Curt Seaburg.com

Time to Raise The Bar

I'm at Men's Frat this morning, and the host (Clair Hoover) reads off this one guys 10 Key Moves that he is determined to make.  Here they are:

1. I will strive for perfection, but accept that I cannot achieve it.
2. I will protect the hearts of those I love.  Even if they do not understand my intentions.
3. I will put others above myself, but not neglect myself.
4. I will strive to fill the emptiness that I sometimes feel, but only with things that nurture me.
5. I will continue to foster my longtime friendships and look to grow deeper with my newest ones.
6. I will diligently fight the negativity in my life that pulls me down.  I will build in my life to elevate and not tear down.
7. I will forgive myself for my mistakes, but learn via those lessons and experiences.
8. I will continue to ask God to use me.  To make his plan for my life the longing of my heart and for the strength and courage to follow.
9. I will continue to strive to keep my eyes focused on God.  To look to him and not my own feet.  To trust that he will guild my feet around or over any obstacle.
10. If I should fall God will pick me up.  I will think of Peter walking on the water.  I shall not fear.

I make these promises to myself.  You are my witnesses.  I am being called up.

I don't know about you, but that challenges me.  Let it challenge you today!

Surround your kids with caring adults

I’ve said it for years, “Friends are like buttons on an elevator, they will either take you up or take you down.”  As a 'recovering youth pastor' of 17 years, one of the huge deals that teenagers face is the people that they associate with.  We would pound it into their heads that it is critical that you surround yourself with the right people.

Now I lead a church (best church in my opinion) and Pam and I have 4 kids.  That truth translates from youth ministry to parenting as well.  Here’s what I know, I want to surround my kids with every opportunity to succeed.  Too many parents try to prepare the road for the kid rather than the kid for the road.  I want as many positive role models as possible surrounding our kids.  That means, we become intentional on the environments where people (good people) echo our values and can speak truth and life into our kids.  As parents, we try to be careful on who we allow into influence our lives … it’s our role.  As parents, we protect, provide and propel our kids.

On Saturday, our 12 year old manchild, (gonna be 13 next month) was asked to help one of our family friends work on his basement.  I jumped at the chance.  Do you know why?  Any opportunity to have someone else pour the same values into our kids, I’m all for it.  Sometimes kids get numb to what we say.  But if you surround yourself with families that have similar values, you are doubling the opportunity for your kids success.

So today (SATURDAY), Drew is nailing 2 x 4’s in Steve’s basement.  I have a feeling, Steve is going to encourage and speak life and Godly wisdom into Drew.  I’m all for it! 

Take a “mind poll” of who your closest friends are.  They should be the ones that are watching your kids, encouraging your kids, and yes, even pouring life into your kids.  Us parents, we need to stick together. 

GUEST BLOGGER - Health - Dr. Dan

Hey - we're stepping it up when it comes to our health.  We've got some new groups that are getting started (check them out HERE).  One of our experts in the church is Dr. Dan Duryea.  He poses a great question ... what is the role of the church in laying a biblical foundation of health?  Today, he's our guest blogger:

Why should we take Him (God) at His word? Maybe we should ask, Why not? After all, God is our Inventor, Engineer, and Great Physician. But how many of us have even thought to consider asking for His input in the critical area of health and medicine? The sad fact is that many of God’s people have not done so. I believe a major reason we are in a health care crisis today is that the church has failed to look to God’s Word for direction about our health matters

“What would the Bible have to do with health, disease, and medicine?” you might ask. But think about it for a moment. Can you imagine the earthly ministry of Christ without any miraculous healing? Ministering to the sick was central to Jesus’ earthly ministry and the spread of the gospel.

Throughout most of history, since the time of Christ, the church has been known for its concern for and care of the sick and poor. Today, a major tool of evangelism has been lost, for government has become the major provider of health care. In addition, health care has become big business and a major expense – so major that it is draining the financial lifeblood of our families, church, and nation. Yes, the church has abdicated its role in selflessly caring for the sick, and we are definitely in a cost-of-health-care crisis as a result.

But I believe there is an even more serious crisis at hand – a crisis that is present because of the failure of the church to teach sound doctrine. We all know that the church has an obligation to proclaim the truths of salvation, godly character, spiritual growth, and so on. But health and medicine? Aren’t they a little outside the church’s domain?

