The Missional Church is on the move. Churches around our country are beginning to understand more completely the call that God has given us in our own communities. Here's what this looks like:
The Missional Church from 30,000 feet-
Faith, by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead. James 2:17 NIV
The Missional Church from 10,000 feet-
"Love your neighbor as you love yourself." Matthew 22:39 NIV
The Missional Church on the ground-
"For I was hungry and you gave me nothing to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me nothing to drink, I was a stranger and you did not invite me in, I needed clothes and you did not clothe me, I was sick and in prison and you did not look after me. They also will answer, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or needing clothes or sick or in prison, and did not help you?' He will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me.'" Matthew 25:42-45 NIV
When a church becomes missional, it merely recognizes that God is calling us to not only reach the lost in foreign lands, but to reach those who are lost, hurting and in need in our own communities. It's easy to get so concerned about those in Haiti or China or Africa and forget about the person living right across the street.
That's why every month, City on a Hill Church hosts Second Saturday! by going out into the community to show God's love in practical ways. We want our community to know that God loves them and that we, as the Body of Christ, are here for them. Join us Saturday, May 7 @ 1pm as we distribute marigolds to the homes along Duke Street (behind our church building).
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
Monday, April 26, 2010
Ministry Through Social Media
Can ministry occur through social media?
Blogs... that's so 7 years ago...
Myspace... that's so 5 years ago...
Facebook... that's so last year...
Twitter... now that's fresh!
Church leaders started with blogs about a decade ago or so. They used as it a way to journal and express their deepest sentiments about God, the Church and ministry in general. Community was found in comments left by the few select who would actually demonstrate their courage by leaving remarks about the blog entry.
Then came Myspace - an inventive way to connect with other people. Sadly, the enemy quickly saw his opportunity to prey on others and infect healthy community interaction.
Facebook was received as the new and improved social website where privacy and protection was upgraded. People developed friendships with old acquaintances from years ago as well as their neighbors. There was a safe, easy way for people to express themselves from behind their monitor. "Come get to know me," shouted the world. "But not too close, only through the distance of the internet."
And now there is Twitter. Community is expressed no longer by friends, but followers. Now, each and every one of us can be leaders! We can lead the world, limited only by profound messages expressed in 140 characters or less.
I have to confess, I've been a part of each and every one of these social media phenomenons. I value them as extensions of the ministry God is doing through me. There's a real danger, though. It's easy to get comfortable doing ministry from a distance - via the safety of the internet. We seem to be saying, "I want to get close to you, but not too close." I truly believe God has used these venues to speak to people and minister to them. Let's face it. I get mentored every day by the top leaders in the Church today, and they don't even know I exist! I connect with my followers by tweeting messages meant to encourage, challenge and lead people to the cross.
Community, connection, relationships, ministry.... Jesus modeled these concepts for us. While we can use all kinds of methods to begin these in our life, there's no substitute for being face-to-face. Let's use social media for God's glory, but let's not forget how and why He designed us - it wasn't to sit behind a computer hiding behind avatars and electrons. We're designed to be the ligaments and tendons, connecting the Body of Christ together through real, not virtual, relationships and community.
Blogs... that's so 7 years ago...
Myspace... that's so 5 years ago...
Facebook... that's so last year...
Twitter... now that's fresh!
Church leaders started with blogs about a decade ago or so. They used as it a way to journal and express their deepest sentiments about God, the Church and ministry in general. Community was found in comments left by the few select who would actually demonstrate their courage by leaving remarks about the blog entry.
Then came Myspace - an inventive way to connect with other people. Sadly, the enemy quickly saw his opportunity to prey on others and infect healthy community interaction.
Facebook was received as the new and improved social website where privacy and protection was upgraded. People developed friendships with old acquaintances from years ago as well as their neighbors. There was a safe, easy way for people to express themselves from behind their monitor. "Come get to know me," shouted the world. "But not too close, only through the distance of the internet."
And now there is Twitter. Community is expressed no longer by friends, but followers. Now, each and every one of us can be leaders! We can lead the world, limited only by profound messages expressed in 140 characters or less.
