johnlaeger.com

When depression entered my world...

Over 21 million Americans suffer from depression. I am one of those 21 million. I don't want to be. Guys don't get depressed, we just get stressed (or so we try and convince ourselves). It took me 4 months to admit it. I finally did and am glad I did. It was the beginning of getting real help.

What help did I get? I spent time with a therapist who talked me through it. I began taking anti-depressants which help the neurochemicals in my brain do what they should be doing. But there was something else I did which I believe was key to getting through my dark valley.

This Sunday, I will share what that was. I hope you will join us. It could very well save your life or the life of someone you love.

www.MeadowSpring.org for more info.

Need a change?

Looking for some change in attitude? Job got you down? Discouraged? Tired of being in debt? Grieving? Maybe your schedule is out of control? Or it just seems you're always one step behind life?

You need a change.

This Sunday I am speaking on "How the Bible Changes Us" and I will be sharing 5 ways the Bible will change and solve all the above and more! You see, the Bible DOES change us and always changes us for the better.

This is one Sunday you really don't want to miss. Your life and happiness depends on it.

Meadow Spring meets at 9:30 am every Sunday at the Marcus Theatres in the Shakopee Town Square mall. 

Yes, as a matter of fact, I do

Go ahead. Laugh. Talk about it behind my back. Call me weak. I'll admit it. I'm not gonna hide it. It's something I need. It's something I want. Yes, it's different than what I've done in the past. But that was then. This now. My life will be better because of it.

Yes, as a matter of fact, I do. I do go to WeightWatchers. And I enjoy it.

I am overweight (like 63% of all Americans) and I need to lose weight. I've tried to do it on my own and it hasn't worked. So I've joined WeighWatchers. I attend weekly meetings where I am weighed and then periodically will sit and listen to a talk about proper eating and making healthy choices.

Is it working? Yes.

Now...let's play this out again but with a twist...

Go ahead. Laugh. Talk about it behind my back. Call me weak. I'll admit it. I'm not gonna hide it. It's something I need. It's something I want. Yes, it's different than what I've done in the past. But that was then. This now. My life will be better because of it.

Yes, as a matter of fact, I do. I do go to church. In fact, I go to Meadow Spring and I enjoy it.

I have tried to make my life better on my own and it hasn't worked. I'll be honest and admit it. I can't do life on my own. My relationships, my money, my marriage, my parenting, my job ... all are getting better because of my new fresh relationship with church and with Jesus.

I attend weekly meetings where I worship and then sit and listen to a talk about proper living and how to put Jesus more in control of my life.

Is it working? Yes.

And I'd like you to come with me.

Woo Hoo!

The last two weeks we have had the honor of having Keldon Ellis come and lead the MeadowBAND and the rest of us in worship and it has been awesome! So awesome that we invited him to join our staff as Director of Worship.

He said "Yes!"

Woo Hoo!

Not only does Keldon have extensive experience in leading worship and worship bands, but his musical ability is one of excellence. I have had individuals who understand music comment to me that his tone is clear and his pitch is right on!  If you have been at Meadow the last couple weeks, you have experienced his leadership.

His heart for worship, the church, and serving Jesus are clear and his passion to do whatever it takes to draw people into worship and a strong relationship with Jesus becomes evident within minutes of talking with him.

Keldon is a graduate of Crown College with a degree in Worship Arts and is currently working on his Master's Degree in Ministry Leadership.  He is on staff at Crown and leads the school's traveling worship band "LifeVoice".  He is originally from Iowa but currently lives in Waconia.

Keldon's staff position at Meadow is temporary part-time which just means he has committed to Meadow for the next six months with the intention of becoming permanent part-time (which we believe will happen!)

Keldon can be contacted at keldon@meadowspring.org.  He will be in the office on Thursdays, Saturday mornings, and of course here on Sundays.

Why not send him an email and greet him with a great Meadow Spring welcome!  Let him know you will be praying for him and the MeadowBAND as we begin this new ministry partnership!

Welcome to Meadow Keldon!

