There have been several people who have had great influence in my walk with Christ. Perhaps the person who had the greatest influence was the man who took me under his wing when I was a mere baby Christian: Pastor Mike Quinn.
After moving to San Diego in 1997, I visited Canyon View Christian Fellowship in Tierrasanta on a Saturday evening my very first weekend in SoCal. It was a small church (about 130 people or so) that rented a Baptist Church for the venue. Over the next two years, Pastor Mike mentored me, modeled for me what the Christian walk should look like and gave me chances to explore leadership in ministry as I served on staff at the church. During this journey, Carrie and I met and got married while being a part of this church family.
Since then, God has blessed Canyon View Christian Fellowship tremendously, and today, it's known as Newbreak with multiple campuses and thousands of people all over San Diego County. Pastor Mike has been recognized as a leader within the Assemblies of God and by all sorts of churches around SoCal.
Today I stumbled across the video that Pastor Mike has shared with Church Leaders on the topic of sermon prep. For me, it's neat seeing Pastor Mike and Newbreak, knowing the whole story and knowing that I was a part of the story. Enjoy a look into the life of Newbreak's sermon prep.
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
Stumbling Blocks
A question that haunts those in Pentecostal circles is something worth examining...
Am I doing anything that could be a stumbling block to others?
I've had a lot of conversation lately about things that could be stumbling blocks. As Christians, we have been given a great deal of freedom through the grace of Jesus Christ. We know, however, that our freedom, can sometimes lead to questions, and eventually problems, for others who are seeking God.
The Apostle Paul addressed this very issue a number of times in Scripture:
Therefore let us stop passing judgment on one another. Instead, make up your mind not to put any stumbling block or obstacle in your brother's way. Romans 14:13 NIV
Be careful, however, that the exercise of your freedom does not become a stumbling block to the weak. 1 Corinthians 8:9 NIV
We put no stumbling block in anyone's path, so that our ministry will not be discredited.
2 Corinthians 6:3 NIV
This issue becomes a valid question for Pentecostal churches who have a tendency to celebrate God's goodness in what some would consider extreme ways. Paul's conclusion found in his letter to the Church at Corinth should be something worth examining and applying into our lives as Christians - Pentecostal or not.
"Everything is permissible"—but not everything is beneficial. "Everything is permissible"—but not everything is constructive. Nobody should seek his own good, but the good of others... So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. Do not cause anyone to stumble, whether Jews, Greeks or the church of God— even as I try to please everybody in every way. For I am not seeking my own good but the good of many, so that they may be saved.
1 Corinthians 10:23-24, 31-33 NIV
Am I doing anything that could be a stumbling block to others?
I've had a lot of conversation lately about things that could be stumbling blocks. As Christians, we have been given a great deal of freedom through the grace of Jesus Christ. We know, however, that our freedom, can sometimes lead to questions, and eventually problems, for others who are seeking God.
The Apostle Paul addressed this very issue a number of times in Scripture:
Therefore let us stop passing judgment on one another. Instead, make up your mind not to put any stumbling block or obstacle in your brother's way. Romans 14:13 NIV
Be careful, however, that the exercise of your freedom does not become a stumbling block to the weak. 1 Corinthians 8:9 NIV
We put no stumbling block in anyone's path, so that our ministry will not be discredited.
2 Corinthians 6:3 NIV
This issue becomes a valid question for Pentecostal churches who have a tendency to celebrate God's goodness in what some would consider extreme ways. Paul's conclusion found in his letter to the Church at Corinth should be something worth examining and applying into our lives as Christians - Pentecostal or not.
"Everything is permissible"—but not everything is beneficial. "Everything is permissible"—but not everything is constructive. Nobody should seek his own good, but the good of others... So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. Do not cause anyone to stumble, whether Jews, Greeks or the church of God— even as I try to please everybody in every way. For I am not seeking my own good but the good of many, so that they may be saved.
1 Corinthians 10:23-24, 31-33 NIV
Monday, August 23, 2010
Consistency in Leadership
Consistency is perhaps one of the most important traits in leadership. In church leadership, consistency is even more important - especially when it comes to understanding and living out Scripture. If leadership in a local church waivers and fluxes in the face of influence from man, it can, and, in most cases, will, lead to not only distrust, but also failure in effectiveness of that leadership.