I have to confess, I've been a part of each and every one of these social media phenomenons. I value them as extensions of the ministry God is doing through me. There's a real danger, though. It's easy to get comfortable doing ministry from a distance - via the safety of the internet. We seem to be saying, "I want to get close to you, but not too close." I truly believe God has used these venues to speak to people and minister to them. Let's face it. I get mentored every day by the top leaders in the Church today, and they don't even know I exist! I connect with my followers by tweeting messages meant to encourage, challenge and lead people to the cross.
Community, connection, relationships, ministry.... Jesus modeled these concepts for us. While we can use all kinds of methods to begin these in our life, there's no substitute for being face-to-face. Let's use social media for God's glory, but let's not forget how and why He designed us - it wasn't to sit behind a computer hiding behind avatars and electrons. We're designed to be the ligaments and tendons, connecting the Body of Christ together through real, not virtual, relationships and community.
Introducing Joseph Moro
City on a Hill Church is sponsoring a child through Compassion International. His name is Joseph Moro. Joseph is four years old and is from Tanzania. Please pray for Joseph and his family. We would love to have all of our church family write him letters on a regular basis. Please simply email the church your letter to be included in our mailings to him. admin(at)cityonahillculpeper(d0t)com
Ministry to Orphans
James wastes no time getting real with his readers. I just love reading his letters to the twelve tribes. He's my kind of preacher. He doesn't tap dance around the issues, but hits them head-on.
The major theme of the book of James is "faith without works is dead." That's the overall point of his letter. James breaks this down a little further though and tells us
Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says."
James 1:22 NIV
A few verses later, he tells us
Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.
James 1:27 NIV
James gives us the big picture, but he also gives us some specifics on what our walk with God should look like. Last week, the Lord began to stir in my heart and my wife's heart independently with the same vision for City on a Hill. This vision involves our church ministering to orphans.
We're excited about this vision and what God would do through COAHC. We'll be spending some considerable time praying about what this ministry looks like as we move forward. We're asking our entire church family to please join us in prayer as our leadership begins to follow God's leading in this opportunity to minister to those in need.
The major theme of the book of James is "faith without works is dead." That's the overall point of his letter. James breaks this down a little further though and tells us
Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says."
James 1:22 NIV
A few verses later, he tells us
Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.
James 1:27 NIV
James gives us the big picture, but he also gives us some specifics on what our walk with God should look like. Last week, the Lord began to stir in my heart and my wife's heart independently with the same vision for City on a Hill. This vision involves our church ministering to orphans.
We're excited about this vision and what God would do through COAHC. We'll be spending some considerable time praying about what this ministry looks like as we move forward. We're asking our entire church family to please join us in prayer as our leadership begins to follow God's leading in this opportunity to minister to those in need.
Thursday, April 22, 2010
Exponential Conference Wrap-Up
A day after my attendance at the Exponential Conference, I’m still digesting everything I heard, saw and experienced for the last few days. It’s a lot to absorb, but this is what I liked and didn't like about the conference.
Top Things I Like From Exponential Conference
• “A church bldg was never meant to be the destination.” - Reggie McNeal
• Mosaix Church worship team leading the plenary group in the classic Doobie Brother's Long Train Running. "Without love..."
• Francis Chan’s message about why he stepped down from his pastoral role at his church in Simi Valley, CA. It completely wrecked me.
• “Apostles need prophets - prophetic intelligence for apostolic architecture.” - Alan Hirsch
• Sharing communion w/ thousands of other pastors/leaders. How inspiring!
• Hanging out with the guys from CMA Mid-Atlantic District.
• “We study the Great Commission, but how many disciples can we point to in our lives? Stop studying and start doing!” Francis Chan
• “If you're loving on a city without sharing the Gospel you're simply making them more comfortable on their way to hell.” - Matt Chandler
• RightNow’s mission: Are you a trader? Trade your dreams for faith in action.
