Resolution or Revolution

With the new year comes all types of resolutions: lose weight, spend less time at work and more time with the family, do this, do that... And in most cases, new year's resolutions fall by the wayside by the end of the first month.

This year, let me encourage you to stop setting new year resolutions and begin setting new year revolutions. A revolution is something that changes your life. It's a revolt from what you have been doing and demands a change. It brings with it much more power than a mere resolution.

Revolt from spiritual laziness.
Revolt from the sin habits in your life.
Revolt from staying in your comfort zones.

The biggest difference between resolutions and revolutions is that resolutions only change you. Revolutions change the world around you! Be a world-changer in 2010!!

You Are Mine

But now thus says the Lord, he who created you, O Jacob, he who formed you, O Israel: "Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you. For I am the Lord you God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior." Isaiah 43:1-3a ESV

Did you know that you belong to God?

Many of us presume we're our own. But think of the implications of that. If we belong to no one but ourselves, then we're responsible for everything in our life. We're responsible for our jobs, our families, our finances. It's up to us, and only us, to make sure everything is fine and works out the way it's supposed to.

I, for one, am glad I'm not my own. When I read the passage above from Isaiah, I'm reminded that I belong to God. I'm His. That means He's ultimately responsible for me, my job, my family and everything about me. That doesn't absolve me of following Him and His will, but it allows me to rest in the absolute fact that He's watching over me, He's with me and He's protecting me.

When I approach life from the perspective that I belong to the Almighty God, it's so much easier to walk in faith that no matter what my circumstances are, He's my Savior.

Wild Goose Chase

This week @ COAHC, we're kicking off a 6-week series based on the book, Wild Goose Chase by Mark Batterson.

This series will passionately inspire us all to follow the Holy Spirit into an adventure-filled life. We will address the issues in life which keep us in bondage from experiencing all that God intends for us: the cages of responsibility, routine, assumptions, guilt, failure and fear.

Join us each Sunday @ 11am or listen online at our website.

Divine Intervention

The Culpeper Star-Exponent ran a story on Sunday morning about the progress of an effort to pray for our community. It's taken its twists and turns, but a few in the community have remained faithful to this vision. Read the article here.

Primal: Quest for the Lost Soul of Christianity

Last week, I mentioned that I was reading Mark Batterson's newest book entitled Primal: Quest for the Lost Soul of Christianity.

Batterson has hit another one out of the park with this latest release. The one thing I love about Batterson's style is that he doesn't leave you with any question about his passion for following Christ and the necessity for all of us to love our Lord with everything we are and everything we have.

Primal is a challenge to every reader to embark on a reforming journey of stripping down his faith to its most primitive element. This book leads us into a deeper level of loving God and walking in His presence. This is a must read for every Christian who is looking for something fresh, something new in his relationship with God.

rebirth

I'm stoked about what God is getting ready to do! This is one of those things that I'm as confident about as when He first called us to Culpeper to plant City on a Hill Church.

Get ready young adults.... rebirth is coming!

Young people in college and in their 20's are leaving the Church in droves. Why? I believe they're leaving because the Church has failed them. The Church has failed to teach them how to truly love God with all of their heart, soul, mind and strength. When you don't love God with everything, it's too easy to turn away when doubt creeps in and hard times create a lot of hard questions.

COAHC is launching a new ministry to young adults who are out of high school and through their 20's / early 30's. This is an another opportunity to reach and teach young adults how to love God with everything they are. This is ... rebirth.

2010 Challenge

City on a Hill Church is going to launch a huge initiative to help everyone grow in their walk with Christ. With the coming new decade, we're going to issue the 20-10 challenge to our people. We're going to challenge everyone to invest 20 days per calendar month and at least 10 minutes of those days in their relationship with God.

Beginning January 1, I'll be utilizing this blog as a devotional blue print for each and every person to use as their source of time with God. Of course, I'll still update this blog for other purposes as well.

This is one way we can be audacious in our vision for becoming more and more like Christ: making a stronger commitment to spend time with Him!

Audacity

A couple of months ago I attended a conference for pastors and leaders in Charlotte, NC. At the conference, the Lord challenged me to be more audacious in my ministry and expectations. As I reflected on that challenge, I realized that our move to Culpeper from San Diego was audacious. Our faith in the launching of City on a Hill Church was audacious. Now that things are moving along nicely, however, our ministry could be characterized as "less than audacious."

What audacity can be seen in our ministry for the last few months? I'm not satisfied... I hunger and thirst for more of God's audacity in my life and in the life of COAHC.

Here are a few things I wrote down at that conference...

"Do I have the audacity to call out vision into reality?"

"Audacity is the difference between vision and daydreaming."

"Audacity allows people to see the vision when there's nothing there."

"Audacity requires God to step in and take over."

So, we've got some audacious things in store for 2010. Hold on COAHC... Hold on Culpeper...

Primal: Quest for the Lost Soul of Christianity

I'm reading Mark Batterson's new book Primal: Quest for the Lost Soul of Christianity. Batterson is one of my spiritual mentors (even though he doesn't know I exist) as I've read his other two books and follow his blog daily.

Primal is a book that really helps every believer get back to the basics of Christianity. What are the basics? Jesus boiled everything down to "Love the Lord your God with all of your heart, all of your soul, all of your mind and all of your strength." As believers, we've got to go back to that place and time where God was the most real in our lives and when He was moving the most powerfully. It's a reformation of our souls.

The first section of the book deals with the heart - more specifically, compassion. Batterson challenges us to open our eyes to what breaks our heart. What breaks our heart because it breaks the heart of God? Once we realize it, do something about it. Become involved in the solution of the problem instead of just praying about it or hoping someone else does something.

I believe that God has created within each one of us the potential to accomplish miracles by the power of the Holy Spirit working through us. We simply need to be willing to take the first step in the uncertainties of darkness of not knowing all that God will do. Our faith is in the One who will use each and every one of us if we're willing to simply love Him with all of our hearts.

The Rest of the Top Ten Lessons I've Learned

So here's the other top ten lessons I've learned in the last couple of years...

6 - What God starts, He finishes.
God initiated the call to Culpeper from San Diego. As crazy as it sounded, I was really excited because I knew it was the Lord. When we started City on a Hill Church, there were weekends when I wasn't sure if anyone would show up at all. In fact, there was one service when it was only my family and me - that's it, no one else. During those times, I doubted God's hand in COAHC. Even though it didn't feel like God was doing anything, He was doing something. He doesn't start something and then not finish it!

