Fort-4-Fitness

This morning I ran the Fort-4-Fitness half-marathon. I ran pretty slow, but I was glad to finish. It was overcast and cool -- perfect running conditions. The support at this race was amzing (water/gatorade, encouragers, bands, extras, etc).

How Long Should You Preach?

Years ago I heard someone ask John Maxwell, “How long should I preach?” Maxwell responded with, “How good are you?” There is probably some truth to the old adage, “there’s no such thing as a bad short sermon” (although I think I have heard a few, and probably have preached some). I once heard Bob Russell share his sermon length formula with a group of preachers. He said: Rate yourself on a scale of 1 to 10. Now subtract 2 (since most preachers overestimate their ability). And multiply by five minutes. So if a guy estimates that he is an “8”, he drops it down to a “6” and multiplies by five minutes – that equals a 30 minute sermon.

We are told that people have short attention spans these days, so we should preach short(er) messages (my sermons average about 25 minutes). Yet I listen to preaching podcasts of some of the fastest growing churches in America – guys like Andy Stanley, Mark Driscoll, and Perry Noble, and they regularly preach for nearly an hour – sometimes even longer than that (well, mostly Driscoll). These lengthy sermons don’t seem to be hindering the growth of their churches. What’s the deal?

What say you? What is the perfect sermon length?

60th Anniversary of my Alma Mater

Tonight I will be traveling to Great Lakes Christian College to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the school. I'm looking forward to seeing some old friends and former professors. It's hard to believe that it has been 22 years since I left the halls of learning and began an education that can only happen in the real world of ministry. Still, I have fond memories of GLCC (after all, that's where I met Mrs. Soren!).

We're on iTunes

If anyone is interested, you can now subscribe to my sermons via iTunes. Simply go to the iTunes Store and enter Cedar Creek Church of Christ into the search bar. It will give you the option Cedar Creek Church of Christ (Eric Bass). Click that and you are good to go.

God Bless America

Never Forget

Eight years ago, I was in Missouri preaching at a Revival. I remember hearing on the radio that a plane had hit one of the twin towers. Thinking it was a small plane, I thought, “That’s strange.” My host gave me a tour of the area that morning. It wasn’t until lunchtime that we heard what happened. We scrapped the Revival plans and simply has a prayer service that night.

This morning I thanked God for protecting our country over these past eight years, grateful for the men & women who serve to ensure our freedom and safety. America, don't take anything for granted. And don't forget September 11, 2001.

Warren Woods

Yesterday while visiting my hometown of Three Oaks, MI, I went to Warren Woods. I actually went twice – the first time, I ran through the woods, remembering my Cross Country days (the woods was part of the High School CC course). I returned later for a leisurely walk with Mrs. Soren. I wondered how many times I had run through those woods without pondering the beauty of God’s creation. This time I took the time to wonder at His Majesty.

Let the heavens rejoice, let the earth be glad; let the sea resound, and all that is in it; let the fields be jubilant, and everything in them. Then all the trees of the forest will sing for joy; Psalm 96:11-12

Garage Sale

Mrs. Soren has been wanting to have a Garage Sale for some time now. We finally got a lot of stuff ready (clothes, CDs, old couches, TVs, etc). There has been a steady stream of people all morning long. One man's junk is another man's treasure, right? It's amazing what people will buy. I said to her last night, "I hope we make some decent money." She replied, "What do you mean, 'WE'? Oh, right. It must have someone other than ME who lugged a couch and loveseat up from the basement (with the help of a reluctant 14 year old boy). But I'm over it now :-)

Irish Football Season Begins Saturday

Brian J. Kjergaard (1975-2009)

FULTON, Ill. — Brian J. Kjergaard, 33, of Fulton, died Saturday, August 22, 2009, at Covenant Hospital in Waterloo, Iowa. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, August 28, at the Chancy Lutheran Church in Clinton, Iowa. Visitation will be from 3 to 8 p.m. Thursday at the Pape Funeral Home, Clinton.