 

Sunday Mind Dump

• Really great morning!
• Comments just make me smile... "Felt packed!", "The music felt awesome today!", "New singer is great!"
• I am so freakin pumped about this series!
• NASCAR race last night was awesome!
• Had a blast teaching the 40 DITW class this past Wednesday! So looking forward to the rest of it!
• We've got over 60 people participating in the 40 DITW daily video devotionals! Wow! I can't imagine the impact that's going to have!
• Over 50 people plus the youth are participating in Growth Groups! That's AWESOME!
• Had a group of people serve at the Simpson Shelter yesterday. So proud of Meadowites who serve so selflessly!
• Amazing Race starts tonight. Love that show!
• "Vision Forward" group starts in a week and I am chompin at the bit to spend time in prayer and rediscover our values, vision, strategy with a super group of people who love Meadow and love Jesus!
• Today we started donating $3.00 to the local food shelf for every first time guest who comes!
• MeadowYOUTH had an all-nighter with 24 and nobody died!
• Offerings have been up the last few weeks which always reduces the stress of staff and leadership.
• Pretty amazing to think Meadow is one of over 6,200 churches world wide doing "40 Days in the Word"
• Reading Job in my quiet times and enjoying a renewed sense of freshness in my time alone with God.
• Love seeing and meeting the new people coming!
• I totally love what I get to do!
• How was your day?
• I'm out.

Need to relieve some stress?

Stressed out about your money? Your marriage? Your job? Your weight? Or is it that you are too busy and don't have enough time to do all you need to do? It could be anything really. But bottom line is ... you're stressed.

Negative stress is evidence that you are not building your life on the Word of God. Reading, understanding, and living according to the Bible brings peace - not stress. So in whatever area you are experiencing stress you are not building your life on the Word of God...in that area.

You can't build your life on the Bible and still have negative stress!

That's why starting this Sunday, the series "40 Days in the Word" is going to lower your stress. You will learn how to read, study, understand, and apply Biblical truth to your life - leading to more peace and less stress.

So - you want less stress in your life? Join us starting this Sunday at Meadow for "40 Days in the Word". Start living stress-free!

BTW... Starting this Sunday, for every first time guest, Meadow will donate $3.00 to the local food shelf. So invite your friends to come. Not only will they experience church in a fresh way, but in coming, they will be helping those in need in our community without it costing them anything! Is that cool or what?

Need evidence?

Why in the world should I trust something that was written thousands of years ago? What evidence is there that it hasn't changed over time and translation after translation after translation? Doesn't science and history contradict it?

This Sunday I will be answering these questions and more in my message, "Why I Can Trust the Bible".

I will be talking about several areas of evidence that, in my opinion, prove the Bible can be trusted as the Word of God. I will present the evidence and then leave it up to you as to whether you want to believe it or not.

You will either walk away with more evidence and confidence that the Bible is the Word of God or you will walk away more convinced that it, at best, is just a good book.

Both believers AND skeptics are welcome.

For more info including times and directions and times click HERE.

The MeadowKIDS experience - just for YOUR kids!

Every parent wants their child to have fun at church AND to learn the Bible - right?  Well, at MeadowKIDS, we believe in making sure every child that comes has a ton of fun and learns the Bible in a world filled with multi-media, interaction, and energy-filled activity. There is no sitting around or time to get bored in MeadowKIDS!

How does this happen?

From the moment they are checked-in at our secure check-in table, they are greeted by an enthusiastic adult who engages them in conversation about their week and if they are excited for MeadowKIDS to start.

Following some high energy activities that introduces the verse and lesson of the day, they spend time in worship (2-3 songs). Then comes the energy-driven lesson filled with multi-media, skits, a Bible story, and games to reinforce what they have just learned.

Small group times comes after this where the kids are able to talk more one-on-one with an adult on different ways the Bible verse and lesson applies to them in their world. This might include a craft, visual experiments, or more games to make sure they are getting the Bible verse and lesson of the day.

All of that on a fun-filled, spiritual learning, kid-focused morning at Meadow!

Don't you want YOUR child to experience MeadowKIDS?

It's not about your marriage ... but it is.

It's not about your marriage. But it is.

It's not about getting out of debt. But it is.