7 - Don't compare myself to others.
It would be easy to try and mimic others in order to succeed. We could fashion a logo that looks similar to a soft drink. We could acquire funds to build a family center. We could do all sorts of things trying to mimic other larger churches in order to draw a crowd. We'll never be Mountain View, Culpeper Baptist, New Spring, Elevation or any other church that's out there. We're City on a Hill Church, and I'm me - that's it! In order for God's will to be done in and through me, I've got to be me. I don't want to be the best Andy Stanley or Steve Furtick impersonator. I am simply the best GW Dameron anyone will ever be!

8 - Apathy kills any hope of accomplishing God's will.
In the last two years, I've seen more apathy and lukewarmness than I've ever cared to see. Too many people are content with mediocrity and settling for less than what God wants for them. Why? Because it's manageable. It's easier even though it's miserable. God hates apathy! It makes Him want to vomit according to Revelation 3:16. It cheapens grace, the most costly and extravegant gift God could ever give us. God was so passionate about His love for us, He died for us. Can we show just a little more passion people? Just a little?

9 - God's opinion is the most important opinion.
While judging your motives and methods, people will judge your level of success. It's based, however, on their own idea and concept of success, not God's. How many people are a part of COAHC? What kind of building do you have? How good's your worship? I've learned that the only measure of success is knowing God's opinion. God's opinion is the most important thing to me, because He's going to be the one saying to me on that day, "Well done, good and faithful servant." No one else's kuddos even come close. I know His opinion will be favorable as long as I'm staying close to Him, following and listening and obeying.

10 - It's okay to make mistakes. God doesn't expect me to be perfect.
So much of what we do at COAHC is an experiment. I don't mind when we try something and it fails. I don't pretend that I'm perfect. I've made, and will make, mistakes all the time. My decisions as a pastor aren't fool-proof. God hasn't called me or anyone else in leadership at COAHC to be perfect, only submissive to His will.

The Top 10 Lessons I've Learned

Since responding to God’s call to move across the country and plant City on a Hill Church, God has taught me some valuable lessons. I thought I’d share just a few of them with you. These aren’t necessarily brand new lessons for me. Some are simply reminders that God had to bring to the forefront of my mind again.

Below are five of the top ten lessons. I’ll post the other five tomorrow. Hopefully, the lessons I’ve learned the hard way will be lessons you can learn the easy way. Is there really an easy way to learn a lesson, though?

1 – Christian leadership isn’t for sissies.
I don’t mean to sound sexist when I say that because I believe women are called to leadership as well. I simply mean that you better pull your boot straps up when you assume a leadership position. Why? Other than the obvious challenges that come when leading a group of people, leaders become targets. The bigger impact you’re having for the Kingdom of God, the bigger the bulls eye is on your chest. You better be prepared for spiritual attacks from the enemy from every angle. And I mean, from every angle – angles you didn’t even know existed. Not only are you being attacked, but those around you (family, friends) are also being attacked because of you. At this very moment, my children are the target of attacks from Satan. Why? Because they're easier targets than I, and distraction is a great weapon. I’ve had to learn to really fight the spiritual battle. There’s nothing like praying for your family and friends in the wee hours of the morning.

2 – You can’t win ‘em all.
Jesus gave us the most important statistics lesson we’ll ever learn in the parable of the sower. He taught us that only 25% of the people who begin a relationship with God will grow to become who God wants them to be. That means that 75% will experience epic failure. Only 1 out of every 4 people will hear God’s voice and grow to maturity. This is a tough lesson to learn when you’ve invested yourself into someone who chooses to follow their flesh over Christ. It can be heart-breaking. I won’t ever stop trying to reach the world for Christ, though – even if my heart gets broken hundreds of more times.

3 – Don’t be distracted by all the chatter, and stay focused on God’s voice.
There will be people who will question your motive and your methods. It never fails. It’s easy to get caught up with trying to answer their questions. Soon, you’re so distracted that you’re hearing their voices instead of God’s voice inside your head. At some point, you’ve got to make a decision to stop listening to all of the chatter and get back to basics. Stay focused on the voice of the Lord.

4 – Don’t ever substitute the opinion of the “Experts” for God’s will.
The so-called “Experts” have all kinds of opinions about the methodology of church planting and church leading. These are great tools to use to equip you and prepare you for leadership. We can’t make the mistake in thinking there are only a certain number of ways to do what God’s calling you to do. If God calls you to something, He doesn’t sit back and say, “Okay, now go figure it out for yourself!” Of course not! He’s the kind of God who calls you to a task and then gives you the instructions on how to do it – if you’re willing to listen and follow those instructions.

There isn’t an expert out there who would have condoned the way we planted and launched City on a Hill Church. The bottom line, though, was it was how God wanted it done. Don’t ask me why. Maybe someday I’ll figure it all out. I just know that listening to God’s voice and following His instructions beats any book or conference that’s out there.

5 – Once someone’s mind is made up to leave a local church, there’s no changing it.
This is one of those lessons I learned a long time ago, but God brought it back to the front of the line. When someone has decided he/she’s going to leave your church, there’s nothing that the pastor or leadership can do to keep them. Nothing! All kinds of reasons can be offered, and those concerns can be discussed and assuaged. But it won’t matter. At that point, it’s more about pride than anything else. The person(s) who wants to leave could be given insurmountable evidence against their accusations. He’s still going to leave. I’ve been reminded that there are lots of people out there like that, unfortunately. My prayers and best wishes go with them.

Reflections

Sunday was a culmination of sorts of what God has done in and through City on a Hill Church for the last 15 months. We celebrated our Grand Opening of our new building with 98 people - by far the largest attendance we've ever had. Friends and families of different backgrounds and cultures came together to celebrate Jesus.

I had planned on kicking off the Wild Goose Chase series, but the Lord led me in a different direction. I preached on the four essential keys to a healthy (ie, growing) church found in Acts 9:31. It's obvious to me that a healthy church is also a church that is growing. I'm proud to say that COAHC is a healthy church.

Our King's Kids ministry was packed with kids learning about God and experiencing the love of Jesus. Our worship team did an incredible job of leading us into the throne room of the Lord. By the time it was all over, several people had responded to the prompting of the Holy Spirit by rededicating their lives to following Christ more closely.

Our visitors were met in the parking lot with smiles. Everyone was welcomed with open arms and delicious refreshments (boy, did we have a lot of food!). As I looked around, it was great to see our COAHC'ers extending a warm welcome to each and every person. I'd say that everyone was touched by the love of Jesus at least two or three times before they left. I was so proud of our folks. I know some of us don't always feel comfortable talking to strangers. But it was the power of the Holy Spirit leading everyone on Sunday!

