16 questions when searching for a church

I found these questions on David Foster's Blog He is the pastor of The Gathering in Nashville. They are some great questions.

If I were looking for a church to attend in the morning, here is what I’d look for:

When I enter do I hear laughter?
Are people greeting me as a job or a joy?
Does the place look like they were expecting me?
Are people buzzing as they greet each other?
Is there spirited music playing as people gather?
Does the music move me?
Do the people on stage look real and engaged?
Are the announcements short, strategic, and to the point?
Is there a printed outline with Scripture already printed on it?
Does the pastor smile?
Does the message title promise a relevant topic I am interested in?
Does the pastor speak with humility and authority?
Do I feel the presence of God?
Are people listening and engaged?
Is the service no more than 71 minutes?
Does it pass by fast?

SNYDER

We went to the Zoo

It was awesome. here are some pics that I really like. It was really hot at the zoo, there were ostriches (he scared me, he was missing an eye) and a fake Gorilla that we took our picture with.




SNYDER

This is a great quote...

I feel like this quote sums up the ministry world.

"Be the change that you want to see in the world." - Mohandas Gandhi

SNYDER

Just a little fun in Bricktown

I just thought this was funny. Here is the statue of Micky Mantle, he is from Oklahoma.

Here is Micky Mantle stepping on my head.

Some tough questions

This was posted on Craig Groeschel's Blog not too long ago. Over the past few months I have been asking myself these questions and it is really tough. I'm not going to tell you my answers, but ask yourself these questions. WARNING. It might change some things for you.

1. If you weren’t on staff at your church, would you worship there?
2. If you didn’t know ANYTHING about Jesus, what would you know about him after a normal weekend at your church?
3. If you had a loved one who didn’t know Christ, and they had one week left to live, would you take them to your church or another?

SNYDER

College Football 2008

Tonight is the night. This is my favorite game of all time going back to the Sega Genesis with Bill Walsh's college football.

If you remember this game I want your comments on who your favorite team was and players. I really wish I could afford to buy it for the PS3, but it's like 80 bucks. Oh well. Just thought I would share some college football goodness. The season is only like 45 days away.

SNYDER

Blogging from Dashboard.  

I am writing this blog from dashboard on my mac just to see how it works and if it is easier or faster.  I don't prefer it nor do I reccomend using it all the time.

SNYDER

Some good memories

This is a video we did for Wildside. Man I miss those guys. Enjoy!



SNYDER

Going to church on the internet

We just had this discussion in our office this morning. I say you have to meet people where they are at. The internet is the place to be. With Facebook, Myspace and other places like it you have to find a way to reach people over these mediums. A new one is Second Life. I do not know much about it, but I do know that Lifechurch.tv has started a campus in Second Life. I love the idea. People who do not go to church can go now in their home while on the internet. Now I know a lot of people will say, well this isn't church. I kind of agree. I believe church is what happens outside of Sunday morning. Sunday service is an event where, yes, you will get fed. you will get to worship, but it is an event with teaching the Word and worship through music. What you do the rest of the week with your small group, out in the community and with other believers is church. Now, my hope is that these people who are going to church on Second Life will take it further and start doing things outside of second life in their community with other believers. I love the idea and can't wait to see what is next. I believe, as a youth pastor, I have to find ways to meet students where they are at. and the students I know spend a lot of time on the internet. The question now is how do we tap in to this medium and reach students who may or may not come to your weekly experience. How do we get them involved? If you know of a church who is using the internet in a mighty way to reach youth please let me know. I really hope this made sense.

SNYDER

Freedom Rings

The 4th of July is one of my favorite holidays for many reasons. As a kid we would go to our land in Guthrie, OK and set off fireworks. I haven't set off fireworks in a long time. I have always gone to the 4th of July parade in Edmond, OK when I was in town or not working. Edmond has one of the top 10 4th of July celebrations in the country. But one main reason I love the 4th is the freedom that we were given. What an incredible nation to live in. We can worship whoever we want when ever we want. I think this is one of the major problems with other countries. They tell you who you can worship and can't. I personally choose to worship Jesus Christ. I choose to celebrate the freedom I have in Jesus on the 4th and every other day of the year. What or who are you going to celebrate this year?

SNYDER

iLove the iPhone

I am so excited and sad today. I am so excitied the iPhone comes out. I want one so bad. The reason I am sad is because I can't afford to get one. I am a huge mac fan, and I know the iPhone will be huge. If you would like to doante money to the "iPhone for Snyder fund" please don't hesitate. Just cal me or e-mail me and let me know how much you would like to donate. Thanks.

SNYDER

the commercial that scared my wife and then I find this little gem

This is one reason I love Oklahoma and Jon Stewart. This is hilarious.



SNYDER

The old re-committment box

What is the deal with the re-committment box. I am not a fan of it, especially in youth ministry. If you give a kid a chance to check a re-committment box he will re-committ his life every week. As the church are we not explaining salvation correctly or what it means to re-committ our lives to Christ? Or if we have already committed our lives to Christ do we have to re-committ them. Please help me understand this. Maybe it is just the Bible belt where this occurs. I don't know. Let me know your thoughts on this subject.

SNYDER

Rain, rain and more rain

It has rained here for the last 3 weeks straight. There were 3 days that it did not rain a drop on our house, the other 18 days it did. We have a drainage creek about 25 ft from our fence. One night it was 5 feet from the fence. It has rained so much. And it doesn't look like it is letting up for another 4 or 5 days. Even though we really need it here I have not decided yet if I am tired of it. Ok, see ya.

SNYDER

Another fun Friday

I really don't have a lot to say today. We are doing housework and just hanging out. Friday is my day off. I really want to write a book. I have a good idea for it. I just need to get in the routine of writing for 30 minutes to an hour everyday. I have talked to a couple of people about my idea and they think it could work if present it right. I have always had this desire to write a book whether or not it ever sales. I will let you know how that process is going.

SNYDER