• “Have you decided to follow Christ or did you invite Christ to follow you?” – Mark Batterson
Top Things I Didn’t Like About Exponential Conference
• Consumerism is still rampant in the Church – way too much marketing and promotions going on at this conference. I know it’s a conference, but can we please separate ourselves from the world just a little? Here we have thousands of church planters – many of whom are clueless about what decision to make next – and they’re being pummeled with offers to help their plant be successful. Every workshop promoted books authored by the presenters. Every time I walked through the crowded halls with vendor booths lining both sides, I felt God’s heart breaking. Has this what church planting training and preparation become - just a marketing opportunity for a book sale or contract with a coaching organization?
• One speaker would say one thing and the next speaker would contradict him. When you have dozens of presenters, you’re bound to get diverse opinions. I get that. The main issue I have is that the audience is a group of people who are planting churches (most of them for the first time ever). We’re looking for guidance. Many will leave this conference more confused than they were when they arrived.
• Some workshop presenters were much more interested in promoting their information than answering questions. Workshops by definition are supposed to include adequate time for Q and A. Many of the workshops I attended left only a few minutes at the end and were not able to field and answer the questions church planters had.
• There wasn’t enough emphasis on following God’s leading and too much emphasis on methods, models and coaching from other people who aren’t a part of your community or church plant. Transferable concepts are great, but there’s no substitute to following the prompting of the Holy Spirit. I just didn’t hear that spoken enough from the presenters.
Top Things I Like From Exponential Conference
• “A church bldg was never meant to be the destination.” - Reggie McNeal
• Mosaix Church worship team leading the plenary group in the classic Doobie Brother's Long Train Running. "Without love..."
• Francis Chan’s message about why he stepped down from his pastoral role at his church in Simi Valley, CA. It completely wrecked me.
• “Apostles need prophets - prophetic intelligence for apostolic architecture.” - Alan Hirsch
• Sharing communion w/ thousands of other pastors/leaders. How inspiring!
• Hanging out with the guys from CMA Mid-Atlantic District.
• “We study the Great Commission, but how many disciples can we point to in our lives? Stop studying and start doing!” Francis Chan
• “If you're loving on a city without sharing the Gospel you're simply making them more comfortable on their way to hell.” - Matt Chandler
• RightNow’s mission: Are you a trader? Trade your dreams for faith in action.
• “Have you decided to follow Christ or did you invite Christ to follow you?” – Mark Batterson
Top Things I Didn’t Like About Exponential Conference
• Consumerism is still rampant in the Church – way too much marketing and promotions going on at this conference. I know it’s a conference, but can we please separate ourselves from the world just a little? Here we have thousands of church planters – many of whom are clueless about what decision to make next – and they’re being pummeled with offers to help their plant be successful. Every workshop promoted books authored by the presenters. Every time I walked through the crowded halls with vendor booths lining both sides, I felt God’s heart breaking. Has this what church planting training and preparation become - just a marketing opportunity for a book sale or contract with a coaching organization?
• One speaker would say one thing and the next speaker would contradict him. When you have dozens of presenters, you’re bound to get diverse opinions. I get that. The main issue I have is that the audience is a group of people who are planting churches (most of them for the first time ever). We’re looking for guidance. Many will leave this conference more confused than they were when they arrived.
• Some workshop presenters were much more interested in promoting their information than answering questions. Workshops by definition are supposed to include adequate time for Q and A. Many of the workshops I attended left only a few minutes at the end and were not able to field and answer the questions church planters had.
• There wasn’t enough emphasis on following God’s leading and too much emphasis on methods, models and coaching from other people who aren’t a part of your community or church plant. Transferable concepts are great, but there’s no substitute to following the prompting of the Holy Spirit. I just didn’t hear that spoken enough from the presenters.
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
Walking In the Same Way
What Francis Chan shared yesterday wrecked me.
On Sunday, Chan stepped down from his 16-year Sr Pastor role at his church in Simi Valley, CA to pursue another adventure to which God is calling his family and him. Beginning this summer, the Chan family will begin ministering to the people of inner city Los Angeles.
