KenPetrus.com

Executive Pastor @ North Side Baptist Church

Archive for July, 2009

Looking for a Job? New Career?

Jul 30

Posted by ken in Career Care Ministry, General, Leadership, Uncategorized

Looking for a Job? New Career?

Greenville News announces…Diversity Job Fair

  • Wednesday, August 5th, 2009
  • 10:00 am to 5:00 pm
  • McAlister Square, 225 South Pleasantburg Drive, Greenville, SC 29609

Here are a couple of my thoughts…

  • bring an extra dose of patience…there are going to be a whole lot of people there looking for jobs!
  • bring copies of your resume…make sure it is current…have someone take an objective look at it.
  • make sure your resume looks professional…do not make copies of copies!
  • include references on your resume…name names!
  • dress professionally.
  • be prepared for an interview, if called upon.
  • visit all the employers there.
  • be selection with whom you leave your resume.
  • try to talk to someone at the employer’s booth.
  • take notes/get brochures of those that you leave resumes with.
  • network, network, network!!!!
  • car pool to the job fair!!!!!
  • check out CareerBuilder.com for additional tips/suggestions.

Have fun…it is a great opportunity.

Don’t forget Career Care meets at North Side Baptist Church on Monday morning at 8:00am in the Green Room. Come join us for a time of encouragement, sharing of resources and networking.

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ACT YOUR WAGE!

Jul 29

Posted by ken in Career Care Ministry, Finance, General, Leadership, Stewardship

I was driving on Interstate 385 this past Saturday and saw a billboard that read ACT YOUR WAGE! Wow, what a powerful statement… the economy is in the tank, many people have lost their jobs, others are overworked, gas prices are rising and the cost of living seems to be going up as well. What are we to do? Well, first thing is…ACT YOUR WAGE!

I am a Dave Ramsey fan…he tells it like it is…doesn’t sugarcoat things…that sign was his…he is the author of Financial Peace University and Total Money Makeover…check out his website on the link to the right of this blog.

Here is an excerpt from Dave’s site on how to get your financial house in order…a “how to” on acting your wage!

Now its your turn! Use the Baby Steps to get your finances in order and on track.
$1,000 to start an Emergency Fund
Pay off all debt using the Debt Snowball
3 to 6 months of expenses in savings
Invest 15% of household income into Roth IRAs and pre-tax retirement
College funding for children
Pay off home early
Build wealth and give!
Invest in mutual funds and real estate

I talk to so many people that want to give to God, but cannot due to their current financial situation. They are very discouraged…Dave Ramsey gives the 7 basic steps to financial freedom. His principles can help us ACT OUR WAGE! Check it out and ACT YOUR WAGE!

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Going back home…

Jul 27

Posted by ken in General, Personal, Uncategorized

Going back home…

We just returned from a trip back to my home town of South Milwaukee, Wisconsin. In the course of 8 days, we drove about 1926 miles…or should I have said Gail drove 1926 miles. That’s right…Gail did her best to try to get me to relax some…more on that another time. Here are some of my random thoughts and observations during and after that trip…

  1. Wow, it is been a long time since I moved to away from South Milwaukee…1973…36 years.
  2. My parents house sure appears small…can’t believe 7 of us lived in that house…and it has only one bathroom!
  3. My parents are aging…both 83 years old…both in relatively good health.
  4. My Dad still has his beer can collection in his basement…over 1,000 cans of beer on shelves on the basement walls…most are full…except the old steel ones that rusted and sprung a leak. Dad doesn’t drink beer…he just likes to collect the cans.
  5. Summers are great in Milwaukee…average daily temp about 75 to 85. Winters are a much different story.
  6. I have two brothers and two sisters…I am the second oldest.  Does that qualify me for middle child syndrome?
  7. My younger sister is going to retire next year. What’s wrong with that picture?
  8. My older brother will turn 60 in a month…wow, he is old.
  9. My family still calls me “Kenny”.
  10. I can’t believe my brothers and I played football and baseball in that small backyard…it seems so small today, but was so large, back in the day.
  11. The five of us kids walked to and from school every day…fall, winter and spring…about 2 miles each way. Ask my children, they are tired of hearing the stories of the long walks in the winter snow.
  12. My Mom, never drove a car…she never felt it necessary to get her drivers license…relied on public transportation when needed…but most of the time she was our “stay at home Mom”…cooking, cleaning, washing clothes… and washing clothes cooking and cleaning.
  13. Dad has a single car detached garage which housed the family car…the 57 Plymouth…then the 58 Ford station wagon…the 62 Buick and those Buick every five years after that.
  14. Maybe that was why my first car was a 56 Buick Roadmaster…paid $25 for it…what a bargain. It sat for six months until I could afford insurance for it.
  15. We drove past the farm, where I had my first paying job…I was 12 years old…picked radishes and onions for a penny a bunch. It was called piece work back in those days. On a good day, I could make 90 cents an hour. Did you know that I spent 6 years working summers on a farm?
  16. Also went past the old church and school that we attended…St Johns Catholic Church…the original church and school no longer exists…a parking lot now. The church has combined with 4 other churches in the city due to declining membership…pretty sad situation.

