Doug Reed Ministries Blog

Mediocrity - Introduction - The Prolification

The greatest enemy facing our nation and culture today is the practice and ultimate prolification of mediocrity.  It is everywhere we look and even though it is often called by other names,  it is really just plain old mediocrity.  We see it in the lack of vision that has caused our energy crisis and in our out of control debt which has been caused by a lack of restraint.  I (and all of us) could go on and on about the rapid and now consequential rise of the mediocre.  What is sad is that when less than average behavior and thinking invades leadership, it is passed on to the masses.  To prolificate is to reproduce at levels that involve DNA and genetics with generational reprocution's.  Spiritually, this is deeper than just procreation, it is the influence of character that changes everything.  It carries the impact of the original source from the old to the young and from the leader to the follower.  Prolification is about the authentic transfer of who we really are from one generation to the next. 

To battle this epidemic of mediocrity we need examples of sacrificial excellence.  Revolutionary change is needed in this war for our future and it is time that the church recognizes its place in the battle.  Many are involved in sin because of dissatisfaction that flows out of a boring lifestyle that they were taught by their parents and leaders.  This issue is the real enemy among us because so many other things grow from its roots.  When we stop progessing, the influence of our lives does not stop but it does change.  We can unconsciously teach others that "position" is everything because there you can rest on your past and simply enjoy life.   We must not allow weariness to stop us from paying the price of greatness.  Meticulous and childlike obedience and even curiosity should exist in the hearts and minds of us who are influencer's.  This is in full recognition that the transfer of what we represent will happen faithfully even if we are not faithful. 

My son is reading a book called "Do the hard things" (see on list to the right) that was written by a teenager.  It is a cry against the prolification of mediocrity that that has created such low expectation in our youth.  He recently shared with me that he was tired of being celebrated by others for being such a good student/person.  He talked about the low "bars" that he so easily jumps over and how God has been pushing him to raise the standard.  Many Christian adults do not even process themselves this way and I believe thier lack of desire for growth is totally against Christ-like thinking.  My 16 year old is setting short and long term goals and challenging the insecurities of his young life.  This teaching series is meant confirm that same looming desire in each of us for something more, something better.....

This weekend I am at 1ST A/G church in Iolo KS.  This is a little out of the way town in south east Kansas that Jesus loves.  I have a long friendship with their great young Pastor and I am enjoying spending time with my good friend.  We have had two powerful services and we run through Monday night.  This next weekend I speak at the Southern Idaho District Christan Workers conference.  I will also be with two great Churches on Sunday morning and Sunday night.  More reports on my travels in the next few days. 

Back from Vacation

This is a picture of sunset at Lake of the Ozarks which is about 150 miles from my house. My family and I spent this past week with some dear friends in this cool setting.  Jenna (my 6 year old) turned out to be quite the fisher-girl.  She took to the lake like a fish to water which was really fun to watch.  All of us had such a good time and we really do feel more rested.  This is one of the first times in years that I actually turned off my cell phone and put up my computer and just chilled.  I did preach both of the Sundays but other than that, we were just vacating the entire time.  God did so much this summer but you do get tired from the battle. 

This week Brandon (our missions director) and I are starting the finalization and preparation process for  our 2009 trips.  Partnership international grew by over 115% this year and we expect a strong continuation of this in 2009.  We are in the process of getting out the information on 15 missions trips.   I am also working hard on my speaking schedule for the  2CD half of 2009 and finalizing all of the fall details for 2008. 

This weekend I am in a little town in Kansas with a great growing congregation and a terrific young  Pastor.  This will be a four service life-conference type setting with a general spiritual growth theme.  The following weekend I am speaking at the district youth workers conference in Idaho. 

Teaching blogs will resume soon.

Emotions - Final

What is truly worthy of your emotional energy?  When I first saw this picture I was reminded of this question from one of my previous teachings.  It is a profound assertion that could change your life forever.  Emotion is energy and the strength that is in you is weakened when you waste that energy on things that do not have significant long term value.  Many people waste their life by giving their "best strength" to things that are not worthy of the effort.  Jesus did not live this way,  He never wasted emotional strength on the many injustices that came His way.  I think this was a part of how He maximized the divine moments of His life.   The change He brought to His world and to eternity was in part due to the fact that He was a phenomenal manager of His emotions. 

These past few months I have pondered and studied the idea that God who is omniscient (all knowing) allows Himself to experience emotions.  Everything from love to anger, even surprise and disappointment is found in the scripture.  God chose this as a part of His nature even though He could easily override or even veto the process.  This fact is expressed in the Father and in the Son without a protective barrier from the negative. To live in the open expanse of possibility takes courage and self control but the payoff is worth it. 