The other neat thing was that a lot of people stayed for quite a while after the service. That's always a good sign of a healthy church - relationships! Many of our visitors stayed behind to meet and talk with people. They didn't rush to leave. It was neat to simply watch ministry happening right before my eyes everywhere I turned.

I'm so thankful that God called my family and I to Culpeper. I'm so thankful for my church family. What an incredible 15 months it's been. I can't wait to see what He does in the next 15 months!

T-minus 3 Days

Well, we were delayed by a week getting into our new facility. But this Sunday is the big day. It's our Grand Opening. From several reports, we should have a fantastic crowd of people with us to celebrate God's bountiful blessings!

Last night, we began transitioning into "clean-up" mode. While cables were being connected into this speaker and that video monitor, many were beginning to remove trash bags and boxes from the building.

It's been a long couple of months, but it's finally come together. We have a great service of praise, thanksgiving and encouragement planned. I'm confident that God is going to use everything in mighty ways. I can't wait!!

Doubts and Distractions

In 1 Kings 13, we read about a young prophet who was fulfilling God's instructions. In the midst of fulfilling the call, an older prophet entered the scene. The older prophet distracted the younger and caused him to be disobedient. The result wasn't pretty. The younger prophet ends up getting killed by a lion.

In the last two years, I, as a pastor, and the vision of City on a Hill Church have been rejected and questioned many times. Just a couple of weeks ago, my ability to lead City on a Hill Church was challenged by another pastor via his questions about my formal training as a church planter.

I could easily allow those rejections, challenges and questions to distract me. They could cause me to think, "Well, maybe I shouldn't do this. Maybe I can't do this. Maybe God was wrong in calling me."

In the midst of the doubts and distractions, the Lord's voice becomes clearer than anything in my head. "This is what I have called you to do. I called you for this task."

I'm so thankful that God's voice is the voice that I need to listen to and obey above all others. And I'm so thankful that it's God's power and not mine that has made City on a Hill Church what it is!

The Next Step

As I walked into the church building yesterday morning, it was unusually cold. I immediately went to the thermostats to begin getting the rooms warmed for our service. I turned the dial on one, and nothing happened. Hmmm... Flip the switch to Off and then back to Heat. Nothing. Okay, then.

We were blessed with a warm day yesterday, so the building warmed up nicely by the time everyone arrived for the service. It didn't help that we were wall-to-wall people. Nothing like body heat to warm a small room up in no time.

Yesterday was our last church service at 405 Sperryville Pike. It's been great hosting our services at that location. Being right next to Yowell Meadow Park and along a heavily-traveled Rte 522 didn't hurt our outreach events and marketing to the community.

Now it's the next step God has for us. We host our first service in our new location this Sunday, and our Grand Opening Celebration is slated for the 22nd. There is so much excitement, but yet still so much to get done. Besides the carpet going in, there's nothing but details at this point.

Gonna be another busy week fine-tuning this fine, new building. Can't wait!

Influence

Have you ever considered who or what the biggest influences on your life are? Influence is important not just for every leader, but for every believer. Having good influences in your life can help you establish a firmer stand on the Rock or help you get pushed this way and that depending on your circumstances.

Firstly, consider the people with whom you surround yourself - your friends and family. Are they the kind of people that influence you towards a deeper, richer relationship with Jesus Christ? Or are they the kind of people who constantly challenge your relationship with the Lord?

Secondly, consider the influential things in your life. These include the kind of job you have, the kind of material possessions you own, the kind of radio station you listen to in your car, the kind of TV shows you watch at home and the kind of books and magazines you read. The media influences every single person in greater ways than you may expect. Are you being influenced by a worldview or a Christianview?

Lastly, consider what kind of influence you are to others. Are you influencing those with whom you come into contact towards an authentic relationship with God or are you influencing them towards... nothing. Jesus said, "You're either for me or against me." In other words, if you aren't an influence for the Kingdom of God, you're an influence for the enemy. You can't be Switzerland in this scenario. There's no such thing as neutral ground.

Influence is important and needs our attention.

15 Signs That A Church Is In Trouble

Perry Noble, pastor of New Spring Church in South Carolina posted this on his blog this morning. This is just too good not to share...

http://www.perrynoble.com/2009/11/04/15-signs-that-a-church-is-in-trouble/

#1 – When excuses are made about the way things are instead of embracing a willingness to roll up the sleeves and fix the problem.

#2 – When the church becomes content with merely receiving people that come rather than actually going out and finding them…in other words, they lose their passion for evangelism!

#3 – The focus of the church is to build a great church (complete with the pastors picture…and his wife’s…on everything) and not the Kingdom of God.

#4 – The leadership begins to settle for the natural rather than rely on the supernatural.

#5 – The church begins to view success/failure in regards to how they are viewed in the church world rather than whether or not they are actually fulfilling the Great Commission!

#6 – The leaders within the church cease to be coachable.

#7 – There is a loss of a sense of urgency! (Hell is no longer hot, sin is no longer wrong and the cross is no longer important!)

#8 – Scripture isn’t central in every decision that is made!

#9 – The church is reactive rather than proactive.

#10 – The people in the church lose sight of the next generation and refuse to fund ministry simply because they don’t understand “those young people.”

#11 – The goal of the church is to simply maintain the way things are…to NOT rock the boat and/or upset anyone…especially the big givers!

#12 – The church is no longer willing to take steps of faith because “there is just to must to lose.”

#13 – The church simply does not care about the obvious and immediate needs that exist in the community.

#14 – The people learn how to depend on one man to minister to everyone rather than everyone embracing their role in the body, thus allowing the body to care for itself.

#15 – When the leaders/staff refuse to go the extra mile in leading and serving because of how “inconvenient” doing so would be.

Come Out of the Desert

The Lord gave me a powerful Word on Sunday morning to share with our church. It has resonated so deeply in my soul for the last two days that I simply must share it again.

The Lord led me to Joshua 1 where Joshua and the Israelites were coming out of spending the last 40 years in the desert. God was leading them into the promised land. But there was hesitancy. There was fear. Why?

When we become familiar with something and it's manageable, we get comfortable - even if it's misery. That's what was going on with the Israelites. They were miserable, but they come to a place where their misery was manageable.

God had something so much more for them - a land of milk and honey and the fulfillment of a promise. Yet, they were afraid because it was unknown territory.

We are the same way. We stay in sin even though we're miserable because it's familiar and manageable.

What promised land is God leading you to today? In what desert experience have you been wandering? It's time to cross the Jordan River into the land of milk and honey and experience all that God wants for you.