Good leaders are people who have strong convictions. The most accurate evidence of conviction is transformation. Convictions come from what we believe. When it comes to Scripture, we need to know what we believe and why we believe it. The stronger our convictions are, the more consistent we'll speak, act and lead.
A church leader who chases whatever he thinks will fill more seats is not pursuing God's vision for that church, but instead, popularity. Staying steadfast to God's vision for the church maintains consistency and keeps a church healthy.
Good leaders are people who have strong convictions. The most accurate evidence of conviction is transformation. Convictions come from what we believe. When it comes to Scripture, we need to know what we believe and why we believe it. The stronger our convictions are, the more consistent we'll speak, act and lead.
A church leader who chases whatever he thinks will fill more seats is not pursuing God's vision for that church, but instead, popularity. Staying steadfast to God's vision for the church maintains consistency and keeps a church healthy.
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
Weeding Grows the Garden
Weeding grows the garden.
If you've ever spent time in a garden, you'll realize that most of your energy is spent in weeding. Any gardener knows that weeds will always be present, so it's not if they appear - it's when they appear. A good gardener also has a plan to address the weed problem.
Of course, there are a number of different ways to weed. One may use chemicals. There's the old fashioned way of simply pulling the weeds up by their roots. Regardless of the method, the reality is that along with the weeds, some of the nearby plants get damaged as well. It's inevitable, but necessary for the overall health and growth of the garden.
In the Church, we're faced with weeds, and it's up to the overseers to serve as the gardeners. The longer we allow the weeds to be present, the more damage there will be when the weeds are removed. We never want to let the weeds remain, though, out of fear of damaging a few of the nearby plants. As overseers, it's our responsibility to protect the health of the entire garden.
If you've ever spent time in a garden, you'll realize that most of your energy is spent in weeding. Any gardener knows that weeds will always be present, so it's not if they appear - it's when they appear. A good gardener also has a plan to address the weed problem.
Of course, there are a number of different ways to weed. One may use chemicals. There's the old fashioned way of simply pulling the weeds up by their roots. Regardless of the method, the reality is that along with the weeds, some of the nearby plants get damaged as well. It's inevitable, but necessary for the overall health and growth of the garden.
In the Church, we're faced with weeds, and it's up to the overseers to serve as the gardeners. The longer we allow the weeds to be present, the more damage there will be when the weeds are removed. We never want to let the weeds remain, though, out of fear of damaging a few of the nearby plants. As overseers, it's our responsibility to protect the health of the entire garden.
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
Imagine
Imagine... That's what God calls us to do!
Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen. Ephesians 3:20-21 NIV
It's been a great first two years in the life of City on a Hill Church. We know, however, that this is only the beginning. We have dreams and vision that go far beyond anything we've hardly touched in our first two years.
I'd like to invite you to our annual Business Meeting on August 22 right after service. During this time, we'll, of course, go over some of the business aspects of our church. More importantly, we'll talk about the incredible things that God has done and the amazing vision that God has for our church. That means we'll be talking about what God is going to do in your life over the next year and beyond!
Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen. Ephesians 3:20-21 NIV
It's been a great first two years in the life of City on a Hill Church. We know, however, that this is only the beginning. We have dreams and vision that go far beyond anything we've hardly touched in our first two years.
I'd like to invite you to our annual Business Meeting on August 22 right after service. During this time, we'll, of course, go over some of the business aspects of our church. More importantly, we'll talk about the incredible things that God has done and the amazing vision that God has for our church. That means we'll be talking about what God is going to do in your life over the next year and beyond!
Monday, August 9, 2010
August
August is shaping up to be the best month City on a Hill Church has ever experienced! It's still Summer, and while most churches are expecting that typical decline in attendance over the Summer months, we've had a significant spike in growth. Yesterday was the largest service we've ever hosted.
To accommodate the growth, we're preparing to expand into another 3500 square feet of space in our building. It's the next step, but I suspect it won't be the last. Long term vision is utilizing a lot more than 9000 square feet for ministry in Culpeper.