My challenge to you and to myself from these teachings on emotions is to stay in thick of life.  Allow yourself to feel without taking the bait and selling out on a single emotion.  You can manage your reactions so that they become Spirit led responses.   Just like God,  we can temper our actions with grace and also know when aggression is called for.  God would not have us to live on the roller coaster ride that tosses us whatever direction it desires.  With His help we can turn daily victories into a lifestyle of balance and true Spiritual growth. 

Finally back Home...

I finally am back in KC with my family for some down time and some much needed office work.  This picture is of Jenna (my 6 year old) at a wedding that she was a flower girl in.  She is eating wedding cake here... this is one of the many things I missed this summer.  She understands but is really glad to have her Dad back home.  This summer was definitely one of the best of our ministry and it still has several more opportunities.  Thanks for all the prayers and comments and for the patience on my lack of teaching blogs.  I will be back on this soon as God has put several topics on my heart. 

This past weekend I was with Brian and Jennifer Ross at Englewood A/G in Independence Missouri.  This is a great church that has grown and flourished under their ministry.  Brian is a good friend of mine from my college days and Jennifer and I are actually out of the same youth ministry.  This Church has layers of outreach in the city and has a Dream Center ministry as well as 2 satellite locations.  I spoke on passion Sunday and it was received in a huge way.  God is so faithful to show up and speak directly to the point of our greatest need.

This Sunday I am at with Eddie and Lauri Hawkins in Covington Tennessee just outside of Memphis.  I will be speaking 3 times in our Life Conference format and will deal specifically with Restoration.  I have great history with Eddie and Lauri that is similar to that of Brian and Jennifer from this past week.  This will be Logan's (my summer intern) last event.  He has done a tremendous job and has very much proved his great worth to me and the ministry.  More on the TN trip this weekend. 

God bless...

New York 08' - 2

I am currently on my twelfth day here in NY and God is doing amazing things.  I miss my family terribly but I know that there are divine appointments for me here.  Our second part of our team of 157 has arrived and we will finish or mission later this week.  The students and leaders have been exceptional and each of the has served in a unique and gifted way.  I am amazed at how well someone will serve if they know there is a connective purpose behind there efforts.  In other words, they are a part of a big picture vision that is making a difference.  This is not easy ministry here in one of the most diverse cities in the world.  People can be rude and tough... plus the Spiritual dynamics are extreme, sometime literally intensifying from block to block. 

Last night in Tompkins Square Park on the Lower East side of Manhattan I had one of the most difficult conversations in my ministry. It was with someone who is very convinced that there is no God.  He was cussing and approaching the stage of our organized and fully permitted open air meeting.  After he had to be removed by force, I had a chance to talk with him.  God loves this man... if only Christians had his level of boldness and articulation.  There is real deception in the world today and not everyone is currently open to the Gospel.  The good news is that God can reach deceived minds and even the hardest heart.

This week our team has been involved in soup kitchens, homeless shelters, ministering to the homeless on the streets, aids wards of hospitals, prisons, children's homes, VBS's, open street services, clowning ministry in Time square and a dozen or so more anointed outreach efforts.  They have laid it on the line on every level in record heat after nights in bunk beds with rooms that have no air-conditioning.  We are called to join in the sufferings of Christ and are promised that even in the midst of ridicule that there would be great power.  Partnership International teams have lived up to this truth all summer long.

I spoke at the the church of Long Island Teen challenge this past weekend.  This is a Christan based drug and alcohol rehab program that has over a hundred men and women.  What stories I had the privilege of hearing.  I met a friend named John who was a sharp as they come.... you would never know that he was a heroine addict 6 months ago.  I could go on and on but I am running out of time.  I preached on the Prodigal son and it was so impacting to watch God move and change dozens of lives.  We donated a table full of our CD's to the program and I am already getting the best feedback. 

So sorry for the lack of teaching blogs lately.  My routine has been insanely interrupted but I will get back to them soon.  My normal preaching schedule will resume early next month.  We need your prayers like never before.  You might even consider supporting our missions work on a regular basis... simply post a comment with your address and e-mail and we will get the information to you.  God bless.

New York City Missions 08'

These past 10 days have been a real whirlwind and my blog entries have suffered as a result.  My last entry spoke of the New Mexico Youth Camp.  Since then I have been in Texas, Honduras,  Minnesota Family camp and now New York.  God has been so very real and His anointing has magnified the efforts of our service.