Old Yeller

Anyone who has spent a considerable amount of time in ministry has experienced an "Old Yeller" moment. Here's what I'm talking about...

God gives you or someone else in your ministry an incredible idea. It gets implemented and is fruitful. Time goes by, though, and the fruit begins to disappear. After awhile, the idea is just stale and there either isn't any fruit at all or it becomes counter productive.

"But the Lord gave me this idea," you say. "I know the Lord led me in this."

It may very well be so. God may have given you that idea and really blessed it - for a season. Now, it's time to take that idea/ministry/life group/whatever out behind the shed and kill it.

Don't be afraid to experience an "Old Yeller" moment. Yes, that idea may have been great. Yes, it may have been from the Lord. But, if it's unfruitful (or especially if it's counterproductive), then it's time to kill it. Appreciate it. Cherish the memories. Share the testimonies. But kill it and move on to the next one. There will be others!

Warming Shelter Ministry

Culpeper churches and ministries are working together again this year to provide a warm place to sleep and some hot meals for those without this winter season. The shelter ministry begins on November 1 and extends through the month of April.

We currently have approximately fifteen different churches representing Episcopals, Presbyterians, Lutherans, Baptists, Methodists and Non-Denominational backgrounds. This is a fantastic demonstration of unity within the Body of Christ.

City on a Hill Church will be hosting the shelter at St. Stephen's Episcopal Church Fellowship Hall in January and March this season. This ministry is such a blessing!

For more information on volunteering, contact me at 540-727-9587 (leave a message if no one picks up).

Don't Stop Learnin'

The 80's rock band Journey had a great song entitled Don't Stop Believin'. I love that song. Whenever I hear that song, I can't help but think of one of my mantras as a leader which is Don't Stop Learnin'.

I truly believe that we should never stop learning. When we stop learning, we may as well not get out of bed in the morning. It doesn't matter if we've been a Pastor for 50 years. Still, there is always something else to learn.

One of the most important ways to learn is through someone else's experiences. Today, I'm participating in the IMPART conference at Elevation Church in Charlotte, NC. Elevation Church was listed as one of the top ten fastest growing churches in the USA last year. In less than three years, this church has grown to over 5000 people. The Sr Pastor of this church, Steven Furtick, wants to impart the valuable lessons he's learned to others. What a great idea!

I spent my own money to come to this event because I believe the experiences this church has had in the last few years can be valuable to me as a pastor and valuable to City on a Hill Church. This is an investment for me and for COAHC. I'm excited to soak in every detail that's shared in order to glean the transferable concepts.

Keys to a Successful Church

So the church throughout all Judea and Galilee and Samaria enjoyed peace, being built up; and going on in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit, it continued to increase.
Acts 9:31 NASB

Before coming to Culpeper, the Lord led me to this specific verse. The Lord showed me that this verse holds some important keys to successfully leading a church.

Peace - A successful church can't be wrapped up in dispute with itself or others.

Being Built Up - A successful church encourages with words and deeds of love and kindness.

Going on in the fear of the Lord - A successful church lives in obedience. Obedience reflects love and reverence for our Lord.

And in the comfort of the Holy Spirit - A successful church turns not to the world, but to the Holy Spirit for comfort in times of trouble.

Gettin' Excited

I did an interview this morning with the local newspaper. The interviewer was asking me questions about City on a Hill Church. She asked if our church was excited about moving into our new building next month. Of course, everyone is excited about the new facility.

I went on to say that it's not necessarily the new facility and our growth that is exciting everyone. It's the transformed lives that is the root cause of our excitement. Anytime you have a church where lives are being transformed by the power of God, excitement and momentum are sure to follow. That's what is exciting people at COAHC!

Lessons From Chuck

Chuck Swindoll has been a hero and mentor of mine from the beginning of my Christian walk. In fact, Insight for Living was the very first Christian radio broadcast I began listening to on a regular basis.

Chuck has been ministering for years from the pulpit, on the radio and through several books he's authored. I had the pleasure of going to Israel with him in May 2008. The experiences he's garnered through the years have been summarized in a recent speaking engagement at the Catalyst Conference. Take a few minutes and read the 10 Ministry Lessons (He's) Learned.

Enjoying Some Goodies

Last night, we opened our home to those in our church who wanted to spend time getting to know my family and I better and ask questions about City on a Hill Church. We had ice cream, apple pie, Rice Krispy treats, Cinnamon Apple Butter, cookies and hot tea. Boy! It was a smorgasbord of delectable goodies!

The company was even better! We had some fine folks come over and spend time with us in fellowship. We discussed everything from COAHC's vision to our position on spiritual gifts to how Carrie (my wife who was born and raised in California) likes the weather in Culpeper.

It's these kinds of opportunities that are important to me as pastor of COAHC. We need to create opportunities to get connected with one another. I see God doing such a marvelous work in our church body: growing people, stretching them outside comfort zones and raising up a united family that believes in seeking and saving the lost.

Busy, Busy, Busy

Lots of details are going on with our new building. It's just about cleaned up and ready for our renovations to begin. We have three Church Workdays planned next week:
Tuesday evening, 5-9pm
Wednesday evening, 5-9pm
Saturday, 9am-5pm (lunch will be provided)

It's amazing how God is providing in miraculous ways. We're getting incredible deals on a variety of different things that are needed to get the bldg ready. Thank you, Lord!

We're shooting for our first service to be early November and a Grand Opening event on November 15. That's the plan, so we'll see if things continue to go as planned.

New Building

Today, we're signing a lease for a new facility for City on a Hill Church. Our current space has been wonderful, but God has grown us too large for it. Our new building will give us triple the space we have now! We're hoping to host our first service in mid-November.

Lots to do to get things ready! We're so thankful we have a God who loves and cares about every detail of our church. All the glory to our Father in heaven!

Games People Play

This weekend, we're kicking off a series entitled "Games People Play". This is a series that will confront the ways we “play with God” in order to live according to our ways instead of God’s ways. Luke 19:45-20:47 will be our primary text if you'd like to get a jump start on the message. As always, we'll post the audio file, PowerPoint presentation and outline notes on our website afterwards.

Please join us this Sunday @ 11am at City on a Hill Church, 405 Sperryville Pike. We'd love to see you there!

Understanding Leads to Love

And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless until the day of Christ,
Philippians 1:9-10 NIV


As I was spending time in the Word this morning, this Scripture really jumped out at me. As I read it, I realized an important relationship between an understanding of Scripture and love. It's clearly evident that our ability to love is directly proportional to our knowledge and understanding of Scripture.