Brian was born in Clinton on October 31, 1975, the son of John and Pam McLaughlin Kjergaard. He graduated from Clinton High School in 1994. Brian married Keitha Stange on January 1, 2006, in Thomson, Ill. He most recently worked as the manager of Cadillac Lanes in Waterloo. He had also been employed at DeWitt Lanes. As an accomplished bowler, Brian was a member of the Professional Bowlers Association. He had won three regional P.B.A. titles, bowled 33 perfect games, and had numerous 800 series. Brian was an avid sports fan with baseball and the New York Yankees as his favorite.

Brian is survived by his wife, Keitha; a daughter, Emma; a stepdaughter, Alyssa Pessman; his parents, John and Pam Kjergaard, of Clinton; a brother, Mike (Tracy) Kjergaard, of Spencerville, Ind.; two sisters, Deb (Shawn) Cram, of McKinney, Texas, and Karyn (Joe) Luskey, of Fulton; and four nieces and a nephew. He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Jurgen and Kate Kjergaard and Tom and Hilda McLaughlin, and a cousin, Rick Ruddy.

Back-to-School Bash

For the past several years our church has hosted a Back-to-School Bash. We have games and food and prizes and music and a carnival for our community. It's always a lot of fun. If you are in the area, join us anytime between 11am-3pm and Celebrate Christ at the Creek!

Celebrating 23 Years of Marriage Today

I am a blessed man.

My Home Church

Somehow I stumbled upon this picture of my home church in Three Oaks, MI (apparently someone thought it was quaint and posted the pic online). It brought back some memories. The building is tiny, but the faith of the people is large. In that little building I learned about Jesus. I saw people who really lived for Him. I learned to worship and pray and fellowship. I preached my first sermon there. And found great encouragement to enter the ministry. Thank you, Three Oaks Church of Christ, for the big part you played in my spiritual formation.

The Don't Song

The guys at our Men's Breakfast enjoyed this.

Home Again

The Northmen was great. We had the best weather we’ve had in years (although I must admit that waking up in a tent with the temps in the lower 40’s was not what I expected). I got to hear some of my friends preach, and I enjoyed the fellowship with the guys from Cedar Creek. It was fun hanging with my son too. Tracy and Lindsey got to experience The Northwomen for the first time. They enjoyed it. But it is good to be back home.

The Northmen

Heading up to The Northmen today. It is an annual campmeeting for men & boys in Northern Michigan. It is very primitive. We camp out in the middle of the woods (the nearest town is 12 miles away). No electricity or indoor plumbing (bathing is done in the creek). The Northmen is a wonderful opportunity to fellowship with old friends. More importantly, it's a great time for father & son bonding. Luke and I have gone several times. It is always a lot of fun.

The Running Community

I ran in a 10K race this morning. It was a small race (about 180 runners), part of Harlan Days (a little community festival). I have been running for years, and today I was reminded why I love the running community. It doesn't matter if you are young or old, fast or slow -- there is an esprit de corps among runners. Case in point -- long after the race was "over" -- while the awards were being given (near the finish line) an exhausted looking, overweight guy crossed the finish line. The loudest cheer of the day went up for this man. "Good job dude!" "Way to go!" I'm sure he felt encouraged. A few minutes later, a woman finished. More cheers and high fives. Ya gotta love it.

Hillsboro Family Camp

We're in Hillsboro, Ohio for Family Camp. Can't stay all week, but we came down tonight and heard Ray Bennett and Matt Proctor. Ray is a friend and one of my faves (I remember hearing him at my first Family Camp -- I had never heard preaching like that before. Wow!). I've heard Matt Proctor twice in the last month. He's very good. I have a lot of fond memories of Family Camp. When I was a newbie preacher, Hillsboro had a huge impact on me. It's good to be here if even for a short time. Looking forward to tomorrow.

Twitter

So I finally caved and decided to try Twitter. See link on sidebar to follow me on Twitter. I have no idea what I'm doing, so any advice from you Twitterers would be appreciated.