• Honduras - On Sunday Night (June 29th) I left a great church in El Paso TX after a strong Sunday AM service on the subject of Passion.  I literally only had about 30 minutes to spare at the restaurant that afternoon with the Pastor and His wife.  From there I arrived in San Pedro Honduras and met Brandon (our missions director) who was on his way to meet a team of 35 in the UK.  We had a 2-3:30 AM staff meeting at the Bible School that night as we both had early travel.  Brandon headed to the airport and I took a 6 AM bus ride to the ferry that would ultimately get me to Roatan Island where our team of almost 80 was working.  I served and ministered to that great team for 2 days.  We really reached the schools and villages of the east side of the island with Scripture distribution and presentations of the God-Man (Jesus Film).  This trip was conducted in relationship with the great ministry if Book of Hope International.  I am so proud of the 250 plus that are working with Partnership International teams this summer.
• Minnesota - On Wednesday July 1st I traveled 21 hours from Roatan Honduras to Alexandria MN to the A/G District Camp grounds.  I spoke at 4 major sessions there including a phenomenal Men's gathering and a heart felt missions service in which we took an offering for our International Pastors Conference project.  This camp is one of the best family camps in the nations and it has thousands of people come through in the course of a week.  Brother StJohn is the district superintendent and is a close friend and dear mentor of mine.  My family met me in Minnesota for this one so we could all be together for the 4th of July.
• New York City - On Thursday July 10th Logan ( my personal Intern) and I left for New York City.  We were preparing to meet a team of 150 in NY over the course of 2 weeks.  We are working with N.Y.S.O.M. - New York Urban School Of Ministry which is a short term missions outreach to the 5 Burroughs.  They are highly organized and have our team very busy this week.  A large variety of compassion based ministry is happening this week.  The 7 teams of 14 (for week one) are going to soup kitchens, homeless shelters, aids wards of hospitals, burn wards, various feeding ministries, street ministries and Church plants during their time in NY.  Please pray for me and the P.I. staff as this is our busiest month of the year.  We even have another team of 50 in Missouri working with a young Churchh plant and various other evangelism efforts.  On a side note... I really do love the culture and the food here in NY.  It is truly one of my favorite cities in the world.

I will try and post another teaching blog this next week and get you some real time reports on th NY team and the Missouri group.  Tomorrow I preach at a wonderful church here in the city of NY.  Thanks again for your faithful interest and prayers.

New Mexico Youth Camp

This picture is of the view here in Ruidoso NM where the District camp ground is located.  We are here working with a couple of hundred students and their leaders.  God has been specifically moving in the area of self-worth and identity issues.  Last night the alter time went for around 2 hours as the students cried out to God for counsel about their destinies.  Deep hurts that were perpetrated by verbal wounds were dealt with directly.  God is speaking new words of life and destiny upon anyone who is hungry for purpose. 

A special thanks to Jerel who is the brand new DYD of New Mexico A/G.  He is a ball of energy and is doing a phenomenal job.  I also want to thank the great Youth Pastors that I have met this week.  This leadership crew is one of the best I have worked with.

From here I will minister in ELPaso TX  and then it is on to Honduras to meet a large team of workers in San Pedro. 

Emotions 2 - Our Example

Oscar Wilde once wrote:  "The man who is master of himself can end a sorrow as easily as he can invent a pleasure.  I don't want to be at the mercy of my emotions.  I want to use them, to enjoy them and to dominate them."  I am not sure of the faith of Oscar but do really like the sentiment behind this quote.  Far too many of us live in a viscous cycle of out of control emotions.  It is a real weapon that Satan can use to manipulate every area of our lives.

The true master of emotions is the one who mastered every area of His life, Christ Himself.  No one has faced circumstances that were more overwhelming, chaotic and ultimately lonely than Jesus.  His earthly support structure was sketchy and inconsistent and His mission was overwhelming.  In the end even His heavenly council would have to leave him to do what He alone could do.  His own Father would turn His head as Christ became our sacrifice for our sin.  Opportunities for frustration flowed out out of legitimate moments of victimization and betrayal.  Yet,  Christ would never took the bait and ultimately would be the greatest example we will ever have of emotional control.

This aspect of Jesus character would culminate in the Garden of Gethsemane.  His supporters and closest friends were sleeping when he needed them the most.  His betrayer (one of the 12) was on his way with religious murderers following eagerly behind.  The church, his friends, society and governmental justice would all let Jesus down.  In the Garden the pressure of His mission would come out and He would actually sweat drops of blood.  It is a medical possibility that under extreme distress the body will actually detox in the most literal way.  Emotionally induced poisonous chemicals were coursed through Him as the weight of the world crushed in.  His emotions were screaming out and yet His prayer was one of submission to the will of the Father.  We have a truly great example.... especially if we are willing to follow it. 