Chan told us a story about a youth pastor in San Diego who frequently took people across the border to the slums of Tijuana for purposes of ministry. This youth pastor would immediately be recognized by the people. He would take a cloth and wipe the dirty faces of the children. he would bring them gifts and love on them. Those he took with him often said, "When I was with him, I felt like I was actually with Jesus."
By this we may be sure that we are in him: whoever says he abides in him ought to walk in the same way in which he walked. 1 John 2:5b-6 ESV
Chan went on to say that his own life - speaking engagements, writing books, traveling, shooting videos, etc. - didn't closely enough resemble who Jesus was. It was time to get back to basics.
There are too many people in the position of leadership in the Church who pursue the wrong kind of success. It's so easy to want to be the leader of a mega church, to get published and be recognized as a celebrity Christian. When, all the while, we're simply supposed to be like Jesus.
When was the last time someone said about spending time with you, "When I was with him, I felt like I was actually with Jesus."?
On Sunday, Chan stepped down from his 16-year Sr Pastor role at his church in Simi Valley, CA to pursue another adventure to which God is calling his family and him. Beginning this summer, the Chan family will begin ministering to the people of inner city Los Angeles.
Chan told us a story about a youth pastor in San Diego who frequently took people across the border to the slums of Tijuana for purposes of ministry. This youth pastor would immediately be recognized by the people. He would take a cloth and wipe the dirty faces of the children. he would bring them gifts and love on them. Those he took with him often said, "When I was with him, I felt like I was actually with Jesus."
By this we may be sure that we are in him: whoever says he abides in him ought to walk in the same way in which he walked. 1 John 2:5b-6 ESV
Chan went on to say that his own life - speaking engagements, writing books, traveling, shooting videos, etc. - didn't closely enough resemble who Jesus was. It was time to get back to basics.
There are too many people in the position of leadership in the Church who pursue the wrong kind of success. It's so easy to want to be the leader of a mega church, to get published and be recognized as a celebrity Christian. When, all the while, we're simply supposed to be like Jesus.
When was the last time someone said about spending time with you, "When I was with him, I felt like I was actually with Jesus."?
Monday, April 19, 2010
Exponential Conference
This week, I'm at the Exponential Conference in Orlando, FL learning and growing as a pastor and leader. I'm convinced that no one should ever stop learning, no matter what!
Today and tomorrow, I'm attending a Pre-Conference Workshop hosted by Mark Batterson, Matt Chandler and Francis Chan focusing on the concept of being a missional church. I've taken four pages of notes already, but here are just a couple of snippets of some wonderful truth that impacted me today.
"They shall enter My sanctuary; they shall come near to My table to minister to Me and keep My charge. Ezekiel 44:16 NASB (emphasis mine)
Mark Batterson made an important point that many pastors and leaders spend their time ministering for the Lord instead of ministering to the Lord. The difference is that if we're ministering for the Lord, our ministry will eventually outgrow our spititual development. We need to spend more time ministering to the Lord through our personal praise and worship of God.
Matt Chandler made an excellent point about how we, as pastors, encounter too many people who say they've gone to church for twenty years but have never heard the Gospel. Obviously, there are some who simply have not had ears to hear. Sadly, there are many who truly have never heard the full Gospel preached from the pulpit in churches throughout this nation.
The Church must not get too caught up in preaching topical messages that meet socialogical needs and forget to preach the Gospel - over and over again, even to believers. The model is set for us by the Apostle Paul who shares the Gospel message to believers in Romans, 1 Corinthians, Galatians and Ephesians.
Gearing up for tomorrow's conclusion of the workshop with Chan sharing his heart on the subject.
Today and tomorrow, I'm attending a Pre-Conference Workshop hosted by Mark Batterson, Matt Chandler and Francis Chan focusing on the concept of being a missional church. I've taken four pages of notes already, but here are just a couple of snippets of some wonderful truth that impacted me today.
