Building a Great Congregation – Followers

Posted by Chris Gallagher on Jun 22, 2010 in Uncategorized | 0 comments

As part of the “Building a Great Congregation” series of lessons, we have to have followers to build a great congregation. Now, before you email me and let me know, I already know it is a pretty big “DUH!” statement to say that followers are needed in every congregation, but I am talking about great followers. Every where I have travelled, I have found the followers of Jesus to be the greatest people on Earth. It is not the greatness of the follower that makes them great, it is the greatness of the one they serve – Jesus!

Take a moment and view the lessons PowerPoint from Sunday and see how you can become a great follower!

Just some thoughts for today!

Chris

Down Another Road…

Posted by Chris Gallagher on Jun 15, 2010 in Uncategorized | 7 comments

Over the past several weeks I have battled with a possible future career move that I struggle with every now and then. I believe the time has come to share the struggle with you and to solicit your prayers regarding the possible move. For years I have struggled with the idea of leaving local work in several years and pursuing another full-time adventure. Please understand, I would not leave preaching, because it is in my heart and soul, but I would leave the aspect of local work and take on another role. I would still find opportunities and congregations to preach on Sundays, youth rallies, meetings, etc. but I would not do so as a located minister. I guess you could say it would be the role of a traveling evangelist, but with a “tent-making” position as well.

Carrie and I have talked about the possibility of such a venture several times throughout the past couple years. Each time we felt the time was not right and we set a goal for the next ten years. I believe that goal is reachable and we are praying for an opportunity to achieve it. Beginning this year, I am starting on the journey to become a motivational/professional speaker. I am not leaving my ministry at the Mount Pleasant Church of Christ. I am still the full-time minister located and working with the congregation to save souls, I am just seeking to expand the role of speaking to a greater crowd of businesses and organizations. I will fulfill my roles as the minister of the congregation first and then as a motivational/professional speaker.

In the future, I pray this venture leads me to finding a full-time income as a motivational/professional speaker so I can relieve the church of the financial burden of supporting  me. I am not against paying a preacher, in fact, I am all for it. I am all for paying a preacher because he preaches instead of paying him to preach. I am for paying a preacher enough to support his family and not make him a pauper at the end of his life. This possible career move is not as a result of income, it is as a result of a hope that many more will be influenced and challenge to live better.

I have begun to put together a website, The Gallagher Institute (http://www.gallagherinstitute.com) in hopes of creating a base to direct others too. I encourage you to take a look and see what I seek to do in improving others lives and challenging them to live better each day.

If you would like to assist me in this venture I would appreciate it. Here is where you can help:

• Pray for my family and I. This is not a path I would like to take on my own, but with my wife and my three children. We need prayers for God’s guidance during this time.
• Send me your input: I appreciate the thoughts of my friends regarding such a matter. I have consulted with some close, personal friends and their encouragement has been great.
• I am putting together some packets of information to send to potential organizations regarding the benefit of a motivational lesson and work.
• Remember, this is not just for businesses and organizations, I am still looking to hold gospel meetings, youth rallies, teacher workshops, seminars, etc.

What if it does not work?

• If the motivational/professional speaking venture does not work, then I can say I gave it a shot. I would rather go through life and try, than sit in a rocking chair years from now and wish I would have.
• If is does not work, I am still (and always will be) a servant of the most high God. He is truly in control and I am just here to serve Him; whether in a pulpit each Sunday or a pedestal somewhere else.
• Romans 8.28 allows me to deal with much the worlds has to offer.

Like I said previously, this has been on my heart and I wanted to share it with you.

Just my thoughts,

Chris

Sunday’s Lesson – Vision

Posted by Chris Gallagher on Jun 12, 2010 in Uncategorized | 0 comments

Confession: Golf is not my friend! I was once a good golfer, but not any more. When I did play golf on a regular basis, I found a secret deep in the annuals of Golf Digest, The secret is simple but very powerful – picture the hole from the hole to the tee. Most golfers play from the tee-box to the hole, but great golfers play from the hole to the tee. Examining each hole backwards gives the player a different look, but a look from the destination. The player is able to plan each shot and each placement to be able to achieve the goal.

Congregations need powerful vision! Each congregation need to see their goal of heaven and work backwards from the goal. Some congregations flounder from year to year hoping to meet budget and gain a few members, but seldom are they looking to the future and considering their view from the goal backwards.

Congregations should consider this:

• Where will your congregation be in 20 years?
• Where will your congregation be in 10 years?
• Where will your congregation be in 5 years?
• Where will your congregation be in 1 year?

Also take a moment to consider these goals personally:

• Where will you be in 20 years?
• Where will you be in 10 years?
• Where will you be in 5 years?
• Where will you be in 1 year?

Here is a copy of the lesson below:

Just some Sunday thoughts,

Chris

Elkview, WV 2010

Posted by Chris Gallagher on Jun 9, 2010 in Uncategorized | 0 comments

As I write, the meeting in Elkview, West Virginia is now complete. The meeting is not over because there is always work to do and people to save in the world. The brethren in Elkview made the meeting a great success. Their attitudes and hospitality were a great encouragement to my family and I. I appreciate the work they are doing for the kingdom of God in the Elkview community and the surrounding areas.

I pray that God will not only reap His precious blessings on the brethren at Elkview, but I pray God will give them many opportunities to share the message of Jesus with everyone they meet.

Thanks again to my Elkview, WV brethren for making our meeting an excellent one!

Just my thoughts,

Chris

I Love This Work…

Posted by Chris Gallagher on Jun 7, 2010 in Uncategorized | 0 comments

Yesterday I had the powerful privilege of standing in front of a congregation of people seeking to follow Jesus with the purpose of motivating them to continue with their great service and to inspire them to grow their life to be the best it can be. Today the privilege continues as the meeting enters its fourth lesson. After already delivering three lessons, three more await and then I will travel back to South Carolina and continue the work there. After 13 years of standing before people to motivate and inspire them, it never gets old.

No matter where you go, God’s people are always shining lights to the community in which they live. From the smallest towns to the largest cities, God’s people are delighting in the  presence of the majestic God and His radiant Son in their lives. To hear the phrase “Share the gospel daily; use words when necessary,” is a proper description of the members of God’s family. The service of Christians to the troubled world around them is an awe inspiring event, not because of the human service but because of the Son, Father and Spirit which gave us the opportunity to serve.

May the richest blessings of God fall down upon the church and may His face shine upon the countless thousands seeking to serve this world of turmoil in expectation to bring it healing so that all may have the opportunity to share in the light of the Father.

Just some thoughts,

Chris