A great trip…too fast…great to see family…much reminiscing…much has changed…much has remained the same…too many miles…GPS is great…now, need to buy new tires for Gail’s van.

ENJOY!

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Do Not Worry …

Jul 24

Posted by ken in General, Leadership, Personal

Do not worry or be anxious…easy to say, but definitely hard to do. I seem to be having a lot of conversations about “worry” recently with quite a number of different people. Here are some of the topics…

  • I’m worried about my kids…
  • I’m worried about my job…
  • I’m worried about my aging parents…
  • I’m worried about this economy…
  • I’m worried about my church…
  • I’m worried about my marriage…
  • I’m worried about my finances…

These are all valid concerns. To find answers, let’s go to God’s Word. Recall the words of the Apostle Paul to the church at Philippi…Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Phil 4:6-7 (NASB)

We can rest assured that the answer to our worry or anxiousness is in Christ Jesus. If we come to Him as Paul instructs us, He will “guard our hearts and minds” from that worry. The peace that God gives us does surpass all human understanding. It is unexplainable. I know this first hand, if you want to know just ask me. I live it every day!

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More on Church Budgeting in Today’s Economy…Wise Stewardship

Jul 22

Posted by ken in Finance, General, Leadership

More on Budgeting in Today’s Economy…Wise Stewardship

Preparing a budget in the midst of an economy that is stagnant at best can really present a challenge to the church leadership.  One can confidently say that Christ will protect and care for His bride. However, we do a have a responsibility to be wise stewards of the resources that He has made available to His church.

Wise stewardship begins with defining our purpose.  As a church, we are called (our purpose) to make disciples. Jesus gave these instructions to his disciples…“Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you…” Matt 28:19-20 (NASB)

Therefore, we should evaluate and budget our expenses in light of making disciples. Evaluating ministry is hard. Sometimes we are required to plant, sometimes to water and sometimes to harvest. Some of us may never see the fruits of our labor. So how do you evaluate ministry? Here are some questions that may help:

  • Has God called our church into this particular ministry?
  • Does our church have the human resources to lead and carry out this ministry?
  • Is the ministry making disciples?
  • Is the ministry having an impact?
  • Has God called and gifted someone to passionately lead this ministry?
  • Does our church have the gifts and talents to do this ministry?
  • Do we have the volunteer resources for this ministry?
  • Do we have the financial resources to continue this ministry?
  • Is there any area of spending for this ministry that needs to be adjusted?
  • Could we partner with another church to share expenses?
  • Should we discontinue the ministry and come along side another church that is better equipped to lead this ministry?
  • Could our financial resources be better utilized focusing on another ministry?
  • Do we need to take a year or so off from this ministry and  re-evaluate it or maybe reorganize it?
  • Should we start another ministry in an area where God has gifted us?

Many times in church life, we have a tendency to add more ministries (through programming) and never look at what we no longer need to do. If your ministry is stagnant, then may be that is exactly what you need to do…no longer fund it. ..use those financial resources elsewhere to make an impact. This can be a real challenge in the local church, as we all have a tendency to be a little overprotective of “our” ministries.

We must remember, we are but mere stewards…not owners.

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Planning Calendar – Key to Our Budgeting Process

Jul 21

Posted by ken in Facilities, Finance, General, Leadership, Staffing

Planning Calendar – Key to  Our Budgeting Process

We begin our budgeting process here at North Side Baptist Church by developing our “Planning Calendar”. Here is a snapshot of our calendar for next year. Yes, it is drawn on a whiteboard.Planning Calendar

We look at the entire year as a whole and plan major activities. The process begins with our Leadership Team and then expands to the Ministry Leaders. This planning calendar process helps us in the following areas:

  • Evaluate current programs
  • Discuss new opportunities for ministry
  • Coordinate Events
  • Schedule facilities usage
  • Strengthen current ministries
  • Identify needs
  • Set priorities
  • Identify financial resource needs
  • Identify personnel needs

The Planning Calendar is a “work in progress” throughout the budgeting process. We transfer this information to an Excel spreadsheet for our entire staff to use in the coming year. It is a snapshot of the year  and keeps us all on the same page.

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Where is your Judea? Samaria?

Jul 21

Posted by ken in General, Leadership, Personal

Where is your Judea? Samaria?