However, sound doctrine should be taught regarding any area of life to which the lordship of Christ applies. Health and medicine are no exception. When was the last time you heard a sermon that dealt with health or what to do when you get sick?  The sad fact is that the church is almost completely silent in the area of health.

A void has been created in this silence, and into that void have come philosophies with pagan traditions and unbiblical pretexts. As a result, believers have felt like ships without rudders, unsure of the route they should take through the minefield of health care. Some place blind faith in their physicians, too afraid to consider that there might be a better way. But perhaps, most commonly has been a tendency to ignore the subject of health altogether.

A bumper sticker says it this way, “Ignore your health. . . and it will go away!” That is just what we have done in the church.    - Dr. Dan Duryea

If you've got health questions, Dr. Dan has got your answers.  At Victory, we're going where few churches have dared to go.  Send me your toughest questions for Dr. Dan, and I'll be sure he gets them.  May we honor God with our temples (body).

God Was Speaking Today ... and I Heard Him Loud & Clear

I have been battling the flu all week long.  I mean, this sucker flattened me one out of three days.  My study days were winding down.  Whether I like it or not, every week I have an oral report and a research paper that's due.  For a preacher, Sunday is ALWAYS COMIN!  Today was Saturday and I finally felt like rising to the world but our youth group was in Fine Arts this weekend.  I had SO MUCH I needed to catch up on, so much to do.  Admittedly, I "drug" myself to the competition that I knew would go all day.  It's amazing how God shows up in unusual faces.

As we settled in at 9AM, 100's of kids and youth pastors all were finding out where they needed to be at what time.  Our three girls (Lissy, Kiersten & Courtney) plus Hannah Jones represented 8 different categories in the competition.  I was so proud of the kids when all four advanced to states in all 8 categories.  I watched them blossom as Kiersten was asked to share her short sermon to a room of 100's of teens at the closing rally.  Her title was, "God is speaking everywhere, but are we listening?"  I sat with tears as I watched our oldest sing her heart out to Mandisa's song called "God speaking."  Okay God, I get the picture.  So I started to look around.

I looked at our four kids that are red-hot in love with Jesus.  I watched as Chris Wallace, (saved years ago in our youth ministry) now serves our church as our youth pastor gobbled up the day.  Pam & I served as full-time youth pastors for 11 years in this state before moving to Florida.  Several former youth pastors, some now senior pastors;  several who were once in our youth ministry or sat under our leadership now serve as youth pastors or youth ministry volunteers, took time to say Hi.  Many pulled me aside to say, "THANKS FOR POURING INTO MY LIFE."  One guy said, "I do ministry because you inspired me."  Another one said, "Thanks for how you always loved us."  Another said, "I've got this innovative idea, but I wanted to run it by you first ..."  Even another said, "PC, it was January 25, 1998, you were at retreat with me -- I gave my all to Jesus that night and I have never looked back."  Honestly, I walked away with a HUGE LUMP in my throat.  It was a little embarrassing, so I tried to walk around with my head down as not to be so noticed.  (Did I mention I'm 6' 2"?  Hiding didn't come easy.)

Yea, I heard God ... you know what, I saw him too.  I saw him in the eyes our our four children.  I saw the hunger in our new youth pastor and his wife, I saw the passion in our adult leader, Tamar, that went along.  I saw Him in the tearful eyes of a proud mama, I saw the admiration our 12 year old boy had for his older sisters who walk with God.  Yea, I saw god today.  I saw Him in the faces of 100's of youth, offering their talents and gifts to an all-good God.

Yea I heard Him speaking, "Flowers in bloom"  ...  "Flowers in bloom" ... "Plant more flowers, flowers in bloom."

I'M SO GLAD I WENT TODAY!

More Sex

This week, we close out our series on SEX.  Now, contrary to popular belief, I'm not using SEX to get more hits on the world wide web, but, hey, if the word SEX is gonna draw people to this blog, then SEX it is!

Young Adults, are probably the group that has a huge target on their back when it comes to WHO Hollywood is aiming their values toward.  (youth and kids have got to be a close second)  This week, in our growing church gathering, we're gonna tackle Young adults / Singles and Sex.  What is Hollywood trying to teach this growing demographic?  Why should we shake off the imagery of a sex-laden culture and get re-focused again.  God's got a plan for your life.  Understand that great and Godly Sex happens between the ears before it happens between the sheets.