Paul's prayer for the Philippians is that their love increases. He describes the means by which that love increases: through knowledge and depth of insight. Of what, though? God's truth found in His Word is the answer. How do I know? I know that God's Truth found in His Word is the object of our knowledge and insight we need because of the consequence Paul mentions in verse 10. The consequence of an increasing knowledge and depth of insight is an increasing ability to discern what is best, purity and blamelessness. The only possible way to achieve these is through a deeper understanding of Scripture.

So there are many subsequent things that happen in our lives as a result of knowledge and deeper insight into the Bible: discernment, purity, blamelessness and an increased ability to love. That's the power of God's Word in our lives! Take time to read and study the Bible today.

Witness or Participant

Last night I sent an email out to our church. In it, I mentioned Jesus' first miracle: turning water into wine at the wedding in Cana. There's something in this story that's very subtle, yet very important.

In this story, there are three groups of people: those who are encouraging Jesus to perform the miracle (his mother), those who are witnessing the miracle, and then there are those who get to participate in the miracle.

Jesus said to the servants, "Fill the jars with water"; so they filled them to the brim. Then he told them, "Now draw some out and take it to the master of the banquet."
They did so, and the master of the banquet tasted the water that had been turned into wine. He did not realize where it had come from, though the servants who had drawn the water knew.
John 2:8-9 NIV

The servants were probably tired and bored from their mundane work of waiting on the guests of the wedding. Jesus gives them a thrill of a lifetime. He chooses the lowly servants as the instruments by which His first miracle comes to pass. Jesus could have very easily done this miracle differently. Instead, he choose to allow the bored, hard-working servants to participate in this important story that would later be captured in Scripture. Jesus tells the servants to fill the jars with water and then draw some out and take it to the master of the banquet.

I'm sure the servants knew the water had been changed. Wine looks different from water and it smells differently. As soon as the servants drew the wine from the jars to take it to the master, they knew something miraculous had happened. And they had been chosen to help out with this miracle behind the scenes. They were rewarded with the insight into the miracle prior to their master. What a privilege!t

When we're given the opportunity to serve in ministry either in an ongoing position or with a special opportunity, it's a special privilege that the Lord is giving to us to be a part of a miracle. So, the next time a ministry opportunity comes along, prayerfully consider being a participant of a miracle instead of just being a witness.

Knowing When to Rest

The women who had come with Jesus from Galilee followed Joseph and saw the tomb and how his body was laid in it. Then they went home and prepared spices and perfumes. But they rested on the Sabbath in obedience to the commandment.
Luke 23:55-56 NIV


Jesus had just died and there was work to be done in order to prepare the body and tomb. Yet, the Sabbath was also a factor. What did the ladies do? They rested.

Was their act of rest inconsiderate at best, heretical at worst?

Many of us face the same difficult decision at times. There's ministry to be done - important ministry, ministry that can make a real difference. Yet the time for rest has also come. Which do we choose? Are we falling short of showing God's love if we choose to rest? Or are we disobedient if we ignore the opportunity to rest and minister to those in need.

He said to them, "If any of you has a sheep and it falls into a pit on the Sabbath, will you not take hold of it and lift it out? How much more valuable is a man than a sheep! Therefore it is lawful to do good on the Sabbath."
Matthew 12:11-12 NIV

Jesus addressed this very question when the religious leaders accused Him of disobeying the law. Jesus' response indicates clearly that ministry is important regardless of what day it's done. Scripture also clearly indicates the importance of rest and the Sabbath for us.

The reality of this seeming conflict is that it's important we find a balance in ministry and rest. The Sabbath isn't restricted to any particular day of the week for Christians. For many pastors, their Sabbath is on a Monday or on a Wednesday. The rest that God wants us to enjoy is a time when we can refuel our energy needed for the imporant ministry that God wants us to do by His power for His glory.

Find a regular time to rest each and every week, and you'll have more energy to do God's work!

Don't Miss the Opportunity to Make a Difference

Showing the love of Christ can make more of a difference than you realize.

In early August, I met David who lived in one of the neighborhoods that City on a Hill Church has adopted. David was in his 50's. He had spent most of his life living on the street in unthinkable conditions and indulging in all kinds of sin activities, including drugs.

At least one family in Warrenton looked past all of that and decided that they would do everything they could to show the practical love of Christ in David's life. After introducing him to the Bible and who Jesus is, they helped him find an apartment in Culpeper. And that's when I met him.

After inviting David to COAHC, he began to come and worship with us. We helped him with some of the material needs - eg, groceries, kitchen ware, etc. He was living in a bare apartment with no furniture. He was lonely, but he was getting his life pointed in the right direction.

Through this experience, David met friends who were kind to him. He was shown unconditional love and acceptance. And for the first time in his life, he said, "I've found a place to worship God in my own way, and I've found peace, love and joy." On many occassions, David would weep over what God had done for him and the love he was experiencing.

After knowing David for only a short period of time, I was told that he passed away in his apartment last week. He went peacefully. He went home to be with the Lord after receiving the two greatest gifts in his entire life: peace from a relationship with God through Jesus and authentic love offered by the body of Christ.

What a joy it is to know our sovereign God orchestrated the opportunity for David to experience His powerful love, peace and joy in his last days on earth. Now David is spending eternity with our Lord in heaven above. Hallelujah!

I'll be performing David's graveside service on Thursday, October 1 @ 1pm at Forest Grove Baptist Church in Viewtown (near Amissville). If you knew David, please join us to celebrate his life with Christ.

Maturity

Consider it a sheer gift, friends, when tests and challenges come at you from all sides. You know that under pressure, your faith-life is forced into the open and shows its true colors. So don't try to get out of anything prematurely. Let it do its work so you become mature and well-developed, not deficient in any way.

If you don't know what you're doing, pray to the Father. He loves to help. You'll get his help, and won't be condescended to when you ask for it. Ask boldly, believingly, without a second thought. People who "worry their prayers" are like wind-whipped waves. Don't think you're going to get anything from the Master that way, adrift at sea, keeping all your options open.

James 1:2-8 The Message


Last weekend, we wrapped up a series on suffering at City on a Hill Church. The passage above reminds me of the goal we should be focused on the midst of our trials: maturity. The Greek word is teleios. Imagine a full grown tree that is producing fruit in the right season. It has reached maturity and its full potential. That's the kind of maturity that God wants us working towards.

But we can't ever really get there, can we?

We're not really talking about perfection (ie, sinlessness). We're simply talking about getting to where God wants us to be with regard to fulfilling His purposes and plans for our lives. As followers of Christ, we always seem to be in some stage of this process. The trials and difficult circumstances we experience in life have a way of speeding up this process. We can also experience seasons when the process seems to go very slowly.