It's not about finding satisfaction in your job. But it is.

It's not about recovering from divorce or grief or depression. But it is.

It's not about finding comfort in times of stress. But it is.

Joshua 1:8 says, "Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.” Success in your marriage, getting out of debt, job satisfaction, divorce recovery, and more happens when you read, understand, and apply what the Bible says.

I invite you to join us for "40 Days in the Word" this Sunday. Over the next 6 weeks, you will learn how to read, understand, and apply what the Bible says about all of these and more.

Think about it. You have the key to success in your possession. It's sitting on your night stand, or in your closet, or maybe on your book shelf. Take it down. Blow the dust off of it. Join us this Sunday for "40 Days in the Word".

It will change your life!

Free class ... how to read and understand the Bible

The Bible DOES change life but you have to read it and understand it to put it into practice. BUT for many, just reading it sounds like a daunting task. And understanding it? Whoa...how in the world do I do that?

Starting this Wednesday (Feb. 15th), I will be teaching a seven week class as part of the series "40 Days in the Word". In this class, you will learn how to read the Bible, how to study the Bible, and how to understand the Bible.

Cost is only $13.00 and the first session - this Wednesday - is FREE!

Day & Time:  Wednesdays, 6:30-8:00 pm
Cost:  $13.00 (after the first session)
Where:  Meadow Spring Family Center

If you are interested in taking this class or have questions, email John at john@meadowspring.org.

Sunday Mind Dump

• Bought 5 boxes Girl Scout cookies.
• Great morning and start to a series that will change the way people view the Bible and everything about life.
• Keldon Ellis led worship as part of the interview process for possibly coming on staff as Director of Worship. Really nice job! Excited to see what God does with this!
• Moved into the new fire station yesterday and had the privilege of driving the front-line pumper to its new home.
• Excited for the new action "Vision Forward" group starting in a week. I expect there will be some fresh steps of growth that will come out of this group of dialogue, action, and prayer.
• Had an awesome bbq with the staff today after church. Wow...what a great and fun team to be a part of!
• Make that 4 boxes of cookies now.
• If you haven't "friended" me on Facebook, please do! I love praying for and connecting with people via Facebook.
• Already looking forward to next Sunday's message - "Why I Can Trust the Bible?" If you have a friend who is skeptic of the Bible, do everything to get them here.
• Totally pumped about some things developing with our lease and partnership with the movie theatre.
• Interesting dialogue on Facebook included this comment from a Meadowite ... "My church meets in a theater. I can't even imagine some of the images that have been put on that screen. The sins that has been committed in that building I am sure is immense. And yet I have seen God do incredible things in that same place. Lives have been changed, marriages have been saved, worship has be unreal all in a place most would consider "unchurchy"."
• Conversation today at the staff bbq reminded me of how much God's hand is active at Meadow.
• Our tech team of Jeremy Tindall, Nathan Chartrand, Bonnie Plekkenpol, Jordan Berg, Tony Poetz, and Pat Laeger absolutely rock!
• If you missed today, make sure you watch the video when it's up on the web site and Meadow's Facebook by tomorrow sometime.
• I'm starting a class this Wednesday based off the "40 Days in the Word" series. It's just seven weeks long. If interested, email me at john@meadowspring.org
• Sad news about Whitney Houston's death. She was a great singer and set the pace in so many ways.
• The band absolutely rocked it out today. LOVE having them lead us in worship.
• That would be 3 boxes now.
• I'm out. Later.

Critical for EVERY Christian

One of the most common questions I am asked is "Where in the Bible does it talk about..." and then it could be anything from divorce to forgiving others to grief recovery to forgetting my past.

This Sunday I will teach YOU how to use the Bible and not have to depend on me or anyone else. YOU will know how to find things in the Bible, read the Bible, and understand the Bible. You CAN do this!

We are kicking off the series "40 Days in the Word" and I will not only teach you how to use the Bible, but I will explain how you can soak up every bit of benefit from this series. Benefits that will last far beyond the series itself.

You really need to be here and if you know of someone who hasn't been to church in awhile or someone you haven't seen at church in awhile - give them a call and do everything possible to get them here too. I believe this series will be the most significant series EVER in our 13+ year history!