Our next teaching blog will look deeper into the emotional expressions of Christ. 

Logan and I arrived in New Mexico tonight.  Get this... they lost the luggage of our entire plane!  You explain that one to me!  I actually had to buy clothes so I could do the service tomorrow.  Pray for my lost bags.  More on the New Mexico trip on the next blog.

The Next 2 Weeks

My next couple of weeks are super busy with many exciting ministry opportunities.  Logan, my summer intern and myself will leave this Saturday for New Mexico.  That will spring fourth the following schedule:

• ***Sunday the 22cd I am with Charlie Sullivan at Radium Springs A/G in New Mexico.  This is a new church for me and we are doing both the AM and PM services.
  

• ***The 23rd - 27th I will be speaking at the New Mexico District youth camp.  I am really excited to see what God will do in this generation and with the leaders.  I am looking forward to hanging out with Pastor Jerel who is the new NM DYD.

• ***I will minister in El Paso Texas at 1st A/G for the AM service with Pastor Phillip Sanders.  This is a new church for us and I am real excited to meet Pastor Phillip.

• ***On the evening of the 29th I head to San Pedro Sula Honduras to meet a team of around 75 students and leaders that are working with Partnership International.  Brandon, (my missions director) and I will connect for a few hours as he is meeting another team in the UK.

• ***Wednesday the 2cd of July I head all the way to Minnesota to speak at the A/G District family camp.  This was a last minute booking as I am filling in for Gordan Anderson (North Central College President) who had a scheduling conflict.  I am honored to be there and I am looking forward to spending time with Clarence StJohn who is the District Sup. and one of my spiritual dad's.

As you can see things are a bit crazy but I am sure that it will be a lot of fun.  My family will meet me in Minnesota on the weekend of the 4th which is great.  They are so good at rolling with the punches that ministry can throw at a family. 

Thanks for your prayers and interest...

More on Emotions soon.

Emotions 1 - Generational Issues

Emotional control should be a skill that is passed down from those who influence us the most.  Unfortunately this seems to be a rare event for most of people.  I meet individuals of all ages that have no knowledge of the true peace that flows from the ultimate earmark of maturity.  I am of course speaking about the control of ones emotions.  The ultimate expression of underdeveloped character is a life directed and driven by feelings.

A child is the greatest example of both my stated point and the perfect argument against it.  We all know that children lack the growth internally that is required to combat negative emotions.  They are truly a victim of circumstance in this arena as they simply lack the weapons to mount a defense.  On the other hand,  no one can celebrate with more purity the joy of emotions than a child.  We see in children two powerful lessons of the emotional life that come from opposite perspectives.  The key is control and this key will open up a world of both opportunity and blessing. 

These are big issues that involve how we were raised and ultimately how we learned to cope and comfort ourselves.  I am convinced that the worst sins are connected to the worst emotions.  I am equally convinced that God cares deeply about how we feel and wants to help us.  In fact, the best tools of our Christian walk (worship, fellowship, prayer, preaching and the written word)  - all drastically affect our emotions.  The next few teaching blogs will look at how we can gain the ability to both overcome and celebrate our emotions.   Jesus actually lived out the principles that we will look at.... so the illustrations will be obvious and powerful. 


This past week I was at Arizona District Youth Camp and I ministered at Prescott 1st A/G.  These nights were some of the more powerful of the year so far.  I am amazed at the depth of hurt in so many youth these days.  Self worth is a massive issue here and God really seems to use my own story in such a big way.  Issues such as lust and addiction are almost always accelerated and promoted by the lack of self esteem.  What thrills me though is how quickly our Youth respond when God reveals true destiny.  This week was one where the heavens were truly open and God's heart was obviously moved.  A special thanks to Tim Black who is the DYD of AZ and one of my best friends.  I also want to thank Pastor Steve and Brenda for Hosting Jeanne and I on Fathers Day.  We love you guys.... our picnic was a lot of fun!

More on my summer schedule in a couple of days...

Where in the World is Doug Reed?

Hi everyone, this is Jeanne (Doug's wife).  Doug has been on the road and unable to blog so he asked me to send you a quick update of what is to come in the next few weeks/months.  As always summer has come upon us like a whirlwind.  Doug is speaking as I type at a youth camp in Arizona where he will be for the remainder of the week.  After the camp and a Sunday service in Prescott, AZ he will come home for a few days.  Then it is off to another camp in New Mexico and from that camp straight to San Sula Bay Island in Honduras where he will lead a team of 75 youth/adults on a 10-day missions trip.  When he returns there will be more church services then off to New York City to lead 2 missions trips back-to-back with over 100 youth/adults.