Why are we discussing SEX in church, because we should, that's why.  We're getting hit from every angel on wrong thinking when it comes to SEX and it is leading to wrong action.  Get us not thinking right thought (enter God's Word) and that will lead to right thinking.  The Word of God has a lot to say about SEX.  We should not be ashamed to discuss what God was not ashamed to create.  He invented SEX.  God wants us to have a pure understanding of what great SEX is all about. 

Be there this Sunday, or at least get the CD or MP3.

How do I read so many books?

OKAY, I got to admit.  My reading goes in waves and I'm reading a lot right now.  Here's the secret, when I have some down time, or a little bit of quiet time I read.  Sometimes quiet time is there, sometimes I have to "make" time for quiet time.  Here's some places I frequently read:

1. My office.  But that's spent mostly on study and administration.
2. Bathrooms.  Ah, the perfect, "I'M BUSY!!  DON'T BOTHER ME!" place.  Hey, in a house of six, you got to get creative.  Upstairs bathroom is the "Birth Order Book."  We are trying to understand ourselves as parents and understand our kids as well.  Interesting read.  Devin Webb, buddy of mine from Florida, got me jazzed about that book.
3. My SUV.  Believe it or not, at traffic stops, jams or delays, there's a book.  That book is "When Leadership & Discipleship Collide."
4. Our Master Bathroom.  Ah (hear the angels?)  the perfect place of "STAY OUT UNLESS YOUR ARM IS HANGING BY A LIGAMENT!"  Quiet, peaceful, loud vent to drown out the noise.  A little slice of heaven, right off our bedroom.  That's where I have stashed, my Bible, Deadly Viper, Colin Powelll, Contrarian's Guide and Mavericks at work.
5. Lastly, my briefcase.  Yup, got Unchristian in there. 

No excuses, get a book!  Readers are Leaders.  What book are you reading?

Let's Talk About Sex

Okay, I've been in the ministry (full-time I might add) for 20 years.  Two weeks ago I started a series on the topic of PURE SEX.  The whole idea was to dispel some of the myths that Hollywood is searing our brains with.  I have four kids, a beautiful wife and we get a little disgusted with TV at times.  Everything is "sex-this" and "sex-that."  I live in the same world as those in my congregation and I figured if I'm getting sick of it, other people have to be getting sick of it as well.  With so much "Hollywood imagery" it's no wonder we have a warped view of sex.  But, do people know where to go?  Do they know what the Bible says about the taboo subject of SEX?  I figure, if you want straight answers, you ought to hear it from those at church.

So, we're talking about sex.  17 years in youth ministry, that was always a hot (no pun intended) topic.  But, man o man, did I hit on a topic that people want to hear!  Young marrieds, older marrieds, single and searching ... EVERYBODY wanted to hear God's View on SEX.  The congregation was glued to the pulpit and God's Word was sinking deep into hearts. 

Get to church this week or pick up the CD.  This week (2.10.08) we're gonna share How to Affair Proof your Marriage.  Check out the DEEPER STUDY questions you can download with your small group.  If you're looking to help some of your friends out, check out these resources:

• 10 ways to help a struggling friend in their marriage. 
• Facts about infidelity
• Take the Couples Assessment test
• How to kickstart romance in your marriage.

QUESTION:  If you're married, what are some of your tips for having a great marriage? 

Next week, we'll talk straight to young adults and singles.

Big Church vs. Small Church

I'm not against church growth.  More important than a BIG church is BIG people.  You know, people passionately seeking the Lord and growing in their passion for Christ and love for His people.  If that creates a big church, so be it - but that is not our goal,  Our mission is helping people take the next step in their love for God and love for people.  As our church grows and more and more people attend (dug, that would cause a church to grow) we have a challenge of keeping the cool "community" and love feel in our congregation.  Here's a couple of new things and recently updated new stuff that you can check out:

1. Small Groups are really becoming a priority in our church.  Having a connection with people that you feel you can "do life" together with helps the church to feel small as we grow bigger.  We have some new groups out there like a "Police Officers Small Group."  How cool is that?
2. We have a calendar on our church website that lets people know what and where the meetings are at and the importance of NOT overbooking.
3. Our VCU classes (Victory Church University) are up and running.  It's a great place to get connected and learn basic Bible knowledge.
4. For our Small Group leaders, we have great on-line resources like complete study guides in a format (.pdf) that is easily downloaded for small group discussion.  It's for those people that want to take the Sunday morning conversation a little bit further.

These are just a few - jump in with both feet, get involved and get people around you that want to do life with you.

You are loved and you have potential!