One of the coolest stories for COAHC yet happened yesterday. A family from Nebraska is moving to the area in the next couple of months. They had time to visit a church while they are here, and guess which one they chose? What a blessing it is to have COAHC as their choice! I know the Lord moved mightily as well!
Several people gather together for prayer before the service each Sunday. We always pray for God to send who needs to be there. Last weekend, I prayed that God would send someone who lives across the street. And, sure enough, someone who lives across the street attended. This weekend I prayed that God would send someone from another church family who needed to hear the specific Word that would be preached. And, sure enough, God sent not just one person, but a whole group of people from other churches to visit us. Our God is One who not just hears our prayers, but answers them!
This month, we're celebrating our 2-year anniversary with a community BBQ, including games, music and moon bounce. That's on Sunday, August 15 right after service.
On August 13 and 28, we'll be providing free school supplies to 400 kids in our community. Can't wait to light up the faces of those families who will benefit.
Our staff is going on a Play & Pray Retreat on August 20-21 in Massanutten. It will be great to spend some relaxed time with those who have been working so hard at COAHC.
I'm loving August!
To accommodate the growth, we're preparing to expand into another 3500 square feet of space in our building. It's the next step, but I suspect it won't be the last. Long term vision is utilizing a lot more than 9000 square feet for ministry in Culpeper.
One of the coolest stories for COAHC yet happened yesterday. A family from Nebraska is moving to the area in the next couple of months. They had time to visit a church while they are here, and guess which one they chose? What a blessing it is to have COAHC as their choice! I know the Lord moved mightily as well!
Several people gather together for prayer before the service each Sunday. We always pray for God to send who needs to be there. Last weekend, I prayed that God would send someone who lives across the street. And, sure enough, someone who lives across the street attended. This weekend I prayed that God would send someone from another church family who needed to hear the specific Word that would be preached. And, sure enough, God sent not just one person, but a whole group of people from other churches to visit us. Our God is One who not just hears our prayers, but answers them!
This month, we're celebrating our 2-year anniversary with a community BBQ, including games, music and moon bounce. That's on Sunday, August 15 right after service.
On August 13 and 28, we'll be providing free school supplies to 400 kids in our community. Can't wait to light up the faces of those families who will benefit.
Our staff is going on a Play & Pray Retreat on August 20-21 in Massanutten. It will be great to spend some relaxed time with those who have been working so hard at COAHC.
I'm loving August!
Wednesday, August 4, 2010
Free School Supplies
We're giving away free school supplies!
On August 13 (6-8pm) and August 28 (9-11am), City on a Hill Church is giving away free school supplies to the community. We're anticipating being able to give supplies to 400 students in elementary, middle and high school. Please pass the word!
Here's the inventory that you see in the picture above:
1200 No. 2 pencils
150 blue ink pens
150 black ink pens
300 glue sticks
200 bottles of glue
270 packages of loose leaf paper
1700 three prong folders
1100 spiral bound notebooks
220 composition notebooks
100 packages of colored pencils
250 packages of 24-count crayons
160 bottles of hand sanitizer
200 pairs of scissors
200 packages of ruled index cards
Come on out and receive God's love in a practical way!
Sunday, August 1, 2010
Convictions
The most accurate evidence of conviction is transformation. We all claim we have convictions about certain things in life: taking care of our body, having a healthy marriage, being a good parent, being a good citizen, etc. For some of us, this ends up being a lot of talk.
Let's face it. If we have a real conviction about something, not only will our attitude change, but our behavior will change as well.
If I say I have a conviction about taking care of my body, then I won't just talk about dieting and exercise, I'll eat healthy and I'll exercise. If I say I have a conviction about my relationship with God, then my attitude, words and actions will reflect my desire to follow Christ.
Take an inventory of your convictions and assess which ones have resulted in transformation. This will help you assess which ones are real to you and which ones require more serious attention.
Let's face it. If we have a real conviction about something, not only will our attitude change, but our behavior will change as well.
If I say I have a conviction about taking care of my body, then I won't just talk about dieting and exercise, I'll eat healthy and I'll exercise. If I say I have a conviction about my relationship with God, then my attitude, words and actions will reflect my desire to follow Christ.
Take an inventory of your convictions and assess which ones have resulted in transformation. This will help you assess which ones are real to you and which ones require more serious attention.
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