"They shall enter My sanctuary; they shall come near to My table to minister to Me and keep My charge. Ezekiel 44:16 NASB (emphasis mine)
Mark Batterson made an important point that many pastors and leaders spend their time ministering for the Lord instead of ministering to the Lord. The difference is that if we're ministering for the Lord, our ministry will eventually outgrow our spititual development. We need to spend more time ministering to the Lord through our personal praise and worship of God.
Matt Chandler made an excellent point about how we, as pastors, encounter too many people who say they've gone to church for twenty years but have never heard the Gospel. Obviously, there are some who simply have not had ears to hear. Sadly, there are many who truly have never heard the full Gospel preached from the pulpit in churches throughout this nation.
The Church must not get too caught up in preaching topical messages that meet socialogical needs and forget to preach the Gospel - over and over again, even to believers. The model is set for us by the Apostle Paul who shares the Gospel message to believers in Romans, 1 Corinthians, Galatians and Ephesians.
Gearing up for tomorrow's conclusion of the workshop with Chan sharing his heart on the subject.
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
Commitment
What does commitment mean to you?
In this day and age, commitment means a lot of different things to different people. Commitment in marriage can be "till death do us part" to some and others it simply means "till I get tired of being married to you".
Commitment to family isn't what it used to be either. Yesterday, the world learned about a Tennessee mother who put her adopted son on a plane to return him to Russia because she thought he was too violent.
Commitment in the Church means different things as well. To some, commitment in the Church means "till something else comes along that I like better" or "till you disappoint me".
I think Christians need to be reminded that commitment in the Church is demonstrated by commitment to the Church. I'm not talking about commitment to a building, a name or a denomination. It's commitment to people.
In the context of the local Church, a person needs to make a commitment to a group of people (ie, a local Church) as a result of sharing the vision that God has called them to in that community. Vision is the most important component in making the decision of commitment. Vision dictates where you are, where you are going and how you're going to get there.
In the local Church, commitment will be demonstrated by offering your time, treasure and talent. Each local body of believers needs these three things from all of us to prosper, grow and fulfill the vision to which God has called them. When we give of these three important resources, we're saying, "I am committed to you!"
In this day and age, commitment means a lot of different things to different people. Commitment in marriage can be "till death do us part" to some and others it simply means "till I get tired of being married to you".
Commitment to family isn't what it used to be either. Yesterday, the world learned about a Tennessee mother who put her adopted son on a plane to return him to Russia because she thought he was too violent.
Commitment in the Church means different things as well. To some, commitment in the Church means "till something else comes along that I like better" or "till you disappoint me".
I think Christians need to be reminded that commitment in the Church is demonstrated by commitment to the Church. I'm not talking about commitment to a building, a name or a denomination. It's commitment to people.
In the context of the local Church, a person needs to make a commitment to a group of people (ie, a local Church) as a result of sharing the vision that God has called them to in that community. Vision is the most important component in making the decision of commitment. Vision dictates where you are, where you are going and how you're going to get there.
In the local Church, commitment will be demonstrated by offering your time, treasure and talent. Each local body of believers needs these three things from all of us to prosper, grow and fulfill the vision to which God has called them. When we give of these three important resources, we're saying, "I am committed to you!"
Friday, April 9, 2010
Preaching, Teaching and Serving
In one simple verse in Scripture, we find Jesus' modus operandi - His method of operating - during His earthly ministry. Here it is...
Jesus went through all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the good news of the kingdom and healing every disease and sickness.
Matthew 9:35 NIV
Jesus preached the good news of the kingdom. The Greek word for "preached" is kerusso. Think of a herald in a town square, shouting at the top of his lungs the important news for the day. That's the idea behind kerusso. Jesus went around Israel telling people of God.
There's a great Christian company called Kerusso that sells all kinds of Christian clothes and retail items. That's the idea. Share the good news and proclaim the goodness of God in your attitudes, actions and words.
Another part of Jesus' M.O. was teaching. He has charged us with this task as well.
Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.
Matthew 28:19-20 NIV
Jesus didn't tell us to go and make converts. He told us to go and make disciples. You can't disciple someone without imparting wisdom to them, mentoring them and investing in their lives. That's what teaching is all about!