See you Sunday!

Why THIS series?

What do people think of the Bible? Why don't they read it more? ... "It's confusing." "It's boring." "It has contradictions." "It's out of touch with reality." "What version is the right version?" "It has too many rules."

90% of Christians have never read the Bible all the way through. 35% of Christians don't read the Bible at all. But yet EVERYONE it seems owns at least one Bible at home. (It might be used for presssing your 1995 prom flowers but at least its being used for something!)

The next seven weeks at Meadow are going to tackle this head-on with "40 Days in the Word". It will be a seven week journey of eternal significance where you will either learn to love the Bible more or decide not to ever pick it up again.

Here's how this series lays out...

• Feb. 12: "Why Should I Build My Life on the Bible?"
• Feb. 19: "Can I Trust the Bible?"
• Feb. 26: "How Does the Bible Change My Life?"
• Mar. 4: "How Do I See What God Wants Me to See in the Bible?"
• Mar. 11: "How Do I Know What it Means?"
• Mar. 18: "How Do I Use It in Different Situations in My Life?"
• Mar. 25: "How Do I Know What to Do About It?"

Whether you are a regular church attender or can't remember the last time you were in church, this series is for you! Whether you believe the Bible is true or are a skeptic, this series if for you! Starts this Sunday at Meadow. 9:30 am in the Marcus Movie Theatres located in the Shakopee Town Square Mall.

For more info go to www.MeadowSpring.org.

Leadership Lessons from a Hockey Game

1.  When you make a call, you will be booed and cheered at the same time.  Thousands of people will watch as you make the call and they will immediately let you know if they like the call or not.  There will be no private decisions when you are a leader.  Every decision will be seen and evaluated.  Some will love it and some will hate it.  Some will even be angry and get up and leave.  And when they leave, they will call you all sorts of names.  But, you don't make the call based on who will like it or not.  You make the call based on playing the game right.

2.  There is no Hi-Def, Slo-Mo, Instant Replay from 17 different angles BEFORE you make a call.  If there were, you would never make a mistake - right?  I have lost count of the decisions I have made in strategy, marketing, staffing, budgeting, and even teaching series that had I knew then what I know now AFTER the decision, I would not have made that decision.  When you make the call, you make it on what you see at that moment in time and you make it with confidence.

3.  You follow through on your call and then keep going.  Regardless of getting booed or cheered, you keep going.  You keep focused on the game.  You stay doing what you are good at doing.  You don't second guess your call in the middle of the game.

4.  Decisions are best made when there is wild rock music playing, teeth are getting knocked out, and human bodies are flying and crashing into the wall.  Okay, maybe this one doesn't have much of a connection to decision making as a leader - but hey...

 

How do I ...?

So many seek to understand it but get very little relevancy out of it. Why? Obviously there is some attractional feature about it that draws people to try and build their lives around it.

Why would someone want to build their life around a book that is a couple thousand years old? (Some parts are several thousand years old.) And HOW would I build my life on this book called the Bible if I wanted to?

These are not questions and issues just for the person who rarely attends church - they are also being asked by Christians who regularly walk through the doors of a church every week. "Why?" and "How?" It seems churches and church leaders are good at talking about the Bible, but little is happening to help people dig into it themselves and show them the "whys" and "hows".

I can't encourage you enough to come to Meadow starting this Sunday for "40 Days in the Word". I will be teaching on this very thing with this Sunday's message being "How do I build my life on the Bible?" And in the weeks to come, I will address other questions which when answered will make the Bible come into a new light you've never seen it in.

Whether you are a seasoned Christian or its been forever since you have walked through the doors of a church or opened a Bible, this series is for you and you are welcome to come to Meadow.

You will learn HOW starting this Sunday.

Ever wonder what the Bible says about marriage, or dating, or money, or recovering from divorce or grief? How about finding comfort & strength when depressed? Or even how do I make wise decisions?

YOU can read, understand, and learn how to use the Bible to discover this and so much more and starting this Sunday, we are going to teach you how in the new series "40 Days in the Word".  This WILL BE the most significant teaching series we have done at Meadow in our 13 year history!