Prior to ascending into Heaven, Jesus gave this instruction to the disciples; “…but you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be My witnesses both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and even to the remotest part of the earth.” Acts 1:8 (NASB)

I have struggled with this passage from time to time, mainly because I have never been on a foreign mission trip. You see, I have had the perception that in order to fulfill this instruction, I would need to participate in a foreign mission trip. Although,I do plan at some point to take a foreign mission trip , I do not think that is what Jesus was referring to in his final address to the disciples. I think that each of us have our own Judea and Samaria based on where we are planted and where God is at work around us. God will call us to be witnesses for Him as part of His plan.

This came to light very personally to me in my recent trip to Milwaukee, Wisconsin to visit with my family. As with all families, things get very “sticky” from time to time when dealing with life and all of the opinions on how we should live it. All families seems to have their own drama and my family is no exception. After spending time with my parents, brothers, sisters, nieces and nephews, I believe that the purpose for both Gail and me being there was to be witnesses for Christ. It was a time that we could show others the face of Christ in the midst of family discussions. It was a time that showing the love of Christ really meant to listen, not speak. It was a time not to share opinions, but rather to listen to and respect the opinions of others who struggle with the circumstances of life every day. It was a time to be an encourager. My role will continue to be a witness for Christ with my family.

Hey, maybe… just maybe…my Judea or my Samaria is Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

Where is your Judea? Samaria?

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Some Encouragement…the Beatitudes

Jul 19

Posted by ken in General, Leadership, Personal

Some Encouragement…the Beatitudes.

When Jesus saw the crowds, He went up on the mountain; and after He sat down, His disciples came to Him.  He opened His mouth and began to teach them, saying,
“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
“Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.
“Blessed are the gentle, for they shall inherit the earth.
“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.
“Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.
“Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.
“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.
“Blessed are those who have been persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
“Blessed are you when people insult you and persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me.

“Rejoice and be glad, for your reward in heaven is great; for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

Matt 5:1-12 (NASB)

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Faith and Trust

Jul 16

Posted by ken in General, Leadership, Personal

Faith and Trust. Our faith is strengthened through our growing trust in Him…and many times this comes through the discouragements and disappointments of this life. Yesterday was the case for our family. We are in Milwaukee, Wisconsin visiting my family as we wait on news from Eric’s test results. Our plans were to head to Bethesda, Maryland today, after we received the news that Eric was ready for the stem cell transplant. We received news yesterday that his body wasn’t quite ready and it would be another  three weeks, at minimum. Eric will begin another round of chemo this morning. So we will head back to Greenwood tomorrow morning and wait for this next round of chemo. The doctors have told Eric and Cheyanne that this additional round of chemo will help his body better be prepared for the transplant.

I hurt for Eric as he is tired and his body is tired from all the chemo that he has been getting. He and Cheyanne are also homesick and this news causes more delays for their return home. We know that Eric is in the best care possible…the Lord’s care and that of NIH. However, as parents…we want to fix it…this time, once again, we cannot fix it. Our job is to PRAY and TRUST. Easy to say…but it is hard to do, as your heart breaks for your son. Now is when we walk by faith….trusting that Eric is in the right place…trusting that the Lord’s hand is upon him.

I am reminded of my life verse…Trust in the LORD with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight. Prov 3:5-6 (NASB).

Today, in spite of our circumstances, disappointment, and discouraging news…I choose to trust in HIM. How about you?

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Listening…I must be intentional.

Jul 15

Posted by ken in General, Leadership, Personal

Listening…I must be intentional. Several weeks ago, I went to see an Audiologist to check out my hearing. Gail seems to be having to repeat herself a lot lately, so I agreed to go for the visit. After, the exam was completed, the results came in…yup, I had significant hearing loss in both ears and will need hearing aids. In addition to the hearing loss, I have been having a problem with background noises, conversations affecting my ability to hear the person that is speaking to me.

The Audiologist had a suggestion. Rather than going ahead with the hearing aids, she felt that she could help me by enrolling me in a listening course! What? Me, a listening course? Sure thing…I agreed to try the course, with a significant amount of skepticism, I might add. I have been through a number of lessons and it seems to be helping somewhat…you might get a different answer from Gail though. I have a long way to go in the course, so we will see what happens. The most significant thing that I have learned already I need to be intentional when I listen to someone. I must get my mind off the thousands of things going on and pay attention. Turn off the computer…turn off or mute the TV. Surprising today, some of the background noise seem to be not as loud and I seem to hear a little better. Could the course be working?

By the way, Gail and I are sitting in a Panera Bread Co. store in Milwaukee, Wisconsin accessing the free wireless and catching up on emails. The background noise is pretty loud. I am trying my best to being intentional to listen to Gail…somewhat difficult in this environment…4 or 5 conversations going on around us.

I am learning that I must be more intentional with my listening. My prayer today is that I may grow to  be quick to listen, pay attention, be intentional. Maybe I can hold off on those hearing aids a couple of years.

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