this is how i’m doing: in case you were wondering…

I’m pretty sure I graduated last year but I find myself in a sea of homework and little time to do it all.  In July I started some online course work to get my Web Design Certification from Sessions.edu School of Design.  Currently I lack the motivation but I’m almost through with my first two classes.  In addition to continuing my “formal” education I’m in a season of studying more about small group ministry in preparation for God to do something with me in that area.  Gilbert Montez from the Village Church gave me 4 books of which I am currently reading two: “Biblical Foundations for Small Group Ministry” and “The Seven Deadly Sins of Small Group Ministry”.  I’m hoping to have all four read by Thanksgiving - hopefully.

In case you didn’t know, which you probably didn’t because I haven’t told very many people, I’m seriously thinking about trying for DTS again next fall.  They have a new degree in Media and Communications that I’m considering which best aligns with my educational and professional experiences.  Also it’s only two years verses the 4-year M.Th that I applied for in 04/05.  All of this is in the early “God, is it time yet?” stages because if I do this it will mean moving to Dallas, quiting my job, finding a NEW job, but it also means I’d get to join the Village Church and do ministry with those guys for a while…

Exciting times in the life of Paul - I’ve got a lot of ”homework” to do.  It seems that every fall new and exciting things happen in my life - or maybe it’s only every fall that I’m aware of them… probably a little of both.

John Mayer’s new CD Continuum.  I’ve never been much of a Mayer fan - His music has been great I just never cared much for his lyrics until now.  “Waiting on the World to Change” is hands down my new favorite song.  Just thought I’d let you know.

Headed home tomorrow after a long week of recruiting.  Next week, Tour of Texas: Houston part 1…

you see that last post, with the picture, was funny because the Church of Christ doesn’t use instruments in worship because…  oh nevermind.  I thought it was hilarious as did Todd and that’s all that matters.

My second week of travel brings me to the Texas Gulf Coast.  I’m staying in South Houston (which apparently is actually its own city) and from there driving to God knows where everyday.  I had a wonderful tour of Lavaca Bay while doing a college program at Port Lavaca High School (Go Sandcrabs!). From there I was in Victoria which resulted in a long drive back and a late night. Stay tuned for more updates and maybe even pictures! Has anyone been to Sweeny, TX? or Altair??  I’ll send you a postcard.

Mike led worship at the North Street Church of Christ?  That was weird…

…But not the same as on time. I wrote this on Thursday. Just now getting around to posting it

—- My week in review —-

I’m sitting outside a Starbucks about a block away from the Double Tree hotel in downtown Dallas sipping on a latte, typing on a laptop looking SO official. It’s been a quick week, hard to believe it’s already Thursday. For those of you who don’t know, I’ve been in Dallas all week recruiting for SFA. I use the term “Dallas” loosely because Commerce, Greenville and Maypearl could never be mistaken for Dallas however Highland Park and Thomas Jefferson are very much at the Heart of this metropolis.

There have been three things that I have learned while in Dallas:

1 - GPS; I can’t live without it. I bought a kit that turns my PDA into a TomTom GPS device; Freakin’ sweet!

3 - Shure E2 Ear-buds are the best ear-buds I have ever used. The only thing I’ve heard outside of Derek Webb while typing this was a fire truck; a great investment if you are looking for the perfect ear-buds.

2 - I think I’m supposed to be working with small groups at my church. I met with Gilbert Montez, the Small Groups pastor at the Village Church on Tuesday to find out what they are doing in that area, because they are a church that is really living it out and it’s working. We sat and talked for about 45 minutes after which I walked away with four books on small groups, some notes and a new sense of purpose. It was so encouraging and affirming - what better to do with an Interpersonal Comm degree?

The reason I set up the meeting with Gilbert was because lately I’ve been really frustrated with church. My church only has about 500-600 attending on a Sunday, but it feels like we are a church of thousands where nobody really knows anyone. That, and it seems like the hardest conversation to have in church is about Jesus. Not even 3 minutes after the sermon there is a buzz in the room about lunch and football and the music and school. When can we talk about Jesus? One of the areas that our church struggles with is small groups. I think the problem is that people don’t fully understand how important they are to the development of the Church (big “C”). Small groups aren’t a fad or a gimmick that helps churches to grow, they are essential to life as Christians. We were MADE for community which cannot be lived out once or twice a week from the pews or a Sunday school class. I’m excited to begin my study and eagerly anticipate what God has planned for me.

—- The End —-