The other thing we see Jesus doing a lot of during His earthly ministry was healing. He performed all kinds of miracles, but healing was something special. We see very clearly that when Jesus healed someone, he was meeting a need. He was serving that person practically.
...just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many. Matthew 20:28 NIV
When you and I can find a way to serve someone and meet a practical need, we're imitating the model that Jesus set for us. It doesn't always have to be miraculous in terms of healing or multiplying loaves and fish supernaturally. It can be as simple as buying groceries for a family in need, providing a warm, dry, safe place for someone to sleep or caring for someone who is ill.
Jesus was preaching, teaching and serving. He was, is and will always be our model for ministry. Preaching, teaching and serving need to become the M.O. for the Church today.
Jesus went through all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the good news of the kingdom and healing every disease and sickness.
Matthew 9:35 NIV
Jesus preached the good news of the kingdom. The Greek word for "preached" is kerusso. Think of a herald in a town square, shouting at the top of his lungs the important news for the day. That's the idea behind kerusso. Jesus went around Israel telling people of God.
There's a great Christian company called Kerusso that sells all kinds of Christian clothes and retail items. That's the idea. Share the good news and proclaim the goodness of God in your attitudes, actions and words.
Another part of Jesus' M.O. was teaching. He has charged us with this task as well.
Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.
Matthew 28:19-20 NIV
Jesus didn't tell us to go and make converts. He told us to go and make disciples. You can't disciple someone without imparting wisdom to them, mentoring them and investing in their lives. That's what teaching is all about!
The other thing we see Jesus doing a lot of during His earthly ministry was healing. He performed all kinds of miracles, but healing was something special. We see very clearly that when Jesus healed someone, he was meeting a need. He was serving that person practically.
...just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many. Matthew 20:28 NIV
When you and I can find a way to serve someone and meet a practical need, we're imitating the model that Jesus set for us. It doesn't always have to be miraculous in terms of healing or multiplying loaves and fish supernaturally. It can be as simple as buying groceries for a family in need, providing a warm, dry, safe place for someone to sleep or caring for someone who is ill.
Jesus was preaching, teaching and serving. He was, is and will always be our model for ministry. Preaching, teaching and serving need to become the M.O. for the Church today.
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
Rug Pulled Out From Underneath You
It always seems to work like this. You're on top of the world. You've tasted sweet victory. Then, BAM! It comes seemingly out of nowhere.
In our lives as Christ followers, we need to expect some rough patches that immediately follow the mountain-top experiences. This is when the enemy likes to hit us the hardest. We seem most vulnerable when things are going well. God will use these experiences to test us as well - test our character, our resolve and test where our focus is.
The same happened with Jesus. He had just been baptized and had a miraculous encounter with His Father in heaven. The Holy Spirit descended in the form of a dove, and God spoke audibly, "This is my Son, in whom I am well pleased." From that victorious experience with the other members of the Trinity, Jesus embarked upon His 40-day wilderness experience where He was tempted and tested in the most powerful ways.
We read of a similar experience with Elijah. Elijah has victory over the prophets of Baal on Mt. Carmel. It seems nothing could take the courage from this great prophet... except Queen Jezebel's threat of his life. Elijah, on the heels of a great victory and mountain-top experience, is faced with a great test.
Many of us experienced victory this weekend in our worship of Christ's resurrection. God did miracles in our lives and revealed Himself more to us. Now, we should expect Satan to attack. Now, we should expect the testing to begin. Don't be caught off guard. Instead put on the armor of God and be prepared to engage in spiritual warfare. Proverbs 3:5-6 gives us the best instruction for this time:
Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.
In our lives as Christ followers, we need to expect some rough patches that immediately follow the mountain-top experiences. This is when the enemy likes to hit us the hardest. We seem most vulnerable when things are going well. God will use these experiences to test us as well - test our character, our resolve and test where our focus is.