To God, our journey is just as important as the destination. Wisdom is what we should be asking for in our grief and suffering. God is our source of wisdom in the midst of the uncertainties. He's our lifeline when we find ourselves tossed around in the seas of turmoil. Our hearts need to turn to Him, and Him alone, in these difficult times so we can find refuge.

Twitter Updates

Had to remove the gadget that displays my Twitter updates. Apparently the gadget got hacked and was displaying someone else's updates that were a little on the vulgar side.

Will reinstall when the problem is fixed.

Family Ties

Yesterday, there was an article in the paper about a Culpeper family who recently competed in a tennis tournament together. The family has become well-known around our community as lovers of the game of tennis. When you see them in the grocery store or in the post office, it's natural to think of tennis.

Growing up, my family enjoyed something similar with the sport of long-distance running. Both my parents ran, my sister ran and I ran. During my Jr high, high school and college years, there were numerous newspaper articles that featured my family and the success we experienced in our sport. When you saw one of the Dameron's, it was natural for you to think of the sport of running.

In chapter 8 of the Gospel of John, Jesus has a conversation with the religious leaders about family ties. The Jews claimed their salvation based on their ancestry to Abraham. But Jesus took it a step further.

"Abraham is our father," they answered.
"If you were Abraham's children," said Jesus, "then you would do the things Abraham did. As it is, you are determined to kill me, a man who told you the truth that I heard from God. Abraham did not do such things. You are doing the things your own father does."
"We are not illegitimate children,
they protested. "The only Father we have is God himself."
John 8:39-41 NIV

Jesus emphasizes the connection between our ancestry and our behavior which reveals it. He's telling them that people should recognize them based on their actions and attitudes reflecting their parents' values. Jesus goes on to tell them that they are the children of the devil because they want to carry out their father's desire.

When we read this story, we need to consider whose children we are. We're not just children of our earthly parents, but we're also children of our Father in heaven.

Does my daily routine reflect my Father's transformational power?

Does my attitude reflect my Father's love and grace?

Do my behavior and words reflect my Father's righteousness and holiness?

We need to make sure that when people see us in the grocery store, the post office and everywhere we go, they know we're connected to God. May all the glory be to our eternal Father in heaven!

My Prayer

Lord, may I always pastor City on a Hill Church with a shepherd's heart. Please help me to understand the needs of my flock and care for them well. May I feed them with the spiritual nourishment they need each and every week. I pray that each person would be discipled well so that your plans and purposes come to fruition in our lives. Help me to comfort my flock, protect them and lead them to greener pasteurs.

Lord, may I always pastor City on a Hill Church with boldness. May I never rely on gimmicks, programs or anyone else to accomplish your will in the life of our Church. May your will be revealed to me and may I lead in accordance regardless of what I think may happen. Help me to never be afraid of man's reaction. I pray that every service, every ministry and every outreach to the community will stretch our Church Body and grow us to be not only followers of Christ, but also more like Christ.

Lord, may City on a Hill Church be all that you want us to be. May we be a light to our community. May we be an example of Your love to our community. Help us to be where we are needed most. Help us to reach those who need to know You. Equip us, Lord, with every gift that is needed to accomplish Your will. May You be glorified through each and every life that is a part of City on a Hill Church.

In Jesus' name, Amen.

Neighborhood Appreciation Celebration

Saturday evening will be a first for City on a Hill Church. We're hosting an outdoor service in honor of one of the neighborhood's we've adopted. It happens to be the neighborhood right behind our church.

Last weekend, we placed a flyer advertising the event on every door of the approximately 100 homes located in this neighborhood. We've gone around to local businesses in our community asking for donations, and our merchants have stepped up to the plate in a great way!

We'll have a Moon Bounce and a Cotton Candy machine for the kids, worship and the Gospel message offering hope for these folks. We'll top it all off with free giveaways of gift cards and coupons that were collected from our community's businesses.

The objective of the evening primarily rests in bringing souls into the Kingdom of Heaven. We want to let our neighborhood know that we love them, and more importantly, that God loves them. I'm so excited to see what God does!

The Importance of Looking Foolish

Did you know that God wants you to look foolish sometimes?

It's through these foolish appearances, that God is doing something great in and through us. Think about how foolish Noah looked building that ark in front of his neighbors and family. Can you imagine how much of a joke he became?

What about the young David? A shepherd tweener with a sling shot taking on not just a professional soldier, but a giant one at that! How many wise cracks did he overhear from his brothers and the other Jewish soldiers? Even Goliath taunted him to his face - right before David's stone killed him.

When we find ourselves in the midst of a difficult situation, God sometimes calls us to look foolish. It's at that precise moment, that we're faced with the question "Am I more concerned about what I want than with what God wants?" When we step forward with courage and understand the importance of looking foolish to the big picture of our lives, we find a whole new perspective on life.

Mark Batterson wrote a book a few years ago called "In a Pit with a Lion on a Snowy Day." The book focuses on a couple of verses found in 2 Samuel about a guy named Benaiah who jumped into a pit on a snowy day to kill a lion. Benaiah succeeded in killing the lion and became the commander in chief for Kings David and Solomon.

Imagine the courage it took for Benaiah to jump into that pit. Imagine how foolish he looked at first to anyone who may have been watching. We can't deny that there are fine lines separating courage, risk and looking foolish.

This weekend at City on a Hill Church, we're wrapping up a series on suffering. We're going to talk about "Attitudes in the Midst of Anguish." In this message, I'll share three important attitudes that we should have in the midst of our trials and tribulations. Courage is at the top of the list.

We'd love to see you there!

Missed Opportunities

Fear is powerful. It can keep us from responding to God's call on our lives. Just as importantly, fear, coupled with pride, can keep us from taking advantage of opportunities from which we can benefit.

This morning I met with a representative at Piedmont United Way to get educated about all the programs in Culpeper to help those who need a hand. I was truly amazed at all of the programs that are in place through government agencies, churches, ministries and other non-profit groups that are in place simply to help people. There is no justifiable reason for sincere people in our community to remain in need with all of these opportunities for assistance in place.

Of course, fear keeps people where they are... hungry, lonely and in need. It's fear of the unknown, fear of rejection that keeps them down and out. It's fear and pride together that can shackle a person to poverty with no hope of freedom.

The same is true in our lives as Christians. We see where God is calling us to, but we remain still out of fear and pride. What if I fail? What will other people think?