You don't know the exact when's or what's or who's - but you can be sure that in 2012 you will experience and come upon stress or crisis or indecision or some unexpected situation that creates worry. By knowing how to use the Bible and where to look for answers, you will not only survive those situations, but you will survive them with strength and confidence.

I can't encourage you enough to come this Sunday to Meadow and join the journey of "40 Days in the Word" with so many others.

Check out this short promo...

 

40 Days in the Word [Trailer] from Meadow Spring Church on Vimeo.

Sunday Night Mind Dump

• Wild party going on at my house for Super Bowl! Wild I tell ya! Wild!
• Lots of hype for the game. Hope it lives up to it.
• GREAT morning at Meadow - again!
• Learned a new way from Rachel on how to get all your friends to Meadow - unfortunately I'm too old for it to work for me!
• Had one person surrender their life to Jesus! Wow!
• Five people at Fresh Start!
• "Music was great today!" - comment from Communication Card
• Saw this on Twitter - "Another amazing service at church today.I love how I learn something every Sunday.I have never been taught like I get taught at Meadow."
• Love looking at the pics people take and status updates on Facebook people make during the service.
• 1st Sunday of the month is always a bummer - NO BAGELS!!!
• Had someone get up and leave as soon as music started. Everyone is welcome at Meadow, but we aren't the church for everyone.
• Got some really amazing things happening as far as being a church in a movie theatre. Next couple weeks are going to be exciting!
• Yes, you can use the milk illustration today as much as you want. Great way to explain what God does when we surrender to Him.
• So looking forward to the new series starting next Sunday. I seriously believe this will be the most significant and life-changing series we've done in our 13 year history!
• Our kids ministry so totally rocks!
• We have a Director of Worship candidate leading worship the next two weeks. His name is Keldon Ellis and so looking forward to what God will do with this!
• Lots of ideas coming in for how we can make the move theatre more Meadow friendly. Keep 'em coming!
• I love my wife!
• Totally loving the additional room we have in theatre #5 for our stage!
• Gary Oliver and LaVern Johnson are two of the hardest working volunteers at Meadow. Wow!
• Games about to start. Time to get comfy in my recliner. Later.
• Oh...as always, I appreciate your comments and feedback - it is very important to me.

"If" became reality this afternoon.

Well... the "if" became reality this afternoon when I met with the District Director of Marcus Theatres.

Remember the question I asked you? "If you were me and had the question asked of you, 'How can we make the theatre more friendly to Meadow?' What would you say?" Well, he didn't use those exact words, but he did ask, "What can we do to make doing church easier for you at Marcus?"

Wow! He specifically asked what could be done to alleviate set up and tear down. He suggested more space for storage. I mentioned a few ideas to him and his response was, "Hmmm." He encouraged me to go back to our teams, volunteers, and people and gather ideas. He said, "The worst thing that could happen is you won't be able to do what you aren't able to do right now!"

Wow!

Now...we have some pretty wild ideas to suggest but we need more! I WANT TO HEAR YOUR IDEAS! The crazier the better. I want to hear the impossible, the improbable, the ridiculous, the "there's no way they would ever do that" ideas!

So...go back to my Facebook page and post your ideas and comments.

One more thing - I am absolutely convinced this is nothing short of the hand of God moving at Meadow!

How can we make it more Meadow friendly?

This Friday, I have an important meeting with the District Manager of Marcus Theatres. He wants to talk about our future plans and a few other things.

If you were me and had the question asked of you, "How can we make the theatre more friendly to Meadow?" What would you say? Let's dream big here. What could Marcus Theatres do to make the theatre more workable and attractive to your friends and mine?

Go back to Facebook and post your comments & ideas. I'd like to hear them and who knows what could happen! And remember, everything we do at the theatre began with someone's idea! Your's could be the next one!

Believe it or not, we are in our 10th year of meeting at the move theatre. We have had an outstanding relationship with them and we have set the pace in many ways for other churches in working with and meeting in movie theatres. They have always been open to our suggestions and ideas. I am thankful for what they allow us to do!