The same happened with Jesus. He had just been baptized and had a miraculous encounter with His Father in heaven. The Holy Spirit descended in the form of a dove, and God spoke audibly, "This is my Son, in whom I am well pleased." From that victorious experience with the other members of the Trinity, Jesus embarked upon His 40-day wilderness experience where He was tempted and tested in the most powerful ways.
We read of a similar experience with Elijah. Elijah has victory over the prophets of Baal on Mt. Carmel. It seems nothing could take the courage from this great prophet... except Queen Jezebel's threat of his life. Elijah, on the heels of a great victory and mountain-top experience, is faced with a great test.
Many of us experienced victory this weekend in our worship of Christ's resurrection. God did miracles in our lives and revealed Himself more to us. Now, we should expect Satan to attack. Now, we should expect the testing to begin. Don't be caught off guard. Instead put on the armor of God and be prepared to engage in spiritual warfare. Proverbs 3:5-6 gives us the best instruction for this time:
Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.
Monday, April 5, 2010
Weekend Reflections - Easter 2010
There was a certain anticipation all week leading up to yesterday's service. It wasn't necessarily about the fact that it would be one of our largest services in our short two-year history of a church, although we were all excited about that. It wasn't necessarily about making sure our T's were crossed and I's dotted, although our staff, leaders and volunteers had done an incredible job making sure those things were done. It was about how many people would make life-changing and Kingdom-changing decisions - not if, but how many.
The message the Lord gave me wasn't exactly the message I was wanting to deliver. After all, it's Easter - a time when you ordinarily share a message of triumph and hope to people in light of the resurrected Jesus. No, instead, the Lord gave me a message that didn't exactly shout "good vibes." The message I shared was a no-holds-barred, pull-out-all-the-stops, "If you don't know Jesus, you're going to hell" message.
Really? Really, Lord? You really want me to share this message on Easter?
I submitted, and there it was. God did His thing in spite of me and now there are more names in the Book of Life. God really does know what He's doing!
The Lord spoke to me yesterday in a reassuring voice, "If you're not preaching to save souls or transform lives, why are you preaching?" It was a gentle reminder that God not only understands my struggles as a pastor, but He has sent me to do His will, not mine. I'm not in this for me. It's all about Jesus and bringing people to Him!
So, our Easter service was our best so far. Our attendance was just a few shy of 100 people - a record for us. Our offering was at record-level with a significant portion going towards expenses for two young men who are local missionaries from our Church family. We had 10 people make decisions for the Lord, and we are set up to baptize about a dozen people on April 18.
To some, this may seem like a drop in the bucket. To City on a Hill Church, this is who we are and this is where we're going. We will continue to be bold in following Christ at all costs in order for His Kingdom to be built in Culpeper one person at a time, one soul at a time.
The message the Lord gave me wasn't exactly the message I was wanting to deliver. After all, it's Easter - a time when you ordinarily share a message of triumph and hope to people in light of the resurrected Jesus. No, instead, the Lord gave me a message that didn't exactly shout "good vibes." The message I shared was a no-holds-barred, pull-out-all-the-stops, "If you don't know Jesus, you're going to hell" message.
Really? Really, Lord? You really want me to share this message on Easter?
I submitted, and there it was. God did His thing in spite of me and now there are more names in the Book of Life. God really does know what He's doing!
The Lord spoke to me yesterday in a reassuring voice, "If you're not preaching to save souls or transform lives, why are you preaching?" It was a gentle reminder that God not only understands my struggles as a pastor, but He has sent me to do His will, not mine. I'm not in this for me. It's all about Jesus and bringing people to Him!
So, our Easter service was our best so far. Our attendance was just a few shy of 100 people - a record for us. Our offering was at record-level with a significant portion going towards expenses for two young men who are local missionaries from our Church family. We had 10 people make decisions for the Lord, and we are set up to baptize about a dozen people on April 18.
To some, this may seem like a drop in the bucket. To City on a Hill Church, this is who we are and this is where we're going. We will continue to be bold in following Christ at all costs in order for His Kingdom to be built in Culpeper one person at a time, one soul at a time.
Friday, April 2, 2010
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