As you can see, it is quite a schedule.  Please pray for anointing, safety and rest (when he can get some)!  Doug will blog just as soon as he can, but I just wanted to let ya'll know what was happening in our world right now and the coming weeks.

New York Trip Report

I arrived home late last night from New York.  Our 2 day set up trip was a whirlwind of Divine contacts and Spirit Led opportunities.  We went strait from the airport to a meeting at Brooklyn Tabernacle... Jim Cymbala and about 30 Pastors that He was hosting.  It was such a thrill and a humbling experience to hear what the great men women of God are accomplishing.  They are in ministry environments that are literally front line battles every day.  Yet,  God is moving and is carving out phenomenal Churches in this needy city. 

From there we met with New York Urban School of Ministry, the group which will host our teams this summer.  They are possibly the most organized ministry I have ever worked with in an inner city environment.   We also met many Pastors from Long Island and a great young church planter in Brooklyn.  God is already begun to form a multiplicity of Partnerships and we are not even really there yet!  He loves souls so much that He will bless even our most feeble efforts to be involved in the harvest. 

We also went to the site of the world trade center attacks which was a silent and emotional experience.... It made me sad and angry at saton and increased my determination to reach hearts.

 On a personal note....  the best Pizza I have ever had....  awesome Yankees game and very fun site seeing.  I also love the subway system now that I know a bit about the navigation of it and the intimidation is gone. 

This weekend I preach at Eagle Creek here in Lees Summit.

This morning @ KCI

Today I am flying out early from Kansas City to New York to meet Brandon (our Missions Director) in NY.  We are doing a set up trip for our team of 150 that we will meet there in July.  This trip is hosted by New York Urban School of Ministry and it promises to be a fantastic and fruitful missions experience.  Bonus.... we are attending a pastors lunch with Brooklyn Tabernacle and Pastor Jim Cynbala.... we will also attend a Yankees game tonight!  I know, I know... but hey,  someone has to reach out to those Yankees fans. 

This past weekend I was at Riverside A/G in Hutchinson MN.  This is a great church with an incredible young Pastor that God is using in a massive way.  God gave me specific and even prophetic revelation for that church as He obviously has awesome plans for them.  I look forward to being back with Pastor Randy and this congregation as soon as we can, 

This Sunday I am with Eagle Creek church here in Lees Summit, MO.  This church is a young plant that is already running around 300. 

My travel schedule has been crazy lately.  I actually got home at 5 am from the MN trip this past Monday.  I know the blogs have been scarce so I wanted you to know that I am still out here full-filling the call that Godd has placed on my life.  I will try and resume teaching blogs soon.  Thanks again for your prayers, comments and interest. 

Coweta Oklahoma

This weekend I worked with one of the best churches I have preached in all year.  Pastor Gary Rodgers and his great Associate,  Steve Lee and this entire staff is really being used of God here.  Coweta is a small town about 15 miles outside of Tulsa.  Yet, this Church runs 800-900 and is growing.  There is a good mix of mature believers and new Christians which is very rare.  Our services have been a time of true brokenness with a deep and personal moving of the Holy Spirit. 

One really cool part of this weekend is that I actually spoke at the High school baccalaureate service.  There were a 150 seniors and their families in attendance.  Since this was a voluntary service,  we were able to represent Christ in an unrestricted way.  I gave a chance to respond and we saw 20 come to Christ in that service.

Thanks again for your interest. 

Casper, Wyoming

I finish up my set of Revival style meetings tonight here in Casper.  We have had really good crowds and deep ministry with a real sense of God's presence.  I am working with Faith Assembly which is led by Ron Blauvelt.  This church has a great history and is poised to make a real impact on a needy place.  These areas of the country are often under great spiritual oppression.... Satan has not forgotten about the people here and we should not either.  Get this,  I golfed yesterday in 80 degree weather and today they are expecting 5 inches of snow!  Spring-time in the Rockies I guess. 

This Saturday i leave for a church in Coweata Oklahoma which is basically a suburb outside of Tulsa.  This is a fantastic large church that is taking their area by storm.  I will speak at a leaders event Saturday night and then 3 services with the church.  I also have the opportunity to speak for the local high school baccalaureate.  A very cool weekend indeed. 

I will start a new blog teaching series soon.