though my heart and flesh may fail
There's an anchor for my soul
I can say "It is well"

Jesus has overcome
And the grave is overwhelmed
The victory is won
He is risen from the dead

And I will rise when He calls my name
No more sorrow, no more pain
I will rise on eagles' wings
Before my God fall on my knees
And rise
I will rise

There's a day that's drawing near
When this darkness breaks to light
And the shadows disappear
And my faith shall be my eyes

Jesus has overcome
And the grave is overwhelmed
The victory is won
He is risen from the dead

And I will rise when He calls my name
No more sorrow, no more pain
I will rise on eagles' wings
Before my God fall on my knees
And rise
I will rise

And I hear the voice of many angels sing, 
"Worthy is the Lamb"
And I hear the cry of every longing heart, 
"Worthy is the Lamb"
And I hear the voice of many angels sing, 
"Worthy is the Lamb"
And I hear the cry of every longing heart, 
"Worthy is the Lamb"

And I will rise when He calls my name
No more sorrow, no more pain
I will rise on eagles' wings
Before my God fall on my knees
And rise
I will rise

Growth?

How many ways can you grow?

As I continue to serve and lead our community (Mosaic) I find myself asking some questions about our immediate future:

-how can we have more influence over our city?

-how can we honor the Creator in more ways?

-how can we create environments where others trust us with their resources (finances, time, talents, etc..)

-how can we help others move through difficult areas of their character development?

-how can we hear His voice more clearly?

If you are starting a new church, leading an organization or simply helping others find hope, you will need to have a good way to measure success.  But old school measurements of success may not work in the 'new world.'

So, what are your thoughts?  What encouragement can you give me as I help lead our people?  And what are needing help with in the area 'growth?'

Friends for the Journey

As I go through life learning how to trust God more, lead my family and help others come alive in Christ, I have been blessed to have a wide range of friendships.

Here are a few friendships that I believe every great leader needs to make the impact he/she desires to make in the world.  

Every great leader needs an-

• Encourager- this is a person who almost always see the best in you, and will give you the courage you need to stay the course when times get really rough.  
• Mentor- this is a person that has been down the road of life, one who has years of experience and a deep wealth of wisdom that you learn from for the journey of life in general.
• Prophet- this is a person that speaks to you the hard things that you need to hear but don't want to hear.  All of us have blind spots and prophets help us see those.  
• Healer- this is a person who has the insight to say the words that help you overcome past hurts, wounds and failed dreams. These people counsel you in the ways of truth.
• Team of Other Leaders- this is a small group (3-12) people who will work hard with you on the vision that God has given you.  They will sacrifice like you sacrifice.     
• Coach- this is a person who has done specifically what you are hoping to do in your work.  This is a person who can give solid, practical, helpful advice for you to see your dream come alive.
• Buddy- (corny word but full of truth).  This is the person who just likes to hang with you and talk about life in a fun way.  This is a person who likes to chill, celebrate, play and just overall likes you for you (not for your dream, work, vision or influence).  
• Teacher- This is a person that you learn from (via podcasts, books, blogs, messages, etc..) that you trust.  They may not know you, but their lives and words have shaped you dramatically in a great way. 

You can probably add a few more (in fact please do so we can all learn).  In my short life I have blessed with many different people that have filled these roles regularly in my life (some have even filled multiple roles).  

I am hopeful that as you lead into the future you will find similar great friends for the journey!

Caedmon's Song (Part 1)

One of the most famous musicians of the Celtic era was Caedmon.  Even through he was illiterate, he would have someone read to him the Scriptures and then spend the night trying to form those thoughts into the words and music of a song that would tell the story of Jesus.  Everyone was amazed at the great beauty, power and elegance of those songs.

The following is a poem I recently learned about from Caedmon called "Caedmon's Song (Part 1)" that has really touched my heart today.

Caedmon's Song (Part 1)

Teach us again the greatest story ever told.

In time, the Carpenter began to travel

In every village challenging the people

To leave behind their selfish ways, 

Be washed in living water,

and let God be their  King.

You plundered death,

And made the jailhouse shutter-

Strode into life

To meet your startled friends

I have a dream,

That all the world will meet you,

And know you, Jesus, in your living power.

That someday soon all the people will hear your story

And hear it in a way they understand.

I have some great friends who have a son named Caedmon.  All along I thought they named him after a band.  No I know they named him after a hero of our faith.  

May we as followers of Christ long to introduce Jesus, in a way that everyone can understand, to our family, friends and greater world.

2008- a look back

As we get ready to tackle the new year that is called 2009, I wanted to step back into time and remember some great things that happened for me and my family in 2008.

• January our family met some new friends that would change how we view suffering, friendship and hope.  Although our lives aren't connected physically any longer we are eternally grateful for the journey with them through the year.
• In February Lanette and I celebrated 10 years of marriage!  Our church was very cool and took up some funds to help us get to Cancun (a dream of ours since we were married). We love one another and look forward to the next 10 years. 
• Mosaic continued to grow up in some really cool ways.  We lost a few close friends during the year but God provided our church with the greatest 'increase' we had seen in our 3 short years. Our attendance in small groups doubled and our Gathering attendance hit an all time high.  Add to that the fact that we commissioned another elder, drilled 3 wells in El Salvador, committed to partnering with an orphanage in Mexico, came alongside the Arlington Life Shelter to help take practical steps to eliminate homelessness in Arlington and gave away a bunch of our money to help the needs of the poor and it was by far our greatest year ever as a community. 
• We had our first emergency room visit when our dog bit our youngest son Bryson and it required 14 stitches to repair him.  Needless to say we lost a dog as well.  We still miss Cali but it was the best for us.  And Bryson now has a 'war scar' to go along with his warrior's heart and spirit.
• I got to go to El Salvador to help dig a well with a team from Mosaic.  Very cool.  
• I coached Harrison in 2 seasons of baseball.  He's a little stud.  Made the All-Star team (again) and represented Arlington in a local tournament.  I love hanging with that dude! Despite him being a great athlete, he is an even better leader to his peers.  (Plus he loves to swing business deals in the Butler cafe during lunch by selling items he gets at Target to his friends for an upcharge of 50%.  Hope he is tithing!)
• Madison continues to bless us with her ability to create.  She is the artistic one.  She dances and colors in ways that amaze us.  
• Bryson is the athlete.  The tough kid.  Nothing fazes him.  Just yesterday he came bragging that he is going to have to get fillings.  "Bring it on" is his attitude.  
• Square One, our church planting arm, had it's ups and downs.  We lost some major donor support (so if you want to fund new church starts let's talk) but our planters are doing a heck of job changing cities.  It's fun to coach these guys to great things in the future. 
• I am learning how to lead better.  Starting with learning how to say "No, I can't do that" to "You are wrong and here is why."  I need to learn more about humility and grace no doubt, but for the most part if you are in my life I hope to continue to be a better leader for you in the future. 
• Holidays are always great.  This year we were blessed in so many ways.  We finally paid off ALL our debt!  We were able to lease a new vehicle for myself.  We grabbed another large dog (welcome our golden retriever, Lady, to the world) for the kids.  Upgraded our home computer (Lanette got a Mac desktop for Christmas) and to top it off found a brand spankin' new Wii on our doorstep on Christmas Eve. Someone from Mosaic (we think) dropped it off as a blessing for all our family does for others.  WOW!   

That's a snapshot of our year.  God was good through it all.  We are a blessed family, doing everything we can to be a blessing to others.  

The best is yet to come!