Honestly, there are too many "what ifs" in life to consider. We need to stop being afraid of the unknowns and walk by faith, not by sight. We need to stop worrying about what other people think because all of us need help from time to time. God wants us to use every available resource that we have to enjoy an abundant life, including assistance programs. We need to stop fearing failure in our lives because failure is inevitable. It's what we do with that failure - how we respond and learn from it - that's important.

Let's open our eyes and recognize the resources around us. Let's recognize them for what they are: opportunities for us to become who God wants us to be.

No Miracles Without Messes

If you find yourself in a mess, just remember... there are no miracles without messes. You can't be healed without first being sick. You can't overcome without first being challenged.

King Jehoshaphat and the Jews faced an insurmountable enemy in 2 Chronicles 20. Jehoshaphat was a good king who loved the Lord and who led his people in righteousness. Yet, God was allowing enemies to threaten the lives and freedom of His people.

It was through this mess that God worked a miracle to give the Jews victory and extended peace with the surrounding nations. It was through suffering that God prepared Jehoshaphat and the Jews for the miraculous. That's what God does in our lives, too.

When we find ourselves in a mess, God is preparing our hearts and minds for what He wants to do in our lives. Jehoshaphat responded with praise and worship. We get the contemporary worship song "His Love Endures Forever" from King Jehoshaphat's worshipful response.

This weekend at City on a Hill Church, we're continuing a series on Suffering with a message on how we're changed through our messes. Join us at 11am!

Church Rejects

If you think about it, many of those who followed Jesus during His ministry on earth were people who were the "unwantables." They were those who society rejected in some way or another. Yet Jesus accepted them just as they were.

There are many churches throughout our country that avoid those kind of people. You know who I'm talking about. The people who don't look like us, dress like us or talk like us. So who's reaching out to them if the Church isn't? That's easy. Satan is.

People want to be accepted, and they typically want to belong. If given the chance to join a group of people who will love them and invest them, most everyone will not hesitate. Why not simply do what Jesus did and begin to minister to everyone who needs Jesus - not just those with which we're comfortable.

Would you dare pray for your church to be filled with people rejected by most other churches?

Next Step

God has been gracious to City on a Hill Church in allowing us to take one step at a time in our growth. My wife and I launched the church in our home basement using our empty dining room as children's ministry space.

The next step... By October of last year, we had moved into our current building with a sanctuary that seats 60 people and two children's ministry classrooms.

The next step... A few months ago, we took over yet another office in our rented building to add a multi-purpose room for children's ministry and office space.

The next step... I received word last night from the building owners that we're allowed to proceed with plans for renovations to increase the size of our sanctuary and occupy more space in the building for children's ministry.

The next step... Only God knows...

Extra Baggage

Those of us who have ever been on a diet know what it's like to need to lose something that just doesn't want to disappear. But when it does, it's like we've emptied ourselves of extra baggage we've been lugging around.

In Philippians 2:3-11, the Apostle Paul tells us that Jesus emptied Himself of something, too.

Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others. Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death even death on a cross! Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

In this case, Jesus emptied Himself of something that He deserved. In order to accomplish, God's sovereign plan of redemption for the human race, Jesus had to come to earth, make himself nothing, be a servant and walk in obedience to die a cruel, humiliating death by crucifixion.

According to God's Word, we're to have an attitude similar to that of Christ. We're to empty ourselves of what we think we deserve in order to be other-centered and accomplish God's will in and through our lives.

As a result of Jesus' obedience, God has been glorified, Jesus' name has been exalted and every knee will bow before the Lord Jesus Christ. As a result of our faith in Christ and obedience, God will be glorified, Jesus' name will be exalted and we will be seated with Christ in the heavenly realms for eternity.

Let's get rid of the extra baggage of pride and desire of recognition. Let's get rid of the attitude that says, "I deserve more." Christ emptied Himself of what He deserved for the sake of others. We certainly don't deserve more than He. Let's get our eyes off of ourselves and on others.

Wins

To be a successful sports franchise, you must win. At City on a Hill Church, we celebrate wins, too!

We all understand that Christianity isn't a game, but the analogy helps us understand what our goals are and how important it is to celebrate along the way. Here are just a few wins we've celebrated recently:

-The "adoption" of two neighborhoods in our community by meeting their needs in practical ways
-The lives impacted because they were reminded that God loves them and hasn't forgotten about them
-Our first year anniversary as a church
-Our first annual Leadership Retreat
-The significant growth we've experienced during the summer season when most churches decline or plateau
-The addition of people using their gifts to serve in ministry
-The addition of two new Life Groups starting up this month
-Several people giving their lives to Christ for the first time or rededicating their lives to Him

May all the glory be to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ!

I'm looking forward to many more wins for the Kingdom of God!!

Adoption

So often we see commercials or ads asking us to adopt children in Third World countries to feed them and provide school supplies. These are children who have been abandoned. Their society doesn't want them, so some NPO has taken them in and overseeing their welfare.

In Culpeper, there are neighborhoods filled with people who have been abandoned. Even local churches have turned their back on these neighborhoods. Perhaps the local churches believe they are too hard to reach. Perhaps the local churches would prefer to reach more affluent people who could make a difference in their budgets.

At City on a Hill Church, we're adopting neighborhoods. That's right. We're actually going to the neighborhoods that the other local churches are ignoring. The people in these neighborhoods have been crying out to God in their own way, and now God is sending us because we're simply saying to God, "Here I am."

As a result, people are turning to the Lord for answers. People are giving their lives to Christ. People are finding value in themselves and are being reminded that God loves them.

I love the fact that God is using us in these special ways. I hope it never stops.

Family Service Sunday

This Sunday is Family Service Sunday at City on a Hill Church. Our Family Services focus on a worship experience for the entire family. Meaningful worship for the young and old. A message that reaches both the kids and adults. Our children will be serving in a variety of ministry positions.

I'm really looking forward to the Lord ministering to our families this Sunday. Please join us at 11am at 405 Sperryville Pike in Culpeper.

Eliezer

Eliezer was Abraham's top servant - kind of his "right hand man." When we read the story of how he was sent to find a wife for Isaac in Genesis 24, we can see that Eliezer wasn't the kind of guy who did the bare minimum. He was an "and then some" servant. He did what he was asked and then some.

Jesus told us in the Sermon on the Mount, "If someone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles." (Matt 5:41) The person that goes the second mile is going above and beyond. He/She is an "and then some" servant.

We need to apply this principle in our ministry at our local church. Am I doing the bare minimum just to fill that need or am I going the extra mile that could really make a difference?

We also need to apply this principle in our personal relationship with Christ. Am I simply showing up on Sunday mornings or am I really giving God a chance to mold me and grow me to be more like Him?

Preparations

The Boy Scouts warn us, "Always be prepared." I respond, "Nice pipe dream." If you're like me, being prepared for the curve balls, the fast balls and the switch-ups that life throws at you isn't always easy. In fact, it's down right impossible sometimes.

This week, school is starting for millions of students across our great land. Abby Rae is excited about the beginning of First Grade while we're not quite sure about Emma who is now old enough for K-4.

What's it going to be like to have two of our three out of the house?

Will Abby Rae like her new teacher?

How will Emma adjust to being at school for three half-days per week?

Could we have prepared them any better for this fateful week? Could we have prepared ourselves any better?

The best preparation I know of is simple really - prayer. After all, we're talking about preparing our hearts and minds for what the future holds. We already bought the school supplies (by the way, do triangular pencils really make that much of a difference?).

Parents, have you prayed that your heart would be ready for the absence of your student from your home? Have you prayed for protection over his heart and mind as he steps out in faith to make new friends, exposing himself to rejection? Have you prayed for protection over her heart and mind as she adjusts to not having mom, dad and siblings there as a comfort during those tough days when things just don't make sense?

While we may not all be prepared logistically for every possible scenario, let's get prepared with prayer. It's the least we can do. It's also the most we can do!

Property of God

People are not the property of any particular local church body.

Have you ever considered that?

We're all owned by God alone - we're His creation and His children. I believe that we should all respect the work that a local church body has invested into a life. I also believe that another Christian, leader or pastor should not hesitate to minister to a person who is committed to City on a Hill Church when there is an opportunity and when the Holy Spirit is leading him/her. Who am I to say, "You shouldn't minister to that person. That's my job!" In my experience, most growing Christians have a variety of people who are investing in them. The only label I hope to ever see on anyone at COAHC is "Property of God."

Life Groups

I'm excited about the direction of our Discipleship Ministry at City on a Hill Church. We currently offer two Life Groups. We're about to launch a Life Group just for women in the next month. Another Life Group for a specific neighborhood is probably going to be launched in the next 4 to 6 weeks as well.

I've spent the last couple of days selecting our next curriculum that will begin in September. It's looking like it will be something from Phillip Yancey.

I love Life Groups. It's easy for some to want to call what we do a "Bible Study." I genuinely dislike that phrase, though, for describing our purpose for Life Groups. When I think of a Bible Study, I think of one person reading and teaching Scripture, verse by verse. There's very little discussion, if any.

In our Life Groups, the emphasis is on building "body life." Ultimately, it doesn't really matter to me what the curriculum is because that's not nearly as important as the relationships, the connecting and the growing that occurs both vertically (with Christ) and horizontally (with one another) through simply being together discussing the Truth of Scripture and the life that God wants for each and every one of us.

It's not the curriculum that should be motivating our attendance and participation - it's our connection to God and with one another. Our own personal devotional life should inspire us each day. Our Life Group curriculum is nothing more than a supplemental to what God is already doing and speaking into our lives and should never be substituted for our daily time in the Word and in prayer.

The Saga That is Michael Vick

Move over Brett Favre, there's someone else about whom the sports reporters want to talk. He's Michael Vick. The one and only. The man, the myth and the legend who is famous for his elusiveness on the gridiron. And the cruel overseer and participant of a dog-fighting ring which landed him in prison for the last two years.

Michael Vick has been shown mercy. He has been forgiven by some and will once again have a chance to strap on the helmet - this time with the Philadelphia Eagles. Philadelphia - the City of Brotherly Love. Isn't it interesting that it's Philadelphia that is demonstrating grace in the life of Michael Vick?

Tony Dungy, former Head Coach for the Indianapolis Colts and outspoken man of faith, has also become involved in Vick's life. Dungy visited Vick while he was imprisoned, and now has taken the younger Michael under his wing as a protoge.

Dungy understands the importance of investment. Dungy lost his son to suicide in 2005. Perhaps seeing this as an opportunity for redemption in his own life, Dungy has come alongside Vick as a mentor and an accountability partner. The relationship between these two men is a reminder to all of us of the importance of mentoring and accountability. We all need both in our lives. Just as important, there's someone in your life who needs mentoring and accountability from you.

Leadership Retreat

This weekend, leaders from City on a Hill Church are going to a Leadership Retreat in Massanutten, VA. We're going to spend all day Friday learning what good leadership looks like. Then on Saturday, we'll apply that knowledge and wisdom to strategic planning for the next 12 months at COAHC.

I'm really looking forward what God is going to do through this retreat. We've got some great information to discuss from leaders like John Maxwell and Andy Stanley. We're going to look critically at everything we do as a church - no holds barred and no sacred cows allowed!

I believe that unless Scripture gives a clear formula for a particular ministry, then it's always considered an experiment and should always be up for evaluation and change. Too many churches get comfortable with what Andy Stanley calls "couches." These are the areas within a church that are comfortable for people and remain the same without any critical evaluation. We need to get rid of couches from the Church. They facilitate laziness and are ineffective in transforming lives.

Oh, and the home we're renting from Massanutten Vacations this weekend is called Joyful Passage. Gotta love it! Such a God thing...

Where Has God Gone?

We've probably all faced at least one trial in life that left us wondering, "Where has God gone?" It's in the darkest hours of our lives that makes us feel as though God is no longer with us. He's forgotten about us.

Last night, I spent some time in a neighborhood in Culpeper where most are struggling with a variety of different issues. One lady lost her job and can't pay her rent. Another family can't afford to buy diapers for their one-year old son. One mother is on disability and has a grown, autistic son and can't afford to buy clothes after all the bills are paid. Some families can't afford to buy school supplies for their kids. One unemployed young man is now living with his struggling father after having eaten out of garbage cans jsut to survive. Many families can't afford to buy basic groceries on a weekly basis.

After spending time with these folks last night, it was obvious many have been wondering, "Where has God gone?"

"Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you." Deuteronomy 31:6 NIV

"...And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." Matthew 28:20 NIV

These two verses remind us of the Truth that God has not gone anywhere. He's still on the throne. He's still watching our every move. He knows our needs. He knows our hurts. He still loves us just as much as He ever did!

As I shared this Truth with some of the folks last night, it was easy to see hope begin to fill their eyes once again. I could see their countenance change. In a dark place where Satan's grip has held tightly for a long time, Light was brought in the form of a few bags of groceries, some encouraging words and the victory that is found in the form of Biblical Truth.

My friends, prepare for transformed lives. Prepare for riches in our glorious Christ. Prepare for an abundant life that transcends all worldly wealth!